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
JP – Thanks for the review; I wish we could both PM back and forth as I have so many other ideas for future stories in the other FE games, but still the appreciation is felt. As for your suggestion about using A Story Retold; I can see it as a source of inspiration but given how I want to frame my story I don't think it's a one-to-one comparison.
NickNays135 – Thank you for the review and I hope I can keep impressing you guys along the way. And yes I may have other ideas for even older FE games, but those are still in planning.
FireEmblemMaster101 – Thanks for understanding my consideration for Lucas to learn combat. Most people see OCs or SIs learning to fight and think we're just trying to make them into 'Sue' type characters. But this type of development for Lucas isn't just about this physical development, but… I'll leave it there for now.
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
Journey Among The Plains
Chapter 2 – Sword of Spirits
A small altar lies on the outskirts of Bulgar. This ancient temple, sacred to the people of Sacae, has long been known for its powerful bond to the world of spirits. Before starting their journey, our travelers come here to pray for their well-being. At this altar, Lyn's hand is directed to a grand inheritance.
After having left Bulgar after some last-minute preparations; Lyn, Lucas and their new knightly companions were on their way to the shrine along the way Lucas couldn't help himself but mouth another tune to himself…
(Think of Blue Bird – Naruto)
"…So all you'd ever know
Is that blue – that blue – Sky up above…"
The voice of Kent shocked Lucas out of his reverie as the knight asked curiously, "You've been mouthing quite a serene song… what exactly is it about?"
But Lucas couldn't answer as Kent continued to ponder, "It's not a poem from your inflections. Perhaps a serenade of some kind?"
"You surprise me Sir Kent, you're quite attentive. I had no idea you could read lips." Lucas said a little surprised.
"Hahaha! How do you think he keeps up with me!?" Sain said in his usual cheery voice, but as he turned around, "Can also be annoying…"
However the red knight also had a keen sense of hearing and glared at his companion when he heard his fellow knight's grumbling.
But Sain now curious asked the young tactician, "I've never heard such a tune before as well. In fact I've heard you humming quite some time since we first started heading out. Some of them don't sound like things you'd heart at courts OR taverns. What's that about?"
Lucas slightly flushed forced to explain some of his favorite music, "Well I've always had a good memory when it came to music. As for some of my songs; some having meaning behind them while others don't and are merely for entertainment. The one I was mouthing just now does have a deeper meaning to it."
"On the plains; both stories and songs can go hand in hand, but as you say each individually can have their own meanings. Why don't you tell us about the one you were humming just now?" Lyn asked causing Lucas to pull his hood up to cover to his growing blush.
"W-well, unfortunately unlike what Sir Kent said it's not a serenade for a lover more so it's a motivational song. This song is known as 'Blue Bird' the story behind it is that as the bird begins falling from high in the sky it finds the strength to recover and continue to soar back into the sky." Lucas explained.
Lyn smiled at hearing such a tale, "Then truly you must sing it for us Lucas!"
"S-sing… N-no, I'm not that good. But I guess if you all insist…" Lucas said sheepishly. The group continued on their way to the shrine as Lucas dragged behind waiting for his flush to disappear.
(Shrine of the Mani Katti)
As the group neared the destination Lyn was clearly in high spirits from the smile on her face as she turned to Lucas, "Thank you for listening to my request earlier Lucas. I know it's important to get to Caelin, but I had to do this."
"It's fine Lyn besides this place is important to you and our people right?" He smiled back at her. "That's all that matters." Before saying to himself internally; 'Besides this blade is your destiny…'
"You know about the blade?" Lyn asked surprised by the young man's knowledge.
"Yes, I've researched about much of Elibe's history and faiths as I could. It's quite possible there's even more I don't know." Lucas' statement was technically true. "Regardless of what I may follow, I think it's exciting to learn new things."
"I see then it makes sense where I found you. You were out in the plains studying?" Lyn inquired.
The knights were quite surprised to hear Lucas was of a different faith; "So you aren't a follow of St. Elimine?" Kent asked.
"I would assume that's not an issue Sir Kent, is it?" Lucas asked the cavalier.
Kent shook his head; "Not at all. While the teachings of St. Elimine are typical. It's nice to know there are those who practice their ancient customs."
