"As I have promised before I accept your offer to form an alliance." Her voice giving off a masculine tone would easily catch her listeners off guard.

The future exalt bowed at her. "Thank you your grace, I am eternally in your debt".

The newly coronated Khan of Regna Ferox guffawed at his humble gesture.

"You've already done that for me the moment you gave me sovereignty. It's been ages since I had control this land. I feel like an old sword trying to get it back and shine."

Chrom gave her some words of confidence. "You'll do great. With time comes experience."

The ironclad knight entered the throne room.

"I beg your pardon milord for coming in on such short notice, but we are now ready to depart. We resupplied our resources early morning." He pulled out a long list errands from armored suit. "I made sure everything on the list has been checked off."

"Thank you Frederick, you never cease to amaze me."

"Must you leave so soon Chrom? You are welcome to stay here a little longer if you must."

"As much as I want to stay and explore more this great kingdom. I must let my sister to know our current status. The faster we get to Ylisstol, the more comfortable I will feel of her safety.

A boisterous voice echoed throughout the room as a genial giant and a mysterious fellow walked towards the group.

"Khan Basilio, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"To you the same lad, I came here to send you off with a parting gift. Step up here boy."

Upon first glance it was obvious to note that he is not a happy go lucky man just by looking at his facial expression. He wore a long blue tunic, with the red strap around his stomach, leather boots extended knee high, black leather gloves and a kitana strapped to his waist.

Basillio slapped the man's back. "This man here is my erstwhile champion Lon'qu. Since he was thirteen years old he has been serving as my champion. He is my best warrior, I believe that he may what it takes to become a great Khan someday."

The prince extended his hand out attempting to shake his hand.

"It's an honor to meet you Lon'qu"

Not a word slipped out of the Warriors' mouth.

He retreated his hand back to his side. "Alright then, anyways welcome aboard."

"Ha, the boy does take some time getting used too. I hope you know what the task is Lon." He nudged Lon'qu's stomach.

"He orders me where to go, I kill people, and we all get to live another day. And stop calling me that." he snarled.

Chrom quickly remembered something he meant to ask the West Khan.

"Ah, before I forget, there's something I wanted to ask you."

The khan folded his arms. "Hmm? What is it?"

"It deals with Marth, is there anything that you can tell me about him?"

He gave a sad look of disappointment.

"Sorry but I don't know much about him either. Four days ago, he came over to our training yard and challenged Lon'qu to a battle. Next thing you know, he immediately knocks out my champion. I offered him the chance to take Lon'qu's place and he accepted it. Like Lon'qu here, he is not much of a talker. Only being direct and ends sentences with either yes or no. Even now, I still do not know how he bested him."

Lon'qu's face slightly changed color. But kept a stern face.

Meanwhile, Robin finished dropping off his belongings in the wagon. As always, he is mentally stuck in his mind thinking about the conversation he had with Marth shortly after the tournament. That same night, he went to the infirmary only to learn that he had escaped undetected after spending only a couple of hours there.

He cupped his chin. "Something still seems odd about her. Lissa and Chrom mentioned that she came from a portal in the sky. In addition, she warned us to keep our guard up stating that if we aren't careful, then Armageddon will surely fall upon us. Is it possible that he is from the future or just a lunatic? And if he isn't how far back did he travel? So many questions but with so little information.

"Robin? Hey ROBIN! Are you listening to me?"

His mind drifted back into reality, noticing the delicate little princess waving her hands across his face.

"Jeez, Robin. You were staring off into space for so long I was wondering if I should have called for help or play mess with you.

"I'm fine Lissa, just that a lot of things have been on my mind you know. Most of my thoughts have been about Marth. His life seems more mysterious than mine considering the fact that he materialized out of thin air.

The thought of Marth put Lissa in a trance. Her cheeks turning rosy, waving her head left to right.

"Huuhhh, he is so dreamy. Someday, I'll figure out how he looks like under the mask. And maybe with a lot of wishing he will sweep me off my feet into his majestic horse and ride into the sunset.

She too stared off into space for a couple of seconds.

"Now who's dozing off into space?"

