Hero: Didn't expect a new chapter so soon, didja? This one is shorter, especially considering it's an opening to a new arc. But the way I ended it was so good, I felt like it was right to stop there and pick it up next time. You'll understand soon enough. This opens up with setting up the stage for something big. I did tell you there was going to be one big battle, right? You'll see soon enough. Anyway, let's get into Arc II of this story! Where now the relationship is coming together, we're going to keep up the growth of Cordelia and Orpheus in both combat capabilities and as human beings. Let's go!
Arc II: Rebuild
Chapter 17
Once again, she lay in that room, dimly lit; only bright enough to read the book before her. It had been nearly two months since that final battle she witnessed. Her time to make was soon arriving. But a knock on the door interrupted her session. But the person was different. It was not Henry, she could sense it.
"Enter." The door would creak open slowly, and once it stopped; soft steps creeping their way in.
"It's been a while…" The dark feminine voice would speak out.
"Tharja. And here I thought you'd be trying to cling to him like before. What brings you all the way back home?" She would ask, a bit unsure as to why Tharja is not in Ylisstol.
"I'm just rounding up some people to bring to Orpheus." It sounded like she didn't want to, but could not refuse his request. "I'm still not done with that, but I have news for you. The news you feared most. His memory is gone."
"So… Validar did rob his memory away. He perfected that forbidden curse. And you said he didn't recognize you, yes?"
Tharja's teeth would grind with irritation. "No. He doesn't. And apparently Validar died to him, so he can never get his memories back." She bit onto her nail, a common habit when she was agitated.
"Gods…! That's a problem. Validar was the only one who could undo it."
"He doesn't even remember you or anything about Plegia. Or my affection for him. He thinks I'm just a random serial stalker…! Curse that dastard Validar!"
"Peace, Tharja. There's nothing we can do. You know he wasn't interested in you in the romantic sense. All he said was that you were attractive once. Plenty of men think that."
"But he was the first one to say it to my face. That means he wanted me...! The other men… were cowards. Less than men. Rats, even." Her obsession with Orpheus stemmed all the way to his past life, before it was robbed from him. And others, it seems. "And now he's interested in some Horse flying tomato!" Her dark aura began to light up around her.
"Tomato? Tomatoes can fly?" Her misreading of the insult completely killed some of the tension.
"It's that red haired Pegasus Knight! He likes her now!"
"Oh, her? Yes, she fought with him in the final battle. Are you going to steal him away from her?"
"I tried. And I don't need a mind reading hex to know his interest in me is gone." His old self is completely dead now. This is why she was angry. Validar killed her only shot at him. ….or so she tells herself.
"So you're letting him go to her?"
"He'll be happy, so I won't stop him. But if she fails him, or even hurts him…." Her giggle sent a chill down the other's spine. There's the Tharja she knew.
"I-I see… Why not tell him what you know?"
"He may not believe me."
"Fair enough."
"So what about you? Will you go back to see him?"
"Not now. I'm currently seeing how the battle for the throne is going. Once I have an idea of who will take it, I'll leave. Plus, Aversa has been missing since the final battle. I do not know where she is. She isn't dead, I know that much. If she knows I fled, she'll come after me. She knows where I'm going."
"You missed your chance, then. You could come back with me. I'll be heading out once I find my targets. I got an unreliable man with me, but he could serve as a decent meatshield."
"Oh, Tharja." She would giggle. "You never change. I'll think about it. I need to make contact with someone before I leave."
"The boy?"
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll drop by another time. Have your decision by then. I'll see you later..." And like that, the Dark Mage would leave the other to her lonesome, sneaking out of presence as easily as she faded in.
A sigh would escape the other's lips. "Maybe it's time I do go back to him." She would think to herself before grabbing a blank book, preparing to write in it.
Meanwhile in Ylisstol. The time for peace was now settling in it. The sound of construction on the castle had begun, brick by brick. In a lone room in the castle, however, Orpheus had finished a meeting with Chrom. Soon he would bring up the enhanced training of the smaller Ylissean army. But first he needed to get an opinion from a woman he knew.
Descending down towards the sparring grounds, he found her by her lonesome. Perfect. "Cordelia!" He would call out to the Knight, who did not expect his sudden appearance. Especially since it's already after they had their first date the night before.
"Ah, Orpheus! I didn't expect to see you until tonight." She would reply, a bit on edge. The classic interested in someone kind of on edge.
"Well, I was hoping to discuss something important with you if you got a moment."
Oh gods, what was he going to ask. She had spent her night reading her old copy of "Make Him Fall for You in a Fortnight". She kept a cool poker face, but inside her anxiety with romance would creep into her mind, refusing to let her breathe and relax.
