With the Tournament of Power coming underway, the Shepherds were all situated inside a room that led towards the coliseum grounds, blocked off by a metal gate. It didn't suppress the cheers and roars coming from the people that were ready for the first day of the tournament to begin.
The atmosphere within the Shepherds was one of either excitement, ready to show a spectacle for the crowd to remember them by, or fear of getting embarrassed in front of said people. It is still some time before the tournament will begin and the Shepherds were in relative silence if they ruled out the loud screaming that came from the other side until Radko broke it.
"Ugh, I hate this! Not only there is no reason for me to be here, but the waiting is making me all the more nervous!" He shouted while bolting up from his sitting spot and started walking back and forth while murmuring intangible words.
"Calm down, there is nothing to be nervous about. Weren't you already in a tournament once?" Chrom said, trying to calm down the nervous wreck that was Radko.
"Of course, but I just hate waiting and the suspense is killing me," Radko responded, earning a chuckle from Chrom.
"What, are you scared of a little amount of tension?" Sully asked Radko smugly. He turned to face her, but instead of scowling at Sully, he slumped and sat back on his spot.
"Yes, I already have a bad reputation with the Feroxi. No need to add anything else." Radko explained, throwing Sully off guard, not expecting Radko to open up.
"Anyway, how long do have to wait? I kind of want to get this over with, the anxiety is getting to me." Robin asked nobody in particular.
No one answered since they all had no idea what was going on the other side, but they didn't have to wait for long. They heard a click from a lock and one of the entrances opened leading inside, revealing Flavia. She scored a grin when she spotted her fighters. She started to check just to make sure that all of the Shepherds were here but came one short.
"Well, I can see that you all are geared up and ready, but we are one fighter short." She said while contemplating where their last soldier was.
"Kellam is here, don't worry. He is just hard to spot." Stahl was the one to chime in and Flavia looked surprised at first, but then she shook her head.
"All right then, I'll take your word for it. Once we hear a horn blowing three times in a row the gate will open and we will enter with our heads held high, you hear me!? Now, form up!" She said in an authoritative tone.
Everyone got into a formation where the khan and the champion face the gate first with two rows behind them filled with the rest of the Shepherds. Once they were ready, they all eagerly waited for the signal, either from excitement or just wanted to get this ceremony over with. Radko was visibly shaking and Flavia spotted Radko's anxiety. Instead of inspiring words or reassurance, she opted to smack him on the back.
Radko yelped from the sudden hit and turned to Flavia, while not knowing why she hit him.
"Aren't you a scaredy-cat, get your head in the game. Worrying about it won't change anything, just enjoy the scenery." She spoke. Radko scoffed but didn't reply to her, being too concerned with hearing the signal.
A loud honk was heard by the group, silencing any bickering amongst them, then another and then another. The signal was called, the gate opened, and Flavia strode forward with everyone else close behind. They entered the arena with as much vigor as possible, not wanting to tarnish Flavia's reputation, no matter how much some of the Shepherds were scared of the atmosphere and attention.
They were met with loud cheers that echoed in the arena and all seats were occupied, there wasn't a single empty spot. All spectators were eager to see the staredown, each shouting words that together made one giant noise of a restless crowd.
Flavia and company reached the spot they were meant to stop at, spreading so that the khan and champion were forefronts and the rest behind them in one row. Soon after another group of ten appeared before them. Khan Basilio with his group of fighters marched forward with equal vigor, with his champion next to him, Marth.
"Chrom!" Robin exclaimed loudly enough for Chrom to hear while eyeing Marth, questioning why he was here.
"I see him," Chrom confirmed. Marth looked unsurprised at the appearance of the Shepherds, not making any movement to indicate as such. The two groups were facing each other in a staredown contest to spot any weaknesses in their opponents. The khans were doing the same, each of them having crossed arms, waiting for any of them to break the silence between them.
"So oaf, how much do you like your chances?" She asked the ruling khan smugly. Basilio was a huge man, being bald, showing his muscles, and having an eyepatch, he exuded the aura of a warrior leader. With golden plated greaves, belt and armguards, blue vest, tight pants, and a lot of fur around his neck, this ruler looked like he could wrestle a lion without issues.
"Pah! I have seen worse. But I think you should let me handle the next four years again, Flavia. Your champion isn't looking any better than your last one!" He bellowed for everyone to hear while eyeing Radko. Flavia kept her smug face while patting Radko on the back again and he stumbled forward, not expecting the second sudden hit.
"You'd be surprised what this little kid has in store for you. He wouldn't be here if I didn't think he could make the cut," She then spotted Marth "and I see you have changed your champion as well.".
"Aye, Marth was able to soundly defeat Lon'qu, the poor guy now is only a representative. I like my throne too much to give it to you, however, so I upped the ante." Basilio said challengingly.
"We will see who really raised the stakes," Flavia smirked. Radko tensed when Marth was eyeing him suspiciously and Radko noticed the pair of eyes staring at him through the butterfly mask. Marth walked up to Radko and started to stare him down, just like the khans. There was some downtime before Marth was the one to spoke up first.
"What are you doing here?" Marth asked in a forced manly voice that didn't sound natural. Radko was taken back by the question but was soon able to recompose himself, since the question Marth asked didn't make any sense to Radko, since he was forcefully brought here in the first place.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Radko shot back, not in a mood for someone that holds more secrets than him. Marth didn't answer back, only after a few seconds of silence did Marth speak again.
"I see that asking you questions right now is pointless," Marth concluded.
"I would rather not be asking and answering questions in front of such a large crowd." Radko retorted. The crowd growing restless and wanting for the tournament to start. With the sound of the horn to conclude the stare down to an end and the first fights to begin, the Shepherds left the arena, leaving only Sumia behind as she was the first one to fight.
Once they were inside their designated room, after the gates locked up, some started to observe the fight while others just opted for waiting. Since Radko didn't need to do anything else he excused himself alongside Flavia and left the room, leaving the Shepherds alone.
They mostly remained silent after the stare down and fought one fight after another, some were able to win while others didn't. The number of fights they fought was only sixteen, making this a four-day endeavor with one day of reprieve before the crowning fight.
Once they were done for the day, they went back inside the barracks and they were greeted by Virion and Radko who were using a table for teatime and were discussing something that couldn't be heard, it was also filled with many plates to accommodate all Shepherds. They both turned to face the entrance to see what the commotion was and then greeted the Shepherds.
