"I take it you are ready for your lesson?"

"Yes mom! I am ready to try Aether again! I've been practicing a ton."

Lucina smiled at her daughter's eagerness and said, "I can tell. Your form has improved significantly of late."

"Really?!" Morgan asked excitedly. "You think so?"

"Yes, so long as you keep at it I can see you getting the hang of it soon."

"Haha! Awesome! That means I'm one step closer to becoming the ultimate swordswoman slash tactical mastermind duo!" She cried as she wildly brandished her wooden blade.

"We shall see." Her mother spoke as she unsheathed her weapon and dug her feet into the ground in turn. "Your father will be a tough contender to overtake for the title, but I'll help you where I can."

"It is not him I am worried about." Morgan said while taking a few practice swings. "You are going to be the one I will have to battle against the most."

"Hmm?" The princess looked back puzzled and said, "How do you figure that?"

"It is simple. Dad may have all his secrets locked in his head, but I'll steal them from him one day at a time and come up with my own ideas to counter them! It is you I have to worry about with your legendary and unmatched sword wielding prowess."

She was notably taken aback by the statements and said, "I wouldn't go that far. I've fought with many great warriors whose skill and talent has far outshined mine. Fortunately, I was able to count many of them as my allies."

"That's not what dad said!" Morgan retorted as she pointed her blade forward. "He told me he's never seen anyone else so unstoppable or terrifying with a sword. The enemy practically surrendered at the sight of you gripping Falchion."

Lucina blushed slightly and said, "Your father has been known to embellish at times."

"I don't know. He seemed pretty confident about this one."

"Seems I'll need to have a word or two with him to correct the record before he spreads it further." She said with a faint smirk forming on one side of her mouth. Catching herself, Lucina quickly redoubled her stance and strengthened her grip on her weapon. "But that is for later. I believe you wanted to try your hand at Aether again, yes?

"Right!" Morgan nodded and then charged forth crying, "Here I come!"

…

For all her bluster, Morgan did take her training seriously. Whether it was sparring with her mom or strategizing with her dad, Morgan was intent on becoming everything her parents were and more. Knowing they had several years of a headstart on her as far as experience and skill only encouraged Morgan further knowing the gap she had to cross. However, there was one goal of hers that superseded even her studies.

For some time now, her family picked up the tradition of playing board games after their day of training was over. Ever since her mission had been to destroy her parents at it, to no avail. When they played luck based games, Lucina would win almost every time. When they played strategy games, Robin would consistently find some way to outmaneuver her. Although, it would be a mistake to forget about Lucina who could hold her own as well. Worse, neither of her parents were the type to let her win which often meant she faced the same opposition from her parents as their enemies once did.

Tonight's game of World Domination proved no different with Robin conquering Valm, Elibe, and Ylisse. In that time, Morgan had managed to take Magvel and Jugdral but ultimately her growth was stunted since Lucina had captured Tellius and several key trading ports across the map. Technically Lucina won, but that was only because at the end of the game Robin capitulated and gave all of his territories to his wife in exchange for the promise of a kiss and a warm meal for dinner. A dubious trade no doubt, but Morgan knew the game was over at that point anyway.

Hours later, Morgan was shuffled to her bed by her father as part of the routine that had formed. Yet, for once Morgan had no intention of running away or fighting her bedtime. As she was tucked into bed tightly by her mom, Robin grabbed a couple of chairs and set them down next to each other. The two parents then sat down side-by-side and looked at their glowing child awaiting what was promised to her.

"I suppose you want another chapter tonight."

"Yes please!"

"Okay, but remember our deal." He warned.

"Right, right. I have to go to sleep and all that stuff. So come on, hurry up with the story!" She cried out forcefully from her sheets.

"Very well." Robin said while putting a hand to his chin as he crafted the story in his head for the second time.

As events played out after the night in the forest, the world around me was getting stranger and stranger with every second that passed by. In one moment, I was in Ylisstol kneeling in front of Chrom upon realizing he was actually a prince of the kingdom. The next moment, I was bowing to his older sister, the Exalt, while I marveled at the peaceful aura she gave off. Somewhere along the way, I was declared the tactician to the Shepherds, and my mind sort of went to mush from there.

It was incomprehensible to me that I, a mere stranger, was given an audience with the most powerful royals in the continent. Then they gave me a position of great importance simply because Chrom trusted me on some gut instinct. Next thing I knew, Chrom and Emmeryn excused themselves to deal with the matter of the horrific creatures we saw the night prior, while the youngest royal of the family escorted me to the barracks.

