DISCLAIMER – I do not own Fire Emblem

Another group of shepherds

Chapter 1 – The other world

"Are you sure it was such a good idea to scout the area by ourselves Chrom?"

"Relax Robin, it's not like we're moving too far away from the others. Besides, from the looks of things, we may already know the area rather well."

Robin gave a small sigh and a nod but still looked around cautiously as he and his lord/ best friend roamed the area. A small walk gave the impression that they were really in the forests bordering Southtown. At first it confused both of them and the rest of the shepherds greatly since they should technically be nowhere near Southtown; in fact, it should be in an entirely different world.

Following the destruction of Grima, the world became rather peaceful with no large scale conflicts occurring. However, the shepherds still continued to roam from time to time and train, not allowing themselves to become complacent in their abilities. However even training became more of a chore; the risen that remained since Grima's destruction were few and far between and were now considerably weaker without their master's presence. The bandits only served as simple cannon fodder as well, leaving barely any worthy enemies for good combat experience.

Eventually, the shepherds turned to the Outrealm Gate, a portal on an island south of Ylisse which lead to many different worlds where they could gain more adequate training against stronger enemies and even chances to prove their strength against heroes of legend. After some time, it became common for them to plan expeditions into the Outrealm Gate and journey to new worlds.

This most recent expedition however, quickly caused a lot of confusion for the group. After entering the gate and leaving out the other side, they found their surroundings to be seemingly identical. For a little while they were wondering if it even worked and just spit them out the way they came, but a few word from their guide Old Hubba revealed that they were indeed in another world. The group headed main land, continuing to be baffled by the familiar scenery, even more so when after sometime, they came across what appeared to be Southtown, a small town south of Ylisse where Chrom found Robin several years ago and became a usual rest stop for the group on their way to the Outrealm Gate. Wanting a better understanding of this world and the surrounding area, Chrom takes Robin and explores the area while the other shepherds rest in 'Southtown', leading to their current situation.

The two friends had been wandering around the area for a couple of hours now, taking in the familiar scenery and having a pleasant conversation about whatever topics came up to pass the time considering how uneventful the trip has been so far; it wasn't that they were really complaining, but they were expecting bandits, risen or at least something to appear. This was an Outrealm after all, they were normally sent to ones which have some sort of conflict or issue. It was only natural for them to be a little suspicious.

"I think we've been exploring enough Chrom, we should probably start heading back."

Chrom nodded and the two started making their way back. After a small amount of time, Robin couldn't help but fell something was slightly off about the area now, it seemed as though someone had been here very recently, his suspicions were confirmed when he noticed something about the ground in front of them.

"Chrom, wait a second" said Robin as he moved his arm in front of Chrom to make him stop.

"What is it Robin? Is something wrong?"

"I believe so". Robin slowly moved forward inspecting the ground in front of him, he stopped when he found what he was looking for, it was a trap (pretty well designed he thought). He decided to trigger it there before anyone got caught. Chrom's eyes widened a bit, grateful his friend had stopped him in time; traps were never his forte.

"A pitfall trap, an old classic, well made too. Shame for the people that set it up that I have plenty of experience spotting these thanks to Morgan" said Robin before turning back to Chrom.

"It seems I owe you one Robin, thank you. However, since this is here, I wonder if the ones that set it up are close by as well"

Sure enough after saying that, a number of bandits started appearing behind the trees before the leader came out in front of the two of them.

"Well, look what we have here, the great lord Chrom of Ylisse and his grandmaster tactician. Seems the boys and I got a lucky catch today huh? Shame you didn't fall for the trap, but it's only a minor inconvenience." Said the leader as he and his lackeys began laughing.

This was something that annoyed the shepherds to no end in their own world. Their strength was known worldwide and yet bandits continued to look down upon them with arrogant grins like they think it's an easy win, of course it was quickly their downfall as the shepherds made short work of them. Though, they were in an Outrealm, perhaps these bandits were stronger than the ones they were used to, but the encounter did leave them with another question; how were they recognised in a world they weren't a part of?

The earlier worries about the bandits being stronger quickly faded. Despite there only being the two of them against a whole group, it wasn't too difficult to cut down the one that began fighting. Chrom with his trusty Falchion, managed to take down most of the ones fighting him with a single attack, he had a lance as well which he began training with after becoming a great lord but it wasn't really necessary for this battle. Robin was doing well himself, alternating between a silver sword and a thoron tome as the enemies came.

As the bandits' numbers became lower and lower the remaining enemies consisting of their leader and 3 other bandits recklessly charged towards the duo. The bandits never even made it to them as another two people quickly made their way out of the clearing and slew them quickly and efficiently; one with a familiar looking sword and the other with a thoron tome of his own, both in armour and robes similar to their own which caused both of their eyes to widen in shock. Even more so when the two strangers looked towards both of them and began to look shocked as well.

Standing in front of the two of them appeared to be another Chrom and Robin who appeared identical in every way, like they were looking in a mirror. The both of them and their look-alikes stared at each other in silence for a few minutes before the other Chrom finally spoke.

"Who are you, and why do you look like us?" asked the other Chrom. Robin was the next one to talk.

"Well this is indeed surprising. However… it actually makes a lot of sense."

Chapter end

I'm new to writing fan fiction so apologies in advance for any mistakes and errors. Any reviews and constructive criticism are appreciated.