"Well, you all look like you need a nap." Radko quipped once he put his cup on his saucer.
"Says the guy who only needed to show up at the beginning." Grumbled Sully, while having a small scowl on her face.
"And I used that time adequately. Gather around the table, I whipped up something to eat for all of you." Radko said while he stood up and aimed for the kitchen of the barracks, not waiting for the Shepherds to protest. Chrom then looked at Virion with a questioning look and Virion elaborated.
"Well, Radko had an excellent idea to cook for you, while you all were valiantly fighting in the arena. I have to say, I wasn't expecting Radko to be a good cook, but after tasting what he had to offer, he could even put some of the better chefs to shame."
"He can cook?" Stahl was the first one to perk up and immediately bolted to the kitchen, wanting to know more about what Radko cooked up. The rest were still a little stunt that Radko of all people would know how to cook and once he got out of the kitchen, most looked at him funny.
"What are you all staring at? Sit down, your stomachs are probably a rumbling mess right now." Radko said while coming out of the kitchen with Stahl, prompting everyone to sit down while he put a giant pot on the table filled with a brown sauce with thin cuts of meat inside, but he wasn't done. He then put another pot filled with… white things that looked like small pillows and a jar of jam.
"What are trying to do, poison us?" Frederick questioned with a stern look on his face while Radko had the most disinterested expression he ever portraited.
"Frederick, if you are so wary of me that you would think that I would poison the food I made, then you need to tone it down because I am not the type of a guy who would waste food on that. Plus, I wouldn't make a giant pot of it. If you want to scrutinize my cooking before even tasting it, then I will kindly ask you to leave the table, I have no room for people who won't appreciate how much time and effort it took me to get all the ingredients and prepare them, especially the sirloin."
Frederick's wariness rose even more, but Chrom calmed him down to at least not question Radko when he took the time to cook up anything. They could be stuck with eating dried meat and fruit if Radko didn't cook for them.
"So, what did you make?" Chrom said after everyone sat down to a table that was ready for serving the concoction that was Radko's food.
"Something stable from where I come from, Svíčková," Radko said proudly while picking up Chrom's plate and started to prep it. First, he laid the sauce on the plate with a few cuts and then picked up by hand the white pillows and put them on the plate so they wouldn't touch the sauce. Lastly, he got a jar filled with jam and dropped a small spoon so it too wouldn't touch the sauce.
"Svis-tchco-vah?" Lissa tried to pronounce the name of the dish, prompting Radko to chuckle.
"Close enough." He spoke.
Chrom was chuckling as well and he looked at his now served plate of food. The sauce was chunky, filled with vegetables of different kinds and the pillows Radko served with it were interesting. When he touched one, it bounced off his finger and looked to be pliable. He would continue to assess the food he was given if it wasn't for Frederick's interference.
"Milord, allow me." Frederick suddenly said and picked up Chrom's plate to his chagrin and tasted the sauce with a piece of meat. Frederick tensed and started to cough to everyone's surprise and leaned away from the food he took. That was until Radko came to Frederick and had the deadliest smile on his face.
"Oh, also forgot to mention that the meat I used was from a bear," Radko said nonchalantly and Frederick began to pale, much to Radko's amusement.
"BLEACH! He IS trying to poison us; I need a healer!" Frederick yelled as he ran off to find a healer… that was sitting with them at the table. They looked stunned that the almighty Frederick the Wary would be beaten by a slab of bear meat until Lissa started to laugh.
"I KNEW it! He can't eat anything gamey!" Lissa exclaimed loudly, laughing all the while with some of the Shepherds joining in as well.
"I have no idea how Frederick can say that this isn't delicious! What are these pillow things, they are so tasty!" Stahl was beaming at the food he was given and already ate his portion and he wanted more. Radko was chuckling all the while, taking Stahl's plate a filled it up with more food.
"They are called dumplings and you can't have this sauce without them," Radko explained to Stahl who was eager to learn more and was ready to ask more questions on how he prepared the meal.
"Well, if it impressed our cook then it must be good." Lissa said and took a bite of the 'dumpling' with a little amount of sauce and jam with it and a small piece of meat in one small package. She squealed in delight from the texture and taste.
"It's so soft and rich and isn't gamey at all! Bear, I am so sorry I shunned you all this time for being smelly." Lissa exclaimed after swallowing her bite and eagerly continued to eat more. Radko was smiling all the while seeing that the rest followed suit and heard only positive reviews. He looked at Robin, who hadn't touched her plate of food at all and was eyeing him from top to bottom.
"Uh, is everything alright?" Radko asked, unsure why he was getting such a piercing stare.
"I give up." Robin suddenly spoke, throwing Radko for a loop.
"Give up?" Radko enquired.
"Yeah, I just can't assess you well enough for me to not get surprised anymore. First was that you knew we would come here. Second, you act like noble when you need to. Third, you became Flavia's champion to make sure that there were slots for us to occupy and get our alliance, and now you know how to cook of all things. Like I said, I am done." Robin explained and picked up a spork and took a bite out of the food.
"Hm, though I have to say you know how to cook, it's really good," Robin admitted, bringing yet another smile from Radko.
"Glad you like it." he thanked.
"Hey Radko, come sit down, Frederick is who knows where and there is one empty spot." Chrom prompted and Radko was slightly surprised he would let him sit right next to him, but he took the offer anyway.
The now occupied Shepherds were enjoying the food Radko gave them and were conversing about how their fight in the arena went. They were a lively bunch for sure and Radko was able to talk to them like life-long friends, even with people like Sully and Vaike, who weren't all too keen on Radko joining, but once some ale was circulating, they put their differences aside and enjoyed the time they spent together.
Unbeknownst to all of them, Flavia was outside of the barracks, looking through one of the windows, spotting her fighters enjoying the night. A smile appearing on her face.
"Looks like I was worried over nothing, you will be in good hands," Flavia remarked to no one and strode away from the barracks into her abode close to the arena.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
Radko was walking towards Flavia's abode because he was suddenly summoned to watch the games from a skybox that is reserved for the khans and their champions. Once he got inside, he was met with Flavia, watching over her fighters and once she heard him enter, she turned around and prompted Radko to join and watch the fights with her.
