I'm finally back with an actual update for this project. I apologise for such a long gap between chapters but I have had a lot of other stuff to handle as well, Including other projects I am working on (however they are completely separate from this) and I still also need my own free time as well. I will probably get busier in the future however this is still something that I want to continue and will work on it whenever I can. I can promise I'll update too often but I'll try my hardest.
This story will be my main focus for the future and will be the one I update most. The Legend of Stoneblock will become the main focus once this one is done however this will be a very long story be patient.
Anyway, the usual stuff:
- I do not own Fire Emblem
- Spoilers for Fire Emblem Awakening
Chapter 3
Warrior Realm
The Shepherds continued on their march to Regna Ferox. As Robin walked near the front of the pack next to Chrom he felt as though his legs could give in at any moment. It honestly felt like they had been walking for years (A/N: Apologies, that is my fault).
It grew colder the closer they got to the Ferox's border until it eventually began to snow. Robin had already begun to freeze up and pulled his cloak tighter around himself, he didn't know what the weather was usually like in Regna Ferox but if it was like this most of the time he was glad he was unconscious in Ylisse and not here otherwise he would've frozen to death depending on how long he was out cold. Robin looked around to see that the rest of the Shepherds were doing their best to try and keep warm. He noticed Vaike shivering like crazy due to his lack of a shirt. The only one who seemed perfectly fine was Chrom, he wasn't even a little fazed by the weather which was impressive considering that he was missing a sleeve.
After a while longer they were approaching a fortress on the border. Most likely some kind of border guards to stop ruffians Robin thought to himself, They should let us in if we explain why we're here but I'll need to think of something in case they don't, this is an urgent matter after all.
"Brr!" Lissa shivered. She was walking just behind Robin and Chrom next to Frederick. It had been a while since anyone had actually said anything as they were all too busy trying to warm up but Lissa had had enough and spoke up. "F-F-Frebberick! I'm f-f-freebing!"
"Stand beside my horse, milady." Frederick declared. "She'll shelter you from the wind."
Lissa moved over onto the other side of Frederick's horse to get out of the gusts of wind. She stood very close to the horse's side to shield herself from the frozen air. The Shepherds had approached the fortress that stood in their way on the border, they halted and rested for a little while after all the walking they had been doing. Robin examined the fortress, looking for a way to get past other then the door, he hoped they wouldn't have to force their way in, but he was planning anyway in case worst came to worst. After a few seconds he was the first to speak up.
"So this is the fortress?" He asked although he clearly already knew the answer. They hadn't been noticed by any guards yet, there wasn't even anyone outside. Robin assumed that most of the soldiers were inside the fort to get out of the cold, it wasn't a problem in fact is actually worked out quite well for them as it meant they could all rest there for a while without drawing suspicion.
"Yes, the Longfort." Chrom answered his question as he approached and stood next to Robin also examining the fort. "It stretches along the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox."
Frederick also walked up to the pair and joined them in observing the border leaving Lissa still beside his horse. The three had already noticed the lack of soldiers directly at the front, Frederick seemed to already know what was on the minds of the other two and began to explain, although he was sure that Chrom already knew but he did so anyway to bring Robin up to speed.
"The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite wary of foreigners." Frederick explained. Robin presumed the reason for this was that they were most likely having a similar problem to Ylisse, Plegian ruffians, it was entirely possible as Ferox and Plegia did border each other. "Still, don't mistake a lack of hospitality for open hostility. This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy" Frederick continued.
"Negotiation's not my strong suit, but I'll do my best." Chrom stated, although he had only known him for a short time Robin could already tell that Chrom was much better at brute forcing things then talking them out despite the fact that he'd rather solve problems through the latter. Frederick moved on ahead to scout for any possible issues while Robin and Chrom informed the Shepherds of their next move. Chrom turned around to the rest of the Shepherds and grabbed their attention. "Remember, everyone: your actions here reflect back upon Ylisse." Chrom said with a serious look before loosening up and cracking a joke. "So you better be on your best behaviour Vaike."
"Wha-?! Why just me?!" Vaike yelled.
"Because we all know if someone causes a problem it's going to be you." Lissa smirked from behind Vaike
Robin smiled and spoke up to the rest of the Shepherds. "We're going to make a move so get prepared." The group nodded and followed the commands they were given. Frederick returned and approached the Shepherd's captain and tactician to report his findings.
