At the camp, Virion nervously studied the newcomer from the front of his tent, his eyebrow twitching up and down in curiosity. His wife had told him who exactly the new young man wandering around the camp was and it made it all the more obvious with his and the one called Gerome's hair the same shade of blue, but it was all still hard to swallow. "Zat…is my son?" Virion asked as Cherche sat down next to him, a fresh pot of tea in her hands. "From you and me in ze future?"

"I suppose so," Cherche said, her smile ever on her face as she poured her husband a cup. "Quite the handsome fellow, isn't he?"

"Handsome?" Virion scoffed. "How can you say zat when you can't see his face? Well, I mean, he's my son, so of course he's handsome, but zen why does he wear zat silly thing? Does he have a scar or some sort of disfigurement? Why hasn't he come over here to say hello? Is he mute?"

"I think he's just shy," Cherche said, blowing on her tea before taking a sip. "Don't worry. He hasn't talked to me very much either. I just think he's worried about us getting close."

Another hearty scoff came from Virion. "Close. Yes, close indeed!" he pouted bitterly. "Has he talked with anyone? All ze other children were ecstatic to meet with zere parents and here we are getting ze cold shoulder. What do you zink zat means, eh? Maybe we raised a pouty little ingrate…" Trailing off, Virion's eyes suddenly turned dark with sadness and turned down to the ground. "Or maybe…we…I…"

Immediately, Cherche's hand gently placed itself on Virion's. "You will…you are and I have no doubt in my mind you were a great father," she said reassuringly. "Give the boy time. It must be a shock to see us alive. He'll come around to you, I promise."

Slowly, a smile spread across Virion's face. "You always do have ze right zing to say," he sighed. "It's why I love you."

She didn't have to say anything back, for he knew the answer. All she did was smile, although this time it had melted into one specifically for him.

In the distance, Gerome could see his parents sitting at their tent, drinking tea and looking like they always did in his mind. Shaking his head, he had to remember these people, although they looked like, sounded like and even smelled like the ones he had lost, they were not the same. He was alone.

"'Sup?"

Looking to his side, Gerome frowned as Roo looked back up at him, her egg in some sort of sling behind her on her back. "What do you want?" he snapped. "I have no intention of making ties in this world."

"Ok, fine," Roo frowned. "But then what, may I ask, are you doing here all alone?"

"Nothing in particular," Gerome said curtly. "Just plotting out the camp for a secluded spot to raise my tent."

At this, Roo raised her eyebrow and turned her head slightly to look at him form the side. "Kinda weird to want to be alone and yet wear a mask like that," she said. "You're the only one who dresses up like Batman."

"Bat who?"

Ignoring his response, Roo sighed and shook her head. "If you want the most secluded spot, no one really sets up over there near the training grounds," she said pointing to a small clearing some distance away. "However, that is the main pathway to the camp. If we were going to be attacked, your tent would be the first one hit."

"That is fine," Gerome said, reaching down to pick up his things. "As for the mask and my natural state, the two are unrelated. Why are you so obsessed with what I do anyway?"

At this, Roo broke out into a smile. "I could say the same thing about you," she said, nodding towards her back to her egg. "And don't kid yourself. I'm the head tactician in the Shepherds and I make it my business to know everyone in camp." Taking in a deep breath, Roo slowly let it out and gave Gerome a pitiful grimace. "Look, I think we may have gotten off to a bad start, so let's start over. I'm Roo."

Gerome frowned as Roo's hand reached out for him. For once, it wasn't as if he was trying to be rude, but…

However, Roo's hand was taken back before he could say anything. "Alright, I get it," Roo snapped. "Yeesh, sorry for trying."

Watching her stomp away, Gerome tried to say something, anything, but felt his throat seize and the words stop in his mouth, only coming out as a guttural choking noise. It was true that he didn't want any ties to the past, but he didn't have to be thought of so badly in the near present. However, it was already too late to say anything more and Gerome let out a heavy sigh, congratulating his past self for thinking of the mask ahead of time.

Stomping about like an annoyed dragon for the rest of the day had some sort of satisfying feeling for Roo, more so than rubbing it in Gerome's stuck up face. It was only until she was a few paces away from the main fire pit did she relax and sit down, taking the egg out from behind her and placing it in her lap, the night closing in. "There," she said happily to the egg, moving as close as she dared to the flames. "I've really got to hand it to Sumia. That book had a lot of information."

It was a strange feeling, suddenly taking something into her care like this, but Roo could only frown to herself as she lightly brushed the egg free of dust and dirt. "I know I'm not your mother," she said sadly. "I'm sorry, but your mom…she died. But, I want you to know that I'll take care of you now. I know…I know what it's like to feel alone. And I don't think you deserve that if there's something I can do about it."