Kellam was fighting with Lon'qu and the fight wasn't as clear cut as Radko thought. It looked like Kellam was even gaining the advantage, but he overshot one of his lance thrusts and got punished for it. Lon'qu swept Kellam's legs and he fell to the ground and Lon'qu quickly pointed his sword at Kellam's neck, forcing him to surrender.
"So, why did you call me?" Radko began after the fight ended.
"I just wanted to ask my champion how he feels before the big fight," Flavia asked nonchalantly, but Radko saw through that rather easily.
"Yeah, that definitely isn't out of your character. Come on Flavia, you know me well enough that I like to get to the point. Robin is already nose deep into strategies and surprisingly wants my help too." Radko explained and Flavia smirked how easily she got read.
"Nothing passes you kid, huh? Say, are you sure about joining the Shepherds?" She asked one more time and Radko shifted slightly and Flavia noticed but waited for Radko to answer.
"Yes, I am. I have this feeling that going with them seems the best choice for me, I appreciate everything you have done for me, truly, but I do not feel welcome here." Radko said.
"Hmm. A good answer, but that isn't the only reason, isn't it?" Flavia pressed.
"Yeah, it isn't." Radko only chuckled, confirming Flavia's suspicion.
"Care to elaborate?" Flavia inquired while bringing a vintage out of one of her many shelves filled to the brim with them and poured herself and Radko one mug. Radko took the offered mug in hand and elaborated as Flavia asked for.
"Well, the reason is that I know who brought me to this place without my consent." He clutched his mug fiercely, some magic leaking out and freezing the handle of his mug "And he will pay dearly for what he had done to me once I find him."
That was for the first time Flavia saw true anger and resentment from Radko if that frozen handle on his mug wasn't any indication.
"I see…" Flavia trailed off. Radko had had a scowl on his face when he was just thinking about Alexander. He took a sip from his mug, questioning why it was so cold, but then he looked at his mug again and realized that he froze the handle and the cold seeped into the drink.
"Damn, I have to make sure to keep my emotions in check." He pondered out loud. He hated how his emotions can get the better of him sometimes. It didn't help the fact that this world seemed to magnify that.
"Say, Flavia," Radko started, while looking down at the arena "What do you think about me fighting with a different weapon than I currently use?"
"What sparked the sudden interest?" Flavia asked, slightly bewildered and eyebrows furrowed. Radko unsheathed his blade, the blue-tinged sheen sparkling in the light of the torches.
"You know, I always looked at the sword with only scorn since it reminds me why I am here in the first place," Radko said while looking at Hielobjerg "Maybe changing my weapon of choice could help me with my battling tendencies. What do you think?".
"Why yes, it could. I have seen fighters forsake some weapons out of sheer spite." Flavia agreed.
"Glad to see you agreeing to something I have come up with," Radko remarked with sass and Flavia only smirked.
"Would be agreeing with you more often if you didn't bring up some stupid ideas sometimes." Flavia quipped.
"Hey, I am just saying that having a daily schedule for parties would help the staff and the people you invite. It would give them some sort of a warning at least." Radko was trying to justify his idea but got shut down immediately.
"Boy, if you want to mess with my way of ruling then my blade isn't that far for me to fetch and cut you down to size." Flavia threatened, to which Radko had his hands up in front of him.
"No, no, your ruling is absolutely fine." Radko corrected himself, scared because Flavia is always capable of following up on her threats with actions.
"Good, it would be a waste to get my hands bloodied right now," Flavia said, while she yet again focused on the fight below them. Silence filled the air while they both drank some of the vintage Flavia brought and once they finished it Radko asked one more thing.
"Since I said I wanted to wield a different weapon than my sword, which weapon should I use then?"
"Isn't that up to you to decide?" Flavia asked, one of her eyebrows rising.
"Yes, but I sparred with you the most so you should know what would best suit me besides a sword," Radko explained and Flavia saw the sound reasoning and started to contemplate over which weapon Radko could use.
"Try a lance or a spear." Flavia eventually said.
"Oh?" Radko was surprised at the suggestion and after Flavia saw the bewildered look on his face, she elaborated.
"You have quite a similar fighting style to Raimy, keeping your opponents at bay and you go for quick thrusts and lunges, you quite rarely slice with your sword if it isn't a finishing blow. So, a spear or a lance will compliment your fighting style." Flavia explained and Radko chuckled.
"Well, I guess I have to practice now since it also was Robin's idea for me to use a spear instead as well." Radko remarked and it brought a smirk from Flavia "Wouldn't be a khan if I couldn't see said things,".
"Sure, anyway do you need me for anything else, or were you here just to pry some knowledge out of me, before my imminent demise in the final fight?" Radko sarcastically asked and Flavia started to laugh.
"Hah! That is the Feroxi way, we spit at the prospect of death! Yes, that was everything. You better do your best during the crowning fight." Flavia commanded and Radko gave her a salute and left the khan to her charges. The smile eventually dropped from Flavia and she observed the fights yet again that was happening.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
"…and once Radko can finish of Marth you will soundly defeat all of them." Robin finished her explanation of the strategy. Radko, Chrom, Frederick, Vaike, and Kellam were attending the last meeting before the crowing fight begins in a few moments since the five of them will be in the final fight.
"Yeah, I feel like that should do it. Honestly, the only place I am not so sure about is with Lon'qu. That guy is really good when comes to swordplay." Radko contemplated to which Robin scoffed slightly, but it wasn't meant to be hurtful.
"How thoughtful of you, although your concern has some merit. If he was able to win khan Basilio two tournaments back-to-back, it means that not only he is good, but so is Marth." Robin exclaimed, but Chrom contemplated over why would Marth joined the tournament in the first place.
"I have a feeling that Marth has some ulterior motive with joining the tournament. As to what it is, I have no idea." Chrom said.
"He saved milady Lissa once and helped us vanquished the Risen back near Southtown, but now wants to fight us in an arena…" Frederick contemplated while looking at Radko, his prime suspect to anything suspicious, but didn't voice anything.
"Why do we have to talk about this stuff, let's just show them what we are made off, just like we did in the fights before!" Bellowed Vaike who wasn't too keen on joining the strategy meeting "Besides, there is one guy I need to teach a lesson or two.".
"Vaike is right, I think that should be enough with the strategizing, now it all comes down to execution. Thank you, Robin, your work is invaluable." Chrom thanked and Robin held herself proud with a smirk in place.
"Just doing my job." She stated.
