Hello everyone, The Striking Zebra here. This is something that I was working on last year, but I've never uploaded it for reasons that I can't remember. It's a complete retelling of Fire Emblem Awakening- with a few twists. You'll see one example of this twist as soon as the chapter starts. You won't hear much from me during this fic unless I feel it's really necessary for me to do so. Without further ado I present to you Feathers in the Broad Wings of Time. Enjoy.
Today was like any other day in the world. It was peaceful, quaint, and silent. There were no troubles going on today, just a relaxing day in the fields of Southtown. Some may even say that this was a perfect day, for the birds were singing their joyous tunes for all the world to hear. As the birds continued to sing, another noise was added to the singing. The rustling of the tall grass in the fields as three figures walked through them.
One figure had a dark shade of blue on his head, with a shoulder pad on one arm and the other arm being exposed for the world to see. He had a long, white cape that seemed to fly with every small breeze of wind. He had a sword which was in a sheath attached to his hip. Alongside him there was a smaller figure, who had long blonde pigtails that would bounce up and down every time she walked. She wore a yellow birdcage dress with white leggings and brown boots. Attached at the bottom of her back, where the birdcage starts, was a staff with a beautiful green gem on the top. Behind the two was another figure, clearly taller than the both of them. He was riding atop of a horse who was covered in blue and white armor. The man himself was in armor as well. With every movement he made you could hear the clanking of the metals rubbing together. He was carrying a long lance, and he looked like he was ready to use it at any moment.
The three figures continued to walk in the field until the smaller female figure saw some cats hanging around a certain part of the field. This peaked her interest and decided to take a look. "Lissa where are you going?" asked the man with blue hair.
The girl, named Lissa responded saying, "oh I'm just going to check out what all these cats are doing here Chrom." She continued to walk forward until she heard another voice from the man atop of the horse.
"Milady, I advise not to go near those cats. You have no idea what diseases they may have. If you were to get sick with a very deadly disease, I would have failed my job as a knight."
"I'm going to be fine Frederick and besides," Lissa said as she walked towards the cats. When she got close enough the cats ran away from her in many different directions. She turned around to face the knight named Frederick and said, "they ran away from me, so they can't harm me."
Frederick let out a small sigh of relief after seeing that Lissa was not harmed in any way. Chrom proceeded to walk to where Lissa was standing. "So what were those cats around here for?" he asked.
Lissa kneeled down to the ground and scooped something up. "I guess they were after this little guy," she said. In her hands was a small robin that seemed to be wearing some kind of coat. He had an orange belly with some of the orange going past his eyes and beak. "He feels warm and pretty loose. I wonder why he's wearing a coat though?"
"Perhaps he was someone's pet," reasoned Chrom. He took the bird from Lissa's hands and patted his little head with his finger. Suddenly, the bird started to fidget slightly and his eyes started to blink open.
"Hey, he's waking up! He's still alive!" Lissa exclaimed happy to know that the little guy is alright.
"We should go into town and find his owner. He or she must be worried sick about where this guy is," Chrom said. The bird opened his eyes and looked up at Chrom. "Hey there, little guy. Don't worry, we're not going to hurt you," Chrom said gently as possible.
"What do you mean little guy?" replied the bird as he tilted his head to the side.
After the bird's statement there was a huge silence as Chrom and Lissa stared at the bird wide eyed and jaws agape. Chrom blinked and shook his head and said. "What was that?"
The bird sighed and repeated, "I said, What do you mean little guy. Is it not normal for a human to talk Chrom?"
"Y...y...you can talk?!" exclaimed Lissa with a hint of both fear and excitement.
"What manner of sorcery is this?! And how do you know my name?" asked Chrom clearly shocked at the bird's ability to speak.
"Why are you surprised that I'm able to talk. I am, after all, a human. As for your name… I… uh, don't really know. It just kind of came to me. In fact I don't really remember much…" The bird said as he put his wing under his beak. The bird paused as he felt his wing under his beak. He looked down at his wing and stared at it. He looked behind him and saw his tail feathers. He stared at the reflection of himself on Chrom's shoulder pad. After a few moments of silence the bird calmly said. "OH MY GODS! I'M A BIRD! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE AHHHHHHHH!" The bird continued to freak out until he uttered something. *tweet* The bird then covered his beak, shocked at the sound he just made.
The commotion that was going on caused Frederick to come over and check out if the two are alright and ask for the reason of the shouting. "Milord, Milady is everything alright? And what's with the robin wearing that coat?" asked Frederick.
