Hero: Thank you for the responses, I appreciate it! It was also nice to actually talk to a couple of you in the PMs as well, but allow me to respond to a few of your questions and reviews here.

SuperPanda9000: I'll actually explain his name origins at the end of this chapter in my bits of info I offer about him. So lucky you!

Azrael-Von-Gruber: Well, technically, every FE game(Unless they are direct sequels like Ike's games) usually have big time skips. As proof of this, Chrom(In the DLC) would know who some who characters are, saying they are legends, so it's not impossible for them to know about what happens in other regions. I mean, even when communication here was bad compared to today, I think they would at least know of wars that either happened or are happening.

Guest: Glad you like the twist! And to those who don't think it's possible, just think of it as an AU where Lucina does know who killed Chrom. Hopefully that eases it. Again, this is a story based on headcanons and some what-ifs that I felt the game missed big chances on.

Tsen: Who are you expecting?(Please PM it to me if you have an actual FF account.) I'm guessing Lucina, but it is as I said, don't trust any first impressions in terms of ships, you may or may not be in for a surprise. I won't lie, I still haven't decided on who exactly I want. I've narrowed it down to two women and once the other women I'm stuck on makes her debut, I may reveal who I want you all to say who clicks best with Orpheus.

I feel like Adachi, I can't keep my mouth shut and I say more than I should say. Oh well. Anyway, here's Chapter 2 of "Resolve of a Family," check it out and enjoy!


Chapter 2


"Lon'qu!" The Tactician called out.

"...What is it?" Lon'qu asked with slight irritation.

"I have a request for you."

"You are disturbing my practice. Can it wait?"

"I purposely bothered you during your practice to ask you about training with a sword. You saw my battle with Marth. It was sloppy fighting from me, even for a Tactician."

"I did see your battle. But it was no surprise. Marth was a skilled opponent. I could tell that he had been in many battles just by looking at him. What about it?"

"Are there any ways I can improve my sword combat? If I run into him again or someone just as strong, I might not be lucky."

"...Learn the basics of combat. Your form is likely free-form, but it lacks anything special for it. It has no real focus." Lon'qu took a breath and said critically.

"So I have to learn forms then? What are they." Orpheus asked after feeling the sting of his criticism.

"Even I do now know of them all, I only know of Four Forms of Combat taught to newcoming swordsmen. I have heard there are some more, but you might have to ask one of the Khans, Frederick, or Chrom about it."

"Lon'qu! I need you here!" Speak of the Devil. Chrom had called to him.

"Hmm, I'm needed elsewhere. Ask either the Khans or possibly Frederick about this." Lon'qu parted as he went to go see what he was needed for.

Orpheus only shrugged off the words of Lon'qu, but taking them to heart at the same time. Since Chrom was speaking to Lon'qu, he decided to search for Frederick instead. He had however bumped into Sumia while searching. Or rather, Sumia bumped into him. Painfully.

"O-Orpheus, are you okay!?" Sumia apologized to Orpheus. "I didn't mean to trip on you, I-I just-"

"S-Sumia, darling? H-how about you get off of me before you speak. My leg is being crushed." Orpheus forced out of himself. Sumia had mostly been on his leg. This would normally be enjoyable by any guy in an okay situation, but this was a crash landing; and it was painful.

"I-I'm sorry!" Sumia said as she jolted up as quick as she could to spare Orpheus of any more pain. After she got up, she helped him stand up. "Can you walk?"

"I'm sure I can. Anyway, why the rush? You got in my sights faster than I can react."

"I was looking for Miriel to return her book. She wanted it back before sunset and I got anxious and I hurt you instead; gods, I'm so hasty! I don't belong in the Shepherds at all!" Sumia spoke quickly and put her hands to cover her face, hiding all the emotion.

Her struggle with herself would give Orpheus a kick, but she looked so helpless, he did pity her a bit. And that pittance grew into a bit of care for her. "Now now, Sumia. Don't beat yourself over this. People do make mistakes.

"But I make way more than any normal person should!"

"...I seriously doubt that. Anyway, I saw Miriel near the Convoy, so check there. I need to find Frederick myself."

