Chapter 5: Two New Trainers
"Well, here we are." At Flavia's words, the group stops in front of a pair of doors that leads to the arena. "Oh! And one more thing. While the west will have nine competitors fighting, the east needs six to compete."
"What?! But that's not fair!" Lissa complains.
"The West-Khan's rules, not mine. Besides with the Pokémon by your side, I've a feeling you guys have this."
Chrom turns to Robin. "What do you think, Robin?"
The tactician places a finger on her chin, thinking who should go and fight. As leader of the Shepherds and prince of Ylisstol, Chrom would be one of them. The group will need a healer, should anything happen, So Lissa is also in. Robin herself would be needed for strategies and back-up magic. Reina is skilled with the bow and planning, especially with Pokémon.
"Raido." Luke calls. Everyone looks at the Blade Pokémon who looks at Robin with great determination. "Eru eraido."
"Luke, do you want to fight too?" Chrom asks and Luke nods
"Then, here's our team: Chrom, Lissa, me, Frederick, Reina, and Luke. Is everyone okay with that?"
The rest of the Shepherds are okay with the plan and Reina turns to Éclair.
"Looks like you have to sit out on this." She says as the Pikachu has her ears droop. Then Sumia picks Éclair from Reina's shoulder and hold the Pikachu in her arms.
"Leave Éclair to me, Reina." Sumia tells her.
"Okay."
Meanwhile, someone or something looks over them at the corner.
As the six fighters walk to the arena, everyone else goes to the audience section, sitting up front. When the fighters step in, they notice their opponents consists of mages, fighters, and knights, as well as a familiar masked swordsman.
"Chrom! Look!" Lissa calls her brother.
"I see him…" He responds. "Marth! One questions, before we begin?" Marth stays silent. "…Fine then. Our swords can speak for us!"
Up in the audience, a big, muscular man raises an arm. "Let the tournament begin!"
At those words, both Chrom and Marth unsheathe their swords, Much to Chrom's shock, Marth's weapon looks a lot like his Falchion, when there is only one of its kind in the world.
"Where did you get that?" He demands but his only response is nothing but silence. "There's no way…" He jumps high into the air and strikes Marth, only for the strike to be blocked at the last minute. The two exchange blows for quite a while. As they did so, Chrom notices that his opponent's fighting style is quite similar to his own. "Tell me, who taught you to fight like that?" He asks as he blocks Marth's strikes.
The two distance themselves and simultaneously swing their swords, prepared to land another blow. Coincidentally enough, the way they move is so much similar. They strike, only to have just their blades clash. Chrom looks up and sees Marth doing the same diving move he did.
"My father!" He finally speaks.
Chrom avoids the attack and glares at his opponent, though he couldn't see it, is returns with a glare of his own.
As the two fought, the rest of the Shepherds fight their own opponents, Lissa giving them healing if needed. One of the mages attacks with a Thunder, but Reina is quick enough to let an arrow fly at the mage. As it flies pass the mage, she immediately gets closer to him and punches the mage sending him towards the wall of the arena. This cause both sides to stop and gawk at the trainer as the audience is shocked.
"Did my eyes playing tricks on me?" Virion asks.
"You're not the only one." Sully says.
"Pikachu!" Éclair cheers on.
Back on the field, both sides resume and after using Sword Dance to increase his attack power, Luke uses Leaf Blade and takes down some fighters. He then glances over at Chrom as sees he us having trouble with Marth.
Both Chrom and Marth exchange blows and neither backing down, but of the two of them, Chrom seems to be having trouble with his opponent being faster than him. Also, Chrom didn't expect his opponent to fight like him. After a while of exchanging attacks, the two swordsmen distance themselves from each other.
"Who is your father?" Chrom asks.
"I've said enough one day, sir." Marth says.
"Hmph. Is that how it is? Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you."
Marth smirks at Chrom's word. "Heh. Never expected such youthful arrogance… We shall see who shames who!"
The two charges at each other once more. Chrom swings his sword first, only for Marth to avoid the strike. The prince sees that he won't able to dodge the masked swordsman's attack and brace himself for impact.
"Erureido!" Luke suddenly appears and blocks the hit with a Slash attack.
"What?!" Marth gasps in shock.
"Luke!" Chrom calls in shock and relief.
The Blade Pokémon manages to push his opponent away as the later moved back to gain distance.
"Thank you, Luke. Would you help me?" Chrom asks and Luke nods.
After a few seconds passed, the three swordsmen clash. As they fought, Marth proves to be quite a formidable opponent, despite having the disadvantage in numbers. Not only that, both Chrom and Luke are both coordinated as they attack him with one defend, the other attacks and vice-versa. After Luke knocks Marth's next attack away, both he and Chrom go and dealt the finish blow on the masked swordsman, defeating him and ending the tournament.
