Hm, so far so good... to be honest, this reaction is much better than I thought it would be.
Lauarent: What did you expect? Robin is a well-known tactician, one who has made history, mind you. Little wonder it would become something of a "hit".
Hm, true. By the way, would Nah be so kind as to give out this message for everyone for me?
Nah: Sure, it would be my pleasure. *clears throat* Fire Emblem: Eternity Unto Reformation will be following the DLC Neutral Path of Fire Emblems: Fates, and will involve the full cast of Fire Emblem: Awakening, including yourself truly, and even SpotPass characters like Miss Emmeryn, Walhart, Aversa, Priam, and Gangrel!
Owain: Demons Anarchy of Pride does not own the Fire Emblem series, nor any of it's characters! We all belong respectively to Intelligent Systems and Nintendo! This story is-AGH! Down, sword hand! DOWN! GAAAH! My bloodlust! It demands to be satiated! It wishes to wield a blade and cut down all that stands before me! No, stay back, dear author! You mustn't-AAAAGH!
...I was about to call on him to do the disclaimer, and he goes and does this. *sigh* Frederick?
Frederick: *nods* Before Lord Owain began his shenanigans, the story is a work of (fan)fiction. Any and all relations to real-life characters and places are all but mere coincidences.
Thank you. Noir, your turn.
Noir: H-huh?! O-okay... U-um... P-please, enjoy Fire Emblem: E-Eternity Unto Reformation...
Fire Emblem: Eternity Unto Reformation
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -William Shakespeare
The village was a complete and total wreck, very much in far worse condition than what the village Robin had first found to be in. The buildings were reduced to shambles, fire raging everywhere and the people running for dear life. In comparison to Plegia, the brigands were far worse. They appeared to be more dressed in a military fashion, and were far better armed. Axes, bows, tomes, blades... they were definitely a better force than what he had faced when he first fought alongside the Shepherds.
"Alright, boys!" the leader, a man with shaggy black and dark eyes, cackled with a man betwixt his fingers, holding him up by the scalp. "Take everything valuable, and burn the rest! And make it hasty!"
The village in his grasp struggled, his scrawny digits struggling fruitlessly to try and relinquish the brigand's hold on him. "P-please, stop this madness!" he pleaded, tears in his eyes. "I beg of you!"
In response, the leader howled with laughter.
Xander's face contorted with disgust. "Filthy vermin...!" he growled, unsheathing his blade. Robin stopped to admire it, his eyes looking over it with interest. It was a gladius, with the blade separating at a certain point and stretching out before coming back together. The sword itself was wreathed in dark flames, etched all around like a veil of darkness. Corrin's own blade was rather simple, nothing special. It was a regular blade forged from steel with an average, black hilt and guard. "Corrin!"
"Yes, brother!" the girl nodded, taking a combat stance. "Robin, you should take shelter!"
It was understandable for her. Unlike her older brother, who could see the wisdom, talent, and strength hidden in his keen eyes, she was still new. Any interaction she had was limited to whatever placed she lived in. She simply lived in a sheltered home, living a sheltered life. Thankfully, however, she was finally outside those comforting walls she had grown used to, and now saw the world. Hence, the least he could do was show her what she had been missing out. He took out the Brave Sword that Chrom had given him before the battle with Grima, while in the other hand was a light, azure blue tome.
"I will join you." Robin told her, much to her surprise. "I can sling a spell or two, and I know how to swing a sword. Question here, princess..." he gave her a teasing smile. "Do you know how to tango?"
Corrin blushed heavily, but answered the question with a smile. Xander chuckled, nodding to the tactician. "The more help, the better." he said before his face became serious, and focused on the enemies before them. "Now, let us rout these foul fiends!"
The declaration alerted the brigands, and immediately came into arms. Robin surveyed the battlefield before them. It was an open space, hardly an obstructions for them to be hindered. One brigand wielded a blade, obviously well-versed, if a bit sloppy though in terms of stance. The second held an axe, his grin telling Robin he was quite cocky, and perhaps confident in his skills. The third was a mage, holding a tome in their hand. They remained calm, but kept their eyes on the field. Obviously, he wouldn't be so easily fooled. A frontal charge was also hardly feasible.
