We're baaaaaaaaaaaack!

Severa: You just have the need, the absolute NEED, to make movie references every chapter don't you?

7: You can't watch a Mojo Top 10 on horror movies and not reference Poltergeist my friend!

Severa: Ugh… fine what's going to happen in todays' section then?

7: Today we have the attempted assassination!

Lucina: *Reading script* As well as lots and lots of description. You really want the readers to see this much detail? I'm sure that they can just look them up to see what the models look like.

7: Admittedly, they could if they wanted to and I'll put a SKIP IF YOU WANT TO warning just before it starts, but I have vivid images of what they look like after the training so I want to share.

Lucina: Okay then, that sounds fine to me.

7: And yes your father and mother both look awesome so there's no need to worry.

Lucina:*Blushes*

Severa:*Opens mouth*

7: Your father looks awesome as well and I'll add your mother in once she's had a chance to go in as well.

Severa: *Closes mouth*

7: Uh huh that's what I thought, Anyway we will get to the introduction of Gaius and Panne today. Also, just so you readers know, the Shepherds will not return to the Outrealms until they get five more members. As such they won't go in again until after Cordelia joins them (Anna joins off-script).

Lastly, all current Shepherds have full A-rank supports (no S- supports minus Sully and Kellam) and they all have completely maxed stats so this is gonna be fun.

Plots (Results)

-Ylisstol, Main Plaza-

Two days after the Shepherds disappeared into the gate, Lucina was still stuck in the inn. She'd been able to move Severa and Cynthia to another inn across town, but, now she'd been staring at a door for hours on end.

It's not like she was well and truly bored but it wasn't the most exciting work.

She sighed. It looked like nothing else was going to happen for now. May as well go check on her friends.

As she went through the inn's dining room, she turned her head towards a loud voice.

"Don't you think it strange that the Exalt herself is by the fountain?"

"Fool, she's showing us solidarity! She's amongst us when she could be holed up in that palace like a rat!"

Lucina frowned as she passed them.

The Exalt? Aunt Emmeryn's outside?

That could mean many things, but the Shepherds going through the gate two days ago, almost to the minute, was too convenient.

They must be coming back soon. Hmm, if I remember correctly, Emmeryn would play with the children whenever she decided to walk through town. Maybe I can speak to her.

She smiled wryly. Getting to talk with an aunt she'd only ever heard of sounded wonderful. Besides, everyone knew Marth as a male. She wouldn't know Lucina was family unless she looked closely at Lucina's eyes.

Well, I never got anywhere without taking a risk. I just wish Cynthia was here, she'd love to do this.

Lucina steadied herself and walked out of the inn. Even though she was expecting it, the sight made her breath catch in her throat.

Emmeryn was right there, sitting on the lip of the fountain with a crowd of children. Lucina could see her personal guard circling the square loosely, but they looked confident.

Good, they don't suspect any attempts on her life. That'll let me talk to her.

She smiled and started walking towards the fountain, making very sure to be as non-threatening as possible. She was stopped, of course, but the woman just looked her over. "Do you require something of the Exalt?"

Lucina recognized her as Phila, from her mother's stories. "I seek advice is all. If times are as troubled as I hear, then a word from the Exalt is beyond comforting."

Lucina frowned. "But… is it ok for her to be out in the plaza?"

Phila kept eyeing her. "It is, for now. Her Grace insisted on keeping her appointment with the children."

Then she shook her head. "I will speak to her. If she's willing, you may speak."

Lucina bowed and Phila turned and walked away. It was a few minutes before Emmeryn finished, but Phila waved her over after leaning close to the Exalt.

Lucina bowed when she stood before Emmeryn. "Your Grace, it's an honor to speak with you."

Emmeryn smiled. "Phila told me you seek advice. Tell me, and I will help as much as I can."

Lucina nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace. I have an aunt that is seriously ill, but refuses to admit it. She goes about her duties without a care to her ailing body and I fear she will die if she does not stop. Is there anything I can do to help her?"

Lucina mentally applauded the story she thought up. Not bad for coming off the top of her head.