"Yeah, everything is fine, Frederick. It's just that this bird can TALK!" Chrom sarcastically exclaimed to Frederick as he shoved the bird that was in his hands in front of Frederick.
"Hey, not so fast. You want me to get sick, Chrom? And hello there, fine sir," the bird said towards Frederick the Knight.
The knight in blue starred at the bird, blinked a few times and said, "well isn't that odd. Also, might I just ask how do you know Milord's name?" Frederick's stare turned into a bit of a glare as the bird went back a bit.
"Like I said to those two earlier, I don't know how. I can't remember much of anything. Not even my own name," the robin stated as he stretched out his wings. "I don't even know how I turned into a bird, but I know that I had to have been human."
"Oh, I've heard similar things to what you just said. I think you have amnesia!" said Lissa matter of factly. "At least, that's what I think it's called."
"Milady, it is called a load of pegasus dung. We're to believe that you remember milord's name and not your own? How do we not know that this is some kind of assassin who disguised himself as a bird, who would wait till our backs are turned and kill Milord and Milady?" Frederick said harshly. He wanted to trust this bird, but being the knight, he has to keep a close eye on his masters. He also has to be wary of anyone his master comes into contact with.
Chrom looked at Frederick with an annoyed look. "What if it's true? We can't just leave him here to get devoured by cats. What kind of Shepherds would we be then?" Argued Chrom.
"Just the same, Milord. I must emphasize caution. Twould not do to let a wolf among our flock, or in this case a hawk," Frederick replied calmly.
Chrom then lifted the bird to his shoulder. The robin hopped on to his shoulder, still adjusting on how to use his new feet. "Alright Frederick. We'll take him back to town and sort this out later," Chrom said in response to Frederick. Chrom turned his head towards the bird and said, "we might as well introduce our selves then. My name is Chrom-but then again you already knew that. The delicate one over there is my little sister, Lissa." He pointed towards his sister.
Lissa crossed her arms. "I am NOT delicate! Hmmph." She said clearly annoyed at her brother's understatement. "Please ignore my brother. He can be a bit thick sometimes. But you're lucky that the Shepherds found you in time before the cats got to you. That would've been bad."
"Wait Shepherds? You tend sheep in full armor? Why?" asked the bird clearly confused as to why they do such a thing. "You're just watching sheep so why do you even need armor?"
"Well, tending our sheep is a pretty dangerous job you know. Just ask Frederick the Wary here," Chrom replied as he pointed towards Frederick.
"A title that I shall wear with pride. Gods forbid if one of us keeps an appropriate level of caution. I want to trust you sir but my station prohibits otherwise." Frederick replied proudly with a small smirk on his face.
"I understand sir. If I were human I'd be the same way. Where are we anyways?" Asked the bird.
"We are in the halidom of Ylisse, ruled under the exalt named Emmeryn." Replied Chrom to the birds question.
"Huh interesting." said the bird as he put his wing under his beak in thought. "Robin. My name is Robin. Huh I just remembered that. Well I guess that's one mystery solved." Robin said as he flapped his wings up and down lightly and adjusted himself on Chrom's shoulder.
"That's your name?" asked Lissa as she started to break out in laughter. "HAHAHAHA MAN THAT'S TERRIBLE!" Chrom then joined Lissa in the laughing while Frederick let out a few chuckles himself.
"Hey, what's so funny about my name!" replied Robin.
"It's not that it's funny, tehehehe," said Lissa, recomposing herself only to start laughing again. "It's just that your name is the same name as the bird you are. It's really ironic."
"Oh… HAHAHAHA! MAN, THAT IS FUNNY, HAHAHA *TWEET*!" Robin then covered his mouth after hearing the tweet. A few moments of silence went by, then Chrom, Lissa, and Robin started laughing again. Fredrick let out a few chuckle as well again.
The four of them continued to walk, with Robin perching on Chrom's shoulder. They were enjoying the peace and quiet, until Lissa scream and exclaimed. "CHROM- the town!" Lissa pointed towards the town that was just barely visible. From where they were they could see flames and smoke emitting from the town.
"Damn it! The town is ablaze! Those blasted brigands no doubt… Frederick, Lissa! Quickly!" Chrom shouted as he withdrew his sword. Robin flew off of Chrom's shoulder, surprised at the sudden movements he made.
"But what about him?" Frederick said, as he pointed towards where Robin was hovering.
"Unless he's on fire as well, it can wait!" Chrom sarcastically replied. The three ran towards the town at a lighting fast pace, hoping to rescue whoever was there and stop these brigands.
