Chapter 1 – Your Robin is on another Continent

The clashing of wooden weaponry rang across the training grounds as my eyes travelled between the recruits. The monotony is occasionally broken by the stern yells from Selena – the short-tempered ravenette constantly calling out any individual who wasn't up to standard. I still wasn't quite sure what to make of the masked woman. All I knew was that she was a skilled swordswoman from Valm that disliked me for reasons I do not know to this day. Despite that, she insisted that I let her aid in the training of the prospective pegasus knights.

I notice a guard approach me and I turn to them as they salute. "Falcon Lord Cordelia. The Exalt requires your presence in his office immediately."

I turn towards Selena, who gives a small nod in response. "Noted. Return to your duties."

I immediately set out towards Chrom's office. Since it served as a military location, it was with the rest of the military facilities. The old Shepherds' barracks, the infirmary, the armoury, as well as other commanders' offices were all nearby. The rebuilt Pegasus Knights wing was also close by for the same reason. After the destruction caused by the Ylisse-Plegia War, the Pegasus Knights had to be rebuilt from the ground up. It was a massive operation headed directly by the newly-crowned Sumia and… Robin…

I let out a sigh. I can't believe it's been a year since he disappeared. It still hurt to think about him, and I'm sure that all the Shepherds felt the same – even if they claimed otherwise. Gregor had taken to excessive drinking, Maribelle's posture had a slight slouch to it, and even Frederick occasionally missed a few pebbles when on patrol. The one who had undoubtably been affected the most by this ordeal was Chrom. He hadn't slept properly for weeks following Robin's disappearance and had spent every waking moment organizing search parties and combing through both continents for any trace of him. If it weren't for Sumia's efforts and reminders of his duty as Exalt, Chrom would be running around himself in search of his friend-turned-brother.

I shook those thoughts away as I came to a stop in front of his office. I could have spent that time thinking about why I had been summoned, considering my report wasn't due for another two weeks. Ultimately, I decided that it wouldn't matter. I would fulfil my task perfectly – anything less was unacceptable. Schooling my features, I knocked firmly on the door.

"Come in." Chrom's voice filtered through the door before I let myself in.

Closing the door behind me, my eyes roved around the room. The curtains had been drawn, casting the room into an ominous darkness. Chrom sat behind his desk with his fingers steepled beneath his chin – a grave expression on his face. To my surprise, there was another occupant in the room.

"Your Grace. Queen Tharja." I bowed slightly to both in greeting. The dark mage grimaced while the Exalt merely closed his eyes.

"Cordelia, what we discuss here today will not leave this room. Understood?" His voice echoed slightly in the empty room.

Straight to business, then. "As a Knight of Ylisse, you have my word."

Chrom let a ghost of a smile grace his features. He then turned his gaze to Tharja, who nodded at him. He reached underneath the desk and placed a small object upon it. I walked over to the desk and picked up the object, recognizing it after a moment of scrutiny. It was the locket that Tharja always wore.

I turned my gaze towards her, and she let out a huff. "Open it, Genius."

I bristled a little, but let it go. The two of us had never been on good terms (for reasons I don't understand. I had always been cordial around her), but she became especially confrontational towards me after Robin disappeared. I knew that she was grieving like the rest of us, so I didn't take it personally. I gently pried the locket open and my jaw fell open in shock. Inside it was a single lock of snow-white hair. It couldn't be. It must be Henry's. Every lead we've chased for the past year had led to a dead-end. Looking carefully at the strands, I noticed a faint glow just above it – one that looked like an arrow.

"It's the tracking hex I put on Robin. It suddenly started up at midnight." The sorceress provided an explanation.

I forced myself to squander the hope rising in my chest. All our efforts thus far amounted to nothing. A fangirl who had made a copy of his coat. A white-haired individual situated in the library. A stupid noble who thought he could curry favour on Valm using Robin's name. Every discovery only led to disappointment.

