This story is a part of a new Super Hero Time series of tales. Please read the new Mataranger vs Inikanger story first if you want to start from the beginning. Now onto the author intro that is... kinda old.
KKD: Well, today, we got more of the rewrite of Awakening of Hope, and we'll be bringing in more for you to enjoy. But what I failed to mention last time was who the character we brought up last time belonged to, apologies to Gammatron for not bringing that up. But with that, let's continue, and I'll give the support updates at the end, too.
Disclaimers: KKD doesn't own anything in this story except for the original characters and concepts within. Kyln the Manakete belongs to Gammatron. The rest belong to Nintendo, Intelligent Systems, and their respective owners/companies.
(Cue Opening Theme Song: Hero by Skillet)
KKD Studios Presents
*As the instrumental begins we see our lead, Logan, floating in darkness for a bit until he rose his hand and his Flame Style Wizard Ring appeared on it, and he appeared in the field with Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick helping him up*
I'm just a step away
I'm just a breath away
*The Shepherds are seen fighting against some brigands, Logan casting spells and slashing his sword with them as Lora stood by, getting people to safety.*
Losin' my faith today
(We're fallin' off the edge today)
*We make a quick cut to a later part where we see Emmeryn crying, our focus on the tear*
*Logan struggled to his feet as he glared up at the Phantoms coming his way, most in silhouette, as he recalled something from the past where he was in despair, purple cracks forming on his body*
I am just a man
Not superhuman
(I'm not superhuman)
Someone save me from the hate
*Logan then stared out at the armies against the Halidom of Ylisse, standing with Chrom, Lissa, Lora, and the Shepherds as they looked past the forces.*
It's just another war
Just another family torn
(We're falling from my faith today)
*We get a glance at the villains including Gangrel, Aversa, Validar, and a figure wearing a black, gold, and purple cloak floating behind them before we cut back to the heroes, as Logan flips his Wizardriver into position and flashes his Flame Style ring across it, transforming into Wizard.*
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live
*Suddenly, Wizard and Chrom were on the battlefield, fighting together with their blades, Wizard casting magic spells as Lissa healed them and Frederick attacked the brigands on his horse*
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
*Wizard quickly transitioned between forms by passing through their magic circles, Water Style splashing one Phantom aside before leaping up, going Hurricane Style to kick another Brigand and then suddenly stomping down as Land Style, causing rocks to scatter and hit more foes*
I need a hero to save my life
A hero'll save me (just in time)
*Wizard turned to see a figure in blue wearing a mask as the figure faced off against Chrom, both clashing the Falchion at each other*
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
*Wizard is then seen riding Wizardragon into battle, blasting more Phantoms aside before he's seen staring at Chrom and a woman holding a child as he turned to Lissa, smiling*
MI need a hero to save my life
A hero'll save me (just in time)
*After several attacks at the screen, Wizard posed alongside Lissa, Lora, Frederick, and Chrom as the title "Fire Emblem: Awakening of Hope" appeared above and behind them.*
Fire Emblem: Awakening of Hope
After Lora had her meeting with Wiseman, she returned to an area where she knew the Shepherds worked at. Soon arriving at the garrison, she looked around and examined the weapons, eyeing the rapiers in particular. She then picked one up and began to practice on a training dummy, making sure to not destroy the wooden thing. However, one of careful eye would note she was rather reckless with the blade, swinging it more like she would a cutlass or a broadsword than a delicate rapier.
"Such magnificent blades… I couldn't possibly become a true fighter until I mastered one," she told herself, admiring her reflection in the blade, 'Well that, and when I find the merged one. It's a big burden, but I'm willing to bear it.'
"Ah, Lady Lora," she heard Frederick's voice speak up, making her flinch and turn to see the Great Knight having walked in with his steed.
"Oh! F-Frederick! I didn't hear you come in."
"You know you're welcome enough in the Shepherds to use the front. You don't have to sneak into the garrisons like you have."
"I know… it's just that I still don't consider myself that great of a warrior. A great consumer of foods admittedly, but not one of combat."
"Fortunate that I'm here to teach you your lessons in regards of the arts of combat," he said in a reminding tone, picking up a sword of his own.
"O-Of course. I needed training against a human target, anyway," she admitted as the two began their session, but it ended quickly as Frederick tripped her.
