Awakening of Fate
Chapter XII: Tournament of Khans
Chrom and the Shepherds watch as Flavia conversed with her fellow Khan, a burly man named Basilio. The two were discussing the terms of the tournament and format since Flavia had an unprecedented number of champions on her side. It was finally decided that the tournament would follow a best of five style format with each team using only five members to meet in single combat. Flavia was given two hours to compose her team of champions from among the Shepherds before presenting them at the Arena Ferox.
In the barracks that served for the team's base she paced back and forth while trying to decide the best combination of units. Finally, she stopped and looked to her allies and sighed.
"There are too many variables for me to decide. At first, I thought our tournament would follow the traditional rule where we send all our champions into the arena at once and whoever's was left standing would be victorious. Basilio has a strong swordsman named Lon'qu who serves as his champion and generally is the last man standing in that kind of structure. But with one on one combat he must have found some stronger fighters." She told them.
"Don't worry about a thing, just let the Vaike take care of everything" Vaike said from his position near the wall. He and Virion had arrived at the Longfort two days after the burial ceremony.
"That'd be impossible Vaike since you only get to do one match. Although with your combat prowess you do make for a strong candidate." Robin said.
"We also don't know the matchups as it's drawn randomly, so we'll need to diversify our group. With this in mind, I propose that Sully, Vaike, Chrom, Azura and Miriel be our combatants." Robin suggested.
"It's a sound strategy but casters are frowned upon in our tournaments. Might I suggest substituting her for your other prince, Corrin I believe his name is?" Raimi interjected.
The shepherds grew silent at the suggestion. Corrin hadn't been the same in the past few days since his first real taste of combat. Not even Azura could get through to him as he spent his days practicing his swordplay or staying inside his room. When no one backed her suggestion Raimi grimaced.
"I suppose I can sub in then. My swordsmanship might not be up to par with Corrin's own, but we should definitely show the strength of our leadership members as much as possible." Robin concluded.
Flavia clapped her hand together and smiled. "Ok then it's decided let's go win this for our alliance."
The shepherds who weren't fighting were escorted to a special section in the stands while those who were going to fight were led to the arena. Chrom and his allies stood in the center of the arena as they waited for their opponents to appear. From the opposite end a group of five people emerged.
"Chrom, look at them!" Robin exclaimed pointing at two slightly familiar individuals.
"I see them, Marth and Caeda." Chrom mentioned.
Robin had lifted the hood of her robes beforehand to try and give the tactical advantage. Since the rest of the Shepherds faces could be seen a skilled combatant could read their emotions our subtle ticks to exploit an opening. Without knowing the opponent's skill level Robin had to give herself every advantage she could.
"So, we meet again, unfortunately it seems we are to be opponents this time instead of allies." Azura stated looking between the twins as Robin had deduced them to be.
"Marth and Caeda, a question before we begin?" Chrom asked.
The siblings looked at one another before turning their silent gazes back to the shepherds.
"Fine then, our swords can speak for us." Chrom stated simply.
In addition to Marth and Caeda the team fighting for Basilio included a swordsman with brown hair and an air of danger about him, a spearman, and a burly axe wielder. The crowd was cheering wildly but quieted down when Basilio began to speak through a horn that magnified his voice.
"Citizens it is that time again where we decide the next True Khan of Ferox. The champions have gathered, and the drawing process has already been done. The tournament will be single combat single elimination best of five. May the best team win. For the first fight we have the fan favorite and reigning victor of the west, Looonnnnnnnn'quuuuuuuu!" Basilio announced and the crowd went ballistic.
The members of Lon'qu's team began stepping away to the side of the arena leaving him to face off against the Shepherds until his opponent was called.
"His opponent is a part of the Ylissian elite group of fighters called the Shepherds. Heralded as one of their strongest fighters he calls himself 'Teach' because he schools all opponents in the ways of true combat. Give it up for Thhheeeeee Vaaaaaiiiiiiikeee!"
