Hello everyone we're back with a new chapter! Who's ready to RUUUUUUUMBLE?
Severa: WWE, really?
7: Why do you ruin my fun? *sulks*
Severa: Because, someone has to be sensible here and Lucy can't get a joke to save her life!
Lucina: Hey, I can get jokes!
7: *stops sulking* Realllllly?
Lucina: Yeah! Hit me with your best shot!
7: Ok, what's the smallest thing about a big wig?
Lucina: I don't know…
7: Their ego!
Lucina: …
Severa: *chuckles* That's pretty bad 7.
Lucina: …
7: Well she's still contemplating it. Severa? Can you explain it to her while I do the introduction?
Severa: Sure. Ok, Lucy, the reason it's so small…
Now that they're doing that, I'd just like to thank all my reviewers for their support as well as all of my followers and those who've favorited the story! Now we move into the Coliseum where our group is making some preparations before going into the fight!
A Duo of Duels (And Aerial Klutzes)
The Shepherds were here. After two days of travel through the snow, they'd finally arrived.
"Man, the Khan's descriptions did not do this place justice."
Robin chuckled at Lissa. She was right; the verbal descriptions just couldn't match the great stone building before them.
From where they were, the building was five stories with great archways acting as windows. Banners and flags alike flew across its grand façade and the Shepherds could see people buzzing about every level.
Lissa's voice reached his ears again. "So, Robin, you said you wanted a better understanding of how the church worked, right?"
Robin shook his head. "Yes, I would. But, first, can you tell me why it's Naga that's worshipped? I've found a number of books that talk about so called 'High Gods'."
Lissa scratched at her chin. "Well, as a fan of fairytales and myth alike, I'll do my best. You may want to ask a more dedicated priest or cleric when we get back, they'll be able to give you better detail."
Robin shrugged. "We have another three hours until we arrive at that building. The fact we can see it from here should tell you we'll have a lot of time on our hands just getting around."
Lissa giggled. "All too true. Ok, here we go."
She took a deep breath and launched into her lesson.
"Ok, so the first being to enter the world was known as Ybris, the God of Order. He gave shape to the swirling mass of chaos he found and formed many things. The first of his creations were Light and Dark, governed by Horakhty and Armityle, his children. But, with their creation came duality, forming the being known as The Scales to balance them."
She took a breath.
"But, Horakhty and Armityle were competitive in the extreme, each racing to craft their own masterpieces to please their father who was ever at war with the chaos."
She held up her right hand. "Horakhty created many of the things you and I associate with light: Fire, lightning, warmth, wind, stars, the sun, and so on."
She held up her left hand. "Armilyte created many of the things we associate with darkness: Ice, cold, the earth, metal, dust, and so on."
She shook her head. "But, nothing they created could please Ybris. Even as their new creations birthed new gods and goddesses, Ybris knew that they were missing something."
She clapped her hands together. "That's when The Scales finally took action. It took the creations of the two competing children and mixed them together. This is the origin of the High Gods, the products of mixing light and dark."
Her hands pulled apart. "Ybris was pleased by this and allowed the new gods and goddesses to have dominion over the earth. From there they formed the world as we know it, not truly taking notice of what was occurring until new beings, born of Tiamat and Titan-the High Goddess of Water and High God of Earth- appeared."
She smiled. "The first of their children were the dragons. They were closest to the High Gods as they were the firstborn of the earth and worshipped the gods accordingly. After them came the skin changers, beings that could shift between beast and man. They were not as close to the High Gods and developed their own beliefs, creating new icons to represent the old powers."
She took a deep breath. "Then, finally, came humans. They knew little of the High Gods and wondered at the might of the Old Dragons, choosing to worship them instead."
She sighed. "The Gods were unmoved by this, but not the dragons. Many of them had died in wars amongst themselves and the truly old had begun to grow mad. They saw the humans as a way to possibly restore their power or as the cause of their decline. Wars and peace alike broke out among the dragons and humans, leading to generations of bloodshed."
Robin stopped her. "Wait, what of the skin changers?"
She sighed again. "Many of them were driven to a remote island. Some of their tribes had learned to take on the forms of dragons and this offended the originals. What happened after their exile, I do not know."
She pointed to her staff. "But, one thing wished to halt the bloodshed. The ideal of peace had its own goddess take shape, Naga. She gathered those amongst the dragons and humans that wished for peace and granted them twelve holy weapons."
Robin smirked. "The Jugdral Crusades."
She nodded. "Yep, on the nose. Anyway, after the warlike dragons were defeated, all but one of the High Gods retreated into a realm all their own. The only one to remain upon the Earth was Titan, who supposedly toils below the Earth and causes earthquakes and volcanoes when angered. From there, the victorious crusaders created the Church of Naga and it has remained nearly unchanged ever since."
