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Chapter Text

The cacophony of crickets is all that accompanies me as I take my usual evening stroll around Castle Ylisstol—a vain attempt to calm the maelstrom of thoughts and worries that plague my mind. The Mad King got his war, the very same Emmeryn tried to prevent. Now innocent lives are at stake, as it's clear this will be a bloody conflict. I can’t help but shake the thought that behind all the madness spewed from Gangrel, a manner of truth is hidden between all the vitriol. Surely there's more to this than a lunatic cry for bloodshed and the Exalt’s heirloom.

My thoughts are interrupted by a low sigh. Seeming to have wandered off mindlessly, finding myself in the courtyard alongside Chrom. I find the Prince of the Halidom alone staring off into the dark of night. I'm not the only one stuck in our heads.

“Chrom?”

The blue-haired lord turns towards me, initially shocked by my sudden appearance but quickly turns to a neutral look of worry. The stress of the encounter with Gangrel and the rescue of Maribelle weighs heavy on my friend's mind. I don’t blame him in the slightest.

“Your mind is a mess as well?” I inquire with a tired smile, hoping to ease the slight tension in the air.

“Oh, yes, Robin. Just... dueling with some unpleasant thoughts... Tomorrow we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers.”

I listen with my full attention. I know there's more to this than just the march. We’ve already discussed this earlier during the meeting.

“But there's something you should know first.”

Ah, there it is.

“...Not everything Gangrel said was a lie. The last exalt, my father, waged bloody war on Plegia for many years. The violence... It was a brutal campaign, ending with only his death 15 years ago. Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering, but his war was no kinder to his own people. As the fighting dragged on, our army became more and more diminished. Farmers who could barely wield a pitchfork were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon there was no food at all, and the kingdom began to collapse. I was young, but I remember those dark times. ...I know how they affected Emmeryn.”

My suspicion proved right, but that doesn’t excuse Gangrel’s behavior and call for further blood to be spilled. A brutal war would affect everyone involved. I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been for Emmeryn.

“Such an experience would change anyone,” I reply in an attempt to assure him.

He continues.

“Indeed. When our father died before her 10th year, he left her quite the legacy... Plegia's desire for vengeance... Our own people's unbridled rage... She became a target for blame from all sides. Her own subjects began to hurl insults—and stones. Still bearing the scars from one... But she never let them see her pain. That’s how she is. Only Lissa and I understood.”

I couldn’t help but wince at the mention of her past treatment.

“I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like…”

His gaze lingers towards where the light from the sconces starts to turn to darkness.

“I cannot claim to know how she does it, Robin. I could never greet such hostility with warmth and patience. While our people mocked and vilified her, she reached out and healed them. She brought soldiers home to their families. She ended the war. And when Ylisse's spirit was mended and the people 'forgave' her? ...She never resented them for it. She represents the best of the halidom—the part most worth protecting. She IS peace. But some men would take advantage of that. Men like King Gangrel. The day he understands peace will be the day death gives it to him. ...So perhaps I must be death's agent. Emmeryn would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to.”

A voice calls out before I can formulate a response. An unexpected guest arrives.

“Well spoken, sir.”

We both turn toward the familiar voice. Dark blue armor and garbs with a shiny dark blue and gold accented mask. Marth.

“Good evening to you both.”

Chrom speaks my thoughts as Marth approaches.

“What is the meaning of this, Marth? How did you get in here?” Chrom questions though the intensity of his questions is offset by his calm demeanor.

The unflinching Marth responds.

“The cleft in the castle wall, behind the maple grove.”

Chrom’s face turns to confusion.

“There? But how would you...? Ugh.”

I raise my eyebrow in curiosity.

“You know the place, Chrom?”

He scratches the top of his head.

“Yes. I bashed in part of the wall while training the Shepherds. It's only a small hole, and I'd thought it well concealed, but…”

Hmm.

“Your secret is safe with me. I come here only to warn you.”

Chrom and I both turn to Marth.

“The Exalt’s life is in danger.”

We both jolt in surprise.

“What, Emmeryn? That's absurd. She's guarded at all hours.”

Marth shifts a little, finally showing some emotion on their face. Hesitation.

“What if... What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where Emmeryn is killed. Here. Tonight.”

The future…?

Chrom is also questioning this.

“Have you lost your wits?”

A sudden gust of wind breezes through us, rustling the surrounding foliage. Marth would have their hand hovering over their blade as they seemed poised to strike. I’m not the only one to notice though, as Chrom also puts a hand over falchion.

“Yes, I expected you wouldn't believe me. So allow me to prove it!”

Marth unsheathes their blade. Chrom follows suit.

“I'm about to save your life. ...From him.”

Before Chrom and I can react, an assassin bursts from the bushes blade in hand. Marth instantly throws their sword upwards and jumps, grabbing the blade and in one fell swoop, makes contact with the assassin. The assassin freezes in place, and then Marth lands on the ground. With a grunt, the assassin hits the ground.

“I trust this proof will suffice?” Marth says through labored breathing.

A second assassin rises from the bushes, catching all of us off-guard. Marth would react by stepping back, but not before slipping on the first assassin's sword. As they turn, the assassin's sword slashes through Marth's mask. Breaking the mask in two. And, to our surprise, let loose Marth's long blue hair. Chrom and I speed past Marth to take care of the assassin. With him slashing with Falchion and me shooting a bolt of thunder at them. We both turn to face Marth as the assassin hits the ground.

“Wait, you’re a … woman?”

‘Marth’ would sigh and shake her head with a smile.

“And quite the actress, too. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't figure it out until just now.”

“What—”

Suddenly, an explosion sounds from inside the palace. Ploofs of smoke exit the windows of the palace. Catching all of our attention.

Chrom speaks up.

“This isn’t over ‘Marth’, we’re needed in the castle. Come on!”

Without hesitation, we all dash inside.

The three of us quickly rush into the castle. Servants and knights scatter everywhere in response to the explosions. Smoke fills the air as we try not to bump into anyone.

We soon reach Emmeryn’s chamber, prompting Chrom to scream out for his sister.

“Emm!”

The Exalt is okay, thankfully. She looks at us with fear in her eyes. Clearly rattled from the explosion earlier.

“Chrom? Please, take Lissa and flee while you still have time! You each have but one life, and I do not wish it weighed against mine!”

“No! We're not leaving you! Just stay where it's safe!” Chrom exclaims as he readies his weapon.

A guard runs in.

“Sire! Our guard is scattered, Phila is nowhere to be seen as well as the rest of the pegasus knights. We’re alone here!”

He would look at me and nod. “Robin! The Shepherds are at your command. We will stay here and defend Emmeryn at all costs!”

“Got it.” I nod in response.

The rest of the Shepherds respond fairly quickly as we all stand prepared for the incoming onslaught. I approach Chrom in the small reprieve before they arrive at this part of the palace.

“Chrom. The assassins should scatter if we can defeat their leader. When an opening comes, we should send a small contingent to break through and head straight towards their leader.”

Chrom gives me a reassuring smile.

“I trust your judgment, Robin.”

I couldn’t help but smile back. How he could trust me when we’ve only met not that long ago confuses me greatly. I won’t let it shirk me from the task at hand.

Humans.

More than usual, and more than there should be during the dead of night. Instincts screaming to run away, a clear sign of danger ahead. I refuse to run away now, not when I have debts to repay.

In the darkened shade of the underbrush, I spot a lone figure in stealth. Not good enough to be immune to my taguel senses. Back towards me… an easy target to extract information from. I leap towards them and use my claws to grasp at their throat, and use my quick reflexes to disarm them, kicking their weapon away. Being too fast for the human to comprehend what is happening.

“Quickly! What is your purpose here?” my claw held against the cloaked figure’s throat tightens. Speak fast, or you lose your life, little human.

The poor sod tries to move my claw away from their neck, being unable to do so.

“G-get off of me you beast!”

…

“Arrghh!”

The man-spawn wheezes as I slice their throat. They were heavily armed and cloaked. Assassins. It seems that the white-haired fool was correct. Tonight is the night the Exalt is to be assassinated.

An explosion shakes the ground as I clean my claws of the man-spawns viscera. I must be quick then. With rabbit-like speed, I dash inside and avoid confrontation from any of the guards. Slipping in through the chaos. I have to do this… I have to repay my warren's debts no matter the cost. This is not my fight, I know this. But, I must keep going. Even if it means playing nice to these man-spawn.

Once inside, smoke reaches my nose as well as loud talking that rings out from all the chaos. I approach the voices and mumble to myself.

‘I knew there was wisdom in slipping in with those rogues. Look how these man-spawn claw at each other like savages! I will repay my warren's debt and then wash my hands of their race.’

The loud one, a blue-haired man who carries himself like a warrior with honor, a leader, clearly. Looks to be speaking to another human beside them. My eyes are drawn instead to that one beside him.

Not built for battle, a lean frame wrapped in a coat too fine for a soldier, yet too worn for a noble. A scholar, I presume, soft at first glance. His hair is pale, like winter frost clinging to dead grass. Strange. The white hair stands in sharp contrast against his dark cloak, its golden trim catching in the torchlight of the chamber we all stand in. His eyes, brown, warm in color, but sharp in focus, linger too long on me.

It is not a look of hostility, but… something else. Curiosity. As if he’s trying to understand who I am or what I am. Hmph, typical man-spawn. Let him wonder. He will not find any easy answers here.

I can’t afford to hesitate now, I have revealed myself to the humans. Now it is time to fight.

The white-haired man’s gaze still lingers on me. I would normally be disgusted by the gawking…

… he does not look at me with fear. Perhaps this one is… different.

We hear the intruders break through the tiny contingent of guards they encounter as they get closer to Emmeryn’s chambers. All of us are ready for the incoming onslaught. It’s not going to be easy, but we were graciously warned by Marth. The assassins were expecting to use the chaos to their advantage, but without said advantage, they’re just poorly armed bandits. It's nothing we haven’t handled before.

I hear movement behind us and mumbling. Thinking that some of the assassins got behind us somehow, I turned around. My heavy cloak announces my action as it sifts through the air. Who I end up seeing confuses me more than surprising me.

A woman. Not dressed like any of the guards or the assassins, yet, she carries herself like a warrior. No wasted movements, every step precise. There is something else, something… otherworldly about her. The way she watches the battlefield, assessing, waiting… Her crimson eyes are sharp, almost glowing in the dim torchlight.

Her armor, if it can be called that, seems almost ceremonial, leaving her quick and unburdened. That isn’t what catches my eye though. It’s the fur. Bracers lined with thick, dark pelts, the way it trails at her shoulders… And her ears… wait. Wait ears? She’s definitely not Ylissean or Plegian.

She moves with purpose. Not speaking, just… glaring at us. Like she is wary to fight or flee. The fierce gaze upon us shows something bitter. And yet, for some reason, I feel like she isn’t our enemy.

