Hope will never die : a Fire Emblem Awakening quest
- Thread starter Macros
- Start date
Nothing can ever be more of a killing machine than Fem!Morgan born of Lucina. "Aether" for days. Dark Flier for "Galeforce"?
Hahahhh.... if only she could get "Dragonskin", "Vantage+" and "Rightful God"... wait a second...
Just invite Grima into your soul ;3
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Chapter 2-13: Despair
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
And we're now back to our regularly scheduled program. Sorry for the delay.
In the end, the discussion with Kjelle was probably something you both needed. Beating the crap out of each other was quite helpful in clearing the air between you two - Owain once claimed it was a boy thing; you disagree - and you have no particular trouble to call it even with her. Severa is a bit more miffed, and do warn the knight's daughter there'll be a reckoning, but you can tell most of her bite is gone by now. At any rates, this is something they'll have to work out between them, and now that you're all set to regularly train together, they'll have ample opportunities to do so. You simply hope it doesn't involve broken bones, but you can never be too sure with them. For now, you have to explain to Lissa why you came back with a still bleeding nose and bruises all over. She doesn't seem too impressed with your "I had a talk with someone", instead muttering something about the apple not falling far from the tree. You... can imagine that, actually.
... you wonder how Father is doing. You try to ignore the feeling of dread this idle thought brings to you.
***
The scene is familiar, you can't help but think. Once again, you're here, waiting near the palace's gates for the return of the Shepherds. The sun is the same as four year ago, and the people mostly the same. If not for the fact that everyone, you included, had grown quite a bit during the interval, you could have thought it a dream, a strange journey to the past. There are a few difference, though. First, it hadn't been quite as long this time. In comparison to the two years that lasted the Valmese campaign, those few months are considerably shorter.
More importantly, the Shepherds are not coming back in triumph this time.
Admittedly the reports have been rather sparse. The last message simply mentioned they were withdrawing from Plegia, but no details were given. Rumours were afloat, of course, but you didn't lend any credence to those. Clearly the Ylissean forces had suffered a setback, but from what you could tell, the army was still mostly intact, and the Shepherds were on their way back, so it couldn't be too bad, right? You do your best to ignore the knot in your stomach and maintain a strong front, if only for Cynthia's sake, who's fidgeting beside you. You want to tell her everything will be alright, but you know those words need to come from someone else. For now, all you can do is wait.
Only now do you realize how much you hate it.
Finally, the column of soldiers are coming into view, and the dark faces everyone is wearing do nothing to assuage your fears. The first few Shepherds are appearing, looking somber, but uninjured for the most part, as you frantically scan the assembly for...
"Mom!"
Cynthia is the first to locate your mother, and you can't help but breath in relief at her familiar sight. However, your smile freezes with one good glance at her. She seems fine outwardly, with no visible injury to be seen, but the look on her face tells a different story. Her eyes, in particular, are a picture of naked sorrow that you don't think you'll ever forget. You... you never saw your cheerful, caring mother looking like that. It just feels wrong. Suddenly, the anxiety you felt is back, stronger than ever. Even when Mother is wordlessly embracing you both, that feeling of dread only grows. The comforting warmth you associate with that gesture is not there, the only thing you feel is barely contained grief. Despite her gentleness, you know your mother to be strong. What could have happened to... This is when you notice Frederick coming in beside her.
The first thought coming to your mind is that he looks older. Shadows under his eyes, unshaven chin, unkempt hair... He's a far cry from the model guardian image he always projected. In fact, when you look at his face, it seems almost... empty. Then your eyes fall on his waist, and your heart stops. You... you know that pommel. You know that pommel and he shouldn't have that!
"My lady."
Even his voice sounds wrong, but at this point you don't pay attention to it. Your focus keeps shifting between the familiar sword he carries and the people behind him, desperately looking for the familiar face that would instantly clear that misunderstanding. Yet despite your desperate efforts, there's no sings of him. Your mother seems to feel your shift, though, only strengthening her hold on you and your sister, adding one more brush to the terrible picture being painted in your head.
"... Lucina..."
"He... he has Father's sword. He shouldn't... You shouldn't..."
By now, Cynthia has also caught up on that fact. You don't watch her expression changing from confused to horrified as she is struck by the same realization that came to you. Frederick seems surprised, as if he genuinely forgot what he was carrying with him. Then, almost hesitantly, he detached the still sheathed Falchion from his belt, before extending it in your direction. You make no gesture to grab it, instead recoiling as if you've just been struck.
"No."
