KKD: This took a while mainly because of the length of the chapter in-game and figuring out how to develop Lora instead of making her a typical carbon copy of the avatar/female Robin. Seeing he had a blank slate, I feel Logan fits that spot better. Also, Wizard fans with a keen eye will spot familiar faces, but they aren't the same as the originals. Free virtual cookie who can guess who they are. Now before get spoiler filled, let' get started.
Disclaimers: KKD doesn't own anything in this story except for the original characters and concepts within. The rest belong to Nintendo, Intelligent Systems, and their respective owners/companies.
(Cue Opening Theme Song: Hero by Skillet)
KKD Studios Presents
*As the instrumental begins we see our lead, Logan, floating in darkness for a bit until he rose his hand and his Flame Style Wizard Ring appeared on it, and he appeared in the field with Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick helping him up*
I'm just a step away
I'm just a breath away
*The Shepherds are seen fighting against some brigands, Logan casting spells and slashing his sword with them as Lora stood by, getting people to safety.*
Losin' my faith today
(We're fallin' off the edge today)
*We make a quick cut to a later part where we see Emmeryn crying, our focus on the tear*
*Logan struggled to his feet as he glared up at the Phantoms coming his way, most in silhouette, as he recalled something from the past where he was in despair, purple cracks forming on his body*
I am just a man
Not superhuman
(I'm not superhuman)
Someone save me from the hate
*Logan then stared out at the armies against the Halidom of Ylisse, standing with Chrom, Lissa, Lora, and the Shepherds as they looked past the forces.*
It's just another war
Just another family torn
(We're falling from my faith today)
*We get a glance at the villains including Gangrel, Aversa, Validar, and a figure wearing a black, gold, and purple cloak floating behind them before we cut back to the heroes, as Logan flips his Wizardriver into position and flashes his Flame Style ring across it, transforming into Wizard.*
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live
*Suddenly, Wizard and Chrom were on the battlefield, fighting together with their blades, Wizard casting magic spells as Lissa healed them and Frederick attacked the brigands on his horse*
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
*Wizard quickly transitioned between forms by passing through their magic circles, Water Style splashing one Phantom aside before leaping up, going Hurricane Style to kick another Brigand and then suddenly stomping down as Land Style, causing rocks to scatter and hit more foes*
I need a hero to save my life
A hero'll save me (just in time)
*Wizard turned to see a figure in blue wearing a mask as the figure faced off against Chrom, both clashing the Falchion at each other*
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
*Wizard is then seen riding Wizardragon into battle, blasting more Phantoms aside before he's seen staring at Chrom and a woman holding a child as he turned to Lissa, smiling*
I need a hero to save my life
A hero'll save me (just in time)
*After several attacks at the screen, Wizard posed alongside Lissa, Lora, Frederick, and Chrom as the title "Fire Emblem: Awakening of Hope" appeared above and behind them.*
Fire Emblem: Awakening of Hope
I will admit, it was a bit awkward walking with Lora the whole time, seeing I knew little of her apart from what I saw in the vision. Still, the others managed to tolerate her as we walked through the woods West of Ylisstol (according to Chrom since I knew nothing of it). Night had soon fallen and we decided to stop and catch a breather, Lissa looking annoyed.
"I told you-it's getting dark already!" she responded, annoyed as she had to swat away some bugs, "ECH! And now the bugs are out! Noisy, disgusting bugs that buzz around and crawl all over and bite you when-"
Suddenly, as she had her mouth wide open while talking, she suddenly choked, "AGH! Won goph in mah mouph! Blech! Ptooey!"
She panicked, trying to spit out what she could as Chrom started chuckling.
"Aw, come on now, Lissa. Hardship builds character," he smiled, "Want me to help gather firewood?"
"Tpht! Tpht! Yeeeeeuck!" groaned, still spitting, "...I think I swallowed it… I'll pass on finding firewood, thanks. I think I've built QUITE enough character for one day!"
Lora just giggled at this, "Better get used to it, city-girl. It's a ways from Ylisstol, still."
Then, our stomachs, Lissa's and Lora's in particular, growled a bit.
