The Angel with the Sword

Chapter 7: We're Surrounded by So Much Pain, and Yet...

We left the village and headed into the woods-much to the dismay and loud protesting of Lissa-on our way back to Ylisstol, the capital city of Ylisse. The magistrate offered us a place to stay for the night, but Frederick refused, saying that we had to hurry back to Ylisstol. I followed Chrom and Lissa with Frederick still keeping a weary eye on me. I wanted to speak to Chrom again, as I couldn't handle this awkward tension anymore. I just wasn't exactly sure what to say, though. Apologizing just didn't seem right. I was still angry at him for yelling at me.

"Ugh, I told you it's getting dark already!" Lissa exclaimed. "Ech! And now the bugs are out! Noisy, disgusting bugs that buzz around and crawl all over you and bite you when- Agh! One goph in mah mouth! Ack Blech! Ptooey!" She then coughed and sputtered. I smiled, grateful for the comic relief.

"Aw, come on now, Lissa. Hardship builds character," Chrom mused. "Want to help me gather firewood?"

"Thpt! Thpt! Yeeeeeeeeeeuuuck! I think I swallowed it. I'll pass on finding the firewood, thanks. I think I've built QUITE enough character for one day!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air while jumping up and down. Although Lissa's bright and spitfire-like energy was infectious, I still felt an immense aching pain in my chest. Their teasing reminded me of Danny and I so much, it was almost intolerable. Words couldn't express how much I missed him.

"We should probably think about food. I don't know about you, but I'm starving," I said. It was true, after all. I hadn't eaten since I had entered this game.

"Yes, I think that a little hunting and gathering is in order. Now, who wants to clear a campsite?" Frederick asked. "I'll start the fire after we procure food and some firewood."

"Right," Chrom replied, nodding. The two of them turned to walk off in opposite directions, with Lissa following Frederick. I stood there awkwardly for a few seconds, not sure how to help. Seeing as that Chrom was walking off into the woods by himself, I thought that now would be the best time to go and talk to him. I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. Upon exhaling, I slowly opened my eyes and stated plainly, "Chrom."

He turned around and looked back at me, his expression unreadable.

"Hm?"

"I was wondering if...well...um, you..." I trailed off, staring at my shoes and scratching my head. Good gods, what do I say?! I looked up at him. He was just standing there, waiting patiently for me to speak whatever what was on my mind. "Yes?"

I took another deep breath. No turning back now. "Did you need some help gathering firewood? You know...since Lissa is helping Frederick, I thought I could help you."

To my relief, he accepted. "Of course. I would be grateful for the help." His face changed from a blank expression to a warm smile. As we began to walk out of the clearing, I heard Frederick call out to Chrom with a concerned tone. Chrom, however, waved it off. "We'll be fine!" he yelled back. I looked at Lissa to see her smiling at me. I was happy that she liked me and was okay with me liking Chrom, but as I came to my senses, I couldn't help but think that my feelings for him were a little rushed or forced. Maybe I was just overwhelmed with emotion over the fact that someone finally cares for me so much after seven years of hell.

We stepped through the underbrush, along with Chrom's white cape and my long brown cloak getting stuck on bushes from time to time. There was an awkward silence at first that made the air between us so thick you could cut it with a knife. He was intently looking for some logs to cut, putting in more effort than was probably necessary. This was most likely because he was refusing to meet my eye. "This looks good," I said, pointing towards a log. I walked over to it and uncapped my sword, but as I was about to bring it down, he pushed me aside and uncapped his own.