Fire Emblem Fates: Bloodlines
By, Antex-The Legendary Zoroark
Disclaimer: I own nothing except this story and anything else that I and I alone came up with. Should I use anything that is not mine and is seen by others, all original ideas go to their respective creators. I am merely borrowing/using them in passing.
«Prologue»
My name is Luke. Well, it was until awhile ago. I assume you're confused by what I mean? Well, let's just say that it all started out like any other ordinary day.
RRRRIIIINNNGGG!
As the end of school bell rang, I jumped out of my seat in joy and hurried over to my locker to pack up my things and start off the weekend. I was your average teenager. About 5'8" tall, 120 lbs, and my skin was a pale peach. My attire was that of a red t-shirt, beige school shorts, and white shoes.
"Heya Luke." A voice behind me said. I turned around and saw my good friend Adrian. He was fourteen years of age, had jet black hair, green eyes, and whitish skin. He wore a grey shirt, jeans, and athletic shoes.
"Oh heya Adrian." I said. "What's popping?"
Adrian just shook his head in amusement. "Who even says that nowadays?" He asked rhetorically. "Anyway, I was going to ask if you wanted to play against me in Fire Emblem Fates. If ya win, I'll treat ya to something in the future?" He asked challengingly.
"Heck yea man! I'd love to." I admitted. I always was a fan of the latest Fire Emblem game: Fates. And to think it all started with Awakening…what an awesome series.
I was interrupted from my musings when in the line of my sight, a couple fingers snapped to get my attention. "Dude, you alright?" Adrian asked me.
I shook my head and replied back, "Yea. Just remembering the old days when you showed me Awakening for the first time. Hard to believe that that one battle against that sorcerer Validar, immediately had me hooked."
"I know right? Shows how far Nintendo and all things gaming have gone y'know?" He said with a light laugh.
This caused me to laugh with him as well. "Yea bud. Anyway, I need to finish putting my things away, and then we can play. Sound good?"
"Heh, sounds good mate."
Later…
"Aw man! I can't believe I lost again!" I said in slight disappointment.
Adrian merely shrugged in response and said, "Not my fault that you suck at strategy."
I gasped and held my hand to my chest in faux hurt. "Oh Adrian! That's cold man! You hit me right where it hurts!" After a couple seconds, the both of us laughed.
"But seriously, I know you're a smart dude Luke, why don't you use strategy?" Adrian asked again.
I hummed in thought and gave the best honest answer that I could think of. "Well, I guess because I know it's just a game and that even though I make slight mistakes, it's not the end of the world."
Adrian hummed in thought as well about my answer. "Well," he said, "I guess that makes sense. But nonetheless, at least TRY to make an effort sometime ok?"
"Okay, okay fine man!" I laughed as he nudged me playfully. "Anyway, it's getting late, I should start heading home."
"Sure. I understand. Unless…" He paused.
I immediately paled. I knew what he was gonna say and I didn't want any passerby to overhear.
"You're going home just to fantasize about you and Co-mph!" He immediately was shut up by my hand covering his mouth. I then whispered harshly to him.
"C'mon! I can't help it okay? She's just a beautiful character!"
"Uh-huh, sure… I bet that if Female Corrin were real, you'd immediately ask her out. You always had a thing for the female avatars eh buddy?" He responded.
I could only blush slightly and nod embarrassingly. It's not really something I'm TOO proud of. I tend to think more about the fantasy world than the real world. One thing led to another and it was then I always thought to myself: what if I was there too? And what if I were married to one of the many avatar in the games (the female ones that is, I don't swing THAT way).
Anyway, I digress.
I whispered again to my friend, "Alright I admitted it! Now please stop teasing me and I'll let go of your mouth!"
He then made a motion of zipping up his mouth and throwing away the key. I nodded and let go. Thankfully, he didn't bring up the topic anymore and I (mentally) breathed a sigh of relief.
"Fine, fine. I had my fun." He said with a small smirk. "Anyway, I guess you're right that it IS a little late, so I guess I'll see ya tomorrow?"
"Of course," I said back. "Stay frosty my friend."
"And you stay golden buddy." He replied.
We then shook hands, bumped our fists, and made them flow (like Baymax does in BH6) away from us. We then laughed and waved goodbye. However, little did I know, that that would be the last time I'd ever see my friend…
On the road…
As I walked on my way back to home, it began to suddenly darken and rain. Feeling the cold, biting chill of the wind and the pelting droplets of water, I immediately looked for a place to possibly stay dry under.
