The Start

When he awoke, he found himself staring straight up at the radiant blue skies and the shadow of the tree overhead. He wasn't certain where he was, but the thought of a large castle garden came to his mind. Kamui managed to get to his feet with a groan as the cool wind blew across his face. Managed to grab a hold of something, he steadied himself as he slowly began to look about in confusion.

"Where… am I?" He began with a small frown.

Before him was a large city gate arising from the trees. It was nothing to the castle gardens in his mind. Was he not home? With a hand on one of them, he slowly began to move away from it to get closer to the wall, but, doing so, his view slightly shifted. His head ached and was still slightly hazy as he struggled to focus. Then, he began to lose his balance again and tumbled on the dirt ground.

"H-Hey! You all right there?!"

It was a familiar voice that ran through his voice, but he was unable to match it with face nor did he have the strength to. He frowned and turned to do so. Instead, he struggled to see the person, but his vision was blurry and he slowly felt as if the curtains were closing down around him as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

The sound of horses slowly awoke him as he slowly opened his eyes in slight daze. His mind was clearer now as he saw the rough white cloth of the wagon's roof. He was in a wagon, correct?

He thought that he heard some movements and conversation and, with a little effort, pushed himself up. Upon doing so, he found himself face to face with the rear end of the transportation device.

"Where am I?" He managed in a croaked quiet voice.

Clearly, he was in a wagon, but just where is he on the map? He felt the strong need to get to his feet and slowly made his way to the entrance with his hand on the bench for support. As he tried to step off the wagon, he slipped and fell to the ground. He grimaced with a slight groan as he struggled to get up, but failed to get to his feet.

"Kamui?!"

The voice calling out his name caught him by surprise as he looked up. The light of the sun blinded him slightly as a hand reached out and helped him to his feet. He slowly began to regain his balance as more voices called out.

"He's awake!"

"Milord!"

Finally, he was starting to take in the bright colors around him as the hand grabbed his shoulder, "Kamui, are you all right?"

He slowly nodded as he looked up to see a familiar face. It was a man with blur hair and clothing. On his shoulder was a strange looking birthmark, but slightly familiar to him.

"Chrom?" He managed with a small grimace, "Y-Yeah… I believe so. My mind is still a little hazy, though. Is that really you?"

With the light of his surroundings finally coming to his vision, he turned to see a familiar young woman with blond pigtail hair, yellow dress, and a white headdress rushing over with a gold staff in hand. She was immediately followed by a familiar knight in blue armor and chestnut hair holding a large axe. He strained a small smile as he slowly began to straighten himself without Chrom's help, "Lissa. Er, Frederick, correct? It's been a long time."

"Huh?" Chrom raised a brow, "But, we've only just met two days ago."

"Two days ago?" Kamui grimaced.

"Maybe, you're still confused?" Lissa frowned nervously.

"I suppose…" Kamui managed with a small frown.

"How about resting up in the wagon a little more, then?"

He looked up to see a young silver hair man in a dark hood with purple and gold embroidery walking over to them with a look of deep concern across his face.

"Oh! You're…" Kamui frowned as he struggled to recall the person though he bear no sense of familiarity on the individual.

"Robin." The man replied, "I'm the Shepherds' new tactician. I'd advise that you go rest in the wagon for a while longer. Perhaps you're still in a daze?"

There wasn't much room for denial or his choice as Frederick and Lissa helped guide him to the edge of the wagon where he sat slowly gathering his jumbled thoughts.

"I'm relieved that you're all right, though." Chrom breathed a sigh of relief, "You had us worried when we saw you collapse at the east entrance of the town."

"That voice…" Kamui recalled in slight surprise, "So, it was you."

"If I may," Frederick began with the same narrow eyes of suspicion, "what happened? Where is that butler who always follow you?"

The word of butler brought an image of a tall man with silver hair tied back into a ponytail and wore a black and white butler uniform with a set of steel claws worn like gloves. He was his butler and retainer after the previous retainer vanished. Upon remembering that, a flood of more memories swept into his head.

"You mean Jakob." Kamui smiled, "I believe the last I saw him was in the castle."

Chrom raised a brow, "The castle of the mythical kingdoms?"

Uncertain of the name, Kamui nodded nervously, "That's… right? I don't believe they're all that mythical, though… But… I do recall having told him to stay in the castle in Valla. My family and I have taken residence there for the past two years now."

"What of those creatures we fought before?" Chrom questioned.

"They should be gone now." Kamui replied easily, "My friends and I fought a long battle that stopped anymore of them from returning."

He gasped, "That's right!"

He looked about himself and found his blade still in his sheathe and his bag of items with him. He sighed in relief as he looked around in confusion, "So, if you're here, then… I'm in Ylisse?"

"That's right." Chrom replied as Kamui saw Lissa share a troubled look with the man named Robin, "What happened? Two days ago, you were just fine, but now…"

Kamui frowned as his memories slowly began trickling back into his mind, "That's… right. I believe the time of our worlds flow differently."

"Another world?" Robin frowned, "Are you trying to say that the mythical kingdoms are actually from another world?"

Chrom raised a brow and turned to Kamui as Robin continued, "How about you start telling us everything from the beginning. Who are you and where you are from?"