"Hmm… we should probably think about food," I noted, Lora having finished her turkey leg a while back down the road, "I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
"Well, yes, I should think a little hunting and gathering is in order," Frederick agreed and suggested, "Now who wants to clear a campsite?"
After I had helped set up a fire with the group, even using my magic from my rings to help ignite it, we had set up our small area of a campsite as Chrom had brought back some meat that he cooked over the fire, and it wasn't long before he, Lora, and I devoured the stuff. It was gamey, but then again it was bear meat, so that makes sense.
"Mmm… it's been too long since I had bear meat. Delicious!" Chrom smiled as he finished while Lora devoured the meat with ease, the leader of the Shepherds looking to his sister, "What's wrong, Lissa? Dig in."
"Pass! ...Gods, couldn't you spear us an animal normal people eat for once? I mean, come on! Who eats bear?!" Lissa countered, clearly disgusted from what I could hear, "You're meddling with the food chain. Right Logan? ...Uh, Logan?"
I couldn't even pay attention as I plowed through the bear. To be fair, I was starving; couldn't even remember what my last meal was or when. Seriously, you wake up after who knows how long and then suddenly go into a fight where you not only have to wield swords and the odd projectile weapon but also magic in the form of my armor and attacks, you work up quite an appetite. Though I'll admit, in hindsight, my approach to eating the delicacy may have been considered a little… vulgar.
"Huh?! *sigh* I suppose a person would enjoy just about anything after not eating for days…" Lissa sighed.
"Just eat it, Lissa. Meat is meat after all, and you never know when or where you'll get your next meal," Lora giggled, finishing her serving.
"WHAT?! Since when does meat smell like old boots?! Wait, I take that back-boots smell better!"
"Every experience makes us stronger, milady. Even those we don't enjoy," Frederick pointed out.
"Really? Then why don't I see YOU eating, Frederick?" Lora countered more with a grin while Lissa looked like she was suffering, and was confused by Frederick's lack of consuming anything.
"Me?" he chuckled a bit, "Oh, well… I'm not hungry. I… I had a large lunch! Yes, quite."
'I tend to eat a lot myself, and yet even I know that even someone who eats an entire buffet still has a little room for their next meal. He hasn't touched that bear meat at all, and his stomach growled when no one was looking,' Lora thought to herself, 'Maybe I should check on that later.'
"Yeah right, Frederick!" Lissa pouted, obviously not buying the Great Knight's act, and from the look on Lora's face, I could tell she wasn't buying it either.
That night, we decided to take turns keeping watch. I yawned a bit as Lora and I took our chance, looking over our teammates.
"So remind me," I started, getting the purplette's attention, "I may know your name, but how do you know me?"
"Oh, right… well, thing is… I don't, Logan," Lora admitted, surprising me, "At least, I didn't know who you were. I just heard from someone in white with an orange face that someone who could wield magic and a sword would be able to use these rings to help the Shepherds."
I was confused before she showed me some more rings to be safe. These three were mostly silver, but each had an animal carved in it with different gemstones. One had a garuda carved out of a ruby, the second was a blue pegasus, and the last was a yellow kraken.
"These are familiars of yours. Use them with your buckle to summon them as needed. They can help with our look out," she assured, "The white wizard gave them to me to give to you as well. He seems to know a lot about us."
I just shrugged as I walked a distance, knowing the others might awaken from me using these rings. So I slipped on the garuda ring first and flashed it across my buckle.
= GARUDA! PLEASE! =
As I prepared to use the next ring, I saw what appeared to be a tray of silver and ruby parts as they popped out of the tray and connected to form a bird of sorts. Still, I decided to flash the blue ring across my belt.
= UNICORN! PLEASE! =
I saw a tray of silver and sapphire parts pop up in the air, and flashed the yellow ring across my buckle as the blue parts formed a unicorn.
= KRAKEN~! PLEASE! =
With that, a third tray appeared, the silver and yellow topaz parts connecting to form the squid-like Kraken. Though I noticed the trays stayed in the air and I saw slots on all of the little familiars. So, I took the rings and slotted them into each respective mini creature before they hovered in midair or dropped to the ground as the trays vanished.
