Chapter 3: Shepherds.
Winding roads on green fields and hills, the group continue to walk. Almost a day has passed since their encounter in the forest, and no signs of the creatures have been seen. Yet even if there were, they would have been pale in comparison to what lays before them. Glistening in white stone and nestled atop a hill with forests around lies Ylisstol, the capital of Ylisse. A beautiful tower rises from the hilltop palace, overlooking the city below it, its street bustling yet clean, houses built from solid and sturdy orange and white brocks. Banners drape from across the rooftops while smells of freshly baked goods waft through the air.
Separating from Sully, who dragged Virion off for 'recruiting', the group proceeded up the main road towards the palace. Everywhere they look, smiles and pleasant conversations fill their view and scenes.
"So this is Ylisstol, capital of Ylisse…." Robin comments after a while, nursing a recently baked bread in his hands. A smile forms on his face as he looks around, full of wonder. "I've never seen so many people!"
"This place is beautiful," Kairi comments, looking at a fountain with a dragon statue on it. She leans into Sora, who agrees with a nod before wrapping an arm around her.
"Yeah, it is." Although it kind of reminds me of Radiant Garden. I wonder how everyone else is doing?
"It appears the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods." Frederick comments after carefully examining the buildings around him, his brow releasing built-up worry and tension. "It must've been limited to the forest." They all look at each other with small smiles while Lissa walks up to them after refiling her canteen from the fountain.
"Well, that's a relief!"
Just as they were about to move off again, a clamouring of voices grabbed their attention. They look to the source to see a large crowd filling the street.
"Wonder what's up?" Sora asks before looking at Chrom. "Is there anything special happening today?" Chrom furrows his brown for a moment before his eyes widen in realisation before smiling. Just as he was about to reply, another voice called out.
"Look! The exalt has come to see us!" One of the townspeople points out down the road as a procession of soldiers travels down the road. In the centre atop a carriage sits a young woman with long blond hair and blue eyes, with the same mark that Chrom has on her forehead while wearing a golden decorative halo on the back of her head. She is wearing a deep green cape with gold highlights connected by a green sash over her shoulders with golden roman numbers embroidered. Underneath, she wears a white ankle-length dress with a split going down at her left hip, while a golden cloth, the width the length of her, races down her chest to her ankles, with green patterns. On her feet are green heels and green thigh high socks, all in cloth.
She gazes warmly at the crowd while waving gently. Some of the children call out for her while some of the older townsfolk bow their heads with warm smiles.
"So, the exalt is your ruler?" Sora asks as they watch her go by. The guard slowing as the exalt steps off to interact with some of the children gathering around. Warm laughter erupts from them as she greets them.
"Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn." Frederick replies with a hint of fondness in his voice, even as he casts his steely gaze across the crowd.
"Is it safe for her to walk among commoners like this?" Robin asks with concern. Even with his amnesia, he could tell it would be an easy situation for assassins to strike when less expected. Hearing the worry in his voice, Frederick turns to him.
"The exalt is a symbol of peace-Ylisse's most prized quality." He turns his gaze back to Emmeryn. "Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy the world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then."
Sora and Kairi share a glance. That aligns with what Yen Sid had told them, but with no mention of him or the Heartless he supposedly had command over. Was it so that the World Order would be maintained, and all observations of his involvement were forgotten about? It made them wonder if their tales would similarly be left out to keep the Order intact one day.
"With Plegia poking at our borders, the people need her." Chrom comments, "She's a calming presence, when some might otherwise call for war.
"If that is the case, then Ylisse and her people are indeed lucky to have her," Kairi replies before glancing at Emmeryn. She can feel no darkness residing in her heart. She must be a New Princess of Heart…
"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!" Lissa comments happily, causing the three to chuckle before Sora and Kairi stop to process what they were told. Immediately they went wide-eyed before looking at Lissa in shock.
"Yes, I imagine she.." Robin speaks before he catches on. With wide eyes, he too turns to face Lissa, stuttering like he was caught stealing. "Wait, what? She's your…B-But wouldn't that make you and Chrom…." Robin continues to ramble while Sora and Kairi just star on slack-jawed. How did they not recognise the same emblem on Emmeryn's forehead with the one on Chrom shoulder!?