Kamui grimaced. Had he not told them during his previous visit? Well, there really wasn't much he can do now that he blabbered it all out, he supposed. He nodded in submission, "I understand. I'll only warn you that it… could be a little confusing. So, please bear with me."

He took a deep breath and carefully began, "As you know, my name is Kamui. As you know, I was a prince from both Hoshido and Nohr under special circumstances. I was raised during the time of war between the two countries and I was raised by both during different times of my childhood. When I finally took part to stop the fighting, I found out that the war between my home kingdoms were created by a mastermind who wanted to reap the benefits of the situation and creating the conflicts through invisible soldiers. When I last came here in search of those creatures we last fought off, I came because those soldiers were created by our enemies who sent them to Ylisse using a special portal that we usual kept guarded by an individual, but, apparently, she had slipped out of her duties to her own interest. I didn't want our conflicts to drag others into it, so I came with my allies and friends as quickly as I could. However, we never expected to have already pulled you three into our conflict."

"I get it now." Robin nodded as he folded his arms together, "So, those definitely weren't just any guard animals just like Chrom said. Now, I see why you didn't tell them the situation."

Kamui nodded with a grimace, "My apologies, Chrom. My kingdoms had been at war for so long and, knowing the truth of the matter, I felt the need to keep others from becoming potential victims in the fighting."

"It's fine." Chrom nodded, "But, now I see why those creatures were a little off now. So, you're all from another world. Is the war still going on?"

"No." Kamui shook his head, "It ended two years ago."

"Two years ago?" Chrom raised a brow.

Kamui nodded, "I believe the speed of time between our world flows differently. Fluctuate. Which reminds me. I must return to my world as soon as possible. I've only just liberated my kingdom two years ago and there's still a lot of things to take care of. The kingdom I rule over now is actually my birthplace. When the enemy took the place over, my mother fled the place when I was an infant. Due to my connection to the royal family's bloodline, I became the king and have been focusing on the recovery of the kingdom for two years now."

"You may have to clarify that later." Robin grimaced with slight confusion, "More importantly, how did you get here?"

"That's…" Kamui frowned as he struggled to remember, "I was in the garden talking with my wife…"

Images slowly came to him as he continued with a grimace, "I think… Yes. I remember now. I spotted my siblings' retainer in the garden. They were sucked into this portal in the middle of our garden! That's right! Laslow, Selena, and Odin!"

As he nearly fell of the wagon, Chrom pat his shoulder with a frown, "Calm down, friend. Tell us what happened."

Kamui nodded, "That night, my siblings from Hoshido and Nohr were suppose to be on their way to attend a banquet held in the castle of Valla. My new kingdom and home. I wanted to promote strong ties with the kingdoms I grew up in with the people, so I thought a banquet would do the trick to start things off. But, that night when I went for a breather with my wife, I saw some of my siblings' retainers in the garden when my siblings hadn't even arrived yet. I thought it was odd and I tried to call out to them, but this portal suddenly appeared in our garden and pulled them in. They are also friends of mine, so I rushed to help them. I must've been pulled in along with them."

"But, we didn't see anyone around when we found you. Right, Chrom?" Lissa looked to Chrom with a frown.

Chrom nodded, "That's right."

"It was just me?" Kamui grimaced.

Robin nodded, "We were just on our way here when Chrom saw you collapse in the forest."

"Oh…" Kamui looked about their surroundings, "That's right. Where are we?"

The place was a large plain barely surrounded by Evergreens and Oaks. In the distance looked to be a large city as figures moved through the gates.

"You're just outside of Ylisstol. The capitol of Ylisse." Chrom replied, "We were just given a mission to go on an errand to the neighboring kingdom. So, we're waiting for the rest of the Shepherds to arrive. We need to ask the other kingdom for aid against these creatures that have just appeared in our world. Of course, they're not the enemies you helped fight off against with us. They're new threats that have only just appeared in our region."

"Milord." Frederick spoke with a deep bow, "Pardon me, but are you certain of disclosing such important details to him. These are private matters of Ylisse. Giving them to an outsider. Not to mention the story he provided for us are just dubious. Another world?"

"I agree with Frederick, Chrom." Robin frowned, "I'm grateful for your trust in me, but his story is also as dubious as well."

"I understand where you're coming from, Frederick." Chrom nodded, "But, I believe in his words. He also helped protect us from otherworldly threats. Also, Robin, I know. However, I believe he is telling the truth and needs our help. If he really is from another world, then he most likely doesn't know anything of this world or where to go to. So, Kamui, would you like to stay with the Shepherds for a bit?"

Hearing this, Frederick and Robin looked to him as Robin shrugged, "I guess there's no use stopping Chrom, after all."

"Yup!" Lissa giggled, "This is my big brother we're talking about, after all!"

"Is this really okay?" Kamui frowned, "To trouble you all like this?"

"It's no problem." Chrom smiled, "If you want, you can consider this a return favor for your help. Of course, we'll help you search for those retainers you spoke of after we return."

Hesitant, Kamui thought carefully for a long while before he finally nodded, "I see… Well, I shall take your offer. Of course, I can't always be in the back."

