"So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse... I've never seen so many people!" Robin spoke with wonder as she looked around.
"It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods," Frederick said with relief. "I see no evidence of the great quake. It must've been limited to the forest."
"Well, that's a relief!" Lissa agreed with a cheerful smile.
"Look! The exalt has come to see us!" an old villager suddenly cried out. There is the distance was a figure clearly of royalty waving to the villagers kindly. She was followed by a small group of female guards and some of them were riding horses with wings. Rachel asked about them, and Lissa answered they were called pegasus, or pegasi in plural. She had seen a horse Pokemon before, but never one with wings. It was no wonder the villagers did not have such a huge reaction when they saw her Pokemon, only mild curiosity and slight wonder. The pegasi certainly were a bigger sight to behold and more impressive-looking.
"The exalt is your ruler, yes?" Robin asked.
"Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn," Frederick replied.
"Is it safe for her to walk among commoners like this?"
"The exalt is a symbol of peace, Ylisse's most prized quality. Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then."
"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her," Chrom followed up with Frederick's explanation. "She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war."
"Then the Ylissean people are indeed lucky to have her," Robin smiled at that.
"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Lissa chirped, missing the look of shock and fear that appeared on Rachel's face.
"Yes, I imagine she-" Robin was not listening clearly for a moment before her brain caught up to Lissa's claim. "Wait, what? She's your... But wouldn't that make you and Chrom..."
"The prince and princess of the realm, yes. You remember Chrom's name and not this?" Frederick had a small smile of amusement on his face, but it was clear he still had doubts about Robin's claim of amnesia.
"You said you were 'shepherds'!" she exclaimed.
"And so we are... in a manner of speaking. We just have a lot of sheep," Chrom said.
"C-Chrom... I mean Prince Chrom!" Robin starting stumbling over her words as she awkwardly did some sort of formal bow to Chrom and Lissa. "Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!"
"Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities," he chuckled.
"The prince and princess... That explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, eh?"
"Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm..." Frederick let out a long-suffering sigh.
"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" Chrom offered an invitation. Robin nodded her agreement but Rachel wanted the exact opposite.
"N-No...!" Rachel cried out, her fear palpable to the entire group.
"Rachel, you're all pale! Are you alright?" Lissa went to her side worriedly. "You don't have to be scared of Emmeryn. I promise she won't harm you in any way."
"It... It's not that... I-I... We attacked the prince...! We could have..." she started crying, looking at Chrom and Frederick with a fresh look of fear.
"Killed me?" Chrom mentioned neutrally.
Rachel's breath hitched in her throat and she took a large step back. She might not have done it directly or even at her command, but she knew she was responsible for the deaths of most of the brigands at Southtown. Her Pokemon had killed for her sake. Even if it was purely in self-defense, she still felt she had a hand in causing all that death. Chrom, a prince of all people, was almost included in the death toll. Accidental as it was, she believed the royal family of Ylisse would not accept it and deliver appropriate punishment for her crime of assaulting royalty which was death for her and her Pokemon. With all these thoughts running through her head, she broke into hysteric sobbing. She wanted to run, to flee to anywhere but where she currently was when Lissa hugged her tightly.
"Shh... Everything will be alright," Lissa rubbed her back soothingly. "Chrom's not dead or permanently injured, so everything's okay. We know it's an accident. We're not angry. Big Sister doesn't need to know. Don't be scared. You'll be safe, I promise."
"Lissa's right. It's just an accident, and I'm the one who provoked the attack in the first place. I don't blame your Pokemon for defending you. You have done nothing wrong," Chrom reassured her. Rachel shakily nodded her head, feeling extremely relieved she was being pardoned from any wrongdoing.
***Break Line***
"Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home. Oh, and good day, Frederick," Emmeryn greeted her siblings and the loyal knight. "How fared you all?"
"Well, we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while," Chrom reported.
"Wonderful. And our people?"
"Safe as they can be, Emm. But we still need to watch our borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia."
"Forgive me, milord," the female knight standing guard next to Emmeryn apologized to Chrom. "My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."
"No, Phila. Your duty was here, with the exalt," Chrom disagreed.
"And besides, we had plenty of help!" Lissa turned towards Robin and Rachel.
"Ah, you speak of your new companions here?" Emmeryn turned her attention to the newcomers.
"This is Robin," Chrom gestured to Robin. "She fought bravely with us against the brigands. I've decided to make her a Shepherd."
"It sounds as though Ylisse owes you a debt of gratitude, Robin," Emmeryn smiled kindly towards Robin.
