Chapter 4b: The Right Stuff
Feroxi Arena, Morning of the Tournament
Robin was tense, tapping his fingers on a desk. "You know, when I was told it was a tournament, I wasn't expecting it to be a singular battle between small armies in the Arena." He said, looking over at Chrom and the Feroxi man who was explaining how the tournament worked. Of course, he knew otherwise. He also knew the leader of their foe was none other than Lucina. That put him on edge. He didn't quite know what to think. Even seeing her face alive was messing with his head. Was all he saw in those terrible nightmares simply that? Bad dreams? Something that didn't, but could happen? Or his worst thoughts sneaking up to break him. No, couldn't be- because as far as he could tell, it was like some cosmic deja vu. He'd done this before. His life as he knew, simply reset.
"Well, it is," the Feroxi man said, turning back toward the hall.
"Any plans?" Chrom asked, looking over at Robin, then back down the way the man had walked.
"To be honest, I had expected this. After the battle at the Longfort," Robin hummed, "I should've known that the Feroxi idea of a tournament is a duel with a large number or seconds. I just hope we don't run into any lethal trouble with the other's Champion." He looked down, "I'd hate for there to be another Virion, Chrom."
"...It wasn't your fault, Robin." Chrom said, "Virion died doing his best."
"Chrom, I know you mean well, but it was my fault. I replay the battle in my head and see my exact mistake that gave that enemy the elbow room he needed to land that killing blow. It's a mistake I have the luxury to be able to learn from, but it was a price paid in blood," Robin said, his hand on a book he had been writing in. "A price far too high for such a simple lesson. I failed him. I failed everyone, Chrom. What if my next error is the one that takes your life? Or Lissa's? Gods-damned, I need to do better."
"Robin..." Chrom said, with a sigh, "We won't die."
"Will you not? What if... no..." Robin asked, as tears welled up in his eyes. A name he dare not say on his lips as he crushed a crumpled ball of parchment in his right hand. "I can't promise that. I'm such a failure as a tactician."
"No, you're better than that. Think about how well you handled the battle in Southtown. Or the fights with the Risen?" Chrom said, "Your tactics carried the day. A war's a war, Robin, they can't be fought without bloodshed. A fact Ylisse knows, far too well, but we know. Anyone willing to raise a blade for the country understands that. If I'm to fall on the battlefield, then so be it. That's where I'll meet my fate. But gods be damned if I don't bring some of them to hell with me."
Robin shook his head. "Tell Frederick, Lissa, Sully, and Vaike to all make ready. I'll take to the field with you, Chrom."
"Now that's something I want to hear, Robin." Chrom said as he turned away from Robin. "We've got a tournament to win." However, as soon as Chrom was out of earshot, Robin cried.
"I cannot fail... not again." Robin cried, "I don't know why I'm reliving everything. But I can't have come back... to fail. I must make things right." His heart dropped. A look over his shoulder saw no one there, and he said what was on his mind. "Lucina. I'm so sorry." He let a long sigh out of his mouth "So impossibly sorry. I...If I really killed you... what do I have but to suffer?" He said, his voice a whisper on the wind. "And now, it looks like I'm not going to be able to..."
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him a figure stood in the shadows, looking at the crying tactician. She hadn't heard the rest of his words, but the mere fact that he knew her name caught her off guard. Perhaps though, she figured, it was mere coincidence, her name wasn't exactly unique, and it was incredibly doubtful that anyone would know who she was. She'd test his resolve in combat soon enough.
Robin thought he heard footsteps from behind him but brushed it off. "How in the seven hells does one strategize for Arena combat?!" He said, slamming a fist on a desk. The thud masked other footsteps in the coliseum, and he continued, "You don't do that! It's an open pit and close quarters! Chrom fights everyone, and we go home." A tap on his shoulder and a tug on his cowl; he practically jumped while sitting down. The bawling laughter gave away Lissa's presence, and the thump of something wet on the ground gave away her possibly sinister intentions. "Lissa, you weren't going to put snow down my shirt were you?" He said turning around.
"No, but..." Lissa said, looking downward and away, casually tossing something from her hand.
"Don't lie." Robin shook his head. "I've got work to do."
"Aww, don't be no fun." Lissa said, clearly frustrated with Robin's sour mood. "And you were crying earlier, weren't you?"
"He was my friend, Lissa. My friend and I let him die," Robin looked back to his notes. "After... Lucy, I ..." He stopped himself, he had said too much, and quite possibly to the wrong person.
"Lucy?" Lissa quizzically asked. "Who's that?"
"One of the few people left in my memories..." Robin said, there was no efficient way out of this.