"Trouble in the wind, milord: the Feroxi Guard are mobilizing." Frederick stated
"What?! Why?" Chrom asked slightly taken aback
"Who can say? But they look ready to let fly at a moment's notice." Frederick responded. "We'd best prepare for combat, just to be safe. Perhaps we ought pool our supplies and select which Shepherds to deploy?" Frederick advised and quickly glanced at Robin before returning his vision to Chrom. "Loath as I am to trust him, Robin might offer some valuable insight in this…"
"Indeed, he IS our tactician, after all." Chrom nodded, choosing to ignore the comment made regarding trusting his tactician. "So, Robin? What do you suggest?"
"Well first off, thanks for the great words of encouragement Frederick." Robin said sarcastically. "But regarding an actual plan our best bet right now is probably to just approach and try talk this through but Frederick is right, it would be wise to prepare for the worst."
"Very well." Chrom nodded at Robin before commanding the rest of the Shepherds to ready themselves for battle in case one broke out.
"There's just one more thing on my mind about this." Robin stated as he pondered.
"And what's that?" Chrom asked.
"It's Sumia." Robin began. "She hasn't caught up to us yet, judging by how long we have rested here and the possibility that she may be riding that pegasus over, it won't be long until she does. It might be bad if she were arrive to the middle of a battle."
"I must admit that was one of my thoughts as well" Chrom stated.
"I don't think we have enough time to wait for her before the guard spots us, so we might not have a choice." Robin said. "We should continue with our current plan, Sumia will probably notice the battle and stay out of the way until it clears.
"Agreed." Chrom nodded as the Shepherds began to approach the entrance to the Longfort.
"Halt! Who goes there?!" A voice yelled as the group looked up to see that they had been spotted by Feroxi guards. The voice belonged to a woman who stood atop the fort, she had short blond hair and dark armour. This woman was Raimi, who was in charge of the soldiers stationed at the fort.
Robin looked around to observe the Feroxi soldiers at they lined up on top of the fort, some had even stepped outside and surrounded the Shepherds. Robin had also noticed the last soldiers to step outside lock the doors behind them to ensure that him and the rest of the Shepherds could not enter. It was clear that they were currently being viewed as an enemy and it was possible that a battle could ensue.
"In the name of House Ylisse, I seek audience with the khans!" Chrom had begun to speak with Raimi in order to come to a peaceful solution causing Robin to turn his attention back to the main issue. Chrom took a step closer to the fort and was about to state their reason for their appearance outside the fort when he was interrupted before even opening his mouth.
"Not another step, my bold lad!" Raimi yelled down at the prince. "I've lancers at the ready!"
"Hold, milady! We are not your enemy!" Frederick had butted into the conversation as soon as there was a hint that Chrom would be in danger. "Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest." He stated attempting to calm the knight.
At this point Robin decided it would be best for him to attempt to assist his comrades in reasoning with the guards. "We speak the truth." He began. "We are the Shepherds of Ylisse. We wish to discuss with this nation's leader regarding a course of action against a mutual enemy that poses a threat to both Regna Ferox and Ylisse."
Raimi looked down upon Chrom, Frederick and Robin with a look of pure anger. "My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, brigand!" She yelled. The commanding trio were taken aback by this outburst.
"B-brigand? Now see here—" Frederick began before he was interrupted.
"You think you are the first "Ylisseans" to try and cross our border?" Raimi questioned, placing emphasis on the word 'Ylisseans', as she glared at the group of Shepherds before her. "I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand."
"How dare you! You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, the exalt's own blood!" Frederick snapped.
Robin looked over to Frederick as he thought This won't be good, if Frederick were to lose it then it wouldn't help our situation, there has to be a way we can prove we aren't brigands… maybe that mark on Chrom's shoulder, it's the same one Exalt Emmeryn had on her.. Before Robin could finish his thought his attention was brought back to Raimi as she spoke up again.
"Ha! Yes, indeed—and I'm the queen of Valm!" She yelled mockingly before but still keeping her deadly serious face. She then turned her attention to Chrom as she glared at him. "You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes? Mmm... Then perhaps we should settle this the Feroxi way. You claim to be the prince of Ylisse? Then prove it on the battlefield!"
Robin turned to Chrom. He had been thinking of ways to solve the situation peacefully but as the conversation carried on that had become less and less of an option. "Chrom.. it's looking a lot less likely that we'd be able to get through without a fight, we had best be prepared."
Chrom nodded and groaned. "Rgh... Emmeryn won't like this at all..." Chrom looked back up at Raimi in one last attempt to convince her. "Please, good lady! If you'd just listen—"
"I've heard quite enough! Attack!" Raimi ordered, interrupting Chrom. As soon as the order was given the soldiers on the forts walls all through their spears down at Chrom. Chrom braces himself for the attack as the spear move closer.