You whisper the word. Cynthia screams it. This... this can't be happening... Father... Father is...
"Where's dad? Why... why do you have this? Mom, where is he?!"
You're pretty sure you know the answers to your sister's desperate pleas. But when you see your mother, tears flowing openly, opens her mouth, you cannot help but pray to Naga that she says nothing, as if staying silent could somehow change the past.
"Cynthia, Lucina, I'm so sorry..."
Don't say it, you silently plead. As long as it isn't said, then maybe...
"... He's gone."
You freeze, dead to the world. You don't hear Cynthia's scream. You're too shocked to notice Robin and Panne are also missing. All you know is that you can't stay here. You have to get out, somewhere else, anywhere else.
[] Retreat to your room. Two sisters in darkness
[] Retreat to Father's room. A mother's promise
[] Run to the training grounds. Flames of vengeance
[] Go to Naga's shrine. Cry to Heaven
[] ... Stay. Loneliness of an Exalt
[] Write-in. ?
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- Location
- New York City
[X] Retreat to your room. Two sisters in darkness
That's, ah, hmm... *Drums fingers on table*
... @Macros so the first option is helping our sister, and getting help from our sister, with grief? The second is taking comfort in our mother? Presumably also with our sister as leaving her alone would be a dick move. The third is "REVENGE!" and fury and anger essentially. The forth being blaming and finding comfort from Naga? And the fifth is... Stepping up to the plate of being Exalt? What does that one involve specifically?
[X] ... Stay.
Time to step up to the plate.
This is what Lucina's been preparing for all her life. It came earlier than anyone could have known, but we really should take command. Even if no one expects it from us. Especially becuase no one expects if from us. Everyone here is demoralized from this and we can do something about that. Just by staying here.
Time to step up to the plate.
This is what Lucina's been preparing for all her life. It came earlier than anyone could have known, but we really should take command. Even if no one expects it from us. Especially becuase no one expects if from us. Everyone here is demoralized from this and we can do something about that. Just by staying here.
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Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Hmmm. Well, it's not so much "okay, you're the Exalt now! First day of work tomorrow!"; rather, it's Lucina trying to get into the proper mindset. 'A leader should show no weakness', basically.
Funnily enough, it wasn't really an option at first. And then someone wrote an omake and picked a certain trait (spoiler alert: no matter the choice, it might prove useful for your very next turn
)
RexHeller
Title Incoming. Please Hold.
- Location
- Somewhere else.
Considering the invis-text mentions Loneliness, I'm guessing that this option leads to a distance between Lucina and her friends. Probably a difficulty raising social bonds in exchange for more effcient ruling? Basically, Arturia from Fate/Stay Night.
[X] Retreat to your room.
Exalted Will: even in the face of the deepest despair, you stand strong, and by your example inspire others to do the same. Immunity to despair-induced penalties, and people around you have an easier time doing the same.
We have this trait. We can save them from this despair. Be a shining light. It's what everyone needs right now.
We have this trait. We can save them from this despair. Be a shining light. It's what everyone needs right now.
But we do need that to a degree. We're the heir, and now Exalt of Ylisse. Arturia took it too far. Was too distant from her vassals and people, but we already have traits for that. Princess of the People I think it was?
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
It's not exactly cheating. And Sumia would eventually show up no matter the choice, because if you think she'd leave her child alone now of all times, well, you have another thing coming. However, with this choice, the relation between Lucina and Sumia will be at the center of the next update, with Cynthia in a more passive role.
@Enshuu @Aurakid @Hanashinobi @pheonix89
Just bringing your attention to this trait we have.
Exalted Will: even in the face of the deepest despair, you stand strong, and by your example inspire others to do the same. Immunity to despair-induced penalties, and people around you have an easier time doing the same.
We really should stay and keep everyone here. If anything we should call everyone else to come here too including the children and the sheperds that were left behind like Stahl and Lissa.
I can't express just how epic such a scene would be and we have the skills to pull it off. Our legend can begin, here and now.
Just bringing your attention to this trait we have.
Exalted Will: even in the face of the deepest despair, you stand strong, and by your example inspire others to do the same. Immunity to despair-induced penalties, and people around you have an easier time doing the same.
We really should stay and keep everyone here. If anything we should call everyone else to come here too including the children and the sheperds that were left behind like Stahl and Lissa.
I can't express just how epic such a scene would be and we have the skills to pull it off. Our legend can begin, here and now.
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Actually, pretty much everyone is there, including Lissa; Which I wanted to mention, and then forgot. Shit.
