How To Shut Someone Up

As they walk through the halls lit by torches on the wall, Sakura followed the group led by the captain of the border guards, who introduced herself to them as Raimi, as the child looks around in awe. Chrom glances back to the girl and notices her looking around the warmly lit halls. He smiles and asked, "I take it that you still aren't use to seeing castles, Sakura?"

The girl nodded slowly as she looks around the hall and said, "Yes... It's a bit different than the one back in Ylisstol."

With the battle over, Sakura was relieved that she didn't have to worry so much about fighting against people for the time being. It wasn't long before they arrived in front of two double doors. Upon entering, they saw a large room with a throne and blue carpets leading to it on the stone floor. Raimi turned around and bowed as she said, "Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan."

"Of course.", he said.

She then turned and left the room. Once she was gone, Robin looked to Chrom and questioned, "The khan is away?"

Chrom explained to the tactician, "Out training, I'd wager. The khans of Ferox prefer battle o politics. Or rather, battle IS their politics."

Phonix grimaced as he spoke out his thought, "A warrior ruler, eh? I can picture him now... A giant of a man of unparalleled thew, the broad chest covered in hair, heheh..."

"A woman."

Surprised, Robin turned to Sakura and saw the child looking at him with dull eyes, or rather, past him.

"Sakura?", Robin called out to the child, "What do you mean 'a woman'?

However, the child didn't reply and instead continued, "A woman in red armor along with a sword and have dark color skin and blond wavy hair. She's talking to Raimi... and..."

Chrom looked at the child and noticed the absence of light in her eyes. He called out her names a couple of times, to which Robin and Lissa did the same after no response. Kero, in his disguise, examined the child, then facepalmed himself as he asked, "Oh god! I totally forgot. Lissa, can you help me shake her shoulders? That'll snap her out of it."

Lissa nodded and rushed over to the child. Chrom turned to Kero and asked, "What's happening to Sakura, Kero?!"

Kero turned to the captain and said with a serious expression over his usually cheery face, "It's one of her ability. She's using it unconsciously again. Probably due to the relief of stress she had after the battle. She must've accidentally let go of her control over it along with the stress."

Robin looked at the plush toy with confusion and asked, "'One of her abilities'? She has other abilities besides magic?!"

Chrom asked, "Then, what was she doing just now?"

"I don't know if your world have heard of it, but it's called hydromancy.", explained Kero as he folded his arms watching the child with relief as she slowly came to, "It a bit like fortune telling that involves the waves of calm water. However, the only difference is that fortune telling predicts the future at times, her power doesn't do that, instead, she can see information about a person, place, or object. More on their features and what they're doing at the moment. The hydromancy Sakura uses is a little different, though."

Frederick, still suspicious by this ridiculous fact, asked with suspicion, "Which is?"

Kero sighed and stated, "She doesn't need water to do it, just her thoughts and a calm mind, like just then."

Lissa asked the child, "Are you alright, Sakura?"

The girl nodded and said, "Y-yes... W-what's wrong? Why's everyone staring at me?"

Kero lightly bopped the child on the forehead and said, "You used your abilities again, Sa-ku-ra!"

"HOEI~!", she shouted in shock of hearing this.

Lissa asked curiously, "You didn't know?"

Sakura shook her head and said, "No."

Robin thought for a bit and said, "You mentioned something about 'a woman'. Also, you said she had red armor and a sword"

Sakura looked up as if something came to her and said, "That's right! I remember that you were thinking of what they Khan looked like. Next thing I knew, I saw a drop of water and waves! Then, a picture of a woman like that appeared talking to Raimi. There was another figure, but I don't recall what the person looks like."

Robin was unsure of this and said, "I don't know. I said that he's a giant man with unparalleled thew, his chest covered in hair-"

"Am I now? Please, do go on!"

They turned around in shock to see a woman of the very description as Sakura had mentioned as the child gasped in shock. Surprised Chrom said, "You're the-?!"

How- Can Sakura really use hydromancy?! But that's just a coincidence, right? Maybe...

He continued after regaining a bit of composure, "Er, that is to say... The khan, I presume?"

She nodded with a smile as she introduced herself, "One of them, yes- the East-Khan. My name is Flavia. I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You are welcome in Regna Ferox."

So...she really can... then that means...Oh god. This could mean trouble for them.

Chrom nodded his head anyway and returned to the matter at hand as he said, "Thank you, but I confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us. Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?

Flavia nodded and cursed, "Yes. Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains. Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours."

"Damn them!", he shouted with a grimace of anger only to see the child flinch at the corner of his eye.

He realized the words that accidentally came out of his mouth and apologized, "I... Forgive me, Your Grace. That was... indelicately put. You too, Sakura."

The girl just shook her head and reassured him that it was fine. Flavia nodded with laughter and said, "Ha! Damn them and damn delicacy! Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech."

Lissa sighed with annoyance knowing what's going to happen next.

This is not going to be good for her.

She put her healing staff under her arm and covered the child's ears with both hands as her brother spoke out his thoughts, "In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards..."

Flavia was silent before she laughed out loud and said,"... Haha! Now that's Ferox diplomacy! Yes, I like you already."

Then, her stern face returned as Lissa took this as a cue and let go of the child's ears. Flavia them returned to the matter at hand and said, "I know why you have come, Prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse."

Lissa was about to grab hold of her staff again when she accidentally dropped it at the notice of the khan's response. As she picked it back up, she looked at her shocked and asked in confusion, "What?! Why not?!"

"I lack the authority.", she replied confusing everyone.

Chrom questioned the meaning of her words, "Forgive me, but I don't understand. Aren't you the khan?"

She, then, begins to clarify what she means to the prince, "As I said, I am ONE of the khans. In Ferox, the khans of east and west hold a tournament every few years. The victor acquires total sovereignty over both kingdoms. And that means they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances. The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see, and so..."

"So we receive no aid at all?", Chrom finished questioning that possibility.

The East-Khan shook her head and said, "Not if you always give up so easily!"

Robin raised an eyebrow uncertain of what she says holds the same meaning as to what he has in mind. Flavia continued to explain, "The next tournament is nigh, you see, and I am in need of champions."

Still oblivious, Chrom asked, "What does that have to do with us?"

"The captain of my border guard informs me your shepherds are quite capable.", she said as Robin nodded with a certainty at this point, "Perhaps you would consider representing the East in the upcoming tournament? If you win and I become ruling Khan, I will grant your alliance."

"I would have assumed Ylisseans had no place in such Feroxi traditions.", said the captain in confusion.

"Ha! On the contrary. The khans themselves do not fight- they choose champions to represent them.", she explained, "Otherwise our land would be rife with blood feuds and dead khans!"

Confused, Kero asked, "Then, what about having one of your soldiers or relatives take part in it?"

"We don't involve comrade or kin for the same reason", she answered, "Over time, it was decided the tournaments should be fought by outsiders. Although the outside have never included foreign royalty. ...That I know of! Ha! Regardless, the choice is yours to make."

