Sorry for the wait D:

Also, happy new year! It's super late but like I hope everyone had a good one :)

Chapter 4

Mavis woke with an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She sat up slowly, not wanting to disturb any of her sleeping companions. She froze when she realized that a certain blue haired man and spunky girl were missing. She turned to see Frederick, who lay undisturbed.

"Are you worried?"

Mavis jerked her head around, hand going to her baton. A hand appeared in front of her, inches from her face. She tensed, eyes widening at how close the stranger had gotten. Though she didn't know what would happen if this person touched her, the darkness radiating from their palm told her it wouldn't be good.

"Who are you?" she asked quietly, not wanting to wake Frederick. This person was too mysterious—too dangerous.

"Have you really forgotten me, Mavis?" the stranger asked, disappointment apparent in their voice.

Mavis didn't reply as the stranger lowered their arm, revealing a dark haired man with even darker eyes. He wore a gold-trimmed red coat with white cloth wrapped around him like a toga. It was unlike any of the clothing the Shepherds or the townspeople had worn, but for some reason, it felt familiar to her. He smiled sadly at Mavis, and her heart ached. She felt a wave a sadness wash over her.

"Mavis, it's me," the man continued. "You made a promise with me."

"I'm sorry," Mavis replied. "I don't know you."

The man looked shocked. He looked away from her, clenching his fists. Mavis stood up, slipping her cloak on as well. She removed her hand from her baton. It didn't seem like this man was going to attack her. He turned his back to her, surprising her.

"Follow me," he said.

The man started walking into the forest, and Mavis was absolutely and completely confused. Who was this man, and how did he know her? Could he tell her about her past, or how she came to wake up in that field? It was way too risky to follow him. The possibility of him leading her to a trap was very high. She'd be a fool to follow him alone into the forest.

But because she was Mavis Vermillion, and her heart ached for him, she followed.

"Mavis Vermillion," the man began once they'd reached a small clearing. "Years ago, you made a promise to me."

"I'm sorry," Mavis apologized again. "I can't remember anything from before I woke up in a field yesterday afternoon."

The man smiled sadly. Mavis felt nervous. Something wasn't right about this man. Following him was a very bad idea. But at the same time, she didn't feel like running away. There was something familiar about him, and she wanted to know why.

"That's all right. It'll be easier for you this way," he replied.

Mavis narrowed her eyes. Don't most people want others to remember them? She was about to ask why until he continued speaking, and her blood turned into ice.

"Mavis? We're here."

Mavis jumped, snapping out of her flashback. She smiled sheepishly at Chrom as he gave her an inquisitive look.

"Sorry, just thinking about some stuff," she said. "Thanks, Chrom."

"You're welcome?" he replied. "Welcome to Ylisstol!"

Mavis marveled at the amount of people in the streets. The streets were alive with warmth and laughter. Children played in the streets, couples laughed together as they walked, and the shops were booming with business. Even Magnolia didn't have this many people, and it was one of the biggest cities in Fiore!

Wait. Magnolia? Fiore?

Excitement bubbled in Mavis, and she couldn't help but grab Chrom's sleeve. He looked down at her in surprise, eyes questioning her action.

"I remembered! My home is Magnolia, in Fiore!" she exclaimed, laughing in relief. She did it! She remembered something from her past!

"That's great," Chrom smiled. Her laugh was contagious, he noted. "You may remember everything else in time as well."

Mavis beamed, feeling a weight lift off her chest. There was a chance she could remember everything she'd forgotten! Frederick chose this moment to clear his throat, reminding Mavis that he and Lissa were still there. She immediately let go of Chrom's sleeve, cheeks a little pink with embarrassment. Lissa giggled at the antics of their new tactician. Mavis would absolutely fit in with the rest of the Shepherds. Mavis cleared her throat and composed herself quickly.

"So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse…" she trailed off. "There are ever more people here than in my city!"

"It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods," Frederick sighed in relief. "I see no evidence of the great quake. It must've been limited to the forest."

