Author's Notes:

I will just calmly vent...

SCREW. THAT. CHROM. ROBIN. AND. SUMIA. LOVE. SHIT.

I cannot stand it. "Robin entered their room and found them naked in bed! OH NO! The Jealousy! He was the one who wanted to 'SLEEP' with her, not Chrom! The 'Genius' and 'Smart' tactician did Not want to resolve the issue with him and cried all night because he FELT like it. Friendship broken, THE END."

I have no idea why both tan90 and JAGA03 included this because it turns those characters into pitiful, miserable, pathetic assholes who cry about a woman not staying for the night with them, which results in her becoming an unbearable mess and... you know the rest.

Sure, maybe they were going for a break-and-heal relationship, but seriously, are these authors even trying? Look, I'm not an expert when it comes to romance, but maybe if it were executed better, I would have overlooked it slightly, yet... Whatever. This is not how I've seen them act in the original story. I don't see Robin being a crying wimp or Chrom, the type of guy who 'sleeps' with ladies during an Ongoing War.

Overall, it's an annoying, shitty mess and unbearable to read through it.

...

Sorry for that outburst. It sounds a bit immature now that I've reread it a few days later. I probably didn't explain that clearly, but I'm leaving it as it is.

Anyway, let me tell you how I write these chapters. First, I either copy JAGA's entire chapter using a scanner and paste it into my Word document or start from scratch. If I copied his work, I have to read through his mess, fix it, and reorganize every single text so I can comprehend it (and unfortunately go insane once again). I then remove any unnecessary story elements and write new ones that fit the story I want to tell.

If I find something confusing or lacking, I do deep research on the games, characters, and new word definitions or phrases. Finally, I have to review my work multiple times, double-checking each text's accuracy, engagement, and clarity.

This process takes literally days and nights, and I'm just one man who doesn't really consider himself an excellent writer or storyteller. I started writing initially because I wanted to sharpen my English skills. However, seeing that multiple readers are interested in my works keeps me even more motivated to push through this tiresome process. Also, this has become a way to push to do something, like writing, programming, or exercising, in my life. "I have to stop shitting myself and start doing something; keep improving, idiot," is what I always say to myself.

So, thank you for the feedback on the last chapter. I already felt that I had to improve Fenrir's situation somehow, and your advice helped a lot (I'll use your advice in later chapters). If you want to share more feedback on my writing or story, I will happily read them, whether harsh or not. I don't want to keep you waiting any longer, so enjoy this Fourth Chapter of Awakened Fantasy.


Chapter 4 – Drifting Under the Moon

Opening his fresh, canned fish for a late morning breakfast, Cloud watched the two time travelers spar with their swords at the training grounds. Mirage countered Severa's attack with her heavy blade, pushing Severa's steel blade away.

"No matter how many strikes I pull, I never seem to break your defenses," Severa said in exhaustion.

Switching her blade on the offensive, Mirage began side-stepping left and right, striking Severa in quick succession. The pressured girl did her best to block the strong attacks with both her sword and shield while being pushed back. Doing a swift spin, Mirage clashed her blade with a mighty smash, causing Severa to release her blade in pain.

Severa jumped back, shaking the pain off her hand. "I survived that move much longer than before," she grinned.

"Hmph." Mirage threw her sword away. "Come at me."

Her action sparked a burning sensation within Severa. "This again? Don't think I've forgotten your cheap trick." She thrusted her fists at her, yet Mirage gripped her arm and twirled her. Becoming dizzy, Severa stopped spinning by stomping on the ground, flinging Mirage in the air. "Ha-!"

Mirage held on to Severa and forcefully dragged the red hair into the air with her. She rotated her body and threw Severa to the other side of the field.

"WHAAA-!" Severa yelled in surprise. She rolled on the ground and immediately picked herself up.

Mirage landed gracefully on her toes, her body instinctively shifting as she transitioned into a fluid dance-like routine. Her energy was thunderous as she moved, each step echoing with a rhythmic intensity. She began to spin in a circle, her movements graceful yet powerful.

"What is this?!" The sudden shift of momentum caught Severa off-guard.

