Phantoms of Ylisse

Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Recon or Fire Emblem in any way, shape or form. So hold off the lawsuits and torches!

III: In Demand…

My name is Alexandra Lin, but my call sign is "Aasimar" and I am the leader of the Phantoms strike team "Azure". I never would have thought that Azure and I would end up in Rodrig's home world after our escape from Ghosts. But that's exactly where we found ourselves, and if that wasn't crazy enough, we had just helped to rid the town of a group of bandits that tried to raid it. Thanks to our gear and weaponry, taking out those bandits was a cake walk, but the real climax came when the bandit leader took a hostage and we had to act quickly to save them. We were successful, but we also exposed ourselves to the locals. We got out of there as soon as possible before they could ask any questions.

Sometime later, we met the same group again after both Azure team and that group took on undead zombies that attacked us both, along with a masked 'swordsman' with an ulterior motive. We tried to greet them this time, but some of them proved to be hostile, and we made ourselves scarce.

With no way of returning to our world for now unless we found a dimensional gate, we had to make do with our current situation. Luckily, as members of a PMC, it wasn't hard for us to become mercs for hire in this world, taking on jobs here and there, especially bandit extermination, escort services, and elimination of the undead, which they called Risen. Thanks to a 'retrieval' expert with a sweet tooth who became our source of information, we were able to learn more about the world we were in and get work. It didn't take long for our actions to gain us a reputation in the nation we found out was called Ylisse, ruled by Exalt Emmeryn; Regna Ferox, a nation mostly comprised of warriors ruled by the Khans, and notoriety with Plegia, ruled by their "Mad King" who were enemies with both nations and didn't like us one bit because we had killed a good number of their brigands sent in to cause trouble in both nations. Oh, and we also made a lot of gold too.

Little did we know that this was just the start of things to come.

...

Ylisse Castle, Ylisse

After their consul with the other councillors, Chrom and his older sister, the exalt Emmeryn, were joined by Philia, a Pegasus knight who guarded the Exalt, and Frederick the wary. One of the topics that had been brought up during the meeting, apart from the situation with Plegia and the Risen, was the mercenary unit known as Phantoms, who had gained quite the reputation a few weeks ago. Ylisse had sent scouts to keep an eye on this group, but they had difficulty in doing so as the mercenary unit had been very good at avoiding detection and staying hidden. Apart from a few sightings in a village or town here and there, not much was known about them apart from what Chrom knew from their earlier encounters with them.

At the conclusion of the meeting it had been agreed that Ylisse gets reinforcements from the warrior nation Regna Ferox in preparation for the inevitable war with Chrom leading in the negotiations. However, Exalt Emmeryn had another task for Chrom and the Shepherds. "Chrom, if by any chance you encounter the mercenaries called Phantoms I'd like you to recruit them."

"That might be hard sister." Chrom said, "They've been avoiding our scouts for weeks since their appearance."

"Chrom has a point Your Grace. Those mercenaries are very skilled in stealth. Finding them will be very difficult." Frederick added, "Still are they worth seeking out? The last time we met them they vanished on us."

"No thanks to you and the others Frederick." Chrom said, "The leader was clearly about to speak to us, but you just made that impossible."

"I was being wary my prince, there was a chance they could have been enemies, especially with their destructive weaponry." Frederick replied.

"And there was also the chance they could have been allies too." Chrom countered.

"Enough." Emmeryn commanded stopping the argument. "You two have valid arguments about this mercenary unit, but until we talk with them we'll never know. So with that Chrom if you encounter the Phantoms at all tell them that I want to recruit them and if I have to talk to them for negotiations then so be it."

"Yes, we'll keep an eye out for them and if we do meet them we'll inform them." Chrom said.

…

The cloaked figure sat in the back of the tavern, waiting for their contact who had informed them of someone seeking their services. They had instructed the contact to set up a meeting, which was scheduled for today. As they waited, someone approached their table and sat down in front of them. The stranger was also cloaked, but in black instead of the brown worn by the first figure. A faint hint of silver hair and tanned skin could be seen from under the hood.

"Are you allied with the Phantoms?" The person, a female with a sultry voice asked.

"You could say that. I take it that you're the one seeking our services." The cloaked person, also female replied with a serious tone. 'I don't like this woman at all. Her sinister and shady aura just makes me sick.' They thought.

"Yes, I am. My master is in need of the Phantoms' unique skills for a very important job and he's willing to pay a lot for it." The woman said.

"What does this job involve?"

"Infiltrating a stronghold to steal…an important item out of the hands of some snobbish nobles."

"How important is this item?"

"It's very important. A relic that many people would pay a lot of gold to get their hands on."

