Emmeryn smiled as she set the tea cup back in its saucer. She simply enjoyed hearing her brother excitedly recount the effectiveness of their Feroxi allies. The Exalt had faith that he would be able to pull the mission off. In fact, she imagined he did better than she ever could have.

"I really think our people might have a chance at peace now," Chrom smiled as he finished his story. If there was one thing the two had in common, it was a love for their people.

"I hope you are right, Chrom. What of you, Lissa? Did you enjoy your trip?"

"It was a bit cold," The princess leaned back, "But it was pretty fun. That arena was intense."

"I'm still not sure I approve of you taking our little sister into such a place," Emmeryn remarked over her tea cup.

"I, well, it's not like she would have taken no for an answer."

"Poor big bro, bested by his sweet and innocent little sister."

"I have some objections to two of those adjectives," Chrom muttered.

Emmeryn smiled again and was about to inquire on a matter when Phila made her way into the sitting room. Her face told her that this was a serious matter.

"I apologize for barging in, your grace, but it is urgent."

Chrom looked over the side of his chair, standing once he saw her expression. Emmeryn followed suit.

"It is alright, Phila. Speak."

Standing at attention, the knight commander gave her report, "Plegia made an attack on our border villages. It was far more blatant than anything the prince reported. They burned several villages. I have my knights looking for survivors, but it looks grim."

"Those monsters!" Chrom growled with clenched fists. Emmeryn looked at him in concern, but there was little she could do to quell his furry at that time.

"Unfortunately, I have more bad news. It seems that Duke Themis' daughter attempted to stop the incursion only to be captured and taken back to Plegia."

"But that's," Lissa covered her mouth, "Maribelle!"

"What's more, King Gangrel is saying she invaded Plegia and is demanding reparations."

"We should put a sword in his gut and be done with it!" Chrom flared, and this is where he and Emmeryn truly could not see eye to eye.

"No, Chrom, we are unprepared for another war. The last one nearly ruined the halidom."

The prince clenched his fists, resisting the urge to say he knew that they were unprepared in part due to her insistence on keeping their military so small, "We can't just let this go unanswered."

"I know that. I will offer parlay with Gangrel."

"You can't be serious! Negotiate with Gangrel?"

"I have to try," The Exalt responded with tired eyes, "I have to, Chrom. Our father nearly destroyed both realms. I owe it to the people to try."

Chrom sighed and slowly unclenched his fists, "Very well, but I'm coming with you. Someone has to protect you even if you won't protect yourself."

"Very well, Chrom. You and your Shepherds may join my entourage, but we must leave quickly."

"They'll be ready."

"Slow down," Robin chuckled as Lucina coughed, "The kitchen isn't going anywhere."

"Sorry," The bluenette blushed, "When you said to let myself indulge, and, well, I realized how hungry I was."

"Well, we'll take care of that, just take it slow. Give your body time to adjust."

"He's right, you know," Stahl smiled at them as he walked up, tray in hand, "If you aren't careful, you could overdo it and end up chucking it all back up."

"I'll keep that in mind, Sir Stahl."

"Please, just Stahl is fine."

"Why don't you join us?" Lucina offered kindly.

"Oh, I don't want to impose," Stahl shot Robin a knowing look causing the tactician to look away and cough.

"It's fine. It's just lunch."

"Well, don't mind if I do," Stahl sat down next to Robin, "So how are you two adjusting to life as Shepherds?"

"I don't exactly have a frame of reference," Robin shrugged, "But it's definitely a colorful bunch."

"You got that right. I feel downright out of place sometimes."

"How do you mean?" Lucina tilted her head.

"Oh, you know, I'm just painfully ordinary is all. My appetite is fairly impressive I guess, but compared to most of them, I'm quite ordinary."

"You may have competition for the appetite now," Robin smiled and Lucina scowled at him causing him to put his hands up.

"So, Stahl," Lucina changed the subject, "What is the routine like for the Shepherds?"

"Oh, well, nothing too spectacular. Lots of training. We're still fairly new as a group, so Frederick has been drilling us into something resembling an actual unit."

"He does seem quite stern," Robin noted thinking back to the trip where they found him in the field.

