Longest chapter yet right here. Please let me know if you want me to split longer ones like this into multiple chapters. And check out the AN at the bottom after for an important message.
Thanks for the support, enjoy!
It took the entire walk to the barracks, or garrison, to convince Robin that I didn't have a 'thing' for Emmeryn. HE can understand having nerves from the prospect of meeting the ruler of a kingdom. Unfortunately, Lissa didn't understand, so she teased me and said that she would 'help me out,' so basically, I'm doomed. Maybe I shouldn't have joined the Shepherds. Little too much for me right now. Granted that's just because Lissa's here, so who knows?
Anyway, the garrison was not far from the castle, maybe three minutes from its the main entrance. It was nicer then you'd think, at least from the outside. We walked up to the double doors and Lissa got an eager grin before slamming both doors open with a loud bang.
"Here we are! The Shepherds' garrison. Go on, make yourselves at home."
Well I suppose the phrase 'don't judge a book by its cover' applies here. The bang of the doors was actually them falling off their hinges, and the wooden floors creaked with every subtle shift of weight… it was kinda…
"it's lovely."
"It's crumby."
It seems Robin tried to be kind because it was anything but lovely, but honestly, I've lived in worse…
Lissa just sighed as she saw the state it was in, "Yeah the repair crew quit three days ago, something about 'too many damages in too little time' or something like that."
Three days!? This is three days!? Those poor workers.
"Well I'm sure you'll find a new crew?" my reassurance came out more like a question then anything else.
"Yeah, probably!"
"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" Oh, right, we're meeting people now. In comes the bane of my existence.
Maribelle
I hate her.
Well… maybe hate is a strong word.
"Oh, hey, Maribelle!"
"'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted 14 gray hairs fretting over you!"
…
Okay if there was a halfway point between tolerate and despise, that's how I felt about her. But I can't talk too bad about her. Apparently, she has a good heart. Not that I would have seen it. I never used her in the game.
"Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two! ...Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue..." Screw you, Lissa, bear is great!
"Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom? I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!" the meathead has arrived! Oh, how shall he be roasted today?
"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it?" Here it comes. "Hee hee! And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"
Boom.
Roasted.
"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!"
…
…
"...Wait, was that an insult?" Oh, thank gods! I thought he had a stroke! I'm kidding I love the idiot, so long as he doesn't get me roped up in his antics…
I just jinxed myself, didn't I?
"Beg pardon, but is the captain here too?" Oh, my god, its Sumia! She's even cuter in person! But alas, she is Chrom's. I must honor the bro code… not that I had a chance to begin with, but still.
"Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern... Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training. ...She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded." Maribelle teased.
Lissa giggled, I guess that means she's aware of that crush. "Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom." A passing thought of Cordelia invaded me, the poor girl. I'm not sure if she just passes Chrom's radar, or of she's friendzoned. Either way I feel sorry for her.
Sumia let out a strangled gasp, "Worry? Well, I... He's our captain and our prince—of course I'd worry!" dang it Sumia, why are you so cute! It suddenly occurs to me that I've thought that for about 80% of the women I've met. This does not bode well.
"So, who're the strangers?" Vaike nearly yelled, he's one of those guys, huh?
Lissa let out another giggle "No one's stranger than you, Vaike..." HA! Gottem!
"But allow me to introduce Robin and Kail!" Robin's name is first, alright sure. "They just joined the Shepherds. And Chrom's made Robin our new tactician. You should see all the tricks he's got up his sleeve!"
"Oh yeah?" Vaike challenged, "Can he do this?" Vaike then hit his muscled chest and let out a large belch.
I've done better.
Robin chuckled and waved his hand in front of his nose comedically, "I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, 'Teach.' In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
Everyone was smiling at the situation, except for 'you know who.'
"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent!" Maribelle screeched, "Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery?" I'm sorry but, I hate her.
She turned to Robin, "And you! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Hmph!" She had started to turn to leave but my mouth moved before I could think.
"Do you always insult people just trying to make friends?" I internally sighed after I heard my own voice, why can't I keep my emotions in check around females? This is why no one likes you Kail.
Maribelle quickly turned to me, "Excuse me, was I talking to you?"
"No, but you insulted my friend and I don't take kindly to that."
Maribelle scoffed, "I'll never understand you people!"
"Maybe that's because you don't get to know them as you always drive them away with insults."
Her face scrunched up, in anger or confusion I can't be sure which, "Why would I bother to 'get to know' you simpletons!"
Is she serious? If she's serious then she's just ignorant and I can't HATE her for that. I sighed.
"Because knowledge of each other builds trust, and when we fight battles together where one of us could die at any moment. I'd want someone I can trust at my back." I would have thought that was obvious?
Maribelle leaned back with a superior smirk, "well, if knowledge of me is what you seek, simply look at my family history."
Never mind. I DO hate her. I closed my eyes and from the sound of her proud 'hmph!' she thought she won and was no doubt ready to rub that in my face. I spoke without opening my eyes.
"At first, I thought you were just ignorant. But now I realize your arrogance will never let you grow. And if you stay that way..." My eyes opened as I glared right at her. Her own eyes seemed to widen as well, I also heard a few gasps before I finished my sentence.
"…Then you will die alone..."
I seemed to have stunned her into silence. I need to leave. I'm going to say something horrible I can tell. I turned to a hallway to my right.
"…And no one will mourn you."
