Lucina was hiding behind a large tree trunk beside the Longfort. It looked just the same as she remembered it. She smiled a little, remembering the times her father took her here to visit the khans. She sighed, 'Lucina, this is no time to daydream. Remember your mission.'

If the shifts of the scouts were the same as in her time, then she should be able to easily slip through one of the cracks in the wall. She counted, one…two…three…now! And the guard on the south wall left to go switch off. 'Okay, that gives me exactly three minutes before the next guard comes,' Lucina thought.

She sprinted out from behind the tree and to the area where the crack was. Sure enough, it was smaller than that of her time, but it was still there. She sighed in relief. It would be a tight squeeze, but she should be small enough to fit through.

Once Lucina was through, she was greeted with a very dull hallway. Lucina was glad that she had come to the Longfort so often with her father, otherwise she would have no idea where she's going. She replayed events back in her head and deduced that she had about a few hours before the shepherds showed up.

She immediately began to walk through the giant hallway. Left…Right…Left…Left...Right. She continued to make turns through the hallways.

"Geez, Inigo was right, it really is a maze in here," she muttered to herself.

After a few more turns, Lucina had managed to make it out of the maze of hallways, and into the main entrance. It was definitely more vibrant than the rest of the fort, just in more of an aggressive way.

There were lots of vibrant red and gold colors, followed by lots of silver from weapons. That was one of the main things she remembered: There were always weapons scattered everywhere, as if the khans were using them as decorations.

"You there!" A feminine voice yelled behind her.

'Here we go,' she thought.

Lucina turned and saw a woman in heavy armor approach her, lance in hand. Lucina remembered her as Raimi.

"How did you get in here?" The woman said, narrowing her eyes.

"Peace. I am not here to hurt anyone. I simply wish to challenge the west khan's champion." Lucina said plainly in her "man" voice.

Raimi narrowed her eyes, "How did you…" she furrowed her brow, "Never mind. Someone like you can't be trusted. So, I'm giving you a choice: you can leave on your own free will or…" Raimi pointed her lance at Lucina, "I'll make you."

Lucina frowned. 'Why does this always need to be so difficult?' she thought. Lucina sighed, then put her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"So be it. I don't wish to fight you, but if I can gain an audience from the khans, then I'll do just that."

Raimi smirked, and readied her lance. Lucina unsheathed her sword, and pointed it at her opponent.

Lucina made the first move. She charged at Raimi at a blinding speed. Raimi wasn't expecting such quickness, but she managed to block the attack. Lucina and Raimi locked weapons for a second, but Raimi was stronger, and pushed Lucina off. Lucina skidded back, and circled her opponent, trying to find an opening.

Raimi studied her opponent. The strangest thing about this man was the odd mask he wore.'Why would he wish to hide his face?' Raimi thought.

"Why the mask?" She asked aloud, as Lucina circled her.

"Personal matters," Lucina replied, then charged again. Raimi was expecting this, and easily parried her attack. However, Lucina was one step ahead and knew Raimi would do this. Lucina quickly spun around, slicing Raimi's cheek a little, drawing blood. Lucina could've killed her if she wanted, but Raimi was a friend…just Raimi didn't know that yet.

Raimi put her hand to her cheek, then pulled away to look at her blood, and grinned.

"Impressive, it's been a while since I've seen my own blood. I'm Raimi. Can I ask yours?"

"Marth," Lucina said shortly.

Raimi nodded, "You could've killed me but…but you didn't. You're holding back…why?" She asked and lowered her lance.

Lucina scowled, and sheathed her sword.

"Every life is precious," She said simply.

Raimi nodded again, and smiled, "Heh, and here I thought you were going to be some sort of simple brigand. I think you've earned an audience with the khans."

"I think so, too," a gruff voice behind them said.

Lucina froze. She knew that voice all too well.

It was the west khan…here…alive.

She felt her lip quiver, and she was now on the verge of tears. 'Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry,' she pleaded to herself. Slowly, she returned her cool demeanor, and turned to face the khan.

The khan was a gruff, bald man with only one eye. His right eye was covered up with a black eyepatch, making him look way scarier than he really is. Lucina, though, knew his more fun grandpa side…at least in her time.

