Sorry for the late post. The house has been falling apart and I had to help put it back to getter and I lost my train of thought a few times in this chapter. Now here's chapter 4.

Chapter 4

A Royal Mission

After walking for a few hours Simon noticed Robin lost in thought. "What is it Robin?" Chrom asked Robin. "Oh nothing." Robin said to Chrom. "Thinking about Absol again." Simon said to Robin. "Yeah." Robin said to Simon. "I don't know why. Something about that creature, puts me on edge." Frederick said to Robin. "One it's Pokemon. And two it's probably it's ability or that it's a dark type, that putting you on edge." Simon said to Frederick.

"What does her being a dark type have to do with it?" Robin asked Simon. "Back home, some Pokemon types freak people out, even if the pokemon is friendly. Some people just handle the sight of a Specific type of Pokemon." Simon said to Robin. "How many types are there?" Lissa asked Simon.

"18. There are Normal types, a type that doesn't have anything flashy but they can push the powers to the limit. Ghost types, a type that is known to wind their battles by scaring their opponents. Fire types, a type that uses fire to fight. Psychic type, a type that uses their large brian to fight. And Dark Types, a type that uses tricks and is known for being clever." Simon said to everyone.

"Just out of curiosity what are all the types?" Robin asked Simon. "There's Bug, Dark, Dragon. Electric, Fairy, Fight, Fire, Flying, Ghost, Grass, Ground, Ice, Normal, Poison, Psychic, Rock, Steel, and Water." Simon said to Robin. "Wow that sounds like a lot." Lissa said to Simon. "It sounds like a lot, but Pokemon only have one or two types." Simon said to Lissa.

"What do you mean only one or two?" Robin asked Simon. "You see a type is something a Pokemon is born with. Some gain or loss types as they get older. But those types also tie to how a Pokemon naturally acts. For example, Copperajah is a steel type, this gave her kind steel like skin and made them strong enough to crush rock easily. This makes it easier for their hurds to travel through rough terrain." SImon said to Robin. "Wait a minute didn't your thing say all your Pokemon were steel type?" Robin asked Simon.

"Well Copperajah Perrserker are pure Steel types, and Excadrill is a Steel, Ground type, and Mawile is a Steel, Fairy type. But yeah all my Pokemon are Steel type." Simon said to Robin. "Why?" Robin asked Simon. "Maybe the boy knows that you can bet anything with some good steel." Sully said to Robin elbowing Simon. "No. Steel types are just my speciality." Simon said to Sully. "What do you mean by speciality?" Chrom asked Simon. "You see. It's rare but some people can bring out the power of a specific type. For me it's Steel." Simon said to Chrom.

"What does that mean?" Lissa asked Simon. "It means I work better with Steel types then with any other type. And I am also the offence and defence of Steel types." Simon said to Lissa. "Offence and defence?" Frederick asked Simon. "All Pokemon have them. Think of it like a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. In teams of attack Copperajah, can bet Ice, Rock, and Fairy. While on the defence Copperajah is immune to Poison, and the other types have very little effect." Simon said to Frederick.

"It sounds like Steel type can take a hit." Chrom said to Simon. "That's mostly true. Steel is still weak to Fire, Fighting, and Ground. That means when people come to battle me, they will most likely bring one or all of those tips. So I have to be prepared to fight those types." Simon said to Chrom. "This is getting confusing." Virion said to Simon. "Oh it is. But as you get older and you spend more time around Pokemon you start to get it." Simon said to Virion. "Milord we made it." Frederick said to Chrom, making everyone turn to see a large city.

"So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse… I've never seen so many people!" Robin said to everyone as they started to walk down the streets of the city. "It appears the capital 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." Frederick said to everyone, as he looked around. "Well, that's a relief!" Lissa said to everyone.

"Hey is everyone getting the feeling people are watching us?" Robin asked everyone. "Yeah, cause we are." Simon said to Robin, as they all noticed everyone looking at them, and muttering things between each other. "Why are they all looking at us?" Robin asked everyone. "Oh I don't know? It can't be a man wearing strange clothes, with a large metal elephant with him. No that's definitely not it." Simon said to Robin in a sarcastic tune. "Oh right." Robin said to Simon.

"Look! The Exalt has come to see us!" An old man said to everyone in the street. This made everyone turn to see a woman wearing green ropes and had long blonde hair. Her name is Emmeryn and she was walking down the street, with a hand full of female guards, with some of the guards riding white pegasus. "What's an Exalt?" Simon asked everyone. "The Exalt is your ruler, yes?" Robin asked everyone. "Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn." Frederick said to everyone.

"Is it safe for her to walk amongst commoners like this?" Robin asked Frederick. "The exalt is a symbol of peace. Ylisse's most 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." Frederick said to Robin.

"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her. She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war." Chrom said to everyone. "In other words if she doesn't show herself every once in a while. The people will panic." Simon said to Chrom.

"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Lissa said to everyone. "Yes, I imagine she… Wait, what? She's your…" Robin said to Lissa. "Let me get this straight. Exalt Emmeryn is yours, and Chrom older sister?" Simon asked Lissa. "But wouldn't that make you and Chrom…" Robin said to Lissa. "The prince and princess of the realm, yes. You remember Chrom's name and not this?" Frederick asked Robin.

"That would explain Lissa's personality." Simon said to Robin. "But you said you were "Shepherds"!" Robin said to Chrom. "And so we are… in a manner of speaking. We just have a LOT of sheep." Chrom said to Robin. "C-Chrom… I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire! Forgive our dreadful manners!" Robin said to Chrom, as she forced Simon to bow with her. "I'm not." Simon said to Robin, as he moved away from Robin.