Robin sat back, absorbing the information. "So, where did the High Gods go?"
Lissa shrugged. "No one knows. There's only a vague hint that they sleep in an 'Astral Realm' in one of the oldest texts. Supposedly, there's a way to meet with them, but it's an old wives' tale."
A yawn interrupted them. "Ugh, are we there yet?"
Lissa glanced to her left. "No, Vaike, we're not. Here, let me check your wound."
As she busied herself with the injured man, Robin thought on her lesson.
Hmm, I wonder if those wolves I keep seeing in my dreams have something to do with the legends? One of my books lists several of the High Gods and Fenrir in particular caught my eye. He's God of Lightning and Thunder and prefers to take the shape of a wolf…
The wagon they were in jolted, nearly making him tumble out.
"Sorry back there!" The driver called. "Blasted idiot decided to cross right in front of us. We'll be inside the Colosseum in a few minutes."
Robin grunted. "Ok, thanks. Lissa, Vaike, Stahl, we need to get out soon."
They gathered at the edge of the wagon and hopped out after it stopped. They were in a large corral, several other wagons along with the Shepherd's supply carvan already gathered.
"Ok, listen up!" That was Flavia. "Anyone that's not participating today is going to be seated in an area called A5. It's pretty close to the arena floor so you'll get to see the fight up close. Prince Chrom, grab your champions and come with me."
Everyone began to disperse.
"Oh, before I forget! There's food and drink being sold throughout the colosseum. Believe me, you'll see the stalls. Try and get something before the match starts."
Lissa took off running, eager to try new things.
Robin was too worried about the fight to notice, but Lissa had gone into the wrong tunnel.
"Robin, come on. We need to discuss our plan with Sumia before the fight."
Robin sighed. "I'm coming, just let me get my sword."
-Lissa-
Lissa was lost, irrevocably lost.
The moment Flavia had said food and drink, she'd taken off to find the nearest stall and now she couldn't remember where the Shepherds were supposed to sit. Thus, she found herself standing by one of the archway windows, trying to figure out where she was amongst the throngs of people.
Ugh, I just had to listen to my stomach. I haven't even found a stall that's serving anything I like. Chrom's gonna chew me out good for this.
She sighed again. Was it too much to find a good rib of roast pork? She'd take chicken at this point.
A brief hint of something passed her nose as the wind blew. It was coming from the right, so she followed her nose and began weaving through the crowd again. Sure, she drew more than a few odd looks with her clothes, but she was able to follow the heavenly scent without much trouble.
Eventually, she found the stall where the scent was coming from.
Mmm, chicken.
The stall was a humble affair, just two people serving the roasted chicken. They had three roasters going in the back, but it looked like they were almost out of stock.
"Ma, we're darn near out! Got 'bout two left I reckon."
The woman at the front sighed. "Alright, Donny, go ahead and sell the last pair. I'll go find the neighbors."
"Um, excuse me? Can I have a bird?"
The stall people stared at the girl before them. They'd never seen anyone in clothing like hers before.
Lissa frowned. "Is everything ok? I heard you still have two left."
The boy shook out of his stupor. "Oh, sorry ma'am. We have two good birds, plucked just this morn."
Lissa smiled. "Wonderful! How much?"
The woman smiled. "For a whole bird? That'll be one silver coin."
Lissa frowned as she reached into her coin purse. "Hold on a second…"
After a moment of searching, she sighed. "Shoot, I don't have any."
The woman shrugged. "Well, what do you have? I may not be able to get you a whole bird, but Donny here can carve some."
Lissa pulled out a coin. "I have this. Will that work?"
Donny, or Donnel as was his actual name, didn't see the coin but his mother turned pale at the sight. When he finally got a look, he was stunned.
"What in tarnation? That's a gold coin! You wouldn't get less'n a hundred fowl with that one coin!"
Lissa shrugged slowly. "Really? I… didn't know it was worth that much. So, can I have a bird?"
The woman nodded rapidly. "A bird? You can have them both!"
Lissa pumped her fist. "Sweet, here you go."
She handed over the coin to the trembling woman and was soon two roasted chickens richer.
"Thanks for the food! Now, I just need to find out where everyone's sitting."
The woman, smelling an opportunity, jumped at the chance. "Donny can show ya around. He's been here the last few contests so he knows his way around."
Donnel frowned. "But, Ma… I still have to pull the iron. Specially since them idgets are likely to show up if I leave."
