Disclaimer: The Fire Emblem series belongs to the Nintendo Company, Intelligent Systems, and all its respective owners. I only own my OC/SI.


Review Shoutouts

FireEmblemMaster101 – Yeah, proofreading has always been my bane in writing. It always looks good, but there's always something small that always gets past you.

As for revealing his origins in Lyn's Story… yeah that's pretty much the idea. That way later on in Eliwood/Hector story everyone knows about Lucas' abilities and how he knows about their lives.

As for Matthew that will be an interesting conversation between the spy and strategist…


JP – Yeah, as said before grammar is the bane of my existence, but I take it in stride and see it as a learning mistake. If anything I like seeing my mistakes up front, so I never forget them. It's like a badge of shame I wear with pride.

As for interludes, I haven't abandoned those, but those kinds of chapters will more for fleshing out character conversations with Lucas and the others, but we need a few more people before then.

Again it truly hurts my soul we can't PM each other since if I did speak om other stories and ideas I'd potentially spoil them… so for now I hope you'll continue to be on the look out for any of my FE stories.

I also ask if you'd review my Three Houses story by chance as well, but I don't know if modern FE is your thing so do what you will.


Poll Still Up!

AN: My poll for a third Fire Emblem Story is still up on my profile; so go make your pick:

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Fire Emblem Awakening

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance/Radiant Dawn

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadow of Valentia


Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

Journey Among The Plains

Chapter 4 – In Occupation's Shadow – Raid at Night

After defeating the bandits, Lyn continues westward. She and her colleagues stop for the night at a ruined fortress. The Ganelon bandits are in a rage after their brethren fell to Lyn's sword. They race in pursuit of the companions. Their angry footsteps sound closer and closer...

The group had been on the road for another two days since Lucas awoke from his coma; they finally decided to make camp a nearby ruined fortress in the area.

"Really now an old, mildewy run-down fort?" Sain said as he covered his nose. "We can surely do better than this Lucas!?"

"Well unless you have a better idea that can fit all of us; I'm all ears. Until then, shove it!" Lucas chided the green knight with said knight lowering his head in shame.

"Besides given that this area is known for the bandit activity it's actually smart for the bandits to leave it in disrepair." Lucas explained.

"What do you mean Lucas?" Kent inquired.

"If the bandits were to rebuild and make this place a proper base then while it may act for them as a base it would only be temporary. Since now they're gathered in one location; the people could fight back and retake it. But keeping it like this gives them a temporary abode and even then if they're driven out it'll just be a new home for another bandit group." Lucas explained again.

"I would never expect you to praise bandits Lucas." Lyn noted.

Lucas could hear the slight tone of anger in her voice as he spoke once again, "It's not praise Lyn; it's just reality. I don't think a group of bandits is in the business of being driven out or killed. If you want to break someone's resolve; you must first kill their spirit; their defiance. That's how a war is won most of the time by proving one's absolute power over another."

Florina and Wil both give Lucas a surprised look hearing such serious words from the young strategist.

"That's a dark take of war isn't it?" Sain noted.

"No Sain, that's just reality." Lucas said solemnly as the group continued on.

"Besides that, in this part of the Bern mountains there's not many villages that dot the area." Wil said bringing back up the original topic. "Most inn's either way would be filled up with just us and to have to feed a Pegasus and four horses; that's a small fortune to pay."

"Besides I think it's better this way. It's better to be out in the great outdoors. I've never been one for the stale air of a tiny room." Lyn told everyone with her original smile coming back.

"Hehe, it reminds of the times we'd go camping!" Florina perked up.

"Very well then as Wil said, this is our abode for the night." Lyn said with finality as everyone moved in.

"I and Sain will take the first watch and be on the lookout." Kent declared.

"Tch, foiled before I could begin." Sain clicked his tongue in annoyance as he joined his companion in watching the originally, now collapsed entrance.

"With a building like this; it's best we make a good sweep of it to make there are no… unpleasant surprises." Lucas said with caution.

"Agreed. Wil, you go take the east. Florina, the west. Lucas and I will check the interior room of the fortress."

As both nodded and went their separate patrols both Lyn and Lucas headed inside. But as they do they hear the pitter-patter of footsteps and then a voice call out, "Your pardon, milady…"

"Who's there?" Lyn called out as she stood in front of Lucas protectively.

"Oh… forgive the intrusion." The voice made itself known as they stepped from the room.

It was a lone woman. She had her light brown hair in a tied ponytail. Wearing a fair green gown. Her eyes carrying a solemn feel to them.

