Just a break chapter before settling into the Valm Arc, while also giving the cast news attires. A warning though, a lot of the chapter is attire description although plot dose still happen. There will be a TLDR at the end if you don't want to read the descriptions.
Chapter Text
Interlude: Two Years Later….
Two Years. That's how long we have been in this world. Sora thinks to himself as he looks out a window in Ylisstol, watching the morning sun rising over the horizon. A lot has happened in that time. While Chrom hasn't taken up the title of Exalt, out of respect for Emmeryn, Sumia and Chrom were officially wed not long after the battle with Gangrel, followed shortly followed by Kairi and me. Most of the Shepherds had started forming bonds in these past years, all the while we Guardians searched for any lead on Grima. But unfortunately, we have made little progress. Of course, it didn't help that most of that time was spent rebuilding Ylisse after Gangrel's rain of terror. He sighs to himself before looking over at Kairi, still sleeping in their bed, with a soft smile.
Our best bet, the Grimleal, are all in Plegian, and with the peace between the two still fragile, we couldn't just walk in and start looking. Then there is Maleficent and Pete. No one has seen them ever since the war with Plegia, although there are rumours of someone matching her in Valm. It's why Axel volunteered to head over there to investigate. We can only hope he's okay.
Sora sighs to himself before looking over Ylisstol again, leaning on the window as thoughts circle in his mind. How were things going on in their world? By now, Hayner, Pence and Olette would have finished their training at least. And if what Riku said was true, then Tidus, Wakka and Selfie would have also begun training. Would Yen Sid be forced to extend the range to others they know of? The sudden appearance of slender arms around his shoulders as a familiar weight leans onto him breaks him from his thoughts.
"You're up early again." Kairi says with a slight smirk on her face. After all, this is the second time she managed to sneak up on him from behind. "Thinking about how things on the outside are doing?" Sora gives a small chuckle before spinning in her arms and giving her a morning kiss.
"You know me so well." he says teasingly, earning a small giggle from her before his face turns sombre. "I can't help but wonder how things are going in our reality. I mean, I know there are no large evils like Xehanort out there running amok and that Maleficent is not as large a threat as she initially was. But I still can't help but worry." Kairi's teasing smile fades into a sad frown as she lets out a sigh.
"I know what you mean, Sora. I miss them too. But even if we had a way to leave Archanea, we don't know which portal would take us home without Naga's help. And until we stop Grima from returning…" she leaves the sentence unsaid as the two fall into a soft silence, with only the passing of birds, their vocal companion.
"Well, maybe Chrom has some news for us. He has been keeping his eye on Plegia ever since they had a new king on the throne. Maybe he has heard of something by now?" Sora suggests before walking over to where their armour and weapons were stored. Kairi nods eagerly at the suggestion, a little bit too quickly. "You're not saying that so that you can see Lucina again. Or is it Kitai you want to see?" He asks teasingly to his wife, who blushes and admits part of her wants to see both of them, to which Sora gives a small laugh.
Several minutes later, the couple leaves their room and proceed down the hall in their new outfits.
With a black gambeson and trousers, Sora now dons a full metal chest plate made of individual layers for flexibility, the centre three black with the surrounding parts red. At the same time, a collar similar to Flavia's extends around his head. A shield lies on his right arm, decorated like the top of a tower in black and red, while black elbow and wrist-guards cover his arms, with grey gloves, with a similar set up on his left, while a sizeable two-piece shield, again like Flavia's, rests on his arm, grey with red highlights. His leg greaves still extend to his knees but is more detailed and with the same tower look as the shield on his right arm, coloured yellow and black, with grey boots underneath.
On his hip lies Kingdom Key in the form it unlocked two years ago, while on Sora's back was an axe. The shaft was black with twin red ropes tied around its entirety, while at the pommel was an orange crystal heart enchased in silver. Two axe heads erupted from the top, a smaller silver one that looked like a heart, while the main head had several white spikes connected with silver arches and three long silver teeth extended in the head. His neckless still hung from his neck, but now an image of it was imprinted on his shield.
Kairi's outfit was similar to her old one yet more detailed. She is now sporting a dark pink jacket with black edging over a long shite shirt, with black shoulder and arm guards. A white fur trim wraps around the back of her head while a dark pink sash covers her waist, with a stip of cloth stretching down to her knees like her old outfit. Her black boot now stretches up past her knees with the fur trim removed, while a black belt wraps around her stomach with white marking.