Well too late now I suppose but it could still get worse. I left before anyone said anything. I definitely took that too far. I didn't want to say something like that to her. People like her just piss me off so much. The fact that she was born privileged doesn't make her better than anyone. If she spent a second in my life she would realize that. I sighed, I may not like her. But no one deserved to hear that they'll die alone…
Stupid girl weakness.
The room was silent as Kail left, no one dared say anything for fear of setting Maribelle off. I was flattered that Kail came to my defense, but I was also embarrassed that he took it that far. I was also worried for Kail. In the entire time I had known him, he either had a blank face or a smile. Never have I seen him get truly angry, not even when Lissa poked fun at him. And he was definitely angry if that glare at the end was anything to go by. His eyes. They glowed. His eyes were always unique, they shimmered many colors like an opal. But that glow. He wasn't looking at me, but I still felt chilled to the bone. If someone that passive can turn the room that cold with just a look… it makes me wonder what he's seen in his short life.
"Maribelle?" Lissa spoke timidly.
My eyes turned to the woman that took the full brunt of Kail's death glare. Oh dear. Her eyes were glistening. She was on the verge of tears. But she controlled herself and none were shed.
"I'm fine darling, that was just… unexpected."
Indeed. I never could have imagined something like that coming from someone as kind as Kail. I played a part in causing of this, I should attempt to rectify it.
"Don't take what he said to heart, he let his emotions control his voice," I spoke before muttering a thought that just came to me, "perhaps something in his past led him to lose control?"
"Robin's right." Lissa supported, "Kail has been really nice. I think he's just cranky since he didn't get any sleep last night."
I suppose that could be a part of the reason…
"I may have just met you, but I believe you have a good heart."
Maribelle looked at me for a moment before regaining her superior smirk that I'm already starting to realize is her trademark.
"Thank you, Robin. Perhaps I judged you too quickly, I suppose we'll see soon enough." She turned to Lissa, "Lissa, dear, will you be joining me for tea?"
Lissa bounced over to Maribelle before pausing and looking towards me, no doubt worried about what I would occupy myself with, "don't worry," I began, "Teach here will look out for me, right?" I slung my arm around the muscled man
The blond man gave a grin that could have torn his face in two, "You bet! Go have your tea squirt!"
Lissa smiled, "Thanks Vaike, don't get him into any trouble!"
"Yeah, yeah I won't."
Lissa and Maribelle left, and I realized that other woman, Sumia, had taken her leave as well… she was going down the same hallway Kail did. Was she going to try to talk to him about this? I wish her luck.
"So."
My attention turned to Vaike as he spoke, "What exactly happened between those two?"
Was he kidding?
I'm Lost.
In hindsight, wondering around a building that was bigger than a town was a bad idea. I might be exaggerating the size a bit, but you get the idea. But it was either walk around hoping to be found by someone or tell someone that just didn't know any better that she should kill herself. I can't control what I say around women, so to prevent me saying things like that I avoid women. I'm not afraid of them, mind you. I'm not Lon'qu, I just know when to leave and keep to myself...
I just wish I knew where I was.
I turned what had to be the eighth corner and was met with a door that looked like it led outside. Increasing my stride, I quickly made my way to the wooden portal. After opening the door, I realized it was the stables. There were many horses just standing in their stalls with a pasture for them to graze just ahead. But what really drew my attention was the two unnamed men in uniform who I assumed were soldiers, holding ropes tied to a black mount with a white mane. they were fighting it. The horse was in a panicked state and neighing loudly pulling against its lead.
I wasn't sure what to do, should I get help? No, I'd probably just get lost again. But, I don't know the first thing about horses. My only knowledge of them is what I learned from playing Zelda.
…
Should I?
…
Meh, why not? I walked forward until I was about six feet away from the men and the frantic beast. That's when I did it. I whistled. I whistled a song. If you know Zelda, you know which song…
I slowly walked closer as I continued the melody, reaching my hand out. The soldiers seemed to notice my approach and that I was trying to calm it, so they stopped pulling the lead and focused on just keeping it still. I kept moving towards it, the horse's attention was on me now. But its panic didn't cease. It wasn't working.
Wait… maybe? I started the song again, but this time channeled some mana into my tongue, I seem to be getting better at controlling it. Its neighs started to get quieter. Holy crap was this working? I didn't let up in my song and slowly grabbed the rope from one of the men's hands, who seemed happy to be rid of the burden. Holding the rope and still moving closer as I whistled more softly the horse calmed even more. I reached my hand out and pet the side of its neck as I finished the song. I just fricken calmed a horse with Epona's Song. My life is now complete. But, I idly wondered if the song had anything to do with it or if it was all the manas doing.
"May we be dismissed sir?"
I turned to the soldier that spoke. Sir? I guess being a Shepherd I out-ranked them? I ignored how they would know that I was one and just nodded. "Dismissed." The two left promptly. I decided to ask Frederick to help me with military babble, because I don't know if I just told them 'leave the horse to me and go back to your duties' or if I told them 'go home for the day.' I turned back to the horse I was petting.
"What did they do to make you so frazzled?" the horse just nickered and pressed its nose against me I just chuckled in response. "Whatever they did to you, you didn't deserve it, you're a good boy."
It whinnied and shook its head. "Oh… A good girl?" it moved its head up and down. Huh, a smart girl too!
"I'm shocked that she's so calm around you." Both me and the horse flinched at the sudden voice causing its owner to giggle.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Oh, it's her… Remember the bro code, Kail.