Looking around, I suddenly realized I was in a bad part of town. The streets were abandoned and the houses were poor in appearance. Not only that, gangs along with a few other "questionable" people would gather here. So that begs the question: how did I wind up here?
Nonetheless, I looked over to my right, and saw a tunnel a little ways away. Looking back to the beaten up town, I knew this may be the dumbest idea I've ever had. I immediately rushed over and began to head under the tunnel. I then fetched my sweatshirt from my backpack and sat down until the rain would stop.
I had never liked the rain to be perfectly honest. Sure, it helps out with the earth, but still, you can also get sick from the constant little droplets.
I also decided to take out my 3DS and play my game for a bit to pass the time, before I suddenly heard a shuffling noise.
I listened for it again, but after a few seconds, I didn't hear anything. I then looked to my game and saw that the screen was strangely whited out and all static-y. I suddenly felt a sense of dread and began to think I was in one of those horror movies where the killer comes out of the shadows to kill the innocent bystander.
It was when I had that thought, I heard the shuffling noise again! It was louder this time and was also accompanied by a scraping noise. Like a blade being dragged purposely across the ground.
I looked once more into the darkness, and I then saw it… I saw some sort of hooded figure, yet it was slightly see-through too! I could only focus on it for a second before it suddenly vanished and I waited in uncomfortable silence.
"He-hello? Come out!" I cried in fear. "Whoever you are, I don't want to cause any trouble!" I started hyperventilating and began to cry small tears.
"….Trouble?" A voice rang out like an echo.
I gulped and looked behind me, seeing the hooded figure once more. It slowly walked over to me, its posture looking ready to kill on the first moment I showed weakness.
"I AM trouble boy… prepare to leave this realm!" It eerily said. I couldn't hold it in any longer and immediately sprinted away from the thing that was most likely, not your average thug!
I ran but looked behind me and saw the hooded figure combing after me. It made impossible maneuvers and even jumped over a small house in one leap! What was this thing?! I then bumped into a wall and saw I was at a dead-end.
"Oh no…" I whispered.
I looked behind me once more and saw the transparent figure. When I looked at it closer, it almost seemed to look like one of the Invisible Soldiers from Valla!
I gulped and mustered up as much courage as I could and took a defensive stance. I hope those days of learning karate were worth it. Maybe I could get out of this alive.
The figure then dashed at me and I did the same, I ducked under the blade it swung at me and kicked it in the chest. It seemed to be slightly surprised that I'd fight back, and got hit.
Recovering, it then sped at me again, while I was letting pure adrenaline guide me. It then kicked me in the face, slightly disorienting me and then it's blade nicked me in the arm. As it made contact, the cut burned. Like salt in a wound. I was crying tears of pain before I knew I was doing so.
It then approached me once more while leveling the blade at my face. "Not…bad boy…but you're far from being my equal…"
In one last act of defiance, I spat at it in the face and the last words I heard were, "See you again soon boy…in MY world!"
It was then I was stabbed through the heart and knew no more…
Unknown Location…
I was falling…falling into an endless, dark abyss…was this what death felt like? Was I really going to die here? After contemplating this for awhile, I knew that I shouldn't give up this easily!
I wanted to live! It was then that a bright light covered my vision and I woke up in some weird Limbo-like space. The world was quite…blank for lack of better term, and the whole area was covered in rainbow-like colors. Where was I? All I knew was that I wasn't on Earth anymore.
"Be calm young one…" A mysterious, yet soothing voice rang out.
"Indeed. All shall be explained…" Another said, more feminine unlike the first.
"Who's there?" I shouted. "Why am I here? Do you know why I freaking died?!" I was blinded by anger. Would someone give me some straight answers?!
All I received was a temporary silence, until suddenly two bright lights formed into small orbs and then into two humanoid figures. I was astounded.
One had Vallite garbs on, with a white robe with blue symbols. He also possessed a hood and blue hair along with red eyes that were somehow familiar. The rest of his face was covered under a hood.
The other wore a revealing garb. Clad in white robes and possessing beautiful flowing green hair, she possessed pointed ears and a serene smile.
I just couldn't believe my eyes. Right in front of me were the Silent Dragon, Anankos (albeit his human form), and Naga, the Divine Dragon! But why were they BOTH here? I thought Awakening takes place a LOOONG time after Fates (that is, according to what I've heard in the Before Awakening DLC).
