Hello there!
Sooo... allow me to let you guys in on where my FE series is going. As much fun I'm having writing the series, I was, unfortunately being boggled down from work, writers bloc, and not having the complete picture on where it was going. I was worried that I would be stuck on the Brigid segment for a while, and I did not want to lose my drive on writing this series. Not that I didn't want to write about Brigid, but I quickly realize that's a story all on its own!
That's why I'm fast-forwarding the series to the beginning of FE Three Houses in Remire village. For those of you who read my Azure Sword and Three Houses fanfic, you'll have a pretty good idea who the protagonist is, and who she's partnered up with. Won't say any more than that you'll just have to enjoy the chapter :)
Thank you!
*FE*
A lone flower sheepishly stands, slightly bent over as if it is cowering from the rain that is beginning to fall from the ominous darkening sky.
A storm is quickly brewing in more ways than one.
Without warning or mercy, a callous boot crushes perhaps the only precious delicate flower on the cold and rugged plains with a vast army gleaming of red and silver under the crimson banner of the dual headed golden eagle bolting towards battle.
With fresh footmen making up the vast rear, supported by majestic Pegasus flyers from above, the battle-hardened horse-mounted knights charge ahead at full-speed, fearlessly leading the vanguard towards rugged brigand foe slithering towards them ready to kill.
Close combat quickly dissolved into chaos.
The brigands, making up grace with utter ferocity, initially slowed the knight's momentum, quickly mixing into the back ranks causing utter havoc towards the regimental footman. Spirits falter at this feral assault, but the inexperienced troops stand fast from the swift and ruthless retaliation from the knights, barking at their men to press onward. Awe and inspiration bolster their souls as the footman find their bite amidst the madness.
A knight quickly pierces the flesh of two foes threatening his front flanks, but he knows something amiss.
"Huh?!" The knight shoots his helmeted visage towards the rainy sky and witnesses a small beam of light, captivating him in wonder.
He didn't even feel the engulfing flames brandishing him to dust. His comrades did not share his fortune as blood-curdling howls threaten to drown out the sounds of battle. In the desolate field of singed armored corpses, a hulking figure shakes the earth as he makes impact with it. His kneel displayed the power he has yet to unleash, and as his golden eyes flash open, he rises with his fierce looking sword as the flames simmer down and reveal his victims.
And like the imbeciles they are, they valiantly roar as galloped towards, blissfully unaware of the gruesome fate he will deliver.
The hulking brute lets out a chuckle as he unlocks a raw power resting within his weapon. It quickly forms in a red beam of light threatening to pierce the clouds.
Ten more beams quickly follow suit, dotting the far corners of the carnage.
Emboldened by the power they possess, several bandit like warriors charge towards their target: A regal lime haired woman, standing proud as she is staring past the men closing in on her.
As the leader springs into the air with his blade, ready to land the killing blow, his prey was shielded by a soldier, zealously driving him back.
More soldiers rush forward, frantically countering the horde, some savagely cut down as a result.
"Lady Seiros..." A dying breath of a faithful follower crashes to the floor, but his call is unheard by the ethereal woman as she continues to gaze out into the battle.
The brute of a man continues hacking through the ranks of vermin until his eyes see her. The leader of the army sent to put him down.
The clouds begin to dissapate rays of light begin to form and expand. As her form becomes more clear, he can see the stark taciturn countenance focused on him.
He lets out a grunt and displays a show of force by stretching out the blade, now resembling a razor whip and rips the ground, shredding many stunned foes within its vast reach.
But she is not intimidated. If anything, she is emboldened as she flicks her sword forward with an expression of malice dangerously brewing.
She then bolts ahead strikes first.
Their moves and reflexes are above human, and the tense duel leaves both armies watch intently, none daring to blink or breathe, fearing their leader would be defeated.
Blades clash and grind against each other, taking the moment to look into each others eyes. He flashes a cocky grin, but the sweat from his temple shows his fatigue as he allows a heavy breath to escape his clenched teeth. She exhales sharply through her grinding jaw as adrenaline rushing through her veins.
This woman, despite not looking so, holds strength that is beyond any human. Perhaps his own. Though, he cannot help but notice her from somewhere.
Swords break apart as he musters every pound, muscle, and bone into his titan strength and throws her back a great distance. But the regal woman merely leaps back and lands with ease on her feet.
Thrown aback but not even showing signs of faltering, he drastically resorts to cracking his sword at and swings the slippery blade to cut her open. But as she reacts and protracts her belly, its only a mere scratch on her armor. Frustration brews as he repeats his tactic but she easily rolls out of harms way. Rage now clouds his judgment as the wavering warrior lunged his blade forward to strike her down.
The razor whip tangles around the tip of her sword, startling him. This hesitation followed by a wave of fatigue rushing throughout his body, allows the bold woman to jerk his weapon from his grasp, but her powerful pull causes her own sword to run awry.
Not that she needs it to finish this fight.
Charging fanatically towards him, she makes brutal contact with a sharp jab to his nose before hopping and landing her foot straight in the face, knocking him to the mud soaked ground.
He grunts struggling to emerge from the muck, but as she approaches and pins him in his place. She draws out a knife that is sharp enough to make someone wince.
"Tell me, Nemisis..." Her acid hiss threatens to burn his ears as the golden eyes meet her lime ones. "Do you recall the Red Canyon?!"
Nemsis, gasps, utterly shocked of the undeniable fact of who she is. But still, he cannot help but deny it. Its impossible!
"You'll DIE FOR THAT!" She ferally snaps as she plunges the blade into his neck. "DIE! DIE!"
Nemesis gurgles, threatening to drown in his own blood before the blade finishes him off.
"You took... everything THAT I LOVED!" Letting rage guide her, the blade pierces his eye, before the agonizing torment drains the life from his butchered body.
The haze of pure anger begins to subside as she breathes heavily, feeling absolutely spent. After so many years, dreaming of this moment, now that she has killed Nemesis, all she feels now is weariness.
As the soldiers adorning the red banner with the dual headed eagle cry their shouts of victory, raising swords, spears, and pikes, she ignores their praise and crawls over with labored breath to the sword and tenderly collects it.
She disregards the blood stains on the blade and clutches it close to her with no reserve in love or affection as the blade rests against her cheek.
"He's gone now, Mother..." She declares in a breathy whisper before reluctantly pulling away with a with a stain of blood marking her face.
As she gazes beyond her forces rounding up vast sums of prisoners, she knows that she will have to play her part to bring everlasting peace to Fodlan.
*FE*
Kira springs from her bed as her brisk chill looms over her body. Cold sweat runs down her face as she pants heavily, trying to register what she just saw.