As the group neared the shrine however they were greeted by panicked village maiden, "Miss!" The young lady then caught sigh of Lyn's clothing. "Miss, are you heading to the shrine to the east!?"
"Yes, we are - " Lyn started.
The maiden then begged, "Then please you must help! Bandits! They barged into the shrine and took it over! It seems they want the sacred blade inside!"
Lyn's body then shifted into action as her personality drastically changed, "What!? I won't let them!"
Lucas however just as before was already calmly surveying the land, "Very well then. Kent, you, and I will head south and ask the villagers for any pertinent information. Lyn, Sain I need the both of you to stay here in those nearby forts and keep watch of any nearby bandits."
"Very well Lucas, I understand we'll stay here. Let's go Sain!" Lyn then headed for the closest eastern fort.
"Ah, wait for me my Lady Lyndis! I wish to gaze more at the fighting style of the Sacae!" Sain joined after her as he raced for the other abandoned fort.
Both Lucas and Kent released exasperated sighs, "Would it not have been better for both me and Sain to ask the villagers for information?"
"Perhaps but given his personality he could have gotten sidetracked; you know that more than me. Sticking him with Lyn, might just be better since she can deal with him better." Lucas shrugged as he replied.
"Very well then, let us be off!" Kent said as both he and the tactician raced off for the villages asking for information. After gathering the necessary information, they raced back to their allies to find that Lyn and Sain were already engaged in combat.
However, by the time they had arrived Kent and Lucas found two bandits dead at their feet.
"Well I see the heroic knight did his duty and without mistake." Lucas teased.
"I-I will have you know that I was… having a bad day the other time. Y-yes… of course." Sain said with a red face.
"So Lucas did you and Kent find out anything important?" Lyn stayed on topic.
"Yes, it seems that there's a weak portion of the wall on the western side, and there's a large group of bandits guarding the gate to the shrine for us to make a direct assault. Therefore we'll tear down that wall and ambush the bandits inside; while that's going on we'll need two people to keep the bandits out front busy." Lucas explained the plan.
"We have to - " Lyn seemed upset that the plan meant potentially desecrating the holy site of her people.
"Lyn, I understand you don't feel comfortable with us doing this. But if we don't stop them quickly they'll tear this place apart and who knows what they'll do to the priest if they get angry enough." Lucas tried his best to rationalize their actions.
"I understand… they will pay for forcing on our hand in this." Lyn said with a tinge of anger.
"Very well then, Sain I need you to destroy the wall. Lyn and Kent, head for the entrance to the south and keep the attention of the bandits. After you hear the wall collapse, rejoin us and we'll assault the main hall. If kill their leader they should probably flee." Lucas finished with his strategizing.
The group nodded in unison; "Alright then, let's do this!" With that and a whip of his hand and a rearing of his horse; the group broke off into their respective directions.
The last bandit fell to the floor as Sain gutted the man through the chest with his lance. Removing the bloody spear he admired his work, "That assault plan was a brilliant success Lucas the bandits outside don't know what to do!"
The bandit leader Glass was shocked as he fell back trying to fruitlessly pull the blade from it's scabbard again and again. He was even more so when he saw the group of four staring at him from the throne he was on.
"W-what the hell!? How did you lot get in. What happened to my crew!?" Glass said in anger.
"Oh you mean your lackeys? They ran at the first sound the wall crumbling. They thought they were getting attacked from behind and ran for the hills." Kent explained.
"Aaaaaah! Worthless every one of 'em! I'll just kill you lot myself!" Glass said as he drew his iron sword over his shoulder.
"Everyone… let me deal with him." Lyn said as she approached the bandit leader.
"Lyn? But why…" Lucas said confused at Lyn's sudden actions. However Sain stopped him.
"Lady Lyndis felt this was personal, so it seems she wants to do this her own way. Please understand Lucas, this is a matter of pride for her." The green knight explained.
Lucas could only watch on however with worry; as though he knew Glass was only a simple bandit; that didn't mean he was a weakling of any kind.
"Lyn… be careful." Lucas said worryingly in his thoughts.
"Bandit, I am Lyn of the Lorca tribe. I will fight you here and now for the sacred sword!" Lyn declared as she readied her blade.
The bandit couldn't believe his eyes; this puny girl wanted to fight him?!
