*Authors Note*

Hello everyone! Yes, I know it's been a while, but I had my finals so time has been nonexistent for me to write this. However! I did make this chapter nice and long and in one part so no having to wait! I really hope you enjoy this chapter, I don't really do anything too different here compared to the game other than just expand on some details, and I feel that I wrote something half-worth reading! So as always, I hope you enjoy reading, leave me some feedback and let me know how I'm doing and be sure to follow and favorite so you'll know first when I update! Whereever you are in the world, have a great day! And without further ado, here is the next installment in The Awakening!

Chapter 4: Two Falchions

Castle Ferox

Captain Raimi had made sure that she did everything possible to earn the trust from the Ylissean party after she had been bested in the duel with Chrom. She had not only personally escorted them through the Longfort into Regna Ferox through the rough country, she had also assigned her personal bodyguard to act as additional soldiers during the journey.

Robin had asked her if all the security was necessary and he earned a sharp look and a reply that said, "Ferox is an honorable country. But a tough one none the same. As I was explaining earlier, brigands have been making a nuisance and many have lost their lives travelling the roads and falling prey to them."

Pointing to some rugged homes and farms, she added, "Not every family here has the luxury to live near a garrison. While technically they are safe since they are within the walls of the country, the Plegians have been seriously taking a toll."

After their duel, Chrom had explained to Raimi that the same thing was happening in Ylisse. That they were experiencing increased aggravated attacks from Plegia and how many settlements that lay far from the protection of the capitol had been on the rough end of these attacks.

"We need to resolve this. To crush the Plegians too, if we must." Raimi commented.

Chrom however, had a more measured response. "Let's see if there isn't another way for us to deal with this first, Ylisse isn't ready for a war with Plegia. The last time that happened, my fath-" He paused, shook his head and corrected himself, "Ylisse's previous exalt sent the entire country in a downward spiral and put us in a place that I would do anything to not be in again."

Raimi had heard the obvious revision of his words, but was perceptive enough to know not to inquire about it and she simply said, "I'm sorry, Prince Chrom. I'm sure it was a painful time for you and your people."

Robin on the other hand, had to keep himself from asking himself. There was still so much he didn't know about his friend and was wondering why it seemed to be Emmeryn who was the parental figure to both Lissa and Chrom. And while the tactician had figured that the Prince's mother and father must have gone on, it seemed unusual that he never mentioned them. Especially his father.

They travelled for about a day before they finally got to the gates of Castle Ferox. Like the Longfort, this was not a pretty building. However, what it lacked in aesthetics, it more than made up for in functionality.

Robin whistled in admiration, "This sure seems to look like a tough nut to crack."

Raimi turned to him and smiled. "Half of the time, they don't even get through the Longfort, Castle Ferox hasn't been taken for centuries."

Chrom had asked for the rest of the party to be looked after and requested that Robin, Frederick, and Lissa be allowed to accompany him.

Raimi had of course agreed and made sure that her bodyguard were to attend to the needs of the Ylisseans and to treat them as honored guests while they would seek an audience with the Khan.

Finally arriving to the massive throne room, Raimi turned around and said, "Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the Khan."

Chrom nodded and replied, "Of course."

Raimi bowed very slightly and began to walk off.

The remaining three turned to face each other.

"The Khan is away?" Robin asked.

The Prince sighed. "Out training, I'd wager. The Khans of Ferox prefer battle to politics." Pausing, he amended his statement, "Rather, battle IS their politics."

"A warrior ruler, eh?" Robin said thoughtfully. "I can picture him now… A giant of a man of unparalleled thew, his broad chest covered in hair, and—"

The white haired man had been unable to complete his last thought because the voice of a woman (a very strong voice mind you) said loudly, "Am I now?... Please, do go on!"

Robin turned to face the source of the voice, as did everyone else and was shocked at what he saw.

A woman with dark, tanned skin who stood just shy of Chrom's height. She was wearing full armor with a longsword and distinctive patterned red shield to her back and had her sand colored hair pulled up. Her expression as well was one of amusement though they could see the evidence of battles and combats there as well.

It was Chrom who spoke first. "You're the—?! Er, that is to say…" He composed himself, cleared his throat and asked, "The khan, I presume?"

"One of them, yes—the East-Khan." The woman replied. "My name is Flavia. I do apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom." She spread her arms out and said, "You are welcome in Regna Ferox."