"If you are my familiars, please keep an eye out for any threats, brigand, Plegian, or Phantom that comes our way, and alert me as soon as you spot one. Thanks in advance," I told the three, who responded with their own sounds before going off.
I sighed, returning to the campsite.
"I promise I'll explain more later," Lora assured as she prepared to go to sleep, leaving me to sigh as a hand touched my shoulder, and I turned to see Chrom.
"I'll take over for you," he assured.
"Thanks, Chrom," I nodded, dozing off.
As Chrom kept watch, he looked around, not sure what was happening but he did sense something was up.
"...Huh?" he muttered, suddenly hearing something nearby, making him get up to his feet, but his rustling was enough to awaken Lissa, who yawned a bit as she stood up and stretched.
"What's wrong, Big Brother?" she asked once she got to her feet after yawning, Chrom turning to see her.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you, but… something is amiss…"
"Huh? Define 'something'."
"I'm not sure..." he confessed "I think I'll have a look around."
"Not alone, you won't! I'm coming too."
"Heh. Thanks, Lissa."
It was a while, but suddenly, I felt the urge to awaken from my slumber. It was just me, Lora, and Frederick, though. Chrom I figured would be scouting around to make sure we were safe despite my familiars on duty, but Lissa being gone somehow got me a little concerned. I got up to look around, hand on a piece of some fruit I found on the way to the campsite, and when I was about to eat it, that's when I heard a neighing.
"Oh, Unicorn? Did you find anything?" I asked, seeing my tiny blue familiar as Lora got up, the little familiar handing me a note of some kind, which I read, unaware of Lora getting up.
Further out, Chrom and Lissa scouted through the dark, looking for the source of the sound Chrom heard before.
"It sure is dark… And quiet," Lissa noted, soon seeing even the sky was, "Where did the birds go?"
"Something is wrong here…" Chrom added, looking around, not sure what was about to happen.
"You mean… something's coming?" I asked, Unicorn nodding as suddenly, we felt the ground shake very violently.
"Something BIG's coming!" Lora realized as Frederick got up.
"What's happening?" he asked before seeing the lack of Chrom and Lissa, "Milady? Milord!"
"Aaah! Chrom!" Lissa gasped when she and her brother felt the sudden earthquake.
"Gods, what-Agh! What is this madness?! Lissa, stay close!" Chrom shouted as the two stayed close by a tree, Chrom keeping her sheltered as he saw several trees start falling nearby, "Lissa, run."
"Huh?"
"I mean it! Go!"
With that, Lissa did start running away, Chrom following shortly behind as the ground they stood on moments ago started to lift up, a burst of lava firing the thing into the air as the molten rock began to fall back onto the forest, setting it on fire as Lissa and Chrom ran about, trying to find safe ground, the former having caught up to the latter.
"Hey! This way!" he told her, urging her to follow him to their left, which she did, the two soon ducking down a cliff in an attempt to find shelter from the fire.
"Chrom! Lissa!" I called out as Lora, Frederick and I ran to find the two, led by my familiars who spotted them.
We had caught sight of the forest catching fire, but how and why was a mystery to me.
"What happened?" Lora gawked.
"I wish I knew," Frederick admitted before I heard Garuda chirp.
"This way?" I checked, the bird nodding, followed by the unicorn and kraken, "Follow me!"
I led the way down another path to try and located the two, gripping tightly to my sword as we searched for them.
'I just hope we find them before something or someone else does,' I thought as we ran.
After the long run, Chrom and Lissa thought they were safe from the flames, the latter grabbing her knees, panting in exhaustion. However, while Chrom continued to examine the forest, Lissa looked up and gasped.
"Chrom, what IS that?!" she pointed in front of them, making Chrom look to see something form in the sky.
White specks formed in one spot before suddenly, the area seemed to go dark for a moment with a yellow magic ring, somewhat unlike the ones Wizard used, appeared in the sky. From it, crystals formed before opening like an eye, light shining from it allowing the fire-lit forest to be seen nearby, but it was what came out of the 'eye' that shocked the Ylisseans. From the portal, golems like the ones Wizard fought appeared along with what appeared to be living human corpses, the latter letting off an unearthly groan before the four figures fell to the ground. They appeared to be still for a bit, but then they arose, the corpses wielding axes as their eyes lit red while the golems held their spears, ready to strike. Lissa stood behind Chrom, clearly scared.
