Marth remained silent as the prince gazed upon him, both sides exchanging glares even though Chrom could not really see Marth's eyes through the mask. The champion of west khan is the same man who rescued his beloved sister on that same night the foul risen first appeared. Deep down, Chrom was speechless and shocked seeing him here and that he is standing in the way of securing a better chance of survival for all of Ylisse. The thought sent shivers down his spine but he had to stay calm for his comrades, he cannot falter. The masked man moved towards the center of the arena. The growing excitement caused the crowd to roar even louder. Chrom never took his sight off him until the gleam from Marth's sword temporarily blinded him. One quick glance immediately caused his heart rate to increase drastically and his eyes to widen as he saw the sword strapped to his waist.

"It can't be." He whispered confused.

Marth began to walk towards the center of the stage. The light from the torches surrounding the arena glistened off Marth's Falchion until he stopped at the outline of the center circle. The young prince began to approach the man. Robin noticed Chrom's actions

"Chrom, come back he-"The prince cut him off before he could even finish his sentence.

"I'll be fine Robin, I need to see this for myself."

Robin ordered everyone to get in their formations. Tension built up, two people at the center of the stage. One confused and with the safety of Ylisse at stake, the other standing silent. The cheering and yelling at the stands died down as they see both the prince of Ylisse and champion of the west Khan unsheathe their swords. Chrom was flabbergasted as Marth pulled out an identical version of his sword, Falchion.

"Where did you get that?" grinding his teeth.

Marth still remained quiet. Robin, studied Marth for a couple seconds, looking at his physique, his outfit, and he raised his hand to gather the attention of the Shepherds. "Everybody, be ready for when Chrom needs our help."

The stage lights now focused in at the center of the arena. Chrom started walking around the outline of the center circle. Marth did the same but made sure they stayed at opposite ends with each other.

"I want to thank you again for saving my sister. I am eternally grateful but just because you saved my sister doesn't mean I will go easy on you. I have too much at stake here."

"You talk too much." replied the masked warrior. In the blink of an eye, Marth dashed at Chrom performing a jab but Chrom parried and deflected the blow and followed up with his own attack. The masked assailant ducked and charged meeting Chrom's blade. The barbarians ran towards the main group. Robin looked at Frederick.

"Frederick, you, Vaike, and Sully take care of those barbarians while Miriel and I distract the mages. The cobalt knight nodded and raised his lance. Sully stayed by his side, sword at the ready. Vaike waved his axe around eager, to battle someone. The barbarians were now several feet away and Frederick signaled them to charge.

"Class is in session" Vaike quickly remarked.

The speed at which their horses ran was intimidating enough to make the barbs stop in their tracks. Frederick lowered his spear aiming towards the abdomen of one of the defenseless men. The force of the impact created an enormous gash. A medical team positioned on the arena tunnels rushed in to check on the downed barbarian. He was declared unable battle.

"Yay Frederick" cried the exhilarated princess. Their comrades chanted praises towards the respectable knight. The crowd was ecstatic as the cheering grew loud again.

The shepherds were able to split the enemy forces and scattered around the arena. Each took on a soldier. Sully was able to wound her target but not enough to knock him out.

"Get down you arse." The barb limpingly retreated back. Robin noticed the barbarian through the corner of his eye. Can't let him get away. He was in range for one of his lightning spells. He anticipated his movements and unleashed a bolt of electricity. The blast was enough to knock him to the ground and the barbarian dropped down to the ground twitching until he became motionless. Two down, seven to go. Robin glanced back at Chrom still clashing metal with Marth. The look on the prince's face looks as if he is having the time of his life. As if he found his equal. Marth moved with finesse avoiding every jab, every slash and would follow up with an attack similar to Chrom's fighting style. Robin closely inspected their body movement. It's as if Chrom is fighting against a mirror. He looked at Marth, focusing on the mask. "That mask." He squinted his eyes to figure out its shape "The mask sort of looks like….. a butterfly. Why does it look familiar?" A realization came upon as soon as he pointed it out. Could that have been Marth spying on us back when we were at Longfort? The events from that day replayed again and again in his mind.

Yes, it must have been him. But…. why would he be spying on us?

His suspicions grew but now is not the time to think about that. He refocused himself back into the battlefield.

"Miriel! Cover me for a few seconds!" screamed the tactician. It time to set his plan into action. As Miriel distracted the mages, Robin put his thundertome back into his cloak and pulled out a scarlet book

"Miriel, go for one of the mages, I got the other."

"Noted" she nodded. Moving her aim towards one of the mages. Robin then blasted a wave of fire towards the mage a couple of yards in front of them. The mage rebuttaled with his own fire attack. The blasts collided and created a huge wall of a raging inferno. The crowd shielded themselves from the intense heat waves though the fighters kept battling, ignoring the heat. Vaike became covered in a coat of sweat but still firmly held his battle axe. One of the barbarians ran towards Vaike, axe held high. Vaike gave an intimidating glare to the barbarian.