On her hip is Destiny's Katana, now changed form similar to Sora's. Its blade had elongated, while the patter of vines and flowers are now etched into its edge. The scuba around the hilt was now in the shape of a flower, with its petals alternating between sand and ocean, while at the end of the black grip was a pommel in the form of a Paopu Fruit, while on her back was an image of her lucky charm.
"I'm still surprised at how our Keyblades evolved over the past two years. "Kairi comments while glancing at her Katana. "It's nice to have Destiny's Embrace back at full strength, but I wasn't expecting it to just happen during a sparring match with Ven, let alone his happening at the same time." Sora agrees readily, commenting that it was a surprise for sure, seeing all of them unlocking their Keyblades back to full strength, but even more so with him, Terra and Lea having new ones appear next to them. He casts a glance at the axe on his back, remembering how surprised he was to see Ultima Weapon take on the form of an axe and not a sword. After all, his Formchange with it turned it into a sword, so why an axe?
The same could be said with Lea when he found his chakrams had become a bow. A bow that could fire arrows of fire in a similar way to Roxas's Oathkeeper when he gave it a try, almost setting a house on fire with a stray arrow. It still took him a while to get used to it, with his instincts telling him to throw it rather than pulling the strong back. But Terra had the biggest shock of them all when he saw the Chaos Ripper appear before him as an axe. His first instinct was to throw it away, reminded of how it appeared to him after Xehanort killed Eraqus, understandably bringing back unwanted memories. However, Riku convinced Terra to keep it, reminding him that he has control over his won Darkness now and should not be afraid to wield it.
Sora's musing ended when the couple entered the Throne room, where they were met by Chrom, Robin, Lissa, Sumia, Aqua and Terra. While Chrom stayed with the outfit he donned in the battle with Gangrel, the others had changed theirs.
Robin's coat was essentially the same, but with all the ribs and seams repaired to look as good as new, while a dark blue shawl was draped over his shoulders with gold trim. Two silver shoulder guards rest on top, connected by a golden rope, while under the coat is a silver breastplate stretching from his neck to his waist. He also has silver greaves covering the length of his legs, from foot to just underneath the skirt. He still cares the same tone he used back when they first met him, but Robin had long replaced the steel sword he had in Ferox with a Levin Sword they managed to find in Vincent's stash all.
Lissa was also sporting a shawl over her shoulders but in gold like the rest of her outfit. On her arms are a pair of giant golden bracers that run up to her elbows, while the steel cage underneath her skirt was now above it, the white apron gone in favour of a brown steel triangle in its place for protection. She still has a Mend staff, but she now carries a silver axe. She had decided she had enough of waiting in the back while her brother fought in the front, so Lissa had been asking Vaike and Frederick for axe lessons after Lissa managed to convince them she could handle an axe.
Sumia had taken on the garb of a Falcon Knight like Philia, with her Pegasus fitted with the same armour. But, while the primary colour of her clothing was still pink, the armour that adorns her was a shining gold—befitting of her status as Chrom wife. On her back was a silver spear while a mend staff hung from her waist. In her arms is a bundle of cloth, while a small babies bead with short blue hair and eyes poked her head out, letting off several happy gurgles at Sumia.
Terra towered over Robin in his new armour. While it had been chiefly slimmed down from his old armour, it was still bulky and oversized and shining in gold, with his undersuit a deep brown. The Brest plate was made of unique layers, with two strips of bronze streaming down the sides, while the shoulder guards stretched around his back like an oval, with several small bronze shields the size of his head hanging from them. A strip of a bronze loincloth was suspended from his belt while several golden guards wrapped around his waist. A pair of golden gauntlets stretched up his arms, with golden leg greaves completing the set, finished with bronze details. A triangular golden shield with several bronze panels rests next to him.
At the same time, Ends of the Earth lies on his back, whose head had three pairs of golden teeth sticking out on each end before the tip, while the bronze handle was etched with a slight indentation, with a sky blue guard surrounding the middle. Just below the guard was a small emblem with a red jewel. On his waist is Chaos Ripper. Finally, while the gazing eye was no longer present, the axe head was made of three black blades that faded into red, while the shaft was a mixture of red and black. Finally, an image of a heart with a spear pointing down is on his shield. The same was what was on his buckle in his everyday wear.
