Hiya guys JAG03 coming at you with another update and it hasn't even been 6 months yet lol. I hope you enjoy this chapter I know I had fun writing it and all.

Please read and review no flaming thanks

Chapter Eight

"You can run from your past all you want, but it will always follow you. Forever and ever and ever and ever." Izaya Orihara (Durarara!)

A flash occurred now as the Falchion and the Levin Sword clashed upon each other, but what was at work here was more than a contest of physical strength. It was a contest of ideals and wills, that of the Ylisse and of the Exalt's younger brother Prince Chrom of the Shepherds. Against that of the Mad King Gangrel and his own ideals Plegia.

Now as both drew back before they were to begin another bout King Gangrel snarled at the Prince stating "Your ideals and your bonds cannot help you here little Prince, they will watch you die!"

Now lunging forward with all the speed he could muster the Mad King struck out for Chrom's heart, but all his Levin Sword met was the edge of the Falchion. A loud clang rang out now as the blades met and Chrom used the fact that his foe and over extended himself now to angle his weight behind his blade.

Gangrel had to leap back in order not to fall onto the ground, but before he could muster a counter attack Chrom was upon him. He had leapt right after the Mad King and now with the Falchion raised over his head brought it down to bear upon the Levin Sword of that Gangrel barely managed to put up in time.

The weight of the blow and the force that Chrom put into it forced the Mad King of Plegia to his knees as the blades met. But Gangrel was now slouch and now slide his down the Falchion and tried to jab it into the exposed arms of the prince.

Chrom saw this coming now and twisted the Falchion down upon Levin Sword cutting Gangrel's gambit short of its goal. But this gave the Mad King just enough time to push off his feet and jump to the right. He had gotten away from being under the weight and the strength of Chrom, but now before he could properly get his footing Chrom shoulder charged him slamming his shoulder into the chest of his foe.

Gangrel was knocked off his feet by the strength of the blow and found himself badly winded now as he managed to land upright, though badly off balance. Chrom wasted no time and now swung at the Mad King whom managed to counter again just in time to save his own life. But not quite it time to stop part of the Falchion from biting into his side.

Howling in pain the Mad King now lashed out like a rabid animal at Chrom whom was easily able to avoid such predictable blows. Now as Gangrel over committed to a wild blow, Chrom side stepped it and now with his sword arm rammed the hilt of the Falchion into Gangrel's nose. This knocked the Mad King flat onto his back but to the man's credit he did not let go of his sword.

Now stepping on the sword arm of Gangrel and pointing the Falchion at his neck, Chrom stated rather coldly "It is because of my bonds, my friends and my ideals that I fight so hard, that I will go one until the end, a man like you can never understand that!"

Blood now gushing out is nose and oozing out of his side, the Mad King only laughed now as he stared death in the face. This caught Chrom off guard and in that moment of laxity, Gangrel invoked the magical power of his Levin Sword to strike at Chrom without the blade connect.

Now as the Prince of Ylisse reeled back in pain, the Mad King pushed off his foot and rose up and now struck at Chrom saying "As if you would know about anything boy, you know nothing, nothing at all!"

Though Chrom was still in pain from the blow he had just, he managed to get a hold of himself now and with his free hand caught the right arm of King Gangrel stopping the blow from connecting. The Mad King tried to at first break free but when that did not work he tried to push down harder.

Chrom now swung the Falchion with his own right arm and the Mad King caught it the same as Chrom had done to him. Now as the two of them struggled to break through and cut down the other Chrom stated "I'd rather know nothing, that be a monster like you are!"

Now as Chrom pressed even harder than he had before the Mad King bit back saying "Oh really, as if one like you born with a silver spoon since the day came into this world knows anything about me. In fact both you and your sister didn't even know anything about one whom you supposedly called friends!"

Chrom knew what Gangrel was talking about, it was concerning the Hierarch one who had once been a loyal supporter of the Emmeryn. The same man who had been with them for all those years after their parents had died. Whatever the reasons, he had turned his back on them and betrayed Ylisse, an act that the own ambushers had found revolting enough and killed him for doing so.

If the mad King had thought saying this would weaken Chrom's resolve it didn't for the Plegian was loosing the contest of strength. His Sword arm was slowly being crushed and pushed back by the immense strength of the Prince. As well as he own arm stopping the Prince's blade from cleaving him in two was now now failing him.