"Chrom!" Robin yelled but before we could move something swooped down from the sky towards Chrom.
As quickly as it came it was gone, however Chrom was gone as well leaving the spears buried in the snow. Robin looked at spears in confusion before looking up to see the same Pegasus from before with Sumia and Chrom sitting safely on it's back. Robin looked at the sight and smiled. "Excellent work Sumia." He smiled.
On top of the Pegasus, Chrom looked down in confusion at where his once was, he then looked at Sumia in front of him who was focused on riding the Pegasus. "Sumia…?" Chrom asked.
Sumia only quickly glanced back at the him. "Better hold on tight, Captain. Could get bumpy."
Chrom was still a little shock at what had just unfolded but regained his composure. "Uh...right."
Sumia turned around to look at Chrom and smiled. "You'll be fine." She reassured.
Chrom then noticed more soldiers preparing to throw their spears at the Pegasus. "Sumia!" Chrom said as he drew Falchion.
Sumia turned back to look at the guards. "Right!" She responded guiding the Pegasus away and returning to the Shepherds on the ground.
"Oh, Captain, I'm so relieved I made it in time." Sumia smiled as they landed back with the others. Lissa watched in awe while Frederick stood as stoic as usual, Robin was just behind them looking as though he was deep in thought. Luckily the Feroxi soldiers hadn't started a full on assault yet so they were safe where they were for the moment.
"That goes double for me, Sumia!" Chrom stated with a smile as he dismounted the Pegasus. "And this—is this the same ornery pegasus we met on the road?!" He asked.
"Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she? ...Once you really get to know her…" Sumia smiled petting the Pegasus.
"Well, many thanks to you both." Chrom nodded.
"I think the pegasus is blushing!" Lissa joked with a big smile on her face.
"And I think we had all best focus on the situation at hand!" Frederick interrupted.
Robin snapped out of his thought when he heard noise, he turned his head to the source only to notice Feroxi soldiers closing in on their location. "Chrom, they're coming!" He yelled to the Shepherds' captain.
Chrom turned his attention to the soldiers approaching them. "All right. The Feroxi way it is!" Chrom stated as he tightened his grip on the hilt of the Falchion.
The rest of the Shepherd drew their weapons and prepared for battle. "Any ideas in that genius head of yours Robin?" Lissa asked the tactician.
Robin quickly scanned the area. His vision fell onto the soldiers that stood outside of the fort, then onto the two doors that lead on top of it. He knew that as commander of the troops, Raimi was most likely on top of the fort behind the soldiers however he also noticed the archers that were in the area. Robin quickly put his thoughts together before speaking.
"The commander is on top of the fort behind the soldiers, we need to get to her if we want a chance at getting past the border, however she most likely has troops with her and we'll need to get past them first. The easiest way would be for Sumia to fly up there however she can only carry one person on her Pegasus with her and on top of that there are archers ready to snipe you out of the sky at a moments notice." Robin explained.
"What else can we do?" Chrom asked.
"There are doors on either side of us. I saw the soldiers lock them after they came out which means they most likely have the keys on them. If we split into two groups with one attacking the left and the other attacking the right, we can open both doors and get on top of the fort from both sides which will give us the advantage." Robin explained
"Got it, but how should we split up?" Lissa asked.
Robin thought for a moment but didn't have much time as the soldiers closed in. "Chrom, Frederick, Sumia, and Sully you take the left. I'll take Lissa, Vaike, Stahl, Virion and Miriel and go to take the right." Robin stated before turning towards Chrom. "Chrom, you command your group and I'll command mine" Chrom only nodded in response.
"But Lissa is our only healer what if those on the left get hurt?" Stahl asked.
"That's why I'm sending some of the more defensive people on that side and Sumia is there to quickly get anyone who is badly hurt out of there." Robin answered.
"You can count on me" Sumia said.
"Right now that we have a plan it's time to execute it" Chrom said turning to Robin.
"Ready everyone?" Robin asked as everyone nodded. "Then let's go!"
The Shepherds quickly separated into two groups and headed to their respective sides taking out the soldiers that stood in their way.
With Chrom's group
"Sumia there are some archers up ahead stay back for a while until we can take them out!" Chrom commanded.
"Got it." Sumia responded falling backwards behind Chrom and taking out some remaining lancers.
Frederick and Sully were slightly further ahead engaged in combat with some fighters. Chrom looked to his team before moving approaching the position of the two archers. Chrom dashed forward towards the first archer as they attempted to shoot at him, Chrom quickly dodged to the side evading the arrow. He lunged forward and attacked with the Falchion taking out the first archer. Chrom look towards the second archer and began approaching them when suddenly the archer looked at though they were attacked and dropped to the ground however Chrom saw now attacker.