Chrom nodded and said without any hesitations, "There is no choice, East-Khan. My people are desperate. We face not only Plegia's constant attacks but now the added threat of the Risen. If fighting for you is the quickest way to an alliance, then we will take up our steel."

Flavia laughed and said, "Oh, I like you, Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament! Come. I'll show you the arena where the tournament is held. But be wary! I hear an equally able swordsman champions the West-Khan as well as four others that are just as strong."

Chrom showed no worry nor hesitation as he stated, "They shall be defeated by Ylisse's necessity."

Flavia nodded her head with approval and said with a grin, "Well spoken again- I look forward to seeing if you're equally skilled with a blade!"

The group followed the khan out the doors and into the dark streets. It's already night time right now and only a couple to no people were out this cold snowy night. Only the taverns, like the one where the rest of the Shepherds are, are still bustling inside. As Sakura continued to walk close to Lissa, Kero flew up to her and said, "Sakura, are you alright?"

Sakura nodded with a smile, but Kero could see the girl's red nose and legs shivering slightly. He looked around before changing into his true form surprising the khan and gestured for her to hop on his back as he said, "Just get on. You had a long day of walking and using a lot of magic. I don't want to see you suddenly collapse again."

"But the sun-"

"As long as I consume some food and tomorrow is clear, I'll get my energy back, so no worries. Besides, who do you think I am?"

Sakura nodded with a smile and thanked the beast, but, as she got on, a thought hit her and she said, "Kero! What about the people?"

Flavia smiled and said, "Well, so you do have another form. I was wondering how you'd survive in a battle like that. Don't worry. As you can see, just about everyone is in their homes. The only ones out are either the soldiers patrolling or drunkards returning home. Ha!"

They thanked Flavia and the child sat down on the beast's back. Seeing this, Lissa then begged, "Kero! Can I please hop on as well?"

Kero hesitated as he could see the armor skirt under her dress stick out, then let out a sigh and said, "Alright, but, please, milady, just don't jump on my back."

Lissa nodded as she did her best and climbed on the beast's back as gently as she could and seated herself behind Sakura. Chrom looked at him with a sweat drop and asked, "Are you sure about this, Kero?"

The beast nodded and said, "Yes. Just don't have someone in full heavy armor get on my back. I do have a limit. Your sister and Sakura will be enough."

Chrom nodded without a word as Flavia chuckled and said, "I'm not sure which to be more impressed about now. This or that talent of hers."

Chrom and Robin turned to her in shock as Sakura blushed and asked in embarrassment, "You heard all that?"

Flavia nodded and said, "Yes. Every word of it too! I was about to come in when I overheard your tactician talk about my supposed appearance, but stopped when you so accurately described it to them. I thought I was hallucinating too. To have it and much magic at such a young age. Quite a talented young mage I must say, though I apologize for eavesdropping like that."

As Sakura grew bright red from the embarrassment, Chrom cleared his throat and said, "It's alright, but, East-Khan, about that-"

"I know, Prince Chrom.", said Flavia with a smile, "The consequences can be pretty big after all. Let head to the arena then."

As the group followed her, Chrom walked over to Sakura and whispered into her ear, "Whatever you do, don't tell anyone about your ability and try not to use it in front of the people, alright?

The child gave a confused look but nodded none the less as Chrom began to walk forward. Kero turned to the prince and whispered, "Thank you!"

Chrom nodded his head with a smile as they continued forward.

It wasn't long before they arrived at an enormous dome coliseum. As they enter, Sakura looked around in awe. While the outside reminded her so much of the ancient coliseum she usually sees on television or books, the inside was unlike her expectations. Inside was four large pillars and a huge arena it was supporting. As she looked up, she could see the moon shining in the dark sky outside and the stone floor was decorated with a unique design on it. The place was lit by torches on the four main pillars. Flavia looked over at the child and said, "I take it that you've never seen an arena quite like this back in your homeland, then?"

Sakura looked over to the khan and nodded her head and said, "This place is really big..."

Flavia laughed and said, "That's all you got to say about this place? Your friend, on the other hand, had quite a lot to say running all over the place when I saw the West-Khan brought him here! Ha!"

Sakura looked up with wide eyes and said, "Syaoran and Yue were here?! Really, East-Khan?"

Flavia nodded and said, "Yes. The West-Khan apparently found them covered under some snow just outside the border on his side. I tell you, that child wasn't with him, we'd probably left him outside in the cold or threw him in the dungeons for interrogations with the imposters situation going on! They're lucky for sure on that."

Sakra and Kero let out a sigh of relief as Lissa said, "That's good to hear, right?"

Sakura looked back with a smile and nodded her head before turning to Flavia and asked, "Umm... Do you know where they are now?"

Flavia nodded her head with a from and said, "Yes, but I'm afraid I can't tell you two where they are right now, even if I'd like to."

Sakura anxiously asked, "Why not?"

"Because we were asked not too by that young boy.", answered the Khan, "I believe his name was Syaoran?"

Sakura looked down in disappointment as she said, "I see, but why would he do that?"

Kero let out a sigh and said, "Well, whatever the reason, so long as Yue and the snow rabbit is with him, he'll be fine."

Sakura nodded. Chrom said, "Well, at least, we now know that your other friends are safe as well."

Sakura lifted her head and nodded with a renewed smile on her face. Just then, she felt a powerful presence close to her. She turned her head and saw two figure in black armor and both with blond hair. The bigger one has a sword next to him and the other younger one next to him held a purple tome in his hand. She said, "Kero, that-"

The beast, who was already looking in that direction, nodded his head and said, "I know, Sakura. I felt it as well."

Curious, the khan looked over to where the two were looking and said, "What is it? Oh, I think those two are from the other champion's team. Hey! Your collar's inside out!"

The younger man froze and checked quickly with an anxious look before letting out an annoyed sigh. He thanked her before leaving out the door with his teammate. As Sakura watched them, she got the feeling from their conversation that they may be siblings, which is greatly supported by the similarity between their physical traits. She turned to Flavia and asked, "Umm...East-Khan do you know anything about them?"

Flavia thought for a bit and answered, "I'm not too sure. They were found in the woods here a few weeks ago, unlike your friends. The West-Khan was the one who found them lying in the snow. What about them catches your attention, Sakura?"

The little girl thought for a bit as Robin said, "Sakura?"

"I-I'm picking up a really strong presence from that person with the purple book.", she answered slowly as she turned to Kero, "How about you Kero?"

The beast nodded with the same concern look at her and said, "Yes. If he's our opponent, then you guys may be in trouble. Better be careful, you guys. This is the strongest presence we've felt since we got here."

Robin looked at them in surprise, "A strong presence? As in their really strong? How do you guys know that?"

Kero turned to the tactician and said, "In our world, those with powers, or magic as you call it here, can sense other power levels of other people with abilities no matter how small. Only those really powerful can learn how to hide them or control it on their own, but I don't think he's aware of his own presence."

