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Chapter Text

Zero had been running, it wasn't out of self preservation but to complete a mission that had gone haywire once again. His mission was to kill The Dragon, A blonde swordsman with inhuman speed that gave him the worst sense of deja-vu, his wooden sandals clap against the concrete road in front of him. Sirens were closing in and frankly the blood stained robe and sword made him stick out like a sore thumb. His grip around his katana tightened as he could hear tires swerve

They caught up, the vehicles were parked and those in them left faster than the last batch he had to deal with, as a riot officer left the safety of his armored vehicle to aim at Zero with several others they had called in, he issued a warning like the many before him.

"We have you surrounded, get on your knees and put your hands up!"

Zero turned his head, Chronos gave him more time to think as he spotted five behind him, and three besides the riot officer who called for his surrender.

"DO IT, NOW!"

His hand was seconds away from drawing his weapon as he briefly contemplated on how best to get out of this mess, he prepared to glimpse into the future before like before but--

"The golden moon casteth wide its brilliant smile upon the altar of thy ablution. Thy baptism of blood draws nigh."

It was like before, as if he was in a spat of withdrawal again. Like a particularly crusty VHS tape his vision tore as a man in a labcoat made his appearance, a silver mask donned on his face. A nightmare that he could only hate to remember was standing right in front of him, Tragedy.

"W-what the fuck? Get back, now!" The officer seemed alarmed as he spoke, though Zero had a hard time telling if the officer was speaking to him or not, did they even notice the masked men?

He continues onwards as it feels almost as if reality itself was being distorted, the apparent cityscape turning to stars as the masked man swayed. The riot police around them were frozen, they didn't hear him prattle on apparently.

"The stars dictate thy ultimate death. Wring from thy errant heart libations of blood upon this hallowed altar"

He spoke as his counterpart entered the frame, a golden mask as he sways back and forth much alike the one in silver.

"...What the hell are you talking about?" Zero finally asks, his eyes narrowed at the two reality benders whilst he briefly considered aiming a sharpened swing towards the golden one, he was a considerable distance closer after all.

"Thou heedest not my grim haruspicy? But not three nights ago did I foretell thy choice - of silver death and golden life!" He could tell there was a taunting edge in the tone of the man wearing silver, those three days felt more like weeks thanks to V getting the drop on him.

"This altar demandeth thine answer! Dost thou choosesth the golden mask of life. to stay thy blade and be reborn in grace? Or dost thou choosesth the silver mask of death, and sow upon this fallow soil the blood of thine enemy?" The silver silhouette spoke, laying the cards out on the table for the wayward swordsman.

"Life or death. What a choice huh? Glad I'm not in your shoes right now, hah."The golden one spoke, laughing with a jovial tone but Zero had more important things on his mind then to fly off the handle at the first sign of degradation towards his character.

"...Why would I not choose to live?" Another question that he felt the need to throw into the ring.

"The choice thou makest affecteth more than just thine own fate. To don the mask of death is to embody death and likewise, the mask of life bestoweth life unto those thy heart seekest to protect.." Zero's expression hardened at the thought, for the line of work he's been forced into he can't exactly say that he didn't have people he cared for.

"Between the stars saying so, the drug business you're tied in and all those innocent officers you've cut open between here and the third district and me personally just enjoy fuckin with ya, I can sure as hell find some reasons." The one in the golden mask said with the type of sleazy happy go-lucky tone he probably could have heard back at the casino if it weren't a front for shady dealings in the back.

The decision to die or not was a hefty one. Chronos was a drug that would trap him in his own mind if he were to die outside of a premonition, but a way out of his mind. A chance to rest after death turns this into something the contract killer had to carefully consider. But the question remained...

"...How will it protect them?"

"Those closest to thy heart will have thine path strayed away from the perilous debris thy life would bring if thou were to live for longer, what delicate lives they have will undoubtedly be swept by calamity yet unseen."

