Chapter Text
As the ground shook Robin awoke harshly. She looked around but only Frederick was at the camp. Strange! She hopped up and looked questionably at the brown hair. “The two of them…?” But as he shook his head she worried.
This was not a good time to wander around with just the two of them. “Let’s go search for them.” As Frederick nodded in agreement they left everything as it was, only took their armor and weapons with them. Fredericks steer was a very good horse as she didn’t even flinch a bit and Arch jumped frightened in Robins arm.
“Which way should we look? Should we split up?” Robin asked but she thought that it wasn’t really a good idea. It was dangerous to be alone and at night at that. Also, she didn’t think that this guy trusted her yet so she wanted to give him the reigns.
“No. Let’s not. I saw some light from this direction, so let’s begin there.” So he thought the same and they began looking. Since the darkness didn’t really help them with their search Robin pinched her eyes in frustration. On the other side, enemies would have the same problem.
As they approached an opening the light vanished but strange noises kept crawling up. Both shuddered uncomfortably.
“CHROM!” A sudden cry cut through the silence and both of them ran without any second thought.
They broke into the clearing and saw some strange things. First there were very bizarre human like beings. But they seemed not really alive? Robin couldn’t quite put her finger on it what she should call it. Then there was a stranger in blue clothes and hair near Lissa and Chrom was fighting these things. All in all, the entire scenario seemed a bit unreal.
Frederick started to charge right away towards Lissa. She needed the most protection so it was the natural decision. Just as Lissa blushed and thanked the stranger another light flashed and a few more of these beings approached.
Robin noticed the circle in the sky from which these things did come falling.
What the hell?
What was that?
And why?
But as she had to fight hard to just keep herself and Arch alive she couldn’t think about it any further. It seemed that the stranger also took his leave. Or not.
Robin could see him further in the woods, killing the monsters. So, he seemed to care enough to stick around at least. Somehow she couldn't quite shake the feeling that she knew this masked man.
Suddenly an arrow shot the weird, creepy thing before her.
"Ohh as expected from the one and only archer!"
A man with shoulder length blue hair came in to view and said this arrogantly. Another newcomer and her steed charged at the nearest - let’s call them undead for the time being - and rammed her spear into its head.
"I found ya, Captain Chrom! Searched everywhere for ya!"
The red haired woman didn't bother to stop while she shouted. The new blue haired man watched her and spoke in an admirable manner.
"Oh, my lady! You are so wondejfajfoisfkm"
Her boot in his face.
He struggled to keep his balance.
"Stuuuupid! Take ma boot and concentrate on these thing', Virion!"
"Ah, yes of course, Sully milady"
And with the next shot he took an enemy behind her down.
Robin watched them with empty eyes. How could they be so easy going on the battlefield? She couldn’t comprehend it. They could easily die every moment. She took one of the undead out with her fire spell and then swirled around to watch the others so she could help when needed.
She admitted that they were strong and with the help of the two the situation began to look much better. She barked out orders according to the info’s which flowed into her mind. She must have had studied this stuff somewhere.
The undead creatures lost their… life’s so fast they couldn't quite respawn. That being the case, everything seemed to settle down after a few minutes and everyone gathered. She sighed relieved and kneed to stroke the shocked Arch.
“That’s quite the skill with the sword.” Chrom said to the blue clothed stranger. “Where did you learn to fight?”
“It is not important. I only came here to warn you.” He replied without shrinking back. Robin noticed that this stranger seemed rather feminine. The voice was a bit on the lower side but he could swear it was a woman’s. Maybe she knew because their situation seemed rather similar? But because it didn't matter she decided not to bother and stayed silent.
"This fight was only a prelude. More are to come, be prepared. You have been warned." With that the masked stranger wanted to left without looking back. Chrom stopped her just before she was gone. "Hey, what's your name?"
"You may call me Marth." And with these last words she was gone.
"That was… interesting." After a moment Robin broke the silence. "Now what shall we do? We're all quite awake so it would be good to be on our way?" She looked around and found that Chrom nodded.
"I think so too. We have to report back to the Exault as soon as possible." As everyone agreed they made their way back to the capital.
