Here we are with the new story folks. Sorry for the wait. Once again I can't promise when I'll be updating this because I'm working on two other stories on the side. No they aren't Fates of S.T.E.A.M. and Cyber Ranger Guardian Story but one of them is a slight set up for one of those. But let's not waste any more time.

It was another typical day. Listening to the Grimleal rant about the importance of their so called "god" and practicing magic with Henry. Robin let out a sigh looking out his window. He did enjoy learning magic but he couldn't care less about Grima if he tried.

"Why in the name of the real gods would anyone worship some monster that would destroy everything including those who revive him?"

Now he was free to study what he was most interested in: Tactics. He would spend hours upon hours reading. His ultimate dream is that someday he might become a tactician like his mother. However even earlier today his ideas were shoot down by the king who thought Robin was too soft.

"Who cares for some random farmers who are too weak to raise arms?! Destroying everything in our path is the only true way to victory!"

The thought of forcing others to fight that weren't willing to made Robin sick. His plans always involved as little blood shed as possible but that is what the king hated.

Suddenly he heard the door open and saw a big bald man with a mustache and beard. "Greetings, Robin."

"Hello, General Mustafa."

"At ease my friend." The man smiled. "I already told you there is no need for formalities."

"My apologies. Was there something you needed from me?"

"I just wanted to check up on you. I know that king Gangrel was hard on you. Rest assured that I though your ideas were brilliant."

"Maybe but judging by what he said they may never see the light of day. And I doubt it matters if you're the only one man who see's the appeal in them."

"Well it's not just me actually but all my men think you are a genius." Mustafa said putting a hand on Robin's shoulder.

Robin was silent for a minute. "Why? Why does he think that what we're doing is the right thing? Killing all those peaceful Ylissians is bad enough but we're killing off so many of our own men. So many families are being ripped apart!"

"Aye, lad. But none can afford to defy him. Least of all me."

"Your right. I'm sorry Mustafa. I shouldn't complain seeing how you're suffering far more than I am."

"Pay it no mind Robin."

"But still…someday I will change Plegia for the better! I'll make it the utopia my mother envisioned! And then Ylisse won't need to suffer either!"

"I still find it amazing that you sympathize with Ylisse even after what they did to her." Mustafa said.

Robin again went silent. "Actually Mustafa…"

"Yes?"

"This is something for your ears alone."

"You have my word."

"I don't think my father is telling the truth."

"What?"

"About what he said about the previous Ylissian Exalt killing my mother in his campaign."

"What makes you say that?"

"I looked into it. Our home was nowhere near where the fighting took place. And I know mother wouldn't have left me there alone. My childhood memories are still faint but I can tell that much."

"I see." The General said rubbing his chin.

"Father is hiding something from me."

"Then why not confront him?"

"Now's not the time. He's too high up in the government for me to threaten. And I need to stay on his good side if I'm to get his position someday."

"Ah yes. You're plan that you made long ago."

"Exactly. If I can work my way up the ranks I might find a way to overthrow the king and change Plegia into a county free from terror." Robin smiled turning to his friend. "Then you and your family can live in peace."

"I appreciate the thought Robin but that simply is not possible. But fear not, I am well prepared to die for them."

"You won't. I won't allow it." Robin said. "You're the closest thing I have to real family."

"What about Validar?"

"That crazed Grimleal?" Robin chuckled. "I said a real family. You know my father doesn't love me the way a real father should."

"…You're family to me too Robin." Mustafa sighed. "And that's why I won't burden you with my problems."

"I promise Mustafa I will make things right. For your family, for Plegia and for Ylisse."

"If I may ask Robin…Why do you care so much for Ylisse?"

"I don't see why I shouldn't." Robin shrugged. "My mother wanted the best for everyone. But I guess it's strange for me to care so much for them seeing that I never even met a Ylissian before."

"I bet just meeting one would strengthen desire to help them." Mustafa smiled.

