Hello my loyal squaddies!
Severa: …
7: Not. One. Word
Severa: I didn't SAY anything.
7: You were thinking it!
Lucina: Even I have to ask 7, why squaddies of all things?
7: My name is Gallian Squad 7 so I thought having a name for my fans would be fun.
Severa: Why didn't you consult ME though? You sound like one of those sci-fi nerds!
7: I'm not a HUGE fan of sci-fi, but I do like the ideas in it so leave me alone!
*Severa and 7 begin bickering*
Lucina: *sigh* Well, let's get the ball rolling while my friends here bicker, hmm?
*Reads script* We now move into a side chapter that has two sections to it. The first follows Lucina & Friends on the road to Ylisstol. This includes some background into the relationship between the elder siblings, and Cynthia being a ray of sunshine.
Cynthia: Yay, I get to be awesome!
Lucina: Not now Cynthia, go see if Father needs help. *continues*
(Play The Evening Wind at My Back Track 12) Present Day
Memories (Outsiders)
Northern Ylisse, Two days after the tournament.
The girls had settled down for the night. After two days of using abandoned roads and animal paths, it was good to rest. Yet, even far into the wilderness, they still heard the rumble of wagons as the Shepherds charged out of Ferox.
Their party was faring little better than the Shepherds. Severa and Lucina hadn't spoken to each other in more than a week, awkwardness and depression evident in their every move. Cynthia was beyond infuriated with them, every attempt to get them talking ending in failure.
Now, she was alone with her sister. Severa had gone to 'check the perimeter', but Cynthia knew it was just her trying to avoid Lucina. It was silent between them, the fire crackling merrily in defiance of what Cynthia felt.
Stupid fire and its stupid good mood. Why can't it read the room?
Cynthia sighed, blaming a fire wasn't going to do anything.
Alright Cynthia, put your game face on. Lucy and Sev like each other, clear as day, but they won't tell you what happened. So, let's go for the obvious 'when did it start' question.
She stood and walked over to Lucina, waiting until her elder sister pulled her eyes from the stars.
It took a few minutes, but Lucina brought her gaze to Cynthia. "Do you need something, Cynthy?"
Cynthia shook her head at the warm voice. Lucina tried her best, but she wasn't mother. "I need to ask you something, Lucina."
She took a seat next to Lucina. "When did you start liking Sev? I won't take no for an answer either."
Lucina turned away, but couldn't hide her blush. "And what would telling you do? I'm pretty sure she hates me right now."
Cynthia rolled her eyes. "Because I convinced you to act on what your heart was saying. I'm just as responsible for this mess as either of you, but I've never heard the full story."
Lucina kept her eyes turned to the forest. "I still don't see how this will help."
Cynthia sighed. "Oh for- look, Lucy, I want to fix this as much as you do, but I can't do squat until I know more. You two may not speak right now, but I'll be the messenger if I have to!"
Lucina still did not look. She didn't have to.
Cynthia's gaze was a powerful thing and it pressed against the back of Lucina's head like a physical force.
Her and her stubbornness. Then again, I guess it runs in the family.
Lucina finally sighed. "Alright, I give up. I'll tell you how it started, but that's all."
Cynthia giggled. "That's all I've been asking for! Now, tell me, tell me!"
Lucina pushed her sister's face away from her own. "Calm down. You may be a princess, but you sure don't act like it."
Cynthia's gaze became haughty. "Well of course, how else am I supposed to balance your dour air? Anyway, talk, now!"
Lucina almost smiled. "Alright, Alright. Well, believe it or not, it started before you were born."
Cynthia blinked. "Really?"
Lucina did smile this time. "Yes, it started when we first met. I'd say… sixteen years ago."
Ylisstol-16 Years Prior
It was a sunny day, nary a cloud in the sky. Lucina was playing with Daddy today since Mommy was feeling icky.
But, someone had come and taken Daddy's attention away from her.
Lucina hid behind her Daddy's leg, pouting at the other person, he was talking to.
"Chrom, how's Sumia doing? Last I heard it was just a stomach bug."
Daddy laughed. "She's doing better, don't worry. Should be right as rain as long as that poultice Lissa gave her keeps working."
Lissa? Oh, he meant Aunt Lissy!
The other person spoke again. "Well, I actually have someone I'd like you to meet."
She finally saw the other person's face. It was a 'guy' like Daddy but Daddy didn't have purple on his head. So… he was a purple guy!