"My name is Natalie." The lady introduced herself. "I'm from a village not far from… Ah! Ow…"

Natalie fell to the ground as she began nursing her left leg.

"Are you alright?" Lyn asked in concern as both she and Lucas kneeled to her. "Hmm, your leg…"

"It's fine. Don't worry, It's from a childhood sickness…" Natalie tried to wave away their concern, "I can't travel far on it, but it doesn't trouble me much."

"What're you doing out here by yourself?" Lyn asked.

"This place is known for bandit issues, even if you feel fine to travel on your own; why take that risk?" Lucas asked in concern as well.

"I was out looking for my husband." Natalie replied. "I learned he was in the area. He has been trying to earn money to help get my leg mended."

"Oh I know where he is…" Lucas said internally to himself. Knowing what was to come.

"He left quite some time ago and I still have not seen him since." Natalie's voice now etched with worry, "He's a kindhearted man, but sometimes he can get himself into dangerous situations. I've been so worried… Here's a sketch of him. It's poor likeness I know, but… His name is Dorcas. Do you know of him?"

Lucas and Lyn looked at the poster and despite what Natalie had said Lucas had to admit the drawing reminded him of what his sprite looked like back in FE7 but from the side at least.

"Our apologies." Lyn apologized, "But we have not heard or seen of him."

"I see…" Natalie's head dropped in slight despair, but just as soon lifted it as she spoke again, "Please… if you see him tell him Natalie had a message for him. Tell him that Natalie is looking for him and wants nothing but for him to come home safely."

"We shall keep a lookout for him, I promise." Lyn assured the worried wife.

The others awaited Lyn and Lucas' return on a nearby hill; the looming threat of a large group of Ganelon bandits had finally caught up to them.


"Here they are. We've finally tracked down the band that defeated Migal." The bandit leader said with a wide smile on his face.

This leader unlike the others wore some semblance of armor; as he had on a leather breastplate with a torn purple undershirt. His face contorted in a scowl as his bloodlust to avenge his brother's drove him here.

Another bandit who was with the leader spoke and said, "So they've decided to hole up in this ruined fortress. Perfect, we'll wait till dark and then we can…"

"Shut yer damn yapper, you idiot!" The leader barked, "There's only a few of them in there, and some are women to boot! If I attacked at night I'd be a laughingstock for hurting such fair product!"

"You're right Carjiga!" The mouse-like voiced bandit said, "You're so smart, it's no wonder we all follow ya!"

"We'll avenge Migal and get some nice souvenirs for the road," Carjiga said with a scowl, "Maybe I'll be seen as a real leader of the Ganelon after this… Hahaha! Go tell the boys to get ready and surround the place from all sides!"

As the rest of the group raced to their positions; one lone bandit slowly took up the rear was the last to show up. Carjiga didn't recognize him, "Hey you, your name's Dorcas, ain't it?"

Dorcas had read hair that went down to his neck and a similarly colored goatee around his neck. His eyes were slightly squinted, and he wore a deerskin shirt with ripped-off sleeves.

Dorcas however remained silent as Carjiga spoke to him.

"You ain't done much since you joined us… but here's your chance to make it worth your while. See that fortress? It's said that there's a small group of women in there. Bring back one of them and you'll get double your pay." Carjiga proposed to Dorcas.

Dorcas continued to stay silent, but still couldn't help but cringe at the order he was being given.

"You go to the eastern back entrance, we think it's less guarded then the others, so get out there and get results!" Carjiga said as he turned around.

"A bunch of women, huh? "Dorcas said with a sigh, "It would break my Natalie's heart to see me sink this low. Damn me."


Back at the fortress Kent spotted movement some distance away as he yelled to the group, "Lady Lyndis, everyone! Bandits! Outside the fortress!"

With that call to arms the others get to attention as Lucas immediately starts doling out orders; "Kent, Sain; you two cover the front entrance and funnel the bandits there, Go!" Said knights immediately rode to their posts.

"Florina, stay in reserve for now since we don't know if they have an archers but if it looks like Kent and Sain are struggling go and assist them. Wil, cover the western wall; it may be old, but it should keep them back while you keep them suppressed." The Pegasus knight and archer went their separate ways.

"Lyn, you and I will watch the eastern gate; these guys are out for revenge for their comrades back at the village, so we have to be on guard." Lyn nodded with a serious look on her face we both ran for the east.

