Chapter 5

Ragna Ferox

"Over here! Stahl, cover Miriel! Kellam, get in front! Dammit Vaike! Pick up the axe!"

Robin wasn't sure what had happened. One moment they were at the end of their journey to Ragna Ferox and now all of a sudden, the people at the gate started to attack them. She bumped into Sully who had ditched her horse at the back to prevent it from getting hurt.

"So, got any ideas?" She asked her. But Robin was already scanning the area and looking for strategies. She saw Chrom with Lissa fighting off some of the soldiers that ran to meet the group head on, and Kellam was in front of the lines, using his armour and 'special ability' to its full advantage and block the arrows and spells that were coming their way, sparking looks of confusion from the foes that didn't notice him. Stahl used his own bulky features to shield Miriel who in turn was using her own spells to launch a counterattack. But Vaike was also holding up his own line of defence and used the butt of his axe to slam it into one of the soldiers, causing them to double over and wheeze clutching their stomach and he gave a thumbs up to Chrom.

"That's five for me!"

"Then you're almost halfway to where I am!"

But Robin noticed something… where was Sumia? She was definitely with them when they arrived, but now she was absent. Oh, no matter, plans change all the time. She turned to Sully and smirked.

"They want us to prove our strength then we will do just that!"

"Heh, now you're speaking my language."

Robin nodded to her and flew upwards to scout the archers and got the attention of said archers.

"What the hell?! Is she flying?!"

"Must be some sort of trick! Shoot her down!"

"But we have sights on that imposter!"

Robin was wondering what they meant by that… before seeing some aim at Chrom and let out a gasp.

"CHROM! WATCH OUT!"

She started to fly down but had to abruptly stop when a stray arrow grazed her cheek leaving a cut and watched as Chrom attempted to shield himself from the arrows… before he was suddenly grabbed and taken away from the danger of the arrows. At first, she was confused at what just happened… but then she saw…

"Sumia?"

The girl in question was riding the Pegasus that she had befriended earlier in the trip and had saved Chrom from being impaled by the assault of arrows. Robin smiled at how the girl looked a lot more confident now that she was riding that Pegasus. Where before she was shy, and would always trip over her feet, that wasn't the case here. But then her eyes darted to the leader of the assailants, the one who accused them of being imposters. That's when a plan lit up in her head as she flew towards Sumia which startled her Pegasus as she tried to soothe it.

"It's okay! It's okay girl, you're safe, she's a friend. But… how are you-"

"We can ask questions later. Chrom, how are you faring?"

Chrom clenched his fist and nodded at her with a determined look. "None of the arrows touched me, I am okay. But I know that look on your face, do you have a plan?"

"I do." Robin replied. "They think that you're an imposter, right? Then we take the fight straight to the leader and prove your strength. If this is how they see respect, then they have to see you are legitimate after you win the fight."

Chrom hummed in thought and patted Falchion. "I don't think I can beat her alone. Robin, will you assist me? I could definitely use your strength."

"Of course. Sumia, can you please pair up with Muriel? With her magic, she can provide support from the air."

"Yes! I can do that!"

"Take my hand, Chrom." Robin said, extending her hand. "I can take us straight to her."

"My life is in your hands, Robin. I trust you." Chrom smiled, taking her hand and allowing himself to slide off the Pegasus as Sumia went to collect Miriel. For a split moment, Chrom couldn't help but marvel at the fact that he was airborne without the use of a Pegasus. Perhaps Emmeryn was right… maybe he could…

He then shook his head. No, he couldn't think of this right now. They had a mission, and they needed to see it through. He nodded to Robin who nodded back and flew over to where the leader was and she was startled when she saw them land.

"How did you two manage to do that? You imposters are getting even craftier with your tricks nowadays…"

"We are not imposters!" Chrom yelled. "I wish you could see reason, because I would rather avoid a fight. But if proving my strength is what I need to do to convince you, then that's what I will do. But before we fight, may I at least know your name?"