"That's all?"

"Yes and like I said, my master will pay the Phantoms handsomely for it."

The cloaked figure and the client sat at the table, with the former appearing to be lost in thought while considering the latter's proposal. The client, in turn, wore a smirk beneath their black hood, confident that they had piqued the cloaked figure's interest with their request.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

"Unfortunately, we'll be turning down your offer."

The woman was surprised at that response. "Huh?! Why?!"

"Because you're hiding something and Azure likes to know what they're really getting into before they just jump into any job and since it's clear you're hiding a lot of info then the Phantoms won't waste their time." She stood up and glared at the other cloaked woman. "Have a nice day." She then left the tavern leaving the other person at the table.

Said person just shook her head and chuckled sinisterly. "You should have taken the offer."

…

Aasimar's POV

I was having a conversation with Gaius, the contact of the Phantoms. Despite our initial differences, we had managed to establish a business relationship. Gaius had provided us with valuable information about the world we had found ourselves in, and I had paid him generously for his services. Through his connections, we had been able to secure various jobs with high pay, allowing us to stay at inns in different towns and villages. However, in this particular meeting, I was discussing the recent job offer that I had to decline.

"So you turned down the job?"

"Yes, something about her rubbed me the wrong way. Not to mention she wasn't being completely honest with me."

"So they were shady as hell?"

"Incredibly shady. Be wary around them Gaius if you ever encounter them."

"I'll be sure to. So you'll be leaving?"

"Yes, watch yourself. Something's about to go down soon and I'd rather you not be caught in the middle."

I threw a small bag of gold coins Gaius' way which he quickly caught.

"Sure, I'll take your advice."

With that I left him behind.

A few minutes later I met up with my team who were waiting for my return.

"So how did the meeting go ma'am?" Carnage asked.

"I turned down the job. Something about the client wasn't frank with me and hid too much, not to mention she gave me bad vibes just being around her." I stated.

"That's not good news. Anything else ma'am?" Deadeye asked.

"We're leaving. From what I felt they'll be sending their goons after us in retaliation for not taking the job." I ordered. She may not have known but I heard her ominous declaration after I left her behind.

"Again? We can't be doing this forever ma'am. We really need a place to settle down." Gadget complained.

"Everyone's looking for us to either work for them or to kill us in Plegia's case." Carnage said, "We don't have many people we can trust."

"What about that Gaius guy?" Gadget countered.

"I don't trust him as far as I can throw him Gadget." I answered, "He's been of good use to us and that's as far as it goes with him. Now move out."

After packing up, Azure team had hit the road once again. Despite the scarcity of places to visit, their reputation had made them a target for both hostile groups, such as Plegia and bandits, and for clients in need of their skills, like Ylisse. As Carnage had mentioned, they had no one to trust in this situation. Gadget also acknowledged that they couldn't maintain their nomadic lifestyle forever. The team was running low on ammo, and with gunpowder being scarce in this world, creating more was impossible. Their special ammo, such as incendiary and armor piercing rounds, were also running low. Thus, they had to stick to bandit extermination jobs where they could use their adaptive camo to take out their enemies stealthily without using ammo. Unfortunately, this approach wouldn't work with the undead Risen, who could sense life essence, leaving the team with no choice but to rely on headshots to deal with them. For the time being, the Phantoms continued their journey to the next destination.

Evening…

Somehow we'd been followed, despite utilizing our adaptive camo and being careful not to leave any footprints. Still, the pursuers managed to keep track of our movements, indicating that they were skilled at tracking. Fed up with the situation, we decided to take matters into our own hands and set up an ambush for the pursuers.

"There are four of them. We'll leave the leader alive to interrogate. The others are expendable." I ordered my team as we laid in wait in the forest blending with the trees.

Soon four hooded men, bearing unique gauntlets with the Grimleal logo, appeared. The Grimleal was a group of fanatics that the team had encountered before when they were escorting a caravan. These cultists worshiped the dragon god Grima, an evil and destructive force of nature that had been slain by the exalt many years ago. Though they were mindless puppets, they were still a dangerous bunch if left alone. We lined up our shots, using the laser sights to ensure accuracy, and took out three of the cultists with headshots while wounding the leader badly but still alive enough for interrogation. We then approached the wounded leader, whose hood was off to reveal a bald man with brown eyes full of madness and anger, who glared at them.

"I have questions for you, and you'll give me the answers whether willingly or by force. Your choice." I stated.

"Ha! Like I'll talk to you." The man said in defiance.

"Good. Thanks for making my night." I replied before Carnage restrained him and we went off to a nearby river.

