It was midday as the Shepards approached Breakneck Pass, escorting the Exalt to the eastern palace for protection. Even before Plegia invaded Ylisse, a band of assassins tried to claim Emmeryn's life. Luckily, Marth was able to warn the Shepards just in time and they were able to fend off the intruders. The leader, a powerful sorcerer, was the last to fall. At first, Robin and Chrom fought him to a standstill, and only with Vaike and Kellam joining the fight was Chrom able to land a fatal blow on the assassin with Falchion. The tactician was glad that the Shepards were able to fend off the assassins with no losses on their side, but feared of another ambush.
As Robin took the lead of the Shepards along with Chrom, Lissa, Frederick and an old man traveling with them, he noted that this pass was the perfect place for an ambush. To the north were mountains and to the south a chasm. Since going back to the capital was not an option, the Shepards could only advance forward. Thinking on how a possible ambush would work, Robin decided that the enemy could easily box them in. As far as he knew, the Plegians were still preparing their armies for war and knew nothing about this escort, Yet, as the tactician for the Shepards, he had to be prepared for battle.
"Ugh, my poor feet," Lissa complained as the Shepards stopped their march for a brief rest. "I've got blisters the size of eggs!"
"Oh, it's not so bad, Lissa. Just a healthy little stroll," Chrom commented as he turned his head to Robin. "How are you holding up, Robin?"
"My legs feel like pudding," Robin panted, taking a deep breath in. "Your endurance astounds me, Chrom."
"Hah! Should I carry you?" Chrom asked jokingly.
"You can carry me!" Lissa exclaimed. "No, seriously. I would really be okay with you carrying me."
"Hmm…" the old man with them muttered under his breath, looking towards the mountains.
"Is something troubling you, Hierarch?" Frederick asked. "You keep glancing up at the peaks."
"Hmm?" the Hierarch looked back to the group, smiling. "Oh, I'm just a b-bit nervous, I'm afraid. Gh-ghastly times, these!"
"Chrom, who is that?" Robin asked curiously as the Hierarch continued to stare up at the peaks.
"The Hierarch? He's been a friend of House Ylisse for many years. He guided Emmeryn during the early years of her rule," Chrom explained. "Why do you ask?"
"I can't quite put my finger on it, but something feels…" Robin started.
""Grah ha ha!" laughed a man with a Plegian accent from the northern mountains, riding a wyvern. "Time to die, Princey!"
"Plegian soldiers? Damn!" Chrom cursed as he drew Falchion. "How did they know we were here?" Everyone! Prepare for battle!"
Robin turned to the remaining Shepards, thinking of the battle ahead. After the assassins attacked, they were short a few members. Virion, Vaike, Miriel and Ricken all suffered heavy injuries during the fight then. It was a shame too since Virion and Ricken would be perfect to fend off the wyvern riders. Still, Robin needed to decide who would help fend off the Plegians. Anyone who was not in this battle would stay back and protect the Exalt. Already, a plan was formulating in his mind, and he knew who he would be taking.
"Frederick, clear the way to the commander with Sully and Stahl," Robin began ordering. "Chrom, ride with Sumia and engage the wyverns to the north. Lissa, you and Maribelle will follow the knights and provide healing. Donnel and Kellam will cover our flank in case of an ambush. I'll be covering the chasm along with Gaius. Everyone else will stay behind with Phila and protect the Exalt."
"Good plan, Robin," Chrom complimented. "These Plegians won't stand a chance against us."
The Shepards were quick to take action. Lissa ran off to join her friend as Chrom quickly pulled himself behind Sumia on her pegasus. Frederick rode to the front of the group, Sully and Stahl quickly riding to his side. The remaining Shepards pulled back, joining the Exalt and her guard. Donnel climbed on a nearby boulder, keeping an eye out for any ambushers. Although he was not seen, Kellam was somewhere nearby to protect the farm boy. Gaius casually walked up to the tactician, nodding to him.
"Well, this sure is a surprise," Gaius stated, stretching. "I thought you said you wouldn't trust a criminal like me."
