Time flew by and before Marcus knew it, it was the day for the tournament. He suited up in his Templar armor and got his sword and shield ready. He heard cheering as he tried to get a glance outside the arena gate. He looks at his fellow teammates who were getting ready. Mikah was wearing her traditional battle outfit, her tough leather vest covering her long sleeves. Hagen and Rune were fitting on some new iron chest plates that they badly needed for the battle. Chrom and Robin were discussing the final aspects of their plan. Marcus took a peek on Robin's notes and this is what he found.
Chrom, Mikah and Hagen would be staying at the front and leading the charge, Marcus and Robin will stick to the sides while Rune would make up the center. Marcus had a few questions about these tactics. He taps Robin on the shoulder.
"Why did you put Chrom at the front? Shouldn't it be better to put him behind the line to safeguard him?"
Robin sighed in exasperation as he face-palmed.
"Tell that to Chrom. I said the same thing when we were arguing tactics." Robin replied. "But he insisted on it."
Robin begins to mimic Chrom while making a sock puppet gesture with his hands.
"I don't want to let my training with Hagen go to waste!" Robin said with mock gesture, making Marcus chuckle at this.
Chrom comes up behind Robin and gives him a noogie.
"That's because you don't value your training!" Chrom said while playfully headlocking Robin.
They quickly stop when Hagen's imposing figure joins in.
"Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Chrom said as he heard the announcer outside.
"Where's Mikah, she's a vital part of our formation."
"Right here."
They see Mikah approaching them, already wearing her helmet. They all grouped near the entrance as they heard the announcer speak loudly. They see him on top of a pedestal right next to the arena, where he stood and shouted. The announcer was wearing no helmet, he bore a scar over his face, while retaining a thick beard as he shouted.
"People of Ferox! Do you thirst for BLOOD!?"
The spectators cheered a huge "YES!"
"Do you hunger for BATTLE!?
The spectators cheer in agreement.
"Do you desire a BRAWL!?"
The spectators cheer at their loudest. The announcer then says.
"Before the main event, we will have a preliminary battle! A battle of the BEASTS!"
The arena cheered and hollered as the announcer began the introduction of the fighters. He pointed to one gate.
"Coming from the hot sands of Plegia. A creature with fangs the size of a dagger. THE FELL SPIDER!"
The men brought out a huge cage, with a small group of five spiders that resided in it. They were jumping around, using web to try and get out.. It was quite the sight, the spiders roughly reaching the size of a large dog, which amazed Marcus at the sight of such an animal.
"Another great beast I haven't seen…" Marcus exclaimed while watching the beast.
Rune and Hagen were also amazed.
"To procure something as dangerous as that beast. These people could rival Rome with arena combat!" Hagen exclaimed.
"To be honest, I prefer my spiders a little smaller." Rune commented while turning green from the sight of the monster. "N-not that I'm scared of them."
"You got bitten by one and vomited for a whole night." Hagen added. "You're scared of spiders, there's no shame in admitting."
Rune glared at Hagen, who only laughed. Mikah and Chrom seemed to be surprisingly calm, hinting that they have already seen this before. The announcer then points to the other side.
"Now coming from the snow plains of Ferox, we have a creature whose bite is definitely worse than its bark. Coming in at 20 feet, we have the FEROXI SALAMANDER!"
The men then bring out a pair of giant lizards that Marcus had encountered before. They were also put in a cage as they thrashed around. Both cages had ropes ready to release the beasts. The men gathered to the gate and sat down. Robin says.
"I'm taking bets."
Hagen and Rune give Robin a few gold coins.
"I'm betting on the lizards." Rune said.
"You're just saying that because you hate spiders!" Hagen said dismissively. "I bet the spiders will overwhelm them with their numbers and poison them!"
"I bet on the lizards." Chrom said, giving a gold coin. "I think the spiders can't pull it off."
"Oh really now?" Mikah asked while chiming in. "I think those spiders can overwhelm those stupid lizards."
Then they looked at Marcus who then said.
"I'll pass."
Robin then says.
"I personally think that those spiders will win." he says while adding in his share for the bet. "Quantity over quality right?"
"Let's watch the fight."
Everyone gathered to see the battle, with the ones who bet cheering for their respective fighters.
The announcer then says.
"Let us start the match! Release the beasts!"
They rip open the cages and the beasts pour out of their cages and go right for each other. The leading spider goes for the larger lizard, but quickly gets bitten as the lizard grabs it with his jaws. He claws it and rips it apart, before another spider jumps on his back and plunges its fangs into his back. The lizard screams as he tries to grab hold of the sneaky foe. However, his companion does it for him and shakes it off. The lizard that was bitten suddenly couldn't move as he flopped over, still breathing but motionless. Hagen and Mikah cheered the spider on while Chrom and Rune winced at the sudden disadvantage of the lizard. The three spiders began to gang up on the lizards.