"Alright! Let's smash some heads!" Vaike said and bolted to their designated room before entering the arena, soon followed by probably Kellam. Radko and Chrom were the next to go as well and followed suit by Frederick for obvious reasons.
"So Radko, how do feel?" He asked, trying to strike up a conversation before the big battle.
"Honestly, I feel good, great even," Radko said while having a smile on his face.
"That is great to hear, I hope your swordplay is as sharp as it was when we fought." Chrom continued and Radko had a smirk in place, quite similar to Robin's.
"Oh, I won't be using my sword today." Radko quipped and that got a reaction from all of them.
"What!? Are you trying to lose this fight on purpose!?" Vaike questioned first and Radko was smiling all the while.
"I have other means of obtaining a weapon," Radko said vaguely and strode forward past his stunt allies, not looking back if they were following him or not.
"Milord, he is trying to lo-." Frederick wanted to say something but got stopped by Chrom.
"I trust him." He resolutely stated. Frederick wanted to protest more but got a disapproving glare from Chrom and if anyone wanted to prove him otherwise, they couldn't as he strode forward to keep up with Radko.
They made their way towards the room in silence, not wanting to draw Chrom's ire, and patiently waited for the sound of the horn.
The horn honked once, twice, thrice and the gate opened into the arena. It was bustling even more than before and the crowd was screaming, ready for the fight to begin. The other side of the grounds was filled with the other khan's fighters, Marth among them.
The two groups faced off in another staredown with the champions facing each other, with the other fighters behind them. No words were exchanged and all fighters had only one thing on their minds, to win the tournament.
With the horn's signal, the fight began.
Marth took the initiative and charged ahead aiming for Chrom but was immediately stopped by Radko. He flipped his tome open and cast a powerful spell, creating an ice prison around himself and Marth, blocking him from going anywhere while the rest aimed for other targets, creating five duels in the arena.
"I am your opponent, not Chrom," Radko stated, he continued to search in his tome for a spell he traced not long ago, he started to cast it and a snowstorm enveloped him until it all was condensing into a long narrow object in front of him.
The snowstorm took shape and resembled a spear that was just long enough to fit Radko's size that was embedded in the ground. He picked up and twirled it around to get the feel for the spear and almost as if by instinct, got into a stance that radiated confidence.
"Let's dance," Radko spoke and charged at Marth who braced for Radko's assault. The first strike was a lunge with his spear that seemed a little sloppy to Marth like he was holding the weapon for the first time and Marth took advantage of that.
He dodged the strike with relative ease and immediately went on the offensive, attacking Radko by slashing at his side, but he quickly repositioned his spear so that the butt of the lance blocked the strike, completely surprising Marth and himself as well.
So surprised was Radko that he used the standstill to disengage and gave a look at his newly acquired weapon, contemplating over how naturally it came to him, but coming blank. He couldn't dwell on it any further because Marth was charging at him, and Radko braced for the incoming assault.
Each strike was weaved into another, no fighter giving room for second-guessing. Another strike was parried by Radko and Marth used the moment to roll away from a thrust aiming at his torso and from his position resumed his onslaught.
Chrom in the meantime was facing the former champion Lon'qu, fighting with as much vigor he could muster, while Lon'qu was level-headed and calm. Both were in a trance, completely blocking off anything that would interrupt their duel.
Lon'qu went for a rising slash that was dodged by Chrom in the nick of time and he pressed his advantage, unleashing a combination of attacks at Lon'qu who skilfully fend off, with the last one creating a deadlock.
"You are very skilled Lon'qu, it has been some time since I have faced an opponent like you," Chrom remarked, smiling all the while enjoying the fight and sweat pouring from his body. Lon'qu's lips twitched slightly upward as well.
"Likewise but save your words. This is a battlefield." Was his replay and he broke the deadlock, and it was his turn to force Chrom on the defensive.
The crowd grew restless and were cheering for their favorite fighters to win, not giving their lungs any rest. All of the Shepherds and Flavia were inside the skybox and had a clear view of the fight below them and Robin was almost ready to pull her hair out.
"He chooses now to use a spear rather than a sword!?" Yelled Robin, angered that Radko just couldn't stick to using a weapon he was at least somewhat familiar with.
"I have to say, Radko sure knows how to move, if this is his first time using a lance. Where did he get it anyway?" Stahl remarked out of the blue, being easily heard by the rest.
"Hmm, I think he used his ice mojo to created one, but he is a rookie in wielding a lance. His stance has all the wrong footing." Sully said, criticizing Radko's fighting style.
"Girl, I don't think you understand why Radko chose not to use his sword," Flavia remarked to Sully which she just scoffed.
"I don't need to understand it when I see it. It proves he is stupid." Sully stated.
"No. It proves he likes to fight smart." Flavia corrected, surprising the Shepherds.
"Oh, so you are saying that we are stupid?" Sully said in an annoyed tone, not liking where Flavia was taking this conversation.
"Take it as you will, but Radko fights like a textbook example of winning no matter what. He doesn't fight for glory; he fights to win." Flavia simply stated, but since not many knew how she came to this conclusion, Flavia elaborated.
"It seems you do not believe me. Then tell me, how many times have you seen other Feroxi downplay him while you were here?"
"Too many to count." Robin chimed in.
"Exactly, he uses their ignorance against them." Flavia said while looking discreetly over to Sully, but continues non the less "The reason he uses a spear now, is because no one, not even his opponent knows how he fights with it, giving more time for whatever strategy you cooked up, plus spears have a natural advantage over swords. He is cunning and likes to feign ignorance to make him look like an easy target. He is a lion who welcomes you with open arms, but shows his teeth when it is necessary.".
Radko was now on the offense, striking Marth where his instincts told him while Marth blocked his strikes efficiently. Radko went for an overhead strike, bringing down his spear at Marth who, yet again, blocked the strike forming a deadlock between the two enigmatic warriors.
"Finally showing off your true colors?" Marth suddenly asked, much more animatedly, showing more scorn towards Radko. His surprised expression was that of a deer seeing headlights from a car, completely thrown off guard by Marth's question. His expression then hardened from the sudden acquisition.
"I don't know what you are talking about, but whatever I did in the future doesn't tie to me," Radko said adamantly, now throwing Marth off guard from Radko talking about the future of all things.