Wait, she’s looking right at me. Her eyebrow burrows as she catches me staring at her. Great. I go to speak to Chrom but he’s already noticed her too, reaching for his sword.

“Another assassin?”

Before I can respond, Marth speaks up in response.

“Hold! Panne is not your enemy.”

Chrom dons an annoyed look as he turns towards where the noises heard earlier come from.

“You know her?” He questions.

“I speak for myself, man-spawn.” The woman, Panne, suddenly appears close to us.

We all turned to her in shock, she wasn't in the same room as us when we spotted her. And with all the chaos going on, how did she hear us?

“Calm yourselves, my wrath is not for you, as much as you’d deserve it.” Panne’s ears swivel just a bit. Hmm.

“Who are you?” Chrom asks.

“It does not matter. This is not the time for talking. Just know I am here to protect your Exalt.” She squats a bit and holds a stone in her hand.

“Fine.” Chrom relents.

“Shepherds! For now, this woman is an ally.” Chrom announces to the rest of us.

“Is this wise, milord?” Frederick inquires with a raised eyebrow. I can sense his weariness, we've only just meant this mysterious woman. And Marth is telling us she’s not our enemy. We’re not in a situation where we can ignore additional help.

“Marth has earned our trust. She enjoys her secrets, I know. … Like her gender, for one. But she’s also saved our lives. Twice. If this ‘Panne’ is here to protect Emm. More than enough reason for me.”

“Chrom… Thank you.” Marth silently thanks.

“Now, to the matter at hand; driving these scoundrels from our castle! Robin?” He turns to me.

I twirl the iron sword in my hand and open the thunder tome on my other.

“Right.”

In the dim torchlight, I can easily spot the assassins as they march towards us. No longer deeming the shadows necessary to approach us. Good for us, there are fewer surprises to come. Frederick, Lissa, Chrom, Sumia, Panne, and I all inhabit the room closest to the Exalt’s chambers. While Marth guards the main entrance to the chamber, and the remaining Shepherds guard the other side.

Chrom and Sumia, with their combined strength, rush ahead to the chamber next to us where a thief and a brigand lie. They should be good enough, but for added protection I think Frederick providing aid should be enough to secure the west side of the wing.

“Frederick—” I scream out but get interrupted by the charge of Frederick’s armored horse. He seemed to have read my mind. Only makes sense for the retainer of the prince himself.

That leaves Lissa, Panne, and I to guard the main entrance alongside Marth. With the others guarding the east part of this wing, we should be a good wall to prevent any of the assassins from getting to the door.
“Lissa, stay a good distance away from that stairwell—” I point towards the stairs close to Marth.

“If you stay here, should any of us from this room to the one where Chrom rushed to get hurt, you’ll be readily available.”

“Okay! You got it, Robin.” Lissa confirms cheerfully.

I smile at her confirmation. She can be a bit of a tricky one, but when things are serious she steps up to the plate. And her healing is incomparable to any medicine.

Before I can go to secure my position close to Marth, Panne quickly jumps close to me and speaks.

“You bark commands like a general, yet your garb suggests otherwise.”

I subconsciously look down at my robes. “I am no general, just the tactician for the Shepherds. I have a keen mind for the battlefield, so Chrom trusts me with such.”

Panne looks me up and down, clearly in a judging manner. I frown from the inspection.

“You’re not the only one who can stare, man-spawn. If your ‘keen mind’ is so effective, show me what you can do. I’ll fight alongside you and make my judgment.” Panne issues. Not impressed with me in the slightest.

“W-wait I didn’t mean to—” I try to make an excuse for my awkward staring only to be interrupted by Panne speaking loudly.

“Enough talk. The assassins approach.” Panne points out. I jog towards the stairwell and to my surprise, the assassins approach faster than anticipated. I didn’t hear them approach…

Doesn’t matter. Panne and I will guard this stairwell and ensure the Exalt’s survival no matter the cost. She is our priority, not my dignity.

The axe-wielding brigand runs towards us, his careless behavior makes dodging easy. His axe broke into the wall near the stairwell. The brigand attempts to pull it out, but my reflexes are just a bit faster. I quickly cast thunder and launch it right as the bastard is distracted. It doesn’t immediately slay the man, but my swift slash from my sword is enough to take him down.

A thief uses this opportunity to get a good hit on me, slashing through a bit of my cloak and into my undershirt, drawing blood as I grunt loudly. Dammit, where did he come from?!

I react with an upward swing of my own sword, but my recklessness causes the thief to dodge my attack.

“Dammit!” I scream out as the thief laughs and leaps towards me. I left a wide opening for the thief to get a good hit on me, potentially seeing my life flash before me. I close my eyes anticipating the lethal hit, only to feel nothing. Hearing heavy movement behind me and a muffled guttural scream. I quickly opened my eyes to see the thief grasping his throat as he struggled to breathe through the gaping wound on his throat.

Confusion can be seen all across my face as I thought I reached my end. Looking towards Panne, I see a light beat of sweat across her brow as she stands up from a crouched position. Blood on her … claws? She looks at me with a frown.

“Hmph! Are you so disgusted with my kind that you’d be easily killed by a thief than be seen fighting alongside me?! What is this clear show of weakness I am witnessing from the Shepherd’s own ‘tactician!’” Panne exclaims in this small pocket of time where no assassins approach us.

“What? Look, my staring was an accident, I’ve never seen your kind before!” I reply with equal fervor from her scolding. I’m not usually this careless. I need to be more cautious in my approach to these trained killers.

“Look, Panne, more of them approach. I apologize for the poor judgment of my actions. And I thank you for saving me. We have more coming, and I’d appreciate the backup. My life isn’t what's important here, it’s the Exalts.”

“And with that. We are in agreement.” Panne resumes her semi-crouching stance, clutching a stone in her hand. Her eyes go almost feral in anticipation.

The rest of the battle goes accordingly, well, with some unforeseen hitches in the plan. Chrom was able to convince one of the assassins, a thief named Gaius, to join us and fight against his employers. With Gaius’ aid, Chrom, Frederick, and Sumia were able to hold the west wing. The east wing was secured with Sully and Stahl holding the stairwell with Miriel and Virion attacking with their range capabilities. My magic and swordplay, mixed with Panne’s hand-to-hand prowess is enough to stave off any would-be assassins. Any that could get through us, Marth swiftly handles with finesse.

As I survey the battlefield, my strategy pitched to Chrom earlier comes to mind when I see an opening through their forces. The opportunity has revealed itself, Panne and I could cut a straight line through towards their leader and end this attack swiftly.

With that thought in mind, I turn to Panne. Both of us have seen combat as our garbs are tattered and our breaths are heavy from exhaustion.

“Panne, there is an opening in their formation. If we are quick, we can push through their lines and go straight for their leader. It puts us at significant risk, any remaining enemies can intercept us. That’s not excluding any that we can’t see. What do you think?”

“You look to me for advice?” She replies.

“I would not make you do anything you do not wish to do. It is a fool's errand, putting us in direct danger like this. But we could end this now with less bloodshed.”

“If your ‘tactics’ were not to my liking, I would have simply allowed you to be slain by these brigands. If you believe slaying their leader will end this quickly, and save the Exalt, then so be it.” She replies firmly. I’m glad that so far she hasn’t deemed my strategies as inefficient…

“Right. Let’s go then quickly.” I start to run forward when a bright light emanates from where Panne is standing. I look towards her and see her crimson eyes narrow with quiet fury, a gemstone in her hands glows brightly and pulses with power. Her body bends and stretches as her fur spills over her limbs. Her sharp features grow fierce, her ears flattening, and her claws dig into the dirt. She lands on all fours, a towering beast with sleep muscles and exudes raw primal power. She has shifted to something massive and wild, shaped vaguely like a giant rabbit beast.

I’m distracted, again, as she rushes forward past me. A thief was hiding in the shadows but got swiped by her claws, taking them down with one attack. I realize now she’s rushing ahead without me, so I pick up the pace and sprint towards her in an attempt to catch up.

Together, we quickly get past the remaining brigands and dark mages with ease. Panne’s new shifted form became a useful spear to pierce against the stragglers. We’re outside as we encounter their leader at last.

The moment my eyes land on the leader, something immediately feels… off.

The man before us stands draped in dark robes, the flickering torchlight casting deep shadows across his face. His posture is regal, yet there’s something off about him. His presence lingers in the air, like a chill creeping through the room. His cold calculating eyes lock unto me instantly. And for the briefest second, something deep inside me twists.

I don’t know him, I shouldn’t know him.

But I do.

He smiles, slow, and deliberate, like a snake.

“Ah! Can it be?! After years of searching… Tonight, fate truly piles the gifts at my feet!”

I shutter instinctually, freezing on the spot.

“What the hells are you talking about?” I scream out through my teeth. My body tensed during this moment.

“Oh, I know you… Submit to me, and perhaps I might honor you with the truth!” He replies with a sway of his arm as if allowing me to surrender.

“N-no! I can’t …” What is this hesitation? It’s like my body is stopping me from raising my tome!

“See how you pause in your vain attempt to resist? We were fated to meet tonight, allow yourself to do what you are destined to do. Lay down your weapons, and let fate take its course with the end of the Exalt’s life!” The man screams out.

What is this feeling? Dread? This malignance is taking over my well-being!

“For the warren!” A distorted female voice cries out as Panne launches towards the man. Getting a good slash in with her claws, the man stumbles back in recoil. His smirk from before switches to one of pure fury and anger. He raises his dark tome and is preparing to cast a spell.

That is enough to bring me out of this paralysis as I lift my tome in retaliation. Whoever this man is, whatever this feeling is, I’ll deal with it later. We have a battle to win.

I grunt loudly as I launch an electrical blast toward him as he casts his dark magic. Both of them collided in the air and then immediately disbursed. The blast wave from the two spells blows us back a few feet. I brandish my blade as Panne looks about ready to pounce on their leader.

“You’re finished, Validar!” I scream out as I shoot another thunder at him, Panne following up by leaping into the air and slashing at him. He gets a good hit on Panne before being assaulted by our combined attack. He grunts but still stands from the attack. I twirl the blade in my hand and rush ahead.

My sword plunges deep into his abdomen. All the air in his lungs pushes out as he grunts again. Falling forward and landing face first into the dirt screaming out.

“This… is all… wrong! How could… you have known of this plan…” He draws his final breath as he hits the ground.

I take a step back, breathing rapidly, as I stare at his deceased body.

“We… did it…” I push out through my heavy breathing.

Panne shifts back to the form she donned when she arrived. Looking at me inquisitively.

“You shouted a name before you slayed the man. You know of him?” She has an accusatory look on her.

“I did? I… don’t know him. But… I—” I try to recall to the best of my ability but I'm drawing blanks.

A voice screams out from within the castle.

“Robin? They scatter like flies! Ahaha!”