"Yes, they are the prince and princess of the realm. You remember Chrom's name and not this?" Fredrick replies with a smug smile at the tactician. Robins jaw continues to hang open as the knight chuckles to himself.
"But those brigands called you 'Shepherds'!" Sora exclaims as he finally finds his voice. "I mean, we figured you would be some kind of nobility with how Frederick treats you but royalty?!" Chrom looks at him with a smile. He shakes his head before he replies, smirking.
"And so we are…in a manner of speaking. We just have a LOT of sheep." He laughs before his attention is drawn to Robin, bowing to him at a harsh angle.
"C-Chrom... I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!" he says while sweating. Chrom looks on stunned before seeing the couple also bowing at a steep angle.
"We are sorry too, Prince Chrom! We had no idea that you were royalty!" Sora says, embarrassed.
"Please forgive us for our casualness in speaking with you!" Kairi speaks with a hint of fear in her voice. Chrom looks at the three before bursting into laughter alongside Lissa. The three look at him confused before he gathers himself, wiping a tear from his eye.
"Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities." Chrom says before patting them on the shoulders, removing a weight formed from the sudden revealment. Robin then glances at Frederick, the knight still chuckling to himself.
"The prince and princess… That explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, eh?" he says towards the said knight, who stops his chuckling before looking at the group, all wearing smirks at the diligent warrior. He heaves a sigh before turning to answer.
"Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm…" his shoulder slump slightly as Chrom walks up to him before patting him on the shoulder. He glances over at Emmeryn and sees her returning up the hill towards the castle.
"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?" the three look at him, shocked.
"Are you sure, Chrom? Is it really okay for us to meet with the exalt?" Sora asks hesitantly. Sure he has met his fair share of rulers, but those were usually under unique circumstances. Is it really okay here?
"Of course, I'm sure. Emmeryn would be happy to meet you." Before giving the others a chance to speak, Chrom begins to walk towards the palace.
Light gently filters down through the windows into one of the palace halls, the red carpet running down past numerous arches of white stone. Some hold lit torches, while others hold green banners embroidered with silver patterns. Standing in the middle of the room, watching the small group of six approaches, is Emmeryn, alongside a high-ranking warrior with sky blue hair and narrow red eyes.
She is dressed in dark blue cloth with two brown belts around her waist. The similar fabric flows from her waist before forming around her legs, connected to black knee-length boots. On her shoulders and waist is vibrant golden armour, with a similar coloured breastplate adorning her chest.
While Chrom leads them down the hall, Sora and Kairi couldn't help but gaze around. They could feel the light radiating around the place. Warm and comforting. It reminded them of Disney Castle when they sneakily visited it for a fireworks show with Chirithy.
"Chrom! Lissa!" Emmeryn calls from down the hall in a warm and calming voice, her eyes gentle and calm. Chrom waves to her while Lissa runs up before hugging her in a tight embrace, to which she returns. "Welcome home. Oh, and good day Frederick." The knight nods towards her before turning her attention to Chrom, her eyes briefly lingering on the three accompanying him as they gaze at the beauty around them. "How fared you all?"
Chrom sighs before rubbing the back of his head; weariness etched into his face. Well-we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while."
"Wonderful." She releases her hold on Lissa before clasping her hands together on her chest. "And our people?" her tone filled with worry. Chrom smiles in comfort before placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Safe as they can be, Emm." His eyes harden as his demeanour changes. "But we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia. He glances at the warrior beside Emmeryn, her eyes gazing at the floor in failure.
"Forgive me, milord. My Pegasus knights should have intercepted them." She bows towards Chrom, guilt-laden in her voice. She feels a gentle hand on her shoulder as she looks up, to see not a scolding face but one of understanding from Chrom.
"No, Phila." He replies to the Falcon Knight, "Your duty was here, with the exalt." Phila nods at Chrom's words before standing straight again. The couple exchanges small smiles at the exchange, seeing Chrom comfort and reassure others of mistakes, not their own.