In fact all he had said only served to enrage the Prince and heighten his resolve which Chrom now declared "I will defeat you, all the lives you've taken all the people you've killed, all those who have died because of you, it ends right her and now, TODAY!"

Chrom now pushed down with all of his strength and the Mad King's own arm started to fail him. Now as he watched his own demise come closer and closer Gangrel called out "Do you think killing me means anything, do you think that it is over!"

Chrom in a very harsh tone that was out of character for him now said "No it is not over!"

Then with his left arm Chrom twisted the Mad King's own sword arm now which caused Gangrel to cry out in pain as his Levin Sword fall to the ground. Chrom now punched the king square on the face and as he let of of Chrom's own Sword Arm, brought the Falchion down upon him, striking the mortal blow. As the blow knocked the Mad King to the ground he stated "To hell with all of it."

Now lying face up on the ground as blood poured out form his wound Gangrel was able to say his last few words. "F-fool of...a prince...Your people care not for you..You are..alone...As every man lives and dies... Alone."

Now in an every increasing pool of his own blood, the Mad King passed from this world and scowl upon his face and a snarl upon his lips. When the last breath had passed from the body of Gangrel, Chrom took in a deep breath and said "Now it is over."

For some reason he felt his legs give out under him and now as he collapsed to his knees Chrom looked up at the sky. He could not help but wonder if this was a victory, it didn't feel like it, that was for sure, whatever the Shepherds now let out the cries of victory in any case. This confused the tired Chrom because he had no idea when all of them got here, probably while he was fighting the Mad King.

Sumia now rushed up to him and embraced him as she said "Chrom, you did it, you did it! The Mad King is dead, the war it is over right? For a second there I was not sure you were going to win, but I should have known better than to doubt you. Oh Chrom I am so happy you're not hurt."

Now as she hugged onto Chrom tightly, the Prince of Ylisse looked around all of the Shepherds were present even Robin who seemed to have recovered from his injuries from before. But now as Chrom looked his way Robin met his gaze for all of a second giving a nod and walking away.

With Cloud

Cloud had not gone with the shepherds to get ready for the march home. No he now he acted as some sort of rear guards as it were. While the others relaxed and let there guards down he remained vigilant for him it was not over until they were all safely back in the Capital of Ylisse.

Then and only then would he be able to lower his guard, he was not alone for the entire time. Robin had come and now the two displaced fellows walked in silence together for time. After about half an hour of silence as the two of them kept track watch as it were for anything suspicious Robin asked Cloud "Is it, is it really over just like that?"

In reply to him Cloud stated "I would not know, in my own experience killing one man does not solve the issues he created. There is always someone else ready to step up and continue what they started, be it out of greed, loyalty or their own ambitions"

Cloud was referencing how when President Shinra died, his son Rufas was able to step in right away. Not only that, but even after Rufas faked his own death, there were issues with SHINRA. Not to mention the fact that even after he and his allies had slain both Sephiroth and Hojo, the two of them came back. But Cloud was not about to tell something as crazy as that to Robin.

Robin for his part replied to what Cloud said stating "Yeah I am pretty sure you are right on that one, but we will be ready. Thanks as well for what you did, what how could I tell, I am a crack Strategist after all."

Cloud almost smiled at that but it was not funny enough to make him do so. No instead Cloud simply stated "I did what I felt I had to do, the decision was mine and mine alone."

Robin now asked Cloud a more direct question "What of the crazy dark Pegasus lady, what became of her, I don't believe that she could have escaped from you so easily, perhaps she fled before you arrived?"

To this Cloud simply said "I defeated her, but let her live, if the other Shepherds did not take her prisoner, then I would assume she fled."

Whatever feelings Robin had on the matter he did not voice them, he only asked "Why?"

To this Cloud just gave a shrug as he stated "Her memories, they are not real and she is not the person she believes she is. That is why I chose to let her live, even though she did demand that I kill her."

Robin now took an interest in this as he noted "Are you saying that she is under some sort of spell that would make her believe she is someone whom she is not?"

Cloud gave a nod stating "I believe someone has meddled with her memories, to the point where she doesn't even know who she really is. I was in such a situation myself for a while believing I was someone I was not."

The tone that Cloud used told Robin not to press the situation any further lest Cloud not speak to him for a very long time. So now as the two of them continued to watch the rear Cloud asked "You don't feel like celebrating?"

