A Strange Awakening

by Brelro

A group of people wake up in a field, not knowing why or how they woke in Ylisse of all places, but upon meeting a blue-haired exalt and a white-haired amnesiac, they knew one thing. Actually two. One, they weren't in Utah anymore. Two, they were about to have quite the odd adventure. Would they find romance? Family? Sorrow? Dark secrets? Maybe all of the above...

2. Unwelcome Change

West of Ylisstol - Late Night

Blake's P.O.V

We had been walking for quite some time, as it was dark out and we had left before sunset. Lissa had been complaining, Sebastian looked dead inside, I'm surprised Andy's still moving, Miguel started playing with his switchblade, much to Eric's annoyance. Which actually reminds me.

"Hey Miguel," I began to whisper, "How come most of us came here with nothing, save for our clothes, while you and James got your knives?"

Before Miguel could answer, James overheard and felt like being a smartass. "First of all, these are a switchblade and a butterfly knife,"

Miguel interrupted him without much of a care. "Second of all, no one knows how we got here. Did you think one of us would awaken some kind of memory?"

James looked at him, annoyed at being interrupted, the minor conversation died there, and I began to think about this situation. If we were transported here, who's to say someone else we know won't crop up somewhere later down the line? Why all of us, out of everyone in the world? Was it necessary to take so many people? What was the purpose? Amusement? Extra help? Too many questions were popping up in my head, and I don't know how to go about finding the answers.

I was taken out of my thoughts when Lissa groaned out, "I told you, it's getting dark already! ...Ech! And now the bugs are out! Noisy, disgusting bugs that buzz around and crawl all over and bite you when-" A bug then flew into her mouth, and she started gagging.

Eric smiled and said, "And that's exactly why you shouldn't keep your mouth open in a forest. Bugs get curious." Lissa sputtered some more, trying to get the bug out.

Chrom turned back to Lissa and said, "Aw, come on now, Lissa. Hardship builds character. Want to help me gather firewood?"

Lissa finally stopped choking enough to respond. "I think I swallowed it... I'll pass on finding firewood, thanks. I think I've built quite enough character for one day!"

"*cough*Drama queen*cough" James was poking fun at Lissa, she stuck her tongue out at him in retaliation.

Robin decided to bring up an important topic. "We should probably think about food. I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Frederick stopped to take a look around before saying "Yes, I should think a little hunting and gathering is in order. Now, who wants to clear a campsite?"

After about an hour or so of Frederick and Andy clearing out a campsite, and half of that was Andy getting onto Sebastian for helping Chrom instead of him, and the rest of us, save for Lissa, who was pouting, and James who was brooding, we sat around the fire, eating bear meat. Well, some of us anyway.

Sebastian had already finished his, I think he'd give Stahl a run for his money. "That was pretty damn good."

Eric looked at him repulsed and said, "Jesus, did you even chew?"

Chrom had unknowingly stopped the soon to be argument to talk about his food. "It's been too long since I last had bear meat. Delicious! ...Hey what's wrong Lissa? Dig in."

"Pass! ...Gods, couldn't you spear us an animal normal people eat for once? I mean, come on! Who eats bear?! Right, Robin?" Lissa fussed, turning to Robin, who was stuffing her face, to Andy's humor. Lissa hesitated. "Uh... Robin?" Robin ate some more, clearly enjoying it more than anyone else. Lissa sighed.

"I suppose a person would enjoy just about anything after not eating for days." I mean, that's probably true, I know I would, as would most of us.

Gayle huffed, clearly tired of Lissa's complaints and looked at her. "Just eat it Lissa. Meat is meat, no matter how it's cooked."

"Since when does meat smell like old boots?! Wait, I take that back, boots smell better!"

"Every experience makes us stronger, milady. Even those we don't enjoy."

"Really? Then why don't I see YOU eating, Frederick?"

James had started chuckling to himself after hearing that. I can tell he's going to take every opportunity to push Frederick's buttons. Wonder how long it'll take before someone knocks him on his ass for it. "She's gotcha there, Freddy."

Frederick frowned at James and said, "Do not call me that James. As for milady," he then turned to Lissa, frown easing into a slight smile. "I'm not hungry. I... I had a large lunch! Yes, quite."