"Huh?" Chrom was shocked as he looked around, keeping his guard despite his confusion in case the mysterious attack. Chrom could see nothing apart from his teammates fighting the rest of the soldiers that were outside the fort's walls however he couldn't shake an odd feelng.
"Why do I feel like I'm being watched...?" Chrom asked quietly to himself.
"Um, sir? ...Sir! Right here, sir!" Chrom heard a voice but it didn't belong to anyone from his designated group.
Chrom raised his sword again. "Who's there? Show yourself!" He yelled.
"I'm standing in plain sight, sir. Right he—" The voice said as its owner shuffled further into Chrom's field of vision.
"BWAAAH! Oh! I-is that you, Kellam?" The voice belonged to Kellam, a knight with short black hair wearing large silver and orange armour. "When did you arrive?" Chrom asked.
"...The same time as you. I've been with you all along, I wasn't assigned a group by Robin and your group had less people so I just followed you. Er, I AM still a Shepherd, right? It's quite the honor, after all. I'd hate to lose it. Sometimes I—" Kellam explained before being cut off by Chrom.
"Of course, Kellam. Forgive me. You're just so...quiet, I completely—" Chrom was explaining himself before Kellam then cut him off.
"Quite all right, sir, quite all right. I've been told I'm easy to miss." Kellam smiled to his captain.
"At least the Feroxi didn't find you." Chrom said
"I had been calling to you and waving my arms for several minutes... I don't think they had so much as glanced my direction." Kellam said
"You almost sound disappointed." Chrom joked.
"Well, I just... I'm glad you finally saw me! Just try to keep an eye out from now on?" Kellam smiled
"I will Kellam, now let's see if either of these archers had that key we're looking for and then get back to helping the others" Chrom said.
"Right" Kellam Responded.
With Robin's group
"Stahl! Vaike! You two stay in front and push forward! Virion! Miriel! You two provide them with some ranged support! I'll help with the ranged support and watch our situation in case we need to switch up our plan!" Robin commanded to his team who all responded with nods and got into position.
Robin turned his attention to Lissa who stood next to him as he spoke. "Lissa, you stay close to me, unlike before they can easily get around and surround us so you staying back isn't a good idea. Just stick with me and I'll handle anyone who get's too close, when's someone's injured I'll help you get to them ok?" Robin explained to the princess.
"Got it" Lissa nodded in response as she tightened her grip on her staff.
Robin looked back towards the fight ahead of him and blasted an approaching mercenary with his thunder tome knocking him out. Stahl and Vaike were fighting a few lancers in front of them while Virion fired arrows at any other soldiers that attempted to approach them. Miriel was fighting a nearby Knight but, due to her advantage in using magic, was able to make short work of them.
All of a sudden Vaike was attacked by a mercenary and wounded, Stahl quickly turned and took out the mercenary with his lance while Virion shot a lancer who was approaching on Stahl and Miriel finished them off with a fire spell.
Robin noticed the attack on Vaike and yelled to Lissa. "Lissa! Vaike is injured we need to get to him!"
"Right!" Lissa nodded and the two began to move forward but they were blocked off by a couple of soldiers, separating them from the rest of the group.
"Lissa, I'll take them on, once you have and opening get through to Vaike" Robin said to the girl who only slightly nodded in response.
Robin blasted one of the soldiers with a thunder spell sending them backwards, he then pulled out his sword and attacked the other but the soldier blocked with his own weapon. With one soldier out of the way and the other distracted by Robin, Lissa got past to Vaike and began healing him while the others stood guard.
Robin was still fighting with the soldier but managed to push him back knocking the soldier off his feet allowing Robin to quickly take him out however the other soldier returned and attacked starting another fight.
Lissa has finished healing Vaike who got back up and rejoined Stahl at the front of the group. Lissa turned and noticed Robin fighting a soldier when the soldier began to push him back. Lissa quickly heard a thud and turned back around. A lancer had managed to get past Stahl and Vaike and attack Miriel, knocking her onto the ground. She was fine but she dropped her tome and it slid across the ground landing by Lissa's feet. Virion made short work of the lancer by piercing him with an arrow but Miriel was still on the ground recovering.
Robin continued to fight the soldier that had attacked him but he had already taken a few hits and couldn't get a good opportunity to strike. The soldier then suddenly pushed back knocking Robin to the ground. The soldier advanced on Robin and was about to strike when they were suddenly hit with a fire spell and taken down. Robin quickly turned to the source of the spell to see Lissa holding Miriels tome with her arm out stretched. Robin smiled at her before getting up and re-joining the group.