An hour later…Third Person POV

"Is he talking yet?" Aasimar asked.

"Nope. The bloody SOB's still tight lipped." Gadget answered as they heard more muffled screaming behind them. "He keeps saying that Grima will have our heads for this and all we're doing is helping strengthen Grima when he dies."

Cult fanatics…How annoying…

The situation seemed to have escalated quickly. Deadeye had been questioning the cultist and it appeared that they were not forthcoming with information. The screaming stopped and Deadeye asked her question again, this time it was answered with a whimpering response. After that there was the sound of a blade slicing through skin, gurgling, and a final death rattle. Carnage and Deadeye then approached, with Carnage cleaning his combat knife with a cloth, suggesting that he was the one who had carried out the execution.

"So he finally talked?" Aasimar asked.

"Took a while but yes I made him talk. Somebody called Aversa sent him and his pals to take us out for not agreeing to that job." Deadeye answered. "She must have been none too happy about you turning down the job."

"Like that matters. The woman was shady as hell and hiding too much. No way am I risking us going in blind." Aasimar stated. "Has the body been disposed of?"

"He's serving as fertilizer for the plants here." Carnage answered.

"Good. Let's move away from here and make camp." Aasimar ordered.

Next Day…

Azure Team woke up early and refreshed themselves for the new day. They cleared the campsite and made sure that nothing would be left behind that could be traced back to them before they started moving again. They soon found themselves in low grasslands with the bright sun shining overhead. The Phantom strike team breathed a sigh of relief and took a moment to enjoy the fresh air and warmth of the sun.

"One of the few times I enjoy being in the open." Deadeye said.

"We're all in agreement with that." Carnage said.

Their enjoyment of the peaceful atmosphere was soon interrupted by an all-too-familiar undead presence and the rotting smell of flesh, which the Phantoms were familiar with.

"Oh great, it's those bloody undead wankers again." Gadget cursed as he had his CAWS ready.

"They really need to work on their timing." Deadeye added, already taking aim with her Barrett M107 sniper rifle, and killing a Risen archer.

"At least they serve as a great form of target practice and stress relief." Carnage joked as he loaded a set of grenades into his XM29 OICW grenade launcher.

"Something we're all in agreement of." Aasimar said. It was then she sensed multiple people approaching them and then a beam of yellow lighting surged past her and struck down a Risen ahead before another voice joined in.

"Need some assistance?"

Half an hour earlier…

The Shepherds had prepared for their trip to Regna Ferox the previous day, and were now on the march towards the warrior nation. Among their ranks was Robin, a white-haired tactician with amnesia who could only recall his own name and that of Chrom's. Having proven his worth by devising successful strategies against bandits in town, Robin had been recruited by the blue-haired prince to join his militia, The Shepherds, which was dedicated to safeguarding the people of Ylisse.

In addition to their mission, Chrom had also been tasked with the challenge of recruiting the elusive Phantoms - a name that accurately described their ghost-like methods of operation. The last time they had encountered these enigmatic soldiers, they had efficiently taken down some Risen on the same day that Chrom had found Robin and had successfully defended a town against bandits. The weapons wielded by these mysterious fighters were unlike any that The Shepherds had ever seen before and proved to be devastatingly effective against both human and undead foes, especially when striking vital areas.

As Chrom walked forward, Robin appeared at his side, the skilled tactician ready to help lead The Shepherds to victory against any and all threats.

"You think we'll be able to recruit the Phantoms?" Robin asked.

"I don't know." Chrom answered, "We didn't exactly start on good terms when we last met them, not to mention they're an elusive and stealthy bunch especially with their ability to disappear from the area."

"Terrifying indeed. Then there are their weapons which can even take out a knight in armor and their stealth skills. You wouldn't be able to detect them until it's too late." Robin agreed. He'd seen a few reports about the mercenary team's handiwork. Very precise and efficient. None of the opposition getting a chance to retaliate. "From what I was able to tell last time their leader is the reasonable type as she seemed to want to talk before the others scared them off."

"I was thinking the same thing." Chrom replied, "Let's hope that we'll be able to talk without any hostilities if we meet."

Suddenly the two of them heard a familiar thunderous sound which told them that their objective was in the area.

"What luck…They're nearby." Chrom said in amusement.

"And they seem to be in battle if that sound wasn't obvious." Robin added, "Let's see if we can give them help."

"Sure." Chrom then turned to the Shepherds who were already on alert thanks to the sound. "Everyone move out. There are some people in need of assistance ahead." He ordered.