"Well, there's a proposition I'd like to suggest to Chrom and…" And like that, her worries were thrown out the window. She wanted to slam her head against the brick wall but she wouldn't dare let Orpheus see that.
"Go ahead…" She sighed in her head, thinking he was going to refer to last night.
"Well, I was thinking we could expand our repertoire and combat capabilities in battle by undertaking some advanced training regiments I researched on. It could make us all stronger. Promotions, if you will. For all of us."
"Promotions?"
"Yes. Using you for example, you're a Pegasus Knight. But there are two positions you can advance to. A Dark Flier or a Falcon Knight. The skills needed to achieve these titles isn't easy and you will learn new skills along the way. Plus, I read something that may tie into my ability I used against Gangel."
"Ah, yes. Did you find something about that one in particular?"
"Not that specifically, but I did learn there are skills similar to it. Not many people can get these skills, but I think some in our army can learn how to do it. I found one called Sol, which restores health, Luna, which helps you carve through an enemies defenses, and Astra, a technique that helps a fast moving fighter get multiple strikes in some cases, a single second! And Chrom has a rare one. His family line can learn Aether."
"Ah yes, the ability given to his family by Naga herself. They say you glow a gold aura if you use it."
"Yes, some of these abilities change how your weapon is colored or a slight appearance change that's temporary."
"You think we can learn these?"
"I'm not sure. But I think it's worth a shot! Plus, even if our army doesn't grow in quantity, we can grow in quality!"
"Hm, I think it might have a chance. So you want my approval then? I'm certain Chrom will say yes to your plans."
"Yes, but it's still something that may not look well given the years before Emmeryn was in charge. The people, let alone the army may not sit well with it."
"Hmm… Perhaps we could leave it as an option for only those who show the potential to or meet certain skill sets?"
"Yeah. Perhaps that could work. I know at least all of the Shepherds can become stronger and reach these new classes. You too."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah! I'd say being a Falcon Knight like Lady Phila may suit you best." That comparison made her heart skip a beat. But then Cordelia would quickly interject.
"Orpheus, you're going too far! She would never praise me as such. How could she have told you about that?"
"She didn't. Frederick told me. And he had been in contact with her long before I came into the picture." She would jump in again.
"Impossible. I'm nothing compared to her. She is… a Master of the Sky. One who could not be bested one on one. Compared to her, I'm just…"
"Cordelia, you're right on one thing. You're not as skilled as her…. Yet." He sounded true in his statement. Unwavering and all. "I could see the ability you possess in our time of training together and in the last war. If we stay like this; you'll never reach that goal. I know you want to be like her. And I know you can be like her. I can see it in your eyes. You have a Warrior's set of eyes when you fight. And here and now, you have the eyes of a Saint. Those eyes remind me of her's. But… yours are just something I can't stop looking at."
Even Cordelia, who always deflected praise at every turn, who doubted all but the very best, couldn't help but smile and her sight growing a little misty.
"Oh, Orpheus… you're such a fool." She took a step closer to him, their personal spaces intertwined. "You shouldn't say that a woman has those kinds of eyes." She noted, holding back some enjoyment from his words. Comparing any part of a woman to that of a barbaric term usually isn't a good idea.
"I know." His eyes had shown he had a plan in his head. And his strategy just worked. "It's just that…" He would stop his trail of words, entering Cordelia's space, planting a kiss on her lips and holding her in place. Her sense of time stopped; feeling like a year just zoomed by in an instant despite this moment only lasting for a few seconds. Her eyes widened, but she embraced the kiss, closing them and returning the favor before they broke apart. Part of her wanted to keep it going, but what if someone could see them.
"...I know you'll forgive me this time for that." He finished his sentence after their lips parted and the two moved back to their initial distance, letting Cordelia's sense of time resume. She could not believe he just did that.
"...Thank you, Orpheus." She would only say that for the moment. She was still processing this. This was not how she expected her first kiss to go. On a barren training ground. Instead of some cliche romantic moment in some city at night, or a field, or… almost anywhere else.
"See? You just need to believe in yourself more. And believe in us. I knew you'd forgive me."
But it was then that he made a mistake. He got too lax around her. Thinking he had control so easily around her. Something just awakened in her. This advice he imparted helped the redhead discover a new hidden self just for a moment like this.
"Oh I didn't say I did forgive you, Orpheus."
"Wait then what was-"And she would not let him finish his sentence. She put her hand around the back of his head and pushed him forward to a kiss where she had the advantage. He was completely at her mercy. His eyes may have looked more shocked than she did a moment before. She wanted more of this with him, but on her terms. His words are to thank for this. And she was finally satisfied and let him go.