Lissa ran to Miriel and helped her up, returning her tome to her as Robin approached. "The enemies numbers are getting smaller" Robin said. "Keep going we need to find that key"
Chrom's group
Chrom's group had finished clearing out the soldiers and were regrouping with one another.
"Captian Chrom! I found it!" Sully yelled approaching the group holding the key in her hands
"A key! We can use it to open the fortress doors." Frederick said, stating the obvious.
"Great job Sully." Chrom congratulated. "Now we need to get on top of that fort."
Sumia looked over to the other side of the fort. "By the looks of it, Robin's group hasn't entered the fort yet either, but they also still have enemies to deal with." She stated.
The rest of the group turned to look at their allies. "That may be so but appears as though they have almost cleared out all of their opponents, so they won't be far behind." Frederick said.
"Then what are we waiting for? We should get through those doors" said Chrom.
Sully handed Chrom the key and he approached the doors. I put the key in the key hole but didn't turn it yet as the rest of his group ready themselves behind him.
"On the count of three I'll open this door and we go in." Chrom ordered, to which his group nodded. "one… two… three!" Chrom yelled as he opened the door. He and his group ran in and were immediately met with resistance from Feroxi soldiers however Chrom could see Raimi behind them in the centre of the fort. Chrom also noticed some of the soldiers on the right side of the fort moves to the left to counter his groups attacked. Perfect now Robin's group can get the jump on them when they enter Chrom thought.
Chrom and his group fought against the soldiers for a while when suddenly the door on the other side of the fort opened. Vaike and Stahl rushed in attacking some of the soldiers from behind with their weapons. Shortly behind them was Virion and Miriel who were shooting at the enemies that attempted to approach the frontline fighters. Robin then entered with Lissa following behind him. Robin blasted some of the soldiers with thunder spells before pulling out his sword and slashing at an approaching opponent.
Chrom observed Robin fighting and thought to himself. It already feels as though Robin has been a Shepherd forever. It's funny how fighting alongside someone speeds friendships along... And the more we fight side by side, the more valuable those friendships become!
The shepherd quickly cleared their way through the soldiers that were blocking their paths. The two groups reunited in the centre of the fort. Chrom and Robin decided to approach Raimi while the rest of the Shepherds prevented the remaining soldiers from approaching them.
Raimi glared at the duo. "Let our battle sound out the truth of your words!" She yelled as she charged at the two. Chrom blocked her attack with the Falchion allowing Robin to attack her with his sword, however due to her armour it didn't do too much damage. Chrom applied more force allowing him to push Raimi back and attack.
Raimi managed to recover and attack Chrom knocking him back slightly as Robin rushed in to attack however she managed to knock Robin away. "Robin!" Chrom yelled as he went in for another attack. He and Raimi kept fighting until Chrom was knocked back again. just as Chrom was about to charge back in, Raimi was blasted by a thunder spell. Chrom looked over to see it was Robin who had hit her.
"Chrom now!" Robin yelled. Chrom nodded and attacked knocking Raimi down just as the rest of the shepherds finished off the remaining soldiers.
Chrom looked down at Raimi and asked "Will you believe us now?"
Raimi nodded as Chrom helped her up. The shepherds gave them some time to recover while Lissa helped with some of the injured Feroxi soldiers as well. After a while Raimi returned to the Shepherds and spoke up.
"A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand impostors. But no frauds could ever wage a battle as you just have!" Raimi apologised. "I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally."
"That would be most appreciated, thank you." Chrom responded with a smile as Raimi left
"Amazing. Her whole demeanor changed." Robin said, shocked by Raimi's complete change in attitude.
"In Ferox, strength speaks louder than words." Frederick explained. "I should have known better than to overestimate the value of diplomacy here…"
"So can we get going, Chrom?" Lissa asked turning towards her brother.
Chrom smiled. "Yes, it's not getting any warmer."
And that's the end of the chapter. I apologise for the long wait, I started it a long while back but never finished it. But at least it's finished now.
As for how this story will be structured from this point forward. Most in game chapters will receive their own chapters in the story like how it has been going so far however that is not all I want to include. The event's of some support conversations and other side events that I choose to add will take place in extra chapters that will also be part of the story.
That being said I'm not sure if this story should contain the entirety of Awakening or if I should split it into three different stories (one for each arc of the game: Gangrel, Walhart and Grima) I will make this decision before the end of the Gangrel arc however if anyone would like to share there thoughts on it then please do so, I'm all ears.
As always reviews are encouraged if you have any feedback you would like to give.
That's all for this chapter.