Naturally, nothing was said back to her, but Roo could have sworn she felt a tingle of movement from inside. "I guess when you hatch you're going to need your own place in the stables," she said. "But that place is getting pretty full already, what with Pegasus and wyverns everywhere. Maybe someone as small as you should be somewhere else."

"Roo? Is that you?"

Looking up in surprise, Roo smiled sheepishly to Inigo who was sticking his head out of his tent nearby, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "Yeah, sorry," Roo said as Inigo yawned. "I'll keep it down."

"Why don't you go hang out with Gerome if you want to stay up late?" Inigo asked. "That guy is an owl. I don't think I've ever seen him fall asleep."

"Forget it," Roo immediately snapped, her hand waving him off. "And even so, he's made it quite clear he's not, 'making ties with the past.'"

During the end part of her statement, Roo had dropped her voice to a mocking impression of Gerome, to which Inigo had to admit was pretty spot on. "Look, I know he's kind of a pain," he said, noticing out of the corner of his eye a familiar figure in the distance, listening in, "But he's not a bad guy. Not at heart. Just give him some time and you'll see."

A disparaging snort came from Roo, oblivious to Gerome behind her. "I don't think so," she said. "That guy better consider himself lucky you all consider him a friend. I consider it a wonder."

There was nothing more Inigo could do except shrug and pull his head back into his tent. He was grateful it was too dark to see the pained look on Gerome's face as he stood sheepishly behind Roo like some sort of ghost, trying to come up with words in his own defense. "Well, whatever," Roo said to the egg, still unknown of Gerome's presence behind her. "We don't need that stupid sourpuss. We'll have each other, just you and me." A deep yawn escaped Roo as she placed the egg beside her and laid down next to the flames. "That book said wyvern eggs need lots of heat and flame in order to hatch properly," she murmured sleepily to herself, trying to remember all the facts she had to learn. "I guess I'm in for some long nights, huh?"

Once again, there was no response from the egg as Roo closed her eyes and half-jokingly thought to herself how she hoped she wouldn't set herself on fire in her sleep. If sleeping outside in the cold, uncomfortably near a blaze was the thin promise of a healthy egg, then how could she refuse? For once in her short memory, she had a bond with something that belonged to and needed her, even if fate had brought them together in the strangest way possible.

It was only after he was sure she was asleep did Gerome step out of the shadows and gently placed a blanket over her and the egg, making sure the warmth of the fire could reach them. Laced with wyvern scales, it would ensure Roo would wake up unharmed and in one piece.

The next day, Roo smiled happily to herself as she presented the egg with a leather laced pouch that strapped across her back. "There, see?" she said to the egg. "Now you can sit in here and I have my hands free. Win, win."

A cough was heard at the entrance of her tent and Chrom's head followed soon after. "Roo?" he called. "I came over to discuss our next move into the mountains."

"Come on in," Roo said, fitting the egg into its new sling and putting it on for show. "Check it out! What do you think? Fashionable, I know, but I was going for a more functional result."

It was almost comical to see such a large egg that took up half her back strapped onto Roo's small frame, but Chrom had seen stranger inventions walking into Roo's tent. Around her room were the remains of anything she found interesting and picked up along their journey – potted plants from Donnel, a looking glass that promised to reveal ghosts from Kellam, an interesting looking pebble stolen from Frederick. It was endearing to see so much curiosity and discovery spill out of her everyday into things no one would ever have taken a second glance at and if Chrom were being honest, it was probably how she acquired her new egg in the first place. "If you want, we can go over the movements with the group," Chrom continued. "There are two ways to go and I know you'll want a vote."

"Danger or terrible danger," Roo smiled. "Some things never change, do they?"

"I don't want them to," Chrom suddenly blurted. Immediately, Chrom mentally slapped himself in the face as Roo gave him a curious look.

"I'm not sure what that means," Roo admitted.

Panic rose in Chrom's chest as he stammered for coherent words. "It's just…I like being here," he choked, "I like…you like…the group likes…Frederick!" Before letting Roo say anything back, Chrom whirled around, flinging Roo's tent flap out of his way. "Frederick! Gather the Shepherds! We're having a meeting!"

"Over dinner, sire?" Frederick could be heard saying in the distance.

"Yes! Good! I approve!" Chrom called back, his voice shouting different conflicting orders that were no doubt confusing for his poor attendant fading in the distance as Roo frowned and shook her head. She didn't even have a chance to ask him if he had known anything about the blanket she had found draped over her this morning.