"Hahahaha! Do you know who I am girl, I am GLASS the best swordsman in the world! The gods tremble at my name! You think you can defeat me!" His face contorted with a veneer of snark and pride.
"Then I ask again: Duel me for the blade." Lyn challenged again.
The bandit readied his Iron Blade; "If you insist… besides, I can have two in one; I beat you I get the sword and I'll you for myself! Haaah!"
"Haaah!" Lyn charged in as the two began their clash. The clanging of metal met metal as the two exchanged an opening series of blows. However early on, Glass' heavier Iron Blade easily pushed Lyn back.
"With that Iron Blade, he's got the power and strength advantage. Lyn's Iron Sword may be lighter and have some power but it's not enough to match it. Her style focuses on her speed and dexterity. It doesn't help the small space hampers her movement…" Lucas was studying the fight as he watched the two.
He watched as the two knights simply stood by and watched the fight occur as it did. Lucas more than understood the concept of honor and pride. But even he never prescribed to them.
What good is one's honor if they allow their opponent to stab them in the back? For pride, can only lead to one's own downfall. Lucas knew what drove Lyn… but that didn't mean he agreed with it.
In his heart he knew Lyn's pride as a Sacaen was the most important thing to her, but at times… it just seemed so… self-destructive.
What if she were to fall? To be killed at the hands of any of the bandits, assassins, or soldiers they were to face? What if she was captured and had god knows what things done to her… No, Lucas could never get behind pride and honor.
It got most people killed as he knows from all the stories he's seen…
With one large swing; Glass knocked Lyn away again onto her back while she still had her blade in hand.
"Hah! Is this all the Lorca have? I was expecting to meet a swordmaster; not some little girl in a dress! This sword was meant to be used by a master swordsman: And that'll be me!" Glass taunted Lyn who once again charged the bandit.
Another clash of iron, however this time Glass was able to get in a slash on Lyn's side as a shriek of pain escaped her lips for a moment.
"Lyn!" Lucas cried out. Even Kent and Sain as they stood by the side tightened their free fist as well as the hands on their swords.
*CLANG!*
Sparks flew as Lyn was able to parry Glass' blade and regaining her balance she continued the fight.
"I will not lose to a simple bandit… Like you!" Lyn said defiantly.
"Never! Now you die!" Glass went to strike downward right a Lyn, but the swordswoman dodged the heavy blow, and this is where he fell for her trap. When he struck his blow sent him downwards toward the stairs and in that moment he lost his balance.
Lyn then took the chance and slashed at this legs inflicting a deep cut on one of them to the point where Glass fell in pain as she clenched his leg.
"Aaaah! You… don't you dare look down on me!" Glass screamed as he saw Lyn looking at him from the position he had just been in.
"Will you throw your life away like so many other bandits?" Lyn questioned him.
Glass defiantly picked up his blade despite his hampered ability to move, "Shut your mouth1 I'll kill you here and… Gah!"
Glass gasped as he looked down to see Lyn's iron sword in his chest stabbed through. His arms went weak as his Iron Blade fell to the ground with a heavy clatter and his body went limp.
Lyn removed her blade from the man's chest as she cleaned her blade and sheathed it. The knights smiled as they approached Lyn and congratulated her.
"That was a spectacular showing Lady Lyndis!" Sain said as he congratulated her efforts. Lyn's let off a small smile despite the somber moment.
"Thank you, Sain." She replied.
However one of their group wasn't as cheerful as Lucas stayed near the wall clenching his tome in his arms. He squeezed it harder and harder until he felt the book begin to go in on itself.
"And you're certain I can hold it?" Lyn asked the priest, who chuckled.
"But of course, after what you've done the sword has now safely been returned. You can pray here whenever you need to." He said.
Bowing quickly and with a smile on her face; the Sacaen nomad took the blade in her hands. Then a bright lowing light filled the room as the sword glowed. Lucas couldn't help but stare how amazing the sight was.
The others were far less composed, however.
"What's going on?!" Lyn said in shock. The Caelin knights seemed to be at just a loss as each of them shrugged their shoulders.
The priest however spoke up and replied, "It seems… the spirits have judged you worthy. Try unsheathing it, young one."
Lyn did so and the blade come out seamlessly with little effort; Lyn now held the blade in her arms, "It came out… effortlessly."