That’s our cue, we both rush in as we see the remaining foes scatter and retreat from the castle. The strategy worked as intended.

“I won’t forget this, man-spawn.”

I know. Neither will I.

When we rush in, we see Chrom speaking to Emmeryn and Phila.

“Thank the gods you’re safe!” Chrom exclaims in clear exhausted excitement.

“It is you I have to thank, Chrom. The Shepherd's quick deployment turned this around.”

Phila steps up.

“I beg your forgiveness, milord! I failed in my duty—they should have never made it into the castle in the first place.”

Chrom puts up his hand and stops her.

“Peace, Phila. You couldn’t have known what was coming. Only Marth could…”

“... Marth?” Emmeryn questions.

“Yes, I would speak more with… Um…” Chrom immediately looks at me confused.

“Robin, where’s Marth?”

I put a hand on my chin in thought. I last saw her guarding the door to Emmeryn’s chamber. If anyone saw where she went, it’d be anyone who was guarding the west or east wing. Not me.

“Hmm… An excellent question. She was guarding the door a moment ago…”

Chrom’s brows furrow.

“... Not again!” as he runs off towards the courtyard. It’s probably best if he speaks to her alone.

I look back towards Emmeryn and Phila as Panne walks up to us. Hand on her hips and clear frustration on her face. A glance in my direction lands me with a look of pure untrust.

Emmeryn speaks up as Panne stops.

“Brave taguel, there are not words to express my gratitude.”

“Hmph… so you know our true name?”

That must be what her race is called.

“Sorry, what’s a taguel?” I blurt out without thinking. All eyes turn to me. Panne’s specifically one still showing mistrust.

“I am a taguel, the… the last of the taguel. We are shape-shifters, as you witnessed before. Most of your kind called us ‘beast’ or ‘coney’ in the midst of their hunt.” She turns to Emmeryn.

“I only helped you because my warren owes Ylisse a great debt. Do not think us friends, you and I!”

Does she owe all of Ylisse a great debt?

“I don’t understand…”

“Of course, it’s precious little your kind seem to understand. It was man-spawn like you that invaded our warren and slaughtered my people.” Panne spits out with venom.

“What?! Is this true? Who would do such a thing?” That sounded like a genuine surprise. Sounding like the revelation is stabbing through her heart. That explains the open hostility in her words towards me and Chrom when we met her. I wouldn’t trust anyone either.

Panne’s eyes narrow at Emmeryn.

“Ha! Do not act so shocked. You are all the same. Right down to your base desire to ruin and destroy all you touch—even each other.”

Emmeryn closes her eyes and sighs.

“...There is truth to your words, perhaps. I'm told that, in taguel society, everyone is treated as an equal. Mankind could have learned much from your warren. The words may come too late and mean too little, but I am deeply sorry. We have committed horrible acts, stealing away your friends and family.”

Phila steps up into the conversation.

“Your Grace—you had no fault in this!”

Panne interrupts her.

“You claim to be blameless, and yet you would apologize? Pah! Your words are but wind.”

Emmeryn opens her eyes and looks at Panne with intent.

“I know... But they are all I have.”

That stops Panne dead in her tracks. She stares at Emmeryn, probably in an attempt to see through her words. She’s talking to Emmeryn though, the loved Exalt of Ylisse.

In clear resignation, she speaks out. “...You seem sincere, man-spawn. You feel my pain as your own. ...I've never felt that before. Look at me. ...See what I am. I will never trust mankind. But you... Perhaps you truly are not like the others.”

Emmeryn smiles and “All I ask is a chance to earn your trust.”

“...” Panne continues staring at Emmeryn. Stunned by Emmeryn’s sincerity, losing herself in her thoughts.

We’re interrupted by the return of Chrom. With his eyebrows still burrowed and also lost in thought. Upset with whatever outcome they reached. Seeing how he returns alone, I can surmise why.

“Not the answers you liked?” I ask Chrom as stops next to me.

“Yes. Am I that easy to read?”

“Like an open book,” I replied.

That gets Chrom to smile. “Heh, I suppose so.” His eyes lock on Panne, finally noticing her.

“Panne. The warrior unfamiliar to any of us, but an ally nonetheless revealed by the illusive ‘Marth’.”

That brings Panne out of her thoughts and to Chrom.

“Is that a problem, princeling?”

Chrom flashes his signature smile. I know what he is about to do.

“No. You rushed towards an unknown battlefield to protect my sister. Putting your life in danger. As far as I am aware, you are an ally and a friend.”

He continues.

“I know not of your true intentions, nor do I need to know. The Shepherds would gladly accept you into their ranks, should you need it.”

Panne’s expression is of clear annoyance.

“What makes you think I’ll allow myself to be led by a human?! Do you truly think so low of me to allow myself to be enslaved like my ancestors?”
Chrom puts his hands up in surrender.

“Woah there, friend. I may not be as informed as my sister on the matters of the taguel. But, what I do know is what I have witnessed. Everyone in the Shepherds would gladly accept you into their folds. I only offer the opportunity. I overheard you speaking of debts to Ylisse? Fighting for the Shepherds can be a way to pay off said debt. Though, as far as I am aware, you repaid the debt tenfold tonight.”

“What say you?” Chrom puts out a hand.

Panne is utterly bewildered, staring right at Chroms hand. I don’t think she was expecting Chrom’s family honor and compassion. It can be overwhelming how nice they all are. How willing they are to accept anyone into their family. It’s just who Chrom is.

“Fine... I accept.” Panne reluctantly shakes Chrom’s hand.

Chrom doesn’t relent, not caring to show his happiness in her decision.

“We gladly welcome you, Panne. Please, rest for the night you’ve earned it.”

Chrom turns to the rest of us. Donning a commanding gaze.

“We will discuss our further plans in the morning. Everyone rest up… and thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“...”

With that, Panne is accepted into the Shepherds. Chrom has this knack for accepting strays into the mix. But let's keep that to ourselves, lest I incur the wrath of Panne from simply implying she's a lowly animal. She isn't the only new member, as Gaius, the rogue, also joined the Shepherds. With the promise of sweets aplenty. He's an odd one that one.

We managed to stave off the assassination attempt and protect Emmeryn. Chrom makes sure to not let his appreciation go unsaid, showering me with praise for my strategy. It is eventually too much for me as we all go back to our personal chambers in an attempt to rest for the night.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The room is dimly lit by the moonlight coming out from the window. The familiar cacophony from the crickets is the only thing I can hear besides my own breathing. A quiet night, well, what's left of the night.

My thoughts settle away from the adrenaline-filled battle, and unto the mysterious shapeshifter we’ve met. Panne. She is a taguel, a race of shape-shifters from the deep wilds of Ylisse. My amnesia makes me incapable of remembering any other information on the taguel. And with my free time used extensively reading many books from Ylisstol’s library and at camp, the taguel were not mentioned once.

My eyebrows furrow in annoyance. The cruelty of humanity knows no bounds, like someone made sure to erase the taguel from history. Or well, maybe taguel history wasn’t recorded well enough before they were killed off. Regardless, it still saddens me greatly, to know that so much information and history is just gone.

My curiosity is getting the better of me here. Maybe some other day when Panne is settled, I can approach her about learning more about the taguel. Perhaps even cataloging all that information into a book. So more people can know about them. I hope Panne won't mind.

That is assuming a lot here, she clearly doesn’t want anything to do with me. We fought together with clear cohesion, but all of that is thrown away from that encounter with… Validar. I lost any trust I had with her instantly upon screaming that name out.

How I know such a name bewilders me. Who was that man? Why did every word he spewed lie heavy onto my well-being? He seemed surprised to even find me. Why did I have to lose all my memories? Who am I?

I sigh as the torrent of my thoughts keeps me up. I suppose this is another restless night.

I wish I knew who I was.

Chapter Text

Wham!

I slammed the book closed way harder than I intended to. I sigh loudly with evident frustration.

I just. Can't. Find. Anything on the taguel!

It's almost as if someone intentionally erased them from Ylissean history! When I finally get somewhere with information on the first Exalt, it seems to skip entirely where the taguel could be relevant.

What is the debt the taguel supposedly owe to the first exalt? Shouldn't it be in the same period as the first Exalt's history?

I lean on my hand with my elbow on the table. My body aches from sitting in one position for an extended period, and my mind quickly wanders to topics I've been purposely pushing back.

I rub my forehead.

My break is over.

I use this moment to glance around the quarters I've been staying in. Books piled upon other more oversized books. Quills, empty ink pots, and parchment lay scattered about the room—gods, I've made such a mess, abusing Feroxi hospitality like this.

I use the next ten minutes to organize and clean the room. My mind continued to race through a myriad of topics: the taguel, the war, anxiety, anxiety about the war.

Panne…

Wait.

I shake my head. There are more critical things to think about, like the ramifications of war… Emmeryn's safety… and Chrom's reliance on my strategic input.

I am a mess.

Since the assassination attempt and proclamation of war from Gangrel, things have been chaotic for the Shepherds. Our escort of Emmeryn to the eastern palace went horribly wrong. Witnessing betrayal from one of Ylisse's hierarchs and the subsequent Plegian ambush that occurred soon after. We were joined by a pegasus knight, Cordelia. Her arrival confirmed the worst of our worries. Plegia is actively invading Ylisse and being led by the Mad King himself.

The Shepherds combined forces thankfully dealt with the Plegians that ambushed us. Then Cordelia revealed the state of the border to us. Destroyed, and the Mad King marches to the capital. Emmeryn, with all the goodwill in her, couldn't sit idly by while Plegia marches to the capital and brings terror to the Ylissean people. So she chose to stay back and be in the palace, but not before giving Chrom House Ylisse's most treasured artifact: the Fire Emblem. She then commanded us to go to Ferox and request the Khans for aid.

It was heartbreaking to see Chrom and Lissa begrudgingly let Emmeryn go. But it is what we had to do and what Emmeryn felt she needed to do.

We're in Regna Ferox now, awaiting any news from the capital. Flavia has been gathering the Feroxi forces while the rest of us wait patiently, driving most of us insane.

Maybe leaving the room is for the best, at least for now.

Once I managed to organize the room to be semi-presentable, I decided to walk around Arena Ferox. I'm hoping it'll get my mind off things, leading me to think again of Panne.

My attempts to avoid confronting her and finding the information myself have been for nothing. She's the only taguel I might ever have a chance to talk to, and I'm avoiding her out of petty fear. Well, not petty fear, reasonable fear, to put it accurately. Maybe I should stop being a coward and talk to her.

C Support

I don't know what I was expecting. Finding a skilled hunter in a large, unfamiliar place would be difficult for any person. And I don't know what I'm doing, so it's doubly difficult.

I was getting ready to call it for today, seeing what I think is the third time I've ventured down this corridor before I heard movement just behind my peripheral. Turning around, I almost jumped when I saw Panne suddenly behind me, her arms crossed and an annoyed look on her face.