"Hmph… it's Raimi. Then let our battle sound out the truth in your words!"

"Robin!"

"Right!"

She held out her hand and shot out a few Ki blasts at Raimi's feet, causing the snow beneath her to kick up and blind her vision for a split second. She cried out in pain and while rubbing her eyes, just barely managed to block a swing from Chrom. But Robin carried on the offensive, and did a hard jab which to everyone's shock, shattered Raimi's shield into pieces and made her stumble again and Chrom quickly recovered from his shock and swung at her chest. While the armour protected most of the blow, it did make her wheeze and fall to the ground, completely losing her breath as Chrom pointed Falchion at her.

"Give up. You stand no chance. My partner has the strength of fifty soldiers and you saw how she destroyed your shield."

Raimi looked at Falchion, then at Robin aiming a Ki blast… before sighing and shaking her head. "Then your claims are true…"

She then took in a deep breath and bellowed out an order. "STAND DOWN! THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT IMPOSTERS!"

Just like that, the battle had stopped as the soldiers all laid down their weapons and the Shepherds all breathed a sigh of relief. Chrom then sheathed Falchion and extended a hand towards Raimi to help her up. To which she took and bowed her head in shame.

"Forgive me, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand imposters. But no fraud could ever display the strength that you all showed today. I will send word to the capital of your arrival and escort you there personally."

Chrom nodded and let out a smile, despite being exhausted from the battle. "That would be most appreciated, thank you."

As Raimi turned to leave, she then looked at Robin and nodded. "It seems that Ylisse is in good hands if you have fighters like that woman by your side. Her fighting prowess is admirable."

Robin fought back a blush at the praise as she left. Shortly after that, Lissa and Frederick walked up beside them as Robin hummed in thought.

"Her whole demeanour changed… just like that."

Frederick nodded and explained to her. "In Ferox, strength speaks louder than words. I suppose it was a good thing that you came along with us. You were quick on your feet and were able to devise plans on the fly. Very impressive Lady Robin."

"The praise should go to Sumia." Robin replied. "She was able to save Chrom when I was too slow to react."

"Nonetheless you managed to react accordingly and lead us to victory. Though the fault also lies with me for overvaluing diplomacy in a place like this…"

"Chrooooom! Can we get going?" Lissa whined hugging her arms and shivering as Chrom nodded.

"Yes. The weather isn't getting any warmer, we should follow this Raimi to the Khan."

As they group were walking, Robin felt a presence by her side and looked to see Sumia nervously walking beside her holding her newly acquired Pegasus by the reins.

"Oh, hello there Sumia. I never got the chance to thank you for saving Chrom."

"O-Oh it was nothing." Sumia blushed hard, looking down at her feet. "I was just doing my job to save his Highness… really you were the real hero by helping Prince Chrom against the rest of the soldiers."

"Don't undersell yourself, you did an important part just like everyone else."

"Umm… Lady Rob- I mean, Robin. I was wondering if… well, umm…"

Robin tilted her head wondering what Sumia was going to ask before she shook her head and walked over to Lissa. "N-Nevermind…"

Huh. That was weird. Then again, she shouldn't be surprised at this point, as she's more than familiar on how shy Sumia can get. Instead, she decided to walk next to Chrom and nodded to him.

"Do you think the hard part is out of the way?"

"I don't know… I've never been one for diplomacy and holding talks…" Chrom replied. "I usually like to let my sword do the talking and others like Em to handle these kind of situations…"

"I'm sure you'll be fine Chrom. And at least Frederick can keep you on the straight and narrow. But I do wonder if this is the best approach considering what we had to do at the gates."

"Perhaps not. But it's what Em would do."

…

"Please wait here while I summon the khan." Raimi said to the group before walking away to another room as Robin tapped her cheek in thought.

"I imagine the khan is doing something else?"

"Training most likely." Chrom said. "As you've seen, the people here prefer battle over diplomacy and the khans are no different. Or rather, battle IS their diplomacy."

