This is an idea I've been sitting on for quite some time. After looking at most of the stories on fanfiction, most of which involve Shirou being sent to the FE universe or FE characters being summoned as servants, I wanted to try something else, and given how much of a fan of Cu I am, I decided to have a slightly nerfed Cu sent to the Fire Emblem universe, during Awakening.
I hope you all enjoy.
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Southtown burned. The sudden attack from Plagian bandits had overrun the small defense force, putting the small settlement to the torch, taking whatever wasn't nailed down for themselves.
Well, all but one defender, at any rate.
"Gae Bolg!" in an instant, a crimson spear lashed outwards, puncturing straight into his opponent's heart. He would be quite frank. He had no idea where he was, but still, despite the fact they had no reason to trust him, these villagers had taken him in. They showed him compassion, when he could have been there to harm him.
Let it be said that the Hound of Ultstar was nothing but loyal. He was more than willing to defeat the entire force alone, if need be. It wouldn't be the first time. The blue haired Irish demigod sprinted off, in search of his next target.
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Meanwhile, Cu Chulainn wasn't the only hero fighting that day. A small group of Shepherds, consisting of Chrom and Lissa, brother and sister to the current Exalt, Frederick, their retainer, and Robin, a man who they had found unconscious and without his memory, were making their way towards the village center.
So far, every little had stood in their way. Abnormally little, with more than a few Plagian corpses down in the dirt. The wound was typically quite consistent, a single puncture wound through the heart. Clearly, there was an individual of extreme precision defending the villagers. He would remain on guard. One unknown individual might be a coincidence, but two certainly wasn't.
It didn't take them long to arrive in the village center. Much of it was on fire, thatch roofs and wood building only creating more fuel for the blaze. Near the chapel, one of the bandits, likely the leader, had his axe raised high, preparing to swing it down on a girl's skull. Chrom gritted his teeth. There was no way they could make it time. Fortunately, they didn't have to.
"Gae Bolg!" it was a blur of red and blue. One moment, the bandit swung down for a decapitating strike, the next, a crimson spear sprouted from his chest, held by a man wearing a skintight blue leather suit. They all got a better look at the man as the bandit fell, dead. His eyes stood out the most, colored red, the same color of blood, almost matching his spear. Grey lines ran up and down the suit, mostly converging around joints, with short blue hair on the top of his head, while the back was kept as a pony tail.
"I take it you're against them?" the man asked, placing the long spear over his shoulders, leaving a hand to dangle aimlessly while the other propet it up. It was almost carefree, but the warrior maintained a guarded stance. It was bait. Chrom simply nodded. There would be time for questions later.
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The battle was swift. With their leader dead, alongside most of their brethren, many tried to flee, only to be captured by angry villagers, and whoever tried to stand against the combined might of the Irish Child of Light and the Shepards was either dead or added to the captives.
"I'll admit, that was quite an impressive display from all four of you," Cu grinned, having placed his spear on his back. Despite the conflict, he seemed loose, almost friendly in his smile.
"Lucky for the town, we were close by," Lissa also smiled, at a victory well earned and lives saved. Cu merely chuckled at the young girl's excitedness.
"I'd like to thank you for your help, stranger," Chrom turned his attention to the fellow bluenette for the time being. Robin certainly proven that he wasn't a helpless victim, and the Shepherds could always use a man of his talents.
"We've fought together as brothers in arms. That hardly makes us strangers, even if we don't know each other's names," Cu chuckled, still smiling in a friendly manor. "Besides, what type of rude guest would I be if I let my hosts be slaughtered in their homes."
"Cu Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster, at your service," the blue haired man bowed, much more friendly than one might expect, rather than a formal bow amongst the court. Chrom almost frowned. His name was odd, most certainly foreign, though he could not place its origin, almost as much so as his title. He used hound, not dog, and while calling someone a dog would most likely considered an insult, he carried the title of hound with pride. But what type of hound? A war hound? A hunting hound? Or maybe was he a guard hound? Regardless of which, it was clear he was belonged to an unknown kingdom named Ulster.