He smiled at her. "Oh, is that little Lucina? My, she's grown since I last saw her."
Daddy laughed. "She's a big girl now, that's for sure. Come on Lucy, don't you recognize Uncle Rob?"
She looked at Daddy then the purple guy. That was Uncle Rob?
Purple guy laughed. "I'd be surprised if she did. Now then, where did my little angel go off to?"
He made a show of looking around before pulling his cool coat back. "Ah, there she is!"
Lucina couldn't see what he was so excited about, but Daddy cooed. "Ah, is that Severa? She's walking really well."
Purple guy nodded. "She's quite the talker too. Cordelia's been having fun teaching her."
He bent down. "Come on Severa, say hi."
There was silence for a moment before a little voice said, "Hello."
Lucina felt Daddy's hand push on her back. "Come on, Lucy, say hello to our guests."
She tried to keep her grip on Daddy's leg, but she slowly let go. She kept her face to the ground when she took a step forward.
"…ello."
She didn't look up, even when Daddy told her to. She was so nervous…
A little hand entered her view, the voice she heard speaking again. "I'm Severa… what you name?"
Lucina glanced up. "Lucina."
The little girl before her smiled. "You Lucy now. Me Severa."
She heard her daddy laugh. "Grammar still a work in progress?"
The purple guy laughed too. "Oh, it will be for a while. I doubt Lucina's that much better."
Her daddy laughed and she smacked his leg. No one made fun of her, nobody!
Daddy just kept laughing. "Well, why don't we let the girls get to know each other? I'll have Nowi keep an eye on them."
Purple guy laughed. "Well, if anyone can tire them out it's her. Severa, why don't you try and play with Lucina. Maybe you two can be friends."
Severa smiled, practically hopping out of her little red dress. "Me like friends!"
She reached over and grabbed Lucina's hand, making the tot-sized princess squeak. But, before anything else happened, another voice joined them.
"Are those my little nieces? Meeting for the first time?! Robin, how could you not tell me you'd be visiting?"
Severa's mismatched eyes lit up. "Aunty!"
She ran over to the woman, dragging Lucina all the way.
"And that's how we met. I admit I was too young to realize how interesting Severa's appearance was, but that didn't mean we weren't fast friends."
Cynthia was chuckling. "Sorry, I just can't picture Sev talking like a caveman."
Lucina sent her a wry smile. "Oh, and you think you didn't? Your first full sentence was 'Peggy go bye bye!' when you saw a Pegasus take off for the first time."
Cynthia blushed. "Ok, ok, sheesh. But, was it Aunty that helped you guys be friends?"
Lucina nodded. "Severa's always had something special with her. You could almost say that Aunty was her second mother with how many times she looked after Sev."
Cynthia frowned. "But, didn't Aunt Cordy and Uncle Rob take care of her the most?"
Lucina smiled. "They did. Aunty only actually took care of her a couple dozen times over the years, but she was her first babysitter. As for how it truly formed, well, you'll have to ask Sev."
She sighed. "But, I've told you where it started. I… don't feel comfortable discussing the rest, but Severa was my first friend and I cherish the memory of our first meeting more than almost anything."
She stood, exhaustion calling her to rest, but Cynthia hugged her from behind.
"Thanks for telling me, Lucy. I know it's been hard the last while, but you guys have been through worse. I remember more than a few arguments before we came here and one incident with a plushy that really got you guys angry."
She turned Lucina around, smile radiant. "You'll both be fine. It may take some time, but you just need to trust in each other. Just like you always have."
She moved closer to Lucina's ear, voice a whisper. "Besides, I don't think you're giving this enough thought. I know you're dense, your inability to get jokes proves it, but just trust me and Sev. If you do, you may be surprised."
Lucina sighed and whacked her sister over the head. "You need to work on your pep-talks."
She pulled Cynthia into a hard embrace. "But, thank you. That means more than you'll ever know."
Cynthia could forgive the sting on her skull for now. There'd be retribution later, of course, but for now she just held her sister close.
"If you want to cry, go ahead."
And Lucina did. She hadn't cried in nearly ten years, but this was the tipping point.
She cried for the dead and missing. She cried out her desperation and anxiety of shouldering Falchion's burden. She cried for the friendship she thought was dead. She cried for every tragedy and frustration to befall her.
Cynthia hadn't been expecting her to cry so much, but held Lucina against her shoulder until the tears ran dry. Once Lucina was only hiccupping, Cynthia spoke again. "Better?"