Robin listened with great interest and asked, "May you tell me how that's done? Like how did you catch on to his presence when we didn't even notice him?"

Kero shook his head and said, "I'm not sure how, but it's like you're standing in a dark room, but you can feel that's something is off and that you're not safe there. When the light turns on, you find a glass container full of scorpions or tarantula and, depending on them, you can either live or die."

Chrom grimaced and said, "That's... a little..."

Sakura shook her head and said, "I don't get a feeling like that, though. He feels a little more... well, powerful, but...'nice', I guess... Simply put, he's strong, but he won't intentionally hurt others without any reason. Also, he doesn't feel like the other people from where I came from or like any of the mages here."

They were silent when suddenly Flavia smiled and said, "Well, I guess that can confirm things a little."

They turned to the khan and she said, "We don't know much about them. They just told us that they came from afar of land called Nohr and Hoshido."

Chrom raised an eyebrow and asked, "Nohr and Hoshido? You mean, that Nohr and Hoshido?!"

Flavia nodded and said, "Ridiculous, but yes. The ones from all those fairy tales of the Great battle and the Hidden Kingdom. I believe that place was called Valla..."

Chrom shook his head with a smile and said, "I've met a person quite like that. He came saying he was after some runaway guard animals and helped protect my people from them. He claimed to be a prince from the two kingdoms of Hoshido and Nohr."

Flavia looked stunned for a bit, then sighed and said, "If that's true, then you got quite some opponents to face, Prince Chrom."

The captain nodded and said, "Never have I thought the day would come when I would have to go against people from those kingdoms."

On the other hand, Frederick shook his head in disbelief as he whispered quietly, "I don't believe this. First, a child and a familiar from another world, then a group of people saying that they're from the kingdoms of the myths. I don't even want to know what's next..."

Being the only one, who overheard him, Lissa giggled and said, "Oh, come one, Frederick. Even after seeing that cute little fox, you still can't believe it?"

Flavia, then, said, "Anyway, back to the point, the rules of the match is simple. You must be at least thirteen to fight in the tournament. Unless you're a mage or healer, and over eleven, like Sakura here I assume, you can enter, but we won't be able to ensure that you'll all make it out alive. So, be on your guard."

Sakura and the rest nodded as Flavia continued, "Those in the tournament may not sabotage the other team's equipments nor injure them before the match. Any of these done would send you to us for judgment. I believe that you and the shepherds would have no problems with this."

Chrom nodded and said, "Of course, East-Khan. My shepherds wouldn't go for such underhanded tactics like that in a match."

"Good.", she said with an approving nod as she continued, "If done so, the person would lose their place in the tournament by default. Also, for defeating your opponents, you don't need to kill them as long as you're able to disarm them or they surrender on their own terms. You got any more questions?"

They shook their heads before Robin spoke up, "I do, East-Khan. How many people are on each team?"

Khan smiled and said, "Robin, right? Glad you asked. One the West-Khan's side a total of seven fighters are allowed in his champion's team while we can only have six on ours."

Robin nodded as he repeated, "I see... So they have seven members while we have...Wait, what?!"

Finally, the information sunk into his head he turned to the khan with a surprised look, to which she just shook her head and said, "This was decided over a long period of time in history. We just accept it, though you can now tell why I haven't gotten the title of ruling khan in a good while now."

Robin nodded with a grimace and said, "So, that means that we're only going to have to do with whatever we have here, then... May I ask if you know any of the other team's members other than those two, just now?"

"Why not. They've already seen you guys. The West-Khan should know for sure now that I'm going to recruit you guys.", she said with a shrug of her shoulders, "There are other two fighters who would be joining as well. one is a red hair pegasus with a lance and the other in an archer with a bow that doesn't have a string attached to it. Still, he is able to shoot a ton of arrow from it, despite not having any with his."

Chrom looked at her in confusion and asked, "Wait. What do you mean by a bow that doesn't have a string, but can shoot a ton of arrows, even without them?"

Flavia shook her head with the same confusion and said, "I don't know how he does it, but it's just as I said literally. The other two are siblings. The older one is a paladin with a strange blade and the other is a dark knight that mostly uses that purple tome of his, rather than the sword on his belt, but, as Sakura guessed, they're pretty strong fighters themselves. I've thought about asking one of them to be my champions before, but it looks like the West-Khan got to them first and their friends won't join my team. Said something about not wanting to go against their 'charges'."

"Excuse me, but 'charges'", said Chrom with a surprised look, "Are they nobles as well?"

Flavia shrugged and shook her head as she said, "I'm not too sure about the details myself. I think the West-Khan may know more."

Robin nodded and asked, "Okay. So, what about the champion or the other two members?"

Flavia nodded and said, "It would have to be that same swordsman that he called on in the past. That' s all I know. I'm not sure of the other two members myself."

Robin nodded once more and said, "Alright. Since Chrom is the champion, he must be present anyway. We will also need Lissa as she's our only healer. Frederick will also join us since he can cover more distance and gaps between him and our opponents with his horse. I'll also join as a mage and the tactician in case anything happens. The only problem now is that dark knight and pegasus knight. We also need to think about the archer. If he can shoot as many arrows without needing them to be by his side, then we may have a problem."

"Umm, about that..."

It took a while, but the group finally came out of the arena and left Flavia after she insisted that she doesn't need a bodyguard to protect herself to return. Along their way back to the tavern and lodge, they talked about what may come tomorrow and what they'll need along with the number of vulneraries to bring. Even though Lissa is their main healer, it would be impossible for her to run around healing everyone by herself and, to help her with this, they'll need vulneraries with them just in case she can't get to them when she's busy with the other members. It wasn't long before Lissa noticed something was off about Sakura.

"Sakura?", said Lissa.

They turned just in time to see the child slipping of the panicked beast's back. Fortunately, Robin stepped in and caught the child just before her head could come in contact with the ground. He placed the child back in front of Lissa. The young lady sighed in relief and held on to the child as Kero did what he could to balance himself with the two on his back. Chrom let out a sigh of relief as well and said with a grimace, "Thank you, Robin. That was a close call there. Still, she could've told us that she was getting tired."

Kero shook his head and said, "Knowing Sakura, she probably doesn't want to interrupt you guys. She never liked to be a bother to other people, even though she never did."

Robin looked at the beast and asked with a grimace, "I take it that means this happened before."

Kero nodded and said, "Yeah. She'll speak out when she feels like she can and won't when she feels it's important. It surprised me and her brother before as well."

Chrom nodded and said, "I see. Well, I wanted to talk to her about that, but I guess that'll have to be for another day. Can you make sure that she doesn't talk about it, then?"

"Of course. We already had to keep it a secret back where we came from. I don't see why not keep it a secret here as well. It's not like greed doesn't exist here as well."

Chrom smiled and said, "It's good to see that she have someone close to her at the very least."

Kero smiled proudly at the prince's words and said, "Well, we're lucky to meet you guys the day we got here or, else, and the group continued forward.