"Not at all, milady!" Robin replied a little too quickly, very nervous in front of the exalt.
"And who is the young lady with her companion creatures?"
"This is Rachel!" Lissa introduced Rachel excitedly. "She's going to be travelling with us with her Pokemon, these creatures!"
"Not as a Shepherd, though," Chrom added. "She is travelling the lands but the lands she has been to are peaceful and without war. Her Pokemon are more than capable of protecting her, but she insists on staying with us. It's safe to say she fears for her life while she is in our lands."
"Was it your first time seeing dead people when we met you at Southtown?" Lissa asked.
Rachel only nodded, her face deathly pale as the horrid memory of bloodied corpses haunted her mind. Due to the hectic events that happened last night, she was fortunately too distracted to clearly remember it then. Even the short sleep in the forest was due to stress. Fortunately, it was dreamless. She was not so sure that traumatic experience would not start giving her nightmares now that things had started calming down.
"She'll be joining us as the Shepherd's handmaiden, helping out with the domestics chores alongside Frederick and anyone else assigned to it as well," Chrom explained.
"I... I'll do my best!" Rachel pushed her dark thoughts away for the moment and let out an unnaturally high squeak when she spoke, just as nervous as Robin. There was silence for a moment as she felt eyes pointed towards her, even the eyes of her Pokemon. Her face burned in embarrassment as she shuffled behind Robin to hide herself with her large cloak.
"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak," Frederick spoke up, having stood silently at attention for quite some time. "Robin claims to have lost her memory but it is only that, a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that she is a brigand herself or a Plegian spy."
"Frederick!" Chrom raised his voice, unhappy with the knight's statement.
"As for Rachel, her claims of coming from a faraway land and journeying through others are believable since we have not seen or heard of any creatures known as Pokemon anywhere in Ylisse or Plegia. I do not suspect her of any foul play, at least for the moment."
"Yet you allowed them into the castle, Chrom. Do they have your trust, Robin in particular?" Emmeryn asked.
"Yes. She risked her life for our people," he answered. "That's good enough for me."
"Well then, Robin..." she smiled warmly to the nervous tactician. "It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such you have mine as well."
"Milady," Robin was touched by her kindness.
"But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always. Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time..."
"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace," Frederick replied before turning his attention to Phila. "Phila, I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?"
"Yes, milord," Phila replied, her words showing that Frederick held a higher position than her. "They've been sighted all across Ylisse."
"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us," Emmeryn told Chrom.
"Of course," Chrom agreed.
"I think that's our cue, girls!" Lissa said to Robin and Rachel. "Come on, there's a place I want to show you." She then left rather hastily, forcing them to run after her.
***Break Line***
Lissa led them out of the capital and through the north exit, heading towards a military garrison not too far from Ylisstol.
"Here we are! The Shepherd's garrison. Go on, make yourself at home," Lissa welcomed Robin and Rachel in. They took a few moments to look around the building.
"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" a female voice cried out in worry for Lissa. A young woman clearly a noble from the way she dressed came running towards Lissa.
"Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Lissa greeted the noblewoman.
"'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted fourteen grey hairs fretting over you!" Maribelle exclaimed.
"Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two!" she reassured her with a smile before grimacing. "Though I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue..."
"Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom?" a tall man wearing no shirt came into view. "I bet he had a rough time out there without old Teach and his trusty axe!"
"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it?" Lissa giggled. "And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"
"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" Vaike bragged until he seemed to realize something and his face soured. "...Wait, was that an insult?"
"Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" a shy female voice asked, and it belonged to another young woman wearing armor.
"Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern..." Maribelle mentioned with slight pity. "Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training. She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded."
"Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom," Lissa said.
"Worry? Well, I... He's our captain and our prince. Of course I'd worry!" Sumia replied.
"So, who're the strangers?" Vaike asked, looking at Robin and Rachel... then her Pokemon. "And what are they?" Now that he pointed them out, all the people who were already at the garrison stared at them.
"No-one's stranger than you, Vaike..." Lissa muttered under her breath. "But allow me to introduce Robin! She just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made her our new tactician. You should see all the tricks she's got up her sleeves!"
"Oh yeah? Can she do this?" Vaike then let out a humongous burp. Rachel recoiled in disgust while Robin only had an amused smile on her face. When Vaike was done burping, he was hosed in the face with water. (Water Gun) He stumbled back, yelping in surprise. Lissa burst out in laughter as she watched him sputter and wipe his face dry.