Vaike ate up the attention while the other shepherds left to their predetermined spot in the arena. With their fighting space cleared both combatants got ready to face one another.
"The rules have already been explained to the combatants but to ensure that we are all on the same page; combat ends with a fights death, their unconsciousness, or surrender." Basilio said.
Vaike and Lon'qu squared off against one another and each got into their battle stances. Vaike's stance was wide his arms open as he held his axe. It was a scare tactic to make his already massive physique seem even bigger. Lon'qu stance was more compact as he turned one side to face his opponent and place his left hand onto the sheath of his weapon and right hand onto the handle of it.
"Round one: Vaike versus Lon'qu. Ready, Fight!"
Vaike moved immediately and leapt into the air with his axe raised high.
"He who makes the first move achieves victory!' Vaike exclaimed and swung downwards with his weapon.
Lon'qu reacted swiftly and drew his sword in a swift parrying motion which deflected Vaike's attack. Vaike however was still airborne and now vulnerable. Lon'qu immediately began a flurry of slashes on his defenseless opponent. When he finished landing the blows the sword was immediately sheathed.
Lon'qu began walking away as Vaike landed and for the first time spoke. "Kuikkudorō, asutora no sutoraiki*"
Vaike took one step forward before five deep lacerations appeared over his body sending blood spurting outward. Vaike collapsed to the ground unconscious but breathing.
"Lon'qu wins. With a beautiful combination of his quick draw skill and astra technique he managed to defeat his opponent without killing him." Basilio announced.
Over on the western group's side Lon'qu sat and sighed. "It was my choice not to kill the fool. There is no honor to be gained from killing an unworthy opponent."
"Don't forget the fact you were instructed not to kill anyone by that Caeda person who kicked your ass." His spear wielding teammate chuckled.
Lon'qu glared at the person in question who backed away slightly. It was true that Caeda had beaten him in combat. When they and the one called Marth approached Basilio with the offer to become champions in the upcoming tournament stating that Lon'qu would lose to the Shepherds who would be Flavia's champions he challenged them to one on one combat and was soundly defeated. Since then Basilio had listened to everything the two masked warriors told him they predicted the events that were now coming to pass including Lon'qu's victory over Vaike.
Basilio had called the next match which was their axe fighter vs Sully, the Shepherd's female cavalier. Lon'qu observed the match with little interest. If the prophet twins were to be believed even with the weapon disadvantage implied with the spear versus axe, Sully's mobility on horseback would lead to her victory.
Sully immediately dashed forward atop her mount and jabbed out with her spear. Her opponent dodged the attack and tried to counter, but the horse reared back and kicked out with its front hooves forcing him backwards. He looked for an opening but found none. Sully jabbed out at him again and this time managed to nick his shoulder. The wound was shallow but provided and opening for him to exploit.
Catching the spear on the curvature of his axe head and began to yank the weapon from Sully's grasp. Sully hadn't been expecting such a counter and was thrown off balance as she grasped the haft of the spear. Jumping forward Sully's opponent punched her in the stomach surprising the horse she rode to an extent that it threw her off. Collapsing to the ground of the arena Sully lay on her back with her spear weakly in her grasp.
The axe wielding man kicked the spear way as he approached Sully and half mounted her before placing the edge of his axe to her neck. "Yield." He commanded. Sully chuckled and spit in his eye. "Never." She replied defiantly. Raising his axe, the man prepared to finish his foe. Sully took that moment to knee him in the groin. In some circles it's considered a dirty move, but Sully knew that here it was fair. When her opponent dropped his weapon and covered the sensitive area that was now paining him beyond belief Sully grabbed the sides of his head and delivered a devastating headbutt to him before kicking him backwards.