"Your grip, stance, and breathing are wrong," he scolded as Lora got up, soon catching her breath as she focused on Frederick, "Focus, Lora. ...Again!"
"Ready!"
Lissa had soon brought me and Kyln to what I assumed were the barracks of the castle's forces, or perhaps the Shepherds themselves. Among them were a muscular blonde man with tanned skin, currently wearing just pants with armor on his legs, around his waist, something around his neck, and armor around one arm, a woman with light brown hair that reached her waist and wore silver armor on top of purple and lavender clothing, along with Sully and Virion. Lissa smiled as she led the way in, waving her arms a bit.
"Here we are!" she smiled widely with a giggle (…which I personally found cute), "The Shepherds' garrison. Go on, make yourselves at home, Lora already has."
I just nervously nodded, walking in while the others stared at me and Kyln. Suddenly, a new voice chimed in.
"Lissa, my treasure! Are you alright? I've been on pins and needles!" the female voice panicked as a blonde woman with what I assumed were braids rushed in, white bows in her hair, and wearing a white and pink outfit that had some protection on the sides along with brown riding boots.
"Oh, hey, Maribelle!" Lissa waved casually.
"'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted 14 grey hairs fretting over you!"
'Seriously? She counts her greys?' I thought to myself, feeling awkward as Lissa giggled.
"Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two! ...Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue…"
"Heya, squirt! Where's Chrom?" the blonde dude asked, speaking up in a relaxed yet confident sort of tone, "I be he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his Trusty axe!"
"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it?" Lissa giggled, looking to him, "And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?"
"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" Vaike smirked, speaking in the third person before realizing just what Lissa said, "...Wait, was that an insult?"
"Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" the brown-haired woman asked.
"Poor Sumia," Maribelle sighed, looking to her, "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."
I was confused by what Maribelle said of this woman, Sumia. I thought, 'Fighting better blindfolded? Is Sumia challenged in some way, or is she just clumsy?'
"Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom," Lissa smiled.
"Worry? Well, I… He's our captain and our prince-of course, I'd worry!" Sumia herself replied with a smile.
"So who's the stranger, Lissa? Any relation to that Lora girl who comes in to help us and trains with Frederick now and then?" Vaike asked, "And is the giantess his mom?"
"No one's stranger than you, Vaike…" Lissa started, Kyln looking overly concerned as I quickly and quietly comforted her, before Lissa smiled, gesturing to us, "But allow me to introduce Kyln Logan! They just joined the Shepherds. Kyln is going to help however she can, and Chrom's made Logan our new tactician. You should see all the tricks he's got up his sleeve! Plus, he's no slouch in combat, either!"
"Oh yeah? Can he do this?" he asked before giving off the loudest burp I ever heard… seriously, no burp has matched his volume since I heard it.
"I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, 'Teach'," I chuckled a bit as Kyln giggled, "In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
"Ugh! Vaike! That was abhorrent!" Maribelle scoffed, disgusted by what Vaike did, "Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery? And you, Kyln, Logan! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you two were cut from finer cloth. Hmph!"
At that, Maribelle marched off, irritated.
"Don't take it to heart, you two," Sumia told me, "Maribelle warms to people slowly."
"Or burns to quickly!" Lissa giggled, "But yeah, just give her time."
"Noted," I nodded, not noticing someone approach until I noticed Sumia's expression change rather quickly.
"Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was-I mean, we were so-" she started, slowly approaching him before slipping on some random papers on the floor, making most of us jump back in shock.
"HUH?!" Chrom gasped, surprising me by his presence just as much as he was shocked by Sumia's sudden stumble.
"Oh dear!" Kyln gasped, carefully helping Sumia to her feet.
"Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?"
"No! I mean, yes! I mean…" Sumia fumbled even at her words before sighing as I turned to him.
"May I ask what's going on now?" I whispered to Chrom.
"Let me say this to the whole group," he whispered back before clearing his throat and speaking aloud, "All right, listen, everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."
"Regna Ferox?"
"A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north," Sumia informed me, "Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said."
"Warriors are what they are," Chrom clarified, "And we'll need their strength to quell this new menace we've seen. 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."
"I see," I nodded before thinking, 'No doubt Phantoms will be a greater threat. While Lora did explain more about the Phantoms on the way back, and seeing how dangerous they are to most people, it would be wise to obtain as much help as we could get.'
"Now this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-"
"I volunteer!" Lissa called out with a smile.