"Well, I still don't trust you," Robin stated bluntly. "I just know that it is better to have you on the battlefield, where I can keep an eye on you, rather than having you be on guard duty with the others."
"Is this about me being part of the group trying to kill Emmeryn?" Gaius asked.
"It is," Robin answered.
"Well Bubbles, I'm more of a thief than an assassin," Gaius replied. "Still, I guess I'ma have to prove myself on the battlefield. So, we should get moving."
"Bubbles?" Robin asked to himself as Gaius walked off.
Turning towards the Plegian army, Robin saw the Hierarch on his knees before an enemy soldier. The tactician glared towards the man, now realizing what was happening. The trusted friend of the Exalt's family has now sold them out to Gangrel. Yet, before anyone could act, the Plegian soldier cut down the Hierarch with a swing of his axe, ending the traitor's life. Although he paid the price for betrayal, Robin was disgusted with the soldier's actions. It showed that Plegia does not care for their allies. He pulled out his thunder tome as Gaius drew his sword.
At once, Sumia's pegasus flew towards the mountains, being careful to avoid the wyverns for now so that they could come to her. Frederick, enraged by the Hierarch's death despite his betrayal, quickly rode to face the soldier who executed the traitor. With a jab of his spear, he pierced the soldier's shoulder, injuring him greatly. The barbarian tried to swing his axe towards the knight, but Frederick was able to ride away just in time. Despite being wounded, the soldier was able to fend off Sully, striking her horse successfully. Stahl rode out to strike an exposed archer and cover his fellow knights during the battle. As Lissa and Maribelle both rushed off towards Sully, Robin and Gaius took their positions by the chasm, waiting for the wyverns to come to them.
From below the ridge of the chasm, one of the wyvern riders flew up to the pair. Without hesitating, the rider swung his axe, hitting Gaius across the chest. The thief was badly injured, holding his wound with his free hand as he glared at the Plegian. He charged forward, and struck towards the beast twice. The wyvern roared in pain as it tried flying away. Robin gave it no chance to flee as he muttered a spell from his spellbook, blasting it with thunder. With the wyvern paralyzed, Gaius ran forward again, swinging his sword down on the creature's head to end its life. The Plegian soldier screamed as his beast plummeted toward the river below.
"That's one rider down," Robin said.
"Yeah, I'm not sure if I can take down another," Gaius told the tactician, grimacing as he clutched his wound. "I need a healer!"
"Hang on!" Lissa shouted as she ran towards them.
As the princess tended to Gaius' wounds, Robin took a quick moment to observe the battle. It was not going as planned with Sully knocked off her horse, out cold. As her horse rode off, Maribelle pulled the cavalier onto her horse and rode away from the battle. With the Plegians advancing on them, the Shepards could not risk two of their members. Donnel, having the high ground over his opponent, stabbed his lance into a barbarian's throat, ending his life. An archer took aimed at the farm boy, only to be impaled by Kellam, who seemingly appeared out of thin air. Frederick fought with a wyvern briefly before Sumia flew towards the two, knocking the rider off with a swing of her lance as Chrom finished off the wyvern with a stab of his blade. The great knight briefly thanked the two before riding off to join Stahl, who was fighting three Plegians at once.
"This battle isn't going well," Robin muttered under his breath as Stahl fell off his horse from a thief's attack.
"Well, Bubbles, I think things are going to be better soon," Gaius told the tactician, healed and looking back. "There's another pegasus rider coming to lend us a hand."
"Really?" Robin asked, shocked as he looked back. "I wasn't expecting any reinforcements."
As Robin stared off to the distance, he could briefly make out a pegasus knight flying in to the battle. He heard her shouting, but she was too far away for him to make out words. Although there was only one rider, Robin sighed in relief. If she was as good as Sumia, then this new knight could cover the chasm while he and Gaius aided Frederick in his charge. His hope for a victory grew with each second she flew closer to the battle.
"Robin!" Lissa called out. "Behind you!"