That is when things started to get weird.

"So, who's the stranger?"

"No one's stranger than you, Vaike... But allow me to introduce Robin!" Lissa moved her arms to emphasize my presence and said, "He just joined the Shepherds, and Chrom's made him our new tactician. You should see all the tricks he's got up his sleeve!"

I nervously waved my arm as I looked at the room full of eyes gazing at me. "Hi, It is nice to-"

"So, Robin was it? Lissa says you have a lot of tricks, but tell me Robin? Can you do THIS!" Vaike put a hand to his armpit and started flapping his arm like a chicken. The farting noises could be heard throughout the barracks, and I could only hope that it was coming from his hand and not his behind.

I scratched my head not knowing how to respond and muttered, "I don't believe I've been acquainted with that method before."

Then a lady in noble clothing waved her fan in horror and yelled, "Don't encourage that swine, Robin! Honestly, how could anyone tolerate such ghastly manners. I fear I am losing my nobility the longer I stand in this oaf's sight. I must leave, before my intelligence suffers from this repugnant display of barbarity."

She stormed off and Lissa giggled before explaining, "That is Maribelle, she is a very loyal friend, if she doesn't try to bite your head off first."

"I see, and you are?" I asked while looking at a shy and nervous girl with gray hair in the corner.

"I-I am Sumia, a soldier in training you might say."

"Oh really? What are you trying to be?" I asked interested in what she might be capable of. Vaike seemed like he was dying to say something, but Lissa stared him down as she continued on.

"I don't know yet...but I am pretty good with a spear!"

"Hmm, that has a variety of possible classes" I mumbled to myself.

"I am sorry, what was that?"

"Oh, nothing, I was just thinking to myself."

Vaike grunted, "Heh, who needs to think when you have muscles like these!" He kissed his biceps and posed like he was taking a portrait. It wouldn't have been that bad to watch, if he was wearing a shirt.

"So is this the whole group?"

Lissa shook her head. "Nope! Among the ranks of our mighty group is Stahl, Miriel, Sully who you met earlier, Virion who agreed to join us, and um, gah the name is on the tip of my tongue."

A voice in the corner of the room called out "Kellam."

"Yes, that's it!"

To my surprise, I heard a loud clanking of metal from behind my right shoulder and looked around to try to find the culprit when I saw a small outline of a suit of armor hiding in the shadows. With an audible sigh the armored knight said, "Most people forget my presence and now it seems my name as well. Hello Robin, I am-"

"We may be a small band, but no one in Plegia can beat our mighty force!" Lissa continued without hearing the faint voice. "Between my brother, my deft talent, and your tactical skills; we can finally end the tensions with our neighbor."

"Uh, could you tell me more about them?"

"Lissa, where did Chrom find this man, under a rock?" Vaike asked bluntly.

"Robin has amnesia, so he doesn't know very much outside of tactics." She explained.

I tried to play it off, but Sumia gasped in horror, "You lost your memories? Oh dear! ...I'm..so...sorry... Plegia is...our...neighbor...in..the...desert. ..They... don't... like... us"

Thankfully, Lissa cut in, "Robin lost his memories, not his ears. He can still hear you just fine, Sumia."

"Oh, good!"

Next, Vaike moved in front of me and I had a difficult time breathing from his stench as he took a closer look at me.

"Amnesia, huh? So how do you remember your name?"

"I don't know, I suppose it is one of those things you never forget."

"Well, if you want a new name, then ol' teach has a few ideas! How about Maximillion, or Mandus!

"I think I will stick with Robin."

"Bah."

"Anyways." Lissa cheerfully interjected. "We have a few maps of Ylisse and Plegia that can help you. I'd be happy to show you."

"That would be very helpful." I nodded, hoping I could start to make sense about where I was.

Lissa then pulled out a large piece of paper and set it on the table for me to see. "Here is Ylisstol." She pointed her finger to the large star on the map. "We found you over there, and Plegia is to our west."

"Hmm I see, are they famous for anything?"

"They are known for their mages, and the country is extremely wealthy from trading. It is a desert country so they don't have much else as far as resources."

"I see, by any chance could I borrow this map?"

"Of course! You are our tactician after all."

"Yawn. Boring! Come on Robin let's arm wrestle!" Vaike punched my shoulder.

"Um, maybe some other time." I declined wanting to know my bearings first. "Lissa, where do the bandit attacks usually take place?"

"Beats me, you should ask my brother when he comes back."

