Hello again everybody Gallian Squad 7 with another chapter to my most reviewed story (if you can count five reviews as a lot)!

Severa: You broke your streak 7, you didn't update yesterday.

7: Yeah what can I say? When college football starts in the South it all goes down the drain.

Severa: What IS football anyway? I've never heard of it even in the Outrealms.

7: Basically it's a group of guys lining up in formation and hitting each other while trying to get a ball to the other end of the playing field to score points.

Severa: Sounds stupid to me…

7: BLASPHEMY! It's the only past time Americans can, seemingly, agree on and is almost sacred in Southern culture!

Severa: OK, ok, sheesh…

Owain: I think it sounds like a great time for bonding and competition my friend!

7: Finally someone who understands! *Manly bro hug*

Severa: *sigh* Please ignore these two idiots and enjoy the story.

Another big thanks to vaguekiwi! This story is much better for your work and I greatly appreciate it!

(Edit: Sorry for posting this again. For some reason, the story was not listed as updated.)

Of Meetings (Signs of Remembrance)

As the first creature bore down on him, Robin noticed something. As he'd been riding with Frederick, numerous portals had opened above the forest, vomiting dozens of the creatures onto the burning earth.

So why weren't more attacking?

Robin could give it no further thought, blocking the axe of his attacker. He pushed the axe away, slashing it's chest. The creature tried to swing again, but pulled too far back. A swift thrust made it dissolve.

Chrom was working on his set of opponents, seven of the creatures boxing him into a tight ring. This proved a poor choice against him.

The first one leapt at Chrom. Chrom dodged and twisted, cutting the creature open from belly to shoulder. Two more charged him, but their rigid movements did nothing against Falchion. As they dissolved, the remaining creatures jumped Chrom, trying to tackle him. Chrom took a casual step back, letting them tangle their limbs and bodies. Chrom grinned and beheaded them.

Robin was hardly slacking off while Chrom finished. He parried an incoming sword before rolling under an axe. Robin came up from his roll and cut open a monster's throat. He twisted and fired a precious blast of thunder, vaporizing one. Three more charged him, but Robin ducked and weaved around their strikes before making some space.

I need something to wipe them out. I'm pretty good with a sword from what I've experienced, but I'm not Chrom.

He jumped back as an axe buried itself into the ground, another small fragment coming to mind.

Well, no point not trying. I've still got enough pages anyway.

He dodged again before raising his sword, the tome in his coat glowing.

He yelped as twin bolts coalesced on his blade, swinging the blade in surprise and unleashing the bolts. The bolts flew away from the blade, fusing into a single arc and cutting the creatures in twain. Robin panted, feeling energy leave his limbs.

Ok, note for later. Channeling magic through a weapon not only uses pages, but personal energy as well. It's powerful, but better to use only when there's no choice.

With the fight for the fort done, Robin joined Virion atop the wall to see how the others were fairing.

In a word: wonderfully. Sully had charged a large pack, scattering them. Two archers in the pack trained their sights on her, but Virion lived up to his boasts. He swiftly nocked and fired four arrows, planting two arrows in the skull of each archer. Robin let out a low whistle, the sound making Virion smirk.

"See? I am truly the Archest of Archers! Who else could fire so far, fast, and accurately as myself?"

Robin nodded absently, watching Sully fight the pack she'd charged. Virion huffed and turned back to firing at anything Frederick hadn't killed yet. Lissa joined them, having checked Chrom already.

She found Sully. "Ah, always fun to see her go at it."

Robin nodded mutely, eyes shining in awe at what he was witnessing.

Sully had charged back into the pack, sweeping her lance in a wide arc as she passed them. The lance took the head off one of them before burying itself in another's chest. The horse's momentum brought the creature with Sully until she turned around, flinging its evaporating corpse from the blade.

The remaining creatures charged at her, bringing their rusted weapons to bear. As the first approached and jumped into the air, the others circled around to flank her. It was most complex tactics Robin had yet seen from these things.

Sully only laughed from what Robin could see. She swung her lance and smacked the first attacker out of the air with the butt. The force pushed the lance blade around to Sully's side, skewering one of her flankers. Letting go of the lance, Sully drew the iron sword at her side and slashed while ducking under the last attacker's swipe. She sat up and cantered forward, not even bothering to watch as the attacker fell to the ground, split from navel to crown. Her mount crushed the skull of the creature stunned on the floor.

Robin and Virion stared in amazement at this terrifying display, Lissa laughing at their faces. "Sully's one of the best knights we have! That was too easy for her!"

Robin slowly shook his head, swearing to never make Sully mad. Virion was more vocal.