As the others engaged the bandits on their respective fronts; just as soon as Lyn and Lucas reached the east gate the latter of the two had to dodge a thrown hand axe. Looking up Lucas immediately recognized the man.

"Lyn! Doesn't that look like Dorcas? The one who just threw the hand axe at us?"

"You're… You're right…" Lyn replied.

"Dorcas, stop!" The "bandit" stopped as he heard his name.

"H-how do you know my name?" Dorcas inquired.

"Because your wife has been looking for you! She's in here and look what you're doing!"

"Natalie is here!" Lyn announced.

"Natalie is… here?!" Dorcas said with even more surprise in his voice.

"Get in here quickly! We'll fill you in on the details." Lucas said as he signaled for the man to rush inside as the coast was clear.

After getting the biggest dressing down of his life from his wife Dorcas agreed to help the group in fighting the bandits.


After nearly half hour of fighting constantly; the bandits seemed to retreat to catch their breath and reform as the Legion came in for what rest they could as well.

"We'll never hold out like this… there's just so many." Wil said out of breath and his quiver feeling lighter than before.

"He's right… it's like it's non-stop reinforcements. It's a miracle we're still standing." Sain said with the same bated breath.

"If we don't do something… we'll never hold out." Florina said with slight despair.

"My apologies, this is all my fault…" Natalie began to apologize but Lucas stopped her.

"None of that Natalie; we'd be heathens to leave you out here. These bandits have been after us; if anything it's all on us and we couldn't do nothing." Lucas tried to assuage her guilt.

"Do you have any ideas Lucas?" Kent looked to the young tactician.

"While it's true this fortress has it's upsides we've obviously seen its greatest flaw in hampering our movements. So instead of defending… it's our turn to attack." Lucas suggested.

"What do you mean Lucas? How're we to attack when we're surrounded?" Lyn asked.

"Simple, look outside." Lucas pointed to the vast open, "Just a half hour ago the sun was still out, but now the night sky has arrived. We'll use the darkness and a bit of trickery to win this day."

"Are you suggesting… a sneak attack?" Kent deduced and Lucas nodded in agreement.

"Right you are Kent; and since the enemy didn't expect this level of resistance we have to move quickly. Lyn, I know this is hard to ask but you have to let Dorcas "kidnap" you to make this plan work." Lucas began laying out his plan.

"What?!" The group said in shocked unison.

"Listen, these bandits are clearly out for blood. But even so we can use that mindset to our advantage. The bandits still think Dorcas is with them, and if it appears he has the woman who slayed their comrade they'll lower their guard." Lucas continued.

"So that explains the fake kidnapping, but what of this sneak attack?" Sain inquired.

"That's where you two and Florina will come in. While Dorcas and Lyn are busy killing the leader and causing chaos in the bandit's little camp; the others won't know what to do. That's when we'll spring our trap and you three rush the enemy down with Wil providing rear support getting any stragglers who try and get you guys from behind." Lucas finished.

"This all seems a bit… irregular to me." Kent said slightly uncomfortable with the plan.

"Sometimes to deal with a barbarian; one has to act like a barbarian." Sain spoke up in support of the plan.

"Thank you, Sain." Lucas said happily.

"Now then are we all in agreement for this night raid on the bandits? If you have any reservations; say them now." Lucas looked as it seemed no one had any objections not even Lyn or Kent spoke up.

"Alright; Lyn, Dorcas I'm really sorry for putting you two in this kind of position; you have my apologies." Lucas said with a small bow.

"Not at all boss, you helped my wife. Now I'll pay you back in full." Dorcas said with a hearty smile.

"Think nothing of it Lucas; just let us do our part and we'll beat this curs!" Lyn said with a clenched fist.

"Alright everyone, get in place and hide. Lyn, Dorcas you best move now before the bandits reform their ranks. Natalie, please go and hide." With that Dorcas' wife headed back into her hiding spot in the fortress.

Putting the plan in motion Kent, Sain, Florina, and Wil hid behind the fortress walls the former three keeping their mounts quiet for the sake of the plan.


Outside, Dorcas began carrying an "unconscious" and "bound" Lyn back to the Ganelon camp. After reaching them Carjiga who was with two other bandits spotted him return.

"Hahaha! Good job Dorcas! You've really earned your keep this time!" Carjiga cheered for the new guy, "And soon enough the others will be dead too…"

"Are you sure about that?" Lyn spoke up but the bandit never had the chance to respond as Lyn rushed and slashed his throat with the Mani Katti as Carjiga fell unceremoniously to the forest floor.

