KKD: And this took a while for a few reasons, but no spoilers just yet. For those of you who spotted the changes I brought up before, congrats, virtual cookies for you finding those without me stating them. I'll explain more of that at a later point. As an update for character creations, more original females will be needed as we're down to five remaining bachelorettes (so to speak), but there's still plenty of bachelors to pick from. Here's a list of those that are available.
Girls: Sully, Miriel, Nowi, Tharja, Tiki
Guys: Virion, Vaike, Kellam, Donnel, Lon'qu, Ricken, Libra, Gregor, Henry
KKD: For those of you waiting for character creation, I'll place the formats down below for later. And for the record, I'll place support rankings so you know who is at what level.
Support Rankings
Lora & Frederick: C
Logan & Chrom: C
Chrom & Lissa: C
KKD: While I'm at it, should I do other non-romantic/familiar supports such as the OCs like Logan & Lora with the others or just do those important to the plot? Let me know in your review. For now, let's continue.
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
After the long hike, we arrived in a throne room, the knight Raimi eyeing us, though despite what she said, I was still nervous since we knew she was a Phantom.
"Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan," Raimi requested.
"Of course," Chrom nodded as Raimi walked off.
This did manage to get my mind off the Phantom for a moment as I thought of the khan, turning to Chrom.
"The khan is away?" I asked the prince.
"Out training, I'd wager," he figured, "The khans of Ferox prefer battle to politics. Or rather, battle IS their politics."
"A warrior ruler, eh? I can picture him now," I muttered, imagining an overly-muscular man with a massive beard, rugged, as I thought of other features out loud, "A giant of a man unparalleled thew, his broad chest covered in hair, hehe…"
"Am I now? ...Please do go on!" a female voice called out, making me flinch in shock as Lora straightened instantly.
"Huh?" I gawked, as we turned to see two figures approach us.
The first of these was a rather tanned woman with blonde hair wearing silver and red armor over black and brown clothes, but one could tell she was rather well-toned despite the mess her hair had become. The other was a myridon of a man with wavy black hair, chocolate brown eyes, tanned skin, an athletic build, six feet tall, wearing leather bracers and gauntlets over normal red clothing with plate armor over his body core, cloth headband with a steel plate over his forehead.
"You're the-?!" Chrom gawked before gathering himself, speaking to the woman, "Er, that is to say… the khan, I presume?"
"One of them, yes-the East-Khan," she confirmed, "My name is Flavia. The man to my right here is my champion, Bruford."
"It is an honor to meet the guard of the Prince of Ylisse," the tall man, Bruford, bowed before looking to me, "And especially you, ring-bearer. I witnessed your battle at the border. Very impressive."
"Uh… th-thanks, I guess," I responded, a bit nervous.
"I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom," Flavia replied with a respectful nod, "You are welcome in Regna Ferox."
"Thank you," Chrom replied, "But I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us. Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?"
"Yes. Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains, Bruford noting some Phantoms among them. Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours."
'So even the royals here heard of Phantoms and not Ylisse? They must be more commonplace amongst the rest of the world than in Ylisse,' I thought to myself, 'And if most of the ones causing problems are from Plegia, what's going on with other Phantoms?'
"Damn them!" Chrom growled, clenching his fist before looking back at Flavia as he remembered her presence, regaining composure, "I… Forgive me, Your Grace. That was...indelicately put."
"Ha! Damn them and damn delicacy!" Flavia laughed the cursing off, surprising some of the Ylisseans, and even Virion, "Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech."
"In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards…"
"Ha ha! Now that's Feroxi diplomacy! Yes, I like you already," Flavia smiled before Bruford gently nudged Flavia.
"Flavia. I believe we have other things to discuss," he pointed out as Flavia calmed herself.
"I know why you have come, Prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse. My loyal champion, Bruford, who said he'd be more than willing to aid you, cannot even join you at this time."
"What?! Why not?!" Lissa gasped.
"I lack the authority."
"Forgive me, but I don't understand. Aren't you the khan?" Chrom checked.
"As I said, I am ONE of the khans," Flavia reminded before explaining, "In Ferox, the khans of east and west hold a tournament every few years. The victor acquires total sovereignty over both kingdoms. And that means they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances. The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see, and so…"
"So we are to receive no aid at all?" Lora asked in unison with Chrom.
"Not if you always give up so easily!" Flavia corrected.
"Why's that?" I asked.
"The next tournament is nigh, you see, and I am in need of champions apart from Bruford," she explained.