"O-Okay. You're not mad at me are you?" Sumia asked.

"If I were mad, I wouldn't have said all those nice things, now would I?" Orpheus pointed out.

"But!" Sumia wanted to counter it, but his point was valid. ...Even if his tone did sound a little unserious. "...You're right. Thanks Orpheus. I guess I should go. Goodbye!"


After even more time rummaging through the camp, slightly complaining to himself about his leg getting crushed, he spotted Frederick; he was found polishing his Silver Lance. Orpheus had approached him right away. "Frederick, can I ask for you assistance on something?"

"Yes, what do you need help with?"

"Back in the battle with Marth, I was nearly killed by him. Lon'qu informed me that there are forms of sword combat I can learn, but Chrom asked him about something. He said you may know."

"Why yes, I do know of these forms and I can instruct you on them. But you'll need to know exactly what they are first." Frederick replied as he just finished polishing

"If you mean by 'what they are' as in listening to boring lectures, then sure, I'll actually pay attention this time."

"Still as sharp tongued as ever I see." Frederick commented.

"Hey, I said I'll pay attention this time." Orpheus smiled to himself after saying that.

"If you say so. Anyway, I'll begin with the basic form of Swordplay, Multo." Frederick said as he brought out a practice sword. "Multo is the absolute basic form that most sword users practice on before either focusing on it or advancing to other forms. You would have to be a complete simpleton to not understand this form. It involves random, yet precise strikes, disarming an opponent, and is as I said, easiest to understand." Frederick demonstrated some iconic strikes as examples. "It is perfect for dealing with multiple opponents. It's only flaw is that it is terrible against a single opponent."

"Wow, and here I was having hopes for this form." Orpheus whined.

"Now now, it's still a powerful form if taken to its highest degrees. Chrom and Lon'qu are users of this form."

"Really?"

"Yes." Frederick nodded before continuing on. "Procinctu is the second form. It has more emphasis on dueling. Its attacks are elegant and it requires careful footwork. There isn't much power put into this form, but it does take out the emotion filled opponent with ease. The only downside to this form is that it is terrible against groups of opponents." Frederick explained as he showed some parry moves that the form is known for.

"Sooo, basically it's the polar opposite of the first form?" Orpheus commented.

"If you put it that way then yes. Chrom and I are users of this form. Though Chrom has a custom version of this due to being of House Ylisse. It's the Ylissean form."

"But Frederick, how did that Marth guy know it. He fought almost like Chrom in every way."

"I wish I knew the answer. It would be a threat to the royal family if the knowledge of this form became widespread." Frederick grunted with worry.

"Well, moving on… Any other forms?"

"Why yes, there is the third form, Tutamen which is the defensive form. It is an energy efficient form with a tight move-set. Masters of this form are known to be able hold out in long drawn out battles with ease, as well as being able to defend against lance wielders, something swordmasters tend to have trouble with. Because it is about defensive blocks and such, its offensive capabilities are next to none. This form is recommended to be combined with an offensive form."

"Hmmm… I may actually want to learn this one. I think Defense is more important than Offense."

"Then we think alike! I prefer to use this form myself."

"So you can teach me this form then?"

"Yes, but like I said, it's unwise to teach you this form if you have no offensive skills to use along with it."

"Very well, any others?"

"The fourth form is something most of us here in Ylisse prefer not using, but it is considered. The form is called Velox. It is the most physically demanding of all forms of combat. It uses the whole body as a weapon, involving, jumps, flips, and kicks. As being physically demanding as, it is recommended to use this form in short bursts or else you will be open for a fatal blow. It should also be noted that this form teaches unarmed combat and has dual-blade training regimens."

When Orpheus heard the dual blade part, it piqued his interest. "Dual-blades sound interesting. Does it teach you how to fully master those?"

"I cannot recommend relying on the fourth form for mastery on that. Dual-blade combat is more complicated than it sounds. It's recommended to use this in combat if you are very experienced. I can still teach it along with the whole form, but nowhere near as well as a Swordmaster from Regna Ferox could. Perhaps Lon'qu might know what to teach better than I can."

