Battle Against The Risen.
After having spent some time resting and preparing for the march to Ferox, everyone were gathered in a field. Cassandra was a little nervous of her first mission as a member of the Shepherds, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't a little excited to see a new Kingdom. The journey would be long and likely dangerous. But what is an adventure without a little danger? Besides, she had several brave and strong warriors by her side now, so she was pretty confidant that she would be fine.
"Is everyone ready? We've a long march ahead" Chrom spoke.
"W-wait for me!" Everyone looked and saw a man come running up to them.
"Stahl?" Chrom asked confused.
Stahl took a moment to catch his breath before speaking "Why am I the last to hear about this expedition to Ferox?".
"Huh? Vaike was supposed to..." Lissa glared at the large man "Vaike! Did you forget to tell Stahl about our mission?".
"The Vaike never forgets! ...I just don't always remember, is all..." Vaike said, trying and failing to brush of his blunder.
"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?" Lissa asked.
Vaike looked annoyed "Hey! That was one time! ...Okay, twice, but training sessions don't count. Anyway, I got it right here. Teach is loaded and ready for action! Glad to have you along, Stahl, ol' buddy".
Stahl looks at him "That makes one of us. I was in such a hurry, I had to miss breakfast! There were muffins, and cakes, and... Well, I can tell you all about it while we march...".
"Please don't, you're already making me hungry" Cassandra said while rubbing her belly.
"Your name is Stahl, right?" Robin asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Robin, Cassandra. This is Stahl, one of our finest" Chrom explained.
Stahl looks at them "Hello, Robin, Cassandra. Miriel told me we had new Shepherds. Er, Miriel's one of our mages. She should catch up soon".
With introductions out of the way, everyone where ready to head out. But they had barely even begun their march before several of those dark creatures showed up. This wasn't good, they were dangerously close to the capital. Their journey had barely begun and they've already ran in to trouble.
Chrom narrowed his eyes "Gods, have the Risen spread this far?".
"Risen?" Robin asked.
"We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one" Frederick explained.
"Everyone, remember what we're up against!" Chrom ordered.
Cassandra took out her sword and shield "No worries. I am ready for them this time. They surprise me with the same trick twice".
"Mya ha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into their... Wait... My axe. Where's my axe?! I had it a second ago!" Vaike said as he looked around.
Chrom looked annoyed "Vaike, this is no time for jokes...".
"I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it! It's got to be around here somewhere..." Vaike said while he desperately searched for his ax.
Chrom shook his head "Keep to the rear, then! The battle is nigh!".
With that, the battle broke out. Cassandra clashed with a sword wielding Risen, blocking it's strike with her shield, she then kicked it in the chest. It recovered quickly and tried to attack her again, only for an arrow to go straight through it's eye. The Risen remained standing as it reached to pull out the arrow, but before it could Sully charged in on her horse and struck it's head with her lance, killing it on the spot.
The arrow was fired by Virion who approached Cassandra "A fair Cassandra. Your beauty shines like a refreshing flower among all this filth. Please accept my-".
Cassandra smacked his chest with her shield, causing him to cough "Sorry, but I would highly appreciate if you never came that close to me again".
"Stop bothering the lady and get back to fighting you arse head!" Sully aggressively ordered Virion who slowly recovered from Cassandra's strike.
Cassandra smiled gratefully at her, and Sully only gave her a smile and a nod before they rejoined the battle. Vaike had no choice but remain behind due to his clumsy loss of his ax. However a female magician wearing glasses suddenly showed up.
"Splendid! It seems I've caught up. Now to extirpate these brutes... Hmm? Is that an axe? Why yes it is... Perhaps someone mislaid it? I'd not thought such dereliction permissible amoung the Shepherds. Still, I'd be remiss to not return this implement to its owner. Perhaps along with a stern word or two of disapprobation!" She said as she picked up the ax.
Soon enough she met up with Vaike who was happy to see his ax again "Whoa! My axe!".
"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon. Now I know" The woman said in annoyance.
Vaike smiled nervously "Thanks, Miriel! ...Er, for the axe anyway!".
"Perhaps next time I'll use a spell to fasten it to your hands... permanently" Miriel said in a dangerous tone, silently warning Vaike to not lose his ax again.
With Vaike back in action, the fight began turning their way. Vaike delivered a powerful strike to a Risen, and before it could recover, his ax cut deep in to it's head. Another Risen charged him from behind, but a magical blast from Miriel stopped it dead in it's tracks, alerting Vaike and allowing him to finish it of with a powerful strike. Meanwhile, Sthal was riding his own horse while holding his blade before strike a Risen across the chest, before a lance came out of it's mouth as Frederick took it's head clean of.