"Oh, a friend of yours? A secret lover?" Lissa asked, chipper as always.
"...she's not in this world." Robin said, his voice clearly melancholy and regretful, even though he knew the words were a lie, though, having laid eyes on her nights before in the burning forest. However, if it was true that he was living everything over, then in a way it wasn't.
Lissa's mood died instantly. "Oh.. Robin... I didn't know."
"You couldn't have." Robin said, reassuringly. "I know, you mean well, Lissa, but right now I've got things I must do. I'll atone for my failings. That starts here, with this fight."
"You said it yourself. You don't." Frederick's voice made Robin turn back around. "We simply go out there and fight. You needn't overwork yourself for this. This is where Milord Chrom does well."
"Thanks Frederick." Robin nodded. "I'm just... upset over Virion's death. And worried about what might happen should we lose here. Not only would a loss here imperil our lives, it very well could jeopardize Ylisse's future." Robin said, tapping his right forefingers on a piece of parchment. "The West Khan's soldiers are going to be tough."
"And thusly, we all need to do our best. Hence why I took personal care to ensure that everyone, except you, although you need to, was well fitted today." Frederick said, a smirk on his face.
"Blech. You're going to kill us all with that, Frederick!" Lissa huffed, her voice exasperated.
"Nonsense. Frederick's Fanatical Fitness Hour will keep you in shape." Frederick said, "Though, I understand why Milord had Robin stay out today. ...And I did not see Kellam there either."
Something about the phrase made Robin shudder with fear. "I'm sure Kellam was there, Frederick. Someone must have missed him at muster." Robin responded. "Though, I think any physical training should kept away from days where we know we're to march into battle. It'd be a disaster if we're fatigued from training and we meet the enemy. Chrom could die as a result of that, and what kind of service would that be to him?"
Frederick stopped himself before speaking and quickly turned and walked off in a hurry. Robin's words clearly had gotten to him. Robin shook his head, "that madman will kill us all..." he said under his breath, turning back to Lissa.
"Wow. Did you see the look on his face?" Lissa laughed. "It was like he swallowed a frog!" She doubled over, slapping her thighs, letting out a hearty laugh.
Robin, in response, cracked a smile. In truth, the Princess's laughter was worth the smile, though he caught himself. "I was serious. If he runs us ragged before battle, we can die."
"I know," Lissa's laughter came to a pause, but quickly resumed "but Frederick's face was too funny."
"It couldn't have been that funny." Robin said, closing a book that sat on his desk. "As a point, though, I got you a couple new staves."
"Oh you did? Wow! Thank you, Robin!" Lissa said, slightly amused.
"Yeah. Mend and Rescue." Robin said, opening a burlap sack that stood next to a dresser. "Results of my shopping yesterday. You might have to use them in this battle, so keep them handy."
Lissa nodded, her eyes glistening as she stared at the staves. Mend was like the staff she already carried, albeit a slightly different color, while Rescue stood out. It was a slender staff bearing a grand emerald gem that radiated magical power in her hands, wrought in silver, and emblazoned with an ornate pattern that trailed away from the large bird-like wings that surrounded the gem. To anyone untrained it may just appear to be ceremonial.
Something about it would prove useful, Robin thought as he gathered his things and started walking out of the room.
"Wait! Robin, where are you going?" Lissa said, quickly tying up the staves in the sack once more.
"Breakfast. Have to eat. Can't think on an empty stomach." Robin said, waving back as he walked away from her.
That Afternoon
In the Arena
The crowd cheered as Chrom and the others walked into the Arena. A man yelled something that Robin couldn't quite make out and silence fell over the crowds. The cheering came back as thunder. "FLA-VIA! FLA-VIA! FLA-VIA!" They chanted and cheered for a moment as the Shepherds took their positions.
There was no terrain, only cold hard stone in the circular battlefield. High walls surrounded the arena floor on all sides, save for the two large gates from which combatants entered. Four corners of the arena each stuck out, breaking the otherwise circular form, each bearing a large torch lit with a massive bonfire. The Arena was open to the sky, which was drab gray, and the air biting cold, but no snow was falling, nothing to stain with blood this day.
The crowd fell silent as figures appeared in the other archway. Leading them was a familiar masked face.
"Chrom... Look!" Lissa exclaimed pointing at Lucina as she walked into the arena, with several others behind her.
"I see him..." Chrom responded glancing at Robin.
"BA-SILIO! BA-SILIO! GLORY TO THE KHAN! BA-SILIO! BA-SILIO!" The Crowd cheered.