"And besides, we had plenty of help!" Lissa comments in a usually bubbly tone as she gestures to the three, who now feel suddenly uncomfortable standing in the spotlight. Emmeryn casts her gaze upon them, slighting lingering on the couple for a bit longer than Robin before turning to Chrom.
"Ah, you speak of your new companions here?" Chrom nods before turning towards them, a relaxing grin on his face. He holds out an open hand towards them.
"This is Robin. He fought bravely with us against the brigands. And these two are Sora and Kairi. We encountered them fending off the remaining brigands before rushing to their aid. All three have proven themselves, especially after our incident in the forest. So I've decided to make them Shepherds." Chrom proclamation stuns them. He wants them to be a part of the Shepherds? Emmeryn looks at them with a warm smile.
"It sounds as though Ylisse owes you all a debt of gratitude."
"Not at all, milady!" Robin hastily replies, his nerves running wild at being thanked by the exalt of all people.
"We only did what our hearts told us to. It's how we are." Sora replies with his usual smile while Kairi giggles at his casualness. He shoots her a betrayed look while she looks smugly at him. Emmeryn chuckles at the little exchange between the two.
"Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak." Frederick comments. Emmeryn turns to face him before nodding at him to continue. "Robin claims to have lost his memory, but it is only that: a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that he is a brigand himself or even a Plegian spy. The same must, unfortunately, be said of Sora and Kairi. How do we know that what we saw was not but an act?" Robin frowns sadly at this and looks away while the couple cast stern gazes at him. Had they not done enough to prove themselves already?! Chrom scolds Frederick for his tone, but Emmeryn continues to look on calmly.
"Yet you allowed them into the castle, Chrom. Do these three have your trust?"
"Yes," Chrom replies without hesitation. "Robin risked his life for our people, and Sora and Kairi fought valiantly to help us drive back the creatures from last night. They could have left us at any point, but they stayed until the end. That's good enough for me." The three warriors turn, shocked yet thankful, gaze at Chrom. Kairi, in particular, couldn't help but compare him to Sora, always willing to make new friends and wanting to help others, just like him. Emmeryn gazes at him with a stern gaze before falling into a small smile.
"Well then, Sora, Kairi and Robin… It seems you've earned Chrom's faith, and as such, you have mine as well." She bows towards them. They, in return, bend towards her, respectively. Frederick shakes his head in resigned resignation with a tired smile before it is quickly hidden by his stonewall persona. "But thank you, Frederick, for your prudence, as always. Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I do hope they remember to mention that from time to time…" she casts a questioning gaze to her sibling, who either look away whistling or rub the back of their head in embarrassment.
"They occasionally express something akin to gratitude, Your Grace." Frederick shakes his head before casting a stern gaze towards Phila. "I assume you've heard about the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?" Phila nods in reply, her face stern if a bit pale.
"Yes, milord. They have been sighted all across Ylisse."
"Chrom, we are about to hold council. I was hoping you could join us." Emmeryn asks. Chrom nods in acceptance before walking down the hall with Frederick and Phila. Lissa stays before turning towards the three.
"I think that's our cue, guys! But, c'mon, there's a place I want to show you."
"Wait a moment Lissa. There is something I need to talk about with Sora and Kairi. It won't belong." The couple look at her, puzzled. Lissa tilts her head for a bit before nodding at her sister and then unceremoniously drags Robin down the hall by the arm. The two guardians are confused about why she wants to talk to them alone without any of her guards, or at least Frederick.
"It has been a long time since we had those from beyond our realm appear here, even more so for them to be wielders of the Key." Emmeryn's comment shocks the two. Had they somehow slipped up? While their internal panic rose, Emmeryn chuckled to herself before raising a hand. "You need not fear. It has long been known about the worlds beyond ours, for such knowledge has been passed down the line of Ylisse, dating back to the Hero King Marth and the wielder knows as Yen Sid. Even if such knowledge and the truth of what happened has been locked away to preserve the order." The two share a sigh of relief before looking at her.
"So, do Chrom and Lissa know? About the other worlds and Keyblade Wielders?" Sora asks. Emmeryn nods at his question.
