jankmaster98

ARE YOU READY GUYS? This is gonna be fun!

A/N Thank you Formia Sage for both my first reply and for that advice, in honor of that I've finally dug through and found the third chapter from the depths of my computer! Chapter 2 Bear meat? Yes, bear meat. This stuff couldn’t be more disgusting if he roasted it using his tomes. Technically that was the case, as for convenience sake Nobutada had used his fire tome to light their campfire. They had been traveling on the road for a few days now, heading on the Yellow Road to Ylisstol where Chrom said the Shepherds were headquartered. Along the way they’d stopped by many other villages, some having even heard of the fact they fought of the bandit force that attacked that other one. They were toasted and cheered at many a tavern, but every time Chrom and Frederick both insisted they camp out in the wild, much to the consternation of Lissa and Nobutada. Was it so bad to have an actual bed for once? Sure sleeping out under the stars was nice every once in awhile, but the mud, the bugs, the wild animals, and the bugs got annoying after the last three wolf attacks and last seven bug bites. They were currently about a day’s march from the capital, and Frederick estimating that perhaps tonight would finally be the last light of both bear meat and sleeping on rolls in the dirt. “You know maybe if we’d purchased some mules in the last town we might’ve gotten there by now!” Lissa groaned as she flicked off an indeterminate bug resting on her arm. “And maybe we wouldn’t have to deal with the cold and bugs if we’d stayed at that inn a few miles back!” “That would’ve put us another day behind schedule and we can’t tarry forever.” Frederick countered, “Speed is of the essence, especially reporting about a bandit incursion large enough to threaten a significant settlement.” “That’s all well and good Sir, but this capital of yours better have some world class apothecaries or I’ll scratch my leg off before this is all over.” “Don’t worry Nobutada.” Chrom chuckled, “I’ll not have your first week with the Shepherds comprise you're losing a limb.” “Good because-” The conversation had be halted on account of few things. One, the earth began to shake , a lot, two, the sky was began to become pitch black, a lot, and trees were beginning to fall, a lot, and there was there was somehow lava. Of which there was surprisingly little, or at least little enough that the four travelers weren’t scorched simply by being in the same area as the molten substance. Whole sections of the earth began to shift and turn violently as the four travelers got up off their asses and moved like hell. They retreated with haste towards the opposite direction of the great balls of fire that were somehow being lobbed at them, and Nobutada found himself wondering if this kind of crazy shit was a common occurrence in these parts. Eventually they reached a relatively safe spot away from the erupting earth and the furious fire, a clearing in the forest where a few rocks offered a brief seat and a brief reprieve. “This doesn’t happen often around here does it?” Nobutada asked in between gasps of breath as fire and earth continued to move in the distance. “No.” Chrom replied with a bewildered look on his face, “This is new, this is definitely new.” “New and bad!” Lissa shouted “Seriously, what is going on?” “I don’t know milady. But I doubt that that heralds good news!” Frederick pointed at something strange appearing in the sky. A blue circle like a portal suspended in the air and surrounded by words of a language Nobutada couldn’t recognize. The problem this thing posed was made apparent by what came out of it. Spilling out from the maw of the portal in the sky was a least of dozen things Nobutada was almost 100% sure were not friendly. They mannequins they appeared, horrible mockeries of men stitched together with unknown magic. Their eyes glowed red like rubies, and in their hands were weapons crude and rusted but probably no less deadly for that. “I suppose this isn’t a regular thing either!” “No, but today’s been full of surprises!” As they spilled out of the portal every member of the group prepared for combat. As they were still some distance away Nobutada decided to opt for his spells rather than his swords, but with how fast they were beginning to move he wondered how long the spell would be more useful than the sword. A blast of thunder took out two of the swiftly shambling foes, but they were still coming in. It was at this moment Chrom leaped into the fray once again, running quickly and bringing his sword across the body of the enemy unknown. The creature fell to the ground with a thud but now the swordsman was surrounded by no less than six opponents hungry for his blood. Frederick was at his side quickly as a sword wielding foe moved to flank Chrom, it would find little luck in that endeavour. Instead it got a lance to the gut, from which dark energy spilled out until it faded into nothingness. Frederick and Chrom were now standing back-to-back as the remaining five monsters circled around them, seemingly waiting like wolves to find a break in the two warriors defenses. This left four of those strange creatures to attack Nobutada and Lissa, the former of which realized at this point the sword was the better weapon. His hand was on the longer of the two blades but the sword had not left the scabbard. If he moved now he might leave Lissa vulnerable to attack, and that was not something that was an option in his mind. If he moved fast enough he could strike down one, maybe two- But The decision to act was made for him as two foes armed with axes rushed towards where the two were standing. “Oda!” They screamed, if that was really a word and not just the mad ramblings of abominations. In a rush his blade was out, slicing across one body and then turning on his heel to slash though the flesh of the closest one. With a quick flurry of graceful motion he hacked a monsters to pieces before he resheathed his blade. With speed and fury that felt both practiced and natural he unleashed another quick draw strike on the second axemen, cleaving the body into two diagonal pieces. Yet despite this valiant effort it appeared his actions would lead to ruin, for as he turned his head back to where Lissa was, and she was at the mercy of two of those creatures. Even as he rushed with blinding speed Nobutada knew that even he wasn’t fast enough. Nobutada was about to scream as he ran, no almost leaped in her direction. As he rushed with all speed a large crackling sound ripped through the heavens drawing the attention of the two humans and the two unknown creatures. It was as if a crack had opened in the sky with harsh light pouring out of it. For moment the entire field was a bright as day and the humans at least had to shield their eyes. Out from this new phenomenon came two new figures, these ones at least appearing human. Both wore masks, though that was almost where their similarities ended. Whereas one was dressed in a leather jerkin with gaudy splashes of black and gold that both mixed and contrasted with his dark black hair, the other adorned themselves with a heavy cloak and chainmail colored with subdued blacks and blues which matched his hair. The mask of the darker figure was a simple thing covering the eyes and much of the face all the same, while the mask of the second was a full-faced monstrous thing, it’s details intricate in its attempts to create an image of a monster or demon from another world. Yet most intriguing of all were perhaps their weapons, the darker stranger carried a scabbard and sword Nobutada had sworn he’d seen before; and the golden stranger, was most curiously equipped two blades in the same fashion as himself, and Nobutada could swear he saw a flash of red on the hilt of his swords. “Aha!” The golden fighter cried, clutching his face with his hand for some reason, “Having left much behind him, the hero never yields, never retreats, and never regrets! He faces forward, and never looks back! He-” “He should be fighting instead of talking!” His blue haired companion admonished as he drew his blade. With those rather odd words, the dark one moved to aid Chrom and Frederick, and the bright one went after the two monsters attacking Lissa and Nobutada. As Nobutada continued to hurry towards Lissa and her attackers he could see the other figure running as well. Time seemed to slow down for Nobutada as he scanned the new stranger visually and found several strange things. One the stranger put one hand to his face for no discernible reason, two he was going extremely fast, faster than Nobutada even, and thirdly his hand was on his primary sword in almost the same way Nobutada prepared for his quick draw. Something clicked into his mind, a word whispered so softly he almost wasn’t sure he actually heard it: “Iaijutsu”, it was, and again somehow a connection formed in his mind. Images of