To this Robin shook his head "No, I guess I am not over it yet, I am still human after all, what about you?"

In reply to this Cloud just stated "I let my guard down once after I won a battle, got shot for it, I'm not going to be caught off guard like that again."

Robin gave him a nod, that was a good reason not to let their guards down. Wouldn't want them to let their guards down, be ambushed and never return, after they had won. That wouldn't look good at all.

But either way the two of them kept their vigil and made sure that if anyone were to even attempt to follow them, all the Shepherds would know about it. But in truth they did not need to, those who were left of the Plegian army were not surrendering en masses to Ylisse and Regna Ferox forces.

At Ylisstol

It had taken a while, but the Shepherds with the Exalt and the Ylisse forces as it were arrived back at the Captial. It had been a hard an uneventful march, but no one seemed to mind about the latter. Now that they were all home, the brought the good news with them. The Mad King Gangrel was dead, Pelgia was defeated and peace and order had been restored.

The streets of the Capital came alive with festivities and great feast was to be held within the Palace in memory of all those who fell in this conflict and all the lives that were saved because of their sacrifice. The people were singing the praises of Chrom and the Shepherds, thanking Naga that the Exalt lived.

Now in the garrison after all of the Shepherds had disarmed and taken of their battle gear, Chrom called for all their attention. "If I may, can I have all of your attention for a few minutes?"

Chrom was now standing in the centre of the room, he was holding hands with Sumia who was blushing rather brightly. When all had fallen silent and all eyes had turned to Chrom he said "I have asked for your attention because I wish to make an announcement. Upon our return to the Capital I proposed to Sumia and she has done me the honour of accepting it."

Most of the room now erupted in cheers and whistles for Chrom and Sumia when they heard this. Lissa now shouted out to her older brother "Wow it is about time, I thought you two would never get around to!"

This caused both Sumia and Chrom to blush when she said that as they looked at each other then averted their gazes. Chrom gave a cough again and now clearing his throat stated "We will hold the wedding in a month's time. I would like for you all to attend if possible as my own and Sumia's guests. Let it be known that we together shall all forge our bonds and protect Ylisse!"

Now as everyone came to take their turn to congratulate the couple, there was one person who were absent. Well two, the first though was not noticeably absent and was actually there all along and he was Kellam.

Whom almost made Chrom jump out of his skin when a gauntlet hovering in the air shook his hand. But because of this scene no one noticed the other person who was not among them and that was none other than Robin. Who had wished them well from afar and left the garrison in order to be anywhere but there.

Robin POV

Back in Plegia when he had woken up he had desired to find Lunica and speak with her. But he had got caught in the whole Chrom is facing down Gangrel. Thus he was unsure if he had missed his chance to find her or if he ever had a chance at all. Whatever that may be, he knew he was not entirely over Sumia just yet and had left before he had said or done something he'd later regret.

But now that he was out here among the fanfare that was going on, he figured he might as well partake in it. Perhaps it might even get his mind off other things that he should not be thinking, not now. There was actually a lot of variety to choose from.

A few games were the guess which cup the rock is under, how many targets can you hit with your rotten apples before the times up. A more serious one was how many drinks can you skull before the times up.

There was also an archery competition, but Robin was not going to fancy his luck at that one. With a smile now upon his face he decided to go enter the drinking competition as it were. He knew it would get his mind off things and he'd be able to ease up. Sure he wouldn't enter it to win, just to have a few drinks and laugh to get his mind off Chrom and Sumia. Well now as he stepped up and took out the required coins to participate, Robin smiled and said to himself "Well this can't go that badly."

Half an hour later

Robin now threw up in the side of an alley way, he had won, but oh lord at what cost. Whatever they had given him, it had tasted foul. But a comment that he might be a bubbly light weight had gotten to Robin. Who now because of it, had won the competition and also possibly wrecked his stomach in the process.

Yeah this was going to be the last time he attempted something like this, he had to be out of his mind to do so in the first place. Shaking off the groggy feeling he was getting he sight now as he stepped out of the alley way making sure not to get his foot filthy with his own puke.

Muttering to himself now he says "Yeah that'd be the day, I have some puke on my shoes because I was in an alley way during the fanfare. What why was I in the alley way, I was throwing up of course."

The one thing good all that alcohol had done for him was get his mind off what had been bothering him. In fact he couldn't even remember what it was that had caused him to go and enter that competition in the first place. So even though he is cursing it right now, Robin knew that he'd have to jot down that it is an effective way to forget your problems.