"So, the mountain path it is," Roo said as raised hands in the air came down. "Thank you everyone for participating. I know it's a bother to do this while eating."

Immediately several eyes shot over to Chrom who sat stiffly in his chair and pretended not to notice.

Stepping down from the box she had been standing on to announce the plans, Roo frowned at the crowd in front of her. Everyone was busy chatting and eating, or at least it looked like everyone except…

"Go figure," Roo sighed, no one except the egg hearing her.

In the darkness away from the eating hall, Gerome sat to himself as he polished his lance, looking at his reflection in the glittering metal.

"Hey you," a familiar face said, appearing in the blade. "Food's ready."

A low growl came from Gerome as he turned and looked Roo in the eye. "My name is not 'you'," Gerome spat, his nose wrinkling. "And I am aware. I can smell Kjelle's cooking from here."

"She's gotten better," Roo said, folding her arms across her chest. "Look, I know you're the lone ranger and all, but surely you have to eat at some point."

"I eat alone."

It was all Roo could do to keep from strangling the man as she held up her hands in the air. "Alright, look. You're new here, so I'm going to help you out," she snapped. "Eat food or else Vaike will. That's the way things go."

There was a silence that settled over the two as they met each other's gazes. "I'm not hungry," Gerome finally said.

Suddenly, a high-pitched screech erupted from Gerome's midsection.

Immediately, Roo broke out into peals of laughter. "S-stop that!" Gerome roared, jumping to his feet as Roo cackled away. "Stop laughing this instant! This is NOT funny!"

"Not hungry, huh?" Roo managed to get out, just short of doubling over. "What timing! What PERFECTION! Gerome, you're in the wrong line of work here."

Confusion was the only thing that stopped Gerome as he stared stupidly at Roo. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"You should start your own comedy show! Let me guess, you and Inigo are going to double up? The great Inigo and Gerome, hilarious duo!" Roo cackled. "Laugh all night or your money back!"

Embarrassment burned through Gerome again as he turned his head and clenched his fist. Words had to be said, but they were stopped by gritted teeth and an increasing red complexion and Gerome felt for all the world like he would burst into a thousand pieces had it not been for a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Aw, come on," Roo said, no longer laughing, but smiling in such a way that Gerome somehow forgot his previous anger. "I'm just kidding. If you really don't want to come, I'll get you a plate. Just be warned: I may not be able to get you seconds if Vaike decides he wants fifths. You'd know that and more if you joined us."

"I am more than capable of getting my own meal!" Gerome shot back with a childish tone that surprised even him. "I don't need your help with this matter or anything else…for that matter!"

A light snort came from Roo as she shrugged and let him go. "Alright, alright you win," she said casually. "But make sure you eat everything. We don't want you attracting wild Vaike's looking for leftovers." She frowned, her lips pursing bitterly as if recalling a terrible memory. "Believe me, he will."

Biting his tongue, Gerome silently thanked whatever gods might be listening as Roo began to walk away.

"Oh, and Gerome?" Roo called back, Gerome swallowing hard and looking up at her bravely. "You wouldn't know about a blanket with wyvern scales in it, would you?"

"Probably from…Cherche," Gerome said, unclenching his fists and thankfully feeling his emotions drain away from him. "She thought it could be more use to you."

Roo said nothing, but her eyes bored into him, searching for an answer he wasn't sure he could hide, even with his mask. "I guess so," she said finally, shrugging and turning back. As she walked away, Gerome felt a breath of air escape him. It had been brief, but he had seen it in her gaze that peeled away parts of him like layers of an onion. It was that sort of sharp, silent observance that was helping him to begin to understand why Roo was head tactician after all.

They had taken the trails around the mountain to avoid the physically demanding hike, but the easier paths they were on now made Roo nervous inside. More open to attacks, she found herself constantly looking over her shoulder to see if a shadow in the distant trees was something more.

"You ok, Roo?" Nowi asked, walking by her side. "You're really jumpy this morning."

"Fine," Roo said, sharper than she meant to. "I mean…I'm fine. Sorry, Nowi."

Nowi just shrugged and folded her arms over her head. She knew the higher ups were stressed out all the time, so she wasn't bothered. "Have you thought about a name?" she asked, nodding towards the egg and hoping to take Roo's mind off of things for a while. Nowi had already expressed enthusiastic desire to babysit whenever it was hatched and then later, a playmate whenever it was big enough. "Do you think it'll be black like Minerva? Ooh, or maybe a red color!"

"I have no idea," Roo laughed as shadows flew across them. Looking up, Roo could see their Pegasus Knights and Wyvern riders scouting above them.

