Chapter 1: A Mirrored Awakening

"We have to do something," a woman's voice rings as light peeks through cracking eyelids.

"What do you propose we do," answers a young man's voice.

Two figures come into focus, their faces shadowed out by the shine of the sun behind them, as the eyes are opened, "I don't know…" the woman's voice stops.

The both gasp and stare into the eyes below them, "I see your awake now," the man says.

"Hello there," the woman follows.

"There are better places to take a nap than on the ground you know. Give me your hand," The man reaches out.

As the formerly unconscious person reaches out, their eyes dart to a peculiar 6 eyed mark, on the hand of their benefactor. The man hoists them up to their feet, looking at them eye to eye. The man is smothered in a thick coat with a design matching the mark on his hand, with messy silver hair mopped on his head, and a small smile on his face.

The other person is wrapped head to toe in light blue desert garb. A hood and mask conceal most of their face and shades his eyes from the sun. A water canteen, scabbard, and a torn pouch adorn their belt. A sand crusted glove covers his right and a metal bracer is fixed on his left arm.

The person removes their hood revealing cobalt blue hair and eyes, then the mask to show matching scruff on his face, "Thank you," he says.

"That was some fall you had there," The woman next to him comments.

The blue haired man turns to see her, and his eye climb the woman's tall figure. She's almost half a head taller than he and her compatriot with long flowing white hair, dark skin, and an outfit that leaves little to the imagination.

"Fall?" the blue haired man inquires.

He gazes behind him, a steep cliff face towers above him, with no sight of the top.

"We saw you crash into the sand here and ran to see if you needed help," the silver haired man begins, "My name is Robin, this is my sister, Aversa," he gestures to the woman beside them, "Can you tell me who you are?"

"I am… I am… I'm not sure- AGHE" the blue haired man grabs the back of his head.

"What's wrong?" Robin inquires.

A wet sensation fills his hand and he pulls it back, revealing blood to his rescuers, "Oh, you really are hurt, aren't you?" Aversa says, "Here, sit down. I have some bandages."

She brings him back down to the ground and takes a roll of cloth from her satchel at her hip. She investigates the wound on the back of his head and tightly wraps it.

"A blow like that to the back of the head? It doesn't surprise me at all that he can't remember my own name," a gruff voice says.

The blue haired man looks behind Robin to se a giant man in thick black armor standing arms folded and glaring down at him.

"Oh, this is Bernard by the way, he's what you might call our groups worrywart," Robin says.

"Bodyguard, Sir Robin. The reason I lean towards the side of caution is because your father wanted to make sure that you had a little more voice of reason on your escapades," Bernard counters.

"All done," Aversa says as she ties up the bandage.

She helps the man to his feet, "Thank you, Lady Aversa."

"So polite, I like this boy," she giggles.

"Do you have a name stranger?" Robin asks.

"I uh… Don't remember. I don't remember really anything.," the blue haired man replies.

"Oh no. I read that severe head trauma can cause a type of memory loss called amnesia. You must have taken quite the hit to the head on your way down," Robin says.

"Judging by the size of the cliff, I'd say I'm just lucky to be alive," The man laughs off.

"Aw you poor thing," Aversa hugs him, "That's terrible, alone in the desert with no memory. Grima truly favors you for us to have come along when we did."

She pulls him tighter, causing him to blush, "I appreciate the thought Lady Aversa, but I'm fine," he pulls away from her, "I can't be sad about things I don't remember, right?"

"My lord and lady," Bernard interrupts as he walks towards the cliff and pulls a sword from the sand.

Upon seeing it the blue haired man reached for his belt only to discover an empty scabbard, "I think that may be mine."

Bernard eyes the sword a bit longer, "I'm inclined to agree, the steel is in far too good a condition to have been left here for any significant amount of time. It would also appear that it is a perfect fit for your scabbard," he brings the sword to him, "This blade has seen much use in it's days and has been well maintained. Clearly the prized blade of a warrior, Chrom."

"What?" he replies.

"The name inscribed on the guard," he points to the carved letters, "Seeing as that this is clearly your sword I will make a guess that this is your name," Bernard clarifies.

"Chrom… Yes, I think that sounds familiar," Chrom nods.

"No one knows weapons quite like Bernard. He can tell what a man's been though by the condition of his metal. Give him enough time with that sword and he can likely tell you where it was made," Aversa adds.

"Chrom take the sword and sheaths it, "You have my thanks, Sir Bernard."

Bernard glares down on Chrom, "Do not think that your thanks will cause me to lower my guard. You are still a possible threat to my lord and lady. Make any attempts at their lives, and I will not hesitate to do my duty. Am I clear, Mr. Chrom?"

