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!
IV: Trial Run
After the Shepherds and the Phantoms had made camp following the strike team's agreement to join them on their mission to Regna Ferox, everyone woke up the next day to continue their journey. Although the Phantoms were accustomed to moving on foot, they missed the convenience of traveling by hummer, chopper, or even plane. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that beggars couldn't be choosers. This trial run was proposed by Aasimar to allow the Ylisseans to witness more of Azure Team's skills and to give the Phantom strike team an opportunity to determine whether working with the Ylisseans was worthwhile. The Phantoms recognized the importance of addressing their limited ammunition and were brainstorming ways to overcome this obstacle. While enroute to Regna Ferox, the group stumbled upon an injured Pegasus in the fields. Fortunately, Sumia, a Pegasus knight was able to calm the creature down and help nurse it back to full health before the group set up camp for the day.
…
As Robin walked towards the Phantom Team's tent with the intention of speaking to the Azure Team leader, he suddenly found himself needing to sidestep out of the way to avoid a frantic Chrom who was running for his life.
'Alright…if I'm to make a guess Chrom angered someone to make them want to kill him.' He guessed.
"Aasimar, are you in there?" Robin called out, before he found himself staring down the barrel of a Five-Seven held by a woman dressed in the Phantoms' uniform but without the usual bulletproof vest and headgear. Her black ponytail hair, light-skinned face, icy blue eyes, and a distinguishing scar across her nose were all on display as she glared at the male tactician standing before her.
"Robin…" She said calmly, "I take it you're here to see Aasimar?"
"Yes and I take it that you're Deadeye right?" Robin answered cautiously getting a nod in return, "And I also take it that Chrom did something to earn your ire."
"That pervert walked in on us while we were dressing up." The sniper said with disgust. "We would have shot his balls full of holes if he didn't run for his life."
"I can see that." Robin said, "So mind letting me past so I can talk with your leader?" The sniper moved out of the way allowing the tactician to walk into the tent. "Thank you."
Upon entering, the Shepherds' tactician spotted the Azure team leader, who was dressed in a similar Phantom uniform and had her weapons laid out beside her. Aasimar, with her focus solely on the map of Ylisse, had medium-length brown hair and light skin, complemented by her warm brown eyes. As Robin observed her, he felt an aura of experience and charisma emanating from the Azure team leader. There was also something divine about her that made him feel an unusual warmth. He couldn't help but sense that she was older than she appeared.
"Here to talk Robin?" Aasimar asked, still focused on the map already aware of his presence.
Robin shook himself back to normal and moved forward, "Yes. Chrom came to me earlier asking for advice on which route to take for our trip to Regna Ferox. I came here to ask for a second opinion."
Aasimar turned her head towards Robin and asked, "You want a second opinion from me? Aren't you the Shepherds' tactician? May I remind you that I'm the leader of my own unit?"
"I know that, but I feel that I can trust you for a second opinion as I can tell that you're a tactician yourself." Robin replied.
"Indeed I am. Something you figured out during the few times you witnessed my team in action." Aasimar admitted, "Still I'm more surprised that you trust someone like me considering that I and my unit are not from around here. I expected you to be more cautious around me like the other Shepherds."
"Well I'm a good judge of character and I know that I can trust you." Robin replied. "Besides you haven't done anything to prove otherwise so far."
"Key phrase being 'so far' Robin." Aasimar pointed out. "So what exactly do you need my opinion for then?"
Robin brought out a smaller map and put it over the larger map before pointing towards a certain portion.
"Like I said Chrom asked my opinion of what route to go between moving through the plains or the valley? I'd suggested the valley since we'd be more exposed in the plains. What about you? What do you think?"
Aasimar looked at the map analytically for a minute before looking at the tactician. "You're right. The valley is the better option and for the same reason. Less exposure to potential ambushes the better." Aasimar answered, "That all? I have a briefing with my team to attend to."
"Sure. Thanks for your opinion Aasimar." Robin said.
"Call me Alexa when we're in private." Aasimar stated, "Consider it the first step in me giving you a semblance of trust. Also can you and Chrom come back later? I want to discuss a plan for in case things at Regna Ferox escalate."
"I don't mind, and I'll let Chrom know. Thanks for your time Alexa, we'll talk later." Robin said with a smile as he left the tent.
'Why is he smiling as if he's gotten my full trust?' Aasimar thought, 'Though I'll admit, he's not a bad fellow to talk with.'
…
A few days later, the Shepherds and Azure Team reached the large fortress known as the Longfort which stretched along the border.