"While Chrom and Lissa know about this, it is only those who are descended or are trusted beyond a doubt that learns of the truth. Even Frederick does not know, even though he has proven to be fiercely loyal. But I cannot help but wonder, why have you returned now? It is said that Naga isolated our world to protect it from the Heartless and the Darkness that comes with them, so why?"
"We were sent here by our Master, Yen Sid. The same one who fought alongside Marth and later on, the First Exalt." Kairi replies before her face falls. "And he said he will be sending more us of to help fight a coming threat. Have you heard of Grima?" Emmeryn's eyes open wide with horror.
"Grima? The Fell Dragon? There is not a soul here who does not fear that name. Why do you-?" Her skin turns pale before she finishes speaking. "His resurrection is coming, isn't it?"
"That is what our Master said. But, unfortunately, he hasn't told us HOW or WHEN it would happen. That's why he sent us and several others." Sora clenches his hand in frustration. Why is it they never have all the information they need when they need it? Emmeryn shakes her head to recompose herself before turning her gaze towards the couple.
"I thank you for telling me this. I have no idea how we can stop this, but it will give me a chance to prepare something that will help in the worst-case scenario... Now then, I think it's time you re-joined with Lissa and Robin. No doubt they will be in the Shepherds Barracks."
"Of course, Lady Emmeryn, but where exactly do we go?" Kairi asks shyly. Emmeryn chuckles to herself with a hand in front of her mouth before gesturing down the hall.
"Follow the blue carpet. It will lead you towards it." The couple bows thankful before leaving the hall. Then, turning to their right, they follow down the blue carpet embroidered in silver past more arches until the pattering of quick footsteps grabs their attention. They are quickly walking down the hallway, with an irritated look on her face, a young noblewoman with curly long blond hair, pink bows, and brown eyes.
She is wearing a pink top with a white blouse, holding a pink parasol in her hand with pink gloves. Her slacks are also pink with brown circular hip guards and long elegant brown shoes that go up to her knees.
"The nerve of that buffoon! What made him think that act was not abhorrent! And to think that Robin was ENCOURAGING him!" the noblewoman vents before her eyes fall upon the young couple, looking at her perplexed. "And what are you looking at prey tell!?" she asks them, the fury in her voice taking them back.
"S-Sorry. We didn't mean to stare. It just we could hear you coming down the hall and-"
"Hmph! I'm in no mood to deal with your excuses! Pardon me!" she says before continuing past them, anger radiating off her. Bewildered, confused, and slightly concerned, the couple move on down the hall, coming upon a large oaken door. They could hear voices from beyond it.
"This must be the Shepherds Barracks," Sora comments before turning towards Kairi. "I wonder who else is a member."
"Who knows, but we won't know by standing around out here. Let's go inside." Kairi replies before moving to open the door. Inside they find Robin and Lissa chatting away to two people inside before they turn to see who has entered the room. Sully is standing in the corner, berating a tired-looking Virion. One of the two people talking to Lissa and Robin is a male with long windswept yellow hair held down by a black string, while the other is a woman with long light brown hair with a horn and wing hair clip at the back of her hair.
The man is bare-chested save for a large iron collar with two chains and metal rings around his ring's upper arm and wrist. His left arm is covered in large brown metal armour from his shoulder down to his fingers. The same kind also encases his legs, protecting his black trousers from his feet to his upper thighs. He is also wearing a metal waist guard with a leather pouch to the left side.
She is wearing a purple tunic with pink highlights ending in a skirt with two brown belts underneath a silver breastplate, shoulder pauldron and armoured gloves in similar silver. Her boots go up to her things and are in deep purple with a light purple interior. Two small connections race up her legs on both sides, from the top of her boots to underneath her tunic.
"Ah! Sora and Kairi! You made it!" Lissa cries cheerfully to them before gesturing them over to them. "These are our fellow members of the Shepherds. Vaike and Sumia. Guys, these are the other two members that have joined us alongside Robin. These are Sora and his girlfriend, Kairi." The two smile warmly at them while Vaike smiles with a large grin. Sumia smiles shyly before her gaze returns to the entrance, a slight look of longing in her eyes.
