As soon as Lissa healed me and Vaike's injuries, which only took a couple of minutes, we started our short walk to the center city of Ferox. During our walk, I was able to gain some valuable information from Raimi, the border guard captain, on Ferox.
Apparently, here in Ferox, magic isn't commonly used and is often tossed aside. The people much rather have a solid weapon in their hands instead of a book, according to Raimi. In addition, there isn't much of a ruling class here. Instead, the Khans are challenged to fights, and if the current Khan loses, the victor becomes the new ruling Khan of that specific region. Honestly, that sounds much cooler than a shitty ruling class being automatically chosen because of their name. Not that Chrom isn't cool. He's cool.
"What's in your head, CJ? You seem to be drifting off more than usual?" asked Virion, shaking me off my daze.
"The difference between Ferox and Ylisse is incredible, despite them being neighbors. Especially the ruling class."
"Do they not have a ruling class where you come from?"
"No, not really. The leader is chosen via the population. The country decides on who is the best person to lead, and whoever is chosen is placed in that position for 4 years," I explained. Virion was dutifully listening, clearly interested in the world a couple of centuries ahead.
"What about after those 4 years? Are they forced out of this ruling position?"
"They have the chance to get chosen again for another 4 years. That is, if the population is willing to have them once again. However, after 8 years pass by, the person can no longer get elected, allowing a new set of candidates to try and get in."
"Fascinating. I've never heard of a system like that."
"There are lots of issues with it though, and most often, the candidates don't end up fixing many of the issues, but since our country hasn't found a better system, it's all we got."
"Sounds a lot like Plegia. The fact that we haven't found a better system that is," Robin said, slowing down a bit to maintain pace with us.
"What happened? Don't want to suckle up to Chrom anymore?" I teased. Me and Virion laughed as her face became red.
"Shut it. I can't stand being up there with those two." She pointed at Cordelia and Sumia, both of which seemed to be having a fun conversation with Chrom, by the look of mirth on all their faces.
"My my. Seems our tactician is jealous of a couple of pegasus knights," Virion said, smirking at the glaring Robin.
"You know. If you really want to get close to Chrom, you gotta be more assertive. He's as blind as a molerat. Go up to him, and talk to him. Ask him out the next time you can."
"What's a molerat?" Virion asked me. I waved him off, indicating I'll explain it to him later.
"I know what I'm doing. I don't need your advice. Besides, I think it's rich your calling someone blind."
I looked at Robin confusingly before she indicated for me to look ahead of us. I caught a glimpse of Lissa looking behind her before she quickly turned her head and engaged in a conversation with Frederick.
"Oh. Interesting," Virion mused, looking to see my reaction.
"Lissa? I'm pretty sure she's looking at Vaike." I indicated the big burly guy behind me, who took of his shirt, claiming it was worthless with so many holes. In reality, I'm pretty sure he just didn't want it on.
"No, she isn't. She's looking at you. Trust me, I've been watching her for quite a bit now. Why don't you make a move?" teased Robin. I looked at her with horror.
"Are you insane? You realize how young she is?" I got back a blank stare from both Virion and Robin.
"Sounds like an excuse. Besides, you can't be that much older than her? Give or take 5 years or so?"
"5 years? Do I look 21 to you?"
"21? I thought you were 23."
"23? Wait, how old is Lissa?"
"She's 18."
I looked at Lissa and then right back at Robin. "She's 18?! I thought she was 16."
Virion laughed as Robin facepalmed.
"So now that you know that she's 18, are you going to talk to her?" she asked.
"Nah. I have my eyes on a different girl. No offense to Lissa that is, she's cute and all, but she feels like a sister rather than a potential love interest."
"Oh. Is that female one in our current group?" Virion gazed around and stopped on a certain redhead.
"Is our mage user interested in the beautiful Cordelia?" he whispered.
"Who isn't. She's out of my league though. She deserves someone like Chrom or Frederick. Not some lanky dude in a small group of soldiers."
"Quite hurtful to yourself, aren't you. There's always a chance, my friend."
I smiled at Virion's attempt to cheer me up. "Not being hurtful, but being realistic. I know there's no chance, so I don't work myself up."