As he said this, he hopped off the wagon with a confident smile as he held out his hand, "I'll help you in your fights ahead. If you're traveling to another kingdom, I'm certain it won't be a completely safe journey. Let me help."

"Are you certain?" Chrom raised a brow with a troubled look.

"This may be a good idea, milord." Frederick replied with a frown, "Of course, I'm still uncertain of this, but we have seen his skills on the battlefield."

Robin nodded, "I doubt those monsters will just leave us alone after what happened back in the forest yesterday. It would be beneficial to recruit more people into the militia."

Chrom sighed, "Well, all right, then."

The blue hair man took his hand and shook it, "Welcome to the Shepherds, Kamui. From this day forward, I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise." Kamui nodded with a grin.

"Hey!"

Kamui turned around and saw a large man with tanned skin and blond hair waving eagerly with an ax in hand. Next to him was a woman with light brown wavy hair which reminded Kamui of his Nohrian elder sister, Camilla. However, the woman wore a silver armor in contrast to the black and more revealing attires of his sister's preference. In her hand was a long lance. Seeing the two, Chrom released the hand and smiled, "They're here."

Chrom turned to him, "I'll introduce you to the Shepherds in a bit."

"Hey, Chrom!" the ax fighter grinned as they arrived to the scene, "Who's the new guy? A new pupil for teach? Haha!"

"H-Hello." The woman said quietly with a soft and shy smile.

Just then, an archer with pale blue hair and blue clothing entered the scene out of nowhere with a female cavalry knight with short red hair and red armor as the archer smirked, "I see you're here as well. Splendid, wouldn't you say so, Dear Sully?"

"One more word out of your mouth and you're asking me to shove this in your face." The knight grumbled as she raised her fist before him.

Despite the rambunctious scene before them already, Chrom looked around, then said, "Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead."

"W-wait for me!"

They turned around and saw a man with messy brown hair and green armor with a bronze sword at his belt running up to them hurriedly. Chrom looked at him as the man in green armor tried to catch his breath and said, "Stahl?"

He got up and said, "Why am I the last to hear about the expedition to Ferox?"

Shocked, Lissa said with a confused look on her face, "Huh? Vaike was supposed to..."

A thought hit her and she looked to the ax fighter and shouted with a frown, "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?"

The ax fighter, Vaike, scratched the back of his head trying to think back, a sweat dropped and he said, "The Vaike never forgets!...I just don't always remember, is all..."

Lissa pouted, then said, "Ugh... I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself! Speaking of which, are you sure you remembered your ax this time?"

Vaike turned to Lissa with an angry look and said, "Hey! That was one time!"

He thought for a bit, then continued to argue back, "...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here."

Placing the ax onto his leather belt strapped to his back, the fighter grinned, "Teach is loaded and ready for action!"

He said as he patted his axe, then turned to Stahl and said with a grin. He turned to Stahl and patted his back boisteriously, "Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy."

Stahl only looked at him with a frown and said, "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..."

Robin turned to the man and questioned, "Your name is Stahl, right?"

Chrom was confused for a bit before realizing something. He turned and said, "Oh, I'm sorry, Robin. Kamui, Robin, this is Stahl, one of our finest."

The man turned to Robin with a strained smile and said, "Er, hello, Robin. Hello, Kamui. Miriel told me we had a new Shepherd. Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon. Um, Chrom. Miriel told me that there was one new Shepherd."

"Don't worry, Stahl. He only joined the Shepherds this morning before you arrived." Chrom smiled and looked to the small group, "Shepherds! This is Kamui. He's a friend of mine. He's a new recruit to the Shepherds from today forward."

"Oh! Oh!" Lissa jumped to her feet, "Let me do the introductions! Please~!"

"Well, all right." Chrom smiled, "Then, I entrust the task to you. Just make sure you don't overwhelm him on his first day."

"As if that will happen, right?" Lissa looked to Kamui with expectant eyes.

He wasn't certain how to respond to that as Robin chuckled and patted his shoulder, "Well, it'll be fine. As you know, I'm Robin. Just today, I'm officially a Shepherd as well and their new tactician."

"Is that so?" Kamui smiled, "I hope we get along, then."

"Same." Robin chuckled.

As they began preparing for the march, Stahl was latching the gears of his mount to the wagon with the archer and the red knight next to him as Kamui and Lissa walked over.

"Hey, Stahl!" Lissa waved, "Sorry about what happened this morning."

"Oh, it wasn't your fault, Lissa." Stahl replied with a small smile.

"No it was not." Virion sighed, "I suppose this means that there are somethings we all are responsible in doing ourselves."

"Oh! But, Vaike was suppose to help spread the message!" Lissa grumbled before she sighed, "Well, I guess I should've helped when I was afraid this would happen."

"Yup! Since we're a team, we need ta' help each other more." the red knight nodded with a firm smile before she noticed him, "Ah, Kamui, was it? The name's Sully. If ya' all need any help in training just come lookin' for me. I'll whip ya'all in shape!"

"Ah." The archer grinned with a waving gesture of his hand, "I am myth and legend! I am he who strides large across history's greatest stage! The man who puts the 'arch' in 'archer'!"

"Get to the point!" Sully groaned.

"Of course, my dear lady." The man smirked, "I am Virion."