"That's alright… Sumia, was it?" I asked, despite knowing the answer
She nodded and walked slowly towards us, I felt the horse tense slightly under my hand. I guess she's just skittish.
"You're Kail right?"
I nodded. And there was silence. I expected things would be awkward after what happened with Maribelle, at least she doesn't seem to mind the silence, she just observed the horse and-
"So, about what you said…"
Oh, okay we're talking about it now.
"I think what you said about trust is true but- "
"I didn't mean what I said, about how she'll… you know…"
She looked at me with a quick look of shock at my interruption, but then nodded slowly.
"I figured as much. You seemed like a good person…" she trailed off before she looked to the horse, "And his girl here seems to think so too."
"I just got upset, people with her attitude make me mad."
She glanced back at me, "Why?" she asked, "I mean, I can understand it getting on someone's nerves eventually. But why did she upset you so much?"
I sighed, she had to ask that…
Might as well get it out of the way.
"I was treated like a child for most of my life by my family. I felt irrelevant in my own home… I hated it. So, when someone acts like they're better than me or everyone else, it feels like they're just spitting in my face and telling me that my struggles to get respect will never amount to anything."
I sighed and spoke the words that have become my motto.
"Treat others how you want to be treated."
It was silent for a moment.
"I'm sorry."
"Thanks, but it's not your fault."
Silence yet again, I decided to break it with a question.
"What's her name?" I asked nodding my head to the horse I was still petting.
She smiled sadly, "We don't know. An old man gifted her to us before he died, he said that she was the most loyal steed one could ask for." She looked to the horse for a moment before turning back to me, "But she's never let anyone ride her, I mean you saw how she acted when they were just trying to take her out to clean her stall." I nodded my head and looked at the mysterious mount. She missed her master.
I saw a saddle hanging in her stall, it was quite ornate. It was the same shade of white as the horse's mane, with golden designs. I wondered if she would let me ride, she does seem awfully calm around me.
"That song was beautiful."
My eyes widened as her voice startled me yet again.
"You heard that?"
She nodded, "I was going to help those men, but then I saw you step in and heard you whistling, I couldn't help but listen. What's it called?"
I just looked at her for a moment, "it's called Epona's Song."
She tilted her head. Okay, one, why does everyone do that? And two, how is she cuter then puppy Lissa when she does that?
… bro code, Kail…
Remember it.
"Epona?"
I nodded, thinking of all the stories in my head that she would no doubt love. "It's the name of the horse that the Hero of Time rode in his legends."
She looked even more confused, "who's the Hero of Time?"
I chuckled, "that's a LONG story."
…
…
"Will you tell me it sometime?"
I looked at her for a moment, "tell you what, if you teach me how to ride a horse I'll tell you about the Hero of Time and Erika White-Fire."
She smiled slightly, "Erika White-Fire?"
"She is also known as the Dragonborn."
Her eyes gained sparkles.
"YEAHHH!"
I yelled in excitement as me and the Horse with no name galloped across the pasture, the horse also shared my excitement with a whinny. I vaguely heard Sumia cheering me on and laughing, she was quite willing to teach me how to ride. Either she's a fantastic teacher, or I'm a natural! This was amazing, all my worries melted away. No Emmeryn, no Maribelle. Just the wind in my hair… huh wind. I guess I really do have some kind of affinity to it.
I pulled on the reins and stopped on a dime, the horse reared and let out another Whinny. Once she was on all four legs again I hopped off he back and gave her a pet.
"Thanks for the fun girl."
I heard footsteps speeding towards me and turned to see Sumia jogging towards me. That's when I noticed she wasn't wearing her armor. She was quite…
'Bouncy'
Keep your eyes northward Kail
"Kail, that was great! You're a natural!"
"Or maybe I just have a good teacher."
Her cheeks went slightly red at that, but she still shook her head.
"Oh no, you defiantly have talent, not only that but you were on Miss. Rowdy too! I've never seen her so happy, let alone so calm around someone."
"Indeed," a new voice spoke, "to tame an animal that Sumia couldn't is no small feat."
Hey, it's Chrom, he just walked into the pasture from the stables, cue Sumia freak out in; three, two, one.
"Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was— I mean, we were so—" she tried to take a step forward before she faceplanted. Both Chrom and me cringed, "Are you alright?" Chrom asked.
She propped herself up from the ground, "No! I mean, yes! I mean..." she closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. I silently helped her to her feet.
"Right..." Chrom said confusedly. Oh Gods, please tell me he's aware of her obvious crush on him. I'll never let him live it down if he's not. He turned to me again, "Kail, its occurred to me I've yet to pay you back for saving Lissa." Oh, right he wants to do something for me… uhh. Okay. I guess I'll just ask him to teach me to use a sword.
"Perhaps you would like that horse as payment for my debt?"
Or maybe I'll get a horse, damn it Chrom, I don't do well with choosing between two things!
"Or did you have something else in mind?"
I locked eyes with him, "I did, but now I'm not sure what to choose."
"Well what did you originally have in mind?"
"Um…" I trailed off. I don't know why but I'm really nervous to ask him. I feel like its super important that I learn from him, but I can't place why. Just suck it up and tell him Kail "I WAS gonna ask if you could teach me to use a blade."
His eyes widened, before an eager grin crossed his face, "Well, if I recall correctly Virion told me you kept quite a bit of those Risen away from Lissa. Is that true?"
