The Northern Fortress, Day ?


"I must have missed something."

Robin rubbed his eyes, hoping to rid himself of he perplexing image before him. No matter how hard he tried, he was met with the same image: Flora and Felicia attending to his bedside.

A bed he had never slept in.

In Nohr.

"I'm awake," Robin began, wondering if there was a point to even trying to guess what was going on. "I think."

The twin maids lowered their hands from Robin's face, gazing at each other before contemplating the seemingly evolved prince before them.

"You're certainly alert, milord!" Felicia exclaimed with excitement, "You must have slept especially well."

"Maybe it was the Hoshidan food," Robin wondered aloud. "Ah pardon me, you really have to help me out here."

Flora considered raising her hand again, judging by the off-center Robin but decided against it. "Help with what, milord?"

"Uh, this," Robin waved. "And milord? I'm lost. I'm very lost. And no, I didn't get amnesia again, and... where are we?"

"We're here in Nohr, trapped in this fortress just the same as you," Felicia began, before being berated by her sister.

"Felicia! Sorry, Lord Robin, that was unwise of her to say. But yes, we are in the Northern Fortress as ever-"

"Northern Fortress. Like the Northern Fortress? Where King Garon kept Corr- Princess Corrin her whole life?"

"Uh, yeah," Felicia nodded. "Uh."

Robin's eyes widened, instantly getting up and looking out his bedside window. To his dismay, it was a long way down.

"W-w-wait, milord. Pr- Uh, Corrin? Who?"

Flora shrugged alongside her sister, not sure what to make of their liege's mind. Robin calmed down a second, recalling his conversation with Corrin from... a night before? Maybe? Gods, his head hurt.

"Corrin. Does that name sound familiar?" he asked, hoping for an answer to this question.

"No, milord," Flora replied, honest and level.

"Fair, albeit strange, considering I'm here and she's not. Alright, how about Chrom?"

"No, milord."

"...Xander?"

"That would be your brother, milord. High Prince Xander- speaking of, we should get you ready for your sparring lesson! It's been a long time since he has visited, and-"

Brother? Aha! A hint. Not a very good one, but every bit helped.

"No," Robin ordered, not wanting to deal with anything just yet except his own problems.

"Milord," Felicia asked, "Are you feeling well?"

"Are Hoshido and Nohr at war?"

"What? No. Or else you would be out there! We've been training to fight Hoshido, haven't we? Are you sure you're well?" Felicia replied. Robin nodded, looking around for any familiar signs.

"...How long has King Garon kept you here under his order?" Robin asked quickly, putting together the puzzle before him. "I command you to answer me honestly. Actually, that sounded cruel. I don't command you, but please be honest."

"..."

"Milord, I'm afraid I don't follow."

"King Garon has you two here as hostages. You told me this," Robin recalled, his memory not harmed by his seemingly impossible translation through space and time. "You are here on behalf of the Ice Tribe as leverage."

"...I never told you that," Flora began, getting defensive. The room began to get cold. Felicia noticed but didn't say anything.

"Not in this life, I think," Robin imagined. Where was he? When was he? This had to be some sort of... dream? No, too real. A spell, perhaps?

Robin recalled when he had crafted the Nightmare spell with Tharja, he had volunteered to test it on himself before he would apply it on Xander and Ryoma on that fateful day that he had saved Corrin. Old Ylisse, Grima... All of it was too real to be a simple dream. The dirt was too dry to be fake. The pain was too jarring to be fake. At first, he almost considered toning down the potency of the spell. After all, he wasn't trying to traumatize people to joining the Shepherds.

Except, he was, wasn't he? That is exactly how Xander and Ryoma joined him in the first place. He scared them.

Was this... the same thing? But what... Did he cast it on himself? Was this even the same spell?

Let's assume that, Robin thought to himself. If that's the case, I think I know how to get out.

"In a better world, you did," the tactician realized, looking to the twins again. "The world I truly come from. Not this."

"Do you mean Hoshido?" Felicia wondered, still not catching on. If this was anything else, Flora would've berated Felicia instantly for letting loose that information. But she didn't. Flora was in a different state of mind entirely. Felicia didn't know that Kilma had sent them here, or that Flora was privy to that information. So how did Robin?

