I'm SO SORRY for not updating until now! I wanted to wait until Hiro Mashima revealed what Mavis' magic actually was so that I wouldn't have to give Mavis random magic that ends up having nothing to do with her.

Chapter 3

Lissa ran to Mavis as fast as she could, trying her best to ignore the fallen brigands at her feet. She still couldn't believe what had just happened. How could one person defeat so many people without a weapon?

Mavis swayed on her feet, and she took a step back to keep herself from falling over. Lissa reached out to steady her, holding the healing staff against the older woman. Mavis smiled wearily at the cleric. She groaned, dropping to one knee. Lissa stared in shock as wounds began appearing all over Mavis' body. Something metal clanged on the ground. Mavis smiled sheepishly.

"Guess you found out, huh?" she said, getting Lissa's attention.

"What happened?" Lissa cried. "Why are you so hurt all of a sudden?"

"Magic. I was always this hurt," Mavis said, sighing in relief as Lissa's staff healed her cuts and bruises. "My magic is illusion magic."

Lissa stared at the woman in awe. She helped Mavis to her feet, taking note of the baton that magically appeared in Mavis' hand. Mavis caught Lissa's stare and held it up for the other to see. It was a metal baton with intricate engravings along the base of the weapon where it connected with the grip. From the end of the grip, a charm hung from a thin but sturdy chain. It looked like…

"…a fairy with a tail?" Lissa asked.

Mavis smiled warmly at the younger woman. The sounds of fighting had diminished. Mavis turned toward the bridge, where Chrom and Frederick had run off to. Lissa adjusted her grip on her staff and took a deep breath. It was time to finish this once and for all.

"Let's go help my brother," Lissa exclaimed.

Mavis grinned at the spunky cleric, who had run off toward the bridge. Watching her made Mavis feel warm inside. Though they were strangers to each other, Lissa treated her with kindness and worried over her. It was a familiar feeling, one that Mavis couldn't quite identify. She felt her magic gather in her feet, and she shot forward toward the bridge.

"Frederick, move to your left!"

The prince's aide leaped to the left, narrowly dodging a blow from an axe. With a swing of his lance, the brigand fell to the ground. Frederick turned, adjusting his grip on his lance in case other brigands decided to attack. He was surprised to see Mavis and Lissa running toward him. He was relieved to see Lissa unharmed, though he wasn't as pleased to see the mystery woman with her. His eyes widened when he saw a Thunder spell and Fire spell fly past him toward the pair.

"Milady! Watch out—" he shouted, urging his horse toward the mages behind him.

"Lissa, move back to the right," Mavis ordered.

The cleric immediately pushed off her front foot and retreated to the right. The two spells collided in the space she had just vacated. She stared at the spot in shock. How had Mavis known where the attack would hit?

"Sir Frederick, go to Chrom," Mavis said once she reached the great knight. "Fighting in pairs improves strength, speed, and stamina. He will need your help."

"How do you know this?" Frederick asked, shooting her a suspicious look.

"I can see it on the battlefield. I must have studied this somewhere," Mavis mused.

"Are you telling me you can size up an enemy at a glance?"

Chrom appeared next to Frederick, covered in sweat but no serious injuries. He wore a curious expression.

"I heard everything," he said. "Is it true?"

"Yes. I can see their movements and abilities," Mavis confirmed.

The conversation was interrupted when three brigands scattered the group. Chrom and Frederick went after the leader, while Mavis and Lissa held off the brigands. The leader, Garrick, grinned as he watched the prince breathing heavily after disposing his last minion. He hefted his throwing axe onto his shoulder, excitement rising as he anticipated a good fight.

Chrom didn't like the smile on Garrick's face at all. It oozed of arrogance and confidence, and the brigand seemed to have the skills to support that as well. He shifted his feet into a stronger stance as well. He stared at Garrick, who stood in a completely exposed pose. Chrom's eyes narrowed, and his grip tightened on his sword. It would not be wise to charge into such an obvious trap.

"Here, sheepy sheepy! Come to the slaughter!" Garrick taunted, dropping into a fighting stance.

The brigand threw his axe at the same moment Chrom lunged forward. The axe missed the prince, flying past him. Garrick's eyes widened as the prince appeared in front of him and slashed horizontally with his sword.

"GAH!" he cried out, stumbling back and pressing a hand to his wound.

A searing pain ripped through Chrom's right arm, causing him to lose his balance for a moment. He didn't dare look away from Garrick, but he knew that there was a bleeding gash on his arm. Garrick cackled, waving his throwing axe triumphantly. Chrom scowled. He'd forgotten that the axe Garrick had thrown was a throwing axe, which almost guaranteed that it would come back to its owner.