*goes grumble about how many frickin' characters are in this game*
- Location
- United States
I strongly disagree. The invistext by the "Stay" option reads "The Loneliness of the Exalt". If we bury our feelings and stay, it won't be healthy long-term.
Lucina is a tough kid, but she's only a kid, if that makes sense. She just lost her father. If she wants to remain human, and connect to those around her, then this is the time to deal with her grief, not make an inspiring speech. That would be almost creepy.
[X] ... Stay. Loneliness of an Exalt
I don't think we're going to be making a speech either, just... not running away.
It... I feel like there might be some... "I will not run. You might ask, 'Why does she not grieve? Why does she not cry?' ... I do. A lot. With my family, with my friends, I grieve. But it is for my father that I wish to stand strong. It is for my father I hold his sword and help where I can in this kingdom that I love. It is for my father that I wipe my tears away and move forward to help my people. Remember. Rest. Grieve. But do not let it stop you. For we have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends with us. Always."
And in it's own way it reminds me of...
A God amongst men. Anger always beating in his soul. But he rose, and struck down a God above all Gods for a simple, oh so human reason. They made his daughter cry.
The way the music rises and falls. And it's tone. It just... feels like it fits to what is going on in its own way.
After all, that number is going to get cut down quite quickly in the coming years, isn't it?
... Course it goes right back up sometime after that, but... *Shrug*
A kid with all but explicit supernatural resistance to despair. She'll be fine, Macros noted right above that Sumia would be talking and sitting down with our sister and us no matter what.
I don't think we're going to be making a speech either, just... not running away.
It... I feel like there might be some... "I will not run. You might ask, 'Why does she not grieve? Why does she not cry?' ... I do. A lot. With my family, with my friends, I grieve. But it is for my father that I wish to stand strong. It is for my father I hold his sword and help where I can in this kingdom that I love. It is for my father that I wipe my tears away and move forward to help my people. Remember. Rest. Grieve. But do not let it stop you. For we have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends with us. Always."
And in it's own way it reminds me of...
A God amongst men. Anger always beating in his soul. But he rose, and struck down a God above all Gods for a simple, oh so human reason. They made his daughter cry.
The way the music rises and falls. And it's tone. It just... feels like it fits to what is going on in its own way.
Oh don't worry.Actually, pretty much everyone is there, including Lissa; Which I wanted to mention, and then forgot. Shit.
*goes grumble about how many frickin' characters are in this game*
After all, that number is going to get cut down quite quickly in the coming years, isn't it?... Course it goes right back up sometime after that, but... *Shrug*
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Since when does choosing this option lock us into burying our feelings? Especially considering that we can have plenty of private time later. Right now we are in front of everyone. They need us to do this.
Now this is load of sentimental crap. Are you going to characterise exceptional people, people we attribute the word hero to, as being inhuman and creepy? There is plenty of time to grieve later. Now is not the time go running to our bedroom crying. Not when others need us.
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Mind you, heroes and legends can be admired, but they are not always relatable. Voting to stay will have positive consequences for some, but it will also have consequences on Lucina's psyche, and on how others perceive her. Each vote has its own pros and cons, after all.
We train day in and day out. We recieve prophesies of future doom from our deity and we have gained the ill will of another. We commanded an army at age twelve and we killed men on the same day. We recieve training from a legendary lord of ages past.
We already are a hero.
Frankly I don't see the other options being as nearly as thematically consistent or in character.
@Enshuu (cause this is an extension of my earlier argument)
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Its also just an extension of issues we have even today. I mean, things like financial disparity primarily, but also education.
The differences have always been there, even in Ylisse there are commoners and nobles and soldiers, etc. Heroes and Legends are a little farther afield than most yes, but... we are not alien. And the people are used to their Shepards and having a Hero-King on the throne.
We will be different. But we always have been. But that just means some attention and care must be given in order to See each other.
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@RexHeller
Basically my objection to your thoughts on the consequences of stay.
@Macros
I think it would be more appropriate if you changed the nature of our social bonds to be less personal rather than alphabetically weaker. i.e. friendship => loyalty and so on
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Hmmm. I feel like I should actually try to clarify what I had in mind behind each vote, seeing as it's a rather character-defining choice, yet I'm not sure if I should spoil things away either. Do you guys prefer things as they are, or would you like to know exactly what you're voting for?
That's actually a good point. I'll probably make the change soon.
That's actually a good point. I'll probably make the change soon.
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RexHeller
Title Incoming. Please Hold.
- Location
- Somewhere else.
I would.