"Simon." Frederick said to Simon. "It's okay Frederick. Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities." Chrom said to everyone. "The prince and princess… That explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, eh?" Robin said to Simon. "And all the whining and complaining." Simon said to Robin. "Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm…." Frederick said to Robin and Simon, as they noticed Emmeryn heading to the castle in the middle of town.

"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you two like to meet her?" Chrom asked Robin and Simon. "I've never seen a queen so count me in." Simon said to Chrom. "Me too." Robin said to Chrom. Then everyone started to move to the palace.

The place was huge, it had lots of room to move around, with high ceilings, and the kingdom flags covering the main hallway. As they walked down the main hallway they ran into Emmeryn, who was with a slim woman with, white skin, white hair that was tied into a bun on the back of her head, and blue eyes, wearing golden armor over some white silk.

"Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home. Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?" Emmeryn asked everyone. "Well- we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while." Chrom said to Emmeryn. "Wonderful. And our people?" Emmeryn asked Chrom. "Safe as they can be, Emm. but we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia.

"Forgive me, milord. My pegasus knights should have intercepted them. But we have been busty with reports of strange creatures popping up all over the kingdom." the woman said to Emmeryn. "No, Phila. Your duty was here with the Exalt." Chrom said to the woman. "And besides, we had plenty of help! And we found someone who knows about the creatures in your reports." Lissa said to Phila. "Ah, you speak of your new companions here, and is this one of those creatures in Phila reports." Emmeryn said as she moved close to Copperajah. "Milady don't get too close to it. It could be dangerous." Phila said to Emmeryn.

"Nonsense, look at her, she may be big, but I can tell just by looking into her eyes. She's a gentle and kind creature." Emmeryn said to Phila, as she placed a hand on Copperajah's trunk. This made Copperajah giggle. Then Copperajah turned to her side. "Oh you want me to pet you?" Emmeryn asked Copperajah. "Copperajah." Copperajah said, raising and lowering her trunk. Emmeryn then started to pet Copperajah. "You have such a smooth body." Emmeryn said to Copperajah.

"Oh I like her." Simon said to Chrom. "Chrom aren't you going to introduce me to your new companions. "First off the woman is Robin. She fought bravely with us against the brigands. And the man is Simon. He with Copperajah and three other of the creatures, that he calls Pokemon, distracted and held off a group of bandits, before the bandits could do too much damage to the town. I've decided to make them Shepherds. And Simon is willing to teach us his knowledge on Pokemon." Chrom said to Emmeryn.

"It sounds as though Ylisse owes you both a debt of gratitude, Robin and Simon." Emmeryn said to Robin and Simon. "Not at all, milady!" Robin said to Emmeryn. "No problem, and may I say. You impress me." Simon said to Emmeryn. "Have I now?" Emmeryn asked Simon. "Yes. Copperajah doesn't hate strangers, until she gets to know you, she doesn't like strangers getting in her personal space. And you just met her and she's already letting you pet her. I'm the only other person she did that with." Simon said to Emmeryn as he joined Emmeryn, with petting Copperajah.

"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak." Frederick said to Emmeryn, making Emmeryn and Simon stop petting Copperajah. "Robin claims to have lost her memory, but it is only that: a claim. And I'm still worried about Simon's Pokemon attacking us. We cannot rule out the possibility that they are brigands themselves or even Plegian spies." Frederick said to Emmeryn. "Frederick!" Chrom said to Frederick, frowning. "Why not tell us how you really feel Frederick." Simon said to Frederick.

"Yet you allowed them into the Castle, Chrom. Do these two have your trust?" Emmeryn asked Chrom. "Yes they risked their lives for our people. That's good enough for me." Chrom said to Emmeryn. "Well then, Robin, Simon… It seems you two have earned Chrom's faith, and as such you have mine as well." Emmeryn said to Robin and Simon. "Milady." Simon and Robin said to Emmeryn before bowing. "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…" Emmeryn said to everyone.

"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace." Frederick said to Emmeryn. "Phila, I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?" Frederick asked Phila. "If you mean the monster made out of black smoke. Yes, milord. They've been sighted all across Ylisse. And we also got reports of those monsters and Pokemon? I believe the prince called them. Fighting causing some damage." Phila said to everyone.

"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us." Emmeryn asked Chrom. "Of Course. Simon, can you come with me?" Chrom said to Emmeryn and asked Simon. "Why?" Simon asked Chrom. "The people we are going to meet are the people who need to know about Pokemon the most, if you want to protect Pokemon, then you need to meet with them." Chrom said to Simon. "Okay let's go." Simon said to Chrom. "I think that's our cue, Robin! C'mon, there's a place I want to show you." Lissa said Robin, as she started to leave. Soon everyone went their ways.

After some time Lissa, and Robin, made it to a large barracks with a few people in a large room in the barracks. In the connor was a large man with short brown hair, white skin, and closed eyes, wearing a large heavy metal armor suit. In the middle of the room were two people talking, a woman and a man. While at one of the tables was another woman.

The man had a muscular body, tan skin, yellow spiky hair, as was wearing leather armor on his right arm, and lower body, with a metal plate around his neck. One of the women had white skiing and a slim body, with long blond hair that was all curled up and had two white bows on her head. She had blue eyes, and was wearing a fluffy shirt and pants, and an umbrella in her hands. The other woman had whote skin, an average body, with green eyes, and long light brown hair, with a set of wings in her hair, and she was wearing drecrated silver armor over some common clothes.