swordsmen with unparalleled speed and power who could end battles with powerful quick draws, sometimes ending battles in single strokes. His musing on the style were confirmed as the new combatant drew his sword in one powerful swift motion, the full force of momentum going into a slash against the creature closest to Lissa. That slash was followed up by several more, the stranger’s blade moving so fast it was barely comprehensible to the human eye. The cut up monster fell to the ground and the second one fared no better as Nobutada first took its arm, then took off it’s head. Shadowy energy rippled away from the corpse of the beast, slowly fading into nothingness and the night sky above. It seemed the second newcomer was handling himself well all things considered. The surprise of his entrance combined with the target fixation of the monsters proved to be a winning combination for the forces of the living. The blue haired stranger impaled one of the attackers, and it was then Chrom saw his chance. Like a swift storm he struck speedily, knocking one onto the ground with his elbow before planting his sword in its chest. Frederick followed his commander’s example, but instead used the iron and wood of his lance to send one bastard to the floor before he skewered it with the silver point. The two remaining of their foes looked ready to strike in counterattack but would find their efforts thwarted. The method of their thwarting was with weapons of course, and the weapons of choice were arrows, enough to turn anything into a pincushion, and a lance which found its way into the chest of the last thing standing. The owners of said weapons were revealed to be a rather coarse looking young woman adorned in red armor seemingly to match her red hair, and a man wearing what appeared to be a bib that almost looked as ridiculous as his long indigo hair. It appeared at last the battle was over, and it seemed that the ungodly tremmors and fire was gone to. Convenient. “Damn it all! I knew I should’ve brought more men to see you back safe sir, I knew it! I should’a known searching out here for ya myself was a mistake!” The red haired woman groaned as she surveyed the sight she was treated to. “Peace Sully. Everyone is fine. ” Chrom commanded as his eyes turned to the unfamiliar archer. “And who might you be good sir?” The man gave a bow before he spoke, melodramatic in its execution but seemingly meant for respect rather than mockery. “My name is Virion milord, and I am a noble from Rossane currently on a tour of other lands. I found myself in this spot of the country when the most intriguing of events began to unfold around me. Imagine my surprise when my vacation is not only graced with the presence of vicious monsters, but also this red haired beauty!” “You better shut your mouth before-” “At ease Sully.” Chrom said once again with a tone of both amusement and familiarity. His eyes now turned to the blue haired swordsman who quickly sheathed his blade after he saw the danger had passed. “You help saved the life of both myself and my companions friend. I would ask of you your name and perhaps a reward I might be able to offer you.” With the same speed he saw in battle Nobutada saw the gold masked warrior run to the side of his partner and wrap his arm across the other’s shoulder. While he could not see the man’s mouth behind his full mask, Nobutada could swear the gold warrior was smiling even as his comrade scowled. “Ah, allow me to handle the introductions! My name is Kuwabatake Sanjuro, and my companion is Marth, his taken from the name of the Hero King himself! But who we are is of no massive consequence, one thing you must know is we need no reward, for the only reward a true hero needs is the knowledge he has done good and helped his fellow man! Beware though, events such as this can only be the herald of darker things to come! I feel it in my soul!” “Umm..” Nobutada could see the other man’s blush even through his black mask, “Yes, you may see us again another time, but for now we really must be off!” Like there was some emergency, the blue haired fighter hurried off while dragging his companion with him. Nobutada could hear their voices even as they walked away, one seemed very annoyed with the other. “You just embarrassed us, made us look like fools!” “Really my stalwart friend? I believe I made quite the positive impression.” Nobutada chuckled a bit at the exchange before the stern and watchful eyes of Sully came upon him. It was like the woman was analyzing the best ways to take him down in a fight as she stared him down. “Chrom you didn’t introduce me to your new friend. I realize those other two let in quite a hurry but this one seems to be sticking around. So what’s his story?” “This is Nobutada. The new tactician of the Shepherds.” “Hmph. He doesn’t look like much, but I’ve been wrong before about folks. You know how to use those swords of yours?” Sully questioned, as if the monsters on the ground weren’t proof enough. “Well enough,” Nobutada conceded with a small grin, “And enough of tomes to make a go of them.” “Tomes eh? Mirel might wanna have a talk with you. But enough of that, we should make tracks fast and find a place a little less beat up before we can make it back to the capital.” “Normally I would say we could make camp here,” Frederick began, before he stared out at the still widespread destruction, “But given the circumstances I concur that moving on would be our best bet.” “Well, anything to get out of this place,” Lissa shuddered as the cold winds blew and the twisted forms of her attackers lay prone on the ground. Nobutada could only stare in curiosity at the fallen forms of slain. While many had dissipated into nothingness a few still lingered with the energy bleeding out of them slowly. For some reason he felt some sort of macabre interest in these things, and if he could see it he would’ve noticed the multi-eyed mark on his right hand glow ever so slightly under the moonlight of a crescent moon. Nobutada could feel in his gut though, that today would not be the last day he ran into these creatures. Well, there were many words someone could describe this city with. Grand, vast, prosperous, but Nobutada felt the best word to describe this place was big. Everywhere he could look people were shuffling around, hawking some good or another, or yelling to someone about some sort of business transaction. Yet uniting them all seemed to be a sense of peace and prosperity throughout the general area. The group, now including Sully and Virion, who apparently decided to stick around for his own reasons, waded their way through the crowded streets with much difficulty. The task of leading Sully’s horse through the crowd’s not making things much easier. Along the way Nobutada received many curious looks from passersby, he could tell just by examining their gazes that he was apparently some sort of novelty to them. Whether it was his odd robes, his two swords, or his slightly different complexion, Nobutada did seem to stand out among this mostly homogenous crowd. It was as they began to reach the center of the market plaza Nobutada found a strange sight. Normally one single woman walking throughout the town square wouldn’t be very interesting. It wasn’t the fact that she was nobility as evidenced by her attire, he’d seen many of those types walking about; but this woman had few enough guards, unlike the small personal armies the other nobles carried about. And this woman carried herself in a different fashion than the rest. Tall and dignified yes, but not in an haughty or vain stance like others who flaunted power and prestige with grand displays of wealth literally sewn into their personage. No, this person smiled at the children playing and running in the streets, talked openly with the commoners mulling about in the square, and never seemed to place herself above anyone else she met despite her obvious station. Frederick seemed to notice Noubtada’s curious expression and decided to give some much needed exposition to perhaps the only person who would need the woman explained. “That’s our ruler, the Exalt or queen if you prefer.” The knight explained astutely as many others gathered to gaze at the kindhearted woman, “Queen Emmeryn has been ruling this nation with justice and wisdom for over two decades, and we’re lucky to have her.” “And me and Chrom are even luckier to have her as an older sister!” Lissa beamed proudly as a small crowd was beginning to block the path the group was trying to take. “Sister? You mean-” Nobutada stammered, his face suddenly becoming very pale as he realized he’d been in the company of royalty this entire time. “Yes, I’m afraid we haven’t been totally forward with you Nobutada.” Chrom admitted, “Me and Lissa are indeed royalty here, although we don’t like to advertise the fact when we’re traveling throughout the country. Nobutada got increasingly nervous and wondered if perhaps