"That was quite the show, lad. Marth, was it?" The khan asked. Lucina curtly nodded. The man grinned, "Well, if you can take down Raimi, you may stand a chance against my champion."

Raimi grumbled, and the khan laughed, "No offense, Raimi, dear," he said gruffly.

Raimi glared at him, "None taken," She said hotly and stormed off.

The khan laughed again.

"Come with me, Marth. If you think that Raimi was a challenge, wait until you fight my champion."

The khan took Lucina to the arena. It was just as huge as Lucina remembered it. Sure enough, the West khan's champion was in the middle, hacking away at a training dummy.

"Hey Lon'qu!" The khan yelled. Lon'qu looked up with a stoic expression.

The khan grinned, "I've got you a challenger," he said, pointing to Marth.

Lon'qu scowled at Lucina. He looked her up and down and scoffed.

"Like he could best me," Lon'qu said sharply.

Lucina glared a Lon'qu through her mask. Lucina never understood how her aunt and him got along in her time, but they were always so happy together. 'Heh, maybe aunt Lissa humbled him…' Lucina shook that thought out of her head, then looked back to Lon'qu.

"You afraid I'll beat you?" Lucina asked, trying to be as calm as possible, but there was still a hint of venom in her tone.

Lon'qu rolled his eyes. He looked back at the khan, "Please, I have better things to do than waste my time against some kid in a costume."

Something snapped in Lucina, and she drew her sword and charged at Lon'qu. He still had his sword in his hand, and parried her attack with ease. He even looked bored, much to Lucina's dismay.

Lucina slashed at Lon'qu, trying to maintain the offense.

Lon'qu gritted his teeth, 'he's fast, I'll give him that,' he thought,'but that's not enough!'

With that, Lon'qu went for a tackle maneuver. He knocked Lucina's sword away. He then grabbed her wrist, making her drop her sword. He kicked it away so she couldn't grab it. Lucina yelped in pain at his grip and tried to wriggle free, but he was too strong.

Lucina struggled, trying to reach the knife she had safely stored on her left thigh under her shirt. Lon'qu pushed her back in her chest with his hands, making her stumble back. His eyes widened in surprise and he stared at his hands with…fear.

"Y-your…a…wom-"

"You're open!" She yelled before he could finish. Lucina quickly reached for her knife, and knocked him to the ground.

Before he could jump back up, Lucina jumped on top of him, pinning him to the ground. She placed her knife right at his throat.

"Yield?" Lucina asked smugly.

Lon'qu, who was dripping in sweat, stared up at her with fear. Quickly, he nodded, so Lucina got up and looked at the khan. She had to fight back a laugh. His mouth was wide open, and he looked like he couldn't believe what he just saw.

"I can't…I don't…" the khan grinned, "Well, it looks like I've just got myself a new champion."

"Brrrr! ! I'm f-f-freebbing,"Lissa said through chattering teeth. She was clutching her arms trying to stay warm, with no luck.

The group had made it in view of the Longfort. Robin wasn't aware of how cold this trip would become. It seemed like just hours ago that they were in the warm sun surrounded by green grass and lush trees. Now, they were surrounded by a wasteland of snow.

Robin sighed. He was the lucky one out of the group with his big coat. He reluctantly took it off and handed it to Lissa.

"Here, this should help," He said.

Lissa beamed happily taking the coat.

"Thanks a bunch, Robin!" She quickly took the coat and put it on, heaving a sigh of relief. "Ahh, so warm," she said dreamily.

Robin rolled his eyes, "Yeah, don't get too comfortable. I'll be wanting that back soon."

Lissa just giggled and skipped away from Robin up to where Frederick was, who was still doing the weird thing up the road.

"Aw, is the little princess starting to grow on ya?" Sully said, who walked up to Robin while towing her horse.

"Shut up," Robin said, glaring at Sully.

Sully just remained silent and smirked at Robin.

"Oh for the god's sake, Sully! She's a KID, ya know? She was cold, so I offered her my coat." Sully still looked unconvinced. Robin rolled his eyes again, "I would've done the same for you if you're worried about that," he added.

Sully's eyes widened, and Robin swore he saw the smallest hint of pink in her cheeks.