Emmeryn nodded. "Hmm, a difficult situation indeed. Tell me, why does your aunt continue to work herself? Does she not have others that can support her? And if she does, why is she stubborn?"

Lucina shook her head. "She is unmarried. My father and other aunt are more than willing to help her, but she's been generous all her life. She likely feels that stopping for her own sake is selfish."

Emmeryn tapped her chin. "Hmm, that sounds similar to how my siblings have described me. I may not be ill, but I admit to being a generous soul. But, if she's like that, then all I can think to do is jump in front of her and give her nothing to do but rest."

Then Emmeryn winked. "That way, you show she's appreciated while making her recover. A tear laden appeal or two wouldn't hurt either."

Lucina nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace. I think I know what I need to do."

She turned to leave but Emmeryn stopped her. "Please, wait. I wish to ask you something as well. Phila, if you could watch from over there. I wish this to be private."

Phila went to protest, but Emmeryn showed her a tome hidden in her robes. Phila left without a word.

Lucina felt anxiety rise in her as Emmeryn patted the spot next to her. "Please, sit. Don't worry, no one can hear us, Phila's already made sure of that."

Lucina sat slowly, her anxiety increasing at Emmeryn's amused gaze. Silence stretched for a time before Emmeryn spoke. "So, how are Chrom and Sumia as rulers?"

Lucina practically jumped out of her skin. "What?! How did you…?"

Emmeryn gave her a flat stare. "Please, blue hair, Sumia's facial features, Falchion and the Exalt's Brand in your eye."

She held up the fringe of her scarf. "If you think a member of the Sages can't pick out the obvious, you're mad."

Lucina blushed. "Oh, well… how do you think I know anything about something that hasn't happened?"

Emmeryn's stare became amused. "I read quite a bit, my dear. I know most all the rituals and legends associated with Naga, including the one where she compels The Scales to send people back through time."

She took Lucina's hand. "Now please, tell me your name. I wish to hear what my niece is called."

Lucina felt tears in her eyes. "…Lucina. My name's Lucina. It's… wonderful to finally meet you, Aunt Emmeryn."

Emmeryn smiled. "Lucina… a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. But, I guess by your melancholy that I do not live to actually meet you."

Lucina shook her head. "No… you don't live to meet me or my sister. We've only heard stories about you."

Emmeryn chuckled. "Two? Oh my, Chrom and Sumia were luckier than I thought. Tell me, what's my other niece's name?"

Lucina smiled. "…Cynthia."

Emmeryn shook her head. "Another beautiful name… can you tell me more? I will gladly hear all you have to say."

And so they talked. For almost an hour, Lucina told Emmeryn her story. She omitted some parts out of necessity, but Emmeryn did not pry. She only smiled at her niece, beyond happy to see something wonderful come from her mistakes.

Eventually, they had to part.

"I fear Phila grows impatient. Your father and mother will be returning to us shortly, but it's clear you'd rather they not know."

Lucina nodded. "As… much as I wish I could leap into their arms, I cannot interfere with their relationship. Just talking to you like I have could change things in ways I cannot predict and cannot change."

Emmeryn stood. "Very well then. But, you need not worry about your father and mother falling for each other. They already have, it's just a matter of when they pluck up and say it."

She winked. "I'll make sure they do it by next year though. I have money riding on it."

Lucina sighed. "I knew Aunt Lissy got it from somewhere."

Emmeryn giggled. "Lissy? Is that what you call Lissa?"

Lucina nodded, a blush springing to life

Emmeryn smirked. "And me? Did I get a cute nickname?"

Lucina blushed. "…Emmy."

Emmeryn smiled. "That sounds right. Well, Phila's staring daggers into my back, we should wrap this up."

Lucina smiled. "Sorry for taking so much of your time. But, it was wonderful to meet you."

Emmeryn smiled and pulled Lucina into a hug.

"You carry a great burden, my lovely girl. It is obvious in your eyes and posture. My advice, my true advice, is to realize that you are loved. Your mother, your father, your sister, your friends, they all love you. I love you. Never forget that we will love you for who you are unto eternity."

She smiled into Lucina's ear. "Messiah or not."