Robin turned around quickly, seeing a Plegian barbarian charging towards him. Stahl remained behind the enemy warrior, dismounted from his horse as he clutches a wound to his lower chest. Quickly, Robin began muttering a spell as his foe charged, swinging his axe towards the tactician's side. He was lucky enough to finish the spell as the warrior struck, both attacks hitting. They both fell down as Robin clutched his wound, hoping his foe was dead. Unfortunately, the Plegian stood up, grinning as he approached his opponent. Lissa approached her friend, preparing a healing spell as Gaius stepped up, taking a defensive stance to fend off the Plegian.
As the barbarian charged, a javelin drove into his chest. The Plegian fell onto the ground, coughing up blood as he drew his final breath. As Lissa finished healing him, Robin stood up to turn to the new pegasus knight as she landed next to the fallen soldier. She was armored in steel with a design similar to Sumia's armor as her long, red hair fell across her back. She pulled the javelin from the barbarian's chest, turning to face the group.
"Well, that was a close one," Gaius commented. "Thanks for the help."
"You'll have bigger problems to worry about later," the rider told him. "There are enemy reinforcements coming from the rear."
"Damn," Robin cursed under his breath. "Lissa, get to Stahl and make sure he survives. Gaius, get to Donnel and Kellam. It'll be up to the three of you to fend off the enemy reinforcements."
"Don't worry about it, Bubbles," Gaius said as he ran off. "They'll never see us coming."
"Good luck with whatever you're planning," Lissa told him as she hurried off to Stahl.
"What about us?" the rider asked.
"There are still wyvern riders flying in the chasm, and we have one knight charging to the commander. It'll be up to us to make sure he makes it there," Robin told her as he approached the pegasus. "Before we rejoin the battle, I am Robin, the Shepard's tactician."
"I am Cordelia," the rider introduced herself as Robin pulled himself on top of her pegasus.
"A pleasure to meet you, Cordelia" Robin told her. "Now, we need to get back into the battle."
Cordelia nodded, sending her pegasus flying to the chasm. It was the first time Robin rode a pegasus and did not expect it to be so bumpy. He instinctively grabbed onto Cordelia's side with both of his hands, blushing lightly in embarrassment. As he got use to flying, he pulled one hand away from her to pull out his tome. As he opened the spellbook, he took a quick glance at the battlefield. Sumia and Chrom took down another wyvern rider as Frederick continued his charge alone. Robin was not sure what to think as more Plegians charged the great knight. Frederick was a strong warrior, but even he had his limits.
Turning his head to the front, Robin quickly picked out two wyvern riders flying together and heading straight for Cordelia. She quickly held her lance out to pierce one of the riders through the chest. Quickly, Robin prepared a spell in his tome, firing it off towards the other rider. The Plegian was shot off his wyvern, and while his partner was distracted by the magic, he was swatted off his wyvern by a swing of Cordelia's lance. The wyverns flew past the two, now flying away with no rider to lead them into battle.
As Cordelia prepared to face the final wyvern rider in the chasm, Robin turned to face their rear. Kellam, Donnel, and Gaius were now engaged in battle with three wyvern riders. The knight and the thief were holding their ground, although the farm boy was struggling against his opponent. Lissa, having finished healing Stahl, was rushing back towards the trio to aid them. Things were starting to turn back in their favor. The remaining two wyvern riders, seeing the pegasus knight fly towards them, seemingly backed off as the commander flew down from the mountain. Robin realized what they were about to attempt and was ready to counter it as the remaining riders flew to their commander.
"Fly back to the pass, Cordelia!" Robin ordered. "The Plegians are trying to form around their leader for one final charge!"
Cordelia nodded, flying towards the pass. Sumia flew back to the pass as well, she and Chrom aiding Frederick to fend off two wyvern riders. Working together, the three were able to dispatch the two Plegians, exposing the leader to attack. Meanwhile, Robin took aim at the final barbarian and blasted him with a thunder spell. The Plegian was injured from the fighting and was dispatched of easily. Now, the Shepards outnumbered their attackers. Victory was assured.
"I'll splatter you across the canyon floor!" the commander shouted, taking to the skies.
"He's heading straight for us," Cordelia said, readying her lance for battle.