Its only when she quickly examines her surroundings, to find that she is safe within the local inn, she relaxes somewhat.
Kira lets out a strained exhale and cranes her head, fluttering her eyes close as she brings a closed fist to her forehead.
"Mmmkaaayy? Well... that happened." She mutters in a gruff slightly raspy voice.
"For someone who seems to be casually remarking these strange dreams, your distress clearly deceives you."
Kira's brows furrow close to her half-lid eyes, already annoyed by that haughty girls voice.
"Y'know... I-I mean... I know its a long shot, but still... I was just hopin', JUST this once that I didn't hafta hear your blatherin' your mouth right now."
"Hmph, and I was hoping your attitude would improve over the course of these two years." The voice coolly counters. "I supposed we are both disappointed in each other."
Kira sighs and leaps out of bed, rubbing her face with her palms. "Please tell me all that mumbo jumbo made sense to ya." Kira's hopes are veil despite her wish.
As expected when she glances over towards the twin braided dark green haired girl with a regal deep blue dress, the frustrated frown and shaking of her head is Kira's answer.
"It did not. And yet... there are some pieces to this puzzle that... I do seem to recall. I just do not know where."
Kira rolls her eyes as she puts her gear on. "Candy Cane. What'd I do without ya?"
The girl scowls. "Do you ever tire of that dull title?! Or have you already forgotten my name is Sothis?!"
Kira snickers. "Nawww nat's adowable... wittle Candy Cane is all mad with those big gween eyes of hers."
Sothis scoffs and averts eye contact. "I do not know why I even bother."
Kira finishes placing her sleek flamboyant armor on, and after carefully equipping her two precious katanas, her ears finally pick up the loud snoring of her boss, slumbering in the side chair with a bottle in hand.
"Don't wait up, Otchan." She whispers to him as she nimbly sneaks out of her room.
As she creeps downstairs into the local tavern, mostly deserted at this hour, Kira casts stealth aside as she makes her way outside.
On the dirt streets of Remire Village, just on the border of Imperial territory, Kira is still amazed how spacious and welcoming the atmosphere is. Conventional wisdom, at least in her mind, would picture these types of villages to be compact and unfriendly, but Remire village, while simple, has certainly defied her pessimistic expectations. Not to mention there small snippets of woodlands and a mossy fortification along with a moat at the entrance of the village.
"For an Army scrub, Bergliez knows howda run a joint." Kira mutters the name of the Count who's lands she's in. "Still... wish these barbarians had SOME basic sense of heat conditioning! I'll be a friggin' popsicle 'fore we even make it to Faurghus!"
Pfft... Faerghus.
"Hah! This is coming from the girl who has left the warmth and safety of indoors."
"Oi! Zip it!"
"Hmph!" Sothis smirks with her nose pointing high. "Though I too wonder how Leonie is faring right now."
Kira shrugs. "My money's on her rehearsin' the moment where she spills her long lost love for her precious Captain Jeralt."
Sothis does not look pleased.
"Hey!" Kira throws her hands up. "Just throwin' it out there. Seriously, you can slice up a drinking game every time she spills his name
"You would be absolutely plastered." Sothis begrudgingly admits. "Still, I admire her dedication and hard work. That and her potential is promising. She may even surpass you one day. Hah! That would be a sight to see."
Kira dismissively scoffs at the thought. "Honey, ya can't surpass THIS!" She boasts motioning her hands to present herself. "Still, its a load'a stress off my back knowin' I'm not dealin' with some scrub."
"You know, you can be more open about your care for her." Sothis lectures. "To be honest, you trying to shield your true feelings is really irritating. If you insist on that course, it will be difficult for you to make lasting friends and companions."
Kira raises a brow. "Uhh... Candy Cane. That was me openin' up. Like, what you just heard was me fessin' up 'bout me caring for Leonie. Like full emotions on display for the public. Free tickets too!"
Irritated, Sothis sighs and looks away. "You are impossible."
Kira smirks feeling a sense of victory over the mysterious entity and reaches the sturdy ladder leaning on the slippery mossy walls. Both of them here the sharp shouts and cries of a familiar voice, followed by the crisp blow of a weapon being swung.
As Kira makes a graceful leap atop the ladder, she makes quick work and reaches the top to see her colleague training rigorously with her favorite spear.
Leonie, ever the rugged pragmatic apprentice she is, keeps her neck length hair short, along with a practical set of chestnut and golden brown leather armor, and a fine choice for protection and mobility. But what Kira is keeping an eye on is Leonie's stances and movements.
And after viewing her footwork and how she angles her body, she is nearly perfecting the art. She even throws in a few clever moves that conventional opponents would not expect.
"She truly is a fast learner." Sothis proudly states. "Deny it all you want, but at this rate, she will surpass you."
"That right?" Kira queries.
Ignoring Sothis's cocky hum, Kira times herself to prepare when Leonie twirls to her with her spear. As the orange haired girl performs a sharp turn, Kira intercepts her with her sheathed Katana.
She freezes with wide shocked eyes. Kira can tell by the way Leonie is tensing up she did not anticipate it.
Leonie growls and breaks the stalemate with a sharp swing of her spear and aggressively goes on the offensive. Kira flawlessly counters her opponents strikes, easily deflecting them, but she can tell that Leonie has grown much more confident and skill behind her attacks. Kira takes note in her footwork and is careful to not expose her torso.
As spear clashes with katana, Leonie then jerks her weapon down along with Kira's. With a proud huff and a smug smirk, Leonie presses her advance executes a bold spinning kick, eager to knock the Konpeki Katana to the ground.
If only such a feat can be so easy.
Kira gracefully arches herself back, similar to a dancer evading Leonie's foot before performing a mad twirl to the floor and retaliates with a stretched out leg knocking Leonie to the ground.
Kira smirks and kicks away Leonie's discarded spear before bringing her concealed blade to her throat, declaring herself the victor.
"Kinda slackin' in the reflex department there." Kira teases in a sing-song voice.
Leonie furrows her brows just steps back looking embarrassed.
"I didn't think you would interrupt my training..." She grumbles.
"I'm sorry, little scrub's gonna hafta speak up." Kira playfully taunts. "Come agaaaaiiiin?"
"Ugh! Can't you be anything but a cocky wretch! You know, one of these days, I will beat you and it will be a rude awakening if you don't take me seriously!"
Kira feigns fake puppy dog eyes and a trembling lip. "Awww but I awwways take you sewiouswwwyyy..."
Leonie growls. "What are you doing here anyways? Thought you would be back in the village sleeping. You know, like the slacker you are!"