The man yelled something over them, bringing them to a quiet once more. "Ladies and Gentlemen, citizens of Regna Ferox! Today we host our grand tournament! Today, champions of the Khans will face each other in Honorable Combat! Fighting for the Khan of the East, is CHROM and his force! And for our reigning Ruler, Khan of the West, is MARTH!"
Robin flashed a glare towards Lucina that could pierce bone. This was going to be his hardest challenge yet. Words regarding the Tournament's rules were reminded to him by thoughts, It wasn't the intent for the tournament to end lives, it was merely a risk. It didn't matter though. They had to win without any losses. He then nodded at Chrom who took a couple steps forward.
"Marth! One question before we begin...!" Chrom said firmly facing his foe.
Lucina shook her head and placed her hand on the hilt of her sword.
"Very well, let our swords speak for us." Chrom said, drawing Falchion from its sheath.
Lucina shifted her weight and slid her foot out, drawing her own sword, an exact copy of Falchion, from its sheath as well.
Chrom staggered back as he saw the weapon that his foe drew forth. "Impossible. There's no way..." He muttered under his breath. "Is this really the Hero King returned from the dead...?"
"No, I don't think so." Robin said, his voice low but confident.
Chrom nodded running forward, matched by Lucina. Their movements were near identical, taking a few heavy slashes but missing the mark on each blow. Robin eyed the fight as it broke out, neither gaining an edge on the other as they fought. It was akin to a mirror match, identical fighting styles through and through. "Tell me, who taught you to fight like that?!" Chrom said, swinging wildly with Falchion.
She dodged and slipped back into a sound attacking stance. "My Father!" Lucina said, rolling forward, striking with the flat of her Falchion. A swift kick caught Chrom off guard, but she messed up, and Chrom knew it. He brought down his sword, striking her in the shoulder, and that's when Robin noticed the extreme danger his move put him in.
"LISSA! NOW!" Robin called out, hoping she knew what to do. There was a bright flash as Lucina swung her hand forward with a shockwave of magic, emanating from her clenched fist. But Chrom was gone, pulled back to Lissa's position.
"Gods, what was that?!" Chrom asked, exasperated.
"Rescue, our... secret weapon." Robin said, winking at Lissa.
"No, it's Marth. Just what manner of man is he?" Chrom said, rolling his shoulder. "I landed a direct hit but he's unfazed."
"Marth is a capable swordsman, and her troops seem tough as well. We should mind our distance and pick them off one by one." Robin said, opening his Thunder tome. "Let's move to the left, Axe user."
"Her?" Chrom asked as he ran ahead, Falchion beared.
"Just saying, I think "he" is a she, looking at "his" movements. Similar to yours, but more feminine." Robin said. "We know he's not the Hero King though."
"His weapon is definitely Falchion. I struck the blade with enough force to have chipped any fake." Chrom said, "Who else could it be?"
"Do you really think the Hero King Marth has returned from the dead to fight you here?" Robin said, looking over at the fighter who brandished a steel axe. "Historical texts depict Marth as a strong, buff man, not someone who can reasonably put doubts to their gender... although several imply that he didn't wear pants."
"Gods, Robin, focus on the fight lest you get us killed by laughter." Chrom chuckled as the fighter charged in. The fighter's axe glowed as he swung it wildly, striking Chrom, who's laughter wound up hurting him worse as he took the blow to the abdomen. However, it was far from a fatal or even risky blow, with Chrom readily able to turn hard, and return, blow for blow.
"Gotcha!" Robin said, tossing a blast of thunder magic into the back of the fighter, who shuddered and twitched from the charge.
"We're not done yet!" Chrom added, striking the fighter once more, who fell to the ground bleeding.
Robin nodded as they both fell back. "I'll take point here." He turned on his feet, back to back with Chrom, throwing a glance at Frederick and Vaike whom were trading blows with a foe of their own. A faint glow from Lissa's staff let him know she got into a good position.
"More of his troops." Chrom said, as he spotted two more advancing their way.
"50 gold says she's a woman." Robin laughed as the turned back.
"Win or lose, you're kissing him." Chrom responded, gently elbowing Robin in the side.
"Oh, you're on, Chrom." Robin said, smirking as he pulled a green tome from his sack. "First though... time to try this out."
"What's that one?" Chrom asked.
"Celica's Gale." Robin responded smirking at the enemy mage. "Sanctus alas, obsecro vos revelare gloriae tuae antiquae... Crista!" A pink blast of wind and magic encircled the mage and sliced the air. The magic blew the enemy mage off his feet, and Chrom was swift to seize the opportunity, leaping at their foe and slamming the flat of his sword on the Mage's head, while simultaneously kneeing him in the chest. "Don't kill anyone, geez." Robin said, as Chrom fell back.