It was morning when the group reached the arena. The rest of the Shepherds beside Miriel left to the spectators' seats as they walked into the arena. Sakura held her staff tightly in her hands after making sure her cards were in her pocket as her other hand was in Lissa's. The healers looked at her with an anxious look on her face, but Sakura looked at her with a bright smile of her own and said, "Everything will be alright. Robin, Chrom and Frederick are here with us as well as the other Shepherds."

Lissa thought for a bit before nodding her head and a smiled returned to her face as she let go of the child's hand when Robin called out to the child. She recalled what had occurred last night when Sakura spoke out and told her idea to the tactician in secret. Like Chrom, Kero, and Lissa, he was also unsure about putting Sakura into the tournament, but, after a while, he let out a sigh and allowed the child to come to join them as long as she promises to be on her guard and stay close to either of them. When Kero disagreed, Flavia helped Sakura out, but telling the beast that he can go into Sakura's bag during the fight, to which the beast reluctantly gave his permission after pondering the idea for a bit. Upon reaching over to the tactician, Robin said, "Remember to stay close to either of us, got it?"

Sakura nodded firmly. As they walked in, Robin could see the formation of their opponents as they get into position upon their arrival. He could see the two brothers that they met yesterday as well as the red hair pegasus knight and the archer with the stringless bow that the khan mentioned. Lissa then pointed into the shadows and shouted, "Chrom! Look!"

Chrom nodded and said, "I see him..."

Chrom walked up to the center of the arena as the battle was about to start soon and called out, "Marth! One question, before we begin?"

Instead of an answer, the captain was given silence, to which he said as he pulled out his blade, "...Fine, then. Our swords can speak for us!"

As he did, the masked man also pulled out his blade. Chrom gasped in shock at the sight of it and said, "Where did you get that?"

The man didn't reply, but prepared himself as the battle was about to commence. Chrom shook his head and said, "There's no way..."

He charged forward at the starting signal and jumped into the air before he brought his blade down on Marth clearly surprising some of the other team's member, but that only grew when the swordsman blocked it and fought back with a fighting style identical to the captain's. Upon noticing this, Chrom asked as he blocked the blade in each strike, "Tell me. Who taught you to fight like that?"

The two jumped back and charged at one another with a force that it even surprised Sakura as she witnessed her first match between two swordsmen. Each of their attacks failed to hit their target as they turned around and Marth took this as his turn to jump and attack in a pattern identical to Chrom's. He shouted as he brought the blade down, "My father!"

Instead of blocking the attack head on like the man, Chrom dodged the attack. After missing his target, the man landed on the ground, then turned around and readied his blade again. Chrom narrowed his eyes in suspicions of the man's sword techniques and pondered on what he said before the two jumped back to their teammates. After witnessing the battle, Robin grimaced and said, "Marth is a gifted swordsman, and his men look capable as well. If what Sakura and Kero sensed from the mage is true along with the East-Khan's words being accurate, then this is going to be a tough battle. We should mind our distance. Miriel and I will handle the mage and the archer. Chrom and Frederick, take out the barbarians before taking on the paladin and the pegasus knight. If Marth ever comes in to take over or the two come in first, Lissa, go help them. We'll use our vulneraries in the meantime. Chrom, take on Marth and Frederick will need to watch over your back. We'll come over and help out as soon as we finish taking out the three on the other side."

They nodded and went as Robin suggested. Things were going well after a while. The team had just finished knocking out their opponents and were taking on the four opponents when Robin suddenly noticed that the dark knight was giving out directions to his fellow comrades as well as surprising the tactician. The dark knight looked at him with a smirk and said, "You're not the only one who can plan out tactics, you know."

Robin grimaced at the realization that this battle may be much harder than he originally thought it would be. While he thought this, a blue glowing arrow came flying at him from the corner of his eye! As he jumped back in surprise and looked up to see the archer staring down at him with neither a smile nor a frown after missing his target, but instead shoot another one this time at their healer! Robin called out to the princess to absorbed in healing her brother that, when she looked up, it was already too late. She raised her staff in a futile attempt to block the arrow when a bubble formed around her blocking it in her place as it was the archer's turn to be shocked upon seeing this. Miriel and Robin took this chance and attacked the archer with a thunder and fire spell. It sent the archer flying back and his bow was shockingly hit out of his hand! He got up and looked around to see what might've done that, but narrowed his eyes in confusion when he couldn't find a think, not even a rock! In the meantime, with the archer taken out, the mage took this chance and chanted out a spell. Suddenly, a tree sprouted out from the ground below them making Robin jump back in shock as it nearly ensnared him with its branches! Miriel used her fire spell and burned it down as Robin cast a lightning spell back at him only for it to miss as the dark knight and his mount jumped aside avoiding it. As the knight was about to chant out another spell, Miriel began to chant out a fire spell only for her to be stopped when the pegasus knight came flying at her. She tried to dodge it, but the knight was able to cut the arm holding her tome. Surprised, the mage nearly dropped her tome only to snatch it back up with the other hand before it could hit the ground. Robin let out a sigh of relief, then glanced to the other side to see that, surprisingly, Chrom and Frederick were facing off against Marth and the paladin and that they were barely hanging in there, especially against the paladin. Then, he heard the dark knight shout it, "You should be paying attention to the battle in front of you, tactician!"

He quickly turned around to see that the dark knight was about to send out another attack on him! But, before the dark knight has a chance to finish the last bit of his spell, the knight thought he heard the sound of a child. He dismissed it, but then a figure that looked very much like a pink colored young harpy in a long dress appeared before him. She has wavy hair and feather-like ears with a ruff and a green brooch around its neck. Unsure of what's going on, he had his mount step back, but the women giggled as he heard his brother shout out, "Leo!"

But, before the paladin could get over and away from the two fighters, the harpy giggled, then glowed brightly blinding him. When it died down, he moved away his hand to see the harpy standing next to a child. Shocked to see a child holding a staff looking straight at him, he starts to wonder why he didn't notice her in the beginning when he heard the tactician shout out, "Hey! You should be paying attention to our opponents!"

He looked over to see that the tactician had thrown an Elthunder at him! Unable to move aside in time, he braced himself for the attack when, suddenly, something pushed him aside and off his horse. He held on tight to his tome as he fell to the ground and heard a familiar scream. He got up and saw the pegasus knight had taken the blow for him and was sent off her pegasus. With her lance still in hand, she got back up to her feet and hopped back on her pegasus. After seeing that she was alright, Leo got ready to send out another spell to payback for what the tactician had down. As he opened his mouth to chant, he paused in shock. There was no voice coming from his mouth. He touched his throat making sure that he wasn't attacked when he was unaware only to find it in one piece thankfully. However, this didn't change the fact that the dark knight was now unable to use his voice! Unsure of what had just occurred, his eyes widened in shock as he looked over at the child once more and the harpy floating right next to her.