Lucina nodded against her . "Yeah… yeah that feels much better. Thanks again, Cynthia."
Cynthia smirked. "Good, then it's time for the 'Little Ram' and 'Pega-Pony Princess' to get back into action!"
Lucina blushed hard. "You swore to never say that nickname ever again!"
Cynthia laughed and started skipping around the campsite. Lucina gave chase, giggling whenever Cynthia tripped over something and blushing whenever she did too.
She may have been the more serious of the two, but she was still Sumia's daughter.
They ran about until they finally fell to the ground, exhausted.
"Well," Cynthia panted. "That was fun."
Lucina tried to laugh. "Well, fun's relative. But, we need to go to sleep. I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to make Ylisstol by tomorrow."
Cynthia had a nostalgic smile on her face. "Yeah… it'll be nice to see the city in its heyday, before everything went south."
Lucina hummed. "Do… do you think Marley's has opened yet?"
Cynthia shrugged. "Don't know. What, you thinking of taking Sev as an apology?"
Lucina sat up. "No, not as an apology. More of a… peace offering, until we can sort ourselves out."
Cynthia nodded. "Well, it was her favorite place to go when she was in town. Here's hoping its open!"
Lucina sighed. "You and me both, Cynthy. Let's get to bed. Sev will be back soon and we need to be rested for tomorrow."
Cynthia gave a tired cheer and they crawled to their sleep rolls, neither noticing the girl listening from behind a tree.
Severa sighed. She'd circled faster than she thought she would and now she'd heard all this.
At least she still wants us to be friends. Whether it goes beyond that… I don't know, we'll see. I mean, I love her, I know that, and she loves me, she knows that, but is it… real? Or, is this the 'you're my best friend and a sister' love?
Severa refused to acknowledge the kiss that started this introspection. That was goading on Cynthia's part, not natural. If it happened again in a natural setting…
She shook her head with a sigh. There was no point thinking about it right now.
Seeing Lucina and Cynthia were asleep, she walked back to the camp. They were both breathing deep and even, fast asleep.
Severa smiled. Only you two can have a heartfelt conversation, run around, and fall dead asleep. All within ten minutes too.
She shook her head and patted Cynthia's shoulder. "Sweet dreams, Cynthia."
Cynthia mumbled something that sounded like 'custard soldiers'.
Severa rolled her eyes, chuckling at the sleep talk. She took a deep breath before going to Lucina's side.
"Goodnight, Lucy. Sweet dreams."
Lucina had a frown on her face though, small whimpers escaping her lips.
A nightmare. Ok, Sev, what's the one thing Mom always did when you or Morgan were having one?
She blushed as the memory came to her. Whenever Severa or Morgan had a nightmare, Mom would always come in and kiss their foreheads or their cheek.
Come on, Sev, you can do this! This isn't romantic in the slightest; you just want to help your friend!
Confident in her thoughts, she leaned down and gulped. She was right there, Lucy's quivering lips not two inches away.
Maybe she could do it a little more to the left…
No, bad Severa, bad! You're trying to help your friend, not molest her!
Severa pulled her eyes from Lucina's lips and planted a slow peck on Lucina's cheek. It seemed to work. Her face relaxed and her breathing grew slower and deeper.
Severa nodded. Mission successful! I hate having to pull on an old memory, but what works, works!
Satisfied, she skipped over to her own roll and swiftly fell asleep. She never noticed Lucina open her eyes and whisper.
"Thanks, Severa."
They woke early the next day, Cynthia none the wiser to what happened and Severa unaware of what Lucina had witnessed. But, it was a more relaxed atmosphere as they made their way to Ylisstol, their steps far lighter and more assured.
In fact, they made the great city's gates the very next day.
They knew that going in their masks was asking to be captured so they were free of their disguises when they arrived. The only difference was they had their armor stored in packs over their backs and wore civilian clothing. It made them look all the world like ordinary travelers.
They were able to enter with little trouble, the guards friendly and helpful. In Ylisstol, they marveled at the life around them.
"It's so… alive." Lucina breathed after they found a spot to rest. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think to see Ylisstol like this again."
Cynthia was almost bouncing out of her dress. "It's so cool! So many shops and stalls and people, it's wonderful!"
Severa smirked. "It is a sight for sore eyes. But, we need to find somewhere to stay. Remember what happens soon?"