"Shoot! I didn't know those spiders had paralyzing poison!"
"Looks like the prince's pocket will be empty tonight." Robin teased.
But the lizard then does something unexpected and bites its already motionless partner.
"Are those lizards cannibalistic?"
The lizard then confronts the last of the spiders, it uses its tail to whip the first one, causing it to die from the strength of the lash of the tail. It then bites down on the second one, ripping it apart. But before it could react, the last spider jumps on its back and bites down on it. The lizard turns limp as the spider seemed victorious. Mikah, Hagen and Robin briefly celebrated in their victorious bet, with Chrom and Rune feeling dejected. But before the spider plunges its fangs to feed on the limp lizard, the other lizard suddenly moves again and attacks it, biting down on it and snapping it in half. The lizard then bites its companion, with the companion lizard slowly moving again. Robin and Mikah couldn't comprehend what happened.
"WHAT!?" Robin asked. "How did that lizard suddenly come back!?"
"Hahaha! Looks like Rune and I get extra drinks tonight!" Chrom said victoriously.
While there was a commotion on the results. Marcus noted on how the lizards started moving right after they were bitten, and he puts two and two together.
"Their saliva is an antidote."
"What?" they all asked.
"Their saliva is what cured their paralysis, after they bit each other, they quickly started moving again. They seemed to know that their saliva can cure the spider venom."
"That… actually makes sense. Feroxi salamanders eat Calabar beans, which also help cure paralysis."
"Which means we win the bet!" Rune said excitedly.
"Damn it!" Robin cursed. "I really thought i had it there!"
"Wait, be quiet, the announcer is speaking."
The arena cheered at the intense battle between the lizard and spider. The announcer then shouts.
"Now that the warm-up is over, do you want a REAL battle!?"
The arena cheers once again, with the announcer then screams.
"Then let the East vs West tournament BEGIN!"
The announcer points to one side of the arena, saying.
"Here we have the champions of the West Khan Basilio, lead by the traveling swordsman Marth and the previous East champion, Lon'qu!"
The ten champions strutted into the arena. As soon as they got into position, the announcer then shouts.
"Now in the other side, we have the champions of the East Khan Flavia, lead by the Chieftain of the Danes, Hagen! And former champion, Lady Lightning!"
The arena cheered, chanting Mikah's arena name, as Mikah sheepishly looked away in embarrassment. They walked in, with the crowd screaming and cheering. Marcus could hear distant screams.
"I love you Mikah!"
"Marry me!"
"You're so pretty!"
Marcus felt a bit disturbed that the ones screaming those provocative phrases were mostly women, but he had to get his head into the game. Marcus then did a head count on who they were fighting. He saw four axemen, two mages, two heavy knights and two swordsmen.
However, there was someone familiar in the ranks of the West Khan champions, and Chrom seemed to notice it too.
"Chrom, it's him." Marcus said.
"Yes, the masked man who helped when the Risen attacked." Chrom replied.
"Wait, you know that masked man?" Mikah asked.
"Yeah, we met him not too long ago, he helped us in fighting off the undead."
"Well… If we're naming people, then I can tell you more about Lon'qu." Mikah offered.
Hagen decides to take her up on that offer.
"If there is anything you can tell Rune and I, do tell us. I wish to know more about those two warriors you seem to be so fixated upon."
Mikah and Robin glanced at each other. Robin then gives his two cents.
"Well… We haven't fought the masked man yet, but I have to say, his style is like that of Chrom, but his attacks are lighter and he is slightly faster."
"Okay… Interesting, I'll have to watch out for him."
"Lon'qu is fast, one of the fastest and skilled swordsmen I've fought. I beat him last year with my superior agility and overall quickness. But if you can't keep up with him, then you're doomed."
"Sounds like the perfect challenge for Runey here!" Hagen said while making a visible smirk. "You up for the task?"
"I hate it when you put me up for stuff like this." he replied nonchalantly.
"I'll take that as a yes!"
"Wait, you should let me fight him!" Mikah retorted.
"Why is that Mikah?" Robin asked. "You beat him before, you might as well give the Danes a chance."
"Yes, but in reality, he is gynophobic or afraid of women. If I fight him, he'll be at a disadvantage."
Robin then stroked his chin at the idea.
"That is a good idea, but I cannot guarantee anything Mikah, so it may be best for each of us to prepare to face him."
Mikah nodded at this.