"Thank you, but I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us." Chrom replied. "Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?"

"Yes. Those Plegian dogs!" Flavia said angrily. "We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains. Plegia must see some benefit in attempting to raise tensions between your kingdom and ours."

Chrom growled. "Damn them!" Then he realized that he was in the presence of Regna Ferox's monarch and apologized hastily, "I… Forgive me, Your Grace. That was… indelicately put."

Flavia however roared with laughter and added her own curses to the mix. "Ha! Damn them and damn delicacy! Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech."

"In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards…" Chrom said.

At this point, Robin put an arm on the prince and said fairly, "Maybe turn it back a bit with the 'damn's', Chrom?"

Again however, the East-Khan simply laughed at loud again and slapped Chrom's other arm. "Ha ha! Now that's Feroxi diplomacy! Yes, I like you already."

Robin stepped back, head spinning and mouthed an aside to Frederick, "Uhh, are the Feroxis usually like this?"

"If rumor is to be believed," the knight responded cheerfully, "Yes. Once you prove your mettle, then they speak to you as if you are one of their own."

But as Flavia stopped her laughing, they turned their ear back to the conversation.

"I know why you have come, Prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse."

"What?! Why not?!" Lissa asked.

"I lack the authority." Flavia said simply.

"Forgive me," Chrom asked, "but I don't understand. Aren't you the Khan?"

"As I said, I am ONE of the Khans." Flavia answered. "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." With a glint in her eye, she said, "The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see, and so…"

"So we are to receive no aid at all?" Chrom asked.

The East-Khan wagged a finger disapprovingly and said, "Not if you always give up so easily! The next tournament is nigh, you see, and I am in need of a champion."

"What does that have to do with us?" The prince replied cautiously.

"The captain of my border guard informs me that you are quite capable." Flavia said respectfully. "Perhaps you would consider representing the East in the upcoming tournament?" She smirked suddenly and said, "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." Robin asked this time. He had been following the conversation strictly and wanted to know as much about Ylisse's northern neighbor as much as possible.

"On the contrary, tactician!" Flavia answered. "The Khans themselves do not fight—they choose champions to represent them. Otherwise our land would be rife with blood feuds and dead Khans! We don't include comrades of kin for the same reason as well." Pointing to Robin and them Chrom, she added, "Over time, it was decided the tournament should be fought by outsiders." She smiled and said, "We've gotten many who represent us in these tournaments, but I think this is the first time that we might have someone who's foreign royalty fight in the tournament!" She became serious again and said, "Though of course, that is your choice to make."

"There is no choice, East-Khan. My people are desperate." Chrom said. "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 I will up my steel."

"Ha ha! Oh, I like you, Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament!" Flavia replied jovially. "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."

"Chrom grit his teeth. "He shall be defeated by Ylisse's necessity."

"Well spoken again— I look forward to seeing if you're as equally skilled with a blade!" Flavia said.

. . .

They had gone to see the arena, and after touring Chrom's future battlegrounds, the East-Khan of Regna Ferox had set the Ylissean party up in a suite of rooms in the castle. Chrom had gone to the training room graciously provided by Flavia to sharpen up his skills before the duel that would commence the next day and Chrom and Frederick decided to accompany him.

The two watched in silence as the lord was hacking furiously at the wooden practice dummies set up in front of him. There was definitely much at stake on the outcome of the coming duel and both the knight and tactician knew how heavily this must be weighing in on Chrom's mind.

"It's incredible," Robin said admiringly, "the dedication that he has."

"I wouldn't expect anything else from milord." Frederick replied simply. But the stoic tone didn't last long and a small smile broke through, "I'm happy to say that he is a lord that I do not mind serving and would give my life for him in an instant should he ask."

"I respect your dedication for Chrom, Sir Frederick-" Robin began but he was cut off by a raised hand from the other man.

"Just Frederick will do, Robin." The burly knight said curtly. Then he said in tone, "Likewise, I also respect your own drive and dedication to the Shepherds."

"Please." Robin said flatly. "If Chrom hadn't picked me up, who knows where I would be. Maybe even dead on the side of the road for all I know."