"That's right, come to Vaike." The barb swung his axe but the confident fighter rolled to the side. The axe hit the ground so hard the blade actually stuck between the stone floor blocks. The barbarian struggled trying to pull his axe out.

"Now's my chance." Vaike said. He swung his axe aiming for his opponent's face with the flat of his axe until the barbarian quickly grabbed Vaike's wrist stopping its intended course. The action caught him off guard and was quickly head butted by the determined fighter. Vaike fell to the ground unconscious. Sully noticed the predicament and pulled the reins on her horse. Racing to knock out the barbarian who put him out.

"Gods, damn it Vaike. You got too damn cocky." Sully then charged towards the barbarian quickly arming herself with her lance and stabbed him in his shoulder, knocking him down to the ground.

"Hey knucklehead, wake up!" She yelled while poking his just with the wooden end of her weapon. She jabbed his chest faster. "Wake up dammit!"

Vaike soon awoke fluttering his eyes "Wuh-wuh" He slowly got up.

"Get up you idiot, now is not the time to take a nap."

"Ugh, thanks Sully." Still trying to regain full consciousness.

"Get your head in the game." She scoldingly told him.

"We have to finish this quick" Robin said. He cannot afford any set backs to occur on a critical fight as this.

"Shepherds! Pair up. Frederick, pair with Miriel, Sully you stick with me." Robin gave a quick glare at Chrom. He fought viciously but the other fighter would parry. Just hang on Chrom.

The crimson knight stopped by Robin's side.

"Sully can you move forward a little so I can get on? It's time to put our strategy in motion." he grinned. She gave him a confident look as she reached her arm out and pulled Robin up.

"Okay Sully, you know what to do. Miriel, go ride with Frederick. Vaike! Can you still fight?" If you can take out any people outside of the circle." All the members nodded and initiated on their given duties. The cavaliers rode around the enemies as Robin and Miriel blasted another wave creating a ring of fire trapping them. Frederick and Sully, then inched closer slowly shrinking the circle. Six enemies were caught in the elaborate trap. The enemies to push back into each other until they were all touching each other's backs, showing signs of panic and fear. Sweat began trickling through their bodies. Robin checked on Vaike who just disarmed his opponent and delivered a strong left hand to the face. "Ha Ha, no one can stop the Vaike!"

Robin could not believe how well his plan was working, even with the small setback. At that moment, one of the enemy barbarians screamed; "I give up" and threw his weapon out of the circle. The heat was too much for them making it futile for any of them to attack as each of their foe threw away their weapons. The crowd booed at them while the shepherds cheered as their opponents walked towards the barracks in defeat. All that remained now was the masked fighter.

"Shepherds, this battle is just between them." Said Frederick as they all watch their leader struggle to even land a hit on him

The prince swiftly dodged a quick strike from Marth. Both warriors struggled to come up with a way to overcome the other. We're both to predictable. Our fighting styles are far too similar, who is this man? He thought gritting his teeth. In order to beat this man. He had to change his approach. Chrom decided to stand his ground and prepared for another swift attack. Marth readied his sword and recklessly rushed at him, tip pointed straight at his upper body. Chrom then crouched to the ground with the identical Falchion barely missing the top of his head. Marth was now open. Chrom elbowed Marth in the stomach, grabbed Marth's collar, and then delivered a powerful punch to face. As Marth was knocked back, Chrom immediately swung his blade, slashing Marth's left leg. Marth yelled in pain but tried to desperately to keep his composure. Marth fell to the floor holding his injured leg while grunting violently. Chrom walked up to the man. The crowd roared with excitement as they chanted," Finish him. Finish him." Robin and the Shepherds knew the battle had been won but Chrom still stared at Marth.

"Who are you?" Chrom said. Marth gritted his teeth and turned remained silent. Before Chrom could say more, he was interrupted by an official with megatome.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I PRESENT TO YOU, THE WINNERS OF THIS TOURNAMENT!" The arena flooded with cheers and jeers. Flavia jumped out her seat laughing at a bald middle aged man, who had his head down in defeat. The shepherds rejoiced as their group came out victorious. Both Kellam and Stahl ran toward Vaike's side who still felt the effect from the blow moments ago and wrapped his arms around their heads. "Did I get 'em all?" Stahl grinned at him and replied, "You were unstoppable."

"Hehe, I knew I could do it." He said before he passed out. The able Shepherds made their way towards the center of the arena where they bowed towards the audience and clapped at the new Khan in power. Flavia walked down the stairs that led to the battlefield and walked towards the young prince.

"Haha I knew you could do it. This must have been mere child's play for you lot."

"It's all thanks to our tactician, Flavia. All the credit mostly goes to him."