The East Khan champions got into stance, with Marcus holding up his sword and shield, showing off the English coat-of-arms. Robin readied his tome and Bronze sword. Mikah flashed her rapier while Rune brought out his two hatchets for dual-wielding. Hagen got into stance, holding his hammer-axe firmly. Hagen then asks.
"Tactician, what's the plan now that we know who we're fighting." Hagen requested, while still locking eyes with the enemy.
"Okay, here's the plan! We need to finish this battle asap, and to do that, we have to break the enemy's morale, and the best way is to take down the commander. We will charge forward directly to the commander, while some of us will break off and distract the numerous opponents."
Robin then pointed to the first line of defense,
"Someone has to go ahead and take care of those two axemen at the front."
"I volunteer." Rune said.
"Okay good, then Marcus and I will take care of those mages, we are the only ones who can take their magic without getting badly hurt. We'll try to finish our fight as quickly as possible, because it gets harder from there."
"In what way?" Hagen asked.
"Chief, since you're wielding the hammer, you have to take on those two knights over there, keep them occupied, we need to get Chrom and Mikah past their line."
"I'll take the challenge!" Hagen said proudly.
Robin then points to Chrom and Mikah.
"You two are on your own at that point, Chrom you take down Mr. Mask over there, while Mikah will handle Lon'qu. If Marcus and I finish our fight with the mages quick enough, we'll lend you support as soon as possible. Hagen and Rune are not required to support us, but to hold off the enemy."
Robin took a sigh as he asked out loud.
"All clear?"
"Crystal." Hagen replied.
They got ready as the announcer shouted.
"Warriors! You may begin!"
EAST: 6
WEST: 10
The East champions immediately charged forward, taking the initiative in the attack. As expected, the two axemen move to confront them from both sides. Rune immediately throws his hatchet at the axemen, who barely dodged it, Rune then takes advantage of the stunned warrior and knees him in the gut. The second axeman moves to fight Rune, but Rune grabs his two hatchets and begins to duel with the axeman.
EAST: 6
WEST: 9
"Okay, good work guys! Let's advance!"
It was the mages' turn to try and stop them, and as planned, Robin and Marcus break off their formation. Robin tries to hit the mage with a Thunder spell, but the mage ducks and sends a wind spell to Robin's feet. Robin briefly loses balance, before quickly recovering from the attack. He then tries to block all the incoming spells with his sturdy Bronze sword. It would take some time before he would put down his target.
Marcus on the other hand, was doing much better in terms of offense and defense. He blocked many fireballs flying towards him. He deflected them to many directions and he decides to send the fire ball right back to sender. The fire ball hits the mage directly, but the mage doesn't falter. Instead he takes out another tome and casts it, shouting.
"BOLGANONE!"
Marcus looked below him and saw a glyph right below him. The earth below him ruptured and an eruption came out and swallowed Marcus. It looks as if the mage had won, but Marcus reveals himself to be uninjured, but rather charred, with his armor being black. He thought to himself.
"Damn it, I didn't see that one coming! I can't fight like this if he keeps summoning fire from the ground!"
Marcus felt the wind touch him, as it passed him gently. It lightly brushed his hair as he heard it blow, it did not sound like any gust or blow. It felt like a whisper. Marcus had heard whispers in the wind as he stopped to listen.
He knew what to do.
He raises his sword and shouts.
"Pater dirige ferro!"
His sword begins to have a golden aura as it shined bright like a diamond.
Marcus then slams the ground with his sword, sending a shockwave that makes the ground beneath the mage crack and give out on him. The mage falls in a small pit that was made from the magic. Marcus had quickly finished his opponent and was now moving to assist Hagen and the others.
EAST: 6
WEST: 8
The remaining people charged forward, with Hagen readying his hammer-axe against two heavily armored knights. As the knights try to get the stab in at Chrom and Mikah, Hagen swung his hammer-axe full circle, repelling the knights and giving Chrom and Mikah the chance to break through. Hagen fought the two knights, swinging his hammer, and putting a dent on their shields.
The knights however, were more skilled than the average warrior, one knight grazes Hagen's left leg, Hagen screams in pain and knocks the knight back with a full-force hammer blow to the gut. The other knight then stabs at Hagen's exposed right shin, Hagen loses the use of his right foot, but the pain made him angrier, he then charges the night, hitting him again with hammer blow and pinning him to the wall. After defeating the two, Hagen collapses as he loses the use of his two feet, rendering him useless.
EAST: 5
WEST: 6
Chrom and Mikah had to take on the two axemen and two swordsmen. With Mikah's phenomenal speed and agility, she successfully downs a charging axemen with a sword swipe to the side. Chrom easily downs another axeman that was charging at him. They quickly turn to their new opponents as they got into stance.
EAST: 5
WEST: 4
The masked man quickly moves to confront Chrom while Mikah went head-on against Lon'qu. Chrom noticed Marth draw a blade that was strikingly familiar.