Frederick however, shook his head. "No, you had every opportunity to run as soon as we left to deal with the Plegian attack on Southtown. You coming after us to help us, and undoubtedly save us, in that battle, was your own will alone. Do not try to undersell your spirit, Robin."

The white haired man was stunned. He honestly had no words to reply with and so, just settled on a companionable silence while they continued to watch Chrom train.

"I noticed that for being relatively young, Chrom has some considerable skill at arms." Robin commented.

"Aye, that milord does. I was his personal training partner and instructor for many a year before milord became captain of the Shepherds." Frederick said, looking down at Robin, wondering where this conversation was going.

"I have my magic, and I can put up some showing with a blade, but I think I could use work with the latter." Robin said as he looked to the iron sword that he wore at his waist. He looked up at Frederick and said, "You taught one of the best swordsmen in Ylisse, think you can do the same for me and have me be his rival?"

This last part was said jokingly, but Frederick flared up and said, "If your only intention to want to better yourself is so you can—" Then stopped after he realized that the tactician had been jesting. He cleared his throat rather abruptly and put his hands behind his back in his usual trademark, serious pose before saying, "I suppose I could show you a thing or two. Wouldn't hurt for our tactician to add a new skill to his already sizeable repertoire."

They wandered over to a different part of the training room so that they wouldn't bother Chrom and the two picked up wooden drill swords. Robin shook off his long coat and placed his scabbarded sword on the ground with it. he assumed his ready stance, but Frederick simply stood straight. His sword tip was hanging down and he was only looking at him out of the corner of his eye.

"Are you ready?" The tactician asked hesitantly.

"I most certainly am." The reply came back.

"Hmm… Ok…" Robin called. In his mind, he knew that the results of these first few duels would be instantly decided before he'd be able to do anything. Frederick was a senior knight of Ylisse and had much more experience under his belt. But, and Robin grit his teeth as he thought this, who better to learn, than to learn from the man who had taught Chrom.

Raising the sword high, he dashed at Frederick and started aiming a stroke at his chest, before suddenly realizing that he was on the ground face first. Robin had let his guard up too high so the other man had simply swiped him in the upper torso (which with the wooden sword had knocked the air out of his lungs), then he had turned the sword around in his grip in one smooth motion and pulled Robin's feet from underneath him utilizing the crossguard and the imbalance from previously.

Frederick simply stood like a tower, sword aimed down before saying curtly, "Get up."

Robin did so.

"Your guard is much too high, your feet are in the wrong place, and you're making it too easy for me to read you!" Frederick shouted. He went over to correct the offending issues, slapping the areas of the body that needed alteration gently with the flat of his wooden blade.

The two sparred again, and Robin did slightly better this time, actually managing to clash blades a few times before once again, getting knocked down to the floor. Each time, the white haired tactician would just keep getting back up as Frederick would find something new to correct, or something from before made better and they continued this cycle for a time.

Finally, Robin slipped into combat, he sidestepped a downward stroke from Frederick and brought his own sword up to the knight's unguarded side, but with reflexes as fast as lightning, he felt a clash and resistance as the weapon had been brought back up almost immediately. However, Robin let the impact rebound his arm back and he had another follow up on the way almost immediately after the block that Frederick had to adjust for.

The other man thrust out, stamping his foot down to put more momentum behind the strike and Robin, unprepared for it, desperately tried to parry it. Instead, he very clumsily put his sword up to try to intercept it and the blade skimmed off the side instead of giving the off balance impact that the latter had been hoping for.

After a few more practice duels, Frederick decided to ramp up his instructor mode once again, even though Robin had improved considerably and (much to his surprise) rapidly after only a few pointers and application in what was as real to a duel as they could get.

"Your grip, stance, and breathing are wrong." Frederick said as his sparring partner got up on his feet once again. "Focus, Robin…. Again!"

Robin stared determinedly at his instructor and said, "Ready!"

Frederick however, held up a hand and shook his head. "That's enough for today." He said. "Your form has improved considerably compared to how we started. The pace of your progress is remarkable."

"Th-thanks." Robin said as he relaxed his body, but as he did this, the days training began to take its toll. "I feel like… I've got the basics down now." He collapsed to the floor. "But… S-so tired… I think I'm dying…"

"Ha! You're exaggerating! Or at least I pray so." said Frederick gravely. "Otherwise you might as well die here— you won't last long on the battlefield."