"Says the chick who slept on that smuggler's job." Kira smugly counters.
"Hey!" Leonie defensively starts. "I told you! I just... had bad luck with the wrong type of mushrooms." Her brows furrow at her comrade's hypocrisy. "And this is coming from the girl who slept on that poaching job!"
Kira rolls her eyes. "I've been fightin' off waves of mercs for nearly 48 hours! I needed a nap!
Leonie opens her mouth but no words could be found to match Kira's excuse. She did make a good point.
"Look, Mikan." Kira waltzes towards the edge of the wall. "I gotta admit, outta all the scrubs who want to hit the major leagues, think its safe to say you joined the club. Keep this up... day by day, you street cred's growin' to the point it may just blow through the roof."
Leonie, although taken aback by the praise, offered a gracious grin. "Well... its thanks to you and Captain Jeralt that I came this far."
"Nah, girl." Kira shakes her head. "That's all you. 'Member: don't look up to heroes-"
"Surpass them, I know." Leonie snaps. "But that doesn't mean I'm thankful. So you're going to learn to take compliments from your partners, like it or not!"
Kira rolls her eyes but grins. "Yeah, whatever... Peaches."
"Argh!" Leonie grunts in frustration. "I told you to stop calling me that!"
Kira snickers. "Okay then... Tita."
Leonie's face burns a shade of red. "Don't call me that either!"
"Nawwww, but that's what the little scamp kept callin' ya, 'member?" Kira toys with her, jabbing her in the shoulder. "And to be fair, you did kinda act like a Tita."
Leonie responds by roughly shoving Kira. "I'm not a Tita!"
Kira giggles and bravely mumbles, "Tita."
Leonie's scowl is unpleasant and turns away, taking a seat along the edge of the wall.
Still, she feels a sense of pride knowing how deep her bond with Kira has become. She can still when the Blade Breakers were formed and how the blue-haired girl callously dismissed her. Now, here they are enjoying this moment of ease as equals. Comrades.
She still wishes that Kira can be less snarky though.
With the lighthearted jests subsiding within her, Kira remains silent and gazes out woods before them.
Man at this hour, just shootin' the breeze out there is just givin' me the chills. Still... least someone had the common sense to set up that tower. Sure wouldn't wanna spend the night there, though. Nightlight or no nightlight.
"Have you been having those dreams again?" Leonie asks worried for her comrade.
Kira takes a spot next to her and looks up at the night sky, seeing that it is only glittering with tiny stars.
"Yeah..." Kira murmurs kicking her feet over the edge.
"Huh..." Leonie ponders this before prodding. "You wanna talk about it, now?"
Kira bows her head as the color vanishes from her glimmering porcelain face. At first she disregarded it, but after noticing these dreams as more as an anomaly, maybe she might as well come clean.
"Felt like I hadda front row seat at a battle. One of those epic ones with the cavalry, big booms, and heroes." Kira shivers recalling more than that. "Funny thing is... I felt like I was... I dunno... all over the place. Zoomin' to dudes slashin' each other to some epic duel 'tween some beefy boy and a lady with green hair."
That catches Leonie's attention as her eyes widen with interest, but allows Kira to continue.
"Beefy Boy had this rad sword, like it was some whip, but the lady just pummeled him to the ground, pulled out a knife, and took 'im straight to stab central." Kira recalls the raw execution vividly. "Then she just picked up his sword, hugged it and just said. 'He's gone now, mother'." The blue haired woman expels a weary sigh. "Don't wanna jinx myself, but I'm hopin' it won't be ongoing. That trip was... too intense for my liking."
Leonie snickers on the 'stab central' remark, but overall, she frowns worried this dreams may take a toll on her.
Leonie forces a grin. "Hey listen, just let us know if you need a break, okay? I'm worried you're pushing yourself too hard."
Kira turns to Leonie looking taken aback by her words.
"You're more than my colleague. You're my friend after all."
"Hey..." Kira pauses making air more tense before she continues. "Are... you coming onto me?"
"W-WHA-?!" Leonie's reaction is almost too drastic as she flails her limbs up and immediately rises to her feet with rosy red cheeks. "NO! I-I was just telling you that... Oh hardy har... Can't you try and be serious more often?!"
"But I waaaaassssss!" Kira whines. "I know he may not feel the same, but its not too late! You just needa be patient with him. Maybe he's just the type of guy that likes chicks to chase 'im."
Leonie responds with an annoyed growl and smiting Kira on the back of her head with her hand.
"OW!" Kira feigns a pitiful whimper and wide puppy dog eyes.
Leonie sighs and sits back down not even making eye contact with her colleague.
She's always like this! Just when I want to help her she just... ARGH!
"Soooo..." Kira draws out, her voice hinting there is mischief in her intentions, much to Leonie's suspicion. "Wha'ja got planned with him?"
"Uhh... what?" Leonie is puzzled.
"Ugh! You child!"
"Oh don't play innocent with me, playa!" Kira presses. "You're cookin' up somethin' special, huh? Just think: while we're makin' our way up to Faerghus, you'll be there... sitting side by side... with the Bossman." Kira's tone takes a dramatic turn, becoming more breathy with each syllable. "Just... waiting to be alone... and then... that's when you do it! You confess to him right upon that carriage seat that you have been holding in you ever since your eyes first gazed upon him!"
Leonie abruptly rises, flustered and annoyed. "Argh! You just have to make it weird! There is-"
"But then..." Kira cuts her off. "You know... You KNOW deep down... that his heart is already spoken for... but for whom? And he leaves you there... in solemn silence! Completely... and utterly heartbroken." She feigns animated sniffles and looks away to bury her face in her hands. "It is so... tragic... so beautiful..."
Leonie glares at her, half-lid and shakes her head. "I'm going to head back now. Apparently, I need to carry your weight while you're fooling around being weird!"
Kira smiles smugly. "Cooool... whatever. Oh! Don't forget to bring your rag with ya! Y'know, clean it off his face once your done! Be a lady about it!"
"EUGH! YOU'RE THE WORST!"
Kira stifles her laughter, barely containing it as Leonie depart with furious haste.
"Unbelievable."
"You're unbelievable." Kira childishly counters.
"Do you even know what you are speaking of? "
"Nnnnooope!" Kira replies emphasizing with a profound popping of her lips. "Just heard it from Jill one time and people just started laughing. Hadda add some words of my own, but... y'know."
Sothis rolls her eyes and does not say a word. Though she ponders whether ruining this girl's 'innocence' would help her in the long run. That and potentially stopping her from making lewd statements like recently.