"There. Now I forgive you. I'll see you later, Orpheus. I have some work to do." She would simply walk past him, leaving him behind to deal with his strategy in shambles. He got what we wanted. He won a battle, but lost this next one. He needed to deal with this later though. It was time to prepare to meet with Chrom and see if he could discuss this over a good sparring match.
An Hour later, the sound of faux blades clashing echoed in the training hall. Orpheus and Chrom were having one of their recurring bouts again. The two looked equal upon a glance, but Chrom still had the upper hand in strength and a narrow edge in skill. The gap had closed considerably since when they first met, but Orpheus was still not a successful match against the Exalt. If only that ability could appear again, he could turn the tides against him.
"Stand down, Orpheus. That's enough sparring for today." Chrom cut off their session shorter than usual.
"Through already? I know you can keep going for a while longer, Chrom."
"Yes. But I noticed you still haven't drawn out that power that you used to slay Gangrel. Why is it so hard to recreate?"
"I'm still not sure. Even in our most intense sparring matches, I can't quite make it appear. If I do, it's like a fading spark instead of a strong flame. I'm thinking it only came out because of how dire the situation was."
"I believe it was due to that moment as well. Especially seeing Phila die before you. I wonder if your emotions are the key to it. It would be very different from Aether if that's the case."
"Oh, that's your family line's ability, right?"
"Right. We're not sure how it came to be given to even those who cannot wield Falchion, but it's something attained through rigorous training. I have an inkling on how to make it appear, but so far I've only been able to use it when I hold Falchion. It works like a conduit to assist me in unleashing that power."
"But…. You haven't been able to use that with other weapons, right?"
"Yes. I'll have truly mastered Aether when I can use it willingly. Even here, whenever we spar."
"I see. I did want to ask you something in regards to training." He would put the dull weapon away before focusing his gaze on the Exalt once more. "I was wondering if you would be into the idea of boosting the strength of our military."
"Orpheus… you already know I'll never be all for a mass recruitment of soldiers. That's the first thing my father did on his dark path." His tone was full of disdain. He expected better from his Tactician.
"I don't mean a draft. I mean improving the ones we already have. Quality, not quantity."
"Just what do you suggest, then?"
"Research into improving everything. Weapons, armor, skills, strategies. If we can't have an army of hundreds of thousands, then we can make each of our soldiers be as strong as ten or more men alone. It's clear all the Shepherds are worthy for promotions. They're too talented to be stuck where they are now. In this time of peace, we can still grow stronger in case a new threat emerges. So we can be ready to take it down easier then where we are right now."
"You've made your point. And I can understand those sentiments. I want to say no threats will ever arise but that's wishful thinking. I hear even now there's a civil conflict going on in the neighboring continent of Valm. That could have been us still, but your insights and strategies brought a swifter end to our own war. I'll need to think on it. For now, I still want to work on healing the Kingdom before we go on to bolstering it."
"I understand. Perhaps I can get started with the Shepherds?"
"I'm fine with that. It could make for a good opportunity to see your ideas in action." Chrom would nod, eyes turning away back to the taller side of the castle before him. "Hmm, I think I should head back to the throne. I've to discuss some repairs to damaged sections of the capital with Frederick."
"Sounds good. Sure you won't need me?"
"I'll manage. Don't you have plans tonight? I wouldn't want to hold you from those. I hear you needed help from Lissa and Stahl for some more clothes to enjoy life in the Halidom properly." He would laugh a bit to himself.
"Well, to be fair. I did only join your army with nothing but the clothes on my back. I never really thought about much clothing outside my military life."
"Hey, you need to enjoy that side. I can't anymore, friend. You mustn't take it for granted." He would turn himself around. "I'm off then. Enjoy your night, Orpheus." And with that, it was back to work for Chrom. The nation always had something for him to work on after all. A leader's work is truly never done.
But now Orpheus was given a challenge he was not suited to. Courting a woman. Yes, Cordelia has shown some interest in him already, but even so, retaining that interest and cultivating it into something more was the true challenge. Their plans were simple, she wished to share some interesting spots that she knew in Ylisstol. Considering their style of outfits however, they would only go to one location for tonight. Their stop was an exclusive club to eat, drink, and enjoy music to. It was no mere pub, but an exclusive environment where nobles and knights could enter. Their status as members of Shepherds granted them easy access.
Orpheus adjusted his black shirt, still unused to more "noble" attire; the shirt feeling tight. At least the coat he wore around it was comfy. Cordelia elected to wear a flowing dress, red to match her hair. These places were things she never desired to be at. But it was something Maribelle had suggested. And stepping away from their comfort zones could prove interesting. The two could even dance if music came on. Assuming they both knew, that is. Best to hold on to that question for another time until that fact was certain.