I voiced my doubts. "Are we absolutely sure that this is him?"

Tharja's visage darkened and was about to hiss out a reply when Chrom held up a hand. "Tharja is our leading expert in Dark Magic. Besides, we all know that Tharja is the master of finding Robin."

I had to concede that point. Whenever someone needed to urgently talk to Robin, Tharja always knew where he was without fail. There was also the fact that any time Robin mentioned her name, she would seemingly materialize from his shadow. It had eventually gotten to the point where he didn't flinch at her sudden appearances – even relying on the fact that she'd appear no matter when he called for her. He'd even laughed about how she watched him sleep sometimes – which, for my sanity, I hoped was a joke and not a cry for help.

"So, do we know where he is?" I ask, managing to keep the trickle of hope out of my tone.

The Plegian Queen's seething glare doesn't lighten up, so our leader answers in her place. "From what I understand, the arrow above the locket will grow brighter the closer it is to the target. Based on how dim it is, we know that Robin is somewhere beyond The Veil."

I feel my eyebrows knit together and my lips turn downwards. "So not only is he not on our continent, he's also Naga-knows-where past the most treacherous stretch of sea in existence – one that no sailor in our history has ever successfully sailed through?"

"The waves are so chaotic that it is impossible for any ships to pass through safely." Chrom's gaze settled on me. "However, the skies are relatively calm at this time of year."

I put the pieces together immediately. "You want me to find and bring Robin back to us."

"Sumia has her duty as Queen to attend to. Cynthia is off 'correcting the injustices of the world' with Owain. You're the only pegasus knight skilled enough to be trusted with this mission. You've got grit, determination, and are the most experienced at handling Robin's antics. I have complete faith in your ability to complete this mission." For the first time this meeting, a proper smile bloomed on Chrom's face.

I felt warmth settle in my heart at the earnest praise and faith in my abilities. "Consider it done. I will set out post-haste."

The Exalt let out a sigh of relief. "Godspeed Falcon Lord. You are dismissed."

After closing the locket and placing it around my neck, I made my way to the door – only to be stopped by a hand on my shoulder. "You better bring MY Robin back. Even Chrom won't be able to save you from me if you don't." Tharja whispers into my ear before vanishing completely.

Shaking the chill from my bones, I made my way towards the larder in the castle. I'd need a week's worth of rations to be safe, a melee weapon, at least 3 ranged weapons, enough clothing for the journey and to account for all weather conditions, as well as everything I need to take care of Caeda during the flight there. As I open the doors to the food storage, I find a viridian knight stuffing his face with all the bread he can get his hands on. His eyes shoot open as he turns towards the doorway, but he quickly relaxes once his eyes land on me.

A smirk graces my lips. "Not having breakfast at home, Stahl?"

He swallows the loaf of bread in his mouth and scratches the back of his neck. "Well… you know what the food at home is like."

I shoot him a sympathetic look as I grab a bag and start sorting out my rations. "Heading out?" Stahl breaks the temporary silence with his question.

I don't spare him a glance as I finish packing. "Chrom ordered me to take a break. I'm going to visit my parents."

"Good call. You deserve a break, Cordelia. You've been working harder than the rest of us." I can hear the smile in his voice.

I turn back towards him as I open the door. "Thank you. I wish you the best, Stahl."

He lazily waves at me. "To you as well, Cordelia."

After sorting through and packing my clothing, I decided that it would be more efficient to bring Caeda to the armoury and load up there instead of hauling the weapons to stables. Thus, I made my way back to the training grounds. To my surprise, she was already out of the stables – fully clad in her armour. Selena stood next to her; a bag thrown over her shoulder. I sped up slightly as I approached the pair. Taking note of my approach, she held the bag out towards me.

I raise a brow at her. "What's all this for?"

"Don't play dumb. You're bringing Robin back." Her tone is tinged with annoyance.

I always forget that the masked woman is way more perceptive than I thought her to be. Still, I'd like to hear her thought process. "And how did you come to that conclusion?"

