The air crackled and sizzled with high energy as a similar magic signature that has come undone moments ago began to take form. Frederick and Chrom barely had time to let go of the she-wolf and leap out of the way. Lightning streaked in a brilliant light and the sand exploded in its path. The Shepherds waited in bated breath as the desert dust settled down and revealed the scorched, glassy path that Miriel's Elthunder carved in its wake. Where the magic hit, a distorted starburst of black charred the sands. At the middle of it, the white wolf stood still. Remnants of the magic assault jumping off its fur.

"Is she…" Sumia trailed off. Her voice trembling in worry as she gazed at the frozen wolf. No one dared to continue her statement. All eyes were transfixed at the tactician.

Chrom silently stepped forward. His entire body dissolving back to his human form as he watched with tension and fear. Are you certain of this, general? Miriel's question echoed like a deafening scream in his head. He isn't half the tactician as Robin, and he knew…knew the risks and consequences. If their attempt went awry, they might lose an invaluable friend and a member of their odd family. He will lose his mate. They will lose Robin.

But even so…it must be done. He knew for certain that Robin will say the same, gamble everything to achieve the greater good no matter what sacrifice it may take, place even her own life in the roulette of Fate to protect those she loves. Once the king falls, Robin told him in his one and only attempt to defeat her in a game of chess, his army will follow. The queen, no matter how important or powerful she may be, must sacrifice to ensure that the king lives on.

He didn't believe that. Chrom never believes that. There will be new queens that will take up the mantle, but no one can replace Robin. None of them is Robin. Never will any of them be Robin. If he will rule, he will rule with Robin at his side. It was a selfish desire, but he is one selfish man, no matter what holy blood runs through his veins or what glory he was destined for. If Naga truly decreed that they are bound by heart and soul, then Chrom believes that something like this will not separate them, that this is just a trial meant to test their bonds.

"Robin…" His voice was hollow and afraid. Please, Robin. I can't lose you like this. Frederick's warning seemed distant in his ears as he risked coming closer. It was reckless…dangerous even, but he wanted to know, wanted to feel the warmth of life despite how eerily still she was like a statue. He has to hear her heartbeat, feel the air coming from her chest, and see the wonder and curiosity in those eyes.

There was a faint cracking sound as he stood before her paralyzed form. His own heartbeat drumming in a desperate prayer as he tentatively reached a hand. His bare palm gently pressing down the side of her face as weak sparks bounced harmlessly on his skin. She felt cold, like the frigid wind of winter, and it unnerved him why she was cold despite the nature of the magic used against her. The cracking sound became louder now, becoming more distinct as more sounds joined it like an orchestra. Chrom has little time to react when the charred sand beneath them glowed in a light-blue light as a different magic circle shattered like a glass and chilling air blasted outward.

Glowing eyes of gold met his for a fraction of second and a blur of movement knocked the prince off his feet. His back hit the scorching sand as something heavy pinned him on the chest. He was barely aware of the Shepherds' distressed shouts as he blindly reached for Falchion. A growl made him stop and he looked up to see the white wolf looming over him. Robin's eyes flashing in pure fury as her claws dug into his shirt and her bare fangs just above his neck. One wrong move and his head would be rolling on the ground.

"Milord!" Frederick started to move toward them but stumbled to the ground. His form reverting to human as he gripped his bleeding side. His face paling from the loss of blood as Vaike and Gregor rushed to his side to hold the Great Knight back from injuring himself any further. Libra followed and knelt at his other side. His staff glowing brightly as he hovered it just above his wounds.

Miriel was muttering to herself, something about Robin's high resistance. She was clutching her Elthunder tightly. A complete look of displeasure on her face. She and some of the Shepherds have formed a protective semi-circle before their injured comrades.

"Well, this is not good." Anna said as she tapped a finger on the hilt of her sword. "Not good to business."

"What should we do?" Olivia whispered as she peered behind Stahl's side. Her trembling hands clasped together like in a prayer. "Robin…Robin will not hurt him, wouldn't she?"

"I…" Stahl swallowed. His usually calm and easy-going demeanor now riddled with uncertainty. "I don't know…"

"We have to do something!" Nowi insisted, hugging her dragonstone tightly against her chest. Tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "Robin and Chrom, they are our friends! We can't…we can't let them hurt each other!"

"Too late for that!" Sully snarled. "Robin has already done in Frederick and she got Chrom at her mercy. If we don't act now, our general will…the next Exalt will…" Her form receded back to human. She gritted her teeth and slammed the ground with her fist. "DAMN IT ALL!"