With a sharp whistle she called her steed back to her and quickly mounted the beast after picking up her spear. Trotting over to her opponent she had the horse step on his chest while pointing her spear at the man. "Now I think it's time that you yield." She taunted the man who nodded and made the yielding motion. Basilio called the match bringing the score to one victory for each side.
"Good job Sully." Chrom commented as the woman sat down on their bench. Her horse was taken outside to be looked after. The red-haired woman was breathing heavily and gave Chrom a thumbs-up in response.
"For the third round I present the Beauty of the Lake, Damsel of Desire, and the Dancer with the moves to match any groove. Azzzzzzuuuurrrrraaaa!" Basilio's voice boomed out.
The audience's reaction to Azura being called was so electric and loud that when Basilio called out her opponent it was drowned out beneath the noise. Azura nodded to the others and went out to meet with the spear wielding man who would be her opponent. Both of them used a similar weapon meaning the advantage would come down to experience and fighting style with it.
The man started things off with a few testing jabs against Azura. She gracefully avoided his strikes, deflecting when she needed to with her weapon's haft. Her opponent grew bold when she continued to stick to defensive motions and that's where his mistakes started. Azura struck the man in the side of the face with the flat of her spear blade. The strike dazed him and Azura immediately began to follow up her strikes with the blunt side of her weapon.
It did not take long for the blows to his head and upper torso to knock the man unconscious. Azura stopped when he collapsed breathing heavily from the speed and execution. Basilio called out the victory for Flavia's forces as the crowd cheered for Azura. The azure haired beauty made it to her companions and sat down with an exhaling of the breath she held.
Basilio called for a short intermission then with three fights having already been concluded. The shepherds took that time to go check in on Vaike. The man had only just recovered from his previous wounds and was no once again injured. Lissa and Felicia had already healed him with magic, so the physical damage was untraceable. Mentally though Vaike seemed off. "Looks like ole' teach got taught." He said glumly.
"Defeat happens to everyone Vaike. Learn from your mistakes and grow into a better combatant." Chrom stated clasping the man on his shoulder. Vaike smiled in response. The group stood about and chatted amongst themselves until it was time for the remaining battles to commence. Only two combatants remained on either side, but the Shepherds had the lead on wins. One more and they'd take home the victory.
They situated themselves back on their side of the arena except for Robin and Chrom who stood knowing either of them were about to be called to fight. When Basilio began speaking once more the crowd became quiet with anticipation.
"We've had some good fights, no one's died, and we've been entertained. So far Flavia's champions have secured two wins. One more and they are the victors of the tournament. Without further procrastination let's get on with the fourth round. Representing the western Feroxians is an outsider who bears the ancient name held by an ancestor to the Ylissian royal line. His origins unknown and his skills a mystery, give it up for the Wandering Warrior Maaaaaaarrrrrrrrrtthh!" Basilio exclaimed.
The lighter blue-haired of the twins stepped forth. He carried with him a spear that was extremely ornate with the blade a soft silver-blue and its edge golden. There was something about the blade that Robin noticed and could hopefully exploit. There was a hollow spacing in the center of the blade. If she could get her sword into then there was a chance to disarm her opponent. Robin looked at the iron sword in her hands. It was a bit heftier than the bronze one she had been using until recently, but she could still swing it with ease.
"Marth's opponent is also a foreigner and if the rumors are to be believed is royalty herself. Hailing all the way from Plegia on a mission of peace we have Prinnnnncessss Robiiiiinnnn!"
Robin swore beneath her breath as she was announced. She was hoping to keep her gender a secret to throw off her opponent although considering the matchup it wouldn't have mattered anyway since Marth already knew her. Walking the center of the arena Robin drew her sword and held it in two hands never taking her eyes off of Marth. When she was roughly three feet away her opponent got into his own combat stance. Robin gasped in surprise recognizing Marth's posture as he readied himself.
"A copycat has nothing on the original. I'll teach you the difference between you and her." Robin proclaimed.
"Round four: Robin vs Marth, Fight!"