Without uttering a word, Mirage used the spin to propel herself forward, her foot aimed straight for Severa's midsection. Severa instinctively raised her shield, but Mirage anticipated the move and pivoted mid-air, landing deftly behind her and delivering a swift kick that sent Severa stumbling forward. Not allowing any pause, Mirage followed with a series of rapid spinning kicks and punches, each movement seamlessly transitioning into the next. She weaved in and out until suddenly, Mirage launched Severa into the air, jumped with her, and smashed her entire body down to the dirt floor.

Covered in dust, Severa just lay on the floor in total shock. "How do you… keep learning these... stupid moves?"

Mirage picked up her blade and sheathed it. "Adapt; always keep pushing to learn new skills."

Standing awkwardly, Severa rolled her eyes as she took out a vulnerary. "I shouldn't have asked."

Olivia, who sat at the side with Cloud, touched his lap and excitedly pointed at her daughter. "Did you see that? Mirage used my dance just now!"

Cloud nodded. "I also saw her use my Punisher moves a while ago."

"What's all this commotion about?" Walking by, Marth looked at them.

"Oh, Lucina. Did you sleep well?" asked Olivia.

Lucina glared at her. "How do you know?"

"Know what?"

"My name."

"Mirage told us," Cloud answered.

Facepalming, Lucina sighed. "I really would prefer if you didn't use that name. It might bring a burden for the others. Especially my parents."

Olivia took a breath, sensing the tension. "I'm sorry, Lucina. I just… I want to get to know you better, especially since Mirage regards you as a friend."

"To some degree." Mirage shoots a sharp glance at Lucina. "I know you told us to keep our mouths shut, but I don't see any problems sharing with the Shepherds."

Wiping the final dirt off her shoulders, Severa looked between them. "I agree with Mirage."

"Are you saying that because you're best friends with her?" Lucina glared at Severa.

Cloud stood, letting his presence fill the space as he addressed the group. "As fun as all this talk is, it's about time we join the others in their meeting."

"Right," Lucina regained her composure. A memory flashed in her mind as she recalled Cloud's words before she attempted to escape the scene last night.

[You really think saving the Exalt's life once is more than enough?]

"We might have prevented my aunt's death, but as you mentioned earlier, that doesn't mean it's over. Her life could still be in danger," Lucina said.

Severa smirked. "Don't worry, I won't reveal who you are, Lucina. That is your decision to make, right Mirage?"

Mirage closed her eyes in annoyance. "Whatever. I'll do what you say, for now, princess."

"I'd appreciate that," Lucina replied dryly, a flicker of irritation in her voice.

"Just don't drag it out," Mirage turned around, "or it will become unbearable for Severa and the other survivors."


Joining the meeting with the Shepherds, Chrom and Robin mainly explained in detail how they were going to escort the Exalt, such as what path they were taking and what to do when dangers could arise. After everyone agreed and headed out to prepare, Cloud stood waiting as he finished preparing early to leave the capital of Ylisse. Just as he thought he could enjoy some solitude, a little girl approached him—Lissa. Noticing her eager expression, Cloud felt a twinge of reluctance. He closed his eyes, hoping she'd divert her attention elsewhere. But she was headed straight for him.

Clearing her throat, she mustered her politeness. "Um, Cloud? I want to ask," Lissa pointed at Mirage, "who is she? I haven't seen her with you yesterday."

"…My daughter."

She giggled. "I knew it!"

"Huh?"

"I mean, I tried talking to her, but for some reason, she wouldn't answer! Only telling me to get lost."

"Hm. Seems about right," he replied.

Her face fell into a slight pout. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

Cloud crossed his arms. "I used to behave like her a long time ago."

She raised her eyebrow. "Used to? I remembered you telling me the exact same thing yesterday!"

Cloud coughed. "That was different."

"Really... Anyways, have you seen Marth? I have sooo many questions for her too." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Probably hiding from you. Severa, too, if you're wondering."

She shook her head. "What?! But I haven't done anything strange, have I?"

"It's not your fault," said Cloud. "However, you should know your limits."

"Hiding secrets? I thought we were friends!" she protested.

He glanced at Lissa curiously. "Friends? What a sudden revelation, kid."