he should bow or straighten his robes. The black haired youth was suddenly very self-conscious of the various rips and tears in his robes. Perhaps a switch to armor rather than cloth was appropriate for the company he was apparently keeping. He probably should’ve recognized this sooner. There was no way a simple swordsman commanded Chrom’s aura of authority, kept the company of a knight armed with a silver tipped weapon, and carried that anyone with magic could tell held mystic properties (Or anyone who noticed the man never had to sharpen the blade, lucky bastard...). “So when you said your headquarters was on the far side of the city you meant that because-” “Yes, our HQ is the royal barracks and guard station of the Royal Keep.” “And when you said you were shepherds...” “We weren’t kidding when we said our flock was huge, our flock is the whole of the Halidom.” “Hey I see that look on your face,” Lissa pouted slightly, “Don’t think you have to act all funny just because our family.” “Don’t worry too much your highness,” Nobutada teased a hint, somehow it came easy when directed at the girl, “I’ll leave the acting funny to you.” “Good! Hey wait a minute...” So he was traveling with royalty now, that was a thing. He was a part of a force commanded by a prince, whose general mission was to protect the whole of a country. Despite the loss of memory he suffered, Nobutada still had some idea that this was not something that happened everyday to everyone. What were the odds that a warrior lying in a field would be taken into a stranger’s confidence and then find they were really royalty? Not good, Nobutada was sure. The crowd following the Exalt practically became a procession as she continued to make her rounds throughout the city. This also conveniently cleared a path for the Shepherds to reach the royal citadel without too much of a crowd blocking their path. As they walked the path leading to the main citadel Nobutada noticed a slightly despondent look hidden in Lissa’s face beneath the usual cheer and pluck. He was about to ask if something was troubling her, but like a flash it was gone. So quick it was that the dark-eyed tactician might’ve said it didn’t happen, but it happened all the same. He would have to speak to Lissa about that some time, but currently Noubtada’s eyes were being drawn to the massive stonework structure that peered down and dominated his field of vision. As the high stone walls of the inner keep loomed around him Nobutada was once again struck by the situation he found himself in. Here he was a stranger and an amnesiac inside the most important structure in the capital of a nation. This inner keep was made to last and it showed in its plain and practical architecture. A small moat somehow was able to separate this section of the city from the rest, separating people from the high curtain walls that boasted towers aplenty along with several soldiers patrolling the walls. Mangonels and ballistas lined the upper walls alongside prepared logs and rocks. All these fortifications, more suited for outer walls than inner fortifications. If Nobutada had to hazard a guess the castle was probably the first structure built on this site, and the city and the even taller outer walls were built afterwards as more people came to this area. Chrom hailed the men on duty and the drawbridge was lowered. Everywhere they went the men on duty bowed and hailed Chrom and Lissa as “your highnesses”, while Nobutada, Frederick, Sully, and Virion were still given curt salutes. Chrom and Frederick were called to the palace for some meeting or other, Sully said she needed to check the stables, and Virion wandered off to flirt with some servants. So Lissa took this opportunity to show Nobutada the barracks where the Shepherds rested, restocked, and trained for their next battle. Eventually he and Lissa made their way to the barracks where several individuals were mulling about until they saw Lissa and some began to stand at attention. One of the first things that happened was a young noblewoman with long blonde hair and a sour look on her face rushed over to Lissa. Nobutada’s hand unconsciously went to his blade, but it appeared the girl meant no harm. Then she started talking and the warrior wished perhaps he’d actually had his sword ready. “By the gods Lissa are you alright? You look tired, are you uninjured? Has the soldier’s life treated you well? I knew Chrom shouldn’t have dragged you into this! He’s a terrible older brother to you!” The woman spoke quickly and with an accent that betrayed a noble upbringing no doubt. “I’m fine Maribelle, honest.” The young princess said as the older girl continued to fuss over her. “Fine? Fine after traveling for days on the open road, fight bandits and monsters if the rumors are true?” The blonde’s eyes then turned to Nobutada, seeming to focus on his rather unkempt hair and rather mud spattered clothing. “Then you go associating with this type of-” “Hold on, you haven’t even given the man time to introduce himself Maribelle.” A new voice chipped up, coming from a brown haired maiden who was sitting down and sticking her head up from a book she was reading. Her assessment was given a nod by a muscular blonde man who hefted his warhammer across his shoulder. “Yeah Sumia’s right! Give the guy a chance to introduce himself! This guy looks like he might be a warrior worthy of the Vaike’s time!” Nobutada could only offer a chuckle and a smile. “Well I don’t like to brag but I’m handy enough with a sword and with magic.” “Yeah and he’s great with tactics too! He’s been a big help to Chrom!” Lissa appraised, garnering a small modest sigh and shrugged shoulders from the tactician. “I try to make myself useful, and I’m sorry but I don’t know any of your names.” “Yeah sorry, I just threw you into this room without telling ya who any of these guys are didn’t I?” Lissa said as she scratched the back of her head in slight embarrassment. “Well my ever loving smotherer is Maribelle, the lady sitting with her book is Sumia, and Mr. Modesty over here is Vaike.” “Hello? Does anyone know I’m here?” Nobutada thought he heard something but dismissed it as a fluke. It seemed that there was more to the Shepherds than the people he’d been traveling with. For a moment he wondered why these people had not been accompanying Chrom earlier, but he thought they probably had some reason for being here while Chrom, Frederick, and Lissa were out where he was found. “So I assume you guys are the rest of Chrom’s Shepherds?” “Oh no,” Sumia responded, standing up now to speak, “There’s still more of us milling about the place. You probably haven’t met Sthal or Mirel yet, and Ricken might be reading a book somewhere.” “Well I look forward to working you all in the future. I certainly seem to have a lot to learn with the people I’m going to have to make plans for.” “Right,” Lissa remembered, “Did I mention to you guys? Nobutada’s gonna be the Shepherd’s new tactician!” “Well I guess we need one since most of your bro’s battle plans are to charge first and think later.” Vaike mentioned. “I don’t see the catch but maybe you do.” “He’s going to worry Frederick to an early grave, our captain is.” Maribelle exasperated, “He does the best he can with what he has, I for one think it’s rather gallant.” Before further conversation could take place Chrom strode into the barracks with a viridian haired knight trailing in after him. Everyone in the room now stood at attention with their commander present, and Nobutada noted that even the rather casual and friendly Vaike stood a bit straighter. Chrom cleared his throat before speaking, and there was a small pause of silence until the news was broken. “Well everyone, we have an assignment handed down. We need to marshall a group to Regna Ferox to ask for soldiers and aid in response to the bandit attacks and appearance of these new monsters.” “Captain I-” Sumia was about to approach Chrom before stumbling and falling down on her face. “Sumia all you alright?” Chrom asked, Nobutada was about to move to help her but to her credit the lady quickly picked herself back up and dusted herself off. “I’m fine..” She said quickly, “I was about to ask if things had really gotten so bad that the main pegasus company can’t contain the problem.” “No unfortunately,” Chrom shook his head sadly, “In defense of Captain Philla, the uptick in bandit raids has spread her troops thin. This mission will hopefully give us the manpower we need to keep the border secure, defeat these new monsters, and maybe even establish a better permanent dialogue with the North in general.” “Who ever is up to going is being called out to leave before noon tomorrow.” The new green knight spoke up, “Frederick wants the gear ready to go because we don’t have the coin to pick up anything on the way to the Feroxi capital.” “This is a volunteer mission I have to add. Anyone occupied or otherwise is free to stay behind and