Robin immediately rushed in hoping to close the distance enough to make Marth's range with his spear useless. The young man was expecting this movement however and leapt backwards before planting his spear point first into the ground and swinging around it. On his return swing Marth kicked out at Robin, catching her in the chest with both feet. Robin cried out in pain as she was knocked backwards. Landing on the ground Marth pulled the spear from the ground and rushed his foe.
With the blunt end of the weapon he jabbed Robin in the chest landing a multitude of blows on her before pulling the spear back for a finishing swing. The attack never came though as Robin recovered enough and launched herself forward tackling Marth to the ground. The two combatants tumbled on the ground until Marth managed to shove Robin off of him.
Robin was first to rise and immediately charged Marth who struggled to rise with his spear. She slashed out with her sword and forced the man to abandon the spear in favor for going at her band handed. The crowd ate it up cheering louder and louder as the battle intensified. Robin swung at Marth, but he avoided her attacks with agile motions left and right before spinning forwards and slamming a double open palmed strike to her chest.
Once again Robin was thrown backwards and to the ground. This time however her sword was lost as well and when she got to her feet Marth was standing at the read with his hands raised for combat. Robin looked around for her weapon and found it was farther away than her opponent. Sighing loudly Robin raised her hands into fists.
"Robin, you don't have to do this. Yield and spare yourself the pain you're going to endure fighting me." He told her.
Robin shook her head. She knew she was at a disadvantage, but her chances of winning weren't zero. She had to at least try and get a win so the alliance to could go through. She ran in and punched out at Marth. The masked man caught her fist easily and sighed before kneeing Robin in the stomach. She doubled over in pain before falling to her knees.
"Sorry Robin, you left me no choice." Marth said as she looked up at him. With a mighty blow Marth punched Robin in the face. Robin's body went limp from the blow and Marth released her so that she could slump to the ground. Walking over to his spear Marth left the combat area as Robin's companions ran over to her. When he arrived at the side where Lon'qu and Caeda stood Marth couldn't meet his siblings gaze. Even from the mask Caeda wore Marth knew he was being glared at.
"It couldn't be helped; we both knew she'd never surrender." He said simply as Caeda silently moved forward for the final fight.
Chrom made sure that Robin would be ok before going to face Caeda in the center of the ring. "Hmph. Is that how it is? We fight alongside another and now we must fight against one another?" Chrom asked.
"We both have things we must fight for Prince Chrom." Caeda replied.
"Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you." Chrom stated as he placed his hand onto the handle of his sword.
Caeda smirked and mimicked the action. "Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance from you…...we shall see who shames who!"
Both of the combatants draw their blades at the same time and Chrom pauses in surprise. "Where did you get that? There's no way..." the young man whispers beneath his breath.
"Final Round, Chrom versus Caeda, FIGHT!"
Chrom and Caeda both moved at the same time almost like mirror images of one another. Every move Chrom made Caeda made at the same time. Chrom locked his blade against Caeda as he tried to overpower his opponent. "Tell me—who taught you to fight like this?" Chrom grunted out as the blade lock continued.
"My father!" Caeda exclaimed and kicked out against Chrom catching him in the chest. Chrom slid back and immediately went onto the offensive with his swings. Caeda continued to match his blows almost as if she was reading his mind but Chrom was an experienced fighter and he knew from her motions this wasn't simple prediction. Caeda was using the exact same fighting style as he was.
He knew that she knew his motions and he also knew that she knew he knew so all that was left for him to do is improvise. Taking a gamble Chrom switched his stance so that he was attacking from his least dominant side. Even with the mask on Caeda's movements betrayed surprise and Chrom exploited the second of hesitation that followed. With a cry of passion Chrom struck out and disarmed Caeda by spinning and kicking the sword from their hand before placing his own to Caeda's throat.
"Impressive...if not surprising..." Caeda stated simple as before making the surrender signal.
*Quick Draw, Strike of Astra