Standing next to Sumia, Aqua was adorned in silver armour with dark blue accents. A chest plate with similar layers around the stomach and armoured gauntlets reached up past her elbows with a dark blue shawl around her shoulders—a leather collar raises from the mantle to around just around her eyes. A silver belt wraps around her waist with two strips of dark blue loincloth at the front and back, with two silver shields on her hips. Silver greaves with blue decals race up to her thighs, while her two tomes rest on her back, while Stormfall hangs from her hip.
The guard was curved downward in a dark grey, with the handle a dull silver, while the pommel was in the form of a silver crown, with two swirls and a blue gem at the bottom. The blade was still indigo but now had silver patterns of rain and thunder running around its edge. Aqua had also managed to obtain a horse, currently not present in the room, which itself was adorned with silver armour around its head and neck and shields around its back. Like Terra, an emblem of a heart with a spear at the bottom was on her back.
And in Aqua's arms was another bundle of cloth holding another baby, this one a boy with Aqua's hair and Terra's eyes, sleeping soundly. The two mothers were chatting happily before Aqua noticed Sora and Kairi's approach, a warm smile forming on her face.
"Moring you two." She greets them as they approach, grabbing the attention of the rest. "You're here early."
"Well, we're hoping that we have finally managed to gain some leads. And that Kairi wanted to see Lucina and Kitai again." Sora says while giving his wife a teasing look. Kairi pouts at him with the others provide some slight chuckles. Shaking her head at him, Kairi walks up to Aqua and Sumia as they hold the babies in their hands while Lucina looks at her with happy eyes.
"Hey, Lucina. How are you today?" Kairi gently asks while giving the baby a small brush over the head. Lucina giggles at her as Sumia and Aqua look on with calm smiles, Lissa all the while fawning over the babies. Sora smiles warmly at the scene before walking over to Chrom, a stern look on his face when Chrom shakes his head with a frown.
"As much I want to say yes, Sora, but things are still as quiet as ever." Chrom says with a deep sigh. After becoming Exalt, the guardians had told him, Lissa, Robin and Sumia the reason why there were here, after explaining to Sumia the true history of the world. After getting over their collective shock at the possibility of Grima's return, Chrom was determined to make sure it would not happen, knowing that his sister would have done the same were she alive. Even going so far as to tell the rest of the Shepherds silently. But so far, other than the Grimleal led, nothing. And that worried them more than anything else. "At this point, I would say we are in the clear, but I can't shake this feeling in my bones that something is about to happen. And it's not good."
No sooner had Chrom finished speaking dose a soldier burst into the throne room, concern written all over his face. "Sire, a messenger from Regna Ferox has arrived!" he cries, wincing when he just realised Lucina and Kitai we in the room. Luckily, neither of the babies minded the sudden outburst, although Aqua sent him an unpleasant look.
"Really? This is unexpected. Please, see them in at once." Chrom asks. The Soldier bows his head before turning around and leaving the room, motioning to someone outside. Soon, the sound of heavy armour clanking against itself echo's in the room as a familiar armour knight walks toward the group. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Raimi. What news from Regna Feroxi?" Chrom asks the knight, who gives a brief smile to the group before a stern frown rest on her face.
"I am afraid it is not a social call, Prince Chrom. I come here on behalf of Khan Regnant Flavia with dire news." Raimi replies, her voice stern yet with a hint of fear.
"Whatever is happening, it is clear that it has you worried." Terra comments at seeing the knight clenching her left hand in the air. The knight nods, saying that Flavia requested a summit with Chrom and the Shepherds as soon as possible. That got everyone's attention. "What has happened?" Terra asks a little sternly at the knight.
"Our western neighbours of Valm are no longer acting neighbourly." Raimi reports, her frown deepening. "The emperor, who they name the Conqueror, is planning to launch warships against us. We learned this in a report from Lea over in Valm."
"But why?" Sora asks, shocked at the prospect of another war looming over the horizon. They had just spent the last two years repairing the damage from Gangrel's war, and now another one seemed to be upon them. And that's not including the Second Keyblade War they thought in before they arrived here! "Why are they invading regna Ferox?"
"It could be for any number of reasons, Sora." Robin replies, his eyes narrow and deliberating. "Expansion, resources, desire, will of the people, the list goes on. But even so, that doesn't change what our stance is, right Chrom?" The tactician asks the prince, who smiles before turning to Raimi.