"Sully…"

Gaius winced as he leaned against Kellam for support. He would have said something snarky by now; he's never a guy for too much drama. He preferred the light-hearted and carefree side of things – moments complimenting his taste for sweets. But right now, he has more important things to worry about it, things that supposed to stay down permanently.

It might just have been his imagination, but he could hear the thumping of boots accompanied what seemed to be chains being dragged. He really thought it was just his imagination, but the sounds are growing louder…closer and he knows well that it is not a good thing.

He looked behind him and he swore to himself not to let Bubbles in her lone escapades ever again. That woman is a trouble magnet. Maybe even worse than Blue. Bandits are one thing, Risen is another. Why would he even encounter both at the same night is nothing short of misfortune.

"Hey, I hate to break the drama but," He jabbed a finger behind them. "We got dead company."


Nothing beats getting cornered by a murderous she-wolf and an army of undead soldiers to get the adrenaline and fear factor going. Everyone else turned around and backed up with weapons at hand. Even Frederick who was just a second to passing out stood up and drew his sword. Their eyes moving back and fro between Robin who has still Chrom at her bloodthirsty mercy and the approaching group of Risen.

"This night keeps getting better and better." Gaius grumbled under his breath as he drew his sword. "Bubbles better pay me up with a year's supply of sweets for this mess."

Just beside him, Lissa struggled out of Ricken's reach. She reached for her axe but she wobbled on her feet. Maribelle gripped her arm to steady her. "You're in no shape to fight, darling!"

"I'm fine." Lissa coughed. Her eyes glassy from daze. "I can fight."

Cordelia steered her steed in front of Lissa. "Please stand down, Princess." She pleaded. "We're in a tight spot right now. We can't risk losing you as well."

"But…" Lissa pursed her lips. Her eyes flitting around as if looking for something or someone. "Where's Chrom…? Robin…?" She barely managed to follow Cordelia's gaze to the pair. Like a fog that was lifted, her eyes widened as realization finally dawned in her. "Is that…? It can't be! That's-"

It was Cordelia's pained expression that answered her question. Gritting her teeth, Lissa pushed herself up, ignoring the pain in her chest and shouts of protests from the other Shepherds. Her whole body felt like fire as she stumbled toward them, barely evading the grasping hands that tried to pull her back.

"R-Robin!" She heaved, skidding into a stop a few meters away from the pair. "Chrom!"

Chrom's eyes widened at the voice of his younger sister and tried to twist slightly to see her standing not far away from them. "L-Lissa!" Chrom winced as Robin's claws dug deeper into his skin. "Get back! Robin, she's-"

"No!" Lissa cut him off. Her breaths coming out as puffs of mist as she panted. "Robin! You got to listen to me! The Risen are coming and we need you! If we don't do something, we're all going to die!"

"R-Robin!" Chrom gripped the she-wolf's front legs as he tried to push her claws off his chest. Robin snarled at him. He could feel her warm breath on his neck. "Please!"

Lissa sniffled, wiping her eyes on her sleeves. "I know you're scared and confused right now, Robin. I am too! We just lost Emm and I don't want to lose anyone else! I don't want to lose you or my brother or any of my friends!"

She glanced at her back, to the remains of the wagon, to the shrouded form beneath planks of wood. "You…You want to bring back Emm to us that's why you went here. That's why you want to go alone. But…but!" She clenched her fists. "You are not alone, Robin! You were never alone because we are here! And…and whether you like it or not," She inhaled and shouted. "WE'RE NOT GOING ABANDON YOU!"

The huddled Shepherds stared at the princess. The Risen approached closer. Their rotting boots thumping in a disorganized rhythm as their moans were drowned in the clanging of chains and rusted weapons. A soft chuckle rumbled broke through the tense atmosphere and they turned to Sully.

"Of course…" She sheathed her sword. "That's how it always is, isn't? No one gets left behind." Her form shifting back to her wolf self as she grinned. Her eyes flashing in renewed determination. "So, screw these Risen! We're going to pummel them to the ground and get back our tactician!"

The Shepherds brandished their weapons with mirroring grins. Some morphed into their beastly forms. Vaike slammed his axe on the ground and morphed into his wolf form. "Wouldn't have said it better, woman!"

"Hmph!" Maribelle opened her Arcfire tome. "I believe its time to teach these brutes some manners."

Sully turned to three of their comrades. "Cordelia, Stahl, Miriel, you go and save Chrom! The rest of us will handle the Risen!"

"Understood!"

"Alright, you scumbags!" Sully stepped forward toward the incoming Risen. "Come and get some!"