help safeguard the capital.” Chrom reminded “I volunteer!” Vaike and Sumia said almost simultaneously “I would join,” Maribelle began with a curt bow, “But my father’s land has been plagued by said bandits as of late, as his daughter and heir he has requested my presence to help calm the people and quell the chaos. My deepest apologies milord.” “That’s fair Maribelle, Lord Tharan’s domains are vital to the security of the border and their wellbeing is paramount. Do what you have to. If that’s all, the rest it I expect the rest of you to be ready to mobilize before noon. Dismissed!” With the news delivered the Shepherds minus Maribelle scrambled to gather everything from weapons to armor in preparation for departure. As this was going on Chrom and the green haired knight approached Nobutada and he was introduced as Stahl, one of the Halidom’s finest horsemen and a good swordhand in any case. “If you’re the new tactician I hope you’re good at planning the baggage train. There’s no way I can march without a fully stomach.” Stahl joked with a contagious easy grin. “Don’t worry, if there’s anything a good strategist can’t forget about it’s the army’s supply line. You’ll have your moldy bread and dried pork.” “I look forward to it.” The knight responded before excusing himself to check on his horse at the stables. Now it was only Chrom standing with Nobutada, and the blue haired prince briefly let down his mask of authority to reveal an unseen image of nervousness and uncertainty. Just like his sister Chrom seemed to have small flashes of a different person or feeling than they normally projected. Whether or not he would find out more about these other sides of these royal siblings would be thought about later. “Are you prepared for a new adventure so soon after all you’ve been through?” “I’m prepared if you are.” Nobutada shrugged. Chrom put back on his easy smile and confidence seemed to radiate from it. “Then you should be ready for anything my friend. Rest well tactician, tomorrow is a new day, and who knows then where the road might lead?” “My road is a open one so far my prince, but it seems my lot is thrown in with you. By your leave then.” Nobutada offered a small bow to which Chrom could only shake his head. “Don’t act so formal, I can’t stand people act like that when I’m around. Feel free to make yourself at home. If you’re interested in tactics, there’s the royal library you might want to consider.” “Thank you then, Chrom. I’ll probably take myself up on the opportunity. Not like I have much to pack after all.” The Prince of Ylisse laughed a bit before he continued speaking “I suppose that’s true, but still don’t forget anything before we leave tomorrow. We can’t have you going into battle without your swords or your tomes.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” As Nobutada shared an easy laugh with the prince of the Halidom it seemed that he’d not made the wrong choice in deciding to trust man who was a stranger but a few days ago. It seemed here he would find a bed, food, and more importantly friends to watch his back. While there was no way to tell where this group was going and what type of battles he would have to plan for and fight in, it was plain to see that this was a group that had a common sense of camaraderie and trust. Nobutada could only hope that one day he would find a distinct place of his own within this group, but before that he had to think of the little things in life. Like the fact that he needed something to eat badly, seriously, where was dinner?

Hey, I'm kinda asking with regards to my possible participation in the next one of these. (If there is one, I thought this looked kinda fun) But one I kinda wanted to do would be a series of support conversations that involved a character from an outside media, to clarify this would not be an OC rather basically a crossover support. This would sorta be practice for me writing the characters interacting in my story which will be a crossover, I would still follow all the format and guidelines laid out I think, but I was just wondering if that would be allowed in the next contest if indeed there will be one. I really don't want to seem like I'm just trying to promote my story, but still I think I might be interesting to try writing out what I have in mind. Thank you for your time if you took the chance to read this...

Chapter 1 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ He couldn’t see shit right now, but maybe that had something to do with the fact that his face was pressed in what he assumed was dirt. That wasn’t so bad though, not compared to how much his head hurt. That might make him inclined to just stay face first in the dirt for a bit longer. That musing was interrupted by footsteps, from the sound that one or two of them made they were heavily armored, Naga willing they weren't bandits. The last thing he needed was a possible beating and the removal of what little possessions he could feel on his body. What was he doing here on the ground anyway? His mind wracked itself for answers, but nothing seemed to come. Hell, even memories of who he was seemed lost to him. That might’ve been a combination of exhaustion and perhaps the circumstances that led him to be sniffing up dirt, but the fact that even his own name escaped him for now worried him immensely. “Come on! Look at him, he’s still breathing! We can’t just leave a person like this.” Someone said, the voice of a girl it sounded like. Voices? But from whom? They didn’t sound like bandits but his body refused to help him do the polite thing and stand up and greet them. “We have no idea why a person would just be left out here in the open like this,” A much more stern and authoritative sounding person spoke now, his voice carrying the weary and grilled tones of soldier. “I’ll not just leave someone splayed out on the ground like this Frederick, not if I can help it.” A third person intoned, earning a sigh from at least one other member of the unseen party. It would look comical to any onlooker, four individuals on an open field, as a blue haired and well armored individual rolled a decidedly oddly dressed young man on his back. Now it was the time for the person on the ground to open his eyes. While the first thing he saw was nothing but blinding light on account of his eyes adjusting to natural sunlight, the next thing he focused on were the faces of three decidedly different people. One face was young and full of curiosity, with large and inquisitive eyes that darted everywhere at once. The second one was clearly the oldest of the three, what with several lines of worry and clear experience etched on his visage. His gaze was like iron as he seemed to probe for any sign of treachery or deceit, if one could hazard a guess the hardened warrior had faced some great betrayal in the past. Then there was the third face who entered the formally earthbound man’s field of vision was markedly different from the others. Putting aside the fact that his hair was blue of all colors, he seemed to be possessed of a natural air of authority and presence like those warriors one reads about in children's stories and dusty history tomes. It was strange to think that such persons could really exist, and even stranger still to think that one could be met on some field in the middle of nowhere. “Well, now that you’re up,” The blue haired warrior said as he held out his hand, “Sleeping face first on the ground isn’t what I’d call healthy. You should get on your feet.” Taking the stranger’s hand tentatively, the amnestic wanderer pulled himself up to his feet to get a better look at his surroundings and who he was surrounded by. The field was as unimaginative and nondescript as you could possibly find. With naught but grass in most directions, dotted by the occasional tree breaking the monotony. In the far distance one could see a small town with a large chapel visible even from here, and a short distance from where they were standing was a small dirt road barely large enough for even the smallest of wagons. Further towards the city, small farms and homesteads dotted the landscape, but nothing so as to suggest any large scale settlement of this area. “That far off look in your eyes suggests you’re lost traveler, you mind giving us your name?” The apparent leader of this band asked. “My name is-” His mind wracked itself for an answer, but nothing seemed to come. “I’m sorry, I can’t remember right now.” “Oh I know what this is!” The chipper girl spoke up now, “I remember my tutors teaching me about this! I think it’s called amnesia.” “What it’s called is grade-a bullshit.” The grim and armored figure retorted, “You cannot expect us to believe in these troubled times that a person lying on the side of the road with “no memory” is not a sign of treachery.” It appeared the soldier was about to draw upon his blade, but found himself told to stand down with a gesture from his apparent