"Yeah, that's one word for it. Though, outside of the Shepherds at least, he's fairly well respected…by some. You see, he's one of the youngest knights in Ylissean history. He just shot up the ranks with his work ethic. Some of the old guard isn't too pleased, especially since he isn't of noble blood. A lot of the common soldiers look up to him though.

"He's also currently one of the few knights we have. We're…short after the last war."

"'Last war?'" Robin arched a brow, but before Stahl could answer, they were interrupted.

"There you are," Frederick stood at the door to the mess hall, "Prepare your things. We are mobilizing." The three quickly stood to clean up their spots. Frederick continued to glare at Robin as they did so, "While I would not involve you in a matter so sensitive, Milord wished to discuss strategy in case the situation turns sour. He will brief you in his study."

"R-right," Robin did not like the sounds of that, but he flashed Lucina a smile to try and keep her from considering what he was. Because to him, that sounded an awful lot like preparing for war.

"Well, that'll work for a preliminary setup," Robin stifled a yawn, "I'll see what else I can come up with. This isn't a great meeting ground if things go sour. We'll be at a disadvantage to their wyverns not to mention if they do plan something, they may have the high ground secured. I hope we don't have to use any of these plans."

"I know, but I want to be prepared. I don't trust that man."

"Prudent," Robin stretched, "Well, I'm off to bed."

"Same. We have an early morning ahead of us."

"Captain!" The two men stopped as a shorter mage ran up to them with an almost comically large hat.

"Ricken?"

"I heard Maribelle has been kidnapped, when do we leave?"

"We leave in the morning. You stay here and guard the capital."

"What? How come? My magic could be a real benefit, you know?"

"I know," Chrom replied patiently, "All the more reason to keep it here protecting the capital. Alright? Now be good, okay?"

Chrom, already tired, walked off. Robin gave Ricken one last look before joining the prince, "Hey, who was that?"

"Ah," Chrom yawned, "That's Ricken. He's a star pupil of the mage academy. He has aspirations of joining the Shepherds after I helped him with some bullies…and wolves so I let him train with us when he's not at the academy. He's talented, but a bit young. As much as I appreciate his enthusiasm, I'd rather not bring him along into danger."

"Understandable, though I hope we won't be in real danger."

"As do I. If only we were so fortunate," Chrom sighed, "Sorry. I just…don't trust that man, but I apologize for making the mood even more dour. Rest well, my friend. We have a long march ahead."

"Good night."

"How are you holding up?" Robin asked as he fell back to speak with Lucina. To be fair, he was trying to talk to everyone in the column even if he was looking forward to meeting with her the most. He tried not to think too much about that.

"Fine, though this mountain trail is a bit harsh without depth perception," She offered him a smile, "But I'm managing. There are more serious matters at play than my own bout with clumsiness."

"I wish it weren't so," Robin furrowed his brow, "The mood is understandably tense."

"If this Gangrel is as bad as I've heard, we may not have much of a choice."

"I know, but I've seen some of Ylisse's numbers. Ylisse is ill suited for a war while Gangrel has likely been building up his forces for most if not his entire reign."

"Do you think we can win?"

"Maybe, but we'll almost certainly need the Feroxi to do it. Guess it's a good thing Chrom got such good terms."

"It will be okay," Lucina smiled.

Robin could not help but smile back, "Somehow, that does make me feel better. Thanks."

"Anytime."

On the approach to the border pass, Lucina was on high alert. She was expecting some sort of ambush. She kept an eye on the cliffs even as the "negotiations" began. It was quite clear that he had very much earned the title of Mad King, but Lucina was also concerned about the flapping of wings in the distance.

Wyverns.

They were keeping their distance, but her hand flinched every time a sound made it over the peaks toward them. She eyed Robin as well. She could almost see his tactical mind working in overdrive. However, at one point, his eyes went wide and his whole body tensed up.

Lucina missed what had caused such a reaction, but she kept her hand on her sword just in case. She was not the only one feeling angsty, but she tried to hide it a bit better to limited success. Her expression fell even further though when she heard Gangrel mention something called the Fire Emblem. She had no idea why, but the mention of it seemed to almost spark a memory just out of reach.

"I will have it, even if I have to pry it from your shiny dead hands!" Lucina flinched at the king's shrill scream as Plegian soldiers approached the Exalt. Lucina swallowed, but Chrom did not hesitate in defending his sister.