Stopping her feet, Lissa frowned. "I'm not a kid! I'm a good healer and a princess!"

"Sure."

"...You know what? I'm calling you guys the Boring Nothing Squad, and everyone will know about this!" She marched away as soon as she finished her sentence.

Not knowing what to make of her outburst, Cloud shrugged. "Whatever."

As an hour went by, the Shepherds and the Exalt were prepared and ready to move out, and a rumor slowly began to spread throughout the Shepherds. Apparently, Cloud and his party (Severa, Lucina, Mirage, and Olivia) were hiding some 'dark' secrets.

Of course, Frederick, already cautious of them, took note of this and proceeded to monitor their every move more intently. He wasn't the only one; Robin was also on guard, as anyone with secrets is considered a potential threat.

Olivia could feel many eyes on her, scaring her a bit. "D-did I do anything wrong?"

Cloud shook his head. "No. It's just some weird rumor that decided to spread randomly. It will fade away eventually." He glared at the yellow princess talking to some among the Shepherds. Some ignorant troublemaker is messing with us.

Chrom approached Cloud with one hand against the pommel of his sheathed sword. "Cloud. Olivia. All set to escort my sister?"

Cloud nodded. "Yes."

"Before we leave," the prince pointed at the Fenrir, "I want to ask, what is that?"

"I don't want to keep repeating this. Just tell everyone that this is just my special carriage and nothing dangerous."

"Sure. I'll let everyone know."


The journey beyond the capital of Ylisse was surprisingly tranquil, with no monsters or bandits emerging to challenge Cloud, his group, and the Shepherds, who safeguarded the Exalt, Emmeryn. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the group decided to settle in for the night, their bodies weary from the long day's march, and the next day promised to present the grueling challenge of crossing the mountains. This trek would require every ounce of their strength and determination.

While exhaustion weighed heavily on most, a few members expertly masked their fatigue, drawing on their resolve. Frederick, the ever-watchful knight, took it upon himself to scrutinize the new companion's every action. Robin, too, remained wary of their mysterious companion.

The sky darkened, and Chrom summoned the Shepherds to prepare the camp and gather necessary provisions. Cloud and his companions stayed behind to watch over Emmeryn with Lissa, Robin, and Chrom.

"So," Lissa began as she sat beside them, "are you willing to talk to me, guys?"

Nobody said a thing; Chrom, Robin, and Emmeryn were unsure who she was asking. Cloud and Mirage stayed silent while Olivia seemed to be a nervous wreck. However, Lissa noticed how the hardened Marth and the upset Severa avoided Robin's and her brother's gazes. "Are you two hiding something?"

Everyone turned their attention to the two girls. Annoyed, Cloud glared at Lissa. "Do you always poke at others?"

"I want to make friends!" She looked at Severa and Marth again. "And the only way is if you guys stop hiding your faces."

Chrom seemed to understand the situation. "Lissa, leave them be."

His younger sister looked at him. "What?! Not you too!"

Chrom sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. "Lissa, sometimes people need their space. Marth and Severa might just not be ready to open up yet."

"But I don't want anyone feeling left out!" Lissa protested, crossing her arms defiantly.

Robin chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "You've got a good heart, Lissa, but some friendships take time to forge. It's okay to let Severa and Marth come to you when they're ready."

Overhearing this, Severa shot a glare in Robin's direction. "I'm not hiding because I'm scared or anything. I just prefer not to engage in unnecessary chatter… yet."

"Right," Marth added, her voice quiet but steady. "Many of us have faced… different challenges in our past. It's complicated." She cast a slight, fleeting glance at Chrom as if some weight hung heavily in the air.

Undeterred by the girls' reticence, Lissa leaned closer with a bright smile. "But friends can help each other with complicated stuff! That's what I think anyway!"

Mirage finally broke her silence. "You really are like her," she murmured.

"Really?!" Lissa beamed as she heard her say that, momentarily forgetting her earlier disappointment. "Who? Is it someone strong like you?"

"Shit." Mirage shook her head. "Never mind. I need some time alone." She stood up and left the group.

