Chapter 2: Shepherds

We were on our way to the capital. Sully and Virion said they would go on ahead, so we continued on with just the four of us. During the trip we decided to take a break to check our supplies, I took this as an chance to start writing in my journal. Since I have lost my memories I figured I would start keep a journal of my recent events. Lissa sat on a big stone, rocking her legs back and forth, seemingly restless while Frederick scouted the nearby area with his horse.

Chrom was sitting nearby, being busy sharping his sword. After I finished writing in my journal I decided to go sit next to him because I had some questions.

"Can I ask you something, Chrom?"

Chrom momentarily stopped paying attention at his sword and instead looked at me.

"Uh-oh. Should I be nervous?"

I rolled my eyes and continued. "When you found me collapsed and without memory, why did you take me in?"

Chrom tilted his head a little. "Well... Because you were collapsed and without memory?"

I blinked in confusion. "That's it? Pity was your reason?"

Chrom seemed surprised by my reply. "Isn't that enough?"

I put away my journal while sighing heavily. "Did you never stop to consider if it was some kind of trap?"

In turn Chrom put back his sword in his sheath. "Heh, that's what I have Frederick for."

I still didn't understand. "But why didn't—"

Chrom interrupted me. "Kyle, if I see someone hurt or in need, I'm going to help them. That's just who I am, there's no changing it. Or would you rather I'd left you there, face down in the muck?"

I shook my head. "No, of course not. I'm thankful for what you did, I truly am. But it scares me all the same. Chivalry and longevity don't often go hand in hand."

Chrom smiled. "Ha! I wish I had a gold coin for every time I got this lecture."

I sighed once again, rather loudly. "I can only offer advice, I'm afraid. You really should be more careful in the future."

Chrom furrowed his brows. "I'm sorry, but no. If it happened again today, I'd do the same exact thing..."

"But—" Chrom took his hands in front of him. "Peace, Kyle. I have heard your counsel, and I know you mean well. But as I said, this is who I am. I can't change that, nor would I want to."

I calmed down slightly. "I... I understand. If that is your decision, then so be it. Just do try and be careful, Chrom. For my peace of mind, if not your own?"

Chrom nodded. "I will. I promise."

After that we continued with our journey.

And so we arrived.

"So this is Yilsstol, capital of Ylisse... I've never seen so many people!" I said dumbfounded. I was awed at how... Huge everything was. "It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods." Frederick said with a sigh. "I see no evidence of the great quake. It must've been limited to the forest." Lissa smiled brightly. "Well, that's a relief!"

As we walked through the town square, a beautiful fountain was seen in the middle, having the water sprinkle looking like stars shining under the sunlight. A few little children ran past us, chasing each other with sticks, laughing loudly. I couldn't help but smile at how truly beautiful this place was and how it was so full of life.

Something big seemed to be happening as everyone gathered near the castle. A parade of sorts with soldiers on horses was coming out of the castle. A older man was heard shouting, looking excited. "Look! The exalt has come to see us!" In the middle of the 'parade', a woman was on a chariot waving at the mass of people that gathered. She looked very beautiful with her golden long hair glimmering in the sun, and her smile was genuinely gentle. "The exalt is your ruler, yes?" I inquired.

Frederick nodded. "Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn." I looked at the people waving at her; some children even threw flowers to her. "Is it safe for her to walk amongst commoners like this?" Frederick sensed my worry but didn't seem to be worried himself. "The exalt is a symbol of peace—Ylisse's most prized quality. Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the Fell Dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the Divine Dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then." I was surprised at how much history the exalt held and understood more why the exalt was so important for the people.

Chrom continued. "With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her. She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war." I can see that.

"Then the Ylissean people are indeed lucky to have her." Lissa giggled. "She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!"

I chuckled. "Yes, I imagine she... Wait, what? She's your... But wouldn't that make you and Chrom..." Frederick smirked at my 'deduction'. "The prince and princess of the realm, yes. You remember Chrom's name and not this?"