"I'll ask him later than. By the way, are there more detailed versions of these forms back at the castle?"

"Of course! When we arrive, I will show you to the army library, where we keep texts of our history, our battles, and combat tactics. You shall enjoy it there!"

"It sounds like I will. Anyway, are we able to begin training right now?"

"If that's what you wish, then grab a practice sword and we'll begin with the Multo form. Be warned for my teachings are harsh, so practice with all you have, or else you will not last!" Frederick declared.

"Bring it on, Frederick! I intend to give this all I have!" Orpheus said as he readied his own training sword.

For the rest of the evening, Orpheus battled hard with Frederick, though Multo was not one for single opponents, so he requested the assistance of 2-4 extra soldiers and Orpheus picked up on the ideal concept quickly. He had a long way to go, but for just listening on what needed to be done, his skill with the blade was shining brighter than the evening sun itself. After he finished his dinner, Orpheus yet again collapsed on his bed, readying for the continued march.


Over the next few days, after marching he would practice with Frederick and his volunteers. Orpheus' skills would only grow more and more as Frederick taught him how to disarm opponents with both swords and lances, as it was a great skill when it was necessary to capture certain people alive.

His skills would be put to the test as he needed to help a boy named Donnel in saving his village from a group of brigands. While Stahl and he were surrounded by a group of these thugs, he put his newfound skills to the test, displaying fantastic results against many opponents who get in his and Stahl's way. The two fought their way to the leader. The man seemed to be well versed in combat, more so than his underlings. His Steel Axe was dirtied with dry blood, implying he may have killed someone recently. Either that or he refuses to clean it. Regardless Orpheus challenged him.

"I'll show you castle dwelling folks that we wild-borne men can do!" Roddick said as he readied his axe.

"We? As in you and your men? I can't say I'm impressed by their stupidity and lack of any real combat tactics." Orpheus taunted as he pointed his sword at the brigand. "They're done in by us and you're next on my list!

"I'll make you eat those words, boy!" Roddick grew furious as he heard Orpheus insult his dead allies. He went in for a dive attack and Orpheus easily brushed that out of the way, moving as necessary. Stahl moved on the adjacent side, gaining some distance away from them. Roddick brandished two Hand Axes, throwing one at each Shepherd. The two avoided and began a dual-attack against him before he pulled out his Steel Axe again. As they were about to reach him, his Axe was there to block both their swords.

"Come on Castle Slickers, I expected more out of ya!" The leader taunted back. He kept moving towards Orpheus and when he went in for a quick power strike from above, Orpheus moved, but his Bronze Sword caught the Steel Axe. After all the fighting that sword had and the strength of his opponent, the sword snapped in two. Dorrick only laughed at this.

"Hahaha! What kinda leader are ya if you're weapons aren't up to snuff?" Orpheus only grunted at his response. A broken sword won't win the battle, but it can serve as a distraction. He still had his non favored tool at his arsenal. He looked at Stahl to signal him and Stahl quickly understood. Orpheus took a step back and threw what was left of his blade at the brigand. Seeing it as an act of desperation he simply blocked it; however, Orpheus used this dropping of his guard to his advantage as he quickly brought out his Thunder Tome and sent a quick bolt towards him. Being shocked to see this, he was not able to avoid it and was electrocuted by the attack. Stahl rushed in and slashed through Dorrick. The arrogant brigand dropped his axe and stepped back, as if seeing if what just happened, happened.

"Gahuagh! Nngh… This ain't where…" Dorrick muttered while in severe pain. He fell face-first onto the ground.

Orpheus approached him, grabbing his axe, moved closer, and drived the axe into his body, ending whatever life was clinging to him. Stahl got off his horse and gave a sigh of relief and gave a pat on the shoulder to Orpheus. Chrom had approached Orpheus as well.

"Thanks, friend. You were able to defeat the leader. We took the stragglers out as well." Chrom had appreciated Orpheus' tactics yet again.

"That's good. And the villagers?" Orpheus demanded assurance of the people

"Frederick and Lissa are seeing to them. But if I may add…" Chrom's words began to trail. "Was it necessary to enact such a cruel way of finishing him? Perhaps if we kept him alive, we might have learned if there are others doing this as well."