"Chrom, brother of the current Exalt," he held out his hand to the fellow bluenette, shaking his hand. Cu had a strong grip, meeting the prince halfway. "I've never heard of this Ulster before."
"And I've never heard of Ylissie before," Cu said, taking Chrom and Frederick slightly off guard. The knight actually frowned a bit. One could be summed up as just chance, but two, much less so. Cu chuckled, only amused by the knight's distrust. "Hey, I have no idea how I ended up here. If you wish, I can tell you just about everything else."
"So we know have two people who can't explain where they came from," Frederick stated sternly, almost like a parent about to scold a child.
"I understand your skepticism, Sir Frederick, and I cannot explain why only some knowledge has returned to me," Robin responded, his voice full of honesty. "But please, believe me, I have shared all that I know."
"You both fought to save Ylissean lives. My heart says that's enough," Chrom said, looking at both fighters. Cu's skill was more than impressive, and Robin's strategic mind would be foolish to pass up.
"And what of your mind, milord? Do you not heed it's concuel as well?" Frederick asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Frederick, the Shepherds could use someone of Robin's talents and Cu's skill. We've briganders and unruly neighbors, all looking to bloody our soil," Chrom said, "Would you really have us lose such an able tactician and fighter?"
"So how about it? Will you both join us?" Chrom asked, looking at the two men.
"I would be honored" Robin was the first to respond. In a sense, it would be unsurprising. Robin really had nowhere else to go. For Cu, it wasn't that simple.
This was a second chance. A redo on life. He had died young, his blazing legend leading to his life being snuffed out, just as prophecy had stated. He wasn't on Earth, and he certainly wasn't a servant. His life was his own. No former loyalties, no ties, just his own desires.
He could live the long life that he didn't get to have in his past life. But that was simply boring! He was the one that had ultimately chosen his path. Cu would much rather have a second blazing legend and a second early death, then have a boring life.
"Of course!" Cu grinned. It was good to be in the presence of heroes once again.
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The remainder of the day was spent dousing the flames, saving whatever buildings were left standing. Cu had to smile at that. His first impression of Chrom was that he was caring, yet stern. Ylissie had a good future king on it's hands, if this continued. He also played the role of older brother quite well, much to that sister's embarrassment.
He wasn't entirely sure what to think about Lissa. As a warrior, he would be a fool not to respect those who practiced the healing arts, but that staff being the only line of defense she had made him feel uneasy. No means of defense made her an easy target, and an ideal one to boot. He wouldn't be opposed to training, but he doubted the slim girl had the muscle for his brand of combat. Runic magic seemed out, if the spell tome hanging from Robin's waste was any indication. Personality wise, she seemed to be a happy soul.
Next was Robin. Out of all of his newfound companions, he was the one Cu was the least certain about. It seemed just all to cowenceadental. An amensic with his level of skill? With a blade or even a spell, he might buy something wasn't off. Muscles had a harder time forgetting than the mind, and instinct could only be dulled, not completely destroyed. But tactics? That was different beast all together. It was a testament to Chrom's character to take him in without a second thought.
Last was Frederick. The blue armored knight was diligent in his duty, all the while keeping an eye on both Robin and Cu. The Hound of Ulster nearly laughed at that. Loyal and dedicated to his work, even to the point to extreme. Still, Chrom was lucky to have him. Loyalty and caution were good traits.
"Did you notice milord?" Frederick finally spoke, as the sun had begun to drop lower in the sky. "The brigands spoke with a Plegain accent." Cu did notice the difference in the speech, but hadn't thought much of it. A foreign power would make sense.
"Plegain? What's that?" Robin asked, driving home his lack of memory. Cu was likewise curious though.
"Plegea is Ylisse's westerly neighbor. They send small bands into our territory, hoping to instigate a war," Chrom fists were clenched in anger, understandably so. Cu was likewise annoyed, though for different reasons. On one hand Plegea was already proving itself cowardly, sending groups that actually hadn't been commanded. He used hadn't loosely, of course.