"A warrior ruler, huh? I can certainly see the appeal in that." Robin smiled before closing her eyes. "I can see him now. A giant of a man who towers over his subjects, his chest covered in hair, and muscles bulging out of his body."

"Am I, now? Oh do please go on."

Robin jumped in fright and turned to see… a tan skinned woman with a very humoured smirk on her face. She was leaning on her sword as Robin realised very quickly her mistake. And she wasn't alone, the rest of the group were quite surprised to see someone like this woman, in the place of a khan.

"So I presume that erm… YOU are the khan?" Chrom asked nervously, already feeling like this was going badly.

The woman smirked in return, and nodded to Chrom. "Well, one of them at least. The east Khan. I am Flavia. Please accept my apologies for the troubles at the border. You are most welcome in Ragna Ferox."

"Thank you." Chrom nodded gratefully. "But I'm sure that we can put this misunderstanding behind us…"

As Chrom and Flavia kept talking, Robin looked around and found an odd sense of comfort in Ragna Ferox. A culture where the strongest battled? That sounded like a luxury compared to the boring politics of Ylisse. Now she understood the necessity, but still! She just wants to deck those stupid politicians in the face-

"Robin?"

She blinked when she saw Chrom and Flavia staring at her and she blushed in embarrassment. "Forgive me, I was lost in my own thoughts."

But Flavia just laughed loudly and grinned at Robin. "Yes, I understand long conversations can be boring. But you do interest me."

"Huh? I do?"

"Mhm, if what the reports say are true then you were able to fly without the need of a Pegasus. But that's a conversation for another time. I know why you have come, Prince Chrom. But unfortunately, I cannot provide Feroxi troops to Ylisse."

Everyone present felt their stomach drop as Lissa made her protests known.

"What?! Why?!"

Flavia just sighed and bluntly stated. "I lack the authority."

Both Chrom and Robin looked at each other in confusion. And the latter spoke up.

"Forgive me, but I thought you ARE the Khan?"

"As I said, I am ONE of the Khans. You see, in Ferox, the East and West Khans hold a tournament every few years, and the victor acquires sovereignty over both kingdoms. Which means they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances. The West Khan won the last tournament so…"

Chrom visibly deflated and let out a defeated sigh. "So we are to receive no aid?"

"Not if you give up so easily!" Flavia grinned, pumping her fist. "For you see, the next tournament is approaching and well… I am in need of champions."

"Hm? What does that have to do with us?"

"My border guards informed me that your Shepherds are quite capable, especially your partner over there." She said, nodding to Robin who blinked in confusion. "Would you all be interested in representing me in the tournament? If you win and I become ruling Khan, then I will grant you your alliance."

Chrom and Robin looked at each other again and the Prince spoke up. "I thought this was a Ferox event? You would have Ylissians represent you?"

"Hah! Of course! We leaders don't actually fight in the tournaments, we merely pick champions to represent us."

"It would be wise Milord. We need the aid." Frederick said to him and Lissa nodded too.

"Yeah! Emm is counting on us!"

"Very well then… we shall fight in your stead, Flavia."

"It's quite intense out there. The crowd is as loud as a firework display." Stahl said looking out at the crowd.

"Alright everyone, game plan." Chrom called out to the Shepherds who then walked up to him. "Our aid to Ylisse is on the line here, so we can't afford to slack off. If we stick together and try not to play hero, then we should be fine."

"Well spoken Prince Chrom." Flavia grinned at him. "But it is all sport at the end of it all-"

"Khan Flavia!"

They all turned to see an attendant hurriedly run up to her and frantically whisper in her ear as they all watched Flavia's face turn from surprised to a suspicious glare.

"What is the old man up to…?"

"What's wrong? Is everything okay?" Chrom asked.

"Hm… there's been a change of plans. Apparently the West Khan's champion has made a request. A one on one fight. He wants to fight your partner, Prince Chrom."

This completely surprised everyone as they all looked at Robin who looked as equally flabbergasted. "What? Why me?"

"I'm not sure. Perhaps an old grudge? But regardless, do you accept, Lady Robin?"

