"You wanna hear the story of the Golden Fishing Rod?" one fisherman said.
"I once did combat against the Dragon of Evil. Hear this legend." a knight said.
"I once visited the legendary city under the sea…wanna hear?" a traveler asked.
The Town of Legends, one of the many sister cities to the Town of Tales, spends most of their days telling legends of great events. Though it is unclear whether any of these are true or not.
However, there are exceptions to this uncertainty; recently, eight stories were unearthed that everyone agreed were dictations of true events that had yet to occur. Thus, all within the Town of Legends awaits the day that these stories are told, and its protagonists pass from normalcy into the realm of true legends…
"...and then Luffy pulled Kaido right back up through the roof!" Eddy continued as he was regaling tales of past adventures to Alear. "Then he and Jexi go right back to duking it out with the guy, and they are kicking butt! It was awesome!"
"It sounds like a very amazing battle." Alear said. "It's hard to believe the part where Luffy turns into a living…cartoon, you said it was?"
"Don't mind the descriptions. Trying to understand every little detail will only fry your brain." David said.
"Yeah, tryin' to explain how Luffy's Fifth Gear works is hard, and i'm built just the same way he was fighting back then!" Peacock said. "But the point is, that raid was one of the best things we've ever done."
"Yes, every one of us here played a part in it. It was one of the most grueling wars we have ever been through." David said.
"You'll have to tell me more stories about your adventures later. It sounds like you've had some amazing times." Alear smiled.
"Alear seems to be enjoying herself. You all have bonded pretty well with her, despite her being Dragon Royalty." Mirror Match said.
"Well, it helps that she seems much more human than most of us here." Nesma said. "And believe me, considering the behavioral patterns of some of us, that is quite a feat."
"Plus, she was asleep for 1000 years now. It's no surprise she would like to know what has been going on during all that time." David said.
"Yeah. We'll get her back to Elyos. I'm sure those who have looked after her want to see her again. They miss her, I bet." Hope said. "And we'll make sure of that by getting the rest of the Emblem Bracelets. Speaking of which… how close are we to the Town of Legends, guys?"
"Not too far. In fact, we've made it!" Ty said as everyone laid eyes on their destination. "Here we are, the Town of Legends!"
Much like its relative town, the Town of Tales, the Town of Legends was bustling with all sorts of people telling stories. But these weren't about deeds or accomplishments that people have done. The people here were talking about things that have yet to be done, and whether they were real or not were up to those who hear them.
"Wow. Already we can hear the difference from where you guys set up shop." Connor said.
"That's right. Here in the town of legends, people come from all over to tell stories of great stories that regale tales of powerful equipment, ferocious beasts, or challenging quests." G. Aqua explained. "It's a really great spot to take on some really challenging, yet well-rewarding quests."
"That is, if the stories they tell are true." Kazuma added. "Sometimes, people just make stuff up and, if it gets enough traction, it becomes a legend. Even the stories that are real tend to be exaggerated. It's a mixed bag between awesome rewards for challenging quests and wild goose chases."
"But these new Eight Tales are plenty real." Ty said. "When they were found, everybody here decided to wait for them to be told. Since they've been found, no one's taken the challenge of living them yet."
"I've been meaning to ask, what do you guys do in these Eight tales?" Makoto asked.
"Basically, we each pick one character out of a group of eight, and we help them complete their journey. Each character fills one particular class, like in an RPG." Hope said.
"Of course, we don't usually have enough groups to fill all the slots, so this is one of those times where we would bring allies in, just so each tale can be told." David said.
"It's probably a good thing we all got together before coming here then." Leonie said. "You guys had six already to start with, and with us and Reformed Society, we have 8. So going to Solistia shouldn't be a problem."
"Come to think of it, this will be the first time us, Team Chronicle and Reformed Society have ever done this." Noel realized.
"Well, we haven't used the abilities from last time all that much anyway, so you're not really missing much." David said.
"But depending on how things go, that may actually change for some of us." Cheetah said.
"By the way, I didn't get a chance to bring this up before, but I'm sensing a bit of an air between you two. Is there something going on between you?" Alear asked.
"Depends on what you're referring to." David said.
"They're not a couple, if that's what you're thinking. The spot for David's girlfriend has already been filled." Connor quipped.
"By me." Sectonia said with a wink.