"You can't do that, Aqua! I know it was not a good first impression but..." Rachel tried to appease Aqua who gave a reluctant but accepting call at her Trainer's disapproval.
"I'm sure I have much to learn on the belching arts, 'Teach'," Robin replied jokingly. She then felt shivers crawling up her spine when she saw Aqua turn her eyes towards her, just daring her to do the same so she could drench her as well. "In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
"And this is Rachel and her Pokemon! From left to right they are Espy, Blaze, Sparky, Aqua, Shadow, Glacy. The floating one is Eclair!" Each Pokemon gave a call when each of their names were called.
"Pokemon? What are they?" Sumia asked as she and Maribelle watched them curiously.
"Pokemon are creatures who have evolved from animals to gain certain powers of their own," Rachel answered. "There are plenty of them from the land I come from."
"That was so not cool, interrupting the Vaike like that!" Vaike glared at the Pokemon.
"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent!" Maribelle spoke with utter disgust as she remembered what he did, turning her head away haughtily. "Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery? And you, Robin! Don't encourage him! As for you, Rachel! As the keeper of these creatures, keep them on a tighter leash! I'd hoped you both were cut from finer cloth. Hmph!" Having had enough, Maribelle walked away.
"I'm... I'm sorry..." Rachel croaked out, but it appeared her small and frail voice did not reach Maribelle's ears. Growling could be heard coming from Blaze and Sparky, clearly angered by the unjust treatment their Trainer had just received. "No, no, it's okay, both of you..."
They stopped their growling but gave the evil eye to Maribelle's back. They had seen their share of mean and rude humans, but she took the cake. Just because she gave them large amounts of freedom to do as they pleased did not mean they did not know discipline! They could listen to Rachel perfectly well! She just disliked ordering them around and telling them what to do. She always asked even though she already knew they would do as they were told without a second thought. That did not make her incapable of keeping them in line. The worst possible insult to Rachel was calling her an incapable Trainer. It always made her cry because it crushed her self-esteem immensely and made her doubt herself as a Trainer.
"Please don't cry. Don't take it to heart, Rachel, Robin," Sumia comforted the sniffling Rachel. "Maribelle warms to people slowly."
"Or burns too quickly! But yeah, just give her time. Okay, Rachel?" Lissa got a nod from Rachel, which in turn made her smile. It was then Chrom entered the garrison.
"Ah! Captain! You've returned!" Sumia said happily. "I was... I mean, we were so-" As she approached him, she did not see a stray pile of paper on the floor and stepped on it. Losing her balance, she tripped and started falling forward. Before her face could hit the concrete floor of the garrison, she suddenly felt her whole body stop like something had held her in place. To her slight fright, she could not command her body except for her eyes and mouth. Looking at herself, she saw herself outlined by a soft blue light. Whatever that blue light was, it helped her to right herself in mid-air and gently lowered her to the ground safely on her feet. (Psychic) "W-What was that...?" she asked the moment the blue light faded.
"Espy stopped you from falling, Lady Sumia," Rachel answered her, her eyes now dried and was rewarding Espy with a comfortable scratch behind her ears.
"Oh no, you don't have to address me as Lady! Just Sumia will do," Sumia was taken aback by the reverence Rachel was showing her. "And thank you, Espy." She remembered to thank the lilac Pokemon for her help.
"I'm sorry, did I use the wrong term?" Rachel had an apologetic look on her face. "Because starting today, I'm going to be a handmaiden to the Shepherds... I thought addressing you as Lady was correct..."
"The smaller squirt isn't going to be a Shepherd with Robin?" Vaike asked.
"No," Chrom shook his head. "Like she said, Rachel will be our handmaiden as we travel around for our missions. Speaking of missions..." he cleared his throat to make sure everyone was paying attention. "Alright, listen, everyone. In the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."
"Regna Ferox?" Robin inquired.
"A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said," Sumia answered.
"Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events... Well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital. So the task has been passed to us," Chrom explained the mission details. "Now, this mission is strictly voluntary except for Rachel. You have to come along for all our missions unless you are sick. You have to earn your keep as long as you're staying with us, especially since you're not fighting." After getting a nod from her, he turned back to the Shepherds. "So if, for any-"
"I volunteer!" Lissa piped up, cutting off her brother.