"Here we are! The Shepherd's garrison. Go on, make yourself at home." Lissa said to Robin, as they entered the room. "Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" the blonde woman said to Lissa as she ran to Lissa. "Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Lissa said to the blond woman. "Oh hey, yourself! I've sprouted 14 grey hairs fretting over you!" Maribelle said to Lissa. "Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two! Although I could do without the bugs and bear barbecue..." Lissa said to Maribelle, with a smile on her face.

"Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom? I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!" The muscle man said to Lissa. "Oh, so you're "Teach" now, Vaike, is that it? Hee hee! And here I thought some people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?" Lissa asked the muscle man. "Ha! Never doubt the Vaike! Wait, was that an insult?" Vaike said to Lissa, realizing what Lissa said. "Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" The other woman asked Lissa.

"Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern. Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training. She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded." Maribelle said to everyone, as they all turned to the other woman. "Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom." Lissa said to Sumia. "Worry? Well, I… He's our captain and our prince- of course I'd worry!" Sumia said to Lissa.

"So, who's the stranger?" Vaike asked Lissa, as they all turned to Robin. "No one's stranger than you, Vaike… But Allow me to introduce Robin! He just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made him our new tactician. You should see all the tricks she's got up her sleeve!" Lissa said to Vaike, as she introduced everyone to Robin. "Oh yeah? Can she do this?" Vaike asked Lissa before letting out a loud burp, which made Robin laugh a little. "I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, "teach". In any case, it's a pleasure to make you acquaintances." Robin said to everyone.

"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery? And you, Robin! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Hmph!" Maribelle said to Robin and Vaike, before leaving the group. "Don't take it to heart, Robin. Maribelle warms to people slowly." Sumia said to Robin. "Or burns too quickly! Hee hee! But yeah, just give her time." Lissa said to Robin. "If she acts like that normally. Then it's going to take some time for her to feel easy around us." A voice said to everyone, making everyone turn to see Chrom, and Simon walking into the room.

"Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was- I mean, We were so-" Sumia said to Chrom, as she took a few steps forward. Then Sumia tripped on some papers that were on the floor, and landed face first onto the floor. "That's got to hurt." Simon said as Sumia started to get up. "Sumia! Are you all right? Those boots of yours again?" Chrom asked Sumia. "No! I mean, yes! I mean…" Sumia said to Chrom before going quiet.

"So who's this guy?" Vaike asked Chrom, as everyone looked at Simon. "This is Simon, he's an expert on these new creatures we ran into the other day." Chrom said to Vaike. "What creatures?" Vaike asked Chrom. "Here why don't I introduce you to one." Simon said as he opened one of his Pokeballs, letting Perrserker out. "What is this?" Sumia asked as everyone looked at Perrserker. "He's Perrserker, one of my Pokemon." Simon said to Sumia.

"I don't see what the big deal is with this thing?" Vaike asked as he got a closer look at Perrserker. Perrserker then proceeded to headbutt Vaike and made Vaike roll a few feet back. "Perrserker!" Simon said to Perrserker. "Perrserker." Perrserker said to Simon, acting like he did nothing. "Man that thing is crazy. I like it. We gotta hang out more." Vaike said to Simon, as he got up and wrapped an arm around Simon. "We'll see." Simon said to Vaike, as he removed Vaikes arm.

"It's funny you should mention that. I've decided Vaike will be your weapon trainer." Chrom said to Simon. "I'm sorry? What!?" Simon asked Chrom. "You need to learn how to use an axe, and Vaike is the only other person here that uses an axe." Chrom said to Simon. "Don't worry, leave it to Teach. I'll turn this guy into a great warrior like me." Vaike said to Chrom. "Why do I have the feeling that this is going to be a headache." Simon said to himself.

"All right, Listen, everyone: In the morning. We'll be marching to Regna Ferox." Chrom said to everyone. "Regna Ferox?" Robin asked Chrom. "Care to fill in the strangers here?" Simon asked Chrom. "A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said." Sumia said to Simon and Robin. "Thugs to the east country, barbarians to the north country. Let me guess the thieves are in the south country, and crazy cultists live in the west county." Simon said to everyone. "Oh don't be silly Simon. We don't have any country to our south or west." Lissa said to Simon. "Well that's reassuring." Simon said to Lissa, rolling his eyes.

"Barbarians or not. They are warriors, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events…" Chrom said to Everyone, but Simon interrupted Chrom. "She might get hurt, kidnapped, killed, or…" Simon said to Chrom, but was interrupted by Lissa. "You don't need to help him Simon." Lissa said to Simon. "Well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital." Chrom said to Simon. "Sure the "people"." Simon said to Chrom.

"So the task has been passed to us. Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-." Chrom said to everyone, but was interrupted to Lissa. "I volunteer!" Lissa said to Chrom. "Me too! You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission! With his student coming with him." Varike said to Chrom, as he put an arm lock around Simon. "What? I already say I'd go." Simon said to Varike. "I'll go as well." The man wearing the heavy armor said to Chrom, finally speaking.

"Who's the big guy?" Simon asked everyone, still in an arm lock from Varike. "What? I've been here the whole time! I'm Kellam." The man said to Simon. "Really I didn't notice?" Simon said to Kellam. "I… I, um…" Sumia said to Chrom, but was really nervous. "Yes, Sumia?" Chrom asked Sumia. "It's just that… I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way." Sumia said to Chrom. "Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn? Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield." Chrom said to Sumia.