"Is everything okay here you two?"

"Chrom! I just finished loading the last of my things in the storage cart. On your command, we make for Ylisstol."

Chrom gave a slight nod "Of course, let's make haste. Emmeryn would surely be glad to receive the good news." He turned his attention towards his little sister. "Lissa, I want you to get on the convoy. Reason why is that I noticed your delicate little body cannot handle long marches when we came up here.

Lissa was angered by his remark and hit her brother on his arm considerably hard.

"How many times do I have to have to tell you, I am not DELICATE, I just get tired easily.

Chrom smiled and placed his hand on the top of her head.

"Don't be so naïve little sister. In time, you will develop physically and mentally. Listen, how about when we get back to Ylisstol. I will get whatever your little heart desires."

She gave it some thought and her temper slightly improved. "Hmph, fine."

"Thank you sister."

Chrom and Frederick both moved in front of the group.

"Shepherds, I just wanted to announce before we go that we have a new member joining our ranks. The west khan has told me his sword fighting skills are phenomenal and was his former champion. I would like you all to meet Lon'qu"

Lon'qu's form was sharp as he did not look at any of his new comrades. The majority of the shepherds felt either awkward or intimidated by his appearance. Everybody still greeted him with open arms. Some of the Shepherds attempted to communicate with the Myrmidon only to be ignored, especially with the women because he did not let them even get close to him within a five foot radius.

"Hey! I just wanted to say hello is all." Cried the princess. She stomped on the ground aggressively.

"Hello and goodbye." Walking away from her.

She crossed her arms. "Hmph, well excuse me for invading your space."

The prince mounted on his horse raised his hand to gather their attention. "It's time to head out. We've got quite a journey ahead of us. Shepherds, are we all set to go?"

Everyone nodded in unison.

"Right, off we go."

At half a day's march, they passed through Longfort and continued marching until the first sign of twilight. They decide to camp at the same location they were at on the first night of their travels.

They erected their tents in the same formation as last time. Unfortunately for their newest member, there weren't any more tents for him to spend the night in. Chrom proposed that he should spend the night in Robin's tent but he refused and volunteered to take the first shift of night watch, the prince accepted the offer.

By dinner time, the group coalesced around the table while they also received their dose of nourishing sustenance. The majority reveled in on what estival activities they were going to do once they arrive home. Vaike and Sully are going to train, Stahl wants to try a new restaurant that opened up near the castle and Lissa wants to practice on being a well-mannered lady.

"I'm sure Maribelle would gladly help you out on that subject little sister." Chrom gave a brief yawn. The march left him haggard as he struggled to stay awake. He looked at Robin who was busy gulping down his food. "What about you Robin? Got anything going on once we get back?"

"Hhmm, uumm nothing in particular. However, I do plan on talking with the shepherds one on one. I think it's about time I started created a roster."

"A roster, why?"

"Well, remember how we all paired up and everyone worked with their partner to defeat their foes."

"Yeah?"

"Well, that got me thinking. What if people tend to work better with someone that complements each other's strengths and cover up their weaknesses. What I plan to write on this roster is a short biography on each of the shepherds. With detailed description on their likes and dislikes, personality, a quality that makes them stand out, and… their birthdays."

"Are you planning to talk to everyone on the same day?"

"No, but eventually I'll get a chance to talk to everyone and on a personal note, this will help strengthen the bond with the person."

"I see, by strengthening our bonds we not only increase morale but become more in sync with each other."

"Exactly." Robin said snapping his finger.

Chrom couldn't help but smile at the mauve cloaked tactician.

"We are really fortunate to have such a gifted strategist. Naga has blessed us with a dedicated, stalwart ally and friend."

Chrom's words always uplift his spirits and chuckled "You give me too much credit Chrom. Everybody plays an important part. Me? I'm just basically another chess piece."

"Right, I think that is something all the shepherds should follow, strong friendships really do help on the battlefield but if I might suggest something. Take some time for yourself as well. Do not lock yourself up reading strategies or think about war. Sometimes it's good to unwind, especially at times like these. I'm glad that at the moment, nothing drastic has happened. Ylisse is a halidom known for its peaceful nature. Something that my sister Emmeryn spent fifteen years fulfilling this dream.