"I-I wasn't saying…Robin! Why in the hell would you…grrr!" She scowled at him, "Are you always this difficult to like?" She asked hotly.

Robin laughed, "Heh, I wouldn't know."

Sully cocked her head to the side, "What do you mean, 'you don't know'?"

Robin's eyes widened as he realized that none of the other shepherds knew about his memory loss situation. 'Should I tell them? I mean, it couldn't hurt, but it may make following my orders difficult if I technically don't remember anything. Sooo…Probably best if I stay quiet,' Robin reasoned with himself.

"Uh, it's um…complicated. I'll explain later," Robin said, and started to walk off, leaving Sully very confused.

"What was that about," She muttered.

"So, this is the fortress?" Robin asked as he approached Chrom.

"Yes, also known as the Longfort. It stretches across the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox," Chrom replied.

As they got closer, Robin got a better sense at how big the fort actually was. It made him feel really small compared to it.

Frederick was done with whatever he was previously doing and made his way over to the rest of the group.

"The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite weary of foreigners, such as ourselves. Still, don't mistake lack of hospitality for open hostility. This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy," Frederick said as he reached Chrom.

Chrom nodded.

"Yes. Unfortunately, negotiations are not my strong suit, but I'll do my best." He said, then Chrom turned to the rest of the group.

"Remember everyone, your actions reflect back on Ylisse…that includes you Vaike," Chrom said to Vaike, who was currently tossing his axe in the air like a toy.

"Yeah, yeah, ol' Teach understands you, your 'majesty'." Vaike said mockingly.

Chrom just ignored him and continued to walk to the fort. As they drew near the fort, Robin noticed that the atmosphere was starting to get tense. Robin looked at the fort and noticed that soldiers seemed to be forming at the top, all of them armed. 'Not good!' Thought Robin.

Frederick noticed as well, "Milord, it appears the Feroxi Guard are mobilizing."

Chrom looked up and frowned, "It looks like your right Frederick. And it looks like they're ready to fight at any moment. Best to prepare for battle, just in case."

Robin nodded, "I'll think something up just in case things go south."

Chrom grinned, then went up to get closer to the gate. As he got closer, a woman dressed in heavy knight's armor appeared at the top of the Fort's wall.

"Halt! Who goes there!?" She yelled down, lance at ready.

Chrom was confused at first, then decided to introduce himself.

"I, prince Chrom of Ylisse, seek an audience with the Khans!" He hollered up the wall.

To Chrom's surprise, Raimi just laughed, "Hah! Yes and I'm the queen of Valm! Impersonating royalty is a capital offense, you know. My only interest is keeping you out of Ferox, brigand! So I advise you to turn tail and scurry away!"

Robin knew that a battle was brewing. He walked to Lissa.

"I'm gonna need that coat back," he said. She shrugged it off and gave it to him, eyes trained on Chrom and Raimi. She too sensed a battle brewing, and was starting to feel a little nervous about fighting actual trained fighters like this.

Frederick looked mortified, "How dare you! You are in the true presence of Prince Chrom, the exalt's own blood! How could-"

"If you claim to be the prince of Ylisse, then prove it on the battlefield!" Raimi yelled, and readied her soldiers.

Chrom gritted his teeth, "Rgh…Emm won't like this at all…please, good lady! If you'd listen-"

Raimi held up her lance, "Enough talk! Attack!"

It all happened so fast, it took a second for Robin to process what transpired. The lancers on the fort threw lances right at Chrom. They would've killed him too, if it weren't for the white and lavender figure that swooped down and managed to save Chrom from being stabbed to death, just in the nick of time.

Chrom saw the lances coming at him at an incredible speed. There was no way he would be able to dodge them, so he tried to shield himself with…himself. He closed his eyes and braced for the pain, but none came.

Instead, he felt someone grab him, and next thing he knew, he was in the air. Chrom opened his eyes, and was surprised to see Sumia. They were atop the Pegasus that they had run into earlier.

Chrom was amazed that Sumia managed to get there so fast. He wasn't sure what to say, so he just awkwardly stuttered her name, "…S-Sumia?"

'Typical Chrom,' She thought, shaking her head while smiling.