"Well, that's a relief," Lissa smiled. She waved at a passing citizen, who smiled and bowed in acknowledgement.

Many people gave their greetings to the siblings, though Lissa responded more enthusiastically than her calmer brother. Mavis concluded that they must be part of nobility, considering the quality of their armor and weapons, as well as Frederick's constant presence.

"Look! The exalt has come to see us!" a citizen cried.

Mavis spotted a parade marching through the street ahead. As the group approached, Mavis could make out a blonde haired woman in a white and green robe. She was waving to the people, a kind smile on her face. Mavis recognized the symbol on her forehead as the one on Chrom's shoulder. Maybe it was given to nobility in Ylisse?

"The exalt is your ruler, yes?" Mavis asked.

"Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn," Frederick replied.

"Is it safe for her to walk among commoners like this?" Mavis asked, not that she believed anyone would want to harm such a kind looking person.

"The exalt is a symbol of peace—Ylisse's most prized quality," Frederick chuckled. "Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then."

"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her," Chrom added. "She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war."

Both Frederick and Chrom smiled as they spoke of Emmeryn. She was obviously well loved by her people. They cheered and smiled when she passed, which she returned happily.

"The Ylissean people are indeed lucky to have her," Mavis said, watching the parade halt to allow the exalt to start conversations with her subjects.

"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Lissa grinned.

Mavis smiled with her. Then, she realized what Lissa had just declared.

"Wait a minute," Mavis started, her jaw dropping. "Wouldn't that make you and Chrom…"

"The prince and princess of the realm, yes," Frederick supplied. "You remember Chrom's name and not this?"

"You said you were 'shepherds'!" Mavis exclaimed, sending an accusing glare at Chrom.

"And so we are…in a manner of speaking. We just have a LOT of sheep," he replied, trying to hide his smile.

Realizing that she was glaring at one of the most important people in the halidom, Mavis dropped her glare and stumbled back.

"You—" Mavis stopped. "I mean, Prince Chrom, forgive my rude behavior, but why did you not announce this when we first met?"

"You never asked," Chrom grinned, not even trying to hide his laughter. "Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities."

"No wonder Frederick puts up with the two or you…" Mavis muttered, her pride a little hurt from not noticing. Chrom and Lady Emmeryn even had the same symbol!

"Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm…" Frederick sighed. Mavis cracked a smile at that. If Chrom and Lissa really were the prince and princess, then Emmeryn must also be as kind as them.

"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" Chrom asked.

Mavis brightened and smiled widely. Her eyes shone with excitement. Meeting the prince and princess of Ylisse, and now the exalt? There was no way she was going to pass up this opportunity!

"I'd love to meet her!"

The palace was magnificent in size and appearance. White stone columns rose stories high, and the polished floor reflected the sun's rays in a way that illuminated the room. Various servants bowed and greeted the prince and the princess, who returned the greetings with nods and bows of their own. Chrom took the lead, Lissa and Mavis trailing behind him. Frederick was at the rear, ever vigilant as the group walked to the throne room to meet the exalt. Mavis could hear whispers as she passed, and she knew that her presence in the palace would be known by the time supper rolled around.

The throne room was as beautiful as the outside of the palace. A deep red carpet led to the throne, trimmed with gold. The white arches were held together by polished wooden beams, and vibrant green banners hung from the arches' supports. The throne was in the center of the back of the room. Elegantly carved out of wood, it was decorate with gold at the joints. It was simple yet beautiful, kind of like the exalt herself. Pairs of women in worn yet beautiful armor stood around the room, ready to come to the exalt's aide when necessary. Lady Emmeryn stood in the middle of the room, hands crossed and smiling.

"Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home," the exalt smiled warmly. "Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?"

"Well—we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while," Chrom reported.

"Wonderful. And our people?" she inquired.

"Safe as they can be, Emm. But we still need to watch the borders," Chrom replied. He then scowled. "The brigands crossed over from Plegia."