Olivia looked at her daughter, worried. "W-wait. Where are you going?" She also stood from her spot and ran after her. Cloud sighed and followed them.

Chrom glared at her. "Lissa..."

"I didn't do anything; I swear!"


Olivia dashed through the woods, desperately attempting to keep up with Mirage. Despite her best efforts, her daughter seemed to glide effortlessly ahead, out of reach.

After a few moments, Olivia came to a halt, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She glanced around, disoriented, and realized she had lost all sense of direction. The familiar surroundings had blurred, leaving her unsure of where she had come from.

Cloud caught up with Olivia. "Take it easy. It's impossible to find her like that."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm sure you know this, but she and I have strength you don't possess. That's why you need my help." Cloud took out all his swords from his sheath and combined them together. "I will give you a ride."

She looked down. "Is there any way I can obtain this power? I feel useless as a mother."

"Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible." Cloud looked at the full moon, gleaming through the green leaves. "…You really should stop looking down at yourself. You're a better parent than me, even when I had experience with children."

Olivia looked at him. "You had a child before?"

"Not really. They were… orphans."

"..." Olivia climbed onto him. "I thought I wasn't going to be a good parent either, but seeing who my daughter will become gave me the courage to push myself." Blushing, she hugged around his neck. "And if you're having trouble with that, I can help."

"Thanks." Confirming that she was alright, Cloud carefully sprinted through the dense forest so as not to injure Olivia. Reaching an open area with only one tree in the middle, they found Mirage lying on its tree branch. "Mirage."

She looked down. "Oh, hey."

"Is something the matter?"

"I..." Mirage held out her central Fusion Sword above her head, her eyelids narrowing. "I received something bitter."

Cloud jumped on a nearby branch beside Mirage, and Oivia looked at her mixed face. "Is this about Lissa? Or perhaps the from the future-past?"

Mirage sighed. "I can never hide from you, Mother. Yeah, this is more stressful than I thought. There are some decisions that I regret making, and now I can't seem to face her or anyone in the Shepherds."

Mirage's grip tightened around the handle of her Fusion Sword as she gazed into the trees, her thoughts racing. "Back then, I had a chance to protect her," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "In another timeline, I wasn't able to be beside her in time. I watched… as she bled in my hands. I failed my friend's promise, and I failed to protect the last Shepherd. So, I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen again, but here I am, thinking that maybe I'm just not cut out for this. What if I fail her- What if I fail everyone again? What if I mess everything up?"

Olivia slowly walked to the branch beside her. Concern etched on her face. "Mirage, listen. You can't carry that burden alone. You're not in the future anymore. As far as I know, everyone is here and safe. You can't change the past, but you can shape the future."

"It's not that simple," Mirage snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. "No matter how hard I try to forget or push it aside, those memories haunt me. I failed everyone who looked up to me, including you guys, and I'm terrified of failing again. The Fell Dragon's awakening, if we somehow fail to stop it, I don't see a way to save everyone."

"This Fell Dragon, what he like?" asked Cloud.

Mirage shuddered at the thought. "The size of that monster... it's unmeasurable. It was triple the size of Ylisstol. Wherever he flew, the sky darkened, and his power, thousands would die under his breath."

The capital of Ylisse is almost the size of Midgar... That means Grima is at least twice as big as a Weapon...

Olivia shook her head. "That sounds horrifying."

"Indeed. Sounds like a pain in the ass," Cloud added.

Mirage picked herself up, sitting. "Understand what I'm saying?"

Cloud adjusted his position, looking at her with understanding. "I do, but that doesn't mean you should give up. You and your friends know what's to come. Use that to your advantage and prevent that giant lizard's awakening."

Olivia reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Mirage's shoulder. "You don't have to be hard on yourself. You're allowed to be vulnerable around us, and asking for help is okay."

Taking a deep breath, Mirage felt a flicker of hope within her. "You both say that, but can we really win?"

"Yes. As long as you don't let fear control you, it is possible," Cloud encouraged.

With the weight of their words settling in, Mirage fought against the storm of emotions within her. She looked back toward the direction of the camp. "You're right. I can't keep running away."