"Oh he's not dead, he just will feel that for a week." Chrom said, wiping a bit of blood off of his face.
"I don't doubt that." Robin laughed, "But we've got incoming. Another mage, and a fighter."
"Hope Frederick and Vaike are doing well on their flank." Chrom said, throwing a glance over his shoulder watching Vaike bring down his hammer onto the side of a foe. "Or, not, because they're clearly doing well."
"We're gonna fall back to them. We can't cross blades with Marth like this. She'll destroy us." Robin nodded, back pedaling away from the advancing foes.
"Again with the 'she'," Chrom ribbed as they moved back. "Enemy caster coming up real fast though."
"Way ahead of you, Chrom." Robin spun, holding open the green tome which glowed a bright pink as he activated its magic once more. The howl of the magical wind knocked the enemy mage back, however, it was the enemy who got the first shot. The thunderous ball of energy releaseed by the foe's Elthunder hit Robin square in the chest, however Robin shrugged off the burn as Chrom charged past, slashing at the mage. Robin was quick with a follow up, letting loose another blast of Celica's Gale, ending the mage. A thrown Short axe flew past Robin's head as another foe charged in, missing him narrowly. "Not done guys?' Robin asked sarcastically, as he prepared his magic, three more blasts and the arena had another unconsicous man face down to be picked up later.
"Now this is a fight." Chrom said, eyeing a few more foes. "And it seems Marth is on the move. Coming straight at us. Must have gotten tired of waiting."
"Looks like it. She's still a threat." Robin said, "So we must be mindful here. Time to put a little strategy to work... and our secret weapon."
"Secret weapon? Rescue?" Chrom asked looking over at Robin as they both moved back.
"Precisely." Robin said, as he drank a bit of an elixir before handing the bottle over to Chrom. "Frederick, Vaike, Lissa!" he called out, looking over the others, who had just finished a fight of their own.
"Yes, Robin?" Frederick asked as he turned back towards Robin.
"Plan." Robin said, motioning. "Hit the enemy mage, Lissa, get him out of there afterward." Robin said, with the others nodding. "We have to take out the last couple foes, separate those armored knights away from L- Marth, and then defeat her."
Chrom nodded looking back as Marth and two armored foes walked slowly across the arena. He flashed a quick smile at Robin ready for the fight. Frederick brought down his sword, slashing at the mage, as one of the knights raised his lance. They were getting boxed in at this range. Chrom knew Robin had a plan, and he had to just go with it. "Chrom, take down the Mage!" Robin shouted, catching Chrom off guard.
"The mage?" Chrom asked, "Why not Sully? I think I'd be better with-"
"We've got bigger issues than worrying about who defeats what." Robin answered "And I need Sully for a moment."
"Very well." Chrom said, charging at the mage, who was focused on Frederick, but was too late to respond thanks to Lissa's staff. A fist to the face and a boot in the gut, followed by a crack of the flat of his sword against the man's skull and the mage was added to the those on the floor. He'd be missing a tooth and bloodied and pained, but like the rest, alive.
"Next part, it's my turn. Sully get me close to the knight!" Robin said.
The gruff cavalier answered as she lifted Robin onto her horse, "Hang on tight squirt." They turned and rode straight at the enemy, coming dangerously close to the reach of Lucina's blade, but were far enough away that Robin could easily create some breathing room should she advance.
A sharp neigh from the horse was let off as Robin leaped into the air and chanted a different spell, "Meteoron Percutite!" Flames lit up on the tips of his fingertips and launched off slamming into the knight with an explosion. Sully charged in and stabbed the knight as he burned. Another blast of magic rolled off his hands, and the knight yielded.
"Chrom!" Robin shouted, "Two left. Knight and Marth." The tactician pointed at the armored man, who walked steadily towards them and the lithe figure behind him.
"I see where this is going" Chrom said, "We take out the knight then it's all of us and him."
"Precisely," Robin tilted his head, putting away the fire tome he had just used and drawing out his trusty Thunder tome. "We're going to strike hard and strike sure. Lissa, you've got our back. Ready, Chrom?"
Chrom nodded, "Have been."
"Let's go." Robin said, as they ran, Chrom taking point and stabbing at the knight with Falchion, striking between plates. The first blow hit home and Robin swiftly followed up with a blast of thunder. The knight raised his lance and dove at chrom in an attempt to crush him in a charging tackle that made use of the knight's armor. "Luna..." Robin thought as they turned avoiding the Knight's attack.