"What does that have to do with us?" Chrom inquired as Flavia gave Bruford a nudge, giving him a cue to explain.
"I have informed Flavia myself you and your Shepherds are quite capable," Bruford informed us.
"Perhaps you would consider representing the East in the upcoming tournament? If you and Bruford win and I become ruling khan, I will grant your alliance, and I will even allow my personal champion Bruford to join your ranks," Flavia stated the terms.
"I would have assumed Ylisseans had no place in such Feroxi traditions," Chrom noted, the rest of us also looking confused.
"Ha! On the contrary. The khans themselves do not fight-they choose champions to represent them. Otherwise our land would be rife with blood feuds and dead khans! We don't involve comrades or kin for the same reason, which is why I cannot let Bruford join you at this time. Over time, it was decided the tournament should be fought by outsiders. Although the outsiders have never included foreign royalty. ...That I know of! Ha!"
After her light hardy laugh, Flavia quickly looked to us again.
"Regardless, it is your choice to make," she informed us.
"There is no choice, East-Khan," Chrom responded, "My people are desperate. We face not only Plegia's constant attacks and the sudden rise of Phantoms on their side, but now the added threat of the Risen. If fighting for you is the quickest way to an alliance, then we will take up our steel."
"Ha ha! Oh, I like you, Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament! Come. I'll show you the arena where the tournament is held. But be wary! I hear an equally able swordsman champions the West-Khan."
"He shall be defeated by Ylisse's necessity."
"Well spoken again-I look forward to seeing if you're equally skilled with a blade!"
After showing the us the arena, Flavia gave us all a chance to prepare for what's to come. Frederick was going to practice as Sully soon followed, Lissa wanted to somewhere, but wouldn't say where or why, and it left me and Lora with Sumia as Chrom had left to discuss details with the East-Khan.
"Everything ok, Logan?" Lora asked.
"I don't know, Lora. I just feel strange," I admitted, "I mean, I know the Phantoms are problematic, especially the Plegian ones, but then there's Phantoms like Raimi. They willingly fight alongside those their former hosts fought with as if they were still their hosts. Isn't that strange?"
"Not all Phantoms have the intent of being evil. If the host was evil and they fall into despair, their Phantom will be equally as evil. The same will go to those who had fallen into despair because of these types of Phantoms," Lora explained, "However, those who are of pure heart are more than likely to have their Phantoms be loyal to them, whether they are aware of their existence or not, and those Phantoms grant the hosts magic as you see all around us."
"You mean everyone has a Phantom within them?!" I gasped.
Lora refused to answer.
"My point is, Logan, if the host is good enough, the Phantom will take over their host's lives should they fall into a deep enough despair, and vow to continue as they have before. That's why Raimi is still loyal to Flavia."
"...I guess that makes sense," I sighed, "I-I need to get my mind off this for now, Lora. I need to talk to Chrom so we can discuss a possible strategy for the tournament."
"Good idea, I'll catch you later," Lora waved as she walked off, leaving me with Sumia.
"Hey, Sumia? Could you let Chrom know it's time for our strategy meeting? We need to be as prepared as possible," I requested of her.
"Oh! Y-Yes, of course, Logan. I'll get right on it," she smiled before walking off, only to suddenly trip on a pebble.
"Whoa! You ok?" I asked, Sumia getting up and dusting herself off.
"I'm fine. I'll be back," she assured as she left, leaving me to sigh.
At that moment, Frederick was using some of the training facilities in the arena to sharpen his own skills. Just then, Sully walked in to greet him.
"There you are, Frederick! I thought you might be up for a little sparring before the tournament," Sully figured.
"Certainly, Sully," the great knight nodded, stopping his training as he prepared himself for her, "...All right, you may strike whenever you are ready."
"Get ready for a whuppin'!" she grinned, rushing in with her lance, "Hiiiiiii-YA!"
She clanged her lance against Frederick, who blocked with his axe.
"Mmm… Good technique and excellent form," Frederick complemented Sully's skill before gripping his axe tighter, "However, it is my turn…"
Frederick soon shoved Sully's lance aside before swinging his axe down onto her armor, shoving her back.
"GAH!" she gasped, falling backwards from the blow.
"Are you all right?" he asked, helping Sully up.
"Oh, yeah! Just peachy! Thanks!" she muttered with a sigh, "Er, think I'm going to yield, though. …"
"Is something the matter?"
"Just wondering how you beat me so easily, is all."
"I would hardly call such a match 'easy'."
"Yea, but I never lose to anybody!"