Lucina couldn't stop the tears. She buried her head into her aunt's robes and cried all over again. They doubtlessly drew a few looks, but Emmeryn had done something like this many times before. It only made those that saw respect the Exalt even more.

Lucina pulled away when her tears were dry. "Thanks… I needed that."

Emmeryn smiled. "To cry is to be human. That and our capacity for forgiveness is what makes us more than common beasts. Not intellect or language."

Then Emmeryn winked. "Good luck, and I hope to meet you again. Both of you."

Lucina smiled in return and bowed. She turned and strode from the plaza; her heart lighter than it had been in years.

Emmeryn watched her go, smile fixed to her face. "Phila, I feel like we'll be seeing more of her. In fact, I'd like you to think of her as my friend from here on."

Phila's brow shot up. "Oh? Whatever you talked about must have left quite the impression."

Emmeryn giggled. "You could say that."

Phila sighed. "I'll just chalk that up as one of your quirks. But, to the matter at hand. Lord Chrom should be leaving the gate shortly."

Emmeryn nodded. "Very good. In fact, I think I hear the opening of a door."

They walked back to the fountain and waited. Soon enough, they heard the familiar chatter of the Shepherds drift from the alley.

Emmeryn sighed, relieved that they were safe. She closed her eyes to savor the moment but gasped upon opening them.

Those were the Shepherds, that was without doubt. But where once a militia of many disparate parts entered, paragons exited.

Everyone, from Chrom to Miriel, was outfitted in armor of astounding quality. The knights wore heavy plate that ranged from blue to gold and back again, Kellam in particular resembled a sheer mountain of metal.

The magic users wore robes of blue, black, white, and pink. Even Lissa, Emmeryn's darling sister, was dressed in robes that greatly resembled her own. Even Sumia could use magic now, if the icy blue tome she carried was any indication.

"A Dark Flier." Phila muttered. "Who'd have thought that girl could join such rarified air?"

The others were no less grand. Vaike had taken the armor of a berserker, bones decorating his shoulders while metal plates hung around his waist. Lon'qu, the one she knew least about, was covered in leather and scale chainmail underneath a blue coat, lacquer sitting on his shoulders.

Finally, there was Chrom and Robin. Her brother wore resplendent silver plate from his torso down, that same basic shield she'd given him hanging on his arm. Robin looked similar, but he wore gold and epaulettes adorned his shoulders. Even his coat had new stitching in it.

What… happened? I knew they were going to train, but this is a bit extreme!

She schooled her face into a smile. "Chrom, Lissa, everyone. I see that your training reaped quite the reward."

Chrom scratched his cheek. "Physically and magically, oh yes. Though, I wouldn't say we're all that smarter for it."

Robin nodded. "Aye, I tried to see if I improved in strategy by applying the same rules. Well, let's just say I ended up wasting a day."

Emmeryn nodded slowly. "Ok… If I may ask, where did the armor come from?"

Lissa bounced forward. "There was this really cool smith on the other side! He even had a couple of his friends enchant the armor and make the robes. They were so cool!"

Emmeryn's brow rose, spotting an odd spear over Chrom's shoulder. "And where, pray tell, did the weaponry come from? I'm pretty sure what I told you only gave access to the training."

Robin raised his hand. "Well, whoever was handling things in there decided to screw with us. We went in one time and found ourselves in some sort of mausoleum. Had to fight our way through, but we found a lot of useful items."

He drew the blade at his side. "For example, this. Mercurius, one of the Three Regalia that had long been lost to the world."

Emmeryn gasped. "One of the Hero King's Regalia. It looks brand new, like it had never left the King's side."

Chrom nodded. "And the spear I carry is Gradivus, another of the Three."

Emmeryn shook her head. "What else did you find there? It sounds like a place where every lost legend goes to rest."

Lissa chuckled nervously. "Well… you're not wrong."

She held up a light blue book, a small rainbow circling it. "We… kinda found the Book of Naga too."

Emmeryn nearly fainted. The ancient Archaean weaponry and an artifact blessed by Naga herself?!

She shook her head. "You know what… I don't want to know. I'm just glad you're all back safely."