Robin was suddenly unsure and looked at the rest of her team who all had various expressions on their faces. Before she looked to Chrom. "What should I do?"

"…If his champion has requested for you, then I think we should honour it."

"But Chrom! It's your kingdom that's at stake-"

"And I have faith that you can win us that aid. Your power is unlike anything I have seen."

"Yeah, kick his butt Robin!" Lissa yelled.

"As much as Teach hates to admit it, you're more than capable." Vaike shrugged.

"It would be a bad look to reject this offer." Frederick simple said.

"I have faith in you Robin!" Stahl shouted out.

"I think this could be a valuable opportunity, Robin." Miriel pushed up her glasses.

"Okay… then I accept."

"Why do I feel nervous? I am very strong… but why would the champion ask for me specifically?" Robin wondered to herself as she slowly approached to the arena and saw the myriad of cheers as she made her presence known. She kept a tome attached to her side. Even though she realistically didn't need it, she had been taking lessons from Miriel in exchange for some lessons about Ki. Just the basics though. But she wondered where the champion was.

In the stands, Chrom and the rest of the Shepherds were sitting down watching Robin walk out as Sully let out a huff crossing her arms.

"I wanted to fight… why does she get to do this?"

"The West Khan's champion asked for her specifically." Miriel replied. "Perhaps this is someone from her past."

"It's a better theory than anything else." Chrom muttered. "Who is this champion anyway?"

That's when the other side of the gates opened up and the crowd roared once more to cheer on the arrival of the Western champion as Robin peered into the distance to see….

"MARTH?!"

"Wait MARTH is the champion?!" Lissa yelled out, standing up in shock.

"I can't say that I was expecting that…" Chrom said to himself. But Frederick just nodded.

"Indeed. But I did say we would see him again someday. But I did not think it would be in these circumstances."

"Can… Robin win?" Sumia asked looking all nervous. "I mean that Marth guy looks scary with that mask."

"It's okay Sumia, Robin is crazy strong! It'll be a cake walk!" Stahl reassured her who nodded gratefully.

"Basilio."

"Flavia."

The two Khans sat side by side on the balcony overlooking the arena as Flavia narrowed her eyes at Marth who kept walking towards Robin. "So this is the one who defeated your previous champion… I heard rumours but I didn't think that it was true. Lon'qu is already a formidable foe."

"Yeah, I was surprised too." Basilio replied. "Took him down like it was nothing."

That's when Flavia turned to him and frowned. "What's your game here, old man? We never do one on one. Why change that now?"

"Marth insisted."

"Huh?"

"Says that he wants to test the power of that woman… Robin, right? He claims that he wants to see if she is as strong as he remembers."

Flavia turned back down to see Robin and Marth take their place and hummed in thought. "Curious…"

"I never thought that we would meet each other like this again, Marth." Robin said as Marth kept a strong grip on his sword and kept silent. And Robin tried to ask a question.

"Do we know one another? Why else would we be dueling one on one instead of the traditional way of teams?"

"…"

"…Very well. I suppose the battle can speak for us instead. But I must warn you, I don't intend to go easy on you. Ylisse needs that aid, and I don't plan to fail Chrom and the others." As Robin stuck a hand out and fired out multiple Ki blasts which struck Marth head on and kicked up lots and lots of dust as the crowd remained silent at seemingly the defeat of Marth. And Robin looked at her hand and sighed.

"Pity. I was expecting more." She started to turn away… but then stopped when she felt… an overwhelming pressure.

*Song: Break Through it All (Sonic Frontiers)*

"What the…?"

The dust had blown away to show Marth encased in an aura of… wait was that Ki?! Robin couldn't sense the power on display but she could certainly feel it as Marth kept powering up with the aura getting bigger and bigger, with Robin having to shield her eyes to stop the dust getting into her eyes.

Back on the stands, everyone was shocked to see the power on display. But more specifically, Chrom and Lissa. They knew Marth was a capable fighter but… they recognised that power anywhere. It was the same kind that Robin had and the same that she taught Lissa how to use.