leader. “Peace Frederick! If he meant us any harm he would’ve made a move by now. And not once during this conversation has his hand gone to his blades.” He had a sword? With a surprised look on his face, the Man with No Name looked to his left side to see that there was indeed a sword there. In fact, not just one sword, but two of similar designs. One was longer than the other and was presumably a two handed blade, the shorter sword was not quite the length of a broadsword but had enough length to not be considered a dagger. The distinctive feature of those two blades together though was their curved design, red silk inlays on the sword handles, and an odd crest of a black flower inside of a yellow flower printed on the blade. “Maybe we should start with our names, if yours escapes you. My name is Chrom, the little bundle of energy is my sister Lissa, and the cute and cuddly teddy bear over there is Sir Frederick of Riverfell.” “Hear that Frederick, you’re me and Chrom’s stuffed animal now!” Lissa giggled while Frederick could only sigh in exasperation. “Oh the things I put up with for the sake of my oaths...” Witnessing that little banter brought a smile to the traveler’s face, though his continuing lack of information to give was a concern. “Well, thank you for your aid, I’m sorry I can’t offer you anything in return-” “Nonsense, as Shepherds it’s our duty to look after every soul in these parts, native or otherwise.” Chrom reaffirmed with a smile. “Shepherds?” The Man with No Name asked with confusion, “You heard sheep while armed with lances and swords?” “It’s a dangerous world my friend, and the flock we tend two is no small charge indeed. Now if your memory is gone you can’t very well be left out here in the open like this. Let us guide you into town and perhaps we can sort out this mess from there.” “I would advise against such actions milord. We still have no idea if this man really is tell us the truth about his memory or anything else for that matter. This talk of “amnesia” could very well be a ploy to get us to lower our guard.” There was a point there, they really didn’t have any way of assuring themselves of his truthfulness other than the strength of his word; and the word of a stranger wasn’t something most people took at face value. “Oh come on Federick, what if he really doesn’t have his memories and is all alone out here?” Lissa begged the question, “He’d been picked apart by bandits, or wolves, or bandits riding wolves!” “Be that as it may, I cannot help but be suspicious of someone with origins unknown to us and apparently himself. Though the decision remains milord’s I will emphasize caution all the same.” Chrom looked to be in deep thought as he contemplated his decision. After staring at the ground for a few seconds his eyes locked with the travelers. With a careful gaze Chrom seemed to be analyzing this man who appeared from nowhere and who seemed to be going nowhere as well. After a few moments of deliberation a smile broke across the swordsman’s face and he began to speak his assessment. “Strange as it may sound, I’m inclined to believe your story, but at the same time I know that I can’t be too trusting to everyone I meet. How about this, we’ll lead you back to a town, but just to make sure Frederick has at least some reassurance he can walk behind you while we take you into town.” Seeing as how he didn’t have a lot of options at the moment, and the fact that Frederick didn’t seem to be getting any friendlier. There wasn’t really any other choice than to accept the offer. With a small nod that was understood sufficiently, Chrom took the lead of the party as the group of four made their way along the dirt road towards the village. Along the way they passed through and around several small farms with the occasion loose livestock animal crossing their path. Every farmer who crossed their path seemed to look upon the group with a mixture of friendliness and reverence. Apparently this group was known well-enough in this area, and while Lissa soaked up all the attention it appeared the two other members of the group were not so conformable every time they passed a farmer who gave them a hurrah. They reached the village by about high noon, if tolling of the bells of the chapel was any indication. The four found their way to a tavern on the western end of the village, they arrived at the sign of the Prancing Pony and made their way to a table to hopefully get things straightened out. “So, for the record, you can’t remember anything about where you’re from, where you were going, and why you were even in Ylisse?” Frederick asked in between sips of his drink. “I’m sorry but no, and I’ve been trying to remember the whole time we were walking but nothing’s come back to me.” “Your clothes and weapons aren’t those of a citizen of a Halidom, and I can scarcely imagine the nation where such intricate designs on your clothes don’t mark you as one of the nobility. “Ooooh, the mystery.” Lissa intoned with seemingly practiced melodrama, “Where could the mysterious stranger come from? Why is he here? And why hasn’t our bread come yet?” Before that question could be answered a great many screams went up into the air. Immediately panic set into the other patrons of the Prancing Pony and Frederick and Chrom readied their weapons for battle. The Wanderer also reached for one of his two swords, finding the taller of the blades almost perfectly balanced for his grip when grasped with both his hands. Out of the corner of his eye, the Wanderer also spotting Lissa preparing for battle, but instead of reaching for a sword or lance, the young girl reached for a staff. Some part of his brain told him that that was a staff meant to heal rather than harm. Strange how he seemed to know the workings of weapons but not his own name. There was little enough time for contemplation as it was clear what was going on throughout the village. As the four hurried themselves of the tavern, chaos reigned, as men who could only be described as brigands looted shops and homes. In the streets there was fire, glass, and blood as men wielding swords and axes fell upon the helpless townsfolk. Out of the corner of his eye, the Wanderer could also see some villagers holding spears, the town’s militia he guessed, trying to fight back. But they were disorganized and scattered, and their long spears were proving ineffective in this closer quarters combat, especially due to their lack or formation or any discernible tactics. Sparing no thought to his own safety, Chrom rushed ahead to engage two bandit axemen currently trying to break down a door to a shop. Even from the outside streets and the chaos of battle, the screams of the occupants inside could be plainly heard. With unbridled speed and power Chrom slashed through the side of one of the bandits. Before the other could truly counter attack, he was impaled on the lance of Frederick who yanked the weapon out quickly and dutifully in preparation for the next encounter. The Wanderer also found himself beset by bandits, these two swordsmen of the myrmidon tradition if their stances were to believed. Again, the Wanderer wondered how exactly he seemed to know things like sword styles yet his his own name escaped him. One bandit made move to strike him, but the Wanderer blocked that blade with his own. With a heave he moved his sword up the bandit’s blade, and once his own sword was free from the lock, brought it down through the flesh of the unfortunate outlaw. While impressive, this maneuver left the Wanderer vulnerable, and the second of his two opponents managed to slice his sword across the Wanderer’s back. It was a glancing blow but it cut through the robes he was wearing and he could certainly feel the blood trickling down his back. Despite this, his strength did not fail him and he was able to bring his blade around for another strike. This time it was the bandit’s turn to block, but as the criminal tried to bring his sword to bear it was cut through by the Wanderer’s blade. The brigand barely had any time to gape in shock at this turn of events before he was cut nearly in two by the curved blade, falling dead on the ground like his compatriot. Exhausted by this sudden turn of events, the Man With no Name fell to the floor unceremoniously on his ass. Seeing his predicament, Lissa decided to rush over towards him and prepared her staff for healing. As the blue orb atop the staff glowed and healing magics began to manifest, the young man breathed a sigh of relief as the pain going through his body began to stop. “Thank you Lissa. Argh, that still smarts a little through.” “Hey, you’re welcome. What kinda healer would I be if you kept fighting with a wound like that?” As the healing magics rushed through his system it seemed part of their power reached his mind as something akin to a door opening happened. In his mind he could see a man dark haired like himself and dressed in robes bearing