A gasp came from Nowi as she clapped her hands in delight. "I always love watching those guys above us," she said happily. "I know Nah and I are too big to scout, but I bet the egg won't be! Do you think he'll fly? Can I teach him to fly?"

Her gaze still upwards, Roo smiled lightly to herself as Gerome, atop his Minerva swooped through the air. Powerful wings beat at the sky as Minerva rose higher into the sun, eventually blocking her from Roo's sight. "Yeah," she said brightly, her words full of promise. "He'll be the best."

Nowi nodded in agreement. "It's going to have one heck of an upbringing!" she said. "Raised by humans, trained by dragons…I can't wait to see what kind of personality it's going to have!" Suddenly, a sad smile came over Nowi's face. "Roo, I think it's great you're raising this egg," she said, Roo looking down at her. "People…I think they don't understand dragons or wyverns sometimes. Do you really think it'll be happy?"

"Yes."

Surprised at the sudden answer, Nowi looked up at Roo in surprise. "Don't be so shocked," Roo smiled. "This egg is part of our family now. It doesn't matter what it is, Nowi. For all I know, it might not even be a wyvern, but that doesn't change the fact that we're all in this together. Even you."

At this, Nowi beamed. "Yeah! I'll have to protect him too!" she said brightly. Then, striking a pose, "Look out, bad guys! You can't mess with Nowi's little brother or sister! You'll have a dragon to answer to!"

Hearing the commotion below, Gerome sighed as he spotted Nowi and Roo making poses, Cynthia and Owain eagerly running to join them. It was strange seeing such a carefree attitude from anyone. He was so used to death, despair and running for his life, watching his friends laugh and play made him feel even further from him that he already was. It was like something inside him refused to let him open up, no matter how much he wanted to, if he wanted to. He didn't want to, that much was certain. Even if he sort of had earlier. Not that he had. He didn't.

"Hey! Gerome!"

Looking down in surprise at his name, Roo stood below him, waving up to him. "We're stopping for lunch soon!" she called. "Why don't you get down here before your stomach sings us a song?"

Sigh.

She was out of place, that's what he had decided, Gerome thought to himself as he watched Roo flutter about the camp. No, not that she was out of place with her Plegian robe or her strange mannerisms and sayings, but she was out of place in the sense that she was in everyone's place. She and Laurent would discuss matters beyond him, about stars and theories that would take to arguments before Noire pulled Laurent away for who knew what after seeing him riled up. Something called, "Fusion Technique" would be practiced with Owain and Cynthia as they all tried to dance a strange shuffle in unison before touching fingers. This would lead to several poked faces, but there was always laughter afterwards and promises to practice later. Names like "Super Powerful Stomping Force Thunder Mode" would be thrown around and Gerome couldn't help but roll his eyes, but had to admit to himself that sometimes, every fiftieth name or so, one wouldn't be so bad. She and Sumia would attend to the Pegasus, chat excitedly about whatever girls talked about between themselves and read countless books. Lon'qu was getting over his shyness towards women. Basilio and Flavia would need a referee for drinking matches. Chrom would pour over maps and plans with her, all with Frederick watching carefully from behind.

He also used to think Roo's shopping trips with Severa were a waste of time and money until a handy handheld salve came into use when he narrowly avoided an archer's arrow. "You're open on your four o' clock," she said when she tossed the salve to him. "You'd better watch it or else you're gonna take an arrow to the knee."

The only tension that he could feel, that he knew was obvious to the whole camp was between Roo, Chrom and Sumia. It was hard to miss the hurt look on Sumia's face whenever Chrom rushed to Roo's side, and the quick nervous look Roo and Sumia shared before Roo would make up some excuse and leave Chrom behind, a similar hurt and nervous look on his face. It made him glad he wasn't involved in some pathetic love triangle, or some poly-monster that his own father was rumored to be in before he was married.

Speaking of which, Gerome could feel the man's presence like a hovering bad dream. Everywhere he went, Virion followed not too obviously behind, peeping at him as he trained, as he ate, even when he went to his tent to sleep. It was harmless, but aggravating, to see a flicker of blue hair duck behind some barrels or hear a muffled screech hide behind Cherche who smiled away as if her husband weren't cowering behind her legs like a child. Gerome never addressed it, never bothered to acknowledge Virion's existence, just putting it in his mind that the less he knew about his father from this timeline, the better. He certainly wasn't shaping up to be the kind of man he remembered.

A huffing sound that sounded suspiciously like laughter, came from Minerva as Gerome shot her a look. "Don't get me into this," Gerome spat quietly. However, Minerva drew herself up and snorted hard, smoke coming from her nostrils. A heavy sigh came from Gerome as he took her by the chin, leading her to the feeding station.