Robin grew curious at the last comment.

An eyebrow slightly rose. "What was occurring during that time?"

Chrom's weary body could not stay fully awake any longer as he let out a big yawn.

"I'll explain what happened sometime later." Slowly getting up from his seat, he stretched his arms. "I'm getting really sleepy."

Robin immediately got up as well. "Chrom, is it okay if I take the second shift of night watch? I'm not really sleeping tonight."

"If that is what you want then be my guest."

"I will Chrom, thank you. You have a good night." He bowed.

"Right back at ya." He then gathered the attention of his army. "Shepherds, I want you all up and ready by daybreak. Otherwise you'll receive an unpleasant wakeup call by Frederick. Other than that, everybody have a good night."

Time ticked forward as one by one each warrior retreated back into their tents except for Lon'qu and the tactician. Robin thought about using this time to get acquainted with the Myrmidon. For the entire march he has not said a single word to anyone nor has he attempted to approach someone.

"It's time to figure out who Lon'qu is." He thought to himself. In less than a minute, he already elaborated various questions and replies from different answers.

Eventually the tactician found their new ally circling around the whole campsite with one hand on the hilt of his kitana. Robin made sure not to startle him as he came up from behind.

He cleared his throat. "Ehem, hello Lon'qu."

He slightly turned his head around, his scowling eyes made Robin feel a bit intimidated. He scratched the back of his head.

"Right umm anyways. I was wondering if I could join you?"

He replied back with a short grunt and continued his patrol.

At least he gave me some sort of response. He ceaselessly followed him hoping to start something.

"I will take that as a yes."

Lon'qu sighed.

He is not a talkative type of guy, he also finds the presence of people vexing. If that is the case then that might be trouble in the battlefield. Let's see if I can use that towards my advantage on figuring him out.

"So…. What was it like being Basillio's champion? It must have been a great honor representing him for eight years. Your sword fighting skills must be incredible if you were able to help him be Khan twice."

"….."

"How was Marth able to beat you anyway?"

Lon'qu immediately turned his whole body around and drew his blade, the tip of his sword inches away from his face. His facial expression was infuriating and his gaze stared intensely into his eyes.

"That match was nothing but a fluke. There was no way I would have lost to that novice swordsman."

"Whoa, easy there buddy. I didn't mean to offend you."

"Don't call me buddy."

"Okay I'm sorry. Again, I did not mean to offend you in any way. I was just wondering, that's all."

Lon'qu placed his sword back in its sheath. Thinking for a few seconds while his pupils moved left and right hesitating on whether to say something or not.

"I… I was caught off guard. He stumbled backwards and I grabbed him by his chest but what I thought was a man was actually a woman"

So Marth is a woman! Robin thought to himself. Even after the event with Marth. He still was not sure what he or she was.

"Does it matter if Marth was a woman?" Robin asked.

Lon'qu crossed his arms. "Normally in a battle, it does not bother me but this woman disguised himself as a man. The sudden shock left me open thus allowing her to knock me out with one foul hit. When I woke up, I found out that she took my place as champion.

Something clicked in Robin's mind. "There is actually something that caught my attention about you. Every time a woman approaches you. You become overprotective or retreat. Why is that?

"That is much more personal for me to say. However, an event in my past has left me with a case of what they call gynophobia."

"Gynophobia?"

"Yes, whenever a woman gets within arm's reach. An instinct kicks in causing me to panic or coddle myself."

"Interesting. How long has this been going on for?"

"Since I was ten."

"Have you made any attempts to get over your fear?"

The question left Lon'qu at a pause. His visage became sobersided. "No, are we done with this conversation yet? I need to get back on patrol."

Though Robin did not want to end the conversation just yet, he felt that it was best not to end things off on a bad note.

"Of course, sorry to bother you. I'll be in my quarters when your shift ends. You are welcome to spend the night there if you wish to do so."

Lon'qu returned to his silent behavior, giving a nod at the inquisitive tactician before continuing his duty. Robin returned to his tent to respite his weary legs.