"You." is all she says as she glares at me.

"Oh! Yes, hello, Panne." I reply with a nervous smile.

"What are you doing? I can tell you are hunting for something. Or someone…what is it that you want, man-spawn?" she asks unmovingly.

"Hunting? No, it's nothing like that. I just… Would you tell me more about the taguel?" I ask, trying to change the direction this conversation is going. I notice her glare lets up a bit, slowly turning to surprise.

"I have tried reading all the books I can find that COULD contain any information on the taguel, only to find nothing—"

"I am hardly surprised." Panne interrupts my incoming tangent.

"Humanity made it very clear what they thought of my kind. Upon our erasure, traces of the taguel burned away like the flames that took my kin." A saddened look in her eyes showed just for a second. It is quickly replaced with the same glare as before as she looks back at me.

"That is why you search for me? Right now? When war is upon us?" Her questioning rises in intensity after each question.

"I—"

"And after our encounter with those assassins? You screamed a name like you knew the individual. I have kept my tongue from revealing this information to everyone to see what you have to say on the matter. Yet, your mind wanders on the history of my people." She uncrosses her arms, now landing on her hip. She's waiting for my response.

How can I even defend myself here? It's hard to believe she'll accept any answer I give.

The truth then. I have nothing to hide.

"It is true, I said that man's name when delivering the final blow. The name just kind of… came to me as I was casting my magic." I speak, looking right into Panne's questioning crimson eyes.

"I can't recall anything about my past. Ever since Chrom found me lying on the grassy field alone, in fact. He found a man who had no idea who he was, what his name was, and where he was standing. Information comes to me randomly about myself. Like my name and some of my talents, like magic and strategy." I look down at my hands.

"Despite all of that, despite the clear warnings from Frederick, Chrom trusted me. He accepted me into the Shepherds without a second thought." I smile, recalling the kindness Chrom has shown and continues to show me.

"I'm not asking you to blindly trust me. I just ask that you believe me when I tell you I genuinely do not know who 'Validar' was and my connection to him. The fact I knew the name has caused restless nights for me." My smile dips into a slight frown.

"I actually hope to gain your trust one day, Panne. But that isn't why I was looking for you. I barely know anything about the taguel and want to know more."

"You are alone as well..." She mumbles, and her frown intensifies.

"Panne—"

"Stop." She raises her hand, interrupting me.

"You truly wish to know more about the taguel?"

"Yes." I curtly answer.

"..."

She just stares at me.

"Only if you don't mind…"

"I do not." She replies.

Wait, really?

"Wait, really?"

"No, I do not mind. Why do you doubt me?"

"It's just… from the way the conversation was going… I don't know. I was not expecting you to say yes, is all." I sigh.

"Which part is it then? Am I frightening you so, or is it the fact I am a taguel?"

"N-neither! I don't have reservations because of what you are, Panne. I just thought you would not tell me because of our incident and the fact I am a human." I raise my hands.

"..." she continues to stare at me. Her ears swivel a bit. The stress of this conversation continues to eat away at me.

"I see. You do not bear the blame for what was done, so do not bear the guilt. Guilt creates distance. If you would learn of my people, cast it aside."

"Okay." I try to calm the storm that is my heart.

She smiles.

"You are calmer now. Your heart has slowed."

"You can hear my heartbeat?"

"Lesson one—the taguel have strong ears. One's heartbeat betrays its owner."

"Heh, remind me never to play cards against you." I joke, but it's clear that perhaps Panne didn't see it as a joke.

"Ah, you see when playing cards…" I look at her and see her face hasn't shifted. "This may come off rude, but do you share any other characteristics of … uh… rabbbitttss?"

"Hmm." I knew it was an idiotic question.

"Lesson two—in our untransformed state, we are capable of dexterous actions not unlike a rabbit."

I don't doubt that at all. She snuck through the rogues that snuck up to us in Castle Ylisstol.

"That's actually very fascinating, Panne. I would like to know more, if uh, that's not a problem."

"Of course not." Her ears swivel again towards the end of the hall we are in. Frederick approaches soon after.

"Robin, meeting with the prince and the khans with utmost urgency."

"Right." I turn towards Panne.

"Can we talk again soon?"

I see a genuine smile across her face.

"Of course. It is nice to find someone curious about my people."

Things only got worse from then on.

One of the khans, Basilio, came to us as a bearer of bad news. Ylisstol has fallen, and Emmeryn is captured to be publicly executed. The siblings did not take the news well, with Lissa fainting in my arms and Chrom making drastic decisions. Deciding to march to Plegia and rescue Emmeryn, even when it sounded like a clear trap.

I had to say something lest we march to our deaths without a plan. I promised everyone that I would devise a plan to rescue the Exalt. Knowing fully what I am promising here and the ramifications should I fail.

And so, a plan was conceived.

The Shepherds were to sneak into Plegia and attempt a rescue of the Exalt before her execution. Using the arid desert terrain to our advantage.

On the way, we encountered an engagement further south. Chrom and the rest of the Shepherds sought to intervene.

We encountered another shapeshifter, a manakete named Nowi, and her seemingly self-appointed bodyguard Gregor.

Frederick revealed to us that the attackers were members of a dark, fanatical cult that worshiped the fell dragon Grima. A fact that would have surprised me, but I felt indifference instead. I might have already known this information.

Chrom ended up recruiting Nowi and hiring Gregor. Bolstering the Shepherds forces, especially now that we have a dragon on our side!

That brings me to where we are now. A day that none of us will ever forget.

One of our spies confirmed that the Exalt was to be executed at the castle the next day. The Feroxi Khans, Chrom, and I discussed our strategy once again. Making sure that every little detail was accounted for. If only I was more confident or … something.

I just know that it all started that morning. An omen of sorts that I acknowledge now.

"... the yoke of destiny cannot be cast off! Even as they resist, they write your future with every step!..."

Those words repeatedly echo in my head, sounding closer and closer until they sound as if whispering in my ear.

"... AHHHH!!"

My body jumps involuntarily, bringing me to full consciousness as I sit up. I groan in response. Lightly grasping my head as it begins to throb in pain.

A nightmare…

No… that was not a simple nightmare. That familiar evil-sounding voice… It can't be him.

"Man-spawn?"

I jolted again in surprise. The throbbing in my head intensifies. I turn towards the entrance to my tent to see Panne. If my head was not bound to explode, I would have sworn to have seen worry across her face.

"... Terrorized in your sleep?" She asks rather calmly. Walking up and examining me further. I instinctively look at her and stare at her crimson eyes.

I have to keep myself from staring long. "Y-yes, something like that. Uhm, how can I help you, Panne?"

"The Shepherds await their 'Master Tactician' for the march."

'Master Tactician' huh… I would respond to the mockery if the sudden onslaught of worry that fills my head alongside the familiar throbbing didn't cut my train of thought.

"Okay. I will be right there. Thank you, Panne."

She hums at my response, still staring at me as I get my things together. Turning around to leave, I notice she's gone. We can't afford to add that to the list of worries, we have an Exalt to save.

Frederick efficiently managed to get all of the Shepherds assembled. Chrom, Flavia, Basilio, and I were going over the plans again. Once everything was in place, at least to the best of our ability, we marched on to Castle Plegia.

In the sweltering Plegian heat, my mind replays the plans multiple times. Interrupt the execution and fight our way through the guard posted. If it goes right, the pegasus knights led by Phila will swoop in and rescue the Exalt. With the element of surprise, Gangrel won't have enough time to respond.

At least, that's how it is predicted to work. The Mad King always has a trick up his sleeve. Somehow. He may be mad, but he is not stupid.

Seeing Chrom razor focused on the task at hand worries me. The siblings have been very stressed about the events to come. Chrom double-checked, triple-checked, and even quadrupled checked the plans with the Khans and our troop numbers. Discussing backup plans and the backup plans for the backup plan.

I can't say I blame him. This is his older sister, after all. Someone very dear to him. Dear to a lot of us, actually. Emmeryn is one of the better people among us. Many would die to protect her and what she represents.

Hope.

Hope is not enough to quell the anxiety. I can't utilize "hope" as a tactical asset. It leaves too many unknowns. Definite factors are what I need. And there's not enough here for my liking.

I can't help but shake the thought that I could be wrong. Hope is what motivates a lot of the Shepherds. Hope might even be what is holding Chrom and Lissa together through this ordeal.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sight of Plegia Castle in the distance.

From the outside, the remains of a massive dragon stand tall among the flowing sands. Inside lies Castle Plegia.

Staring at it has me at a loss of words. It feels like ethereal tendrils clawing at my head.

I have been here before.

…

That can't be true.

Chrom walks ahead and raises his arm, signaling us to halt. He stares into the dragon's skull before quickly turning around to face us. Eyebrows furrowed, conviction is clear across his face.

"Listen up, Shepherds!"

Chrom's tone gets everyone's attention.

"We stand at the gates of Plegia Castle, not as conquerors, not as invaders like they are making us out to be, but as brothers and sisters fighting for what is right. The Mad King dares to use my sister, your Exalt, as a pawn in his twisted game. He would execute her to break our spirit, the spirit of Ylisse."

He pounds his chest piece.

"But we are not here to kneel. We are here to bring her home. The Mad King expects us to be angry and reckless. He wants to turn this into the bloodbath he desperately craves. But I swear to you all, we will not give him that pleasure."

"We will fight smart. We will fight together as one. We will show him that honor and courage still means something!"

"Some of you have fought beside me since the beginning. Others came from Ferox, not out of duty but because you believe in this cause. And I thank you, all of you."

"We do this for Emm. We do this for peace."

"And if they want a war—"

He unsheathes Falchion and raises it up in the air.

"—then, by the gods, we will end it on our own terms!"

Everyone screams and raises their weapons in the air alongside Chrom.

"Now, move out and get into positions! The Exalt awaits."

All of the Shepherds get into their respective positions, as previously discussed. I begin to settle into my position. I am to signal when the executioner walks up to Emmeryn. From there, we swoop in quickly and remove the guard stationed in the castle courtyard.

"The prince speaks like a fool."

I immediately turn toward the source of that statement. Seeing Panne staring intensely at the dragon's skull, unflinching.

"Loud, passionate, desperate to rally his pack. He speaks of honor, peace, and family—as if such things protected my kind."

Her scarlet eyes turn to stare back at me, ears twitching, eyebrows furrowed.

"Yet…"

She uncrossed her arms, leaving one on her hip. Fully turning to me.

"He means every word."

"There is no deceit in his words. No clever twist of the tongue. Just pure burning passion. The same passion burns for his sister. The same that motivates his desire for justice. He would throw himself into the jaws of death without hesitation."

"It is foolish. It is reckless. It is what got my kind killed. Humans destroyed my warren. My people. They burned everything. Their words meant nothing then."