As Mirage hopped down to the ground, assurance settled around her. With one last glance at the shining stars in the night sky, determination etched in her features. Cloud and Olivia both hopped beside her and began walking back.

Cloud and Mirage suddenly stopped in their tracks, causing Olivia to worry. "What happened?"

As a sharp noise flew by, the two flicked their Fusion Swords, shielding Olivia from the arrows. Olivia drew her iron sword. "An ambush?"

"Behind me, Lady Emmeryn!"

The Strife family turned their attention to the forest. A lady with a fancy long spiral hairstyle riding a horse and a heavily armored knight stood beside Emmeryn. As far as Cloud and Mirage could tell, multiple mercenaries and assassins hid in the foliage. "What the hell? What is the Exalt doing here?!" exclaimed Mirage.

"I'll take care of the assassins in the far back. Mirage, Olivia, protect the Exalt!" Cloud sprinted towards the treetop while the other two rushed to help the others.

Reaching deep inside the forest, Olivia and Mirage covered Emmeryn's open spots. "Maribelle, are you alright?!"

Maribelle, the girl riding her horse while holding a staff, glanced back in surprise. Her eyes narrowed with a mix of skepticism and disdain. "Who are you two, and why are you gallivanting around in my line of sight?" She adjusted her grip on her staff, her voice dripping with confidence. "Oh, right. You're with us. It would do you well to keep up lest you prove to be a liability."

Mirage nodded and looked directly at the hunk of armor. "Kellam, we must get the Exalt back to our camp."

Kellam was even more shocked. "You can see me?"

"You stick out," Mirage said.

This caught Kellam slightly off guard; he stammered, "I..."

Cutting one of the opposing forces with ease, Mirage gritted. "No time. Focus on the task at hand. You cover us while we open a path for all of us."

"Right." Suddenly, daggers whizzed through the air. Emmeryn dropped to take cover, expecting the worst when Kellam shielded her with his sturdy defenses. "Stay behind me, milady! I won't let you fall." His voice portrayed a steely resolve despite his uncertainty in this fight.

In a swift motion, Olivia curved around the fifth incoming assassin and tore through their flesh. "I don't see an end to them."

Mirage held her hand to Olivia as she placed her sword in her left hand. "Mother, join me in a dance."

"W-what are you talking about?!"

Forcefully grabbing her palm, Mirage stepped forward. "I'm sure you've seen how father fought when you were watching him in Regna Ferox."

Realizing what she was saying, Olivia followed in her footsteps. "Okay."

With a brief nod, Mirage pulled Olivia into the dance as they synchronized their movements, the air thick with tension and determination. As they stepped onto the battlefield, each move was executed with precision, their swords becoming an extension of their bodies. They twirled and spun, gliding across the forest floor like dancers in a grand performance.

Mirage led with a swift forward thrust, forcing back an approaching assassin. She pivoted seamlessly, guiding Olivia into a graceful arc, where she followed through with an elegant slash that caught another enemy off guard. Their rhythm continued, Olivia's motions complementing Mirage's with each step. As they faced a pair of attackers who appeared from the bushes, Mirage ducked low, allowing Olivia to leap over her. She came down hard on the back of an enemy's shoulders, knocking them to the ground.

Without missing a beat, Mirage followed with a swift slice that dispatched the downed foe. They moved like water through the chaos, flowing into each other's space as if choreographed. As more mercenaries surged forward, they danced around them, each lunge and spin executed flawlessly. Mirage brought her blade to her side to intercept a dagger, while Olivia countered by stepping into an opening, her blade whirling as she captured the foe in a swift sidestep, cutting them away.

Turning toward a new threat, they swept together in perfect synergy. Mirage raised her sword, bringing it down in a gleaming arc that forced another attacker back. Olivia finished the maneuver with a rapid spin, bringing her sword horizontal to parry strikes aimed at her daughter's flanks. When an archer attempted to aim from a distance, Mirage jumped beside her, using the momentum to spin, which sent a powerful gust of air, throwing off the archer's shot. They progressed through the skirmish, each movement interlocking flawlessly.