"Oh, such terrible fury in such a beautiful form! It reminds me much of a dear friend of mine. The bards will sing of our romance!"

Lissa looked like she wanted to gag. "Yeah, not happening. Sully's engaged already."

Virion visibly wilted. "Ah, then my love is to remain unrequited. Woe is me that I fail to find love after so long."

Robin ignored them. He'd waved down Sully and Frederick and now they needed to regroup. He needed to cajole Lissa and Virion to move, but everyone was gathered in front of the fort a few minutes later.

Chrom looked around. "Well, the coast is clear for now. See anything while you two were riding out there?"

Sully shook her head, but Frederick pointed beyond a low hill.

"Milord, only one of those creatures remain. It lies beyond the hill, waiting."

Chrom nodded. "Is it anything special?"

Frederick nodded. "The creature is in no way similar to the others we've fought. It appears much stronger and smarter. When I attempted to approach, it threw an axe at me. Had I not dodged, Lady Lissa would be reattaching my arm."

Lissa blanched at the thought but Chrom pushed forward. "If it's the last, then we must be swift. Once it's gone we can make for Ylisstol."

He turned to Robin. "Any ideas, friend?"

Robin thought for a moment. Caution was their greatest ally for now, may as well use it. "That one is probably the leader of this entire horde, it would be best if we approached carefully."

Chrom nodded before turning and giving out orders, "Alright, this is how we'll do it. Everyone, approach the creature cautiously and keep an eye out for any surprises."

Before they got moving, Sully cantered up to Robin. "First time I actually got to greet ya. Name's Sully and I'm a knight. You?"

Robin reached up to grip her outstretched hand. "Robin, pleasure to meet you, Sully."

She grabbed his arm and shook hard enough to jar his arm. "I'll hear your story later, but welcome to the Shepherds. Maybe you'll be decent sparring unlike that bozo over there."

Chrom let the jab roll over him. Now wasn't the time for petty insults. "Get in position, Sully! The sooner we do this the better!"

Sully chuckled but joined Frederick up front. Robin rolled his shoulder, trying to get some feeling in it, when Lissa passed him a flask.

"Vulnerary," she explained when he just stared at it. "Sully doesn't know her own strength at times. Just swig that and you'll be right as rain."

Robin still looked confused.

Lissa sighed. "Right, amnesia. Ok, short version, vulneraries are water and ground medicinal plants enhanced with a bit of healing magic. They're a lot easier to produce than staffs so they're sold just about everywhere."

Robin nodded and took a swig. The liquid was bitter, but he felt the pain in his shoulder ease before disappearing.

Lissa smirked at his awed face. "Seeing you relearn things is going to be all kinds of fun."

Chrom's annoyed yell got them into formation. Frederick and Sully would advance first, followed by Robin and Chrom. Lissa and Virion would stay in the back for support.

They advanced slowly, careful of any surprises. Eventually, they crested the hill and Robin got his first look at the enemy.

The creature was tall, easily a foot higher than the lesser versions. It's face was an ugly mask with long, ragged hair flowing out of its head. It had a massive axe over its shoulder with a smaller one belted to its tattered pants. Outside of the pants, the creature was bare of any armor.

It saw them and pulled the axe from its shoulder. Everyone held their weapons at the ready when it did something no one expected.

It threw the axe.

It flew at speeds one would expect of an arrow, its blade biting deeply into Sully's shoulder. Her armor saved the arm, but Lissa had to rip Sully off the horse and staunch the bleeding before she started using her staff.

The rest scattered, Frederick keeping back to protect Lissa and Sully. Chrom rushed at the creature, stabbing at its side. It dodged and lodged a fist into Chrom's gut, making Chrom hunch over and nearly vomit. Robin charged in, distracting it with some stabs while Chrom limped away.

Virion circled the duel slowly, arrow trained on the creature. It was moving too much for a clear shot, but he just needed patience.

Chrom had recovered enough to join Robin. They kept swinging and slicing at any perceived vulnerabilities, but the creature would twist itself into grotesque shapes to dodge and counter. After taking a fist to his cheek, Robin gazed through his bleary vision to see Chrom flying at him.

The creature had grabbed Chrom and thrown him at Robin's dazed form, sending them both to the ground. It charged, sensing the chance to kill them, then it stopped dead in its tracks.

Virion had come through once more. An arrow was sticking clean through the creature's head, temple to temple. But, as Robin's vision fully returned, another cause of death was made apparent.

Frederick had impaled the creature, a rare look of rage on his face.

Thankfully, there were no more creatures. When they gathered around the wounded Sully, the stranger that had jumped from the portal joined them along with another two.