"Just try it!" Chrom yelled, Falchion still warm with blood, "You'll suffer the same fate."

"Well, that's a declaration of war if I've ever heard one. A big, bloody war that will bleed you Ylisseans dry! I want their heads on pikes and the Fire Emblem in my hand by nightfall. Now do your worst!"

Chrom growled as the mad king fled, but Robin was busy.

"Shepherds! Form up!" Robin cupped his hands, "Frederick! I need you to go cover Ricken and Maribelle."

"Ricken?" Chrom turned back suddenly.

"I saw him up in the cliffs. He must have stowed away."

"Of all the-alright. Do as Robin says. Let's bring our people home!"

Robin was right. It was a particularly poor place to meet for when things went sour. It was an uphill battle to even secure an escape route lest they hound them as they attempted to retreat through the pass. They wyverns did prove a problem, but Frederick was able to secure the two nobles at the very least.

"Just a little bit more," Robin grunted as he shot a bolt of electricity into one of the wyverns, "We've almost secured the pass. How are you holding up?"

"I am managing," Lucina stabbed a Plegian fighter that swung for her head. She looked out over the battle and as she did, she caught sight of Chrom facing down a wyvern knight. As much of a threat as they were, he had already downed several on his own with Sumia serving as his personal protector swooping in to protect him or pick off stragglers.

She watched as he leapt forward and swung Falchion up with a mighty swing. She could have sworn it flashed before making impact. Either way, the hide that normally deflected so much damage split as if it were cloth. Lucina furrowed her brows at the sight, but she quickly focused on her own fight as Robin intercepted a mage's spell with his own.

"Thanks," Lucina nodded.

"Don't mention it. Miriel! Watch your flank! Kellam, keep the myrmidons off her!"

"They were certainly prepared," Lucina returned the favor by leaping and knocking a cavalier off his mount, "Fortunately, so were you."

"For one battle," Robin grunted, "We've just entered a war with a far stronger opponent."

"All the more reason to be glad you're on our side."

Robin did not answer her, but his grim expression said plenty.

"I'm sorry, Emm," Robin heard Chrom apologizing as he walked back over after checking up on the Shepherds. No casualties, but Vaike took a nasty cut and Sully took a spear to the thigh. They would live at least.

"Don't be, you were simply protecting me," The Exalt looked both tired and strong at the same time making for a strange juxtaposition.

"If I may," Robin cleared his throat, "We should probably start preparing our defenses. Gangrel's been planning this for a long time. He'll likely be upon us within a fortnight."

"Right," Emmeryn sighed, "Loathe as I am to admit it, war is upon us. We must prepare."

Chrom grunted and led the march silently. The prince did not say much the entire way home, and Robin did not press the matter. Instead he gauged how his allies were holding up. It seemed most of them expected an outcome like this, but they were unaware of exactly how it was going to play out.

He did make a point to visit Ricken though. The young mage was marching with his face covered by the comically large hat as Robin strode up beside him.

"That was reckless of you," Robin spoke while still looking ahead.

"I know, but I'd do it again," Ricken looked up, "Punish me however you fit, but at least she's safe."

"She?" Robin raised a brow, "Maribelle or the Exalt?"

"Er, uh, well I want to keep both safe. I'd hate for anything bad to happen to them."

Robin smirked and shook his head. He wondered if this was going to be a trend.

"Well, either way, it was reckless and a defiance of Chrom's direct order," Ricken tensed up at the tactician's words, "That said, we probably would not have saved Maribelle without your least not as easily. While I can't condone what you did, if you'll follow orders I'll see if Chrom will let you still fight."

"You…you mean it?" Ricken asked hopefully.

"On a provisional basis. You will be on reserve. I do not want you on the front lines, but our healer core could be targeted. I don't expect Gangrel or his generals to care much for non combatants, so, it'll be your job to keep them safe. Wyverns are likely to be your biggest threats and your wind magic is quite effective on them."

"I…yes, sir. I want to help."

"I can see that," Robin smiled, "Just don't overdo it."

"I won't. I promise."

Robin put a hand on the boy's shoulder, "Then I'll see what I can do."