The child... stole my voice?! ...No... she had it do it for her. How did she-... I hate to say this, but I completely underestimated them...

Without much choice, he put away his tome and pulled out his blade surprising the paladin. As he went against the tactician and the mage, Robin and Miriel both easily dodged them and attacked him with an Elthunder and an Elfire knocking him off his horse once again. He got back up and readied himself before charging at them with the pegasus knight next to him, but, as they got closer to them, something shot by them and knocked their weapons out of their hands. The pegasus knight looked around, but couldn't find the little streak of light. Leo, on the other hand, looked straight back at the girl and saw a little flashing orb dying down a small form appeared. A young spirit with pointy ears and spiky hair of red and yellow, and pink eyes. The spirit then changed into a card as he heard her say, "Thank you very much, Shot."

She let out a sigh of relief as Leo's eyes widen upon discovering what has been going on throughout this whole time. She has been summoning out her spirits to render all his comrades and him useless starting from the time when the ponytail archer's bow was shot out of his hands! He grimaced angrily upon seeing his mistake and being fooled by the child. He looked back to the arena and saw that now there was only his brother and the champion, Marth, going against the five participants now. Unlike him, however, the paladin was a much better fighter with a sword than his younger brother and was taking Frederick head on without much issue. Seeing that the rest of his comrades have lost by default from the loss of their weapons... and voice, he then turned his target toward the child. He was hesitant at first, but, as Marth signaled from him to go, he pushed the other knight aside and went straight for the child with the blunt side of his sword. Sakura panicked as she pulled out some cards out of her pocket and summoned, but, when she looked up, she was shocked to see that the cards she pulled out were none other than Power and Fight. She recalled the last time she encountered the two and grew worried, but, instead of the figures coming out, some light wrapped around her. She suddenly recalled what Kero told her before when she first got them, then took a deep breath as the paladin brought the blunt side down on her leaving her comrades in horror of what was going on only for it to change into shock as she jumped to the side and kicked the large man off his horse! Stunned by the revelation of what had just occurred, he jumped back on his feet and carefully watched the child's movements before going at her again. However, this time, Sakura stopped the sword with both hands and flung it and him over her sending him and his sword into the spectators' seat next to the stunned Shepherds. With it over, Sakura let out a sigh of relief but then discovered her comrades and Marth staring at her in shock. Her face turned red upon realizing that she did all that in front of everyone this time and could only scratch the back of her head and laugh nervously while everyone's sweat dropped as they watched. Then, the light disappeared and from it, two cards reappeared before her. She held on to them and thanked them for putting them back in her pocket. Miriel, on the other hand, started looking through her pockets for a pen and some paper. Chrom snapped out of his stupor and charged at Marth once again. The man quickly blocked his attack and the two clashed against each other blow after blow. Sakura came over to the tactician and said, "Umm... Shouldn't we help them?"

Robin shook his head and said, "That won't be necessary. I got the feeling that Chrom wants to face him alone."

Sakura nodded and stayed next to the tactician's side as they fought on. The paladin, back in the arena again walked up to the pegasus knight and his brother as he said, "Their movements are very similar..., Leo?"

The dark knight nodded in agreement and was about to voice his opinion when no voice came out of his mouth. He sighed as the paladin's eyes widen and said, "I see..."

The match continued between the two for a while. Then Marth jumped into the air once again and came down at the captain, but, this time, Chrom stepped to the side and hit the man's wrist with the blunt side of his blade knocking it out of his hand easily and winning the battle. The crowd was silent for a while before they started cheering out loud as, for the first time in a long while, the East-Khan have regained power once again as the ruling Khan. As Marth backed away upon the prince's distraction and disappeared into the darkness, Leo looked back at the girl and the harpy floating next to her. Leo let out a voiceless sigh before approaching the child. Sakura then felt a tap on his shoulder making her and the tactician turn around in shock to see him again. The dark knight placed his head in his hand as he shook his head upon seeing their shocked faces.

"Um... what do you want?", asked Robin.

The dark knight looked over at Sakura and pointed to his throat. Sakura thought for a long time with a clueless look on her face before the thought hit her. She shouted in surprise, "Hoei~!"

Quickly, she bowed and apologized to Leo and Voice, then asked the spirit to let the dark knight regain his voice, to which the spirit nodded in acknowledgment and she glowed before she disappeared into her card form. Sakura thanked the card before putting it back into her pocket and said to him, "Okay. Your voice should be back now."

The knight tested out his voice and nodded after seeing that his voice has truly returned. He then turned to the child and said, "That was... quite a surprise..."

The paladin came over with a nervous smile and a sweat drop before he said, "Indeed it was. I take it that it wasn't your own strength of course."

Sakura nodded nervously as she said, "Yes."

She was quite intimidated by the man's size but wasn't as scared as she thought when she didn't felt any hostility in him than she did before. She immediately bowed to him and their other two comrades coming up from behind him and said, "I'm really sorry about that! I just pulled out two cards without thinking and-"

The pegasus knight calmed the girl down and said, "Nobody is mad at you. You just...caught all of us off guard. That's all."

The child got back up as the archer asked with his bow back in his hand, "I take it that you were the one who blocked my arrow and knocked my Fujin Yumi out of my hand?"

Sakura nodded slowly and begin to put her hands in her pocket. As she did so, Robin bent over to her and asked with uncertainty, "Are you sure about this?"

Sakura nodded and said, "Yes, Robin. I don't feel any hostility from them. I also trust that they'll keep this quiet for me."

Robin pondered for a bit before he nodded his head giving her the permission to continue. She pulled out a couple of cards from her deck and answered the archer, "No. I called out Shield to stop your arrow for me and Shot to knock the weapons away."

Leo nodded with a sigh and said, "And the ones who stole my voice and threw my brother was?"

She put the cards back into the deck and brought out the other cards.

"Voice is a mischevious card that likes to listen to people, but will steal their voice, if she really likes it, like my one of my friends'. So, I called her out to do the same.", she answered as she showed them the cards, "Then, I called out Power and Fight by accident, but Fight was the one that helped me stop his sword while Power gave me an enormous amount of strength to get him off the horse and throw him."

Leo sighed and said, "You do realize that these aren't really your own abilities, correct?"

Sakura nodded and said, "Yes. But, as the master of these cards, this is all I can do. I don't know how to use magic like Robin or Miriel yet. I only just got to this world after all. Our magic is very different from one another."

"Wait a minute.", said the archer, "You came from another world as well?!"

Kero then popped out his head and said, "Yeah. Only we're not from your world, but a much different one."

"What the?!", shouted Leo in shock, "Who are you?!"

Robin sighed and said, "How about we leave the talk for another time? Our healer said that she wants to treat your wounds since she couldn't treat Marth before he left."

Before Leo or the archer could reply, the paladin nodded his head and said, "As long as you all don't mind, is that alright?"

Robin turned to the healer who nodded her head energetically after having healed the rest of her teammates and said with a bright smile, "Of course! I can't leave the injured alone. Friend or Foe. What's the difference?"