She pauses. The arm on her hip goes slack.

"...but it is not weakness."

"Humans kill with swords, with greed, with lies. But the prince... this 'Chrom'... he would rather die than break the bonds he holds dearly with his kin."

She turns away from me.

"That is something I am coming to understand."

"His pack follows him not out of obligation, but because he fights beside them."

She shakes her head.

"All of this is strange. It's… troubling."

A moment passes as we stand together. I listen for my queue, but hear nothing. Not yet.

"It should be troubling."

I turn to her, attempting to seem calm.

"Belief does not come easily when you have lost so much."

"But the fact that you want to believe that you are even asking yourself these questions says more about your strength than any battle ever could."

"You don't owe anyone your trust, Panne. Not Chrom. Not the Shepherds. Not me. But..."

I hesitate; I don't want to overstep my bounds.

No, I can't hesitate here; she needs to hear it.

"If you ever decide to trust again… I think you'll find you're not as alone as you once thought."

A moment passes.

Panne just… stares at me.

"I believe we are getting close to time."

She breaks away.

"Of course."

She quietly slinks off towards, I presume, her position.

I don't have time to digest what happened. The Mad King's voice can be heard echoing around us.

It begins.

"Good people!"

We all hear shouting from below the upper jaw of the dragon skull.

There he is, the Mad King. Looking down at the Plegian people.

Looks like he gathered every Plegian in the capital…

"Warriors of Plegia! Welcome! Welcome, one and all! Your anticipation electrifies the air!"

"We ALL remember the crimes committed by Ylisse, don't we? Would you have their witch-queen answer for them? Here? Today? NOW?!"

The crowd cheers.

"YEEEEEEEEEEEES!" He laughs maniacally.

"Finally, we will have JUSTICE!"

Gangrel swings an arm towards where Emmeryn stands at the very top of the skull.

"EXECUTIONER!~ If you would be so kind…"

A giant of a man wielding a bloody executioner's axe slowly walks up to Emmeryn.

Closer…

He stops. Slowly raising the axe, clearly as a way to rile up the crowd.

"NOW!" I scream out.

"I've got him!" Flavia cries out as she spins to throw her short axe. Impressively flying through the air in an almost impossible feat. Hitting the executioner, the axe lodged itself into his skull.

The executioner takes a couple steps back in recoil, then he just falls off the skull.

"EVERYONE! NOW!" I raise my sword and tome and rush towards the courtyard. Followed by the rest of the Shepherds.

Thanks to our cavalry, we could barge through the guard and reach the entrance to the castle courtyard.

Chrom screams out.

"Take out all the soldiers first! The rest of you stay behind and stop any reinforcements from flanking us. We'll deal with the Mad King!"

The familiar crazed voice of the Mad King speaks out in a surprisingly calm manner.

"Oh, will you now? Bwa ha! We've been expecting you, Little Prince."

What?

"Men: Kill him. Kill his sister. Kill his troops and his friends and anyone else you find! KILL THEM AAAAAAAAALL!~”

I grit my teeth. Gods… there is no way he actually expected this did he? It has to be a bluff.

It doesn’t matter, we are here now.

…

The battle wages on better than I expected, not as good as I had hoped. There were a lot of Gangrel's men expecting us and heavily armed. The vanguard barely kept the wyvern brigade reinforcements from coming down on us.

During the battle, Chrom spotted a lone priest in service to Ylisse. In typical Chrom fashion, this priest, Libra, was recruited mid-battle and served us well to assist the vanguard and mend wounds when needed.

We also encountered a rather… eccentric Plegian mage named Tharja. Chrom can be a LITTLE too trusting sometimes. But I am not one to judge in that regard.

Things were going relatively well. Even with Gangrel expecting us, we pushed through the courtyard and routed their general. The next part of our plan was about to commence.

Chrom ran up and raised his sword.

"Robin! Their wyvern riders have fallen! The skies are clear! I'm giving the signal!"

The pegasus knights swooped in soon after. Basilio's forces were meant to rush inside and free Phila and other Ylissean prisoners.

Speaking of, Phila rushed towards the Exalt.

"Your Grace!"

Emmeryn, throughout the battle, stood patiently at the top. When she noticed Phila, she had a surprised look on her face.

"Phila! I'm so glad to see you're safe! But how—"

"Khan Basilio's men freed me. Come, we must hurry!"

As Phila was putting a hand out for Emmeryn, everything froze.

Something unsettling surges through my body.

Dark magic…

Risen.

Risen appeared out of nowhere. Completely surrounding the pegasus knights, who were soon to surround us. All armed with bows.

Oh no…

"...Risen?! Oh gods, no! Chrom! There are Risen everywhere!"

"What!? Damn, not now!"

"Bwa ha ha!"

No, no!

"Oh, did an army of living corpses just APPEAR out of the blue?! Truly, the heavens smile upon mighty King Gangrel this day! Bwa ha ha ha!"

The Mad King's laughter can be heard all across the courtyard.

The Risen take aim…

"Bwa ha ha! Watch how they fall, one by one!"

They fire upon the Pegasus Knights. One by one, they are hit by a volley of arrows. Falling off their pegasi and plummeting to the ground.

Even Phila… Gods…

"Phila!" Emmeryn cries out in horror.

"No, no, no!" I can't help but cry out.

"They are all dying!" Chrom screams out.

"I believe this is what they call a reversal of fortunes. Now...grovel before me. Plead! Beg for your worthless lives!"

Chrom grits his teeth, exuding pure wrath.

"I'd give up my life before I'd ever beg for it from you."

Gangrel smirks.

"Oh, now THAT is a good line. A fitting epitaph for your tombstone, perhaps? But it's not just your life in the balance. The Exalt still stands upon the block. And I have a dozen bows trained on her. All it would take is one word from me…"

Chrom holds out a hand in Emmeryn's direction.

"Emm! Hold on, I'm—"

"ARCHERS! If this Ylissean pup so much as twitches, let fly your arrows!" Gangrel interrupts.

The prince grips Falchion as he starts to shake in anger.

"I… I'll kill you!"

"Go ahead! I welcome it. Just know you were responsible for Big Sister's bloody demise! ...And what of the rest of you? Eh? Who wants the honor of killing the Exalt? ...No one? Bah! Your merry band isn't quite so headstrong anymore, is it? Pathetic!"

"Damn you!"

"Yes, yes, many have the same sentiment, princeling. No one needs to die today. Not you. Not the Exalt. Not your friends. Just lay down your sword, and give me what I ask for."

"The Fire Emblem."

I can see it on Chrom's face. He's genuinely considering it!

"Chrom! You can't trust him!"

He turns to me, gritting his teeth.

"OF COURSE I can't trust him! I'm not an idiot! But if I just say no, he'll kill her! The gods are cruel, damn them! My sister or my duty... A problem with no right answer, yet I must choose!"

This can't be it; there has to be a way! Come on! Think of something!

"Don't give up, Chrom! There has to be a way…"

"If there is, I can't see it! Gods!"

Gangrel's giggles at our situation.

"I will count to three! Throw down your weapons, or your Exalt becomes the world's largest quiver."

He raises a finger.

"One."

Okay! Let's look over the situation. We lost all air advantage; sending just one person will put them in immediate danger of death. If we attack the risen, arrows will go soaring through the air.

Gods! Okay, okay, what else?! Anything we do, he will unleash the volley of arrows. Are we truly out of any options?!

“Thre—”

“Gangrel, hold!”

Chrom looks up to the Mad King, devastated.

"... You win. Shepherds, lay down yo—"

"No, wait!"

Another voice joins us. Emmeryn…

"SILENCE!" Gangrel lashes out at Emmeryn's interruption.

"King Gangrel, is there no hope you will listen to reason?"

"You mean listen to more of your sanctimonious babble?! I think not. No, all I want to hear now is the THUNK of arrows, and a SPLAT as you hit the ground. Take one long, last look from your perch. You do so enjoy looking down on people... Then prepare to meet the ground, and your maker! That is, unless someone were to give me the Emblem... NOW!"

Chrom screams out to Gangrel.

"ALL RIGHT! All right... Emm, I know you won't approve, but this is my final decision. MAYBE someday we'll face a crisis where MAYBE the Emblem would've helped... But I know for a fact that Ylisse needs you today! The people need their exalt... And we need our sister. If those dark days should come, we'll face them together."

"Chrom…"

Emmeryn closes her eyes.

"I know what I must do."

"Emm?"

She walks up right to the top edge of the dragon skull. Looking upon the crowds of Plegians.

"Plegians! I ask that you hear the truth of my words! War will win you nothing but sadness and pain, both inside your borders and out. Free yourselves from this hatred! From this cycle of pain and vengeance."

She pauses.

"Do what you must... As I will do. See now that one selfless act can change the world!"

Chrom sprints ahead towards Emmeryn.

"Emmeryn!"

…

The crowd is silent.

"... no reaction… was I wrong then?"

She gazes into the sky; a bird flies overhead as she stares into the endless blue heavens. She begins to step towards the cliff's edge.

No…

"Chrom… This is some torch I'm passing you…"

She stops one step away from falling.

"So be it." She closes her eyes.

A moment goes by, everyone in complete silence. Emmeryn opens her eyes to look at us. A smile across her face.

Emmeryn, no!

One step over, she begins to fall off the cliff.

Chrom and Lissa scream out for her in horror. We all watch the Exalt plummet towards the ground.

When she hits the ground, Chrom falls to his knees.

"Emm!"

I am frozen. I can't move.

"Oh gods…"

Chrom quickly looks up and screams at the top of his lungs.

"DAMN YOU, GANGREL!"

Lissa screams out for Emmeryn and falls to her knees as well. Frederick comes to her aid.

"Bwa ha ha haa! Well now! ...How disgustingly noble. And so lovely a fall! Here, I thought death to be an ugly thing. I've never seen one fall so gracefully, in fact. ...And I've seen many fall." Gangrel taunts.

He claps his hands.

"Ah... So ends Emmeryn, Ylisse's most exalted! But how can we ensure everyone remembers this beautiful moment of her sacrifice? Perhaps we should gather up her body and put it on display! Bwa ha ha…"

Chrom growls, gripping Falchion with all the remaining strength he has.

"Gangrel! You die today!"

He's going to get himself killed. I'm too useless to stop him!

The Khans rush in, Basilio grabbing Chrom before he can sprint towards Gangrel.

"No, boy! I secured an escape route! We have to flee!"

He struggles to push ahead, but the strength of both Khan's keep him still.

"Let go of me! I will rip his throat out!"

"You have to RUN! Now do it! Robin! Don't let him do anything stupid!"

I ran to him and grabbed him.

"Chrom!"

His rage wavers slightly.

“Robin… her body… I have to–"

"We don't have time, let's go!"

The Exalt stands at the edge.

Calm. Gentle. No fear in her voice, only resolve. The same humans who despise her, who call for her death, are the very ones she is choosing to die for.