"You heard Robin. We will meet with Flavia to discuss this new threat." The knight bows towards Chrom before turning to leave, her armour clanking all the way. Chrom gives out a sigh of resignation before turning to look at Sumia, her eyes locking with his. "I'd say with you if I could, Sumia, but we owe Regna Ferox a great debt. I must apprise myself of the facts there before fully committing myself to a course of action." Sumia simple gives him a warm smile before walking up to him, a hidden fire behind her eyes.
"I'm not asking you to stay here with me. I'm coming with you." She declares, much to Chrom's shock. Terra casts a glance over to Aqua, giving him a 'look' with a hidden message underneath, to which he simply nods at. He was not willing to risk asking Aqua to stay, not when she could turn him into an ice cube. However, Chrom tried to convince Sumia to say that Lucina needed her mother now, but Sumia simply shook her head. "Can she not be wet-nursed as you and Lissa were? That is House Ylisse's tradition, is it not?" Chrom looked away bashfully at the comment. He did forget that it was tradition. "Besides Chrom, Lucina is a strong child, and she takes after her father. The Brand in her left eye is not your only gift to her." Chrom turns to look at his daughters face, the brand of the exalt clear as day in her eye, the light blue sheen a contrast against her dark blue eyes. Knowing he was beaten, Chrom agrees to her, Lissa's teasing not helping one bit.
"I'll go gather the rest of the Shepherds and make us ready to march to Ferox. Sora, Kairi, mind if you come with?" Robin asks the couple to agree before the three leave the throne room. Chrom thanks the three as they go before turning to make his preparations.
It was currently a fun time in the barracks as all the Shepherds, bar Lea Virion and Olivia, were in attendance, some with new attire. While Panne, Frederick, Libra, Nowi and Anna haven't changed, the rest have.
Vaike and Isa now sported an outfit very similar to Khan Basilio's, with a silver axe and bow, but Lea stayed put with his axe, now named Lunatic. It bore a striking resemblance to his old weapon as a Nobody, with an image of said claymore on the back of his outfit.
Miriel and Naminé were wearing an outfit that resembled the garb that Emmeryn worse, but Miriel wore hers in her colours while keeping her hat, while Naminé's was pure white with her leggings a pale blue. In addition, Miriel now carried a mend staff in conjunction with her tome, while Naminé now carried a white tome. Like Kairi, Namine also had an emblem on her back, but in the form of the fake charm she made back in Castle Oblivion, but now represented her bond with her now-husband Roxas.
Ricken dawned a ceremonial blue cape with gold edging, fastened together with a gold collar while keeping his giant hat. The strip of cloth flowing down his chest was now had detailed golden embroidery while a dark grey undercoat flew down to his knees. Silver greaves protected his feet while arm braces protected his arms. Like Miriel, a Mend Staff now joined his tome. Finally, Gregor took on an outfit like Sora, but in green and silver, with a silver sword and axe.
Kellam's armour was modelled similarly to Terra's but modified to fight on horseback alongside his wife Sully, trading out his giant shield for a more easily portable smaller one while arming himself with a silver spear, axe and sword. His horse was also heavily armoured like Frederick's. Stahl followed Kellam in armour and weapons but stuck with his dark green and silver colouring.
Roxas still had his neckless and the archer armour over his left arm, with his necklace's emblem imprinted on the small shield, but he now had leather armour around his chest underneath a silver cuirass. Silver strips of armour raced down his legs, stopping just above his knees with baggy pants, that made Sora secretly proud, bloomed out towards his ankles while black greaves protected his legs underneath.
His bow, Oathkeeper, now sported angel wings along the curve, while gold and blue swirls joined the white and silver colourings. The heart symbol stayed the same but was now joined by an emblem of Kairi's lucky charm, along with the kanji, although it now glowed in blue and yellow. His sword, Oblivion, was holstered on his horse and now had demon wings on the handguard, while a black crown like Sora's was on the hilt. The blade itself now had a chain running the entire length, while the purple jewel had enlarged slightly as the blade itself had enlarged and sharpened.
Donnel had donned a similar garb as Roxas, taking up a silver bow to go with a silver sword. Working on the farms gave him excellent control over riding a horse, and Roxas and Virion were all too happy to help him learn how to use a bow, with Roxas showing him how he could still use a sword at the same time.
Riku's armour was no longer bulky but form-fitting while keeping his colours. Like the others, his chest armour was now in segments for easy movement, while the 'bucket' around his head had now shrunk down to a more comparable chin guard on his chest. He now has shoulder armour and a shield on his left arm, while his horse now sports armour on its face and a cape under the shields on its back. On his shield was an image of Mickey's head.