I somehow know that she's rolling her eyes beneath the mask as she crossed her arms. "Your reports aren't due for another two weeks. We haven't had any border issues in the past month, so you're not being sent there. The Exalt wanted to speak to you privately, presumably about an issue that would cause chaos – like finding our lost Grandmaster. He also requested YOU, one of the highest-ranking individuals in our military, which means that this is a job so important that he can't assign anyone lesser to it. Also, you've always been the one to drag Robin out of the messes he finds himself in. Tharja's tracking locket is a dead giveaway, though."

I simply nodded. I didn't need to tell her to keep this information private – she was smart enough to figure that out herself. "What have you got for me?"

This time, I took the bag that she held out for me. "Everything needed for Caeda is in that bag. I've equipped her set of armour and mounted your weaponry. You've got a Brave Lance, three Spears, an Arcfire Tome, and a Mend Staff. I'll keep the recruits in shape while you're gone."

Making sure that everything is tied up securely, I send a smile her way. "Thank you, Selena. You've always been such a big help."

Selena turned away from me and waved over her shoulder as she left. "I know. You've said that plenty of times. Gawds."

I stroke the majestic creature's neck, letting a small sigh escape my lips. I put my foot into the stirrup and heft myself upon the pegasus. I take hold of Caeda's reins and gently coax her into a slow trot. She flaps her wings a few times – warming up the muscles for the first time that day. She breaks out into a steady gallop and her feet leave the ground shortly. As we steadily ascend into the air, I open the locket once more. A firm pull on the reins brings us in the direction of the faded arrow. As we soar past Castle Ylisse, I sense the doubt that has once again settled in my heart. Would we truly find Robin? Would this just be another false hope? I could feel my spirit wane with every dead-end we found. What if we never found Robin…

Shaking my head and dismissing those thoughts, I turn my gaze forward. I would find him and I would bring him home.

A vast forest fills my vision, the gleaming arrow pointing to the mountain range that lies just beyond. The last few days had been horrendously, mind-numbingly boring. If this whole mission amounted to nothing, I was going to be the one killing Tharja – not the other way around. It was only on the 5th day that I finally found land on what appeared to be an archipelago. Since Caeda and I could not land until then, both of us were forced to stay awake for four whole days. After a much-needed rest on the beach, I had awoken before the sun had risen. The absolute bliss I had felt upon waking fully refreshed had brought a memory to mind.

"Cordelia, go to bed." An exasperated voice calls out from the opening in the tent.

I turn my gaze towards the snow-haired man, who is leaning against a box of supplies with his arms crossed. "I'm just doing an inventory check, Robin. Are you sure you should be out of bed?"

He frowns at me. "You haven't slept in three days Cordelia. Besides, I'm perfectly fine."

I shot him a dubious look. "Vaike threw a table at you."

"Nothing I can't handle. Now stop changing the subject." His eyes narrow and he scratches at the back of his gloved hand.

"I'm fine-"

"You're still torn up about Chrom and Sumia's wedding." He cuts me off with a raised hand.

My mouth dries up and a pit forms in my stomach. He did not just go there. I whirl to face him, but my legs give out under the sudden strain. A hand on my shoulder prevents me from faceplanting. My gaze drifts up his arm and towards his face, and its only then that I notice the deep bags under his eyes. His skin is even paler than normal, contrasting the red lines that creep from the corners of his eyes.

"You look terrible." All hope of defiance leaves my body alongside those words.

A chuckle rumbles through his lips as they curl into that smug smirk that can only be associated with Robin. "I look terrible? I'll have you know that I am currently the most eligible bachelor in Ylisse."

I don't have the energy to roll my eyes. "Who told you that lie?"

His face contorted in mock hurt. "I'll never recover from how you've wounded me today. Seriously though: we both need sleep. How about I help you with taking inventory, and then we both go to bed? Deal?"