"Yes, well how about we get you all fixed up. Then we can discuss more later."

"Very well." He nodded.

"All right then come see me when you're ready to discuss. I will have Basilio join us as well"

"That's fine with me."

Chrom and Flavia both lapped around the arena applauding and bowing towards the audience while the rest of the shepherds made their way towards the barracks. Robin turned his attention towards Marth who was limping towards the exit, his blood continued to drip from the cut on his leg. Robin decided to go and help take him to the infirmary. It was the least he could do to pay him back from when the risen attack for the first time. He quickly walked toward his side.

"Marth, let me help you."

The masked fighter hesitated bluntly, "I'm fine thank you."

"You seem to be on the brink of collapse. With an injury that serious, you're not going to make it far and have a risk of infection if it is not treated immediately, so please let me help you." Marth thought about it before giving a nod towards the tactician.

"Fine"

Robin put an arm around his neck and proceeded to carefully walk through the corridors of the stadium. Wiggling through crowds of people leaving the building. He was awfully light weight and thin, making him wonder how he was able to match Chrom's strength. Curiosity engulfed his mind, wanting to know more about Marth. He thought up a few questions and started a conversation while they walked to the infirmary.

"That was an incredible fight you and Chrom had Marth. If that was me in Chrom's position, I probably would not have lasted two minutes against you. You were able to predict his every move and move with such grandeur. You are an excellent swordsman." He kept a cheerful expression while Marth still showed no emotion. Robin still was not going to give up that easily though, he was determined to figure out who he is or why he is stalking the shepherds.

A couple seconds later.

"You don't have to answer this question but where did you learn how to fight like that. Both you and Chrom fought very similarly when I looked at your match. Did you ever train with him or trained with the same teacher?"

"No, I have learned how to fight from my father." Robin was surprised he answered that question. "He must have been a great fighter." Robin replied. "Indeed he was." Marth responded back. "That sword was it his?" Marth lowered his head and said nothing. He knew he must have crossed the line a bit. "I'm sorry."

The pain in Marth's leg slowly intensified. Robin knew he had to do something, he saw a bench that they could go sit in. He had a vulnerary which he kept in his cloak in case of emergencies.

"Marth let's go to that bench over there. I can apply a vulnerary that can at least ease the pain."

"I can handle it."

"I'm not going to take no for an answer. This will ease the pain a bit until we get you to a nurse."

The masked swordsman gave a heavy sigh. "Fine."

Robin placed Marth and put Marth's sword by the side of the bench. He gently lift his foot up laying it flat on top of the bench. Robin pulled the salve out from his cloak, and was about to dab his fingers in the balm until Marth interrupted him.

"Let me do it myself."

"Can't let you do that. You just relax." He is very hesitant as if he is trying to hide something that he does not want me knowing about.

Robin rolled up Marth's bloody pant leg revealing a large gash with blood dripping. The cut did not reach the bone but portion of his pink flesh was visible with blooding flowing . Robin started feeling queasy but pulled himself back together. He could only imagine the pain he was going through, it must have been a miracle that he was able to even walk with that kind of injury. He then dabbed two fingers into the ointment.

"This will hurt a little but I need you to stay still." Marth nodded and his body slightly tensed up bracing for the pain. He then grabbed Marth's leg with one hand to keep it from moving in case his leg twitches from the pain. His leg was soft and smooth, feminine like. Marth then bit the collar of his shirt. Robin gently placed his fingers around the wound then carefully made his way between the revealing flesh. Marth grunted loudly in pain, his body cringed violently but Robin continued applying the salve. After he finished, he wrapped a cloth around his leg to close the wound. Marth just stared at him. Never taking his sight off him.

Marth slightly tilted his head, "What is your name?"

"Huh? Oh I'm sorry where are my manners. My name is Robin. I am a newly appointed tactician of the Shepherds." He said smiling. Marth just stared off into space. It was difficult for Robin to read his expression but continued talking about himself.

"You know, without Chrom and Lissa, his little sister. I probably wouldn't be here. You see, I am a man with no past because I woke up with amnesia so anything before my awakening is nothing but a blank page. If he hadn't found me, then I don't know what would have happened. I still have many questions that I want to figure out. Who am I? Where did I come from? Why do I only remember my strategical studies? I believe, if I stay with this group I will find those answers. It's kind of funny how life can instantly change." Robin stood up.

"You're… a very odd person, but you are yet optimistic as well. That's a quality not many people have these days even for a tactician. With all the tension between Ylisse and Plegia there is a lot of unrest and panic." said Marth.

"Hehe, I guess you can say that. It is very stressing though since it is my duty to keep them safe. I must constantly look at my comrades and our surroundings coming up with many different courses of attack and outcomes but that is my responsibility as a crack tactician you know. As for the tension between these two countries I have not had the time to figure out the history of why things came to be."