"W-well, if you think it wise, Captain." Sumia said to Chrom. "Just stay by me and you'll be fine." Chrom said to Sumia. "Oh, yes! I mean- Yes, sir, I'll do that!" Sumia said to Chrom. "Ok then everyone let's get ready to leave in the morning." Chrom said to everyone. "Ok." Everyone said to Chrom. "We'll be meeting in the field right out of the city." Chrom said to everyone. Everyone then nodded in agreement.

"Vaike, why don't you go take Simon, to get some armor and start giving him some axe lessons." Chrom said to Vaike. "Sounds like a plan. Come on Simon ol' Teach has a few lessons for you." Vaike said to Simon, as he pulled Simon away, with Simon having an annoyed look on his face, and returning Perrserker to his Pokeball.

The next day everyone, but Vaike and Simon was in the field just outside the city. "Morning everyone. The Teach and his student are here." Vaike said to everyone as he and Simon showed up. Now wearing grey clothes with silver armor gauntlets, and armor boots, with his axe sheath on his back waist, and had a silver shield on his right shoulder. "Morning Vaike and Simon." Lissa said to Vaike and Simon. "You're looking like a real warrior now." Chrom said to Simon.

"And he's a warrior, but he refuses to wear the same armor as his Teach." Vaike said to Chrom. "I wouldn't call pants and one sleave as armor." Simon said to Vaike. "So why did you pick that armor?" Lissa asked Simon. "Simple. Some of your armor was just two pieces. Some were just robes. Others were too heavy for me to move in. but this one was perfect. Had good coverage, not too heavy, and I can move in it." Simon said to Lissa. "Ok then. Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead." Chrom said to everyone.

"W-wait for me!" A male voice said, making everyone turn to see a young man, with white skin, an average build, messy brown hair, and green eyes, wearing a simpler green version of Fredericks armor, riding a horse towards them. "Stahl?" Chrom asked the man, as the man got off the horse. 'Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?" Stahl asked Chrom. "Huh? Vaike was supposed to…" Lissa said to Stahl. "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?" Lissa asked Vaike, with a frown on her face.

"The Vaike never forgets! I just don't always remember, is all…" Vaike said to Lissa. "That's what forget means." Simon said to Vaike. "It's your fault. I would have remembered if I didn't have to teach you." Vaike said to Simon. "Ugh… I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself! Speaking of which, are you SURE you remembered your axe this time?" Lissa asked Vaike. "Hey! That was one time! Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action!" Vaike said to Lissa, getting a little annoyed, and showing off his axe.

"Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy." Vaike said to Stahl, acting like his usalues self. "That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins, and cakes, and… Well, I can tell you all about it while we march…" Stahl said to everyone. "Your name is Stahl, right?" Robin asked Stahl. "Oh, I'm sorry, Robin, Simon. This is Stahl, one of our finest." Chrom said to Robin and Simon.

"Hello, Simon and Robin. Miriel told me we had a few new Shepherds." Stahl said to Robin and Simon. "Who?" Simon asked Stahl. "Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon." Stahl said to Simon as they started to walk.

They walked for a few hours. "This is boring. We have been walking for hours and we haven't seen anything, but green fields and a few trees." Lissa said to everyone. "Lissa we there are worse things to be then boredom." Simon said to Lissa. "Like what?" Lissa asked Simon. "Well, it could be raining, we could be starving, or we could be under-" Simon said to Lissa, as he started to glow a red light. Then the light faded and Simon was back in the armor he was in the other day. "Attack?" Simon said as he and everyone looked at Simon.

"Simon where did that armor come?" Stahl asked Simon. "I don't know?" Simon said to Stahl. "You can summon armor and you didn't tell Teach?" Vaike asked Simon. "Because last time this happened. We were fighting… those… monsters… Oh no!" Simon said as he went to the front of the group. "Simon what is it?" Chrom asked Simon, as he and everyone else followed Simon up a hill.

"This armor appeared when we faced those monsters and disappeared when the monsters were gone. So if it's back that means." Simon said as they reached the top of the hill and saw the same monsters that they ran into the other day, only this time there were some that looked different. "That the monsters are back." Simon said to everyone. "Gods, have the Risen spread this far?" Chrom said to everyone. "Risen?" Robin asked Chrom.

"We need a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one." Frederick said to Robin. "I told them the monsters acted like they were raised from the grave. So they chose Risen as a name." Simon said to Robin. "Everyone, remember what we're up against!" Chrom said to everyone. "Mya ha! They'll remember ME once I Drive my axe into their… Wait… My axe. Where's my axe? I had it a second ago!" Vaike said to Chrom as he started to look around for his axe.

"Vaike, this is no time for jokes…" Chrom said to Vaike. "I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it! It's got to be around here somewhere…" Vaike said to Chrom, as he looked for his axe. "Keep to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!" Chrom said to everyone. "And keep an eye out, there's something different about these Risen, compared to the Risen we battled yesterday." Simon said to everyone.

"Alright, listen up… Especially those of you who BROUGHT weapons! All weapons have strengths and weaknesses to bear in mind. Lances have an advantage over swords, for example, while swords best axes. We'll want to work this into our strategy whenever possible." Frederick said to everyone, while giving Vaike a disappointing look. "Ok Copperajah, Mawile come out." Simon said as he let Copperajah and Mawil out. "Okay let's get this party started." Simon said to everyone.

"Happiny!" A voice yelled from the right, at the same time they heard a roar on the left. "What was that?" Vaike asked everyone, as Copperajah ran to the left, and Mawile ran to the right. "Where are those two going?" Lissa asked Simon. "I don't know." Simon said to Lissa. "Simon, Chrom, Sully, Sathl, go after Copperajah. Me, Lissa, Virion, Frederick go after Mawile. Vaike stay here." Robin said to everyone. "Work for me." Simon said as everyone splitted up. "Hey don't leave the Teach out." Vaike said as he followed Robin.