"Sometimes these things are a simple matter of chance," Frederick pointed out as Sully pondered her situation.
"Hmm… Well, thanks for the practice," she shrugged off, preparing to split, "I'll let you know once I've honed my edge a bit."
"I look forward to it."
At that moment, Chrom was finished talking with Flavia when Sumia walked up to him.
"Oh! There you are!" Sumia spoke up, getting Chrom's attention.
"Hello, Sumia. Did you need something?" Chrom asked.
"Um, no. Logan is just looking for you," she informed.
"Oh, right. The strategy meeting for the tournament. Poor Logan does love to…" he started before- "AAAAAAARGH!"
Chrom had ended up somehow tripping and landing on his face, much to Sumia's shock.
"Chrom! Are you all right?!" she asked in a panic.
"Y-Yes, I'm fine," he assured, dusting himself off as he stood up, "Gods, how embarrassing."
"It's because you're so exhausted! You've been working too hard lately."
"I'm fine, Sumia. And besides, we're all tired from the traveling and everything else going on before Logan even showed up. Such endless fighting wears on everyone."
"Chrom," she sighed, "You've no need to don a brave face for my sake. You carry twice the burden of anyone. It's only natural you're exhausted."
"Heh. You're so kind to say so. But in truth, everyone looks to their commander for inspiration and strength. An army is only as stalwart as its leader. The instant I show weakness, we're through."
"It must be so hard for you…"
"I'll… be fine. And please, don't speak of this conversation to anyone. All right?"
"N-no! Of course not! I would never-"
Chrom just chuckled a bit in response.
"At ease, Sumia. And stop worrying so much!" he smiled, "It'll take more than a few battles to bring this soldier to his knees."
"I know! You're the greatest warrior that I've ever…" Sumia started before stopping, thinking of something, "Huh. I just realized something."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"You trusted me with a secret! It's our first secret together!"
"Um… yes, I suppose it is."
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed tighter than a bear trap. ...So long as you promise to take a nap before the strategy meeting!"
"...What?" Chrom responded, confused.
"I'll just tell Logan you've been delayed."
"And if I don't agree to your terms?"
"Then I'll tell everyone the mighty Chrom was bested by a mere pebble!" she giggled.
"That sounds like blackmail," Chrom pointed out, sighing a bit, "Still, I suppose a short nap couldn't hurt."
"Ooh, it's so thrilling to be able to help out like this!" she smiled, "Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Sweet dreams!" Sumia giggled, skipping off, Chrom sighing yet again.
"That girl has a strange knack for getting her way…"
Once we finished our resting up and preparations for the tournament, and I decided to have Miriel join me, Sumia, Lora, Frederick, Lissa, and Chrom in the arena against nine other opponents. However, we were not intimidated by the sheer numbers, but we noticed a familiar face amongst the Feroxi, ready to lead the charge.
"Chrom! Look!" Lissa gasped, pointing out Marth's presence amongst the group opposing us.
"I see him…" Chrom confirmed, Marth remaining silent all the while, "Marth! One question, before we begin?"
Marth was silent once more, refusing to speak as he simply gripped his sword.
"...Fine, then. Our swords can speak for us!"
With that, as the rest of us prepared to battle the other troops, Chrom unsheathed Falchion once more, but when Marth unsheathed his own blade, I could confirm that it looked exactly like Chrom's Falchion, making all of us gasp, especially Chrom.
"Where did you get that?" he gawked, eyeing Marth carefully, and while he muttered the next words under his breath it was still loud enough for me to hear, "There's no way…"
Suddenly, Marth leaped in, slamming his blade down on Marth, who blocked with his own. Then, the two entered a quick exchange of blows, Chrom and I quick to notice Marth's fighting style was similar to Chrom's own.
"Tell me-" Chrom started, blocking Marth, "Who taught you to fight like that?"
The two were soon at a standstill, blade locked as I noticed Marth was gritting his teeth before the two split apart, backing up before preparing to strike. They rushed at each other once more, barely hitting their armors before Chrom stopped, looking up to see Marth had performed the same leaping maneuver Chrom pulled not seconds before.
"My father!" he snapped, slamming on the ground, Chrom barely avoiding the strike before the two stared each other down as we rejoined Chrom.
"Let's focus on taking out Marth! If we take him out, we can disorient the troops and end the battle swiftly!" I called out, and seeing there were no Phantoms, I just held my Bronze Sword and Thunder tome in anticipation of our foes.
However, some of the Feroxi mages pulled out some familiar rocks, tossed them, and they turned into the golems of the Phantoms.