She jumped, without hesitation. No cowardice or regret.

Just... peace.

The crowds of humans gasped. The prince and princess scream. And for a moment, the battlefield is silent.

...

Why does it hurt?

My chest tightens, and I can feel my heartbeat.

She was human. A ruler over the same people who murdered my kin. A symbol of everything I have learned to despise.

And yet...

She reminded me of better days. When the elders of my warren spoke to us when we were frightened. They spoke with warmth, with wisdom.

With love.

She gave herself for her people. For a future she would never see.

A true leader... till the end.

And I... I did nothing. I stood here. Watched in horror. I have claws, I have speed, I could have---

My fists are clenched, trembling.

I failed her. I failed my kin...

I was too slow. Too distant. I let myself believe I did not care.

But I do... I very much do.

More than I realized.

My last words to her... such venom those words were laced. Who was I to say such things to someone who had nothing to do with my warren's destruction.

I thought humans incapable of sacrifice.

But... she... Emmeryn... She was more than human.

She was the light that led her people.

And now that light is extinguished.

The wind here carries the scent of grief.

My mind has been elsewhere as we march. The Shepherds, once full of song and reckless optimism, now move like ghosts. Heads down, eyes hollow.

The humans have lost their light.

I can't say I am any different. I... I feel it too.

I did not know her. And yet her words... they stirred something ancient in me. A memory of what my people once had. Leaders who gave more than they took.

And now she is gone.

The Prince does not speak. He marches ahead, shoulders stiff, eyes cast forward.

I can hear what he hides in his heart, what he does not express to anyone else.

Pain.

A deep, gnawing kind that words can't fix.

Robin stays close, whispering what I can only presume as words of encouragement... or strategies.

The Prince barely responds. He just keeps walking. One step at a time. Like a creature wounded too deeply to howl.

I walk behind them, caught in a war not of my making, following humans I once would have fled from. I should not care. Not feel this way.

I pause at where we are marching towards. A swamp of some sort. I begin to see more humans wearing the garb of the Plegians.

I am not the only one to notice. That loud one... Basilio notices them too. Announcing it to everyone.

"Huh? Damn! Plegians! I knew it couldn't be that easy. They're right in our way! We must fight!"

An imposing man wearing the garb of a berserker strides up to reveal himself. A leader, clearly.

"Ylisseans! I offer you mercy! Surrender to me now and live!"

Hmph, presumptuous of you, man-spawn. Like I would ever surrender to a human.

"Surrender? Sorry, I'm not familiar with the word." The loud one yells in reply. We share the same sentiment.

The berserker shakes his head in disapproval.

"Emmeryn would not have wished for this to come to bloodshed."

The Prince instantly growls like a cornered feral animal and screams out.

Don't speak her name!

The Plegian general continues to stare down the Prince after his outburst. Seemingly unswayed by it.

"Your rage is justified, Prince Chrom. But the meaning of your sister's final sacrifice was not lost on me. I suspect many Plegians who heard her final words would say the same. If you lay down your weapons, I vow to protect you as best I can."

I suspect that is not the truth. These Plegians have proven to be bloodthirsty cravens, not unlike wild animals.

Frederick speaks up.

"How can we trust you after what your barbarous king has done? I think we shall take our chance with weapons in hand!"

"I suspected you would say as much. So be it, Prince Chrom. I shall endeavor to grant you a swift and dignified end." The Plegian draws their weapon, as does the rest of his forces. Silence fills the battlefield again, only hearing the rainfall hit the mud.

What I expected from this incursion was the same aggression the Plegians have shown to only be capable of. I expected arrogance, hatred from all of them, including their general. Instead, I see sorrow in their eyes. Shame. The Plegians hesitate. Many lay down their arms, some even kneel in surrender.

Not to us, I suspect. But to the expected punishment for treason.

Why?

Why would they stop? Why show mercy now, after everything they have done?

...

They... they heard her speech.

Even among those who burn and slaughter... they still listen.

I...

I don't know what to believe anymore.

...

With the combined power of the Prince utilizing his anger and Robin's magical backing, the Plegian general is defeated. I was close by, watching, observing. I could lie to myself and say it is to make sure the tactician does not put himself in danger, again.

But that would be what I called it, a lie.

I wanted to hear what their general had to say.

"I am General Mustafa of Plegia. If you wish to keep your lives, then you must win them!"

The Prince had no words left to say. Rushing towards the general, screaming in pure rage. No longer human at that moment.

Upon defeat, the words uttered by the general repeat themselves in my head.

"Well done, Ylisseans... Please...spare my men..."

Spare my men...

He could have begged for his own life. He could have cursed us, raged at the sky, and clung to pride as many humans do in their final breath.

Spare my men.

Spoken as his blood soaked the muddy earth beneath him. Voice held firm. Motivated not for himself, but for his pack, his kin.

They kneel. Not because they were broken by force but by choice. Because his death meant something. Because he led not through cruelty but conviction.

…He was like her.

Like Emmeryn.

My ears flattened after that. My chest continued to be tightened with an unfamiliar ache.

What am I to believe when my enemies show more honor than those who burned my warren? When those I once vowed to hate lie dying with kindness on their tongues?

I came into this war believing there were only two truths: Taguel suffer, and humans cause that suffering.

It's becoming too much to bear. I do not know what to think.

We safely retreated back to Ferox. All thanks to Basilio's escape route, he was able to hatch during our despair.

During the moment of my failure as a tactician.

They trusted me with strategy, with their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

I failed them.

"All of that... For nothing…"

Lisses sobbing is the only noise that fills the air. Frederick laments about being the one who should have died instead of the Exalt.

The Khans speak amongst themselves. Nobody knows what to do.

I just... stand here. Staring at Chrom, seeing how heartbroken he is. What my failure has done.

But these feelings must be amplified in Chrom.

"Chrom, I'm... I'm so sorry. My plan just wasn't enough." I can’t bear to look him in the eyes.

"...you did your best, Robin. You have my thanks. It's my own failures that haunt me now."

He clenches his fist.

"Gods, I was just so powerless!"

"She did it for me, Robin. So that I wouldn't have to live with the guilt of either choice, she chose for me. She sacrificed herself rather than give up what could one day save her people…"

"Chrom..."

I can't hear this anymore; I have to do something for him. Anything.

"Listen to me. Look at me."

"..." He is silent as he gazes at me.

"I was powerless once, too, remember? And yes, alone, I don't think either one of us is half the person your sister was. But together...maybe we can be something more. If you fall, I'll be there to pull you back up. When you fight for your sister's ideals, I'll be by your side. You don't have to become your sister, you know. You can still be true to yourself. You just have to give people hope in whatever way you can."

"And what if I can't? What if I'm not worthy of her ideals? Robin, what if I drag you down with me?"

"If you aren't worthy, you'll keep at it until you are. And if we both fall down, well, that's what friends are for, isn't it?"

The rest of the Shepherds chime in. Each of them declared their loyalty and trust in Chrom.

Even the one person I thought would be the hardest to gain their trust.

"I never meant to stay with your kind. But your sister… reminded me of the voices I lost long ago. If she believed in you, then perhaps… I can, too."

There is a fragility to her words. Even she is pained by Emmeryn's sacrifice. Chrom, please. See what she has done to these people.

"Thank you, everyone. Your words mean more than you could know. My Shepherds... My warriors... There is work to be done. Gangrel must be stopped so that peace can once again reign in Ylisse."

"Will you help me?"

We all pledge to see this conflict through. Some of us might be motivated by revenge, and others through the courage displayed by our leader.

"...Thank you all. Truly. You honor me with your fealty. I will not falter again. We shall answer this outrage! The Mad King must be stopped!"

With this, my friend is back. The fire in his eyes and his words. It's time to begin our counter.

The Feroxi army and the Khans pledge their might to our cause again. Even Basilio's assistant, the dancer Olivia, wishes to see this through. Chrom even manages to gain the respect of the Khans themselves.

Hell, they even believe in me. The one who's plan failed.

...

I shouldn't be hard on myself here. Putting the blame on myself can be selfish. No one is to be blamed here, and even if there was? It does not change what we have to do.

We all disperse, ready to rest from the long march. I've been in my thoughts long enough to be left alone.

At least, I thought I was.

In the dimly lit Feroxi halls, I spot someone else deep in thought.

Panne.

She's probably ruminating about everything that has happened thus far.

I would generally debate about approaching her. But I have become increasingly familiar with her presence. No reason to doubt and second guess myself.

I approach her; if she knows I'm here, she has not made it apparent.

The silence here is... heavy. I had a game plan, but now I take back all I said to myself about what I need to say.

"... I've been thinking." She speaks up. Not looking at me right away, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the windows where the trees sway from a light wind, illuminated by the moonlight. Her ears are flattened and are tiled back.

"About her. About... Emmeryn."

She pauses. Exhaling slowly.

"I've lost kin before. Too many to count. None of them chose death the way she did."

"I don't understand it. And yet... It hurts. Greatly. More than I expected."

"She was human. I tell myself. I wouldn't mourn another human, ever. Not after what they did."

She trails off, voice low.

"Her loss feels like losing a part of something I had only just begun to believe in again."

She goes silent.

"...I keep thinking I should have seen it coming." I reply in a low voice. Matching hers, barely managing to mask the pain in my words.

I subconsciously rub my thumbs along the edge of the sleeve of my robe.

"I'm the tactician. I'm supposed to plan for everything. Every little detail. Enemy positions, enemy reinforcements, what types of weapons are good against what, the health of my comrades. But I didn't see what was coming. I thought if we fought hard enough, moved fast enough, we'd save her."

"I should have known that dastard Gangrel had a trick up his sleeve. Nothing can be that simple."

I breathe in.

"Maybe she didn't want to be saved in the end."

Panne glances at me now, ears twitching.

"You blame yourself."

I flatly chuckle.

"Of course I do."

I look at her.

"But I also know... it was her choice. Not yours, not mine. She gave herself so we could carry something forward. To not have Chrom make a decision that had no good ending. If we turn that into guilt or anger, we lose what she gave us."

Panne nods once.

"She gave us hope."

"Even to someone like me. Something... that isn't what I am. I don't know what that makes me anymore."

I stare at her moonlit crimson eyes.

"It makes you someone who hasn't stopped growing, who hasn't given up."

Another pause.

A moment goes by as we just... sit there together in silence. Basking in the moonlight. Just two broken people trying to make sense of this broken world.

An incalculable amount of time goes by. At some point, I must have zoned out and stared outside. Suddenly, becoming aware of my surroundings. Finding myself alone in the dark Feroxi halls.

…

Today, the Mad King will be deposed.

Many in the combined forces of the Shepherds, the Ylissean army, and the Feroxi army call for Gangrel's head. The simple motivation is enough to keep everyone's morale up despite his crimes against us.