"Easy there, Sir Bernard the Optimist. Now that we've settled the matter of your name, it's nice to meet you, lone swordsman, Chrom," Robin holds out his hand.

"Same to you, Sir Robin," Chrom returns the gesture with a handshake.

"Please, just, Robin, is fine. I get enough 'Lord' and 'Sir' as is from him," Robin nods to Bernard.

They release each other's hands as Aversa giggles, "Aw, my baby brother is making friends. You're far too trusting for your own good sometimes."

"Aversa, I am no more a child than you are a delicate flower. Personally, I think my ability to believe others is one of my best qualities," Robin counters.

"It almost balances out your massive ego," Aversa jests.

"Ahem!" Bernard coughs, "My Lord and Lady, need I remind you that we are still on patrol. We need to continue moving if we are to stay on schedule and return home as we planned."

"Well we can't just leave Chrom here, not with his injury," Robin says as he rests his hand on his chin, "There's a village just north of here, it isn't far from our route. We should stop there for supplies and see if we can find something for our new friend's injury."

"As much as I would like to say that wouldn't be necessary, I think that I will have to take you up on that offer. I am in your debt," Chrom bows.

"Oh please, no bowing in front of me. It's nothing really," Robin panics.

Aversa giggles again, even Bernard chuckles a bit, "Well then we best make haste for the next village," Aversa says as she raises her hand to her face.

She lets out a loud whistle that rings across the sands. As it dies out the group is met with a long whinny and the beating of wings. From above them, a dark form descends upon them. A large set of wings kicks up sand as four hooved feet land on the ground. A black Pegasus trots to Aversa, who pets the armored beast and takes it reins.

"I take it you ride this," Chrom comments.

"Yes," she answers, "When it's just the three of us, I act as our scout and air support."

"My sister is an invaluable part of our team. As for combat ability, I would call her Bernard and mine's equal. Thou her raw power leaves a bit to be desired," Robin chuckles.

"As long as I can get twice as many hits in, power doesn't really matter, little brother," Aversa counters.

"Right, I've been meaning to ask," Chrom interrupts, "Are you guys some sort of guards or mercenaries?"

Robin smiles, Bernard sighs, "We are, The Rangers, an up and coming peacekeeping force under the command of the Plegian Crown," Robin declares.

"Plegian?" Chrome inquires.

"The Kingdom of Plegia," Aversa clarifies, "The vast desert nation where you're standing right now and the place we call home."

"Right, sorry. I wish I could say I remember, but…" Chrom trails off.

"No apologies necessary," Aversa says, "As he was saying, my brother is the brains behind our little force. Don't let the fact that he refuses to take off that coat in the middle of the desert fool you, he's a tactical genius and master with both sword and spell."

"Guilty as charged," Robin gloats.

"My lord and lady, we should be off, we've dallied here long enough," Bernard suggests.

Aversa mounts her stead, "I'll be off then, I should be able to see the village not too far off."

A few mighty beats of the Pegasus' wings and Aversa bolts into the air. The three remaining men emerge through the dust cloud, flowing the shadow in the sky. After shaking his head, Chrome grabs the back of his skull, as his face winces.

"Chrom, are you alright?!" Robin yells.

After some heavy breathing his face returns to normal, "Just a bit of a headache, I guess brain damage does that to you."

Robin rolls his eyes, "Do you take anything seriously?"

"Not to my recollection," Chrom laughs.

Robin sighs ad he rests his face in his palm, "Well I guess I walked right into that one. Just don't push yourself, if you can't keep going, I can signal Aversa to come pick you up and take you on her pegasus."

"I'm fine for now but thank you," Chrom replies, "Are you this friendly to every stranger you meet in the desert?"

"Only the ones who aren't threatening my life with a blade, there have been plenty of incidents like that. Besides the alternative is to take the Bernard approach and think everyone is a threat before I meet them. Trust me, just one, Bernard the Optimistic, is more than enough for our group."

Bernard's eyes snap down from the sky and take aim at Robin, "Sir Robin, please stop calling me that," Bernard sighs.

"But if fit's your upbeat and bright attitude so well," Robin snarks.

Bernard leers his lord, "Please, Your Ro…"

"Alright fine, just, Bernard it is," Robin interrupts.

Chrom grins as he wipes sweat from his baking brow, "Of all the places to wake up though, why a desert? Why not a nice field of grass on partly cloudy day somewhere a lot less hot?"

"Welcome to Peligia. Where all your dreams come true. Provided that your dreams involve tons of sand," Robin quips, "At least you're dressed for it, you look like a merchant nomad."