Her words stunned the paladin and the pegasus knight for a bit. Catching their expression, Lissa frowned and sighed before she pouted and said, "Right. Right. Before you start lecturing me like Frederick, let's take a look at your wounds!"

The paladin said, "It's alright. I'm not going to lecture you. It's just that you reminded us of a certain someone, right, Hinoka?"

The pegasus knight nodded and said, "My sister would do the same thing, but, unlike you, she was a lot shyer and quiet."

"That sounds like how my sister is. A delicate young lady."

They turn to see the captain walking over to them with a smile. Lissa, on the other hand, pouted and shout with annoyance in her voice, "I told you I'm not delicate!"

Chrom just smiled and reached out a hand to the paladin as he said, "Well, fought. My name is Chrom, captain of the Shepherds, and this here is my younger sister, Lissa. My tactician, Robin. This child here is Sakura and her guardian, Kero."

The paladin shook the man's hand and said, "Same to you. My name is Xander and this is Hinoka, my wife. The archer here is her younger brother, Takumi, and here is my younger brother, Leo. And, pardon me, but, by Shepherds, do you mean the person protecting the sheeps? I can't really picture you doing that in full armor after seeing your skills."

Chrom chuckled and said, "Well, you can say that..."

As he said that, Hinoka and Takumi looked at Sakura. One with curiosity and the other with narrowed eyes making the child pretty uncomfortable and asked, "Umm... is something wrong?"

Takumi shook his head and said with a frown, "No, nothing."

He walked away with Lissa chasing after him saying that she has yet to check out his wounds. Hinoka smiled and said, "Oh, no. It's not much and please excuse Takumi. It's just that our youngest sibling is also called Sakura."

Sakura looked at the knight surprised and said with a smile, "Hoei~! ...that's quite a coincidence... Well, if it makes you less confused, just call me by my last name, Kinomoto."

Hinoka shook her head and said, "It's alright, but I guess I can use it when we found her."

Before anyone could ask what she meant, Flavia walked up to the groups and said to the captain with a wide smile, "Well fought! You have my respect. You and your spirits, especially Sakura! And, perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."

"Truly?", Chrom said, "Thank you, East-Khan."

Flavia laughed and said, "I should thank you! It feels like ages since I've held full power. Come, my new friends! Tonight, we celebrate!"

With that, the new ruling khan rushed off back to the castle with a big smile on her face. Not long after she was gone, a deep voice said, "Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it..."

They turn around to see a man exactly as Robin described, but also have a black eyepatch over his left eye and a large ax on his back. Chrom looked at the man with confusion and asked, "I'm sorry, have we met?"

The man shook his head and said, "I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power, Basilio! You're handy with a sword, boy, and that child... I'd never thought I'd see the day a small child would be able to throw a full grown man over her own head and out the arena. I know that you had help, but I must say that was quite a shock to see. Still, I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man in the end. Guess that Syaoran was right when he predicted that I'd lose the tournament when he heard the girl was with you guys."

Sakura perked up at the mention of the boy and asked, "Excuse me, West-Khan, but, by any chance are those two-"

The man smiled and shouted over his shoulder, "Hey! You two quit making the girl so worried now and come out. We kept our promise, so stop making her wait!"

Sakura and Robin looked behind Basilio and ,saw emerging from the shadows of the pillars, a boy with brown hair and eyes in green clothes and small armor that barely fits him while next to him was a tall man in strange blue and white clothing, a cape over his shoulder, long silver-white hair in a loose ponytail and large white angelic wings on his back. Sakura gasped and ran over to them as she jumped up into the air and hugged the boy shocking everyone, but Basilio.

"Syaoran! Yue!"

Chrom grimaced nervously and said, "So, that's why she talked so much about him...Great, not they're making me feel awkward..."

Lissa, on the other hand, giggled as the boy turned beet red and Basilio laughed at the sight. Leo let out a sigh and place his head in his hand once again as soon as Sakura began to blush as well after realizing what she just did in front of everyone. Though they were realized that, when she did so, most of the spectators have already left. Kero flew out of her bag and changed into his true form shocking the other group and Basilio as he began chatting with the other guardian and the boy over what has occurred while they were separated keeping up to date over the past events. Chrom, then turned to Basilio once again and said with a serious expression, "What do you know about him?"

"You meant that 'Marth'? Bah! He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat.", said the West-Khan who then smiled, "It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things! Baha!"

The other group let out a groan at the khan's joke as he continued, "Anyway, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."

Lissa, who came back after scolding a stubborn archer and healing him, said with closed eyes, "He's so dark and mysterious..."

She let out a dreamy sigh, to which Robin said in response, "Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan..."

Liss pouted at the tactician and reasoned, "Well, I mean, c'mon... He IS sort of dreamy, isn't he?"

Chrom turned to his sister with a serious expression and said annoyance, "And YOU'RE sort of dreaming!"

The princess, however, smiled cheerfully and said, "Yowch! Lighten up, Big Brother. I was just kidding."

Frederick, who has been standing next to them the whole time, said, "Milord? Milady? If this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home. The exalt will want this news of our new alliance immediately."

Chrom nodded with a smile and said to the loyal knight, "Right as always, Frederick."

Syaoran suddenly spoke up and said, "Excuse me, West-Khan. But, may I join them on their journey back? We deeply appreciate your hospitality during my time here and for training me, but I'd like to now rejoin my friends, so-"

Basilio just patted the boy on the head roughly and said with a smile, "Well, that's fine with me."

Chrom nodded and said to Syaoran, "We'll take you back to Ylisse with us. I'll explain to my sister of what's going on."

"Hold, boy. Before you go, I have a present for you and a condition for you, Syaoran. You as well, Yue. Yukito is going to need it as well."

The three looked confused but waited none the less as a man in foreign clothing, brown hair and two swords in his belt came walking out of an entrance behind him. Upon seeing him, Syaoran looked surprised and said, "Lon'qu?!"

The man looked over at the boy and nodded slightly as he stood next to the Khan in silence rather than introducing himself. Basilio, then explained as he gestured to the foreign man, "This is Lon'qu, my former champion. Not much for talking, mind you, but he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind. To be honest, I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."

Lissa looked over at the man and said in surprise, "Marth beat him? But he looks so big and strong..."

Before anyone could stop her, Lissa walked over to the mysterious man, to which he exclaimed with an angry frown on his face, "Away, woman!"

Surprised by his shout, Sakura jumped for a bit as Lissa also stopped in her tracks with a frown and asked in confusion, "Hey! Wh-what did I say?!"

Basilio laughed out loud and explained, "Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge. Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps even has the makings of a khan."

He then returned to his serious expression and said, "Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause."

Chrom looked at the Khan with surprise and said, "You're certain about this?"

Basilio nodded and said, "Yes, yes. He's your man now."

Chrom looked to the man and asked, "And Lon'qu? You have no objections?"

The man simply closed his eyes and said, "He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear."