the same emblem as his swords. You have much potential in you boy, both in the sword and the sorcerer's art, but of all your talents treasure your mind. Treasure your mind, Nobutada. Nobutada, so that was his name. He’d hoped perhaps that maybe now he’d discovered a way to get back his memories, but even as the healing magic continued to work its way across his body nothing more seemed to come back to him. “There, that should do it!” Lissa said as she patted him on the back for good measure “You should be all better-” “Nobutada,” He reaffirmed, “I know my name now, my name is Nobutada.” Even against the backdrop of this chaos and calamity Lissa apparently still took the time to look amused. “Nobu- what now? Is that foreign or something?” “I don’t know only-” Before he could finish his sentence a hostile man holding a bronze tipped spear emerged from an alleyway attempting to skewer Nobutada. Instead of finding its way into Nobutada’s side like intended the spear ripped through the fabric of the satchel he was carrying. Out from the satchel spilled out several books that he wasn’t even aware he was carrying until now. The excitement and mystery of the past few hours apparently causing him to fail quite a few spot checks this day. While he once again unsheathed his sword to fight his opponent. Though this time it was more about parrying the spear point than stopping the momentum of a sword swing. What he and the bandit failed to notice was Lissa running to retrieve the books from where they lay on the ground. She quickly picked the tomes off the ground and opened one a random page. What happened next surprised both Nobutada and the enemy spearman, but what happened ended up working to Nobutada’s advantage. “Nîn o Chithaeglir!” Lissa spoke the ancient words of power with a bit of a tremble in her voice and from seemingly nowhere a small bolt of lightning struck the brigand. While barely enough to harm him it was enough to distract him as he lowered his guard for one moment, and one moment was all Nobutada needed. With one quick and powerful motion, the head of the enemy was detached from his body and rolled to the ground like a cut melon. The heat of the moment over, Nobutada stopped and considered Lissa who was currently looking a bit shaken at everything that had happened. Such things people shouldn't have to see at her age, and for a moment the warrior wondered why he himself was not troubled by his taking of a life, and in such a brutal fashion. “Are you alright?” He asked of Lissa who was still clutching his tomes and starring a bit numbly at the body and the spilled blood on the street. “I’m fine,” She said, meeting his eyes as she did so. “It's just, I’m usually not this close when fighting breaks out like this, most of the time I stay back while Chrom and the others do the fighting.” “Well that’s their choice then, but to me a healer should never be too far from the battle, and it appears you know something of magic as well.” Nobutada offered with a smile “Oh I don’t know heads or tails of magic,” Lissa protested, some of her previous mirth returning to her voice and eyes, “I just know a tome of power when I see one, and the basics of a spell I suppose. I could never actually try using it for combat, you should probably hold onto them.” Nobutada took the books from Lissa as she handed them to him. To his surprise as he flipped through them knowledge of spells and power came back to him. It appeared that in addition to swordsmanship, sorcery was in his armory as well. Glancing over the tomes also brought unclear images of a training yard and a man with snow white hair into his mind, but time enough for that would be latter. Off ahead of Nobutada and Lissa was Chrom and Frederick battling yet more bandits, the two fought together like well oiled machines, but it was clear that the overwhelming numbers of their opponents would overtake their skill at arms. “Milord! We must make haste away from here! I cannot guarantee your safety with so few forces at our command.” The wary knight said as another group of bandits turned around the corner and spotted both the group, and the multitude of dead bandits on the ground. “I will not leave my people to the mercy of these bandits!” Chrom retorted while screams from other areas of the town filled the air. “We need to regroup with the town’s militia and drive out the bandits street-by-street!” The Nobutada yelled above the chaos as he and Lissa rushed to join them, “Any bandit group big enough to consider attacking a settlement and not just a homestead needs the efforts of the entire town to drive out.” Chrom seemed reluctant to leave the area, but seeing as another group was going to be headed in their direction he and Frederick joined Lissa and Nobutada in heading in the opposite direction. A quick question to Frederick revealed that most likely it would be the chapel where the town’s militia would make their stand, a short distance sprinting revealed that to be the truth, as a handful of militia spearmen tried their best to hold off against the axes and swords of their attackers. Behind the screen of militia men lay huddled masses of the women, children, and elderly, who fearfully looked on as their fate was being decided. With a rush and a cry three fighters joined the fray, Chrom with his sword, Frederick with his lance, and now Nobutada turned to the tomes of magic he’d only recently rediscovered. As lightning blasted through the ranks of the looters, more mundane weapons of steel and bronze cut down those remaining. In short order the immediate area around the chapel had been cleared of bandits, though Naga only knew how long it would stay that way. With the coast now clear Lissa also made it her mission to tend to the wounded soldiers, patching up as many as she could while doing her best to make sure some passed as painlessly as possible. “Who’s the commander of the garrison?” Chrom asked of the soldiers assembled as the situation began to become tangible in the minds of those assembled. “Captain Robb sir.” One man nervously spoke up, trembling as he did so, “He was one of the first cut down sirs... I don’t know what to do! We’re all going to die!!!!” “No!” Chrom shouted as men gathered to see this commotion. “We’re not all going to die here, and we’re not going to watch your town fall. I’ll not see the lives of Halidom Citizens laid to waste like this!” Nobutada could only watch as the natural authority he’d seen in Chrom before take ahold of these men. These farmers, blacksmiths, merchants, could have barely know Chrom before now. Now as he spoke of victory and hope they looked ready to follow him into the jaws of hell itself. But belief wasn’t going to be the only thing “Chrom, you can lead these men, I’m sure of it, but we need a plan to drive them out, I think I just might have one.” The blue haired captain's eyebrows furrowed in interest as he put his hand to his chin. “And what would that plan be?” Nobutada looked to the distance to see the only other building as tall as the chapel. “The place they would take over is the town hall, we need to push for that, and from there the bandits will scatter to the four winds. To get there we’ll have to push through large groups of bandits, and I see one way to do that with the least losses and the most chances of success.” “And what would that be?” Frederick said as he interrupted on their little conversation. “As I was going to explain to Chrom.” Nobutada intoned no small amount of annoyance into his voice, “We need to ensure that we evenly dively the militia at our disposal into equal groups and have them advance in spear wall formation towards the town hall.” “Their spears and shields will help them keep the briands at a distance and combined with a closer interlocking shield formation their causalities will be minimized.” Frederick surmised. “Exactly, as the militia push the enemy towards the town hall eventually the enemy be surrounded by the points of spears from all directions. However, there remains one problem. I calculate we only have enough militiamen at our disposal to cover three of the four routes to the hall from here, and if we leave one open we run the risk that another force could flank another route and send the column into chaos.” “Then the four of us will take the last path to the town hall.” Chrom decided as he marched off, presumably to give another speech to the townsfolk who looked ready to fight for their homes. Chrom relayed Nobutada’s idea to the troops, and soon enough, captains were chosen, spears lowered, and men packed in tight formations ready to advance. Before they enacted the battle plan Chrom stood before the assembled men and viewed them over before speaking. “There isn’t much time for speeches, so I’ll make this quick. Those are your homes those bastards are burning, those are your families they want to kill. We’re not going to stand for any of it! We’ll cut them down, and