"Impressive… If not surprising…" He says, admitting defeat. With that, the tournament is over, and everyone cheers for the winners.
As the audience cheer and the East-Khan fighters are practically celebrating their win, Éclair immediately jumps down to meet Reina.
"Pika!" She calls out and Reina sees her Pikachu running up to her.
"Éclair!" Reina calls out as Éclair jumps into her arms and immediately perches on her shoulder.
"Pikachu! Pika pika! Cha~"
"Yeah. We did it. But…" Reina trails off as she looks at Chrom and Luke. "It feels like those two going to something amazing."
After such an exciting fight, many spectators leave the stadium, leaving only the Shepherds and Flavia.
"Well fought! You have my respect." Flavia complements. "And, perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."
"Truly? Thank you, East-Khan." Chrom says gratefully.
"I should thank you! If feels like ages since I've held full power. Come, my new friends! Tonight, we celebrate!" With that declaration, Flavia leaves the stadium.
"Bah! Any excuse for a party and she jumps on it…" A bald man says who took a seat next to Flavia on the stands.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" Chrom asks.
"I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power!" The West-Khan, Basilio shouts.
"He's exactly like how I/Robin imagine the East-Khan!" Robin and Reina thought.
"You're handy with a sword, boy. Same to you, Magical Creature." Luke slightly bows at the complement. "I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."
"What do you know about him?" Chrom asks, referring to Marth.
The West-Khan scoffs. "You mean that 'Marth'? Bah! He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat. It was love at first sight, and I'm sure generally too old for such thing! Baha! Anyways, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."
"He's so dark and mysterious…" Lissa sighs dreamily.
"Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan…" Robin teases.
"Well, I mean, come on… He IS sort of dreamy, isn't he?"
"And YOU'RE sort of dreaming!" Chrom says in an unamused tone.
"Yowch! Lighten up, big brother. I was just kidding."
"Milord? Milady? If this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home. The exalt will want this news of our alliance immediately." Frederick suggests.
"Right as always, Frederick." Chrom agrees.
Hold, boy." Basilio halts. "Before you go, I have a little present for you." He gestures someone over to them. He has black hair and blue tunic as well as a stern look. "This is Lon'qu, my former champion. Not much for talking, mind you. But he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind. To be honest I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."
"Marth beat him?! But he looks so big and strong…" Lissa says as she walks towards him.
"Away, woman!" Lon'qu barks at her, making her back off.
"Hey! Wh-what did I say?!" Lissa yelps.
"Ba ha ha! Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge. Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps he even has the making of a khan. Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean's cause."
"You're certain about this?" Chrom asks.
"Yes, yes. He's your man now."
"And Lon'qu? You have no objections?"
"He gives orders, I stab people. I think our roles are clear. On one condition that is." Lon'qu says getting everyone curious.
"And that is?"
Instead of answering, Lon'qu places his index finger and thumb in the corner of his mouth and let out a loud whistle. Not long after, a humanoid figure leaps from the stands and lands in the middle of everyone.
Standing before them is a human figure with a round, red, and black head, similar to a war helmet, topped with a golden, double-headed axe blade. Its face is primarily yellow with a black outline. The helmet shrouds most of its yellow-and-black face, although its triangular eyes are visible. Resembling shoulder pads, its red shoulders project slightly over its arms and have a thin yellow line where they meet its black torso. It has white, metallic hands that resemble gloves, with retractable, blades attached. Encircling its torso are two blades, which create the impression of a ribcage. Its thighs are red and become progressively thinner as they connect to the knee. Both of its feet are metallic and split down the middle, resembling cloven hooves.
"A Pokémon?!" Stahl gasps.
"And a Kirikizan." Reina identifies and takes out her Zukan.
"Kirikizan, the Sword Blade Pokémon. In the wild, Kirikizan rules over a pack of Komatana. It battles to become the boss, but will be driven from the group if it loses."
"Lon'qu, when did you-?!"
"It showed up while I was training one time. Next thing I knew, he challenged me to a duel." The ex-West Champion exclaims, interrupting Basilio's question. "Ever since then, Blade became my pupil.
"I'm going to assume the condition for you to join is if we let him join?" Chrom asks.
"What sort of master leaves his student unattended?" Lon'qu asks, confirming the assumption.
"…All right then. Welcome aboard."
~Later~
The Shepherds decide to celebrate with Flavia for a bit before going their way. Also, Reina has the chance to tell Basilio about Pokémon since they are showing up in Ferox. While a small familiar dragon looks over at Robin and the tactician notice the Pokémon.