It was there he saw her. Surrounded by a ring of books and papers, Roo lay on the ground, the egg beside her as she snored away. However, with her lower legs held up on the bench and her back on the ground, it looked like she had simply passed out and fallen backwards from her seat. Another heavy sigh escaped Gerome as he stomped Minerva over to her. "You know, there are better places to take a nap," he said, giving her a small nudge with his foot.

"Guhhavay," Roo snapped back, pulling her hood over her eyes. "Wake me wheeners a problem."

Gerome stared at her for a second. "We're being attacked."

"Wheeners a catastrophe!"

Scoffing at the pathetic display of it all, Gerome stomped Minerva back to his original path. Almost all he had seen Roo do was play, eat and plan with the others, spending as much time with them as she could. If she studied at all, he never witnessed it and she never seemed to sleep, more content with staring up at the stars in her odd position on the tables. "Why dunner stop being suzza sourpuss?" Roo called after him, Gerome turning to face her. "Live a little, whydoncha?"

"I prefer not to waste time with idle chats," Gerome said simply. "Nor do I wish to have an eventual one way conversation once you are asleep again."

A sigh came from Roo. "I'm not asleep," she snapped, sniffing hard and rubbing at her mouth. "I'm resting. There's a difference."

"Could have fooled me."

Roo shot her finger out towards him, but did not remove her gaze from the sky above her. "You," she said just as sharply as him, "You should tell your dad to stop bugging me about you. Tell him if he wants to get to know you, he should quit being a coward and talk to you, not steal my rosters."

"That would imply that I wish to speak with him," Gerome said.

"Well, you do," Roo said. "You may hide it, or whatever, but you do in the end, so chat him up and tell him to stop creeping everyone out for information."

Gerome could surmise that Roo probably knew a lot more than Virion in every aspect, but he wasn't about to bring that argument up now. "I decline," he said before turning away again and continuing his stomp.

"If you don't, Cherche will make you."

This brought Gerome to a standstill as he considered the outcomes of his immediate future. If this Cherche was anything like his mother, then…

"Oh, Gerome!" Cherche sang happily, waving him over as he stormed over to their tent the next day. "I'm so glad you came to see us! I was just about to come get you."

He realized then that his life had narrowly been saved, and Gerome made a mental note to thank Roo somehow later without admitting she was right. "I'm just here for a few minutes," he said stiffly. "I came to see what Virion wanted since he's been following me for the better half of this month."

"Virion? Of course!" Cherche smiled as she reached into their tent. "Let me just get him for you. Darling?"

There wasn't much for argument as Cherche dragged Virion out of the tent by the scalp, ignoring the squealing sounds of pain he was making. "See? Gerome came to visit with you!" she said brightly as if there was nothing strange about pulling her husband out to face his time traveling son. "Isn't that nice? Why don't you two sit down and I'll make us some tea?"

Planting Virion next to Gerome, Cherche practically skipped away, singing some happy song to herself. A silence settled over the two men as Gerome stared uncomfortably at Virion. "Stop following me," came the curt demand.

"Following?" Virion scoffed, coming to life and waving his hand dismissively in the air. "How absurd! I'm not following anyone I assure you, my boy. A man such as I would never stoop so low as to following anozer man, for I am a man who does not follow ozer men! I know not of what you speak of! Away!"

"Alright."

"No, wait!" Virion called, Gerome's exasperation plain to see, even with the mask. "I…um, let me start over." A cough to clear his throat. "Gerome, my son-…"

"I'm not your son."

"Gerome, my…friend," Virion began again. "I was just zinking to myself what a shame it is zat all ze other children of ze future call zheir parents by 'mozer' and 'father'-…"

"I'm NOT your son," Gerome said again, more force behind it.

"Oh," Virion said, quickly losing his pomp. "Well, what I mean is…zat is…I'm trying to say…"

Suddenly, Gerome reached out and grabbed Virion by the collar, causing the poor man to shriek in surprise as Gerome drew him close. "I will only say this once," Gerome snarled, Virion shrinking back in his grip, "You are not my father. You will never be my father. I'd sooner kill myself than have such a fool as a cheap replacement for what I've lost, so bother me no longer with your stupid antics! The next time I see you, I will let Minerva eat you if you show your face to me."

"Yes sir," Virion eeked out.

"Good," Gerome spat as he pushed Virion away from him and stormed back to his tent, ignoring Cherche's tray of tea and biscuits on his path.

"Oh dear," Cherche said to her husband as she watched Gerome throw back his tent flap and shut it angrily behind him. "Things didn't go well."

