A Boulder in the Path of Conquest Chapter 1

A bolt of light strikes the snowy earth, leaving a plume of snow and ice in its wake. Yet oddly enough, the ground itself lay pristine, lacking a crater one would expect from such an impact. Instead, floating slightly above the ground was a portal, blue divine and surrounded by a magic circle, inscribed with divine runes, incomprehensible to mortals. Slowly a brown-haired boy wearing glasses emerges from the portal. Looking around, he notices himself suspended in the air as he coming out, bracing himself for the inevitable fall, closes his eyes. He briefly falls, only to stop with a sudden jerk. Opening his eyes, he looks up towards the portal and sees a gloved hand sticking out of it, holding his ankle in a death grip.

Initially dumbfounded, his gaze eventually becomes curious as he stares at the phenomena.

Interesting, did one of my comrades grab on to me during the trip back so we wouldn't get separated? Surprisingly well thought out if a bit basic. Why didn't I consider using such methods?

Any further thoughts were interrupted when the hand suddenly released him and he fell ungraciously unto the frozen ground with a thump. Dusting himself off, he turned his attention back to the mysterious person slowly emerging out of the portal. His calm demeanor slowly turning into an ever so familiar fear.

Those robes… they are robes of the Grimleal! Did one of Grima's agents follow us even into the past? I must prepare myself, the few still living Grimleal back in our time were spared only due to their usefulness and power. I should exterminate this foe while they are emerging from the portal, but the interactions between mundane arcane powers and the divinity of Naga's portal are unknown. It could be catastrophic.

Opening his book, the pages flipped themselves rapidly until reaching desired spell, the book glowing with viridian power.

Elwind should be enough for this. The portal in time was designed for only the chosen of Naga. The journey for a Grimleal must have been arduous, leaving it exhausted and vulnerable.

Once the hooded figure fully emerged from the portal it fell to the ground, with the portal quietly fading away behind it. Seeing as the area was clear, the boy casts his spell. With a clear intent to kill, he let loose the magic, only for the figure to roll to the side and into a kneeling position, ready for another attack. Not wasting anytime, he cast Elwind yet again, but this time, only to his mutual amazement and horror, the figure calmly stood up and raised its hand, nullifying the spell on contact.

"Most impressive Laurent. Your friends would have merely watched in shock as an unknown figure clothed in the robes of the enemy came with them through time. While the others, instead of moving to pacify the possible enemy, would have wasted time saying things such as, 'Who are you?' or 'How did you follow me and what are your intentions?'"

Nodding in approval, the hooded figure took a few steps forward, and leaned in slightly as if to get a better look at him. The boy known as Laurent could only take a step backwards, tome still open. He watched the unknown figure cautiously. It spoke to him in familiarity. Many of the surviving Grimleal would know of him, but none would ever bother complimenting him after his attempts to slay them. Such a thing ran contradictory to all of his experiences. But simply acting in contrary to a familiar foe does not make them an ally. After a few moments of studying him, the figure finally relaxed and took a step back.

"Yep, definitely Laurent. Got Miriel's hat, similar glasses, skill in magic. Your father is most probably Kellam too, seeing how your hair is brown. Could also be Lon'qu, Stahl or Frederick, but you lack the sharpness of someone raised by Lon'qu, the laid-back aura of Stahl, or the quiet knightly pride of Frederick. But you definitely have Kellam's mindset of defending others. After all, your posture reflects one who constantly shields others from harm, not yourself."

Dumbfounded, Laurent finally let his guard down. His posture loosened and his book closed. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes briefly to calm himself down. Whoever this person was, they obviously were not here to engage in hostilities. Grimleal and their allies would have never bothered to learn the positive qualities of their fallen parents. Opening his eyes, he looked at the figure, for the first time studying their state. The robes were singed and torn in many places, evidence of several battles waged over the past few months.

This person must have also gone through hell. Most of the damage is from weaponry, but I can see the familiar claw marks of Risen scattered throughout the clothes as well. Did this person battle bandit gangs as well as Risen back in the future? Ylisse was falling when we left, it is conceivable that one of our surviving soldiers followed us in desperation. But that doesn't explain the fact that she is wearing Grimleal robes. I lack enough information to make such an assumption.

"Who are you? You are dressed as an enemy, but your actions do not match."

"Heh... Laurent, did your mother ever get around to explain the ideas of the multiverse theory to you before she went missing?"