"Me too! You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!" Vaike chuckled… somehow I thought Vaike would make it worse, though.
"I'll go as well," a new voice spoke up, surprising me again (man, what's with these sudden surprises in this garrison?), turning to see a man with brown hair, his eyes strangely squinted to the point of looking like they were just closed, and wearing armor almost as massive (if not more so) than Frederick's, with some orange accents, "...What? I've been here the whole time!"
"I… I, um…" Sumia muttered, not sure what to do or say.
"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom asked.
"It's just that… I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet," she answered, making me assume she was still a relatively new member to the Shepherds, "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? Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."
"W-well, if you think it wise, Captain."
"Just stay by me and you'll be fine."
Seeing Chrom assure Sumia of him protecting her, I couldn't help but smile, thinking they'd make a cute couple.
"Oh yes! I mean- Yes, sir! I'll do that!" Sumia chimed in, and so we headed out towards the field nearby, preparing to head up to Regna Ferox.
Back with Lora and Frederick, the former had her hands on her knees, panting out of exhaustion. Frederick, on the other hand, had the appearance of being as fresh as a daisy, not having even broken a sweat.
"That's enough for today. Your form has improved considerably," Frederick noted of Lora, who was huffing to catch her breath, "The pace of your progress is remarkable."
"*Huff huff* Th-thanks. I feel like I've got the basics... *huff*...down now. But... S-so tired... *huff* I think I'm dying…" Lora panted in response, Frederick not being able to hold back a chuckle.
"Hah! You're exaggerating. Or at least I pray so. Otherwise you might as well die here—you won't last long on the battlefield."
"I suppose...but I'm exhausted nonetheless. But you...you've hardly broken a sweat?"
"I should certainly hope not. If a little training winded me, I would be in no shape to serve Chrom."
"Well, I'm impressed. You must train hard to build such endurance."
"Well, I awaken before dawn each day to build the campfires...then, whenever we march, I scout the trail ahead, removing rocks and such...wouldn't do to have someone turn an ankle mid campaign, would it?" the Great Knight listed off, Lora looking a bit surprised.
"So that's it... I thought that it was just a fixation with pebble collecting…" Lora whispered under her breath, Frederick looking at her as if she addressed him.
"Beg pardon, did you say something?" he inquired, making Lora look up.
"Er, nothing important! But I owe you for this training session, so let me help you with tomorrow's fire. It'll be a snap with my magic," Lora offered, holding up a lightning tome as she spoke and showed a practice zap off on a training dummy to prove her point, looking rather proud as she did so, "Find a tree, hit it with a lightning bolt, and presto!
"...Instant forest fire," Frederick pointed out, seeing now the training dummy itself was suddenly burnt to a crisp and collapsed into ashes, leaving Lora a little embarrassed.
"Oh! Yes well, I suppose that...could happen," she muttered, nervous and embarrassed before regaining her composure after putting her tome away, "In any case, I do still owe you a favor. Whatever you like—name it and it's yours. You needn't decide today, of course. Think it over for the next time we meet."
"I am unaccustomed to asking favors," Frederick admitted and sighed before nodding with a smile, "But if you insist, I shall find something."
"Thank you, Frederick," she smiled before they took their leave.
Soon, Frederick and Lora joined Chrom, Lissa, Kyln, Vaike, Sully, Virion, and I out on the field that day.
"Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead," Chrom told the rest of us when-
"W-wait for me!" someone panicked, rushing over with a horse alongside him, revealing a man with messy brown hair and wearing a knight's armor of silver and green.
"Stahl?" Chrom asked the man, giving his name out.
"Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?"
"Huh? Vaike was supposed to…" Lissa started, stunned Stahl didn't know before turning to the blonde in question with an angered look, "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?"
"The Vaike never forgets!" he assured, "...I just don't always remember, is all…"
"Isn't that the same as forgetting?" Lora asked as Lissa groaned in annoyance.
"I swear, you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself!" she snapped at him, "Speaking of which, are you SURE you remembered your axe this time?"
"Hey! That was one time!" Vaike defended, only to get a scowl from Lissa, "...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action!"
I looked and noticed a handle Vaike held, but didn't notice it didn't look like his axe at first, only to ignore it as Vaike turned to Stahl.
"Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy," Vaike smiled.
"That makes one of us," Vaike sighed, "I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins, and cakes, and… Well, I can tell you all about that while we march."