"Where'd you get that!?" he asked. "There's no way…"
Chrom then makes a high jump and front flips for more striking power, to his shock however, Marth blocks it. He gets a good look of the blade before Marth breaks the wrestle and attempts his own assault. Chrom barely blocks all of Marth's swipes and tries to dodge the other incoming strikes. He blocks the strike and shouts.
"Tell me!" Chrom demanded. "Who taught you to fight like that!?"
Marth then breaks the wrestle, knocking both back. Chrom and Marth then go in for a sword thrust, but only end up hitting each other's blades. Marth then jumps and strikes down on Chrom.
"My father!"
Chrom dodges the strike, with both staring at each other. Marth points his sword at Chrom, with Chrom being unsure of what's to follow.
Mikah was having better luck against Lon'qu, dodging all his strikes and putting him on the defensive.
"What's the matter Lon'qu? Still haven't improved?" Mikah mocked.
"Gods damnit, I swore to myself that I would beat you!" Lon'qu cursed. "And I will uphold that! Even if I have to conquer m-my fear of women."
Lon'qu then tries to swipe at Mikah, who then slides under his blade and runs at Marth. She then says.
"Well, sorry Lon'qu! Looks like you'll have to beat me another time!"
"Hey!" Lon'qu shouted. "Get back here you coward!"
Marth wasn't expecting an intervention as Mikah began assaulting him with lightning-fast attacks. Chrom was now being kept busy by Lon'qu, who was pissed at the fact that he wasn't fighting Mikah anymore, he needed redemption from his previous duel with Mikah.
Marth was having a hard time dodging all the swipes coming in from Mikah. Marth tries to look for an opening and is able to sneak in a kick that knocked Mikah down. Mikah's armor could not hold back the strong blow and she falters. Marth then slams Mikah down with the butt of his sword.
EAST: 4
WEST: 4
Marcus saw what happened and moves in to confront Marth, leaving Robin to fight the wind mage. Marth tries to jump and slash down on Marcus, but Marcus blocks with his shield. Marth tries another strike to his side, with Marcus blocking it as well. Marcus then bashes his shield at Marth knocking him back. Marth then charges at Marcus. Marcus tries to hold his shield up, but Marth breaks the strap and causes the shield to fall off.
Marcus was now in trouble as he now had to face off against Marth's quick attacks without any real defense. His armor is peppered with scratches and cuts as he even struggled to get a hit in. Looks like it was time to drop some weight.
Marcus takes off his armor, dropping each of his plates onto the ground, but leaving his steel gauntlets on. He was in light clothing, ready to fight. Marth takes the initiative and tries to slash down on him, but Marcus dodges it with ease. He then knees Marth in the stomach. But Marth quickly recovers and jumps back. He then comments.
"The rumors are true, you really are brutal in your attacks." he said while clutching his gut.
"Wait, there are rumors about me?"
"Only about a strange man from a strange nation who travels with the prince."
Marcus grimaced at this, people already knew about him.
"Then I will speak no further."
Marcus then runs at Marth with insane speed, he strikes Marth's side, but Marth parries the blow. He then tries to hit Marcus' side, but Marcus blocks it with his shield gauntlets, parrying the strike with his gauntlets.
The crowd goes wild at this move, amazed by Marcus' gall to block with his hands. Marcus then holds Marth's sword down and puts his face to close to Marth's and head bashes Marth so badly that his mask breaks. But Marcus had a bleeding forehead from that stupid move. The crowd goes even wilder at the move, with such brutality, they were entertained. Marth laid defeated, disoriented by the attack.
EAST: 4
WEST: 3
Chrom was on the defensive against Lon'qu, being too slow to land a hit on the swordsman. Soon enough, Lon'qu quickly strikes Chrom on his exposed shoulder, making Chrom wince in pain before Lon'qu downed him too.
EAST: 3
WEST: 3
Rune defeats the axeman, kicking his shins and delivering a gut punch to finally put him down. He immediately sees Chrom defeated and goes for Lon'qu.
EAST: 3
WEST: 2
Lon'qu tries to get to Marcus but Rune blocks his way. Rune then begins his relentless assault with his hatchets, putting Lon'qu. He used the same technique he uses against Chrom and dances with his blades, with each movement made to hit Lon'qu.
Even though it failed on Chrom, it worked on Lon'qu, who couldn't get a hit on Rune and wasn't strong enough to break the flurry of strikes. Rune then punches Lon'qu in the gut, and then knees him, putting the other champion down for good.