Carnage whistled, "Damn…That is one big ass fort hombre."
"...We've seen bigger Carnage." Deadeye deadpanned.
"I know, but I can't help but to be awed by what I'm seeing you know." The heavy weapons specialist said.
"That isn't a surprise since this is your first time in this dimension." Gadget added.
"Team, we're on a mission. Game face on." Aasimar ordered.
"Yes ma'am!" The Phantom Team got serious and activated their adaptive camo, easily blending in with the snowy environment.
"S-Sheesh…I'll never get used to their disappearing act." Sully said shuddering.
"You and me both." Vaike agreed with her.
"Good thing they're on our side huh?" Stahl said.
"Yes, indeed and their ability to easily blend with the environment is definitely something for study." Miriel stated with interest.
"Good luck with that Miriel. They are a very secretive bunch." Stahl stated.
…
"Brrr! F-F-Frebberick! I'm f-f-freebing!" A shivering Lissa cried out.
An unaffected Frederick chuckles as he sets his horse beside the princess. "Stand beside my horse, milady. She'll shelter you from the cold."
"So this is the fortress?" Robin asked, looking at the structure.
"Yes, the Longfort. It stretches along the border between Ylisse and Regna Ferox." Chrom answered.
"The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite wary of foreigners." Frederick added.
"Meaning that there's a good chance of a fight breaking out." Aasimar's voice sounded on the earpieces that Chrom and Robin had on.
"Ah...Aasimar. I take it that you and Azure Team are getting in position." Robin stated on his earpiece.
"Yes, we are." Aasimar replied, "And it looks like those earpieces Gadget gave you two are working."
"That's right Aasimar. They'll be very useful to us. I'd like to thank your subordinate Gadget for these things." Chrom said.
"You're welcome Prince Chrom. Too bad we only have enough for you and Robin." Gadget said, "But since you two are the most important members of the Shepherds I'd say it's a good thing."
"Yes, I'll admit this would be a useful way for the Shepherds to coordinate with Azure Team." Robin added.
"Anyways, we're ready to go when you all are. Azure Team will be supporting you for this trial run." Aasimar responded seriously, "And from what I know about the people at Regna Ferox and what's been going on, I'd say there's a small chance for the diplomatic route. Keyword being 'small'."
"Most likely. Besides negotiation's not my strong suit, but it still doesn't mean I won't try my best." Chrom said. "Remember, everyone: your actions here reflect back upon Ylisse."
…
A concerned expression appears on Frederick's face as he looks around the area in front of the fort. He then notices movement on top of the fort. "Trouble in the wind milord: the Feroxi Guard are mobilizing." He said.
"What?! Why?!" Chrom asked in surprise.
"Who can say? But they look ready to let fly at a moment's notice."
"We'll be sure to make sure it doesn't happen." Aasimar said on the earpiece.
"I'm glad to hear that, Aasimar. Just be ready." Chrom acknowledged.
"Glad to know that Azure Team is ready." Robin muttered.
"Same here." Chrom said, "Hopefully the plan you and Aasimar brought up would work."
"I'm still on the fence regarding them." Frederick said.
"Not surprising." Robin deadpanned.
"This is a trial run so let's reserve judgement until the end and not aggravate them." Chrom stated while directing the last part at Frederick.
"I'll do so, but that doesn't mean that they can be trusted. Not to mention their alliances won't change very quickly since they're mercenaries." Frederick warned.
"Let's hope it doesn't come that." Robin said.
"I'm sure that it won't." Chrom added.
"Halt! Who goes there?!" yelled a voice coming from above the fortress. Looking up, the Shepherds saw a woman in very heavy and bulky armor flanked by four people in similar armor except they have their helmets on. The hostility and distrust wasn't hard to sense coming from her.
"Careful, Chrom." Aasimar warned.
"I know. Just continue what you're doing Aasimar." Chrom said faintly before he walked forward and began to address the perceived leader of the guards. "In the name of House Ylisse, I seek an audience with the khans!"
"Not another step, my bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!" The armored woman warned as the other three armored guards were poised to throw their projectiles.
"Hold, milady! We're not your enemy!" Frederick yelled out, "Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest."
"Tch! Our only interest is keeping you brigands off our lands!" The woman replied.
"Situation's already escalating." Deadeye said on the Cross com.
"We know that." Aasimar responded, "Status?"
"We're in position and ready." Carnage and Gadget said.
"Same here." Deadeye added.
"Good."
"Brigands?!" Chrom asked in confusion.
"You think you're the first Ylisseans to try and cross our border? I have authority to fell you lots right where you stand!" The guard captain said.