"Well..." Sothis changes the subject. "Once we are in Faerghus, I cannot help but wonder if we will find our lead on Aelfric."
Kira nods, determined. "Trust me, given the political situation right now, smart money's sayin' he's set up shop at the Western Church."
Sothis is impressed, but it should come as no surprise. Kira has proven herself savvy in Fodlan's geopolitical affairs.
"If we ever dare set foot in the Western Church again, I hope we leave as quick as we enter."
"Yeeeaaah... place knows howda give a gal jitters." Kira shudders recalling her eerie visit there. "Still, it'll be worth it once we nab him."
"Indeed! He will not have the luxury of slipping through our grasp this time!" Sothis offers her support.
"Heh, eager to bag him, too Candy Cane? Guess I'm growin' on ya, after all."
"Like fungus..."
Kira snickers and rises to her feet. "Guess there's no point stayin' up. Gonna try and crash out." She then purses her lips out of concern. "Still, be nice if I had a dream of some other crazy battle rather than the same one two times in a row."
Sothis flashes a concerned gaze. "Do they trouble you?"
"They don't get me excited." Kira brushes it off. "Gotta say though, thought'cha be layin' down the law with... with me and Leonie."
Sothis sighs. "This is not the first time you have brushed her off. At this point, I have simply chosen to accept your foolish jests."
"Naaaaawwwwww thank yoooouuuuuuuu!"
The green haired girl scowls with cross arms. "Regardless, it would be good to have more genuine interactions with her."
"Sooooo... me spillin' the beans on that dream was not me havin' a genuine interaction?"
Sothis disregards Kira's defense. "Well regardless, you must rest. You have a busy day ahead of you, and I do not want to hear you complaining along the journey."
Kira then lets a out a long worn out sigh as she rises to her feet. "Yeeeaaaaah... get the feelin' that's not happenin' anytime soon, Candy Cane." She mumbles in annoyance as she dons her trademark white fox mask that continues to give Sothis unease.
"Why do insist on wearing such a ghastly thing?!"
"'Tis the season." Kira simply says as she gestures her head out to the watch tower where a figure is frantically waving a torch in sharp sweeping movements. "Oh no... we're under attack... whatever will we do...?"
Her dry lackluster attitude aside, Kira graciously leaps from the wall and strikes a flawless landing on the earth without making much of a sound.
That's when she sees the tree line rustling in front of her and she immediately draws her katana, letting the azure blade glisten beautifully. Her stance heightens as she sees someone emerge into the open.
"Hey there!" The voice is that of a young man, relatively relaxed given the tense atmosphere. "Uhhh... don't worry! I'm one of the good guys! I just... look sinister because of the darkness. Don't worry just... let me come a little closer and maybe my charming face will put your mind at ease!"
Although there is no malice detected in his voice, Kira remains on guard noting that his tone does not sound all that genuine. Like its a front for some sort of grand scheme or some matter.
"Take it niiiice and slooow, pal!" Kira coolly warns. "No need to rush things, right?"
"Weelllll... normally, I'd agree with you, wholeheartedly I might add." As the man draws near, Kira can see that it is truly a young man that looks roguishly charming.
He adorns an elegant looking black suit with golden linings added as some sort of decorative, but he adds to his looks with the top of his shirt being unbuttoned, exposing a fair section of his bare chest.
Not to mention that tan skin and spiky dark brown hair just make him more of a catch.
Oh, mama! Not sure 'bout that yellow cape, but... daaaang bro!
"See?" He raises his hands affirming he means no harm. "Told you I'm one of the good guys."
"And what about that bow?" Kira eyes a simple yet sturdy bow resting behind him. "That for show, or, what?"
The newcomer is not fazed by Kira's suspicion. "Heh, sadly no. It does what its designed to do." His expression becomes more serious. "Listen, as much as I want to stay here and answer all sorts of fascinating questions, I'm in a bit of a rush." He does not stop for breath. "To make a long story short, I'm a student at the Officers Academy, and I had to the good sense make a strategic retreat. Unfortunately, some... esteemed colleagues of mine are trying to hold off a band of brigands. And I think we both know how pleasant those guys can be."
"How many others besides you?" Kira is curt and practical in her question.
"I don't know." He admits. "Maybe fourteen, maybe fifteen. Can't say the same for our attackers though. They outnumber us, no doubt about that."
Reacting in mere seconds, Kira gazes back at the wall then back at the young man.
"Well, whaddya waitin' for? You gonna lead me there, or there a starin' contest I dunno about?"
An amused chuckle escapes the young man's lips. "Geez and I thought she was demanding!"
He motions his arm to follow him, and Kira is quick to follow him with her katana in tow.
Hooray. A rescue mission. My favorite...
*FE*
"Shut this dumb fool up!" The gruff volatile voice of the bulky grey-bearded menace barks to his henchmen, growing quickly tired of the tower's lookout whimpering.
Despite the man's pleas, they are ignored as a rugged looking man silences him with a swing of his axe.
"Listen up!" The leader of the bandits erupts. "This tower will be our eyes and ears! You two!" He points to two subordinates at random. "You'll be on lookout! Let us know if you see any noble brats come anywhere near our position!"
The two men look at each other and back at their leader in confusion. How exactly are they supposed to do that? Just shout out loud hoping one of their own will hear them? But then again, they're used to how their boss operates and acknowledge him with a nod.
"Chief! One of our boys have a knight tied and gagged." One of the bandits informs the boss.
The whole group lights up, initially disbelieving their ears.
"Wait... did he just say..."
"No way! A knight of Seiros? How'd we do that?"
"Hah! I'm smelling a niiice ransom already!"
"Alright, shut up!" The boss growls. "Where is he now?"
"Just down stairs! Don't worry he's harmless."
The boss growls and shoves him out of the way. As he clumsily climbs down the ladder he's genuinely shocked to see a battered Knight of Seiros, battered a bruised, on his knees.
He's a rugged looking man with a tall lanky stature. His red wine hair stops at his jaw and is wildly unkempt. His facial features are dirty distinct creases underneath his golden eyes, more out of exhaustion than age.
"Huh! Not all that impressive now are you!" The boss mocks walking towards him. "Heh! Whatever! You just get nice and comfortable while we kill those pipsqueaks hiding in the woods!"
The man says nothing, as he shoots sharp daggers at him with his grim eyes.
"Boss! We need you!" A desperate voice calls out.
A frustrated growl escapes the boss's lips and turns to see a frightened bandit flailing his limbs before staggering to a halt.
"I-Its her!" He whimpers. "The Konpeki Katana! She's here! W-with the brats! We had to get out of here!"