"So, you're the two that lent a hand to Chrom in the forest. You don't look so tough to ol' Teach here." Vaike comments as he looks at them. "How about we have a spar later on?"
"I'll think about it. Anyway, it's nice to meet you, Vaike and Sumia." Sora holds out a hand as Vaike grasps it hard. Kairi does the same to Sumia, who shakes it gently.
"If you don't mind me asking, but have you seen the captain on your way here?" Sumia asks. Sora and Kairi look at each other for a second before connecting the dots.
"If you mean Chrom, then no, we haven't. However, we did encounter someone on our way here. She was talking about something that Robin was encouraging. What happened?" Kairi asks while tapping the side of her head with her knuckles before casting a gaze over to the tactician.
"Ah, it was nothing. Don't worry about Maribelle. She takes time to warm up to people."
The sound of the door opening alerts those present to another entering. They turn and are greeted by Chrom and Frederick entering the room. Sumia's face lights up upon seeing him. "Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was - I mean we were so-" while she spoke, she began to walk towards Chrom. Only to the trip over nothing and falling on her face, undignified.
"Sumia!" Chrom exclaims while moving to help her up. "Are you all right? …Those boots of yours again?" he says while glancing down at them Sumia quickly shakes her head while dusting herself off while tripping over her words. "All right, listen, everyone:" everyone present turns their attention to him, including Sully and Virion. "In the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."
"Regna Ferox?" Robin asks as he turns his gae to the couple, who shake their head at the unasked question.
"I can answer that for you," Sumia says, grabbing their attention. "It is a unified kingdom to Ylisse's north, inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said." She adds the last part at the look of uncertainty on their faces.
"Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace." Chrom looks over all those present, steel in his eyes. "Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events and Emm's recent withdrawal… Well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital."
"Emmeryn has withdrawn? Why?" Lissa asks, surprised at the suddenness of this. Emm had never done something like this, even before she became exalt when their father was alive. Chrom looks at her, his puzzlement in his eyes reflecting his own bafflement.
"I do not know. Emm said that she has something important to address and needs to be alone for a while. So the task has been passed to us. Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-"
"I volunteer!" Lissa interrupts with a hand in the air. Followed closely by Vaike, saying he was needed for a delicate mission. Sully also voiced her wiliness to join, alongside Virion, who had for some reason decided to join the Shepherds.
"We will go as well, Chrom," Sora says, taking a step forward. "You saved us from those brigands and have put your trust into us. And that is something we don't waste."
"What Sora said. Besides, we just can stand around and do nothing while people need help." Kairi adds in, standing beside Sora. Chrom nods to the both of them before turning his attention to Sumia, indecision clear on her face.
"I…I, um…"
"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom asks kindly.
"It's just that…I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. So I'd probably just get in the way." she looks at the ground sadly. Kairi looks at her sympathetically. She couldn't help but be reminded of herself, back when Sora was out adventuring with Donald and Goofy and looking for Riku and Mickey while she stayed behind on the Islands. Then, she could feel Sora grasping her hand and squeezing it reassuringly. She glances at him to see understanding eyes and a firm nod, which she gratefully returns. Chrom looks at her, saddened, before giving a small smile in an attempt to cheer her up.
"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn? Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."
"W-well, if you think it's wise, Captain," Sumia replies, still uncertain.
"Just stay by me, and you'll be fine." Sumia's face lightens up at hearing Chrom say that, a faint blush dusting on her cheeks.
"Oh, yes!" she replies before catching and calming herself. "I mean- Yes, sir, I'll do that!"
All is quiet in Emmeryn's chambers as a candle slowly burns, lighting up the royal room. In her hands is a golden shield, with five slots, of which only one is filled with a single white Gemstone. She puts a gentle hand over it before caressing the ancient shield.
"So, his resurrection is coming. Just like you said…" Emmeryn turns her gaze upwards to address the man in her chambers, dressed in a long black cloak with the hood up, concealing his face. The hood moves up, indicating he is looking at her.