I frowned, yeah but why does that matter… oh… is he going to do what I think he is? OH! I gotta act confused about the word 'Risen.'
"Risen? I assume you mean those creatures we fought?" he nodded, "Well, yeah I guess I held them off before Virion and Sully arrived."
"Then it seems I also owe you a debt for protecting my sister as well. So how would you like your steed AND to learn how to wield a sword?"
Externally, I smiled, agreed and thanked him.
Internally...
fireworks.
"We'll start tomorrow morning then." I nodded. To be honest I was hyped, will he teach me that flip move he used against Lu- Marth in the arena? Will he teach me the helm splitter that he seems to love? So many possibilities! I felt a poke in my side and turned to find it was Sumia, "What are you going to name her?"
That's a good question, what WILL I name my horse? I have a few names in mind but… yeah screw it, she already likes the song, "Epona." Sumia giggled in response and was about to speak, before my stomach interrupted her with a growl and probably woke up Grima in the process. Chrom chuckled, "Sumia, how about you take Kail to the mess hall for some lunch."
Sumia went stiff, "Sure thing Captain!" She seemed to hesitate before she spoke again, "will… will you be joining us?" gods, she's adorable, Chrom's a lucky guy.
"Unfortunately, no. I have some things I need to take care of." WHAT!? CHROM HOW CAN YOU RESIST THAT ADORABLENESS!?
Lunch was uneventful. The meal consisted of pork sandwiches, they were pretty good if I'm being honest. Unlike the world I know, practically all meat is fresh from the farm here. The veggies too! I swear those chemicals and pesticides change the taste drastically. EVERYTHING was good here. Sumia joined me for lunch too, I think it's just because she wanted to hear my stories. Skyrim was the only one I got into.
I went into detail describing Tamriel and all its people, I told her I might write it down as a novel, to which she was ecstatic and wanted to be the first to read it. Especially since it was about a 'woman hero,' which was rare here. I know canon Dragonborn is a male, but since my first playthrough of Skyrim was with a female character I can't think of the Dragonborn as anything but female. Erika White-Fire was Laat Dovahkiin and no one can tell me otherwise. After lunch Sumia pointed me in the direction of a bed that I could use, I still haven't slept. I made my way to the fluffy haven known as a mattress. I'm going to be out like a light, insomnia be damned.
As I turned the next corner I was met with the blonde noble that I DID NOT want to see. Maribelle noticed me too, but instead of scowling or glaring, she just stared. As if shocked to see me here. We had both stopped in the hallway and were just staring at each other. It must have been at least five minutes of just gazing at each other's impassive faces.
Eventually I broke the silence with a sigh before I started speaking. "Look… I-I wanted to… um." think over your words Kail. I looked away before continuing, "I just… I live by the phrase 'treat others how you want to be treated' and when I see someone not doing that, or if it seems like they aren't… I get…upset. I won't go into why, but I have my reasons…" I scratched the back of my head, "what I'm trying to say is… I still think you judged me and Robin too quickly, but it I've realized I did the exact same thing to you right after."
I locked eyes with her, she has no expression. "So, I just- "
"Apology accepted."
"-wanted to apologize-buh wha?" did she just? Why would she?
"You heard me, don't make me repeat myself."
"No, I just meant… why would you forgive me so easily?"
She took a deep breath and looked up as she thought over her words.
"Because, despite your attitude, I realized some of what you said is true. I do judge people quickly and often harshly. My dear Lissa helped me realize that over tea." She looked back at me with a smile. Not a smirk. A sincere, honest to Naga smile.
"Put simply, for Lissa's sake I decided to give you another chance. And then you started to explain yourself and apologize. And in the same day too!"
"Oh… I guess I owe Lissa for sticking up for me…"
"Indeed, you do. But for now. Let us start over, shall we?" she then took an approach before stopping just outside of my personal bubble. "My name is Maribelle, daughter of the Duke of Themis."
I was floored. I expected there to be at least a week of awkward looks and occasional glares. But nope. That was behind us and we were starting over, and Maribelle was the one to suggest that! Was this the Maribelle that her fans knew and loved? I just gave a bewildered chuckle as I grabbed the dainty hand she offered and introduced myself in kind, "And my name is Kail," I cringed, "Of... of Clom..."
She smiled… sweetly?
This isn't the Maribelle I know.
"A pleasure to meet you Kail."
The lesson here was; don't judge a book by its cover.
"Likewise, Lady Maribelle."
Plus one friend I suppose?
"Kail."
"No."
"Kail..."
"No..."
"You're the one that asked for this."
"I never asked to be woken up before the sun even rose."
"I told you we'd start this morning."
"'Morning' doesn't mean 'before dawn'"
I barely heard Chrom sigh. If learning swordsmanship from him meant waking up this early every day, I'll cut his sword hand off with my wind karate. I thought Frederick was the one that woke up before sunrise?
"Fine, go ahead and sleep in, you can just make up for lost time in Frederick's Fanatical Fitness Hour…"
I literally leapt out of bed and tackled Chrom. He proved his superiority by not even budging an inch. I tried to get him in a headlock but that just ended with me clinging to his back and failing to choke him. Why is he so fricken tall…!? correction, why am I so short? Have you seen a 5'6 skinny nerd trying to choke out a beefy 6'1 jock? Yeah. That's what's happening. That didn't stop me from threating him though.
"If you tell that sadistic prick anything of the sort they'll never find your damn body!"