"It seems that this just got a whole lot more difficult." Frederick said, a look of unease on his face.

"Yes… that is certainly an understatement." Chrom mumbled.

And in the top stands, Flavia was watching slack jawed whilst Basilio grinned eagerly. He has been waiting for this, to see Marth at this kind of level.

With Robin, she blinked once and suddenly saw Marth charging towards her and sunk his fist directly into her stomach causing Robin to let out a wheeze as the wind was taken out of her lungs. There was no doubt about it, Marth was REALLY strong. But before Robin could even think of a way to counter attack, Marth uppercutted her in the chin and delivered two more hooks to her face, before grabbing her by the coat and slammed her into the ground and spun her around very fast before letting go and letting Robin soar into the air… but that's when Marth flew towards her to the shock of everyone watching and slammed his elbow into her chest and flipped while in the air until he was above her and slammed his feet directly on her head causing her to rocket down to the ground which would've dealt even more damage if she didn't catch herself at the last second and landed on her feet causing a massive crack to form around her from the impact.

Chrom blinked when he saw something covering his vision and pulled off something that landed on his face. It was Robins coat. She must've taken it off when she landed and it blew towards his direction. But then another sharp aura formed as Robin started powering up, and Chrom saw the grin on her face slowly forming as he realised that this was a great chance for her to let loose. As she blocked a punch that was meant from her face and knees Marth right in the stomach causing him to wheeze and left him open for two huge Ki blasts aimed at his chest. The force of the attack sent Marth flying back and skidding on the ground before recovering and glared under his mask as Robin smirked in response.

With that, the two charged towards each other at blinding speed and their fists collided forming a crater int Eh arena before both of them so aired high into the air, exchanging a flurry of blows with Robin taking note of how Marth moves…

'Always starts with the right… he was good with the Risen… is that all he has fought?'

As she slapped a punch away and uppercutted Marth in the chin before slamming her knee into his chest then spinning and delivering a roundhouse kick to the side of his head causing him to soar into the direction of the stands where the crowd was but he managed to catch himself just in time and wiped the dirt off his cheek and adjusted his mask, before grabbing his weapon and pulling it out.

That's when Robins eyes widened. "Wait a minute… that's-"

"How does he have Falchion?! Where did he get that?!" Chrom yelled, standing up from his seat and quickly checking his side to see if his sword was there and sure enough it was.

"Hmmm… could be a form of forgery." Miriel suggested, but Frederick shook his head.

"I've seen that sword many times in my life, and it gives off a distinct aura. That one there is the real deal… but two Falchions? That sounds even more ludicrous."

"So could Marth be… related to us?" Lissa asked Chrom who tapped his fingers on the balcony he was on.

"I'm not sure… but Marth himself is an enigma. Come on Robin… come on."

"Go Robin!" Sumia cheered loudly trying to encourage her.

"Where did you get that?" Robin asked, when the two of them got thrown back from the force of them clashing with each other, and Marty's eyes narrowed behind his mask as he charged, Falchion at the ready before jumping up in the air before diving down in a spinning motion.

"From my father!"

As the blade met her arm in an attempt to block it, Robin felt her body screaming in pain, as she quickly backed away clutching her arm and looking at the now red skin with cracks in it.

'What the? Falchion is a mystical weapon sure, but I've seen Chrom defeat many bandits with it and none of them reacted like this….'

Suddenly, she backed away from another swing, and then another, with Marth seemingly doing wild swings which made Robin think.

'Interesting…'

"I don't claim to know what you have been through Marth. But I'm going to guess that it isn't often you fight someone with a similar skill level to your own. You're being sloppy."

"Shut up!"

"Just breathe!"

For some odd reason, Marth did in fact stop… and took a breath. Robin looked at his form and grimaced.

"You really don't fight with other fighters, do you?"

"…What gave it away?"