"No, that is Corrin's story, not mine. Flora, a word? Felicia, please find Jakob and... Gunther, was it? I have to talk with your sister for a moment."

"Do it," Flora nodded, letting her sister go. Now that she and Robin were alone, she let down the pretense of servitude, much to the relief of Robin.

She also drew a knife, which wasn't to the relief of Robin.

"Not quite the reaction I'm going for here, Flora."

The maid scowled, raising the blade.

"Are you a spy? What is this? What happened to the Robin we know?"

"...I think I replaced him, to be honest. Hey, put that thing down, you're overreacting."

"I think I'm reacting just fine. How would you know about my father? About the Ice Tribe? Have you always known?"

"...Well, yes, but technically no. I'm not your Robin."

"You seem awfully familiar with us if that's the case. Why?"

"...Put the knife down, Flora."

"Not until you prove yourself. What is happening?"

The air lost its coldness, instead it began to feel quite uncomfortably hot.

"I didn't know you could do that- Wait, uh, prove myself... hm." Robin made no move to defend himself, not even taking Flora's knife seriously. Sitting back down on his bed, he thumbed his chin in contemplation. "Aha, got it. Put the knife down, and we can swap secrets. We're friends, we can share gossip, right?"

"Final warning, impostor."

"Really? I swear to the gods, Flora, put the damn knife down or else I will tell Jakob that you have been lusting over him since you were both children-"

The knife dropped instantly, and a dismayed Flora raised her hands in defense.

"...Okay, okay! Sorry. Please excuse my behavior, Lord Robin. I was suspicious."

"Apology accepted, behavior excused, moving on," Robin laughed, going about his pacing like he wasn't just about to get stabbed. Picking up the dagger and handing it back graciously to his maid, Robin took steady steps around his small room while Flora stood still.

"Milord, what is going on? A day ago you were worried about sword training with Xander, and nothing of the outside world bothered you. Has something happened?"

"What if I told you," Robin began, just now feeling the Nohrian undershirt he was wearing, and the beautiful silver armor that stood by his bedside. Jakob really did polish it so that it mirrored the sunrise. "That I'm living someone else's life? I'm not the soul of the one you have served for the last decade or so. That I am not your liege... but I'm living the life of the one who was? That I actually am an impostor, but at the same time, I'm not?"

"...Go on," Flora requested, more intrigued by anything.

"This could be wrong, and you all are phenomenal actors to which, props, but I doubt that to be the case. In my life, you, your sister, Jakob, and so many others fought by my side, with Nohr and Hoshido united under one banner."

"That sounds wonderful... But, how do you know about my father? I... believe you, Lord Robin. But I want to know how you know this."

"Well, if you do believe me, you can drop this Lord nonsense. I'm not royalty, just a humble tactician. In my world, we trusted each other. You trusted us. I know why you're here, Flora. I... Hm."

"Robin?"

Without warning, Robin stepped forward, giving Flora a rather sudden hug. Feeling the air chill around him, Flora let out a stifled sigh as her arms circled around Robin's neck. Indulging in the moment, the false prince held the embrace for a few seconds, enjoying the feel of the maid pressed against him before letting go. Not as good as Corrin, but it felt nice to comfort the troubled maid.

"I promised that I would be here for you and your sister," Robin vowed. "And whether I'm in my reality or not, that promise still holds. So trust me."

She had a really cute giggle. Still not as good as Corrin's. Huh? Oh gods.

"You may have changed a little," Flora said through a small laugh. "But you haven't changed much. That kindness hasn't left with your new memories, Robin. Maybe you're not the prince we know, but... alright. I trust you. But, Lord Robin, you are our liege, prince or not. What are you orders?"

Robin seemed fine with that, and thought for a moment before coming up with a plan.

"For now, I suppose I have to live your Robin's life. I'll try to tell you as much as I can when time allows. For now, you're going to have to tell me how 'Robin' goes about his daily life here."

"Well, first things first, you're training with your brother, High Prince Xander today. Are you familiar with him?"