"Lissa. You'd better stand back," he warned, Lissa doing so as Chrom unsheathed Falchion from his back and eyed the lumbering zombies and golems, the former letting off a sort of roar before launching at Chrom at full speed, which was like a normal human's.
The figure then leaped into the air and attempted to swing at Chrom, but the latter swung his blade as if in a clash, the two silent for a bit. When Chrom realized something was gonna happen, he noticed the withered yet somewhat muscular husk of a man was still standing managed to rotate its head 270 degrees with some cracks, before its body followed it, swinging the axe at Chrom, who deflected it with ease. The Golems came up towards him, too, but Chrom managed to force the husk back, swinging at all three figures, sending the husk flying away before slashing the golems into pebbles. Then, he leaped into the air and stabbed the corpse in the back, making it grunt and moan before collapsing, defeated, as it turned into a dark mist.
By this point, Chrom was already winded, which was a surprise for him. As he tried to catch his breath, though, he heard a familiar scream.
"Lissa!" he gasped, turning to see his sister was cornered between a rock and the other husk he neglected to take down.
Lissa whimpered in fear, holding up her stave to try and defend herself as the husk hefted its axe high in the air, when the attention was drawn to the portal once again. From it, a figure with dark blue hair, wearing an all dark blue outfit with a cape that had red on the inside, all trimmed in gold, reached his hand out through the portal before managing to launch himself out, landing ahead of Chrom and rushing for Lissa as well. The husk then roared, slamming its axe down as Lissa screamed, only for the axe blade to clash against the new figure's, Chrom stopping yet gasping in shock by the new figure. Had he not shown up to save Lissa, the latter would have died as Chrom wouldn't have been fast enough to save her.
Hearing a new voice before her, Lissa looked up before gasping in shock, seeing the butterfly-masked person holding off the husk, all while having the blade behind his back, but it was clear he was struggling a bit as he was grunting before turning to Chrom.
"HELP!" he called out, snapping Chrom out of his stupor.
"Right!" he nodded, rushing in as Falchion glowed blue, getting the husk's attention.
Suddenly, the newcomer's blade glowed the same color before kicking the husk off as both he and Chrom slashed it together, ending up with them facing opposite directions of each other as the husk stood still. With a groan, the husk collapsed and turned into the dark smoke with Lissa shivering in fear nearby, clinging to her stave before calming down. The new arrival sheathed his blade, which looked strangely like Falchion as Chrom looked at him from behind.
"...Quite an entrance. What's your name?" he asked, the figure simply giving him a glance right back at him.
After having to be forced the long way around, Garuda, Unicorn, and Kraken finally brought us to a clear of sorts with Chrom and Lissa standing there.
"THERE THEY ARE!" Lora gasped as we rushed over, Frederick being the first to Chrom's side.
"Milord! Milady! Are you hurt?" he asked.
"Frederick! Lora! Logan!" Lissa gasped, shocked yet relieved to see us.
As they recovered, Lora and I looked out at the crowd and gasped at what we saw. Aside from the Golems, the grunts used by the Phantoms themselves, we also saw a few walking husks of humans, wielding weapons and shambling around as if ready to take us down.
"Golems? Here? But… there's not Phantom," Lora noted.
"And those… things… Are such horrific creatures commonplace in these lands?" I asked Chrom.
"No. They're not from Ylisse, I promise you that," Chrom assured me as Frederick inspected everyone.
"No one is injured, then?" he asked, everyone nodding, allowing him to sigh with relief, "Thank the gods…"
"Thank the masked man who saved me! If it wasn't for him, I'd be…" Lissa started before she turned and saw nothing there, "Hey, where did he go?"
"We can worry about him later, AFTER we put these golems and these other… things… to the blade. Eyes open, now. We know nothing about this enemy."
"Right," Chrom nodded as we all split up and got ready, though I noticed a couple things in the distance.