"Oh dear… sorry. Maybe we can find something tasty on the way," Kyln replies apologetically.
"Um… your name is Stahl, right?" I checked, having heard the name tossed around and wanted to confirm it with the man in green.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Logan. This is Stahl, one of our finest," Chrom replied to me, introducing the man as Stahl chuckled.
"Hello, Logan. Miriel told me we had a new Shepherd," he smiled, the name he mentioned making me raise an eyebrow in confusion, "Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon."
"Fair enough," I nodded, soon seeing Lora had a rapier on standby, "Y'know, I don't think I ever saw you fight proper, Lora."
"Oh, well I never actually been in combat. Frederick has been training me for when I do need to help you guys out in the field," she told me.
"I guess it makes sense."
After that little chat, we looked ahead at the bridge and small amount of forts ahead, seeing there were many more of those corpse-things and the golems.
"Gods, have the Phantoms and Risen spread this far?" Chrom gawked.
"'Risen'?" I asked, confused by the term.
"We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one," Frederick clarified for me.
"Everyone, remember what we're up against!" Chrom shouted as Vaike laughed confidently.
"Mya ha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their…" he started, reaching for his axe only to suddenly realize something and panic, searching his person, "Wait… My axe. Where's my axe?! I had it a second ago!"
"Vaike, this is no time for joke..."
"I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it! It's got to be around here somewhere…"
"Keep to the rear then! The battle is nigh!"
I sighed as I took my Flame Style and Driver On rings, slipping them onto each finger.
"Permit me to assist, Logan," Kyln replied, "I cannot stand these brutes for the way they have treated our allies."
"Uh… how-?" I started before she slipped on a ring similar to my Connect Ring before revealing a belt like mine, but half looked gold with a violet trim to the hand and she followed it up with a ring that had a gem carved with the image of white angel wing going from the right side of the front over to the left with two blue 'Bug Eyes' made of sapphires poking out of it and a gold-made halo connected to the top of the back of the ring.
"Wait… you're a mage, too?" I gawked.
"I'm just full of surprises," she giggled before I was snapped out of it by the Risen and golems.
"All right, stand back!" I called out as we prepared our buckles.
= DRIVER ON! PLEASE! =
= SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! =
"Henshin!"
= FLAME/LIGHT! PLEASE! =
= HI! HI! HI HI HI! =
= *choir singing* HI~KA~RI~! =
As Vaike and Stahl gawked, having not seen my form as Wizard before, I looked to Kyln to see her form. Her helmet resembled her ring and she wore a silver bodysuit with a pure white robe over it, gold detailing decorating it. We then exchanged our Driver On and Connect Rings.
= CONNECT! PLEASE! =
I prepared my WizarSwordGun by pulling it out of the portal, ready to strike.
In contrast, Kyln pulled out a pair of tekko-kage with the massive blades shaped like angel wings and a 'closed hand' on the right one.
"You may call me Kamen Rider… Heaven," Kyln announced.
"Wait! How come you got THOSE now?!" Vaike gawked.
"It's a secret," I grinned under my helmet as Frederick sighed.
"All right, listen up. ...Especially those of you who BROUGHT weapons!" he called out, "As a reminder, all weapons have strengths and weaknesses to bear in mind. Lances have an advantage over swords, for example, while swords best axes. We'll want to work this into our strategy whenever possible."
"Duly noted, Frederick."
"Let us fight these ruffians!" Heaven declared.
With that, the troops rushed in with Sully leading the charge. Everyone else soon followed suit, Vaike holding up the rear. Everyone had a chance of attacking the Risen, and they faired pretty well against the Golems. Though I tried to stay near Chrom and Lissa to make sure they stayed safe. Then the Risen started retaliating, and Kyln and I managed to make sure everyone was safe from those creeps. Though as I looked back, I noticed a dark red-haired woman with glasses, a black witch's cap, and robes of black on top of purple and green garments rush onto the battlefield.
"Splendid! It seems I've caught up. Now to extripate these brutes…" she started before noticing something, but I couldn't tell what it was since I had to look away, "Hmm? Is that an axe? Why yes it is… Perhaps someone mislaid it? I'd not thought such dereliction permissible among 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!"