"Better hold on tight, captain. Could get bumpy." She said, trying her best to maintain her confident demeanor, despite the fact she was screaming in excitement on the inside.

"Uh…right." Chrom wasn't sure what exactly to hold on to. He looked at her waist and felt a blush creep up his face. 'Nope, nope, nope, clean thoughts, clean thoughts,' he thought, and shook his head.

Sumia turned around slightly so she could look at his face.

She grinned, and giggled a little, "You'll be fine."

Chrom's jaw dropped a little. She looked…gorgeous. He always thought she was pretty, but in this setting, she was beautiful. 'How the heck did I just now notice this?'

He then saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and glanced over to see archers drawing their bows. 'Not good!' He thought.

"Sumia!" He said, and motioned over to the archers.

Sumia immediately retained her focus.

"Right!" She said, and veered her Pegasus away from the line of fire.

Robin watched as Sumia and Chrom safely landed away from the archers. Then an idea came to Robin: If everyone were to fight in pairs that filled their weaknesses, that could increase their chances of victory. There were a lot of armored knights, so he and Miriel would be the best at taking them down. He decided that the best pairings for this battle would be Vaike and Lissa, Frederick and Miriel, Stahl and Virion and Chrom and Sumia. That left him to fight with Sully.

Robin explained the plan, and everyone was quite impressed.

Chrom playfully punched Robin in the shoulder, "Heh, if this succeeds, you'll be three and zero."

Robin winced a little and rubbed his shoulder where Chrom had punched him.

"Well let's hope this works out then."

Chrom grinned, and Robin turned to the rest of the group, "Alright everyone, you know your orders, let's move out!"

And with that, everyone scattered with their designated partners to their positions.

Sumia was thrilled to be partnered up with Chrom. Her Pegasus seemed to have taken a liking to Chrom as well, and it continued to make cheerful whinnies while nudging Chrom in the shoulder.

'This is just like one of the romance novels I've been reading!' Sumia thought happily.

The pair was currently standing out of view near one of the gates to the fort. They had no keys, but they knew the enemy did. They were waiting on Frederick and Miriel to make it to them, hopefully with keys. The job of Sumia and Chrom was to secure the gate, and make Miriel's job easier.

Chrom chuckled, and rubbed Sumia's mount's snout, "You sure this is the same ornery pegasus I met earlier?"

Sumia beamed, "She's just a sweetheart isn't she?" Sumia said happily.

Chrom smiled. He actually found a lot of pleasure in petting Sumia's mount. 'If only Pegasus riding was more manly. I would totally be a Pegasus knight if it was.' Chrom thought dreamily as he rubbed the Pegasus's snout.

He smiled, "So…you pick out a name yet?"

Sumia's face lit up again, "Yes I did! How does Dawnbreaker sound?"

Chrom smiled at Sumia's excitement. It's been a while since he's seen her this happy. I was…nice.

"It's fitting," he replied, grinning. That made Sumia beam even more.

Chrom suddenly grew uneasy. He felt as though there was a presence right behind them. Quickly, Chrom unsheathed his sword and spun around, pointing his sword at…nothing. Still, he had an uneasy feeling.

Sumia's smile faded and readied her lance, but she was confused.

"C-Captain what is it?"

Chrom didn't respond. He frantically began to look around, but there was nothing.

He heard something sneeze. Chrom spun around to where the sound came from, but there was nothing.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Chrom yelled in the direction of the sound.

"Um sir?…Sir! Right here, sir!" A voice yelled.

Still, there was nothing there. Sumia grew tense, and clutched her lance. Chrom looked around, and saw nothing.

The voice continued in an exasperated tone, "I'm standing in plain sight, sir! Right here-"

Suddenly a figure appeared right beside Chrom.

"AHHH!" Chrom screamed, and pointed his sword at the figure.

In front of Chrom was a man in an armored knights attire. Despite his size, he was very easy to miss.

Chrom's heart slowed, and he lowered his sword. Sumia walked right up next to Chrom.

She raised an eyebrow, "Captain, I mean no disrespect…but did you just scream?"