"You do realize that death threats to me are considered treason, right?"
"What's the sentence for treason?"
"Beheading."
"That's what will happen to you if you put me in that hour of torture."
"Then get dressed, we have work to do."
I growled before dropping from his back and walking to the mirror. "Stupid prince's and their immunity to headlocks and death threats." I muttered.
"I'm not immune to headlocks, I'm immune to YOUR head locks. Be honest Kail, have you ever held anything over two pounds in your life?"
Translation: 'do you even lift bro?'
I just glared at him.
I looked in my mirror to see if I could tame the mess of dark brown hair on my head, yeah there's no chance. You know how Stahl has that big cowlick on the front of head? That was my ENTIRE head. I look like a mad scientist. No change there. I looked down to the discovery I made yesterday. My eyes had changed. They were once a Brown so dark you could barely see my pupil, now though? They were white, and they shimmered and shifted with bright colors. It was like looking at a gemstone. I sighed, I guess this is a change for the better? I wasn't sure, but I know this training will be a good change… I hope?
"K-Kail?" I had started to look for my shirt when Chrom stuttered out my name. I glance over my shoulder towards Chrom giving him my attention. He seemed to be focused on my back before he made eye contact with me.
"You… you have a Brand?"
…
…
"…Beg pardon?"
"You have a Brand… On your back…"
I quickly turned my back to the mirror and looked over my shoulder.
"When the hell did that get there!?"
Chrom was right, I had a mark in the center of my back, between my shoulder blades. It wasn't the mark of Naga, thank god, I don't know how I would have explained THAT. No, it was like a tribal tattoo, it sort of looked like a side view of a wolfs head. It looks cool, but why do I have a fricken brand? I'm not even from this world, it shouldn't be possible! Did it have something to do with my magic? Or with how I got to this world in the first place?
"When did… you mean it wasn't always there?" Chrom asked
"Definitely not! I don't have any clue when that got there."
"Curious…" Chrom muttered
"What exactly does a brand mean?" I asked. I knew that it usually meant someone had Beorc and Laguz lineage, or in Chrom's case a bloodline that was blessed by Naga or something. But that was out of the question for me. And I wanted to know if I'd start to get any kind of special treatment or something.
"Without knowing your family history, I wouldn't know. It might just be a Family trait that you never knew about."
I nodded in understanding. This thing could either mean something. Or it could not. There was no way to tell.
"We can worry about it later, for now lets head to the training yard."
I sighed when I remembered what time it was and why Chrom was here.
"Waking up this early better be worth it."
It didn't take long to get to the training yard, and when we did Chrom instantly put me to work. He made me do pushups, sit ups, squats, basically any exercise you can think of. But unlike what I expect the F.F.F.H to be, it was in a sequence. I did those exercises until I reached the end of the sequence then I repeated it. This continued for about half an hour and by then I was drenched in sweat and felt like every muscle in my body was on fire. Meanwhile Chrom, who had done the exercises with me, looked as if he were ready to go to a dinner party. Fricken inhuman stamina.
Chrom decided that we had to spar so he can get a feel for where to start in teaching me. We put on a type of light leather armor and wielded wooden swords. Chrom explained that eventually we would dual with edged steel, but until I had a good grasp of swordplay we would use wooden blades. He explained what a proper stance was before he took his position about six or seven feet away from me.
"Are you ready Kail?"
Before I gave an answer, I thought up my game plan. I've seen him fight and he's stupid fast, not to mention way stronger than me. But I'm smaller. So, I guess I'll attempt to use my size to make it harder for him to hit me and try to use his weight and strength against him, Judo style. I wonder if Bruce Lee's words of 'be formless, shapeless, like water,' would apply here
…
What am I talking about, of course it applies here. It's Bruce fricken Lee!
"I'm read- "
I didn't get to finish as Chrom rushed me, his sword was held to his left, so I assumed he was going to go for a rightwards horizontal swing. I saw a way out and I took it, I ducked and slid between his legs and spun around as fast as I could to try and swipe his legs. His legs seemed to rocket into the sky. Wait, is he. Oh, gods helm splitter incoming! Must dodge, how? Do a fricken barrel roll! I rolled on my side like a child would roll down a hill. I saw him land and jumped to my feet. Here comes again, an overhead blow, I can't dodge this one. Block? No, he'll break my arms with that strength. DEFLECT IT! I used his attacks power against him and turned my block in a vertical angle. His strike slid along my blade as I basically guided to my right.
JESUS!
I must have taken like 30% of that attack and my hands are already numb. But he's open! STRIKE!
I swung at Chrom's exposed shoulder, but he went with the gravity of his failed strike and rolled. Before I could react, I felt a hard blow to the middle of my back. I was launched to the ground… I didn't get back up. I doubt I could move at all, I'm pretty sure Chrom paralyzed me with that one blow.
"That was better than I expected Kail!" Chrom said, I couldn't see him with my face in the dirt, but I was positive he was smiling. At least he said I did good.
"Honestly, I think you just need more experience for now. So, get up! We spar until you land a blow!"
End my suffering.
You know, when I made up with Maribelle, I didn't think she'd decided that I was another Lissa.
"Kail, darling, you seem stiff what's wrong?"
How did I get roped into having tea with her? Oh, right because it was tea. I wanted to know what kind of blends they had here. This one was a little too bitter for my tastes, I like some spice in my tea.
"Yeah, sorry, I'm fine. I'm just a little clueless in social situations." I put another spoonful of sugar in my tea to fight its bitterness.
