IMPORTANT A/N PLEASE READ

So I finally finished this chapter. Sorry for the long wait. I actually started it not long after the last chapter but I stopped writing for a while.

I just want to clear a few things up before we start.

The first thing is that, unlike the last two chapters, I've written this one entirely in third person instead of shifting between different points of view. It makes it a lot easier to write about certain aspects (for example in the last two chapters I couldn't talk about the legend behind the falchion in Trash's point of view as he didn't know about it, I could only write about it in Chrom or Lissa's POV) I would like to know what you guys think. Are my stories better in third person or should I keep the point of views.

As I've said this story is a part of the Blue Link Project, I have updated my profile with information about the project and what it is so I recommend taking a look at that if you are interested but in short the project will begin as a lot of separate stories about different franchises (this story included) but will eventually overlap with each other forming one big crossover.

DISCLAIMERS:

I do not own Fire Emblem

This Story contains spoilers for Fire Emblem Awakening

Chapter 2

Shepherds

*3rdPerson*

Lissa had been dragging the tactician around for a while now and he still had no idea where they were heading. Eventually the duo approached a building. The light blue haired man stared at it for a while, Lissa was already a little further ahead. They entered the building and Lissa turned to the man before speaking.

"Here we are! The Shepherds' garrison. Go on, make yourself at home." The cleric said with a smile. Robin looked around taking in the surroundings, there were other people in the room as well which made it easy for Robin to assume that they were other members of the shepherds.

Robin could see three other people in the room. The first was a blonde-haired woman who wore two white ribbons, one on each side of her head and pink clothing. The second was a muscular man with blonde hair. The third was a brunette with pink and purple armour.

"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" The blonde woman said, not taking any notice of Robin who just stood there in silence.

"Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Lissa said turning to her friend.

""Oh, hey" yourself! I've sprouted fourteen gray hairs fretting over you!" Maribelle said, slightly annoyed as Lissa's comment despite it being a simple greeting.

"Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two!" Lissa said trying to calm Maribelle. "...Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue…"

"Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom?" The man interrupted "I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!"

"Oh, so you're "Teach" now, Vaike, is that it?" Lissa asked sarcastically "Hee hee! And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"

"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" Vaike said before realizing what Lissa had said "...Wait, was that an insult?"

"Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" The brunette had now entered the conversation although they had still hadn't taken any notice of Robin. He would've said something by now but he didn't want to interrupted.

"Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern..." Maribelle explained. "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 smiled.

"Worry? Well, I..." Sumia stuttered "He's our captain and our prince—of course I'd worry!"

Vaike was the first to take notice of the blue haired tactician. He turned to him before asking Lissa about him. "So, who's the stranger?" He said

"No one's stranger than you, Vaike..." Lissa began not bothering to even notice the unamused look on Vaike's face. "But allow me to introduce Robin! He just joined the Shepherds." She continued. Chrom's made him our new tactician. You should see all the tricks he's got up his sleeve!"

Robin smiled at the praise but wasn't entirely sure if he deserved it. Especially after their last battle, he took a mental note to be more careful as he would rather avoid taking another strike to the back like he did before.

"Oh yeah? Can he do this? *buuuuuurp*" Vaike let out the loudest burp anyone had ever heard. Maribelle and Sumia were disgusted by Vaike's actions. Lissa let out a small giggle. Robin wasn't sure what to make of it but played along.

"I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, "Teach."" The tactician said, finally speaking up. "In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery?" Maribelle snapped in disgust. "And you, Robin! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Hmph!" Maribelle stormed off leaving everyone behind. Robin just looked in confusion.

"Don't take it to heart, Robin. Maribelle warms to people slowly." Sumia said to the shepherd's newest recruit, well newest recruit that she was aware of, she had yet to meet Virion. Last time Robin saw Virion he was following Sully around rambling on as usual despite Sully's threats.

"Or burns too quickly! Hee hee!" Lissa added, laughing. "But yeah, just give her time." At this point Chrom had entered the room, there was no sign of Frederick, Sully or Virion although from what Robin could hear, it sounded like they were just outside.

"Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was— I mean, we were so" Sumia stuttered again as she walked forward to approach Chrom but as she did she tripped and fell flat on the floor causing everyone to jolt back a little. Sumia quickly got up a dusted herself off.

"Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?" Chrom asked.

"No! I mean, yes! I mean... *sigh*" Sumia gave up her explanation and just stood there in embarrassment.

Chrom continued with what he was about to say. "All right, listen, everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."