A gentle smile settles on his face and I feel my own lips turn upwards.

"I never leave a job half-finished."

We had both been more exhausted than we had thought – both of us falling asleep a minute or two after we started working. While I had been immensely refreshed upon awakening, the next few days of camp were social hell. Lissa had barged in that morning before sprinting out and loudly proclaiming to everyone how she had caught us 'sleeping together' in the supply tent. All that I could hear for the days after were wolf-whistles, congratulations, and 'when is the wedding?'. Sumia especially had cornered me in my tent and demanded details about a romantic story that didn't exist. I can't help but laugh at how ridiculous that whole situation was.

It had been another two days of arduous flying after that. I had left the archipelago and reached what appeared to be the continent – based on the arrow that now shone like an Arcfire blast. I had steadily made my way toward the centre of the continent, ignoring any signs of civilization. I had no understanding of the political climate, so I wasn't going to take any chance by flying an armed pegasus near any towns or cities.

"Bandits spotted just outside the village! Damn… there are a lot of them!"

I stopped myself mid-flight – looking down to see a cluster of six people huddled together. Caeda descended silently, bringing me closer to them.

A gruff looking man let out a heavy sigh. "I guess they followed you all the way here. We can't abandon this village now. Everyone in your usual deployments! Spread out and get to the houses further out – prioritize protecting the civilians! Byleth, you protect the brats. I'll grab my horse and circle round; we'll catch the bastards in a pincer attack."

I watched the soldiers(?) move out from the canopy, leaving only 'Byleth' and the three uniformed individuals in the small clearing. I noted that each of them carried different weapons. Red hefted an axe on her shoulder, Blue tightly gripped a lance, and Yellow held a bow while he twirled an arrow with his other hand. All iron weapons. Byleth was different from all of them, the woman wielded a steel sword and flawlessly transitioned into a battle stance – with excellent form, I might add. Judging by their builds, I'd wager that they were around 19 – the average age of the Shepherds during the first war.

The four had just turned to face a bandit that had foolishly rushed ahead of his group and attempted to cross the bridge alone. I can't fathom how he believed that ridding himself of twelve allies was good for his health. Grabbing my lance, Caeda understood immediately and dove from the treetops at amazing speed. The bandit could barely register the sound of wind in his ears before his head fell from his shoulders – blood soaking the bridge as his lifeless body collapsed on his fallen head. The uniformed individuals had mild shock etched into their faces while the swordswoman merely looked at the corpse with a blank expression. Her empty gaze turned towards me and she simply nodded – an understanding. I nodded back at slowly maneuvered towards the tower in the distance. I heard a pair of footfalls approaching me at a jogging pace, and three more followed shortly after. Their not-so-quiet conversations reached my ears shortly after.

"What an entrance! Is she one of yours, Dimitri?" A voice with a smooth cadence – which immediately brought my thoughts to Virion. My eye twitched.

"Unfortunately not. Although I'm sure Ingrid will become just as capable soon enough." A princely tone – there was really no other way to describe it. It reminded me of the voice I had swooned over long ago.

"I've never seen such speed from a pegasus knight before. Our division in the Empire could learn a lot from her." There was something uncomfortably familiar about the girl's tone – something I couldn't place. There was a certain charisma to her words and it frustrated me to not remember where I had heard it before.

The sword-wielder had made her way to my side and kept pace with me. Looking at her now, I couldn't help but see resemblances to Lucina. An experienced warrior with long, blue tresses and sapphire eyes.

"Numbers." Was all that she uttered in a flat, stilted tone.

"Twelve around the tower – none inside. I assume the leader is further to the back." Straight and to the point – the most efficient form of battlefield communication. "I'll open up holes in their ranks."

Byleth turns back to the trio. "Pick off stragglers." They all quietly affirm with determined voices.

I turn towards the woman one last time and offer a smile. "My name is Cordelia. Its nice to meet you."

She nods at me. "Byleth."