"I suppose…" said Robin through his ragged breathing. "But I'm exhausted nonetheless, but you… You've hardly broken a sweat?"

"I should certainly hope not." Frederick replied. "If a little training winded me, I would be in no shape to serve Chrom."

"Well, I'm impressed." said Robin, "You must train hard to build such endurance."

"On the road, I awaken before dawn each day to build the campfires…" Frederick began thoughtfully as he tried to recollect, "Then, whenever we march, I scout the trail ahead, removing rocks and such…"

He saw Robin's incredulous expression and shrugged. "Wouldn't do to have someone turn an ankle mid-campaign, now would it?"

"So that's why…" Robin muttered to himself. "I always thought it was just a fixation with pebble collecting…"

"Beg pardon," Frederick said in a suddenly very taciturn tone, "did you say something?"

Robin gulped, "Er, nothing important!" His expression grew serious however as he added with gratitude, "But I owe you for this training session, so let me help you with the camp duties when we're back on the road again." He smiled and said, "It'll be a snap with my magic. Find a tree, hit it with a lightning bolt, and presto!"

"... Instant forest fire." Frederick said dryly, completing the tactician's sentence.

Robin, taken aback slightly by the witty reply, exclaimed, "Oh! Well, yes, I do suppose that is one possibility…" He cleared his throat and said, "In any case, I do still owe you a favor. Whatever you like— name it and it's yours. You needn't decide today, of course. Think it over for the next time we meet."

"I am unaccustomed to asking favors, but if you insist, I shall find something." said Frederick with a smile.

The next day was the big tournament at Feroxi. The Ylissean party sat easy through most of the day, watching the Feroxi and other nation's warriors doing things from jousting, to wrestling, to other athletic events such as archery, javelin throwing and more. Chrom meanwhile had his own corner set aside from the arena where he was physically and mentally preparing for when he'd have to come out and fight in the final event of the day.

Robin, Lissa, and Frederick were with him as well and even though the blue haired prince had asked to be alone, the trio insisted on their presence, citing them to be necessary for "moral support".

As the day went on however, they could see that Chrom was clearly feeling the weight of what he had to do on his shoulders. The alliance with Regna Ferox would be crucial for Ylisse's fight against the Risen and to help deter Plegian attacks in the future and he knew that there were many people's lives in the balance on the outcome of this duel.

Robin however, put a firm hand on his friend's shoulder and said, "Chrom, you're going to win, so stop being all nervous about it!"

The latter returned a weak smile and replied, "I wish I could feel as confident as you're trying to inspire in me."

Lissa, with her usual cheery smile, said, "Awww c'mon, big brother! What does some random fighter chosen by the West-Khan have against you, the crown Prince of Ylisse?"

"For once, I'm inclined to agree with milady." Frederick said in his usual serious tone. "You are a fine swordsman, milord and there are few who could best you."
"Exactly! So get out there and— FREDERICK! What do you mean "for once" you're inclined to agree with me?" Lissa said poutily.

"I was simply referring to—" Frederick began to say before being cut off.

Robin was about to enter this exchange himself but even through the sounds of the princess and senior knight arguing, he could see Chrom laughing at their antics and after smiling himself, decided that letting this nonsense argument run its course, might be the best sound strategy.

. . .

"People of Regna Ferox!" The announcer shouted in a booming tone to the spectators in the arena, "You have had the privilege of watching some of the greatest warriors in the world show their abilities in our tournament festival!"

Chrom heard all of this behind his closed part of the arena, waiting for his queue and when the doors would slam open, revealing his opponent. Gritting his teeth, he said to himself, "I have to win… For my friends, and everyone in Ylisse…"

"But now!" The announcer continued to say, "You all are still here for the main event, the duel that will determine who will rule Regna Ferox for the next five years!" There was a pause and the prince could tell that the speaker was obviously pointing to someone in the crowd. "Last time, it was Khan Basilio who took the coveted position of Ferox's ruler thanks to his champion, the silent swordsman from the east, Lon-qu!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, but it died away rather quickly as the orator presumably held up a hand for silence. "But he will not be representing Khan Basilio this time! But before I introduce him, give a Feroxi greeting for Khan Flavia's champion! This one is a real winner ladies and gentlemen! Hailing from Ylisse, please welcome, Prince Chrom!"