"I WILL NOT FAIL!" Chrom roared as he leaped out of the way, and smashed with the side of Falchion's indestructible blade into an weak spot in the Knight's armor.
"Checkmate." Robin said, following Chrom's motions and unleashing a blast of thunder once more. The knight collapsed as the blow struck, his lance rolling from his hands.
"Thanks, friend." Chrom said, picking himself up and facing Robin. "So it's just us... and Marth."
Robin stared at their last opponent. It felt like ice was flowing through his veins as he tensed. "She's dangerous. Don't fight her up close. We'll pepper her with ranged attacks, and opportune strikes."
"That sounds a bit unfair." Chrom said, joining Robin in their face off.
"If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck." Robin responded, "I don't intend on finding many 'fair fights', Chrom."
"Point taken. Here he comes, Robin." Chrom said, steeling himself.
"We're going on the offense." Robin said, "We're not letting her get too close." He swallowed audibly as his heart raced. This was truly a dangerous situation, if what he saw of her was true. Counter and Luna was incredibly deadly in close, and she could quickly become the death of them, even if that wasn't her intent.
"Tell me! Who was your father?" Chrom said, filled with a confidence in the fight that Robin simply didn't share. "You certainly fight like the Hero king."
"I'm afraid I've said too much today." Lucina answered, readying her sword.
"Hmph. Is that how it is?" Chrom responded, "Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you."
"Never expected such youthful arrogance. We shall see who shames who." Lucina responded. "Very well, let us fight with honor and may the best soldier win."
"Chrom!" Robin shouted as Lucina charged. "Keep back!"
"Right..!" Chrom said, moving out of the way.
"Tonitura!" Robin yelled, casting Thunder to try to knock Lucina off balance, but the blast missed, and left Robin open. The distance though was in his favor, but she was fast. Frighteningly fast, and closing the distance in the blink of an eye. Her speed was a threat, she was clearly faster than Chrom, and while he was no slouch, he was not particularly fast. They needed to keep out of the reach of her blade.
"Next opportunity..." Chrom said, hoping Robin could make the next strike. However, it was too late, and she was upon them. She swung her Falchion at Chrom, who managed to deflect the blow away from his body, She spun as she saw Robin open his Thunder tome.
"Ton—GAH!" Robin started the cast, but Lucina planted her boot directly into his face, falling backwards and striking his head on the cold stone floor. However, what she didn't expect was a surprise cast from a downed position. "METEORON PERCUTITE!" Robin shouted with a cough. The ball of fire appeared to the side, and flew down, striking Lucina directly. Flames caught to her tunic and she let out a surprised yelp of pain and Robin felt his heart sink as he heard her pained voice. He had turned the tide with the move, but his goal certainly wasn't to harm her, and yet, he set her on fire.
She turned, to bring Falchion to bear against Robin and even though she wore a mask, he could feel a deathly intent coming from her. Both were thinking the same thing, This fight needed to end, and now, and though she burned, she wasn't going to yield. "Hope will never die." Lucina said flatly, bringing Falchion back and charging forward. This was it, the moments that would decide the fight.
Robin's response was to draw his own sword, and try to parry the blow that he knew full well couldn't be. But it was Chrom who intervened, intercepting the swipe, shoving both aside with a shoulder tackle that sent Lucina reeling. She wound up smothering the flames as she rolled across the floor, but the end of the fight was upon her.
Robin charged, clipping her midsection with his blade. She countered with a magically-charged punch to the gut that floored him once more, however, Chrom was atop her far quicker than she could've anticipated. The pommel of his Falchion hit her square in the chest, just below her neck and she was thrown to the floor.
"I... am bested..." She said, breathing heavily as her Falchion fell to the ground just out of her reach. "Impressive... if not surprising."
"Hey," Robin said, looking over Lucina, as she lay face up towards the sky. "I hope I didn't hurt you."
Author's Note: I got slightly thrown off by Robcina Week. And headaches, holy shit. Note, if you're a caffeine addict like me, don't quit cold turkey. Especially if you're also military and have to be up at dirt early on a regular basis. Bad idea. Changed up the Celica's Gale chant. Other new spell is Micaiah's Pyre. Not too much L+ action here, it's C4, which uh, is largely really easy as long as Lucina doesn't spawn with Aegis+ and either Counter or Luna+. I have some plans for the aftermath of this chapter so, there's going to be a relatively short Chapter C4c, but I wanted to get this one out of the way. Also, sure, Lucina's battle theme is "Rival", but totally listen to "Apocalypse of Destiny" by Ayami during her fight here.