"By the way, I'm Sully! Ya're new? Where did they pick ya up?" The rider walked alongside Robin and held her steed by her reigns. She seemed rather tomboyish but straightforward which the white hair appreciated.
"I'm Robin. I'm coming along till Ylisstol and then I really have no idea what's next." She hoped hints for her memories would pop up but if not, she had to find a place to stay fast.
"What? I thought I finally got you to be our tactician! Can you not help us out?" Chrom whined. He had tried desperately along the way to recruit Robin. With no success to speak of until now. Robin sighed.
"I cannot understand how you can trust me with these circumstances. But I will take you up on your offer if nothing comes up in the city." She finally gave in. But it was not only because he was so persistent but because she didn't have much choice otherwise. She did not want to end up as a beggar.
~~~~~
Chrom was very happy to have at least a chance that Robin would be the Shepherds tactician. He was just too good to let him leave. But as he didn't think Robin would sway with more words he took his attention away from him.
He talked with Lissa about Emm and that they looked forward to meeting her. They both missed her.
"Do you think she will have time to talk?" Lissa asked jumping up and down in excitement. The blue hair laughed.
"Of course! Did she ever not have time for you?" The little girl grinned and hummed happily. She then skipped a bit forward so she could talk with Frederick. The prince grinned and took this chance to speak with his fellow Shepherd.
"So Sully, care to tell me who this is?" Chrom pointed at the archer whom he hadn't been introduced to.
"Tha's Virion. Suddenly called out to m' and won't go away. So I recruited 'im for the Shepherds and as he didn't mind…" She shrugged. Chrom could see that this man annoyed her but he seemed resilient enough to not notice… or he did not care. But he was competent enough, that he had showed in the last battle.
"Welcome then, Virion. I'm Chrom, the leader." He introduced himself and almost immediately the stranger jumped at the chance to talk about himself.
"Ah, Thank you! I am the great and only Archer, Virion! It is an honor to be your companion. I am wandering to discover all the beauties of the world."
And then he went on and on. Mostly about Sully or himself. Chrom politely answered here and there and then somehow managed to take his leave. He had a feeling that Sully just recruited a very interesting fellow.
Arch stumbled before him and Chrom laughed while helping the sneezing griffin up. He received an annoyed look from the animal and only could do so much to not burst out laughing again.
Then the blue hair went to the front of the small group and noticed they were not far from the capital anymore. Also the sun began to rise. From the next hill it would be a magnificent view.
"Robin, Robin hurry up!" Lissa tugged on Robins sleeve and tried to drag him towards the top of the hill. So she had noticed too and had abandoned the flustered Frederick.
"You want to see this!" As usual one could not see any emotion on the man’s pale face, but he walked a bit faster and let himself be pulled from Lissa.
"What is it?" He asked her while Arch jumped on top of his head. It looked quite ridiculous with the griffin relaxing and swaying his tail lazily until it settled on Robins shoulder.
Chrom followed them with an amused smirk. On top of the hill Robin stopped and stared at the beautiful view. The sun shone brightly red and gave the capital a mysterious aura. It seemed to be the center of the universe in this short moment. And for Chrom and the others it was. Because it was home.
"Welcome to Ylisstol." He spread his arms and faced the white-haired man. "I hope you will find your memories soon and will remember that your own home is as grand as ours." He winked.
And Robin laughed.
It was so small one could miss it but it seemed everyone caught it and stared at him. He immediately stopped.
Chrom sighed.
"Come on, don't hide yourself. Whatever, we're almost back so let's keep going! Onwards to Ylisstol!" Everyone cheered and were naturally powered on by the thought of home.
~~~~~
Frederick couldn't believe it. Chrom was just so naive in believing in the white haired stranger. Why wasn't he more sceptical? What would he do if he suddenly attacked?
The knight was glad he was there for him and promised himself, that he would not let harm come to Chrom or Lissa.
They reached the city right before night hit.
"Milord, we should make our way as soon as possible towards the castle. We are already days behind our schedule." He proposed. It was not only that. He wanted to get away from Robin too, needed to report the stranger to Emmeryn.