"Indeed. Just as the Book said, well, then again, I DID write it. Even so, the Book of Prophecies has many mentions in it, but details are not one of them." Her mysterious guest talks before walking around, hands clasped behind his back. "So the question now is, what will you do? I know what my role is, seeing as how my original plans are now caput!" he throws his hands up in an exaggerated manner before slumping dramatically. Emmeryn returns her gaze to the shield, a resigned look on her face.
"I will do nothing but let the pieces fall where they lay. But, then, it is up to Chrom, Robin, and the Keyblade wielders who will change this fate." She returns her gaze to him, steel in her eyes. "No matter what happens."
The Shepherds line up in a field outside of the capital. They are awaiting orders from Chrom to start the march towards Regna Ferox. Robin is looking over the new Iron sword Lissa got from the armoury after his bronze sword broke in the forest. Chrom looks over them, counting the group of eight before nodding his head.
"Is everyone ready? We've got a long march ahead."
"W-wait for me!" a voice calls out behind them. They turn around to see a brown-haired man running towards them on a black mare. Waring the same style of armour as Sully but with a black undersuit and in green instead of red, with an inro spear and sword strapped to his back, he pushes his horse to catch up to them. His horse gallops to a stop, panting hard at the charge as its rider turns to look at Chrom.
"Stahl?" Chrom asks, surprised. He had thought he decided not to accompany them.
"Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?" his question catches the group by surprise. So he wasn't informed they were leaving?
"Wait, I thought Vaike was supposed to everyone that we were leaving?" Kairi asks before they all turn their attention to the Fighter in question, looking around confused.
"Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about the mission?" Lissa accuses him with a finger in his face. The fighter filches before reaffirming that he never forgets but doesn't always remember, which cause the couple to facepalm at him. It was the same thing! "Ugh… I swear you'd forget your own name if you weren't constantly saying it yourself! Speaking of which, are you SURE you remembered your axe this time?"
"How the hell does someone forget an axe, especially one made of Iron like Vaike's," Sora asks. His only answer was a collective shrug before giving Vaike a deadpan look before he brought out his axe resting on his back.
"Urgh… I was in such a hurry, and I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins and cakes, and… Well, I can tell you all about it while we march…." Stahl says, gloomy as the group proceeds down the road before seeing the three newest Shepherds moving towards him.
"Your name is Stahl, right?" Robin asks, hand outstretched, which Stahl accepts happily.
"Yes, that's right. I'm the only other cavalier in the group besides Sully and Frederick, although he is our instructor as well. Miriel told me we had some new people join up. She's one of our mages. She'll catch up later. Your Robin, right? Our new tactician?"
"That's right. Having you amongst our number will increase our mobility. I'm already thinking of a few strategies we could use…." While Robin vanishes into his new world of strategies, the couple walks up to him.
"Nice to meet you Stahl. I'm Sora." He shakes his hand before stepping to the side before Kairi steps up to shake his hand as well.
"And I'm Kairi."
"A pleasure to meet you both, I'd love to stay and chat, but I need to ride ahead and scout out the road." Stahl motions his horse forward into a gallop before heading down the road. A few hours passed as the group proceeded down the dirt path, the cries of birds echoing through the plain until they abruptly stopped. Before them, emerging from pools of blackness, are the same shambling creatures as before, eyes glowing red and weapons glistening in the morning sun. The mass of bodies begins moving towards the group at a slow pace.
"Gods, have the Risen spread this far?" Chrom wonders aloud before drawing his sword, followed by the rest of the Shepherds. While glancing over the field, Robin casts a curious glance at Chrom at the choice of the name he used for the creatures ahead of them. Although he had to admit, it was a good name for shambling corpses.
"Mya ha! So what if they have gotten this far!" Vaike cries as he marches forward, hand reaching to his axe. They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their… Wait…" his boasting ends abruptly when his hand grabs not onto his axe handle but thin air. A quick glace conforms what he hoped hadn't happened and yet somehow did. He lost his axe. "My axe. Where's my axe!? I had it a second ago!"
"Are you kidding, Vaike, cause now is not the time!" Sora exclaims as he and Kairi scan the shambling mass. So far, no yellow eyes, for now.