Laurent's widened, surprise and a smidgeon of hope flittering across his face.

"No, she did not… But do you know what happened to my mother? Is she alright?"

"Unfortunately, no. At least the one you knew. The one of this timeline and several of the others are fine though."

"Timelines? Other mothers? What are you talking about?!"

"Perhaps this would help you understand"

The hooded figure uncrossed her arms and quietly removed her hood.

Long purple hair. Uncommon but not unheard of, and female. In fact, her face reminds me of… no it is an exact match of Lady Robin! How is this possible, didn't she fall with Lord Chrom all those years ago? But they never found the body... Was she captured by Grima and experimented on? Perhaps her hair changing colors could be a side effect of her captivity. But that doesn't explain her youth, or how she is here. But her voice, her mannerisms, they are all Lady Robin's…

"Lady Robin, is that you? What happened to you? Why is your hair purple instead of snow white like it was before? And why do you look so much younger?"

Robin could only give a wry smile.

"It's good to see you again Laurent. Come on, let's sit down, it will take a while to explain everything."


"So, in summary, there are an infinite number of worlds out there called Outrealms, and you are a version of Lady Robin who succeeded in slaying Grima after Lucina, I and the others went back in time?"

"Yep, although it ended with me being trapped between Outrealms. Thankfully, you passed by so I was able to latch on and escape."

"Fascinating… so there is hope after all."

Hope filled Laurent's eyes as he contemplated the ramifications of her tale.

"And now we have two of you, our chances of success have significantly increased."

"Yep, although this world's Robin needs to do the final blow if you want to kill Grima. I'm not the Grima of this world. Sure, I'm a 99.9999% match, but I am not him."

"I see, and if we make sure our Robin's bonds are stronger than even yours, she will come back to us after Grima dies."

Smiling, Laurent finally allowed himself to relax. The situation was still grim, but at least now the nagging worry in the back of his mind was alleviated. When he was sent back, he knew their chances of success were slim. A handful of children, while skilled, were sent alone into a past before the future was ruined with no guarantee of success. Part of him feared that this whole venture was pointless, that all they will achieve was watching their friends, family and homeland ruined by the inevitability of fate a second time.

But now, he has something he always craved.

Confirmation.

Confirmation that yes, success is possible and within grasp. It has been done before, and it can be done again. Fate can be overwritten.

Turning to Robin, he gazed at her in relief. The Robin he remembered was wise and kind. Even if she wasn't exactly the same, it was comforting to be at her side again.

"So Lady Robin, what should we do now? Shall we look for the others and organize a plan to slay Grima?"

"Yeah, about that Laurent… I don't believe any of the others have arrived yet. Back in my timeline you arrived two years before everyone else. You spent the entire time searching for them fruitlessly. Not to mention, when I grabbed onto you as you travelled back in time I could have altered the trajectory. We need to confirm where in time we have landed before we can plan to do anything."

Laurent's face furrowed in thought as he digested the information that without Robin's interference.

It would seem I owe Lady Robin even more than I expected. I don't think I would have handled being alone for so long very well.

"I see… That is a reasonable course of action to follow. A decision on what to do can be made after all relevant data has been acquired. Although, I am uncertain as to how to inquire about the date without looking suspicious."

"Simple, we tell the first village the truth."

"The truth? Lady Robin I do not believe our tale will sound plausible to anyone. It would sound like a farce, or the ravings of two lunatics."

"Not the whole truth silly. The truth that after leaving home and travelling a long distance, you got lost in this forest. Later, as you wandered around trying to get your bearings, you found me alone in this forest, covered in wounds and other signs of battle, and that I'm suffering from amnesia and cannot remember years of my life. With that background, I could easily ask what date it is without looking too suspicious."

"I see, giving the truth but omitting key facts to allow the recipient to create wrong assumptions and reach a false, if plausible conclusion. That is an acceptable course of action for completing our task."

"Yep, now only if we knew the way to the nearest settlement."

"I believe I have the solution to that predicament."

Standing up, Laurent casually walked a few paces and pointed at some indentations on the ground.

"These footprints here are likely from local hunters, and see how the land is depressed here? This is a hunting trail. All we have to do is follow this and we should find a hunting cabin, if not, a village."

"But how do you know which direction to go? We might end up going in the opposite direction."

