Author's Note: All Spellbinding Radiance fans, I am sorry. I am so very sorry. You probably received a notification and expected a new chapter, only IT WAS I! DIO!

I mean, it was probably disappointing to receive the notification only to see I did my once in a while "I need a change of pace story because that story is bogging me down" side projects. Because, at this point, SBR's really heavy doom and gloom atmosphere is dragging me down and I needed a change of pace. This might end up tearing down my writer's block, which I desperately need to break so I can power through the next few chapters.

So, yeah, those of you who know me outside of just the chapters I write know that I wasn't the biggest fan of Awakening. I mean, I loved it and I think I played through it at least five times (and all the DLC has been bought), but I felt there was something there that was leading the series down a direction that wasn't Fire Emblem. People called me crazy, but then Fates came out and I felt like my fears were vindicated. I really need to play Three Houses, but I don't want to buy a Switch yet, but I heard that it was definitely a saving grace.

So, uh, don't fret everyone. This is just a way to break my writer's block and, well, if I enjoy writing this, this could be a nice project to work on as well! It's nice to have a lighter thing to work on.

Not gonna lie, I debated having a female Robin, since the few Awakening stories I've read had a male Robin, but… let's not re-start the tradition I have in fanfics of an overload of female characters. Not my fault they're easier and more fun to write…

As I wrote this chapter, I was using a game script to follow along, just to make sure I got lines correct. Yet, before I knew it, I found myself writing my own lines and reactions and stuff more than following the script. It took a lot to not deviate too far from the script on wild tangents and to stay true to the Awakening storyline.

Chapter 1:
A New Mystery

What is going on?

I feel my body floating in the air as if by some weird magic.

"She will die soon if you do not go through with this."

I heard a voice echoing in my head.

"Then do it. Send her away. Send her to a place where she can be saved!"

"She may never come back here if you do this."

"Do you believe I would rather watch her die in front of me? I would rather she lives! I would rather they all live! Send them all away, please. I would rather they live a new life than die unfulfilled…"

I tried to focus on the scene before me, but everything was fading, fading, fading… everything I know is fading. What was that scene before me? It was as if I knew it. Who was that?

Who am I?

"I see you're awake now."

I stirred gently and opened my eyes to see the face of a young man with blue hair with a look of concern looking down upon me. I sat up, only to have a wave of nausea hit me. I held my head as it began vibrating.

"Oh… my head," I remarked. I looked around to see two others laying on the ground next to me. A young man with short silver hair lay on the ground some distance to my left. He wore a strange set of robes with an odd assortment of symbols on it. To my right lay a young lady, also unconscious. Her short green hair seemed to be slightly matted in blood, as if she had recently sustained injuries that she had recovered from. She was also wearing battle armor, which had me believing she was a warrior, except she seemed to be holding some kind of staff.

A heal staff! Wait, how did I know that?

As I tried to think how did I know that was a healing staff, another fresh wave of headaches attacked me, as if trying to keep what I forgot hidden away from me.

The young man to my left began to stir and the blue haired man walked to him. I saw a blonde girl with pigtails and a rather interesting looking dress walk over to him. A third man wearing armor was standing slightly behind in the scene, watching with absolute scrutiny.

"I, uh, was I unconscious when you found me?" I asked.

"That's a most peculiar question you ask there," the blue haired man replied. I fumed slightly to myself as I realized that wasn't what I was trying to ask.

"I mean… what was going on? Was I just laying here when you found me?"

"Yes, we happened to be passing by when we found you laying there. Fearing you were attacked by bandits, we decided to stand by until you regained your consciousness," he replied.

"I, uh… thank you very much… uh…" I said, realizing I had no idea who he was. He turned his attention to the young man waking up.

"There are better places to take a nap, you know. Give me your hand," he said with a small smile. "Are you all right?"

"Y-yes… thank you, Chrom," the white haired man said.

"Ah… then you know who I am?" the blue-haired man, presumably named Chrom, asked.

"No, actually. It's… it's strange. Your name… it just came to me," he replied. Before the conversation could continue, we heard a small sound come from the young lady to my right.