Chrom chuckled. "Yeah, that's probably for the best. Anyway, how have things been here? I know it's only been two days for you, but for us it's been a month and a half."

Phila stepped forward. "It's best if we discuss this back at the palace. Prince Chrom, Sir Robin, if you would come with us. Sir Frederick, please take the others back to the barracks and await your orders."

Frederick nodded and ordered everyone to follow him. They did with a surprising amount of discipline. Frederick was quite the taskmaster after all.

Emmeryn gestured for everyone else to follow her. She almost smirked when she turned away, recalling her chat with her niece.

You'll make a fine ruler should it come to that, Chrom. I pray it won't, I want to meet my cute little nieces, but I feel confident all the same in your leadership.

Castle Courtyard- That night

Chrom paused in his pacing, mind wrestling with unpleasant information.

The Plegians have already started mobilizing. They haven't crossed the border yet, but they'll have thousands of troops ready to drown our outlying regions before long. The Dukes are useless too, with only Themis, Felds, and Superius answering the call to mobilize. Grevis and Clarissa have turtled and Draconis refuses to march until they're threatened.

He heaved a sigh, cursing the current Duke of Draconis.

Grevis and Clarissa are understandable, they're right next to Plegia, but Draconis is far to the east and holds Mount Prism. Duke Carlen is mad to think Plegia will simply ignore them.

He snorted as another thought occurred to him.

It is funny, that he wants nothing to do with this. If I recall correctly, he was one of the most ardent supporters of war with Plegia. Looks like the war hawk is little more than a clucking chicken.

He sighed again, footsteps approaching him. "Good evening, Robin. What brings you out here?"

Robin joined him. "Just seeing how you were doing. We were discussing what to do with the Duke, but I decided to leave after they stripped him of his title."

Chrom almost laughed. "I would pay to see that vainglorious dastard's face when he hears the news. I just wish such celebration didn't rest on our tenuous ability to hold all of five forts."

Robin sighed. "Agreed. I was able to convince Phila to transfer Cordelia's unit to one of the forts, but that was after pointing out the other forts stretch us too thin. Trying to get her back to the capital is a fool's errand unless we can raise the forces we need."

A familiar voice joined them. "You won't and the news only gets worse tonight."

Chrom glanced to his right. "Ah, so you were the one hiding in the brush, Marth the Seer."

Marth stepped from the shadows, his masked visage frowning. "I would prefer you not call me that."

Chrom shrugged. "Well, stop showing up and warning me about future calamities. Actually, stop telling me about calamities that come true. Can't you spare a good fortune for once?"

Marth cracked a smile. "Were that I could, good sir. But, I bear grave tidings once more."

Robin cracked his knuckles. "Tell me, 'Marth', where did you come by all this information? It's been very accurate so far, and such accuracy comes at quite the cost."

Marth frowned, hesitation clear in his frame. "What if… I told you that I've seen the future occur with my own eyes? That the Exalt dies, tonight, and Prince Chrom is brutally injured in the process?"

Robin snorted. "I'd call you mad."

Marth nodded. "As any reasonable person would. But, I will prove myself."

Chrom crossed his arms, eyes shifting to the tree behind Marth. "And how do you plan to prove that?"

Marth drew his Falchion, taking a breath as he did. "I'm about to save your life… from him."

He looked to his right, leaping into the air as a hooded man with a blade rushed from the brush. He brought his Falchion down and through the assassin's spine, killing him instantly.

Marth stood back up. "I trust… this will suffice as proof?"

Chrom shared a glance with Robin before nodding. "Indeed. But, what about the one in the tree?"

Marth's face morphed into one of shock as another assassin burst from the tree. Their sword was aimed squarely for Marth's collar, but he was able to backpedal away from the attack. Unfortunately, he stumbled on the slain assassin's sword and his attacker sliced through his mask.

Chrom burst toward the assassin and split him in two with a single strike from his Falchion. Sighing, he turned back to Marth.

"Wait," he started, "you're a woman?!"

Robin cackled. "Yes, Lissa owes me money!"

Marth just smiled, not really wanting to get into this. "And quite the actress too! Honestly I'm amazed you took this long to figure it out."