Chrom nodded and said, "...All right, then. Welcome aboard."

"At the same time, Syaoran, you're to continue training with him until he allows you to be on your own in this world. Till then, you must follow what he says, got it? It's for your own safety. The outside world can't be completely taken on with magic after all.", Basilio said to Syaoran, then turned to Chrom, "Also, I want to ask you for a favor in return."

The prince looked at the man with a curious look and asked, "What is it?"

The West-Khan gestured over to the group behind them and said, "It's a bit of a big favor, but these here are four of the most powerful people we have here in Ferox. They have soldiers of their own, though just a couple of them or so under each. I'd like you to bring them along with you to Ylisse. As much as I'd like for them to remain here, I need to watch over that woman as she gathers the men for your alliance. If you'd like, you can have them join your troop. Like I said, they're also really strong fighters as you also just witnessed."

Chrom looked back and Xander and his group, who were shocked to hear of this sudden news, but, before they could say anything, Chrom asked, "Are you the ones that the East-Khan told me to have come from the three mythical kingdoms: Nohr, Hoshido, and Valla?"

The group stared at him in shock, but Xander nodded and said, "Yes, I take it that you know of those kingdoms as well."

Chrom nodded and said, "Yes. They are a well-known legend told to us by our eldest sister, as other parents would with their children. I've met a man, who've also said that he came from those places and said that he is a prince from those lands. I was surprised to see him change into a dragon though."

The group was stunned upon hearing the news from the man and Leo asked, "A dragon... Could that have been Big Brother, Corrin?! When was this?"

"About three days ago. Right before I met Robin, I saw him with his maid and butler looking around for what he calls 'Invisible beast'. He said that they were very dangerous and came to Ylisse to hunt them down before they could lay hands on our people. He left after he was done with his work. I really appreciated his help and worry for our people."

"'Invisible beasts'?", said Takumi, "Would that have been-"

Leo nodded and said, "Yes, Takumi. Our old enemies. That must have been before we took down the Silent Dragon. Strange, why didn't he mention this to any of us?"

Xander shook his head and said, "In any case, it looks like we've come to your world at the wrong time, Chrom. That must've been a couple years ago. Those monsters are already gone from our world as we took all of them out, including their leader."

Surprised, the prince said, "I-is that so? How's he doing now, then?"

Xander nodded and said, "He seemed to be doing just fine the last we saw him before we came to this world."

Chrom frowned and said, "I take it that you and your family and friends got separated, Xander?"

The paladin nodded and said, "That's right we were going to go and search for them, but, being new to this world, we needed time to adapt to the lifestyle here. Thankfully, we encountered the West-Khan not long after we got here."

"Yes, I've heard about that from the East-Khan."

The prince then turned to Basilio and said, "Well, they can stay with the Shepherds while they go and find their lost comrades. We might end up marching into Plegia sooner or later with all the activity they've been leading in Ylisse and against our people."

Basilio nodded with a smile and said, "That's good to hear. Thank you for the help, boy. Still... I think you should stay in Ferox for a bit. I don't think everyone will be able to return to Ylisse without rest."

Chrom looked confused, then followed the khan's gaze and saw that Sakura was about to collapse at any moment! He suddenly recalled how many times Sakura used her magic and the amount she used at the same time as well as what Kero had told him about what occurs when she uses up so much magic. He quickly goes over to the child, then bent down to her eye level and asked, "Hey! Are you alright?"

Sakura slowly shook her head and said, "I think I can make it back at least."

Chrom looked over to Frederick and the Shepherds before he realized that just about everyone, who fought with him today were worn out by the tournament today. He then looked back to Frederick and Robin and said, "As much as I'd like to tell my sister the good news, we'll have to stay in Ferox for the night, Frederick."

He then got up and said, "As the captain, I not only have the responsibility to lead my men, but also make sure that they are well before I can take them into any battles or journeys. So, we'll rest in Ferox for the night and leave tomorrow morning. Is that clear, everyone?"

They nodded in agreement as Lissa began to look over the wounds that the other group received during the battle. Basilio, then said, "Well, Flavia did invite you all to join her for her feast. How about to you go and join her? It should also be all right for you to borrow one of our guest room for the girl while your men go and join in on the feast."

Chrom thought for a bit then nodded and thanked the khan before asking Kero to return to his disguise and Sully to help carry the sleepy girl on her horse, to which she agreed without a second thought. Then, Yue also changed his form into that of a tall young man with a tome in his hand. He has grayish silver hair and gray eyes, wore glasses, white and black clothing, and light leather armor. The man looked around in confusion as Chrom, who could already guess who he was, introduced himself and explained the situation at hand. After doing so, the man, Yukito, went over to Sakura and checked her temperature and pulse before nodding his head with a soft smile. He thanked the prince and said that not only was he the other self of her guardian, but also a close friend to the little girl's older brother and was relieved to see her in one piece and good health.

It was already afternoon when they all walked over to the castle as they followed Basilio. Upon reaching the castle, the Shepherds then joined in on the festivities. On the other hand, Kero and the group took the child and followed a servant to a spare guestroom they have. They set Sakura down on the bed as she continued to sleep while Kero, then explained everything that happened up to the point where they found each other again. Having already seen the little beast at the festival last year, the man wasn't surprised to learn that the plush toy Sakura always had with her was a magical beast nor that she could use magic after seeing how her brother, Toya, have told him of his suspicions. When he was done, Yukito nodded, they patted the plush toy on the head and said, "You did well Kero. You've even found people you can trust and rely on. Sakura's very fortunate to have you as her guardian."

The beast folded his arms and puffed up his chest with pride and said, "Of course, that goes without saying."

Syaoran just shook his head in annoyance and looked back at the sleeping girl. After hearing what the guardian has told him about their adventure he was relieved, but also frustrated to learn that he wasn't there to protect her when she was in danger and leaving everything to the beast rather than him. As he continues to think about it, he only grew more confused as he realized the possibility that he may be more jealous rather than frustrated after hearing that the prince and the shepherds spent more time with her in this world while he was absent from her side. He blamed himself, and silently vowed to stay by her side this time as they've been reunited twice now.

As everyone was enjoying the feast that night, Chrom walked out to the balcony only to find Xander with his wife and his younger brother. He walked over and greeted them. The captain asked, "So, how have Corrin been doing back in your world? The last I heard of him, he said that he was a prince in your world."

Xander nodded and said with a smile, "Yes, now he's the ruler of the formerly hidden kingdom, Valla."

Chrom nodded for a bit, then his eyes opened wide stunned upon the news and exclaimed, "Wait! He was the prince of the Hidden Kingdom?! The one that was once cursed with silence until the Silent Dragon was brought down?!"

Xander nodded then asked, "Yes. Is something wrong?"

Chrom shook his head and said, "No. Nothing is wrong. I'm just surprised that's all. When I last saw him, he never stated of which kingdom he was a prince from. I never thought that it would be Valla of all places... I don't want to be nosy, but can you please explain to me what exactly happened from your perspective?"