Frederick leaped toward Garrick, swinging his own sword down. Garrick let out a cry of pain as he took the blow. He growled, jumping back from Frederick. Frederick returned to Chrom's side, a vulnerary in hand. Chrom refused the vulnerary, instead falling back into his fighting stance.

"Shouldn't be so careless, milord," Garrick sneered, seemingly unfazed by his wounds. "Can't have your lovely skin get scarred, now can we?"

Chrom smirked. He rushed forward, taking Garrick by surprise. A loud clang rang across the bridge as Chrom knocked Garrick's throwing axe into the water. The brigand was stunned, his arm numb from the impact. Chrom lifted Falchion and slashed, delivering the fatal blow.

"You really shouldn't have gotten cocky," Chrom sighed.

"That was a wonderful strike, milord," Frederick complimented, dismounting his horse. He held out the vulnerary.

"For your wounds," he said.

"Thank you, Frederick," Chrom smiled, accepting the green medicine from the great knight. It was a bit bitter, making the prince grimace. Well, the bad taste only proved that it was effective. He took a deep breath, making a face at the aftertaste of the vulnerary. The battle was over. All that was left was to put out the fires.

"Chrom!"

He turned, surprised to see Lissa running to him. Without realizing it, he moved his right arm behind his back. However, Lissa had already seen the wound. She grabbed his arm, eliciting a hiss of pain from Chrom. She glared at him.

"Don't you dare try to hide any wounds from me. It's my job to heal you, you dolt," she said, eyes blazing.

"Uh, right," Chrom said sheepishly. "Sorry."

"You better be," Lissa said, dropping her head and squeezing his arm tighter.

"Ow! Lissa, quit—"

A choked sob reached Chrom's ears. Lissa's grip did not loosen, but she lifted her head. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. Chrom was taken aback. While he had expected Lissa to angry, he hadn't expected her to be cry. His gaze softened, and he patted Lissa's head with his other hand.

"I'm all right. Don't worry about me."

Lissa's bottom lip shook, but she did not let her tears fall. Her staff glowed green and repaired the gash on his right arm, leaving the faintest trace of a scar.

"You better be," she repeated.

"I promise," Chrom assured her.

"Um, sorry to interrupt, but I think the villagers need help putting out the cathedral fire."

Chrom and Lissa turned to Mavis, who stood awkwardly a few feet away from them. Lissa broke away from her brother and grabbed Mavis' hand, dragging her to them. She turned to Chrom happily, her previous distress gone.

"You should've seen Mavis earlier!" Lissa exclaimed. "She was incredible!"

"Swords, sorcery, and tactics! Is there anything you can't do?" Lissa smiled.

"You're certainly no helpless victim, that much is sure," Chrom said.

"Indeed," Frederick agreed, approaching the group. "Perhaps you might even be capable of an explanation of how you came here."

"I understand your skepticism, Sir Frederick," Mavis replied. Chrom looked ready to object, but she continued. "I cannot explain why only some knowledge has returned to me, but please believe me when I say I have told you everything I know."

"You fought to save Ylissean lives. My heart says that is enough," Chrom smiled.

"And your mind, milord? Will you not heed its counsel as well?" Frederick asked.

"Frederick, the Shepherds could use someone with Mavis' talents. We've brigands and unruly neighbors, all looking to bloody our soil," Chrom sighed. "Would you really have us lose such an able tactician?"

Mavis was touched. For all she knew, she could be an assassin with a grudge against Chrom. Yet, he was standing up for her to Frederick, who had more than enough reason to be suspicious of her.

"Besides, I believe her story, odd as it might be."

Mavis' chest warmed, and she smiled.

"Thank you, Chrom. I am glad that you trust me," Mavis said.

"So how about it? Will you join us, Mavis?" he asked expectantly.

Mavis raised an eyebrow. Chrom was a really nice guy. It was obvious that he wanted her to stay, but he would no doubt let her go free if she refused.

"Of course I will," she replied. "It's definitely better than being on my own."

Chrom smiled at her response. The group split up to help the townspeople keep the situation under control. Once the fires had properly been put out, the four regrouped at the bridge.

"Did you notice, milord? The brigands spoke with a Plegian accent," Frederick said.

"Plegian?" Mavis inquired.

"Plegia is Ylisse's westerly neighbor," Chrom supplied. "They send small bands into our territory, hoping to instigate a war."

"And it's the poor townsfolk who suffer! Totally innocent, and totally helpless…" Lissa exclaimed with a distraught look on her face.

"They do have us, milady: Shepherds to protect the sheep," Frederick assured her. "Do not be swept up in your anger. It will cloud your judgment."

"I know, I know…" she sighed. "Don't worry. I'll get used to all this."