His mother waved him off. "Ah, don't worry bout that Donny. I can see the neighbors heading for us right now. Now, be a dear and guide this young lady where she's going."
Donnel could tell he wouldn't win this fight, but the neighbors were in sight now, so he may as well.
"Alrighty then, do you have a reckoning where your friends might be?"
Lissa shrugged. "All I heard was something about an A. I still have no clue where that is."
Donnel shrugged. "Ah, then we need to head right. Follow me, Miss, uh…"
Lissa smiled. "My name's Lissa, pleasure to meet you."
Donnel blushed at her curtsy. "Ma name's Donny, er, Donnel. Sorry, my ma calls me Donny so much I start thinkin' it my real name."
Lissa giggled. "Oh, if only you knew how many I have. Now then, lead the way Donny!"
Donnel's mother watched them go with a smile. The girl had slipped her arm around his and was skipping along with birds in hand. They seemed to hit it off just fine too.
Good, if all goes well and she's not just visitin', we may have a future for you yet my boy.
Oh, if only she knew.
-Donnel-
How'd he find himself here again?
To his right was the girl he'd been escorting barely twenty minutes ago. That wasn't the strange part. No, the strange part was the absolute mountain of a man to his left that was glaring at him with enough force to shame Porkers back home.
It had started after they'd left his ma and the stall behind. He'd asked the girl, Lissa, what her friends looked like. She'd then gone on a long and very detailed account of what they looked like all in one breath.
Not even Ol' Sal could say so much and he was famous for it!
Then she'd started asking him all kinds of questions. Most was stuff rich folks didn't know, but she seemed to love asking them anyway. Some were common sense one's that made him wonder if she'd been under a rock for a while.
Once, he'd found their old cow lying under a rock. It had been a particularly cold day.
Then the man on his left had come thundering down the hall, calling for Lissa. Donnel had been stunned at the man's resplendent armor, which probably cost more than their entire farm, but Lissa didn't seem fazed.
In fact, she started dragging Donnel toward the big man. In her words, she wanted to thank him for being a guide and a gentleman, whatever that was, and sit next to her during the match. The other man, Freddy she called him, had argued that they couldn't let an unknown person sit next to her.
Lissa had then, amazingly, pulled rank and told him she didn't care. If Freddy wanted to keep an eye on Donnel, he'd have to sit next to him.
An' now I'm here. I hope Ma's able to get everything packed up. I ain't leving anytime soon.
"Hey, why the long face, champ?"
The voice came from behind him. "Uh, wha?"
The voice laughed again. "Ah, look at ya. So flustered sitting there between Frederick and Lissa. Don't worry kid, you'll be fine. Half of us are idiots anyway so you'll fit right in!"
This was followed by a dull smack. "Don't assign your stupidity to others, Sir Vaike. I, for one, am of far superior upbringing than most everyone here."
Another smack followed that boast. "Shut up, fruitcake. Ignore them, just enjoy the match kid. Besides, Lissa only likes people that she thinks are nice, so you've done something right."
Donnel just smiled awkwardly when a piece of chicken was placed under his nose. "Want some?"
He blinked at the chicken but took it all the same. "Uh, thanks."
Lissa smiled. "No problem! Food's better when you share with friends!"
Donnel felt a smile rise on his face. "The old spinner in my town says the same thing."
She giggled. "Ah, my brother says it too. Great minds think alike, I guess."
They fell silent, the others chatting around them, when Donnel finally asked what had been on his mind. "Um, pardon me for askin', but uh, where are you from?"
Lissa kept chomping away.
Maybe she didn't hear me?
He tapped her shoulder. "Uh, excuse me?"
She swallowed and looked at him. "Yeah?"
"Um, can I… ask where you're from?"
Lissa scrunched up her face. "Well… I'm from Ylisse."
Donnel's face fell. "Oh, then you're from down south."
Frederick coughed next to him, making Donnel jump. He'd forgotten the man was there.
"Milady, I think it's time you told him. It does him no good to be ignorant of who you are and it's better to be honest."
Lissa sighed. "Fine, I'll tell him. See, Donnel, I'm actually-"
Frederick stopped her. "May as well do the full introduction, it'll be good practice."
Lissa groaned. "Really, do I have to?"
His glare said it all. Donnel felt his heart climb into his throat as Lissa groaned.
"Fine, fine, just let me get my words in order."
She took a deep breath before taking Donnel's hand in her own. "I apologize for my lack of decorum earlier. Allow me to properly introduce myself."
She smiled, but there was nervousness in her eyes. "My name is Lissa Spatz de Ylisse, 1st princess of the Halidom and second in line for the throne. Thank you for escorting me today; I've had a lot of fun."