"Hmm? Are those…" I pointed out, Frederick seeing what I saw.
"Abandoned forts, yes," he confirmed.
"Then we should take shelter in them whenever possible. No doubt they will offer distinct advantages in battle."
So, taking advantage of the forts, I had Chrom bunker in one while I hid in another, making sure to avoid serious damage as we took out the husks that tried to come after us. Thankfully, these… risen corpses went down quickly as did the golems, but there was a large number of them. Suddenly, when we least expected…
"Captain Chrom! Wait! I'm coming!" we heard a sudden female voice call out, making us turn to see a woman with short red hair wearing red and silver armor, riding a horse while wielding a lance, soon stopping when she saw the creatures, "...Agh, I knew I shouldn'ta left 'em. All right, you ash-faced freaks! Which one of ya wants to try my lance on for size first? I know just the spot for it: shoved right up your-"
"Hold, milady!" a suave male voice countered, making us see a man of more sophisticated nature with blue hair, wearing blues and browns along with a white shirt under his vest despite the silver armor and the fact he was carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows.
"Muh?"
"Life may be long, but attraction is fleeting! Would you leave me in your sweet dust? Leave war to the warriors, dear bird! A beauty such as you need wage only love."
"What in the… the hell are you?!"
Ok, I could tell things were getting heated up fast, and I didn't mean the fire nearby either.
"Ha! Is the lady intrigued? Of course you are-it's only natural," the man smiled, brushing some of his shoulder-length hair aside, "I am myth and legend! I am he who strides large across history's greatest stage! The man who puts the 'arch' in 'archer'! My name, dear lady, is Vi-"
"OI! HOW ABOUT A LITTLE HELP OVER HERE?!" Lora called out, getting the redhead's attention.
"Sorry, Ruffles-no time for this," the mounted woman told the bluenette before preparing her steed, "Onward!"
"Virion! ...Er, my name. It's Virion," the man finished before realizing what was happening, seeing the redheaded woman gallop off on her horse towards us, "W-w-wait! Where are you going? Pray, at least tell me your name!"
"I'm Sully. ...And I'm a Shepherd," she called back.
"'Sully'! How divine! A starkly beautiful name, as befits its owner, truly," Virion smiled as he rejoined the woman I knew now as Sully, "Will you marry me, my dearest Sully?"
'Oh boy, one of THOSE guys?' Lora thought to herself, groaning.
"Will I what now?" Sully gawked before noticing something, "Oh wait, I get it… This is a joke. And when I put my boot through your face-that's the punch line."
"I realize my manly figure and noble bearing can be overwhelming. 'Tis common. So please, don't feel pressured to answer right a-" Virion shrugged off when-
"How's THIS for an answer?!" Sully snapped, clearly having had enough of Virion before kicking him in the chest.
"OOF!" he gawked, backing away, "G-Goodness, but those shapely legs certainly can kick, can't they… P-Please, milady! Allow me to accompany you, at least! Mine is a cold empty world without you. I shall be your most willing servant, and you, in turn, will give my life purpose…"
Sully just sighed out of annoyance, "Fine… Anything to shut you up. ...What? Stop staring at me like that!"
I couldn't help but sweat drop in response to this.
"Do you know these two, Chrom?" I asked.
"The redhead's Sully, a member of the Shepherds, but the man is new to me," he confessed.
The rest of the risen and golems began to lumber ever-closer, with me blasting some away with my thunder magic before we saw Sully gut a swordsman risen with her lance.
"Goddesses and gentlemen, might I have your attention?" Virion called out, "I, as it happens, am an archer! ...The archest of archers, in fact. As such, I attack most effectively from a distance. So kindly keep me at least one step away from peril, if you would!"
"Why's he saying this?" Lora asked me as I shrugged, seeing golem soon approach Sully, Virion quickly approaching and using his Iron Bow to finish off the swordsman, "...Well, he is skilled."
Regardless, more of the grunts came our way, and soon, I prepared my Driver On ring. However, I quickly saw Frederick was just as skilled with a sword as he was a lance. Lora seemed to smile as I prepared myself.
= DRIVER ON! PLEASE! =
= SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! =
"Henshin!" I called out, using my Flame Style Ring again.