"Yup! Virion also just recently joined the Shepherds too!" Lissa grinned.

"I see." Kamui smiled, "It's nice to meet you."

After some simple conversation of thing such as his attire and such, Lissa then pulled him to the group as Stahl led the wagon behind the lines. Chrom led the front lines with Robin and Frederick as Lissa brought him to the wagon where Vaike and the woman rested from their morning training and march.

"The name's Vaike!" Vaike declared as he pounded his chest with a fist, "Just call me teach!"

"That again?" Lissa giggled and turned to Kamui, "Vaike likes to be things at different times. Just last week, he said he was Frederick's assistant and the week before a coach."

"I-I see." Kamui strained a smile, "It's nice to meet you… Vaike."

"Hello." The woman next to the fighter smiled nervously, "M-My name is Sumia. I'm a Pegasus knight… I think…"

"A pegasus knight?" Kamui frowned in thought, "Does that mean you fight while riding a Pegasus?"

"Yup!" Lissa smiled, "Sumia is still looking for her own Pegasus, though. You'll get there, Sumia. Don't you worry about a thing!"

"A-All right…" Sumia replied with a small smile of doubt.

Kamui smiled, "I see. So, it's called Pegasus knights here."

"Huh?" Lissa looked to him in confusion, "Well, what else do you call Pegasus knights?"

"On my homeland, we call them Sky knights." Kamui answered with a small smile, "One of my sister is also a Sky knight. She started her training at around the age of six and seven."

"That young?" Sumia gasped.

Kamui nodded, "She had a strong ambition towards her goals and wanted to achieve them no matter what. So, she convinced our mother to let her start training to become a sky knight. It's rather common for women on our homeland to do so. Many children also start their training around that age too. I certainly wasn't any different."

"Wow." Sumia looked to him in awe, "Then, you must be really strong."

"Well, I'm not as strong as my elder brothers." He admitted with a slight blush, "They're the strongest amongst our siblings. I've yet to stand near an equal footing amongst them."

"Hah! Vaike can't wait to meet them!" the ax fighter grinned.

"But, you don't even know if you'll get to see them, Vaike!" Lissa sighed with a shrug, "Oh, there is goes again."

Kamui was slowly starting to learn that, despite their small size, the group, itself, was rather lively and warm. It reminded him much of the days during the war when he fought side by side with his comrades. Loud, rambunctious, lively, warm and kind. It was like a large family many times. As Lissa and the two soldiers talked, Kamui looked out the front to see Chrom talking with Robin. It must be the same for the prince of Ylisse as well.

It wasn't long before Chrom gave them the signal to stop. The prince looked around and saw a group of those creatures in front of them occupying the forest and bridge up front. Kamui saw it too as he rushed up to them upon seeing them suddenly stop. The sight of the unsightly deformed dead brought shock to him as he grimaced, "Are those…?!"

Chrom grimaced and said, "Gods, have the Risen spread this far?"

Robin looked at him with a questioning expression and asked, "'Risen'?"

Frederick nodded and explained, "We needed a name for this new threat and the council decided on one."

Chrom shouted, "Everyone, remember what we're up against!"

Before Robin could give out direction of what they'll do, he heard Vaike shout, "Mya ha! They'll remember me once I drive my ax into their..."

He put his hand above his shoulder to where his ax should've been, but only grabbed the empty air instead. Shocked, he looked around as he shouted in surprise, "Wait... My ax! Where's my ax?! I had it a second ago!"

Chrom shook his head and said, "Vaike, this is no time for jokes..."

Vaike grimaced with a worried frown and shouted, "I'm serious! It's gone, but I just had it! It's got to be around here somewhere..."

The prince then directed with a sweat drop, "Keep to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!"

The man nodded and ran into position. As the battle began Frederick shouted, "All right, listen up. ...Especially those of you who brought weapons!"

He then continued to review the advantages and disadvantages of their weapons as a reluctant and panicked Vaike stayed to the rear. Silently, Kamui felt slight pity for the man, but there wasn't much help now, but to make certain that he does not get attacked during the battle without his weapon. As such he drew his own blade. It was a blade of gold and a tri-jagged top on the end. Four jewels shone near the base before the hilt. At least he was still in his own iron-plate armor and shoes have never been of a problem for him. He's always used to walking barefooted. It had been a while since he last fought on an unfamiliar land, but this was no war and their foes certainly aren't human or even regular beings.

The battle against the Risens began with Robin began instructing the Shepherds on how to hold thir ground in combat. Part way through the battle a red hair woman with oval glasses, a large pointed hat, and a robe arrived with a tall blond hair man in a red ranger type of clothing with a bow and a quiver of arrows on his back. The woman looked around, then nodded and said, "Splendid! It seems we've caught up. Now to extirpate these brutes..."

Before they could join in the fray, the archer spotted something over in the corner of the road. He muttered with a frown, "This…"

Miriel looked over to the man's shoulder and picked up the ax. She examined the item and said, "Hmm? Is that an axe? Why yes it is... Perhaps someone mislaid it? I'd not thought such dereliction permissible among the Shepherds. Still, I'd be remiss to not return this implement to its owner. Perhaps along with a stern word or two of disapprobation!"