The townspeople offered to let the group stay for the night, but Frederick refused and ushered the group to return to Ylisstol, the capital of Ylisse. Lissa complained but ultimately went along with the decision. Mavis couldn't help but smile as she watched the two bicker. It felt familiar, somehow.

They spent the night camping out in the forest. Chrom took the first watch. Frederick slept with one hand over his sword, ever vigilant. Lissa was on her side, using her arms as a pillow. Mavis ahd taken her cloak off, using it as a blanket. Chrom stared at the symbol on Mavis' cloak. He'd never seen anything like that before, and he wondered where she had come from. She looked much younger when she slept. When he first saw her, he thought she had been around Lissa's age. However, seeing her fighting in the town made her look older, closer to his own age.

Chrom stiffened, a chill running down his back. Something was wrong. He stood quickly, waking Lissa from her slumber.

"What's wrong, Big Brother?" she yawned.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you, but…" he apologized. "Something is amiss…"

"Define something…" Lissa replied nervously.

"I'm not sure…" Chrom trailed off. "I think I'll have a look around."

"Not alone, you won't!" Lissa huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm coming too."

Chrom smiled at patted her head. Lissa had only just been in her first battle today, but she was handling it spectacularly.

"Thanks, Lissa."

The siblings walked farther into the forest, looking and listening for anything suspicious. Chrom had one hand on Falchion and made sure to look back every now and then to check on Lissa. Lissa held her staff tightly in her hands. She could feel that something was off as well, though she couldn't figure out what.

"It sure is dark… And quiet," Lissa commented. "Where did the birds go?"

"Something is wrong here…" Chrom murmured.

Not seconds after he spoke, the ground trembled beneath them, throwing them off balance. Lissa screamed in surprise, and Chrom reached out to grab her to keep her close. Chrom scanned their surroundings to look for any danger. His eyes widened when he saw the trees in the distance toppling over and splintering on the ground.

"Lissa, run," Chrom ordered.

"What?" she asked, disoriented from the shock.

"I mean it, go!" he repeated, pushing her forward.

Chrom ran after her, not daring to look back. The ground cracked open, and molten rock shot out. He could feel the heat radiating behind him. Explosions rocked the ground as burning slabs of stone shot out of the crevice, creating large craters as they landed.

"Hey, this way!" he called out once he'd caught up with Lissa.

Lissa nearly slipped as she turned, following her brother as he jumped over a crack that had widened in front of them. She couldn't help but scream as she did the same, wincing as she landed on her feet. She would be feeling that in a few moments. As they reached a clearing, they stopped to catch their breaths. Chrom stared in awe as the burning rocks streaked across the sky. Lissa put her hands on her knees, gasping for air. She was not in as good a condition as her brother, but she was proud to have been able to keep up with him. After a few breaths, she looked up.

"Chrom, what is that?" she exclaimed, eyes wide.

Chrom turned to see what Lissa was pointing at. White particles in the sky came together before exploding outwards, and a magic circle appeared in the air with symbols of the zodiac appearing along the border. A blue sphere opened up in the middle, much like the way an eye did. Two figures fell out of the sphere, landing on the ground with a thud. They threw their heads back, staring at the pair with glowing red eyes.

"Lissa, you better stand back," Chrom said, drawing Falchion from its sheath.

He'd never seen this kind of creature before, but there was no way that they were friendly. They felt so…evil. Lissa ran back, giving her brother space. She adjusted her grip on her staff. She could tell that she would be using it soon.

A third figure fell out of the sky, landing lightly on the ground. Chrom narrowed his eyes, trying to make out the newcomer. However, the figure disappeared, surprising him by leaving the vicinity. He returned his focus to the creatures in front of him, which had stepped forward into the clearing. A gutteral cry ripped from one of the creatures' throats. Chrom rushed forward, slashing straight through the first one. The creature twisted its neck at an impossible angle to look back at him, and it was all he could do to block the next strike. With a mighty shove, he broke free of the struggle and knocked the creature to the ground. He could've sworn that Falchion glowed but didn't dwell on the thought as he leaped and drove the point of the sacred sword through the creature's heart. It groaned before dissolving into purple smoke. Chrom didn't like this at all. What were these creatures, and where did they come from?

Lissa's scream brought him out of his thoughts. He gasped and got to his feet, praying that he could make it across the clearing before the creature brought down its axe on his trembling sister. As Chrom ran, another person emerged from the eye and landed in front of him. The stranger was faster than him, reaching Lissa just in time to bring up their sword and block the axe. Lissa gasped as she looked up at the stranger, who wore a blue butterfly mask. The stranger struggled with the axe for a moment before shouting to Chrom for help.