Why didn't anyone tell me this?!

"You said you were 'shepherds'!" Chrom seemed amused at my outburst. "And so we are...in a manner of speaking. We just have a LOT of sheep." All this time... And the way I treated him and yelled at him! I tried to bow towards him. "C-Chrom... I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!" Chrom shakes his head. "Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities." I regained my composure. "The prince and princess... That explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, eh?" Frederick dramatically sighed. "Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm..." Everyone chuckled, lightning up the atmosphere.

The 'parade' seemed to be over as the exalt and her soldiers were returning to the castle, with the people quickly dispersing. "It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" I was surprised that I was given the offer to meet her as I suspected that very few people would be allowed to meet the exalt in person. I nodded happily and we walked to the castle.

The castle was enormous; various large old paintings could be seen throughout the walls. Many soldiers were busy guarding every door, not moving an inch from their posts. We finally arrived in the royal chamber, seeing Lady Emmeryn and a soldier woman with light-blue hair standing talking to each other by the throne. She turned around and welcomed us with a gentle smile. "Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home. Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?" Chrom lightly smiled towards her. "Well—we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while." Emmeryn nodded. "Wonderful. And our people?"

"Safe as they can be, Emm. But we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia." The soldier woman next to her bowed apologetically towards Chrom. "Forgive me, milord. My Pegasus knights should have intercepted them." Chrom nodded to her to raise her head. "No, Phila. Your duty was here, with the exalt." Lissa winked towards me. "And besides, we had plenty of help!" Emmeryn looked past Chrom to where I was standing.

"Ah, you speak of your new companion here?" Chrom patted my shoulder. "This is Kyle. He fought bravely with us against the brigands. I've decided to make him a shepherd." Emmeryn walked forwards to me, face-to-face. "It sounds as though Ylisse owes you a debt of gratitude, Kyle." I became flustered, not knowing how to act towards royalty, and just bowed back. "Not at all, milady!"

Frederick interrupted. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak. Kyle claims to have lost his memory, but it is only that: a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that he is a brigand himself or even a plegian spy."

Spy?!

Chrom looked angry. "Frederick!"

Emmeryn was calm. "Yet you allowed him into the castle, Chrom. Does this man have your trust?" Chrom nodded. "Yes. He risked his life for our people. And for me personally." Emmeryn seemed surprised. "Oh? How so?" Chrom pointed at my left shoulder.

"He got badly injured as a result of battle with a brigand and saved my life despite of his injury, more so since it was the first time... He killed somebody... That's good enough for me."Emmeryn looked at me, smiling."Well then, Kyle... It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such you have mine as well." I didn't know what to do except to bow before her once again. "Milady."

Emmeryn looked towards Frederick. "But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always. Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time..." Frederick bowed to her. "They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace."

He then looked towards Phila. "I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?" Phila nodded. "Yes, milord. They've been sighted all across Ylisse." Emmeryn looked towards Chrom. "We are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us." Chrom nodded. "Of course." Lissa tugged my arm. "I think that's our cue, Kyle! C'mon, there's a place I want to show you."

We entered an old building, looking similar to a barrack. "Here we are! The shepherds' garrison." Lissa exclaimed loudly in a proud fashion. As we got inside, the first thing I noticed was how big it was. The roof felt like it was going upwards forever, and various spider webs could be seen throughout the roof. They need to clean this place...

There were various weapons and shields standing against stalls. And also loads of barrels and sandbags everywhere. Some target practices were also along the left wall with old used arrows sticking firmly in the bull's-eye.

One particular thing I noticed was a table full of various books and scrolls. It looked really old and didn't seem to have been used for a long time.

Ah, maybe it's there we are going to discuss strategies.

