DISCLAMER: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Fire Emblem. Kingdom Hearts belongs to Square Enix and Fire Emblem belongs to Nintendo.
Chapter 2: Shepherds and rediscovering.
After separating with Chrom, Lissa took Robin and Sora for a tour.
"Here we are! The Shepherds' garrison" said Lissa, "go on, make yourselves at home".
Both Robin and Sora looked around. They saw that the garrison was... a bit of a mess. There were stacks of crates in one corner, piles of sacks all over the place, bottles everywere you could see, a few barrels in a few corners and a chest near the exit to the place. There was also a map of the continent hanging over a wall and a table with books and a few glasses of juice all over it.
"Cleaning up the place is not your biggest priority, is it?" asked Sora sarcasticly.
"With how much the Shepherds use it? Not really" said Lissa.
"Lissa, my treasure! Are you alright? I've been on pins and needles" said a woman, this woman had blond hair and amber eyes, she was wearing a pink dress, some areas more pink than others, with white lines and a white underdress, she had bowties on her hair and was wearing leather boots.
"Oh, hey, Maribelle" said Lissa nonchalantly.
" 'Oh hey' yourself!" said Maribelle, "i've sprouted 14 gray hairs fretting over you!".
"Aw, you worry to much" said Lissa, "I can handle a battle or two!".
"...Although i could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue... Well, the cooked fruits and mushrooms on a stick was pleasant enough".
"Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom?" said a man coming in, this man had blond hair and grey eyes, he had a collar with chains around his neck, he had a small white chest guard with a pouch hanging around his waist, he wore black pants and wore leather boots and na armguard in his left hand.
"I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!".
"Oh, so you're 'Teach' now, Vaike, is that it? Hee hee!" said Lissa, "and here i thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?".
"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike!" he said before... "...Wait, was that na insult?".
"Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" said the woman that came with Vaike, this woman had grey hair and eyes, she was wearing a plum dress with maroon at the bottom underneat silver light armor and gauntlets, she was wearing a small belt around her waist and a white winged headpiece, she was wearing a plum and marron stockings in her legs and she was wearing high heeled boots... really high heeled boots.
"Poor Sumia, she's simply been beside herself with concern..." said Maribelle, "her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training".
"...She might have earned a few bruises fighting blinfolded".
"Ah, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom" said Lissa.
"Worry? Well, i... He's our captain and our prince—of course i'd worry" said Sumia with a blush.
"Something tell's me it's more than that. Don't you think?" wispered Sora into Robin's ear.
"Definitely" wispered Robin.
"So, who are the strangers?" asked Vaike.
"No one is stranger than you Vaike... But allow me to introduce Robin and Sora" said Lissa, "they just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made Robin our new tactician, and as for Sora... Well, let's just say that you need to see him in action to belive in his abilities, but he's been assined as the cook".
"You should see all the tricks they both got up their sleeves".
"Oh yeah? Can they do this?" said Vaike before he... "(Buuuuuurp)" burped in front of everyone.
"Ewwww, at least put your hand up front first" said Sora as he waved his hand in front of his face.
"I'm sure i have much to learn in the belching arts 'teach'" said Robin, "in any case, it's a plesure to make your acquaintances".
"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent!" said Maribelle in discust, "must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your baffoonery?".
"And you, Robin! Don't encourage him! I'd hope you were cut from finer cloth. Hmph! At least this child knows some decency".
"Well... Thanks for the compliment, miss?..." said Sora while holding out his hand".
"Just Maribelle is fine, Sora" she said as she shook his hand, "but i must admit, i don't really see what's so special about you".
"That's because you haven't seen him in action yet" said Lissa "wheather it was to save the townsfolk, me or Robin and Chrom, he's there in an instant with lightning fast reflexes, master level swordsmanship and even magic".
"I think we got ourselves a real-life Hero".
"Hmm... Well, you seem to sing his prases a lot" said Maribelle.
"Well, you should have seen the way here, the two of them got along so well together that it seemed like they've always been friends" said Robin.