That's a load of shit. If I remember correctly, he can't stomach meat very well. Don't remember why though, and I don't know why he never really told anyone. Eric subtly rolls his eyes, being the only other person who's played the game. Lissa scoffs, also seeing though his little lie. "Yeah right, Frederick!"

Andy set his bowl to the side and lied down. "I think it'd be smart to get some rest while we can, night won't last forever."

Chrom sighed before also setting his bowl to the side. "Yes, I believe that would be best."

"I will collect the bowls, milord." Frederick began collecting the bowls while everyone else started going to sleep. I lied down but began to think. When we get asked where we came from, and that question is definitely going to come from either Frederick or Phila, what are we going to say? I know this is something I should talk about with the others as soon as possible, but I need to keep ideas in mind regarding our cover story, we can't tell the truth, not all of it anyway, because even claiming you're from the future like the future children did is a bit of a stretch to believe, even with something to prove it. But another universe entirely? We'd probably be called insane. We could also claim that we came from the Outrealm Gate, but do they even know about it? I know Anna certainly does, but what about everyone else? These are questions for after the risen attack, which I should probably get some sleep before it happens. I stop thinking, close my eyes and let myself fall into unconsciousness.

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The group had been asleep for the last few hours, everything had been peaceful, however abruptly Chrom had woken up, feeling the air had changed to a more sinister feel, and had inadvertently woken up Lissa and Miguel. Lissa yawned, still tired, while Miguel rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Chrom looked at around the camp and into the forest, feeling anxious.

"...Huh."

"What's wrong, Big Brother?"

Miguel began looking into the forest, following Chrom's eyes. "Do you see something?"

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

Miguel looked back at him and deadpanned. "You're going to have to be more specific than that. What do you mean something is amiss?"

"I'm not sure. I think I'll have a look around."

"Not alone you're not. I'll come too."

Lissa got up stretched for a minute before responding. "Don't forget about me! I'm going too!"

"Heh. Thanks, both of you."

Miguel pulled out his switchblade and opened it and walked towards the forest. "Keep yourselves alert. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Chrom kept his hand on the Falchion and led the three forward. "Indeed. The air feels... wrong. Stay close, Lissa."

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West of Ylisstol - Midnight

Miguel's P.O.V

We had been walking through for forest for a little bit, and nothing feels right. The noise you would normally hear in a forest at night, such as crickets and other bugs, the wind, or chirping from the nearby birds, was all absent. It was completely silent, and it was very unnerving. Lissa was looking around with a pensive look on her face.

"It sure is quite, where did all the birds go?"

"Something is wrong here..." Chrom began trailing off, feeling the ground shake. Suddenly all of us struggled to keep our balance as an earthquake shook the earth around us.

"Aaah! Chrom!"

"Gods, what is this madness?! Lissa, stay close!"

A stronger earthquake then fells some nearby trees. All of us looked in the direction of the quake, and slowly backed away with unease.

"Lissa, run."

"Huh?"

Another tremble shakes the ground, and Chrom starts sweating. "I mean it! Go!"

None of us needed any further prompting. As we took off into the woods, while Lissa and Chrom were ahead of me, I started to get confused. Every tree blends in with the other, and I've never had to navigate a forest living in Ogden. Thankfully, Chrom notices me falling behind.

"Miguel, this way!"

Chrom then jumps into a gap, with Lissa in tow. I followed behind them, and slow my pace when I see them catching their breath. The short break however is interrupted by a sudden blue light. I look up and notice what looks like a portal of some kind. Lissa looks up after a bit, eyes widening.

"Guys, what is that?!"

"I don't know, but after the earthquake, it's suspicious to say the least."

Especially when three figures start to slowly come out of the portal. Chrom puts his hand on his Falchion, and steps in front of Lissa. I grip my switchblade tighter when they finally fall out of the portal.

"Lissa, you'd better step back." Chrom warns her.

As she steps back, the three figures start to attack Chrom prepares to fight one, while I stick to the one in front of me. It swings it's claws at me, only hitting air as it's really slow. I stab it through the side, but merely staggers back before advances towards me again.