But he noticed that there was quite a fuss on the streets. As he looked around and a few more knights came into view, guarding a woman in saints clothes, her light yellow hair around her lovely face with a friendly and comfortable aura.
"Lady Emmeryn came to visit us!"
"Hail the Exalt!"
"Hurray!"
Shouts like this could be heard and the group stopped to watch the spectacle.
Frederick didn't like that the Exalt was so often outside and on the streets but he understood the necessity of it and the character of his Lady. She would wither if she could not have contact with her beloved citizens. He changed his angle a bit and watched Robin out of the corner of his eyes. But he seemed not really that interested in the person herself, more on the situation.
He spoke to Chrom and Lissa but above all the noise Frederick could not make out the words. It seemed he was a bit flustered until Chrom reassured him. What did they talk about? If the knight interpreted correctly Robin didn’t know that Chrom and Lissa were royalty. Could that really be? But he hadn’t even known Chroms name - and he was very easy to recognise with the sign on his shoulder, for all to see.
Strange.
This seemed to be his favorite word as of late.
Since the Exalt was not in the castle he didn’t bother to stress a rushed homecoming anymore and kept track of the mood in the city instead. They decided to eat a bit from the stalls and showed Robin around to kill a bit of time before returning. All the while Frederick kept a close watch on the white hair.
After everything calmed down Chrom invited Robin to meet his sister, much to Fredericks dismay, and they made their way to their home the castle.
Emmeryn was as friendly and welcoming as ever. Even with Fredericks warnings she trusted her brother and thus Robin too. He accepted that, even expected it. But he would be on his guard regardless. Lissa pulled Robin away to show him the Barracks in which he would stay for the moment. There it would be safe, enough knights and Shepherds would be around. He focused on what he had to do now - reporting about these corpse soldiers to the Exalt.
x
So the war council decided to call them ‘Risen’. It is quite a fitting name, Frederick thought and followed Chrom back to the garrison. He discussed what had to be done with him on the way and was surprised to see that his comrades were still in the Barracks.
A burb welcomed them just as they entered and the knight didn’t even need to think from who it came from.
“Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent!” Maribelle remarked disgusted. “Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery?” And with this she was gone already. Lissa snickered and Sumia tried to comfort the newcomer. “Don’t worry Robin, she just needs time to warm up to people.” Lissa just laughed now. “Or burns too quickly! Hee hee. But yeah, just give her time.” The man nodded a bit unsure but didn't let Vaike out of his sight.
Then Sumia, a new knight in the garrison noticed Chrom and himself and blushed before she made a few steps forward while greeting them. "Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was- I mean, we were so-” And then she tripped on what seemed like paper. Embarrassed she stood up and dusted herself off. Chrom was almost immediately by her side to help her. “Sumia! Are you alright? ...Those boots of yours again?” Sumias face was tomato red as she denied. “No! I mean, yes! I mean…” And she sighed exhausted. Everyone, even Frederick and Robin seemed to look at them with warm eyes and Sumias cheeks got redder and darker. Meanwhile Chrom being Chrom didn’t notice a thing and thinking nothing else about that.
“All right, listen everyone. We will be marching to Regna Ferox in the morning to get help against the Risen. This mission is voluntary so if you have something urgent to do you don’t have to come.” Chrom then began and a confused buzz of voices arose. “Risen?” Came the question from Robin and everyone tilted their heads. Frederick took the liberty to answer. “These monsters we encountered on the way. We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one.” At that the newcomer nodded but those who didn’t see them frowned in confusion. But the white hair wasn’t finished with his questions.
“Regna Ferox?” Sumia chimed in at that. “A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said.”
Somehow with that Frederick couldn’t shake the feeling that Robins claim to have no memories wasn’t wrong. But he couldn’t let his guard down.
Chrom added that they were warriors and they needed the strength to fight against the Risen. The Exalt apparently worried that something might happen to her people if she were to leave now and thus asked Chrom and his Shepherds to bring them to their side. At that all of those present volunteered. Even Sumia and Robin. And Frederick could swear he heard another male voice too but couldn’t quite see the source. Didn’t he forget someone?