Mirage glimpsed at Olivia, who was gleaming with pure joy and excitement. In that shared look, a silent understanding flowed between them. With a final surge of energy, they launched into an intricate series of spins and leaps, alternating between offense and defense, each strike feeding off the other's strength. As the last of the mercenaries closed in, they executed their final move of their Limit Break, Universal Twist. Leaping boldly, Mirage twisted in the air, disarming two foes mid-flight, while Olivia buried her sword into the last standing adversary with fierce conviction.

The forest fell silent as they landed gracefully on the ground, poised and ready for any further surprises. The number of their enemies had dwindled, and the two dancers stood strong, breathing heavily from their exertions yet radiating confidence and mastery.

As Kellam fought behind Emmeryn and Maribelle, they watched in awe as the two dancers finished dispatching the enemies with breathtaking movements. "To take them all out in such a way, it's…"

"Phenomenal," Maribelle finished.

Mirage and Olivia stood side by side, their swords resting at their sides, ready to protect the Exalt as the remnants of the ambush melted away. In that moment, the bond between mother and daughter shone brighter than the moon above, their imperfections overshadowed by the power of their unity.

Walking from the side, Cloud couldn't help but grin. "I can't lie; both of you fought beautifully."

"O-oh, C-Cloud…" Olivia's face began to glow as her body shrunk. "P-please…"

"I never hold back…" A hint of her mother's similar expression showed through Mirage. "Thanks."


Almost every Shepherd just returned back to camp and went to sleep in their own tents. However, Robin sat in his tent, worried about Maribelle, Emmeryn, Cloud, Olivia, and Mirage. No reports of them returning had shown up to him. "The fact that Emmeryn suddenly disappeared as soon as everyone went to sleep..."

Despite his unease, Robin felt compelled to inform Chrom of the situation. "I don't trust Cloud or any of his companions yet, but I can't help but feel they wouldn't lay a finger on Emmeryn. If they meant harm, they could have made their move back at the palace." Though this thought offered a slight sense of relief, he knew he needed to convey the important news that the Exalt, ruler of Ylisse, had left the camp.

Passing Marth, who smiled pleasantly as she walked opposite where he was going, Robin approached Chrom's tent. He felt a strange instinct about this situation. He tried to shake off the feeling but found that the tent wasn't fully closed; it beckoned him. Just as he gathered the courage to push it open, he saw something and wished he didn't. Chrom was inside but not alone—he laid rest in Sumia's lap. They both appeared to be sleeping peacefully next to each other.

Since when did you start having sleepovers with Sumia? Robin sighed. I didn't want to disturb you, but... "Chrom! We have an emergency!" the tactician shouted.

Chrom and Sumia opened their eyes and quickly stood up, realizing Robin was peeking through the tent. "What is it?" they both asked in embarrassment.

"Emmeryn has gone missing!"

Shaking his head, Chrom stepped forward with his hand against his sword. "We have to wake up the others!"


As Emmeryn and her protectors swiftly made their way back through the wooded path, they saw most of the Shepherds rushing towards their direction. Chrom halted in his tracks, seeing his sister riding on Maribelle's horse. "Emm, are you safe?!"

Emmeryn nodded, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. "I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep."

"Your Grace, what happened to you? Why were you out of camp without your guards?" Frederick's tone was direct, bordering on harsh.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain some fresh air, so I went into the woods with Maribelle," Emmeryn began, "But we were ambushed…" She hesitated, taking a moment to assess their concerned faces. "Thankfully, Mirage, Olivia, and Cloud found us in time. They nullified the situation quickly."

Chrom's relief was palpable, and he approached his sister, taking Maribelle's horse's reins. "I'm glad you're alright, Emm. But you must understand the risks—"

"Chrom. I understand. I won't make the same mistake again."

Chrom nodded. "Thank you."

"How many?" Robin asked.

"About thirty. And they were mostly Plegians," Cloud responded.

"Gods, how could they have followed us?" Robin pondered, furrowing his brow. "This can only mean… there is a traitor among us."

Frederick turned his gaze to Robin, his skepticism evident. "Are you certain of this?"

With a grim nod, Robin replied, "Yes. It's the only explanation. If I had to guess, one of the guys who stayed behind at the camp is conspiring with Plegia."

