Chapter 1: Remembrance

Robin brushed his blonde hair to the side with his hand and pulled his hood over his head and sneaked off into the shadows of his tent with his cloak easily blending in making him tenebrous. A day filled with sweat, blood, and pain for the shepherds. A strenuous battle unfolded at the bridge on their way to Regna Ferox, as they encountered and battled against the clumsy but fearless Risen. Luckily, the only thing they got from the confrontation were minor cuts and bruises but now they have caught a glimpse of what this new threat is capable of. No one knows for sure where they came from but one thing is for sure. If it sees you, it will hunt you down. The young prince decided to make camp in an open field in the middle of the woods to rest for the night and heal up, the tents in a circular formation with a fire place in the center. The shepherds in a single line formed in front of Lissa's tent, hoping her medical prowess can ease the pain and let them sleep more comfortably.

Taking light, gentle steps to avoid being heard by the shepherds, he tiptoed further ahead until he was out of the vicinity. Music could be heard all over the forest as the crickets each sung their elegant song. A low wind rustled the leaves in the trees making them appear as if they were dancing with the rhythm of tune. Bright yellow canaries retreated to the safety of their nest at the sight of the sunset. After walking for a few minutes he exited out. At the corner of his eye, he noticed a gentle slope a couple of yards ahead and leisurely sauntered towards its peak. At the top of the hill, he gazed upon the magnificent view. The sun's glimmering light weakened the more it descended, giving Robin a chance to look at it as it made its way towards the horizon. The lush of vegetation that covered the land waved blissfully creating peace and tranquility. A mild wind blew across his face, taking away his troubles. Robin pulled his hood back giving a loud sigh as he gazed at the sunset feeling awe struck. At the top where he stood, he could see everything; puffs of white floating in the ocean of blue with a mix of hues of orange. Lush green grassy plains. To his left was the dirt road leading to Regna Ferox.

"Such a beautiful sight," slowly closing his eyes and tilting his head up taking a whiff of refreshing air. He recollected everything that has happened so far. Along with that, he tried remembering who he was but all he could see was a blank page. He grew a little frustrated gritting his pearly white teeth but quickly calmed down. He took another deep breath through his nostrils and exhaling out his mouth repeating the process a few times. Easy Robin, things like these take time so it's best not to rush it.

"Who am I? Why am I here? Why can't I remember anything about my past?" Placing his hand on his forehead rubbing it to clear his headache. His mind came up with different images of his encounter with the exalted prince. Each image reflecting the events leading to him taking charge of a small army.

Robin couldn't resist talking to himself in disbelief. "Man, how did I get myself in the position I'm in? Two days ago, I wake up in the middle of an open field with no memory whatsoever, I do a little fighting, come up with a few tactics and now here I am as the tactician of the Shepherds." His attention turned to a nice, smooth rock. He walked towards it to sit and think in a thinker position.

Worry engulfed his face as he thought about the future. Tensions have been running high between Ylisse and their western cousin the land Plegia. Brigands from Plegia have been roaming around Ylisse attacking and ransacking villages by the border, a majority sent by the mandate of the Mad King Gangrel. If things don't change for the better, then war is bound to happen putting the lives of thousands of civilians in jeopardy. The last thing he wants is a war on his plate because if it does start then it'd likely be him leading the army. One small miscalculation in his strategies can lead to either life or death, the destruction of an army and a nation, the blame would be pinned entirely on him if all hell broke loose. Visioning the sound of steel clashing and the screams of thousands of innocent Ylisseans as they are mercilessly slaughtered staining the floors and walls in crimson red. Countless villages set ablaze with hundreds of motionless bodies in the streets.

He clenched his fists with determination. "We must not let Gangrel prevail. Though I don't know much about the man, I do know that he is willing to do anything to cause a war between us" Looking down with a sense of doubt. "If we can't gain extra troops then we're better off dead. Plegia has a vast amount of wealth so they clearly have the advantage on us with better weaponry and greatly outnumber us. If we can convince the Khan to aid us then we would stand a better chance."

The sun's heat started fading as it sank deeper in the horizon. Glittering stars started covering the sky and the whole field started getting dark, but the winds still blew softly with the tall grass waving and dancing.

"If war is upon us then the fate of whether we live or die depends entirely on me and I don't know if I will be able to live through that type of pain and pressure," he thought worriedly. After a couple of minutes, he distracted himself by thinking of other things. A smile came across his face after he thought of Chrom. Even though a lot of challenges have immediately come his way, he has made lots of new friends in this mission but still has trouble trying to fit in with the group.