A grand boom sounded from the castle. Chrom and Robin turned and, trusting Marth's words, dashed inside. Marth ran right behind them.

Castle Corridors

They ran through the halls, Robin and Chrom nearly out pacing Marth. They were lucky some of the Shepherds were in the castle, but some of them were missing, likely still in the barracks.

While Robin started organizing both Shepherds and guards into a ramshackle defense, Chrom burst into Emmeryn's room.

"Sister, are you alright?!"

Emmeryn stood from where she'd been kneeling, likely in the midst of her evening prayer. "Chrom, please, grab Lissa and flee from here! My life is nothing before yours; please get out while you can!"

Oddly, he smiled. "Emm, don't worry. We're ready for this; just have some faith, ok?"

Emmeryn could see confidence in his eyes. "But, Chrom, that was only training! These are assassins, nothing you've faced before!"

Marth stepped forward. "Milady, I will gladly vouch for Prince Chrom's skill. He slew an assassin sent after him before I could even blink."

Emmeryn still looked hesitant, even as she gazed at Marth in surprise, but sighed. "Very well. But please, don't take any unnecessary risks! You and Lissa are my treasures; I would be devastated to lose you!"

Chrom smiled, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're our treasure too, Emm. We won't let you down. Marth, see to it she stays safe! I'm trusting you on this!"

Marth instinctively saluted and Chrom sprinted from the room. Alone, Marth sighed.

"Marth? Is that the name you chose for yourself, Lucina?"

Lucina nodded. "It is. I… had hoped to draw on the Hero King's strength."

Emmeryn nodded. "I see. That must be what you didn't tell me earlier today. Very well, I won't pry, but would you like some tea?"

Lucina stared at her, mouth agape. "Um…what?"

Emmeryn pointed to her door. "Hear that sound? Those heavy footfalls?"

Lucina nodded after taking a moment to listen. "Indeed. What are they?"

Emmeryn smiled. "That would be the wonderful Sir Kellam putting himself before the door. I don't believe anything will enter this night."

-Robin-

"Virion, either put an arrow in the bastard behind that pillar or find a new job!"

A javelin flew through the air and pinned the assassin to the floor.

"Thank you! And remember to talk to a smith about getting those arrows replicated!"

Robin heard something that sounded like a melodramatic yes so he moved on. "Sully, roll with Frederick down the east side, don't let anyone through!"

Hooves and steel rang like thunder and lightning, lances, swords, and axes took limbs and lives.

"Lissa, show that damn mage over there who's boss! Vaike, charge the pillars. We have a guy hiding there!"

Holy light burned forward and a bloodlust fueled body flew into the pillars, cutting the man in two.

Robin was in his element now, directing the Shepherds to their optimum efficiency. Any who got past Robin's efficient directions were skewered or crushed by Kellam.

Ok, so far so good. Now, if I could figure out how they got here and killed most of the guards, I'll be golden.

That had been an unfortunate discovery. When Robin had been trying to gather the castle forces together, he'd found most of the guards killed. He'd managed to scrounge up about six, but they'd been slain in the first wave.

The Shepherds, while much better, could only monitor so much of the castle. They were missing three of their mages and Lon'qu, Stahl was nowhere to be found.

Looks like I'll need to join soon too… Wait, who's that? He's not trying to fight, he just looks scared.

Curious, Robin ran over to the pillar the other man was hiding behind. Robin managed to approach him unnoticed.

The man had a shock of orange hair. He wore a black bandana and beige clothing with a heavy black cloak. He was armed, the steel sword in his hand said as much, but only small leather armor padded his chest and legs.

A thief. He's no assassin at least, but why is he here?

The man started speaking, still ignorant of Robin. "Man, I did not sign up for this. I'm a thief-not a murderer. The Exalt's a sweet lady and while I'll rob her blind, I don't want to kill her!"

His monologue finished, the man sighed. "But, if I try to leave, they kill me. What to do, what to do?"

Robin tapped his shoulder, Mercurius at his throat a moment later. "Well, you could surrender. Or, if you really want to live, why not join our side. Believe me, we pay well and the Exalt's more than willing to forgive."