Lucina sighed. "Yes, I remember. It's ok to have some fun every once in a while, Sev, you don't need to have a tactical mindset about everything."
Severa snorted. "Considering it's me being in that mindset that's saved us countless times, I'll take my chances. I'm already the local grump as is."
Cynthia sighed. "Oh, Severa, always the serious one. Ok, we'll go find somewhere. But! Once we do, we go get food!"
Lucina and Severa nodded before setting off to find an inn. Thankfully, a reward of two hundred gold had been given to them for winning the selection tournament so they had their pick of lodging.
Eventually, they decided on an inn in the main square called the Golden Eagle. It was one of the most renowned inns in the city and they decided that a bit of luxury was in order after they'd made such good time.
Sure, it was twenty-five gold for the three of them, but it paid for meals and a room for three days.
When they were deciding on where to eat, Cynthia gasped. "Ah, shoot! Selene still needs cleaning and I sure as heck don't trust these stable hands! Go on without me, I'll eat here!"
Cynthia turned and ran from their rented room, leaving an amused Severa and nervous Lucina behind.
"So," Severa began. "What do you think? Should we just have a look around till we find something? I don't know about you, but I remember jack about what Ylisstol has."
Lucina nodded. "That sounds good. Shall we?"
They locked their room and left the inn, wandering into the busy streets. Even as dusk began to set on the city, the streets remained alive with torches slowly being lit. They passed a few places that would have been nice, but Severa could tell Lucina was guiding her somewhere very familiar.
She smiled when their destination came into view. "Marley's Grill… It's… open."
Lucina could tell Severa was trying to hold in her emotions. It wasn't all that surprising, really, since Severa had many of her best memories came from this place. She'd had birthdays here, attended Shepherd reunions, and came here with her family whenever they visited.
She smiled. "Hey, Sev? I think that's a good place to go. Shall we?"
Severa sighed but followed Lucina inside. It looked just like she remembered except shinier and missing the royal citation. She even spotted the booth she'd shared with her family whenever they visited.
Lucina waved down a passing server. "Excuse me. We'd like a table for two, preferably somewhere quiet."
The server nodded. "Hold on. Logan, table for two! Put 'em towards the back!"
A young man's voice answered. "Got it!"
He was young when he came up, younger than either of them. But, Severa mentally groaned when she saw interest spark in his eye.
Hate to say it, friend. You have set your eyes on something that you literally cannot have.
He guided them to a seat in the back, constantly trying to strike up a conversation, before handing them some menus with a flourish and leaving.
Severa flipped through the pamphlet, smiling in nostalgia. "Heh, they have my favorite as the special today. Sweet."
Lucina giggled. "Well, consider it yours. I'm paying today anyway."
Lucina flipped through the menu. "I must commend them for this idea though. If I remember correctly, most of the other restaurants in Ylisstol started using these after Marley's."
Severa rolled her eyes. "Meh, people are copycats. And, Lucy, it's our collective funds you're using. Technically, I'm paying too."
Lucina sighed. "Here I was trying to be nice. Oh well."
Logan returned and gave them some drinks on the house. Severa rolled her eyes as Lucina ordered, the other girl completely missing the boy's saccharine compliments.
Hah, trying to win favor with us. If he tries to charge us a lower price, he'll get in big trouble. Then again, considering the angry looks he's been getting from the other customers, he may be in deep already.
Logan left and Lucina turned back to her. "So, Sev…"
Severa held up her hand. "Let's wait for the kid to get back. I need to have a quick word with him."
Lucina tilted her head. "Why?"
"Because," Severa began, burying her head in her hands. "The guy's trying to win our favor. Remember, there's no such thing as 'drinks on the house'. Probably thinks he can convince one of us to go out with him by being generous. He's been trying to act all suave too."
Severa sighed. "I'd just prefer to nip that particular problem in the bud."
Lucina nodded slowly. "Ok… I don't see it, but I'll let you do your thing."
"What would you do without me?" Severa groused. "I'm pretty sure I've saved you from more than a few amorous suitors that got too bold."
Lucina giggled. "Those are some fond memories. If I recall correctly, you dunked one of them in the punch bowl. Then, when their parents complained to yours, you told them that he was getting handsy with me while my father was in earshot."
Severa smirked. "Oh yeah. Man, those pricks turned pale when he popped up."
They laughed, settling into a comfortable conversation about their fond memories. They didn't want to bring up their mission, not now, but the mood still fell when Logan returned with their food.