"That might be your case, but…" Virion leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Some others might start having second thoughts on their own interests."
I looked at him confused before turning to see Robin with her head down. I realized that I might've lowered her confidence with getting with Chrom.
"Oh, Robin, please. You have nothing to worry about. You're just as beautiful as she is. Don't let her intimidate you. It wouldn't hurt to try, right?" I said, trying to perk up the Plegian mage.
It seemed to work, as Robin lifted her face once again and nodded confidently, striding up to where Chrom was talking with the pegasus knights and engaged in their conversation.
"Well, that worked," I said, bewildered at how quickly Robin changed her mood.
"Yes, it did. It seems your praising worked."
"There was truth behind those words, Virion. I do hope she gets what she wants."
"And why is that?"
"Because. I know how brutal unrequited love can be."
"Ahh. Don't we all."
"So is this the place?" I asked no one in particular.
"The one and only. This is arena Ferox!" Raimi proudly said.
The structure was big. Like, really big. It towered 5-6 stories with around 20 feet between each floor. It was very open, the only thing keeping people falling off the higher floors was a small banister. The building was shaped like a circle, similar to the colosseum in Rome. It was jam-packed right now, people flooding inside the building, the guards barely keeping control.
"What's going on right now? Why is everyone going inside?" I asked.
"Because the tournament to decide the leading Khan is happening right now. It's the biggest event of the year." Raimi explained. "Come on. I'll have you meet with the Khan right now!"
Raimi led us away from the crowd and to the side of the building, where a door guarded heavily stood unbothered. Raimi approached the door and said a couple words to the guards before waving us inside.
As we entered, I could hear the sounds of the people on the other side of the walls make their way inside. We turned a couple corners and then made our way up a couple staircases before arriving at a large room filled with animal head trophies. There weren't any guards here, but considering how many we saw coming up here, I doubt anyone was going to get this far.
"The Khan will be arriving any minute from morning training. I can take your soldiers to our barracks to rest and be giving food and drink. From what I understand, you haven't slept yet." Raimi said.
"That'd be great. I'm guessing I have to stay though?" Chrom asked.
"Yes. She would like to talk to you."
"Very well. Frederick and Cordelia can stay with me to meet her. They're my best soldiers."
"Actually, I much rather go with them to the barracks. I worry where they have placed my pegasus when we entered this structure. Apologies, milord" said Cordelia, lowering her head.
"Oh. That's alright. CJ, will stay." Chrom grabbed my shoulder before I could get away. I was fucking exhausted.
"Why do I have to stay. Have Robin stay. She's your tactician," I complained, trying to get away from Chrom's vice grip. Robin perked up at my suggestion.
"Great idea. Robin, you will also stay. Me, Frederick, CJ, and Robin will stay to meet the Khan." I groaned as Raimi led everyone else away down from where we came from. Our small group sat down on the chairs that the guards provided us, now just waiting for the Khan to arrive. If this follows the story correctly, I'm guessing Flavia is going to meet us.
"So why did you keep me here. What do I possibly provide," I asked Chrom. Chrom responded by getting up and motioning me to follow him. We went down the hallway slightly before he turned to face me.
"I need some advice," he whispered.
"With what? Can't Robin or Frederick provide it?"
"No. This is romantic advice. It'd be impossible to talk with them about it." I stood stunned for a solid 5 seconds before I came to realize what he actually said.
"What the hell. Why are you asking me out of everyone for advice?"
"Who else am I supposed to ask. Frederick is Frederick, Vaike doesn't know anything that isn't 'muscles' and Virion goes chasing girls all the time."
"What about Stahl? Or Kellam?"
"I've already asked Stahl, and his advice was terrible, and I can't find Kellam. The guy blends into the background too well."
That is true. I saw Kellam when coming to the arena once, and that's when he went up to me to hand me some water. I don't even remember what he looks like.
"Fine. Tell me."
"Ok. How do I get closer to someone that is hard to get close to."
"... What."
"Ok. I'm interested in someone that I don't interact much with, but I feel like there is a real connection when we do. How do I get closer to them"
"Ok… Have you tried going out on a date with them?"
Chrom looked at me for a couple second before his eyes widened.