The first was hidden almost completely by a large coat that bared an uncanny resemblance to Robin's own. Their face was hidden in shadow, only steel greaves visible on their legs, and Robin couldn't make out their gender or if they had any weapons.

The other was most definitely female. She rode atop a large lightly armored horse with wings of all things and wore a set of light armor with a blue and white dress. She also had a lance held tightly in her grip, the silver head more intricate than any he'd seen before. Her face was hidden behind a steel visor, but she had a grin on her lips and her dark blue hair was easy to see.

Frederick placed himself between them and Sully. "I see. You were the ones that removed the rest of those creatures?"

The masked swordsman nodded. "Yes, I and my companions took care of the others."

Chrom came from around Frederick. "You are Marth, correct? My name is Chrom."

Marth remained silent.

Chrom shook his head. "A name after the old Hero-King. You fight incredibly well too. Where did you learn your way with the sword?"

Marth sighed. "We're not here to talk about me. You have seen the prelude to a terrible calamity this night, and we have warned you."

Marth turned to leave, the others turning to follow, when Robin stopped them. "Wait! At least let us know the names of your companions. If only so we may thank you properly."

Silence met them, but Marth's companions turned to face them.

"You may call me Catria." The girl said.

"You may call me Katarina." The other said.

Now that he heard their voice, Robin could tell the one under the cloak was a girl. But, the voice sent his mind reeling, the same images from earlier flashing by.

But the voice was different.

'Daddy, play with me!'

'Up, up!'

'I don't like onions!'

'Come on, Lucy's here!'

'I love you, Dad.'

'Don't leave!'

He came back to reality with a snap, staring into Chrom's concerned eyes. "Hey, are you ok? You've been staring at the forest ever since they left."

Robin blinked, trying to right himself. "I'm… fine. Must have been that hit I took."

Chrom was still concerned. "Take a swig of vulnerary. If that doesn't help, go see Lissa."

Robin nodded and took another swig of his vulnerary. The memories faded a bit and his pounding head settled down, but he was still reeling.

I know her. The one that introduced herself as Katarina. But… does she know me?

He couldn't give it any further thought. Frederick was worried about the capital from what he could hear and they needed to move.

Thankfully, Sully's injury was much less severe than expected. A quick chant from Lissa and a green glow suffused the wound, leaving unblemished skin.

Lissa prodded the shoulder, nodding when Sully hissed. "Yeah, that'll be a few days rest. The wound's healed, but everything's going to be tender till you let your body get at it."

Sully groaned. "Can I ride at least?"

Lissa glanced to Frederick, sighing at his steely gaze. "You'll have to. I'll get your arm in a sling so it won't jostle as much, but you'll have to bare the pain."

Sully nodded and let Lissa do her work. Moments later, they were thundering down the road.

Robin had to marvel at the horses they rode. Each was carrying three people, their armor, weapons, and supplies, and the horses weren't so much as breathing hard.

That's damned impressive if I do say so myself. I'll have to ask either Frederick or Sully how they're so strong.

He shivered at the thought of trying to talk to Frederick alone. Sully was a better idea for now.

The run was silent beyond that. But, the horses were able to reach the grand gates of Ylissetol within five hours, just as the sun was cresting above the horizon.

Robin marveled at the sheer size of the walls and the city they contained. People of all kinds were walking everywhere, laughing, shouting, and all around living.

To Robin's empty memory, it was the most beautiful thing to ever cross his eyes.

"Thank the gods," Frederick sighed as they entered the walls. "It appears the capital was saved from the great quake."

Sully groaned. "I'm glad to be back too. But, Captain, can I head for the barracks? I need some rest."

Chrom waved her down a street. "Go ahead. Say hi to Kellam and the others for us."

Lissa jumped in. "Get Maribelle to look at it if I'm not there in an hour!"

Sully snorted before cantering down the street.

"Hold, milady! I, sweet Virion, shall accompany you!" Virion shouted after Sully, following after her.

Everyone blinked as Virion ran after Sully, Chrom eventually sighing. "Let's… just go. Emm's going to need an update."

They continued down the street before running into a large crowd, people jostling amongst themselves.

Curious, Frederick got the attention of an elderly man. "Excuse me, sir. Is there something going on?"

The man pointed towards the crowd, excitement clear. "The Exalt has come down to visit us today!"

Frederick nodded, thanking the man before returning. "It appears the Exalt shall be coming through shortly."

Chrom and Lissa shared grins before taking up spots where they could see, Robin joining them

"The Exalt is the leader of the Halidom, correct?"