After they all left a female mage with white skin, slim body, mid light brown hair, glasses over her hazel eyes, and wearing a black rob, over a white shirt, tan pants, and brown boots, with a red book in her hand and a quill in the book, appeared. "Splendid! It seems I've caught up now to extirpate these brutes…" the female mage said as she noticed something by her feet. "Hmm? Is that an axe? Why yes it is.." The female mage said as she picked up the axe. "Perhaps someone mislaid it? I'd not thought such dereliction permissible amongst the Shepherds. Still, I'd be remiss to not return this implement to its owner. Perhaps along with a stern word or two of disapprobation!" The female said as she started to walk after Robin's group.

Robin's group then made it to a group of Risen that was wearing the same armor as yesterday, and some wearing the same armor as Simon, attacking a log, not noticing them. "Why are those Risen attacking that log?" Lissa asked Robin. "I don't know but let's finish them." Robin said as the female mage appeared with the axe in her hands.

"Whoa! My axe!" Vaike said to the female mage. "I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon. Now I know." The female mage said to Vaike. "Thanks, Miriel! Er, for the axe, anyway." Vaike said to the female mage. "Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your heads… permanently." Miriel said to Vaike. "Maybe later Miriel, right now we have to deal with the Risen." Robin said to Miriel. "Well then." Miriel said as she opened her book.

"Miriel, wait. There's something inside that log. We can just fire a fireball at them." Lissa said to Miriel, closing Miriel's book. "Then what can we do?" Frederick asked Lissa. "If only we had something to distract them, then we could sneak around and get whatever in that log." Robin said to everyone. "If only we had something big and loud, that could get there attention." Lissa said to everyone. Then everyone turned to Vaike. "Why are you looking at me?" Vaike asked everyone. "Because you're perfect for a distraction." Lissa said to Vaike.

"The Vaike is not a distraction." Vaike said to Lissa. "Yeah you're right, you're not brave or strong enough to do it." Robin said to Vaike. "The Vaike is both brave and strong." Vaike said to Robin. "Then prove it." Robin said to Vaike. "I will." Vaike said as he took a few steps forward. "Lissa after Vaike distracts them, you sneak to the log, and help whatever is in it. While the rest of us help Vaike." Robin said to Lissa. "What about Mawile? I thought we went after her?" Lissa asked Robin. "We have to deal with these Risen first." Robin said to Lissa, before she and the others started to follow Vaike.

"YEAH THE VAIKE IS HERE!" Vaike yelled, getting the attention of the Risen. Then the Risen started to move towards Vaike. Then as the Risen got close Robin, Virion, Miriel and Frederick attacked, with Robin firing a bolt of electricity at them, at the same time, Miriel fired a fireball. The two spells caused an explosion that killed a couple and knocked the rest to the ground. After that Vaike and Frederick charged into the Risen, with Virion firing a few arrows at the Risen.

Meanwhile, as the group fights the Risen. Lissa was able to sneak to the log and found Mawile with something in her arms. It was a small round pink creature with what looked like pink pants with a white strap that went up to the middle of its body, black eyes, red cheeks, three bumps above its eyes, a pink ponytail, with a red bump on the base of the ponytail.

"Mawile what are you doing here?" Lissa asked Mawile. "Mawile." Mawile said as she placed the creature into Lissa's hands. "Mawile what are you doing?" Lissa asked Mawile, as she looked at the creature. "Mawile." Mawile said as she started to push Lissa away from the Risen. "Okay, okay, were going." Lissa said as they started to leave. But as they left they ran into a Risen. "Happiny." The creature said as it fired a small sound wave with hearts in it at the Risen. The soundwave rattled the Risen, and allowed Mawile to slam into the Risen, creating a cloud of smoke.

Lissa watched as pink hearts and yellow stars came out of the smoke. A few seconds later the smoke cleared revealing just Mawile. "What was that? What are you? What happened to the Risen?" Lissa asked, as she looked at Mawile, the creature, and the spot the Risen was standing. "Mawile." Mawile said as she started to push Lissa again. "Ok I get. Answers will come later." Lissa said to Mawile, as they started to leave again.

Then after the Risen was killed, everyone looked around for Lissa. "Does anyone know where Lissa went?" Frederick asked everyone. "I saw her and two crearues take her that way a few minutes ago." Miriel said to Frederick, pointing in the direction Lissa and Mawile went. "And you didn't tell us why?" Frederick asked Miriel. "We were in a fight." Miriel said to Frederick. "You two can finish this conversation later. We need to move." Robin said to everyone. Then everyone went after Lissa and Mawile.

Over on the left Simon, Chrom, Sully, and Sathl found Copperajah fighting a handful of Risen. With a big black cat, with the bottom of it's legs being tan with black paws, tan ears, a tan ball of hair on the end of its tail, a tan face, white eyes with black eyes, a red nose, with a tuft of red hair that was in between its ears.

"A Litleo?" Simon said to everyone, with a surprise tune in his voice. "You know what that thing is?" Sully asked Simon. "It's a pokemon called Litleo. I guess the reason Copperajah, and Mawile, left was because the Risen were attacking Pokemon, just like Phila said." Simon said to everyone. "Well let's help them." Chrom said as they went to help Copperajah and Litleo. "Copperajah uses Play Rough." Simon said to Copperajah, as he forced two of the Risen forward. "Copperajah." Copperajah said as she charged to Simon.