"W-what?!" The boss looks visibly shocked. "Damn! What's SHE doing here?! Grrr... Guess we'll have to deal with her, too!"
*FE*
Earlier
The bandits seem to have underestimated the only two kids that are decimating the waves of them that are closing in on them. While the majority of students are frozen in terror, cowering behind the trees, bushes, any desperate natural structure that would provide them some form of protection, a poised platinum haired girl with stoic lavender eyes swings a rugged axe with quick and fluid motions, ruthlessly cutting down any who dare to challenge her. Like the rest of her colleagues she adorns the black uniform with golden decorates, with only the crimson cape separating her from the rest of rank and file. The other fighter, a blonde haired boy with sharp blue eyes swings his spear with more power than skill behind it. Like his colleague, he wears similar attire but with a rich blue cape distinguishing himself from her.
Despite having the clear numerical advantage, the bandits become quickly aware that they could not overpower the defenders with mere numbers.
"Fall back!" One of the rugged marauders cries. "Get some distance!"
Despite the chaotic withdraw, the bandits are relatively efficient in their retreat, pulling out quicker than expected.
"They're pulling back!" The blonde boy joyfully states, emboldened by their defense.
The ashen-haired girl is less optimistic. "They're going to change tactics." She grimly says. "We need to press the attack, now!"
He shoots a glare or disbelief at her. "Are you mad?! This is our chance to get everybody to the village!" He protests. "We'll stand our ground until the rest of the knights arrive!"
The girl shakes her head. "And do what? Hide like rats?" She spits. "Tell me, are you this incapable of eliminating a present threat?!" She quickly dismisses him and turns to the other students. "On your feet! We must charge now while the opportunity is still present!"
But the cowering students, still reeling from the attack express their fear and do not move a muscle. Some even begin shedding tears and curling up into balls as they can sense their mortality lingering over them.
Unfortunately for them, the girl callously disregards this excuse and barks in a commanding voice. "On your feet, NOW!"
With the crack of the whip, the students rise to their feet
"That's enough, Edelgard!" The boy growls out her name. "Look at them! These are not pawns to discard, but friends, children, no less!"
"We stopped being children when we enrolled at this Academy, Dimitri." Her words cut through the heavy air, like a hot knife through butter. "Or do you prefer to coddle your soldiers throughout battle?"
Dimitri shakes his head. "They're not even soldiers! If we lead this attack, many of them will surely perish! We must move to Remire Village with full haste!"
"And if we do that, we will be putting the whole village in danger." She coldly counters before looking out at the retreating bandits with her steel eyes. "I should also point out that they're only here for us. So I say we give them what they want, and make them regret what they wished for!"
Dimitri looks puzzled but Edelgard's logic. "How are you so certain that they are solely after us?"
But Edelgard shakes her head and turns back to the students. "Everyone, this is our chance to eliminate this threat permanently!" Her voice thunders as her aura gives off an empowering glow from her relatively small stature. "What good are we as students of the Officer's Academy if we cannot even combat mere bandits? So I will say this once: Draw your arms and prepare to advance! Unlike many of you, I will not hide in the shadows waiting for these imbeciles to finish us off!"
Her words shake the students to their very cores, and they quickly take route as they slowly emerge to their feet.
Dimitri's stoic countenance could not hide is distress for what is happening. He then turns towards the wide open field where the bandits are currently regrouping and he can see that Edelgard is right, they are just recovering before restarting their attack.
"..."
Dimitri clenches his teeth catches sight of one of the Knights held captive by the lookout tower, where those wretched dastards made use as their base.
Even with this boost in our numbers, It wouldn't be enough! Not to mention...
His focus shifts back to his frightened colleagues and frowns that they do not have the will to fight.
He lets out a frustrated sigh, seeing that they are caught in a horrible predicament.
"Hey, over here!"
That familiar lighthearted tone catches both of the prominent fighters attention and are relatively shocked to see Claude return to their side once again. Only this time, a woman with vibrant armor that shimmered in the moonlight is accompanying him. Her blue hair wrapped in a practical ponytail and her eyes shielded by bizarre looking spectacles that reflected their surroundings.
Peculiar.
That's... it can't be!
Edelgard, initially surprised by Claude's reappearance, scowls seeing that rapscallion just returning now that they are now temporarily out of the fray.
And yet, seeing that he has a fierce looking warrior in tow. Edelgard's eyes widened realizing who this is.
"Aww... sorry." Claude shamelessly starts. "Did we miss the fun? No? Okay, good. Phew! So that means, my strategy can still play out without a hitch."
Edelgard's scowl deepens. "By 'strategy', you mean running away."
She is not going to let Claude off easy.
Claude feigns a hurt expression. "Ahh, Princess... I thought you know I'm not THAT cut and dry." He jabs his thumb back the newcomer. "Do you see the charming, yet intimidating stranger right behind me?"
"The Konpeki Katana!" Dimitri breathes.
"See?" Claude casts a smug grin. "His Highness seems to catch on quick. That's right! Noble Prince Dimitri, and your Illustrious Lady Edelgard: May I introduce the woman, and the legend: Konpeki Katana!"
Kira's brows shoot up at what Claude just said.
Dimitri and Edelgard... Ones the Imperial Adrestian Princess and the other is heir to the Holy Kingdom of Faer- 'Kay, for real, how can ANYONE say it with a straight face?
"An honor, Your Highnesses. And my pardon, Your Grace for my rudeness earlier." Kira greets in a curt but respectful manner. She carries on with her sentences sounding poise with perfect enunciation of each vowel. "I apologize for being direct, but our first priority is to make sure those who cannot fight seek refuge in Remire Village. Those who can fight will stay and dispatch the enemy."
"Sooo... that would be... just the four of us? Right?" Claude skeptically asks. "Four of us... against an army that would just love to tear us limb from limb?"
Kira nods. "Correct. However, I can assure you that the four of us is more than what we need to turn the tide."
Edelgard cannot help but be amazed.
Such confidence! I've heard the stories, but...
"Very well then!" Dimitri nods, relieved at the mercenary's suggestion. "Everybody, make due haste to Remire Village! We'll hold them off until the Knights arrive with reinforcements!"
The majority of the students eagerly complied with the Prince's merciful order and make a dash towards the village without even glancing back.
Edelgard purses her lips, displeased to see their manpower severely diminished. Still, if the stories are true about Konpeki Katana, then they may have a chance to survive this onslaught.
Kira is quick to take the reins of the conversation again. "With your permission, I wish to advise on how we engage the enemy."
Claude smiles with a casual shrug. "Hey! At this point, I'm open to anything."