"Ok, I guess I needed the Driver more than I thought," I admitted, pulling out the Water Style ring and my Driver On ring.
= DRIVER ON! PLEASE! =
"Hang on, Logan. Let's do it together," Lora grinned, confusing me before she revealed a silver cage-like buckle on her belt and she revealed a similar ring with a hexagonal shape, confusing me.
Earlier, Lora had taken a time for herself to examine the stone device along with a ring she found with it.
"If I'm going to be of any help… I need to get all the help I can get," she muttered, "...Please… join with me… CHIMERA!"
With that, she slammed the stone thing on her waist.
The next thing she knew, she found herself in some sort of black void.
"Where am I?" she wondered.
She heard a loud chuckle before turning to see a figure form from a gold dust of sorts. This figure was much larger than most and moved like an animal, revealing itself to be a large golden and black lion with green eyes, a crimson bull on its chest with gold horns, wings on opposite sides with its right being orange connected to a falcon's head while the left was a purplish-navy blue connected to a dolphin, and its hind quarters having a green chameleon's head and tongue for the tail.
"So you wish to use my power?" the chimera chuckled, surprising Lora as the items she had glowed.
"So you're the Chimera Phantom," she noted.
"Indeed. I can grant you my power, but you must feed me magical energy from Phantoms and Ghouls, or else I will drain you of your power. Do you understand?" he asked, making Lora a bit nervous before thinking of the others.
"...I see I'm in a pinch either way," she admitted before looking up, "No… a pinch is a chance. I'll take that chance, Chimera. Join me now!"
The Phantom glared at her as Lora held up the items, there being silence at first, until Chimera chuckled.
"You're a brave soul. Much braver than the last foolish man who used me. Very well, I shall grant you my power, but you have been warned," Chimera replied as he soon roared, a bright light bringing Lora back into reality as the stone device shattered, revealing a new object while the rings fully formed in her hands, too.
"All right! Let's do it!" she grinned.
Before I could do anything else, Lora set up her rings on her hands, her right hand preparing similar to how I activated my Driver, flashing it over her buckle.
= DRIVER ON! =
This shocked everyone as a roar was heard before Lora's buckle bulged out and formed something more like my driver, but it had two handle-like attachments on the sides with indents of sorts. She then showed her left hand ring, which was squared off with black corners, gold in the middle to show a face with green eyes.
"Don't just stand there, let's do it together!" Lora giggled, snapping me out of my staring.
"Uh… r-right!" I nodded, flipping my Driver and preparing to transform.
= SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN! =
"Henshin!" I declared calmly as I posed with my ring while Lora posed more dramatically with hers.
"Hen~shin!" she shouted as I flashed my Water Style ring over my belt as Lora inserted her ring into the left slot of her driver.
= WATER! PLEASE! =
= SET! =
As I held my hand up, she twisted hers, causing the 'cage' to open revealing a gold lion face with a flashing head gem, and etchings of animals on either side of its face.
= OPEN! =
Then, as a blue magic circle appeared above me, one similar to mine but in gold appeared in front of Lora, both circles approaching us.
= SUI! SUI! SUI! SUI~! =
= L-I-O-N! =
"HA!" Lora shouted with a strong pose.
= LION! =
With a roar from her belt, the rings finished their work as I was now in a blue version of my Wizard armor, matching the ring as the sapphires on my armor were diamond shaped. We looked at Lora's armor to see it was mostly black and gold all over, the torso forming a lion's mane that connected to a lion's head on her left shoulder, white gloves, and her helmet matching her ring bar the red head gem in the middle and the silver mouthpiece.
"Saa, Showtime da!" I declared, rushing at the golems while the others were confused.
"Huh? Oh, right, catchphrase. Hmm… what would fit for me?" she pondered before thinking of one, "All right! Beware the Beast! Saa… Lunchtime daa!"
"Lunchtime?" the other Shepherds (bar Chrom) repeated in confusion as we took on the golems.
"How do these guys get these golems?" I asked.
"They're called Ghouls, Logan!" Lora corrected me as she flipped one around.
"Sorry!" I called out, pulling out a new ring, showing a dragon with a dripping liquid-like body as Lora clawed at more Ghouls and an axe-wielding Feroxi came towards me.
= LIQUID! PLEASE! =
The axe-wielder tried to hit me, but it went through my body like water. I'll admit, it's a weird feeling, but it works well for defense as my body reformed from the attacks quickly. Then, when he grabbed me, I turned into water and reformed in a grapple-position with his arms and back twisted.