"Me too! You'll be needing old Teach along for such a delicate mission!" Vaike wanted in. A soft bark from Aqua which sounded suspiciously like a scoff was heard but since none of the Shepherds could understand her except for the other Pokemon, they paid it no heed. Rachel, on the other hand, knew from the tone that Aqua had bad-mouthed Vaike but wisely kept quiet, not wanting to cause a commotion. It did not stop her from sweating nervously though, something that Robin noticed. Thanks to that distraction, nobody heard someone else agreeing to go on the volunteer mission. Only the Pokemon did, staring at a tall man decked out completely in bulky armor and standing close by. How in the world did none of the humans spot him?
"I... I, um..." Sumia mumbled.
"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom encouraged the shy Shepherd to speak.
"It's just that... I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet," she admitted. "I'd probably just get in the way."
"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn?" he suggested. "Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."
"W-Well, if you think it wise, Captain."
"Just stay by me and you'll be fine."
"Oh, yes! I mean, yes, sir, I'll do that!" Sumia was overjoyed that she stumbled over her words a little.
"That is all. Have a good night's rest and be prepared to march tomorrow morning," Chrom dismissed the volunteering Shepherds from this group. He still had to ask the others who were not present for the mission briefing. "Sumia, show Rachel and Robin around the garrison. Make sure they remember where the important sections are." He then left with Lissa in tow, returning back to Ylisstol.
Sumia proceeded to show the two new additions around the garrison, making sure they knew the directions to the kitchen, the dining area, the bathing area, and the sleeping quarters. It turned out Sumia was just about as shy as Rachel was, and they hit it off quite well. Sumia admired that Rachel was already brave enough to travel to various lands at the young age of eleven. Rachel in turn was in awe that Sumia was prepared to lay down her life for her country and was proud to do so. Sumia admitted she was actually afraid but she knew it was a duty she swore to perform should that time come.
A soft call from Eclair quickly had Rachel asking if anything was the matter. A few calls and gestures with her head and Rachel got the message that she was not comfortable floating around in cramped spaces such as the inside of buildings. A gentle stroke down her neck gave her some small comfort as Rachel allowed her to exit the garrison from one of the holes in the building that served as lookout points.
"Eclair must have been uncomfortable in such a small building such as this when she's so long... I should have realized it a little earlier... I'm sorry," Sumia apologized for her thoughtlessness.
"I'm sure Eclair knows you didn't mean it. I'm more amazed you noticed her discomfort," Rachel told her.
"Yes, well... Since young, I've always been able to understand the feelings of animals," she said. "If I remember correctly, Pokemon are the animals that roam your homeland?"
"Right. It makes sense that you can understand Pokemon too. I believe you would be a very kind Pokemon Trainer if you were from my homeland, Miss Sumia," Rachel told her confidently.
"Really? Thank you for that," Sumia blushed in slight embarrassment. "And please, call me Sumia. I'm not that much older than you."
"If it's alright with you, then thank you, Sumia."
"Rachel, can you tell me what a Pokemon Trainer is?" Robin asked, intrigued by the word 'Trainer'. She had remained quiet to sort out the information she had learned for the day.
"Pokemon Trainers are people like me, travelers who roam the land with their Pokemon companions. That is just the starting point for various occupations. Some move on to become breeders or professors, people who study Pokemon to understand the various mysteries that surround them," Rachel explained, Sumia's eyes lightening up in wonder while Robin listened closely. "Majority are good people, and a small handful are exceptional Trainers. Those with exceptional talent attempt the League Challenge, where they challenge Gym Leaders to earn their spot in the League. It's the most popular sport among Trainers and their Pokemon."
"But don't the Pokemon get seriously hurt in this sport?" Sumia gasped.
"Unfortunately, serious injuries do happen on occasion," Rachel spoke with regret. "But most Pokemon do not mind doing battle with each other. Some enjoy the sport immensely and train hard for it. Please don't think badly of it. Trainers do need the Pokemon's permission to even do battle, after all. Mutual trust is very important for Trainers and their Pokemon."
"You mean like a horse and its rider," Robin came up with a great example.
"Yes! Exactly like that! If a Trainer forces a Pokemon to be under their command, they might rebel if they do not respect or trust their Trainer. Even though Pokemon are technically animals, they are just as if not more intelligent than humans. Most if not all Pokemon are able to understand human speech but we are unable to understand their speech."
"Wow, that's amazing!" Sumia turned to look at the Pokemon with a fresh look of respect.
"No wonder Shadow was able to follow Chrom's commands so easily," Robin was just as amazed. She remembered last night during their time in the forest and how Shadow understood her strategy and successfully executed it without needing any supervision and when Chrom told him to back down to let Marth go.