"Okay." I said while my vision narrowed to the map in front of me. Something clicked in my brain and I found myself staring intensely at the map as if I had seen it a thousand times before. The others must have noticed it too as they all started looking at me curiously.

"Looks like ol' teach is going to have to teach you to relax Robin. Step number one, arm wrestle with me! Step number two, give a loud and menacing ROOOAR!"

I tried to ignore him and changed the subject thinking that I could focus more on the details when Chrom returned. "Sooo, Sumia, what's your story? "

"I'm afraid I am not very special. I know how to cook, but I'm sorta of a klutz."

"Don't listen to her Robin!" Lissa chopped through the air with her hand, "She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet."

"You are too kind, Lissa." Sumia whispered modestly.

"Nonsense, I am sure Cordelia would agree with me, one hundred percent!"

"Thanks Lissa."

Who is Cordelia? Never mind, I reasoned it probably wasn't important.

"Well, I look forward to working next to all of you." I said with a smile while trying to hide my doubts. Both about myself and this strange group that welcomed me without suspicion. I was expecting something more akin to Frederick's concerns about my character or at least some initial hesitation. I was a stranger, after all.

About an hour passed getting to know my new team when Chrom joined us. "Captain!" Sumia was the first to notice and sprinted over to him in a hurry. She must have tripped over something, but I didn't see anything on the ground around her.

"Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?"

"No! I mean, yes! I mean…" She let out a large sigh and blushed embarrassed.

Chrom raised his hand and looked around, "Greetings everyone. Ah! Robin, good you're here too."

"I don't really have anywhere else to go at the moment." I murmured back.

"Ha, well you do now. We march for Regna Ferox."

"Regna Ferox?" I questioned as I saw the name on the map Lissa showed me.

"It's the country to our north. The council has requested our group ask for help to fight the new enemy we encountered. It is a volunteer mission, so if for any—

"I will go!" Lissa cheerfully agreed.

"You would be lost if ol' teach did not come along! Count me in."

"I'll go as well. Hello? Chrom, Lissa, anyone! CAN you hear me?" I heard another whisper from the corner of the room.

"I, um, well..."

"Yes Sumia?" Chrom asked in concern.

"It's just that.. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way."

"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and watch and learn? It's your choice, but some lessons can only be learned in combat."

"W-well, if you think it wise, Captain."

"Just stay by me and you'll be fine."

"Oh, yes! I mean...Yes, Sir, I'll do that!"

'Vaike punched my side and puckered his lips while the two were not looking.

"Great, we will leave in a couple of hours, so gather your supplies for the journey. Lissa, Vaike, can you look for the other Shepherds and tell them?"

"Ugh, you always make me work, you are such a mean brother!" She pouted and placed her hands on her hips as everyone else set out.

...

For me, I didn't have to pack very much. I brought along a couple of maps and about five books from the barracks, but I had no personal belongings other than what was on my person. From what I could tell so far, the Shepherds acted like a family. One, big, dysfunctional young family of teenagers armed and eager to fight. I wonder if my old life was also this weird.

I shook my head realizing it was becoming a bad habit of mine to become lost in my thoughts. So I ignored it and continued my march on the road to Regna Ferox where I spent most of the time trying to know about the Shepherds I was in command of. It was also where I learned Stahl loved to ramble on and on about food and could do so for hours on end without pause.

"So Chrom, are we expecting any trouble?"

Chrom looked out to the horizon and said, "Hopefully not, but there have been sightings of Risen in the area."

"Um, Risen?"

"Heh, forgive me, that is what the council decided to call those monsters we saw in the forest."

"Oh, well I suppose it makes them less terrifying if you put a name to them."

"What?"

"The more you know about the enemy, the less you have to fear. The greatest enemy on the battle is fear, not the man in front of you trying to take your head off."

"I never thought about it that way."

Gah my head. I felt it burn again as I wondered where I learned that from.

"You are full of surprises, Robin."

"Which is why I don't understand how quick you are to trust me." I murmured back blankly.

"Call it a gut feeling, but your own self doubts only confirm my instincts."

"I suppose."

Chrom patted my back and tried to cheer me up. "How are the Shepherds treating you?"

"Very well, they welcomed me with open arms."

"Good, and what do you think of our battalion?"

"It is an interesting bunch. But I am sure that once I get to know everyone then we will get along well."

Chrom grinned and said, "I am counting on that."

...

"RISEN!" Sumia yelled running back to us in a hurry.

Chrom instinctively grabbed his sword and then turned to me to ask, "Well Robin, are you ready to see what our band can do?"