"Terribly sorry for the wait, ladies. One Superius Tuna with Feldian rye bread and a light sauce for the lady in blue."
He handed the plate to Lucina.
"For the lady in purple, one Themis Sirloin with a side of corn and sweet peas. And, to finish it off, some yeast rolls."
He presented the plate to Severa, who took it before speaking. "Logan, can I speak to you for a minute?"
He blinked, shock and a hint of excitement in his eyes. Severa stood and pulled him away, speaking in low tones so Lucina couldn't hear them.
Lucina kept her eyes on them though, even as the steaming and delicious fish before her called like a siren's song. Eventually, she saw Logan's shoulders slump and they returned.
He bowed to her. "I'm… terribly sorry for acting inappropriately. I shouldn't just dole out good service since I was… attracted to both of you."
Lucina waved him off. "As long as you've learned your lesson. Service is a noble profession, but difficult as well. Those you serve will always demand and expect your best and you must provide it at all times."
Logan bowed again and left. By the looks of it, he was going to apologize to several other customers as well.
Lucina turned to a smiling Severa. "What did you say to him?"
Severa stuck out her tongue. "That is for me and him to know, no one else. Besides, I can't stand seeing an Inigo wannabe."
Lucina shook her head, amused. "You need to show that sweet side more. It'd make it so much easier for you to make friends."
Severa huffed. "Nah, I reserve my sweet side for when I'm helping those I care for. In this case, that's you."
Lucina smiled. "You… still care for me? Even after I…?"
Severa smiled too. "Come on Lucy, that's not gonna ruin our friendship. Let's just… see where it goes. For now, we're friends, ok?"
Lucina reached across the table. "Ok… I understand. Friends it is then."
It hurt to say that, it really did. But, neither wanted to try and rush something so complicated in the midst of such important circumstances. There just wasn't time to work through what needed to be worked through.
For now, they'd stay friends. But, when their mission was over, maybe then…
They silently agreed to give it no further thought; Severa gripped Lucina's hand in reassurance before they turned to their meals.
They finished a short while later. Cynthia hadn't arrived so they paid and left, deciding to walk off the meal before returning to the inn. They wandered for what felt like hours, their feet carrying them to the road and then to the castle gates.
Lucina stared at the gates, melancholy in her eyes. "It looks so majestic. Nothing like how I remember it."
Severa sighed. Even after Lucina was born, there had been damage to the castle. To see it pristine must be quite the shock.
She pulled Lucina down the road. "Don't worry, Lucy. We'll be very familiar with these halls in a couple days."
Lucina sighed. "I already am, remember? But, you're right. Let's get back and see how Cynthia's doing."
They turned back to their inn and made it back by sundown. Cynthia was waiting for them, brush in hand, when they entered their room.
"Hey guys!" Cynthia greeted them. "Hey, I found something weird out back."
Lucina frowned. "Weird? How so?"
Cynthia pointed to one of their windows. "Look there! It's in the alley below us."
Lucina and Severa shared glances before walking over to the window and glancing outside.
"Hey, doesn't that look like the Gate we came through?"
The Gate was nothing more than a simple archway with two grey slabs closing it off. It was so nondescript and ordinary that it practically blended into the wall behind it.
Lucina nodded. "It does… Maybe it's one of those Outrealm Gates we heard about."
Severa sighed. "If it is, then we can't do anything. Remember, we need a key to get in and even then no one to go through one has ever come back. I think we should just leave it."
Lucina nodded and Cynthia sighed. "Aw, and here I thought this would be something interesting."
Lucina shrugged. "Can't have everything. Anyway, it's getting late. We should turn in for tonight and start scouting more thoroughly in the morning."
There were nods all around and they prepared silently. It wasn't until Severa was asleep that Cynthia snuck over to Lucina's side of the room.
"Hey, Lucy, how'd it go?"
Lucina rolled over, eyes annoyed. "If you mean lunch then it went fine. We're friends, that's it for now. I'll tell you more in the morning."
Cynthia sighed. "And here I went to the trouble of whispering. Fine, have it your way."
Cynthia snuck off to her bed and went to sleep with a pout. Lucina sighed and did the same, minus the pout.
But, when the morning came, it wasn't the sun that woke them.
"Hey, stop pushing!"
"Sully, get your horse to stop fidgeting!"
"Kellam, you're squeezing me into the wall!"