"Better tap out quick, pal!" I grinned, soon pinning the guy to the ground as the other Shepherds finally moved and attacked the other Feroxi.
"Time to show off my own training," Lora/Beast grinned as she pulled out a gold a rapier with a black hilt, gold decorations, a spin-dial of sorts, and a square on one side depicting the face of a die, "Here comes my Dice Saber!"
She then swung and thrusted her blade in a style of a fencer, managing to hit all the Ghouls.
"Don't think you're the only one with unique powers, Wizard," Beast called out to me, showing off another hexagonal ring with the green face depicting a Chameleon in it as she inserted it into her Driver.
= SET! =
After a standby jingle, she pulled it out and held out her hand, causing a green magic circle to appear.
= GO! CHA-CHA-CHA-CHA-CHAMELEON! =
With the sound of a tongue flicking, the magic circle formed some kind of green and gold mantle over her right shoulder and arm, the shoulder gaining the head of a chameleon with the tongue out.
= CONNECT! PLEASE! =
Pulling out my WizarSwordGun, I blasted several Ghouls to clear a path to Marth for Chrom as he rushed towards her.
"Tell me! Who is your father?" Chrom demanded to know, but Marth stayed quiet for a bit.
"I've said enough for one day, sir!" he snapped.
Chrom just sighed in response before looking to Marth.
"Hmph. Is that how it is? Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you."
As Chrom aimed his Falchion at Marth, said swordsman just let off a light chuckle.
"Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance…" he noted, aiming his blade at Chrom, "We shall see who shames who!"
As I knocked another Ghoul aside, and Beast stabbed a few more, Chrom clashed blades with Marth again, going back and forth as Beast and I prepared our weapons.
"Saa… Main Dish da (Time for the main dish)," Lora smiled, spinning the dial, causing the die to spin as I opened the thumb on my WizarSwordGun's Hand Author (as I learned from Lora).
"Finale da," I declared.
= C'MON AND SHOOTING! SHAKE HANDS! =
As I placed my Water Style ring hand on the author, Beast inserted her ring into her saber, causing it to stop at…
= 6! CHAMELEON! SABER STRIKE! =
= WATER! SHOOTING STRIKE! =
= SUI SUI SUI! SUI SUI SUI! =
With that, I fired off my WizarSwordGun, blasting water bullets while Beast launched out golden chameleons that leaped out and lashed their tongues at the Ghouls as they all disappeared, leaving behind gold magic circles that were absorbed into Beast's Driver.
Suddenly, we saw Chrom knock Marth to the ground, blade aimed at his face. The two stared at each other as Marth sighed.
"Impressive… if not surprising…" he noted as the rest of us sighed.
"Well fought!" Flavia applauded for us, walking up to us in the arena when we finished cleaning ourselves up, "You have my respect. And perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."
"Truly?" Chrom gasped delightedly, "Thank you, East-Khan."
"I should thank you!" she chuckled, "It feels like ages since I've held full power. Come my new friends! Tonight we celebrate!"
With that, Flavia rushed off to prepare for such a party as Bruford, who was there the entire time, just looked back at us.
"You'll have to pardon her. She's been overly anxious to have full control back that she might forget some things," he apologized.
"Don't worry about it," Chrom assured, "But I assume this means you'll be joining us?"
"Indeed," Bruford nodded before sighing, "As soon as Khan Flavia is finished with her party."
"Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it…" a gruff male voice scoffed, making me flinch as we turned to see a very tan skinned man with an eye patch over his left eye, was bald, and wore a lot of gold armor on top of navy blue clothing that exposed his chest, and a bit of his torso, with what appeared to be a lot of furs or feathers around his neck.
Gotta admit, he sure did seem intimidating.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" Chrom asked the man.
"I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power!" he responded to Chrom, "You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."
"What do you know about him, exactly?" Chrom inquired, something that'll be beneficial to all of us.
"You mean that 'Marth'? Bah! He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur!" he scoffed.
'Somehow I highly doubt that,' I thought in my head.
"All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat," Basilio explained before chuckling, "It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things! Baha!"
"So… do you know where he-?" I asked.
"He's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."
"He's so dark and mysterious…" Lissa muttered, sighing dreamily, making me and Lora sigh out of annoyance before we turned to each other and Chrom.
"Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan…" I noted.
"Well, I mean, c'mon…" Lissa responded, "He IS sort of dreamy, isn't he?"
"And YOU'RE sort of dreaming!" Chrom interjected.