send them to hell!” A great cheer rose up from the lines of the spearmen, and Nobutada was convinced in that moment that these men would follow Chrom through fire and blood if he called them to it. The battle that followed actually went rather well all things considered. While the militia units advanced up the streets of the town, mopping up any bandits they came across, the group of Chrom, Frederick, Lissa, and Nobutada was doing well for themselves. On Nobutada’s advice they to had arranged themselves in a loose but set formation, Chrom and Nobutada would take the lead with their swords, Frederick would clean out the flanks and anyone trying to surprise them from the rear, while Lissa would heal any of the wounds that would inevitably come to people fighting in a chaotic situation like this one. They eventually made their way to the town hall. As they made their way to the large building Nobutada could see brigands retreating up from the other streets. Behind them were the glittering spear points of the militia. Prepared to end this threat to their homes and families. The remaining brands on the other hand, looked scared to death, while the largest among them, their probable leader looked on in frustration and anger as she saw his men routed, and the militia standing strong and confident against them instead of fleeing en masse. This was not the type of force that the white haired bastard had told him to expect. The massive brute was expecting an quick and easy slaughter with such as large group at his disposal, but it appeared that these men weren't quite dedicated to the job and when really faced with hard resistance they broke like cowards. It came to pass now that the entirety of the bandit force was enclosed with nowhere to go. Nobutada almost allowed himself a smirk at the situation that the bandits found themselves in. He would be smirking, if not for the fact that the half-dozen or so of the remaining enemies still looked determined to fight. At their head was the the man who led them presumably, what with his stature and visage being any indication. Showing no fear in his face, Frederick stepped before the last holdout of the bandits with his lance at the ready. “You are surrounded and outnumbered. Surrender or be face justice here and now!” He challenged. Nobutada, Lissa, and Chrom saw this display and Chrom was visibly upset. Nobutada could see that the young man didn’t want to see the knight risk his life, but at the same time he saw Frederick’s intent as well. The knight probably knew that if he didn’t make the challenge himself Chrom probably would, and perhaps if he could defeat the leader of these bandits the rest would disperse without further losses towards the townsfolk. At this challenge the leader of the bandits snarled like a mad beast and advanced out in front of his men. It was clear what was going to happen, the bandits and militia alike gave the two men space. Like spectators at a carnival event they crowded the sides, though the townsfolk far outnumbered the criminals at this point. The bandit leader unsheathed his weapon to reveal a large and heavy greatsword as tall as a man and as wide as two fists. While the blade was designed to be wielded with two hands, the man standing before them was able to grasp the blade in one hand and make the greatsword a broadsword in his hands. Despite this showing Frederick coolly stared down his opposition, silver tipped lance prepared to strike. Though from the length of the weapon and the size Nobutada wasn’t quite sure whether to classify it as a lance or a spear. Regardless of semantics the duel was about to start, and the entire mass of the people assembled held their collective breath. The duel started with a cry as the bandit chief started to run towards his opponent, he never stood a chance. His sword was fearsome, his countenance terrible, and his strength immense, but everyone must obey the basic laws of range and motion. Perhaps the bandit chief was used to men breaking and running at the sight of him charging, perhaps he had simply grown overconfident in his abilities, or perhaps he was just a dumbass. In either case what happened was this; the nameless leader of the marauding brigands was impaled by the lance of Sir Frederick of Riverfell died right there on the spot. Anticlimactic perhaps, but from the look on Sir Frederick’s face he would have it no other way. With the job done, the rest of the bandits threw down their arms, disheartened by their leader’s death. Frederick saw this turn of events as stoically as ever, and now turned back to Chrom and the others shouldering his lance as he did so. However, it appeared that two of the bandits under the now deceased men’s did not hold well with this outcome. They rushed Sir Frederick, one with an axe, and another with a sword. Frederick turned about as quickly as ever, bringing his weapon down on the axeman and dispatching him on the stop. However, his weapon could only be at one place at any given time. The second of the attackers was in striking distance, and Frederick did not have time to counter. Almost without thought, almost in instinct, Nobutada leaped into action. With almost a blur of speed Nobutada’s body moved between the sword and Frederick, while his own blade almost leaped out of its scabbard. He could feel the blade cutting through his skin across his shoulder and chest, but even so the flower-crested sword found its mark, and a much deeper cut was left upon the brigand. With a great gasp three bodies fell to the ground. Two bandits, and one wanderer. Immediately Lissa and Chrom rushed to Nobutada’s side as Frederick turned him over onto his back. From what the others could see his wound was little more than a glancing blow, but that didn’t mean that it didn’t warrant medical attention. “On your back for the second time in a day good sir,” Frederick joked as he witnessed the militia begin to round up the surrendering bandits, “You need not have acted on my behalf, but I thank you all the same-” “Nobutada, I have my name again, and it is Nobutada.” “Well that’s definitely foreign.” Chrom noted as he surveyed the situation at hand. The defeat of this force of bandits, the destruction they had wrought, and the fact that the victory of the Shepherds was due in no small part to the planning of the man currently lying on the ground. Chrom gave out his hand once again to be grasped by Nobutada who pulled himself up to the cheers of the townsfolk. Almost as soon as the planner was on his feet he and his group were very nearly mobbed by the joyous townspeople. “We carried the day thanks to you my friend.” Chrom shouted over the roaring huzzahs of the people. “I confess I did but little, sir.” “Nonsense, you gave these men a plan to follow, which is something more valuable than numbers in a battle.” It was then the blue haired fighter seemed struck with a plan of his own, “You have only a few memories and less of future ahead of you if I am correct?” “Well, I don’t really have any plans-” “Excellent, the Shepherds are always in need of a sharp blade and a sharper mind. What do you say to becoming our tactician?” This earned a smile from Lissa, a bemused look from Frederick, and a look of bewilderment on Nobutada’s own face. Well that was forward and abrupt. “Umm- I’m not sure really. I don’t exactly have anywhere else to go, but are you sure you want to just add me into your group just like that?” “Hey, you really were a big help out there today! It’s cause of you these people still have their homes and families, it just wouldn’t do for you to be left on your own without even your memories to guide you!” Lissa said in response. “While I am loath give my trust away freely, you have proven your valor to milord at the very least. I also cannot forget I owe you personally myself, and as milady says, leaving you to the chances and powers of world would not be an acceptable outcome. I would have you as a comrade if you would so choose.” Frederick added. “So, Nobutada from parts unknown, think you might have a future with the Shepherds of the Halidom?” Chrom asked as he extended his arm once again, this time not to be pulling up, but to be shaken in affirmation. In the end what other choice did he have? Perhaps he could be like the wandering heroes who simply traveled without cause or purpose, simply drifting from one village to the next in search of answers he would probably never find. Or he could take this path, a path that spoke of danger perhaps, but also of people at his side, of people who would have his back. With no memories, no known friends or family, and no known goals or ambitions what recourse was truly logical? Without words this time, Nobutada took Chrom’s hand in a firm handshake. No words needed to be spoken, the intent was in the action. Lissa cheered, Frederick gave a small smile, and Nobutada felt perhaps the coming days would be better than this new day he woke to.