"Chrom, the prince of the halidom of Ylisse. It's so strange that I knew his name but I couldn't remember mine. Did he show up in a dream or did I know him before I had amnesia? He was the one who found me and I lent him my strength and virtuosic skill of tactics to defeat those bandits in South Town. By offering my skills, knowledge and fighting abilities to defend him and his people he gave me his trust. He also gave me the role of tactician which is something I didn't sign up for but being named that is a very high honor indeed. Then there is Frederick the Wary, Chrom's protector and a proud knight of Ylisse. He never shows signs of fatigue and takes his job very seriously. When I woke up, he was very suspicious of me and asked me a lot of questions of why I was in the middle of the field. I still remember when he pointed his lance at me and I must admit I did feel frightened, but luckily Chrom intervened... Even now he has trouble leaving me with Chrom alone, but hopefully with time, I'll gain his trust. And then there is….."

Robin's train of thought broke off as soon as he heard footsteps behind him. Was it an enemy, a passerby, or a friend? Robin held the hilt of his sword hidden in his cloak and quickly stood and turned around.

"Who goes there?" aggressively pointing his sword at the suspect.

"EEEPPP," she replied frightened. The girl jumped back.

Robin squinted his eyes and tilted his head to the left trying to make out who it was. He saw a yellow and white dress and immediately recognized her face.

"Lissa? Is that you?" he asked cautiously.

"Hehehehe, of course it's me silly. Who did you think I was?" she laughed awkwardly.

Robin lowered and drew back his sword, concealing it back in his cloak. Struggling to find the right words to say, ashamed and disappointed of his actions. Damn, what am I supposed to say now?

He stared down disappointedly but looked at Lissa's eyes. "I'm… sorry Lissa, I didn't know it was you." He turned to look back at the sunset embarrassed about how he acted. He wished he could take that moment back but what else could he have done? "Why are you here anyways Lissa? Shouldn't you be back at camp healing the Shepherds?"

"Everyone is resting now and are in good condition. Nothing serious so that's some good news." Those were music to his ear. Though he is skilled in leading and fighting. He greatly dislikes fighting. All fighting brings is death and despair.

"That's good to hear". At least now he knew his plans didn't' cause serious injuries.

"Anyways, what are you doing out here Robin? Are you alright? I noticed movement in the bushes while I was checking on Sully and I quickly saw the weird patterns on the clothing. I figured it was your cloak. After I patched her up, well I made my way to the direction you went and well, here I am." asking shyly. Just looking at Lissa makes Robin feel safety and peace. One of the most innocent people you might ever see. Her smile makes even the grouchiest of people simper.

"Yes I'm fine. Thank you. I'm just taking a moment to savor the beautiful sunset. Sure, there will be many more days but today just feels like as if this is my first time watching it. I mean look at it, it's… it's just….. amazing." Orbs of light appeared in the field in front of them. Each orb moved in a zigzag motion and would flicker on and off. Dozens of fireflies lit up the upcoming night as they moved around the open plain.

Lissa didn't believe a word he said. She did realize though that this is sort of his first time watching it though because of his amnesia. She gave a look of concern but gave him a warm smile.

"Robin, you don't have to hide anything from me" saying in a cheerful voice. She walked closer and stood by his side. "I think I know what's running across your mind and if it helps I'll tell you this. I know that my brother has put a lot of responsibility on your shoulders in such little time but just relax and be yourself. Don't overthink things too much or you might cause big mistakes. As for your memory, well,… it just takes time, we'll help you figure out your past. You can count on us. If your memory doesn't comeback then we'll just have to help you create new ones."

His eyes widened. "Am I really that easy to read?" feeling flabbergasted.

"Actually, it was a wild guess but based on what has happened these past two days I sort of had a hunch on what might have been worrying you" she giggled.

"I guess I'm not a very good actor then" giving a short laugh. Robin thought about what she just said and agreed that she was right. He was given this role for a specific reason and should be grateful for all the wonderful things that have happened since he joined.

"Thanks Lissa, those words brought me some comfort and helped me realize that you guys do care about me even if I just joined the Shepherds." He chuckled. "You know, for a girl your age, you do have a way with words."

Lissa smirked "WWWELLL, I am the sister of the Exalt aren't I? Maybe some of her wisdom rubbed off on me. Don't underestimate my age too, I'm sort of close to your age as well mister."

Robin nodded at her and smiled back.

There was a brief silence. The chirps of crickets became more noticeable.

"Well now that that's outta the way, let me just tell you that if you want somebody to talk to then you can always come to me to listen, come on let's shake on it." Extending her arm out.