"O really..." said Maribelle as she shook a pensive look at Sora, "well, i must be off now, hope to talk more with you later Sora".
"Sure thing Maribelle" said Sora.
"Take care now" she said.
And so she took off.
"Well. That was interesting" said Sora, "but she sure is a nice person, isn't she?".
Sora then looked around to see a shocked and open-mouthed Vaike, a wide-eyed Sumia and a suprised Lissa, "what?" he said.
"Where just suprised, that's all" said Sumia, "it takes a while for Maribelle to warm up to people, but you two got along so well, it's like you always knew each other".
"Really? I just talked to her like i do with anyone else" said Sora with a hand behind his head.
"I guess you just have that affect on people" said Lissa, "and that personality that anyone can get along with".
"I'm still shocked that she didn't just shoo you away" said Vaike, "the way she acts just screams 'spoiled nobility' ".
"I think it's more of the fact that you're just discusting, Vaike" said Sora.
"Well, it seems that everyone is getting along just fine" said a voice, and that voice belonged to Chrom.
"Ah! Captain! You've returned!" said Sumia with excitement, "i was- i mean, we were so-".
Sumia went towards Chrom, but she slipped on some paper in the ground and fell headfirst into the floor.
"Sumia! Are you all right?" Asked Chrom, then he looked down to her boots, "...Those boots of yours again?".
"No! I mean, yes! I mean... (Sigh)" said Sumia with both hands in her face.
"Happens to the best of us" said Sora as he gave her a light tap on the shoulder.
"All right, listen, everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox" said Chrom.
"Regna Ferox?" asked Robin.
"A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north. Inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said" said Sumia.
"Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell this new menace" said Chrom, "typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events...".
"Well, the people might worry if my sister suddenly leave the castle, so the task has been passed to us".
"Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-".
"I volunteer" said Lissa.
"Me to. You'll be needin' ol' teach along for such a delicate mission!".
"i'll go as well" said... someone nearby, "...What? I've been here the whole time!"
"I... I, um..." wondered Sumia, "Yes, Sumia?" asked Chrom.
"It's just that... I'm not quite sure i'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet" said Sumia "i'd propably just get in the way".
"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn?" said Chrom, "Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield".
"W-well, if you think it's wise, Captain" said Sumia.
"Just stay by me and you'll be fine" said Chrom.
"Oh yes!" said Sumia, "i mean- Yes, sir, i'll do that!".
"A bit dense, huh?" wispered Sora into Lissa's ear.
"You have no idea" wispered Lissa.
"Well. Now that's it's been decided what we'll do tomorrow, how about this" said Lissa, "we'll all show Robin and Sora the training grounds, the mess hall and then the barracks, we go to sleep, and then march tomorrow".
"Okay then, we'll all go together" said Sumia.
"Fine by me" said Vaike.
"Well, we still have time before sunset" said Chrom.
"Alrighty then, let's go!" said Lissa.
And so, the group goes to show the new recruits the area.
At the Training Hall.
"And here we are, the training hall" said Lissa.
The training hall was big, albeat simple, there were training equipment like swords, axes, lances, bows, dummies for hitting and target practice, enough space for horses and other mounts to come in for practice, and, conveniently enough, the bathrooms where right next door.
Of course, their where scraches and burn marks all over the place, but he oddest thing about this place were the walls, some of them looked like they were only just recently repaired, if the diffirent paint was any indication, while others were still destroyed.
"Well... this is what i was expecting, minus the walls" said Robin.
"Yeah, either some fights got intense and they hit the wall to hard or someone really let their magic go overbord" said Sora, "either way, some people definetly got in trouble".
"(Pff!) Hahahahah..." Lissa laughted so hard, it echoed all over the place.
"What's so funny?" asked Robin.
"Hehehe... The thing is that, all this, is Chrom fault" said Lissa, shocking the two, "no, i'm not joking, Chrom is solely responsible for all that".
The two looked at Chrom, who looked away in shame.