The other two bandits reached for the swords, but Dorcas quicker as he threw his hand axe striking both of them.

"Gaaaggh!" "Graaagh!"

"Y-you little traitor… w-what are you… Aah!" Dorcas picked up the mousey sounding bandit that Carjiga had talked to before.

"Quittn' my job, 'Boss'." With that Dorcas decapitated the bandit as blood spurt onto the grassy field.

Shocked at the sudden attack and as both Dorcas and Lyn watched each other's backs the bandits began hightailing it towards the fortress; seeing the confused bandit mob, Lucas bellowed out.

"Charge!"

At that order, the bandits were beset by lances from both horse and Pegasus-back as Kent, Sain and Florina descended on the bandits like a storm cutting down one after another. With Wil shooting down those stragglers that made it through the chaos.

After only several minutes after putting their 'Night Raid' plan into action all of the bandits who had followed Carjiga laid dead on the field outside the fortress.


After the battle was over; the group finally got a proper rest as the next morning arrived and the group began for the journey ahead.

"Natalie, are you sure about this…?" Dorcas asked his wife, but she nodded as she replied.

She turned to Lucas as she spoke, "My husband has a few rough edges, but please look after him for me."

"Hey now… don't embarrass me…" Dorcas said with slightly tinged cheeks.

"Any friend of Lyn is a friend of mine." Lucas said with an outstretched hand, "Besides after we help Lyn take back her rightful place as heir; we'll help you with anything you need."

Dorcas shook Lucas' hand as they agreed, "Glad to be onboard the crew, boss." With that the two rejoined the group.

"Well everyone, Dorcas here has offered to help us. After we help Natalie return home; we'll be on our way again." Lucas explained.

"Welcome to the Legion, Dorcas!" Wil said with a whoop.

"To think out numbers would grow so quickly… will this momentum continue?" Kent asked in surprise.

"Well it's a good thing we still have adequate supplies for all of us. Your insight is quite something Lucas. I remember you saying our group would grow but I never expected this." Lyn said with chuckle.

"Haha, it was bound to happen either way. All I can say is… I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Lucas said with a genuine smile, "Alright then everyone, let's make camp proper and then set off afterwards!"

As he was still technically a non-combatant Lucas felt like he needed to give back to the others, and despite their insistence he didn't need to do so he still did so anyway.

Back on Earth, Lucas was known to be a great cook among his friends at college and decided to put those skills to work.

After rescuing the village from before; the people there gave the group some fresh vegetables and fruits with them.

Not wanting these to go to waste and as the group had snacked on the fruit on their journey; Lucas decided to put together a heartier meal for the Legion members.

With some cabbage, tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggs. Lucas decided to make a hearty vegetable stir-fry he had done back home. After making his sauce and the scrambled eggs , he prepared the vegetables and began cooking the vegetables adding in his eggs, sauce, and some chives he had gotten from the village market.

Everyone sniffed the air as they could smell the savory meal that Lucas was cooking; to Lyn it smelled familiar. While it wasn't something she had eaten before the aroma reminded her of her mother's cooking.

"Alright everyone! Get a bowl and come on up!" Lucas announced as the group did so and Lucas gave them all an equal portion.

As everyone gathered together and ate Lucas joined Lyn with his own plate and ate with them. As the group bantered and small-talked Lyn looked around as seeing the group acting out together reminded her of the good times with her tribe… with her family.

And for just this moment… she felt at peace with her new family.


AN #1 – Welcome everyone to my fourth chapter Fire Emblem story, "Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade – Journey Among the Plains". The group fights off the vengeful group of Ganelon bandits that had been hot on their trail.

And now with them out of the way and a new member in the axe fighter, Dorcas the group continue on their journey to Caelin.

Next time the group continue on their travels only to find more trouble on the border to Lycia…

All of this and more in the next chapter, "Beyond the Borders"


AN#2: As always it's you guys that keep me going and I hope you hear from you with any constructive criticism. So remember to favorite, follow, and most importantly review so I can hear from you guys.


AN#3: Not much in the way of development and this level kind of isn't friendly to that notion, but I was able to show off Lucas' tactical know-how I think with his strategy for a night raid against the bandits.

And his analysis of war in the beginning shows that he knows war is not some clean, honorable action, but that at it's heart it's usually a dirty slog between two sides.

But with such simple tactics; Lucas knows they'll be useless on the future threats to come…

Well that's it for now. Have a great day!

Again; see you later. Author of Mystery… out.