Lon'qu's past seems to bring him discomfort. It's best for now to not pair him up with any of our female units but it would be a good idea to help him get passed his fear little by little. I should take a short nap or else, I might regret patrolling with a lack of sleep.

Robin laid on his mattress and unbuckled his belts and shoes. An instantaneous relief surged through his body. In a matter of seconds, he dozed off.

His conscience created an image. A mountainous terrain, two trails heading up towards the top of the cliff. By the side of each path were forts guarded by pikeman, wyvern riders and barbarians. At the bottom of the mountain were four people. A skinny man with sharpened nails, ash grey skin, burgundy hair with a crown. A woman with purple tattoos, whitish purple hair, her outfit was somewhat revealing, and a barbarian holding Maribelle.

What's going on? is this a dream?

Maribelle struggled to free herself from her captor

"Unhand me you brute, let me go this instant you idiotic troglodyte!"

The vixen slowly approached Maribelle. She shook her head in disappointment. "Is this war truly worth it? All this bloodshed because of you!" giving a soft menacing laugh.

Maribelle grimaced "Oh gods no… Lissa. Forgive me."

Without warning a blast of air whirled around the barbarian lacerating his entire body with wind blades. A young mage ran towards the troubadour and untied her.

"Come on Maribelle, you're free now. Let's get out of here."

"Ricken!? What are you doing here?" she yelled in panic.

The women in black witnessed the whole event. "Oh? Is this kid your boyfriend? HA, that's cute. Still, I'm not showing any mercy just because you're a little brat."

The remark angered the young boy.

"Don't ever call me a boy." He prepared to cast another spell.

"Ricken! Don't!" Cried Maribelle.

"Enjoy these last few seconds of life, because they WILL be your last." She spoke menacingly grinning.

"ELWIND"

"GOETIA"

Fierce mana expelled from the palm of their hand. Both blasts colliding with each other causing it to spread around the entire area. The boy struggled maintaining his spell. The witch laughed. From the look of her eyes, it was easy to tell she was just toying with him.

"Goodbye" she said as a surge of magic shot out enhancing her spell's power. The spell blasted through the boy's own attack impacting into the boy's chest. The force of the attack launched him, flying towards the shepherds. His body engulfed in a black miasma.

Chrom noticed him. "SOMEBODY CATCH HIM."

The closest one to where Ricken was about to land was Robin. The tactician's legs uncontrollably headed to catch the young mage.

Why is my body moving on its own? It's as if it has a mind of its own.

Robin was able to catch him with the force and weight of his body pushing him back landing on the ground.

Sounds of footsteps and clanking metal could be heard rushing towards him. The first to arrive was Chrom who fell to his knees to check on his condition. Robin's sight never turned anywhere else. The blast ripped a whle through his clothes, ash covering his chest. Gasping for air while his skin turned pale, his veins darkened around his face.

"No, no no no gods. Ricken! Hold on buddy. LISSA, I NEED YOU HERE NOW!"

His gasps turned quieter and less frequent. Robin held Ricken's hand the whole time and was losing grip until the young body effortlessly let go.

"Ricken please don't give up." Cried the young prince. He placed his head into his chest. "He's not breathing."

"He's… gone Chrom." Replied Robin.

"Is this a dream or not? Why is this happening?"

Robin was in shock, unable to distinguish this as an illusion or reality.

"Robin, we got to get this son of a bitch. What's the plan?"

His vision started getting blurry. Fading into darkness while Chrom's voice continued saying his name.

"Robin…. Robin…. Wake up."

He started getting consciousness, as he awoke from his short slumber muttering words.

"Wuh-what!"

A voice whispered from outside the tent. "It's your turn for watch."

Yawning while pinching his nose with two fingers. "Of course, thank you for waking me up Lon'qu. You can sleep in here if you want. Bugs fly around here at this time of night.

"I'll be fine. I'll sleep by the fire."