"Chrom tends to make quite a ruckus and mess when he's training" said Sumia.
"So much so that Frederick made specialised places where Chrom fould train without causing property damage" said Lissa.
"You really don't have tell them that" said Chrom with a blush of embarrassment.
"Well. Look's like you're getting along" said a voice, and when everyone turned, they saw Sully.
"Hey Sully, you doing okay?" asked Chrom.
"Yup, everything's fine" said Sully, "was just about to begin training myself, you lot?".
"Oh, were just showing the new recruits around before tomorrow" said Lissa, "we're marching to Regna Ferox to ask for help".
"Oh really? Been a while since we've done anything like" said Sully, "guess i better rap this up quick then".
"Alrighty then" said Sumia, "now, let's go to-".
"Hold'up there people" said Vaike, "before we go, i'd like to examine something".
"Examine what, Vaike?" asked Chrom.
"The kid's skills of course" said Vaike reffering to Sora, "you say he's a hero, but ol'teach wants to see him in action now".
"Why? Not impressed?" said Sora.
"More curious, really" said Vaike, "besides, what better way to know someone than in a scrap!".
"Well, since you insist" said Sora as he went to pick up a training sword.
"(Sigh) Just go easy on him" said Lissa.
"Eh, don't worry, i won't hurt him to much" said Vaike.
"I was actualy talking to Sora, not you" said Lissa.
"He's that good, 'ey" said Vaike as he got ready.
"Well, this will be interesting, "said Sumia, "wonder what Sora's capaple of".
"Didn't really get to see him in action back at the forest" said Sully.
And so, the two of them stared at each other for a while waiting, then Vaike made the first mave and charged Sora, but to everyone's suprise, Sora began to launch multiple fireballs at Vaike catching him off guard and setting him on fire.
"AHHH! HOT! HOT! HOT!" yelled Vaike as he comically began to run around the hall while his clothes were on fire.
Everyone else had diffirent reactions to this, Chrom was shockd to see Vaike on fire, Robin was suprised to see Sora casting magic without a tome, Sully and Sumia were both surpised and shocked, and Lissa was triying her best not to laugh at this situation.
"Hey, hold still!" said Sora, and as he did, multiple water jets formed around him, and then went in the direction of Vaike, hitting him, making him hit the ground, but thankfully putting out the fire.
Sora looked back to see everyone's reactions, "you guy's impressed?" he said.
"Impressed? Sora, you were able to cast magic without a tome, and even managed to set someone on fire!" said Robin, "and if i remember right, back at the forest, that was some powerfull ice magic, wasn't it? And now you can summon water? Just what else are you capaple of?".
"Well... i don't know, it really just came to me" said Sora shyly.
"I'm suprised really, never thoulgh that you could do magic without a tome" said Sumia, "when Miriel hears about this, she'll have a lot of questions for you".
"Questions? More like field day!" said Sully.
"Whatever the case, that was indeed impressive" said Chrom, "i bet Vaike will remember that one for a while".
They looked to see that Vaike was still laying on the ground seeing birds.
"Guess i'll take him to the infirmary and call it a day" said Sully, "enjoy the rest of the tour, you guys".
"Good day to you Sully" said Chrom.
And so, the group went on to the mess hall, leaving behind Sully and a battered Vaike.
At The Mess Hall
"And so were here" said Lissa.
The mess hall had multiple large tables and chairs all lined up for people to eat and drink, there were some small decorations like flags mounted on the walls, and some art to, on one side of it, there was a window, and inside were miltiple pots, pans, stoves, cooking utensils and ingredients all over the place, so it was definetly the kitchen.
"It sure is big isn't it?" said Robin.
"Well, of course it is, a lot of people come here to eat" said Lissa.
"Still, unless it's a celabration, the chefs don't make a lot of food" said Sumia.
The moment she said food everyone's stomach's started rumbling, getting a small blush from Lissa and Sumia.
"Speaking of food, i guess were kinda hungry" said Robin.
"Hey, since were here, might as well eat something" said Sora.