"I'm familiar with the beating I'm about to endure," Robin groaned. "Alright, let's start with that."


Jakob and Felicia entered, followed by a knight that Robin had never seen before. Tall, wise, and probably still capable of beating the spry tactician to a pulp. Corrin was right. He was very Frederick-y.

"Milord, it's good to see you awake. Shall we get started for the day?" Jakob greeted, much to the shock of Robin. Not quite used to getting the 'Corrin' treatment from the prickly butler, Robin could only nod in agreement.

"S-sure."

"He's still a bit drowsy," Flora cut in in defense, bowing in apology to Gunter and Jakob. "He's warming up to the icy wake-up. We'll have to try a new approach soon."

"Yeah," Felicia joined in, not catching on but playing along naturally.

"Regardless, the sun is bound to peek any second now," Gunter spoke, gravelly and stern in tone. "Let's get you suited up, Lord Robin."

Robin looked at the armor, admiring the sheer craftsmanship, the beautiful blue sash and cape.

The lack of boots.

"I have taken the liberty of readying your armor, and, er, pounding out the dents. Your brother is a fearsome opponent, is he not?" Jakob wondered, unstrapping the chest plate and helping Robin get settled in with the torso armor first.

"Oh he isn't so bad," Robin laughed, shaking his head. Oh, this was going to hurt.

Once he was fully suited up sans shoes, Robin flexed a few times, admiring the flexibility he had in this wonderful set of mail. Corrin always stole his cloak. Now, he would steal her armor. Funny, how dreams played out. Jumping a couple times, Robin took a mental note that if he ever returned, his Grandmaster armor had to take a few notes from Corrin's.

"Ready to go, then? Your brother is waiting, milord," Flora advised.

"Sure thing, let's do this," Robin nodded, anticipating the fun that was bound to be had by all. "Actually, one moment more."

"Do you need anything else, Lord Robin?" Felicia wondered.

"Yeah. Does Ro- Do I have a spare set of boots lying around?"


Southtown


"Hm, if I'm reliving Robin's memories, how come I don't get to wear his cloak? Not fair."

As Corrin ran towards the fires, she tried to piece together her thoughts. This was some sort of dream, or spell, or some manner of stasis, that was for sure. But it was real, too real, just like Robin's Nightmare spell.

That's it!

When Robin had cast the spell on her (she had asked to see what Ryoma and Xander had seen before the Liberation of Valentia began) the only way out was the follow Lucina/Marth out through the portal. She had to see things through to the end.

Did that mean she had to live Robin's life until... when, exactly?

Regardless, this was a good chance to learn Robin's story, if the events were truly those of Robin's first memories. This wouldn't be so bad, all things considered. Robin had a very lively first adventure.

Emmeryn aside. She had to plan for that in advance.

Corrin's hopes were bolstered when she heard footsteps of both man and horse behind her as she ran towards the border town, sword drawn. Even with Frederick and Lissa on horseback, Corrin was moving fast enough to keep good pace ahead of them. Chrom was right behind his sister and retainer, significantly louder than the other barefoot member of the ragtag party, but just as quick.

"She certainly is a fast one," Frederick noted, eyeing Corrin's movements and wondering how a barefoot individual could maintain such agility. Lissa nodded in agreement.

"She said she was a princess! I never met a person, let alone a princess who could outrun a horse!"

Chrom chuckled at Lissa's admiration of Corrin, and kept his pace right behind the 'Princess' as they rushed in front of Southtown's open gates.

In the blink of an eye, Corrin had already dashed into the fray, running full speed at a tower and kicking herself upwards, both hands free to scale the tall building before her. In mere seconds, she scaled the twenty foot tower and spiraled forward as she drew her golden blue sword, impaling a ruffian clean through the stomach without so much as a gasp from him. With all the speed Corrin built up, her momentum carried her and her victim sailing off the wall, one person catching her fall by looping off a tree branch, and one corpse landing with a sickening crunch in front of his peers.

"What the... Ylisseans?!"

"They didn't say they'd get here so fast!"

'They' must have been the Plegian instigators, Corrin realized.

"Gods, she must be some royal guard or something! Look at that cape!"