"It's one of the many mysteries of Pokemon. Part of this mystery is that no matter the species, all Pokemon are able to understand each other's speech," Rachel finished her explanation of what she knew about general Pokemon knowledge. Robin put a curled finger to her chin and she looked skyward in deep thought. When she was done thinking, she turned to Rachel.
"Rachel, if I can have your permission, can I perhaps include the Pokemon as potential units?" Robin asked.
"You want them to fight?" Rachel exclaimed in shock.
"I completely understand your hesitation but their assistance might just mean saving the life of a Shepherd."
"I don't mean to come off as rude and uncaring, but isn't it your duty to come up with the proper strategies to prevent life-threatening situations for the Shepherds? If my Pokemon can be of assistance then of course we'll help, but please don't think of them as soldiers. I refuse to allow you to order them around as such! They aren't soldiers!" she defended her Pokemon, her apprehension very clear as she stood in front of them protectively. At her side, all her Pokemon were giving warning growls to Robin. She definitely got the message that they were not going to cooperate without Rachel's approval.
"I didn't mean to offend you and your Pokemon. I have to apologize for that," Robin grimaced, mentally berating herself for that oversight. "I did not take into account that you are very much a civilian. Fighting and tactics are all I know so far. I have forgotten what it was like to be a civilian, if I even was one."
"What do you mean, Lady Robin?" Rachel asked, her apprehension turning to confusion.
"Just Robin will do," she refused to be called Lady. "I have no memories of my past, actually. The first memory I can recall is Chrom, Lissa and Frederick finding me in the plains just before we met you in Southtown."
"Ah, I'm... I'm sorry..." Rachel felt terrible for thinking badly of Robin.
"It's quite alright. You didn't know, and this is a fresh start for me," Robin replied. "I'll do my best to provide Chrom and the Shepherds with strategies that will keep all of them alive. But if things do not go as planned, can your Pokemon provide the assistance needed so we can keep everyone alive and well?"
"Of course we'll be glad to help!" This time, Robin got supportive calls from the Pokemon.
"Thank you, all of you. Your power will be a great help."
For the rest of the day, Robin explored the garrison while Sumia excused herself to return home to get proper rest for the march next morning. Frederick came to pick Rachel up for training for her handmaiden duties. He was pleased to find out that she had done her fair share of domestic duties in her younger years until he realized that she was unfamiliar with the steps of certain tasks that she claimed she had done before. She explained that in her homeland, there were already inventions in place to aid with such duties, inventions that were missing in Ylisse. He had to teach her how to do the tasks the Ylissean way, so to speak. He was impressed that she stayed firm and did all her tasks without complaint.
When he praised her for it, he was slightly saddened to hear that she believed she had no right to complain in the first place, being a mere servant in a group full of soldiers. Frederick assured her that she would not be punished for speaking out if she had been wronged and the Shepherds were honorable people who would not abuse the common folk. Of course, he expected discipline from her and failure to perform her duties without proper reason would get her punishment. Punishment that the common employer would give his misbehaving worker, and not torture if she believed that.
***Break Line***
The next morning, Chrom arrived at the garrison and was rounding up the Shepherds who had volunteered for the diplomatic mission.
"Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead," Chrom said once roll call was over. He then remembered that Rachel was to come along for all his missions and had forgotten to include her in the roll call. "Has anyone seen Rachel?" he asked when he did not spot her anywhere.
"She's currently changing in the garrison, milord," Frederick answered. "I have given her a change of clothes since her previous set of clothes were showing too much skin."
"It was?" Chrom blinked in confusion.
"Her skirt, milord. It is far too short. I fear even a slight gust of wind will be enough to reveal her smallclothes."
Robin and Sumia blushed in embarrassment for Rachel. They too had not really noticed anything particular wrong with her clothes until Frederick revealed that tidbit of information. Sully only laughed, praising Rachel for wearing a 'daring' set of clothes and finding amusement at the other two girls' embarrassment.
"W-Wait for me!" a male voice cried out, and a man in green armor dashed out of the garrison's entrance followed by Rachel and her Pokemon. Rachel's new clothes were what the common womenfolk wore: a dull yellow and brown one-piece dress that ended at her knees. The only accessories she kept from her old set of clothes were her sunhat, wristbands, socks, Running Shoes, and her travel bag.
"Stahl?" Chrom identified the man.
"Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox? If Rachel here didn't tell me, I would have been left behind!" Stahl whined.
"Huh? Vaike was supposed to..." Lissa explained before glowering at the mentioned man. "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?"
"The Vaike never forgets!" Vaike denied. "...I just don't always remember, is all..."
"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 axe this time?"