"And it's all like this? No wonder as to why I'd want to forget this place," Chrom replies.

Robin laughs, "Save some of that material for later smart guy. Not all of the country is like this. The west coast has a decent fishing industry, the north is a but more temperate with some forested areas on the Feroxi border, and we have some woodland on the eastern side, but… we try not to go there any more than necessary."

Chrome cocks his head at Robin, "Why is tha…"

The sound of pegasus wings crashes down on them, "Robin! The village, there's fire! I think it may be under attack!"

"Looks like it's showtime Rangers," Robin quips.

"I'll ride with Aversa, without a horse, I'll only slow you down on foot," Bernard explains.

"Right," Robin replies, "Then both of you move to just outside the village. Once there separate and Aversa, you scout from high altitudes and see how many enemies we're dealing with, find any choke points, and see if there are any magic users. I'll catch up and we'll come up with a proper plan of attack with whatever information we have."

"Yes sir," both Rangers reply.

They mount up and fly off. Robin watches their ascent before a hand grabs his shoulder, "Robin, what can I do to help?"

"Can you run with your injury?" Robin asks.

"Not sure."

"We'll go as far as we can together, if you need to slow down then do it. If you fall behind, I ask that you keep to the outskirts of the town and scout out if any reinforcements show up or if some break off in retreat. Stick to support stuff unless one attacks you," Robin orders.

"Yes Sir!" Chrom nods

…

"Less than a dozen, no magic users as far as I could see, no archers either so range advantage is completely in our favor. The village is pretty small but dense, the only way in or out is the front their main force is in the market area near the front of the town," Aversa reports.

"This village seems to be one that is supported by logging a small woodland north east of here, it is likely that everyone strong enough to defend this village are away at this time of the week," Bernard adds.

"Grima knows that wood is a precious material in Palegia. The villagers?" Robin inquires.

"All in the center building, guarded by two of their men," Aversa responds.

Robin exhales, "Alright, so I will attack from the front of the village," Bernard gives him a leer, "Using magic at range to draw them away from reinforcing their guards at the center building. Aversa will attack the guards while the main force is heading towards me. You can eliminate one with a surprise magic attack and then engage with you lance. Bernard, you will be within arm's reach of me as the rest of them are charging. I'll back off and then you hammer them from their flank."

"And what of our wayward swordsman?" Bernard asks.

"Chrom had to stop due to his injury, but he has his orders too," Robin replies, "Any objections?" Bernard raises his hand, "Besides me acting as bait?" Bernard's hand retreats, "Then we move out Rangers!"

…

As the sounds of battle grow louder in Chrom's ear, he can spy Robin taking on several ax wielding attackers with sword and tome. Chrom is mesmerized by his style, Robin's body acting as if in were made to react to every move his opponents would make. To the left of him, Bernard is repulsing three men with a sweep of his axe. Back behind the main group, Aversa keeps the rearguard at bay with aerial magic attacks.

Chrom halts his steps and catches his breath. His eyes scan the horizon for enemies, locking onto some movement around the right flank. Chrom spies a handful of men spilling out from the cluster of buildings. He charges toward Robin to warn him, but his eyes catch hold of something else. A young woman jumps on top of one of the bandits and the rest tear her off and throw her against a wall.

Chrom slides through the sand as his feet run to the enemies instead. His head begins to ache and he grabs the blood stained bandages. As the men ready their weapons to strike the girl, Chrom shakes his head and yell's a battle cry. Their heads jerk to him as he draws his sword. The closet one swings, but slices through nothing but air. Chrom's blade cleaves through his enemy's chest as he slides between the woman and her attackers.

"You will leave this woman alone! I will be your opponent!" Chrom orders.

"Oy not dis guy again! Where's da one-eyed brat you ad wit you" one of the men rages.

Chrom freezes, "One-eyed, wait… You know me?"

A sword cuts off Chrom as his body dances around the strike as he drives his own blade into the bandit's chest. Two more take him on, both swinging from a different side. Chrom blocks the right and doges the left. Chrom sends swift kick that brings the right to his knees and slashes through the left. The final bandit brings a gleaming blade down on him. Chrom deflects the blow but the bandit he's kicked down swings again.

He jumps to avoid the low strike, but the bandit with the shining blade jabs at him. Chrom drives his sword into the ground and pushes himself out of the bandit's reach. The jabbing one falls on top of the other and Chrom's blade comes down on both of them.

He leans upon his blade, his breathing grown heavy and his muscles trembling, "Grima be praised!" a familiar voice shouts.