Sumia would stay a bit behind and learn from this mission as she was relatively new to the battlefield. Chrom ordered her to not leave his side and the whole process from before repeated, except the tripping.
“You’ll come too?” Chrom asked excitedly and Robin just nodded exhausted. “I don’t like being in debt to someone and I have nothing better to do anyway.” Frederick didn’t like that it was consistent with his story. It was bugging him. He wanted to find something.
For now all he could do was watching diligently and that he would.
~~~~~
Robin got a room and took Arch exhausted to bed. It had been a hard day and she needed the rest too. As soon as her head hit the pillow sleep consumed her.
The next day she was already up and ready to go. She waited outside the Barracks while playing with Arch. He seemed really excited, but then again, when was he not. Right now she was contend and even looked forward to going to Regna Ferox. She wanted to see more of the world and these people seemed like good company right now. And if they weren't she could go away anytime she wanted. Also, she could gain fighting experience which was good too.
After a while Chrom came and made a steed for himself ready. He also gave a white horse to Robin which happily cared for it. She loved animals. They wouldn't betray you.
Soon they were ready to go. "Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead." Chrom asked when everyone was seated on their horses. Robin wanted to confirm, Arch sleeping right before her, as a shout interrupted her.
"W-Wait for me!" Another man came riding fast towards them. "Stahl? It's rare for you to be late." Surprised Chrom watched him approach. Robin could see Vaike tensing up. "Yeah sorry. Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox thou?" Lissa's head whipped towards the blonde. "Huh? Vaike was supposed to... Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?"
"The Vaike never forgets! ...I just don't always remember, is all…" He had no tendency and looked absolut confident. But Robin could only shook her head. "But I got my axe right here! Teach is ready for action! Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol'buddy." Everyone just shook their heads in disbelief. Robin questioned if he would be any help on their journey but kept that to herself.
"That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins, and cakes, and... Well, I can tell you all about it while we march…" Stahl murmured angrily and kept away from the startled Vaike. He seemed to love food very much. Robin could relate to that and patted the knight on his back.
"Your name is Stahl right? I'm Robin." She said and he smiled at her. She offered a snack she had snuck out from the breakfast and his smile seemed to break his cheeks. "Thanks!" He happily ate his offering and Robin had the feeling they would be great friends.
"Miriel told me about you. She's one of our mages and should catch up soon." He explained to the white hair and Chrom and then they were on their way.
X
Approximately on the halfway they encountered another set of Risen. The ones who hadn't seen them yet were really surprised and also disgusted. They looked and smelled like dead people after all. But the Shepherds had talked about them on their way and explained how difficult it was to defeat them so everyone was ready now.
Miriel was unexpectedly not yet here but there was a lonely figure in the back who seemed to be her. She would catch up soon. "Everyone get ready! You know what we're up against!" Chrom said while drawing his own weapon.
"Mya ha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their... Wait... My axe. Where's my axe?! I had it a second ago!" Meanwhile Vaike let out a mocking laugh before he looked around rather flustered. "Vaike, this is not the time for jokes!" Chrom scolded but Vaike answered that he JUST had it. Now he had to go to the back until he got a new weapon which bothered him a lot. His head hung he walked slowly towards the rear where Sumia tried to comfort him.
"Idiot. Or rather, Ahoke?" Robin murmured so he couldn't hear but Lissa did and burst out in laughter. "That he is! Hee hee." Robin shooed Arch towards the back so he would not be in danger. Then began fighting with all their might. The monsters were really tough and everyone concentrated to not get hurt.
A short while after the fight began Miriel finally got there. "Splendid! It seems I've caught up. Now to extirpate these brutes... Hmm? Is that Vaike? Just the person I needed… I wonder if he was the one who mislaid it." Robin just barely caught the conversation between the two Shepherds because she was near the rear.
"Whoa! My axe! Where did ya get it!" Vaike happily got his weapon and swung it around to test it. "Er, thanks for bringing my axe!" At that Miriel looked angrily at the man and threatened. "Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands... permanently."
Then they joined the exhausting fight against the Risen.