"Oh dear, we'll have to fix that." The noble took a sip from her cup, "tell me, what do you do for entertainment?"
That's a good question, I play video games and watch TV. That doesn't really work here…
"I suppose I draw?" I was about to say something else, but I was interrupted.
"Oh, truly?" she asked sounding somewhat intrigued.
I nodded "I'm not very good at it though."
"Oh, now you're sounding like Sumia. You and her need to learn to believe in yourself!"
And there's another thing I have in common with Sumia. I've known her for less than two days but there's already a good number of similarities. Self-confidence, like Maribelle mentioned, love of story books, and a love of horses, which I had only recently discovered when I met Epona.
"I suppose you're right Maribelle, but it's easier said than done."
"Of course, darling, of course."
I took another sip of tea. Despite my earlier… opinions… Maribelle was easy to get along with once you knew how she worked. Her 'Insults' were actually hidden complements and support if you looked deep into them. It was still annoying though.
I was about to ask what SHE does to occupy her time, but she spoke first, "I have a little gift for you."
Excuse me?
"I know we're already on fairly good terms but call it a peace offering."
Oh, alright that makes some sense. She hands me a book. I hold it for a few moments wondering what it is. It's a tome. I seem to realize that instinctively. A wind tome to boot.
"That tome explains the process behind three basic wind spells. Lissa told me you seemed to favor that element."
I flipped through the pages, surprisingly, and luckily, it was in English and found out what spells they were.
Wind,
Elwind,
Arcwind.
No Rexcaliber. But I doubt I'll be ready for that any time soon. I look up from the book to the Always smirking noble, "Thanks, Maribelle." Her smirk just grew, and she took another sip.
I was wrong. This tome has opened my eyes. You don't have to cause the wind to cast it. You DO generate it. The real way to cast a spell, was with certain finger movements that would shape the mana then launch it and then you activate the element. I however, was dragging the air behind the mana. I wasn't using wind magic. I was Airbending. That's right, I'm the avatar. Well, no. I'm not, I can only use air, none of the other elements. I was still trying to learn traditional magic, but it was a slow process. I was able to get the basic first stage wind spell down. It was only three finger movements that were easy to remember. But I kept practicing with my airbending as well, I was no Aang. But I was getting there! I could shoot a decent blast of wind just by thrusting my hand forward now.
I was right about something however, I do have some kind of affinity to wind. The traditional wind spell I cast was much more powerful than normal, according to Robin. I've been trying to find Miriel to get her input, but I haven't been able to find her for the life of me. Not even in the library! But I'll meet her soon enough I suppose. Yesterday Chrom had announced that we would be going to Regna Ferox this morning. And I had volunteered to join. Yeah turns out there was a three day wait between chapters 1 and 2. The Shepherds going right after we arriving in Ylisstol was video game logic. But this was reality… I think. To be honest I'm still not sure if this is a coma dream or not.
I was 'kidnapped' from my 'mind palace' as Lissa sat across from me with a goofy grin. "Can I help you, princess?" I said sarcastically as I took a bite of my breakfast. Sausage and eggs.
"First Emm and now Maribelle?"
"What are you on about?"
"She keeps talking about you and how 'interesting' you are." She picked up a spoon from the table and held it much like I've seen Maribelle hold her parasol and started speaking in a bad imitation of the pink loving Noble.
"He is quite different then I would have thought. Very kind and respectful, I'm glad you and your brother picked him up." I snorted
"So, she appreciates my company, what's the big deal?"
Lissa slammed her hands on the table, breaking the wooden spoon that was still in her hand. She really is strong, no wonder she can become a war cleric.
"What's the big deal!? Maribelle never talks like that about… well… anyone!"
I reach over and ruffle her hair, "First time for everything pup, stop seeing things that aren't there."
"I'm not!" she yelled as she pushed my hand away, "I'm seeing things that are extremely obvious!"
"Sure you are, and I'm a taguel." I smirked.
"I'm right and you know it!" she insisted.
"Okay," I sighed, "let's say hypothetically, you are right. What then? What would even change?"
"Then I get you guys to start dating and you'll be happy!" she smiled.
"Two problems with that pup," I started, "the first is, just because she might like me doesn't mean I feel the same way."
She pouted.
"Second, as much as I hate it, you said the exact same thing about Exalt Emmeryn. Do you want me to be a heart breaker or something?"
She sighed deeply, "No…"
I ruffle her hair again, "It's good that you're looking out for the happiness of your friends and family, just think about everyone's feelings, yeah?"
She always acts like she hates it when I mess her hair up. But this time she just smiled. "Yeah, yeah. I get it."
A plate filled with ridiculous amounts of sausage and about two spoonsful of eggs slammed down on the table to my left, and Robin sat next to me. "What are we talking about here?" he asked before shoving what looked like three sausages down his throat. Pause, my boy.
"Maribelle has a crush on Kail!" Lissa chirped.
Robin choked on his sausages. Bigger pause.
I slapped his back as hard as I could a few times and managed to dislodge the food from his throat. He coughed a bit before turning to me, "Thanks." I nodded in response.
"So, is this true or is it just Lissa being Lissa?" Robin asked me.
"Wha? Hey!" Lissa cried.
"It's just Lissa." I said with a smirk and a glance to her.
"Why are you two always so mean to me!"
Robin raised an eyebrow, "just this morning you woke me up by choking me."