"Hey! That was one time! ...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action!" he gestured proudly to the axe strapped to his back. "Glad to have you along, Stahl, old buddy."
"That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast!" Stahl complained. "There were muffins, and cakes, and... Well, I can tell you all about it while we march..."
"I can go get some for you if you wish, Stahl," Rachel spoke up, preparing to hurry back to the garrison's kitchen to grab some food for the hungry Shepherd. Rachel had just changed into the clothes Frederick told her to wear when they met in the kitchen. Despite being told she was a handmaiden, Stahl kindly told her she did not need to be formal with him. It was then he asked where the other Shepherds were and she told him they were just about to leave for the mission to Regna Ferox.
"Oh, you will?" Stahl's face lit up. "Then, please get me-" Frederick's loud clearing of his throat and a stern look directed towards the younger knight silenced his request. "On the other hand, I think it's okay if I miss breakfast this one time..."
"Don't be complacent just because we now have a handmaiden, Stahl," Frederick advised.
"Yes sir..." he nodded, feeling rather depressed at missing his second chance for breakfast.
"Your name is Stahl, right?" Robin approached him.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Robin. This is Stahl, one of our finest," Chrom introduced Stahl.
"Hello, Robin. Miriel told me we had a new Shepherd," Stahl gave a small greeting. "Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon."
Doing one last roll call and including Rachel and her Pokemon this time, Chrom noticed the serpent Pokemon was missing.
"ECLAIR!" Rachel cupped her hands around her mouth to make herself a little louder as she shouted towards the garrison rooftop. A loud call from Eclair answered her call as she revealed herself and floated down towards Rachel. For a moment, all the Shepherds had a look of awe as they watched her descend from the morning sky.
"She's... beautiful..." Sumia breathed out.
"It's almost like Eclair carries an air of grace and majesty of her own," Frederick remarked, being the first to put aside his awe.
"Good morning, Eclair. Did you have a good sleep?" Rachel stroked Eclair's neck lovingly as she snuggled into her Trainer's touch.
"Are we all ready?" Chrom asked. Getting an unanimous nod from all the participating Shepherds plus one handmaiden and her Pokemon, he looked forward with firm determination. "Then let's march! Onward to Regna Ferox!"
***Break Line***
While their morning march was peaceful and uneventful, the same could not be said for their afternoon march. On what was known to the Ylisseans as the Northroad, the undead monsters from last night in the forest had showed up again and were roaming the area.
"Gods, have the Risen spread this far?" Chrom cursed as he spotted the front of the undead group from the horizon. It appeared they did not spot the Shepherds, or they did not care for their presence unless approached.
"'Risen'?" Robin repeated, confused by the term.
"We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one," Frederick answered.
"Everyone, remember what we're up against!" Chrom cautioned, having briefed the Shepherds about the Risen earlier during the morning march. Vaike only laughed in response.
"They'll remember me once I drive my axe into their-" his proud boasting suddenly ceased when his hand grabbed thin air where his axe was supposed to be strapped to his back. "Wait... My axe. Where's my axe? I had it a second ago!"
"Vaike, this is no time for jokes..." Chrom sighed.
"I'm serious! It's gone, but I just had it!" he insisted. "It's got to be around here somewhere..." He bent down and started searching through the grass for his weapon.
"Keep to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!" As they began preparing for battle, a woman with a cone hat came running towards them... and hoisting an axe with some difficulty.
"Whoa! My axe!" Vaike exclaimed, running towards the woman.
"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon. Now I know," the woman said.
"Thanks, Miriel! ...Er, for the axe, anyway," he gave his thanks with some confusion as he did not get what Miriel was trying to say.
"Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands... permanently," she half-warned half-threatened as she got to her own preparations for the impending battle.
***Break Line***
"What now, Robin? Guide our swords," Chrom said as Robin went through several simulations in her head as she looked over the map of the terrain and mumbling to herself.
"Might I advise patience, milord?" Frederick stepped in. "Robin is a fine tactician, but we have been working her mercilessly."
"Yes, of course. I'm sorry," he apologized to Robin who merely nodded her acknowledgement and returned to pondering over the best strategy to go about this hurdle. It had been over thirty minutes and he had been pushing her for a strategy several times already.
"Perhaps you would prefer we choose our own actions at times?" Frederick asked Robin. That snapped her out of her intense pondering.