"Get the damn door open!"
Cynthia shot out of bed and raced to the window, opening it with a bang. "What's all the racket out there?!"
She looked down to see the embarrassed faces of the Shepherds.
A man with greenish hair called up to her. "Uh, sorry for the commotion! Our business will be done shortly, don't mind us!"
Cynthia squeaked and fled back into the room. "Lucy, Sev, we have a problem!"
Lucina, ever the morning person, popped out of bed. "What problem?"
Cynthia was busy shaking Severa awake so she just pointed at the window.
Curious, Lucina walked over and glanced outside. Yep, those were the Shepherds alright, but what were they doing here?
"Stop shaking me dunce, I'm up!"
The yell was punctuated by a smack and thud as poor Cynthia took a pillow to the head. Severa huffed before seeing a pale Lucina by the window.
"Hey, Lucy, what's up?"
Lucina pointed out the window. "The… The Shepherds are… going through the Gate."
Severa's eyes widened. "What?!"
She sprinted to the window and threw the pane open. She poked her entire torso out and gaped. The gate was not only open, but most of the Shepherds had already gone through! The last one to enter was the one and only Robin.
Severa suddenly felt very foolish when Robin's head perked up and he turned to look as the gate began to close.
His eyes widened when he saw her. "Katarina?!"
The door slammed shut right after he said it, a blue light shining between the cracks before everything went silent.
Severa pulled herself back into the room and slumped to the ground. "That's… not good."
Lucina sighed. "Yes, and for three reasons. First, where did they get the key to enter? Second, why go in when no one has ever come back?"
She turned to Severa, eyes hard. "Third, if they do come back, what will they do now that Robin's seen you?"
Severa kept her head in her arms. "I… I don't know. I don't know if he's met Mom yet, so that's one reason to stay away, but we need to be in Ylisstol for what's about to happen."
Lucina sighed, eyes softening. "I know, Sev. Maybe he'll forget about seeing you, but we should probably move inns just to be sure."
Cynthia spoke up. "But… shouldn't we keep an eye on the Gate? I mean, how will we know to hide if we don't see them come back?"
Lucina nodded. "A fair point, but I'll do it. They've seen you both, so you'll have to hide, but they haven't seen me."
Severa stood. "And how, exactly, will you find us and tell us?"
Lucina smirked. "You leave that to me."
She turned back to the window and the inert gateway, thoughts racing.
But the questions remain. Where did they get an Outrealm key? And why, when war is coming, did they go through it?
She shook her head. They could question why the Shepherds would leave in the wake of a war's outbreak later. For now, they had to find another inn for Severa and Cynthia before the Ylissean military stormed the Golden Eagle.
What she'd find two days later would throw everything she knew upside down. But, answers would not come to her for a long time.
The Night Before-Shepherds
They arrived in Ylisstol to immediate murmurs from the crowds. They'd been able to make the rest of the march without incident, but everyone had been glancing over their shoulders the entire time.
The first words out of Chrom's mouth when they entered the palace were orders to double the guard and recall all patrols. They needed to concentrate their military might if they were to have any chance against the Plegian forces.
Robin predicted it would take Gangrel four days to gather his forces and storm the border. It was poor news to Phila and Emmeryn, but they knew he'd only ever tell them the truth, and now, with his access to the nerve center of the kingdom, he was dismayed.
Phila said Cordelia went to one of the westernmost forts. The call to retreat won't reach her in time. We… we can't save her unit or any of the others out there.
He slammed his fist into the wall, making Emmeryn glance at him. "Sir Robin, I know you're dismayed, but the call has been put out and the reports I've received match your observations to the letter. Please, be patient. Once Chrom has returned from organizing the guards we can begin."
They were standing in the throne room by a small door, different than the one she'd previously led him down. She'd asked Robin to join her and Chrom on a visit to a place called 'The Royal Archives', but the prince was late.
Robin sighed and almost asked to leave when the throne room doors creaked open. It was Chrom and he did not look all that happy.
"Why do you need us to go down there, Emm? Surely there's a better way to spend our time?"
Emmeryn gestured for them to follow. "Because, our forces must be stronger than mere mortals to best what comes for us. However, the Shepherds are the only ones I trust with this burden."
She opened the door and led them down a complicated series of hallways that made Robin's head spin. They stopped before a nondescript door. Emmeryn muttered something in an indecipherable tongue and the door glowed with unknowable runes. Slowly, the glow faded and the door creaked open.