Dimitri nods, throwing in his support. "Agreed! Please, lend us your strength!"
Its only Edelgard who shows some hesitation, but she quickly shakes her head, banishing doubt from her mind and declares. "Show us what you are made of!"
Kira offers a nod of gratitude and begins a quick scan of the enemy position. As she finishes her inspection, she lets out a mental sigh, already knowing how this battle is going to play out.
Buncha idiots... all numbers and no brains, friggin' amateurs! Lets just mop the floor with'em, so I can go back and get some Zzz's 'fore we bail this joint!
*FE*
Two years. Leonie has been that rude wench's partner for two years, and she has learned all that there to know about that delinquent Kira Appakatto.
Hard to believe the girl who she considers a close ally first met when she was socked in the face with her fist. But despite how rough exterior, Kira has shown to be one of the best mercenaries she's ever seen.
Though Leonie still thinks Captain Jeralt is still leagues better Kira, not to mention he's more pleasant to talk to.
Leonie marches through the sleepy village, trying her best not to let Kira's teasing get underneath her skin, but she cannot help but wonder why her partner would have the audacity to tease her about doing something scandalous with her mentor
Agh! Why does she have to be so weird?
As she enters The Pride and Joy, the local inn and tavern of the village, she can see that the first floor is fairly vacant aside from the few patrons napping at tables or the booth, but no bartender in sight. Probably sleeping after a long day of work.
Leonie brazenly marches ahead, disregarding the courtesy of trying to keep quiet and climbs up the stairs, entering the room Captain Jeralt rented for them.
As soon as she enters their chambers, she lets out a smile seeing Captain Jeralt just now waking up from his deep slumber. Leonie curiously takes note of him slouching in his chair with the bottle lazily slipping out of his loose grip.
Truly curious.
As Jeralt forces himself up, stretching out his limbs and twisting his neck only to be rewarded with several loud pops, he rubs his face with his hand and quickly takes note of Leonie.
"Already awake I see?" Jeralt muses.
Leonie casts a proud smirk. "Been awake for awhile now, sir."
Jeralt roles his eyes but smiles. Leonie's always looking to impress him.
"Well, gonna have to be awake awhile longer. I'd like us to embark on the road to Faerghus in half an hour, so double check to make sure we don't forget anything."
"I've already taken the liberty of packing all essential items and hiring a local carriage."
"Really?" Jeralt looks amazed. "Huh... you really do think ahead, do you? Nice work!"
Leonie beams with joy at Jeralt's cool praise.
"So, what's the job?" Leonie tactfully asks.
"Eh, nothing major. Just need to deal with marauders festering the Western Regions of Faerghus, big surprise there." Jeralt dryly informs her. He then glances around the room before turning to Leonie with a puzzled look on his face. "Any idea where our Lieutenant's at?"
Leonie nods with an assuring smile. "Sure do! We talked for a bit on the wall before I came back here. She's still up there last I checked."
Jeralt nods. "Well... long as you two played nice."
A frantic knock on the door is heard followed by a cry for Jeralt. The grizzled captain sighs, somewhat apprehensive he somehow provoked the bartender's wrath.
"What did I do this time?" He grumbles, trudging across the room before opening the door. "Hey, listen, I told you, already, don't worry about my tab. I'll pay before-"
"Jeralt, sir!" One of the villagers, a harmless looking man of stocky stature makes himself known, cold sweat drips down his anxious face. "T-there's an emergency... studentsarehere, bandits! Banditsinthewoodstheysaid!"
"Woahwoahwoah, slow down." Jeralt's calm stoic aura soothes the man's troubled soul. "These students, they're here in the village?"
The man nods frantically not able to find words.
Jeralt's expression contorts with grim determination and turns to his apprentice who shares his mindset. Know what to do, Leonie follows her captain ready for a potential confrontation
The students are herded out in the center of the village where the inhabitants slowly but surely emerged from their homes curious to see what is going on. As Jeralt questions the youngsters, Leonie can see that he is looking unsettled right now.
"Captain?" Leonie calls out, concerned. "Something wrong?"
"Nothing." He dismissively shakes his head before muttering quietly. "Those uniforms mean only one thing though..." He then turns to Leonie. "Lets hurry to assist Kira! Then we wrap this up, and we leave as soon as possible!"
Leonie is obviously confused by the sudden urge to depart the village all of a sudden, given that they still needed more time to prepare and stock up on more supplies, but she's grown wise enough not to question orders, especially in tense situations such as this.
And if she knows Captain Jeralt, he would not issue such an order without a good reason.
"Understood, sir!" She smartly says before declaring in a firm commanding voice. "Everybody inside! Those who can fight, take up arms and prepare to move out, NOW!"
The whole village responds frantically with the fearful hastily retreating to the safety of the indoors while those brave few answered the call brandishing any weapons and armor they can before rallying to the famed mercenary captain and his promising pupil.
As Jeralt is quick to mount his horse he looks out to see the sporadic forestland is infested with bandits.
Damn! There a lot of them...
"Captain! All volunteers are awaiting orders, sir!" Leonie's firm voice bring Jeralt out of his thoughts.
He turns to see the volunteers. A few dozen to say the least, but the look on their faces display having a sense of invincibility, or at the very least clarity, knowing that his truly is leading them into battle.
Just when I thought I wouldn't have to deal with fools...
"Alright, listen up!" Jeralt's voice is low but commanding. "The enemy outnumbers us 2 to 1, so we're playing this smart! Use the tree lines and the terrain to your advantage and strike should the enemy sets it sights on the village.
In other words, leave this to the professionals.
With a crisp wave of his titan sword, Jeralt aims it onward, signaling the charge.
"Forward!"
Invigorating cries are heard from the rag-tag militia as they rush forward with Jeralt and Leonie putting more distance away from them thanks to being on horseback.
"Make sure they don't do anything stupid!" Jeralt orders before musing. "I gotta go save our Lieutenant."
Leonie frowns being put on babysitting duty, but she knows better than to question an order. "You can count on me!"
As Leonie slows the distance, she begins barking orders, performing sharp motions with her spear, guiding the militia safely into ambush positions within the tree line.
Now they will be safe from the onslaught.
As Leonie turns back towards Jeralt, she just hope she can see him rack up more of a body count this time than Kira.
He will. He'll put her in her place!
*FE*
"Out of all the schemes I could have put together," Claude starts with a smile that does not reach his eyes. "This one is definitely daring I say."
"That's one way to put it." Dimitri does not hide his hesitancy. "Even though we surpass them in skill, I fear we are still at a disadvantage."