Riku's sword, Braveheart, easily stretched from his head down to his thighs, the blade a shining silver while indented with several knocks along the edge, the black guard curving downwards to protect the silver handle. In contrast, a silver Mickey head rested on the pommel. His spear, Way to the Dawn, now had an angel wing acting as the spearhead with a dark blue spike emerging from the top. The shaft was still red but now had blue lines crossing at regular intervals. At the same time, the grip was surrounded by an angel and demon wing, respectively, with the heartless emblem etching just above the guard, although missing the thorny cross in the centre.
Sully was dressed very similar to Riku but had a black strip of loincloth from her belt, while she wore no armour around her legs, and only the grieves went up to her knees. A silver sword and spear rested nearby her horse.
Cordelia and Xion had both forgone armour in exchange for manoeuvrability. A thigh-length tight dress over a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, with thigh-length legging and knee-high boots, the only bits of armour they had were two shields on the hips, two shoulder guards and a bracer around the neck. Cordelia's outfit was also primarily dark grey and blue, with the armour a dull silver, while he now carried a thunder tome on her back along with a silver spear.
Xion's colours hadn't changed, and on her left hip shield, she had an emblem that combined Sora's crown and Kairi's lucky charm. Although she now holds onto some tomes, the most surprising was another ice tome along with a fire and thunder tome. Several other mages could only look in jealousy at Xion's ice tome. Her spear, Two Become One, now sported the Nobody symbol on the tip alongside two white spears and two black spears, while a silver shape that looked like the number four acted as the spear tip. The shaft was also silver, while the grip was black with several small white spikes emerging from the top. Below the grip was an emblem that resembled Roxas's neckless.
Lon'qu and Ventus were wearing clothes similar to Kairi, with brow slacks covering their legs. However, while Lon'qu was primarily blue and grey with silver embroidery, Ven's was green and silver, the embroidery a deep red. Lon'qu also had a swirling pattern on his back, an emblem he said came from over in Valm, while on his hips are two katanas. While he ever only used one, he claimed that the other was mainly for backup, but that didn't stop him from training with both, much to the ire of Roxas.
On Ven's back was the same emblem that Terra and Aqua had, while his katana, Wayward Wind, now sported a rich golden scuba guard in the shape of a fox. The blade was a dark silver, with several golden lines etched at vertical stripes along the blade, while the edge was a deep gold. The pommel looked like a stylised tornado with a green gem inside it.
Gaius kept his cape, but was in considerably better condition than ever, helped by Cordelia's watching eye over him. His arms still sported leather gauntlets but now had three blades, each coming from them at angles. A small metal breastplate covered where his heart was, while the left side still held his pocket full of sweats. A leather corset protected his stomach while similar metal blades hand off his thighs, two on each. Finally, a silver sword hangs from his hip, while a silver bow hugs from his shoulder, the quiver hanging on his back horizontal to the ground.
Tharja still stayed with an almost see-through able skin-tight suit, although she left a vertical strip of her stomach visible this time. Her cape was gone, exposing her back, while strips of cloth hung from her arms down to her knees. A skirt fell from her waist down to her feet but shot up straight back to her waist before it could ever curve around her feet. She also wore a corset around her neck while keeping the same top and bottom style from before, but without the loincloth. Some in the shepherds say she was doing this to seduce Robin yet failed to do so. She still held onto her dark tome in her hands all the while.
Finally, Maribelle had donned a hip-long pink and petal tunic that also reached her wrists, with golden shoulder pads. Brown boots covered her pink platoons up to her thighs before connecting to her waist. Her horse was also sufficiently protected, with a three-pronged helmet and a deep blue coat covering its front and back under the armour. Still holding onto a mend staff, she now carries a fire tome for protection.
"Who else thinks they can take on teach!?" Vaike yells as he beats Stahl in a wrestling match. The Shepherds look between each other curiously, wondering who would be able to beat Miriels husband.
"I'll take you on." Riku says as he walks up to the Warrior, who smugly says he would show him how it was done. As the Shepherds cheered them on, Xion more than the rest for her husband, the two fought each other fiercely until, after giving Vaike a smirk, Riku slammed his hand down on the table, putting Vaike's winning streak to an end. In this cry of congratulations, Robin, Sora and Kairi entered.
"I see everyone is having fun." Robin says with amusement as they enter the barracks, drawing the attention of the rest.