"Yowch! Lighten up, Big Brother," Lissa giggled, "I was just kidding."
'Sure you were,' thought, figuring Lora thought the same seeing she rolled her eyes like I did.
"Milord? Milady? If this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home," Frederick suggested, "The exalt will want news of our new alliance immediately."
"Right as always, Frederick," Chrom agreed.
"Hold, boy. I assume Flavia's old champion, Bruford here, is going to join you, seeing he never left your side?" Basilio checked.
"That is correct, sir," Bruford confirmed.
"Then before you go, boy, I have a present for you as well," Basilio informed as a new figure walked up.
This man was tall, had dark brown spiky hair, and wore a mostly blue outfit with black and white accents, a red sash across his waist, and golden ornamentations on it, a blade held tight next to him. He just stood in silence for a bit.
"And who's this?" Lora asked.
"This is Lon'qu, my former champion and Bruford's acquaintance," Basilio informed, "Not much for talking, mind you, but he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind. To be honest, I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."
"Marth beat him?" Lissa gawked, "But he looks so big and strong…"
"Let's not get carried away Liss-" I started as Lissa approached Lon'qu, but then-
"Get back! Away, woman!" Lon'qu suddenly snapped, backing up with some sweat dripping from his brow.
"Hey! Wh-What did I say?!" Lissa asked, confused, Basilio laughing heartily nearby.
"Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge," he answered, "Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps even the makings of a khan, as is Bruford."
"My pardon, West-Khan, but you know I'm not much of a leader," Bruford interjected.
"Yea, yea, boy, I heard you tell me many times already," Basilio shrugged off as he turned to Chrom, "Just as Bruford and the soldiers from Ferox are the East-Khan's aid for your forces, consider Lon'qu West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause."
"You and Flavia are certain about leaving your strongest champions with us?" Chrom checked.
"Yes, yes. They're your men now."
"And Lon'qu? I already have Bruford word, but you have no objections?" Chrom checked with the Myrmidon.
"Just as Bruford does whatever the East-Khan does. West-Khan gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear," Lon'qu answered.
"...All right, then," Chrom nodded, "Welcome aboard."
The group began their trek back to Ylisse. They had all been walking for some time, also stopping some brigands on the way, but this left Logan a bit concerned one night. But he figured he'd tell Chrom later. So, he had fallen asleep somewhere as Lissa came to his tent, not knowing he did so at first. She didn't find him in the tent, and so went to search for him.
"Logan! Where aaare yooou?!" she called out, soon seeing him next to a tree, "There you are! I was just…"
However, she soon noticed he was sleeping, hearing him snore.
"Oh!" she gasped before whispering, "You're sleeping."
Logan made a snort in his sleep as he moved to get comfortable. Lissa smiled at him.
"You must really be wiped out after the constant struggles we've been through. Not that I blame you getting wrapped up in all this," she sighed, smiling before an idea came to her mind as she giggled quietly, "Looks like it's time to quiiietly… geeently… hold your nose!"
She then pinched Logan's nose, making it hard from him to breathe as he suddenly panicked.
"Nh...gnnkh...nnrrrgh... ! BWARGH! Wha-?! Risen! Wolves! Risen riding wolves!" I panicked when I suddenly shot up from a dream, preparing my rings when I noticed something was off, slowly getting up, "They're...all... Wait a moment…"
I turned to see Lissa on her back, laughing out loud about something before she sat up, "'BWARGH'?! Oh gods, that was HILARIOUS! Heeeee hee hee hee hee!"
"Lissa, gods bless it… I was fast asleep!" I snapped, not finding her prank amusing.
"And dreaming of Risen and wolves, apparently," she giggled, calming down, "Tee hee hee! I'm sorry, I tried to resist-I really did. But it was just too perfect!"
I just groaned in response, "Who does such things?! Is that really how your parents raised you?!"
This got her silent almost instantly, making her look away nervously.
"...I… I don't know… I never really knew my parents," she confessed.
"Oh… Oh, right. That was… Er…" I suddenly stuttered… and in hindsight, I felt that wasn't the best time to bring up her parents.
"Oh, don't worry about it," she shrugged off easily, "I know you didn't mean anything by it. And actually, there's something I should be apologizing for…"
"Whatever it is, I'm sure I can forget it if you can forgive my heartless comment," I replied.
"Really? That's great! Oh, I was SO sure you were going to be SO angry…" she sighed with relief, getting my attention as I got confused, "See, I was kinda doodling a pic of you in your big new book of battle strategies… ...Aaand I kinda spilled the ink and kinda ruined the book, kinda… completely… Ireallyreallydidn'tmeanto!"