Robin re-equipped his gear. Tome and iron sword concealed inside his signature cloak. He walked through the tent flap and embarked on his patrol. It's a full moon tonight and the trees are basking in its luminous glow. The center campfire and torches also lit the night providing warmth around the vicinity. A calm and soothing night for anyone to get a goodnights sleep. For the majority of his patrol, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. No risen appeared, no wild animals, nothing but peace and the crackling of a warm fire. Robin thought about sneaking off from his post to visit the same place he went last time they were here. He wanted to reflect more from the events from the past few days and a particular situation that his caught his attention.

He kept himself alert while walking in the path he took last time. Silence can mean two different things, nothing or an ambush waiting to happen. He kept one arm inside his cloak, holding his tome as it provides higher range. After five minutes of walking through the thick bushes, he finally arrived at his comfort spot. A shroud covered night and took a seat on a rugged rock. The entire field was blanketed by darkness. The smell of Mother Nature helped him concentrate and clear his mind. Exhaling, he reminisced the last few days: the battle at longfort, meeting Flavia, exploring Regna Ferox, the tournament, and like always Marth. He's been facing a lot of stress lately too. Though Ylisse has support from Regna Ferox. We still do not know whether Plegia and Ylisse will go to war or not. If they do, he's in charge of leading 10,000 men into the battlefield.

"Am I ready for this? There is so much at stake here. Sure, I was able to get us this far but those were just small battles. These might come at a bigger price. And what about that dream? It felt so real that it left me startled. There is so much going on."

Doubt clouded his mind. In just a matter of weeks, he went from an amnesiac with an enigmatic past into a tactician commanding an army.

"What else is life going to throw at me?"

The bushes violently rustled. Catching Robin's attention, his senses were in high alert.

I had to open my mouth

"Lissa? Is that you?"

There was not a sound except the smooth breeze and shaking of the leaves. His hand tucked inside his cloak firmly gripping iron. He slowed his breathing, calming himself.

Lissa trying to scare me with some of the Shepherds? Risen, a wild animal. I can't let my guard down.

As he approached the origin of the sound, there were several red dots glowing through the shrubs.

Whoever you guys are, show yourselves now!

There was a brief pause.

Suddenly, four figures ran out of the bushes, each one carrying a sword. Their bodies wrinkled and gray.

"Risen. If there are some here then… I've got to warn the shepherds."

He pulled out his thunder tome from his cloak. "Four against one. The odds aren't exactly in my favor. Hopefully, they are a clumsy bunch."

Electrical currents coursed through his body as they expelled through his fingertips. Knocking one out with ease. A risen flung himself towards Robin, the creatures sword held up high. Robin swiftly rolled out of the way sending more electricity out of his body. The assailant was to slow to react and was rag dolled into the air disappearing in a violet miasma. The last two risen arrived, circling around the very alert tactician who kept constant watch on both risen.

Oddly, one of the risen slowly lifted his hand and mumbled as if he was trying to communicate with him.

"GRryaha Y-youuuu gyah."

Robin grunted in confusion in confusion. "Are you… talking to me?"

More rustling could be heard from the trees.

"More risen. This is bad."

Two silhouettes popped out of the trees. This time however, the shapes were easy to figure out.

"Robin! Are you alright?!" Chrom said running with the petite princess following her older brother.

"Yeah" he replied back.

The duo were just now a couple feet away from their troubled friend. He looked back at his sister.

"Lissa, stay here."

"Right." She nodded. As Chrom continued running.

Both risen lunged themselves at Robin. Chrom had to get by Robin's side. He jumped up in the air, the height he leapt was unlike any human can do, and this was superhuman like abilities. Descending down, he pulled his sword out of his sword. He pointed it down towards the risen. The attack was successful as Falchion impaled through its enemy. Robin was able to block the other Risen's attack before he struck it down.

"Are there anymore risen around here?" he asked hastily.

"Peace, Robin there isn't any sign of more. Frederick and the others are on guard, Lon'qu noticed you have disappeared and told Frederick of your sudden disappearance. We were all worried."

Lissa approached the small group. "Is something bothering you still?"