If you wanted to attack someone, just do it. There was no need to step around the issue. Then there would be Ylisse's leader. Cu was aware of exactly what war could bring, but certainly doing nothing when attacked was worse. As much as these attackers were cowardly, even Cu knew they served a purpose. Each village raised and pillaged was a loss of food, life, and economy.
If Ylisse didn't do something, then it would would be incapable of defending itself when war finally came. Because that's what would have happened.
"And it's the poor townsfolk who suffer!" Lisa almost shouted, a look of grief written on her face. "Totally innocent, and totally helpless."
"They do have us, milady: Shepherds to protect the sheep," Frederick said, remaining stern, "Do not be swept up in your anger. It will cloud your judgement." Cu almost had a bit of a laugh at the reason they called themselves Shepherds, but it fit. Protectors, that was exactly what they were.
"I know, I know," Lisa responded similarly to a child being scolded by their parent might. "Don't worry, I'll get used to all this."
"Milord, please! You must stay the night!" one of the nearby villagers spoke up, approaching with a deep bow. "We are simple folk of simple means, but we would gladly toast your valor with a feast!"
Cu quite liked that idea. For those of simple means, their hospitality was vast in size. He certainly wouldn't mind spending one more night.
"A most generous offer, sir, and no doubt your hospitality would be grand, but I'm afraid we must hurry back to Ylisstol," Frederick quickly shot the idea down, much to Cu's own disappointment, and Lissa's as well, seeing that the young lady was already listing out what she'd want to eat.
"Wait, what? We're not staying?" Lissa question, almost whining. "But Frederick, it's nearly dark!" She was right. Evening was already swift on the approach, with the sun getting lower in the heavens.
"When night falls, we'll camp. Eat off the land, make our bed with twigs and the like," Frederick said with a slight smile. "I believe you mentioned 'getting used to this'." Cu almost laughed. Hunting wasn't fishing, but it would do. He wondered if there were any Chimera around. Dangerous due to how territorial and aggressive they were, but their meat was delicious.
"Federick? Sometimes, I hate you," Lissa pouted as her own words were turned against her. Cu actually laughed at that, before shrugging.
"You had me at eating off the land," the blue haired spear wielder grinned. "It's been all to long since I've had to do that."
"You make it sound like you're looking forward to this," Chrom stated, eyebrow raised somewhat. "You don't strike me as one who would smile when bringing down the axe." Frederick's indigent snort made it sound like he was usually the one being targeted by that remark.
"Life it full of many things that can make one happy. It just tends that the simplest ones are the best ones," Cu smiled, looking back at his life. While things could have gone differently, he couldn't say he truly regretted what happened.
"Milord remains as amusing as ever. Now then, shall we be going?" Frederick said, seeming a little bit annoyed by their antics.
"All right all right," Chrom said, turning to face the two newest members of the Shepherds. "Ready to go? The capital isn't far." Robin nodded, for all he knew he had was the clothes on his back and his keen mind. Cu nodded, for all he needed was the spear on his back.
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Evening had finally gone, leaving nothing but the moon and the stars in the sky. Each bathed the forest in twinkling light. Cu was taking note of what he could see through the trees, to no avail. Finally, there march came to an end.
"I told you, it's getting dark already! Ech! And now the bugs are out!" Lissa complained, as Cu snatched one of the small flying insects out the air. Bugs were only a minor annoyance, but lack of a Chimera attacks meant he would be hunting something else tonight.
"Noisy, disgusting bugs that buzz around and crawl all over and bite you when," Lissa didn't finish the rest of the sentience, as an insect took her rant as an invitation to fly on into her mouth.
"Aw, come on now, Lissa. Hardship builds character," Chrom gently teased, though he meant every word. "Want to help me gather firewood?" His question had fallen on deaf ears, as Lissa continued her struggle to remove the insect from her throat.
"I think I swallowed it," she said, face scrunched up in disgust. "I'll skip on the firewood, thanks. I think I've built quite enough character for one day!" Cu nearly had to laugh. Given the time, deer wouldn't be an easy option. He'd have to settle for some tougher and less tender game.
