Inheritors of the Fallen: A Fire Emblem Story

Chapter 1: Light of the Full Moon

"Everyone! Flee to the castle town!" A crier shouted to those who would listen to him.

Meanwhile, a woman frantically searched alleyways and fields, "Where's my son? Where's my son!"

Some were in denial of the current news, "We can't just run, we need to take them head on!"

But one thing was undeniable. A wave of panic spread over the village of Ashta, having just received word of the oncoming armies. Citizens, fearing for their lives, and the lives of their families, scrambled across the village, hoping to evacuate to the castle town of Estus. Grain fields and wooden houses were left abandoned, as the only remaining hope was the promise of safety behind the towering stone walls and powerful military force. Some were not swayed by this promise, as they begged the militia to escort them to their families studying abroad. Cries for help echoed across the sky. But they soon were replaced with the sounds of marching. From both angles of entrance, horns and footsteps saturated the ears of those who dared take no action.

"It's the Raltian Army! Run!"

Platoons of Soldiers, Cavaliers, and Knights, all clad in red and green armor, slowly rose on the horizon, as if they were the clouds to blot out the sun itself. On the opposing side, a single battalion of Paladins, Snipers, and Heroes emerged from the forest path, donning their signature blue armor.

A Paladin, without his helmet, trotted forward on his horse. "Alright men, this is where we hold the line! If the Raltians make it past this point, the villagers will be slaughtered! You know the drill." The Paladin turned the platoon's attention toward multiple houses. "Investigate for survivors, and make sure no one passes the village boundaries! Moonlight Brigade, move out!"

A unified "Yes, Commander Oak!" was spoken among the army, as they lifted their swords, lances and bows into an armed position, and awaited command.

Oak lifted his Steel Sword, and aimed it down the middle of the main road. "Paladins, charge forward and scatter their formation." He then waved his arms out in a horizontal sweeping motion. "Heroes, assault their flanks and pick them off one by one, switching between your axe and sword as necessary." Next, he motioned his sword as if he were using a bow. "Snipers, provide the others with covering fire, and help the Heroes pick off the enemies. Focus on their Cavaliers! Charge!"

At that, both armies began their advance toward each other. The Paladins charged down the middle, using their lances to attack the Cavaliers' horses, and dismount them. Raltian platoons began breaking apart, and rushed toward the Snipers. The Heroes appeared from the sides, swinging their axes to gain momentum, allowing them to more easily dodge the consistent thrusts of enemy lances. Snipers would launch volleys of arrows into the crowds of preoccupied foes, scoring easy kills. The Raltian Army was losing troops at an alarming rate, seemingly giving way to a landslide victory for the Moonlight Brigade. In the distance, however, screams of terror were projected onto the battlefield.

Commander Oak, heeding these cries, turned his attention away from the enemy, learning that a village woman carrying her child was attempting to escape the battle. Oak chased after her, and positioned himself between the woman and her assailant. A Swordmaster, with black hair tucked behind a red hood, a tall figure, and an intimidating silver and black katana in his hands. Oak raised his Silver Lance and prepared for combat. The mystery man stood, unmoved. Oak lunged toward the Swordmaster, aiming to pierce his chest and end this battle quickly, but to his surprise, the enemy had sprung to Oak's far left. He lifted his katana to the sky, where it produced a blinding, radiant light. Oak shielded his eyes, and the Swordmaster used this opportunity to `strike his opponent. Before Oak could even regain visual, he had been thrown to the dirt, his horse displaying a large gash on its leg. From there, Oak could see the Swordmaster sheathe his katana.

Without looking at Oak, he spoke. "Hmph. Not even worth my time."

Oak unsheathed his own Silver Sword, and began to clumsily charge at the Swordmaster.

"You'll pay for that!"

The Swordmaster turned his head, as to scoff at Oak, but in the blink of an eye, he had vanished from Oak's front, and appeared at his back, with his sword out behind him. Oak fell to his knees, as the Swordmaster spoke.

"I hold no loyalties to any kingdom. I work for the highest bidder." He sheathed his sword and turned to Oak. "But if you dare challenge my supremacy with the sword, then I will collect my payment immediately, in your blood."

He ran towards the forest, and toward Estus, while his words rebounded themselves in Oak's head.

"I will collect my payment in your blood."

Oak started to weakly cough, and his vision went dark. He could hear the faint sounds of horses galloping up to him, and soldiers surrounding his limp body.

"Dammit, get him an Elixir!"

One of the Heroes pulled out an Elixir from their bag. "Here, take this one!"

The Sniper leaning over Oak poured the blue substance into his mouth. "Don't worry, commander. You've been through worse. Just relax now..."