Post whatever feedback you have, good or bad, here! link to the story on this site is http://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=54618 and on fn.net is https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11253393/1/Fight-to-Change-the-World well, have at it!

A/N Well, I felt that maybe this story might get bit of attention here, I hope I'm following all the guidelines for posting things on both this site and this forum. If I'm not then I will gladly both take this down and make my self scarce on this forum. Anyway, here's the first chapter. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prelude The battle was going to be crucial, it was going to decide everything. All the battles, all the time, all the struggles and hardships that had built him up to this point were going into this effort now. A loud crash echoed throughout the chamber as he saw his friend match the tyrant they were fighting blow for blow, but it was not enough. Power and ferocity radiated from this man, this king of destruction and horror. Yet how much of him was still man? How much was not simple bestial hunger and rage, how else could anyone put into action such wretched plans, and commit atrocities by the thousands? It didn’t matter now, it wasn’t the time for introspection or reflection, it was the time to fight! With a cry a bolt of lightning was launched at the madman while his blade was locked with another. The blast found its mark, but the foe of all good and honest people in the land only laughed as the Thoron spell almost bounced off his armor. With a smile that could chill bone, the monster threw off the blade of his opponent and send him tumbling to the ground. The demon who’d brought them to this point attacked the only other person currently standing in the room. Fire and death roared out from his left hand, and the magical defenses that stood against the blows could only shudder against this assault. The owner of said protection spells was then soon blasted across the room and found the wall crashing into his back. Without a big change in circumstances, the two heroes who stood against this warmonger and his plans would be nothing more than dust before his might. “Posturing fools!” The tyrant said as he approached where the Heir of Heroes lay on the ground. “Have you learned nothing?” With an armored foot he kicked the blue haired leader of men across the room and laughed maniacally as he brought his weapons ready seal his victory. “There are be none before me! There shall be none after me!” He stood before his fallen foe, ready to deal the killing blow and end all hope for the future, “Die now for defying the House of a Hundred Demons, for I am the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven! O-” “You talk too much!” The black hearted individual turned his head around just in time to see a powerful Thoron spell crash into him. Unlike the last time though, this bolt struck with hard fury knocked back the Devil King. Rather than act surprised or angered however, the one hailed as the Devil King could only smile in satisfaction as a lone man walked towards doom and destiny. Eyes of a weathered but kindhearted sort gazed into eyes full of malice and darkness. While there was dark power in one set, there was hope and courage in the other, but in both was one thing that was plain to see. Determination and a will of iron that would see both to whatever end they had chosen. This was clear to the two combatants, and they knew that this would be their last and final encounter one way or another. “I suppose I might have been wrong about you! Perhaps there yet exists one in this world who is worthy of my name! It matters not, you cannot stop what is destiny, what is fate!” “No! I will stop you, stop you here and now forever!” The clash of power began with lightning and fire struggling against each other, a fight more of willpower than of raw strength. The words of power read off the ancient and powerful tome sparked energy and might of another age long gone, while the power that stood against it was a miracle of metallurgy and sorcery both, a combination of the best of modern science and the worst of ancient magics. Sparks and flames spewed forth from the center of their duel, and any close by would surely feel the massive surge of power radiating throughout the room. It was with a whisper and not a yell the battle was decided, with the small utterance of the final word of power the strength of the Thoron spell became that of a storm, vengeful and righteous in fury. Even as the Devil King tried to fire his way through the magical might arrayed against him his power failed. He was engulfed in storm and electricity and cried out in pain once his body was enveloped in the tempest. It was at this point the Scion of Legends saw his chance. With the blade of heroes he ran the monster through with all the might left in his bones. Even the power of the House of a Hundred Demons could not stand against such force, with a earth shattering roar the Devil King fell to his knees and began to fade from this world. With the battle seemingly over with, the two heroes of the hour stood exhausted but jubilant in their own way. What only one of them saw was that the Demon King was not quite done with his fight. “YOU INSOLENT WRETCHES!” He cried as he let off one last blast towards the two heroes. With a great shove the tactician of the Shepherds of Ylisse pushed his commanding officer out of the way of the final dying strike of their enemy. The attack narrowly missed them both, but the force of the explosion knocked them to the ground. The smoke cleared from the tactician's eyes and one of the first things in his field of vision was his friend’s hand. Grasping it quickly, the master of magic, blades, and tactics got up to his feet and smiled a with a sigh of relief. “I think, it’s over now.” The Exalt of Ylisse surmised as red devilish energy dissipated from the now empty armor. “We only carried the day thanks to your work.” Even as Chrom said those words the vision and mind of the man hailed as the High Deliverer of the land became clouded and dark. A sharp and menacing laugh was heard in his head, and it wasn’t long before a voice became to worm its way into a brain normally full of strategies and battle plans. ‘How little you understand of destiny and power, young child.’ It said as control began to vanish, even as he could still feel his hands and feet. ‘How arrogant you were to think you could stand against my might. Watch now as all your work is undone!’ The tactician heard a grunt of pain and saw a flash of light. He wanted to scream, but no words came out of his mouth. The sight he was treated to was his closest friend skewered by a bolt of lightning, and even before his eyes turned down to his hands he knew who fired that mortal wounding blow. He wanted to cry, scream, anything, do something rather than be a prisoner in his own body. Yet there was nothing, the tactician’s eyes could only turn towards Chrom’s face, still full of kindness and trust despite losing life as every moment passed. “Please... It’s not your fault. Leave this place and live... Your hear me? That’s an order! Live, live..” That last thing heard before his conscious mind ended was damnable laughter of a man who’d caused the land to be torn asunder, and then the world melted into blackness. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edit: Any feedback would be much appreciated, I think the etiquette here is to start a feedback topic for that purpose, I think you're also supposed to put back and forth links on both topics so I'll try and do that as well. Edit 2: feedback topic: http://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=54619

Hellos and more to all who dare venture into this topic where jankmaster98 is introducing himself! I've been lurking around this forum for a few years since Shadow Dragon came out but it was my recent foray into the wonderful Game Fire Emblem Awakening that brought me into looking for more Fire Emblem stuff online. Mostly what I came to this forum to do was to talk a little bit or a lot about the game series I've come to like so much. And maybe on the side ask for some advice/feedback on my fan fiction story that crosses over Sengoku Basara and Fire Emblem Awakening. Hopefully I did nothing stupid in this first post, lord knows I've made enough mistakes on my Alternate History and westeros.org accounts. So here I am! Have a Party!