"Deal."

He reached his arm out and was about to grab her hand until he felt a cold and slimy sensation on the palm of his hand, his spine shivered and immediately pulled his hand back.

"UUGGHH" he yelled. He looked at his hand and noticed a clear goo type of ooze in his hand.

He smeared the slime on his cloak and checked his hand for any residue left. Disgusted he yelled. "WHAT WAS THAT?"

"Ribbit"

Robin's eyes darted downward and noticed a lime-green frog.

"Eww" squinting his eyes feeling a little distressed.

He looked at Lissa who was laughing her butt off after seeing his reaction. His heart racing and adrenaline accelerated his blood flow.

"OH MY GODS THAT WAS HILARIOUS! I think I'm gonna die of laughter." Lissa dropped to her knees and held her stomach followed immediately by a snort.

Robin grimaced but looked back at the frog. His heart rate quickly returned to normal, and he soon thought up a diabolical idea.

Placing his hand on his chin, "Maybe I should blow this frog to bits with my thunder tome and have myself some frog legs. I heard they're awfully tasty."

"HEY!" she frowned. She waved a finger up and down, "Leave my pet frog alone."

"Your pet frog?" he said raising an eyebrow.

She stood up, walked towards her frog and grabbed it. "Yeah, I found him today under the bridge after we battled those risen and well there he was on the stream so I grabbed him."

"Did you give it a name?"

"No, not yet, but I'll eventually think of one, I can't even tell if it's a boy or a girl," Looking at her frog and petting it.

"Anyways, I think my work here is done," smiling at Robin.

"You're not worried and all sad faced anymore," placing her frog in her pocket.

"Gee thanks Lissa but please, no more pranks or else you'll give me a heart attack one of these days."

"Can't make any promises. That rubbery face you just made is so darn adorable and funny," she said with a mischievous grin.

I make a rubbery face? Robin sighed. "Well I think it's time we head back to camp for dinner before anyone notices we're both missing. Can't have Chrom and the rest getting the wrong idea right?" chuckling a bit.

Lissa blushed turning beet red "Ye- Yeah hehe, I think he would get the wrong idea."

Good she didn't freak out. Robin bowed and pointed her the way to camp.

"After you Milady."

Lissa curtsied "Why thank you Robin."

She began frolicking back with Robin in tow.

For a brief moment, Robin turned his head back towards the sunset for one last look until it went passed the horizon. He smiled and made his way back to camp.

Luckily none of the shepherds had noticed they were both missing. Almost everyone gathered at the fireplace with their stomachs growling for nourishment. Stahl was at the brink of going berserk if he didn't eat anything soon. Everyone was impatient as their noses were tortured as they picked up the delectable smell of haricot mutton. The tactician took a bowl from the table near the stew and waited for Frederick to begin serving.

"COME ON FREDERICK TEACH IS STARVING HERE"! Vaike began a tantrum as the knight ignored his plead. Frederick gave a menacing stare at the bare chested warrior.

"Vaike, you must have patience until milord gets here or else if you don't then I'll happily serve your dish last. Now please take a seat and be quiet," he said, giving a cheery smile.

Vaike crossed his arms and turned away from the knight, "Fine."

The young cerulean prince ran towards the dining table. "Sorry I'm late Shepherds, I was just organizing my tent. Now how bout we all eat."

"HAHA YES FINALLY!" One by one each of the shepherds rose from their seats and headed to Frederick. Once everyone was seated, they all started digging in. Everyone discussed about the previous battle and what they plan to do when they arrive to Regna Ferox. After a good while, the prince rose up, waving his hand. "Everyone, I want to give a big thank you to our newest ally and tactician, Robin. I know that within time, he can help us achieve peace and can help this army overcome many challenges. Please give a big applause to Robin." The shepherds gave turned to the tactician clapping in unison. Robin also stood up and bowed to the group.

"Thank you everyone. I promise to everyone that I will do my best."

A/N I just wanna say thank you for reading one of many chapters I am going to post. I ain't a professional writer but after reading so many FE fanfics, I was inspired to start my own. Reviews will be greatly appreciated because this will help me improve greatly. Lastly I want to give a special thanks to the following authors: gokart48, GhostPanda1314, Elyvern, and Vanayzan for inspiring me to start my own. I highly recommend you check out their stories. I also would like to get a big thanks to Kyle, Robert, and Frank for helping me edit this chapter. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Feel free to message me if you would like to also help me edit future chapters. I hope you will all join me in this new adventure because I have some pretty good ideas in store.