Upon returning to the capital, the Shepherds were busy making preparations for the war. There was hardly any time to rest. However, between meetings where he was working on the Shepherds' battle readiness and giving Chrom his thoughts on some matters concerning other divisions - seeing as he was not allowed into the meetings themselves - Robin did find the time to sneak away to the market.

It was a short trip, but he managed to find what he was after. Still, it was dark by the time that he got back. He just hoped she would still be awake. Fortunately, he was able to find her in the training yard finishing up some practice.

"Lucina!" Robin smiled on his approach, hands behind his back, "I'm glad I caught you."

"Robin, I was just finishing up. What can I do for you?"

"Actually," Robin blushed a little as he pulled out a small box, "I got you something."

"Oh, you shouldn't have," Lucina took the box and opened it to reveal an, "Eyepatch?"

"Yeah, I thought you might like something to cover up until it heals. I asked Lissa and she said it should be fine. I even managed to find something in your colors."

"I love it," Lucina beamed at him, "That's so thoughtful."

"Oh, uh, don't mention it."

"So, how's it look?" Lucina asked after getting it situated.

"It suits you," The reply came, but it was not from Robin. The two turned as Chrom came to see them, "Sorry for interrupting. I can come back later if you'd prefer."

"N-no, that's fine," Lucina answered for them, "What do you need?"

Chrom's expression fell serious, "I thought you two deserved the truth."

This got Robin's attention, "What about?"

"The things Gangrel said. I'm not sure if you heard it."

"About Ylisse's past actions?" Robin asked.

"Yes. Not everything he said was a lie. Ylisse is not blameless in our history of conflict. The last Exalt, my father, led a long and bloody war with Plegia. I was just a boy, but I remember hearing stories of the travesties committed under his command. He claimed that Plegia and the Grimleal would be the end of the world, but in the end he was a monster himself. Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering.

"But the war was not kind to our own people. The casualties were staggering on both sides. Our military was depleted and soon farmers that could barely wield pitchforks were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon, there was hardly any food at all, and most of what there was typically went to the military. There was famine. Riots. Crime. Worse.

"It only ended with my father's death nearly a decade ago. Emmeryn's first act was to cease the hostilities and bring our people home. Still, the people bore resentment. Understandably so, but they…they took it out on Emm. They would hurl insults…and stones. She still bears the scar from one," Chrom clenched his fist.

"I don't think I could ever do that. To return such hatred with kindness. Still, Emmeryn did, and even once the people 'forgave' her, she never resented them. She represents the part of the halidom most worth protecting. Though some men like Gangrel would take advantage of her good will."

The prince sighed, "Emmeryn would never order him killed, and I wouldn't want her to. However, he will never stop until he's put down, and if I must be the one to do the deed, then so be it. I just…thought you two deserved to know both our past and my intentions. If you want to walk away, I won't hold it against you."

"I appreciate you telling us this," Robin lowered his arms from where he had been listening and thinking, but the past is the past. You and your sister and not your father. I don't think you should have to bear the burden of his crimes."

"Thanks, friend," Chrom nodded before turning to Lucina who seemed a bit distracted looking into some nearby shrubbery, "And you?"

"Oh, um, yes. Removing Gangrel seems like the most…look out!" Lucina quickly pushed Chrom out of the way as an assassin leapt from the bush she had been scrutinizing. With a deft motion, she unsheathed her blade and ended the assassin.

"Assassins? Here?" Chrom looked to the castle suddenly, "Emm!"

Just as Chrom was about to charge into the castle, a second assassin charged at him, but Robin was already on point and shocked him with a magic spell. His smoking body fell flat as the three heard an explosion. Wordlessly, the three started running.

"Milord!" Frederick greeted them outside of Emmeryn's room, still decked out in full armor despite the late hour, "Are you unharmed?"

"Yeah, thanks to our new friends."

"I…see," Frederick was not sure what to make of that news, but his distrust was more than Chrom wanted to deal with at that point.

"You can throw out accusations later, for now I need you to round up the Shepherds. Anyone that can hold a weapon needs to get here, now!"

"Understood, milord," The knight bowed and quickly darted down the halls. Robin was actually impressed he could run so fast with all that armor on.

"Alright, Robin, it's three of us against who knows how many assailants. Ideas?"