At the mention of those words, all three Ylissean heads turned to Corrin's bloodied body, more specifically to the white mark of Naga emblazoned on the field of navy blue that was worn on her back. Even Corrin paused for a brief instant, remembering the new cape that Robin had given her a few days before.

Ever since that lovely Krismas with her Nohrian, Hoshidan, and new Ylissean friends, Corrin had worn the cape Cherche had made for her as Robin's gift. Not that the old Nohrian one was bad, but it was starting to get frayed and undeniably smelly. Still, not only were the colors more dignified- the white and blue contrasted beautifully with her silver armor- it billowed in the wind much more heroically as she dashed defiant to gravity against the bandits.

I hope this cape will keep you safe... Know that I will try my best to do the same.

Robin's words echoed in Corrin's head, giving her even more hope to fight her hardest.

I was confused at first. But as I fought by Chrom's side, I knew it was going to be alright. I could trust him. He could trust me.

Robin's words assured her. She could do this.

Shaking her head, she refocused on the battle, pointing her sword at the bandits a stone's throw away.

"In the name of Exalt Chrom, stand down! We can spare further bloodshed if you so choose-"

"Exalt Chrom," the bandit guffawed, as his other colleagues let out their own laughs. "I don't know what upside-down history books you're reading, missy, but it's probably not the right one!"

"Oops," she muttered, turning to the disappointed Chrom and the wincing Frederick. Lissa was just happy to watch Corrin at work and didn't mind the political offence to her sister in the slightest.

"S-sorry," Corrin called back, shaking her head. "I'm not used to this."

"The lady still has the right idea," Chrom called out, joining Corrin as he paired Falchion with Yato.

"Y-yeah. You know, my head still hurts," she apologized mostly to Frederick but the knight only shook his head.

"I am Prince Chrom," Chrom shouted to the bandits. "And in the name of Ylisse, you will cease this pillaging at once-"

Chrom had to duck to avoid the throwing ax that whistled by his head. Almost an instant later, Corrin had darted through the responsible bandit and sent all two parts of him bouncing against the rocks, starting the fight anew. Another bandit tried his luck and Yato brutally ran him through. However, the man had jerked aside, bringing Corrin's blade embedded with him and leaving Corrin unarmed just in time for a swordsman to come running at the Princess. Bracing for a hit, the princess's eyes narrowed as she brought her arm forward and extended her dragon-form arm through the man's gut, only for Falchion to join it inside the man's chest.

Chrom gaped at the grey spike protruding from Corrin's arm, shaking his head and handing Yato back to her.

"I knew you'd warm up to me eventually," Corrin smiled, flashing teeth to the Exalt-to-be. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, friend," the prince replied, smiling back. "I trust you will explain yourself after?"

"Of course. For Ylisse," Corrin affirmed, smiling at Chrom as he mirrored her gesture.

"For Ylisse," he responded, standing back to back with the princess.

In a few minutes, the two swordsmen had sterilized the area, leaving Frederick and Lissa stunned at the pairs brutal efficiency. Frederick more so at Chrom, admiring how his liege had fought side by side with a stranger as if they had been old comrades. Usually he could handle one or two bandits at a time, but Chrom had bested even mages in combat fighting alongside the stranger.

Lissa focused more on Corrin. Between the unique blade she carried, the Brand of Naga on her cape, her dignified yet youthful posture, and her skill in combat, Lissa wondered if she had just stumbled upon the hero she could aspire to be.

"Aha, that was great," Corrin sighed, regrouping with the knight-princess duo and sheathing her sword. "I suppose I should explain myself now. My head still hurts."

"You fought well. Thanks again for your aid... uh?" Chrom led on, hoping for a name.

"Corrin. Princess Corrin of Nohr. I suppose that last part doesn't matter though. I seem to be alone in Ylisse."

"Princess?" Frederick wondered to himself, heard only by Lissa.

"Now then Prince Chrom," she muttered with obvious distaste, not used to calling Chrom by anything other than well, 'Chrom,' "Princess Lissa, and Sir Frederick... Will you trust me just this once?"

"You have fought for Ylisse, her Exalt, and her people," Chrom replied. "You have earned it."