The archer was silent as he looked up and saw the scene around them before catching eyes with Robin. The tactician turned to the Prince who had just finished dealing off one of the undead creatures, "Chrom! Is that the mage you were talking about?"

"That's right!" Chrom glanced to the two with a nod and frowned with narrowed eyes, "But, I don't know about the archer next to her. Hold on."

"Oh, she has Vaike's ax!" Kamui looked up with a sigh of relief, "Robin, you should let Vaike know as soon as possible."

"Right." The tactician nodded, "Miriel, correct?!"

He called out to her as the mage looked up. Leaving the battle field to Frederick and Sully, Robin and Chrom rushed over to the two as Robin called out to Miriel, "Can you pass the Ax to Vaike, Miriel?"

The mage gave in a quizzical look before she shrugged and nodded as she went in search of the ax fighter, who was busy punching away the Risens around him with flailing arms like a true knucklehead on the corner of the battlefield. With Robin keeping a close eye on the battlefield, Chrom approached the archer as he raised a brow, "Are you…"

"I am George." The blond archer suddenly bowed before them, "As an archer, I wish to join Ylisse's militia. You are a member of the royal family, am I right?"

"That's right. Please get up." Chrom responded as he helped the man to his feet and then raised a brow, "To join our army and not even certain of their leader?"

"Forgive me." The archer replied, "I was one of the few who fled Plegia's tyranny a few years back. My house has been in hiding in fear of their assassins. I alone wished to take action instead and came to Ylisstol with the sole intention of fighting back. That's if your army wishes to have me."

"Chrom." Robin patted Chrom's shoulder with a nod, "I don't want to sound out of place, but the Shepherd is in need of more soldiers. If you trust him, then I advise that we take him in."

Chrom frowned and looked to George with suspicion, "But, a Plegian…"

The prince sighed and shook his head, "No. You're right, Robin. Also, if I just turn back help like this just for their background, it would really disappoint Em as well. All right. George was it? I'd like to give you a proper welcome, but we're in the middle of a battle."

"That I can see…" the archer noted as he scanned the field.

Chrom reached out his hand, "I'm Chrom. Captain of the Shepherds."

As George took his hand, Chrom gestured to Robin, "And, this is our tactician, Robin. Also-"

"Chrom, I hate to interrupt- Elthunder!" Robin shouted as the sparks of electricity flew out of his hand and glowing tome to the enemy Risen.

"Right." Chrom nodded with a grimace.

"George, I need you to give Sully a hand." Robin called out with a grimace, "I don't think she understand what's she's doing too well. She's the cavalry in red armor and red hair. There!"

"Understood." The archer responded and rushed after the red hair cavalry with his blond ponytail trailing behind him.

Seeing this from afar, Kamui hurried over from his position, "Is that a new Shepherd?"

Robin nodded, "From Plegia, no less. We'll probably have to do a background check on him as well."

"That's not necessary at the moment." Chrom shook his head, "We're too far from Ylisstol to do that."

"Chrom is right." Kamui agreed as he steadied his gold blade once more, "We need to take control of the bridge. I think that Risen Chief there is their boss."

"I thought the same." Robin nodded, "I need you and Chrom to team up and stop it. George's team and I will clear a path for you two."

"Got it." Chrom pulled out his sword, "Let's go, Kamui!"

"Right!" Kamui nodded and the two rushed back out to the field.

Kamui rushed onto the center of the battlefield with Chrom as he could hear Robin call out to Sully's team. As Risens came at them from all sides, a storm of lightning and arrows stopped those around them and a flash of red danced around them. Kamui and Chrom cut their way through the small squad of monsters as they soon reached the bridge across the shallow river. With the last inch of effort, their archers and mages barely cleared a majority of the Risens on the other side as he and Chrom pushed through to the front of the battle. As they reached the Chief, the monster brought out its ax with an unsteady motion and came at them. Chrom jumped back as Kamui stepped on its ax and lunged at its shoulder. With a strong force, he plunged the blade into the shoulder as he shouted, "Now, Chrom!"

"Right!" Chrom shouted and rushed forward.

Kamui pulled out his blade just in time as Chrom decapitated its head in one swift motion.

Without its head, the body vanished into a purple haze that dispersed into the air. Kamui straightened himself as he saw the other Risens began to recede into the forest. Chrom turned to Frederick, "Send out parties and stop the remaining Risens. We can't let them get any closer into the Capital!"

"Understood." The retainer nodded and quickly began to form the groups that were slowly regrouping.

A few hours later, everyone had returned having finished the job and gone on their journey once more. When they came to a break to set up tent for the night, Chrom called Robin and Kamui in as the new Shepherd enter the council tent, which was basically a large tent lit by torches inside and with a set of table and chairs. As the archer came in, Chrom smiled from his seat, "Oh good! You're here."

Everyone, but Frederick, were seated around the table. Frederick raised a brow, "Milord, if I may. Who is this young man?"

"He's a new addition to the Shepherds, Frederick." Chrom replied with a smile, "Now, before you start worrying, you saw his skills on the battlefield today."

"I did." The retainer replied, "Which is why I must be concerned, milord. Such man with skills to launch so many accurate shots have to be known throughout the kingdom already. Yet, we've never received word of such a man."