"You really don't hand out easy assignments, do you?" Robin muttered as he started looking at the layout of the royal quarters. As he did so, Emmeryn stepped out.

"Please, flee. I do not wish to have your lives weighed against my own."

"Emm, please, I'm not leaving you. Just stay in your room. I'll let you know when it's safe."

"Please, milady," Lucina backed him up, "Leave this to us. We'll take care of it."

Emmeryn looked between the trio, though Robin was off in thought as he devised a defensive strategy, "Very well, but if it gets too bad-"

"It won't," Chrom smiled, "This is what I do, Emm. Just let me do it."

"Alright."

As Emmeryn returned to her room, Robin returned to the group, "Alright, the good news is that we only have to hold out until the reinforcements arrive. The bad news is I have absolutely no idea how many will be coming."

"Several," Lucina told him, "And from all directions. I can hear them approaching."

"Grand," Chrom deadpanned, "Though, given you detected those assassins earlier, I'll take your word for it."

"Alright, Chrom, you take the main door. Lucina, you're on the south door. I'll float between helping whoever needs it."

"Sounds like a plan," Chrom nodded and unsheathed Falchion, "Start with Lucina. I have this side covered."

"Best not to question it," Robin noted as Lucina opened her mouth to object, "I think he's taking this personally. Best to let him vent. This is his home after all."

"Very well. They're close anyway. Steele yourself."

"Right," Robin pulled out his sword, "We'll be a wall."

"Indeed. Here they come."

Lucina did not hesitate. As soon as she saw that they were foes and not friends, she lunged forward with her blade striking the would be assassin down, their body tumbling down the staircase onto one of their allies.

Robin followed up with a ball of electricity hurled down the hall. Arcing off a steel sword, it illuminated a few more threats approaching in the dim hall. With the threat on the way, the two switched places and Robin stabbed another assassin in the shoulder before kicking him down the stairs while Lucina handled the other assassins from the corridor.

The two made a good team, and they were refining their movements to better suit one another. They had the advantage of a choke point in the staircase as well, but unfortunately, the hall was a bit more open forcing them to watch each other's backs.

Robin found himself facing off with two assassins while Lucina was busy. He was holding his own, but struggling to get an opening. Then, in a blur, both of them lost their heads as Lon'qu stopped a short distance away with his sword drawn.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Lon'qu stood from his crouching pose, "I saw several assassins on the way. They're dead, but there are doubtless more."

"We're working on it," Robin took in the situation as Lucina dispatched her foe, "I'm going to check in on Chrom. Stay with Lucina, Lon'qu."

"...Understood."

Robin turned the corner only to see that Chrom had this covered. There were plenty of assassin corpses strewn about as he practically bisected another. After that, the last one dropped his sword and raised his hands.

"I'm not one of them."

"Yet you run with them," Chrom narrowed his eyes.

"Hey now, I was just here to line my pockets. No one said anything about murder. I'd just as soon sit this one out."

"Perhaps then you might prove your intentions by helping us against your former employer."

"Like how many there are for starters," Robin chimed in.

"Ah, those intentions. Yeah, I could help out. If you sweeten the deal."

"Well, he's certainly bold," Robin muttered.

"So what about it?"

"I'll see what I can do," Chrom glared, "But if you turn on us…"

"Yeah, I think I got a good idea," The man kicked his sword back up into his hand, "Name's Gaius. Pleasure doing business with you."

"You sure about this?" Robin whispered to Chrom.

"We need all the help we can get," Chrom shrugged.

"Fair enough. Gaius, let's talk numbers."

With the lull in the fighting, more Shepherds started arriving. One assassin took another stab at jumping Chrom, but this time he found himself on the end of Sumia's lance, surprising even the prince. Arguably even Sumia herself.

"Alright, I think we've got this area secure, but with this many troops, they likely have a commander. We should see if we can capture him. If not capture, then kill. Cut the head off and deal with the stragglers."

"Sounds like a plan," Chrom walked up propping himself on Falchion, "I'm coming, but where is he?"

"Gaius said he was bringing up the rear, but that's about all he had."

"He's in the courtyard."

Chrom rounded quickly with his blade up only to see a newcomer who looked oddly…rabbit like? Her clothes also left something to be desired, but Chrom was too busy trying to purge his home of these invaders to comment.