Admittedly, I didn't quite understand half the words this woman, who I could only guess was the mage Miriel Stahl spoke of before, was saying, but she swiftly ran across the field and handed Vaike his Iron Axe before blasting a Fire Spell at a nearby Risen.
"Whoa! My axe!" Vaike gawked when he realized he had the weapon in question.
"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapons. Now I know," Miriel sighed.
"Thanks, Miriel!" Vaike smiled, "...Er, for the axe, anyway."
"Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands...permanently."
This got Vaike to shut up as I rushed in and attacked some more of the Risen with my WizarSwordGun, shifting it to gun form and blasting every golem around me before turning to the chief Risen. Heaven slashed with her Tekko-kage she called the Angelslasher at the grunts before joining me. Lissa healed us up while the other Shepherds fought off the other Risen on the way. Chrom started to ask me what to do next, anxious for battle when Frederick insisted on patience. Admittedly, I have been working overtime in strategizing on the fly, but I too needed a breather. Still, the troops were quickly able to fight off on their own easily. And it wasn't long before it was down to the chief. I soon decided to pull out the stops, but then…
"Hold up, Logan. You'll need to switch elements now and then. Try using the other style rings on your loop," Lora responded, making me look to see other rings similar to the familiar Flame Style, including a blue one with a diamond shape, a green one in a triangular shape, and a squared off yellow one.
Thinking quickly, I grabbed the green ring, and flipped my Driver to the left handed side again.
= SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! =
= HURRICANE! PLEASE! =
= FU! FU! FU FU! FU FU! =
With a green magic circle above my head instead of the usual red, I leaped through it, landing on it like it was some kind of tree branch before taking off into the air thanks to a tornado, which gave me a chance to try out a new variant of my kick finisher as I pulled out said ring while Heaven revealed a similar ring, only showing a fist instead of a foot.
"Finale da," I called out, slipping on my Kick Strike Ring and flipping my Driver, Heaven doing the same.
= CHOU NE! KICK/PUNCH STRIKE! SAIKOU~! =
This time, I spun doing a spinning drop kick as Heaven reeled back, quickly leaping in as both her fist and my foot ignited with magical energy of our elements before colliding with the Risen chief, making him spin out of control with a tornado of wind and light before he exploded into a dark mist, vanishing soon after.
"Phew!" I sighed with relief, dismissing the power before reverting to normal, Lora handing me a piece of jerky, "Thanks, I need the grub after that."
"Can I have some too?" Heaven pleaded, reverting to her civilian form, Lora smiling before tossing her a few pieces, which she ate like a dog.
"Finally, and good riddance!" Chrom sighed as I chomped down on the jerky, "But if they're appearing this far up the Northroad…"
"Then no path is safe. We'll need to stay wary," Frederick added as we continued our trek northward.
"Well, what do we have here?" I muttered as we took a quick stop on the road to catch a breather, Lissa and Chrom looking in the same direction.
"Hey, is that what I think it is?" Lissa wondered, the three of us approaching something I briefly saw back in Ylisstol, armored and all, with its wings on the ground rather limp.
"It's a pegasus, all right" Chrom noted, "I think it's hurt. Let's have a look here…"
However, as Chrom attempted to approach the winged equine, it reared back, whinnying in an attempt to keep Chrom off.
"WHOA! Down, girl! Easy there!" he panicked.
"Captain, one moment!" we heard Sumia call out, making us turn to see her approach, only for her to suddenly slip again, falling flat on her face, shocking us once more.
"Sumia! Are you all right?" Chrom gasped as Sumia got up and dusted herself off, "...Those boots of yours again?"
"No! I mean, yes! I mean… *sigh*" Sumia muttered as the rest of us kept our distance from the pegasus.
"Well, come no closer," Chrom warned her, "This beast is crazed!"
"Wait! It's okay, Captain. I can handle this…" Sumia assured, approaching the pegasus carefully, "Shhh… Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you."
Needless to say, I was amazed by how easily she calmed the pegasus.
"How did she calm it so quickly?" I asked as once she touched the equine's nose, and petted its fur, it calmed down almost instantly.
"Wow! That's incredible, Sumia!" Lissa smiled in amazement.
"I've never seen anything like it," Chrom confessed.
"Oh, it's...it's nothing. Really," Sumia assured, "I just have a way with animals, I guess."
"I should say so!"
"Well, you all go on ahead. I'll dress her wounds and catch up as soon as we're able."
"We can make time to wait for you."