"A direct assault is more efficient if you have a larger force at your disposal!" Edelgard does not attempt to hide her disdain for this plan. "With their numbers, we'll be overwhelmed."
"That is what they are hoping for." Kira says in leveled tone. "Numbers and terror alone to carry the day for them. However," She turns to the three. "Once we take that away from them, victory is assured."
"Hmph, you sound confident about this."
Kira nods. "Appreciate it, Your Imperial Highness." She then turns to Claude and Dimitri. "Your Highness, Your Grace, I trust you are aware of your objectives?"
"I am." Dimitri assures her. "None will pass my defenses."
"Heh, you could just say 'Fear not, Claude, for none will lay a hand on you and the tower you reside on!' Or something knightly like that. I mean... that's what they sound like, right?"
Why are you so friggin' charming!
"Your Grace, I must remind you pull the pin of those devices, then throw them as soon as you are able." Kira emphasizes the importance of Claude using one of her makeshift arrows.
"Easy enough... just throw them towards the biggest blob of enemies, right?"
"Correct, and I strongly recommend not unleashing them close to our vicinity." She adds mentioning Edlegard and herself.
The platinum haired girl looks somewhat baffled but brushes it off.
"Gotcha covered, Boss lady!" Claude cheerfully acknowledges with a silly salute. "Looks like the gods of fortune are smiling on us right now."
Can this dude be any more awesome?
Kira then turns to Edelgard. "Your Imperial Majesty, with your permission, we will begin our move."
Edelgard finds her resolve, emboldened that she will fight alongside the famed Konpeki Katana. "Granted. Lets move!"
With the green light given, Kira looks out at the enemy that just threatens to surround and overpower them. And she just finds that adorable.
For real? No archers? No mages? And the frick's the lookout doin' up there? Watchin' the grass grow? Just give it up and go home, guys...
A sharp click is heard as Kira flicks the mantle of her katana up, exposing a glimpse of her deep violet blade, mesmerizing the three future leaders of Fodlan.
"Okay..." Kira's breath carries her words. "San, ni, ichi, showtaimu!'
Quick and precise, Kira lunges into a prepared stance before fearlessly racing ahead towards the horde.
Edelgard is initially caught off guard but quickly follows suit while the bandits expel bloodthirsty cries as they moved to intercept the two.
Before the two could intercept the horde, a blazing inferno erupts within the rear ranks of the marauders, completely faltering their will to fight and making their front vulnerable to attack.
The clash is embarrassingly uneven as bandits are flown into the air like rag dolls thrown by a frustrated child. Dull-stoned barbarians charge the Konpeki Katana from all sides, but they are rendered powerless before her as she easily runs her blade through many of them with the swing of her katana. Edelgard is nearly petrified at the sight, the power, the skill, the precision, the raw aura projecting from this renown mercenary confirms that the tales are no exaggeration.
But it is not only the Imperial Princess that is captivated by this performance.
"Uhh... we sure she needs us?" Claude's casual query betrays his shocked expression.
"I'm sure she would appreciate us not to falter now!" Dimitri chastises as he frees the captive knight. "Are you alright, Damien?"
"I've suffered worse, I assure you!" Damien croaks as he staggers to his feat. "The others reach safety?"
Dimitri assures him with a curt but thoughtful nod. "They've fallen back to Remire Village. We are to hold them here until the Knights arrive to relieve us!"
"Though judging by how things are going, I think they might be late to the party!" Claude states observing the one-sided slaughter of the bandit.
"Claude, I'm sure they would appreciate you providing support now!" Dimitri sternly says.
"Relax! Way ahead of you, Your Highness!" Claude teases as he already has one distinct looking arrow pulling on the strings of the bow. "Huh... no sharp edge just a little ball... thing." He dismisses his puzzled state with a shrug. "Ah well, should be no problem."
Claude looses his shot as quick as he lined up his target, and his keen sight is able to keep a steady eye on the arrow as it gracefully falls to the earth, directly in the rear of the bandits line. The result is overpowering as a fiery blast absorbs several of the marauders while casting many into the air, brutally flown around until they crash onto the ground nearly incapacitated.
The three men atop of the tower are rendered speechless by such devastation.
"Uhh... I didn't do it." Claude mutters still trying to register what he just witness.
*FE*
"Chief, lets get out of here!" One of boss's minions fervently pleads.
"No one falls back!" He barks like a madman. "Gather all the men you can carry and take back that damn tower!"
"B-but, chief!"
The man's protests are silenced by that unhinged glare from his leader, and he complies. "You lot with me!"
As dozens of bandits charge from the steep and rocky hills, Kostas gazes down at the renowned mercenary slashing away at his men along with that prissy noble brat being no slouch with that axe. The sight is just embarrassing to watch.
The boss exhales sharply through his teeth yanks his monstrous axe from the grass and rushes ahead determined to change to tide of battle.
"I REALLY gotta do everything around here!"
*FE*
Dimitri, with the aid of Damien, is able to easily repel the scores of enemies threatening to retake the watchtower where Claude continued to rein hell with the arrows in his arsenal, all while aiming far from Edelgard and Kira of course.
Dimitri quickly makes work of oncoming attackers with a single swing of his lance, and while Damien isn't as polished, he is able to hold his own brandishing the longsword tight in his two hands.
Its not long before the survivors panic and flee back to the hills.
"Well... that went better than I hoped." Damien remarks.
Dimitri shoots a glance over at Damien, worried that he might have overdone it, but smiles at his resilience.
"Uhh... looks like we late entry to the party!" Claude alerts the duo down below as his points his finger at the approaching man on horseback galloping at full speed.
Thankfully, despite the rugged looks, the man does not look like a bandit.
Adorned in simple yet reliable iron armor with a dark caramel colored chainmail covering his chest. This sandy blonde man with rough chin beard charges in, easily picking off stragglers too close to the tower before joining them.
"It can't be..." Damien murmurs in disbelief. "That can't be..."
Jeralt casts a look of mild disdain at Damien before turning to Dimitri. "What's the situation?" He tactfully asks.
"Forgive us for the inconvenience." Dimitri starts. "Bandits have attacked us and I fear that there are not fully routed yet. Please, lend us your aid."
"Huh, well you're keeping your cool despite the situation." Jeralt muses. "Any of you seen a girl with a white mask and... colorful armor?"
"Had the honor of meeting her!" Dimitri answers. "She is currently engaging the enemy as we speak with a colleague of mine."
Although not surprise by this, Jeralt turns to see Kira and Edelgard obliterating the bandits, cutting a large swath through their ranks.
"Well not much help I'll be now, given how well things are going. Still, the sooner this is dealt with the better!"