Donnel's mind went blank, shock echoing through his very being. In a sign that he was likely not taking this well, his first thought was:
I am severely underdressed.
Lissa's face was tense, nervous energy palpable as she waited for his response. She'd known him barely half-an-hour but she wanted to know more, more about farm work and the simple life.
She wanted to know about life without the burden of being royalty.
Donnel though, did what was expected. He kneeled. "I-I'm humbled by your kindness your ladiness. I-I appreciate the chance to meet ya."
Lissa frowned, that wasn't what she wanted.
Frederick however, nodded. "Well done, Lady Lissa. And to you as well, Donnel I believe? For a commoner, you know decorum."
Lissa glared at Frederick, but Donnel spoke. "Uh, my ma, she, uh, drilled it into me. Said I needed to have propriety an' some o'ter words."
Frederick nodded. "Well, at least you know. I'll still keep my eye on you, but I mean no offense. I'm simply sworn to my duty."
He turned back to the arena floor. His eye was still on Donnel, but it was no longer cold, just alert.
Lissa turned away and started sulking, half-heartedly chewing on a drumstick.
Donnel didn't understand what was happening. Hadn't he just done the 'proper' thing?
A hand patted his shoulder. "Hey, Donnel right? Name's Kellam, but that's not important. See Lissa there? She does not like being treated like a princess. For whatever reason, she's taken a shine to you, and I suggest you win back the shine fast."
It was just a whisper, but it shocked him all the same. Lady Lissa didn't like being treated as a princess? Feeling more than a little confused, Donnel spoke. "Uh, why?"
The voice whispered again. "It may seem like the high life for the common folk, myself included, but there's a lot more pain up there than most realize. She's kind and open to everyone, but she spent her early years alone with few friends. Considering how quickly she's warmed up to you, it's best to try and make her laugh."
Donnel sighed. "And how do I, a two-bit hick, do that?"
The voice chuckled. "Hold a moment. Hey, Vaike, let me borrow you for a second."
A moment later, they had a plan.
The voice, Kellam Donnel remembered, whispered again. "Ok, Donnel, you need to pull her eyes over here. Do that and we'll handle the rest."
Donnel fidgeted "Are ya sure? What makes you think I can make her look, by ta time they introduce the fighters?"
Kellam, who Donnel could see now, smiled. "Don't worry about it. We were planning on doing this to Chrom at some point anyway."
The arena was buzzing now, the match about to get underway. The West-Khan's champions would be introduced first.
Donnel had to get Lissa to look at them before that happened.
"Um, excuse me, Lady Lissa?"
She ignored him and the first champion, named Marth, was announced.
"Lady Lissa, um, can I ask you something?"
The second champion, Catria, was introduced.
This isn't workin'. I'll try one more time, but then I'll need to get'er attention quick.
The third champion, Katarina, was announced.
"Lady Lissa, please, this is important."
She sighed and turned to him. "What?"
Donnel smiled awkwardly as the announcer spoke once more.
"And, representing the East-Khan Flavia, we have the fighter Chrom!"
Donnel turned her to face the other Shepherds, whom had formed a line in their seats.
Lissa stared at them. "What the-"
At that point, Robin and Sumia were introduced and the Shepherds launched their plan.
"Oh, Ylisse the bea-u-tiful, radiant as the sun!"
They began to belt out the Ylissean War Song.
Lissa stared at the scene, openly gaping. She wasn't alone; the entire section had gone completely silent as they tried to process what was happening.
Then, to really kick the spectacle into gear, the Shepherds began a synchronized Cordan Dance Line, named after the Ylissean province it originated in, with Frederick leading the line.
Donnel was staring right alongside everyone when he heard strange sounds coming from his right. He turned to see Lissa's face scrunched up in a desperate attempt to hold back her laughter.
She fared admirably, but failed ten seconds in.
Her laughter could be heard throughout the arena, the crowd joined in moments later. Flavia herself, seated in the Khan's formal position, cheered them on.
It was quite a way to begin the match, but Donnel was glad. Lissa was holding onto him for support, and it seemed like life had returned to her once more.
-Robin-
"I knew they were planning something, I just knew it."
Chrom sighed at Robin's claim. "Well, I bet it's Stahl, Kellam, or Sully who came up with it."
Sumia giggled, eyeing Donnel all the while. "Ah, let them have their fun. I'm more interested in the little friend Lissa found."
Chrom grunted. "As am I, but Frederick looks ok with him, so for now we let it be. Anyway, shall we get back to business?"
They nodded and turned to face their opponents.
Who were all desperately trying to remain stoic but couldn't contain their mirth.