"No thank you, Captain. But I can manage. Every moment is precious when all of Ylisse is in danger."
"Right, then. Be safe, Sumia."
"As you command, sir."
With that, the rest of us continued on our way to the border to Regna Ferox.
When we pitched camp on the road to Regna Ferox that night, we took a stop to rest, I sat by the fire finishing off the jerky Lora gave me and Kyln earlier, which was made from the bear meat we ate the other night, sitting by the fire with Chrom, who sat across from me as we pondered and talked to others nearby of various things. Then when it was the two of us, something came to my mind.
"Can I ask you something, Chrom?" I inquired, catching his attention.
"Uh-oh. Should I be nervous?" he asked.
"When you found me collapsed and without memory, why did you take me in?"
"Well… because you were collapsed and without memory?" Chrom noted, stating the obvious.
"That's it? Pity was your reason?" I asked, having actually thought there'd be much more to the reason Chrom took me in.
"Isn't that enough?"
"I know I'm not the type to worry about these things, but did you never stop to consider if it was a trap?"
"Heh, that's what I have Frederick for."
"But why didn't-"
"Logan, if I see someone hurt or in need, I'm going to help them. That's just who I am, and there's no changing it. Or would you rather I'd left you there facedown in the muck?"
"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 from what I've heard and read briefly back in Ylisstol."
Chrom just chuckled in response, making me raise an eyebrow, "I wish I had a gold coin for every time I got this lecture."
"This isn't a lecture, I don't remember much still, even though I adapted to the powers quickly. I can only offer advice, I'm afraid. You really should be more careful in the future."
"I'm sorry, but no, Logan. If it happened again today, I'd do the same exact thing…"
"But-" I tried to interject, only for Chrom to raise his hand.
"Peace, Logan. 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… I understand," I sighed a bit in defeat on the matter, "If that is your decision, then so be it. Just do try and be careful, Chrom. For my piece of mind if not your own?"
"I will. I promise."
Later, as the group were about to prepare dinner, Lissa sat outside the Mess Tent and let out a big sigh as Chrom passed by, the sigh of his sister getting his attention.
"Well, that was a big one," the prince noted.
"Oh! Chrom!" Lissa gasped, straightening herself out.
"Something on your mind? Or are you just sighing for the sheer joy of it?" He checked.
"Well, it's just... Do I... Do I seem like a princess to you?" Lissa inquired confusing Chrom.
"Er, how's that?"
"I'm asking if I seem like a princess!"
"If you aren't, you owe us some rent for your room in the castle…" Chrom joked.
"Oh, hardy har! That's not what I mean and you know it," Lissa snapped in frustration, "I'm asking if you think I live up to my station."
"What brought this on?" Chrom genuinely asked.
"When I compare myself to you and Emmeryn, I... I feel like dead weight."
"What a stupid thing to say."
"Hey!"
"Well? It's the truth. You're fine just how you are, Lissa. Give yourself a little credit," Chrom insisted, "Right now, I need to check with Frederick I'll see you later."
With that, Chrom walked off, leaving his sister flabbergasted.
"What? Hey! Don't give me a lazy answer and then run away! I hope you trip and break your nose, jerkface!" Lissa snapped before realizing what she said and how, making her embarrassed, "...Okay, that last bit may not have been the most princess-like."
Later that night, after the group ate, Lora noticed Kyln walking around by herself, trying to seek something out.
"Let's see here… I think I left it around here somewhere," The taller woman pondered as Lora approached.
"Lost something, Kyln?" Lora checked.
"Oh, hi Lora. Yes, I'm trying to find something of mine. It was a set of rings on a loop," Kyln informed.
Suddenly, Lora found a gray loop of rings on the ground.
"Is This it?" Lora checked before noticing one ring in particular.
"Oh, yes! That's it! Thank you, dear," Kyln smiles about to take the loop when-
"Is this made from a dragonstone?" Lora asked, pointing to a ring that was both black and white around the exterior with the gem looking blue and orange with the face of a dragon sculpted in.
"Uh… y-yes, about that… I…"
"Wait, I see it now… you're a Manakete, aren't you?"
"How'd you-?!"
"I figured it out. Your ears and appetite were a minor giveaway there. But I noticed you never bothered to transform at all."
"Oh, such a smart sweet girl you are," she smiled, petting Lora's hair before she backed up.