"Your form is all unbalanced and stiff. Sure, you have enough power to back it up, but I could easily knock you down by tapping your legs. Here, copy me."

"HEY!"

The two stiffened to hear Basilio roaring from his spot. "YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT!"

"Oh… we are, aren't we?"

Marth grimaced under his mask and readied up his sword. "I apologise, but I won't let you distract me any longer."

"Very well then. Then I don't want you to hold back. And don't lie, I know that you are. You want to win? Then fight like your life depends on it."

"…Then I shall do just that."

Robin suddenly felt her senses go haywire when she ducked at the very last second to avoid a swing from Marth, and could g believe how fast he actually was. This was going to be a lot more difficult than she thought, but one distinct advantage she still had was that Marth wasn't exactly skilled at fighting high skilled opponents. She grabbed her tome just as she jumped backwards to dodge a downward swing, before she opened the tome and dragged her fingers across the pages.

'Just like how Miriel showed you. Concentrate!'

As her fingers brushed the paper, heat started gathering in her hand just as Marth started to charge towards Robin but at the last second, Robin swiped her hand in an arc and shouted the spell.

"ARCFIRE!"

An intense fire spell struck Marth directly in the chest as the force of the spell was too much even for him as he was slammed against a wall which formed several cracks on it as Robin put the tome back on her belt and powered up once again.

"Now I got you."

"She is already capable of learning such a high level spell?" Miriel muttered to herself, closely observing Robins form. "Robin doesn't stop impressing me."

The other Shepherds however were completely flabbergasted. And Frederick turned to Miriel.

"You taught her how to wield spells?"

"Precisely." She replied, fixing her glasses and watching Robin and Marth trade blows with fists and swords and magic and Ki. "She asked for help, since she had a tome and didn't want it going to waste. In return, she is teaching me how to wield Ki. It's a lot more strenuous than magic, perhaps that is why she is able to learn such high levelled spells with ease."

Back at the fight, Robin collided her fist with Marth and both were grunting loudly trying to one up one another and Robin suddenly felt herself getting overwhelmed as Marth was a lot stronger than her. Luckily, Robin kind of already knew that so planned accordingly as with her other hand shot a Ki blast directly at his feet, causing an unusually high pitched noise to escape from Marths mouth as he lost his footing. She took that moment of surprise to land blow after blow on his stomach before sending a powerful Arcfire directly at him once again but this time, Marth deflected it with his blade as he wasn't going to fall for the same trick twice. The two were now panting as Robins tail curled and coiled in anticipation.

"Hah… hah… you are every bit amazing as I remember." Marth panted, and Robin nodded also panting.

"Yeah… have to admit. I'm actually starting to enjoy myself here."

"She's bluffing."

Everyone turned to see Frederick in surprise as Lissa questioned him.

"What do you mean?"

"I know that look anywhere. She's too far on the back-foot. She can't keep this up for long. Just look at the way she's standing compared to Sir Marth."

They all took a closer look and realised Frederick was right. Robin was a lot more winded compared to Marth and was trying her best to keep a neutral face.

"How powerful is he? Robin is the strongest person I know!" Sumia whispered.

"Come on Robin you have to find a way… we need those troops… I can't fail Em…" Chrom mumbled under his breath. He had faith she could come up with a plan.

'I'm all out of ideas… this guy is too strong.' Robin thought to herself as every inch of her being was begging her to lay down and rest. But Marth kept a stern look under his mask and drew his sword once more.

"You have been a great opponent, but I'm afraid we must finish this."

But inside his own thought, he was begging for her to do SOMETHING.

'Come on… you aren't someone who goes down quietly. You must have a plan… wait. Maybe I could teach her this super-'

WHAM!

"UGH!"

Marth was caught off guard when Robin landed a hit on his face but he then caught the next fist and slammed it into her gut causing her to wheeze and double down onto her knees coughing. She then felt the blade by her neck and the burning sensation came back as Marth stared down at her.

"Are you ready to give up, Lady Robin?"

"Maybe… but before I do… I was wondering if I could give you just one more lesson."