"See how these footprints deviate from the path? This was most likely where the hunters saw game and went off the path to get a better vantage point. All we need to do is follow the direction in which they came from."

"Huh, I never knew you were good at tracking Laurent. You were always the bookish type in my experience."

"I am, but living in that hellish future forces one to learn survival skills. Learning tracking and how to read the land is important in avoiding the Risen or roving bandits."

"Makes sense. Back in my world you never needed to display such skills since you joined our army and had security in numbers and maps. Well, it looks like I'll be in your care then. Let's go!"


After a few hours of comfortable silence, the pair eventually reached a village, if one could call it that. It was more akin to a hamlet on the way to becoming a village. A few houses barely larger than huts were built roughly in a circle on a hill, with a wooden temple built for those faithful to Naga placed in the center. Around the hamlet, earthen walls were topped with a wooden fence.

Interesting… normally villages could barely make palisades, so how on earth were they able make such defenses? There is more to this place than meets the eye.

The two walked towards the main gate, the sun setting in the distance. Seeing such a fortification, they paused a few paces from it and waited… and waited…

Where is the sentry? It is already dusk, but no one is manning the gates? What is going on here?

Looking at each other, the two slowly made their way closer to the gate. Upon first glance, it looked fine from a distance. But now upon closer inspection, its decay became apparent. The wood was warped and ridden with termites from years of neglect, with moss and other fungi found upon the gate's frame.

After a moment, Robin decides to take a tiny risk and announce themselves to any sentries that may be hidden.

"Hello? Is anyone there? We would like permission to enter. Hello?"

They paused for a moment for a response. Only to hear the rustle of leaves as the wind blew them around the ground.

"How strange… Lady Robin do you think this village has been abandoned? Even if the Risen had not yet appeared, normally there would be a sentry to watch for bandits, correct?"

"Yeah, it is strange. As for whether or not this village is abandoned I have no idea. We'll need to investigate. Even if this place has been abandoned, there may be clues as to where and when we are. But let's stay on our guard… This is too eerie."

"Indeed, let us proceed with caution."

After a moment, Laurent walked forward to push open the gate. Robin, wary of a possible trap, observes every nook and cranny for any possible sign of an ambush. The gate opens inward with surprisingly little resistance despite the loud creaking noise it makes. Momentarily glancing at each other, they both nod and tentatively made their way forward.

Stealthily, they walked up the earthen ramp from the gate and began to make their way up the hill. As they walked, the two began observing for any movement in the shadows, wary of a possible ambush, whether it be bandit, wild animal, or even Risen should they have landed in the wrong year.

But nothing happened. All was calm as they approached the village proper, the sounds of evening life slowly filtering its way over the howl of the winter winds. The sounds of children playing in the snow, neighbors chatting with each other, and the familiar cackle of wood burning in a bonfire.

Seeing the familiar signs of life, the pair eased their guards and walked towards the sounds of life, eventually finding several families gathered around a bonfire near the temple, celebrating some sort of winter festival in Naga's name. Sighing in relief the two walked towards the villagers. Raising his hand, Laurent stepped forward.

"Ah, greetings. My apologies for interrupting, but may my companion and I stay here for the night? We became lost in our travels and lodging would be most appreciated."

The nearby adults who heard them jumped up in fright from the unexpected additions, their panic spreading throughout the group. Glancing at each other, they warily stared at the newcomers.

"Who are you and how did you sneak past the gate?"

The adult villagers slowly inched themselves between their children and the two strangers. Robin and Laurent could only look in confusion, with Laurent eventually speaking up.

"The gate was unmanned, my companion and I approached and even called out to see if there was a sentry. When there was no response, we simply walked in assuming that the village might have been abandoned."

The villagers' wariness lessoned upon his explanation but did not fade entirely. Eventually, they started speaking amongst themselves, without looking away from the pair.

"What?! Who was supposed to man the gates today?"

"Not sure, I think it was Samson."

"It was Samson remember? He was assigned sentry duty today as punishment for neglecting the cow pens and allowing the cows to wander off and get lost last week."

"Gods, we should have known better. If he couldn't manage to keep the stable and cow pens gates closed, how could we expect him to make sure a proper gate is closed?"

"Well we can't just believe these travelers out of hand though. Thomas, go and check the gate and see what happened."

"Got it."