"What the..?" I'm forced back as it swings again, I dodge and stab it through the spine, expecting it to go down. It just jerks forward before turning around unaffected. I do notice that it begun to let out a purple smoke through it's wounds. But it keep moving forward, out for blood.

"...Okay. So it's kind of like zombie. A head strike should work then." I wait for it to get in range, when it attacks again, I side-step it and stab it through the side of it's skull. It finally goes down before vanishing into smoke altogether. I look over to Chrom and see that he's killed the one he was facing. Only for a scream to startle us both as we realize the third had gone after Lissa cornering her.

"Lissa!" Chrom starts to run towards her, only for blue-haired man to beat him to it. He blocked the creatures attack, but was clearly struggling against it. He looked over at Chrom, not noticing me, or at least not caring enough.

"...Help!"

"...Right!"

They have it covered from here. I decide to check on Lissa and make sure nothing else comes near her. The sounds of fighting make for a good distraction, because this is awkward. I'm not good with talking to people in any way that isn't blunt or quiet.

"...Are you okay?"

"...No. Not really. Another moment and...!"

"...I know."

Purple smoke comes through, interrupting the talk, thankfully. The new guy sheaths his swords while Chrom looks in interest.

"Quite the entrance. What's your name?"

Suddenly many rushed footprints come through the forest, and run into the clearing.

West of Ylisstol - Midnight

Eric's P.O.V

We had running through the forest for a while. You see, an earthquake had woken everybody up, we noticed that Chrom, Lissa, and Miguel were gone, Frederick was concerned, and assumed Miguel had taken them, James took offense to this, like a complete dolt, before Robin calmed them down and suggested we look for them. Which led to us combing the forest, and eventually Gayle had heard Lissa scream, which resulted in Frederick rushing ahead, the rest of us following suit. Not a great start.

Frederick was being a mother hen towards Chrom and Lissa. Which makes sense, given that he's their knight, but still.

"Milord! Milady! Are you hurt?"

"Frederick! Everyone!"

Robin was looking around nervously, while Gayle and Sebastian took out the weapons they took from earlier.

"Are such horrific creatures commonplace in these lands?"

I took a peak ahead and saw what looked liked the Risen in the game. I understand that this is a different world, but...

"I feel like these things should instill more fear than this."

"They're not from Ylisse, I promise you that."

Frederick gave Chrom and Lissa another lookover before responding.

"No one is injured then? Thank the gods..."

Lissa's face brightened before saying, "Thank the masked man who saved me! If it wasn't for him I'd be..." She trailed off looking for her savior, which should be 'Marth', only to see that she disappeared.

"Hey, where did he go?"

"We can worry about him later. After we put these... things... to the blade."

Blake got into a defensive stance, as defensive as one can get while untrained and unarmed, and said, "Alright, keep your eyes peeled. We don't know what they can do."

We made our way towards the Risen while Robin began eyeing the forts.

"Are those..?" Frederick follows her eyesight and says "Abandoned forts, yes."

She began to ponder some more before turning towards me and Blake.

"Can you two escort Lissa to the fort? It would be best to keep you two out of the main fight since you're both unarmed."

I was going to object considering in doesn't do anyone good to be a sitting duck, when Blake stopped me and said "Yes, I think that would be best, plus we can take note of the surroundings."

"Perfect. We should get going."

Everyone headed towards the Risen while myself, Blake, and Lissa made our way towards the fort.

I noticed that Lissa seems quieter than usual, before remembering that if this is the first Risen attack, then Lissa almost died. No wonder why she's so quiet.

The sounds of fighting get my attention and I look at what's happening. Gayle and Sebastian were covering each other's backs with wild swings of their sword and axe, I'm surprised they haven't got hit by the Risen or each other yet. James had been targeting one for the past minute or so, having trouble getting close. Andy was having some trouble thanks to his age, and Miguel was trying to help him out, stabbing the heads of any Risen who came to close. Chrom and Frederick however, where having no problem at all, mowing down a decent chunk of-

"Watch out damnit!"