"But i doubt the chefs made any food yet" said Chrom, "plus, i remember hearing that the head chef was sick, and he couldn't come for a week".
"Really? Awww man" said Lissa, then she looked at Sora and remembered something, then she smiled, "well, guess it's up to you then, Sora".
"Huh?" asked Sora in confusion.
"Remember back at the forest? Since you can cook, why don't you make something?" said Lissa.
"Wait. What!? But i really just followed my intuition, i'm not really sure i can cook" said Sora a bit scared.
"Come on. Pleaaase?" said Lissa pleading.
Relenting, Sora finally said, "fine... But can someone help me with this?".
No one said anything, "anyone?".
"W-well, i've been in the kitchen a few times" said Sumia awkwardly, "not sure i can help much, but i'll try".
"Alright then, let's go" said Sora.
And so he and Sumia went into the kitchen while Chrom. Robin and Lissa sat down in the benches.
In the Kitchen
"Way to put me in a hard posicíon" said Sora.
"W-well, it could be worse, right?" said Sumia, "i'm sure that you can come up with something".
Sora then picked up a flat pan and a spatula, "like i said, i'm not even... Sure that... I...".
Sora began to trail off, he looked at the things in his hands, and something came to him, "this feels familiar" he thought.
He then looked around the kitchen, then he spotted some sea bass, along with some thyme, basil and olive oil and some tomatos and lemon, then an idea came to his head.
"Hey Sumia?" asked Sora, "what exactly is your experience in a kitchen?".
"Mostly baking. Why?" said Sumia.
Sora then looked around again, and saw a batch of bananas, eggs, some butter and honey, and another idea came to mind.
"Think you can handle desserts?" asked Sora.
"I-i think so? But would need some help with some things" said Sumia.
"Then i know exatcly what were cooking for dinner" said Sora with confidence.
And so the two of them got to work with the food, Sora handled the main dish while Sumia made the dessert (with a bit of help from Sora of course).
Meanwhile.
Chrom, Robin and Lissa were at the mess hall waiting, and they had some things to talk about.
"So, what do you two think of Sora?" asked Lissa.
"Were did this come from?" asked Robin.
"I mean, he is kinda of a mystery" said Lissa, "so i wanted your opinions on him so far".
"Well, i think he is a good person" said Chrom, "he's kind, funny, energetic, and is easy to get along with".
"I think so two" said Robin, "for someone with no memory, he's taking it in stride".
"The same could be said about you" said Lissa.
"(Ehem) I guess so" said Robin, "but what do you two think of his abilities?".
"You mean his incredible swordsmanship, his skills or his apperent control of magic?" asked Lissa.
"Well... All of it, really" said Robin, "he's far more capable than anyone else for his age".
"And what was that thing he used back at the village and the forest?".
"You mean that large... something?" said Lissa, "well, i don't know, and neither does Sora, apparently".
"That's the fact that worry's me" said Robin.
"Calm down you two" said Chrom, "sure, we don't know much about him, but from what i've seen from him, he's a valiant soul who's risked his life to save innocent lives and protect those in need".
"He didn't need to, but he did help us and expected nothing in return, and that's enough for me to trust him".
"I guess so... I think it's the fact that he's so capaple, yet he's so young" said Robin.
"Well, he's certanly no delicate little flower, that's for sure" said Chrom.
"I swear, you two just love saying that in front of me" said Lissa annoyed.
"Well... Aren't you?" said Robin.
"I am NOT!" said Lissa, "i swear, one of these days, i'll make you two take it back".
The three of them began to laugh, and so they looked at the kitchen.
"Well those two certainly are busy in there" said Robin.
"Wonder what there making in there" said Lissa.
Things were going well in the kitchen, Sora was almost done with the main dish, and Sumia, while facing some bumps at times, was doing a good job herself.
Sora then put the finishing touches on his food and went to check on Sumia.
"W-well, what do you think?" asked Sumia.
Sora looked at the dessert, and it was perfect, just like he told her.