"You know, maybe taking a group nap once in a while wouldn't be such a bad idea. If this wasn't such a dire situation, I would say this looks relaxing," the blonde girl remarked. Chrom laughed a little to himself at her remark.

"That's a valid point, Lissa," he said with a smile.

"Yay! Group naps for everyone! We shall have to make this a standard with the Shepherds," she said in an excited tone.

"Now, Lissa, let us not get carried away here," Chrom said in a slightly scolding tone.

I realized I was still sitting on the ground, so I gently stood up. I saw laying on the ground next to me was a lance. I picked it up and, for some reason, it just felt correct to be holding it. Who was I? Why am I carrying a lance around? Was I a soldier?

"Oh…" I heard the green haired girl say.

"Oh, look, a healer!" Lissa remarked.

"Such interesting attire for a healer. Perhaps a battle cleric?" Chrom asked.

I saw the white haired man watch the scene with an equal level of interest as I had. The green haired girl smiled as Chrom and Lissa talked to her. She slowly got off the ground, holding her healing staff and giving a confused look around her.

"I, uh, you're Chrom, correct?" I asked.

"Yes I am. How may I help you?" he replied.

"Who are you? How can I repay you for looking out for me while I was unconscious?" I asked. He smiled at me warmly and I felt a level of comfort just being around him.

"Think nothing of it, friend. It is the job and the duty of the Shepherds to make sure the people are safe in this land," he said to me. He then turned to the white haired man.

"Now that we got the pleasantries out of the way, may I ask you for your name?" Chrom asked.

"My name? My name is… it is…" he said before pausing.

"… you don't know your own name?" Chrom asked.

"I'm… I'm not sure," he said.

"Hmm, how curious. What brings you here, then?" Chrom asked again.

"I'm not sure if… I think… where am I?" he asked in reply.

"Hey, I've heard of this! It's called amnesia," Lissa said, seemingly proud of remembering something.

"It's a load of Pegasus dung. Somehow we are to believe you remember milord's name, but know nothing of yours?" the man in armor suddenly said. I jumped in fright; I almost forgot he was there to begin with.

"B-but, it's the truth!" the man pleaded.

"I… I don't remember anything either. I don't know my own name," I said guiltily. "But, then again, I didn't know who Chrom was either until just now."

"Same…" I heard the young lady say. "I have no idea who I am or why I am here."

"What if it IS true, Frederick? Clearly something happened to these three. Perhaps they were ambushed by some spellcasters and they took advantage of our friends here? Perhaps they were hit with some forbidden magic in the battle? At least those two seem like they have some combat experience," Chrom said.

"If they have combat experience, all the more reason to be wary," Frederick merely commented.

"We can't just leave them here, alone and confused. What sort of Shepherds would we be, then?" Chrom asked. Frederick paused, knowing he was losing the argument he was having with Chrom. He simply sighed in resignation.

"Just the same milord, I must emphasize caution. 'Twould not do to let a wolf in among the flock," he said in a stern tone.

"Right, then, we will take them back to town and sort it out there," Chrom said.

"Wait a moment. Don't I have a say in this?" Robin asked.

"Peace, friend. I promise we will hear all that you three have to say back in town. Now, please come with us. Brigands and their ilk tend to prey upon unsuspecting wanderers among these lands," Chrom said. He began to walk in a direction and motioned for us to follow.

"I, uh, I'm going to go with him. Safety in numbers and all that," I said.

"W-wait. Let me come along as well!" the young lady said.

"I guess I could do worse," the other man said.

Who are they? Who am I? Did we know each other? Do we know each other? Were we friends before?

As we caught up with Chrom, Lissa, and the stern knight, the three of us slowed our pace to match theirs.

"Are we to be your prisoner once we talk things through?" the young man asked.

"Hah! Hardly. You will be released once you are established to be no threat to Ylisse," Chrom replied.

"Ylisse? Is that where we are?" I asked.

"You've never heard of this halidom? Ha! Someone please pay this poor actor. He plays quite the fool. That furrowed brow is especially convincing. Amnesia is probably code for someone who does not want to speak of their thoughts or intentions," the knight said.

"Frederick, please," Chrom said. Oh, so his name is Frederick.

"I promise that I really do not remember anything," the young lady said.