With a gentle whip of the reins, Caeda broke into a gallop and was airborne immediately after. I idly noted the others breaking into a sprint behind me – the cobalt-haired woman a noticeable distance ahead of the others. The group of twelve quickly came in to view – all huddled around the stairway leading up the outside of the tower. While most of them were arguing over something I couldn't hear, one of them was a noticeable distance away from his comrades. As such, he was the first to notice our approach. Unfortunately for him, that meant he would serve as the morale breaker.

Half a scream was all the escaped him before my lance found the gap between his ribs – piercing straight through his heart and lung. I dragged the body with my lance to the centre of the bandit formation before depositing the bandit with sweep from my weapon. The move blinded a man with the blood of his comrade while the others quickly panicked at the sudden arrival of a corpse in their midst. Byleth immediately made her presence known – cutting down the blinded bandit followed immediately by another who hadn't managed to raise her axe in time. I circled around the tower and dived towards two bandits who were standing next to each other with their eyes focused on their newest adversary. Gripping my lance with both hands, I brought it behind me in preparation for a massive swing. With a considerable amount of strength behind it, my weapon arced through the air. It carved through the side of the first bandit and continued out the side of the other. Both their bodies hit the ground as two separate pieces as I shook off the intestines that I had hooked with my blade. A trail of bodies and the severed limbs that accompanied them told me that Byleth had brought down another three.

The remaining four bandits had made smart decisions and decided to flee. The two that were furthest away were sent to the ground when arrows pierced their skulls – courtesy of Yellow. The other two were cut off by Red and Blue. Blue kept his opponent at a distance with wide swings that warped the air around the weapon with their force. After an upward slash missed his opponent, the bandit took advantage of the supposed opening and sidestepped before bringing her axe down towards the blonde's head. A spin of the lance knocked the weapon off-course, allowing Blue to bring the weapon low in a sweeping movement that separated the thief's legs from her body. A surgical stab to the throat ended her life. My gaze flickered over to Red just in time to see her bring her axe upward and remove the bandit's weapon and arm in one movement. With no fanfare, she brought the axe across their stomach – disemboweling the man.

Just as the noise in the clearing settled down, a large and burly man burst from the treeline beside Red with a steel axe brandished and halfway through a downward swing. The girl raised her own weapon in retaliation, but her guard was too flimsy to protect her. My hand had instantly shot to my spear and years of instinct guided me into a throw. A small part of my mind had realized that I was too late, and that I could not save this girl from her fate. Something glimmered in my vision – a dagger that cut through the air and left a nasty gash in the bearded man's cheek. This had stopped him just long enough for my spear to meet its mark and knock the axe out of the man's grasp. Realizing his defeat, he immediately dashed into the forest – narrowly avoiding another of Yellow's arrows. I made my way over and retrieved my spear.

Byleth slowly walked up to me and the other three gathered around us with smiles on their faces. The gruff man, who I assumed was the commander, emerged from the forest with blood coating his silver lance. His eyes lingered on me for a moment before settling on Byleth. "Did you get the leader?"

"Ran off." He frowned at that.

He nodded towards me. "Who's this?"

Blue eyes turned to me. "Just appeared. Killed some bandits."

"I see." He turned away from her and gestured to me with his hand. "So, what's your deal?"

Based on their intentions stated earlier, I figured that they were something like the Shepherds themselves. As such, it wouldn't hurt to reveal some information. I may learn something in the process. "My name is Cordelia. I'm searching for a missing friend."

He stared at me for a moment. "I see. Do you have any leads?"

I pointed in the direction that the locket had last led me to. "I heard that someone matching their description was seen in the area just past those mountains."

The man closed his eyes and let out a deep breath through his nose. "They'll probably be at Garreg Mach Monastery. Many lost individuals find themselves at the Church."

A smile makes its way to my face. "I thank you for your assistance. I'll get out of your hair now. May your path be a fortunate one."

He scratched the back of his head. "Uh, yeah. You too, I guess."