"I highly suggest we don't do that. I might be able to 'see' what going's on in the battlefield such as the flow of battle and identifying an enemy's weakness and capabilities but I'd rather have complete information such as enemy numbers before I decide on what I believe to be the best course of action," she replied. "Right now, all I have is just a glimpse of the enemy, and that's just the very front. If only I could scout a little further in... I just need a little more information..." She bit her bottom lip in slight anxiety as she was troubled by this issue.
"Should we request the aid of Rachel and her Pokemon then?" Frederick suggested.
"I'd rather not involve them if I can help it," Robin shook her head in disagreement before eventually sighing in resignation. "They shouldn't have to fight as this isn't their battle to fight in. But she has offered to lend assistance should we need it."
"I'm sure if it's simple scouting, they can handle it," Chrom said.
"I know they can. The Pokemon are smart, but we can't understand them. They might get the information I need to ensure our success but how will we get it from them?"
"We should hear Rachel's opinion about this, then. Seeing as she's their keeper, she must know how to direct her Pokemon better. She might be able to give us more options to work with," Frederick suggested again.
"Very well," Robin rolled up the map and proceeded to the convoy to get Rachel and her Pokemon's assistance. If a battle was coming, Rachel was assigned as the convoy guard to prevent thieves and the such from raiding their supplies. It was the least likely to be targeted, so she would be safe. In case of any attempted attacks, her Pokemon would be there to guard her and the supplies. "Rachel, I believe we need your assistance," Robin said as she approached the back of the convoy.
"Yes?" Rachel pulled aside the curtain to see what Robin needed. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
"A battle with Risen is about to begin but I can't decide on a proper strategy because I lack certain information. I require help getting it," Robin summarized quickly as she showed Rachel the map of the terrain. "Right now, we are here," she pointed to the bottom of the map. "I suspect the Risen are barricading the bridge and using it as a choke point. The only uncertain factor is their numbers. From the glimpse we can see of them from here, their front lines look thin enough for a simple frontal assault but there's also a risk of a horde of them in the lines further back where we simply can't see them. All I need is the confirmation of their numbers."
"So, um, you need help to see further in?" Rachel asked, her face full of uncertainty.
"Yes. I need assistance with scouting," Robin nodded. Rachel looked at the map again and Robin noticed her eyes seemed focused on the bridge. "Does the bridge bring something to mind?"
"This is a stream or a river, right?" she traced her finger over the blue parts of the map that spread out from the bridge.
"Yes, it is a small river," she nodded.
"Okay, I think we can be of assistance," Rachel nodded firmly. "Eclair!" The mentioned Pokemon came forward and waited for commands. "Eclair, I want you to take Robin for a ride and scout the enemy. Be careful not to get spotted, so fly as high as you can as long as Robin can see the land perfectly." Eclair nodded to show that she understood her orders. "Also, please listen to what Robin says, okay? It's very important."
"Thank you, Rachel, Eclair. Your assistance is greatly appreciated," Robin thanked them. Eclair floated out of the convoy and low enough so Robin could hop on her.
"Just tell Eclair which direction you need her to fly," Rachel told her. "Eclair's a very smooth flyer when she isn't fighting, so you'll be safe on her. If you need a grip, just wrap your arms below the jewel on her neck. But please, not too tightly! I don't want you to accidentally strangle her."
"I will keep that in mind. Thank you again, both of you."
"You're welcome. Please be careful!" Rachel waved them off as Eclair took Robin back to the front lines.
"It appears she's agreed to help," Chrom said when he saw them approaching.
"Be prepared to engage in ten minutes. I should not take much longer than that to get the information I need," Robin told him as she directed Eclair to fly. Just like Rachel said, Eclair glided so smoothly through the air that she had no problems steadily jotting down the enemy numbers and position on the map. When they returned, Robin had prepared the perfect strategy. This battle would be theirs for the taking.
***Break Line***
With proper coordination, a frontal assault was more than enough to take down the Risen's front lines. When they arrived at the bridge however, it was just as Robin predicted. The Risen from the rear lines were attracted by the commotion of the earlier fights and had gathered before the bridge. The bridge was only wide enough to allow four combatants to fight without any restrictions to their movements. Any more would be a hindrance. As mindless as they appeared to be, it seemed the Risen were also aware of the lack of space to fight on and did not step foot on the bridge. Both sides were now at a standstill. Only Virion was able to attack from the other side of the river, but he could not take out all of them with his limited supply of arrows.
"We need a distraction to draw their attention away from the bridge," Robin quickly drew up a solution, but with no way to execute it. There was nothing left but a frontal charge, but it was too risky for the ones leading it. They were in danger of being overwhelmed in an instant the moment they got on the bridge as she knew defending the exit was far easier than forcing their way through.