"Why didn't I think of that. That's a good idea. I'll invite her out the next time I get."
"How in the fuck did you not thi-. You know what. I don't care. At least tell me who it is."
"Oh look." Chrom pointed to a person entering the room. "That's probably the Khan. Let's go meet them." Chrom hurried away and entered the room, avoiding my question completely. I entered after him and came face to face with Khan Flavia.
One could immediately tell that Flavia was a warrior, and she wasn't scared to show it. She had a toned physique, her armor allowing space between her shoulder and her lower arm to showcase the muscles beneath. She had blonde hair, tied in a ponytail, with two long strands near her ear going down her shoulders. She wore white and red armor, which didn't really match any other part of her appearance, but to be fair, it's probably because she's from Ferox. I doubt they care much about looks.
"Prince Chrom! What an honor to have you here! What brings you to Ferox," Flavia happily said, grabbing Chrom by the shoulder and slapping his back.
"Khan Flavia. Thank you for your kind introduction. I would love to come here one day to visit, but unfortunately, we come with dire news."
"You need troops to fight Plegia."
Chrom stood stunned before he nodded his head.
"How did you know?" he asked
"Plegia has been annoying us as well. Trying to impersonate you to get us to fight you. Thankfully, Raimi has been able to defeat them."
"Those sly dogs…" I heard Frederick whisper.
"Listen. I'd love to give you troops. Problem is, I'm not the head Khan currently, so I have no control over that."
"Head Khan? I thought there was only one," asked Robin.
"No. Three times a year, we hold a tournament, and the current Khans elect their champions to represent them in the tournament. Whoever wins the most rounds will reign supreme as head Khan. Last time I lost, but I was hoping this time I could reclaim it."
"Damn. We'll be going back to Ylisse empty-handed then."
"Not so fast prince. I have a preposition."
"Milord, I don't know if this is a great idea. Ylissean warriors fighting for Ferox?" Frederick worryingly said.
"It's the only way we can get troops to Ylisse, and the only way to beat Plegia in a full-out war. Besides, take this opportunity to train against those that you don't normally fight against. Feroxians fight vicious."
"In reality, its not a bad plan at all. We get some training in against seasoned warriors, we get our troops, and we'll be leaving by tomorrow morning. We're behind schedule, but not by much," Robin said.
"We're here, Prince," the guards said, bowing deeply and moving away.
After our talk with Flavia, the guards escorted us to the barracks where the rest of the Shepherds were staying. It wasn't much, probably smaller than the one in Ylisse, but it looked fine. We entered to find… no one.
"Where the hell is everyone?" wondered Chrom.
"Probably went to sleep. Which I will do as well." I dragged my feet through the hallway and entered the first open room. I collapsed onto the bed, not bothering to take off any clothes. I heard the door close behind me, looking up to find Robin inside.
"What do you want," I said, the tiny pillow probably muffling whatever I was saying.
"What did you and Chrom talk about back when we met with Flavia?" she asked.
"None of your business. Get out."
"It's all my business. Now tell me." I felt the room temperature go up a couple degrees. Honestly, it felt kinda good, considering how cold it was outside.
"You're not married to the guy, so in fact, it's not your business."
She didn't respond, but she was clearly still angry considering the temperature didn't drop. After a minute of this, I looked up to find her staring down at me, anger etched all over her face.
I plopped my face back down on my pillow, deciding it was better for her to just cool off. Eventually, the room went back to its normal temperature but I could feel her staring at me.
"Listen. Go ask Chrom out whenever both of you have free time. As early as possible. That is as much as I will tell you."
She didn't say anything, instead leaving a couple moments after I said that, the only indicator of her leaving being the sound of the door opening and closing. At least she was polite enough to close it.
I woke up to the sound of creaking wood and distant chatter. I got up and groggily left the room entering the common area. All the shepherds were up and about, Chrom and Frederick the only ones not here.
"Would you like some tea, CJ? I must say, the Feroxian tea packs quite a punch," Virion said, offering up a teacup. I took it and nodded my head, thanking the nobleman and sitting down next to him.
"Has Chrom told you about the tourney today?" I asked Virion.