"Alright! We did it!"said Sora with a fist up high in triumpt, "You're a natural at this Sumia".
"U-um, thanks" said Sumia witha blush, "But i have to admit, i never expected you could come up with something like this out of the blue".
"I wasn't me actually" said Sora, "Little chef was the one to come up with the food and dessert".
"Little...Chef?" asked Sumia confused with Sora's choice of words.
Sora looked on confused as well, why did he say that? It was weird, but it felt like the natural thing to say.
For now thoulgh, he decided to say something to Sumia, "well... he was a pretty small guy, but he had a big heart, and his passion for food was unmached. He loved to see the smiles that his food gave the people who ate it".
"Oh... I see, well, that makes more sence then" said Sumia, "and i guess you help'd him with the food as well?".
"Yup, finding the ingredients And cooking the food, actually" said Sora, "finding rare ingredients was hard, but it was all worth it for the food".
"I'm glad to hear that" said Sumia, "say, Sora. Think you could teach me some other desserts you know?".
"Why? So you can give it to the guy you love?" asked Sora.
"H-huh?! Well, no, i just..." studdered Sumia, then Sora gave her a tap in the shoulder.
"Relax, Sumia. I'm just kidding, i'd be glad to show you what i know" said Sora.
"Thanks Sora" said Sumia.
"Now, how about we deliver the food to them?" said Sora.
"O-oh, right, yeah let's-" said Sumia, but as she was going to get the trays, she slipped on a banana pell and fell headfirst into the floor.
"Ouch" thought Sora, "from what i've heard from the others, this is kinda common for her".
"You okay, Sumia?" asked Sora as he extended his hand.
"...I-i'm fine..." said Sumia, then she took his hand and he pulled her up, "gods, this is so embarrassing".
"I'm suprised your face is still okay after that" said Sora.
"It happens a lot actually" said Sumia.
"Well, how about we save this conversation for later and go deliver and eat the food" said Sora.
"Sure thing" said Sumia.
"Just... remember to watch your step" said Sora, making Sumia blush a bit.
"Food's ready" said Sora as he left the kitchen with a tray.
"Finally, i'm starving" said Lissa.
"So, what did you make?" asked Chrom.
"Since you asked, here it is" said Sora, then he removed the lid to reveal the food, "ta-da!".
The food was filet fish covered in herbs and spices and surronded by sliced lemons and tomatos.
"It's... Fish?" asked Robin.
"Sea Bass en Papillote, actually" said Sora, "come on, try it".
So Robin then tried the food, and then his eyes began to glow.
"This... Is really good" he said, "...No, better than good, this is incredible!".
"O really?" asked Lissa, then she tried it too, "hey, you're right! This is great!".
"I must admit, Sora, you never cease to impress" said Chrom.
"Hope you guys still have enough space for desserts!" said Sora.
"Wait, desserts?" asked Lissa.
"A suprise for later" said Sora.
And so, the group enjoyed the food made by Sora, where as he himself began to fell... nostalgic. Like he had done this so many times before.
"Ahhh... That was incredible" said Lissa, "never imagined that you were capable of something like this".
"Glad you enjoyed it" said Sora, "plus i had experience".
"That much sure is obvious" said Chrom, "You were clearly taught by the best".
"So... What's for desserts?" asked Lissa.
"Well... Since Sumia made it, you do the honors" said Sora.
"M-me? But it was your idea, plus, you did help me lot in making it" said Sumia.
"Come on, you did a good job" said Sora, "go for it".
"Well, since you insist..." said Sumia, and so she lifted the lid to reveal the dessert.
It looked like a cupcake covered in honey with some honey around the plate, it also had some cut banana slices on the side and with a bit of cream too.
"Well, this looks promising" said Robin, "what's it called?".
"Warm banana soufflé" said Sora.
Impatient, Lissa grabed a plate and began eating, and when she did, she was blown away with the taste.
"This. Is. INCREDIBLE!" she said.
"indeed, this is good" said Chrom, "i never imagined that you were capaple of such things, Sumia".