"Zat…is an understatement," Virion gasped as he clutched his chest. Taking in a deep breath and letting it go, Virion gave a sad look to his wife. "He gets zis from you, you know."

Immediately, Cherche's smile turned on him and Virion felt his blood run cold. "What was that?" she asked, the tea in her hands turning frigid. "I didn't hear you, dear."

"Nothing!"

Her smile softened and Cherche gave her husband a reassuring pat on the back. "He'll come around," she said sadly. "I feel it too, but he'll come around."

His bad mood lasted into the night as Gerome angrily grabbed his lance and headed for the training grounds. Another night having a hard time falling asleep, no thanks to those clowns he was supposed to call parents and that tactician who had set him up with that whole charade. No doubt she had planned his humiliation from the beginning.

A horse's whinny in the distance reached his ears and Gerome looked up in surprise to see Roo on her horse, riding hard in the plains below. As always, the egg was strapped to her back, her hair wildly flinging everywhere, but Gerome's eyes widened as he watched her, slowly balance herself so she was standing on the horse's back, her coat flaring out from the wind. Turning her horse to ride across the field once more, Gerome saw as she picked up speed until she had hit the peak and gracefully, almost so slowly he didn't see it, raise her arms over her head and close her eyes as if she were about to take off into the night sky. The expression that she wore, he had seen it before on his mother when she too took off on her wyvern and even on himself in the reflection of his mother's armor when he first went into the air with her.

It was freedom.

Suddenly, Roo bent down, almost if she had lost her balance, and Gerome gave a start in her direction, but she had merely dropped her center of weight back down so she could sit once more. He could barely hear it and no doubt she was keeping quiet for the sake of the sleeping Shepherds, but her laugh of delight reached him and his expression softened. She reached behind her and put the egg in her lap and was speaking now, having slowed her horse to a trot and pointing to the sky and stars as if telling a story or explaining some mystery of the universe he didn't know. He was so entranced with what she might be saying, excitedly and quickly, that even he didn't see the shadow moving behind her until a hand shot out from the darkness and grabbed her coat, pulling her down to the ground as she cried out.

Instantly, Gerome put his two fingers into his mouth and whistled for Minerva, also hoping someone else not so asleep would hear it and raise an alarm. He could hear Minerva's screech over the air, but he could already see a man and an axe materialize from the darkness, grabbing at Roo as she shrieked and kicked at him, holding the egg in her arms protectively.

"What's that there, you got, love?" the hulking barbarian guffawed as he held Roo by the arm, squeezing tightly so she couldn't escape. "A wyvern egg? How valuable!"

"Get off me!" Roo shouted back, trying to twist away. "Let go, right now!"

"Aw, look boys," the barbarian said as five of his equally ugly and hulking friends came out of the darkness, "The little birdie wants to be let go. Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?"

"We can let her go," a barbarian said as he brandished his sword under Roo's nose. "Once she hands over that little egg. Shiny thing for a wyvern egg, isn't it?"

Even with a sword at her throat, Roo spat angrily on the ground at the barbarian's feet. "Never," she hissed, the conviction in her words making the barbarians laugh. "Not for the world, so you can shove it!"

"Take her arm off," another man shouted. "Hurry up about it too. I'm hungry and could use an egg sandwich."

Despite their laughter, Roo once again struggled against her captors. "You can't!" she cried out on deaf ears. "It's mine!"

The main barbarian pulled Roo forward, completely missing the true meaning behind her words. "Aw, she doesn't want to share? That's alright," he sneered, raising his axe. "We'll teach you some manners!"

Suddenly, a screech reached all their ears and the main barbarian turned his heads upwards just in time to see Minerva's teeth clamp around his face. However, proving he was a man of strength, or just an act of involuntary movement before death, he flung Roo into the tree beside him and her head cracked against the trunk before she went down hard, the egg falling from her hands and onto the ground.

"Monsters!" Gerome snarled as he drew himself and Minerva up to tower above the men. "Begone!"

The men leaped forward out of courage or stupidity or some loyalty to their fallen friend, but it wasn't long before they all met their end with teeth and lance and Gerome found himself in a bloody circle.

On the bed, Roo's body lay, Lissa taking the bandage that had been around Roo's head off, leaving nothing but healed skin. "She's going to be fine," she said to Chrom who stood in the doorway of the healer's tent. "She just needs some rest is all."

"I see," Chrom said sadly. "I'll wait with her."

However, Frederick gave a nervous cough beside him. "Sir, I'm afraid I'll need your insight to the matter of the men who attacked us," he said quietly, so as not to further upset his prince. "We've found something of importance on one of their personal belongings. An emblem of Plegia."