Before Rune could react, an Arcwind spell hits his exposed back, putting him on his knees. Marcus looks in shock to see that even though the mage was occupied with Robin, he was able to sneak in an attack on Rune. Robin increases the intensity of his attacks to put pressure on the Mage.
EAST: 2
WEST: 1
Robin keeps trying to hit the mage with Thunder spells, the mage dodges them and throws back his own spells. Robin had a harder time dodging than the mage, he tries to hit the mage with a stronger spell.
"Heavens above, grant me power…" Robin said while charging.
"ELTHUNDER!"
Robin sends out a stronger thunder spell that wasn't as strong as Thoron but was still powerful nonetheless.
Anticlimactically however, the mage dodges it and sends a wind spell that knocks Robin off his feet.
EAST: 1
WEST: 1
The mage turns to confront his final opponent but he sees to his horror, the fruition of Robin's true intentions. Marcus had absorbed the spell and his sword crackled with lightning. Marcus smirks, instead of slashing at the mage, Marcus prepares to plunge the ground with his sword.
"In Nominee Deus…" Marcus said before raising his sword to its highest point. "Et percutiam te"
Marcus then stabs the ground, sending a current moving towards the mage. The ground elevated as the thunder violently traveled underground. It goes below the mage and bursts out, striking the mage with a powerful lightning attack and incapacitating him.
The crowd goes silent before going absolutely wild at Marcus' victory. They cheer his name as he looks around.
"MARCUS! MARCUS! MARCUS! MARCUS!"
Instead of basking in glory, he immediately runs over to Robin and pulls him up. Marcus then pats him on the back.
"Thanks for the assist Robin."
Robin limped a bit while replying.
"Don't mention it… But next time, make sure I don't get hit that badly." Robin replied weakly.
Marcus chuckles at this before heading to Mikah, who was clutching her gut in pain from Marth's finishing blow. He tries to help her up and she barely gets up, hanging on to Marcus as he supported her as he brought her to the medics, who came in to take care of the injured in the arena.
Marcus goes to Marth, who was beginning to wake up from his disoriented state. Marcus could see the mask fall as Marth got back up, revealing long hair and a feminine face. Marcus becomes extremely shocked at this as he shakily pointed his finger.
"Y-you're a woman!?"
Marth immediately becomes worried at his shock and covers her eye.
"Yes, and quite the actor too. I'm surprised you didn't even notice."
Marcus was more concerned with what he did to her as he recalled his previously brutal attacks on her.
"All this time, I've been hurting a woman!?"
Marcus tries to calm down as he broke his subconscious rule of never hurting or hitting a woman. He seemed to shocked to even talk. Marth does not take kindly to this.
"Don't feel bad for hitting me, I knew what I was getting into."
"My apologies, but I never fought a woman in my life… This just seems… New."
Marth then walks out of the arena and declares.
"This isn't over Marcus! I will be victorious…"
As soon as Marth exited the arena and got out of plain sight, she quietly squealed and smiled.
"I finally got to meet father! It was so nice to finally see him again." she said happily. "It was also an honor to duel with Marcus, the great hero of my time. He doesn't know it but his exploits will soon be legendary and his name will give hope and courage to those in low spirits."
She clutches her chest in sincerity as she mutters.
"I wish you the best of luck Father." she muttered. "And I wish the best of luck to you too Marcus."
Marcus and company waited for Flavia by her throne room, still waiting of her response on the battle. Marcus wanted to avoid any crowds due to his growing popularity among the Feroxi. Flavia then bursts out of her throne room in joy.
"Well fought! You have my respect." she said loudly and proudly. "And, perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."
"Truly?" Chrom asked before thanking her. "Thank you, East-Khan."
"I should thank you! It feels like ages since I've held full power!" she declared happily.
She then turns to Marcus.
"The move that your friend here pulled off was pretty damn amazing!" Flavia admitted. "I almost feel jealous of him being on your side."
Flavia then turned back to Chrom.
"Which reminds me, Hagen and his men are ready to move at your command, they're almost ecstatic at the prospect of another battle." Flavia said.
"So they will join our cause?"
"Hah! With the attitude of their chief, I feel sorry for the enemy already!"
Flavia then walks to the mead hall shouting.
"Come my new friends!" she said. "Tonight, we celebrate!"
She triumphantly walks to the mead hall, with a large, dark-skinned man also approaching the group. He had an eyepatch over one eye and his upper body was bare.
"Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it…" the man commented.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" Chrom asked.
"I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power! Name's Basilio." he said. "You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man or woman for that matter."
"What do you know about her?"
"You mean that "Marth"? Bah! She's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat on his arse. I did wonder how he beat Lon'qu. But this tournament has really showed me."
Lissa sighed dejectedly at the mention of Marth.
"That's too bad… I really thought he was a strong, mysterious man…"
"Well, it looks like Marth lost a fan." Robin commented.