Naga smiled gently and put up a hand, gaining my attention. "Luke, I know you have a lot of questions, but we don't have a lot of time at the moment. We will explain more when we transport you to your new life."
"New life?" I questioned with a tilt of my head.
"Yes." Anankos said in place of Naga this time. "You see, it was my other half which sent that soldier to kill you."
Shocked at this revelation, I was about to ask Anankos how this was possible, as I had thought he merged with his other half when he shielded Lilith.
Seeming to read my mind, Anankos smiled a small smile while saying, "Yes, it's true that I am now apart of my other half, but surprisingly, my mind is still somehow it's own. So as I said earlier, seeing as it IS kinda my fault you died, I wish to give you a second chance at life as repentance of sorts." He explained.
"I see." I said. "But still, why me? Why did your draconic other have me killed?"
Anankos hesitated at first, so Naga stepped in to speak for him. "You see, you're not originally from Earth, but rather from Valla. During Anankos' massacre of all Vallites, your parents sent you to this realm where you'd be safe. But it appears that Anankos still somehow found you."
I was immediately shocked at this revelation. Me? Not from Earth at all this whole time? I suddenly felt faint and slightly dizzy, but I held myself together and mustered up the courage to ask: "So what now? How will I transition into this new life and all?"
Anankos spoke once again saying, "Well, seeing as you were originally from our world, transporting you there won't be a problem. However, my other self would easily recognize you by the time he sends his agents. Henceforth, you'll receive a new identity like I gave Severa, Owain, and Inigo from the Shepherds."
"That…sounds kinda cool, yet strange at the same time." I admitted.
"Maybe so," Naga said, "But it will protect you in the long run." Naga then looked around and seemingly sensed something. She then quickly spoke to Anankos.
"It seems another version of 'him' recently has fallen in battle."
"Indeed," Anankos responded. "Perhaps this can work in our favor…"
"Excuse me, but what're you talking about?" I asked.
Almost as if they forgot I was there, they looked temporarily surprised and Anankos said, "Well, I think we've found a way to make your new identity even better. Tell me, have you heard of the Fell Dragon Grima?" He asked at the end.
"You mean THE Fell Dragon?" I exclaimed. "The one who made Robin's and the other Shepherds' lives (mainly Lucina) a living hell?"
Naga nodded in response. "Yes. It appears that somewhere in one of the many Outrealms, a version of Grima has recently died. Although in the end, he seemingly had some regrets. So, we believe he deserves a second chance at life as well; in a manner of speaking that is."
"Whoa, whoa, wait!" I said exasperatedly. "You mean to tell me you're going to revive the freaking Grima?!"
"No. Not completely." Anankos said. "After all, his so called 'regrets' may be a farce."
"So then why?!" I shouted confusedly.
"Seeing as Dragon Veins play a crucial part in Anankos' world, you'll need an edge." Naga said. "Henceforth, we'll be merging a fraction of Grima's essence inside you. Think of it as a test of sorts. If he 'passes', he'll gain a new chance at life." Naga then explained.
"I guess that makes sense…" I muttered. "But how will I know he won't take me over?"
"He won't." Anankos reassured. "Like we said, it'll only be a fraction of him. And besides…don't you want to know what it's like being similar to my children? If I remember correctly, you DO have a crush on my daughter no?" He teased.
I immediately flushed red at this and hoped Anankos wouldn't kill me for having feelings for his daughter. I then heard Naga laugh.
"Anankos, I think you're scaring the boy too much. Do try and not tease him so."
"I'm sorry Naga. I couldn't help but to. Do not worry Luke. I don't blame you. In fact, I think you may be the right person for her, but we'll see." Anankos said to me with a chuckle.
I blew out a sigh of relief and then asked, "So anyway, what does having Grima inside me going to do?"
"Like we said, not only will it grant you the power to use Dragon Veins, but it'll also give you the skills: Shadowgift, and Ignis. Although Ignis shall be locked until the time is right." Naga said to me.
"It'll also make you a half-Manakete of sorts too." Anankos added. "So my boy…are you ready? We don't have to much time left." He informed.
I hesitated slightly but then eventually nodded my head in affirmation. "Yes, I'm ready."