Robin wasn't sure what "Regna Ferox" was so he spoke up. "Regna Ferox?" He asked the Ylissian prince. However, Sumia was the one to answer his question.

"A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said." She explained.

"Warriors are what they are," Chrom corrected. "and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace." Robin presumed that Chrom was talking about the monsters that they had encountered the night before although he wasn't sure if any of the shepherds knew about them besides the ones present in the fight, they had most likely been informed about the creatures but had yet to see one up close.

Chrom continued to explain why it is that the shepherds were to march to Regna Ferox "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. Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-"

"I volunteer!" Yelled Lissa cutting her brother off mid-sentence.

"Me too! You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!" Vaike said with a smug smile plastered on his face.

"I'll go as well." Robin could have sworn he had just heard a voice one that he didn't yet recognise, he could tell it belonged to a male but the only men in the room were Chrom, Vaike and himself but He knew it was neither Chrom nor Vaike and he hadn't said anything. He would have pondered it more had it not been for the more important task at hand.

"I... I, um…" Sumia couldn't quite get her word out as she thought hard about if she should help with the shepherd's task.

"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom asked noticing his comrade's distress.

"It's just that... I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way." Sumia said nervously causing Robin to come to the conclusion that she had not been a shepherd for long although he could be wrong about that.

"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn?" Chrom replied. "Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."

"W-well, if you think it wise, Captain." Sumia said. She wasn't so sure if coming along was a good idea but if Captain Chrom thought it was for the best then she was willing to do it.

"Just stay by me and you'll be fine." Chrom said in hopes to reassure Sumia.

"Oh, yes! I mean— Yes, sir, I'll do that!" She nodded.

"And what about you Robin?" Chrom asked turning to the shepherd's new tactician "I presume you wish to tag along as well."

"Well I just got the job as the shepherd's tactician, it wouldn't be good if I slacked off on my first day, now would it?" Robin joked smiling causing the Prince to return the smile.

"Very well." Chrom said. "Frederick, Sully and Virion have already agreed to come with us, they should be outside."

Sumia and Vaike were a little confused, they both had the same question in their heads. "Um… Who's Virion?" Sumia asked.

"Oh that's right you haven't met him yet." Lissa smiled.

"Let's just say he is a bit of a character." Robin said.

"Vaike, can you go and inform the others about this mission?" Chrom said to the fighter.

"You can count on ol' teach!" Vaike said exiting the barracks.

The next morning the shepherds had prepared for their march to Regna Ferox. Robin was a little overwhelmed by all the new faces he had met in his short time with Chrom. In front of everyone stood the previously mention prince of Ylisse. Robin stood with the rest of the shepherd's waiting for Chrom to speak. Next to him stood Lissa, princess of Ylisse and Chrom's little sister. Next to her was Frederick and his armoured horse, the great knight and the shepherd's lieutenant. Sully, The cavalier was also there atop of her horse. Not far behind was Virion the "archest" of archers. Behind Robin stood Vaike, the fighter and next to him stood Sumia.

"Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead." Chrom began before anyone could answer though yelling could be heard.

"W-wait for me!" The group of shepherds turned around to see someone running at them. It was a man in green armour with brownish green hair. The man approached the group and upon reaching them stopped to catch his breath. He had a horse with him and appeared to be a cavalier. This left Robin with one question. Why didn't he just ride his horse over here?

"Stahl?" Chrom asked staring at the man.

"Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?" Stahl replied gasping for breath. He clearly wasn't happy about almost being left behind.

Lissa was a little confused. "Huh? Vaike was supposed to..." She started talking but stopped once she realized that Vaike had once again messed up his one job. "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?" She turned to the fighter, who despite his mess up still had a large amount of self confidance.

"The Vaike never forgets! ...I just don't always remember, is all…" Vaike said in a poor attempt to recover. Most of the shepherds just rolled their eyes.

"Ugh... I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself!" Lissa shouted. "Speaking of which, are you SURE you remembered your axe this time?" She asked

"Hey! That was one time! ...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count." Vaike said defensively. "Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action! Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy." Vaike said as if forgetting that the whole reason the green cavalier was almost late was his fault in the first place.

"That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast!" Stahl whinned. "There were muffins, and cakes, and... Well, I can tell you all about it while we march…"

"Your name is Stahl, right?" Robin spoke up. He felt it was important to get to know the rest of the shepherds. If he was going to be the one giving them commands in battle it would be best that he knows each soldier's individual strengths, weaknesses and other information.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Robin. This is Stahl, one of our finest." Chrom said introducing the tactician to the green cavalier.

"Hello, Robin." Stahl began. "Miriel told me we had a new Shepherd. Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon."