Chrom rubbed the back of his head, "What? Scream? Me?! Ha, that's absurd! I was um…yelling my battle cry! Yes, that's right, my…battle cry." Chrom said hopelessly, feeling heat come into his cheeks.

Sumia rolled her eyes, "As you say, captain."

She turned to the knight, "Kellam, I'm so sorry! I don't know how we missed you! How long were you here?"

Kellam shook his head, "No it's quite alright. I've been told I'm easy to miss. Oh and I've been here the whole time. I mean, I am still a shepherd, right? It's quite the honor after all."

Chrom had regained his composure, and looked back to Kellam, "Forgive me Kellam, you're just so…quiet…I mean, at least the Feroxi didn't find you, right?"

Kellam frowned.

"I've been calling to you and waving my arms for several minutes…I don't think they even glanced at me," Kellam said, then sighed.

Chrom nodded. He then noticed a figure approaching them. As it got closer, he could make out Frederick and Miriel riding on Frederick's mount towards them. Chrom looked back to Kellam…at least tried to. He gave up on looking for him and guessed where he was standing.

"Kellam, just stick with Sumia and I. I'll introduce you to our new tactician once this is over," Chrom said.

Kellam sighed, "Behind you sir…and yes sir!"

Sully and Robin surprisingly made a great duo. Sully completed Robin's weaknesses, as Robin did her's.

"Hot damn, Robin! I can't wait to spar with you afterwards!" Sully said as she knocked out another Feroxi.

The group had agreed not to kill anyone unless needed, and thankfully it hasn't come to that yet.

Robin grinned as he knocked out another Feroxi, "Heh, you're so on, Sully! That's five by the way," Robin added smugly.

Sully scoffed, then knocked out another Feroxi with the butt of her lance, "Seven," she said grinning.

Robin rolled his eyes, and continued his focus on the battle. He and Sully were to acquire a key (which he saw a few of the soldiers had) and meet up with Stahl and Virion to fight at the gates.

Robin has been saving his energy for his tome. So far, he was able to shoot up to five thunder spells before starting to feel fatigued, but he decided to use that up on top of the fort, where most of the armored knights were. He figured magic should be better used up there rather than down here.

Robin locked weapons with an axeman. He quickly broke away, then dove out of the way from a swing of the axe. He rolled, then jumped up right behind the axeman and swung the butt of his sword at the axeman's head, knocking him out cold.

Robin bent down next to the man, and checked his pockets. He felt something cold and metal in one of the man's pockets. Robin pulled it out, and was pleased to see a gate key.

"Hey Sully! Guess who just found the key?!" Robin said, smirking.

Sully rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Now let's go kick some more butt, yeah?"

Robin grinned and walked over to Sully and her mount. Sully graciously let him ride rather than walk, and the pair went over to meet up with Stahl and Virion.

"Good heaven's! What took you so long?" Virion asked, raising his eyebrows as he saw Robin riding right behind Sully, hands on her shoulders. Virion felt a spike of jealousy surge through him at the sight.

Robin hopped down from the horse and walked over to the gate.

"Turns out, knocking out a bunch of Feroxi with axes is a LOT harder than it sounds," Robin said and he maneuvered the key into the keyhole.

Stahl's jaw dropped, "Doesn't sound easy to begin with," he muttered.

Sully punched Stahl in the arm, causing him to wince in pain, "Aw, man up, will ya? You'll get there eventually…but you'll get there quickly if we spar more often."

Stahl shuddered, 'never again,' he thought.

"There!" Robin said, as the key turned and the gate began to open. He stepped back as the others approached.

Before them were about eight heavily armored knights. Robin's jaw dropped.

"I didn't think there'd be so many…" he said.

Sully cracked her knuckles.

"Nothing we can't handle," She said as she mounted her horse.

"That's right!" Stahl said, trying to sound confident, "Easy as pie! Mm, pie…" Stahl said, and started to drool a little, causing Sully to laugh. That broke Stahl out of his reverie, and he grinned, pleased that he was able to get Sully to laugh.

"It appears that the princess and barbarous axeman are coming our way," Virion said, trying to change the subject, starting to seriously feel like a third wheel…fourth wheel?

Robin grinned, "Perfect, right on time. Chrom and the others should be here any minute, in the meantime, let's try and hold off the knights."