Chrom ran toward the creature, letting out a battle cry that diverted its attention long enough it to lessen the power of its attack. The stranger turned and swung their sword at the same time Chrom swung his, dissolving the creature into smoke.

"Quite an entrance," Chrom remarked. "What's your name?"

The stranger was careful not to turn around fully. He appeared to be a young man, though it was hard to tell his age due to the mask. He sheathed his sword immediately but did not speak.

Frederick and Mavis burst into the clearing, interrupting the moment.

"Milord! Milady! Are you hurt?" Frederick asked with a worried expression.

"Frederick! Mavis!" Lissa cried, wearing a shocked expression.

"No one was injured then? Thank the gods…" Frederick sighed.

"Thank the masked man who save me! If it wasn't for him, I'd be…" Lissa trailed off. "Hey, where did he go?"

"We can worry about him later, AFTER we put these…things…to the blade," Frederick told her. "Eyes open. We know nothing about this enemy."

More creatures had fallen out of the sky, and Chrom had never been happier to see his aide. But…

"Mavis, are you all right?" Chrom asked, turning to the woman.

Mavis's hair was disheveled and all over the place, and her cloak dangled from her elbows. Chrom's eyes widened as he took in her expression. Mavis was extremely pale, and her eyes stared at the ground, filled with fear. Though her hands were swamped in the sleeves of her cloak, he could see just barely see them trembling.

"Mavis?" he repeated.

His voice broke her out of her thoughts, and she looked up at him. She adjusted the cloak onto her shoulders and smiled wearily.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me," she said.

The color had not yet returned to her face, but she seemed to be feeling better. Chrom was relieved to see the woman scan the battlefield, calculating their next move as she had at the burning town.

"Are such horrific creatures commonplace in these lands?" she asked, troubled.

"These creatures are not from Ylisse, I can guarantee that," Chrom replied.

Frederick, Chrom, and Mavis dived into battle while Lissa kept a few paces behind one of them at all times. Sully, a fiery red-haired cavalier, and Virion, a self-important blue-haired archer, joined the battle halfway through. After some quick introductions, Mavis was shouting orders to the both of them as well. They were able to take care of the creatures without much difficulty through the help of a few well-placed vulneraries and healing staves. This time, Mavis and Frederick faced off against the leader of these creatures.

Like Garrick, the leader used a throwing axe. Unlike Garrick, the leader was unaffected by pain and continued hacking away even after taking two direct hits from the pair. Mavis lunged forward with her baton, forcing the creature to block with its axe. Frederick seized the opportunity to slash at the creature. It didn't flinch, but both Shepherds could tell that the attack had been effective. Switching to his sword, Frederick beheaded the creature, which dissolved into smoke as it fell to the ground.

"You aren't going to say anything?" he asked disdainfully. "What happened to second chances?"

"That thing was already dead," Mavis replied coolly. "There was no second chance for it."

Mavis hooked her baton onto her belt and walked away from the great knight. The Shepherds regrouped near the main road, where they found the mystery man waiting.

"It seems all the creatures are vanquished. This young man took care of the others," Frederick reported.

The stranger did not reply, opting for silence. He was obviously hiding something, but it was difficult to tell because he wasn't talking.

"Um, I never go to thank you…for before," Lissa began nervously. "So…thank you. You were very brave."

"Thank you. You saved my sister's life," Chrom smiled. "My name is Chrom. Might I ask yours?"

"…You may call me Marth," the stranger replied. His voice was smooth and soothing, much like Chrom's.

"Marth? After the heroic king of old?" Chrom asked. "You certainly fight like a hero. Where did you learn your way with a sword?"

"I'm not here to talk about me," Marth said, changing the subject. "The world teeters at the brink of a horrible calamity. What you saw tonight was but a prelude."

"You have been warned," Marth finished, walking off before anyone could say anything else.

"Huh? What's teetering where now? Hey, wait!" Lissa cried, confused.

"A real charmer, huh?" Mavis sighed. She was curious to know more about the man, especially after the dreary premonition he just gave.

"It appears his skills lie elsewhere…" Frederick sighed as well. "I wager we'll hear his name again… But for now, I'm more worried about the capital. We should make haste."

Mavis agreed. Now was not to time to chase down mystery men in masks. They needed to figure out what those creatures were and how to deal with them. She sighed at the headache that was sure to come.

"Are you hurt?" Chrom asked.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you," Mavis replied with a smile.

"I'm glad. I was worried about you earlier," he said. "You didn't seem like yourself."

Mavis stared at him blankly, taken by surprise. She hadn't realized how closely Chrom paid attention to the people around him. She smiled brightly at him, causing him to get embarrassed.

"Thank you, Chrom," Mavis said warmly. "I appreciate it."

Please review below, and have a nice day! :)