"You just missed Riku put an end to Vaike's winning streak after beating Kellam, Frederick and Stahl." Anna says as a disappointed Sully hands her some money. "Everyone was taking bets on who would end his streak. Most betted on Panne while others on Riku." The three could only look over the group with familiar amusement. These past two years had forged the Shepherds from a ragtag band of misfits into a form of family. There was always a joy to be had in the barracks. The brief moment of respite was enough to make the three forget about the impending danger, but they knew they had to break the atmosphere. Robin clapped his hands together with a heavy sigh, ending any remaining idle chatter.
"If I can gather everyone's attention, we have new orders to move out for Regna Ferox. Flavia has requested an audience with all of us." The shepherds look at each other, bewildered. Why did Flavia need them? When Xion asked why Flavia called for them, Robin broke the news. "We had received word from Lea inside Valm that the Conqueror is planning to invade Ferox." Instantly the happy atmosphere was crushed. Shock and wide eyes were present in all, but for Lon'qu especially, he was gritting his teeth in anger as he clenched a hand.
"Which is why we are to make preparations to leave as soon as possible." Sora steps in, his eyes hard and steeled. "The moment that Chrom has finished his preparations, we head out to Regna Ferox." No words followed as everyone silently moved to ready themselves for the march. Sora took a moment to sigh sadly at the prospect of going to another war as he felt Kairi's hand lace with his own. "And here I thought we were through with getting thrown into wars." He says to her sadly. Kairi nods in return before kissing him on the lip, her eye filled with sadness and determination.
"There are some things that can not be helped. And between you and me, I already have my suspicions as to who is fanning the Conquerors appetite." Kairi's face morphed into a frown along side's Sora's, their voice harmonising as they said their name.
"Maleficent."
"How did I end up with the icky job?" Lea asks himself as he looks over a port town in Valm, the Conquerors fleet amassing as hundreds of soldiers board the vessels, all of them cavaliers with several Paladins and Great Knights acting as commanders. Already one ship had just left to make landfall and secure a landing spot. Hopefully, Sora and the others would stop that. They still had time before this army was ready to leave, but even so, it still looked bleak. Sighing to himself, Lea jumps off the building he was hiding in and vanishes into an alleyway.
His garb was the same as Gaius, yet the breastplate and armoured blades were a dull black, removing any source of reflection on his body. Well, so long as he didn't have Flame Liberator out of its sheath. While the black handle's guard was now curved and had two spikes coming off it, resembling the chakram's he once had, was a said chakram acting as the pommel, the blade was latterly made of enchanted fire. He was thankful that it didn't melt through the sheath, and he could somehow control how bright the flame was, but still, it was literal fire!
At least he had regained his chakrams, Eternal Flames, aren't on fire. Looking like a silver bow with red decals and silver spikes protruding from it, and a fiery red string. It took all of the two years of them being here to make it so he would NOT throw them. That was some painful muscle memories. `
Well, at least those three managed to get out of Valm before he locked down all the ports. Hopefully, they can- Lea's internal monologue was broken when he heard the sounds of a struggle. Keeping to the shadows, he follows the sounds until a peculiar sight meets him. Two Valmese armoured knights, and four shadow Heartless, surrounded a woman with long black hair that stretched down her back and two short bangs that framed her head and piercing brown eyes. Her grab was like that of Kairi's and yet had an air of nobility around it, if not for the gleaming silver armour and deep violet of her coat and loincloth, with white triangles along the edge of her jacket. Her boots were a gleaming white, while her kimono jacket was a light lilac. Two katanas were drawn from the empty sheaths on her hips in her hands as she stared down her attacks with determination.
"You've got nowhere to run, rebel dog! Surrender now, and we can guarantee your life!" one of the armoured knights yells at her, griping his steel spear tightly. The woman darts her eyes around, looking for an opening to escape as the shadow Heartless hiss and growl at her, eager for her heart. Lea frowns at the situation before him before reaching for the bow on his back.
That ain't no way to treat a lady. He draws the sting back before four flaming arrows appear along the bow, held horizontal as Lea aims at the Shadows. Then, taking a moment to calm himself, he lets the string go, sending the arrows flying before they embed themselves in the Heartless, eliminating them while leaving the knights and the woman stunned. Quickly putting his bow away, he then draws Flame Liberator, with said flames licking around the sheath as he pulls it before leaping into the air and slicing into the back of one of the knights. Against standard swords, it wouldn't have been scratched, but against a flaming one, it quickly gives way, leaving the knight motionless on the floor.
