Fire Emblem: Four Journeys

The continent of Thelema. Once home to one large nation named for the continent it was founded on, eons ago it split apart into four disparate countries...
To the north, the theocracy of Parousia, ruled by Archbishop Uriel.
To the west, the monarchy of Tritania, ruled by Salvatore Selvaggio and his extensive royal family.
To the east, the kingdom of Arland, ruled by the young king and matchless general Aleister.
And to the south, the merchant republic of Lithos, ruled by the wise old Sage Aurelia.

While the countries have been at peace with each other, signs of inner turmoil are evident across Thelema. In Parousia, a small but rapidly growing cult declaring the Archbishop a heretic threatens to disrupt the natural order; in Tritania, support for the Selvaggio family is diminishing; in Arland, a civil war has devastated the royal family; and in Lithos, the economy is suffering due to increasing attacks on merchants from unknown assailants.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the continent, where the four countries share a border, Thelema Academy, a military academy for the best and brightest, stands proud. Students that graduate from this academy almost always land high-ranking positions in their home countries. But before they graduate, they must overcome a trial that will determine if they are truly worthy to serve.

On the outskirts of Thelema Academy, a gruff, battle-hardened man addresses the class of 40 students gathered before him.

“Alright, students, listen up,” he declared. “This is your final assignment. You all have been given a piece of parchment with a number on it, from one to ten. You’re to go to the location with your number marked on it and meet up with your team. From there, you must find one of the other instructors, who are all hidden in the forest surrounding us. They will give you one last trial by combat; return to me with proof that you’ve won, and you’ll be able to call yourself a graduate of Thelema Academy. Now, get out there!”

The students in the crowd looked down at the slips of paper in their hand, before dispersing to find their meeting spot. The first to arrive at their team’s location was Blaise of Team 1, a red-headed young man wearing light armor over robes, with a lance across his back; shortly after his arrival came a green-haired girl in heavier armor, a sword at her side. Blaise wasted no time in introducing himself.

“Hi! I’m Blaise. It’s nice to meet you, partner!”
“Partner? Isn’t that a little forward for someone you’ve just met?”
“What? N-no, I just meant…”
The girl smiled. “Relax, I’m just teasing you. My name’s Audra. Where are you from? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around.”
“Oh, I’m from Parousia. I didn’t really get to interact much with the other classes, so that’s probably why.”
“I’m from Arland. It’s kind of strange that they’re grouping people together that don’t know each other for this assignment…”
“Maybe that’s the point,” said a girl who suddenly piped up as if she was there the whole time. Blaise and Audra turned around in surprise to see a girl with straight blonde hair in mage’s robes. “Oops, I guess I should have introduced myself first. I’m Roxanne, from Lithos. Anyway, they probably want to get us used to working with people we don’t know, because that’s something we’d have to deal with once we graduate.”
“Good point”, replied Audra. “So, Arland, Parousia, Lithos… we just need someone from Tritania and we’ll have all four countries represented here!”
“And here he is now!” declared a blue-haired boy with a bow and quiver as he ran towards the group. “Sorry I’m late. Caspian, from Tritania. Nice to meet you all.”
“Alright, the gang’s all here! Should we decide on a team leader or anything like that?”
Caspian shook his head. “Is that really necessary? It’s not like this is a real mission. We’re just going to fight with one of the teachers. All we need to do is watch each others’ backs.”
“Either way, maybe we should have someone to take the lead?” Audra suggested. “I don’t mind being that person… as long as you all don’t fall too behind.”
“Then it’s settled,” said Roxanne. “I’m more comfortable from the back lines, anyway.”
“Alright, let’s go!” Blaise said excitedly. “Time to start the graduation ceremony!”

After about twenty minutes of walking without finding anything, Team 1 eventually came to a clearing, where an older woman stood waiting for them. Caspian recognized her as one of his teachers.
“Oh! It’s Professor Margaret! Hey, Prof--”
“Wait!” Roxanne suddenly silenced him. “There’s something off about her.” Audra then signaled for the others to remain where they were, and took a few steps forward.
“Professor Margaret? I am Audra, of Team 1. I… no, we are here to take on your trial by combat.”
But Margaret did not respond. Audra took another step forward.
“Professor Marg--”
Before she could formulate a full sentence, Margaret suddenly shot a bolt of lightning towards Audra, giving her barely any time to react. At the same time, a small group of soldiers stepped out into the clearing behind Margaret. It was then that Audra realized what was wrong.
“Their eyes…”
“Yeah, I see it too,” Caspian remarked. They’re all… glowing and gray. What happened to them…?”
“It doesn’t matter!” Blaise said, a little too loudly. “For now, we just need to stay alive and hope they’ll count us coming back as proof we won!” They drew their weapons and began to battle.

A short time later, the fight slowed to a standstill, with all the soldiers subdued except for Professor Margaret.
“Dammit, Professor,” Caspian called out. “This isn’t like you! Why are you doing this?”
For the first time, Margaret spoke, in a voice not her own, as she approached the students. “I am reborn. Reforged in divine flames. Come with me, and you too will be reforged.”
“What? Come with you?” Blaise was confused. Where--”
“I am reborn,” she repeated. “Reforged in divine flames. Come with me, and you too will be reforged. I am--”
Audra put herself in between Margaret and the remaining students. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but I won’t let you do it!” She drew her sword and thrusted directly at Margaret, who made no attempt to dodge, and did not react to being impaled. However, her skin began to glow, and the ground around her subtly shook.
“No! Audra, get away from her! I don't know what she's about to do, but--”
No sooner did Roxanne say that than Margaret's body forcefully exploded. All four of the students were caught in the blast, and died instantly.

As a spirit drifted off to the afterlife, it suddenly heard a gentle voice, surrounding it.
“Oh, who might you be? Your spirit is so… young. To see a soul with so much untapped potential leave the world so soon… what a shame. But I’m getting ahead of myself. My name is Eden. I guide the souls of the departed to their final rest. But you… I can sense something, deep within your soul. I believe you can change the world. I’m not supposed to do something like this, but… would you like another chance to live your life? ...Of course you do. I suppose that was a silly question. Now, before I send you back… tell me your name.”