Robin let out a big sigh. "Ye-yeah, to be totally honest with you guys. I'm just a little worried about this whole situation with Plegia. I do not know much about the place and how the tension between you guys started. To top it off, I'm afraid that I won't meet your expectations if war does start. I feel confident in small battles but am I truly prepared to command an entire army? I don't want to leave you guys either, you're all I have in this big world. I don't want too..."

Lissa rushed and hugged him. His eyes widened with surprise as she buried her head in his chest sniffling. Chrom also placed a hand on his shoulder lightly squeezing it. And gently smiling at him.

"I know how you feel Robin. I feel the same way as you do. You aren't alone on this if that can at least comfort you a bit. I too must command 10,000 troops as well. For some, it may be their first and final battle. You too must have that feeling as well. The fact that you are leading them to their deaths. If there was any other way to resolve this conflict. I would take it without hesitation. However, Gangrel refuses to reach an agreement of peace. He cowers behind his lies claiming he has done nothing and is set to start a war. However, he wants to deal the first strike. For years, the mad king has tried to instigate war between our two nations to get retribution from my father's actions.

Chrom crossed his arms.

"I think it is about time that I tell you more about Ylisse's dark history. But in order for you to understand. I must tell you from the beginning. It can get confusing but please bear with me.

Curiosity clouded the tacticians mind.

A thousand years ago, our world was in utter chaos and was on the verge of destruction. An evil dragon by the name of Grima spread despair and death to every place he flew by. He was not alone though for he had an army who followed and worshipped him. This group is known as the grimleal. Thousands of soldiers battled Grima and his followers but were unable to stop them until Naga, a divine dragon, and the first exalt joined forces to defeat the beast. Naga bestowed upon the exalt one of her fangs. He then forged it to what would be called the divine blade Falchion. Along with Falchion was its counterpart, the Fire Emblem, one of the royal treasures of the land. Five gemstones also came with the emblem. With these sacred items, the first exalt was able to defeat Grima. Though Grima was defeated, the dragon did not perish.

Robin became confused.

"Before you ask questions, let me explain. Falchion was imbued with the power to slay dragons. However, Grima is also a god too. So after Grima has been defeated, he was put in a deep slumber. The first Exalt then restored Ylisse back into its former state. As time passed by, Ylisse then split into three countries. These countries are known as the Halidom of Ylisse, Regna Ferox, and the Theocracy of main reason for this split was due to beliefs. Ylisse value peace and wisdom, Regna Ferox believe that the strongest and meant to lead while Plegia's is a different story. Ylisse also worships the Naga because of the aid she did for us. However, some of the citizens thought otherwise. The grimleal, who are followers of Grima, manipulated the minds of thousands of people and convinced them to move to Plegia by promising them everlasting wealth. During a period of a thousand years which is a time called the scouring. All three nations grew and prospered. The first exalt knew that the emblem's power was too great, such a powerful artifact could corrupt the minds or even worse incinerate those unworthy enough to wield it. So he spread the gemstones throughout the world. Ylisse has then possessed one of the gemstones while the location of the others remain unknown. Fifteen years ago, my fath…"

"Milord, is that you? It's too dark to know." Frederick forcefully walked through the bushes. Concerned about his lord, barraging him with questions.

"Yes, Frederick." He said irritatedly.

"Is Robin.."

"Yes yes! Everything is fine now." yelled the prince.

The knight gave a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods, everyone is on high alert for risen or bandits."

"I don't think there are anymore. I was just in the middle of a history lesson with Robin."

Frederick cautiously looked around the area. Ready for anything that decides to come out and attack. "That story will have to wait until we get back into camp. Your safety is my priority."

Chrom sighed, "I'll put the rest of the story on hold. Come on lets go before Frederick goes full nanny mode."

"What was that milord?"

"I said let's go before anything else decides to ambush us."

"Well said milord."

Robin, Chrom, and Lissa silently giggled at Frederick on the way back to camp.

Robin's worries have eased slightly. All he wants to know now is what happened fifteen years ago as they walked back into the safety of their camp.

A/N It's been a year now since i started this project. Here's to the another year. If you guys found it difficult to understand who was talking, let me know so i can keep it in mind for later chapters.