The leader wielded what appeared to be a hand axe, standing at the rear. It reminded him more and more what he had faced before. Still, these enemies were human. They would be a great improvement over Risen, creatures who were damn near impossible to fully kill unless you fight with your life on the line. Needless to say, for him... it would be easy. Xander looked to have taken part in many a battle, perhaps like Fenrich, someone who could deal heavy damage while taking very little in the process. However, he still knew nothing about Corrin's fighting style. If the nervousness in her eyes meant anything, she was obviously still new to combat. This was not a true battle, this was more or less a skirmish.
"Robin, you can use tomes, correct?" Xander asked. Robin nodded in confirmation. "Then, I ask that you back up Corrin. As I'm sure you can guess, she's still a bit inexperience. A mock battle is hardly the same as a real one."
"Indeed." Robin nodded. "Although, I suggest watching out for the mage near the back. From his position, he can back up his allies rather easily."
"Is that so?" the blonde soldier asked with a curious gaze, observing the battlefield closely. True to his words, the mage could easily help defend his allies, regardless of where they were. Without obstructions to hinder movement, or places to avoid damage, it would be hard to attack. "Interesting... How would you suggest we deal with them?"
"Divide and conquer." Robin smirked deviously. "Me and Corrin will take the axe-wielder. Do you think you can take out the soldier with the sword?"
Xander smiled strangely. "Leave that to me."
With that, no more words were needed. Each went after their respective targets. The mage immediately became alert, and focused his attention on Xander, seeing him as the bigger threat due to the armor and blade. The Myrmidon charged after him, blade at the ready, eyes set ablaze with determination to cut him down. The Barbarian howled with laughter, seeing Robin and Corrin coming after him.
Xander proved to be just as strong as Chrom, perhaps even more so when it came to combat. With a swift strike, he parried against the blade of his enemy before knocking them back. The sword he wielded proved to be far stronger than what Robin thought prior, as with each slash, the enemy's blade seemed close to the breaking point. Of course, there was also the fact that Xander left little room for the brigand to retaliate. Any chances he did get were blocked.
The axe wielder proved to be a bit of a challenge for Corrin as she jumped away from each strike, using her reflexes to avoid each swing before analyzing the enemy. She also listened to Robin's advice as he casted low-level spells, though he purposely missed in order for her to gain the necessary experience. Teamwork was crucial, as her teacher, Gunter had told her. Alongside her servant, Jakob, she had learned the importance of it when she was sent head-to-head against Xander and her siblings. The leader simply hung back to watch the action, howling with laughter as he watched the group struggle.
He wouldn't be laughing soon.
Xander evaded a fireball heading his way, and then resumed battle. With a swing of his flaming blade, the Myrmidon's sword was flung out of his hands. Before he even had a chance to retaliate, the blonde had already delivered the final blow, swinging it down upon him. The sword cut across his flesh, slashing the fabric and skin apart. A geyser of blood erupted, the warrior's face set in shock and horror as he fell on his back, nothing more than a lifeless heap. The mage grew furious, launching a powerful ball of flame. Xander leaped to the floor, rolling as he evaded it before turning his attention to the enemy at hand, and charged forward. Despite the armor her wore, he was quick to move, and quick to dodge. Before the enemy even had time to realize what was happening, Xander had already won. He was behind the enemy, his body sent into a kneeling position. His face was solemn as he slid it into the sheathe.
The mage fell to the ground, a pool of blood forming beneath him.
The Barbarian found himself on the defensive. He tried to block each attack, but Corrin proved to be as agile as Lon'qu and Say'ri, perhaps of an even higher degree, on par with even someone like Yen'fay. Her attacks were light, but they were fast, done in quick succession. In short, it was like trying to defend against a blitz. He managed to evade the final strike, and grinned in pleasure upon seeing the chance to take her down. Unfortunately, he had been so focused on her that he had forgotten about Robin. The brigand found himself to be painfully reminded when he let unleashed a sharp bolt of lightning, sending the axe that was over his head flying into the air. He suddenly paled when he saw the girl's smile.
In the next second, he found himself cut in several places. He gasped, blood dribbling from his chin while every wound he possessed oozed crimson, falling to the ground. He was still alive, if only barely. If he survived. it would teach him to never pick on the innocent again... or so Robin hoped.
Xander nodded in approval at the two's marvelous teamwork. He was also impressed with Robin's strategy and knowledge of magic. Not even Leo, his younger brother, who was a prodigy when it came to magic, could come off as skilled, even if he were to try and downplay his abilities. He also took note that he had actually fought, instead providing tactical support for Corrin. He must have known simply from her fighting that she was still inexperienced, and allowed the defeat for her, so that she could gain that necessary experience. He applauded the man in his head. Truly, his genius was something to be credited. Hm, perhaps he could offer him a place in their army? Given his position, he could ask his father to-
No, now wasn't the time to be thinking about such things. For now, they had people to save... and bandits to punish.