"How dare you! You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, The Exalt's own blood." Frederick yelled in anger.
"Ha! Yes, indeed-and I'm the queen of Valm! You do realize that impersonating a noble is a capital offense, yes?" The guard captain mocked.
"Ma'am. Permission to shut this bitch up." Deadeye asked in annoyance.
"Denied." Aasimar replied.
"Hmm…Perhaps we'll settle this the Feroxi way." The guard captain said with finality.
"This isn't good." Robin muttered before subtly pressing on the earpiece. "Aasimar?"
"I know Robin. We've got this. Azure's in position." Aasimar replied.
"Rgh…Emmeryn won't like this at all..." Chrom groaned before raising his voice, "Please, good lady! If you'd just listen…"
Unfortunately the armored lady wasn't in the mood to listen anymore. "I'VE HEARD QUITE ENOUGH! ATTA-" However she was cut off by something being pressed on the back of her head. The same was felt by the three guards beside her. Then a chill went up her spine as a cold voice spoke to her.
"If you know what's good for you, you'd shut up right now and tell your men to stand down least you end up breathing from the back of your head."
"Who are you to threaten..."
"It's not a threat. It's a promise."
The Guard Captain tried to get a good look at the one beside her but a click from the object behind her told her otherwise.
"Don't even think about it! Move and you're dead. Try anything dumb, you're dead too. Tell your men to stand down or else."
The Feroxi woman found herself and her men in a dire position. The people behind them could kill them right now before they could make a move. She had no option but to comply.
"MEN! STAND DOWN!" She ordered.
"Captain Raimi?!" One of her subordinates asked.
"Stand down. Let the 'Ylisseans' in. Let's hear what they have to say." Raimi stated.
The guards obeyed the order though hesitantly as they didn't like the way they were bested. The gates to the fortress were opened and the Shepherds walked in.
"Smart move. You just saved lives with your actions." Aasimar said as she and her team reappeared.
"Save it scoundrel. You're lucky you're in an advantageous position or I'll skewer you where you stand." Raimi snapped.
"Yeah, smart thing to say to the ones who have you at dead to rights." Carnage remarked sarcastically.
"Exactly. The only reason you're not corpses right now is because Ylisse is not here to cause trouble and this action was only to prevent things from escalating." Deadeye added.
"So you're saying that that man is really Ylissean royalty?" Raimi asked.
"Yes and he's here for a diplomatic mission. Nothing more, nothing less." Aasimar confirmed.
"I see...There is truth in your words. You and your subordinates would have killed us right then if you were truly brigands."
"Exactly. You're only alive because I'm under the Prince's orders to not kill you."
"I see. Alright, I'll listen to what the Prince has to say."
"Good. Now move along then."
...
Azure Team led the guards down to the courtyard where the Shepherds were waiting. They then walked around Raimi and positioned themselves around Chrom and Robin. Shortly after the situation was defused, Sumia arrived with the very pegasus she had treated.
As Raimi observed the four soldiers in their unusual armor, wielding weapons of varying lengths, she couldn't help but feel that those weapons could inflict serious damage if used. She took note of the armor they wore: two of them seemed to be wearing a variation of light armor, one appeared to be in medium armor, and the tallest member of the group wore what seemed to be heavy armor, albeit less bulky than what Raimi and some of the guards wore.
"Now that we have much cooler heads can we talk now?" Chrom asked.
"Yes. A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly mistook you for brigand imposters." Raimi apologized, "Not even frauds could get the drop on us like the four unknowns with you." She looked warily at Azure Team who watched her like a pack of wolves. "I'll send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally."
"That would be most appreciated." Chrom said, "Thank you."
With that Raimi left to do as she said.
"Amazing. Her whole demeanor turned around." Robin remarked.
"I'd say that it's thanks to Aasimar and her team since they managed to defuse the situation quickly and also scare her too." Frederick stated, "Normally in Ferox, strength speaks louder than words, but actions do the same."
"Considering that I had her life in my hands it's not a surprise that things ended well enough." Aasimar said, "And yes, actions do speak louder than words no matter the culture."
"Well you have my thanks again Azure Team for keeping things from escalating." Chrom said. "So far so good with this trial run."
"Just doing our job Lord Prince." Gadget said.
Chrom sighed, "Just Chrom is fine."
Lissa cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "Anyways...can we all get going?"
"Yes, it's not getting any warmer here." Chrom agreed.
"I'll second that senor." Carnage said.
...