Then when Simon and Copperajah clashed, a large white cloud covered them, soon yellow stars and pink hearts came out of the smoke. This distracted the Risen. Chrom, Sully, and Sathl took this chance to attack, defeating a few of them before the Risen started to attack.

During the fight one of the Risen was about to strike Chrom, while Chrom was holding one at bay. But before the Risen could strike Chrom, Litleo jumped up, and with a mouth full of fire, bit into the neck of Risen, making it drop it's weapon and try to get Litleo off it. Chrom noticed this and finished the Risen he was fighting, and then finished the Risen Litleo was battling.

"Thanks for the save." Chrom said to Litleo, after they finished the last of the Risen. "Litleo." Litleo said before it started to leave. "Wait, it's not safe for you to go alone. It would be safer for you to come with us." Chrom said to Litleo. "Litleo." Litleo said shaking its head no. "Why not?" Chrom asked Litleo. "Chrom this Pokemon is a Litleo. When you find one alone, it means that they are trying to find their place in the world." Simon said to Chrom. "Still it would be safer for Litleo to be with us." Chrom said to Simon.

"Fare point. Okay, Copeerajah can you ask Litleo to follow us until the Risen are dealt with." Simon said to Chrom, and asked Copperajah. "Copperajah." Copperajah said to Simon before walking to Litleo. "Copperajah copp copp Copperajah." Copperajah said to Litleo. "Litleo lit lit leo litleo." Litleo. "Copperajah copp." Copperajah said to Litleo. "Litleo." Litleo said to Coperajah.

"Does anyone else notice them just saying their names?" Sully asked everyone, as Litleo and Copperajah. "I do." Sathl said to Sully. "This is how Pokemon talk. While we hear them say their names, they can understand each other." Simon said to Sully Sathl, as Copperajah and Litleo moved towards them. "Copperajah copp copp copperajah." Copperajah said to Simon.

"Okay, Copperajah was able to convince Litleo to stay with us." Simon said to everyone. "How did you get that from Copperajah saying her name?" Chrom asked Simon. "It's because I have a strong bond with Copperajah. Every trainer can understand their Pokemon, if you spend enough time with them. But more on that later let's go find the others." Simon said to everyone, before they all started to move.

A few minutes later everyone met in front of a bridge, and both sides noticed the extra members in each other's group. "Hey guys so what happened with Mawile? Who's the woman? And why do you have a Happiny?" Simon asked Robin's group. "Okay this is Miriel. And apparently Mawile ran to save this creature. And what's with the large cat?" Robin said to Simon. "Okay nice to meet you Miriel. That creature in Lissa's arms is a Happiny. And the cat is Litleo." Simon said to Robin.

"Hey Simon I understand you have knowledge about these creatures. Can we have a discussion on what you know?" Miriel asked Simon. "Can we talk about this later, we still have Risen to deal with." Simon said to Miriel. "What Risen?" Miriel asked Simon, as a couple of Risen started to come from the bridge. "Those Risen." Simon said to Miriel, as a crescent purple blade came out of nowhere and killed the Risen coming at them. "What was that?" Lissa asked Simon, as they noticed an Absol standing off to the side.

"Is that the same Absol from yesterday?" Robin asked Simon. "I think so." Simon said to Robin. "So have you been following us?" Robin asked Absol. "Absol." Absol said nodding her head yes. "I hate to interrupt a bonding section, but there's still Risen nearby." Simon said to everyone. "How can you be so sure?" Lissa asked Simon. "This armor. It appeared when we got close to the Risen. And disappeared when the Risen was gone. I think it's a defense mechanism for when the Risen are nearby." Simon said to Lissa.

"Then let's cross this bridge and finish them." Robin said to everyone. "What's next, Robin? Guide our swords." Chrom asked Robin. "Might I advise patience, milord, robin is a fine tactician, but we have to be careful. We can't rush in foolishly. Even the best of us need rest." Frederick said to Chrom. "Yes, of course, I'm sorry." Chrom said to Frederick. "So Robin, you got a plan?" Simon asked Robin. "We move in pairs across the bridge. We wait for everyone to be across, before we move on." Robin said to everyone.

"Ok so who wants to go first?" Simon asked Robin. "Chrom? you want to go first with me." Robin asked Chrom. "Sure. let's go." Chrom said to Robin as the two of them crossed the bridge. Once they crossed the bridge they ran into a couple Risen. Robin then pulled out her sword, and then her and Chrom locked blades with the Risen. Then another Risen was charging at Robin. But before the Risen could attack, Absol came out of nowhere and rammed the Risen knocking it to the ground.

Then a small ball of fire came out of nowhere, and hit the Risen that was battling Chrom, in the face, making it back up a few feet. Chrom took this chance and killed the Risen he was fighting. Then Chrom turned around to see Litleo behind him. At the same time black energy with a purple outline wrapped around Absol claws, as she charged at the Risen that Robin was fighting. The Risen noticed Absol, and it gave Robin the window, to force the Risen back and to strike. Robin and Absol combined attack, was able to kill the Risen.

"Milord are you all right?" Frederick asked Chrom, as he and Miriel came over the bridge. "Where fine." Chrom said to Frederick, as Virion, and Vaike came across the bridge. "Thank goodness, when Litleo, and Absol suddenly left, I was worried something happened." Frederick said to Chrom, as Sully, and Sathl crossed the bridge. "We had a little trouble, but Litleo and Absol help." Robin said to Frederick, as Simon, Lissa, Copperajah, Mawile, and Happiny, still in Lissa's arms, came across the bridge.