"Forgive me, milord," a blue haired women in gold armor stepped forward from beside the exalt. "My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."

"No, Phila," Chrom said, shaking his head. "Your duty is here, with the exalt."

"And besides," Lissa chimed in, turning to Mavis. "We had plenty of help!"

"Ah, you speak of your new companion here?" Emmeryn asked, directing her gaze at Mavis.

"This is Mavis Vermillion. She fought bravely with us against the brigands," Chrom introduced. "I've decided to make her a Shepherd."

"It sounds as though Ylisse owes you a debt of gratitude, Mavis," Emmeryn smiled.

"Not at all, milady!" Mavis exclaimed. "It was the right thing to do."

Frederick stepped forward, and Mavis felt her stomach sink as she realized what he was about to say.

"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak," he began. "Mavis claims to have lost her memory, but it is only that: a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that she is a brigand herself or even a Plegian spy."

"Frederick!" Chrom scowled, ready to defend Mavis.

"Yet you allowed her into the palace, Chrom," Emmeryn interrupted. "Does this woman have your trust?"

"Yes, she risked her life for our people. That's good enough for me," Chrom answered.

"Well then, Mavis..." Emmeryn trailed off, another smile forming. "It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such you have mine as well."

Mavis was touched by the sincerity in Emmeryn's words. She bowed deeply in gratitude.

"But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence as always," the exalt continued. "Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time…"

"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace," Frederick replied with a bow. He turned to Phila. "Phila, I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?"

"Yes, milord. They've been sighted all across Ylisse," she confirmed.

"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us," Emmeryn said.

"Of course," Chrom nodded.

"I guess that's our cue, Mavis!" Lissa grinned, turning to the mage. "C'mon, there's a place I want to show you."

The princess grabbed Mavis hand and led her out of the throne room. Mavis nearly stumbled as the girl pulled her along, but she easily kept up with the girl's pace. She still heard whispers going around as the pair ran by servants and other occupants of the palace. Oh well. It didn't matter what other people thought of her anyway. She didn't mind the rumors. In fact, being talked about like this was almost nostalgic, though she didn't figure out why.

"Here we are!" Lissa cried, spreading her arms out in a wide gesture. "The Shepherds' garrison. Go on, make yourself at home."

Mavis looked around in awe. The garrison was huge! Nearly the entire garrison was an open space, save for the doors that she suspected led to the barracks. It was an old structure, but the chipped wood proved its sturdiness.

"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right?"

Mavis turned to see a woman dressed in pink running toward them. She wore her blond hair in ringlets, secured by two large bows on the sides of her head. Her face was distraught but seemed to relax as she took in Lissa's unharmed appearance.

"I've been on pins and needles!" the woman cried, hugging the princess.

"Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Lissa laughed, returning the hug with gusto.

"'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted fourteen gray hairs fretting over you!" Maribelle scolded, releasing Lissa to put her hands on her hips.

"Aw, you worry too much," Lissa replied with a carefree grin. "I can handle a battle or two!"

Maribelle sighed, looking over Lissa to make sure she was truly injury free.

"…Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue…" Lissa grumbled, referring to the unsavory meal they had shared on the way back from the burning town. Maribelle paid no attention to her words and continued her inspection.

"Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom?" a blonde haired man grinned. He had a large build, wearing heavy pieces of armor around his neck, arms, and legs. Interestingly, he left his chest bare. A strange way of dressing, Mavis thought, but who was she to judge? She didn't even wear armor, and it's not like her clothes were invulnerable to weapons.

"I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!" he continued.

"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it?" Lissa giggled. "And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"

Maribelle's lips twitched upwards, for she would never allow herself to lose her composure in front of others. She was a lady after all. A brunette with curls in a purple dress cracked a smile but quickly covered it with her hands. She wore a chest plate and armor on her arms, leaving her lower half free for mobility. On the other hand, Mavis's laughter bubbled out of her throat, causing the group to look at her with curious stares.