"WHAT?! But that was a rare text! I had just started to..." I gasped in shock and on the verge of exploding, but soon catching myself and calming down, "...Er, *ahem* I mean… it's… it's fine. Accidents happen."
"Oooh pheeew!"
At that time, Lora was cleaning up the mess tent to make sure all the dishes were cleaning.
'A bit annoying having to take out the stray ghouls, but this'll be worth it,' Lora thought to herself, and when she looked up, she saw Frederick enter, "Oh, Frederick!"
"Hello, Lora," Frederick nodded as he approached her, "I've thought about your previous offer."
"The favor?" She checked, earning a nod as she smiled, "Oh good! Good. What'll it be? Just say the word."
"I recall seeing you and Logan eat bear with great relish shortly after we first met, on both the occasion of the night when I first met you and the night after we met Logan. I should like you to teach me this skill. ...Eating bear, that is," Frederick requested as memories came back to Lora.
"I remember those nights, especially after we met Logan. I've never see Lissa in such a froth. She said it smelled like… old boots, was it?" Lora recalled before she realized something, "Wait, so on both occasions, you didn't eat any of the bear meat, either?" 'Figured as much, but best to hear it from the horse's mouth.'
"I fear I've rarely been able to choke down wild game, and bear least of all," Frederick confessed before calming himself, "But as the war grows harsher, I can no longer afford to be picky. There may come a day when bear is the only food available to us. Best I train to overcome my aversion now, when our situation is not so dire."
"True,and even the finest knight isn't much use on an empty stomach," Lora agreed before cracking her neck and knuckles, "All right then, Frederick, you're on! Let's get you eating some bear!"
"Yes, I will train until 'til I can consume anything, without concern for taste or decorum," Frederick added with determination, "Like an animal… Or a savage… Or like you, Lora."
Lora just gave off a confused and almost worried expression, a matching noise escaping her lips. It was only after this that Frederick somewhat noticed his misspoken words.
"Er, Lora? Did I say something wrong?" he asked.
"Um, no, nothing," she said almost unsure until she snapped out of it, "Don't worry about it. So, Frederick, you don't have any problem with more common meats, do you?"
"Beef and pork are fine," he answered, "I also enjoy a good chicken on occasion."
"Then let's start simple," Lora nodded, pulling out a piece of jerky and handed it to the Great Knight, "Take a bite out of this jerky."
"I shall tear into it with gusto!" he announced, chomping down on the jerky with pride, chewing it with great vigor until he noticed something about the taste when it hit his tongue, causing him to gag and cough almost instantly, starting to go into a fit of coughs, "BLEAGH! *cough cough cough* G-gamey! S-So… So gamey! What… *cough cough* … *cough cough cough* What IS this?"
"It's bear," Lora answered rather casually, "Leftovers from the same bear we ate the night we met Logan, in fact! I saved some."
"Eeeaaaaagh! Healer! I need a healer!" he panicked, barging outside the tent, leaving Lora to sigh to herself.
"Animal or savage indeed. How rude of him," she scoffed before sighing, "Guess he wasn't kidding about his aversion to bear, though."
When the group finally returned to Ylisse, Chrom had a chance to speak with Emmeryn about the successful mission in regards to their neighbors to the north.
"...Then Regna Ferox will support Ylisse?" Chrom's elder sister checked with a smile, Chrom nodding as Emmeryn smiled warmly, "Thank you, Chrom. I knew sending you was the right choice."
"You should see Ferox's warriors!" Chrom chuckled, "Perhaps now, our people will be safe from-"
However, the doors slammed open, getting the attention of the royal siblings, who looked to see Phila enter.
"Your Grace! M-milord!" she panted, trying to get all the info out, "Forgive me, but I bring alarming news!"
"Phila! Slow down, please! What's happened?" Emmeryn inquired.
"Plegian soldiers have been sighted inside our southwest border! They attacked a village in Themis and abducted the duke's daughter."
"B-but that would be… Maribelle!" Lissa gasped in panic, "Chrom, we have to do something!"
"There's more: King Gangrel of Plegia claims Lady Maribelle invaded HIS country. He demands we pay reparations for this 'insult'."
"And we're to believe a dastard like the Mad King of Plegia?" Chrom growled, clenching his fist.
"Peace, Chrom," Emmeryn shushed, "We must keep our wits about us."