"And you hid a frog in my pillow." I added.
"Those things were funny!" she yelled.
"And so is teasing you" I countered. Robin nodded in agreement.
She just huffed and walked away while mumbling something, all I caught was "Boys."
I turned to Robin who already went back to scarfing down his meal. "So, did you find anything?" I asked.
Me and Robin have been researching magic together, for him to rediscover his past knowledge of it, and for me to learn it anew. It was fun. I had learned that me and Robin were quite similar, he was just more outgoing. He had no fear meeting someone new, unlike me. Actually, I haven't been having much problems with that recently… that maybe because I already know these people. The Shepherds that is…
Anyway, yesterday I had asked Robin to see if he could find any mention of others with any sort of Affinity to an element, or someone who could bend an element like me. Since he LOVED the library he didn't mind spending some extra time there for me. Robin let out a hum of remembrance through his mouthful of eggs and reached inside his coat and pulled out a large book. I looked at his coat in amazement and slight jealousy. I want a hero coat with absurdly large pockets too...
"The only thing I could find," Robin began as he flipped through some pages, "was mention of several figures, some being mythical, that had such mastery over an element of anima, and in some cases light magic, that they could command the element of their choice in such a way that it looked like their spells had a will of their own." I put my hand to my chin in thought.
"I don't know about you, but it sounds as though these people either had your bending abilities. Or they combined said bending abilities with the traditional arts." Robin hypothesized. That was certainly possible. But how would one go about mixing bending with traditional magic?
"Here! The only historical account I could find." I looked at the passage he was pointing to and-
Oh
Linde.
She was a lightbender or something of the like. Does that mean that proper light manipulation is all that was needed to cast the Aura spell? And if that's the case does that mean Linde's father, Miloah, was a lightbender too? Mysteries upon mysteries.
"Does it say anything about how she achieved this feat?" I asked.
"None that I could find…" he sounded disappointed.
I don't blame him. But still, "At least I have something to go off of. Thanks, Robin."
"My pleasure."
Here we are. We're standing outside the walls and are about to leave for Ferox. Everyone was here except for Stahl and Miriel, as expected. It was almost spooky how things went with the game script like that. I wondered if I even had an effect in the plot. Was I even in the bad future? Lucina saved my life instead of just ignoring me so maybe I did? Who knows… well Lucina does but that doesn't help me right now.
"Our march is going to be a long one, we shouldn't waste any time. Is everyone ready?" Chrom called out. And there's Stahl. Wow, he DOES look kinda plain. He was also out of breath. Why did he lead his horse instead of riding it? Speaking of horses, I was on the back of Epona. Sumia somehow got a sort of robe like cloth for her. It was kind, I've been getting so many gifts from people, I feel so special! And this 'Horse-robe' made you instantly think she belonged to a mage. Which I supposed she does. Epona wasn't the only one that got a wardrobe upgrade. Chrom had given me some coin to buy some traveling clothes. I now wore black travel boots, gray pants, a white tunic with a black belt, some black fingerless gloves… and finally…
"Let's move out!" Chrom called.
I spurred Epona, into a trot and pulled up the hood of my new coat to block out the morning sun. Yup, I got a hero coat. It was basically Robins coat except it didn't have the Grimleal designs. It was jet black with a silver trim.
It was about ten minutes into the walk that I could already tell it will be the death of me. We walked… and walked...
…
And walked. This is the worst part of the shepherds I can already tell. I have to stay in formation, so I can't go talk to Robin, Chrom, Lissa, or Sumia. And Maribelle isn't even here!
Wait did I just insinuate I wanted to talk to Maribelle? I must be REALLY bored…
But yeah, the only person here was Virion but well…
"Her beauty was breathtaking, I knew I had to charm her lest she fall into another man's arms! Just imagine! The travesty!"
The dude would not stop talking about getting under girls' skirts. Gods he's annoying. Please just let the risen come already, I can't handle this.
The company stopped. Wow that was quick, but I can't complain, I'd take fighting zombies over Virions babble any day. Vaike came running over and got behind us. So, they realize that he lost his axe.
"Kail, cover Vaike and Lissa! Virion! Get your butt over here!" I heard Robin's shout from the front he could be quite aggressive when he gave commands. "Got it!" I yelled in confirmation, and quickly dismounted Epona. I've never had training in mounted combat, I should ask Stahl for some lessons. I drew my weapon, another gift, this time from Chrom. It was nothing special, just an iron sword. Now I was prepared and Lissa was here. So, I waited.
And waited…
Waiting…
Still waiting…
Damn.
The Shepherds are too good. I'm not getting any action. Even Sumia is wreaking house. Wait she has her Pegasus already? How? Well whatever. Frederick is just drilling through whatever defenses they had and charging the figure at the end of the bridge. Must be the leader. Sully and Stahl are Destroying the right flank, the panther and the bull right there. Chrom, Robin and Virion are holding back the left flank.
"Where the hell is my axe! I know I must have dropped it around here!" Vaike yelled
"Maybe you should take better care of your things!" Lissa yelled
I ignored him because something is wrong Chrom and his team are falling back. They're getting over run. Looks like I might get some action after all!
"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon. Now I know." Perfect she's here.
Before anyone said anything, I gave orders. "Miriel, you and I are going to give Chrom and them backup. Vaike, Lissa, stay behind us. Break!" I charged without waiting. I heard someone keep pace with me, I can only assume Miriel.