"Go on, make yourself at home." Lissa said smiling. I smiled back in return. She then motioned me to follow her to the middle of the room, where a man and a woman were talking. Before I could introduce myself another woman came sprinting towards us. "Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" Lissa waved to her. "Oh, hey, Maribelle!"The woman named 'Maribelle' had shoulder-length curly hair with bowties on each side of her head. Her clothes were all pink with a corset and high heels; it gave a very 'royal' feel to her. To complete the look she had a light-pink umbrella. "'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted 14 gray hairs fretting over you!"

I seriously doubt that...

Lissa just giggled. "Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two! ...Although I could do it without the bugs and bear barbecue..."

The man next to me interrupted suddenly. "Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom? I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!"

Teach?

"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it? Hee hee!" Lissa said giggling gently. "And here I thought some people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?" The man next to me, apparently called Vaike, was tanned and had blonde hair spurting out to the back with a diadem holding it slick back. He had some armor barely covering his chest which showed off his muscles. He had a distinct small scar on his right cheek. "Ha! Never doubt the Vaike! ...Wait, was that an insult?" Wow, Lissa can show no mercy when she wants to be...

The third woman who had been silent until now spoke. "Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" Maribelle sighed. "Poor Sumia. She simply has been beside herself with concern... Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training... She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded." The woman named 'Sumia' had straight bangs and long light-brown hair past her chest. She had battle armor that looked light but not too uncomfortable, or so I presumed anyway. She had hair-ornaments that included behind her head that looked like small wings and 2 pearls covering 2 hair curls at both sides of her head. Those 2 in particular were curly than the rest of her hair. Lissa clasped her hands to her chest. "Aw Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom."

I have a tiny suspicion it's more than that... "Worry? Well, I... He's our captain and our prince—of course I'd worry!" Vaike looked over at me. "So, who's the stranger?"

"No one's stranger than you, Vaike... But allow me to introduce Kyle!" As she said it she took her hands towards me in a 'ta-da!' Fashion. "He just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made him our new tactician. You should see all the tricks he's got up his sleeve!" She said while fist pumping upwards. I sweat dropped and tried to smile.

Vaike grinned.

"Oh yeah? Can he do this? *buuuurp*"

Did he seriously just do that?

I half-laughed while everyone else was quiet.

I dramatically bowed towards him. "I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, 'Teach'."

Vaike grinned yet again.

"In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

Sumia and Lissa nodded towards me smiling while Maribelle...

"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery?"

She suddenly took her umbrella pointing it close to my face.

"And you, Kyle! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Humph!"

And with that she left on her heels and briskly walked away.

Well at least she remembered my name.

Sumia sighed. "Don't take it to heart, Kyle. Maribelle warms up to people slowly."

"Or burn to quickly! Hee hee!" Lissa added. "But yeah, just give her time."

We heard the entrance door behind us opening up slowly with a crank and a familiar face came towards us. Sumia looked immensely happy and nearly sprinted towards him.

"Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was—I mean, we were so—"

Before she could say anything else, she tripped over some paper... Which happened to be exactly in front of her feet. She immediately stood up and brushed of some dirt.

Like it was a routine...

Even though everyone else looked like they were used to it, Chrom looked worried.

"Sumia! Are you all right?...Those boots of yours again?"

"No! I mean, yes! I mean... *sigh*"

Chrom breathed out and now looked at everyone present.

"All right, listen everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."

Yet another name I don't know about.

"Regna Ferox?"

While I expected everyone to look shocked, Sumia calmly explained.

"A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said."

I nodded in understanding, while Chrom continued.

"Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events... Well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital. So the task has been passed to us."

It's understandable, just thinking about those 'things' make me shudder.

"Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any—"

Lissa immediately raised her hand.

"I volunteer!"

Vaike smirked.

"Me too! You'll be needing ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!"

A huge shadow loomed behind me. "I'll go as well." I looked behind confused. Was someone there?

"...What? I have been here the whole time!"

I must be hearing things...

Sumia looked at Chrom uncertainly. "I... I, um..."

Chrom looked confused. "Yes, Sumia?"