"What is she doing?" Chrom asked but Lissa shushed him.

"Quiet Chrom, she's doing something!"

"Can you at least grant me this one wish?" Robin asked, still keeping her cool despite the magic of this other Falchion burning her skin. And Marth didn't know what she was wanting… but figured what was the harm in granting it.

"Very well. What is this lesson?"

"Oh, a very important one."

Suddenly, Marth felt something strike his neck which made him stumble back, dropping his sword in the process as he clasped his hand to his neck and felt his vision get blurry as his pressure point got struck. To his horror, he saw Robins tail by her side as she smirked in triumph.

"Never, ever let your guard down. Even when victory seems close. Because you might just end up costing your life."

As Marth fell to the ground and felt his vision get dark, he still managed to let out a small smile before passing out.

"Amazing… you're just as amazing as… I remember…"

Silence fell upon the arena as they couldn't believe what they were witnessing. Robin… won?

When suddenly, from the stands, Lissa cheered loudly and whistled clapping her hands together. "WOOOOOO! GO ROBIN! YEAH YOU DID IT!"

As if everyone's thoughts caught up with them, Robin was surrounded by cheering and clapping from everyone else in the crowd as she slowly stood up and gave a small wave to everyone still trying to keep up her little charade, but inside she was panicking.

'That was WAY too close for comfort! That was pure luck, I was not in control of that at all! I only just noticed he wasn't protecting his vital areas!'

But all that didn't matter. What mattered is that she won! And as she looked up at the stands to see the Shepherds cheering her on, she locked eyes with Chrom who was smiling ear to ear, and… it made her smile back knowing that she managed to help out her new friend. Hopefully this could all go much smoother. Robin then waved again to the crowd who were cheering when suddenly her vision started blurring and showing a different scenery.

Instead of the happy cheering audience members, it was a collection of bloody corpses with those were barely alive crying and holding their loved ones. Around Robin was a burning landscape with weird looking buildings collapsing and exploding, taking some survivors with the inferno. She slowly looked down to her hands to see blood coating them as well as… realising that she was not in her robes.

She looked to her left at a broken window and was able to see her reflection just as the glass fell away and smashed on the ground and she saw that she was in some sort of strange black and yellow armour, with her tail on full display. Not to to mention her hair wasn't white, but instead it was black. And this device on her face….

Robin slowly brought a hand up to it and somehow knew how to work it, and tapped the button as her right eye started to get shown numbers in a certain direction. But before she could think to do anything else, Robin quickly turned around and backhanded a blast aimed her way and saw someone holding a weird looking… weapon while trapped under rubble.

"You Saiyan scum!"

As if moving against her will, Robin raised a hand and charged a Ki blast directly at the person who gritted his teeth before closing his eyes and accepting death.

"Robin?"

"Robin!"

That's when she suddenly blinked and saw she was outside the arena once more with the Shepherds trying to get her attention as she rubbed her head.

"Sorry everyone, Marth must've hit me a lot harder than I thought."

"THAT WAS AMAZIIIIIIING!" Lissa squealed, running up to Robin and hugging her tightly. Whilst behind Robin, Flavia slapped her on the back.

"Amazing ain't even close to describe how that fight was! Needless to say, you have my respect, Lady Robin. More importantly however…"

She turned to Chrom and nodded. "You have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."

Everyone from Ylisse had various degrees of gratitude on their face as Chrom smiled widely. "Truly? Thank you East-Khan."

Flavia just threw her head back and laughed. "I should be thanking you! It feels like it's been ages since I've last had full power. But then again, if Robin here fights as well as she does then perhaps you don't even need my soldiers. I'm sure she could trample over any foe that appears on Ylisses doorstep."

"I wouldn't say that…"

"Bah! Don't be so humble! Tonight we celebrate!"

As Flavia ran off, whooping to herself, the group heard footsteps behind them and saw a rather tall and rugged man with an eyepatch shaking his head.