Almost as if it had been rehearsed, which in hindsight Chrom thought, it probably was, the massive doors swung open and torch light flooded in. Momentarily dazed by the sudden light after standing in darkness for some time, he straightened up and walked out the doors onto the arena itself.

The crowd was definitely giving a "Feroxi greeting" as they were bellowing their howls of assent to no end. Most of these people didn't even know who he was, but they knew that the event they were here to witness, would be one for the ages.

"Now, to introduce Khan Basilio's champion!" The announcer called. "Hailing from parts unknown, this warrior takes on the name of a legendary hero of old! And I have to say, he certainly fights like one! Even besting Lon'qu himself, please welcome, Marth!"

Chrom, who had been idly waiting to see who he was about to fight, jolted upright where he stood as he heard the name. "Marth?" He said to himself. Flashes flew past in his head of seeing the swordsman falling from the sky, slicing the Risen in half and then disappearing almost as fast as he had appeared. "Could it be?..."

And indeed it was. In the stands, the Ylissean party all watched, mouths agape.

"Marth?!" Lissa said in surprise. "The same one who came to our aid in the forest?"

"Ha! I knew we'd see him again!" Virion said in his lofty tone, "The way in which he wields the blade, so artistic, almost as beautiful as you, Sully m'dear!"

"Shut up, Ruffles!" The red haired cavalier shouted back and quickly sent a kick towards the complementor.

As Virion winced from the impact and tried making some other comment about "a rose's sting is a small price to pay for it's beauty", the other cavalier Stahl turned to Robin with a curious look on his face.

"I remember hearing about this "Marth" from you all, I wasn't there to see it happen so I can't say for myself, but…" And he paused before continuing. "Is it possible that this is the same Marth from legends? The real Hero-King?"

Robin so far, other than Stahl (and Kellam, who of course, went unnoticed by everyone), had been the only one in the group who hadn't made a loud exclamation upon hearing the name. He put a hand thoughtfully to his chin as he pondered Stahl's question.

"You know… It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility."

Clearly surprised by this answer from the logical tactician, Stahl asked, "Oh? Why do you say that?"

"Hmm…" Robin muttered. "When 'Marth' appeared, he came out of a portal in the sky right after the Risen started coming after us. If there was ever a fashion in which a legendary hero of old was to reappear, I wouldn't imagine it occurring any other way."
"So you think that is really Marth then?" Stahl asked.

Again, Robin pondered. "It's not impossible. But there are things that puzzle me. In the tomes and scrolls I've read regarding the Hero-King, Marth, I've not read a single thing in the texts that have described an enemy like the Risen. And when this 'Marth' appeared, he already seemed to have a pretty good idea on how to dispatch them."

"Who is he then?" Stahl asked as he felt the serious vibe coming from his white haired friend next to him.

"... I'm not sure. Until he takes off that mask, I won't be able to make an accurate statement, it's not impossible that that's really him, but more than likely, he's someone using the name for weight and influence. Obviously, he has the swordsmanship to back it up, but why would he need to use the Hero-King's name? And for what purpose does he have in mind? Unless it's something unrelated to the Risen… but no… It can't be, the timing's too perfect. They have to be linked together I'm sure of it…"

Stahl was about to ask another question, then stopped himself as he saw Robin who was clearly trying to piece this puzzle together.

The tactician however, broke the silence by saying grimly, "Hopefully Chrom can win. I've seen Marth fight and as I said." He turned to face the viridian knight. "He has the skill to back up the name."

. . .

On the arena floor, the two combatants stood facing each other in silence. Chrom had a look of stunned disbelief on his face while Marth (even having the mask covering the top half of his face) remained stoic.

"Marth!" Chrom called. "One question, before we begin?"

The other swordsman did not acknowledge this statement.

"... Fine, then." Chrom said annoyed. "Our swords can speak for us!" And as he said this, the prince of Ylisse drew Falchion and spun it gracefully before bringing the blade forward into his ready stance.

Across the arena, Marth did the same… Exactly the same, and he was even holding… Falchion? It looked exactly like his own. But it couldn't be, only one Falchion had ever been forged throughout history, but here it was. The only other explanation was that it was a replica, but many had tried and failed to reproduce the legendary sword, and no attempt had been successful.

Chrom gasped upon seeing it and asked, "Where did you get that?"