"Wait! What about…" Robin shouted, but his words never reached the threes' ears.
Among the flames, near the entrance of a temple built for Naga, stood an enormous figure with a huge battle axe. Next to the figure was a woman who was bound up. She had a bloody nose and her arms and legs were starting to get rashes from the ropes that bound her. "Gwa ha ha! Get to it, lads! Grab anything shiny, and put the rest to the torch! We gots an example to set for these Ylissean types! Ain't that right, lass?" Said the barbarian to the bounded up maiden.
"Someone please HELP!" Cried the maiden scarred for what may happen to her. Tears were starting to flow down her face as they mixed with the blood coming from her nose.
"Gwa ha ha! There's no point in crying for help, lass. For after we're done here, we are gonna have some 'fun' with ya," said the Barbarian with a crude grin as he lifted the maiden's chin up. With one final grin he let out a large crackle amused at the destruction and the maidens desperate pleas.
Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick ran up to the gates of the town and into a small market of some sorts. The stalls were torn down, with fruits and vegetables scattered everywhere. There were a few stray bits of gold that went by unknown to the Brigands. Some of the surrounding houses have been set on fire as the brigands continued to look for anything of value. The three saw some brigands patrolling around the town. Thankfully they have yet to notice them. "Chrom we have to stop them!" Shouted Lissa hoping that none of the villagers have been hurt to badly.
"Don't worry- after today these bandits won't be bothering anyone ever again." Chrom said determinedly. He swung his sword in a few small circles and got into his fighting position.
As the three were about to fight the bandits they heard a voice coming from the distance. "Wait!" The three turned around to find the source of the voice, who was Robin. He was flying towards them and in his feet seem to be a tiny thunder tome and bronze sword. He got up to the three and hovered there for a bit.
"Robin! You followed us! Why?" Asked Chrom wondering why the bird followed them here.
"I...I'm not certain myself. But I'm armed, and I know my way around a fight, if you'll have me." Robin requested, getting his sword and tome at the ready.
"Of course strength in numbers. Just stay close!" replied Chrom. Robin just nodded his head and the four of them went off.
A Myrmidon noticed Chrom running up to him, and got his sword up ready to strike him. However before he could launch his attack he was taken aback by a thunder spell. He looked to find the owner of the spell only to see a robin flying around the area. He noticed that the bird was carrying a small tome and before he could even react to it, Chrom sent his sword through his opponent's chest. The Myrmidon's eyes became lifeless as he slid off the blade.
"Chrom, I've been meaning to ask- and I know this is not the time- but what's with that sword?" Robin asked Chrom as he fired off another Thunder spell at a Barbarian killing him instantly.
"This?" Chrom asked as he sliced at another Myrmidon who reeled back at the pain then proceeded to drop to the ground as a silver lance pierced through his chest. Frederick withdrew the lance and nodded at Chrom as Chrom nodded back. Chrom continued. "This is Falchion. The holy blade forged from the tooth of the divine dragon Naga. The same blade that the Hero King himself used 2000 years ago. It is unbreakable save for the hilt."
"Wow that must have been a lucky find then," Robin said amazed that a Shepherd was able to find such an ancient relic. "You must've been so happy when you… CHROM LOOK OUT!" Robin exclaimed. Chrom turned around and saw an Archer aiming his bow at him.
The Archer released the arrow and fired at Chrom. Thankfully Chrom was able to get out of the way in time so that the arrow would only cause a flesh wound on his arm. Although it wasn't life threatening it did cut pretty deep. Chrom hissed in pain as he covered the wound with his hand. Robin flew towards the Archer and using his sword he sliced at his throat causing blood to start spilling out. As the Archer stumbled back Frederick rode up on his horse and finished him off with a vertical slice.
"Hold on Chrom I'm coming!" shouted Lissa as she pulled out her staff. She ran towards Chrom and put the staff near the wound. She closed her eyes as she focused the magic from the staff to heal the wound. After a few short moments the wound completely healed up leaving without a trace. "There ya go. Much better. Remind me to give you a lollipop when we get back for being such a good patient," Lissa teased to her brother. Chrom rolled his eyes and continued fighting.
After a few more enemies had been slain Robin shouted to the three, "Ok there's only a few more Brigands left so Frederick, you and Lissa go to the right of the market where the bridge is and take out that Archer and Cavalier. Chrom and I will go to the temple to take care of the leader." The three did as told and went to complete their task. Chrom ran up the bridge while Robin flew alongside up.
"So you're a tactician, huh?" Chrom asked as he sliced down a mage who was stunned at the bird striking down his fellow comrade.