I was suddenly tackled out of my thought by Blake, and I took a look at where I was and saw a Risen had stabbed the air where I was just at. I... really need work on my habit of getting lost in thought, particularly when something's happening.

Blake then rushed the Risen and grabbed the lance in it's hands, kicked it's shins in, and pushed it to the ground with the blunt end of the lance, before turning it around and stabbing it's skull. It disappeared into a purple smoke and Blake turned around and looked at me.

"So when I shout 'Watch out!' that means to watch out, not stand around like a moron and almost get impaled. Especially when two people scream it, and multiple times."

He held his hand out and I took it. Lissa walked over with the commotion over.

"Are you okay? You almost..!"

I couldn't form a response. Not one that didn't sound stupid anyway. Suddenly the sound of a horse running catches our attention, and I remember a certain red haired cavalier and a noble philanderer are arriving about now, which saves me from worrying about it. Sully comes in a rush, Virion not far behind, which is a little impressive given that Sully's on a horse.

"Captain Chrom! Wait! I'm coming! ... Agh, I knew I shouldn't have left 'em." Sully looks around, analyzing the scene before getting an angered look on her face. "Alright you ash-faced freaks! Which one of ya wants to try my lance on for size first? I know just the spot! Shoved right up your-!" She was interrupted by Virion clearing his throat, and in all of his haughty-sounding theatrics that I remember, started flirting with her.

"Hold, milady!"

"...Huh?"

"Life may be long, but attraction is fleeting! Would you leave me in your sweet dust? Leave war to the warriors, dear bird! A beauty such as you need wage only love."

The forest is burning around us, there's a fight going on, and that's what's on his mind. Gotta love him. Sully, and by extension Blake, who started fixing his grip on his lance, were less than amused.

"...Who the hell are you?!"

"Is the lady intrigued? Of course you are, it's only natural. I am myth and legend! I am he who strides large against history's greatest stage! The man who puts the 'arch' in 'archer'! My name, dear lady, is-"

"There's a battle happening, is now the best time?" Blake interrupted, looking annoyed, while Sully and Virion looked over like they just noticed us. Sully shakes her before going towards the battle.

"Greenhorn's right, I don't have time for this Ruffles. Onward!"

"Virion!... W-Wait, where are you going? Pray, at least tell me your name!"

"I'm Sully, and I'm a Shepherd."

"Sully! How divine! A starkly beautiful name, as befits it's owner-" Virion was interrupted when Blake let out a long groan.

"Look, Virion, can you do this later? I don't know if you've noticed, but we've got a bit of a situation here! Fight now, flirt later!"

Sully had already gone ahead, while Virion stood there, before shaking himself out of his stupor.

"...Yes, quite. I do believe Sully appreciates a man who aids her in battle! Virion away!"

Blake let out a sigh and noticed Lissa looking at him. He looked between the two of us before finally saying something.

"...What?"

"Was that necessary dude?"

"Eric, you know how I feel about people who are... extra. They're always extremely annoying, and they love to hear themselves talk."

"I know how you feel. But since we are here now, I figured you would watch your temper around those types of people."

Lissa stopped the conversation by pointing behind us and saying, "I think we should regroup, it looks like it's all over."

Blake looked back, and started walking. "Looks like it. Let's go."

We walked to the clearing and saw that everyone was safe, for the most part, some scuffs here and there, but everyone was fine. Robin looked at everyone and sighed.

"I'm glad everyone's fine. This could've gone worse." Andy nodded in agreement before gesturing to 'Marth'.

"The rest of them are gone. I think this youngin' took care of the others."

Lissa looked at "Marth' in awe. "I never got to thank you...for before. You were very brave."

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

They stood in silence for a moment before speaking up. "You may call me Marth."

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

James looked at Marth for a moment before saying, "Probably from her old man."

'Marth' stiffens before calming down and saying, "I'm not here to talk about me. This world teeters on the brink of a horrible calamity. You have been warned." They began walking off before turning their attention onto us. "And you all, disordered ones, you must seize the truth yourselves, not wait for someone to do it for you." And with that, they were off.

"Teetering where now? Hey, wait!" Lissa complained.

"What do you fucking mean 'You must seize the truth'?!" James followed up.