"Any excuse for a party and she goes running off…"

They all looked at each other and then back at the man as Chrom spoke. "Oh, have we met before, sir?"

"I'm the West Khan you so rudely removed from power!"

Chrom stiffened up as did Robin as the man nodded towards her. "You're quite handy and sharp as a blade, girl. It seems that I had picked the wrong man. I thought he was going to beat you for a split second there."

"To be honest, if I hadn't gotten the jump on him and knocked him out, I would've lost." Robin mentioned, rubbing the back of her head as the man raised a brow.

"That so? Then it shows your ability to think ahead. Names Basilio."

"Pleasure to meet you." Chrom and the others bowed to him but Basilio waved his hand.

"No need for modesty, we don't do that here as I'm sure you're well aware."

But that's when Chrom had a thought and looked at the taller man. "Marth. He was your champion, what can you tell us about him?"

"Who, him? Bah! Just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. But as you saw, he could back up his talk with immense skill and strength. Turned up one eve and took out my previous champion in one fell swoop. Made this man feel things that I'm too old to be feeling, hahaha!"

He then shook his head after recovering from his laugh. "Anyway, he's long gone now. Soon as he regained consciousness, just went and took off."

"Oh, he's so dark and mysterious…" Lissa sighed dreamily, a light blush dotting her cheeks as Robin rubbed her arm which was still sore from Marty's many strikes.

"At least he has one fan."

"Hey, come on! You have to admit he's dreamy!"

"And YOU'RE dreaming!" Chrom said, ruffling up her hair as Lissa tried swatting him away with an annoyed whine.

"Lay ooooofff! I was just kidding!"

That's when Frederick cleared his throat. "Milord, Milady. If this fascinating discussion is over, then we best return home. The Exalt will want the news of our new alliance immediately."

Chrom adjusted himself after Lissa managed to pry herself away and nodded. "Right as always, Frederick. If we start now, we can hopefully be back in a few days."

But before they could all go, Basilio held up a hand. "Hold up, boy. Before you go, I have something for you."

They all looked at one another confused on what he could possibly offer, but that's when a stoic looking swordsman appeared from behind and stood silently beside Basilio.

"This is Lon'qu. My former champion. He's peerless with a sword but don't expect much conversation. As good as Marth, I thought. But he can't do the kind of things he and your tactician over there can do which is he got bested so quickly."

"Jeez, he looks big and strong… but I guess Marth is stronger." Lissa commented and walked over to inspect him but more but flinched when he barked.

"Away woman!"

"How rude!"

As the two argued, Robin noticed how Basilio was staring at her, specifically at her coat and slowly walked over to him.

"You don't think I'm Plegian, do you?"

"Quite attentive you are, little lady." He said. "No, I don't, and neither does Flavia. We've seen many Plegians before, but aside from the coat and that mark on your hand, you don't look a thing like them. Got any answer to that?"

"I'm… not sure." Robin answered. "You see, I lost my memory. I don't know who I am, or where I'm from. Plegia may be the place I'm from, but I get these… flashes of another life."

"Amnesia? Terrible thing, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Well, maybe my enemies but still. I hope you remember who you are one day. But just remember, your past doesn't define who you are. It's your actions now that matter."

Robin then looked at the Shepherds who were amused by Lissa trying to chase Lon'qu and hummed to herself.

"Perhaps you're right… maybe Marth knows… he seems to know me anyway…"

Sorry for the wait everyone. Haven't had access to phone for a week so haven't been able to work on the chapter, but better late than never yeah? But yeah, got a little bit of 'Marth' vs Robin. Hope you all enjoyed it, was a little hard to do but I'm a little satisfied with how it went down.

A lot has happened since the last chapter, including the unfortunate passing of Toriyama. That really did suck, but I suppose all we can do is move forward and keep creating. Again, I know we're kinda breezing past stuff but this was always gonna be a shorter story, but there will be another original arc involving a movie villain from DBZ just like with Ashen Saiyan.

But anyway, I'll catch you guys in the next chapter, hopefully it doesn't take as long next time.