"Maybe. It would be interesting to meet one. But it's pointless to think about. Why would any of them ever come here?"

It was after the march with Chrom and his friends in the stadium when the warrior known as Marth left to return to Ylisstol. Just who this young swordsman was nobody knew. That was another thing they kept secret along with the appearance they hid under their mask. For this was no man. It was a woman named Lucina. She walked aone down the path in Ferox. She was still a bit sore from fighting her father in the arena.

"Father is as strong as I remember him." She thought. "There's no doubt that he can change things."

She still had much to do. In less than a month she will have to stop the murder of her aunt. The Exalt. She was so distracted with thoughts of her mission that she didn't notice the group of people hiding in the bushes.

"Do we strike milady?"

"Not yet." A woman said. "Wait for me then surround him. We should catch this Ylissian alive. We need to know where he came from and why he's here."

Unfortunately for them Lucina had a sharp sense of haring. "Who's there!?" She asked drawing her sword.

"Wh-what now?" One of the men asked.

"Keep your heads and your voices down." The woman whispered.

Lucina slowly approached the bush as a woman in a black uniform and white hair stood up.

"So sorry for disturbing you young man."

"Who are you?"

"Don't you think that's a rude way for a man to introduce himself to a woman? Why don't you tell me your name first?"

"You may call me Marth."

The woman laughed. "The so-called Hero King? Do you truly expect me to believe that?"

"I gave you a name to call me by. Why don't you do the same?"

"*Sigh* Men these days. Very well. My name is Aversa."

Lucina froze. She heard that name in her future. "Aversa? From Plegia?"

"My, my. Heard of me have you?"

Lucina pointed her blade at the woman. "You are a servant of Grima. If I kill you it will change this cursed fate."

"What? Who told you all this?"

"I see little reason to tell you." Lucina said as she prepared to charge.

But as she took her first step Aversa pulled out a tome. "Wind!"

Lucina was caught off guard and blown a good distance away. But what she didn't notice until Aversa saw her get up was that the spell knocked off her mask.

"Well, well, well." The woman smirked.

"D-damn you!" Lucina growled in her normal voice.

"You hide both your name and gender. You're quite the interesting girl. I suppose that makes all the more reason to capture you alive."

"And you think you can do that alone?"

"Alone?" the mage giggled. "Oh, boys." Just then more men rose from the bushes.

"It doesn't matter how many of you there are. I will not be stopped!"

Gangrel laughed as he crumpled up the papers presented to him by Robin today and tossed them. "Such foolishness is not fit for this army!"

"I apologize for him sire."

"Bah! It's the same damn thing nearly every day with that son of yours Validar! He comes to me with high hopes for his plans only to disappoint me with talk on how to win with as few casualties as possible. It's a miracle that I haven't vomited yet!"

"I reasoned with that boy time and time again." Validar sighed. "But he insists on avoiding what he calls "needless bloodshed."

"Needless?! Bah! This world thrives on bloodshed!"

"Indeed sire."

"Don't get me wrong Validar. I won't deny that your son is talented. He is a quick thinker and rather cool-headed. He has potential as a strategist. But it's wasted on his foolish sentiment! What we need to do is make a man out of him!"

"I agree. I shall try to find a way to tear that needless kindness out of him."

"Make it snappy then. I'm expecting good results."

"I will report as soon as I think of a way." Validar said with a bow.

As he walked away he grumbled. "If only that brat had any appreciation for our goals…Ah, well. I just hope that Aversa found the suspicious fellow that's been stopping all our Risen attacks. We need to find out who they are right away."

Lucina pulled her sword out of the last solider panting heavily. "*Huff* It's over…*Pant* Finally…"

"Dear me. You're all dead already?" Aversa sighed. "Oh, well. I suppose I will have to get my hands dirty."