"It doesn't matter if you are tied to the future or not, if I deal with you know now then that is one less threat to deal with!" Marth bellowed and his attacks became even fiercer than before, some being lethal. Radko had to step up his game, but he was getting more tired as the fight went on. He wasn't expecting just two spells to exhaust him that much, he needed to hold on and wait until all the Shepherds were done with their fights and so he pressed on.
Marth's attacks didn't stop and Radko had a hard time keeping up his defense, he was waiting for the signal from any of his allies to yell it out, but nothing yet. Marth's sword was blocked by Radko's spear again and he used its blade to cleave around himself, trying to give himself more time, but Marth dodged under it and Radko was exposed.
"Now today is the day you die, Sir Adrian!" Marth yelled out and Radko didn't dwell on how he was called right now, because he had no idea of who this Adrian was. Marth charged, Falchion held high and was brought down at Radko, who only had enough time to block the strike with the shaft of the spear.
To Radko's horror, the spear shattered in his hands and it didn't seem to slow down the Falchion at all. All he could do was to step back and let the sword cut into his torso. The Falchion rent through Radko's flesh and a huge gash now appeared on his chest and he yelled out in pain but was silenced by Marth's kick into his stomach and launching him against one of the pillars that blocked both combatants to escape.
Marth strode forward, ready to finish this fiend in his eyes, while Radko only whimpered in pain, sitting on the ground while leaning on his pillar. Marth looked at the pathetic excuse of a man in front of him, beaten and soon to be killed. It didn't matter if he would break the rules of the tournament, in his eyes, there was a threat in front of him and there was a chance to eliminate it.
And he will take it.
"It was an honor fighting you, Sir Adrian. May Naga find your soul worthy of redemption." Marth spoke and was about to bring down the Falchion if it wasn't for her target that started to speak.
"I… don't know… who this Adrian is, girl…" Radko said while coughing up blood and becoming weaker by the second but still had enough strength to look up at Marth.
"But it surely ain't me..." He finished and Marth was thrown for a loop, that he might have the wrong target. But he was sure this must be him!
"Don't lie, you look just like him! You are ready to betray the Shepherds at any moment!" He yelled out but wasn't heard any other fighter except Radko.
"Betray… the Shepherds?" Radko pondered.
He, betraying the Shepherds?
No, he would never do that. Even though all the flak he was given, he enjoyed the company of the Shepherds, like life-long friends he just met recently. Most of the early memories with the Shepherds were happy ones and it all the more fuelled the anger he felt from the acquisition, that this person had the audacity to question his loyalty.
"I… would never… betray… the Shepherds!" Radko yelled out with all his might and as if prayer was heard, the voice of Chrom echoed in the arena "Radko! The signal!" and that was all he needed.
He suddenly touched one of his ice pillars and a sudden wind current appeared, pushing Marth away from Radko. The current got too strong for Marth to bear and knocked him to the ground, he then noticed the shift in the current yet again, but this time, its path went to Radko and once Marth got up, he what Radko was doing.
He was absorbing the ice prison he made and the glaciers slowly started to disappear, until nothing was left of them. Marth looked at Radko, who was standing through his wound that still was bleeding and had an emotionless stare, cold blue eyes piercing through Marth. He backed away slightly, but got back into his stance quickly and waited for Radko to move.
Radko summoned another spear and took the same stance as before, but it felt a little different. While the grip on the spear was the same, his footing was slightly altered. He suddenly charged at Marth with incredible speed and began with a ruthless assault. Marth was able to dodge them, but these attacks were different, they had the intent to kill.
The dance didn't last for long as Radko attacked with another quick thrust, nicking Marth on the right shoulder and he tried to back away but was stopped by Chrom who pointed with his Falchion at Marth's back, indicating his time to surrender.
"Yield." Commanded Chrom and once Marth turned around to face Chrom, he had another sharp point of a spear pointing at him as well. Marth had no choice.
"I…surrender," Marth spoke and both Chrom's and Radko's lowered their weapons.
The horn honked one last time and the battle concluded.
The crowd was restless, and all were echoing Flavia's name at the top of their lungs, cheering for the now new khan Regent. The quick mask that adorned Radko fell and smiled at the cheering crowd, only for him to cough even more blood. He put his hand in front of his mouth and his vision started to tunnel and his mind became dizzy.
Chrom took notice of this immediately.
"Radko!" He yelled and Radko was leaning on his spear, only for him to lose his footing and would have dropped on the floor if Chrom didn't catch him.
"Naga above, he is as pale as ghost! Frederick!" Chrom yelled out for his retainer and Frederick almost appeared out of nowhere and was ready to serve.
"Milord?" He prompted.
"Radko will die from blood loss if he won't get treated, get him to the infirmary immediately!" Chrom ordered and Frederick obeyed and picked up the now unconscious Radko and bolted to the infirmary, abandoning all suspicion of Radko for the moment. Chrom then turned to face Marth, a scowl on his face.
"You could've just disarmed him," Chrom stated.
"Disarming that man means killing him." Marth shot back while sheathing his Falchion and was ready to leave the arena.
"So you know Radko, what has he done to earn your ire?" Chrom questioned.
"Radko…" Marth trailed off and then scoffed "What a foolish name to be hiding behind." and left the arena grounds without answering Chrom's question. Chrom's scowl deepened and now had Vaike and probably Kellam next to him.
"So, Radko is a man that needs to die, stated by someone more suspicious than him," Vaike remarked with a scowl. As much as he wanted to hate Radko, it has been some time since had a new rival when it comes to drinking and he is quite the partner in crime.
"Whatever that man said means nothing until he proves us otherwise. Radko can shed some light on it if he is willing enough," Chrom then clicked his tongue "And if he survives, that is." he bitterly added.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
"Get me a needle for blood immediately, we don't have much time," Miriel spoke in an urgent tone, prompting Robin to find the tool Miriel was mentioning. It was a tube with a needle that could easily penetrate human skin and would suck away blood. Robin would normally be scared of such contraptions, but right now they had a life to save.
"Lissa, make sure he is stabilized. We do not know how he will react." Miriel instructed and took Radko's pale arm and poked through the skin creating a small hole. Radko didn't react at all since he was unconscious, but his heart still beat with life, although faster than normal. Miriel took out the needle once she had enough blood and instructed Lissa to heal that spot as well.
Miriel took out her large personal tome and the tube was enveloped by a strange light that sparkled with many different colors. When the process was done the light turn to nothingness, completely vanishing.