The commander flew up in the air above Chrom and the others, descending towards the pegasus knight and the tactician. Cordelia raised her lance as Robin prepared a spell from his tome. The lance pierced the wyvern's scales as the thunder blast shocked the beast, ending its life. Yet, the rider remained, swinging his axe towards the pegasus knight. It hit across her chest, breaking through her armor. She dropped her lance as her pegasus began descending to the ground. They landed next to the chasm's ridge as the rider jumped in front of them, holding up a bloody axe. Behind him, Chrom and the others fought against other Plegians, trying to help the tactician.
"Don't worry about me," Cordelia told Robin as she clutched her wound. "I can still fly."
"That's good to hear," Robin replied as he slid off her pegasus. "Get out of here then. Get to Lissa so she can heal you. I'll be able to hold my own against him."
"Are you sure?" Cordelia asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"I am," Robin answered confidently. "Now go. I'll be fine."
Cordelia nodded, flying away to the west. Robin quickly read from his tome, powering up a new spell. The longer he chanted, the more powerful his spell would be. Despite thing, the commander took his time walking to his foe. He dragged his axe across the ground as he grinned towards the tactician. The spell was ready to be unleashed, but Robin held it back. He knew that his opponent had one final trick up his sleeve or else he would not take his time.
A screech to the side caught Robin's attention as he turned towards the chasm. A wyvern rider was now flying towards him, axe raised for an attack. Robin cursed himself for focusing on one opponent, quickly unleashing his charged up spell on the charging Plegian. The thunder blasted the wyvern, ending its life as it fell into the chasm below, the rider along with it. The tactician was drained, but knew he had one final Plegian to fight. As he turned to face the commander, he quickly took a step back to avoid the axe being swung down at him. He was able to escape unscathed, but looked in surprise as his tome fell apart, the pages blowing away with the wind.
"Well, you're alone and disarmed now," the commander taunted. "I'll enjoy tossing your head into the chasm."
"Sounds like you're just talking to stall," Robin shot back as he pulled out his own sword. "Not that it matters. I can still fight and kill you."
"You're out of your league," the Plegian sneered.
While he hated to admit it, but the enemy commander was correct. Robin was skilled with magic, but he was not as good with a sword. Even though he had a weapon advantage over his foe, it would not be enough. The commander was more skilled and the tactician was drained from casting such a powerful spell. Still, he did not need to beat his opponent. He only needed to stall.
The two charged forward, swinging their weapons towards each other. Robin swung too early, and only dealt a glancing blow on his opponent's armor. Meanwhile, the Plegian commander struck towards the tactician's shoulder, biting deeply into his robe and skin. Robin screamed in pain, dropping his sword as the commander's grin grew bigger. The battle was over now.
"You put up a pathetic attempt to fight me," the commander said, pulling his axe as he forces his opponent onto the ground near the edge. "Now, are you ready to die?"
Robin looked up at his opponent, and grinned. The Plegian fell for the exact same trick he pulled on his opponent. With the remaining Plegians dealt with, Chrom charged towards the commander, preparing to cut him down with Falchion. The commander turned his face and tried swinging his axe to block the legendary weapon. The sword knocked the weapon out of the commander's hand before slashing across his chest. The Plegian fell onto the ground, spitting out blood as he turned to look up at his killer.
"You doves think... killing me will change anything?" the commander asked, coughing more blood onto the ground. "Even now, my brothers storm across your precious border. Go on, dear exalted coward! Run! Flee while they slaughter your subjects! Save yourself… let their faith in you… bleed away… with the rest…"
The commander's head fell back against the ground, his life ended. Chrom frowned at the man's warning as he stepped towards his friend, extending a hand out to help him up. Robin grimaced in pain as he gripped Chrom's hand, being lifted from the ground. Afterwards, he quickly placed a hand over his wound, trying to slow down the bleeding. He cursed himself, knowing that even with a healer's help, he will be staying the night in the infirmary. Frederick rode up to the group as Sumia returned to join the Shepards.