Marth said nothing.

"There's no way…" The prince said quietly. Then he clenched his fist around the hilt of his sword and ran forward. He leaped into the air with tremendous force and the crowd began to belt their approval in the forms of raucous shouting. While he was in the air, he began to spin back down with terrifying speed aimed directly at his opponent.

Marth's sword flew up perfectly to meet his at the point of impact. He slid the blade forward which pushed Chrom back and the two exchanged blows, both letting out noises of exertion as they took swings at each other, each attempting to gauge the other's skill. However, as they were doing this, he continued to take the advantage on the prince and kept moving forward.

After a particularly skillful strike, Marth sent the other Falchion veering off into a different direction and he spun around gracefully, using the momentum from the movement and transferring that into his own slash.

Chrom however, saw the telegraphed movement for what it was and instead of attempting to block it, he tilted to one side to let the ringing steel pass harmlessly. However, Marth's sword was back up in an instant and Chrom really did have to bring his own skyward as well to block the almost immediate follow up.

Their blades clashed again several more times and Chrom asked, panting with the adrenaline in his veins, "Tell me, who taught you to fight like that?"

As he finished his question, the two were engaged in a lock and they struggled for a moment or two, before bouncing off each other's strength and jumping back.

The two duelists, in almost exactly the same motions, spun their swords around gracefully before entering a stance where they had their non fighting hand underneath their sword hand in a support gesture. This then culminated in them jumping forward like a pair of striking snakes at the same time, their weapons creating sparks as they flew past each other, their swords still emitting a loud ringing sound.

This time, as Chrom quickly turned to face the other direction, it was Marth that had leapt high into the air this time. And just as he had done earlier, began coming back down, sword point first, aimed directly at the prince.

Marth shouted, "My father!" In response to Chrom's earlier question and the latter barely dodged out of the way before the sword hit the ground. The former however, simply turned around with a "Hmph" and aimed his sword at Chrom's throat.

Chrom on the other hand, raised his own back up in the ready position. Again like before, Marth took the initiative and started charging him. A lightning fast thrust started coming his way but Chrom slid to the side and let the sword deflect off his own, the sounds of screeching steel echoing throughout the arena, once again to the crowd's delight.

The prince shoved his arm out, but Marth was akin to that trick and quickly withdrew his weapon before it could be put off balance. His sword came up once again and blocked the flurry of strikes that Chrom had started to unleash.

Slash went into slash which went into thrust which went into an overhead which then went into another thrust and then another slash. They came from all directions and any other warrior would have been overwhelmed by the first few, but Marth stood steadfast and blocked or parried them all.

Their swords flew back and engaged in a second lock. This time, Chrom asked, "Who is your father?" As he fought to overcome the other warrior.

"I've said enough for one day, sir." Marth replied simply.

"Hmph. Is that how it is?" Chrom asked, the anger starting to flare. Then, he remembered how this man, infuriatingly mysterious as he chose to be right now, did save their lives. "Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude."

Marth's eyebrows above the mask curled upward in what was definitely surprise by the sudden remark.

Chrom however, grew firm once again. "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."

"Ha!" Marth laughed derisively, "Never expected such youthful arrogance. We shall see who shames who!" And he slid his blade out of the lock and knocked Chrom across the nape with the pommel of his sword.

Chrom saw a flash of light immediately after the impact and vaguely heard the crowd on the East-Khan's side groan audibly. He quickly rolled over to intercept the descending blade and caught it just in time. Gritting his teeth, he put his other hand on the flat of Falchion's blade to give some extra counter force to the one Marth was bearing down on him.

"I… I can't die here… Not…. not yet!" Chrom shouted as he fought to keep his only line of defense from sinking any lower, but it was no good, Marth was too strong and was unrelenting. Then, the prince saw it, an opening he could take. His opponent was right above him, bearing down with his sword, completely ignoring the lower half of his body.

And that would be his undoing.

With a roar purely charged by adrenaline, Chrom bent his legs forward underneath Marth's legs and positioned them so that they'd be aimed at his chest.

At the last second, Marth realized what he was about to do, but it was too late. Chrom kicked hard and sent his aggressor toppling over him and knocking the other man squarely onto his back.

The blue haired prince quickly got up to his feet and put a boot on Marth's Falchion before aiming his own down directly onto the latter's heart.