"Yes. Though he has yet to tell us who is participating and when. For all we know he might arrive righ-"
"Alright, I got some news," Chrom said, entering the barracks and cutting of Virion. "You guys already know that the Khan is asking us to participate in the tournament, and in order to gain her favor and get some troops, I've agreed. Now. There are some set rules in place for the tourney. As for starters, royalty are not allowed to participate. Meaning I can't actually join. Second, this tourney is not to the death. The way you win is by making your opponent unconscious or forcing them to surrender. Lastly, the only thing allowed in the arena are your weapons. This means that no horses or pegasi can enter."
"How is that fair for us?" Stahl asked.
"In Ferox, they don't have cavalry. Their entire army is composed of foot soldiers. And this is a Feroxian tournament," Chrom responded.
"Anyway, only 6 people will be participating from our group, each person fighting a one on one with a person Khan Basilio chose. I was thinking we just choose our strongest people."
"I will not be participating. I'd get run down immediately, and I rather not go home with broken bones," Virion said.
"I also have no desire to participate, for the same reason Virion has," Miriel agreed.
"Ok… Who WANTS to participate. How about we start with that."
"Name two words that go better than Vaike and Winner!" Vaike flexed his muscles, grinning all the while.
"Vaike and stupid…" murmured Lissa, eliciting a laugh from the Shepherds.
"Is that a yes, Vaike?" asked Chrom.
"Of course. I'd love to see what these Feroxians have in store."
"Perfect. Sully, I'm guessing you want to go as well?"
"No horse, no problem. I'll teach these Feroxians the Ylissean way," responded Sully.
"I will also participate, my liege. I should have no problem making quick work of whoever I go up against," said Frederick.
"I already know that Frederick. You told me. Who else?"
"Me and Sumia will also participate. We have been trained as foot soldiers, in case any misfortune happens with our pegasi," said Cordelia.
"We shouldn't have any issues," agreed Sumia.
"Perfect. One last person."
"How about CJ?" Robin asked.
I looked up at everyone staring at me, still a bit groggy from my rude awakening.
"Well?" Chrom looked at me expectantly. "Will you? I'd love to see your magic in action, without worrying about my life for once."
"Why me though? Robin is a better mage."
"I can't. A Plegian wouldn't be accepted into it," Robin responded.
I glared at her, knowing for a fact that the Feroxians wouldn't even know.
"Sure, I'll do it. But don't expect much."
"Great! The 6 that are participating, follow me. The rest of you should leave in around 20 minutes to watch the battles. Leave your weapons. They provide them at the arena."
Chrom led us out of the barracks back to the arena, where two guards were waiting for us. Chrom told us to wait and went up to talk to the guards. After a couple minutes talking, the guards beckoned us to follow them.
"Follow them and they'll take you to where the fighters get prepped. Khan Flavia is currently losing by 5 points, so we need to win all the fights to have Flavia win. Good luck guys!"
With that Chrom left us and we followed the guards inside the arena. They took us down a flight of stairs and through a door, where we found ourselves in a giant training area. All types of weapons lay on the walls, with straw dummies right next to them. On the far wall opposite of where we stood were two grand doors.
"When it is your turn, those doors will open, and the announcer will call out your name," one of the guards explained. "Good luck."
With that the guards left and closed the door, locking it behind them. We all looked at each other in the dim light as we waited for our names to be called out.
It took around five minutes for Cordelia, who was the first person to go, to be called. It didn't take long for Vaike to then be called, and so on and so forth. The time varied, most likely due to how easy each fight was, but I had no idea if we were winning or not; I couldn't really hear anything from the inside. Every person kept going until I was the very last one. It was nerve-racking waiting for my name to be called, the sole person in a quiet room. Each second felt like an hour, but finally the doors opened and I heard my name called. I got up and entered the arena.
The open area of the arena was giant, as wide as a football field and just as long. The arena was filled to the brim with people, and looking at the audience, I couldn't find the Shepherds at all. To my sides were double doors, most likely where the victors/losers left after their match. I stepped up as they announced the fight.
"For Khan Flavia, the Shepherd CJ!" The crowd roared with cheers and boos alike.
"And for Khan Basilio, The Mysterious Swordsman, Marth!"