Robin sighed. "Well, they better hope they don't start soon or this'll be a quick fight."
Unfortunately for them, Marth and his compatriots recovered quickly.
Robin whistled through his teeth. "Ok, remember the plan. Sumia, you take Catria, we can't keep up with her otherwise. Chrom, you've seen Marth in action and are our best swordsman, take them down. I'll handle Katarina."
They nodded, the plan memorized. Robin would have to thank Flavia later, without her they wouldn't be armed with new weapons, albeit Chrom still chose to wield Falchion.
Actually, where did Chrom and Sumia disappear to earlier? I know we arrived somewhat early, but did they have time to get practice in?
In fact, they did.
-Hours Earlier-
Chrom sighed as he searched for Sumia. After Flavia had explained the rules to them, fighters must be equal on either side, Sumia had disappeared.
"Where did you go?" He muttered under his breath.
After another few minutes of searching, he heard the grunts of someone at work and the solid smacks that could only come from a training dummy.
Following the noise, he finally spotted her. She'd already worked up quite a sweat, but she was so concentrated on her task he escaped her notice.
So, he took the time to observe her.
She was always beautiful, that had never been in doubt. But, seeing her so determined made her seem even more so in his eyes. She was kind, caring, and willing to treat everyone equally, even him. And now, she'd been his savior. Actually, now that he thought about it, he could swear the background was turning pink and sparkly. Wait, there was a violin in his ear and were those rose buds!
He shook his head of the fantasy. They needed to talk, that was what he came for. He could figure out his strange hallucinations later.
"Sumia!"
She stumbled mid-swing, tipping herself forward and landing with a hard thud. Chrom dashed forward and helped her up, face contrite. "Sorry, I shouldn't have done that while you were swinging."
Sumia dusted herself off. "I-It's alright, Chrom. Um, did you need something?"
Chrom nodded. "Yes, I just wanted to make sure you felt ready. You'll be going against another Pegasus Knight, and we don't know how skilled they may be. I'm… worried."
Sumia slowly smiled. "Oh, thanks. But, um, don't worry! I'm ready to do my best, just like always!"
Chrom relaxed. "Good, good. Well, you can whack away at that dummy for another ten minutes, but I want you to rest after that. A tired Sumia's no good."
She smirked. "And a tired Chrom's a bad Chrom. Why don't you take a nap? I won't tell anyone and you'll feel better."
Chrom blushed. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Her smirk grew. "Well, I saw you trip on a pebble earlier today. No one else saw it, but I could tell them, unless of course … you took a nap."
Chrom frowned. "This is blackmail. How do you know I wouldn't rather endure the embarrassment?"
Sumia giggled. "Because Lissa would never let you hear the end of it. Besides, you're stubborn and you know it. If I didn't use blackmail, you'd never take care of yourself."
Chrom held his frown before laughing. "Well, you got me. Alright, I'll go take a short break over there on that bench. After that, we'll head to the arena and meet up with Robin, ok?"
Sumia nodded, instinctively embracing him before going back to her practice. Chrom just smiled and walked over to the bench, both unaware of the observers desperately trying to hold in their glee.
-Robin-
They were at the center of the arena now, each of them squaring up against their opponent.
Robin had a question. "Tell me, Katarina I believe? Why do you keep your hood up? Surely it impairs your vision."
Katarina did not answer.
Robin scoffed. "Very well, then. But, do not be surprised if I win on account of it."
She still didn't speak.
Robin sighed as the Master of Ceremonies called over the din. "Alright, after that marvelous display, we are about to begin! Now, a quick reminder, killing is not allowed nor can blows be crippling. Should a fighter suffer such a blow, the Khan the attacker represents will lose."
The crowd roared and laughed in equal measure, even the Shepherds. Sure, they'd embarrassed themselves, but they'd accomplished their goal and embarrassed Chrom while cheering Lissa up.
The MC took over again. "Alright, now that everyone's all caught up, let's start!"
A gong rang through the arena and Robin drew his sword.
Chrom and Sumia drew their weapons as well, thinking it was strange how slow their opponents were removing theirs.
Catria, the Pegasus Knight, held a great lance with a half-moon curving toward the black shaft with a red chord wound around it. A strange set of what looked like ribs with a green gem rested under the moon, connecting it to the shaft. A triangle shaped blade sprang from the back of the moon and ended in a wicked point.
Katarina wielded a blade with a red grip and golden pommel, all leading into a golden cross-guard with a circle worked into it. The blade was made of four black spine-like sections, the fifth formed the tip of the blade. All four small blades had a white line of metal running down their center.
However, Marth's sword needed no description when it finally saw light.
It was Falchion.