"Why did you make that assumption? Could it not be someone who was with Her Grace?" Frederick pressed.

Robin crossed his arms thoughtfully. "From what the Exalt has shared, they saved her. With the skills and strength Cloud possesses, he could have easily harmed her, and we would have been powerless to stop him. They may have recently joined us, but from what I have seen so far, I can't see them having a reason to betray us. Especially if we look at Marth's and Olivia's behavior."

Chrom nodded in agreement. "If it's not them, then who could it be?"

Robin stroked his chin, deep in thought. "The only logical conclusion is that one of us betrayed our location not because of malice since I haven't sensed anyone with that intent, but because they're a coward afraid of dying in this war. They would want to would avoid confrontation."

His gaze shifted toward Frederick, who understood the implication. "The traitor would never risk their life in battle. That is why you assume someone who stayed behind is the suspect."

Robin affirmed with a nod. "There's one person I've noticed who always looked nervous about something among us."

Frederick's expression darkened. "Yes. He was once a loyal friend of the Exalt's family, even assisting her when she ascended the throne."

Cloud nodded. "That is how one of the Plegians I interrogated described the rat. And that a few more were planning to ambush our camp right now."

Chrom clenched his hands and turned around. "Damn, these Plegians never give up. We are going back!"

Robin nodded, and everyone ran back to their temporary base, noticing smoke engulfing the air a bit. Emerging from the forest, two big tents were set ablaze as a few Shepherds, Marth, and Severa fought the brutish axe-men. They rushed in to help, clearing the Plegians swiftly with their blades and magic. Maribelle and Lissa quickly used their healing staff to help the injured as the others put out the fire.

As the Shepherds were recovering, Kellam noticed an old man in green looking around in exhaustion. "How are you doing, sir?"

The man jumped in surprise. "W-who is there?" Looking around one more time, he finally spotted Kellam. "GAH!" he jumped back again.

"Sorry if I scared you."

The frightened man tried his best to cool down. "O-oh. I-it's alright. I'm just nervous sometimes, ha ha..."

Kellam squinted his eyes. "Say... You don't happen to see a traitor among our group?"

"A-a traitor?" He began to sweat furiously. "T-that sounds troublesome."

Grabbing his shirt, Kellam dragged him.

"H-hey! W-what are you doing?!"

Kellam pushed the old man to the center of the gathering Shepherds, the tension thick in the air. The group's collective gaze bore down on the man, who was visibly trembling now.

"Hierarch, I have been informed that you have been working with the enemy," Phila, the commander of Pegasus Knights, said, her voice low. "You will face your consequences, traitor."

The old man's eyes darted around, catching sight of Chrom's hardened expression and Fredrick's piercing gaze. "I-I don't know what you mean!" he stuttered, sweat glistening on his brow.

Frederick stepped forward; his authoritative presence was undeniable. "You've shown too much fear, especially when she mentioned the word traitor. You will be interrogated thoroughly."

"F-fine. I-I'm in the wrong." The old man swallowed hard. "P-please! I'm just-"

Ignoring his desperate excuses, Frederick grabbed his shoulders. "Let's not complicate things, shall we?"

Dragged again, the hierarch looked at Emmeryn, hoping her kind nature would come to help him, but she avoided his gaze, feeling betrayed that her old companion turned against him.

"There's no betrayal more profound than that of an old friend," Robin echoed, his voice grave. Shaking his head, he turned to Cloud. "I appreciate your efforts to keep the Exalt safe."

Cloud couldn't shake his humility. "We were merely present. We wouldn't have known what was happening if we didn't run into them."

Robin nodded thoughtfully. "Still, your actions saved more than just the Exalt. We could have been caught off guard without your vigilance, and many lives, including ours, might have been lost."

For a brief moment, a painful memory flashed in Cloud's mind—the flames consuming his hometown and the devastating loss of his mother. He kept his expression neutral as he looked at him. "I won't let that happen again."

Detecting a hint of regret in Cloud's voice, Robin chose not to press for details. "I trust you and your companions. I'm grateful for everything you guys have done so far."

Cloud returned the nod. "You're welcome."