"Oh my…" Miriel perked up but didn't like her results.
"What is it?" Robin asked.
"It seems that our patient has a new moon blood type," Miriel said and Lissa immediately started to panic.
"Oh no! Nobody I know from the Shepherds has that type!" She exclaimed.
"What does that mean!?" Robin questioned, being in desperate need of clarification.
"It means that we don't have a donner to give the blood we need. There are four groups of blood, the first-quarter moon, the third-quarter moon, the full moon, and the new moon and in an order to accomplish a successful blood transfusion, the donner and patient need the same blood type. Sadly, the new moon blood type is amongst the rarest of the four." Miriel explained, and Robin began to pale. If it was that rare, then what were the chances of finding someone with that blood type?
"Lissa, how much time do you think we have before his organs will shut down?" Miriel inquired to which Lissa replied with a little more composure, although still was shaken up.
"I was able to seal the wound and stop it from bleeding any further, but he still lost a lot of blood. I don't know for how long he will last, but I don't think we have enough time to find someone with a new moon type."
And then it clicked for Robin, she was the only new Shepherd with Virion, who was nowhere to be found that wasn't tested. Maybe if they were lucky enough, she might have the new moon type and if she does then she will not allow a new Shepherd to die.
"Miriel, check for my blood type," Robin demanded and Miriel was slightly caught off guard, but then nodded, knowing where Robin was aiming with her command. She took out another needle and Robin removed her cloak and gave Miriel her hand.
The needle pierced Robin and she winced in pain, but the process didn't take long and Miriel pulled it out and examined the tube just like she did with the last one. There was a moment of silence before Miriel exclaimed "Marvellous! Robin has the blood type we need.".
Lissa's face immediately lit up and Robin couldn't stop a smile forming on her lips.
"Thank the gods, he will live." She thought, glad there will be no casualty to the Shepherds.
"Robin, I should warn you that the amount of blood Radko lost is high and we might need to extract more blood from you than is regularly advised. The symptoms you could experience are not for those who are faint of heart." Miriel warned, but Robin didn't care. She won't let a Shepherd die just because of a few symptoms.
"I don't care, just do it already. We have a life to save." Robin said determinedly.
"Very well then, I would ask of you to please sit next to Radko and wait for a moment. Lissa, get your staff ready. We shall perform a blood transfusion." Miriel instructed and Lissa got ready and poked two holes with a needle, one on Robin and the second on Radko. Miriel then began to cast, while Lissa enveloped the room in green light.
Robin started to feel her blood circulating into the open wound, and it started to pour out of the tiny hole Lissa made. The blood then started to flow through the air like a graceful river and then forcefully seeped into Radko's wound.
Robin started to feel lightheaded but steeled and forced herself to stay conscious. Radko's pale skin began to get some color back and the flow ended, leaving a tired Robin. She tried to stand up from her chair, but her body didn't let her and neither did Lissa.
"It's alright Robin, just sit there for a moment. Blood transfusion is quite exhausting for the donner." Lissa said while having the brightest smile on her face.
"The transfusion was a success, and our patient has been stabilized. Heart rate has gone down, his pulse is beginning to grow faster, and started to draw heavier breaths." Miriel concluded, happy that their patient survived.
"That is great to hear," Robin said a little weakly, but also happy that there were no casualties.
"I'll go spread the word so that everyone can rest easy," Lissa said and left the room to tell the others of the positive news.
"Miriel, how long will it take for Radko to recover?" Robin asked, not wanting to break the atmosphere, but since they have obtained their alliance it would paramount to get to Ylisstol as fast as possible.
"From the amount of blood he lost, I would estimate a full month recovery at least," Miriel answered and Robin had to resist the urge to scowl. More than a month is too much time wasted waiting. Looks like Radko will have to rest while on the move.
"Now, since our patient needs sleep, I will excuse myself and research on how blood differentiates from others with an ice affinity." Miriel excused herself, leaving Robin and Radko alone in the room. She looked at the sleeping ice mage and only had one thing to add.
"You are a real piece of work, aren't you?" Robin said without expecting a reply and left the room as well after she recovered from the blood transfusion.
The infirmary was relatively close to the barracks of the barracks and once she got inside most people were already well on their way to packing their necessities for another march back to Ylisse, to report back about their now obtained alliance and Robin opted to do the same. She passed by Radko's room and saw that it was half-opened and heard a ruckus from the inside.
She peeked through the door to see Lissa packing Radko's belongings inside his questionably efficient bag, stuffed with books and clothing. Lissa spotted Robin and she greeted her with a smile.
"Heya Robin, just packing up Radko's stuff since he is no condition to do so himself," Lissa explained why she was in Radko's room.
"I can see that," Robin confirmed while Lissa continued to pack.
"Man, this bag is a miracle. How Radko was able to get such a bag amazes me. I just hope he will open up soon," Lissa pondered while still being able to put more things inside it, like a black hole that has an infinite amount of storage space.
"Yeah, and from what I have heard Marth seemed to know him," Robin added to Lissa's surprise.
"What, really?" Lissa asked, full of hope and eager to hear more.
"Yes, but it wasn't a joyful reunion, Marth wanted to kill him," Robin explained and Lissa's expression dropped significantly.
"Oh…" That was all Lissa said.
"Whatever Radko's past is, I just hope it won't come to bite us in the future," Robin said and walked around to the room and inspected it. It was large enough for two people and it was clean and was steadily losing the mark that Radko left here since Lissa was packing his things. She then spotted a table with a quill and a notebook and she was curious enough to check what the notebook was and picked it up.
The notebook wasn't anything special, it had a green cover and many pages of parchment to write on. When she opened it, it was filled with a script that was different from the one she was used to. It looked similar enough, but there were a few stylistic changes to the script that made it unique. It also looked a little bland for the tactician's eyes.
"Well, can't read that." Robin huffed and offered it to Lissa to store it as well and she also was interested enough and peeked in as well.
"You aren't the only one, probably is Radko's diary. It would make sense to know a different script if he is from overseas." Lissa said and stuffed Radko's supposed diary into the bag. The only thing left was his sword and Lissa was interested enough to see how the sword looked so she unsheathed it.
She looked at the sword with awe, its handle was quite detailed and the sheen had a nice blue color to it. Robin couldn't resist the urge and looked at it as well, admiring the craftsmanship of the blade. Lissa was also able to spot the name of the blade on the sheath.