Chrom tensed. "Where in the nine hells did you get that?!"
In response, Marth took up a fighting stance.
Chrom growled. "Not talking, huh? Fine, I'll force the answer out of you!"
He dashed forwards and leapt into the air. He swung himself forward and brought his Falchion down onto the other Falchion at the end of his spin. Marth was strong enough to take the brunt of the hit before lashing out with a kick.
Chrom dodged and they exchanged blows, Chrom's eyes wide when they finally locked blades.
"Tell me," he grunted, "who taught you to fight like that?!"
Marth leapt away, jumping into the air in a perfect rendition of Chrom's opening strike. He screamed as he came down, the first time any of them had spoken.
"My Father!"
Chrom leapt away from the strike, face contemplative. Marth held out his sword in challenge.
Robin snarled at Chrom. "This isn't the time for questions! Fight damn it, or Ylisse will not have what it needs!"
Chrom shook himself free of his thoughts and charged Marth once more. Sumia and Catria had since taken to the air, so it was just Robin and Katarina now.
They circled each other, each reading for an opening. Robin had his blade bared while a new tome, one Miriel called Arcthunder, glowed in his other hand. Katarina stood in a similar stance, but with her blade in front and her own tome next to her leg, the cover a blazing red.
Katarina lost her patience and charged. Her thrusts were lightning fast, but they were only testing Robin's range and defenses. He countered with some thrusts of his own, slashing hard when she sidestepped his last attempt.
She rolled away from him and closed the gap once more, metal crashing into metal as they exchanged blows.
We're evenly matched in swordplay. Let's see how she handles magic.
Robin muttered the incantation under his breath and sent three bolts of lightning screaming at her. She dodged two of them and then, in direct defiance of everything Robin knew, smacked the last one away with her blade.
Robin pulled up short, openly gaping at the feat.
How in Naga's name was she not shocked?! What is that blade made of? It should have conducted the energy!
He could feel Katarina smirk. "What's the matter? Something mess up your understanding of the world?"
Robin growled and charged in again. They continued to exchange blows, fire and lighting starting to flow between them. They locked blades before pushing apart, Katarina's tome shining violently.
"Ragnarok!"
The familiar magic script flooded from the book and coalesced into a great circle around Robin. He jumped back as hard as he could, barely escaping the center of the circle as it was flooded by a pillar of white hot fire.
After it died down, Robin stared at Katarina.
Apparently, the force and heat from the spell had been enough to blow the hood off her head.
She… she could be my sister! Her hair's the same!
But, her features were too sharp. Sure, he could see something that he thought was family resemblance in her lips, cheeks and nose, but her eyes were mismatched. One was much like his own while the other was a beautiful red.
I've seen that color before… but where?
Robin saw no more as she pulled the hood back over her head.
Robin grit his teeth and charged again. But, when she charged him too, he stopped on a coin and sidestepped her charge. He heard her curse before he lashed out with his leg and tripped her. When she finally rolled to a stop, she found steel at her throat.
"I believe that's my win."
He could hear her growl, but she held her hands up.
Victory sealed, Robin reached to pull her up when she did something he wasn't expecting.
She pulled him into a hug.
"I… I know you don't know me, but let me have this, please."
Robin glanced over Katarina's shoulder, tense from the fight and not sure what to do. It appeared that Marth had been defeated at least, but Sumia and Catria were still in the air.
Katarina didn't look like she'd be letting go anytime soon, so Robin resigned himself to being stuck for the remainder of the match.
Good luck, Sumia. You can do it, we all know it.
-Sumia-
Damn, I haven't seen lance work like this since Cordelia!
Sumia swooped down again, barely missing the other Pegasus as it dropped out of range. They circled each other and struck whenever they saw an opening, real or perceived.
I can't keep this up. I'm the better flyer, but she's better with a lance. Actually… let's leverage that as best we can.
She pulled Selene into a steep climb, baiting the other rider to chase her.
Gotcha.
Catria bit and started climbing too, her eagerness apparent. Sumia climbed and climbed 'till she was near the ceiling. Then, she turned Selene around and dove.
Catria jerked in surprise and nearly lost her spear when Sumia passed her. She lost a gauntlet, but it was a small price to pay.
Sumia glanced behind her as she dove, smirking as Catria followed.
Alright, let's see if you can fly and fight at the same time.
Sumia pulled up as they skimmed the ground, Catria using the lack of wind resistance to catch up. Once side by side, they began exchanging slashes and thrusts, rolling and weaving through the air in an aerial ballet for the ages.
Sumia huffed when Catria's lance scratched her shoulder guard. "Alright, fine then! Let's do this!"