Taking stock of the situation, I saw a few Risen scattered around the plains, but across the way a river separated us from the main regiment of those putrid zombies.

"Alright everyone, stay calm! This is what you have trained for!" Chrom cried to rally our troops. "Virion and Miriel, watch yourselves out there, and Vaike...Don't kill yourself."

The battle started with an arrow flying in the air which hit one of the beasts between the eyes. Then, Chrom and I charged straight for the bridge, cutting down a Risen in our way while Stahl, Sully, and Frederick picked off the stragglers to our sides with the speed of their horses. Everyone else followed behind us as we crossed the bridge where there were eight of our foes on the other side. All of them were wearing torn leather armor and wielded a variety of rusted weapons, but there was no mistaking the purple decayed flesh.

"Chrom wait for a second, we can't get too far ahead without the rest of the group." I pointed to Sully and Stahl who were still fighting two enemies from behind, and the only one else near us was Frederick.

As we held our ground, I had the unfortunate pleasure of studying our enemy up close. Their skin was peeling off, and many of them were missing a jaw. Their only prominent feature was their soulless red eyes, and I struggled to hold in my composure wondering how anything like that could exist.

"Robin!" Chrom cried out as I had distracted myself for too long and a Risen's axe nearly collided with my head before I barely managed to dodge it. It nearly gave me a heart attack and I cursed at myself for not seeing him earlier. Meanwhile, Chrom ended the creature before he could strike again and the rest of the group caught up to us a few moments later.

"Frederick, take my place with Chrom, I have to get everyone else in place." I lied as I actually needed to catch my breath from the close call. It seemed whatever tactical sense I had was still adrift with my other forgotten memories, but stepping aside did give me a chance to see the shepherds in action.

They attacked fiercely with sword, lance, axe, magic and bow. Moreover, I was surprised to see how well everyone was working together. Chrom's band seemed to have little need of direction based on what I saw so far.

"Hi Robin."

"Ah!" I turned around with my adrenaline pumping from the last attack. "Sumia! Don't scare me like that."

"S-sorry."

I took a deep breath and put on a fake smile, "It's fine...Have you been watching the battle?"

"Yes, the Risen act strangely. They mindlessly attack whoever crosses their path."

"I highly doubt there is a brain inside that corpse of theirs, Sumia. Actually, wait a second." I paused, noticing an armored man with his green spear burying his lance into a Risen's chest. "Who is that man fighting with us?"

Sumia squinted her eyes to get a better view and said, "Oh! That's Kellam."

"Kellam? I think I heard his name back at the barracks, but how did he get here?"

"I think he traveled with us, but to be honest, I am surprised we can even see him!"

I stared at her completely dumbfounded. "What?!"

"Kellam is REALLY good at hiding. I swear the only way to find him is to shout his name."

"But he is wearing a full suit of armor!"

"I don't know how he does it, but just ask anyone. No one probably even realized he came with us."

"This day just gets weirder and weirder." I mumbled incoherently.

"What was that?" Sumia asked.

"Erm nothing, just talking to myself again."

"Do all tacticians do that?"

"Probably just the crazy ones." I muttered back.

She laughed thinking it was a joke while we watched the rest of the battle unfold. Since there was little need for me to organize the army at this point, I helped Sumia study the end of the battle that was taking place. "Do you see how Frederick uses his spear like an extension of his hand? He doesn't try to create extra power from his shoulder. Instead, it is a long metal arm connected to his muscles as if it were a part of him."

"Hmm, so my spear is a living and breathing thing. Does that mean I need to feed it?"

"Erm, no, that was just a metaphor."

"Oh, I see what you're saying, treat your weapons like you would treat an animal."

"Not what I was going for, but I suppose that works too."

We watched as the last of the Risen were surrounded on all sides. Miriel, one of our mages who arrived late to the battle, rained fire down on their position, but it did not have much of an effect on the monsters. They only groaned in rage and leapt forward to attack her. Luckily, Stahl and Vaike had come to her rescue as they cut through them. Chrom's Falchion also laced straight through the last Risen and it vanished in a purple mist left behind. The fight was over, and it gave me much to assess. Despite their vastly different personalities, the Shepherds had fought together in perfect sync and protected each other's backs when things did not go according to plan. Surprising to say the least, but I figured if that was the case then perhaps things wouldn't be so bad after all.