A bitter look crossed over Chrom's face as he turned his gaze to Roo's sleeping form. "Tell me as soon as she wakes," he ordered. "I don't care what I'm doing at the time."

Hearing the noise of angry footsteps, Gerome looked up to see Chrom storming his way out of the healer's tent, Frederick just keeping up behind him. "I heard from a very reliable source that our tactician will be fine," Laurent said behind Gerome as they stood in the camp, the Rider making no movement to acknowledge Laurent's presence. "You shouldn't put yourself to such concern."

"I'm not," came the curt reply.

"Of course," Laurent said, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Then I can only assume that you are here on some sort of 'imaginary patrol' just outside the healer's tent, watching with a surprising intensity-…"

"Shut it."

Miffed, but not defeated, Laurent made a huffing noise of disapproval. "Very well, I shall change the subject of discussion," he said. "Gerome, I have wanted to talk to you for some time."

Gerome said nothing, but moved his gaze over to Laurent to show he was listening.

"For a while now, you and I have pondered whether our existence in this timeline is…acceptable," Laurent said, as always, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Meeting our parents as we have…I can't help but to continuously express my concern for how this might influence our parents and consequently, our younger selves. However, seeing as how our 'Marth' has been fairing without Prince Chrom being wed, I have to entertain the theory Inigo had: that what we do here in this timeline is, ultimately, of no ill consequence on our behalf."

"Do you have a point to all this?" Gerome sneered.

"I am simply saying that perhaps, you should be less worried about the future and more worried about the present," Laurent said, his gaze flickering to the healing tent.

Suddenly, a shriek rang over the camp and both Gerome and Laurent turned to see Noire being chased by her mother, promising her 'just one more' wouldn't kill her. "Or perhaps the theory is ungrounded," Laurent sighed as he excused himself to help his wife, leaving Gerome in his own thoughts.

It was nearly nightfall before Gerome found the courage to even come near the tent as he stared stubbornly at the entrance. She didn't need to be checked on – she was the mighty tactician of Ylisse. She had never lost a man, nor has she lost a battle and could hold her own. Confidently hold her own. She didn't, or rather, she wouldn't, be coddled and fawned over like some child.

A growl came from Gerome as he looked around nervously, hoping no one would see him. In all honestly, it was unlikely as Kjelle was cooking again tonight and everyone had learned their lesson the last time and suddenly found that rations didn't taste so terrible after all.

Still, this did not change the fact that Roo did not need saving. She did not need to be checked on or bothered with, even though she had taken a hard hit to the head and was bleeding when he picked her up off the ground…

"Oh hells," Gerome muttered as he shut his eyes and flew back the tent flap and stepped inside.

Quiet. No surprised gasp, no soft chuckle she always did when she found him doing something that secretly amused her, no sarcastic greeting of any kind. Opening his eyes, Gerome frowned at the basic tent that was supposed to house their ill and injured. None of the beds had mosquito nets and the cabinet used for housing medicine was disturbingly small. He would have words with Chrom later, but for now, Roo lay silently, peacefully on a small cot with a thick blanket over her.

Leaning down, Gerome inspected the area where she had been bleeding the most when he had seen her. Lissa's healing wand had done its job well and he breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't know he had in him.

However, the small breath was enough and Roo's eyes suddenly snapped open, staring into his, wide-eyed and wild with panic. A scream tore from her throat as she violently jerked herself off the bed, thrashing her arms, pushing herself away from him as Gerome stumbled back in shock, letting out his own cry as he fell backwards, taking the cabinet of medicine down with him with a crash. "Bloody hells, what are you doing?" Gerome roared as Roo looked about her, a crazed expression on her face. "Roo…?"

"Oh god," Roo moaned as she curled into a ball and held her head in her hands. "Oh my god, my name…? What's my name?" Letting out an anguished cry, Roo beat her hands against her head as she tried to concentrate, not even aware Gerome was with her. "Remember! Remember, damnit! Come on…"

"Roo!" Gerome called as he got up, grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake, his previous anger gone. "Roo, snap out of it! Come to your senses!"

Snapping open her eyes, Roo took in a deep, ragged breath. "That's right," she said to no one. "My name…my name is Roo. I remember." Then, looking up at him, "Gerome…oh gods, I'm sorry. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine," Gerome said stiffly, still not sure what he had seen. "Are you…what was that?"

"I'm sorry," Roo moaned again, shaking her head. "I just…I don't want to forget…" Suddenly, she stopped, a realization dawning on her. "The egg…!" she whispered, her voice harsh and full of terror reflected in her eyes.