They march with a simple conviction.

The Mad King Gangrel will die today.

I am not entirely convinced I share the same sentiment.

I am still finding myself in this unfamiliar world. Being quite literally thrust upon the politics that move the kingdoms I find myself in.

I can't help but ponder if slaying the king would make us better than him.

However, does that truly matter here? What he has done, not just to me personally, but to my closest friend and ally, Chrom. What has he done to the Ylissean people? Snuffed out the light, as Panne aptly puts it.

I sigh. It is silly to question our actions up to this point.

The Dark and Foolish King Gangrel dies today.

…

The Ylissean-Feroxi forces take to the fields as the remnants of the Plegian army gather. Many of their troops surrendered en masse in honor of Emmeryn's sacrifice.

What remains of the Plegian army are those most loyal to the Mad King, who seek to meet their end by our hand.

The Shepherds are deployed to the front, where Chrom and I intend to confront Gangrel. A battle to end this bloody war.

Chrom and Gangrel spit words back and forth.

Chrom, full of conviction, is no longer driven by uncontrollable wrath. He is calculated and ready for the battle.

The mere talks of peace bring the Mad King to a crazed monologue.

"You don't know the first thing about peace. No man does!"

Among all the drivel he spouts, these words ring to me. No man knows peace. Perhaps he's right.

That won't stop us from seeking it.

Gangrel compares Chrom to himself, but the prince does not deny it entirely. Chrom doesn't need to be Emmeryn. He needs to be himself. And he's not alone; he has all of us. The Shepherds, Lissa, and even me. His brothers and sisters-in-arms.

And I agree with Chrom.

Gangrel will never be forgiven.

Our armies clashed but with the mass amount of desertion on the Plegian side plus the sheer will of the Ylissean-Feroxi war effort. It was clear who was going to win.

And now the Mad King lays face down in the bloodied dirt. His life ends as he maniacally laughs until his final breath.

And so the Mad King died today.

Terms have been set, and the war reaches its end.

Once word of Gangrel's death reached the Plegians, they surrendered. Chrom issues an order to cease fighting soon after.

This war would have played out differently without Regna Ferox's aid. They were instrumental to our victory, providing men to fight at our side and be a sanctuary to the Shepherds during the war. They are allies born through blood spilled. I am glad we have met them and delighted to be called their allies.

I stare upon the now quiet, empty battlefield away from the others. A light breeze sweeps across me, lightly tugging at my hair.

Peace.

"He's dead." a familiar voice declares.

I surprised myself with my steeled reaction. The battle may still have me not entirely settled.

"Yes," I replied back without looking at the source.

A pause. I close my eyes, then open them slowly.

"It should feel like a victory."

"Does it not?" the voice asks in a cold but not unkind tone.

I glance to my side to see Panne.

"I don't know. We stopped the Mad King. Saved thousands from his cruelty. Avenged Emmeryn. I can't help but feel a bit …hollow."

"What are your thoughts?"

She folds her arms, ears tilting slightly back. She, too, stares at the empty battlefield.

"I thought I would feel satisfaction as well. Seeing the death of a man-spawn not too dissimilar to the ones who razed my warren...I thought it would settle something in me."

A long pause.

"It does not."

Perhaps it is the fact that no one really wins in a war like this. Both sides lost many innocent lives. The villages the Plegians burned at the Ylissean border. Soldiers like Mustafa were forced to fight for their lunatic king.

"Many lives were lost during this war. Their sacrifice rings hollow because we can't bring them back. Despite the war being over. Despite the justice we have brought."

I glance back at her.

"We may never get the justice we want. But we can still shape the world into something better. Something where innocent lives are not taken. Something your people would have been proud to see."

"I don't know if it helps. But you've helped us get one step closer to that, Panne."

Her eyes narrow as she turns to me.

"Don't speak to me like I am one of your hapless soldiers."

I dryly chuckle at her reply. She turns and begins to walk away.

She stops, her voice barely louder than the ambient breeze.

"...thank you."

She walks off.

I turn towards the distance, clouds adrift over the battlefield. The wind carried the weight of what has transpired today.

I should meet with the others.

…

My thoughts are interrupted by a moment that I could never forget. To see my close friend be confronted by the whims of his heart.

He proposed to his love, Sumia.

She came rushing towards him, worrying about his health as she embraced him. The look on his face was priceless. Never to be forgotten. With some jests, Lissa, Flavia, and I leave them be. The unspoken relationship they had when I was with the Shepherds was obvious where it was heading.

Still surprises me that he waited till just after the battle was won to propose.

But who am I to judge, really.

I don't know the first thing about love!

Chapter Text

Wedding bells chime above the ambient noise of the crowd amassed at the Grand Chapel of Ylisstol. Many gather not out of obligation but to express joy for their newly crowned exalt's wedding. The streets of Ylisstol are in celebration, and the mood is high among everyone attending the wedding itself.

And I find myself completely out of my element, dressed in garbs utterly foreign to me.

Gone is my familiar coat, I begged the tailors to keep it simple, but they begged to differ. White silk with gold trim, buttons so polished it can blind a man, a black cape that weighs more than my own spellbook. It's all a bit... much. Especially for someone who's not even getting married!

Still, I can't deny the tailoring is impeccable. Someone here at Castle Ylisstol clearly took it upon themselves to ensure the 'royal tactician' looked the part today. The purple lining is a nice touch, a clear nod to my usual style. And a blue rose pinned to my lapel… Sumia's favorite, I think. A detail I certainly wouldn't have remembered.

I feel like a chess piece that's been polished too brightly. But if it helps Chrom look across the crowd and see a friend standing with him instead of just another noble… then it's worth the discomfort, I suppose.

... it's nice to wear something that wasn't made for war.

I stroll across the stunning open-fair courtyard of the grand cathedral. High ceilings with stained glass depictions of the Divine Dragon, Naga. Garlands of Ylissean lilies and white falcons are woven into the altar decor. If I had to guess, a tribute to Sumia's role as a knight and pegasus rider.

Speaking of Sumia, I saw how some nobles spoke of her. She is a knight, not of noble birth, but her heroism in the war should be more than enough for them.

At least not all the nobles think that way; perhaps Emmeryn's legacy of compassion has spread to the nobility of Ylisse. She had that effect on people.

I offered my services as a self-proclaimed educated scholar to the wedding committee for planning the wedding. Something along the lines of a Wedding Strategist, and they accepted!

It didn't last long, however. My ideas were described as 'impractical' and 'unsafe'. Not suitable for the exalt's grand wedding.

It's the wedding of my best friend! Of course, it should be something fun and impractical.

Let's just say that, my only supporter and I were kicked out of the committee after some delegation. At least I get to keep the title.

Sorry, Lissa.

I can't let myself get lost in my head now. The procession begins soon. I was asked to give a speech, being Chrom's best man and the official Wedding Strategist. It is expected of me to speak.

Now, what to say…

"Sir Robin."

Right on cue, a maid approaches.

"The ceremony is soon to begin."

I nod to her.

"Ah, right."

I'm sure I can come up with something!

...

Gods, I was not expecting to be filled with so much joy right now. I stand beside my best friend and closest ally, Chrom, at the altar. He is dressed in regal exalt attire with his Shepherd's cape clasped over one shoulder. Falchion sheathed at this side.

Then, the bride walks in.

She arrives in traditional formal wear, not armor like I had thought for some reason, a dress adorned with subtle nods to her knightly origin. Even being escorted by her pegasus like an angel from the heavens.

And now for the vows.

Chrom looks towards Sumia, a giant smile across his face.

"Sumia... from the moment we met, you've always run towards danger for the sake of others. You trip, you stumble, and yet you always get back up."

"You were there when my sister needed a shield. When I needed a friend. And somewhere between the battles, the laughter, and your… very unique baking attempts… I realized I didn't just rely on you; I loved you."

"You've seen me at my worst. You've stood beside me in the fire. And even when I doubted myself, you believed in me. So today, I promise this."

"I promise to never take that for granted. To stand with you, not just as a prince or a warrior, but as your husband. Your partner, your equal."

"Through peace or war, in days of triumph and sorrow, I will love you with everything I have."

"...and if I ever lose my way again. I know you won't hesitate to knock some sense back into me... literally!"

The crowd laughs. I chuckle as I wipe a stray tear. I look towards Lissa and see her sobbing, with a huge smile across her face. Turning to Frederick, I see him nodding solemnly.

Turning to Sumia, I see her blush as tears flow from her eyes with a trembling smile.

"I... um..."

She glances around nervously at the crowd. Then she takes a deep breath and looks at Chrom. Her shoulders relax just a little.

"I never thought I'd be standing here. Not because I didn't dream about it, gods, I did, but because I never imagined I could be someone worthy of you."

"You're brave, strong, a leader everyone looks up to. And I'm… well, clumsy... I fall on my face a lot. I couldn't find my role in the Shepherds for the longest time."

Soft laughter from the crowd. Sumia smiles even brighter now.

"But you always saw past that. You saw me. Even when I was too afraid to speak up. Even when I doubted myself. And somehow… you made me feel like I was never alone."

"You once told me that I helped you stand back up when everything felt lost. But the truth is, you've always given me the strength to fly."

"So today, I promise to stand with you through every storm, to fight beside you when the world turns dark, and to remind you, if you ever forget, how loved you are."

A pause, her smile softens.

"And yes... if you truly forget, my fists are always ready."

Gods, that was beyond sweet. Chrom is misty-eyed and goes straight for the kiss BEFORE the priest can finish!

The vows were given and invoked by the protector of Ylisse, Naga. I was expecting a ceremony to give rings to each other, based on the giant stack of wedding-related books in my quarters. Still, instead, they follow the Ylissean tradition of binding their hands with a ribbon of royal blue and white. A symbol of their unity between the crown and the sky. Chrom then lays Falchion between them as a pledge of protection and peace.

With the vows given, the ceremony comes to an end. The reception is to be held in the castle's grand hall.

Everyone is here, and I mean EVERYONE is here. All of the Shepherds are present to congratulate Chrom and Sumia on their union. Even the Khans of Regna Ferox!

I can't help but smile as I stare at my friends and allies gathered.

We all have been covered in dirt and blood. Fought tooth and nail in the war. All carrying the weight of the conflict on our backs.

Seeing all the smiles and laughter brings tears to my eyes.

They... we... deserved this.

Many are dressed in formal attire appropriate for a royal wedding, many being almost unrecognizable.

Lissa, all in silver and gold, twirling through the crowd. Her laughter brings smiles to people's faces. Who knows what kind of pranks she has in store... but perhaps she's saving them because it is her brother's big day? She seems to be wrangling Vaike as well… he's dressed in…well. His shirt is unbuttoned halfway down, and he has a drink in hand. He is off to challenge Chrom to something. Surely to cause mischief alongside Lissa. In his own way.