"Milord-" Chrom held up his hand, smiling at Frederick.

"Frederick, it's fine," Chrom insisted, looking at Corrin again. "We can trust her."

Their gazes lingered just for a bit, and Corrin had to jolt away.

"Someone's got it bad," Lissa whispered, causing Chrom to flush and Corrin to reconsider her options.

Queen Olivia picks them fine. Oh gods.

"Now then, Princess Corrin... Who are you?"


Roof of the Northern Fortress, Dawn


Robin's back hit the floor of the arena hard, knocking all the wind out of him at once. Yeah, this wasn't going well at all. He wasn't a swordsman on par with Corrin. Without a tome, he was fighting a losing battle that he would've likely lost at full strength regardless.

"That's our brother for you. You won't beat the strongest knight in Nohr by sleeping all day, Robin."

Am I really trusting this boy with the Shepherds as our contingency? Yikes.

"Giving up so soon, Robin? I expect more of you. You are a prince of Nohr! Pick up your sword and try again."

Instead of saying anything in response, Robin nodded with a tired grunt and rose. In his few spars with the Nohrian High Prince, he hadn't landed a single blow with a blade. Magic was a different story, of course, but there was none of that here on the roof of the Fortress.

"We train like this so that we can defend ourselves from our enemies. Father has been tracking your progress. If you can't land a hit on me today, he may never permit you to leave."

That would be bad. I can't go on if I can't leave. Not that the Fortress is so bad, but for years? Corrin, how did you do it?

"Ever," Xander added for emphasis.

Just one hit. That wasn't so bad, right? Robin asked himself. He had fought Plegians, Valmese... Xander was just another knight. Just one hit.

What the hell, was this really so bad?

"Just one?" Robin asked, hyping himself up with some trash talk.

"Motivated, are we? Then use that fire to best me in battle, little Prince. If you would see the outside world beyond the view from your window, defeat me. Prove that all of the time I've devoted to training you has not been in vain!"

For some odd reason, Flora's sad face popped in Robin's mind. Not having a particular connection with the maid until today, Robin blamed such thoughts on the nature of this dream, and not his own mind.

Still, she would never see her father again if he choked here. That was reason enough.

Robin advanced, Nohrian blade ready to deflect Xander's impending attack.

"Hey, how did you even get your horse up here?"

Xander's blow came crushing through, a strong sweeping slash that paired with the momentum of being on horseback, nearly broke Robin's wrist as it came in. Still, the blow did not strike flesh and despite losing his good hand, Robin was still on his feet. The injury didn't escape Xander's notice though, and he paused the duel.

"It wasn't the best choice to take that blow head on, Robin."

"You're faster. You would have followed through."

"Perhaps so. Still, that wrist looks like it needs some attention. In that case..."

Xander channeled his blood, and the center of the roof began to glow gently with healing energy.

A dragon fang, on the roof? Odd. He couldn't detect those things like Corrin could.

"Heal yourself, and try again."

Xander stood just out of reach, urging Robin to recover his strength before reengaging.

At least, that's what Robin knew Xander was expecting.

Instead, Robin dashed forward again, ignoring the healing ground and lunged at the cavalier once more.

He's using all his old techniques from the beginning of the war. I know his pattern...

Dodging Xander's initial strike, Robin sidestepped in front of his horse and caught the reins with his good hand. He wasn't particularly strong, especially not against a war horse, but he had enough momentum and leverage to bring the horse to the side, forcing Xander to switch hands in order to strike at Robin as he struggled to maintain control of the beast. Taking a page out of Ryoma's book, Robin jumped up, bringing his foot upward and landed a sharp kick to Xander's arm, forcing him to let go of the reins.

Using the movement of the kick to press forward, the tactician brought his blade in, disarming Xander and leaving his sword clattering on the stones of the fortress roof. Not yet having landed a good blow, Robin continued and brought his sword into Xander's shoulder, the knight helpless to stop it without a blade of his own. The impact itself did little damage to the armor or to the knight, but it brought Robin the win regardless.

Which was good, because the blow had also brought Robin's hand to the point of an actual hyper-extension, causing him to laugh nervously in pain.