"I never expected to ever come to a place like this. I feel a bit… out of place. I'm just a Tactician, not some noble or high ranking Knight." Orpheus said with some modesty, a bit surprising to hear from him.
"You're the Exalt's Tactician now, that's a much more suitable role, wouldn't you think?" She would refute, trying to ease him up.
"Hm, I suppose I'll have to accept that." He would sigh, staring at his empty glass. "You ever drink wine before? I can't exactly remember if I have or have not till recently. "
Clearly, he knew how to talk to a woman. But regardless, she understood his plight. "Yes, but only a bit. Last time was during Lord Chrom's day of being Exalted."
"Yes, of course. That was a doozy. I'm glad we were able to sneak out of there. It was burning me out by the 3rd hour." He sounded dreary, yet his little laugh showed it was a fun memory all the same.
"Hmhm, yes, who would have guessed the barracks were the safe spot away from everyone." The redhead would look towards the stage, the lighting reminding her of Olivia's performance to kick off the festivities on that big day. "So would you say you're not into parties?" She would ask, curious to see if he was more introverted or not.
"I wouldn't say that, but after some time if nothing really changes it just starts to burn me out. I'm up for exciting prospects but chatting it up with nobles I've never really talked to or will probably never talk to for some time got a little redundant. What about you?"
"Hmm, I'd rather just keep it smaller with friends personally. The Shepherds, you, and my sisters from the Knights. That's really all I could ask for."
"I get that." And before their conversation continues on, an attendant comes in with their wine of choice to pour in their glasses. Once he took his leave, Orpheus would continue. "Say, is it true you're good with the Harp?"
"Good? I wouldn't go that far…" Now it was her with the need of easing up and boost of confidence. Her eyes looked away from him, angling towards the floor.
"Stahl put in a good word for you. I hear you guys usually get a chance to learn instruments thanks to having that status in high society life. I believe he and Maribelle also know some instruments, though I've never asked for specifics." He would look at his wine for a moment before eyeing her once more. "How about I learn one? I'm certain I can make time to learn with these times we're living in."
"At your age? Most of us start young to master ours. And some are more complicated than others."
"Oh I'm not trying to become some Legendary musician. I just want to learn how to use one. Chrom did say I should pick up a hobby. I think it could be fun." He would start scoping out the room, staring for something to catch his eye. He saw brass, then percussion. Then, Elthunder struck.
"That one." He would make his gaze clear for her to spot.
"That? The Piano? That one is more difficult."
"Oh, I can tell." He loved the idea of a challenge after all. "And that's why I think it will be fun."
"My, you're more headstrong than Vaike sometimes…"
"Oh, you know that's what you'll be enjoying if you stick with me." He laughed a bit before getting a grip on his glass.
She would sigh. Why must she be attracted to confidence like that? "Then I suppose I'll have to keep an eye on you from doing anything worse."
"I didn't hear a denial in that statement."
"And yet, you heard no true confirmation either." She tried to check him.
"Ha. I'm glad we agreed to this."
"Hm, I think I am too." She would hoist her glass a bit towards him.
"Cheers, I'll drink to that." He would bring his glass against her's. The evening promised to be entertaining. To Orpheus, that was all he could ask for. He couldn't help but find the woman in red to be so interesting. Her looks were what others in the army may admire her for, what with her thin, yet athletic physique. Her piercing gaze and that bright smile whenever you could see it. The Red hair was only the finishing piece to complete her iconic admirable look, but he loved how much backbone and spirit she had… whenever she choosed to show it at least. Yeah, he definitely wanted another chance to go out with her sometime. And going by her look in her eyes... she might too.
Hero: And here is what will become a recurring trend with the two. They're both going to try and one up each other. And this isn't surprising at all if you see the Robin and Cordelia content in the Summer DLC. It's not going to be a thing all the time, but I think it'll be fun to have her serve as his check. Plus, these two are so bad at it they haven't even technically made it official. He just kissed her to make a move and she then blew up his plan in front of his face. And going to their date, they're both in a new environment yet they settle in thanks to each other's presences, opinions of the others around them be damned. Before wholesome moments as a pair, it's important to see how they handle different scenarios since this is their first times(Orpheus' since he doesn't know if he did this before) they're actually dating someone. Of course, there's a situation that will be brought up next chapter to bring up why Cordelia isn't out of the woods in terms of her past feelings. Oh, and as for that person in the first half of the story. Yes, they're coming into the main picture real soon. And you will all finally know who it is in this arc! So there's the end to this as next time Orpheus shall begin some class changes for the Shepherds and in either the next chapter or the one after, you'll see him flexing his leader of the army muscles before said army. Albeit the Sheperds are the trial to see if it works, but you get the point. See you then. Stay safe out there! Don't get sick.