Jeralt is quick to fish out a smooth sturdy horn and produced a low ominous blare who's echo gives both men an unsettling chill down their spines. It is a sharp contrast to the glorious trumpeting that is often used to marshal forces.
It does not take long to Leonie to race towards him at full speed, alert and ready for anything.
"You called?" Leonie greets in a matter-of-fact tone.
"We have the enemy on the ropes." Jeralt says. "Kira chose a direct attack approach, so we'll provide support by harassing their flanks."
Leonie nods. "I'm with you!"
Guess I shouldn't be all that surprise that I'm got out of baby sitting duty. That's Captain Jeralt for you!
Claude watches the two mercenaries sally forth skirting around the enemy flanks causing further chaos.
"You know, as far as battling against impossible odds, this turned out to be pretty easy!" The archer gleefully remarks.
"Don't jinx us!" Damien growls feeling it inappropriate to let down their guard now.
"Someone worries too much! And I thought jinxes were overrated!" Claude's lighthearted words are soon followed by another arrow that is fluidly loosen onto the battlefield.
*FE*
Edelgard grunts as she shields her face from the nearby blast caused by Claude's arrows. Her scowl is targeted at that watchtower before she returns her focus on two fools desperate for at least one kill.
Despite a fiercer resistance and her axe flown from her grip, she's able to put them down like the mad dogs they are.
In the midst of the smoke disapating around her surroundings, Edelgard is alarmed by a ferocious roar coming from her flank. Acting on instinct, she unveils a small yet razor sharp knife, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
But how would she? Deep down, she knows that she is at a severe disadvantage.
"Move!"
Edelgard does not have time to react as she feels herself being roughly shoved out of the way by Kira.
In what could be seen as nothing more than pure arrogance, Edelgard watches in disbelief as the mercenary plants her weapon onto the dirt and performs a variety of motions from knuckles cracking to twisting and turning her neck.
Its only when the bandit leader leaps into the air is when Kira raises her fists.
"YOU'LL DIE!" His gravelly cry shows his intent to slaughter her.
But as he prepares to let his axe fly down on her, Edelgard blinks for a second and, at first could not even register that Kira pounces forward and delivers a decisive uppercut to his face, knocking him back a few meters.
Kira, herself, is amazed by the power she unleashed and blurted out, "Yeet!"
"That was careless of you!" Once again, Sothis does not waste her chance to chastise her.
"Oh, I am SO sorry." Kira does not hide her cheekiness. "How 'bout I turn my back next time, so I'll just get sliced! Make the smart heroic choice!"
Sothis lets out a sigh and concedes with a disgruntled, "Point taken. Even a simpleton like you would never do something so foolish!"
The remaining bandits, unmolested by the carnage, watch as their fallen leader staggers to his feet, his bruised ego is shown through his wide rage crazed eyes and clenched teeth.
"Think I need a weapon to deal with you, scrub?" Kira's taunt cuts through him with ease.
"Boss! We gotta go!" One of the henchmen urges, trying to pull him back. "NOW! The Knights are onto us!"
"Grrr... DAMMIT ALL! Let's get out of here!" The Leader shoves his minion back and is the first to flee.
As the remaining bandits flee, Kira frowns thinking there are still a lot more in the group. More so than she thought.
How many people do you have?! What sorta crap you pulled outta your ass that got these scrubs hooked?!
Kira growls, thinking this guy may be a problem for her later on. Though she can't figure out why.
"Hey, over here!" A familiar laid back voice makes itself known.
Kira and Edelgard quickly turn to see Claude, Dimitri, and Damien rushing to meet up with them.
After the brief reunion of relieved and amazed faces, Kira sees two familiar faces galloping towards them.
Late to the party, Otchan!
Jeralt pulls on the reins of his horse, coming to a complete stop and Leonie follows suit, as both dismount.
"Hey..." Jeralt's voice sounds amazed. "Did you just..."
Pummeled a dude? Nothin' new there!
Before Jeralt can find the words to express what he saw, a mild anxiety contorts across his face as he gazes past Kira.
The Konpeki Katana, Leonie, the students and the knight turn in the same direction to see that a sizable force of heavily armed and heavily armed racing onto the field. This vanguard is lead by a stocky man adorning a battle axe of his own along with titan shoulder pads. His brown hair, along with his distinct mustache just added to this outgoing aura that Kira is able to notice.
But now that aura is burning with a razor focus for battle.
"The Knights of Seiros are here!" His voice booms with a theatrical epic tone that sounds like something a video game Kira played once. "We will hunt you down for terrorizing our students!"
"Uhh... kinda late to the party, bro."
The new arrival quickly notices the bandits are no longer on the field and sees them fleeing. "Hey! They're getting away!" He makes a quick motion with his hand, signaling the mounted warriors, "Go after them!"
The lead knight nods and with a sharp, "Yah!" The knights charged ahead at full haste, eager to close the gap at the retreaters.
As the man, along with the remaining knights approach the small group of victors, Jeralt lets out a heavy sigh and averts his gaze, as if he's trying to hide his face.
"Ugh... out of all the people, It HAD to be him..."
Kira notices Jeralt looking unsettled and that in turn, makes her nervous. Leonie, also notices his dismay, but the sight of the new arrivals catches her attention.
The boisterous knight does not waste anytime checking on the students and appears genuinely relieved that they are alright. His face saddens seeing Damien's battered visage.
"As heroic as always, Captain." Damien coolly greets.
The knight grins. "Ahh Damien, fancy seeing you here in the... dead of knight! Hahahaha!" He quickly realizes his poor attempt of a joke in an inopportune moment and quickly stammers, "Ahh... well... Good to see you alive and well, lad! Go easy now! We'll take it from here!"
The stocky knight in command makes crisp motions with his hand, launching a series of orders to check on the students in the village and to hold defensive formations. Its only he turns in the direction the three mercenaries is when he freezes.
"Wait... is that... No..." The man shakes his head, as if he could not believe his eyes at first before his mouth drops. "Jeralt! I can't be! Is it truly you?!
*FE*
Annnd... here it is! The moment that TRULY matters in this series: Kira Appakatto begins the next part of her adventure! Question is: what will await her? (Think we have a pretty good idea :P)
And if anyone is confused Kira is basically abridged Byleth, but Byleth nonetheless (with cybernetic implants and a street punk accent) so yeah.
SAO Abridged and Kaguya-sama Love is War references
Oh and Kira's mask resembles something of Kunimitsu from Tekken 3 where it covers her whole face. Just in case there are those who're wondering.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Feel free to review on its going.
Thank you!