"We should put a sword in his gut and be done with it! The Mad King has been trying to provoke war with Ylisse at every step! He won't stop until he drags this whole continent to hell with him!"
"I agree with the prince, Your Grace," Phila concurred, "We must demonstrate to Plegia that such actions have consequences."
"I understand your feelings, Chrom. Truly I do," Emmeryn sighed, "But if we give him the war he wants, then we lose, no matter what the outcome. Our last conflict nearly ruined the halidom. It left Ylisseans homeless and starving. We cannot repeat that mistake. I will offer parley with King Gangrel."
"Emm, no! You can't!" Lissa shouted.
"Please reconsider, Your Grace," Phila added, "He cannot be trusted to act in good faith!"
"So either we choose to march to war or leave Lady Maribelle to die?" Emmeryn checked before standing firm, "No. I will not accept that."
"...Forgive me, Your Grace," Phila sighed in apology, "I spoke out of turn. I know you will stand always by your own principles. Pray, allow the pegasus knights to accompany you, though."
"I'm going, too," Chrom insisted, "...Someone has to save you from your good intentions."
"And I want to be there for you AND Maribelle!" Lissa added.
"As you wish," Emmeryn allowed, "Thank you all. Your strength will be mine."
That night, after I was informed of Maribelle's capture by the Mad King, I joined Lora, Chrom, and Lissa as we got the Shepherds ready to march out towards our next objective.
"Well then? Is everyone ready to go?" Chrom asked us as we waited outside the castle, "It's a long march through the western mountains to the Plegian border."
We nodded, ready to leave as a young-looking male mage in a blue and gray version of Miriel's outfit (bar the glasses) rushed over.
"Captain! I'm all packed!" he shouted, clinging to several bags and tomes, "When do we leave?!"
"Ricken? How did you…" Chrom started before shrugging off that thought, "Go back inside. You're not old enough for this mission."
"But, Captain!" he protested, "You know my skill with magic! You know I can handle myself!"
"I'd feel safer with your magic here, protecting the garrison," Chrom pointed out, "All right? We're off, then. Be good."
Thus, the rest of us continued our march off.
"'Be good'? Gods, how old does he think I am?" Ricken muttered to himself before steeling himself for whatever came next, "...Well, I'll show him just how good I can be!"
(Cue Ending Theme Song: Human Nature by Michael Jackson)
*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, 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, 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 including Virion, Sully, Vaike, Stahl, and Miriel 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: And that's the chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed it. I felt it needed more filling out so I put in more Support conversations, and this brings in the introduction of the OC of one RedRat8, Bruford Fields. He'll play more than just a supporting role due to him being the first of the other OCs introduced aside from Logan and Lora. If you want to create characters, just let me know in a review. But keep in mind, the characters below are all that's left for pairings.
Girls: Sully, Miriel, Nowi, Tharja, Tiki
Guys: Virion, Vaike, Kellam, Donnel, Lon'qu, Ricken, Libra, Gregor, Henry
KKD: Once the characters are all paired up, I will no longer be accepting OCs, except for Phantoms. So get creating, and I encourage you guys to send in your female OCs. Also, do you want your OC's support conversations to follow the template of the Avatar and that character we paired them with or do you want a more original support based on your OC's personality. Here's the formats you can use:
Rider and Normal Characters
Character Name:
Rider Name:
Gender:
Character Appearance:
Character Class (apart from Rider):
Inner Phantom/Motif:
Rider Appearance:
Rider Form(s):
Weapons:
Personality:
Preferred Spouse(s):
Phantoms
Human Name:
Phantom Name:
Motif/Basis: (Only if not the same in exact name as the Phantom Name)
Gender:
Human Appearance:
Phantom Appearance:
Powers:
Character Class:
Preferred Weapon:
Personality:
Preferred Side: (Ylisse, Plegia, Valm, Grima)
Preferred Spouse(s):
Children
Child Name:
Gender:
Child's Parents: (Your OC + their spouse)
Character Appearance:
Character Class:
Weapon(s):
Personality:
KKD: And that's about it except for the support rankings, which you can see below:
Support Rankings
Lora & Frederick: B
Logan & Chrom: C
Chrom & Lissa: C
Logan & Lora: C
Chrom & Sumia: C
Logan & Lissa: C
Frederick & Sully: C
KKD: Again, do you guys think I should be including non-romantic supports for other characters apart from Logan, Lora, Chrom, & Lissa? Let me know in your review. Until then, this is the Crossover King, KKD Silver signing out. *salutes* Jaa ne.