"We can't charge in because it's too risky, and we can't swim across the river because we'll get jumped on before we even reach the other side! Darn it!" Sully grumbled, frustrated at the situation.
Almost as if something was answering her frustrations, two loud splashes were heard coming from opposite sides of the bridge. The Shepherds saw Aqua and Eclair poking their heads out from the surface of the river. They immediately opened fire by shooting large rings of water from their mouths, bursting violently on impact. (Water Pulse) After a few shots, they retreated back into the river. None of the Risen were defeated, but they were all wet. That was not what surprised the Shepherds, though. Some of the Risen were killing off their own in a fit of rage! (Confuse status)
"Now's our chance! Charge!" Robin grabbed the opportunity the Pokemon gave her. Being assaulted on both fronts, the Risen were quickly dispatched. Their Chief soon followed the same fate.
"Finally, and good riddance!" Chrom wiped the sweat off his forehead in satisfaction. "But if they're appearing this far up the Northroad..."
"Then no path is safe," Frederick concluded. "We'll need to stay wary." Both men watched with pleased looks as Lissa, Robin and Sumia were showering praises on Aqua and Eclair.
There was a bottled message on Eclair for Robin from Rachel. Rachel had sent Aqua and Eclair ahead because Robin had mentioned her worries about the bridge. They had been told to assist if the Shepherds were in trouble when they arrived there. Robin smiled at Rachel's foresight, now realizing why she had been scrutinizing the river and asking about it when she was shown the map. Her occupation as a Pokemon Trainer was not simply about travelling like Robin had first believed. She had to give her thanks when they were able to resume their march again to Regna Ferox.
***End of Chapter***
Author's Note: My friend read the reviews this story got and insisted I explain why I did certain things. The most common issue is why I used the Eeveelutions instead of a variety of different Pokemon to make a 'proper' team. I've got three reasons for this.
First reason I have already mentioned in the author's note of the first chapter. I don't want any overly huge Pokemon in this story, and there are far too many already existing. As for variety, the Eeveelutions plus Dragonair cover much more than you might think. Not taking the game mechanics into account, these seven Pokemon are already covering the bases for worldly travels. You need campfire? Flareon is there to help start the fire. You need to travel over water? Vaporeon is there to surf with. You need light in a dark cave? Jolteon is there to give a flash. You need a guide under a moonless night? Umbreon is there with its ability to see clearly in the dark. Something blocking your way but you don't have the strength to push it aside? Espeon is there to telepathically move it. Feeling a little too hot under the noon sun? Glaceon is there to cool you off. You need flight? Dragonair is there for you to ride on. See? Bases covered. The game mechanics only makes you think they can't when they naturally can.
Second reason is because they are easily identifiable. The nicknames I gave the Eeveelutions are so obvious as to which one they are. Readers won't get confused at all. The only non-obvious nickname obviously belongs to Dragonair.
Third reason is because I have the impression that Fire Emblem Awakening has a lot of emphasis on family. You know, pairing up, building relationships, then future child travels back in time to help? I feel the Shepherds are actually one big group of families. And when I think of family in Pokemon terms, I think of evolutionary lines. For example, all starter Pokemon have three family members. Those with branching evolutions, such as Ralts to Kirlia to Gardevoir/Gallade, count as four family members. If you think of it this way, which Pokemon has the biggest family? Eevee and its Eeveelutions, of course! I hope you can understand my choice now.
A thing to note is that Robin's intelligence and talent for strategies might be a little downplayed. My reasoning is that technically, you as the player are Robin, overseeing the entire battlefield and issuing the commands. To give this story a more real feeling, assume you are playing the game for the first time and going through it without a guide. How would you know which battlefield has enemy reinforcements coming and when they would arrive or if there are any traps laying about? That's right, you can't. You can only adjust your strategy when they do arrive or the trap has been sprung. This mindset is what I'm trying to go by when I made Robin have some difficulty in deciding a strategy. As for the whole 'I-can-see-the-entire-battlefield-before-the-fight-even-starts' phenomena, let's keep things a little real here. You really need scouting for that kind of information unless the battlefield is small enough you can see everything around you. That's why I gave Robin some hesitation for the battle which we all know is actually very straight-forward.
Rachel is no longer wearing her default outfit from the FireRed/LeafGreen games. She is now wearing the outfit of the Fire Emblem Awakening village maiden. Just replace the pink cloth over the hair with the original sunhat and her hair let down.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. If you like it, please Follow/Favorite/Review this story! Big thanks for those who do!