With a name in mind and my business finished, I moved away from the group and proceeded with my usual after-battle ritual. Reaching into the bags hanging off Caeda's rear flank, I retrieved both a brush and an apple. I brought my hand around to her mouth and she demurely took the apple between her teeth. While she enjoyed her treat, I made sure to brush her mane with slow, firm strokes. It was only right to pamper your pegasus a bit after a job well done – they fought just as hard as you, after all. Speaking of which, I need to wash my lance before I arrive at my destination – showing up anywhere with a bloody weapon won't really leave a good first impression. Once I finished making a mental checklist of things to do, and Caeda had finished her apple, I put away her hairbrush and set her into a steady trot.

"Ah! Please hold!"

I gently urged Caeda to stop and turned to Blue. A quick glance indicated that Red was engaged in a conversation with Byleth, and Yellow seemed insistent on annoying the former. I return my gaze to him and wait for him to speak.

"I would first like to apologize for my abhorrent lack of manners. We have fought on the same battlefield, yet I have not introduced myself. My name is Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd. It is an honour to make your acquaintance." He bowed formally.

I gave him a salute in return. "Likewise. My name is Cordelia."

"If you do not mind me asking, where do you hail from?" His eyes were brimming with curiosity and awe.

I mulled over what to tell him. "It's quite far from here. I don't believe you'd have heard of it."

"I see. Do you have any plans for the coming days?" He asks with a hopeful look on his face.

"I'm making a quick stop in the mountains, and then I'm going home." The disappointment was clear on his face.

"That is unfortunate. I would have loved to have you return to the Kingdom with me. Your skills with a lance and a pegasus would be a true inspiration for all the Knights of Faerghus." An earnest smile made its way back to his face.

"I thank you for your compliments, Sir Blaiddyd. However, I must be on my way." I give a shallow bow.

"My apologies for taking so much of your time. I pray for your safety on your travels, Lady Cordelia." He gave a salute and a bow.

"May your endeavours bare fruit." With my farewells stated, I urged Caeda forward and we took off seconds afterwards.

As soon as we were in the air, a man in white armour barged into the clearing yelling about something or other. My hand immediately went to my lance, but considering nobody else drew their weapons upon his appearance, I deduced that they were not hostile towards him. I checked the locket one more time to make sure that I was going in the correct direction and made my way towards the mountain range. It was time to find out if this whole journey meant something or if I would have to return to Chrom and tell him that we still had not found his brother. Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I set my sights towards the edge of dawn slowly painting the sky with colour.

It was time to make my way to Garreg Mach Monastery.

Tactician's Log

Name and Title: Cordelia Amora; Falcon Lord of the Ylissean Pegasus Knights

Age: 25

Current Class: Falcon Knight

Level: 42

Personal Skill: Ti amo – +3 to all stats when paired with a unit she has an S-support with

Proficiency: Sword (B), Lance (S), Axe (C), Bow (A), Brawl (C), Reason (A), Faith (C), Authority (B+), Heavy Armour (C), Riding (A), Flying (S+)

Skills Equipped: Lance Prowess Lv. 5, Authority Prowess Lv. 4, Alert Stance+, Flying Effect Null, Transmute (Canto, Lancefaire, Avoid +10)

Combat Arts: Triangle Attack, Grounder, Lance Jab

Mastered Classes (Fódlani): Noble, Soldier, Mercenary, Pegasus Knight, Dark Mage, Hero, Dark Bishop, Dark Flier, Falcon Knight, Bow Knight, Dark Knight

Notes: A Pegasus Knight without equal. Without her help, I would be absolutely buried beneath Ylissean Administration. When Chrom is better utilized elsewhere, she is my go-to partner for battle. I keep the arrows and wind magic away from her and she gives me a full view of the battlefield and quick transport so that I can give orders. She can be quite snarky when she wants to and has recently been besting me in verbal engagements – I wonder who taught her that?