"Milady, Milord, if this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home." Frederick advised. "The exalt will want this news of our new alliance immediately."
"Right as always Frederick."
"Hold, boy. Before you go, I have a little present for you." Basilio added.
A man enters the room revealing himself to be Lon'qu, the secondary champion that fought with the Shepherds during the tournament
"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. If Marth weren't a woman, I'm sure he would have knocked her flat."
"Marth beat him? But he looks so big and strong…"
Lissa approaches Lon'qu, but Lon'qu suddenly shouts while backing up.
"Away, woman!"
"Hey! Wh-what did I say?!"
"Ba ha ha! Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge. But there are… certain exceptions."
They notice Lon'qu glare at Mikah, who was conversing with Marcus.
"Nonetheless, he is capable. Driven to win and determined." Basilio praised. "Perhaps he even has the makings of a khan. Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause."
"You're certain about this?" Chrom asked.
"Yes, yes. He's your man now."
Chrom then turns to Lon'qu. Chrom was still uncomfortable being with a man that beat him handily.
"And Lon'qu? You have no objections?"
"He gives orders. I stab people." Lon'qu blankly stated. "I think our roles are clear."
A short pause came with that answer, before Chrom responded.
"...All right then. Welcome aboard."
The Shepherds walked to the entrance of the Longfort, where Marcus, Mikah and the other Earth warriors waited for them.
"Marcus, Mikah we couldn't thank you enough for your assistance. If it were not for you two, we would have never won the tournament by ourselves."
Marcus dismisses this.
"Don't thank me Chrom, I was just hitching a ride to Ferox."
Mikah was a bit cheerful in her response.
"Don't worry about it! I was just defending my championship title!"
Robin then interrupts the conversation with another side note.
"Wait… If Marth beat Mikah, then she should be the new champion."
"Yeah, but Marcus beat Marth, so he should be champion." Mikah retorted.
Hagen appears and then gets in between them, saying.
"Let's not argue semantics here, we still have a war to fight."
Lon'qu gets curious when he sees the other valued champion of Flavia. Basilio sizes up the nearly 7 foot tall Dane. He then comments.
"I can definitely see how you defeated those two knights."
Hagen laughed loudly and replied.
"Apparently not enough, I nearly crippled myself fighting this tournament, if it weren't for your healing witchcraft!"
Before Lon'qu could reply, a frightening woman voice rings out.
"HAGEN!"
The large Viking sighed, Lon'qu was confused at the sudden cowering of the Vikings. Marcus and Mikah kept their distance. Chrom and Robin saw a figure in the sky come landing down, revealing Brenda, riding her newly acquired wyvern. She immediately jumps off her mount and runs to Hagen. She seemed rather cheery than her usual gruff exterior. She embraces Hagen and says.
"Oh Hagen! Thank you for this wonderful beast! Auros is absolutely gorgeous!"
"Auros?" Hagen asked, confused with her happy behavior.
"His name silly! I have been riding him the whole day and he has been a good beast!"
"Well, your welcome dear. I'm sure you'll get more chances to fly when we reach Ylisse."
"Oh yes! I can't wait to settle in Ylisse!"
Marcus was a bit amused by this exchange between husband and wife. But he then hears Frederick say.
"Err, Chief Hagen? We have to leave now."
Chief Hagen nods at this and tells his wife.
"Honey, let's make it quick now, we have to go."
"Of course!" she replied.
Brenda gets on her wyvern and flies off. Chief Hagen was pleased with himself for giving his wife a gift that made her so happy. Marcus walked up to him.
"Is she always this cheery?
"Usually when I remember our anniversary." Hagen commented.
Marcus chuckles at this before hearing Chrom shout.
"Are we all good?"
Everyone nodded.
"Are the Shepherds ready?"
The Shepherds stood straight and gave their answer.
"Yes sir!"
Chrom then looked at Marcus and Mikah.
"You two?"
"Good." Marcus replied.
"Never better!" Mikah answered cheerily.
Chrom then looked at the Danes.
"Are you ready to visit our country?"
They all gave a unison reply.
"AYE!"
The Danes laughed together after giving a reply, patting each other on the backs. Hagen laughed thunderously at this display and said.
"They're pretty happy at the prospect of seeing combat against these 'Plegians.'." Rune added, standing beside Chrom.
"Then let us be off! Ylisse still needs our help!"
They all cheered as they set off outside Ferox and back south to Ylisse.
They traveled through the land with no combat and soon enough, night fell, and the Shepherd-Viking coalition had to camp for the night. The Shepherds interacted with the Vikings as they all gathered around the fire. Chrom had wanted to talk to Marcus and Mikah privately so they talked in the thick, snowy forest.