"This land is known as the Halidom of Ylisse. Our ruler, Emmeryn, is called the exalt. I suppose proper introductions are in order... My name is Chrom, although by now I think we have established that. The delicate one here is my little sister, Lissa," Chrom explained.

"I am HARDLY delicate! Hmph! Ignore my brother, please. He can be thick sometimes. A lot of the time, actually. But, you're lucky the Shepherds found you! Regaining consciousness while being tied up by brigands would have truly been a horrible awakening," Lissa said.

"Shepherds? You tend to sheep? In full armor?" I asked.

"Heh, you could say it is a dangerous job. Just ask Frederick the Wary here," Chrom said with a smile.

"A title I will gladly wear with pride. Gods forbid one of us keep an appropriate level of caution. As much as I would like to believe you and help you out, my job affords me little room for frivolotry and bowing to the whims of sympathy and empathy. The safety of Chrom and Lissa here supersede any and all other duties and desires," Frederick said.

"Well, I guess I cannot fault you for that. If I were to be a dangerous person, it would do well for Chrom and Lissa here to have you watching their backs and ensure nothing befalls them. I can understand your position," I said to him. "Life is not as simple or as rosy as the idealists would believe."

"I thank you for not taking it personally," Frederick replied curtly.

"My name is Robin," the young man blurted out. Robin?

"You just now remembered?" Chrom asked.

"I just remembered that. How odd… it was as if it was returned to me. I suppose that's one mystery solved," he mused to himself.

"And you?" Chrom asked me. "I realize we never asked you two for your names. Do you remember them?"

"I, uh…" I began.

"No? I suppose it will take time for yours as well," Chrom said.

"Raven."

It was as if a voice crossed through my head. A distant voice of a half-forgotten past flitting through my head telling me that this was the correct answer. Was this the voice that told Robin his name? Is there some greater spirit looking out for us?

"I, uh, my name is Raven," I said.

"Robin and Raven?" Chrom said, raising an eyebrow.

"Let me guess, your name must be something like Dove or Sparrow," Lissa said to the young lady.

"Milady, this is hardly a joking matter," Frederick said sternly.

"I honestly, truly do not remember. Although, I suppose it would be apt to be Dove or Sparrow. Or even Bluejay," the lady confessed with a small laugh.

"We would have to just call you Jay if the last one was your actual name," Robin said with a small smile.

"Jay sounds like a nice name. I suppose that could be my name until I remember mine," she said.

"Give it some thought. That sounds like a half-hearted split-second decision of a name. This could be the name you end up with for the rest of your life, if you never remember your actual name," I said. "You should take some pride in your choice."

"You came up with Raven like it was nothing," she replied with a small frown.

"It… I… it was as if I knew it was my name. The thought just crossed my mind. It made me comfortable hearing it," I replied.

"Perhaps then Jay is my name."

"Did you feel comfortable with it?" Robin asked.

"Not necessarily, no."

"Then give it some time. We have time to figure it out," I said to her with a small smile. She smiled back at me and a strange feeling stirred in the back of my head. That smile… it seemed familiar to me. Did I know her before? I had to have known her before.

"You'd think they were naming children," Chrom said with a slightly amused smile.

"I sincerely apologize, my lord Chrom," she said.

"My lord Chrom?" he asked.

"Frederick here kept referring to you as 'milord', so I assumed that you had some station or something of the sort," she said. "I did not want to be rude as to presume a commoner such as myself could speak freely to someone of nobility."

"Aptly observed," Frederick said. "Milord is the leader of the Shepherds here."

"I understand. I apologize for the misunderstanding," she said with a small bow.

"It is all well! We can discuss this later. We're almost to town—"

Chrom stopped as he saw the scene before us.

"Chrom, the town is on fire!" Lissa exclaimed. Thanks for pointing out the obvious!

"Those blasted brigands, no doubt! Quickly, Lissa… Frederick… prepare yourselves," Chrom commanded.

"What about them?" Frederick asked about us.

"Unless they're on fire, it can wait!"

"Very well put, milord," Frederick said.

"Chrom, we have to stop them!" Lissa cried out.