= FLAME! PLEASE! =
= HI! HI! HI HI HI! =
Now Wizard, with Virion and Sully stunned by my appearance, I quickly rushed in to protect my allies before they got overwhelmed. Unlike my allies, I wasn't afraid to get up close and personal, attacking the grunts with ease with swift punches and kicks, Lissa rushing over and healing my wounds.
"Thanks, Lissa," I smiled before pulling out my Connect Ring, flipping my Driver again.
= CONNECT! PLEASE! =
I pulled out the WizarSwordGun from the portal and rushed in to help, slashing at the risen and golems as their chief came lumbering towards us.
"Frederick! Let's go!" I shouted, the knight joining me as we slashed at the chief.
It wasn't long before Fred held the risen back as I checked the hand on my blade again before pulling the thumb back.
= COME ON AND SLASH! SHAKE HANDS! COME ON AND SLASH! SHAKE HANDS! =
This repeated until I took my left hand and held it against the hand on the weapon as if to shake it.
= FLAME! SLASH STRIKE! =
= HI HI HI! HI HI HI! =
With this standby jingle, I posed, my blade glowing with a fiery aura until it was surrounded by flames. Frederick moved and I rushed in, taking down the risen corpse, causing it to moan in pain before dissipating.
"Phew!" I sighed with relief as the magic circle came around me, removing my armor and reverting me to my previous state.
"It seems all the creatures are vanquished," Frederick noted as a slender figure approached us in all dark blues with a red under cape, short hair, and wearing a dark blue butterfly mask of sorts, "This young man took care of the others."
I just stared at this figure, knowing he stared back. I couldn't help but feel I know him from somewhere.
"Um, I never got to thank you...for before," Lissa chimed in, "So...thank you. You were very brave."
"Thank you from me as well. You saved my sister's life," Chrom smiled, "My name is Chrom. Might I ask yours?"
"You may call me Marth," he answered in a rather youthful, almost feminine sounding voice.
"Marth? After the heroic king of old? You certainly fight like a hero. Where did you learn your way with a sword?"
"No. I'm not here to talk about me. This world teeters at the brink of a horrible calamity. What you saw tonight was but a prelude, " Marth told us, confusing me and Lora, and then she turned to us, "You two especially need to prepare for it. You all have been warned."
With that, Marth began to walk away as Lissa gasped.
"Huh? What's teetering where now?" she asked before realizing Marth wasn't listening, "Hey, wait!"
He was soon out of our sights.
"So much for getting info out of him," Lora muttered.
"Yea. Not much for conversation, is he?" I added, thinking about what he said.
"It appears his skills lie elsewhere," Frederick noted, "I wager we'll hear his name again… But for now I'm more concerned about the capital. We should make haste."
"Right," Lora and I nodded as we began to make way Westward with our new compatriots Sully and Virion right behind us.
"If you touch me, I will waste no time piercing you with my lance," the redhead warned Virion.
After that mess, and another rest, we finally arrived back in what I assumed was Ylisstol, and from what I saw it was astounding. The majestic buildings in comparison to the small town we started at, the large castle in the center, everything felt so much more grand. Even the number of people bustling down the streets was incredible.
"So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse… I've never seen so many people!" I gawked as the others looked indifferent to my amazement (such as the girls) or showed concerns for other matters (like the guys).
"It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods," Frederick sighed with relief, "I see no evidence of the great quake. It must've been limited to the forest."
"Seems unusual," Lora admitted.
"Still, that's a relief!" Lissa smiled.
"Look! The exalt has come to see us!" an older villager shouted, getting us to look at a woman escorted by guards in silver and blue wielding a variety of weapons (some on normal horses and pegasi), the woman in particular having long blonde hair with a crown that resembled the rising sun to an extent, and had a gown of whites, golds, and greens while holding a staff that had a crescent moon for the tip.
"Oh! Uh… the exalt is your ruler, yes?" I inquired of the Shepherds.
"Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn," Frederick formally informed me.
"Is it safe for her to walk among the commoners like this?"
After what we've seen and from what I'm slowly remembering of the Phantoms, it's even more risky for her to be out in public, hence my concern.