"That is absurd." He said abruptingly. "How did you become fa… Chrom's tactician and not know anything at all about the history of the thousand year conflict?"

Marth's outburst caught the tactician off guard.

"Trust when I tell you this, but even I don't know what to say about this either. Imagine waking up in the middle of nowhere with no memory at all except you know all these battle strategies and by chance the group you helped belong to royalty and without any notice become the strategist for a small army. Weird things happen I guess, the future holds a lot of suprises I guess. Robin's last words hit Marth. The last sentence also made him realize something as well. His job did become a whole lot more difficult as he is not just leading a small band of fighters but now an army. He's right, I haven't even thought of that yet until he brought it up.

There was a brief pause for both. Robin decided it was best to change the subject.

"How does your leg feel by the way?"

"The pain has eased." He said slowly moving his injured leg around to check on its condition.

"The infirmary isn't that far away, do you want to go now?"

"Yes please." Not a single word was spoken for the rest of the way. The duo both made their way into the infirmary.

"Nurse, we have a wounded fighter." An old cleric entered from the other room to find out who called her.

"Hel- Oh dear! Come child we must get you treated pronto." The cleric gently wrapped Marth's arm around her head." Don't worry young man, I can handle this from here. You may come back in a while if you want."

He complied the cleric's request and decided to come back later. Before he made his way out the door Marth cried out.

"Wait!"

Robin's train of thought broke and turned around toward Marth.

"Yes."

"Thank you… for helping me." The tone of voice was different this time. Her voice sounded feminine and Robin picked up on it.

Suspicions rose through his or perhaps her action. Marth realized what he had done from this slight slip up. The clue came as a shock to the tactician but that just piled on with more questions on the masked fighter.

"You're welcome." Robin walked out of the infirmary confused but at least he has a clue that Marth is not what he seems to be. Several questions were still lingering in his head as he headed towards the exit. Not much was learned about him from our conversation. He's a little stubborn and independent, refusing the help of anyone. He could have been the person who was also spying on us back at Longfort by the look of that mask and he learned to fight from his father. However, one crucial clue that I heard was the tone our hero might not be what he appears to be.

After a half hour of weaving through the busy streets of Regna Ferox he arrived back at the inn where he received a warm welcome from the Shepherds. The Shepherds were planning a victory party and were gathering a list of goodies to buy. Everything was organized by the ebullient young princess.

"Alright everyone, you all should have gotten a list of what you are getting and I expect everyone to be here in less than an hour. Now go out there so we can get this party started." Everybody was in high spirits and they all left swiftly.

"Ehem, Lissa, where is Chrom." Robin asked.

"He and Frederick are over at the castle with Flavia. By the way congratulations on the victory. You and everyone out there were amazing out.

"Thank you Lissa. To be honest with you, I did not believe it was going to be that easy. There was a slight set back though." He remembered about Vaike and became worried.

"Lissa, how is Vaike doing?"

"Don't worry Robin, Vaike is resting upstairs in his room. He took a blow to the head during the match and now has is a big bump on his head but other than that, he is perfectly fine.

"That's a relief."

"Thank you Lissa, your guys' support has helped me a lot these past few days."

"We're lucky to have you Robin." Lissa was always able to cheer up Robin. Must be a natural gift he thought.

Lissa put a hand on her hip. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure Lissa."

"Ever since I first met you I have always been curious about that brand in your left hand. Is there by chance that you could be of noble blood like us?" Robin turned his attention to his brand. A purple mark in a spiral formation and what look to be eyes on each side. "You know I never really thought or have any idea about it before. Do most noble families get marks on their bodies?"

"Hmm, not that I know of you'll probably have to ask Chrom or my sister to figure that out. Well that doesn't help much but as I've said before, we'll help you get your memories back, I promise. Anyways, do you want to help me go get the cake? I ordered it yesterday at the bakery when I was out exploring. I thought it would nice for when we won the tournament."

"But what if we lost?"

"Uh, well…. at least we have the cake hehe." Softly rubbing the back of her head.

Robin shook his head but laughed.

"Ha ha, sure I'll go with you.

"Then let's get going Robin we're on the clock.

A/N In the upcoming days i will update my profile explaining how I'm going to handle this fanfic and a little bit about my writing ability. Other than that, i want to say thank you to all who have continued checking up on ROACT. Hopefully, you all are enjoying it as much as i have. With each view just motivates me more and i kind of feel bad that i ain't typing these out quick but i am also figuring out on what i need to work on to make my writing a bit more professional. Next chapter will come sooner as expected. I am almost finished writing the next chapter and i like this one a lot for some reason. A question that i kind of wanted to ask you guys for a good while. Hoshido or Nohr? i personally was conflicted at the question but i am kind of leaning towards Nohr. Other than that, reviews are appreciated as it lets me know what i need to focus on in the next chapters. Thank you all.