"Brother!" Corrin called out to him as she and the robed magician arrived at his side, turning to their enemy. "We've finished up on our end!"
"As have I." he replied, glaring at the leader. He was no longer looking so smug. Rather, now, he looked angry and frightened, clinging to his axe tightly. "Now, let us finish them off!"
"Tch, damned arrogant pieces of crap!" the leader spat. "I'll teach you to mess with the great pillager, Niddhog!"
Where have I heard that one before? Robin muttered sarcastically in his head before snapping open his tome. Hm, low-level spells should still work. He also looks pretty strong, so Corrin should stay on back-up and provide support. "Xander, do you think you can handle him?" the tactician asked, already beginning to form a plan.
Xander nodded. "Quite. What do you have in mind?"
"Corrin and I will provide support." he answered. "That axe of his can be thrown, so it's likely he's pretty good at attacking from a distance."
"Wow, Robin." Corrin smiled in praise. "You can read the battle so well... almost like a tactician!"
At this, he chuckled, once again tapping his skull. "Like I told you before, Corrin... I prefer to fight my battles up here."
Niddhog appeared to have gotten tired of their small talk, and charged. Xander went forward to meet him head on. The first swing was blocked, the flames grinding against the axe before they parted. Corrin moved in when he was about to strike again, defending against the attack and knocking him back, and moving in to take the initiative. Robin delivered a blast of wind, the ground being torn apart in it's advance. Unfortunately, their combined assault was evaded as the brigand leaped away at the last second. The wind blast obliterated the ground from where he stood. Xander once again took to the battle, but was forced to the defensive. He blocked every attack that came his way, his stance not breaking guard even once.
The only ones I have seen with such incredible defense are Frederick and Kellam. Robin watched in amazement. Frederick was a force to behold on the battlefield, though that was to be expected, given his status as a Great Knight. Axes, Swords, Lances, the man could wield any weapon that came his way... well, save for magic and bows. The man himself told him that magic was not his strong suit, and that he couldn't shoot an arrow to save his life, despite his dedication to the task. Not even Virion, arguably the best archer Robin had ever seen, could help Frederick out. Kellam was just as powerful in terms of defense. Though his armor greatly reduced his mobility, his strength and defense were iron-clad, and near impenetrable. As a result, he quickly earned infamy as "Kellam the Wall", though few people actually noticed his presence... not that he was surprised.
Xander deflected another blow from the axe with his shield before parrying the second, the weapon hanging in the air for only a second. It was within that second that he delivered a blow. The blade ripped across the chest, creating a crimson slash. "Hurk!" the brigand growled in pain, immediately moving back. Corrin did not allow him to recover, her body already in motion. Her strikes were fluid and graceful, each almost like a stroke of brilliance on a canvas. Niddhog was unable to properly defend, due to the wound Xander delivered to him. His chest was pained, his breathing was heavy, and sweat poured down his face. With each slash he was unable to defend against, his arms or legs would be cut, but the wounds were neither deep or shallow. The final strike Corrin delivered as on par with the coup de grace, an upward swing with a single hand that made the axe go flying out of his hand.
Robin was the last to strike, this time was a menacing grin. Niddhog paled, and slowly lifted his hands. "...Parley?"
His response was an Elwind to the face. The force behind the mid-tier spell was slightly more potent than the previous spell, throwing the brigand straight into an unfinished scaffolding, one of the few lucky things not to be charred in the blaze. The result of him crashing into it was obvious, it came down on top of him, trapping him beneath piles of splinter and wood.
He snapped his book shut. "Now that's strategy."
Once all the brigands had been gathered up and tied, the three had awaited the arrival of the Nohrian military. It did not take long for them to arrive, bearing arms and all. Robin once again looked at their armor, as it resembled a more Valmish make, yet it was also closey related to that of Ylisse. It was like a cross between the two, however the armor itself presented a more sleek, menacing look due to the guilding, decoration, and color.
"Well, that marks the end of that." Xander said, walking over to Robin as he watched the military escort the bandits into a wagon. "Still, I never imagined you were so proficient with magic... and those strategies of yours... Are you a tactician, by any chance?" the blonde asked curiously. Robin saw no reason to lie to the man. While they had only met a mere hour ago, Xander held the same sort of feeling that the Shepherds had... he also bore a unique presence, one close to that of Chrom, yet with a more dark, yet clear presence. It was hard to put into words.