"We should think about food. I don't know about you, but I'm starving!" Robin said, as if to read Cu's mind. His stomach argeed, rumbling slightly.
"I'll handle hunting," Cu volunteered without any hesitation. It was time to see what type of game animals this world had. Hopefully, it was a worthy challenge.
"Very well, then. I suppose I will see if there are any safe nuts or berries around," Frederick said, seeming a bit relieved that hunting was out of the question for him. "Now, who wants to clear the campsite?" At that point, only Robin and Lissa were left to do much of anything. Even if Lissa would be doing those things with reluctence.
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Fire crackled, slowly eating through wood as it's heat cooked meat, surrounded by a circle of stones, and beyond that, five shepherds. Cu was more than pleased with his bear hunt, even if it didn't put up much of a struggle. The Hound of Ulster had no problem with meat, so long as it didn't come from a dog. He was already digging into his earned meal, with Robin all but inhaling it.
"It's been too long since I last had bear meat. Delicious!" Chrom was equally enjoying his meal, though not ravenously devouring it like the two others. "What's wrong Lissa? Dig in."
"Pass! Gods, couldn't you spear us an animal normal people eat?" Lissa complained, crossing her arms. "I mean, come on! Who eats bear? You're meddling with the food chain. Right Robin?" Her question didn't get a response, as the man continued to devour his food at an alarming rate.
"Humans are at the top of the food chain! We can eat just about anything, given we can kill it!" Cu said, mouth slightly full. "Still wish I could have gotten us a chimera though. They make for good eating, provided you cook the meat right."
"Chimera? I've never heard of such a beast," Frederick stated, his face slightly crunched in disgust. It seemed the man had an aversion to what they were eating. So much for 'getting used to it'.
"Nasty monsters. They have three heads, that of a large cat, a goat, and an entire snake for a tail. It's got the body of the cat too, and it can even breath poison," Cu grinned, looking back on the few times he had hunted the beast. "But you have to cook the meat just right. Otherwise, you get the runs."
"You're making it sound like you've had personal experience with that," Chrom said, will Lissa looked on with a look of disgust. Cu merely nodded, digging back into his meal with full force. The leader of the Shepherds sighed, turning to his stubborn sister. "Just eat it Lissa. Meat is meat."
"Since when does meat smell like old boots? Wait, I take that back, boots smell better!" Lissa anguished, staring at the meat as it were poisoned.
"Every experience makes us stronger, milady. Even the ones we don't enjoy," Frederick said still eying the food with a concealed look of disgust.
"Really? Then why don't I see you eating, Frederick?" Lissa fired back, a twinkle in her eye showing that she realized that this was the first time she'd have such an advantage all day.
"Me? Oh, well, … I'm not hungry. I… I had a large lunch! Yes, quite," Frederick stumbled, proving himself to be a terrible, terrible lair. Nobody was believing him either, well, besides Robin, who had yet to even check in to the conversation.
"Yeah right, Frederick!" Lissa retored, making it clear she was going to hold this against him to some degree.
"Look, you're both missing the point," both of them looked at Cu, who decided to finally step in. "The less you two eat, the more there is for us!" The spearman immediately began to dig into another freshly cooked slab of meat.
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Ok, that was the first chapter, and me testing the waters. I'm not exactly used to writing characters like the Shepherds or Cu, so I'm sorry if things are out of character or even a bit bland.
But for now, here are Cu's stat growth rates, skills, and homebrewed class.
Cu Chulainn
Starting Class: Spear Fighter
Skill: Master of the Spear (Regardless of class, a unit with this skill can use a spear or lance as if they had rank C in the weapon skill).
Weapons: Gae Bulg, C rank spear (Does not break. For each attack, take skill value divided by six as a percent change to inflict lethality).
Starting stats
Level: 2
HP: 17
Strength: 7
Magic: 2
Skill: 9
Speed: 10
Luck: 2
Defense: 7
Resistance: 5
Movement: 5
Growth Rates
HP: 80%
Strength: 50%
Magic: 40%
Skill: 90%
Speed: 95%
Luck: 10%
Defense: 45%
Resistance: 40%