"Sorry, But I'm not comfortable with you doing that."
"I've completed my patrol of the encampment, milord," Frederick informed Chrom after the latter's talk with his sister, "All appears to be in order. I found no sign of the enemy nearby. I believe we are safe here for the night."
"Good to hear. Thank you, Frederick," Chrom nodded as Frederick continued.
"While on my rounds, I took it upon myself to inspect our weaponry as well. I've placed any items that showed exceptional wear outside your pavilion. Be your choice to sell or repair them, sire, I recommend swift action."
"...Oh. Well, you HAVE been busy... Your work ethic always impresses, Frederick. I almost feel lazy by comparison," Chrom admitted, feeling embarrassed a bit.
"Nonsense. I've done nothing more than my duty as a knight of Ylisse," Frederick smiled before recalling something, "Oh, and beg pardon, milord, but I noticed you often cause a ruckus when training. With that in mind, I reinforced the tents near any open areas you're like to use.
"Er, yes. I see. Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble at all, milord. Happy to help. ...Also, with the nights growing colder, I procured blankets from a nearby village. I've readied a variety of colors so you might pick that which best suits you," Frederick informed before pulling out a few of the blankets, on peach, and one a blue like Chrom's hair in shade, "If I may be so bold, sire, peach would seem to best flatter your complexion. But perhaps blue. Just to be safe? Yes, that's best. Blue it is!"
The Great Knight The handed Chrom the blue blanket.
"Here you are, milord," Frederick replied before handing him two more blue blankets, "And two sets of spares, just in case."
"Frederick, do you never tire?" Chrom uttered in disbelief.
"Of course not, milord. I am here to serve," the knight insisted before remembering something else, "Ah, and one final thing: I've taken measures to raise troop numbers and morale. I had an artisan create posters emblazoned with your noble image. It's milord in a bold pose—naked, save a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. And at your feet, I scrawled our new recruiting motto: "Chrom Wants You!" I had them pinned inside each and every tent. Surely the troops will be thrilled to rally behind their common leader, milord."
This made Chrom's eyes widen in shock as he dropped the blankets.
"...Wait. You did what?! In whose... You hung this pict... In EVERYONE'S tent?!" The prince shouted at his knight.
"No need for thanks, milord. Merely doing my duty. And that concludes my report. Rest well, sire!" Frederick replied as he began to walk away.
"F-Frederick! Wait! We really need to-" Chrom started, but soon saw Frederick was out of sight, "...talk. ...Oh, gods. I've got to tear those posters down before anyone sees them!"
In his panic, Chrom rushed to the nearest vacant tent to begin removing the posters.
(Cue Ending Theme Song: Human Nature by Michael Jackson)
*With the Wizard Rings floating around to the instrumentals and starting verse, we soon see Logan sitting on a hilltop, looking over the Halidom*
Looking Out
Across The Night-Time
The City Winks A Sleepless Eye
*We then see Chrom, Frederick, and Lissa planning something for an upcoming battle as Lissa looks away, sighing*
Hear Her Voice
Shake My Window
Sweet Seducing Sighs
*We see other members of the Shepherds interacting with each other, Emmeryn watching from above.*
Get Me Out
Into The Night-Time
Four Walls Won't Hold Me Tonight
*Logan and Lissa could be seen across the way, smiling a bit as they walking towards each other.*
If This Town
Is Just An Apple
Then Let Me Take A Bite
*Then, we see stills of the various Shepherds including Virion, Sully, Vaike, Stahl, and Miriel interacting with each other.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*Chrom is then seen looking out a window with a girl in silhouette at that moment.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*Logan sees a particular pair for a moment and smiled before he turns to see Lissa, both smiling.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*Emmeryn watches all this from nearby before we pan towards the sky.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*We turn to see Wizard and the Shepherds amidst the stars.*
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way
KKD: And there we go. Aside from some minor additions and removals, not much different. Sorry for the lack of dialogue in these, not much to say since the beginning, but once we get to a certain point, we'll have more. For now, here's the current support level ranks, and I'll see you next time.
Support Level Ranks
Lora & Frederick: C
Logan & Chrom: C
Chrom & Lissa: C
Lora & Kyln: C
Chrom & Frederick: C
KKD: *salutes* Jaa ne.
To complete this Super Hero Time, please go see Hope the Victor's profile and read MLP: Resurrection of Harmony...