"Yes." the white-haired magician nodded. "Though, I'm on a leave of absence from my country. I still wish I knew how it was that I ended up here in Nohr, especially when I was in Ylisse."
Xander's eyes showed recognition when he mentioned that name. "Ylisse, you say?" he put a hand to his chin. Robin could practically see the gears turning in his head. This action made Robin slightly nervous. Was it possible that he was already beginning to learn that he was the tactician of the Shepherds? He had already gained quite a bit of infamy, as he had learned of it from Walhart and Validar. The old dark mage was a given, he had been watching his journey closely ever since Grima had brought him back to life and granted him immense magical power. Walhart, however, he knew of him through their journeys. A man surrounded by mystery, boasting with incredible magic prowess, practically unmatched with a keen mind and insight, said to be an advisor to the Exalt himself.
"Robin the Omnipotent" they called him... how ironic he had earned such a title, especially when he had failed during the attempt to save Emmeryn during the Plegian War. Sure, she had survived, as they later found out, but he had still failed... His single failure, and also his worst. He wondered how it was that no one seemed to blame him. Perhaps they just knew he was not to blame, and wanted to thank him for at least trying. They might have also known that it wasn't his fault the plan failed. After all, how could anyone realize the sudden appearance of numerous Risen appearing in the courtyard?
"Brother! Robin!"
The two turned to see Corrin running toward them, a smile on her face. "Oh, Corrin." Robin greeted, nodding his head. "How are the villagers?"
"A few scrapes and bruises, but no one was severely injured." she informed, a smile of relief plastered over her heart-shaped graceful features. "I'm glad we were able to save them... Still, you were incredible, Robin! Magic, swordplay, and even tactics...! Are you in the military?"
"As a matter of fact, he is." Xander said. "A tactician, no less. I will say this at least, I certainly don't want to face you on the battlefield with an army at your side." Robin felt a laugh escape him upon hearing the obvious joke. Corrin laughed as well. "By the way, Sir Robin... given the state of the village, I sincerely doubt that the townsfolk, while grateful for your help, have finding a place for you to sleep in mind. Why not come with us?"
"Eh?"
"You see, my sister and I are to meet up with our siblings back at the capital." the Paladin explained. "My father wishes to see Corrin's skills, after having been training for nearly all of her life. She's almost a warrior on par with me, and while it may sound like a boast, I'm considered one of the strongest Nohr has to offer."
Robin's eyes widened at this. Then again, with a sword like that, and with that level of strength, it isn't hard to believe. he thought, nodding in confirmation before he realized something. "Wait, your father?" he repeated. "Is he a noble with ties to the ruler of this country?" Oddly, the two chuckled. "What? Have I said something funny?"
"N-no, it isn't that." Corrin giggled. "It's just... you truly aren't from Nohr if you ask that. Our father is Garon, the King of Nohr."
He blinked. Once, twice, three times. "...Then, that would make the two of you..."
"Prince and Princess of the Halidom." Xander replied in confirmation.
Robin sighed, shaking his head with an irritated look on his face. "I seem to have a strange knack for running into royalty in a strange place without any memory how I got there." he muttered under his breath. "Well, I have to admit, I have only heard about King Garon before... and my curiosity is at it's peak. After all, not everyday you hear someone installing fear into the heart of Walhart the Conquerer."
Xander raised an eyebrow, wondering where he had heard that, but then shook his head. "Well, let us go." he said. "If we ride by horse, it will only take a day."
"Right."
Corrin nodded alongside Robin, the group moving to the stalls. As they walked, Corrin smiled again she spoke with him. "I really hope you get along with the rest of our family." she told him. "Father can be a tad bit... intimidating... but he has the country's best interest in mind."
That is how most people think of their rulers... Robin thought with weary, already imagining how his meeting with the king would go. However, sometimes, the best intentions are not always good... Still, if he has children like these two, I wonder how the man himself is. His trademark, whimsical grin appeared. I must admit, I'm rather looking forward to this.
By the time his thoughts came to an end, they were already on horseback, and were making their way to the capital. In the far distance, the bright sun was beginning to dip into the mountains, providing the orange-tinted sky, and the black shadows of spikes rising from the ground...
-Chapter 1: Disturbing Unrest-