"Not the wisest move, but you won," Leo congratulated, patting Robin on the back.

"It was the wisest move, just not the smartest," Robin laughed, rubbing his healed wrist gingerly. Still, he had clenched the win in the end. It probably was a one-time thing, but hey- a blow on Xander was a blow on Xander. All without magic, too.

"You grow more every day," Xander smiled, joining the two on the roof. "I'm pleased with your progress. I'm proud of you, Little Prince."

It was weird, Robin would admit, seeing Xander treat him as he did Corrin instead of the more professional relationship he had with his fellow general. Still... Robin never had any siblings. There was a warmth here that... he never quite felt before.

Would it be so bad to indulge in this dream, just a little?

Oh, that was Camilla. And Elise? And-


Ground Level of the Northern Fortress, Morning


"It must be very strange, having Lady Camilla and Lady Elise dote on you now," Flora observed, laughing at the scene of Robin being smothered by Camilla's bounty or being tackled by the young Elise as the Nohrian family reunited on the roof. "Does this... Princess Corrin... Does she enjoy it?"

"Very much so," Robin said in tender recollection. "She loves all of them as her true siblings, blood or otherwise. To be honest, I'm not feeling that connection, and I fear I won't get the chance to in my time here. Still, it's a learning experience, and I ought to take it in stride."

"She sounds very wonderful," Flora caught on, feeling Robin's admiration for a woman she had never met. "I would have liked to know her company." Robin chuckled at the irony.

"Eh, you felt a sort of bitterness toward her, actually. Thing is, having a lady instead of a lord as your liege kind of brought you at odds with Jakob, if you could imagine that. If you thought he is single-minded on me now, well... My Jakob is a lot worse considering his liege is... her."

"...It's of no consequence to me, sadly. You seem fond of Corrin, though, milord," Flora observed, changing the topic slightly.

"That's because I am fond of Corrin. Very much so. I... I miss her. I could use her guidance right about now. With both of us side by side, we were confident that we would conquer anything the war would throw at us."

"You have us," Flora assured. "You'll be fine in Krakenburg. We're here with you. Well, some of us. I might have to stay to watch the Fortress."

"You and Jakob, alone in the fortress. I don't have to be a tactician to know that's when I would make my move," Robin encouraged with a wry grin.

"Highly unprofessional," the maid replied, deadpan.

"It would be fun..."

"Again, highly unprofessional."

A small smile crept onto Flora's face, mirroring Robin's own. "And it would be fun," she admitted.

A young woman walked in, who Robin knew to be Lilith, Corrin's stable-girl. Flora was prescient enough to brief him before the first actual encounter.

"Lord Xander asked me to prepare your horses, Lord Robin," she notified, bowing and keeping her hands in front of her dirtied apron.

She was odd, Robin realized. There was an air to her not unlike Corrin. Some hidden... power?

"Yes, thank you, Lilith," Robin said in gratitude. He wasn't the best rider, but long roads called for long hours on horseback. Plus, he was a Nohrian now, so he definitely had no reason to not know how to ride.

"Of course, Lord Robin. I'll be back when they are ready."

Odd. Corrin never mentioned Lilith, nor did the stable-girl come along with the Nohrians. Where was she now, Robin could only wonder.

"Well, I'd wish you safe travels, Lord Corrin," Flora bowed, "but there's been a slight change of plans. We're all going with you."

"...You are?"

"She's correct," Jakob joined in, followed by Gunter and Felicia. "All of us, Lilith included, are going to Krakenburg. How irksome, dealing with all of our baggage."

"Oh shush you," Felicia scoffed. "We're not bringing that much."

"The horses will be fine," Lilith joined in. "They're strong. Robin takes good care of them in the stables, too!"

Corrin loved horses. It was cute watching her play with their oats, watching them nibble food from her hand. Gods, he missed her.

"Well, I guess we should ride now. Xander isn't going to wait forever, is he?" Robin ordered, saddling up. Looking back, the Northern Fortress seemed so far away already. He could only wonder what Corrin felt when she got to leave, after over a decade of confinement.

...So how did she end up in Hoshido?