A young teen with red hair runs away from the group and towards the gate where the two entered from. An awkward atmosphere filled the village, as they watched Laurent and Robin as potential threats, but at the same time, all but believing their explanation. After a tense hour, the teen known as Thomas returned, dragging along a wavy blue-haired youth, unwillingly, with a black eye.

"I found Samson sir, He was asleep in the guard's room above the gate. It was quite the setup, with multiple blankets, a bed and even beeswax for his ears."

The collective glares of animosity immediately shifted away from Laurent and Robin and towards a certain black-eyed teen. He flinched at first before puffing himself up as if he was indifferent to the looks, only for him to cringe as he heard the words from the eldest villager, a man with spiky black hair:

"Samson, we WILL have words tonight."

The boy attempted to speak, only to be interrupted by the elder.

"Do NOT attempt to weasel your way out of this boy. You put the lives of the entire village, as well as these travelers at risk. WE WILL DISCUSS YOUR SHORTCOMINGS TONIGHT. Is that understood?"

The boy could only nod his head in defiance. Yet his eyes betrayed fear. Slowly, he walked away with a scowl, trying his best not to heed the glares upon his back. As the boy slinked away, the elder turned his attention back to Laurent and Robin, bowing deeply.

"My apologies for the rude welcoming you received here tonight travelers. It is rare for honest folk to travel during this time of year, so we must be on guard for bandits, desperate for plunder and shelter. My name is Anton, and I am the founder of this village."

"Apology accepted, Anton. I am Laurent and my companion here is Robin. We were hoping with your permission to shelter her for a short time. Our travels have been arduous and we have found ourselves overstretched in our carelessness."

"I see, let's discuss this indoors."

Elder Anton motions for the others to continue the festivities.

"Don't worry you lot, I'll take care of our new guests. The night is still young and we have a few hours left before it is time to sleep. Who knows, this winter solstice festival may also become a welcoming party."

Smiling in good nature, Anton led the two into the largest house in the village.

"Welcome, this is my home, but it also serves as the community hall. So, what brings you to these parts? I believe you have quite the tale to weave."


"I see, the two of you have endured your share of burdens. To lose memories of your life and to become lost in a journey of discovery… Such misfortune…"

Anton looked at the pair in sympathy.

"I do believe Alfred, another village elder such as myself, will have adequate space and food to shelter you for the winter. But do note that you'll have to pull your weight around here as well. We may not be starving, but neither are we prosperous. Mostly cutting wood for firewood and the like. I hope you find that acceptable?"

Laurent nodded in approval.

"That is quite appropriate for what we are asking, our thanks."

"No worries young ones, it's the least we can do for ones as honest as you."

Anton eyes narrowed and his entire demeanor exuded an air of seriousness.

"I have lived for over 70 years, I can tell when people are lying. You both have been honest, if omitting some information. But that is alright. Everyone has their secrets they wish not to air out to the world. But do remember this: if in the future it becomes apparent that your secrets will be a threat to this village or those that inhabit it, I fully expect you to inform me or another elder of it before it escalates to something disastrous, is that clear?"

Surprised at the older man's sudden change in demeanor and aura, the two dumbly nodded in agreement. Judging their honesty, the old man slowly reverted back to his previous friendly demeanor.

"With that out of the way, welcome travelers, to the Village of Grimden! I believe the others would want to meet their new neighbors, even if it is only for a short time. Let's rejoin the others in the festival!"

Getting up and motioning for them to follow, Elder Anton escorted them back to the festival. Seeing his return, the villagers paused in their revelries and looked on with a questioning gaze. Smiling, Anton nodded and raised a thumbs up. The crowd cheered and gradually made their way towards Laurent and Robin.

What followed was a deluge of questions of their story and apologies for such an awkward initial greeting. Despite the initial feelings of unease, both Laurent and Robin eventually found themselves drawn into the cheer and hospitality of their hosts, eventually joining in the games and discussions as well. It was as if they were not strangers but merely relatives that came to visit after a long time apart.

The villagers looked upon Laurent with admiration. A young man who went on a journey seeking knowledge to better himself. Surely, he must be the child of a noble. His grasp of language was greater than even the adults of the village, and his etiquette was superb, yet it lacked the haughty arrogance that was expected of a learned man. He was better educated that most of the elders of the village, yet knew basic outdoorsmanship and survival skills, unlike the privileged elite they came to expect of a mage. It also helped that he indulged some of the younger children with displays of his wind magic, with apparently good cheer from the soft smile he wore as he watched the children gush with excitement from the display.