"Don't worry. After today, these bandits will never bother anyone in these lands again," Chrom replied. The switch from benevolent benefactor to us to a protector was almost instantaneous. That feeling of warmth and kindness from him seemed to have disappeared, replaced with an aura of strength and finality. It calmed me down to know that he was protecting us as well as this town. I ran forward and stood by his side.

"Wait!" I heard Robin cry out as he arrived a few seconds after. The mysterious girl arrived a few seconds after Robin with her staff.

"You followed us! Why?" Chrom asked.

"Strength in numbers. We can help you. Let us pay you back for looking out for us," I said.

"I seem to be armed and I feel like I know my way around a fight," Robin added.

"This staff must have some kind of use to me and to you all. I am here for a reason," the girl added as well.

"Just stay close. If there is trouble, I will come to your aid," Chrom said.

"Remember, we face practiced thieves and murderers. They will grant us no quarter. It's kill or be killed," Frederick said to us.

"Understood, sir," I replied.

"I see you wear a sword, Robin. That is—wait, is that a tome? You know magic?" Chrom asked.

"I… believe so? I suppose I should check," Robin said with some confusion.

"You… believe so? You should check?" Chrom asked in an incredulous tone. "Maybe we should keep you behind us for the time being."

"No, I can control it. I think. No, I'm sure. Now, how do you control this again…? Ah, yes, thunder!" he cried out. As soon as he said the spell, a thunderbolt flew from him and hit a nearby brigand, causing them to turn their attention to us.

"Well, now that they know we're here…" Chrom said as he gripped his sword. Wow, that's one seriously impressive looking sword! I watched Chrom advance with Frederick and I followed close behind with my lance. The three of us began to make quick work of the horde of bandits before us. Unfortunately one of the brigands landed a decently sized cut on Chrom.

"Ugh," he said in frustration as he took a few steps back.

"Oh, really? Let's see who's delicate now," Lissa said in a teasing tone before holding her staff out.

"Thank you," Chrom said to her in a grateful tone.

"No problem! I might not be able to attack like you, but when you get injured, who else is going to take care of you?" she said in a proud tone.

"Maybe the other healer we got?" I said to her with a small smile. Lissa froze for a second as she realized we had another healer now before sticking her tongue out at me.

As the battle raged on, I saw Robin's movements were a little odd. It was almost as if he was spending more time observing everyone else than he was in watching his own fights.

"Are you okay? Do we need to hold you back from this fight?" Chrom asked.

"Hmm, it's strange. Here on the battlefield, I can… well… I can see things," Robin said.

"That's what your eyes are generally used for," I said to him.

"That's not what I meant, Raven," he snapped back at me, although I could see he was slightly amused by my comment.

"What do you mean?" Chrom asked.

"I can see the strength and weaknesses of the enemy. I can see what weapons they have. I can see the flow of the battle and be able to adjust myself accordingly. It feels like I have studied this to no degree before," Robin said.

"So, you're saying you can size up the enemy forces at a glance?" Chrom asked.

"It would seem so, and perhaps more if I apply myself," he replied.

We nodded and continued with our battle. With the two healers keeping us safe, we managed to finish off every brigand with not even a scratch remaining.

"A few less brigands to terrorize the citizens of this nation," Chrom said aloud, but more to himself than to us.

"That's the end of that," Robin commented.

"Lucky for this town that we were close by. But, Robin… wow… you were incredible! Sorcery and swordsmanship and strategy? Is there anything you can't do?" Lissa asked.

"You certainly aren't a helpless victim, that much is for sure."

"Indeed! You have so many talents. Perhaps one of them could be telling us where you all came from," Frederick said.

"I understand your skepticism, Sir Frederick. I really cannot explain why only some of my knowledge has returned. Please, believe me. I have told you all I have re-learned and I will continue to do so," Robin said.

"I promise that I bear none of you any ill-will or ill intentions," I said.

"Raven, you fought with us to save Ylissian lives. All of you did. My heart says that's enough," Chrom said.

"And what does your mind say? Will you not heed its counsel as well?" Frederick asked.

"Frederick, the Shepherds could always use talents like these. We have brigands and bandits and unruly neighbors that we have to take care of, all of them looking to spill innocent blood and defile the land we call home. Would you really have us lose such an able tactician?"