"Who are you!?" the other knight asks before rushing him, spear aimed at Lea's chest. The pyro simply smirks before dodging to the side and slashing at the knight's waist, his sword quickly melting through the thick shield he was carrying. Lea takes a moment to breathe before looking at the woman, who was eyeing him with suspicion.
"You doing okay?" He asks, only to be met by her piercing gaze as she readies herself for a fight. "Hey, easy! I'm not with Valm. I'm with the Shepherds." He says quickly, raising his arms in defence after sheathing his sword. The woman looks at him as though she looks into his soul before sighing profoundly and sheathing her blades. She then bows to him gratefully.
"I thank you for coming to my aid." She says before straightening up. "My name is Say'ri, former princess of Chon'sin and a member of the Valmese resistance. And who might you be."
"My name's Lea. Got it memorised?" he says before tapping the side of his head. Say'ri looks at him quizedly as Lea shakes his head in embracement. "Don't mind that. A force of habit I used to do. Anyway, why are you here?" Before Say'ri could answer, the sounds of shouting could be heard from one of the alleyways as more Valmese soldiers rushed toward them. "Uh-oh. Time to go. Follow me. I have a safe house here we can use to wait them out." Sya'ri, although initially hesitant, nods and follows him through the alleyways before arriving at a stone wall.
Before she could ask, Lea simply pushed a block in, opening up a secret door before rushing in, followed closely by Say'ri, before closing the door. The two waited as they heard the sounds of soldiers on the other side, searching for them, only to give up and leave.
"Fi, that was close." Say'ri says as she follows Lea into his hideout. While not significant, it was still big enough to house three beds and a small table, while a single small window let in the moonlight of the night sky.
"It's not large, but I hope you find it comfortable." Lea says before sitting on one of the beds. Say'ri nods before sitting on another and looking around in wonder. "In case you were wondering, I was here with some fellow Shepherds, but they went back to Ferox to warn Flavia and Chrom about the invasion. So I stayed behind to see if I could find out more info."
"Aye, a wise course of action." Say'ri agrees, although her face falls into a frown. "Would that I could offer what little I know. But, other than these dark begins appearing from the very shadows we cast, there is talk of two who have curried favour with the Conqueror."
"Something tells me we have a lot to talk about. Hope you don't mind staying up late." Lea says as he pulls out a bottle of water and two clay cups from a nearby bag. Tonight was going to be a long conversation.
Everything was quiet on the road to Ferox. No one could think of anything to say with the looming threat of war over their heads, not even when they entered the throne room. Inside, wearing the carpet out from pacing around, Flavia greets Chrom and the Shepherds with a grim look.
"I'm sorry we could not come sooner, Flavia." Chrom says with an apologetic look along with the others. Flavia gives Chrom a small smile and a shake of the head, stating that he was here and that was all that matters. "Is it true that Valm is planning an invasion?"
"I'm afraid so and more. I can share more, but please hold a moment." The Shepherds looked at each other bewildered until Flavia started shouting at the top of her lungs. "OAF! Where are you, you big bald- Chrom is here!" No sooner had the words left her lips did Basilio come rushing in, a bit flustered by with a grateful smile nonetheless.
"Ah! Glad you could all arrive!" he says joyfully, but underneath they could hear the worry in his voice. "We have someone you should hear from. He just got back from Valm with a few compatriots. He said he has news on what's happening in Valm." With a nod of his head, he motions to a guard to open a side door, revealing Virion, Oliva and someone else.
While Oliva remained the same, albeit, with a silver sword, Virion was now sporting a blue gambeson underneath a silver breastplate that stretched from his waist to just under his neck. The armour along his arm had been slimmed down, with a small shield added on the elbow, while silver greaves protected his legs. A silver bow hangs on his back.
The woman next to them had long flowing pink hair that reached the base of her spine with piercing red eyes. She wore what looked like a maid headband over her head with dragon wings along the side. Her outfit, under her armour, was maid like in appearance, with her back, arms and thighs showing skin while silver armour adorned her chest, with a neck guard reaching her chin. Her arms are covered in silver gauntlets up to her elbows, while two shoulder guards, in the form of three golden claws, protect her shoulders. Similar guards res of her hips, but in silver, while silver greaves race up to her knees. Finally, on her back are a silver axe and lance.
"Virion, Oliva, it's good to see you made it back safely and in good company, but where is Lea?" Robin asks with worry, noticing the red-haired absent from the group. Virion sighs, saying that he stayed behind to gather more information on what was happening in Valm.