"Why did you call us out here?" Marcus asked.
"I think I have an idea…" Mikah added.
"I simply want to give you and Miss Mikah a proposition." Chrom replied.
"You want us to join the Shepherds." Marcus said straight out.
"Err… yes." Chrom replied, feeling awkward that he was found out quickly.
Marcus sighed, he expected this. His full skills were found out when he had fought alongside them. Not to mention his amazing teamwork and cooperation with Robin. The coalition of the two warriors carried the day.
Mikah on the other hand, was really a skilled fighter. The speed of her strikes are unparalleled and can only be challenged by the likes of Lon'qu. Chrom also seemed to have interest in her looks-wise, so that could also be a reason.
Marcus already knew his answer.
"I'm sorry Chrom, but I have to refuse."
Chrom seemed shocked at this.
"Why? Ylisse needs someone of your prowess to help win this war."
"I apologize, but my loyalties still lie with the Pope and the King of England, this was never my war to fight in the first place."
Chrom then stayed silent at this.
"So what will you do now?"
"I still haven't found a way back to Europe, so I am planning to stay in Ylisse and get a job while gathering clues on how to get back home."
"Why don't you join the Shepherds in the meantime?" Chrom asked, confused at Marcus' persistent refusal.
"Chrom, I don't know how your system works, but joining a team as elite as the Shepherds has massive implications. For example, the Knight's Templars had to mean you were completely loyal the Order and that you followed their every word. I had already sworn my loyalty to my master knight, Sir Julian, who had sworn loyalty to the order."
Chrom listened intently on this Mikah wore an amused face.
"If I join your military, that would mean that I violated my Oath to the Order, which is a massive sin in my religion."
Chrom nods dejectedly and replies.
"I understand."
He then turns to Mikah.
"How about you Madam Mikah?"
"I would have to say no to that too." Mikah replied. "My loyalties are still to the Kingdom of France, and same reason as Marcus."
Chrom nodded at this and says.
"Well… I'll be going back to camp, see you tomorrow."
They watch Chrom walk back to the campfire as they talked among themselves.
"I hope he doesn't take it too hard."
"He's a prince, he has faced worse." Marcus said before turning to Mikah. "By the way, I have already decided on what to do."
Mikah turned to him, looking in interest.
"I plan on staying with you and Anna, I'll be getting that teaching position at that Knight Academy as you told me before."
Mikah smiled at this and said.
"Okay, I hope it goes well for you."
They both walk to the campfire as the moon reached its height.
One day had passed…
Marcus walked in the city, with the Vikings and Shepherds. Everyone in the town stared at the hulking figure of Hagen, who towered over everyone in the group.
"Is he human?"
"He's probably a barbarian demi-god… He's so big!"
"What's with that scary helmet?"
Marcus saw Hagen smirk at the fearful responses of the townsfolk to Hagen and the Viking's appearance. Felix still covered his face, still ashamed at the loss of his beard. They all make their way to the castle, where the pegasus knights and soldiers stared at them.
"What are those barbarians doing here?"
"Why would the prince bring them?"
As soon as they reached the entrance to the throne room, the guards stopped the Vikings from entering, saying.
"No ruffians beyond this point, the prince and his company may enter."
Chrom immediately growls at the guards, saying.
"Stand down! These are honored guests of Ylisse, any one who aggravates them will be punished!"
The guards immediately went back into position and apologized. Marcus, Brenda and Mikah stay outside with the Shepherds while Chrom immediately entered the throne room, with the Danes in tow. Hagen's towering figure was so imposing, even the knight-commander flinched. The palace guard scrambled forward to confront the Vikings. The knight-commander then walks forward, saying.
"Prince Chrom! What is the meaning of this!?"
Chrom sighed in frustration and held up his arms.
"STAND DOWN! THESE MEN ARE FRIENDLY!" he yelled in an angry voice.
The men then backed up, unsure with Chrom's sincerity, but they hear Emmeryn say.
"Please listen to the prince."
The guards put down their weapons and backed up. Emmeryn then asks.
"Chrom, who are these intimidating men? Why are they here?"
Chrom then replies.
"These are men from Ferox, the East Khan's former champions. They had volunteered themselves to assist in our war effort."
Emmeryn smiled at this and said.
"I trust that the negotiations with Regna Ferox went well?"
"Yes Emm. The Khan had promised troops to assist us. These warriors had also joined our side."
"Then Regna Ferox will support Ylisse? Thank you, Chrom. I knew sending you was the right choice."
"You have no idea Emm!" Chrom said excitedly. "You should meet the Danes and their leader."
Hagen then walks forward, before bowing to her.