"Wow, this sword even has a name," Lissa said, but didn't dwell on it for long and stuffed it inside the back as well. She dusted her hands and stood proud at her achievement of packing her comrade's necessities.
"I should get my belongings packed up as well." Said Robin and left Lissa to start packing for the imminent march. She should probably have some marching paths ready so they would get to Ylisse as fast as possible, as well.
She sighed from the amount of work she will probably need to conduct.
"Gods, I wish I had an assistant sometimes." She thought and went her way towards her room.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
"So, you planning on leaving us now?" Flavia asked after Chrom explained to Flavia that they would change course to Ylisse since they want to reach Emmeryn as soon as possible because they didn't have a scout on hand to send a message to the capital.
"Yes, we are sure your hospitality in your abode would be grand but we have pressing matters to attend to in the capital." Chrom elaborated, but Flavia just lazily waved her hand, indicating she didn't mind.
"It's alright, prince Chrom, I was expecting you to leave anyway, although that won't stop me from celebrating without you," Flavia replied with a smirk in place, but her expression grew more serious instantly.
"How is he?" Flavia asked and Chrom knew who she was talking about.
"He hasn't woken up yet, but Miriel said he is recovering quite fast and should wake up during our march back to Ylisstol," Chrom reassured and Flavia couldn't resist but to sigh in relief.
"That's good." She spoke.
"Are you sure about this, khan Flavia?" Chrom asked one more time to make sure that bringing Radko with them was a good idea.
"I said it once and I will say it again, yes. It would be for the best for him, I don't know for how long he would have lasted with all the animosity that has been thrown at him when he was the champion even after the tournament. I think the rack tack group of misfits you lead princeling will be an ideal place for him." Flavia repeated herself.
"Alright then, we thank you for yours and khan Basilio's contribution to the Shepherds." Chrom thanked as well as bowed slightly.
"I should thank you for obtaining back my power as the ruling khan. Ah, it has been ages since I had that power and I shall celebrate it to the fullest." Flavia was now dreaming about how she will drink everyone in attendance at the said party under the table.
"It will be glorious." Flavia thought.
"We would expect nothing less," Chrom said with a smile "Have a safe journey, khan Flavia.".
"Likewise, prince. Expect the troops to come in the next month." Flavia bided him farewell and both left to their marching bands and ready to continue their trek through the icy roads of Regna Ferox until they reached the Longfort yet again.
The march was only five days long and was now back in their relatively safe lands of Ylisse. The heat of the autumn sun beat on them mercilessly and all of the Shepherds threw all of their heavy clothing inside their caravan, happy to be rid of them. At the same time, however, they weren't used to the sometimes-extreme heat of that Ylissian fall.
"Am I seriously going to complain now that it's too hot once we are out of Ferox?" Lissa questioned herself, sweat pouring out of her forehead, making her look like she ran a marathon. Chrom honestly had similar thoughts as Lissa, since it was quite some time they were in Ferox, they got used to the cold weather rather quickly. They just didn't think it could involve the hot weather of the Ylisse as well.
"As much as I want to retort your question, I have to agree with you, this heat is unbearable." Robin agreed, having only a beige tank top and her coat being only tied around her neck, letting it freely flow in the wind.
"Ugh, I would appreciate if it was night already, at least the sun wouldn't be such a pain to deal with." Lissa wined and sadly didn't have it in her to forcibly move the sun away from the sky, making her the victim of the scorching sun just as others.
They didn't have to wait for long however as the daytime got a little shorter and the moon slowly made its way up to the sky, illuminating the now built encampment of the Shepherds.
There was a roaring fire in the middle while some fellow Shepherds were happily chatting, either about the arena fight, how the trek to Ylisstol is more annoying they thought it out to be or what Stahl had prepared for them this time.
"Stahl is the meal ready yet!?" Bellowed Vaike who's stomach was demanding his daily sustenance.
"Almost done, it just needs a few finishing touches," Stahl reassured and added a few spices into a pot that was above the roaring fire and Stahl was extra careful not the slip-up. He proceeded to wait a couple of seconds before picking up the giant pot and put it on the ground and was ready to serve.
"Alright, who wants first?" Stahl asked the group and without missing a beat most of the Shepherds were already in a line waiting for their serving of the delicious stew that was always good when made by Stahl.
Lissa was one of the last and got herself a portion since she was assigned the duty to watch over Radko before he wakes up. Miriel said that he should wake up at any moment, but comas are a finicky thing. Some people would wake in a few days while others would take weeks, even months. Lissa just hoped for the former.
She got inside the medical tent where Radko was peacefully sleeping in a bedroll, laying on the ground with little to no knowledge of what was going on outside. She sat down and put her bowl close enough for her to reach.
"Heya Radko, how are you doing?" Lissa asked him. Although she didn't expect any form of an answer, she instead thought of the most likely one Radko would choose.
"Could be better honestly, my feet are getting sore."
"Well, at least you aren't suffering the heat from the sun." Lissa huffed, not liking how Radko was using his state to his advantage.
"Heh, I guess there is always something positive out of all the bad stuff."
"Yeah…" Lissa's imagination broke and just stared at the unconscious ice mage, a solemn look on her face.
"You know, I was scared when Frederick brought you to the infirmary and you looked like you wouldn't hold out much longer. When I saw how pale you were and that gash you had across your chest, I almost started to panic. Thankfully Miriel had everything under control and then a miracle happened when Robin had the same blood type as you. When Miriel said you would survive I was elevated." Lissa rambled in front of Radko, who didn't make any indication of waking up after Lissa pouring her heart out in front of him.
She huffed again, but this time a lot more playfully.
"Alright then, be that guy who waits for the perfect opportunity to wake up. I dare you to wake up when we get to Ylisstol. You'll get the biggest tour of Ylisstol as I possibly can make!" Lissa proudly stated, but still, nothing.
The ice mage kept sleeping, no matter how much Lissa tried. After slumping from her attempt to wake up Radko, she took the bowl of the stew that had time to cool off during Lissa's one-sided conversation and started to eat.
She could hear the banter coming outside from the tent and she was eager to join in as well, but somebody had to look out for Radko when he wakes up. Sure enough, she wasn't the only one who wanted to see him, and Chrom appeared from the tent entrance.
"So, how is he doing?" Chrom asked once he was inside the tent.