"I guess I am, then. That's another thing that makes me special," Robin said proudly as he flew out of the way of an vertical axe swipe from a Barbarian. Robin flew behind the Barbarian and shot a thunder spell to stun him then rammed his sword into his back effectively killing him.
"The leader is just up ahead! Let's get him!" Chrom shouted as he let out a war cry.
"Here, sheepy sheepy! Come to the slaughter!" the Brigand leader mocked. He then threw his throwing axe at Chrom who simply blocked it off with his Falchion. Robin then flew around the leader while firing off small bolts of electricity and occasionally swooping in to slash at him. "Gah! Ya stupid bird! Hows are ya even able to use magics let alone fight?" Exclaimed the leader confused at the birds ability to fight.
"Because I am no ordinary bird!" Robin said as he flew away from an axe swipe. Chrom then rushed forward and stabbed the leader in the chest causing him to grip the sword as he tried to pull it out of his chest. Robin then proceeded to fly in and using his sword he slit the leader's throat killing him as he fell on Chrom's blade, going limp.
Chrom proceeded to pull Falchion out of the man's chest, with a simple flick of his blade he got the blood off and then put it back in it's sheath. He then ran towards the maiden, who was completely at awe of the work of Chrom and Robin, and untied her . "Are you alright miss? Did he do anything to you?" Chrom asked.
"He didn't do anything too serious but thank you for saving me and this town! I'll be right back with the elder!" the maiden said as she ran off into the town.
"Well, that's the end of that," Robin said, relieved that the battle was over. He landed on Chrom's shoulder and put his sword and tome away. He let out a huge sigh and picked at the space under his right wing.
"Yeah thankfully we were close. But holy crap, Robin! You were so ferocious for being a small bird! Swords, magic, AND tactics! Is there anything you can't do?!" Lissa exclaimed in awe. For being a bird he sure was an amazing fighter.
"Well, I'm sure there are some stuff that I can't do like, using my wings as hands or writing," Robin joked. Chrom and Lissa let out a small laugh at Robin's little remark.
"Perhaps one thing you might be able to do is explain how you came here?" Frederick the Wary asked still skeptical about Robin.
"Sir Frederick," Robin said as he flew over to Frederick's shoulder. "I understand your skepticism but I can not explain why I'm remembering some stuff while other stuff I still have no idea on. But please I beg you to believe me. I have shared all that I know." Robin calmly replied to Frederick's question.
Chrom then picked Robin up and put him up on his shoulder, saying "you fought to save Ylissean lives. My heart says that's a good enough reason to trust you."
"But what about your mind milord? Will you not heed its counsel as well?" the Great Knight asked Chrom. He was still taking caution as is everything he does in his life.
"Frederick, the Shepherds could use someone with Robin's talents. We've brigands and unruly neighbors, all looking to bloody our soil. Would you really have us lose such an able tactician? Besides, I believe his story, odd as it might be," Chrom explained to Frederick starting to get a little bit annoyed.
Frederick nodded his head, seeing as how it was no use to keep up a losing fight. Robin thanked them.
"So will you join us?" Chrom asked Robin.
"Of course I will!" Robin replied happily. Chrom gave a huge grin and lightly patted Robin's head with his finger. Lissa shouted in joy, while Frederick remained stern- but did let a small smile come across his face.
After being asked to stay for a feast by the Elder, who happened to be the young maiden's father, the three politely refused the invitation saying that they have to make quick work back to the capital, only one who was saddened by this was Lissa, who wanted to eat some tasty free food. Chrom then had to drag Lissa out of the town as the townsfolk waved them off thanking them for saving their lives.
As the four travelled up the road and towards a forest, Frederick leaned in towards Chrom and said. "Did you notice milord? The brigands spoke with a Plegian accent."
"Plegian? What's that?" asked Robin, confused.
"Plegia is Ylisse's westerly neighbor. They send small bands into our territory, hoping to instigate war," Chrom replied with a saddened expression.
"And it's the poor townspeople who suffer! Totally helpless!" Lissa said with a hint of both sadness and anger.
"They do have us, milady: Shepherds to protect the sheep. Do not be swept up in your anger. It will cloud your judgment," Frederick rationalized.
"I know I know… Don't worry. I'll get used to all this," replied Lissa, a bit cheerfully.
The four continued to walk down the road as they entered the forest- all that was left separating them from Ylisstol.
So this was the story. I'll continue it if I get enough positive feedback and a desire for people to want more but for now it's probably just going to be this.