"I thought that was the reason those two ran head of the group." Simon said to everyone. "And I'm glad they did. We both would have taken some real damage without their help." Robin said to Simon. "Now what's the plan?" Simon asked Robin. "We move as one and we watch each other back." Robin said to everyone. "Okay." Everyone said to Robin, before they all started to move.

After fighting Risen for an hour, they made it to a large Risen with a boomerang axe, and with a few Risen standing nearby. "Looks like this is the last of them." Miriel said to everyone. "Ok here's the plain Me, Chrom, Simon, will handle the large Risen, while everyone else deals with smaller Risen." Robin said to everyone. "Okay." Everyone said as they all charged.

Simon was the first one to reach the large Risen, doding it's first attack and dealving a punch to it's chest, but it didn't do much damage. "Ah oh!" Simon said as he jumped back to Robin and Chrom. "This one has a thick hide. Our physical attacks aren't going to do much." Simon said to Robin and Chrom, as they dodged the boomerang axe that the Risen was throwing and catching. "Then we won't use a physical attack." Robin said to everyone as she opened her book.

"Thunder." Robin said as she fired a bolt of electricity at the Risen. "Litleo." Litleo said as it fired a small ball of fire. "Absol." Absol said as she fired another crescent purple blade, from her horn. The three attacks all hit the Risen at the same time, making a small explosion. "Chrom get ready to finish that Risen." Simon said as he charged at the Risen. "Wait what? Simon what are you doing?" Chrom asked Simon.

With the Risen. Once the smoke cleared, the Risen was face to face with Simon. "Copperajah, Mawile, Fly Swatter Iron head." Simon said to Copperajah and Mawile, as he threw the Risen into the air. "Copperajah." Copperajah said as she used her trunk to send Mawile into the air. "Mawile." Mawile said as her ponytail turned silver and ruff. Mawile then smacked the Risen out of the air, and to the ground. As the Risen went down, Copperajah charged at the Risen with the bumps on her head silver and ruff. Copperajah then hit the Risen just before it could hit the ground, sending it flying to Chrom.

"Chrom finish it." Simon said to Chrom. "Right." Chrom said to Simon, as he got his sword ready. Then Chrom ran his sword through the Risen, making the Risen let out a death cry before turning into smoke. "Finally, and good riddance!" Chrom said as everyone started to gather around Chrom. Then Simon started to glow again, and he was back in the armor he was wearing earlier. "I guess that means the Risen are gone." Simon said to everyone, as he looked at himself.

"But if they're appearing this far up the Northroad…" Chrom said to everyone. "Then no path is safe. We'll need to stay wary." Frederick said to Chrom. "Don't worry Frederick. I'm sure my armor will appear if any Risen gets close." Simon said to Frederick. "We should still be on guard for anything else." Frederick said to Simon. "Okay, but quick question: what are we going to do with those three?" Simon asked everyone.

"He got a point, what are we going to do with them?" Vaike asked everyone. "Maybe if we know more about them. It will be easier to disced what to do with them." Miriel said to everyone. "Sounds like a plain Simon you're up." Robin said to Simon. "Okay." Simon said to Robin, as he pulled out his Rotom Phone, surprising everyone, that didn't see it yesterday.

Litleo.

The Lion Club Pokemon.

Fire / Normal.

They Set Off On Their Own From Their Pride And Live By Themselves To Become Stronger. These Hot-Blooded Pokemon are Quick To Fight.

Happiny.

The Playhouse Pokemon.

Normal.

It Carries A Round, Egg-Shaped Rock In Its Belly Pouch And Gives The Rock To Its Friends.

"It looks like Litleo is a boy with Noble Roar, Ember, Headbutt, Fire Fang for moves. And Happiny is a girl with Pound, Aromatherapy, Sweet Kiss, Disarming Voice for moves. It looks like Happiny is a very young Pokemon. While Litleo looks like he could have just left his pride." Simon said to everyone as he put his Rotom Phone away.

"How can you tell that from your Phone?" Miriel asked Simon. "It's their moves. That's how I can tell." Simon said to Miriel, as he returned Copperajah and Mawile to their Pokeballs. "What do you mean?" Robin asked Simon.

"You see a Pokemon fight style and power can be determined by their move set. And based on the moves Happiny has, she is a very young Pokemon, probably still a baby. While Litleo does not have strong moves, they are strong enough to mean that he's trying to make it out on his own." Simon said to Robin.

"What about Absol?" Lissa asked Simon. "Well the moves I've seen from her so far are Quick Attack, Shadow Claw, Psycho Cut, those moves are not something a young Absol would know, so she must be a young adult." Simon said to Lissa.

"How do you know that?" Robin asked Simon. "Shadow Claw, and Psycho Cut, aren't moves an Absol learns naturally, but they are moves and Absol can learn from others." Simon said to Robin. "What do you mean can be learn from others?" Chrom asked Simon. "When a Pokemon wants to learn a move, they look around for a Pokemon that knows it and ask them to teach them the move. But if a Pokemon does that, it shows that they know how they want to fight. That's not something a young Pokemon would do." Simon said to everyone.

"Please tell me more." Miriel said to Simon, as she pulled out a notepad and a quail. "Maybe later. We still have to figure out what to do with them." Simon said to Miriel as he pointed to Absol, Litleo, and Happiny. "I think they should come with us." Chrom said to everyone. "I think that's a good idea." Robin said to Chrom. "I would like to keep Happiny." Lissa said to Chrom. "Well before you all get your hopes up we should ask them." Simon said to Chrom, Lissa, and Robin.