"Same as always, still sleeping." Lissa answered, "I just feel like there is something more we can do for him, but I just don't know what.".
"Don't worry, I am sure he will wake up eventually," Chrom reassured, patting his sister on her shoulder. He then looked at Radko too but didn't say anything as he was just observing how their companion was doing. His chest steadily rose and fell, while sleeping through the loud banter of the Shepherds outside.
"How long will it take us to reach Ylisstol?" Lissa asked suddenly.
"It shouldn't take more than two weeks. Hopefully, we won't get attacked by any of the Risen on our way there." Chrom answered.
"Well, hopefully, he will wake up by then. He is becoming leaner with each day." Lissa said, worried over Radko's malnourishment. Chrom suddenly grimaced and bawled up one of his fists. Lissa spotted Chrom's sudden behavior and asked her brother "You ok, Chrom?".
"No, I am not. I still reminisce about the arena fight and I still have no idea as to why Marth would go so far as to try and kill Radko, he is the reason why Radko is in such a predicament in the first place. Not only that, but Marth said something in the lines of Radko hiding his true identity, which was something he already told us, but is it such a secret that people are out there to hunt him down for it?" Chrom pondered out loud and Lissa scowled.
"No, as far as I can see it, I don't think Radko would do something to warrant such ire. Did you know that he saved Sumia when she came looking for him?" Lissa said and Chrom's eyes went wide and immediately questioned what happened.
"She almost fell into the lake Radko was on and from what Sumia told me, he was singing of all things in his native tongue about how he misses his home. As much as he tries to deny it, he is getting homesick." Lissa solemnly elaborated, sating Chrom's curiosity, and yet again looked at the sleeping form of Radko with an earnest and thankful smile.
"Anyway, looks like Radko won't wake up any time soon so I think it is time to go to sleep since we want to get to Ylisstol as fast as possible. Good night, brother." Lissa said and left the tent, aiming for hers. Chrom also wanted to leave the tent as well, but before he did, he left Radko with a few words.
"Thanks, friend." He thanked.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
The Shepherds were able to reach Ylisstol in less than ten days, not meeting anything that would hinder their march time, and were happy with their achievement. Some opted to go into their designated pub, while others simply went inside their barracks to unpack their belongings after their endeavor of obtaining the alliance with Regna Ferox.
Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, and Robin went their way inside the throne room of the castle to meet Emmeryn and tell them the great news they brought with them. Once they entered, they were greeted by the Exalt of Ylisse looking out of the window where she has a view of the city below her, while her guardian Phila was on standby near her.
She spotted the quartet and turned to face them, brushing her dress a little, and then greeted the four with the radiant smile.
"Chrom, Lissa, welcome home." Emmeryn greeted them and Lissa was the first to bolt into Emmeryn's embrace, snuggling the older sister.
"Emm, I am so glad to be home again. Please tell me there will no reason to go to Ferox again?" She asked pleadingly, which prompted Emmeryn to chuckle.
"Now, why would you think that, Lissa?" Emmeryn asked with bemusement.
"Because it was so cold out there! I had a runny nose the entire time we were there!" Lissa exclaimed, which brought out, even more, chuckles from the Exalt. She then turned to Chrom with a more serious expression but was still welcoming.
"How did you fare with obtaining the alliance?" She asked.
"Very well Emm, we were able to obtain the alliance with a… surprising method, but we got what we came for nonetheless," Chrom explained and Lissa started to giggle, reminiscing of the anticks that happened during their time in Ferox. As much as she didn't like the cold, the time they spent there was enjoyable for her.
"That's great news, from what I have heard you were able to increase your ranks in the Shepherds as well," Emmeryn said and Chrom was eager to elaborate.
"Yes, we were able to secure both champions of the khans. One is named Lon'qu and the other is Radko." Chrom then slumped slightly after mentioning Radko.
"Two? The guards told me they saw only one new Shepherd." Emmeryn stated, surprised that there was another. Robin stepped forward and then explained what happened during their time in Ferox. The tension between the nations, the fight in the arena, and then explained that Radko was Flavia's champion and suffered quite the blow and was now inside the castle infirmary, resting and hadn't woken up yet.
"That is quite the story, may I see him?" Emmeryn asked and Chrom nodded.
"Of course." Chrom then began to lead the five people into the infirmary where Radko was resting. The only ones who went inside were Emmeryn, Chrom, Robin, and Lissa. Once Emmeryn spotted the new Shepherd in question he was peacefully sleeping and was slightly taken back by one big visible scar that ran up to his neck and went all the way down to his left hip that was obscured by the gown he was wearing and the white blanket.
"My, that is quite the wound." Emmeryn pondered while eyeing Radko's appearance and for some reason, it felt like she already saw his face once before, but didn't dwell on it for long.
"Yeah, we were quite worried he wouldn't survive, but he did. Thanks to Miriel, Lissa, and Robin." Chrom said while smiling at the fact that they haven't lost him, yet.
"That is reassuring, but how long has he been asleep? He might die from malnourishment if he doesn't wake up in time." Emmeryn soberly said, not liking that one of Chrom's companions could die.
"Hopefully soon, it has been over three weeks and Miriel said that it would take a month at least." Chrom grimaced and Emmeryn put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I am sure he will wake in time. Maybe he is hearing this conversation right now." As if Emmeryn's words resonated with Radko, he began to shift in his sleep and was groaning, while putting one of his hands on his forehead.
The royals took notice of his sudden shifts and started to beam at him that he was finally waking up. Robin had a smile in place, also happy, but he is going to get a piece of her mind once he fully wakes up.
Radko's blurry eyes opened, trying to scan his surroundings by tilting his from side to side, only for him to squint his eyes because of the light stone reflecting the afternoon sunlight, completely lost as to where he was.
"Where… am I?" He asked nobody in particular because in his eyes he could only see blurs of figures and Chrom was the first to answer him.
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Radko."
AN: You thought I would kill off Radko like that? Please, I wouldn't do that, would I? It was just another means for Radko to know that he could die, no matter what shenanigans he can pull off. This chapter is also currently the shortest one yet, but I didn't feel like I needed to add anything else.
The obligatory 'thank you' to Fanfiction Treehouse.
Link: gg/9XG3U7a
Anyway, hopefully, y'all enjoyed this Sunday's chapter and hope to see you in the next!
God's speed.