It was as he was about to just wander about aimlessly for a bit that he heard a voice call out to him "Ho Robin, is that you?"

Spinning around the Tactician turned to see a large man whom was none other than Gregor. The mercenary who had saved Nowi from those cultists. He now sauntered over to Robin sating "Ho Robin, the lass at the drinking competition says that you are the reigning champion."

Robin now groaned as even a small child could tell where this was going, but there was no point in lying Gregor. So instead Robin just admitted it saying "Yeah you could say that, why?"

Gergor broke out into a smile like Robin knew he would and now said exactly Robin feared he would say. "Then I Gregor challenge you for the crown of best Drinker no? Gregor will drink you under the table!"

Robin now looked up a little hopeful when he now asked "Say Gregor, could you not just take the title as it were and I not have to drink."

Now in his thick accented voice Gregor shook his head and said "No."

Sighing loudly Robin said "Okay, here we go again."

It was now as Robin and Gregor sat down at the same table Robin had been at before when a third person joined them. This man had spiked blonde hair and blue eyes and wore black, his arrival actually took both Gregor and Robin by surprised by this sudden appearance. Turning their heads to look at their competitor they both said in unison equally shocked "Cloud?"

Turning he his now Cloud replied "Yes?"

Robin blinked and then Gregor blinked then both looked at each other and then back to Cloud who now asked "What?"

Now both men had seen Cloud in action and both men knew that he was rather skilled and was more than just human. And the cunning intellect of Robin told him that if Cloud had strength, skill, vitality and senses that were super human as it were, he probably had a stomach that was super human as well. Not desiring to actually part take in this at all he now said "Yeah well I am out, you two guys have a great time, I am not taking Gregor and Cloud on."

With those words said, Robin turned and fled the scene leaving Gregor and Cloud now sitting alone at the Drinking competition now as the proprietor walked up to them. He looked somewhat nervous that he just saw the current King of Drink flee the scene. Now trying his best to smile he asked "So you gents are going to have it after the King of Drink just up and left?"

Gregor and Cloud both gave a nod at him and he now sighed and said "There is a fee alright and since the fellow who just took off won the first round he also has some of the money so we can't give you the entire prize pool."

Both Mercenaries nodded again in response to that if it did not bother them. Seeing this the proprietor sighed as he said "Well then let the games begin!"

Clapping his hands two barmaids walked out and placed a large mug of ale in front of both Cloud and Gregor. The latter of who turned to look at his shorter counter part and said with a smile "Gregor will drink Cloud under the table!"

Cloud in reply to that actually gave a smirk as he said "Not a chance."

With Robin

Robin who had so graciously fled the scene where he would have suffered his greatest defeat at the hands of either Gregor or Cloud. Now stopped to catch his breath, he should be far enough now at least from Gregor, if Cloud had chosen to chase him down, he knew he'd have been caught by now.

After he caught his breath he now looked around to see where he was, clearly in a new part of the fanfare as it were. Some stalls and tents were still being erected now as he looked around. It was now as he was focusing on what was around him, he felt a tap upon his shoulder.

Whipping around Robin now gazed down to see Nowi who gave a slight giggle saying "Yaa I knew it had to be you Robin, only you wear such silly clothes. Hey Robin have you seen Gregor around here by any chance?"

With a nod the master tactician replied and pointed in the direction he had come from stating "Yes I did, he was over there at the Drinking Competition, he is facing off against Cloud so you better hurry. Or else he won't be sober when you reach him."

The not so young little, but not so young Manakete gave a laugh at that before stating "Yeah I better be off, you take care Robin, see you at the feast tonight, I am going to eat and eat and eat, I'll tell you how long Gregor lasted before our Stormy Cloud won!"

Robin watched her now skip along in the direction he had given her, given the whimsical nature of the girl. Robin was unsure if she would ever reach her destination, but at least he had pointed her to the correct place so whatever happened next wasn't his fault?

Now as he turned back to head in the direction he had been heading before he saw a face he did not expect. Before him right now was Lucian who smile at him a little bashfully as she said "Hey?"

So how did you guys like it and what did you think of it, in any case the next chapter I am planning to make more focused on Lucina and Robin that anyone else.

Also please read and review no flaming thanks and remember the Fire Emblem/Fantasy is never final