"Sora is right, Vaike; this is no time for jokes…." Chrom replies, his voice hard and unamused. Vaike, in turn, states at Chrom in panic.
"I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it!" He looks around the field, desperately looking for his beloved axe. "It's got to be around here somewhere…."
"Keep to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!"
As Vaike retreats behind the group, Robin's eyes light up as a battle plan forms in his mind before turning around to the Shepherds. "Alright, Sully, Sthal and Frederick! Uses your speed and agility, hit the Risen from the sides, and force them to come at us in small groups! That will allow us to take them down in more manageable numbers! Lissa, stay behind Chrom while he, Sora and Kairi engage the Risen that charge at us. I'll stay behind and cast magic in support while Virion rains down arrow fire!" The Shepherds all cry out in confirmation as the riders charge forward, striking at the flanks with sword and spear, distracting some while the others rush forward.
"Kairi, you remember what Master Yen Sid wrote in that letter about weapon advantages, right?" Sora asks as he readies his blade as the first group approaches. Kairi gives him a quick nod in confirmation before turning her attention back to them.
"I do, Sora. Swords beat Axes, Axes beat Lances, and Lances beat Swords. Thankfully, I don't see any lances in this group." Sora nods in acceptance as the first wave falls upon them, as several arrows flow over, striking down several. At the same time, a blast of lighting brings down even more of the Risen, leaving only five left, who are quickly dispatched by the front liners.
"Excellent work; here comes the second wave!" Chrom cries as another swarm break from the rides to charge at them, only for a ball of fire to zoom past them and detonating amongst the pact. The three of them stand puzzled at this while the stragglers charge at them, only for Vaike to suddenly rush past them, bringing down his now found axe upon the walking dead.
"Class is in session!" he cries out before leaping into the air and bringing his axe down, splitting one clean in tow before it vanishes into smoke.
"Such a single mindset and yet brutal efficiency. This requires a further analysis…." A scientific voice comments behind them as they turn around. Standing behind them, while writing into a red book with a fire emblem on it, is a tall woman with short red hair like Kairi's, only straight and uniform, wearing a large black witches hat with white inlay and small glasses. Her outfit consists of a black cape with cream highlights with a black metal buckle. Baggy grey trousers bloom outwards before stuffing into slight knee-high brown boots. "It would be best to keep eyes on the battlefield rather than being waylaid by my arrival, Captain." The newcomer says before casting another fire spell towards the side, striking at one that tried to flank them. Chrom shakes his head with a smile before turning back to the battle.
"Thank you for that, Miriel. And always taking notes, I see." His smile fades, however, when small pools of blackness form before them. Instead of the usual smoke erupting from it, it looks more like a void of nothing, save for a glowing pair of yellow eyes. Sora and Kairi could only stare in shock as several of the beings emerged before them. They looked almost exactly like the Risen but had several key differences. They and no bleached skin, only pure darkness. Their clothes are more ornate and looked after, rather than the rusting armour and shambling pieces of cloth, and their weapons are deep black etched in purple. But that wasn't what had them on edge. Their eyes are, instead of the rage-filled red of the Risen, instead glowed a hungry and primal yellow, while on their chest glows a dreaded emblem.
A red outline of a heart with two thorns crossing over the centre, while the bottom of it plunges like a spear, with two spikes jutting out at the side like arrows. The emblem of the creatures of Darkness that feast on people's hearts without mercy. The Heartless have arrived.
"Sora!" Kairi cries at him as the Heartless approach them, their weapons drawn and ready to harvest.
"I know!" Sora replies before looking at Chrom. "Chrom, take the others and finish of the Risen! We will handle these new ones!" he looks at Sora, seeing the look of panic in his eyes. Before he could even argue, the couple charge at the new beings, dodging their attack and slashing them down in one strike. He shakes his head in acceptance before ordering the rest of the Shepherds to assist the riders in fending off the last of the Risen.
"We knew it would only be a matter of time until they showed up, but why now? Grima hasn't made his appearance yet!" Kairi asks while slashing down two with one swing. After taking some sparring matches with the Shepherds, their skill in battle has improved vastly, even without being able to use magic or flowmotion.