"Master Lea fought it was best he stayed and assisted whatever group he could find, allowing us to return her." The woman next to Virion states with a bow, drawing the gaze of all present. "I am Duke Virion's humble servant, Cherche."
"Duke?" Roxas asks, stunned. "Are you saying Virion is a ruler all this time?"
"He was." Cherche sends Virion a look, who sadly nods at her, allowing her to speak. "We hail from Rosanne, a fertile territory on the content of Valm. Milord if the head of House Virion and the rightful ruler of Rosanne."
"It is true." Oliva says timidly. "I say the province with my own eyes. The people there loved Virion for his skills for seeing them through harsh disputes. But as of now, he is no longer welcomed there, and not by those living there."
"It is the Valmese." Virion says with a deep frown. "Theirs was an unremarkable nation once. Tiny, almost pitifully so. Had our continent not shared its name, you might almost have forgotten it existed, present company excluded, of course." He nods his head to Sora and the Guardians, who sheepishly rub the back of their heads. Oh, good thing Donald was not here; otherwise, he would be yapping about 'World Order' this and 'World Order' that. Wonder how Yen Sid would take this? "Anyway, Valm might have remained as it was if not for Walhart the Conqueror."
"Who is the 'Walhart' anyway?" Sora asks curiously. "How did he manage to get so many people to join him and take over a whole continent?"
"He claims to be a descended of Alm, the Hero King." Virion replies with a shake of his head. "And considering his strength and might, one could be easily made into thinking that. Not including his use of cavalry. And now that Valm is all his, he turns his gaze towards Ferox, Plegia and Ylisse."
"We don't have time to waste." Olivia suddenly blurts out. "Before we left, we saw a Valmese ship being loaded with troops. We also overheard how they plan to make a staging area in one of the Ferox ports."
"If that is the case, we need to secure the ports immediately." Chrom says with a determined face. "Robin, look over the maps of Western Ferox and try to find the Valmese landing spot. We will deploy there while the Feroxi army will cover the other ports."
"As I said before, Chrom, but Valm prides itself on its cavalry. Therefore, it will be in your best interest to ready yourselves for them." Virion cautions, to which Chrom nods in thanks before turning to the Shepherds. Grim faces of determination face him back as he says the words he never thought he'd say again.
"Shepherds, make ready for battle!"
Originaly this chapter was going to include the Seacomers mission, but i decided against that and left it as its own chapter. Anyway, with Lea still in Valm assisting Say'ri, Sora, Chrom and the Shepherds make ready to blunt Walhart's initial invasion. I also said there will be a TLDR for descriptions, so here you go.
Chrom - Great Lord with Falchion and Silver Lance.
Robin - Grandmaster with Levin Sword and Thunder Tome (rather than having all the individual ones they are all together in the same book)
Lissa - War Cleric with Mend Staff and Silver Axe
Frederick - Great Knight with Silver Sword, Lance and Axe
Sully - Paladin with Silver Sword and Lance
Virion - Sniper with Silver Bow
Vaike - Warrior with Silver Axe and Bow
Stahl - Great Knight with Silver Sword, Lance and Axe
Miriel - Sage with Mend Staff and Fire Tome
Sumia - Falcon Knight with Silver Lance and Mend Staff
Kellam - Great Knight with Silver Lance, Axe and Sword
Lon'qu - Swordmaster with Killing Edge
Donnel - Bow Knight with Silver Sword and Bow (I know Hero is what he genially is made but Bow Knight Donnel is fun to use.)
Ricken - Sage with Mend Staff and Wind tome
Maribelle - Valkyrie with Mend Staff and Fire tome
Panne - Taguel
Gaius - Assassin with Silver Bow and Sword
Cordelia - Dark Flyer with Silver Lance and Thunder tome
Anna - Trickster with Mend Staff and Silver Sword
Gregor - Hero with Silver Sword and Axe
Nowi - Manakete
Libra - War Monk with Silver Axe and Mend Staff
Tharja - Sorcerer with Dark tome
Olivia - Dancer with Silver Sword
Cherche - Wyvern Lord with Silver Axe and Lance (Cherche actually joins as a Wyvern Rider, but since everyone is in their promoted classes, it would be odd for he not to be. It HAS been two years after all!)
And that is all the promotions for the Shepherds. Don't worry, the next chapter will have the ones for the KH crew!