Before Chrom could speak, two pegasus knights landed next to them. Emmeryn rode behind Phila and her younger sister rode with Cordelia. Robin sighed in relief seeing that she was able to be healed by Lissa. The princess, seeing the tactician wounded, quickly rushed to him as she pulled out her healing staff. With it, she was able to close Robin's wound, although it still pained him greatly. Now was not the time to show his pain though. The Exalt and the remaining pegasus knights dismounted from their steeds, turning to the group.
"They're gone." Chrom said finally.
"Your Grace! My prince!" Cordelia called out. "Run! As far and fast as you can! More Plegians are coming, not a half day's march behind you!"
"Cordelia, what are you doing here?" Phila asked. "Tell me the border remains secure!"
"That I would, milady! But it would be false…" Cordelia told them, frowning as she continued her story. "Gangrel himself led his might against us! The end was upon us when my knight-sisters begged me fly and warn the Exalt. I should have stayed." She wiped away a tear as her voice started to rise. "I should have stayed! Ah, gods, I can still hear the screams…"
"Peace, Cordelia," Phila said calmly. "You did your duty. The sisters rightly prized your youth. You've many years yet to keep their legacy alive."
"But I abandoned them!" Cordelia said, holding back more tears. "I'm weak. Their legacy deserves better."
"Sometimes fleeing takes the most courage," Phila advised. "They knew that. Now pull yourself together. Let the faith they showed in you give you strength."
"Captain Phila, how can I go on like this?" Cordelia asked, trying to pull herself together as she sobbed. "They were my… my family. Gods… Oh, gods…"
"Damn those monsters!" Chrom cursed, folding his hand into a fist.
"I must return to the capital." Emmeryn stated calmly despite the emotional scene.
"Your Grace, I cannot advise-" Phila started.
"I should have never left," Emmeryn told everyone. "If it's discovered I'm away when this news comes to light, the people could panic. Riot. More Ylisseans could needlessly die."
Robin was shocked to hear the Exalt's announcement. He was still wrapping his head over the Plegians taking the border. Despite the danger, Emmeryn still wanted to return to keep her people safe. He was surprised to see a leader care so much for her people. He was even more surprised when she pulled out the Fire Emblem, offering it to Chrom.
"Here, Chrom. I entrust this to you," Emmeryn told her brother, giving the Fire Emblem to him. "Take it to Ferox. To safety."
"And leave you? No, Emm." Chrom denied, trying to give it back.
"No part of House Ylisse matters more than the Emblem. It possesses tremendous power." Emmeryn reminded Chrom, shaking her head. "But too much blood has been shed over it already. I hope it finds a better guardian in you than it did in me."
"Emm, come on. You can't..." Chrom started, his voice cracking. "Don't talk like that! You sound like you're ready to give up…"
"I am not giving up, Chrom," Emmeryn told him. "I am only giving what I can."
"Emm, please! This is madness!" Chrom exclaimed.
"Sis, wait! Let me go with you!" Lissa joined in with her brother.
"Stay with Chrom, Lissa," Emmeryn ordered calmly. "I command it."
"This isn't fair!" Lissa said, starting to tear up. "It's not fair! I know our people need you, but we need you, too!"
"Dry your tears, love," Emmeryn smiled, wiping a tear off of Lissa. "This is not good-bye."
"Your Grace, the pegasus knights will accompany you to Ylisstol," Phila informed the group.
"Very well, Phila. Thank you," Emmeryn said.
"I will keep the prince and princess safe, Your Grace," Frederick told her, not showing any emotion. "You have my word."
"I know that you will, Frederick," Emmeryn told him. "Thank you."
"It is my honor," Frederick said dutifully.
"Cordelia. You will stay here with Chrom," Phila ordered.
"But, Captain-" Cordelia tried to argue.
"I know your heart is heavy, but this is how it must be," Phila interrupted. "Your knight-sisters will be with you in spirit, wherever you go."
"May they give me strength," Cordelia muttered under her breath. "As you command, Captain. I will pray for your safety."
"Come, Phila. We must go." Emmeryn said as she walked towards a pegasus.
"No!" Chrom shouted. "You don't have to go! This is absurd!"
"Chrom, you don't-" Emmeryn started.