"Thanks captain... I mean, Sora did help me a lot in making it, so..." said Sumia.
"Come on, you did great, and that's what matters" said Sora, "now. Shall we eat?".
And so, they ate.
"I must say, Sora, you've really suprised me" said Chrom, "i never imagined you capable of such cuisine".
"Ehh, i just like food" said, "besides, what matters is... (Yawn)" said Sora, before streaching his arms.
Robin then looked out a window, and saw that it was already night.
"I guess it is time for bed, isn't it?" said Robin.
"Well then, on to our last stop" said Lissa.
And so they went to the barracks.
At the Barracks.
"And here we are!" said Lissa.
At the barracks, there were multiple doors, each one with enough space for one person.
"We each get our own room?" asked Robin.
"Indeed" said Chrom, "of course, mine and Lissa's rooms are within the royal quarters".
"(Yawn) Well, i'd say it's about time to call it a day" said Lissa, "we have a long march tomorrow after all".
"All right then" said Chrom, "Robin's and Sora's room will be here, right next to each other".
They opened the doors, and saw that the looked the same, a bed, a desk with a chair and a wardrope.
"You'll have time to decorate your rooms at a later date" said Chrom, "well then, goodnight to you all".
"Goodnight" said Lissa.
"Goodnight" said Robin, Sora and Sumia.
And so Chrom and Lissa went to their rooms.
"Be seeing you two tomorrow" said Sumia, "goodnight" and so she went to bed.
"Good night Sora" said Robin.
"G'night" said Sora.
And so they went to their rooms.
Sora closed the door to his room, and decided to look around, first off, his wardrope, he opened it to see that there was nothing but some simple black and dark blue sleep ware, deciding that it would be better to put it on for bed, he took off his clothes and put on the sleep ware.
As he has going to put his clothes in the wardrope, he noticed that, despite using these clothes while sleeping on the dirt floor, they were still clean, no dirt, no nothing, didn't even smell.
In fact, Sora himself didn't smell either, wich confused him, after fighting and sleeping on the floor, shouldn't he be smelling?
He decided to push these thoulghs aside for the moment and put his clothes in the wardrope.
He looked at the desk, it was simple, with a chair and some ink and a pen for writing, he opened the drawers to see that there wasn't anything in them, but one of them had a key, probably for the door to his room.
"Guess i better lock up" he thought, but as he was going to, he had na idea.
"No way, could it?" he thought, so he summoned the Keyblade and pointed at the keyhole, and sure enough, a small beam came out of the Keyblade and towards the keyhole, then he heard a locking sound as the beam dissapeted, he went to open the door, and sure enough, it was locked.
"Just what is this thing?" he thought, but he decided to push these thoughts for later, he had a long day tomorrow, and so he went to bed.
He reflected on the two days events, he woke up to people claiming to be Shepherds, along with someone else who, just like him, had no idea who he was or what he was doing sleeping on the floor.
He went with them, saw a town being attacked, and immediatly went into action to save it and the people, and as Chrom and the others got there, he had remembered his name.
Then in the woods, when Chrom and Robin were in danger, he rushed to their location, did somethings while killing those creatures, and as he got there, he unleashed a powerfull Blizzaza spell on a large group of them and took them all out.
"Blizzaza?... Yeah, that's what it's called, i think" he thought, "Well... Despite everything that happened, two things were a always".
First of, that voice, it was both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time, plus, while it was strange, he felt like whatever it was, it was on his side, and wanted to help him.
The second, the Keyblade, despite being weird, using it felt second-natured, like he's been using it for a long time.
"Guess i've always had that" he thought.
Yawning, he decided to go to sleep, so he closed his eyes and went to sleep.
But as he did, everything went to black, it felt like he was...
Falling...
Hey everyone, back with another one, and boy was it long, decided to write something longer to establish Sora to everyone else, Hope you all enjoyed it.
So... Can you guys predict were Sora is falling to? Somewere he's very familiar with.
Anyway, see you next time.