Frederick stands vigilant in shining armor. Donned in formalwear that complements his role as Exalt's retainer. Even now, he stands watch over Chrom with pride, not duty. Miriel is donned in robes adorned with embroidered constellations. I'm unsure if it's related to fashion or a field study, but she wears them like royalty. I occasionally see her speaking to Frederick.

There's Sully, pretending to not care that people are clearly noticing her in a dress, at least, until you see that smirk across her face. Donnel stands near her, dressed in relatively regal attire and very uncomfortable in that outfit. I can relate there.

Virion is adorned in extremely gaudy royal garbs and speaks to any woman he can get his hands on. That is very typical Virion behavior.

I also spot Kellam, his suit having an actual color that I can easily see him in.

Lon'qu stands quietly in a corner, Olivia spooking him as he stands a bit distant from her. Both of them dressed nicely.

Maribelle has outdone it with her outfit, almost beating Virion in its gaudiness. Almost. Ricken follows behind her, trying not to be lost in her wake.

Cordelia is adorned in the garb of the pegasus knights, feather regalia etched onto her dress. And Stahl's eyes haven't left her since she walked in.

I then spot Gregor, Nowi, Libra, and ... Tharja. Chatting amongst the other Shepherds. Nowi quickly disappears, probably to play someone or cause mischief with Lissa. Tharja continues to stare at me, thinking I have not noticed yet.

She's a strange one...

Oh, there's Gaius, too; he cleaned up as well. A ribbon on his coat looks oddly like candy. How fitting.

It seems we're missing someone as well.

Ah.

There she is.

Standing away from everyone lies Panne. Obviously, she wasn't one for gowns. Her outfit consists of deep forest hues, layers of hand-woven cloth draped over her shoulder, pinned with bone and bronze clasps carved in the shape of leaping hares. Her fur is brushed and sleek, her braid tighter than usual, decorated with delicate threads of green and silver that catch the torchlight when she moves. She wears soft leather boots with no soles stitched in patterns I don't recognize. Around her waist hung a belt of feathers and tiny wooden charms, some even cracked with age. Keepsakes, if I had to guess.

Overall... She's dressed beautifully. Regal, in her own way. Like she stepped out of a forest older than the castle itself.

I catch myself smiling as I gaze upon her. Dammit, I hope she didn't see me gawking... again.

I quickly turn back towards the rest of the Shepherds.

Gods... we've all been through hell. But tonight, just for a little while, we get to be people again. Not soldiers. We can smile and joke, enjoy a nice meal, and be in the joy radiating off the groom and bride.

We get to be just... us.

...

Soon, the feast is to commence. We all gather at a very long table; Chrom insists I sit close by to the bride and groom.

Something about being his 'loyal friend' and 'tactical advisor.' I didn't need much convincing.

Once seated, the kitchen staff and all the maids and butlers bring out the food. Full of both refinement and warmth emanating from them. They are going all out, clearly showing their love for the liege. Roasted boar with herbs is the main centerpiece of the feast. Accent by braised pheasant in blackberry wine sauce and a seasonal vegetable medley. What surprises me the most, and what surprises Panne, is the clear Taguel-inspired root stew being presented alongside the other food. Served as an evident, respectful nod to the taguel. Panne's stoic visage breaks at this, growing misty-eyed at the notion. She quickly wipes the tears away when she suspects no one is looking.

I should ask her about taguel meals.

This feast was prepared with everyone in mind, probably thanks to Sumia. A way for all of us to enjoy and partake.

The last plate of food is served, and everyone looks upon the grand feast, ready to dig in. That's my cue, then. I stand up and click a wine glass with a spoon to signal for everyone's attention.

I clear my throat, glancing at everyone in the room, before focusing on Chrom and Sumia. Both smiling back at me.

"There was a time, not so long ago when I woke up in a field with no memories. I was a man with no past, no name to call myself."

"And yet, from the moment I opened my eyes, he reached out his hand. A blue-haired prince greeting me with a sincere smile is the first thing I see as I am welcomed into this unfamiliar world."

I smile.

"He didn't know me. I could've been anyone. A danger to him and his sister. And yet…"

"He gave me a chance and more than that...he gave me a place to belong."

I pause, my eyes moving over the gathered Shepherds.

"I've marched beside him across frozen fields and burning sands. I've seen him wrestle with loss, with duty, with doubt. And through it all, he's remained steady, ready to rise against all the adversity. Partially due to his strength, but mainly because the people he loves give him the strength to stand."

I turn back towards Sumia.

"Sumia, you were always the first to rush into danger to protect Chrom. I remember watching you charge through a storm, tripping over yourself, and still shielding him from a volley of arrows before the rest of us could blink."

A soft ripple of laughter moves through the room. Sumia's smile grows wider as tears begin to fall.

"You've always been brave. You act despite fear. You remind all of us that kindness is a strength. And that believing in someone with your whole heart can change their life."
I chuckle.

"It certainly changed mine."

I pause to wipe an errant tear. My emotions ran high as I let out my heart to my best friend and his wife.

I turn back to them.

"You've fought for each other, bled for each other, and today… you stand as one. Not just as Exalt and Pegasus Knight but as partners. As something stronger than if either of you were alone."

"I don't have many memories of who I was before all this. But if I'm honest… I don't need them. Because I know who I am now. And that's because of the two of you."

I raise my glass slowly.

"To Chrom and Sumia, may your future be brighter than the world you both have brought to us. And let it be filled with as much laughter as love. You deserve nothing less."
A loud round of applause follows. I laugh and look around the room. Lissa is crying again, and Chrom gives me a look of pure gratitude. I couldn't help but match his smile.
Chrom raises his glass again as he smirks.

"Don't think you're getting out of this so easily, Robin! You're next!"

Another boom of laughter and glasses clinking. I blush from the embarrassment as Flavia pats my back rather harshly.

What the hell does he mean by that?

…

The feasts soon come to a close as the bride and groom leave for the night. The merriment is beginning to die down. Many go for bed, drunk on joy, and drunk on wine.

Soon, I am left to my own devices, wandering around and saying goodbye to the few who remain in the halls.

Whew, what a day.

I find myself, wine in hand, standing on a balcony alone. The distant moon's radiance falls over Ylisstol. I couldn't help but just take it all in.

We fought for this peace.

Like many times before, I am stirring in my thoughts. The only difference now is that it is good thoughts. I'm starting to not care who I was before. I should focus on who I am now. My impact on the people in my life.

The bonds we forged are tighter than steel.

“You ran away from the noise, tactician.” a voice calls out from behind me.

I chuckle.

"And you didn't?" I turn to Panne.

The rays of moonlight help accentuate her crimson eyes. It stands out like shining rubies in the dim light.

"...children are relentless." I chuckle again.

She takes a moment to take a few steps towards the balcony railing, standing beside me. We both stare off at the moonlight reflecting off the rooftops.

"It is all so tiring," she sighs.

"Having too much fun? Or just being around too many humans?" I inquire.

"Hmph, too much fun…" she dryly chuckles.

"No. This 'wedding' is typically too much for me. Especially when being dragged by screaming children begging for rides." She sighs again.

"Is that what you were doing? I couldn't get a good look to tell."

"That Nowi… she promised those children that I would turn into a 'bunny rabbit' for them and grant them wishes while giving them 'piggyback rides.'" She shakes her head.

"I normally would have told them no. Or tell them the pride of the taguel will not be diminished by incessant 'piggyback rides'."

"But I didn't. I saw the look in their eyes, the joy. Not fear or malice."

"I could not resist."

I chuckle at her predicament.

"What is so funny, tactician?"

I try to break my smile but end up only looking like a fool trying to stop their laughter.

"Nothing, Panne. I'm just happy to see you happy."

I realized what I said and put up my hand.

"I-I mean, I'm glad to see you put effort into making the kids have fun. You probably made this day something they can never forget, haha."

I nervously rub the edge of my gloves.

She doesn't say anything nor react in any way to my fumble. She just looks at me with indifference.

"Your speech… you spoke from the heart." Thank the gods, she's changing the subject.

"Y-yeah, I didn't have anything prepared. Just spoke what came to me. I think it went well."

"To witness such a gathering, with nothing but joy and companionship. I'd never thought I'd see something like this ever again."

A question comes to mind.

"Do the taguel have something similar to marriage?"

"Hmm… not really. Courtship is more instinctual. Taguel knew who their mate was, nothing to boast about. A bond built slowly, no need for rings or feasts, Just closeness."

I suspected as much.

"I never thought of love as something more than loyalty and survival. It is rather foreign to me."

I nod at that.

She continues.

"Is love something that is passed down?"

I don a questioning look at her question.

"What?"

"Chrom announced that you were 'next' after your speech at the dinner. Why would you be 'next'? Is it some kind of human ritual?"

I breathe in too quickly and start coughing. Haphazardly putting down the glass of wine that I was holding.

When I calmed down, I saw that she was glaring at me. Probably upset by my reaction.

"I-it's not a st-stupid question." I clear my throat.

"He, uh, meant that I am next to be married. It's a uh…" I think about what to say.

"It's a figure of speech. A way of saying 'I hope you find someone too.'"

She doesn't move.

"Strange thing to say in public. To imply you are… lacking."

"I didn't take it that way. It just made me think."

She scoffs and shakes her head. I continued talking.

"I don't know what love is supposed to feel like. I care deeply for my friends, for the Shepherds, for Chrom… But romance? Commitment?"

"I don't know if I'll ever be ready for something like that. Or even deserve it."

Panne's expression softens just slightly.

"It's strange, isn't it? To fight alongside someone for so long and still wonder if you're allowed to care for them differently." I question, mainly to myself.

Panne doesn't answer immediately. Her eyes flicker with something unreadable.

Silence comes between us.

My heart is racing; I'm speaking without thinking about who I am talking to. I trust Panne, I even consider her a friend. When I speak of love or companionship, my mind just settles on…

On her.

What am I doing? She would slice my throat with the very implication.

I think I've had enough wine.

I prepare myself to walk away, metaphorically fleeing the conversation.

Taking one last glance towards Panne…

The moonlight caught her face, tracing the curve of her cheek, catching faint glints in her fur. Her eyes usually narrowed in skepticism or defiance, glowed brighter than I'd ever seen them. Crimson, like firelight through a crystal. Sharp, focused, but far away.

I'm glaring again.

My chest tightened a little.

'... maybe Chrom's not wrong.'

She turns to me right as I think that. If I wasn't tipsy from the wine, I would have sworn I saw a blush on her face.

She sees me trying to leave and steps up.

"When the time comes… don't wait for someone to push you," she says softly.

She pokes my chest.

"Choose."

She takes a step back and begins to leave.

"...and If I ever hear about how I am the 'magical bunny rabbit' thing, I will end you."

I'm stuck trying to figure out what she meant by that. Finally registering what she said as she left.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Like that, she vanishes into the shadows.

"... just… choose."