"Who are you?"

"I am Panne. I am here to repay my debt. Nothing more. Your assassin leader is outside. I can take you to him."

"Lead the way," Chrom nodded. If it was a trap, she would die too.

"Take Sumia," Robin suggested, "I'll take Lucina and we can try to flank him."

"I must object. What if you or this woman seek to betray us."

"Then Chrom can behead us," Robin narrowed his eyes, "Does that work for you?"

"I suppose it must."

"Come on," Chrom was already making for the side passage with Sumia and Panne, "Before he realizes his little ploy has failed."

"Right. Lucina?"

"With you."

The two made their way through the eastern corridor. Fortunately, the Shepherds had cleaned up pretty well on their way in. Metaphorically. Robin pitied the poor servants who were going to have to clean this up. Still, it meant they made good time at the very least.

Lucina put a hand up as she came to the entrance to the courtyard. Sure enough, there was a gangly man there who seemed none too pleased that his plans had gone awry. Robin looked to Lucina and nodded. Chrom's group would be there shortly. Best to give them a distracted opponent.

Robin led with a lightning spell, but the man deflected it with ease. He was far more accomplished of a mage than any he had faced before. Robin for some reason felt something quite odd from the man, but he did not have time to dwell on that as Lucina leapt at him only for him to mildly sidestep.

"You…could it be?" He practically ignored Lucina as his eyes bore into Robin uncomfortably. Then he laughed maniacally, "This is just too perfect."

"Robin!" Lucina shouted and Robin shook his head.

"Right! Let's finish this!"

"Hmm," The man sneered at Lucina as she tried to end him, "You…interesting. I shall have to kill you as well."

"Just try it!"

"Gah!" The man looked down, eyes widening as Falchion pierced his gut, "I…cannot…die here."

"Really?" Chrom narrowed his eyes and pushed the blade deeper, "Because you look like a dead man to me."

"Two assassins…not even wounded…you…win this round…prince."

With a flash of light, the man vanished leaving a bloodied Falchion free in the air, "Bah, escaped."

"With wounds like that, I doubt he'll survive," Lucina responded, sheathing her blade.

"True. Guess I kinda forgot the take him alive bit though."

"Doesn't matter," Robin muttered, "With warp magic at his disposal we couldn't keep him."

"The castle is supposed to be warded, but I guess that's what the explosion was for." Chrom sighed before letting himself relax, "Thank you. Both of you. If it weren't for you then Emm…"

"Don't mention it," Robin smiled, "I'm just glad it worked out."

"As am I. To think they would attack us in the castle though."

"It's certainly a scary thought," Sumia shuddered, "To think we aren't safe, even here."

"We will be soon," Chrom reassured her, "I promise. In the meantime though, you're right. I need to see if I can talk Emm into leaving." With a sigh he ran a hand through his hair, "Wish me luck."

As Chrom's group left, Robin looked at the pool of blood from that dark mage. Why did he seem to know him? What did he mean by his words?

The tactician nearly jumped when a hand touched his shoulder, "Robin?"

"Sorry. Lost in thought I suppose. Are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you. I've been adjusting to the lack of depth. I can also feel my strength returning."

"That's good," Robin smiled back, "Next thing you know, you'll be good as new."

"As will you, I hope."

"Maybe. We'll see."

"Ngh, blasted…prince," Validar coughed up blood in the outskirts of Ylisstol as he struggled to keep his intestines inside his body. That was something a vulnerary could not manage. Even the best of healers would struggle.

"Validar."

"W-who goes there?" The man struggled with even a basic flux spell, he was just too drained to put up much of a fight.

"So weak. So fragile. Bested by the princeling, and he hasn't even reached half his potential yet."

"You dare speak down to me!" Validar was incensed despite his injuries, "I am master of the Grimleal, holder of fell blood!"

"I know who you are, Validar," The dark mage jumped slightly as a cloaked figure stepped from the shadows, "And I would caution you not to take such a tone with your master."

"Y-you! It can't be…you slumber!"

"Oh, but it is. Think of me as a spectator here simply to keep this world on its course, and for that to happen, I want you alive. Now hold still."

"Grrrrrrrah!"

A/N: Lucina alt! I'm woefully ill prepared for it, but wooo!