"May God bless you, Your Majesty. I am Chief Hagen of the Danish tribe."
Emmeryn smiles at this as she sees the Vikings also bow to her.
"You are the Danes, am I correct?" she asked.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And you yourselves have volunteered for this war?" she asked.
"Yes we have Your Majesty."
Emmeryn then gave a calming smile.
"Then I must thank you for risking your lives to help our nation."
"Do not thank us Your Highness. We are of a warrior culture, we find beauty in battle. It is only natural that we join." Hagen humbly replied.
Emmeryn smiled at this remark and told Chrom.
"Bring them to their quarters, Ylisse will happily accept any brave volunteers."
"Of course."
Chrom then gestures for the Vikings to follow him. They walk off, with the Shepherds in tow. Before Chrom leaves the throne room, Emmeryn calls out to him.
"Chrom!"
"Yes sister?" he asked, turning back.
"Please call in Marcus and his friend Mikah. And let the chieftain stay."
Marcus and Mikah conversed in the lounge, talking about the prospect of teaching at the Knight Academy.
"So what do I need to get that teaching position?" Marcus asked.
Mikah puts a finger on her chin as she tried to remember.
"Well… From what I can recall… You must be celibate and pure in mind and heart."
"Okay…"
"You must also have integrity and maturity, which I'm sure you already have." she said before commenting. "Come on! You're a shoe-in! Don't worry about it! All you need now is a recommendation from the Exalt"
"Urgh…" was all that Marcus could reply.
They both see Chrom and the Danes approach them, saying.
"Marcus, Mikah, the Exalt is calling for you.."
Marcus and Mikah shared a glance and asked.
"Why?"
"I don't know. She also made Hagen stay, you should ask her about it."
Marcus and Mikah got up and walked to the throne room, where Hagen waited for them. As soon as the three Earthlings stood side-by-side, Emmeryn then says.
"Now you all know why I gathered you here?"
They shook their heads.
"You all claim to come from a faraway land called Europe…" Emmeryn said. "Am I correct?"
"Yes madam." they all responded.
"I would like to know more about your homeland. What is it like?"
Mikah and Hagen shared confused glances.
"Err, I'm sorry milady, but there is not much difference between Europe and your country, except for the magic and the mythical beasts."
"I have only been to the Middle East and Africa, I cannot see any difference between your country and Europe."
Marcus knew what to say.
"Europe has been at war for almost a hundred years, between states."
The Ylisseans were shocked at the length of something so devastating. The knight-commander then adds in.
"That's preposterous! Our country could not even hold up a war for ten years, what makes you think that we'll believe what you're saying!?"
"I was born into a time when Europe was at war with rival states and pagans." Marcus added in. "I'm not sure if you'll believe me, but the only way for you to know would be if you somehow read my memory."
"Then let us read your memories." Emmeryn said. "We need to know what your world is like. Your intentions, and your experiences. And we have a spell that will help visualize your memories"
Marcus saw this as an opportunity to get that recommendation. Marcus then walks up, saying.
"I volunteer for your spell, but I need something in return."
The knight-commander snarls at this, but Emmeryn stops him.
"What do you require young knight?" she asked. "I also have yet to repay you for helping Chrom."
"I need you to recommend me as a teacher to the Noble Knights Academy of Ylisse."
Everyone was shocked by this, with Emmeryn asking.
"Why do you need to be a teacher there?"
"I have no job and I do not wish to be a free-loader to my hosts."
Emmeryn then smiles at his politeness and replies.
"Okay, you will have your recommendation, just follow me and my mages to the library, we will conduct the spell on you in there."
"M-milady! You are not serious about recommending him to the most prestigious knight academy in Ylisstol!"
"As a matter of fact, I am." Emmeryn replied. "This man has proven himself to be a valuable ally and asset, it is only fair that I give what is due."
Emmeryn then gets off her throne and walks to a nearby room.
"Come Marcus, we will read your memories." she said before telling Mikah and Hagen. "You may wait in the lounge."
Mikah and Hagen walked out, while Marcus went inside the library. He sat down on the table, with Emmeryn sitting on the other end and two women preparing a crystal ball.
"Now Marcus, we will need you to clear your mind and relax, for the spell might be ruined if you become scared or stressed."
Marcus nodded at this and closed his eyes. The mages began their magic as a picture began to form. Emmeryn wasn't prepared for what she was about to witness.
And that's it! This chapter was hard to write with writer's block, but hey, I still got it in!
No ANs this time, just leave a review!
Oh and here's a little sneak peek of the next one.
Marcus sighed deeply, gathering his thoughts and calming down. The blush on his face worn down before he screamed at the Headmistress.
"YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THAT THEY WERE ALL GIRLS!"
Please R&R.