Robin blasts a Risen with one of his spels, staggering it long enough for Chrom to finish it of. They had managed to clear one side of the field, but on the other side of the bridge, more Risen where gathered, along with a bigger one, which looked like a Chieftain. Regardless, they pressed on, each one engaging a Risen. Cassandra killed one until the Risen Chief let out a horrific sound and charged at her.
Cassandra barely had time to block it's ax with her shield, the force of which causing her to stagger back. The Risen Chief attacks again, but Cassandra deflects it strike with her ax and sliced it across the chest. This only angered the monster as it brought it's ax down, forcing Cassandra to raise her shield to block the strike, which forced her down on a knee. The Risen reached out it's free hand and grabbed her by the neck and began chocking the life out of her.
But before it could kill her, someone stabbed the Risen Chief in the back, causing it to drop her. Cassandra looked up to see the large Risen swing it's ax at it's new foe, who flipped over it and landed close to Cassandra. It was a woman in a skin tight bodysuits, tied up hairstyles, and demon protecting armor. She also wears a demonic looking mask and wields two swords. All in all she was very beautiful and it was clear her beauty was matched only by her lethality.
Cassandra got wide eyes, she recognized her "Lady Taki?".
The Woman looked at her "Cassandra" She looks to see the Risen approaching them "We'll talk later. After we finish of this monster".
"Yes my lady!" Cassandra said as she got ready.
The two women charged the Risen, with Cassandra blocking it's strike, which allowed Taki to leap on to it's shoulders and stab it in the neck with one of her swords. Then in a swift motion she forced her blade forward instead of simply pulling it out, cutting up a gaping wound in the risen's neck. Black smoke flows from it as it collapsed on the ground, finally dead. The Risen where finally defeated.
"Finally, and good riddance! But if they're appearing this far up the Northroad..." Chrom trailed of.
Frederick nods "Then no path is safe. We'll need to stay wary".
Chrom looked at Taki, before putting his fist to his palm before performing a respectful bow "It's an honor to see you again, Taki".
Taki bows back "Likewise, Chrom. I came here to warn you of these monsters, but I was ambushed on my way here which clearly delayed me to much".
"You don't need to worry, Taki. You showed up just in time to help Cassandra" Chrom assured.
"Speaking of..." Taki said before looking at Cassandra "What are you doing here, Cassandra?".
Chrom blinked "You know each other?".
"Yes, I know Lady Taki really well. She saved my sister's life. I will always be grateful to her" Cassandra explained.
Taki removes her mask "Answer my question, Cassandra. Why are you here? So far away from your home? And why do you have Sophitia's sword and shield".
Cassandra looked down "I...".
"Wait, what is going on here?" Chrom asked.
"That sword and shield she's holding belongs to Sophitia, her older sister. They are blessed by Naga herself, forged to strike down evil. But not just anyone can harness their power, as Cassandra here is clearly unable to do" Taki explained while giving Cassandra a hard look "You stole them from your sister, didn't you?".
"I didn't steal them! I just... Borrowed them so I could join the army" Cassandra said, looking away like a child who was being scolded.
Chrom looked at Cassandra "Alright Cassandra. If you really wish to be a member of the Shepherds, I will need you to tell me the real truth of why you're here. I trust you, but I need to know".
Cassandra sighed, knowing there was no way out of this one "Sophitia... Went on a mission to kill a corrupted Pirate named Cervantes".
"I've heard of him. He caused unimaginable death and destruction everywhere he went" Chrom said, remembering the horrific tales of the evil pirate.
Cassandra nods "That's him, Sophitia and Lady Taki fought together to defeat him... But my sister was badly injured and would've died if Lady Taki hadn't brought her back to us... But she wanted to join the army and continue fighting... I couldn't allow her to put herself in such danger again, I nearly lost her once already. So... ok fine. Yes, I stole her weapon and shield so I could enlist in her stead".
"Did you tell her about this?" Taki asked, but Cassandra didn't answer "So she doesn't even know you are here. She must be worried sick about you".
"Had I told her, she would've stopped me... I couldn't risk that" Cassandra said before she sighed "I'm sure she will be very mad at me when I see her again".
Taki sighed and shook her head "You are to reckless, Cassandra. You almost died today. Did you ever spend a moment to think about how hurt your sister would be if you had been killed?".
Cassandra looked down, almost like she was ready to cry "I'm sorry...".
"Hey, hey..." Taki's tone softened at Cassandra's guilt and she gave her a gentle hug "I should drag you back home for this. But you are with the Shepherds now, so only Chrom can decide if you can stay or not".
They looked at Chrom who didn't take long to speak "It's your decision, Cassandra. Remember, every member of Shepherds are here on their own free will. If you wish to stay, you can stay. But if you want to go back home, no one will hold it against you".
"In that case..." Cassandra began before looking back at Taki "I'm sorry, Lady Taki. But I can't go home yet, not until I'm done here".