The crowd didn't seem nearly as deafening as realization sunk in; I had to go against Lucina. I could see her on the other side of the arena, approaching slowly and with a sword out. It wasn't Falchion, thank god, but I doubt it was any less deadly.
"Contestants! Please come together and shake hands before we begin. We aren't savages!"
Me and Lucina closed the distance, her expression hidden behind the butterfly mask. We shook hands, Lucina not saying a single word throughout, and slowly backing away, readying her sword. I could tell she was determined to win though; her hands were white from how hard she was squeezing the handle of her sword. I took more than a couple steps back, knowing better than to stay in easy lunge range.
"Contestants! Begin!"
In a flash, Lucina sprinted towards me, closing the distance in a second and going for my chest. I dodged to the left and shot a fireball at her, trying to see how quick she was. She dodged it with ease and went on the aggressive again. One could tell she wasn't used to the sword though; she kept missing me. It's possible she wasn't accustomed to the weight. Either way, I took every opportunity to send fire at her, but none would land.
I started to get tired, not so much from the magic but from moving so much. She was extremely quick and agile, and it took everything I had to not get skewered. Lucina suddenly stopped though and simply stood watching me. I couldn't tell what she was doing, but I made some distance between us. She changed her grip, instead of holding it with two hands she now held it on her right hand, and walked slowly at me.
I started preparing a fire spell, shaping it into a large discus. She took her time getting to me, something which I could no longer afford. I could feel the mana exhaustion catching up, and as soon as I couldn't dodge, I wouldn't be able to win. I lunged at her and launched the discus to her right. I caught her by surprise. As she dodged to her left, I punched her.
Yup. I punched her. And let me tell you, it hurt like a motherfucker. Her mask was sharp, and all I ended up getting was a bloody fist, but I got the intended reaction.
She lunged forward and started slashing more erratically that before, giving me enough time to use wind to make her stumble. As she started falling, I gathered wind into my palm and slammed it onto her back, forcing her to fall even harder. I heard a crack as she hit the ground. All the color in my face left. Because that was a LOUD crack. She lay there on the ground for a minute. Then two. Then three. I was horrified at the fact that I might've just killed Chrom's daughter. The crowd had gone silent.
I heard a bell ring and the announcer called my name.
"And the winner of this round is CJ! And with that, the new head Khan of Ferox is FLAVIA!"
The crowd started up again, cheering my name over and over. That wasn't what I was focused on however. I crouched down and poked at Lucina, trying to see if the girl was alive. I was about to flip her when her head came crashing up into mine, sending ME backwards. I looked at Lucina and realized that her MASK had cracked, not her head, to my relief. The girl was covering her face and hurried out of the arena, going towards the side doors that I saw earlier.
"CJ! If you could, please leave through the opposite door that your opposition just went through. Khan Flavia is there to congratulate you!"
I got up, still massaging my chin, and left the arena slowly, the exhaustion of the fight hindering me from moving at any reasonable pace.
"10 cheers for the Shepherds for helping us out today. Drinks are on me boys!" Flavia shouted, raising her mug to the sky. Everyone in the bar cheered and lifted their drinks, echoing their new head Khan's spirits.
After the arena fight, there was a large celebration where all the victors of the tournament, from both Khan Flavia and Basilio's side, were given an award for participating and winning their individual fights. Many people decided to get specially forged weapons or a ton of money. I couldn't think of anything I particularly wanted so Flavia decided for me; she would owe me one favor. It couldn't be anything crazy, but regardless I was pretty content.
Flavia invited all her contestants, including us, to a grand feast in the best, according to her, bar in all of Ferox. Chrom was hesitant to accept, but decided that we deserved a break.
"Not enjoying the festivities, Shepherd?"
A large man, biggest I've ever seen, sat down at my table on the edge of the bar. He was easily over 6'5 and heavily built, most likely due to the countless years of fighting in the winters of Ferox. Despite the looks, Basilio was quite easygoing, not bothered by his loss and accepting of the fact that he chose his warriors incorrectly. He seemed happy he didn't have to be in charge of the politics of Ferox anymore.
"Not that. Simply thoughts going around in my head," I responded. Basilio sighed.