"Very well." Anankos said. He and Naga then joined hands and both stood in a prayer like stance. They then glowed a bright light and I soon felt myself get enveloped in it. It was warm and soothing, but also powerful and slightly dark too. I assumed that that last part I felt must've been Grima's Fragment.
As the light died down, I looked down at myself and saw that I had changed slightly in appearance and clothing. I now had light aqua blue hair like Azura and Shigure, paler skin, red eyes, pointed ears, and wore Robin's Tactician clothing. To complete the look, I had a Iron Sword and a Fire Tome in my hands. I then noticed the Mark of Grima on my right hand and that I also had two slightly elongated canine teeth. Most likely to show I was a Manakete.
"Behold." Anankos said. "This is your starting class, a Tactician."
I looked back at him and asked, "But why Tactician?"
"Seeing as you're no longer going to be playing games, but instead going to the real world of Fates, you will need to learn to trust your instincts less of the time and focus more on actual strategy. We know you can do it though. After all, you DO have a knack for it, even though you don't show it." Naga chuckled slightly.
"Oh! And we almost forgot to give you two more things." Anankos said.
"Two more things?" I asked. Didn't I already receive enough?
"Firstly, is your new name." Anankos then closed his eyes for a few minutes before opening them once more, as if reaching a decision. "You shall be known as Cayden. It means 'great fighter'."
Before I could speak out my opinion about the name, Naga interrupted. "We know it's a big name to live up to, but we know you can do it. As for the second gift," she then put a hand on my forehead and I felt a huge amount of knowledge going inside me. "Some of those back on Earth call the ability I gave you the Gamer Ability. Use it well. This is also how Grima will talk to you."
As if knowing what to do, I swiped my right hand down vertically and up popped a menu. What it read was:
Class: Nohrian Tactician
Personal Skill: The Gamer» Allows user to use certain things in a game-like manner.
Current Skills: Shadowgift, Veteran, Solidarity
HP: 20
Strength: 3
Magic: 5
Skill: 4
Speed: 3
Luck: 2
Defense: 3
Resistance: 4
Asset: Skill
Flaw: Luck
CURRENT INVENTORY
-» 4 Items
Iron Sword, Fire, Flux, & Concoction
MUSIC
CHAT W/ GRIMA
SETTINGS
HELP
After looking at my stats, I thought they were pretty good trade offs. I was never a 'Luck' person much. I then looked to the Chat W/ Grima option and hesitatingly pushed it.
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
I immediately recoiled at the anger in the voice and said, "Hey, can you tone it down a little?!"
"WHY SHOULD I? WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE AM I?"
I flinched knowing he may not like this, but alas, it needed to be said. "Long story short Grima? You're dead no you're now stuck with me."
"…."
At first I was grateful for silence but it didn't last.
"WHAT?!"
Before I could possibly make things worse, Naga intervened and said, "Enough Grima! You will be helping young Cayden here for your wrongdoings. Should you make up for them, we will give you another chance at life. However, you'd best not cross us." Naga warned at the end.
"Hmph. I should've known this was your doing Naga. Nonetheless, in my condition, I shall accept for now. But, this boy must prove worthy of my power. I will not simply give it away for free. Am I understood… Cayden?"
"Well, I've always liked a challenge, and plus, I don't wanna make things too easy. Like it or not, we're stuck with each other. So, I can accept these terms. On one condition though." I said.
"What might that be fleshling?"
"Should I be near death or in an extreme emergency, I reserve all right to have access to your powers. Sound good?" I bargained.
"…Fine. But remember, I also hold the right to choose whether or not to give the power if I deem said emergency fit."
"It's a deal then Grima." I nodded mentally to him. All I got back was a 'hmph' in confirmation and I then looked back to Naga and Anankos.
"Are you ready to go now Cayden?" Anankos asked.
I nodded and said, "Yes. The road ahead may be tough, but I will do my best to stand strong!"
"Well said Fell Prince." Naga said, giving me a title similar to Robin's. "We wish you luck. Now…be reborn anew!"
I was then swallowed by light and knew no more.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Hello everyone! Antex here with his first ever Fire Emblem Fates/Gamer fanfic. Note that this is my first time doing something like this so I'm sorry if I can't please everyone. I also want to thank Phoenix Champion for inspiring me to write this and that you all go check out his story "The Gamer of Fate"
I'm also sure you have many questions, but for the sake of everyone, please PM me so I won't spoil anything out loud okay? Hope you look forward to more soon. Till then!