"We can find out later! But, right now, let's get rid of these Heartless!" Sora replies while striking down three more before five more Heartless Risen rise to take their place. Sora grunts as he dodges another slash from one while moving back-to-back with Kairi. Sweat drops down their forehead as the Heartless swarm around them, their patterns more intelligent than usual. Suddenly, several arrows of light fall from the sky, striking down several while a warm glow encompasses them.
"Really? You're letting these overwhelm you in a fight?" a familiar voice come from their right above them. The couple smirk before striking down the last few Heartless around them before turning to the source to see two familiar people standing above them. Standing above Sora and Kairi, the two blonds share a nod before jumping down to join them. The male has short spiky hair with sky blue eyes, while the female has shoulder-length hair in a small ponytail resting on her left shoulder, while sea blue eyes.
The male is wearing an outfit similar to Virion but without the cravat. His clothes are primarily black and white, while the armour on his arm is silver, while his boots are a creamy white with black highlights. A neckless hangs from his neck in the shape of a four-pointed star, while in his left hand is a white and silver bow with a blue string. A heart shape is imprinted on the centre, with the Japanese Kanji for light above it. On his hip, secured in a dark purple sheath, is the hilt of a black blade, with small black chains around the purple guard, with a dark purple gem above it, with the Japanese Kanji for darkness below it.
The female is wearing an outfit like Lissa but without the headdress and with a similar staff. Her colours are predominantly white, with black decals, while the metal skirt is black. On her hip is a large notebook, while a case full of pencils hangs next to it.
"Roxas!" Sora cries happily while hugging his archer brother, who returns the hug in equal measure. The girls mirror their interaction while giggling at each other.
"It's so great to see you, Naminé," Kairi says to her sister before giving her a questioning stare. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I thought Master Yen Sid said that only Keyblade Wielders would be sent." Naminé shyly twirls hair around her finger before returning her sister's gaze.
"Well, when I heard how this could end up being a one-way trip, I just couldn't stand around and deal with the thought I wouldn't get to see you or anyone else ever again. Especially Roxas…" she finishes quietly with her gaze falling. Ever since becoming real people and dating over a year ago, they have fulfilled their promise of being together; they wouldn't accept being separated ever again. "Still, I was surprised at seeing how weaker we are here. Roxas also complained a bit about not being able to use both weapons."
"Yeah, it caught us off guard as well. But you'll get used to it." Kairi pats Naminé on the shoulder before walking over to the boys, who were deep in conversation.
"So, Master Yen Sid didn't have any new information for us?" Sora asks. The blond shakes his head sadly.
"I'm afraid not. Master Yen Sid say something is blocking his sight, but he can't tell what it is. But, at least we can confirm that Grima does have access to the Heartless if this was anything to go by." Sora nods before turning his gaze towards Chrom and the others before smiling.
"Well, since you're here, you'll have to tell us how your trip went. But first, let's introduce you two to Chrom and the others. We will be travelling with them while we are here. I think he is the one Master Yen Sid told us to accompany on this mission." Sora looks to Kairi, who nods before pulling Naminé towards the group, followed closely by Sora and Roxas.
Unknown to them, a lone figure looked at them from atop a hill, his single golden eye gazing at the growing band. "Well, I should have seen that coming. It seems like things are finally getting interesting around here." The one-eyed man says before glancing at the blade next to him, recovered from the Keyblade Graveyard after the defeat of Xehanort. No Name. "Wonder how the Grimleal will react when I tell them about what sleeps inside Sora. That idiot. Does he really think it will be easy? As if." He glances again at them before turning around while grasping the former Master's blade in his right hand and opening up a corridor of Darkness. "Sorry, Master, but I have my own plans to accomplish. You're just as outdated as the old coot was." He mumbles before vanishing into the darkness as though he was never there.
And now Roxas and Naminé have joined! And we have a sneak peek at going on's behind the scenes. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and since we have two more KH members here, their Unit Stats will also be going up as well, as well as the reasons to why they are.