To his slight shock however, he saw Marth's mouth twist into a small grin as he said, "Impressive if not surprising." He relinquished his hold on Falchion's hilt and said, "I am bested."

A short while later, after the announcer had loudly proclaimed the victor of the duel and after all the pomp and circumstance that now had Flavia as the dominant ruler of Regna Ferox, Chrom had tried to corner Marth to question him, but as before, he had simply vanished once he was no longer needed.

"Blast it!" The prince said angrily. "Everytime, he finds some way to vanish."

The arena was nearly empty now, save for the servants cleaning after the mess, but Flavia, and the rest of his friends were walking towards him, all with smiles and looks of relief on their faces.

"Well fought!" Flavia said in admiration and put a hand on Chrom's shoulder. "You have my respect!"

The others chimed in with similar comments as Robin winked at his friend and mouthed something along the lines of, "I told you so."

Smiling himself, Chrom shook his head at Robin, and realized that Marth was probably the strongest opponent he'd ever faced. He was brought back to reality and joy with Flavia's next statement.

"And, perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."

"Truly? Thank you, East-Khan." Chrom said, hardly believing his ears.

The ruler of Regna Ferox laughed heartily. "I should thank you! It feels like ages since I've held full power. Come, my new friends! Tonight, we celebrate!" The blonde warrior walked off, shouting something to the few servants who weren't busy "to prepare a feast with food and drink and music unlike anything ever seen in Regna Ferox before!"

As Flavia departed however, a hugely muscled dark skinned man with a patch over his left eye approached them. "Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it…"

"I'm sorry," Chrom said apologetically, "have we met?"

"I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power!" The other man responded with some heat. "You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."

"What do you know about him?" Chrom asked curiously. He wanted to know how Marth ended up approaching the Feroxis.

"You mean 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!" Basilio said. He started cackling however and continued, "It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things!"

"Is it weird that I want to be friends with this man only mere moments after meeting him?" Robin whispered to Frederick.

The knight smiled back. "Not at all, it's men like Basilio who appreciate the simple things in life that you know you'll be lifelong friends with."

Puzzled, Robin asks, "How do you know he appreciates the simple things?"

Tapping the side of his head as a sign of wisdom, Frederick said slyly, "Believe me when I say, Robin. Either way, making friends and allies with the other half of Regna Ferox's power structure is certainly not a bad idea either way."

"Anyway, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended." Basilio answered when Chrom had asked him where Marth had went.

Lissa sighed dreamily and said, "He's so dark and mysterious…"

"Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan…" Robin said in response to this.

"Well, I mean, c'mon… He IS sort of dreamy, isn't he?" Lissa asked maybe not so innocently.

"Hey," Chrom said sharply, "YOU'RE sort of dreaming.

Lissa mock flinched as she laughed and said, "Yowch! Lighten up, big brother. I was just kidding!"

Frederick, the voice of reason as ever, spoke up. "Milord? Milady? If this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home. The Exalt will want this news of our new alliance immediately.

"Right as always Frederick." Chrom said. "After the celebrations with the East-Khan, we'll head back to Ylisse first thing in the morning."

"Hold boy," Basilio said, holding a hand up to stop the Ylissean group from leaving. "Before you go, I have a little present for you."

As the West-Khan said this, another man almost as tall as he was walked up. He wore shining lacquered leather armor and a navy colored tail coat where the ends came to just above the middle of his shins. He also wore a red sash around his waist and wore a chest piece with a collar that went up around his neck except for the front.

"This is Lon'qu." Basilio said, introducing the man. "He is 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," And the Khan rubbed his head at this, "I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."

"Marth beat him? But he looks so big and strong…" Lissa said going back to that dreamlike tone. She attempted to get closer to him, but he flinched back.

"Away, woman!" Lon'qu said loudly.

"Hey! Wh-what did I say?!" Lissa exclaimed, more than a little shocked.

Basilio however, started laughing. "Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge! Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps he even has the makings of a Khan. Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause."

"You're certain about this?" Chrom asked hesitantly.

"Yes, yes. He's your man now." Basilio said without hesitation.

"And Lon'qu? You have no objections?" Chrom asked the stoic warrior.

"He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear." Lon'qu said simply.

"Alright then. Welcome aboard." said Chrom with a smile. "You're now a Shepherd."