Xander thought for a bit before turning to the two, who nodded and said, "He was originally a prince from Hoshido. Some unfortunate incident occurred. He was then raised in our land as a prince of Nohr till he taken back to Hoshido, but, when we went there to bring him back under the thought that he was kidnapped, he neither chose to return to us nor to his siblings, but instead followed the princess of Hoshido, who took him to the Hidden Kingdom. Many things occurred over time and during those times, both Nohr and Hoshido exiled him. We were all blinded by the true threat during that time as I'm ashamed to say. It took him quite a lot of effort to bring us together and expose the Silent dragon as well as the Hidden Kingdom. It was there that we met the spirit of his mother, who revealed to us that he was in actuality a descendant of the Valla royal family. So, after we brought down the Silent dragon, Corrin was crowned the king of Valla, while we returned to our own land."

Shocked from all that the paladin told him, Chrom was doing what he could to make sense of what was told to him and said, "So, basically, he was a prince of both kingdoms before he became king of Valla after discovering his lineage. I apologize this is just a lot of information to process all at once."

Xander smiled and said, "It's all right. Many of our people get confused sometimes as well."

"Our people?", questioned the captain, "I suspected you all to be nobles at first after what the East-Khan told us, but... Xander, are you all, by any chance, the royal family of Nohr?!"

Leo nodded and said, "Well, I never thought that we could keep it a secret for that long with our manners and speech."

Xander nodded to his brother in agreement and answered Chrom, "Yes, Chrom. I'm the current king of Nohr. We all came here after discovering that our retainers have suddenly vanished and the last place they were seen was going through a portal to another world with orbs in hand. They're families and our retainers were worried, so we went to investigate at first and, then learn, that Corrin also went into the portal to chase after them. We all got worried and had his wife, Azura watches over the kingdoms with the help of her retainer, Hoshido's former king's retainers, and Nohr's soldiers as she was like Corrin and was a princess of both kingdoms, including Valla before she stepped down and wed Corrin. However..."

"Let me guess, you were all separated on the way here and ended up in different places?"

They nodded and Hinoka said, "We're currently searching for Nohr's royal family and mine."

"Your family came too, Hinoka?"

She nodded and said, "I'm the current queen of Nohr, but I'm also the former princess of Hoshido."

Chrom nodded and said, "I-I see... Well, that explains everything."

He turned to them and said with a smile, "Unfortunately, I've yet to see nor hear of your siblings or comrades, but I'll let my sister know and notify the guards. Hopefully, something should come up..."

Leo grimaced and said, "But, after hearing that our lands and wars are nothing more than fairy tales, will they even believe us?"

Chrom nodded firmly and said, "I know that our sister would as would the soldiers. It's a slim chance, but it's one we'll take if it meant finding them."

They nodded with a smile and thanked the captain. Then, Leo, with a narrowed eyes, asked, "You've been talking about your sister quite a bit. Who is your sister to have so much authority, even though you're a shepherd?"

"Well, she-"

"Aha! I finally found you!"

They turned to the balcony entrance and saw Lissa's heading sticking out from behind a pillar with a smile and her healing staff in hand. She came up and said, "Leo! You still haven't shown me your wounds, yet. I know after a battle like that, you will have some wounds to take care of! Now, stay still..."

Leo cautiously backed away and said, "For the last time, I'm alright, Lissa!"

"Then why are your arm and shins bleeding like that?!", she scolded the prince as she pointed them out, "Also, your collar's inside out again."

He looked and, sure enough, not only was his right arm and shins bleeding through his clothes, but his collar was also inside out. He let out a sigh of frustration and annoyance as Chrom did his best to smile, then said with a sweat drop, "I think you need to let her take a look at you... or else she can be awfully scary when you don't..."

The dark knight slowly nodded in defeat and followed the healer inside to a nearby clinic as she said pouting, "Geez! Why do you and Takumi have to be so stubborn?!"

When they were gone, the three smiled as Xander said, "Looks like you have quite an energetic younger sibling. She reminds me a lot of our youngest sibling, Elise. She's also a healer much like Hinoka's younger sister, Sakura."

"Elise and Sakura, huh?", said Chrom, "If you would like, maybe you can tell us what they look like when we get back to Ylisstol, the capital. It will give the people a good idea of what to watch out for, so they can report back to us? And that includes your missing retainers as well."

Hinoka nodded and said, "I agree, then."

"I too agree to go along with this plan.", said Xander, "Again, thank you very much for helping us, Chrom."

The captain nodded with a smile before the three returned back to the feast.

YueTian: Finally! It's done!

Kero: Yeah, after four days. Why didn't you save it three days ago?!

YueTian: How was I suppose to know that I'll be losing all that work after all I did was close my laptop?! I didn't even shut it down! Just closed it!

Kero: Well, you could've just saved it before you did it. Seriously, how hard is it to just give it a title and save the file?!

YueTian: Why you Stupid Plush Toy!

Kero: A big fat fool!

YueTian: Teeny fly!

*The argument continues*

Syaoran: *sigh* Is it always like this?

Sakura: *nods her head*

Yukito: Actually, isn't that what you usually do, Syaoran?

Syaoran: Wha-...not really...

Chrom: I was wondering why she was talking so much about him. It's no wonder...

Robin: *nods his head with a sweat drop* I-I see. You were stuck in a girl's talk without even knowing it, huh?"

Chrom: I'm afraid so.

Leo: I'm just shocked that she'll hug him like that in front of all of us. Also, since when did he got himself into a relationship? Isn't he still just twelve?

Basilio: *Laughs out loud* I'm surprised you haven't noticed when he keeps looking at the teddy bear he brought with him!

Takumi: You meant that wasn't just a toy he kept with him?

Basilio: Nope. You'll be going to have to ask him to find out for yourself!

Leo: *sigh* ...first, you suddenly brought us in, then you sent us out with some shepherds in armor and now this...so many sudden decisions...

YueTian: A-Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I'm thinking of taking a break from editing soon and add another chapter to Questions and Reasons soon. However, with things being so busy in my life as well. The chapter may come out a bit later than the original plan. I apologize as I have school and things going on at home as well. So, please excuse me as I work on those while juggling those things as well. Also, by the end of September, I'll be extremely busy and may rarely post chapters. I most likely would be able to post up chapters every two to three weeks, except if I have important tests coming up. It's still a bit early and this is just a heads up to you all, so you won't have to check every day or week. I hope to see you all in the next chapter!

Kero: Wa-

YueTian: KE-RO! YOU STUPID CAT! Seriously, a real cat is much smarter than you!

Kero: SHUT UP!

Sakura: When will they calm down?

Syaoran: *sighs in disappointment and shakes his head* I'm still wondering how something from another world became a fairy tale in this world.

Leo: You know what you said make some sense. How did that happen? We never even heard of this world, but they knew ours enough for it to be a story... God, this reminds me of a certain person now... Where is he?!