"Hey, who put you in charge!?" Vaike yelled.
"Just listen you idiot!" Lissa screamed.
Miriel stopped beside Virion and shot a large ball of fire into the crowd of Risen. I slid to a stop as well as I got a sudden idea.
Please work, please work, please work.
I turned my sword in my hand and swung the flat of the blade at the traveling fireball and shot some wind at it.
Please, please, please!
SUCCESS!
The fireball grew in size as I effectively fanned it.
It exploded on impact.
What had to be fifteen crispy Risen flew into the air. Damn that's savage. Well let's do another one.
We kept pelting the hoard with exploding balls of death basically halving their numbers. Mages are WAY more powerful than the game makes them out to be… then again, these Risen are cannon fodder, they make up for it in numbers though. I wonder if I'm actually in Fire Emblem Warriors rather than Awakening.
"Kail! Give Frederick support!" came Robins voice.
"Roger that!" I ran in the direction of the bridge, blasting away any zombies that came close with some wind. They were thinning out, I suppose there's a limit to how much the giants can spawn. I got close enough to Frederick to where I didn't want to take the chance of accidently hitting him with my randomly flung spells, so I switched to my Blade. Frederick was fighting the leader, so my job was to cover his armored butt and make sure no one snuck up on him. The Commander was preoccupied with fighting the knight and stopped spawning new Risen, as such there was only a few left in this area.
I could count them easily, there were six Risen, three swordsmen, two axemen, and one lancer. The swordsmen approached first, I took the initiative and gave one a stab. The zombie leaned back and dodged it, his friend on my weak left side tried to cleave my arms off. I let one of the hands on my blade drop slightly and fired a basic Wind spell, the Risen that had dodged my stab was cut in two from the wind. I had also used the kickback of the spell to slide me backwards, allowing me to dodge the blow that was aimed at my arms. And as that zombie was recovering I cleaved his head off.
"Holy crap, that was awesome!" I praised myself before turning to the last swordsman that was holding back as the axemen advanced. One of the axemen got excided and decided to leap into the air and try to slice me in half. I deadpanned and just shot some wind at him while he was in the air and he went flying.
Three left.
The lancer is a problem.
I realized this as soon as he had started to try and make me a kabab. I couldn't get past his reach, and the sword and axe trying to take my head off wasn't helping either. I remembered how I used wind to dodge earlier so I tried again and jumped backwards with a small blast of wind to increase my distance. If I couldn't get past his range, I'll have to take him out with something from a greater range. I aimed a blade beam for the lancer's head, but his friends were heroes and jumped in the way of the wind blade. They burst into purple smoke and the lance of my opponent flew out of it as he charged me like a wild boar. Hang on. Did they just strategize and use their deaths as a smokescreen for the lancer?
…
I'll need to talk to Robin about that. I was able to dodge the charge, but he turned at the last second, so his shoulder hit me in the chest. I couldn't hold my stance and stumbled to the ground. OW! Did I just? Yeah that was a rock in my right shoulder and now I can't feel my fingers. It must have cut a tendon or something. So there goes my sword hand. Blast, of all the places a rock could be! I thrust my left hand to the Risen, I was able to push him a few feet away but not much else. That should have been stronger. My mana must be low, and my sword arm is useless. Damn it! I was doing so well too! I looked up and saw that the Lancer was now standing over me ready to stab into my chest.
"Don't I get any last words?" I said loudly hoping someone would hear me and come to my rescue. The reanimated corpse just growled before raising his lance. Welp. Goodbye, world. I closed my eyes waiting for the pain.
Whoosh
What? I cracked my eye open and saw the remnants of purple smoke where my foe was. I turned to the battlefield and saw that all the Risen were gone. Thank Gods, Frederick came through at the best possible time. I decided to just lay down and rest, Frederick was close by. He'll see that my shoulder is bleeding and get Lissa. I just sighed as I thought over my fight. It was my first time using the things Chrom taught me and I'd say I did quite well, I took out five Risen. Granted, two of them jumped into my blade beam, but still. I felt someone grabbing my left shoulder and trying to pull me to my feet. I went with it and opened my eyes to see Frederick wrapping my arm around his shoulders to support me.
I gave him a stupid grin, "You DO care."
He glared at me before sighing, "Don't make me regret this."
I just chuckled in response. All in all, I say this fight went pretty well.
"Kail!" Cried Lissa.
"Healing Lady!" I cried back.
Ow, Frederick didn't like me calling her that, you don't have to squeeze my injured side, jerkface. Freddy left me to rest by a tree as Lissa healed me. I saw Chrom approach with a smirk, "You don't look to good. Or maybe you've always looked like that." I glared at him before I gave a smirk in response.
"You wound me my liege, I shall never be able to look at myself the same way knowing my Lord finds me hideous."
Chrom frowned at my respectful referral to him and Lissa laughed in response. "We're going to set up camp for the night." Chrom said, with a hint of victory in his voice. "We will spar tomorrow morning."
I paled, "Wait, we're still doing that? Even when we're marching?"
Chrom got a venomous smirk, "We weren't originally."
I sighed.
Karma why hast thou forsaken me?
!IMPORTANT!
Okay so as I was writing this chapter I realized two things. 1. I never considered what parings to go with for the characters. So, if you have one you'd like to see let me know via review or PM and we'll see what happens.
2. I was spelling Frederick's name wrong in the last two chapters… whoops! I'll go back and change it eventually.
-Gaijin