Robin's question made sense. He'd had the basics of the Halidom explained to him on the trek, but it was better to confirm.

"That is correct, Robin. She's a symbol of peace for our people in these times of strife. She keeps heads cool when others would call for war. It certainly doesn't help that Plegia continues to poke our borders, but she thinks of her people first and foremost." Chrom answered as the procession came into view.

The first thing Robin noticed were the Pegasus knights creating a box around the Exalt, most likely their personal guard. Each member rode upon either a white or black winged horse adorned with cloth or armor. The white riders wore armor across their chests, shoulders, and thighs. The black riders wore leather and chainmail. They all carried heavy silver lances.

"What are the horses called again?" Robin whispered to Lissa.

She laughed. "Pegasus. Or pegasi, if you're being plural."

Robin nodded and glanced at the center of the box.

That was when Robin saw the Exalt herself. She was tall and sure, striding in her pure white robes like a second skin. The robes were covered by a large scarf that held the numerals of 1-12 on it. Its meaning was lost on Robin, but the green contrasted well with the white. Her face was what stuck out the most to Robin. She wore a gentle smile upon her beautiful visage, features smooth and radiant. Her golden blonde hair fell in curling ringlets around her face. Her eyes were pools of wisdom, light blue and filled with equal parts compassion and melancholy.

The procession passed and Chrom continued his praises of the Exalt until Lissa got Robin's attention with a single comment.

"She's also the best big sister someone could have!".

Robin started answering before the comment really processed.

"I bet she woul-"

Then it hit him.

"Wait, big sister?!"

Chrom looked confused.

"Yes, Emmeryn is our older sister" He answered, face flat.

"But… wouldn't that make you…" Robin trailed off with growing horror.

"The prince and princess of the realm? Why, yes indeed. You know milord's name, but don't know this?" Fredrick asked with a smile.

Robin was really starting to dislike that face.

"You said you were Shepherds!"

Chrom shrugged. "And we are, in a manner of speaking, we just have a LOT of sheep"

Robin was kneeling instantly "Oh, sire, please, forgive my terrible manners! If I'd known…"

Chrom waved him off. "It's fine, Robin, you had no way of knowing who we were." The prince turned and began to walk toward the castle. "Come on, don't you want to meet Emm?"

They had a brief spat when the castle guards tried to stop Robin, but a quick reprimand from Chrom sent them away. Robin didn't care though, preferring to gape at the architecture around him.

The castle was made out of smooth grey stone, the outside long since bleached white. Green tapestries and windows lit the halls with a sense of serenity, the servants going about their business happily. Paintings lent the walls a sense of majesty, a few pots, statues, and suits of armor always drawing the eye.

It was lovely, but the guards standing around ruined that peaceful atmosphere, if only slightly.

Lissa was explaining who were in the paintings to Robin when a familiar scent wafted by his nose. Curious, Robin let Lissa walk on ahead before following his nose. He wandered down a few hallways before turning a corner and slamming head long into someone else.

Robin gathered himself and stood to apologize when his breath caught in his throat.

The woman before him was beauty personified. A glossy mane of scarlet hair fell around her and pooled on the floor, accentuating her armor clad form in all the right ways. Her boots drew his eye to her long legs, the leather clad limbs stretching for what seemed like forever. She pushed her hair out of her face and Robin was drawn to her eyes.

Garnets, blazing red gems. That was the only way he could describe the red orbs glaring at him from her sharp face. But, her face was soft too, the sharp and soft in perfect harmony.

She picked herself up, her hair falling past her waist. She continued to glare at him before speaking.

"…And you are?"

Her melodious voice made Robin's eyes widen. He'd heard that voice, he knew that voice. And now, a bit more memory returned.

It wasn't clear, but this woman, this knight, was perfection.

And her name came to him as easy as breathing, the scent she wore warming his heart.

She didn't know this though. To her, a strange man was staring at her like an animal. "Hmph, don't answer me then. If you'll excuse me."

She brushed past him, but froze when his voice carried across the silent air.

"Cinnamon…Cordelia."

Ch 4 End

7: Well I rather liked how this chapter turned out with a few continuing divergences here and there as I create this story

Severa: Is that really how Mom and Dad met?

7: In this story yes they met in the castle for the first time.

Severa: But they told me they met later than that! *Glares*

7: Don't worry Sev you'll see why that is in the next part so don't worry

Owain: Sorry I just got back from that food-truck you sent me too

7: Yay lunch!

Severa: I guess I'm doing the outro this time *ahem*

Thank you all for reading and don't forget to leave a favorite, follow, or review see you next chapter!