Chrom turns to see Robin staring with his jaw hanging open, "Oh hey, Robin… I'm sorry… I know you said to only do support stuff, but this woman… she needed help and I couldn't…" he struggles to speak between breaths.

"How did you do that?" Robin probes.

Chrom looks at the bodies strewn about his feet, "I… I… I really have no idea. My body just sort of… Moved, like it was natural… It felt good, like I didn't need to remember anything… I just needed to act."

A touch on Chrom's shoulder sends him into a panic and he stumbles to the ground. He looks up and the woman he protected helps him to his feet, "Thank you so much! I thought I was dead!" she cries.

"Well, you are very welcome. I just did what I thought was right," Chrom replies, "Now go make sure your family's okay."

She nods and runs back. Robin steps forward to face Chrom, "I have never seen moves like that before, I assume asking where you learned how to fight is moot."

Chrom laughs, "Pretty much."

"No memories, massive head injury, and no plan of attack; yet you still pulled of swordsmanship that could rival mine," Robin praises.

"You are quite impressive, Sir Chrom," Aversa chimes in from beside them, "I would wager that you're actually better than Robin."

"Hey!" Robin interjects.

"Oh, come now little brother, you're all brains and no spirit. He doesn't take an hour to prepare a perfect chain of attacks, Chrom just saw what needed to be done and swooped in."

"There is some talent there, I will give you that," Bernard adds.

A grin finds its way to Chrom's face, "Thank you."

Robin smirks, "You're a great warrior if I ever saw one. Hey, if you don't have a place to go, why not join the Rangers. We're on the lookout for new recruits and you'd be a great addition. I can only now begin to imagine the strategies I could think up with you on our side."

Aversa sighs, "Always about strategies."

"Sir," Bernard begins, "We scarcely know this fellow nor do we know his origins. Injury or no, he still presents a viable threat to you."

"Bernard!" Robin commands, "He risked his life against five bandits to save an innocent citizen of Plegia. That's more than enough for me to trust him."

Bernard's face goes red, "But Sir, what…"

"Would my father say?" Robin interrupts, "He would trust my judgement in the matter."

Aversa asserts herself between them, "As much as I love seeing you two argue, we still have yet to hear Sir Chrom's answer."

The Rangers all turn to their companion, Chrom goes white, "Well, it's not like I have anywhere else to go at the moment. I would be honored to serve as a Ranger with the three of yo…"

Chrom falls forward but Aversa catches him, "His head is still bleeding out. He needs medicine."

"No… I'm fine. Just need a minute or two to rest. So much excitement for one day," Chrom replies

Robin nods, "Take him into the village, see if they can spare a vulnerary for him. I won't let our newest member die on day one of his service."

Aversa nods and takes hoists Chrom over her shoulders, "That would certainly reflect poorly on your leadership."

"No, really I can… walk myself. Trust me…" Chom goes limp.

Aversa carries their injured comrade towards the village as Robin and Bernard examine the bodies, "Sir Robin…" Bernard begins.

Robin nods to him, "I know," he walks to the impaled bodies and retrieves the shining sword, "This is a silver blade. A weapon like this has no place in the hands of Bandits, especially ones so otherwise pathetic as this."

"It's very unlikely that they'd come across a caravan around these parts where they could've stolen that. Plus, the craftsmanship is first rate, no one this good would stoop to being a bandit when they could make a fortune providing arms to the Plegian army. On top of that, the design of the weapon speaks volumes for its place of origin," Bernard says.

"There is but one logical explanation. This weapon was provided to them by the Ylissean army," Robin says.

Bernard sighs, "Indeed, these bandits must have been caught attempting to cross the border and given the choice to strip this village or die. If Naga's Butcher wants to reignite a war, then we need to report this to your father immediately!" Bernard concludes.

"Yes, but there's one question that pesters me. Are there more out there, with weapons like this? Even in Ylisse, silver weapons are a luxury not lightly spent on a simple prodding. The Butcher seems very desperate to start a war" Robin stammers, "We'll head out towards the border."

"Sir! If Ylissean forces so much as catch a glimpse of, you, near the border, it is tantamount to a declaration of war against the Haildom. You will be giving Exalt Crusas exactly what he wants. The fragile peace that both our fathers have been nursing will be shattered and we'll have another Holy War on our hands."

"I am well aware," Robin counters, "We will go only far enough to find any sign of the Ylissean army in our territory. If nothing comes up, we'll return to the capital. If this is the Haildom's work, I need to ensure that our people are protected, no matter the cost to me. When Chrom can move again, we'll leave for the east. That is an order, Bernard."

Bernard kneels, "Forgive me, Sir, I had forgotten my place. We will move out at once, Your Royal Highness."