Miguel pocketed his blade and said, "He isn't one for talking. If he wanted us to know more, he would've told us."

Frederick nodded before gathering his things. "It appears his skills lie elsewhere. I wager we'll hear his name again soon. Right now, however, I'm more concerned about the capital. We should make haste."

Chrom began to lead us back. "Right as always Frederick. Come now, it's about a day's march from here, but we need to move fast."

Andy cracked his knuckles before saying, "Well come on. You heard the man." Sebastian groaned and everyone followed suit.

Ylisstol - Early Morning

Blake's P.O.V

There was a lot of noise for a city in an era where technology and transportation weren't as advanced as ours. I have to say, it's not really anything special to me, even in person. Sure it's lovely, but I'm used to cities being around a hundred thousand people, this was about as much as a town at best. Still, it's impressive enough for Robin to look in awe.

"So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse... I've never seen so many people!"

Frederick analyzed the place before speaking. "It appears the was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods. I see no evidence of the great quake. It must've been limited to the forest." Lissa smiled, happy at the news. "Well, that's a relief!"

Someone in the crowd had pointed out the exalt, and sure enough Emmeryn's presence caught everyone's attention.

Gayle was the first to stop gazing and asked, "She's your ruler, isn't she?" Frederick responded, "Yes, her name is Lady Emmeryn."

"She's... really pretty." Eric said staring at her, while looking somber. James saw this and did what he does best.

"Eric, you want to fuck her royal highness?"

"Wha-? No!" Annoy the shit out of Eric.

Robin asked another question before anything else could happen. "Is it safe for her to walk among commoners like this?"

Frederick made a noise of affirmation. "The exalt is a symbol of peace, Ylisse's mosr prized quality. 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."

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

Like the exalt before her, their father. How odd it is that a warmonger also made three of the kindest people here.

Sebastian said what everyone was thinking. "Then all of you are lucky to have her, givin how unforgiving the world can be."

Lissa smiled and dropped a casual bombshell for anyone who didn't know yet. "She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!"

Miguel simply stopped walking and looked at her. "...That would make you and Chrom the prince and princess, wouldn't it."

Robin spun around and repeated what he said. Frederick almost grinned as he said, "Yes, the prince and princess of Ylisse. Robin, you remember Chrom's name and not this?"

Gayle simply said, "You said you guys were 'shepherds'."

Chrom smiled in amusement. "We are... so to speak. We just have a lot of sheep."

Robin began to get nervous as she started bowing. "C-Chrom... I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!"

Miguel stopped her before she could go any further with her unneeded apology. "I think just calling him Chrom will be fine. He doesn't strike me as someone with the patience for formalities." Chrom smiled at him in return.

James tuned back into the conversation and chuckled. "The prince and princess. Guess that's why Frederick tolerates the teasing, huh?"

"Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm..." Chrom looks at Emmeryn's direction before addressing everyone.

"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" It would be helpful to get any potential information about our situation, not that anyone would know, but asking never hurt anyone. Not to mention avoiding any explanation on our end would be met with suspicion, either from Frederick or Phila.

"We would love too."

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Ylisstol Throne Room - Morning

Blake's P.O.V

Anybody who's never seen the inside of a throne room was looking around in awe. It was very beautiful, decorated in a lovely blue, gold, and white.

Andy seemed to avoid touching anything, as if it would break at any moment. "I feel like just being here makes me more fancy."

"It is a throne room Pops. Clues in the name." Sebastian said, not looking any better himself.

Suddenly, everything went quiet, and Emmeryn walked in, Phila in tow. We all stood straight with the exalt in front of us.

Emmeryn greeted her siblings, along with Frederick with a smile. "Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home. Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?"

Chrom at her and said, "Well—we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while."

"Wonderful. And our people?"

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

Phila frowned at the news and commented, "Forgive me, milord. My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."

Chrom shook his head. "No, Phila. Your duty was here, with the exalt."

Lissa cheerfully gestured to us and said, "And besides, we had plenty of help!" I caught Phila's analytical gaze, eyeing each of us. I still don't know what to say, but I aim to get some suspicion off by providing what I hope is decent explanation.