"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" he exclaimed triumphantly. "…Wait, was that an insult?"

"Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" the brunette woman asked quietly.

"Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern…" Maribelle sighed. "Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training."

Sumia blushed, directing her gaze to the ground. Maybe she had a crush on Chrom, Mavis wondered. Not that she didn't see why. The prince was charismatic and treated everyone fairly. It was only natural, she thought.

"…She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded," Maribelle added as an afterthought.

Sumia's face took on the shade of a tomato. Yep, definitely crushing on Chrom.

"Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom," Lissa said.

"Worry? Well, I… He's our captain and our prince—of course I'd worry!" Sumia stammered, trying to fight down her embarrassment, though she couldn't help but smile as she thought of her prince.

"So, who's the stranger?" Vaike asked, finally voicing the question that everyone wanted to ask.

"No one's stranger than you, Vaike…" Lissa retorted. "But allow me to introduce Mavis!

"She just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made her our new tactician," she added. "You should see all the tricks she's got up her sleeve!"

"Oh yeah? Can she do this?" Vaike demanded, burping loudly. Maribelle's nose scrunched in distaste, and Lissa made a face. Sumia was the only one who didn't seem to mind.

"I have much to learn in the belching arts, 'Teach'," Mavis laughed, mocking bowing in the way a student would to a teacher.

"In any case," she continued. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you."

"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent!" Maribelle huffed, unable to hold back her disgust. "Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery? And you, Mavis! Don't encourage him!"

Maribelle turned on her heel, walking away in disgust. Sumia sighed and turned to Mavis.

"Don't take it to heart, Mavis," Sumia smiled. "Maribelle warms to people slowly."

"Or burns too quickly!" Lissa added. "But yeah, just give her time."

Mavis heard someone approach her from behind. She turned to see the prince of Ylisse walking toward the group with a tired but happy expression.

"Ah! Captain! You've returned!" Sumia exclaimed, her cheeks turning rosy. "I was—I mean, we were so—"

As she took a step forward, she tripped on thin air, crashing to the ground face first. The group jumped in surprise. It was the first time Mavis had ever seen someone trip on thin air, and though she was concerned for Sumia's wellbeing, she had to admit that it was pretty funny. Sumia quickly stood up, smoothing out her skirt in embarrassment.

"Sumia! Are you all right?" Chrom asked worriedly. "…Those boots of yours again?"

"No! I mean, yes! I mean…" Sumia babbled, completely flustered. Of course, now had to be the time for her clumsiness to kick in!

Once Chrom was sure that Sumia was fine, he turned to the rest of the group.

"All right, listen, everyone," he started. "In the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."

"Regna Ferox?" Mavis asked, wearing a confused expression.

"A united kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said," Sumia answered.

"Warriors are what they are," Chrom corrected. "And we'll need their strength to quell this new menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events…"

"Well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital," he continued. "So the task has been passed to us."

He waited to let the news sink in. The Shepherds were understandably surprised, but none seemed to have any problems with the request.

"Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any—" Chrom began.

"I volunteer!" Lissa chirped, raising her hand high before Chrom could finish.

"Me too!" Vaike agreed. "You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!"

"I'll go as well," a voice spoke from out of nowhere, making the group jump in surprise for the second time that day.

A large man with short brown hair was dressed in a full suit of armor, trimmed with orange. He had a kind face, one that gave the impression that he couldn't harm a fly. He sighed and shook his head in disappointment as he noticed the reactions of his comrades.

"…What? I've been here the whole time!" he exclaimed, exasperated.

"I… I, um…" Sumia stuttered, not meeting anyone's eyes.

"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom inquired.

"It's just that… I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet," she admitted, bringing her hands together nervously. "I'd probably just get in the way."

"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and it a battle is met, just watch and learn?" Chrom suggested. "Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."

"W-well, if you think it wise, Captain," she replied.

"Just stay behind me and you'll be fine," Chrom smiled.