"He claims to be from Plegia, Frederick." Chrom answered, "A refuge from Plegia for years."

"Plegia?!" Frederick grimaced, "Milord, with the current relation between our kingdoms, it would be difficult to accept someone from an enemy kingdom."

"Difficult, perhaps." Chrom nodded, "But, if it's for our kingdom, Em would not put down someone who offers aid to our kingdom. I must also follow her example. Also, I believe that George would be of great help since we are in need of Shepherds."

"You… are correct, Lord Chrom…" Frederick hesitated with a small sigh.

Seeing this, Lissa giggled, "Oh, Frederick. You're always so worried of everything. It'll be fine!"

Chrom chuckled, "Frederick's suspicion is not misplaced, though."

He looked to George who only returned a stoic look, "Let me give you a formal introduction. I am Chrom. As you've assumed, I am of royalty. This is my retainer Frederick. His wariness is rather well known in the militia and have saved us from trouble numerous times as well."

Lissa giggled, "They don't call him 'Frederic, the Wary' for no reason! Hehe! He'll warm up to you eventually."

As Frederick breathed a frustrated sigh, Chrom chuckled and gestured to Lissa, "And the delicate one here is my little sister, Lissa."

The smile of the princess's face turned upside down as she groaned with a pout, "I am not delicate! Hmph!"

She turned to George with a renewed smile, "Ignore my brother, please. He can be a bit thick sometimes."

Chrom huffed with sigh before turning to Robin and Kamui, "And this is Robin, our tactician, and Kamui. Like you, they've only became official Shepherds today."

Hearing this, Kamui's eyes widen in surprise and looked to Robin who strained a small smile and chuckled nervously.

"Hm." George returned a nod before he bowed his head in an old-fashioned style, "I am George. A Former Plegian archer. I came to Ylisstol to escape the tyranny of King Gangrel years ago and have lived in hiding till now. I wish to join the Shepherds to stop him."

"George was it?" Chrom raised a brow.

"Yes, milord?" the archer questioned with a slight tone of confusion.

"That reminds me one of one the Hero-King's archer." Chrom noted with a raised brow, "Quite a coincidence."

"Wasn't that Gordon?" Lissa mentioned with a frown.

"He was one of the archers in the militia." Chrom nodded.

"Hero-King? Gordon?" Kamui raised a brow.

"Oh, since you're not from here, you probably didn't know." Chrom grinned, "The Hero-King Marth once saved the entire continent from an evil dragon a million years ago. His achievement for peace was an incredible feat and is known to this day. The tale has been passed for years now. Also, the royal family of Ylisse are his descendants. It's a well known fact since the establishment of Ylisse when the first exalt slayed the Fell Dragon a thousand years ago. Now, only our birthmark shows our proof. I believe we went over this before?"

"You have that kind of lineage?" Kamui said in slight surprise, "So, that's why Frederick continued asking me about proof… Sadly, the royal families I know of doesn't have such visible distinctions either. There are conditions that require for us to show it."

"Show it?" Chrom raised a brow.

"L-Lissa!"

Kamui looked up to see Stahl crash into the room in a panic.

"S-Sorry…" the knight panted with a pale look, "S-Someone fell victim to food poisoning… a-again…"

"Again?" Kamui echoed in confusion and looked to Robin who shrugged.

Chrom grimaced, "I'm… not going to ask how that happened. Lissa."

"Again?" she sighed, "I'll see you guys later, then!"

As the girl rushed out of the warm tent, Kamui looked to Chrom with a raised brow.

"Unfortunately," Frederick spoke up with a grimace, "Not everyone are the best cooks nor do the Shepherds have the profit to hire one."

Kamui frowned as a thought came to mind, "I think I understand what you speak of now."

"Huh?" Robin raised a brow as did George.

However, the archer hummed quietly, "Perhaps if we had the person sent to the enemy as a new cook-"

"Hold it!" Chrom held out a hand, "It won't be a good idea to have her do that. We'd face… Ahem, problems with the cook."

Frederick nodded, "It would also be a bad idea to send her to do the job with her persona-"

"Anyway," Chrom interrupted, "Due to the lack of soldiers, everyone shares different duties daily to maintain the property and finance of the militia. Though we lack numbers, we are still a militia."

"I shall assign you and our two new additions duties for the week. Each week, everyone is given new set of duties and they are normally work that are within our field. Starting next week, Stahl was to keep track of the conditions and numbers of weapons in the weaponry. However, with the three of you, we will assign someone else to take the work for the week. You're usual duties as when you are still in training." Frederick explained, "However, we do expect everyone to be on the training ground each morning."

As the retainer went on with the details, Kamui slightly grimaced as he began to recall the days during the war two years ago. He knew that things will become very, very busy soon.