"You're too young to not be enjoying the festivities. Tell me. What are you thinking about right now."
I fell silent and thought if it was a good idea to share anything with Basilio, but decided it was fine if I was careful in what I said.
"The contestant I faced today. He seemed interesting. He clearly wasn't used to wielding such a light sword."
"Ah yes. The lad who named himself after the hero of old. He came upon me just two days ago asking to be a part of my warriors to face Flavia in today's tournament. Of course, I was sceptical, but sure enough he beat my best man. He earned my respect, despite hiding his appearance behind a mask."
"I broke that mask as well. I felt bad."
"It's something that can be replaced. I doubt there's another reason for that mask other than hiding his identity. Plenty of masks sold in shops nearby."
"I imagine, Basilio. But she's gone through enough."
Basilio fell silent to my confusion. When I looked up, he was smiling widely before bursting into laughter, spilling his drink on the table in his hysteria.
"What? Did I say something strange?" I asked, genuinely confused at the change in the man's demeanor.
"I'd say so. You called Marth a she just now, didn't you." Basilio laughed even harder when he noticed my face losing its color. Thankfully, everyone was in a giddy mood, so he didn't stand out nearly as much.
"I apologize Basilio. Sometimes I just confu-"
"Bahh. Quit your yapping," interrupted Basilio. "I know the lass isn't a guy. Who do you think was the first one to see them without their mask. No guy is as pretty as that lass."
"Damn. I feel terrible about it as well. I know that girl. She's gone through enough. Now I just broke something important to her to add to all that crap."
"Listen. I don't know what that girl has gone through, nor do I know why she needs to hide her identity, but I think you should give yourself some slack. You did your job in that arena. She shouldn't blame you for it."
Basilio got up and started moving away before he stopped and turned to me.
"And if you want to make amends, she's currently in the Southend barracks, two buildings west from your own barracks. It's completely empty save for her, considering we never use them, so I suggest you knock before you enter." He winked at me before he went to sit at a different, less gloomy table.
I stayed at my spot and wondered if it would be a good idea to go and see her. I doubt she wanted to see me, regardless if I was going to apologize to her or not. Besides, I'd think it be fun to have a drink with friends. After a couple minutes of debating, I decided to just stay put and enjoy the night. Besides, I'd probably end up fucking it up somehow anyway.
"Let's go guys! I promised Emmeryn I'd be back by today. Don't forget your things!" Chrom called out, his voice echoing throughout the barracks as people got up and started leaving.
It was the day after the tournament and festivities, and everyone is severely out of it. Feroxian alcohol is much more potent than Ylissean, so most people were holding their head as they left the barracks. I didn't drink too much, mainly due to the taste of the wine, so I was one of the few that weren't staggering everywhere. I saw Robin pass my room, so at least we weren't leaving her behind. Flavia and Basilio were both outside to give a final farewell. They were kind enough to give us wagons to travel a bit faster.
"Bahahaha! Seems the mighty Shepherds can't keep their booze in line!" Basilio thundered, his voice forcing many people to cover their ears.
"Don't bother them, you oaf. Just because you're an alcoholic doesn't mean everyone else should as well," Flavia said. Basilio gave another hearty laugh, to the dismay of many shepherds.
"Thanks again for the carts Flavia," Chrom said. "Really appreciate it."
"Ahh. No worries, prince. You guys got me the crown. Least I could do."
"Alright everyone. Hop on. Those that don't need to will just ride along with us."
Chrom and Lissa hopped into their own private cart, Vaike and Miriel into their own and me, Robin, and Virion hopped into the last one. The rest of the shepherds got onto their steeds and started up when we started moving.
"Care for a game of chess, CJ?" Virion asked.
"You have a chess board?"
"Of course. When all of you were drinking yourself to death." He pointed at Robin, who was on her side sleeping. "I decided to go shopping. I found myself the most peculiar looking chess set. I liked it, so I decided to buy it as a souvenir for myself. Do you play?"
"Not really, but I know the game."
"Perfect. Then I don't have to explain anything to you."
Me and Virion sat down to play some chess, the chess board moving at every bump as we made our way back to Ylisse.