With the weight of this night's events lingering, they returned to their tents, ready to return to sleep. As Cloud and his family headed to the tent assigned to them and settled down for tonight, Robin took a moment to walk the camp and saw his tent burnt to the ground. "My books..."


Robin worked tirelessly all morning in a small, spare tent, having no time for distractions; the reality of war loomed over him, and there were more pressing matters at hand. His responsibility as a tactician was to devise a strategy and steer the course of battle. "From here, we could be flanked from the front and both sides if they have air support," he murmured to himself. The more he scrutinized the mountain pass on the map, the less favorable it appeared. "No. It is too perilous. We need to consider an alternate route..."

As he studied maps, evaluating the safest routes they could take, he heard Sully's unmistakable approach—her heavy footsteps announcing her presence. "Hey, Robin, our captain wants to leave soon," she said, her tone direct but laced with an easy camaraderie.

With a weary sigh, Robin replied, "Right now?"

"Yes, slowpoke."

Robin rolled his map and placed it inside his bag. "I guess I have to work on that later. I'm coming." Dismantling his tent, he carried it across the camp, placed it inside the wagon, and met with the prince. "Chrom, did you get any more information from the hierarch?"

"Apparently, more Plegians are tailing us," Chrom answered. "That's about it."

"That's not much to go by. Is that really all?"

"Yes. Everyone already placed their dismantled tents and belongings in the convoy. I hope you have everything packed up and ready."

Robin nodded. "Good to go. By the way, I didn't know you had a thing for Sumia."

Placing his hand against his pommel, Chrom looked away with a tint of red. "That was nothing. She was just... concerned about my well-being."

"Really? Looked more romantic to me."

"Yeah, right. More like she blackmailed me," quietly murmured Chrom.

Robin couldn't tell what he whispered and shrugged. "Well, I'll continue strategizing how to pass the road, according to what the traitor told us, inside our transports."

Chrom nodded. "Tell me what you come up with when you're done."

"As always." Heading over to one of the wagons, he met Severa inside. "Hello, Severa; how is your day going?"

Severa rubbed her tired eyes. "Father? What do you need?"

"Father?"

Staring at Robin's perplexed face, a slow realization began to spread across her face. "WHAT?! Did something happen?!" She turned her head away. "Because you didn't hear anything!"

He raised his eyebrow. "Um, sure. Anyway, you don't mind if I sat here and continued strategizing our route?"

Severa waved her hand. "Whatever, do what you want."

Heading inside, Robin opened his map and resumed his work. Immersed in his plans, he closed his eyes and visualized the battle that would take place tomorrow. It was not a sight that he wished he would not have to see, but it would happen nonetheless. He knew that he had to ask Cloud or Mirage to scout ahead since, with their skills, they could find out where the enemy would come from. The Shepherds would have to play a defensive role. Feeling a hand on his shoulders, Robin looked to see Sumia, who had a concerned look on her face.

"Robin, about last night-"

"I already talked to Chrom about it. He said not to think much of it."

Sumia shook her head rapidly at the thought. "No, not that. My books..."

Robin stopped looking at his map. "Oh, I think they were burnt along with my tent."

She took a step back, wary thoughts starting to form inside her head. "Then... how will I repay those borrowed books... M-maybe Chrom can help me! Right!"

Rushing away to her partner, Robin sighed. "She could've just asked for my help."

Severa, who was watching the whole conversation intently, hunched down and combined her hands. "So, what do you think of her?"

"Huh?"

"Don't 'huh' me. I'm asking if you find her or anybody else... interesting."

Robin thought for a moment. "Well, there's Virion, who I still haven't beaten in chess yet. I wonder how he-"

"Are you dense?" Severa pointed at his heart. "Do you have feelings for anyone? Like a lover?"

"Um," Robin scratched the back of his head. "No? I mean, I did think about it sometimes, but I was never sure."

She smirked. "Good."

"..." Robin looked at her closer. "Are you asking me out? If we are talking about your looks, then-"

"EW. DON'T." Severa glared at Robin coldly. "DO NOT EVER SAY THAT TO ME EVER AGAIN."

He backed up against the wagon's walls. "O-okay?"