Lucina turned to her as she placed a box on the ground. "Th-that's a- A magic circle appeared under the box as Aversa started chanting. "No!" Lucina ran towards the box as black smoke erupted from it. Just as she was about to smash the box with her sword a hand came out of the smoke and grabbed her by the neck. "Urk!" Lucina dropped her weapon and grabbed the hand trying to pry it off her.

"Aww. So close." Aversa laughed. The rest of the Risen rose from the smoke lifting Lucina off the ground as she struggled to escape its grip. More Risen rose up surrounding her due to the Reeking Box's curse. "Too dad. Looks like you lose." Aversa smirked.

"Ugh! D-Damn you! You…coward…Gah!" The Risen tightened its grip on her slightly making her gasp for air. Aversa picked up Lucina's mask and sword from the ground. "G-give those back!"

"Sorry darling. But I can't have you trying to kill me as we head back to Plegia."

"P-Plegia…?"

"That's right dear. I don't plan to kill you. My master humbly requested that I bring you to him as an honored "guest."

"N-no…" Lucina tried to kick her legs at the monster holding her but the lack of air was starting to make her dizzy. She could hardly even aim at it.

"All that fighting looked tiring for you." Aversa said with her smirk growing. "I think it's time you took a nice long nap."

Lucina turned back to the Risen holding her as it brought back it's fist. "Must I…fall here?" The last thing she saw before blacking out has the Risen's fist rushing to her face.

Robin was sighing into another of his books. What a stressful talk he had with Validar. He never appreciated how Robin wanted what was best for everyone. And he always insisted that Robin should spend the time he used thinking about being merciful to think about Grima.

"Hey, Robin!"

"Gah!" The young man turned around to see Henry. "Gods! Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry but you might want to go hide."

"Huh? Why?"

"Oh, Robin!" a seductive voice sang.

"Oh gods."

Another Dark Mage with black hair came in.

"Hey Tharja!" Henry smirked.

"Henry. Robin should be here. Where is he?"

"He's not under the desk."

"Is that so?" Tharja asked walking towards the desk Robin was working at.

"Look. If my buddy was under there would I do this?" Henry shot a fireball under the desk and both mages watched it explode. "See? No scream of pain!" The female mage scoffed and left. Henry waited for a minute to make sure she was out of earshot before speaking again. "Nya, ha, ha, ha! You can come out now!"

Robin dropped down from the top of nearby bookshelf. "Thanks."

"Poor you. First your old man now her. You get all sorts of unwanted attention from crazy mages."

"Yeah. You included."

"Aww! Thank you!"

A wagon on the road at Ferox hit a bump startling Lucina awake. She immediately noticed the rag over her mouth. She tried to get up but her ankles were tied together. It didn't help that she couldn't move her hands that were stuck behind her back. She assumed those were also tied together. She sat up and looked around. She was in the back of the wagon without even the slightest source of light. The last thing she could remember was the Risen Aversa summoned knocking her out. That's when she remembered what Aversa said about taking her to Plegia.

"Oh, gods no."

She tried struggling a bit but the ropes held firm. She could only make muffled sounds through the gag. Shortly after she gave up the door on the back of the wagon opened and Aversa walked in. She smirked as she looked down at the tied up and gagged Lucina who was now on her knees. "Ah, awake already I see. Did you have a nice nap?" Lucina didn't bother make a sound. She knew it would be pointless with the gag tied tightly behind her head. She tried to look away but Aversa grabbed her chin and tilted her head to face her. "Don't look so glum. Not just everyone is invited to see Lord Validar. Though you can expect a lot of questions that I'm sure you'll be willing to answer. If not well…we have ways to get what we want from people." Lucina only glared at her captor. "We'll be there in two days. Until then enjoy the ride." Aversa laughed patting Lucina on the head like a pet.

Lucina looked down after she left. Now she'll never be able to save her aunt. And she will likely be tortured for information. Was there no longer any hope? Will her future come to pass?

The Hooded Writer: And that's chapter one. Hope you all enjoyed it. Stay tuned for Lucina's first meeting with Robin!