Afterwards, the Shepherds spent a few minutes celebrating. For most of them, this was their first real experience in combat, but I would not call it a perfect victory. Sully took another stab by a Risen's spear, and it was dangerously close to the wounds she received at the forest. Stahl had also taken a sword swipe to the leg which meant Lissa had some work to do after battle, but we marched on shortly afterwards.

However, there was one more injury that took place in that battle that we had not seen. One snow-white Pegasus had been attacked, likely from the Risen before we arrived. It was clear her wings were not in good shape and there were wound marks on two of her legs. It even tried to attack Chrom when he approached it, and he quickly moved out of harm's way. "Gah, this beast is crazy!"

After tripping, Sumia walked over to Chrom and said, "It's okay, Captain. I can handle this." She walked closer to the winged horse and it tensed up for a moment. "... Shhh... Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you."

The Pegasus then calmed down and let Sumia rub its nose. She then took some bread crumbs from her pockets and let the Pegasus eat from her hand.

"How did you calm her so quickly?" I asked in surprise.

"I guess I have a way with animals."

"I would say that is an understatement." Chrom stared in amazement at her which made both of them blush.

"C-captain, I need to help dress her wounds, but don't worry, I'll catch up as soon as she is better."

"We can wait for-"

"No, we all saw what those monsters could do. The sooner we can solve the problem the safer everyone will be. Please don't worry about me when there are far more important things to consider."

"Well if you are sure, we will see you later Sumia. Take care of yourself." He noted with care.

"I will! Sir!"

Chrom's eyes strayed for a moment there but then he and I walked off and let Sumia take care of her new friend. When we were about thirty feet away I turned around and yelled back. "Sumia! You don't have to feed your lance, but you DO have to feed this one!"

I could see her laugh from across the way and Chrom looked at me in bewilderment.

"Just a joke." I said with a smirk.

"You only met our group a few hours ago, and you are already trading inside jokes?"

"Of course not Chrom, we are outside. It is hard to tell an inside joke that way."

Chrom hit me in the shoulder, "Ha, ha, very, funny."

Sumia and her new Pegasus rejoined us about an hour later, but it would take two more days to reach our destination after the skirmish. During the nights, I had the opportunity to learn more about my new friends, and much laughter was shared around the campfire. Any thought of the battle was long behind them as they moved on to whatever topic they could think of next.

…

Upon reaching the outer limits of Regna Ferox I could think of only one way to describe it; an Icebox. I swore I had never been so cold in my life. Or at least, within the last four days of my memory. The wind was violently shaking the leafless trees, and the snow was slowly coming down as we reached the gates to Longfort. Whatever country we seemed to be approaching appeared to be more of a frozen wasteland than some sort of snowy paradise.

"Halt!" A female guard in full armor yelled at us from the battlements.

"In the name of House Ylisse, I seek audience with the khans!" Chrom yelled back with his hands covering the sides of his mouth to carry his voice.

"Do you honestly expect us to let more bandits into our gates?!"

"Hold, milady! We are not your enemy! Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest. This man is Prince Chrom!" Fredrick joined in the shouting match.

"You make a bold claim brigand! That is a capital offense to impersonate royalty!"

I don't remember speaking, but it was one of those instinctive things, "We can prove it!" I yelled, and now all the attention was centered on me.

"How do you plan on doing that!?" She questioned skeptically.

I was trying to think of something when Frederick yelled back, "The prince of Ylisse bears the mark of the Exalt, does he not?!"

There was dead silence as the commander thought it over.

"Drop your weapons and we will investigate your claims!" Her words echoed through the icy wilderness.

Chrom nodded to the group and iron weapons fell to the snow-covered ground. What seemed like an eternity later, the commander finally descended from the castle and met us with her guards. All it took was one flash of Chrom's shoulder, and the commander was satisfied.

"A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand impostors. I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally."

"That would be most appreciated, thank you."

…

"Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan."

Since we were meeting royalty, only a handful of us were in the chambers. Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, and myself stared at the halls while our party was enjoying a welcome feast. I had a feeling Stahl was having a field day with so much food near him.

I took a good look around at the palace we were in. There was taxidermy everywhere, and the most terrifying was the mount of a bear with a red fox in his mouth.

"Enjoying the view Robin?" Chrom teased as I looked at the dead fox.

"I never thought I would see something so...odd."

"Ferox is a country based on strength. Hunting is one of the ways to show this trait, and they also wear their pelts to brace against fierce cold." Frederick said without changing his expression.

"Heh, I can see it now. The khan is a giant man covered in bear pelts and runs around with his sword in the air all the time." I laughed.

