> However, one particularly sly thief saw their chance to attack the tactician and catch her unawares. With eyes closed, Robin was unable detect the mugger as he snuck closer to her...

> able to fight them without hurting the fleeing civilians or damaging the village property.

Robin began to concentrate on reciting an incantation, her focus on conjuring magic into her tome. She was preparing for a powerful casting of Arcthunder, which may wipe out the incoming wave of brigands. >

One by one, Robin managed to down the invading bandits--casting spell after spell to thin their numbers.

("They just keep on coming... Stay on your toes.") The tactician thought, steeling herself. More swarmed their way into the town square, where she took the fight to. In an open area, she was >

> off. Granted...we lack the manpower to do so. It is Chrom and I's hope to recruit more righteous souls to our cause, and handle this threat head on."

> sold their hearts and souls to the Fell Dragon...Grima." She said with a darkened tone.

"They kill and pillage with no rhyme or reason. As if to merely sow chaos in the name of their god. They are beginning to enroach upon Ylisse, and the Shepherds have had little to no leeway with fending them >

> be the same monstrosities you faced, but that doesn't mean that they /can't/ be. But only if we quell their numbers, first."

Robin took a moment to compose herself. Now or never, she intended on sharing her plight with the man.

"Indeed, the Risen are undead creatures--puppeteered by those who >

> the memories are to recall for you..." She said, looking back up at him. Her tone changed from one of concern to determination.

"With you here, there's no doubt in my mind that you were /meant/ to fight with us. As if fate itself had charted a course for your arrival. These Risen...they may not >

> may very well be a reality in this world if we don't so something to stop the Risen invasion. And so, we strike at the heart of all this chaos: Plegia.") The tactician mused, deep in thought.

"...Thank you for sharing. I know that wasn't easy for you to bring back up. I can see how painful the >

"How ghastly..." Robin said, disturbed by the mere prospect of it all. She couldn't fathom the idea of the exalt's blood, turning people into monsters--not unlike the Risen.

In fact, it /isn't/ from the exalt's blood...but of Grima's. Her brows furrowed, troubled.

("What he's witnessed... It >

> some insight from your experiences will help us in the long run..."

> painful enough as is--that much was certain. At the end, she reckoned to go through with her inquiry. Byleth seemed a kind enough soul to satiate her curiosity.

"Hm. ...What manner of villainy overtook this 'Remire Village, Byleth? Erm, if you don't mind me asking--that is. Perhaps gleaning >

"Neither do I," responded Robin, "but that's why our current task is to cull Risen numbers. Damned, undead lot... They pose a great risk to all of Ylisse if we don't stop them."

She paused a moment, deciding whether or not to ask the professor her question. Him recalling the memory was >

> hungry emperors?" She remarked, chuckling to herself. "But, you have my word. Another chance to learn, and another realm to save. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Lead on, my new friend."

"Most troubling, indeed... Well, Fleet, it's a pleasure to meet you--though, I wish it would be under more peaceful circumstances."

Robin gave the fox a reassuring nod, prepared to take on this new task.

"Luckily for you, I guess you can say I've some experience with...er, shall we say: conquest >

> town, while /I/ managed to win their trust. Er, well... Chrom and Lissa's, that is. Frederick was as wary as ever, but he eventually warmed up to me."

Robin looked back up at Byleth, slightly nodding.

"Since then, I joined up with the Shepherds. And the rest...is history."

> not just let those poor, innocent townsfolk suffer. And so, I joined them--not necessarily to earn their trust, though. It...felt like the right thing to do at the time, anyway. As we dispatched those brigands, I realized how comfortable I was on the battlefield. We managed to save the >

> every step I made--every breath I took! Just as they were beginning to figure out what to do with me, a nearby town was attacked by brigands."

The tactician's gaze wandered to the tome by her side.

"I knew nothing of them, this land, or its people. Not yet, anyway. But in my heart, I could >

"Heh. It's not so much a farfetched story as you might think," Robin said with a chuckle.

"Like you, Chrom and his sister, Lissa, had found me unconscious in a field. No memories then, and none now. His second-in-command, Frederick, wasn't too thrilled," she admitted. "He scrutinized me with >

> life. You mentioned before that you're a professor? I'd love to hear the story behind that: a mercenary turned teacher!"

> your father did what he could to provide for you. But now, you've the chance to choose your own path--to forge bonds with those you would sacrifice yourself for," said Robin before chuckling.

"Heh, but you don't need me to tell you that. I can clearly see you've finally found your lot in >

> glance. The way he carries himself... If he hadn't told me, I'd be none the wiser,") the tactician considered.

She grew quiet, pausing to collect her thoughts. Dark gray eyes stared out into the distance. Finally, Robin turned to him.

"I'm sorry your childhood was anything /but/ happy. Surely >

"That's very kind of you to say--thank you." She said, grateful.

"Maybe my memories will return to me... Or, maybe they won't. Perhaps the answers of my past are too much for me to bear. Only time will tell, I suppose."

("So, an ex-mercenary. He doesn't seem like one at first >

> moment as crowds weaved through each other like the currents of a river. Ylisseans, with lives to call their own, going about their day without knowing what lies outside borders of their land.

"Hm. ...I'd say Ylisse is my home. As far as I can tell, it's the only home I've ever had."

"I suppose you could say that," Robin began.

"Just like you, not long ago, I was found in a similar situation. The exception being that I bore no memories of my past. But Ylisse has welcomed me with open arms, so I give back to her with my service to Chrom and his Shepherds."

They paused a >

"Two Byleths? Unless they both happen to be twins...with the same /name/. ...Hm, strange. What's next? Two of /me/?" She scoffed.

> he were in my shoes.") Robin contemplated.

"I'm honored that you've travelled this far to call for my aid. I don't plan on letting you leave emptyhanded, either. If you would, please tell me more about yourself, and what plagues your homeland..."

"Invasion, you say? Who am I to idly stand by and let that happen?"

("Hm. I can't just up and leave my post here as tactician--not when Shepherds still need me... But if what she says is true, I haven't time to waste.

...I'm sure Chrom will understand. He'd have done the same thing if >

> Byleth hitherto of the Shepherds’ circumstances.

“Alright. We’re almost there…”

> The two continued their walk towards Ylisstol, where the Shepherds’ headquarters were located.

--

Soon enough, they stood at the mighty gates of the city—awaiting passage to enter.

To pass the time, Robin took the opportunity to apprise >

> turn the tides in this situation.

“My gratitude knows no bounds, Byleth. Truly—thank you, again. I’d love nothing more than to fight alongside you. Maybe seeing you in action will give me the chance to see how you put those strategies of yours to use,” Robin mentioned, excited.

>