"Well then I suppose we should head out." Chrom said. "The sooner we get to Regna Ferox the better." The shepherds nodded their heads in agreement and started their march.

At the front of the group were Chrom, Robin and Lissa in the middle of a discussion. Behind them was Frederick, atop of his armoured horse and Sumia. Frederick was never too far from the Prince and Princess of Ylisse as for Sumia, she thought that it would be best for her to stay in the middle of the group and retreat to the back if a battle started. Behind them was Vaike and Virion. Vaike was telling Virion about how the shepherds would be lost without him, which couldn't have been any further from the truth but Virion wasn't really listening. At the back were Sully and Stahl, the two cavaliers atop of their horses.

They hadn't been marching for too long when the blue haired tactician spotted something in the distance. "Chrom..." He began causing the Prince to turn away from his conversation with Lissa to look at Robin. "You might want to take a look at this." He said pointing off into the distance.

Chrom looked over to where his tactician was pointing and was shocked to see what was up ahead. "Can it be…?"

"Those monsters from the other day? Yes." Robin said.

"Well, you're our tactician, what do you think we should do?" Chrom asked raising his hand to the rest of the shepherds giving them the signal to stop for a moonet.

"It would be easy to just sneak around them but it would be better to defeat them before they can cause any trouble." Robin said preparing his weapon as the rest of the shepherds did the same.

Chrom looked at the creatures with worry. "Gods, have the Risen really spread this far?" He asked despite already knowing the answer.

Robin looked at him confused. "Risen?" He asked.

"We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one." Frederick said interrupting the conversation.

Chrom turned to face the rest of the group. "Everyone, remember what we're up against!"

Vaike laughed at the monsters in the distance. "Mya ha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their... Wait... My axe. Where's my axe?! I had it a second ago!"

Chrom grew annoyed at Vaike's antics. "Vaike, this is no time for jokes…" He said, unamused.

"I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it!" The fighter yelled. "It's got to be around here somewhere…" Vaike scurried around in an attempt to find his misplaced axe but it was nowhere to be found.

"Keep to the rear, then!" Chrom commanded. "The battle is nigh!"

Frederick got the shepherds attention before speaking. "All right, listen up. ...Especially those of you who BROUGHT weapons!" The shepherds all turned to look at Vaike who just let out a nervous laugh in response. "All weapons have strengths and weaknesses to bear in mind. Lances have an advantage over swords, for example, while swords best axes. We'll want to work this into our strategy whenever possible."

"Right I'll be sure to keep that in mind when planning ahead." Robin said. It was important information when it came to battle strategy. He had used it before in his previous battles with the shepherds but it didn't hurt to make sure it was engraved into his mind.

"From what we've heard you're a great tactician Robin." Stahl spoke.

"Now's the time to prove it." Vaike finished. "Or is Ol' Teach going to have to give you a few pointers."

"As if YOU know anything about battle strategy, Vaike!" Lissa yelled.

"Well, Robin." Chrom said. "Got any ideas."

"It shouldn't be too hard to take them out so a basic strategy should do the trick." The tactician stated. "Chrom, Frederick, Sully and Stahl you guys keep to the front and take out any risen in your way."

"Right." Chrom nodded.

"As you command." Frederick said

"I'll wipe the floor with 'em!" Sully yelled.

"You can count on me." Stahl agreed

"Virion and I will keep behind you and provide support with our ranged attacks." Robin continued

"Very well." Virion bowed.

"Lissa you keep behind us, but stay close in case we need healing." Robin said turning to the princess that stood next to him.

"Leave it to me!" Lissa smiled.

"Sumia, as Chrom said you don't have to fight if you don't want to." Robin said.

"I think I'll sit this one out." Sumia replied.

"Ok, then in that case you and Vaike stay at the back!" The tactician commanded. "Vaike, try and find your axe and once you've got it join Chrom, Frederick, Sully and Stahl at the front."

"Ok!" Vaike yelled.

"Everyone in formation?" Robin asked at the shepherds nodded. "Then let's go. To battle!"

The shepherds charged at the risen. Chrom, Frederick, Sully and Stahl were at the front of the group, just as Robin commanded. They slashed down the hordes of risen closest to the group, swinging swords and thrusting lances. Robin and Virion will behind them using their ranged attacks to provide support and weaken the risen who were moving closer to the group so that they could easily be cut down by the soldiers at the front. Lissa was just behind them with her staff at the ready in case anyone got hurt. At the very back was Sumia and Vaike. Sumia stood and watched the others fight of the horde of risen while Vaike stumbled to find his axe.