Aasimar's POV
The group had been escorted inside Regna Ferox. Chrom, Robin, Lissa, Frederick, and I were led to the main chamber of the khan while the other Shepherds and my team waited outside.
"Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan."
"Of course."
Raimi went on to summon the khan while we waited.
"The khan's away?" Robin asked.
"Out training, I'd wager. The khans of Ferox prefer battle over politics." Chrom explained.
"That's to be expected of a warrior kingdom. Battle is their own form of politics after all." I added.
"Exactly. Took the words out of my mouth Aasimar." Chrom said.
Robin sweat dropped, "A warrior ruler huh? I can picture him now..."
"You can keep your imagination to yourself Robin. We all don't need to know." I deadpanned. No seriously I don't even want to hear it.
A powerful feminine voice spoke up however, "Really? ...Please, do describe me to everyone here."
"Huh?!"
Everyone turned as a tan skinned woman with blonde high ponytailed hair in red and white armor approached them with an amused expression on her face.
"You're the-?! Er, that is to say...The khan, I presume?" Chrom asked while trying to not be disrespectful.
"One of them. The East Khan to be exact. My name is Flavia." The woman introduced herself, "I apologize for the trouble at the border, Prince Chrom. You're welcome in Regna Ferox."
"That's good to know." I muttered.
"Thank you, but I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us." Chrom said wanting to get straight to the point. "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." Flavia confirmed, "Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours."
"Not a surprise. It's a very common tactic used to cause distrust between two parties after all." I stated. Useful when done right.
Flavia turned to me with a raised eyebrow. "Really? And who would you be?"
"Just call me Aasimar, an ally of the good prince." I answered.
"Aasimar is the leader of Phantom Team Azure. A group of soldiers from very far lands." Chrom said.
"Ah. So these are the elusive Phantoms that had been making a name for themselves?" Flavia stated, "Well met."
"I'll leave the rest to you Chrom." I said not wanting to be involved in the politics.
Chrom and Flavia discussed their business. Flavia already knew why Chrom had arrived but unfortunately she couldn't assist even if she wanted to.
"What?! Why not?!" Lissa exclaimed.
"Calm down Lissa. She must have a reason why." I said before turning to Flavia, "I take it that it has to do with you not being the ruling khan, right?"
Flavia smirked at the operative, "Perceptive aren't you? How did you figure that?"
"You did mention that you were ONE of the khans and so it must mean that the West Khan is in control." I pointed out.
"You're correct young one. I lack the authority." Flavia confirmed, "In Ferox, the khans of East and West hold a tournament every few years with the victor acquiring total sovereignty over both kingdoms."
"Meaning that they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances and in this case it's up to the West Khan to decide that." Robin finished.
"Meaning that we are to receive no aid at all?" Chrom said worryingly.
Flavia chuckled and said, "Not if you give up that easily. Fortunately for you, the next tournament is nigh high..."
"And you're in need of capable fighters." I finished.
"What does that have to do with us?" Chrom asked.
"To sum it up if Ylisse is to get the alliance it desires we'll have to help Flavia win this tournament." I answered for him.
"Exactly. I can tell that you young prince are a capable warrior in your own right and so are your "Shepherds" and from your reputation and what the captain of the border guard informed me you Aasimar and your comrades are pretty dangerous in your own right especially when you were able to defuse the situation at Long Fort pretty quickly and with no incident." Flavia continued, "But how good are you in a full on fight and with our kinds of weapons? As I can tell that your strange weapons are quite devastating in your hands."
"Is that a challenge East Khan?" I asked with my masked gaze on Flavia.
"Call it an incentive." Flavia answered with a grin.
"Challenge accepted." I said. Looks like it's time to show everyone my skills with melee weapons.
It also looked like Chrom has also agreed to be involved in this too.
…
Chrom and I stood in the coliseum, representing Flavia in a battle against two fighters from the West Khan. Their objective was to secure Flavia's place in the seat of power and to gain the necessary troops for Ylisse. Surprisingly, the East Khan had convinced her rival to send two fighters instead of one.
Chrom wielded his signature Falchion, while I had the sword Severance, a dueling sword gifted by Rodrig that I had secretly brought out with its sheath. Everyone, except for my team, was surprised to see me with a sword of my own, as it was something they had never seen before.
"I never knew you could wield a sword." Chrom stated.
"You never asked." I deadpanned, making him pause.
"Good point. How good are you with it though?"
"How about you see for yourself?" I drew out Severance from its sheath, the blade shining brightly in the area.
"That's a well-crafted blade. Maybe when this is over we could spar?" Chrom said in awe.