She angled her lance and, when Catria's Pegasus raised its wing, thrust into the wing.
The Pegasus shrieked in pain and immediately lost flight. Catria, desperate, scored a similar blow on Selene's wing. They both crashed to the ground with a hard thud.
The crowd held its collective breath as the two combatants finally came to their feet. The Shepherds though, had to hold in snickers at what they knew was coming.
Sumia and Catria stood apart from each other, held up their weapons, charged…
And tripped over thin air.
The audience waited, stunned at the sheer absurdity of what happened. There was no physical way to trip on air was there?
Sumia picked herself up, blushing at the stunned silence. The only noise in the entire arena was the hysterics of the Shepherds, everyone but Frederick and Donnel having a blast at her expense.
Catria started to pull herself up when she found steel at her throat.
"And, that's our win."
It was Robin, and the battle was finished. Sumia sighed in relief and walked over to join them when Catria popped forward and hugged her.
"Um, sorry for this, it's just how I congratulate people."
Sumia didn't respond, simply smiling and patting the other girl's back.
-Robin-
"So, we've won and the ceremony's over. What now, Great Khan?"
They were standing in the arena, the area long since vacated. It was just Robin and Chrom now, as Flavia practically preened in front of them.
"Ah, give me a second boys, I need to soak this in. It feels like ages since I've held full power."
Robin didn't like how she purred the word 'ages' but put it out of his mind. "Now then, we've delivered the tournament to you as agreed. Are you still willing to back us?"
Flavia huffed. "Oh, you're no fun. But, yes, Regna Ferox will throw all of its might behind Ylisse."
Chrom shook her hand. "Thank you, Flavia. This debt shall never be forgotten. But, we must make haste back to Ylisstol. Emmeryn must be made aware of this success as soon as possible."
Flavia smirked. "Ah, come now, there's no need to leave so soon. It's late and my celebratory feast is dying for its guests of honor."
Chrom backed up a step. "No, we really should…"
"Boy, you may as well let her have fun. It's safer for everyone that way."
Flavia didn't even bother glancing at the new arrival. "Then I'll see you both in a few hours! Golden Ale, here I come!"
She raced from the room, leaving Chrom and Robin to stare at two new men.
Robin spoke first. "And who, sir, are you?"
The man that answered was a true bear of a man. Tall, broad, and tanned brown with a black eyepatch over his bald head, he was much closer to Robin's original imagining of a Khan than Flavia was. Actually, he must have had some wealth if his golden armor, blue pants, and fur lined vest were any indication.
"I am the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power!"
Chrom took a step forward as Robin cursed his impropriety. "And? We won the match fair and square, you have no grounds to complain."
The Khan stared at Chrom before bursting into laughter. "Ah, don't get your knickers in a twist boy, I'm not mad. If anything, I'm relieved to lose the mantle."
Robin calmed himself. "Then, why are you here?"
The man laughed again. "Well, first things first, my name is Basilio. Pleasure to meet you both."
They shook hands, Basilio nearly crushing them in his grip. "Anyway, I'm here to provide a personal contribution to the cause. Lon'qu, step up."
Another man stepped forward, his physique painfully thin next to Basilio. "This is my right hand man and former champion: Lon'qu."
Robin blinked. "Oh, former champion? So, how did Marth and his compatriots become the participants?"
Lon'qu grunted. "Beat me in selection tournament, that's the long and short."
Basilio laughed. "Well, I certainly don't know how! Lon'qu's the best swordsman in Ferox, bar none, and I feel he has the makings of a Khan in him. But, as of today he's under your command. Think of it as West Ferox's personal contribution."
Chrom turned to Lon'qu. "Are you sure?"
Lon'qu shrugged. "The relationship's clear. You give orders, I stab people."
Chrom shrugged too. "Alright, welcome aboard."
They shook hands and Basilio laughed again.
"Now, let's get ourselves to the feast hall! We don't want Flavia drinking all the ale!"
They walked out of the room, a smirk rising on Robin's face. Or Stahl eating all the food.
-Lissa-
"Hey, Donny, come with me!"
She grabbed her friend's arm and started pulling him towards a big crowd.
"Ah, Your L-Lissa, don't scare me like that!"
She laughed. "Ah, come on, Donny! We've had a lot of fun today, why not stay for the feast?"
Donnel scratched his cheek. "Uh, I hate to, uh, disappoint, but…"
Lissa pouted. "You have to go home?"
He nodded, scratching at his head again. "Yeah, hate ta say so, but my ma needs me back home. We leave on the morn."
Lissa dropped her pout and sighed. "Well, why don't you tell me where your village is? I'd love to visit if I can find the time."