Emmeryn pulled out a red tome. "Follow me. The descent is as long as it is dark."
The tome glowed and a ball of fire sprang to life in her palm, lighting the darkness landing they stepped on to. Robin glanced over the side and saw a long drop with stairs ringing it, petering into the darkness only a short ways down.
He followed Emmeryn and Chrom, slowly growing cold as their descent wound them ever deeper. Eventually, when he could see his own breath, they reached the bottom.
Chrom patted his shoulder. "The climb's far worse, trust me. For now, feel honored at what you're about to see."
Emmeryn waved her hand and the ball of fire flew around the room, lighting a ring of torches. The light made Robin wince, but he gaped when his vision settled.
Before him stood a grand door of smooth granite, every inch of the stone inscribed with runes and magic circles. The magic radiating from it was palpable in the air. As if to drive home the fact that no one should enter, great chains bound the door, inscriptions etched into the rusted iron.
Emmeryn stepped up to the door, voice echoing like a bell. "Open before those of Exalted Blood and grant us entry. Power beyond what we hope to match seeketh the sacred shield. Open and grant us the power to defend ourselves. So sayeth Exalt Emmeryn Adler the Fifth de Ylisse."
The door glowed and the chains fell away with a crash, stone grinding against stone as the door parted.
Robin stared at the doors, but Chrom answered the unasked question. "Yes, Emmeryn is the fifth of her name. Ylisse has existed for a thousand years and Emmeryn was a popular name for royal girls a few decades ago."
Robin shook his head and followed Emmeryn through the door, Chrom right behind them.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he crossed the threshold, jaw slamming into the floor. "Naga's tits."
Chrom stifled a laugh. "I take it Vaike taught you that one. But, I agree. It is quite a sight."
Before them lay a cavernous room filled to the brim with all kinds of things. Ranging from paintings and sculptures to piles of gold and jewelry, the room practically glittered.
Emmeryn ignored the splendor and walked further in, waving for them to follow. "As you can see, Robin, we do not call this an 'Archive' for no good reason. What surrounds you is a collection of Ylisse's greatest treasures, gathered here since the founding of the Halidom."
She sighed. "But, do not be fooled by the splendor. We are here for two items only, no more."
She led them through the treasures, answering any question Robin was willing to ask. She finally stopped before a low pedestal with a dark key sitting on the cushion. "Ah, here we are."
Robin blinked. "And what, dare I ask, is that?"
Emmeryn took the key from the cushion and presented it to Chrom. "This, dear Robin, is called an Outrealm Key. It's one of only five in the entire world."
Robin was confused. "Outrealm? What's that?"
Chrom shook his head, storing the key in his pocket. "Supposedly, they're other worlds, separate from our own. There are many tales of them, ranging from places of infinite gold to places where one can train for but a day yet receive the results of a year. But, I always thought they were fantasies."
Emmeryn shook her head. "Not quite. The key goes to a door located behind the Golden Eagle Inn and I want you and the Shepherds to use it. Go and train, become the best possible warriors you can in the two days I'm giving you."
Robin finally got his head around the idea. "Ah, so you know the place of training exists and you want us to use it. An astute idea, milady, but why not send all our forces to do so?"
Emmeryn smiled. "Because there are foolhardy members among our troops. Some would go hunting for gold to make them rich whilst others could get curious and invite horrors unto our world. It's best if only a few with integrity go."
Robin nodded. "Very well, when do we leave?"
Emmeryn spun about and continued further in. "Tomorrow morning, as early as you can. For now, we need to retrieve one last thing."
She walked ever further into the room, the golden glitter giving way to rusted weapons and rotten staffs.
Robin glanced around. "What are these?"
Chrom sighed. "Old weapons and staffs. The jewels in the staffs still hold power, but the weapons are little more than antiques."
Emmeryn stopped in front of them, reaching down and picking up a nondescript shield. "Here we are, now then, let's go."
She turned and started walking again, passing the shield to Chrom as they followed. Silence stretched for an eternity before they left the room and Emmeryn sealed it once more. "Well then, our work for today is done. Chrom, Robin, please retire for tonight. I will do so myself after I meet with Phila."
She bowed to them and started climbing the stairs. Not wanting to be left in the dark, they followed. It took a while, but Robin eventually found himself back in his room.
So, we're going to an 'Outrealm' tomorrow. All while we have war preparations to do. Emmeryn, I have no idea what you're thinking but I hope this works.