"You got the last part right."

All of us turned around to see an ebony skinned woman raise her sword in the air and pointed it at me. She was glaring at me, ready to kill at a moment's notice.

Chrom quickly tried ease the tension I had caused and said, "You are the khan correct?"

"One of them, I am the East-Khan. My name is Flavia. I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You are always welcome in Regna Ferox."

"We can put that behind us, but is it really true that bandits are attacking here too?"

"Aye, the Plegian scum are trying to provoke tension between us and Ylisse. But I know Emmeryn, she would never instigate a war between us."

"Damn them to hell, we will end these accursed bandits' attacks!"

"Ha, there is fire in your eyes, I like it, but we can handle a few bandits. As for the other matter, I know why you have come, prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse.

"Why not?" Lissa pleaded for an explanation.

"As I said, I am one of the khans. In Ferox, the khans of east and west hold a tournament every few years. The victor acquires total sovereignty over both kingdoms. The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see, and so..."

So we just ask the other khan for their help, right? I reasoned to myself.

"So our journey was for naught? Chrom asked worried, and we were clearly not on the same page.

"Heh, did I mention that I am able to request a tournament, but I lack a champion.

Chrom's hope was refilled and he raised his fist in the air, "Consider me your champion."

Ha ha! Oh, I like you. I do hope you survive the tournament! Come, I'll show you the arena where the fighting will be held. But be wary! I hear an equally able swordsman champions the West-Khan.

We were then escorted to the arena where she recommended we prepare for a fight. A few of the royal officials in the area took notice as she confidently journeyed to the center of the battle arena and took off her glove. She raised it in the air and held it there for a few seconds for all to see before she cast it down to the ground and declared, "I have thrown down my gauntlet, and I call upon the West Khan to bring forth his champion!"

A loud, thunderous voice responded back with a sly grin, "My champion is ready! I hope you have found someone who will at least make this entertaining!" He grunted happily at the challenge.

"The Khans don't waste time when it comes to fighting it seems." I said while looking around at the coliseum which was quickly filling in with spectators who perhaps already had suspicion this was coming.

"At least we can return to Ylisse quicker this way." Lissa said cheerfully.

"We are fighting a champion." I warned cautiously. "But so long as all of us can fight in sync like before, then we should be okay."

To counter that, a guard next to us raised his hand and stopped us. "Sorry. Rule three of the tournament states that only six challengers may enter the arena.

Chrom looked at me and said, "Well seeing as you are the tactician, what do you recommend?"

I grabbed my chin and pondered my options. Chrom and Frederick were obvious options with their skill. Stahl had also proven himself capable and we would need the support of Lissa. That just left myself and … Sumia. While I couldn't place it, something told me to go with her and so I called out her name with all the rest.

Next, we climbed up the steps to the stage and drew our weapons in preparation. We found eight opponents staring us down and I guessed the home team would get the advantage in this fight. Another lovely wrinkle it seemed. Although the final figure of the eight Lissa and I noticed simultaneously in surprise.

She spoke up in a high squeaky voice, "Chrom! That's-!"

"I know."

The final opponent was the champion of the West Khan that we heard of before. His face was masked as he stretched his arms out and cracked his neck. Of course we had recognized the champion as Marth, who we had seen in the forest just three days ago and at the time helped save our lives. Now he was threatening to cross blades with us. Both of us vying for some sort of political favor in this hall of gladiators.

Chrom was about to yell across the stage, but a large gong rung and someone yelled 'FIGHT' through a wooden cone to prevent him from doing so. Math then drew his sword and the battle was about to begin.

…

"And then what happened!?"

Robin chuckled, "And then one beautiful young girl went to bed."

"W-what?! You can't end it like that! We were just getting to mom again!"

"Then we have a perfect place to start tomorrow night." Robin chimed back.

"But I can't wait that long! Mom! Tell him to continue!"

"Robin is right dear, it is getting late." Lucina replied in a motherly tone.

"But, But, GAH! I hate you both!" She smashed her hand into her pillow in exasperation.

Robin smiled undeterred, "And we love you too."

Morgan tried to say something, but no words came out from her lips. Lucina then kissed her cheek and said "Goodnight, Morgan."

"... Goodnight." She sighed defeated.

The door closed behind them and Morgan tossed around anxiously in her bed. Looking through her window, Morgan only saw the full moon outside as it proudly told the world it was night-time. The sworn enemy of the ever active young girl.. "Ung, come on Sun! I want to wake up already! Hurry up, will ya?