Quickly, Gerome bent down and held her shoulders lightly. "It's safe," he said reassuringly. "It wasn't hurt, I promise. There's a small crack, but-…"

"Crack?" Roo echoed, her body stiffening.

He didn't know where it came from, but the gentleness Gerome found in him to put a reassuring hand on Roo's cheek seemed to help as Roo took a breath and steadied herself to his words. "Wyvern eggs are tough," he said gently. "A crack or two won't be enough to hurt it, I promise. It's near the fire, waiting for you."

Another small cry came, but it was one of relief and Roo closed her eyes, sinking into his hands. "Thank you," she whispered. "Gerome, thank you so much."

There wasn't any time to reply as the tent flap was thrown open and Chrom stood in the entrance, a panicked look on his face. "Roo!" he cried out, seeing her on the floor, Gerome already moving away. Bending down to her, Chrom quickly took her into his arms. "It's ok," he said gently. "I'm here. You won't forget."

"It's ok, Chrom," Roo said wearily, gently pushing him away and running a hand through her hair to regain whatever dignity she had left. "I…I'm fine…"

By this time, the rest of the Shepherds had gathered, wondering what had happened as Roo stepped out of the tent. "Roo, you have bad dream?" Gregor said as he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You remember everything, yes?"

"Yes, thank you," Roo said quietly. "If you'll excuse me."

Inside the healer tent, Chrom watched Roo go, his fists clenched in anger. "I thought I said to come get me as soon as she showed signs of waking!" he hissed angrily to no one.

Quickly, Frederick stepped forward. "Forgive me, sire," he said quickly with a bow. "I did not think she would wake so soon from Lissa's healing spell. I left to procure some more blankets and was gone briefly."

"If you had stayed, then this wouldn't have happened!" Chrom shot back. "It's bad enough that this happens every time she sleeps, it's just…" Suddenly, Chrom broke himself off and sighed, closing his eyes and unclenching his hands. "It's just…" he repeated, again as if speaking to no one.

"Don't blame Frederick," Gerome said behind him and Chrom turned to stare at Gerome in shock. "I woke her."

Something dangerous came over Chrom's expression that Gerome couldn't place, but knew it was nothing to be trifled with as Chrom faced him and leaned close for only Gerome to hear. "Never do so again," he hissed as Gerome narrowed his eyes. "Not without me there. Understand?"

No, he didn't and Gerome stubbornly glared and let out a snort. "Don't get in my face, prince," he spat, pushing past Chrom and out of the tent. He didn't understand at all and was still trying to figure out what had happened as he stormed past the group who was whispering among themselves and past Frederick who was apologizing profusely to Chrom all the way to the main fire, where Roo sat by herself and cradled her egg like it was the most precious thing in all the world.

"I'm sorry…you had to see that," Roo said quietly as Gerome stood behind her, not saying anything. "It's just…I guess no one told you, huh?"

"No," Gerome said.

Holding the egg, Roo slowly turned to face him. "The truth is, I lost my memory not too long ago," she said sadly. "Chrom and Lissa found me in a field and that's the first thing I remember. Waking up and knowing nothing about myself or where I came from or what my name is. Roo isn't even my full name as far as I know. It's just the first sound of what could be my name. I think." Hugging the egg closer, Roo looked up at him, a fear in her eyes he had never seen before. "Can you imagine that?" she asked quietly, unconsciously rubbing the back of her right hand, always covered with a purple glove. "Not knowing who you are…not knowing what you are. And every time I sleep, I'm terrified…will I forget what I know now? Will I wake up and not know my friends anymore than I know myself?" Looking earnestly into his eyes, Roo tried not to let her voice crack. "Do you have any idea what that's like?"

Gerome could say nothing.

"Still, I should thank you," Roo said, her voice and body steadying themselves. "I want to thank you. For everything."

"Of course," Gerome said softly. Then, after some thought, "Do not hesitate to ask for my assistance in the future. I do not mind reminding you of whatever you may feel you forget."

Turning away, Gerome thought he could see out of the corner of his eye a small smile spread across Roo's face.

The next morning, Roo awoke the sight and smell of her own tent. She had specifically picked out the scent that she sprayed around every night to remind herself that she was somewhere familiar and safe, and it helped somewhat, but that wasn't what surprised her. It was the tiny white wyvern that was staring back at her with big yellow eyes and a confused look on its face.

"Well," Roo said as the wyvern flapped its wings happily. "This is an interesting way to wake up."

I've discovered how to do lines to break up mini-chapters! Lines everywhere! Also, if we're supposed to have some sort of disclaimer, I'll put it here: I do not own Fire Emblem.

Thanks for all the support! More to come soon.