The thief raised his hands slowly, sword clattering on the ground as he looked Robin up and down. "Hey man, no need to be so aggressive. It's bad business to betray clients."

Then he shrugged, "But, my contract says to steal, not kill. I'll join up if you sweeten the deal."

Robin sighed. "Gold? How cliché. Alright, let me see…"

He reached into his coat pocket, but cursed when some wrapped candies fell to the floor.

The man was on them like vultures to a carcass, scrabbling them off the floor and scarfing them down. A moment later, he burped.

"You got any more of those?"

Robin just blinked. "Uh, what?"

The man smirked. "Hey, I said 'sweeten' the deal didn't I? Don't get me wrong, I'll still take the gold… Unless… you have more of those candies?"

Robin sighed. "I'll ask Lissa later, she bought them. For now, can you guide me to the leader of these blackhearts?"

The man nodded. "Sure, he's creepy anyway. Oh, name's Gaius, so you know."

Robin nodded too. "Robin. Now, if you would?"

Gaius waved for him to follow and Robin ran after him. He needed to vaporize a few of the assassins as he went, thank Naga he'd found Mjolnir among the tomes, but the situation was well in hand with the arrival of Catria and a giant killer rabbit.

Wait a minute?! Giant killer rabbit?!

Robin shook his head. They could worry about that later, the assassins leader to priority.

Robin and Gaius burst into the castle's courtyard, Robin gaping in awe at the purple portal swirling in the open air.

Wisps of energy flew around the portal – all soaring from one, hooded man in the center of the yard.

Gaius pointed to him. "That's the boss. Creepy fellow that one; uses dark magic. Be careful, yeah?"

Robin nodded and drew Mercurius. But the mage noticed him and started laughing.

"Do my eyes deceive me? Truly, fate piles gifts at my feet. Garn! Report back and tell the others the vessel has been found!"

A diminutive creature flew from behind the mage and disappeared into the portal. It closed a moment later, the miasma flowing into the mage.

"Now then, they need the vessel alive, but it doesn't need to be any greater than that!"

He roared and dark orbs, eerily similar to the magic from Robin's first memories, streaked across the ground.

Robin rolled away and sidestepped the magic, wincing as the orbs exploded around him. He charged forward, a twitch from the mage the only hint he was surprised.

Robin swung and thrust as precisely as he could. He didn't have anything resembling Chrom's strength, but he made up for it in sheer accuracy.

The mage growled as Mercurius's blade sliced open a shallow cut in his dark skin. "You have some fight in you! Well then, take this!"

His hand gripped thin air and three spike of purple sprung forth, slamming into the earth where Robin had once been. Robin responded with a blast of thunder.

The energy threw the mage clean across the courtyard, slamming him into the wall. He staggered away, rage burning in red eyes, before roaring again.

This time a wave of dark energy shot forward, plants withering in its path. Robin had no way to dodge it, the wall was too high to jump over and too low to roll under, so he called forth Mjolnir's might.

Robin's spell roared forth. "Fenris!"

A pack of wolves sprang from Robin's hands, crackling howls rending the air as the forces met. Robin was blinded by the following explosion but another dark sphere met his chest and he rolled across the ground.

Whatever the spell was, it knocked the wind out of him. He could just barely see a black cloaked figure slumped against the wall to his right. Gaius must've been blown away by the hit.

He tried to stand but found a boot on his chest. The mage was standing on him, blood running from numerous cuts on his dark skin. His arm hung limp, but a smile was painted on a face that Robin recognized all too well.

The sorcerer from his dreams laughed. "Quite a fight. But, this is where it ends."

He raised his hand and sent another sphere into Robin's chest. Pain rang through his being, the runes in his armor reducing the damage enough to just barely keep him conscious.

"Hmph, impressive armor. Well, just need to boost the power a bit."

The sorcerer raised his hand again, but a voice caught his attention.

"Get away from my daddy, you gods damned freak!"

Robin knew that voice, he just knew he did. His vision was darkening, but he saw another Mercurius sink into the Mage's chest, his face locked into a grimace of pain and shock. A moment later, a familiar set of mismatched eyes hovered over him.