"Okay." Chrom, Robin, and Lissa said to Simon. "So Happiny would you like to stay with me?" Lissa asked Happiny. "Happiny." Happiny said as she gave Lissa her stone. "That means yes and she likes you in Happiny." Simon said to Lissa. "I like you to. Now let's put this back to where it belongs." Lissa said to Happiny as she took the stone and put it back. "What about Absol. You always save me. It would be easier for you if you're right next to me." Robin said to Absol. "Absol." Absol said as she nodded her head. "Great good to have you aboard." Robin said to Absol as she gave Absol some pets.

"What about you Litleo? Would you like to join us?" Chrom asked Litleo. "Litleo." Litleo said nodding his head no. "Why not?" Chrom asked Litleo. "Chrom this Litleo is trying to find his place in the world. And he wants to do it alone. It's natural for a Litleo to do this" Simon said to Chrom. "No one should be alone. I won't ask you to stay, but it's not safe for you to be out here alone with the Risen roaming around." Chrom said to Litleo. Litleo then closed his eyes, obviously thinking. "Litleo." Litleo said as he opened his eyes and nodded yes.

"He said okay." Simon said to Chrom. "Well then welcome to the Shepherds." Chrom said to Litleo. "Okay everyone let's move. We still have a ways to go before we get to Regna Ferox." Chrom said to everyone. Everyone then nodded their heads and started to move.

Then soon after they started to walk. Then a small thick mist covered their legs appeared out of nowhere. "What's with all this mist? And where did it come from?" Lissa asked, as everyone looked around. "Well, what do we have here?" Robin said to everyone, making them turn their head in the direction Robin was looking at. "Hey, is that what I think it is?" Lissa said to everyone, as they all noticed a hurt white pegasus. "Is that what I think it is?" Simon asked everyone as they walked closer to the pegasus

"It's a pegasus, all right, I think it's hurt. Let's just have a look here…" Chrom said to Simon, as he got close to the pegasus, only for it to raise it's hooves, and shoo Chrom away with its wings. "WHOA! Down, girl! Easy there!" Chrom said to the pegasus, trying to calm her down. "Litleo." Litleo said trying to get the pegasus to back off.

"Captain, one moment!" Sumia said as she moved to the front of the group. "Sumia came to join us in the front." Simon said to Sumia, as Sumia tripped and landed face first into the ground. "Or not." Simon said to Sumia.

"Sumia! Are you all right? Those boots of yours again?" Chrom asked Sumia, as Sumia got up. "No! I mean, yes! I mean…" Sumia said to Chrom, before sighing. "Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!" Chrom said to Sumia. It's okay, Captain. I can handle this…" Chrom said to Chrom, before she walked to the pegasus. "Shhh… Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you." Sumia said to the pegasus as she placed a hand on the pegasus head. "Shhh. Sumia said to the pegasus, as she got closer to the pegasus, calming it down completely.

"How did she calm it so quickly?" Robin asked everyone. "The pegasus must be able to sense Sumia's gentle soul." Simon said to Robin. "That's incredible, Sumia!" Lissa said to Sumia. "I've never seen anything like it." Chrom said to everyone. "Oh, it's... it's nothing. Really. I just have a way with animals, I guess." Sumia said to Chrom. "I should say so!" Chrom said to Sumia. Then the pegasus shocked her head. "What is it, girl?" Sumia asked the pegasus, as the mist started to disappear.

Once the mist disappeared everyone noticed a blue bird, with small black eyes, a white beak and talons, blue tail feathers, two blue feathers on the top of it's head, and white fluffy cloud like wings. "What's that?" Robin asked everyone. "It's a Swablu." Simon said to Robin. "A Swablu?" Sumia asked Simon, as Simon pulled out his Rotom Phone, and pointed it at Swablu.

Swablu.

The Cotton Bird Pokemon.

Flying / Normal.

Its Cottony Wings Are Full Of Air, Making Them Light And Fluffy To The Touch. Swablu Takes Diligent Care Of Its Wings.

"It's a girl and she knows Mist. so she must have made that mist when we got close to her and the pegasus." Simon said to everyone, as he put his Rotom Phone away. "What do you mean it knows Mist?" Chrom asked Simon. "Some Pokemon moves don't hurt their opponent, but they can affect things like their power, the field, or even the weather." Simon said to Chrom, as Swablu let out a cry. Simon then looked at Swablu, and noticed a bruise on Swablu's body above her right wing.

"It looks like Swablu is hurt." Simon said as he got closer, only for the pegasus to shoo Simon away. "And it looks like this pegasus is protecting Swablu." Simon said to everyone. "Hey it's okay, he's just trying to help." Sumia said to the pegasus. The pegasus just shook her head. "Here let me look at it." Sumia said to Swablu. "Swablu." Swablu said, showing Sumia her body. "I don't know much about Pokemon, But I think I can help these two." Sumia said to Simon.

"Are you sure?" Robin asked Sumia. "Yes. you all go on ahead. I'll dress their wounds and catch up as soon as we're able." Sumia said to everyone. "You're sure you want to be here alone?" Simon asked Sumia. "We can make time to wait for you." Chrom said to Sumia. "Thank you Captain, and Sumia. But I can manage. Every moment is precious when all of Ylisse is in danger." Sumia said to Chrom and Simon.

"Right, then. Be safe, Sumia." Chrom said to Sumia. "As you command, sir." Sumia said to Chrom. "See you later Sumia." Simon said to Sumia, as everyone started to leave her, the pegasus and Swablu. After they were gone Sumia started to get to work on healing the pegasus and Swablu.

Hello everyone, I hope you like this chapter. Please follow or review if you like this story.