"Then it is proven. Lyn of the Lorca, you are the destined rightful owner of the Mani Katti, the legendary blade of Sacae!" The priest said jubilantly.
"I… I couldn't possibly…" Lyn stilled seemed hesitant.
"My girl, the fact the blade has responded so proves you are worthy. Please, take it with you on your journey… I implore you to do so." The priest insisted on Lyn taking the blade.
Finally convinced, Lyn smiled; "I will! Thank you!"
Kent and even Sain more so were busy congratulating and celebrating with Lyn, but Lucas still upset from before slinked away to ready the supplies for the journey ahead.
After receiving the sword the group went on their way. But an awkward silence hung in the air. The usual humming of their tactician was not in the air and all of them noticed. Lyn especially was worried.
Lucas hung in the back of the group as they continued on; even while at camp Lucas would keep to himself and not speak to the others.
"Lucas… what happened? Why are you like this now?" Lyn said with some worry in her thoughts.
"He's been quiet since the incident at the shrine. Could it be that…?" Kent stewed as he watched Lucas eating by himself.
"This silence is most unsettling; even Lady Lyndis and Kent don't feel very comfortable. Lucas, what is the matter?" Sain thought to himself as well.
The three exchanged several looks, but as it was getting late and they saw that Lucas had already gone to bed on his own they decided to wait until tomorrow to try and get answers.
As the group awoke; they heard rustling as they say that Lucas was already up and getting the supplies ready for their journey.
"Lucas?" The boy turned to see that Lyn had a worried look on her face. The boy pulled his hood to hide his face. While he turned back to getting ready.
"Lucas please, talk to us. What's happened?" Lyn asked again.
"You have been quite solemn since the incident at the shrine; what is the matter it's not like you to be so silent." Kent joined in.
"Yes, we miss your songs. Our journey will only be a somber one if you don't chin up." Sain tired in vain to get Lucas to reply.
"My apologies… I didn't know it was wrong to worry about those in your care. And stand by the sidelines doing nothing!" Lucas said with a slight venom in his tone to the shock of the group.
"…wrong to care… what do you mean Lucas?" Lyn inquired of the young tactician's words.
"I just wondered how much it means for people to let their emotions guide them. What good does one's honor and pride do for them; if they're nothing but a corpse at the end of the say!?" Lucas continued to go off at the group.
"Lucas! Honor and pride to some are the most…" Kent tried to speak but Lucas continued dressing them down.
"And you two!" Sain and Kent slightly backpedaled at Lucas' loud voice.
"What would you've done if Lyn had died, huh? Killed Glass yourselves, and then buried her, honored her? Then everything we achieved would be for nothing. You two would've failed before you even began. Lundgren would've won and you two been declared traitors. So no, I don't understand… and I probably never will." Lucas said as he mounted his horse.
"I will not leave even if you hate me right now for what I've said and insulted your beliefs. Because… you all are too important to me to lose now." Not wanting to be around anymore. Lucas went off ahead slightly as he left the trio back at camp.
The three could only share looks as they watched Lucas; eventually getting on their own horses they followed the tactician. The same silence as before now permeating the air in the group as all of them thought about the tactician's words…
AN #1 – Welcome everyone to my second chapter Fire Emblem story, "Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade – Journey Among the Plains". Lyn now has the famed Sacaen sword, the Mani Katti. But not all is well in the group as Lucas just can't get behind the old ways of this time period.
Can the group's synergy ever return to normal? Fine out next time.
All of those and more in the next chapter, "Band of Mercenaries"
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.
Author of Mystery, out!
AN#3: Now wait, wait, wait! Pitchforks and torches down! Let me explain the reason for the conflict in this scene:
As we all know Lucas is from our time. So he knows various examples throughout history of people being honorable and prideful; but he also knows that such things have also gotten others killed for such beliefs.
And in turn he takes that experience with him to Elibe; I don't think it makes sense for him to just take pride and honor and just "accept" it because that's where he's stuck in. At the heart of this story is the physical and emotional story that Lucas will go through.
This… is the first part of it. It may not seem like much in the grand scheme right now, but much later on such beliefs and emotions will hit Lucas like a train.
Just trust me please.
Again; see you later. Author of Mystery… out.