"Well, the exalt is a symbol of peace-Ylisse's most prized quality. Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then."
"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her," Chrom added as he smiled, "She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war."
"Whoa!" Lora gawked.
"Then the Ylissean people are indeed lucky to have her," I added with my own smile.
"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Lissa giggled.
"Yes, I imagine she…" I started, thinking she said something else at first before it hit me, "Wait, what? She's your… but wouldn't that make you and Chrom..."
"The prince and princess of the realm, yes," Frederick chuckled in response, "You remember Chrom's name and not this?"
"You said you were 'shepherds'!"
'Clearly this guy has no good memory,' Lora sighed to herself, 'Best check in with the white wizard later and inform him of this.'
"And so we are…in a manner of speaking. We just have a LOT of sheep," Chrom added to me, my mind still wrapping around the fact that Chrom and Lissa were ROYALTY!
"C-Chrom… I-I mean, Prince Chrom!" I panicked, bowing before him, "Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!"
"Wh-Whoa, Logan! Take it easy. Chrom's not that kind of prince," Lora responded as Chrom chuckled, confusing me.
"Just Chrom is fine," he assured me as I looked up, "I've never been much for formalities."
"The prince and princess…" I muttered, still in disbelief at the fact, but now it was starting to settle in, "That explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, eh?"
"Indeed," Frederick sighed, "Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm…"
"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" Chrom offered.
"Y-Yes, I-I'd be honored," I responded with a bow as we noticed Lora leaving.
"Lora? Where are you going?" Lissa asked.
"I got to meet up with someone. He needs to know what's going on," Lora informed as she left.
"O-Ok…"
"Regardless, follow me," Chrom replied, leading the group over towards the castle.
Meanwhile, Lora walked towards another area and soon came across an etching in the wall of an alleyway and tapped on it, an orange portal similar to the connect magic circle Wizard used popping up. From it, a figure wearing a white hood poked their head out.
"Who's the one that one cannot stop?" he asked Lora.
"Phoenix the Immortal," she answered.
"Which other is now a rebel against the Phantom?"
"Medusa the seductress."
"And the name of our group's leader now?"
"Wiseman, the Carbuncle."
With that, the figure stepped back into the portal as Lora stepped in. She appeared in what looked like a small cave with other figures dressed in similar white robes before turning to three figures against a wall. While they all had white robes, one of them had red accents and was male, the female having purple on hers, and the man in between them looked more like a white and orange version of Kamen Rider Wizard with the driver having more black and the hand being red with claws.
"Lora, I see you have returned. How is the ring-bearer I sent you to find?" The white Wizard asked.
"Unfortunately, he has lost his memories, apart from my name and Lord Chrom's, sir," she informed, "He did manage to remember how to use the rings and Driver, though, so it seems he survived the last Sabbath and held onto his hope through the despair."
"I see," he nodded, "And any word of the Plegian Phantoms?"
"When I found the ring-bearer and gave him the rings, he defeated a Werewolf Phantom leading Plegian Brigands. But we had more disturbing news, sir. Last night, the was an earthquake and through some magic not unlike the Fell Dragon's yet similar to yours, golems appeared along with these… risen corpses that were just as resilient. Then after the Shepherd Sully and a man named Virion, who sounded like he had echoes of the continent across the westward sea, the risen and golems were defeated with aid of someone going under the name of the hero king of old, Marth."
"Risen? Marth? Sounds suspicious," the figure in red noted.
"What shall we do, Wiseman?" the woman in purple asked the white wizard.
"...Lora. Stay with the Wizard. He will be vital to saving the world from the Fell Dragon's return," the white Wizard, Wiseman, instructed, "And you may find the lost Phantom ally who can grant you power to aid Wizard."
"Of course," Lora bowed as Wiseman dismissed her as she left the way she came.
I was soon taken to the castle where Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick personally took me to see Emmeryn herself.
"Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home," the exalt smiled as she looked to each of us, eyes soon turning to Frederick, "Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?"
"Well-we shouldn't have bandit problems for a while," Chrom answered calmly.
"Wonderful. And our people?"