"Maybe, Chrom. But this man kidnapped others and killed those who did not obey him. His axe was dried with blood that looked like it was spilt there today. I could not allow him to live." Orpheus snapped back. He did not like what he had to say upon his arrival. Cruelty among others just for the sake of mere gold that did not matter in the long run; sickening.

"Yes, but…"

"Chrom, even so, he fought us anyway. If we have to go by laws, then due to his resistance, Stahl and I had full rights to kill him. And I doubt the man could talk about anything useful. That care for everyone is a good thing Chrom, but it will only work so far."

"I… suppose so. I guess I look up to Emm too much for my own good. Forgive me."

"Don't take it as a bad thing. I never said it was." Orpheus shook his head in response. "That care is as I said; a good thing. People look up to leaders with strong wills and unfailing determination, but also a sympathetic heart. Something all of us Shepherds have. Why else are we Ylisse's best unit of warriors? Because we have something most armies don't." Orpheus said that helped lift Chrom's spirits a little.


Afterwards, the farm boy, Donnel was recommended to join the Shepherds by his request and Kellam's praise of his skill with the lance for a newcomer. Frederick also agreed with it and said he will train both him and Orpheus to become skilled fighters of their respective weapons.

The next day Orpheus approached Frederick when he was checking the convoy when they set up camp.

"Hey Frederick, is there a spare Iron Sword in there?"

"Why, yes there is. What happened to your blade?" Frederick asked as Orpheus smiled with his broken Bronze Sword pieces in each hand. "Gods, what happened to it? It was cut clean in half!"

"That Dorrick guy broke it in two. But Stahl and I still won. Plus, I needed an upgrade anyway."

"Very well. But how was your first test of the Multo form in battle?"

"Great, but I still need help against single opponents like Dorrick. I know it might be too soon, but is it safe to move on to the second form, Procinctu? It'll come in handy one day I bet."

"...Hmmm, normally I would protest this with no second thought, but given our circumstances at the moment…" Frederick ponded this deeply. After what felt like moments and Orpheus just taking the Iron Sword while Frederick was in deep thought, he reached an answer. "...Very well, I'll teach you Procinctu. But I'll also offer some lessons on the third form, Tutamen, as well, since you apparently lack in defensive skills. However, when we reach the castle, we continue your training of Multo and you must study the forms in the library while we await new orders."

"Deal! Well then Frederick, when you're done checking up on all this, let us begin training right away!" Orpheus said as he left the area, anxious for the betterment of his skill.

"My, such enthusiasm. He may be one of my best students since Chrom yet."


Hero: Okay, here's part of the biggest cogs in this machine. It's the key component for my fighting scenes. The Forms of Sword combat. I only explained the first Four as I felt going for all Seven would just bore you all. It's a lot of info to take in already. So, I got most of these forms based from another really popular series(I'll see if any fans who are reading this will recognize where these are from!) and once we go into the Walhart Arc, we'll know of the last three. They are slightly more complex and one form will help show you just what Orpheus is gonna emphasize on.

Speaking of Orpheus, here's a bit of info I promised each chapter! Today, I'll talk about the origins of naming him. I didn't wanna name him Robin as it felt too bland and overused. And I was playing Persona 3 Portable(Which I still haven't beaten) and the MC's first Persona is Orpheus. Now, I read his backstory and I found it really intriguing. Plus, the fact that Orpheus(in the myth) was able to reach out(charm) to other people, I thought it would work with my Orpheus, albeit his sass is what would make it a bit more rough in doing so.

Anyway, last thing worth noting is that if someone uses a sword, I will mention the form(s) they use. Most people at the end of this fic will at least know two. With all that said, I've kept you here long enough. Please review and share your thoughts on this chapter! If you liked it, feel free to follow the story for updates on it! I have chapter 3 ready and I just need to keep revising it. But my b-day is tomorrow, so I'm gonna enjoy that first! So take care, stay golden; and next time, no real life-threatening combat! Just Orpheus interacting and getting to know some of the Shepherds. SUPPORT LINK GO!