"Maybe, until then focus on the objective lord prince." I reminded the prince.
The two of us then focused on our opponents across from us, the first being a man with black hair wearing a blue and white attire with black boots that reminds me of a ronin samurai and he's wielding a katana. Well this should be fun. The second opponent however was a familiar masked face.
"Looks like Marth's here too."
"Really?! Here?" Chrom asked in surprise. I pointed a thumb at the direction of the masked swordsman. "So 'he's' the West Khan's champion, huh? How about we show them our skills then? Marth's mine." He immediately moved towards his opponent.
"So I get the ronin?" I then shrugged, "To each their own I guess." I then walked towards my own opponent.
I then heard Chrom gasp before saying, "There's no way." I glanced his way and my eyes nearly jumped out of its sockets as I saw why: Marth had the exact same Falchion as him. I quickly recovered from that and moved just in time to avoid the ronin's thrust attack.
"Focus on me…not them." He said.
"Sorry about that. It won't happen again." I replied as I performed the 'Steel Net' flourish and got into a traditional fencing stance. To the unskilled eye I'm just being flashy but to Aldori sword lords or skilled swordsmen it's more than that and from the cautious look he gave me he was the latter. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Aasimar, a soldier."
"I am Lon'qu. Subordinate of the West Khan." The swordsman replied.
Lon'qu and I stood facing each other, neither making a move while Chrom and Marth clashed some distance away.
Suddenly, Lon'qu made his move and closed in on me with a thrust, which I deflected. He then followed up with a downward slash and an upper slash, which were parried and sidestepped respectively. Lon'qu seemed puzzled for a moment, but then regained his composure and attacked again with a flurry of strikes.
I defended myself with swift blocks, parries, and footwork, all while looking for an opportunity to end the fight quickly. That opportunity came when Lon'qu attempted a powerful slash, which I parried and then disarmed him with a riposte in one smooth motion. I then tripped Lon'qu and held the sword Severance in front of his shocked face, causing gasps from the crowd.
"Yield?" I asked.
"Yes…I yield." Lon'qu replied, reluctantly.
I sheathed Severance and offered my hand to him. He took it and I pulled him up to his feet.
'Been a while since I've been in a swordfight. Glad to know I've not gotten rusty.' I thought.
"I've never seen such swordsmanship. It's definitely nothing like any I've seen before." Lon'qu said, "It's like you had some form of barrier around you making it impossible to land a hit."
"Well the style was designed mainly for dueling but can also be used on the battlefield." I answered, "As for what that style is…I can't reveal it to you unless you become a student in it."
"I see. Then I'll not ask any further since I'm satisfied with my own style."
We both then heard a pained grunt and turned to see Chrom standing over the defeated 'Marth'. Looks like Chrom sealed the deal for us.
…
Flavia was thrilled with both Chrom and I's victory over the opposing khan's champions. While she had been impressed by Chrom's skills, she was even more impressed by my expertise with a sword, which showed her that Azure Team was a dangerous group even without their guns. This was true, as my teammates were all skilled with traditional weapons before joining the team. Carnage was handy with an axe and knife, Deadeye was trained in archery and hunting, and Gadget was skilled with polearms, having trained with Shaolin monks in China. I myself was trained in swordsmanship by my grandparents and my friend Rodrig Aldori, a master swordsman in the Aldori dueling style. With their victory, Flavia became the ruling khan and agreed to provide military support to Ylisse in the coming war against the Mad King and Plegia, as she had promised. With their business concluded, the Shepherds, Azure Team, and Lon'qu, who had been assigned to them by the West Khan, left Regna Ferox and returned to Ylisse to negotiate the terms of the support. However, despite the success of the mission, I couldn't shake the feeling that something else was going to happen.
Chapter IV End.
Aasimar shows off her skill with a sword and proves that she can be just as dangerous with it as she is with a gun. Her subordinates too can use melee weapons too due to their own backgrounds.
The Aldori Dueling style is a very defensive style that is also good for disarms used by Aldori Sword Lords in Brevoy especially as it was first used by Baron Sirius Aldori who'd first been beaten by a bandit leader before going into a self-imposed exile and returning to challenge the same bandit again and thoroughly owning the bandit this time. The baron taught the style to a select few under the condition they became Aldoris themselves and that became the norm from there. In Pathfinder it's an archetype for the Fighter Class and a prestige class too.
Rodrig was classed as a Sword lord Fighter, Aldori sword lord prestige and a Cavalier for dueling, tactics, and leadership.
Anyways next chapter will be for some negotiations and dealing with the Mad King.