A little further back, a mage with dark orange hair and glasses arrived on the field of battle. She saw the shepherds of fighting in the distance and began to approach them but stopped when she noticed something on the floor. She picked the object up and examined it.

"Hmm? Is that an axe? Why yes it is... Perhaps someone mislaid it? I'd not thought such dereliction permissible among the Shepherds. Still, I'd be remiss to not return this implement to its owner. Perhaps along with a stern word or two of disapprobation!" She said. She then looked around and saw Sumia standing watching the battle from afar. She then saw Vaike next to her who seemed in a hurry to locate something. She looked back down at the axe in her hand. "I should have known." She sighed as she went to approach Vaike.

Vaike looked up to see Miriel approaching them and noticed that she was holding an axe. His axe! "Whoa! My axe!" He yelled.

"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon. Now I know." She sighed as she handed the axe over to Vaike.

"Thanks, Miriel!" He said, taking the axe from Miriel's hands. "...Er, for the axe, anyway."

Miriel glared at Vaike as he tightened his grip on his axe, as to make sure he didn't lose it again. "Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands...permanently."

"Er… well Robin told me to join the front lines when I find my axe so I'm going." He said nervously before running of towards the heat of battle. Miriel had yet to meet the new tactician and was curious to see how he handles things.

Miriel turned to Sumia. "Will you be alright alone?" She asked.

Sumia nodded "Yes, I'll be fine."

Miriel then went to join the shepherds and assisted Robin and Virion in providing support for their comrades.

After a while of fighting the shepherds defeated all of the risen in the area. "Finally, and good riddance!" Chrom said as he sheathed the Falchion. "But if they're appearing this far up the Northroad…"

"Then no path is safe. We'll need to stay wary." Frederick finished. The shepherd then proceeded to continue their march.

After a while of walking, Chrom noticed something off in the distance but couldn't quite make out what it was. He told the shepherds to take a break for a bit and rest up. He turned to Robin who was talking to Lissa. "Robin there is something up ahead we should go and see what it is before procceding."

Robin nodded at the prince. "Right."

"I'm coming too." Lissa interrupted. "Just in case it's bad and you need healing."

The three walked towards whatever it was. When they got closer they could see clearly see that it was some kind of animal. "Well, what do we have here?" Robin questioned as the trio approached the beast.

"Hey, is that what I think it is?" Lissa asked, tilting her head to the side and staring at it.

"It's a pegasus, all right." Chrom said as he approached it. He noticed that the pegasus was kneeling down on the ground. "I think it's hurt. Let's just have a look here…" Chrom tried to get closer to the pegasus but it rears and whines, startling the trio. "WHOA! Down, girl! Easy there!" Chrom said trying to calm the pegasus but to no avail.

"Captain, one moment!" The trio turned to see Sumia, who had just walked up behind them. She began to move towards the pegasus before falling flat on her face.

"Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?" Chrom asked.

"No! I mean, yes! I mean... *sigh*" Sumia gave up mid-sentence.

"Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!" Chrom said turning back to the pegasus.

"It's okay, Captain. I can handle this..." Sumia said as she walked up to the pegasus. She started to stroke its head and it instantly calmed dow. "Shhh... Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you. Shhh…"

"How did she calm it so quickly?" Robin asked in amazement at how easy it was for Sumia to calm down the pegasus.

"That's incredible, Sumia!" Lissa cheered.

"I've never seen anything like it." Chrom said.

"Oh, it's...it's nothing. Really. I just have a way with animals, I guess." Sumia exclaimed, not leaving the pegasus' side.

"I should say so!" Chrom said as he stared in awe.

"You all go on ahead. I'll dress her wounds and catch up as soon as we're able." Sumia said to the trio as she began to examine the pegasus' wounds.

"We can make time to wait for you." Chrom informed her.

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

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

"As you command, sir." Sumia smiled.

Chrom turned back to his little sister and his tactician. "I suppose we should continue our march to Ferox, we wouldn't want to waste any more time."

"Right." They both nodded at him and walked back to the rest of the shepherds.

That is the end of this chapter. Sorry it wasn't as interesting as the previous two. I wasn't to focused on the battle in this chapter, which is why I didn't include it. Also I kind of rushed it towards the end, sorry, hope it was still good enough quality for you guys.

As always reviews are encouraged, positive or negative (as long as you don't just review to leave hate and not actually give any feedback on how I could improve).

I apologise if anyone acted out of character. I have tend to have trouble with sticking to a characters personality.

That's all for this chapter.