"It's just that... I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way."

"Well, you could stay behind the main group and if a battle is met, just watch and learn? You choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield.

I learned it the hard way...

"W-well, if you think it wise, captain."

Chrom smiled warmly.

"Just stay by me and you'll be fine."

Sumia blushed slightly and smiled as well.

"Oh, yes! I mean—Yes, sir, I'll do that!"

The volunteering party was now outside the capital. Our group was consisted of Chrom, me, Lissa, Vaike, Frederick, Sully and Virion.

The sun was still bright and the wind was blowing gently towards the long grass field. It felt nice to the touch.

"Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead."

Clunking armor was heard not too far behind, revealing a man running towards us.

"W-wait for me!" When the man had caught up with us, he panted for air.

Chrom looked a little surprised. "Stahl?"

"Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?"

Lissa looked confused. "Huh? Vaike was supposed to... Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?"

Vaike looked away while scratching his head, trying to seem innocent.

"The Vaike never forgets! ...I just don't always remember, is all..."

Lissa pouted angrily. "Ugh... I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself! Speaking of which, are you SURE you remembered your axe this time?"

Vaike's veins almost popped. "Hey! That was one time! ...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action! Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy."

Stahl sighed. "That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins, and cakes, and... Well, I can tell you all about if while we march..."

Cakes...

I inspected Stahl for a moment. He had short brown hair and green armor that covered his body, except the stomach which was covered by his undershirt.

"Your name is Stahl, right?"

Chrom walked to us. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kyle. This is Stahl, one of our finest."

Stahl shakes my hand.

"Hello, Kyle. Miriel told me we had a new Shepard."

"Miriel?"

"Er, Miriel is one of our mages. She should catch up soon."

"I see."

We walked a fair bit before reaching a bridge, and it was full of them.

Chrom gripped his fists. "Gods, have the Risen spread this far?"

I turned towards Chrom, giving him a confused look. "Risen?"

Frederick nodded. "We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one."

Chrom swiftly took out his sword from his sheath. "Everyone, remember what we're up against!" Everyone nodded, determined.

Vaike grinned. "Mya ha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their... Wait... My axe. Where's my axe?! I had it a second ago!"

Chrom literally face palmed.

"Vaike, this is no time for jokes..."

"I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it! It's got to be around here somewhere..."

"Keep it to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!"

I felt a little sorry for him so I volunteered to look for his axe, it must have been dropped a little way back. Vaike smiled and promised to make up for it. I said it was no need and told him to stay close to Frederick until I found the axe. Speaking of which...

"All right, listen up... Especially those who BROUGHT weapons! All weapons have strengths and weaknesses to bear in mind. Lances have a advantage over swords, for example, while swords best axes. We'll want to work this into our strategy whenever possible."

Again I learned it the hard way with my bronze sword versus a katana a while back...

Chrom looked at me expectantly. "Any ideas, Kyle?"

Hmm... We seem to have a lot more than last time... Can't say the exact number though...

"Kyle?"

He has no patience whatsoever, eh?

I gathered the whole group in a circle. "Sully and Stahl, you take care of those with axes." They both nodded and took their horses.

"Lissa, you stay behind those trees and heal those who need when necessary, okay?"

She nodded and quickly ran off. "Virion, you keep an eye on her and snipe any enemies who come near her, clear?"

"Yes, I shall protect this fair maiden even if it kills me!" Before I could say anything else to him, he promptly ran after Lissa.

"Chrom, join with the others." I said pointing towards Sully and Stahl. "I'll join up with you later once I have found Vaike's axe."

"Got it."

Without hesitation he ran towards the two cavaliers.

Everything was now in place. "Now I only need to find–"

"Splendid! It seems I've caught up. Now only to extirpate these brutes..."

Miriel? I presume?

She had dark-brown hair, almost red, that were short past the ears and straight bangs in front and wore glasses. She wore clothes befitting a mage, long robes and a big hat with long top. She had a special hair ornament with pearls that were on one side of her head.