"Ah, you speak of your new companions here?"

Chrom turned to us before gesturing in a line. "All of you, line up in a row."

We did as we were told, James muttering but complying anyway, and I wound up between Robin and Gayle. "From left to right, these people are Robin, Blake, Gayle, Andy, Sebastian, Miguel, James, and Eric. They fought bravely with us against the brigands. I've decided to make them all Shepherds." Some of us were surprised at this, namely Andy and James, one who tried to make sense of enlisting someone who didn't want to be there, and the other who was wondering why he would enlist a bunch of college kids and an old man. Guess which is which.

Emmeryn looked at each of us before softly smiling. "It sounds as though Ylisse owes you all a debt of gratitude."

Sebastian smirked slightly at this. "Nah, we just did what most would."

Frederick stepped forward frowning. I mentally sighed, because I already knew what was coming. Eric's face told me he thought the same. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak. Robin claims to have lost her memory, but it is only that, a claim." He then looked in our direction frowning even more, if it was possible. He continued on saying, "And we know nothing about where these other people came from, or their origins. We cannot rule out the possibility that they are brigands themselves, or even Plegian spies."

I figured now would be the best time to explain my little theory. "Okay, I'm going to stop you there, Frederick."

Frederick turned me, stone-faced once more. "Excuse me?"

"I... have a theory regarding our arrival here. If I could explain."

"Please do."

"To start off, have any of you heard of the Outrealm Gate?"

Most people look lost, having heard this for the first time, which was about what I expected. Emmeryn however gained a look of slight recognition. "I recall reading about it in our archives. What about it?"

"Well, Your Grace, I suspect we came from that gate. That's because many... technologies that we have clearly aren't present here. Not to mention I'm pretty sure if we were shown a map of this world, none of us would recognize the countries or continents."

Emmeryn looked slightly troubled at this. "This is quite an issue then."

"How so?

"Because the path to the island where the Outrealm Gate is supposedly located has been blocked for quite some time."

"...Ah. Well, I'm not sure what else to say then, I'm not sure how else we could have gotten here."

Frederick interrupted, finally having enough of our talk. "Are we meant to buy this story without so much as a shred of evidence to prove your claim?"

Chrom fortunately had enough of the bickering and stopped it before it got worse. "Frederick, that's enough."

Emmeryn tapped her chin in thought. "It's an interesting idea nonetheless, Blake." She turned to Chrom and continued. "What of you, Chrom? Do these people have your trust?"

Chrom answered without hesitating. "Yes. They risked their lives for our people. That's good enough for me."

James blurted out, "Damn straight!" before Eric elbowed his side.

Emmeryn continued without pause, though slightly amused by the twins antics. "Well then, it seems that these people have earned Chrom's faith, and as such they have mine as well."

Robin bowed down in respect. "Milady."

Emmeryn turned to Frederick, smiling softly. "But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always. 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 then looked to Phila to continue. "Phila. I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?"

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

Emmeryn got Chrom's attention and said, "Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us."

"Of course."

Lissa began to head towards the exit and said, "I think that's our cue, guys! C'mon, there's a place I want to show you."

Miguel walked alongside her and said, "Are we meeting rest of these Shepherds?"

Andy put in his own two cents following behind. "I hope it's somewhere where we can get food. I'm hungry."

Lissa slightly giggled and said, "If you're normally hungry, I think you and Stahl will get along fine. I'm taking you all to the Shepherds garrison."

Eric took me behind everyone else, probably to talk about earlier. "Hey Blake, why didn't you tell me you were going to bring up the Outrealm Gate? We could've double teamed that and sold it better."

"No we couldn't have. You tend to crack under pressure, you're also terrible at explaining just about everything."

"Okay fine. But you know Anna probably already knows about this right? That woman has ears everywhere."

"Then why are you talking about this? Besides, that has to be our only shot, I don't know of any other possibility."

"...True. We should probably tell the others and come up with a plan when we get the chance."

"Yeah, but we need to catch up to Lissa, otherwise we'll just be wondering the castle without a clue."

Eric nodded in agreement, and we fell into silence as we prepared ourselves to meet one of the strangest military groups to exist, the Shepherds.