"Monozu?" Robin calls causing it to hide behind the wall, but moves its head away from it.
"Wow! It is!" Lissa says as the other Shepherds sees the timid nature Pokémon.
Robin stares at Monozu and smiles softly at it. "You can come here."
"Mozu?" Monozu says and smiles before it runs towards her.
Reina sees this and looks at Chrom and Luke as they enjoy each other's company.
"Hey." She speaks up. "Can Chrom and Robin be Monozu's and Luke's trainers?"
There is silence in the room at her question.
"WHAT?!" The Ylisse residence gasp.
"W-Wait a second, why us?!" Robin asks.
"Well, when Luke joined us, he always seemed to be at Chrom's side and as for Robin, Monozu seemed to open its heart to you. But, it's the Pokémon who choose you two."
Both Chrom and Robin look at the Pokémon next to them as they stare at their possible trainers.
"Do you want me to be your trainer?" Robin asks and Monozu gives a sheepish nod. "Then I'll gladly be your trainer, Drago."
Monozu, now nicknamed Drago, smiles broadly and jumps into her arms.
"What about you?" Chrom asks the Erureido. "Would you be my partner?"
"Eru." He nods.
"Now let's celebrate for Chrom and Robin to have Luke and Drago as their partners!" Reina shouts as she trusts her fist into the air.
"Pi pikachu!" Éclair also shouts.
With that said, the Shepherds celebrate the night away for their new alliance, the new-made trainers, and new recruits.
The next day, the Shepherds now marching back to Ylisse to report to Emmeryn. Once they returned, Chrom, Lissa, and Luke go to the throne room and give the report.
"Then Regna Ferox will support Ylisse?" She asks. "Thank you, Chrom. I knew sending you was the right choice."
"You should see Ferox's warriors!" Chrom says in an excited tone. "Perhaps now our people will be safe from our enemies!"
"Indeed. And I see more Pokémon joined our ranks along the way." Emmeryn then says, looking over at Luke.
"Yes. This is Luke the Erureido. With him, we also recruited Drago the Monozu, who is with Robin, and Blade the Kirikizan, who is with one of our new recruits and his master, Lon'qu. Luke is also my partner."
"Oh? Is that true?" Emmeryn asks.
"Yep! Actually, it was Reina who decided that." Lissa adds.
"My."
"Yes, well… The final decision was down to me and Luke and we accepted that." Chrom explains.
Emmeryn simply smiles. "If that is how you feel Chrom, then who am I to judge? If Luke has your trust to this point, the it is the same with me."
Just then, Philia barges into the throne room.
"Your Grace! M-milord! Forgive me, but I bring terrible news!" She gasps.
"Philia! Slow down, please! What's happened?" The exalt asks the pegasus knight.
"Plegian soldiers have been sighted inside our southwest border! They attacked a village in Themis and abducted the duke's daughter!"
Lissa's eyes widen in shock. "B-But's that would be… Maribelle! Chrom, we have to do something!"
"There's more: King Gangrel of Plegia claims Lady Maribelle invaded HIS country. He demands we repay reparations for this 'insult'." Philia continues.
"And we're to believe a dastard like the Mad King of Plegia?" Chrom questions.
"Peace, Chrom. We must keep out wits about us." Emmeryn tells him calmly.
"We should put a sword in his gut and be done with it! The Mad King has been trying to provoke war with Ylisse at every step! He won't stop until he drags this whole continent to hell with him!"
Philia nods in agreement. "I agree with the prince, Your Grace. We must demonstrate to Plegia that such actions have consequences."
"I understand your feelings, Chrom. Truly I do. But if we give him the wat he wants, then we lose, no matter what the outcome." The Exalt reasons. "Our last conflict nearly ruined the halidom. It left Ylisseans homeless and starving. We cannot repeat that mistake. I will offer parley with King Gangrel."
"Emm, no! You can't!" Lissa protests.
"Please reconsider, Your Grace." Philia also protests. "He cannot be trusted to act in good faith!"
"So we either choose to march to war or leave Lady Maribelle to die? No. I will not accept that." Emmeryn points out and Philia sees the Exalt's reasons and sighs.
"Forgive me, Your Grace. I spoke out of turn." She apologizes. "I know you will always stand by your own principles. Pray, allow the pegasus knights to accompany you, though."
"I'm going too." Chrom speaks. "Someone has to save you from your good intentions."
"Reido." Luke places a hand on his chest and bows his head.
"And I want to be there for you AND Maribelle!" Lissa adds.
Emmeryn looks at the four. "As you wish. Thank you all. Your strength will be mine."