Mavis watched the interaction carefully. In fact, she watched all of the Shepherds interactions with Chrom and with each other. If she was going to lead a group that was turning out to be so diverse, she needed to know what kind of people she was dealing with. Chrom was obviously the main pillar of the Shepherds. She didn't know anything about the rest of the Shepherds yet, which was something she was determined to change by the end of the week.

"Oh, yes! I mean— Yes, sir, I'll do that!" Sumia exclaimed gratefully.

"Any other concerns?" Chrom asked, looking around the garrison.

No one else spoke us, so he bid his farewell with a final reminder of the departure time. Sumia, Vaike, and Lissa parted ways. Sumia headed toward the barracks, while Vaike moved toward the training dummies. Lissa headed in the direction Maribelle had stormed off in, and Mavis was about to follow her until she heard Chrom call out to her.

"Lissa was supposed to give you a tour, but she needs to go to Maribelle right now. Therefore, I'll be giving you a tour today," he explained.

"Maribelle seems really attached to Lissa," Mavis commented, thinking back to Maribelle's relieved expression when she saw Lissa unharmed.

"They're best friends," he answered. "Maribelle has been a long-time friend of ours. Actually, most of the Shepherds you've already met are ones that Lissa and I have known for a while."

"That sounds like a lot of fun," Mavis smiled wistfully. "Fighting with your close friends is an amazing feeling."

Mavis paused.

"Not that I really remember anything," she sighed.

"Why don't we start on that tour?"

"That's be great, thank you."

He motioned to her to follow him, walking toward a door that led to the horse and pegasi stables outside. They walked to the fence of the pasture, where dozens of horses and pegasi grazed in content. Leaning against the fence, Chrom pointed out the various horses and pegasi that belonged to particular Shepherds. Though she didn't recognize all the names, she memorized them all. It would be useful in battle one day.

They greeted various soldiers as they continued the tour, introducing Mavis as the new tactician each time. She was met with various reactions, from overwhelming excitement to open skepticism. They explored the training rooms in the main part of the garrison, where soldiers sparred with each other and dummies. The armory was fully stocked with gleaming steel swords and brand new tomes, ones that Mavis was itching to get her hands on. Chrom had explained that they were magic, but it wasn't the quite the same as hers. Hopefully, the words written in the tomes would help her understand the magic in Ylisse, and in time, her own magic.

The barracks were simple but clean. Some Shepherds shared rooms, while others had rooms to themselves. Because of her position as the new tactician, Mavis would be receiving her own room. It would be the nearest to the training area so that she could receive news and emergencies quicker.

Opening the door to her room, she marveled at the size. It wasn't huge, but the walls were lined with bookshelves. Some were empty or half stocked, but they all held texts on warfare and on the history of Ylisse. Mavis beamed at Chrom, thanking him for the resources. She would definitely brush up on her history and tactics.

"Say, Mavis," Chrom began. "Did something happen before we fought the Risen?"

"Risen?"

"The council decided on a name for the creatures we fought after the earthquake," Chrom replied. "Did something happen before that?"

"No," Mavis replied with a smile. "I was just surprised by the Risen. I wasn't expecting to fight such horrific creatures."

"I see," Chrom said, accepting her answer. "I'll let you settle in. I'll see you at supper."

"Thank you, Chrom, for doing all this," Mavis said. "You are kind."

Chrom became embarrassed, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. Mavis giggled, making him become more embarrassed. He left after saying another good bye, leaving Mavis in the room. Her smile fell the moment the prince left the room. The memories of that night rushed back to her all at once. She went to the bookshelf, pulling out the first book she saw. It was the history of the halidom of Ylisse, beginning from the first exalt to the latest exploits of Exalt Emmeryn. She sat down at the desk provided for her and turned to the table of contents. She stared at the page, unable to process a single word. There was only one sentence that she could think of, and it was the one that the man in the forest had said to her before she had ran off to find Chrom.

"You promised to kill me, Mavis. My name is Zeref."

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