That morning was much of a blur. Due to the change in his schedule, he was up early and ready for training which lasted about two ridiculous hours of him barely surviving Frederick's and Sully's training. The two were incredible soldiers that reminded him much of his former retainer and his sister's retainer, Effie, who was all about brute force training. The strongest woman in his militia in fact. After being nearly tossed around by Vaike's training of "Hand-to-Hand" combat, he was nearly worn out when he began to keep track of the weaponry that was kept in bundles of cloth and placed into cargos. He was lucky that George had been there with him since he was certain that he had probably missed about three spears, two bronze sword, four bows, and… probably, two or three daggers? He wasn't certain. Still, he was impressed how, unlike Robin and himself, George was doing just fine on his first day. Even, Frederick was impressed with how he was able to keep up with his duties and still go scout the area. Perhaps, he could ask for a few tips from him as well. However, they still had to march for the next couple of days and he was already off to a bad start. Still, they had to continue their march and with everything that happened, he decided that it would be a good idea to start the march by riding the wagon for a bit and, luckily, he was not alone. Robin sat next to him as the tactician rubbed his temple. Just like him, he was thrashed about by Frederick and Sully's training and Vaike's involvement in the schedule was of no help, not that they'd have the heart to tell the ax fighter. Robin was mumbling something incoherently as Kamui strained a smile, "Are you okay, Robin?"

"I'll manage." He managed a response, "How are you doing?"

"It's been two years since I was last involved in a conflict like this. So, I'm managing." Kamui replied, "But, I'll be fine."

"Not to sound rude, but I can't tell if that's good or bad…" Robin mumbled quietly.

"Me neither." Kamui struggled a small chuckle.

"How about you?" Robin looked up to George across from them.

Unlike them, Lissa pretty much forced the archer into the wagon with them after noticing their exhausted state, though George seemed just fine. The archer was quiet for a bit before he looked to them. His stoic expression made Kamui slightly worried as he noticed ahead of time that he was actually rather quiet unless someone else talked to him. After a while, the archer finally spoke, "Fine, I suppose."

"Really?" Robin strained a smile, "I'm surprise that you were able to keep up with everyone. How long have you been training with the bow? Virion told me that you were amazing during training. If possible, can I come over and take a look during your training?"

The archer look to him with a frown, "Take a look?"

Robin nodded, "I'm curious, you see. Also, it's also part of my work to understand the Shepherds better."

The archer was quiet before he shrugged and turned away as he mumbled, "If that's what you want to do."

"Really?" Robin smiled, "Thanks-! Woah!"

Suddenly, the wagon came to a rumbling stop as Stahl shouted in shock, "W- Wah! C-Calm down!"

The sound of neighs rang in the air as Kamui was nearly flung out of his seat before he grasped onto the wagon's rail.

Anxious, Kamui quickly made his way to the front where Stahl sat in the drivers seat and asked, "What happened?"

"I don't know." Stahl grimaced, "But, he's reacting to something."

"Kamui." Robin called him.

Kamui nodded. The two rushed out of the wagon and ran over to where Chrom as Kamui said, "What happened?"

Frederick shook his head and said, "We're not too sure either, but it looks like something caught the attention of Frederick's horse."

Chrom nodded and said, "Let's go look around real quick. Better make sure it's not more Risens or Brigands."

Kamui nodded and followed the group around the corner of the woods. What he saw made his eyes go wide. Robin smiled and said, "Well, what do we have here?"

Lissa gasped and said joyfully, "Hey, is that what I think it is?"

Chrom nodded with a smile and slowly the four approached it as he said, "It's a pegasus, all right."

The pegasus was beautiful with a pure white coat and silver mane, armored with silver armor and blue cloth, and have a pair of large beautiful wings.

Lissa gasped, "It's beautiful!"

Chrom nodded and said, "Yes, it is."

As he looked at the mount, he noticed something was off with one of its wings and legs and said to the four with a raised brow, "I think it's hurt. Let's just have a look here..."

As he was about to approach the mount, Kamui noticed something flicker in its eyes. However, before he could warn him, it suddenly became crazed and kicked its forelegs in the air surprising the prince as he stepped back and tried to calm the pegasus from afar. Seeing this, Sumia ran up to the shouting, "Captain, one moment!"

She walked up to them only to fall spectacularly on the grassy plain face first. Chrom shouted worriedly, "Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of your again?"

Kamui ran up next to the woman and offered her a hand. The knight took it and got up before nervously stammering, "No! I mean, yes! I mean..."

She sighed in defeat once again. Chrom nodded seeing that she was alright and said, "Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!"

"It's more afraid than crazed, Chrom sir."

They looked back and saw the archer.

"George." Chrom stated in surprise as he saw the archer and the female lancer.

Sumia nodded in agreement and looked to Chrom, then said with surprising confidence in her usually nervous voice, "It's okay, Captian. I can handle this..."

She slowly walked up to the pegasus and said with a quiet voice, "Shhh... Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you."

It wasn't long before she had the pegasus calmed and was petting it with surprising calm around them, unlike before. Robin was surprised and said, "How did she calm it so quickly?"

Impressed, Lissa shouted, "That's incredible, Sumia!"

Kamui nodded in agreement and admiration as he watched the two. Clearly shocked, Chrom said with amazement in his voice, "I've never seen anything like it."

The knight blushed and said, "Oh, it's...it's nothing. Really. I just have a way with animals, I guess."

Chrom smiled and said, "I should say so!"

She blushed and said, "You all go on ahead. I'll dress her wounds and catch up as soon as we're able."

"We can make time to wait for you.", suggested Chrom.