~Later~
As the Shepherd's garrison, night fell as everyone gets ready for the sudden march with haste. Chrom then shoots a glance to Reina who is helping out with the preparations as well with the other Pokémon.
"Reina, can I speak to you?" Chrom says.
"Yeah?" She replies walking up to him.
"Robin and I have been talking. While you and the other Pokémon want to come along, we think it's best if you stayed in the convoy on standby with them. Not just because you're not useless on the battlefield, we don't want Gangrel knowing that you know how to command Pokémon and I would not put it past him to make you, your companions, and our partners more targets. Any objections?"
"If it's your and Robin's decision, I have no objections. But thanks for the warning Chrom."
Chrom nods at her answers and looks at everyone. "Well then? Is everyone ready to go? It's a long march through the western mountains to the Plegia borders."
Suddenly, a boy wearing a blue and gray mage's outfit and a blue wizard's hat rushes towards the outside.
"Captain! I'm all packed! When do we leave?!" He exclaims with excitement.
"Ricken? How did you…?" Chrom asks before shaking his head. "Go back inside. You're not old enough for this mission."
"But Captain! You know my skills with magic! You know I can handle myself!" Ricken begs.
"I'd feel safer with your magic here, protecting the garrison." Chrom retorts. "All right? We're off, then. Be good."
With that the Shepherds are off, either on foot, their mounts or in the convoy as Ricken now by himself, silently fuming at what transpired.
"'Be good'? Gods how old does he think I am?!" He rants as he paces in circles. Only to stop when he gets an idea. "…Well I'll show him just how good I can be!"
~Night~
The Shepherds decides to stop midway to the border since it is already late and Chrom wanted them to be well rested in case King Gangrel is planning something. Just then, a portal suddenly appears as a medium-size, injured, avian Pokémon comes out.
The Pokémon is covered with brown feathers, and has a cream-colored face, underside, and flight feathers. It has a crest of pinkish-red feathers on its head and black, angular markings behind its eyes. The plumage of its tail has alternating red and yellow feathers with ragged tips. Its beak and legs are pink. Two of its toes point forward, while one points backward.
"Pidgeo…" The Pokémon opens its eyes weakly and the first thing it sees is Sumia's pegasus. Thinking it's enemy, the Pokémon gets up, but tumbles down in pain. Seeing that it couldn't move well because of its injuries, it screeches at the pegasus, which neighs in fright.
Sumia runs in between the two to prevent a quarrel from happening. She first goes over to calm her pegasus and once that is done, she looks over to the injured Pokémon.
"Sumia! What's wrong?!" Chrom asks as he and the rest of the Shepherds arrive at the scene.
The injured Pokémon sees the other humans coming and prepares itself for battle despite its current state.
"Is that a Pokémon?" Sully asks, noticing the avian creature.
"That's Pidgeon!" Reina identifies and fishes out her Zukan.
"Pidgeon, the Bird Pokémon. It is armed with sharp claws and dives from the sky to capture its prey. Approaching with extreme caution."
Pidgeon then notice Sumia slowly approaching it and gives her a warning squawk. "Pidgeo!"
"Shhh… it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." She whispers softly as she walks slowly towards it. Sumia then crouches down to be eye level with it. "You're with friends. You're safe here."
Pidgeon's glare softens a bit since the pegasus knight's presence is surprisingly calm; enough for it to get a bit closer to her. Sumia just smiles as she slowly brings out her hand to pet the Bird Pokémon's head.
"Lissa, can you please heal it?" Sumia requests.
Lissa snaps out of awe at the sudden request and approaches them with her staff. Pidgeon slightly flinches at the new person coming over, but Sumia's petting calms it down. Lissa then uses her staff as the wounds are starting to heal. Once she's done, it then looks at his wings and raises them, finding itself relieved of the pain.
Reina then walks up to them and hands an item to Sumia. "Make it eat this. They'll regain his strength."
The pegasus knight looks down and sees it is the same berries Reina gave Luke and her Pokémon after their fight with Risen. Then she looks over to Pidgeon. "Here. They'll help you recover."
Pidgeon inspects the berry before eating it whole as it regains its strength. It then gets up and walks out of the stables.
"Wait, where are you going?" Sumia asks.
The moment it steps out, the Bird Pokémon takes off into the air. "Pidgeo!"
"I think it's saying, 'thank you'." Reina guesses.
Sumia smiles and giggles softly. "You're welcome!"
Philia then approaches Sumia. "I'm impressed, Sumia. You handle that situation well."
"Oh, um… Thank you, Philia."
"Okay, everyone, time to get some sleep we have someone to rescue." Reina says, and they leaves to their tents.
Pidgeon – Pidgeotto