Donnel blushed. "Garsh, yer too kind. Well, I live bout a two hours east of here, so you can just follow the road."
Lissa blinked. "Oh, we must've passed it on the way here."
She shrugged and pulled Donnel into a hug. "Don't forget about me, 'kay? We're still friends, even if we don't see each other for a while?"
Donnel could feel his face flush and his hands remained frozen. "I don' mean no offense, but you're a mighty hard gal to forget."
Lissa giggled. "Ah, you're sweet. Oh, and you can hug me back, just keep it above the shoulders so Freddy doesn't have a conniption."
"A what now?"
Lissa rolled her eyes. "Just hug me you big dink."
Donnel did so slowly, very careful of where he was putting his hands.
"See, not so hard is it," she whispered. "Now then, I have a party to get to and you have to get to your ma. I hope we'll see each other soon."
Donnel pulled away. "Uh, yeah, that'd be, uh, swell. Um, goodnight!"
Donnel fled the colosseum, never looking back or honestly considering he'd ever see Lissa again.
Lissa watched him go with a smile. He was super cute and so prone to embarrassment, it was so utterly charming.
We'll need an ambassador to Ferox, right? Maybe I can convince Emm to let me do it.
She shook her head, one thing at a time. For now, party!
-Robin-
Robin had fled the festivities soon after the kegs had opened. The feast may have been grand, but he knew what happened when Vaike imbibed enough and it looked like Flavia and Basilio would be joining those theatrics. Now, he was in his room and thinking on the day's match.
I doubt this will be the last we hear of Marth and his compatriots. I don't know why, but it feels like they have a great role to play in all this.
He sighed into the night air, mind turning to Katarina.
She felt so familiar, and when I saw her face…
He cradled his head. Her face had made his mind scream, another jumble of indecipherable images called to mind. Then, that embrace… it was far too familiar for them to be strangers, she had to know him!
I need to find them. Cordelia, forgive me, but you do not hold the answers to my past.
He sighed as his mind's eye was filled with the image of his friend.
I hope she's ok. I can't play tonight, I'm too tired, but I can at least pray for her and hope that we'll have some fun tales to swap when next we meet. Although, she did say that she'd been dying to go to that new place in the main square…
His mind started planning out their next meeting not noticing his stack of books had grown.
A book had been added. Blood Magic: A History of Forbidden Thaumaturgy.
-Cordelia-
They're getting worse.
She sighed again and slinked into her bed. She had to keep her hair combed lest it get tangled, but it had been quite the trial today.
I don't know what I've done to deserve this. First it was just the usual taunts, but now I'm getting work shunted toward me. Curse my inability to say no, and curse them for exploiting it!
She punched her thin pillow.
Positive thoughts, Cordelia, positive thoughts. Ok, so, we're done in less than two weeks. After that, we have a week of down time. The Shepherds should be back by then too, but that's just conjecture.
She glanced down at her old lyre, but sighed. Not tonight.
Hm, I did… say our next meeting was a… d-date. Naga, I'm stuttering in my head. Anyway, um… he said he wanted to go and visit some of the provinces, see more of Ylisse. Maybe… I could convince Phila for some time off and be his guide?
But, that would entail them traveling together.
Alone.
Ah, bad, bad, bad thoughts! You're only making this worse, I just want to help my friend!
She knew, though, that underneath that denial she wouldn't do the same for another friend. She probably wouldn't have done it for Sumia.
I… I need to see him again. Being away is only making me more confused. Maybe, if not a trip, then a dinner at his favorite place? Yeah, that sounds okay.
With a new plan and eased mind, she finally went to sleep.
Her dreams were full of warm lavender and laughter, chasing away her demons, if only for the night.
Ch. End
Well, that took a bit of effort to write. I hope you guys like the action sequences, since I felt Sev and Cynthy needed some spotlight.
In other news, we grow closer to the war with Plegia and even greater action with a new threat coming the Shepherds' way. So, as always:
Read, review, favorite, and follow! Please?
Severa: Ok, I'm done explaining to Lucy
Lucina: *chuckle* Yeah, it was good
7: It took an HOUR of explanation? My dear, no wonder you're listed as least likely to get a joke
Lucina: Wait. LISTED! WHERE?!
Severa: Yeah I wanna know too! What am I listed as!
7: Uhhhhhh *Runs away*
Severa: Get him!
Play "Benny Hill" by The Edwin Davis Jazz Band
*Chases 7 with Lucy close behind in a circle*
*Steps out of circle panting as they continue to run in a circle, joins back in after catching breath*
Robin: This is going to continue for a while so see everyone next chapter!