"But…yeah, things between us were pretty hostile for a while. In fact, we were enemies when we first met." David said. "Yeah, a lot has happened between us and we were able to iron out most of the hostility, and for the most part, things between us are quite friendly now."
"Of course, we can't resist the urge to lock claws with swords every now and again." Cheetah said.
"In a sort of platonic way, the two of us tend to complete each other. We're basically two sides of the same coin in some ways." David said.
"In a sort of dark to your light kind of way, right?" Alear asked.
"Yes, exactly." David said. "And then Esmeralda came along. I'd say that it made things between me and Cheetah more complicated, but that would make me a liar."
"Yes. You and Esmeralda seem very well-versed in ice magic. I can see the two of you trying to outdo each other. You just can't help but form rivalries with a lot of people you meet, can you?" Alear asked with a laugh.
"No, it seems I can't. But it's mostly out of respect and endearment." David said. "The three of us simply excel in fields that we all wish to improve. That's pretty much all there is to it. At least… That's how I see it. I'm not sure if Cheetah and Esmeralda see it the same way at times."
"Do you think they feel like they're inferior to you?" Alear asked.
"What- No, of course not!" David said. "I mean, why would they? They've beaten me in most of the competitions we've competed in. I'd say that counts for something, right?"
"Oh, don't be so modest. We may have beaten you in terms of individual events, but you still won out in both Olympic competitions. No one here can deny your athletic skills." Esmeralda said.
"Oh, so that's why you spark rivalries with a lot of people. Your athletic abilities make you the one to beat, right?" Alear asked.
"Yep. That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell." David said. "I'm sure that as you travel along with us, you'll even find someone that lights that spark yourself."
"Maybe so. I'm glad the three of you gave me some insight on that." Alear said.
"Anyway…we're here." Theo said as they were led to a large temple.
"It kinda looks like the one back in the Town of Tales." Jexi said.
"Yeah, there's even the same old man acting as a guide." Asta said, pointing the man out.
"Same old man? I've never met any of you in my life. You must be thinking of my twin brother who works in the fancy temple in that town of tall tales." he said.
"Yeah, sure sounds like it." David said. "So…"
"Oh right." the old man said as he cleared his throat. "The 8 have come so let us commence!" he called out. "Now begins this month's telling of the tales."
"Okay…and how many months have you been telling these tales?" Nami asked.
"1. You all are actually the first to come." he said before materializing 8 cards. "Now…draw the cards of destiny and determine the path you'll walk!"
"Geez. They may be brothers but they got the same MO. Let's get this over with." Connor said as he drew a card. "Looks like I got the Cleric."
"Come on, Connor. Ever heard of ladies first?" David asked.
"There's no need to make a fuss over it. I'll take the next one." Cheetah said as she picked a card. "Huh…I have the thief."
"I think that's a nice pick there. It suits you guys." David said as he drew the next card. "Looks like it's the Warrior for me."
"Huh…wonder what I'll get then." Jexi said as he drew a card. "I got the Hunter."
"What are the odds? You two got each other's tales from last time." Hope said as he drew. "Wait, I got the Apothecary again?"
"You don't pick the cards. The cards pick you." the old man said.
"That doesn't make any…you know what, not even gonna stress about it." Hope said.
"Let me see what we got here…" Mark said, drawing a card, which caused him to adopt a look of confusion. "Huh…Dancer? Not exactly a dancer myself, but okay. DW, you go next."
"C'mon, daddy needs a new pair of dualies!" DW typed before he drew a card. "...Scholar? Seriously? Damn, this is gonna be so boring…"
"Never was the studious type, I'd imagine?" Glacius asked.
"Hey, you try being interested in studying when you're a subject of study the moment you pop out of the test tube." DW typed.
"That just leaves me then." Ace said as he drew the last card. "The Merchant."
"You all have chosen!" the old man said as the doors appeared.
"So what do we do?" Theo asked.
"We pretty much just stood guard last time." Cobalt said.
"Guess we're doing that again?" Ethox asked.
"Looks like it. But we were able to watch the tales unfold as they lived through them." Emerald said.
"And you will be able to do so here!" the old man spoke up. "Thanks to this new magic mirror we had installed!" he added, pointing to a large magic mirror at the far side of the temple.