"I see how it is…" I said with a small smirk. "Robin's the only useful one."

"Nonsense, Raven. Your skill with a lance is unorthodox, but useful. We could use your talents as well! And, um… the healing abilities of… uh…"

"It's fine. I'll think of a name eventually. I apologize for inconveniencing you," the mysterious healer said.

"Yeah! She was doing such a fantastic job out there!" Lissa said cheerfully.

"I believe them, Frederick. I believe them all, odd as their stories may be," Chrom said.

"I understand, milord. In that case, I will go along with your decision," Frederick replied.

"Will you three join us in the Shepherds?" Chrom asked.

"I would be honored," Robin replied.

"Definitely!" I said. We looked to the girl.

"I, um… yes," she said after a moment of hesitation.

"Are you okay?" I asked her.

"This is a lot to take in, especially considering just earlier we woke up with no idea who we are or where we were and now this is happening," she said.

"It is indeed a lot to take in. By all means, please, take some time to think about it. But know that if you want to join us, you have a home in the Shepherds," Chrom said with an encouraging smile.

"If I may interrupt, milord," Frederick said.

"Is there something on your mind, Frederick?" Chrom asked.

"Did you notice that the brigands spoke with a Plegian accent?"

"Plegian? What's that?" I asked.

"Plegia is our neighbor to the west. They have been sending in brigands, hoping to instigate a war. That is why we patrol these countrysides, hoping to limit their damage," Chrom explained.

"They are responsible for the miseries of the townsfolk. Those poor townsfolk do not deserve this. They are totally innocent… they are totally helpless. This is unspeakable what they keep doing," Lissa said angrily.

"They have us, milady. Shepherds to protect the sheep. Do not be swept up in your anger for it will only cloud your judgment," Frederick advised.

"I know, I know… don't worry, I'll get used to all this," she replied.

"Are you new to this?" I asked her.

"Somewhat…" she said, avoiding eye contact.

"Milord, please, you must stay the night! We may be a simple town with simple folk, but we would be glad to make a toast and a feast in your honor!" a villager said as he approached us.

"A most generous offer, sir, and no doubt your hospitality would be grand... but I'm afraid we must make haste to Ylisstol," Frederick said.

"Dark meat only for me, medium well, and no salt in the soup ple—wait, what? We're not staying? It's nearly dark, Frederick!" Lissa complained.

"Nearly, but not quite. When it is dark, then we will make camp," Frederick replied, the slightest trace of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Frederick!"

"We will eat off the land, make our beds with twigs and the like… did you not just say you were 'getting used to this'?" he asked.

"You know, Frederick, sometimes I hate you," Lissa sullenly said. I laughed a bit at their interaction.

"You have quite a stern soldier here," I commented to Chrom.

"Stern is a nice way of putting it. I can think of more appropriate words to describe him," Lissa said.

"They may be appropriate for him, but it might not be appropriate for you to say," Robin said with a small laugh.

"I feel like Frederick is enjoying this," the healer said. "It feels like he was almost smiling."

"Nonsense! Frederick only smiles when he is about to bring down the axe," Chrom said. Frederick cleared his throat.

"You all still remember that I am still present here, correct?" he said.

"Oh, we realize," Chrom said.

"Is not earning your trust being as honest as possible?" I asked him. He gave me a dark look before turning away.

"Heh," Robin let out with a small chuckle.

"Oh, milord remains as amusing as ever. Shall we get going?" Frederick asked.

"Can't we get something to eat to go with us?" Lissa asked.

"Is not hunting a moving target getting food 'to go with us'?" Frederick asked. "This is the life of the Shepherds, milady."

"Frederick, you—"

"Lissa, come here for a second. I might have a snack that we can share," the healer said, attempting to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.

"Well, you heard the man. I apologize for turning down your generosity, but we must make haste to… to…" I began, apologizing to the villager.

"Ylisstol," Chrom finished.

"Yes, Ylisstol! We have to make haste to Ylisstol," I said. "Thank you for your generosity and all that, though!"

"Everyone ready? Shepherds… move out!"

Author's Notes: Did I really write this chapter in one sitting? Did I really just write this 4k+ word chapter in an hour and a half? And yet, I want to write more. Writer's block: Broken!