"Hmm? Is that an axe? Why yes it is... Perhaps someone mislaid it? I'd not thought such dereliction permissible amongst the shepherds. Still I'd be remiss to not return this implement to its owner. Perhaps along with a stern word or two of disapprobation!"

Wow, she loves to talk a lot...

"Excuse me? Are you Miriel?"

"Yes, what of it? Ah, you must be Kyle. Then I can presume this axe belongs to Vaike, yes?"

"Y-yes, indeed."

"Then I will return it to him. Go join up with Chrom; we have no time to chit-chat."

You shouldn't be the one to say that!

I gave up and ran off to meet up with Chrom.

"Whoa! My axe!"

Miriel sighed.

"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon. Now I know."

Vaike grinned.

"Thanks, Miriel! ...Er, for the axe, anyway."

"Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands... Permanently."

Vaike gulped.

After having defeat a pair of 'Risen', near the bridge, it was still a few more on the other side. Together with a stronger looking risen that appeared to be their 'boss'.

Chrom stood close to me.

"What next, Kyle? Guide our swords."

Again?

Frederick came towards us interrupting. "Might I advise patience, milord?"

Thank you!

"Kyle is a fine tactician, but we have been working him mercilessly. Even the best of us needs rest."

Chrom didn't seem to have realized that and looked ashamed. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry."

"Perhaps Kyle would prefer we choose our own actions at times."

"But how will we know?"

"We could use a simple command that lets us fight on our own. So long Kyle realizes such strategy does not guarantee victory. Acting as we see fit may not always lead us to the best course of action."

"What do you think, Kyle?"

I was completely lost in thought and saw them both looking at me intensely.

"I-I think it's a great idea, in fact, I have a word that we can use in case of this."

Chrom and Frederick looked relieved.

I whistled so the entire group could hear. Everyone turned their heads towards me.

With a loud voice I shouted. "Jiyukai!" Within an instant everyone immediately without hesitation went to the enemies in front of us. Seems like it worked... In actuality I took a sneak peak in one of the books in the barracks before we left, in one of them stood words you used as secret commands to your army so the enemy would get confused. 'Jiyukai' was the word for 'Free Battle', meaning they could do what fit their own judgment.

The more Risen we fought, more of them dropped their weapons. Frederick grabbed a sword that seems to be still in good condition. "Humph. Finders, keepers. He won't need it anymore."

Finally after some agonizing battles, it was now only the 'boss' left. The main difference now, he was alone, and we have a whole army.

"Gwaaaaar!" The risen chief let a loud battle cry with smoke coming out of his mouth.

Everyone stood ready.

First, Sully and Stahl parelled with their swords and Lances against him, then Virion came from behind shooting 2 arrows, one on the heart and one on the head. It didn't seem to stop him as he let out another roar and swinged his axe at Sully. "No, you don't!" Shouted Stahl and covered for her with his sword.

"Thanks, I've owe ya!"

"No problem!"

Both me and Miriel fired thunder and fire respectively at him. He wasn't dead yet but near so. "Chrom, Frederick, Now!"

Both of them simultaneously took their weapons and plunged it into his chest, making him disappear. "Finally, and good riddance!" Chrom pusted out. "But if they're appearing this far up the northroad..." Frederick nodded. "Then no path is safe. We'll need to stay wary."

As expected of Frederick the Wary...

Everyone was checking their supplies while Lissa healed those who were wounded with her staff. Once everyone was done, we continued with our journey.

Authors note:

Another chapter done! \(owo)/ I feel like I need to practice more on the fighting scenes, and also poor Kellam xD

The 'secret word' is a made up word taken from the Japanese words "Jyuu Tatakai" that means free battle. I just fought it would sound cool... QwQ

And wow this was a long chapter... I think I'm going to split up future chapters...

Rate and review what you guys think! It will motivate me even more to write! (*^*)