"Daddy, stay awake! Please, don't leave me, not again!"

Oh, it was Katarina. That's how he knew that face. The face that was currently tearing up in his almost black vision.

Robin found the strength to reach out his hand and stroke her cheek. Then, with the last of his conscious strength, he spoke.

"I'm…alright. But, I know you… somehow. You're name, it's… not Katarina, but… I can't place it."

Katarina nodded. "And you can't know. I wish you could, but you can't. Please, just stay alive. That's all I want, damn it. That's all I've wanted since I first saw you!"

Robin felt a tired smile stretch across his face. "I'm alive… I can tell you that much… About to be… unconscious… though."

His vision disappeared and he knew no more.

-Castle Infirmary-

Robin woke to a sharp pain in his gut and a splitting headache. He laid back down and took a deep breath, letting the headache subside.

Ok, I'm in the infirmary. Now, who else is here?

He looked right and left to find a few Shepherds joined him. Vaike had bandages on his head and arms, Kellam had a nasty looking gash on his forehead and it looked like Maribelle was nursing a broken leg.

Oof. Well, they should be able to heal it right up tomorrow. She'll just need a couple day's rest after it's mended.

"Oh, good to see you up, Rob. How's the gut?"

Robin glanced over to see a smiling Lissa. "Like I'm being gored by a deer. How's Emmeryn?"

Lissa smiled. "She's fine… wish I could say the same about the guards, but Emm and Chrom are talking to that Gaius guy now."

Robin sighed. "And… what about the bunny?"

Lissa stared at him like he was insane before blinking in recognition. "Oh, you mean Panne? Yeah, she's with us now."

Robin frowned. "Panne?"

Lissa giggled. "She's a skin changer! She calls herself a taguel and she's not that friendly, but she's a real-life skin changer!"

Robin nodded. "Well, that explains it. I'll have to meet with her and Gaius later."

Lissa nodded. "Yep, but not until you're better mister! Now, go ahead and rest up tonight. Your entrails took quite a pounding, but I'll be able to shove an elixir down your throat in the morning."

She turned to walk away, but Robin called to her. "Marth's a girl by the way! You owe my three gold!"

She flashed him an obscene gesture that made Maribelle cry out from the other side of the room.

Robin just chuckled and laid back, contemplating his last moments of consciousness.

It's strange. The closer I get to Cordelia, the clearer a picture I get of Katarina. Now I know that's not her real name. It seems the key to all this is Cordelia, but I just don't know if I can save her. I want to, I really do.

He sighed.

I want to apologize to her for dismissing something so important to her. I may have been worried, but I handled it poorly. I… I just want us to play again, to go out and eat again. We were discussing literature for Naga's sake!

His mind wandered again, nose filling with the sharp scent of her cinnamon laced hair.

I… I want to hold her again, like before we left and this turned into a mess. I admit it, but I don't even know what it is I'm admitting! Books don't help and the Shepherds are less than useless. What do I do?

He pounded his head against the pillow, careful not to agitate his wounds.

And then there's Katarina calling me 'daddy'. I'm pretty sure she's far too old to be my daughter, but with my lack of memory, who knows? I could be a very young looking man in his late thirties!

Robin sighed. There were simply too many questions and not enough answers. All he could do now was rest and pray that he could find a way to bring Cordelia back, by any means necessary.

Within days, he would regret that thought.

Ch 12

Done with this one, hoorah!"

Lucina: I understand why Severa jumped in there at the end, but why did you have me speak with Aunt Emmy?

7: Because you guys never get to in game and I thought it could help build some character for her.

Lucina: Thanks for that. I wasn't complaining, I was just curious.

Severa: Hey, 7…Why are my lines so embarrassing?!

7: Sev, we all know that's what you call Robin. There's no way to hide it. Anyway, how did it feel to kill Validar?

Severa: *Purrs slightly* AMAZING! I just wish Lucy could have helped.

7: Another day, perhaps. But, while we're still civil, to the outro!

Thank you all for your continued support! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and as always Read, Review, Favorite and Follow

Squad 7 DISMISSED!

(Haven't done that in a while, thought I'd revive it)