"Walking to your own death will not bring peace to anyone!" Chrom interrupted. "Ylisse needs you. WE need you! Be selfish for once in your life!"
"I love you, Chrom," Emmeryn said after a short pause, smiling. "Both you and Lissa are my everything. As for the peace I seek, you cannot see who it is for. I have to go. I'm sorry. I truly am. Let us embrace again in Ylisstol when you arrive with Feroxi reinforcements. I know you will come."
"This is a terrible plan," Chrom muttered, looking away from his sister.
"The blood of the first exalt flows strong in us," Emmeryn reminded him. "You and I will keep Ylisse safe. I believe it with all my heart. Safe journey, Chrom. Safe journey, Lissa."
Chrom looked towards his sister, frowning as she walked away. Phila, already mounted on her pegasus, pulled the Exalt on behind her. Together, the two flew back west to Ylisstol, leaving behind the Shepards. Robin sighed, hating to see her go back. Yet, he knew that there was nothing they could do to stop her. He needed to organize a march back to Ferox and get reinforcements. Only then would they be able to help Emmeryn and Ylisse.
"Everyone," Robin broke the silence. "We need to start setting up camp. It's getting late, and we have a long journey ahead of us back to Ferox."
"Hold up," Lissa interrupted. "How is your arm?"
"Oh, this arm?" Robin asked, shaking his bad arm. "Well, there's a bit of pain, but honestly, I'm fine."
"Oh no you're not!" Lissa told him, crossing her arms. "I didn't forget your other injury too. You're heading straight for the infirmary with Cordelia."
"But I'm fine too!" Cordelia protested.
"Better safe than sorry," Lissa shrugged. "Now come along you two. The sooner Maribelle and I check up on you, the sooner you can get back to setting up."
"You better go with her," Chrom advised jokingly. "Frederick and I can handle setting up camp while you two are away."
"Indeed," Frederick agreed seriously.
Robin let out a sigh. As tactician, it was his duty to organize the Shepards both out of and in battle. Still, even he had to admit that he was exhausted after this battle. Perhaps a small break would be good for him. As Robin thought to himself, he did not notice Cordelia walking off, sighing as well. Lissa, growing impatient, grabbed onto the sleeve of his good arm, and started to pull him away. Surprised, he nearly tripped, but regained his footing as he followed her away to the infirmary tent.
Author Notes: Hey everyone. Archer here, and I'm proud to say that this is my first fanfiction for Fire Emblem. If you're not a big fan of hearing the writer talk, then feel free to skip the next few paragraphs.
First off, as I plan on doing whenever I write my first story for any game, I tell a quick story about how I first started playing the game. I started playing last summer. My Wifi was still down, and would continue to be down for the next few days because of a heat wave. Most of my video games were on my computer, so a lot of options for entertainment for me were no longer available. So, during the middle of this event, I decided to make a quick stop at a Gamestop. I saw Awakening there, and remembered a good friend of mine saying it was a really great game. So, I bought it, played it, and it easily became my 2nd favorite 3DS game.
So, to celebrate the one year anniversary of me first playing a Fire Emblem game, I decided to write a fanfic about Robin and Cordelia, the pairing of my latest playthrough of Awakening. Now, I'm just going to say this now, I have no experience when it comes to writing this kind of story. Still, I hope to learn a new skill by taking this chance.
Just a few things to note before I finish. The two weaknesses I can pick out from this story is going way into detail with a battle scene and following the game. The first weakness is just me loving to write battles and get carried away (It was about 1 in the morning when I realized that I wasn't even half way done with the combat scene.) As for following the game, I wrote this whole story out while playing through the chapter. Which basically means that all combat that happened actually happened in the game. Which means that both Stahl and Sully were defeated in the game as seen in this chapter. I may change one or both of these in the future, but I just thought I would tell you all first.
Finally, I highly suggest that if you enjoyed the story to keep on reading it and post a review to help me out on what I should fix and what I'm doing right. Soon, I'm going to make a schedule on when I'll update this story but since I am technically on vacation, I'll be thinking about that when I get home.
Until next time.