Sure enough, Chrom and his group appeared shortly after Robin and his group made it to the top of the fort. Robin's group alone was doing good at holding the knights off, but there were too many of them, and it was beginning to overwhelm the group. Luckily, Chrom showed up, and the two forces were able to defeat all the Feroxi knights with zero casualties on either side. There was only one knight left: the female who they had talked to earlier.

She refused to move from her post, and Robin was sure that she'd be willing to die protecting Ferox.

'Admirable,' thought Robin.

The woman stood no chance, yet she glared her opponents down and showed no signs of fear or weakness. She looked at Chrom and Robin, who were standing side by side.

"I wish to challenge you, "Prince Chrom"," She said, readying her lance. "Do you accept?"

Chrom sighed, and walked about fifteen feet away from her.

"I accept," He said, and readyed his sword.

Robin watched as the two prepared for a fight. Robin pulled out his tome. No matter what happens, Chrom will win, and Robin will make sure of it.

The first thing Chrom noticed was that this woman seemed to have already been in a fight. She looked exhausted, and there was a long cut on her cheek that had scabbed over. Despite all that, she still seemed ready to lay down her life for Ferox, which he deeply admired.

"Before we begin…can I ask you something,"Chrom said.

The woman glared at Chrom, then heaved a sigh.

"Fine," she said.

"Your name?"

The woman cocked her head. 'No normal brigand would care to know their opponent's name…'

"Raimi," she replied.

Chrom nodded, "Very well. Shame we couldn't have met on better terms, but what's done is done." And with that, Chrom lunged forward.

Raimi parried his attack with her lance. She knocked his sword off, then went to stab at his side. Chrom easily dodged this, and spun to swipe at her chest with his sword. Unfortunately, her armor was too strong for Chrom to puncture it with a simple swipe, so it just bounced off.

"Damn," he muttered.

Raimi went to swing again, but this time at his leg. Chrom dodged the brunt of the attack, but was a little too slow. The lance nicked his leg, causing Chrom to stumble back a little. The wound wasn't deep, but it was enough to draw some blood, and it stung.

"You fight just like someone I know…except you're much slower," Raimi growled.

Chrom grunted in pain, but quickly got back in fighting position.

"Your one to talk," Chrom said, before charging at her again.

Raimi glared at him, then swiped at his leg again, but Chrom anticipated this. He knocked the lance to the side just as it was going to puncture his flesh. Chrom then spun and swung his sword at her shoulder with force as much force he could muster. Though she was heavily armored, the impact of the strike caused her to lose her balance ever so slightly. Chrom didn't slow though. He quickly sliced his sword at her neck, stopping inches from it.

Raimi dropped her lance in shock, and it clattered on the stone floor. Her mouth was agape and eyes wide.

"Impossible," she muttered.

Chrom narrowed his eyes.

"Yield," he ordered her.

Raimi pursed her lips as sweat poured down her face, but remained stubbornly silent.

Chrom turned desperate.

"Please, don't make me do this," he begged.

Raimi sighed, "My apologies, milord. Your claims were true, so for that…I yield," She said shamefully.

Chrom heaved a heavy sigh of relief, then sheathed his sword. Robin and the others quickly ran up to him. Lissa frantically ran to him, staff in hand, and began to heal his cut.

Raimi picked her lance back up. She held it tight, but she didn't attack. Instead, her face was full of guilt.

"A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for a brigand imposter. But no frauds would ever wage a battle as you just have! I will send word of your arrival to the capitol and escort you there personally."

Chrom grinned, "That would be most appreciated, thank you."

Lissa, who had just finished healing Chrom, looked to Raimi.

"Well, I think that we all deserve a nice, long, hot bath. Don't ya think?" She said sweetly.

Raimi chuckled, "Very well, milady. Follow me, please," she said, then turned to go enter the fort.

Everyone grinned at the idea of warmth…all except Vaike.

"Hey! That was fun! How about round two!?" He said, cracking his knuckles.

Everyone chuckled, and the Shepherds followed Raimi into the fort.

"No wait! Guys I'm serious! H-hey wait up! Don' leave ol' Teach behind!"