Robin on the other hand, was gazed with sympathy and pity. To endure such hardships only to lose so much of herself. It was clear she still remembered at least the core aspects of her being, but to lose so many years, to even forget what year she was born! Whenever she talked to others, she seemed normal but whenever there was a lull and had a moment to herself, Robin wore a pensive and somber expression. The villagers were initially concerned, wondering if perhaps they were making their guest uncomfortable. That was until the women of the village noted where her longing gaze was directed at: the children.

'Even if the mind forgets, the heart remembers… She must have lost a child…'

Such a thought spread among the villagers, as well as their pity. Quietly, the women swore to help their new, if temporary comrade. No mother should be alone after losing their family, whether or not they can remember it.


Hours later, shortly after the festival ended, Robin and Laurent found themselves in front of their temporary lodging: Alfred's house. Briefly looking around to make sure everyone else was out of earshot she whispered to Laurent.

"Well, I have good news and bad news…"

Laurent could only raise his eyebrows in response.

"And that would be?"

"I found out when and where we are. We are in a village southwest of Rosanne, Winter Solstice on the eve of a New Year… five years before Lucina came to the past."

Laurent could only close his eyes for a moment before sighing.

"So, we are truly alone now, aren't we?"

"Indeed, but that the only bad news I have."

"So, what is the good news?"

"We have 5 years to prepare for the others arrival. Five years to stack the deck in our favor before Grima can even learn of our presence, much less react. Five years to train, make connections and nip potential problems at the bud. Besides…"

Robin's demeanor slowly shifted from serious to more mischievous.

"Of the children, you are the youngest correct? Well when they finally catch up to us, you can prove you are most mature of them."

Laurent could only raise an eyebrow in indifference to Robin's feline grin. At least it was the image he wanted to project, if not for the twitching in his cheeks.

"How petty and juvenile. Such a thing never needed to be proven. My exquisite use of vocabulary is already enough proof of my supreme maturity in comparison to my peers."

"Riiiiight…"

Smirking, Robin crosses her arms and turns away.

"So, I guess you don't want to train under a war veteran to prove you are the best then?"

"I would… not be opposed to such an opportunity to learn."

"But you said your vocabulary alone was enough to prove your superiority. Oh, woe is I, lacking someone who is not already greater than I to teach!"

Robin attempted to continue with her theatrics but soon burst out in a fit of giggles, unable to keep the act going. Laurent too, broke into long forgotten laughs once Robin lost her composure.

She really is Robin. We haven't done that in years. Well, first time for us I suppose. Still, how nostalgic. Back in the old timeline Lady Robin did this for me when I was lonely waiting for mother to finish an experiment. That, or whenever I was feeling sad. Still, it is uncanny how she preempted my worries about being alone with such a display. We aren't alone, we have each other. And when Lucina and the others arrive, we'll be a family once again.

Smiling, Laurent turns towards his mentor.

"Thank you, Lady Robin, I needed that before I worked myself into a negative rut."

"No worries Laurent. We are comrades in this, remember? Also…"

Robin leans in, smiling mischievously once more.

"The shock of seeing how much further you have progressed compared to them would be an enjoyable benefit to all the work we will be doing, right?"

Allowing himself to be swept up by the mood, Laurent looks towards Robin with his own small smirk.

"It would indeed Lady Robin."

Satisfied with his answer, Robin walked forward and knocked Alfred's door. Little did she know such an unscripted, inconsequential meeting would have such an impact on her life.


Author's notes:

Hey everyone, did you like the first chapter of my first fanfic? Heh, that was a mouthful wasn't it? Regardless, I had fun writing the interactions between Laurent and Robin here.

And no, before some of you ask/bemoan I am not shipping these two. They are going to have more of a master/pupil relationship to a BFF (Best Friends Forever) relationship. Robin is going to stay loyal to Chrom.

As for why Laurent seemed a little immature at the end, remember this isn't the Laurent you recruit in the game. That Laurent was the youngest child and went through wandering 2 additional years in the past alone when compared to Lucina. This Laurent has someone, an actual adult to support him through those years, so expect him to have a few more moments like this.

Oh, and if anyone can point me in the direction of a map that shows where Rosanne is in Fire Emblem that would be much appreciated. I can't find a map, canon or fanon to work with. I'll just start making stuff up if I can't find anything within the next few chapters.