Sumia shook her head and said, "Thank you, Captain. But I can manage. Every moment is precious when all of Ylisse is in danger."

Chrom nodded and said, "Right, then. Be safe, Sumia."

She nodded and said, "As you command, sir."

As they left the place to the lancer, George spoke up, "Pardon me, sir. But, is this really all right? To leave a soldier behind?"

"I believe in, Sumia." Chrom nodded, "Also, it's also the first time I got to see her display this much confidence."

"Perhaps, this will be her turning point." Frederick said as Chrom nodded again in agreement.

"Turning point?" George raised a brow.

Kamui too, was just as confused as Frederick continued, "For a long time, Sumia has been training with the pegasus sisters who guard the border gates of Ylisse. However, she have yet to find her own steed."

"Her own steed?" Robin raised a brow.

"A pegasus knight can't become a proper one without a Pegasus." Chrom nodded, "However, just because they have one, they can't just become one that easily. I've heard that only women with a pure heart are capable of getting a mount."

"Huh?" Robin looked more confuse then before as is Kamui.

Frederick sighed, "In other words, there are two requirements to becoming a Pegasus knight aside of training. They have to be women and have a pure heart. Pegasus aren't your average steeds. Instead of being picked, they pick their master. Not the other way around."

"I get it now." Robin said with wide eyes.

Chrom nodded, "However, they has been very few available Pegasus as of late and those that do arrive have not chosen her. Due to that, her instructor have been worried of her own morale and I decided to bring her into the Shepherds. Even if she doesn't get picked, she's still a talented soldier with potential. She just needs confidence."

"And that might be her chance is what you're saying." George concluded.

Robin nodded, "I see now."

"I'm still confused about one thing." Kamui spoke up, "Do the knights in the 'Pegasus Sister' must be female? From where I come from, my sister's retainer is also a Pegasus knight. However, he's a man."

"Seriously?!" Chrom sprung around with wide eyes, "A man as a Pegasus knight? I've never heard of anything like this before. Frederick?"

The retainer nodded, "Amongst the records from during the time of the Hero-King's time, there has been none records of a male Pegasus knight before. Are you certain of this, Kamui?"

Kamui nodded, "Yes. One of my elder sisters even trained with him as collegues when they were younger."

"Such a thing." Frederick muttered in stunned surprise.

Chrom chuckled, "Well, I suppose the possibility is there. Perhaps, there has been few candidates chosen, but we could give it a chance after the conflict is over."

"Conflict?" George raised a brow.

Frederick raised a brow, "Even not knowing of the situation…"

"It's fine, Frederick." Chrom smiled, "Not many knew of it either."

The prince turned to the archer, "There's a possibility that Ylisse and Plegia would be forced to go into war once more."

"What?" George raised a brow, "You wish to start a war?"

Chrom shook his head, "We don't, but their king might. Day by day, he continues to sneak brigands into our kingdom causing chaos."

"He's also made it clear of his dislike and distrust to Ylisse." Frederick added with a frown, "It's obvious that the possibility that he wish to start a war is there before us."

Robin nodded, "We had to fight them off just yesterday as well."

George nodded, "So, that's why we are going to Regna Ferox for aid."

"That's right." Chrom replied, "In comparison to Ylisse that had only been rebuilding our militia, Regna Ferox has many soldiers and are all just as powerful. They are a military kingdom and the only kingdom we can turn to for aid."

"A military Kingdom." Kamui muttered, "That sounds a lot like Nohr."

"Nohr?" George looked to him in confusion.

"Ah." Kamui strained a smile, "Well…"

"Br…. It's getting so cold…"

Kamui nearly jumped back a good feet when he turned around and saw Chrom's younger sister. The prince frowned, "Lissa! I thought you returned to the wagon."

"Well, yeah." The princess pouted, "But, you and Robin are always talking about stuff. I wanna hear about it too!"

As she sniffled from the cold, Frederick frowned and pulled out a blanket from his bag hanging on his saddle. Chrom sighed as the retainer handed it too her, "Go back to the wagon, Lissa. You're going to catch a cold. If that happens, we'll make you drink herbal medicine again."

"I can do just fine against the cold!" the princess pouted.

"Then, what were you saying a few seconds ago?" Robin pointed out with a frown, "Lissa, I really don't want you to get sick, so please go back to the wagon."

The healer hesitated before she sighed and nodded, "Fine… I'll se you guys later, then."

As she left, Chrom raised a brow with a grimace, "That… worked a little too well."

"I agree, milord." Frederick replied with a frown.

"Really?" Kamui raised a brow, "She seems rather obedient. Reminds me of my younger sister, in fact."

"Well, that maybe…" Chrom said with a sigh, "Anyway, as we get closer to the border, the weather will change."

Kamui looked to him in confusion, "Huh?"

YueTian: Hey, guys! This is the second Fire Emblem Fanfic I've written. I hope you all enjoy it. I've honestly had this idea for a while, but only after my brother made a deal with me that I started writing this. To be honest, I was rather hesitant. I can't give you too much information, but all my pairings are the same as Fe Awakening With Blossoms. I hope you all enjoyed the first Chapter of FE Crossroads of Time and I hope you continue reading the next few chapters! See ya!