"Safe as they can be, Emm. But we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia, and they were led by one of the rumored monsters."
"Forgive me, milord!" a woman with light blue (near white) hair in armor apologized, "My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."
"No, Phila. Your duty was here, with the exalt."
"And besides, we had plenty of help!" Lissa giggled, turning to me.
"Ah, you speak of your new companion here?" she asked as she noted by attire, which consisted of a black cloak, black gloves, all over a white shirt, light brown pants, black boots, and some silver trim, and patterns on the back in red, blue, green, and yellow.
"Yes. This is Logan. He fought bravely with us against the brigands, and those monsters that he said were called Phantoms," Chrom added, looking to me with a smile, "I've decided to make him a Shepherd."
"Oh. It sounds as though Ylisse owes you a debt of gratitude, Logan."
"Ah… Not at all, milady!" I responded with a slight gasp.
"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak," Frederick finally interrupted, "Logan claims to have lost his memory, but it is only that: a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that he is a brigand himself, or even a Plegian spy."
"Frederick!" Chrom snapped at the great knight.
"Yet you allowed him into the castle, Chrom," Emmeryn noted, "Does this man have your trust? As did the young woman with purple hair you met before?"
"Lora? Yes. As for Logan, he risked his life for our people. That's good enough for me to trust him."
"Well then, Logan," Emmeryn replied, getting my attention again, "It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such, you have mine as well."
"Oh… Milady," I muttered, surprised by this as she turned to Frederick.
"But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always. Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time..."
"Indeed. They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace," Frederick answered with a bow, turning to the female guard, "Phila, I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, both the monsters leading the brigands and those creatures from the forest, yes?"
"Yes, milord. They've been sighted all across Ylisse," Phila confirmed.
"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us," Emmeryn told her younger brother.
"Of course," he nodded.
"I think that's our cue, Logan!" Lissa told me with a sigh, "C'mon, there's a place I want to show you."
With that, Lissa ran ahead of me, leading me to another location in Ylisse.
*With the Wizard Rings floating around to the instrumentals and starting verse, we soon see Logan sitting on a hilltop, looking over the Halidom*
Looking Out
Across The Night-Time
The City Winks A Sleepless Eye
*We then see Chrom, Frederick, Lora and Lissa planning something for an upcoming battle as Lissa looks away, sighing*
Hear Her Voice
Shake My Window
Sweet Seducing Sighs
*We see other members of the Shepherds interacting with each other including Virion and Sully, with Emmeryn watching from above.*
Get Me Out
Into The Night-Time
Four Walls Won't Hold Me Tonight
*Logan and Lissa could be seen across the way, smiling a bit as they walking towards each other.*
If This Town
Is Just An Apple
Then Let Me Take A Bite
*Then, we see stills of the various Shepherds interacting with each other.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*Chrom is then seen looking out a window with a girl in silhouette at that moment.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*Logan sees a particular pair for a moment and smiled before he turns to see Lissa, both smiling.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*Emmeryn watches all this from nearby before we pan towards the sky.*
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
*We turn to see Wizard and the Shepherds amidst the stars.*
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way
KKD: Bet you didn't see that coming. I'll leave the people guessing who those people Lora spoke to until someone gets it right... bar their leader. Still, I'll admit, since I left a poll up for OCs to be included for extra pairings, I wasn't sure what to do for that. I mean, I could make more OCs, but I wouldn't know what Rider forms to give them that could benefit the Shepherds. If you have any ideas, please feel free to leave your suggestions in your review using this format below:
Character Name:
Rider Name:
Character Appearance:
Character Class (apart from Rider):
Inner Phantom/Motif:
Rider Appearance:
Rider Form(s):
Weapons:
KKD: Also, if you want to create your own Phantoms for me to use, just tell me their name (human and Phantom) what the Phantom is based off of (if the name isn't obvious), what their powers are, and what they look like. And if you want either the Rider or Phantom to be paired with a particular character that hasn't started forming a relationship yet, let me know of that, too. Until then, I'll keep you guys guessing and I'll join you next time for more Awakening of Hope. This is KKD Silver signing off. *salutes* Jaa ne.