As the militia received the signal, they acknowledged it swiftly and moved with great speed towards the battle ahead. Upon arriving at the scene, some of them recognized a group of individuals clad in grey attire who were wielding bizarre but highly effective weapons, while others were left to wonder who they were.

Without hesitation, Robin sprang into action, unleashing a powerful Thoron spell that struck and destroyed one of the Risen soldiers.

The Shepherds then joined the battle with Robin then saying, "Need some assistance?"

Present (Aasimar POV)

When I heard that I instantly recognized who it was. My teammates were also tense as they also noticed the new arrivals.

"Just our luck, the Shepherds are here." Deadeye said in annoyance.

"Robin isn't it?" I asked, "Never remembered asking for your assistance."

The white haired tactician came up beside me and the Shepherds spread out to take on the remaining Risen.

"Just like we never asked for your assistance with the brigands nor the Risen, yet you and your subordinates helped us without a thought." Robin retorted.

"Touché." I replied, "We'll talk about this after the battle."

"Agreed since I want to talk to you as well." Chrom chimed in as he moved ahead of me and Robin, "Until then let's deal with these monsters."

"Okay. You handle the ones in close quarters while we provide support." I replied before turning to my teammates, "Azure Team. Provide cover fire and watch for friendlies."

They acknowledged though with hesitation considering how the arrivals reacted to us last time.

(Third Person POV)

With both groups working together the Risen were quickly dealt with. Soon after Azure Team and the Shepherds came together with Aasimar, Chrom and Robin in between both groups who stood separately from the other.

"So what is it you want from us prince?" Aasimar asked sternly.

"We have a proposition for you." Chrom began, "It-"

"By that you mean that you want to acquire our services?" Aasimar interrupted Chrom much to him and Robin's surprise, "It's no secret that your kingdom has been actively trying to gather intelligence about us, and it's likely that this is the reason why. Additionally, Plegia has been relentlessly pursuing me and my team ever since we began taking out their brigands. It's clear that they view us as a threat, and they will stop at nothing to eliminate us."

Robin recovered before Chrom did and said, "You're right about that. Your team's handiwork has gotten the attention of many with Ylisse being one of them."

"And with the increasing tension between Ylisse and Plegia your Exalt wants to gain whatever edge she'll need if war does breakout, even if she hopes for a peaceful resolution which we know is impossible due to the madman in charge of Plegia." Aasimar stated.

"And to also give you and your team a place to call home." Chrom continued, "Being on the move for so long has been tiring for you right?"

Aasimar looked at her squad and saw the slight exhaustion on them. "You're right about that, but it's mainly because we're in unknown territory and can't just trust anyone."

"That's understandable. Most mercenaries don't give out their trust easily." Robin stated.

"So how about it, Aasimar? Will you work for Ylisse on a longer term basis? You'll be paid well and given a place to live in until the contract ends." Chrom asked.

Aasimar stood in front of them in silence for a minute before she said, "Before Azure agrees to this I'd need to talk with the Exalt first since she'll become more or less our boss if we ever agree to it."

It wasn't a definite yes or a no, but a maybe, but it was a start to negotiations. "Of course, in fact the Exalt had a feeling you'd want to speak to her first and she has no objections to that." Chrom said.

"Seems she's planned ahead. That's a start." Aasimar nodded, "So where are you off to since you're clearly marching away from Ylisse?"

"We're off the Regna Ferox for an important mission." Robin said, "It'll be nice of you to accompany us. You can also think of this as a trial run for deciding whether to work for Ylisse or not."

Aasimar put a hand under her chin and stood in silence before looking at them. "Alright, Azure Team will accompany the Shepherds for this trial run before I meet with your Exalt. Let me inform my subordinates."

"I'll do the same for my own. Thank you." Chrom said in relief.

"Don't get too comfortable yet prince." Aasimar warned as she walked back to her team who stood at the ready.

"So what's the deal ma'am?" Carnage asked.

"Ylisse wants to hire us on a long term basis along with giving us a place to finally stay." Aasimar answered, "Not to mention the Exalt has agreed to talk to me first before making such a decision if needed."

"Not surprising ma'am. It was bound to happen sooner or later." Gadget said, "Not to mention we can finally settle down in one place."

"They also want us to accompany them on their current mission at Regna Ferox as a sort of trial run." The team lead added.

"A way to see more of our skills?" Carnage questioned.

"Or to determine whether we're a potential threat." Deadeye stated.

"Either way we'll assist on this trial run and see what we're working with before I meet the Exalt." Aasimar said, "Still be on guard just in case they try something."

"Yes ma'am!" The team acknowledged.

After some preparations Azure Team now joined the Shepherds and both groups continued towards Regna Ferox.

Chapter 3 End.

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