Taki closed her eyes "Very well, then you've made you decision" She puts a hand on Cassandra's shoulder "Just be careful, ok?".
Cassandra smiled "I will. Thank you, Lady Taki".
"Until we meet again" Taki said before making a sign with her hand and smoke appeared. When the smoke cleared, she was gone.
"Ever wondered how she does that?" Cassandra asked.
"Every time she does it" Chrom answered.
"Oh and thank you, Chrom. For allowing me to stay" Cassandra said with a smile.
Chrom smiled back "Just as long as there aren't any other big secrets you're hiding".
"After you walked in on me while I was naked, I don't have big secrets left" Cassandra said in a teasing tone.
Chrom blushed "Can't we forget about that?".
"Not in this lifetime my dear prince" Cassandra said with a smirk before walking away to regroup with the rest.
Chrom sighed "Women...".
Still he smiled. Despite that awkward moment, Cassandra was fun to have around. And could understand why she would want to keep her sister out of danger, since he felt the same about his own sisters. Just like Cassandra, he would protect them with his life.
Later, Cassandra Chrom, Lissa, and Robin walk for a bit until they noticed something which made them stop.
"Well, what do we have here?" Robin asked.
Lissa had wide eyes "Hey, is that what I think it is?".
It was a pegasus. Cassandra had never seen one in real life before. It was beautiful, but looked hurt. The poor thing must be in real pain and unable to fly.
"It's a pegasus, all right. I think it's hurt. Let's just have a look here..." Chrom walks up to pegasus which kicks at him aggressively, barely missing him "WHOA! Down, girl! Easy there!".
"Captain, one moment!" Sumia walks into scene and immediately trips. She gets up and dust herself off.
"Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?" Chrom asked.
"No! I mean, Yes! I mean..." Sumia let out an embarrassed sigh.
"Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!" Chrom said.
"It's okay, Captain. I can handle this... Shhh... Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you" Sumia said as she gently stroke the pegasus' head "Shhh...".
Robin looked amazed as the angry animal quickly calmed down from Sumia's gentle touch "How did she calm it so quickly?".
"That's incredible, Sumia!" Lissa praised.
"I've never seen anything like it" Chrom admitted.
"Which I was that good" Cassandra said.
"Oh, it's...it's nothing. Really. I just have a way with animals, I guess" Sumia said shyly.
"I should say so!" Chrom agreed.
"You all go ahead. I'll dress her wounds and catch up as soon as we're able" Sumia said.
"We can make time to wait for you" Chrom offered.
"Thank you, Captain. But I can manage. Every moment is precious when all of Ylisse is in danger" Sumia insisted.
"Right, then. Be safe, Sumia" Chrom said.
Sumia nodded with a smile "As you command, sir".
Meanwhile, after the Shepherds had moved on, the mysterious masked woman who helped Chrom, Cassandra and Lissa in the forest showed up and picked up the ax that the Risen Chief had used. Looking at it reminded her of a talk she had with her mom.
Flash Back.
Cassandra was humming while cleaning some dishes. Normally she could tell the servants to do it, but Cassandra preferred to do things herself. Not that she would say no to help of course, as her daughter was there too. Cassandra reached to grab a mug... however her arm trembled to much for her to properly reach for it.
"Sweetie, could you give me that mug?" Cassandra asked.
"Yes mom" Her daughter said as she helped her with the mug, however she noticed Cassandra's shaking arm, which also had a long scar on it "Mom... can I ask what happened to your arm?".
Cassandra was silent for a moment before she sighed and held her arm "A long time ago, back when you were still a baby... I fought a large monster with a massive ax... The monster was much bigger than me and stronger than any man... I foolishly tried to block one of it's strikes... I underestimated it's strength, and my arm all but shattered from the blow. The healers did everything they could, but my arm never fully recovered".
Her young daughter had wide eyes "Oh...".
"And that's why I can't fight anymore. I can barely use my arm for simple tasks like cleaning. Let alone fighting" Cassandra said before looking at her daughter "I learned the lesson to late... When up against someone who is so much bigger and stronger than yourself. Dodge, don't block".
Her daughter nodded "Yes mom. I will remember".
End of Flash Back.
The now older girl looked over the ax. That Risen was indeed big and strong, but clearly not the monster who injured her mother. She knew who did it... a monster which caused so much suffering and death... A large beast with a horrifyingly large ax. A monster that was nearly unbeatable. Still her mom was injured after she was born, so there was no concern about him showing up just yet. And with any luck she can prevent him from showing up at all.
She walked away, still set on saving her parents and everyone else.
.
And there we have it. Another Soul Calibur character showed up and I picked a well loved one. And those with sharp eyes might also catch on to another character that I hinted at.
.
Tell me what you think.