-Morning, Golden Eagle Inn—
Well, this is fun.
The Shepherds were currently shuffling in an alley behind the inn. It was less than spacious with three horses and a pegasus, but Chrom was studying the strange door before them.
"So," Robin drawled. "What we got here doctor?"
Chrom rolled his eyes. "I'm trying to find a keyhole, my good man."
Lon'qu's voice sounded over them. "Away woman!"
The Shepherds were really starting to complain now. Kellam was crushing Vaike into the wall and Sully's horse was getting testy with Miriel.
"What's all the racket out there?!"
Great, they woke someone up. Thankfully, Stahl answered them. "Uh, sorry for the commotion! Our business will be done shortly, don't mind us!"
Robin heard a squeak before what sounded like a window slammed close. Robin sighed when Chrom laughed. "Found it!"
He set the key in the hole and turned it, a hollow click echoing through the air. "Shepherds, let's go!"
Chrom pushed the door open and walked into the dim room beyond. The others followed along shortly, Robin funneling them through the door. When everyone else was inside, he crossed the threshold.
But, something tugged at his mind and he turned to the alley as the door began to close.
He choked at the sight that greeted him. A woman was poking her head out of the inn's window, staring at him to reflect his own shock.
"Katarina!"
No one else had those mismatched eyes, but the door slammed shut at his shout and a blue flash whisked him and the others away.
He'd return stronger than ever, but Katarina's face and Cordelia's fate would haunt him throughout the trials.
No manner of training or happenstance would be able to banish them from his mind.
Ch 11 End
Whelp, we all know what happens next! Just so everyone knows every Shepherd will become level 20 in all their classes. Thus, they will have all their skills, and master all the weapons they have available to A-rank.
The way it works will be explained here rather than breaking the immersion of the story. So, the Shepherds spend one day in an Outrealm that gives them a year's training. But, that day is only two hours in their home world and they age in accordance to their world, not the Outrealm. As such, they're essentialy spending 48 days in the Outrealm but getting the results of 48 years training.
Overpowered? Very much so, but they'll be eternally outnumbered and there's many clever ways to fight such power. As Robin says, knowing is half the battle.
Anyway, here are everyone's final classes and skills (in terms of current Shepherds) after the two-day (their time) training.
Robin: Grandmaster
Skills: Ignis, Lethality, Pavise, Limit Breaker, Sol
Chrom: Great Lord
Skills: Aether, Dual Guard +, Aegis, Limit Breaker, Luna
Lissa: Sage
Skills: Tomefaire, Galeforce, Renewal, Limit Breaker, Miracle
Frederick: Great Knight
Skills: Luna, Pavise, Aegis, Limit Breaker, Deliverer
Sully: Great Knight
Skills: Luna, Lethality, Astra, Limit Breaker, Aegis
Virion: Bow Knight
Skills: Bowfaire, Bowbreaker, Lifetaker, Limit Breaker, Swordbreaker
Vaike: Berserker
Skills: Sol, Axefaire, Lethality, Limit Breaker, Locktouch
Stahl: Paladin
Skills: Luna, Lethality, Aegis, Limit Breaker, Astra
Miriel: Sage
Skills: Tomefaire, Lifetaker, Renewal, Limit Breaker, Magic +2
Sumia: Dark Flier
Skills: Galeforce, Luna, Tomefaire, Limit Breaker, Pavise
Kellam: General
Skills: Pavise, Lethality, Luna, Limit Breaker, Movement +1
Lon'qu: Swordmaster
Skills: Swordfaire, Astra, Lethality, Limit Breaker, Swordbreaker
Ricken: Dark Knight
Skills: Lifetaker, Tomefaire, Aegis, Limit Breaker, Luna
Maribelle: Valkyrie
Skills: Tomefaire, Renewal, Galeforce, Limit Breaker, Lifetaker
That's everyone! So far anyway.
Severa: Man, they all look like absolute badasses!
Lucina: Sev language!
Severa: Can you blame me!? They're awesome!
Lucina: I do admit I feel very proud to have such amazing parents.
*Both begin to glow at the sheer pride they feel*
7: MY EYEEEEEEEEEES!
*Falls over screaming in agony, while being ignored by the sparkling pair*
Robin: … I'm just the spare here, huh? Anyway, onto the outro.
Thank you all for your support and, as always, read, review, favorite, and follow!