"Cool, TV. I call the couch!" Nemo said, running to a nearby couch.
"Uh, I usually sleep on…eh, forget it." the old man said.
"Hold on a second. What about Alear and the Emblems? How do we decide that?" David asked.
"I think I'm capable of choosing my own path." Alear said, going over to the Dimensional Heroes.
"As for the Emblems, we need to figure out who goes with which group, because we only have four right now." Sachiko said. "That means half of us are potentially going without them."
"Well you only need to decide on two since I doubt Marth or Tiki are planning to part of their chosen picks." Noelle said.
"If you don't mind, we'd like to remain with David's group." Dimitri said.
"You sure, Dimitri?" David asked.
"You have taken care of us well so far. We'd like to assist you some more, if you'd allow us." Edelgard requested.
"Very well. Guess that leaves Camilla." David said.
"Such a hard choice to make… I think I'll keep company with Darksquad." Camilla said.
Revali passed Camilla's bracelet to Darksquad. "Treat her well."
"Don't worry, we will." Hitomi said.
"Alright. I think everyone is ready now." David said.
"Then, brave groups who have gathered here, step forth to your doors and prepare to begin your journeys." the man said as everyone did so. "Prepare yourselves for a new journey. You are about to make for the land of Solistia, a continent housing eight new travelers whose stories have not yet been told. Each of them embark on their journeys to accomplish different goals than the previous eight travelers, whose stories were told by my brother. Those stories were weak compared to these!" he said.
"Okay…so…where do we all start?" Jexi said.
"Yes. You who picked the Hunter will appear in the Beasting Village on Toto'haha." the man said. "You will experience the tale of Ochette to protect her island home."
"Okay…what about me?" Hope asked.
"You who picked the Apothecary will be going to the town of Canalbrine in the Harborlands." the old man said. "Helping the traveler Castti as she reclaims her lost memories."
"An amnesiac apothecary? That should be interesting." Hope said.
"What of us?" Cheetah asked.
"You will go to New Delsta in the Brightlands. Going after the thief Thronè and helping her to reclaim her freedom." the old man said.
"We won't let you down." Glacius said.
"As for us?" David asked.
"Your destination is the Desert Kingdom of Ku in Hinoeuma. Helping the prince of a kingdom torn by war. His name is Hikari." the old man said.
"That name sounds Japanese… no way David! You're gonna be teaming up with a Samurai prince!" Kazuma realized.
"Yep. This sounds right up our alley." David said.
"While we get stuck with a bookworm. I dunno if our story's gonna be as awesome as you guys…" DW typed in boredom.
"Actually, you'll be starting off in a very interesting place that some of you may find familiar." the old man said. "The Frigid Isle in the Winterlands. A frozen prison."
"Prison?!" Natalie said.
"Indeed. The scholar, Osvald, is a convicted killer who seeks revenge against the man who took his family and framed him for it." the old man said.
"Well, my boredom's cured! Let's do this!" DW typed, his energy back up.
"That was a quick turnaround…" Nine smirked.
"For those who picked the Merchant. I hope some of you are skilled with business." the old man said. "Your first stop on your journey is the pioneering town of Oresrush, in the Wildlands. To join Partitio the merchant on a journey of prosperity for all."
"If it's to help people, we gladly accept." Ace said.
"Now…to you who chose the Dancer. You'll arrive in Cropdale in the Leaflands to help the girl Agnea realize her dreams of making it on the big stage." he said.
"Let us hope this goes much better than when we tried to make Jimmy famous in Sumo Wrestling…" Double D said.
"On the bright side, it'll give me a chance to do the manager thing right." Eddy said. "And who knows? Maybe some of us'll grow."
"I doubt it, but we'll just go with the flow." Mark nodded.
"Well, that just leaves my group. Where are we going?" Connor asked.
"The town of Flamechurch in the Crestlands, where you will meet Temenos as he uncovers a vast mystery involving the church he works with." the old man said.
"A mystery? Sounds interesting." Lysithea said.
"Well then, see you all in Solistia. Hopefully we'll be able to cross paths before our partners' stories end this time." Connor said.
The 8 groups then departed to the doors as they soon suddenly vanished.
"Well…now we wait." Theo said.
"Yeah…I'm gonna get some popcorn." Kazuma said, heading off to get some.
The new 8 tales were now set in motion.