"Death or Life buddy, You going to make your choice?" Comedy's golden mask glinted as he spoke.

Zero let go of his sword for the first time this night, walking forward towards the man in the silver mask with a steady determination.

Chapter Text

Regna Ferox

New Aurelis

The victory over Captain Raimi of the Longfort had earned the Shepherds enough pull to get a personal escort towards the capital of Regna Ferox, New Aurelis. Zero hadn't contributed much at all to the skirmish at the Longfort but Chrom still insisted he come along, and while initially he would have denied such an offer Zero was well and truly lost when it came to the world he was in and the prince of a foreign nation was enough to gain some foothold on the world. That said the people he had in his militia were strange to put it lightly.

"So Chrom pulled ya outta the mud and sent you to help The Vaike and his posse?" asked the bolsterous shirtless warrior of the Shepherds.

Zero was far behind the rest of the army, he hadn't exactly been apart of the group so he felt that it was probably for the best that he avoided conversing with them until he decided what his stance was going to be with them, or that was his plan until "The Vaike" came along, he wasn't exactly against the company mind you but his presence drew another familiar face from the Longfort, though she hadn't attempted to converse yet.

"He did not send me, he mentioned a fight and I was interested in participating on his side, since the other apparently ignored me." The samurai would try to deflect, his feet walked along the road of gravel, enjoying the lack of snow built up on the roads.

"Hah, sorry for stealin' the fight away from ya then, s'not everyday that blue mophead finds folks face down in the muck, s'kinda weird it happened twice though..." Vaike mentioned with eyes aimed towards a certain tactician marching besides the Prince.

Zero didn't really care to pick up on it, instead just allowing his mind to wander as each step took considerably longer to hit the ground, as his movements stuttered while moving forward, there was nothing to keep him shackled, no music in his ear to help him keep track of time, just the sound of his wooden sandals hitting the road, But.. Inevitably, his feet stopped landing on the gravel   

    Zero found himself at the Longfort as his sword split the wooden shaft of a throw Javelin in two, stopping what momentum it had as Vaike slammed his hammer into the general, she yielded. He could  

    A bright castle filled his vision as he noticed banners with the same brand that was on the Prince's shoulder were strung up on the walls around him, Chrom and his Tactician were looking at Zero as if they were waiting for an answer to something, but he couldn't get a grasp on the context so all that was left was a blank stare towards the Prince who picked him out of the snow     

   Finally, back where he was before in a quick burst of displacement, the fire blooded blonde had his hand on Zero's shoulder, he was.. being shook?

"Y# k#t#n# g#y! y#u s#il# th#r#?"

..If I could still predict the future, then it goes to show that I still have the drug in me, I shouldn't ignore that my time could stop at any moment..

Zero raised his hands in some form of surrender as Vaike shook him in an attempt to get his attention.

"Sorry, I have a tendency to lose focus sometimes, I'm good now." Zero told Vaike in attempt to ease his concerns, they'd get back on track with the others but the event drew the attention of the second shepherd tailing the rear of the group.

"What you just did right there seemed far different from merely "losing focus" my strangely dressed acquaintance, it also seems rather out of character considering your actions against Captain Raimi." Miriel had found herself saying, adjusting her glasses carefully as she carried her share of supplies that she had since leaving Ylisse.

Zero noticed the woman had her eyes glued to him since they left the Longfort, at first he considered it was merely to thank him, but that never came out, perhaps due to Vaike had attempting to keep him company, so she remained quiet as to not find herself in the midst of "The Vaike's" incessant boastful chattering, that is not to say Miriel did not humor the axe wielding shepherd, it is just that there was a time and a place for those sort of things.

"It's probably due to the head injury I got." Zero would tap his finger against a scarred part of his forehead. "Don't know the whole story but it was a projectile during this big fight I was in, it took out a large chunk of my gray matter when it nailed me, so a good bit of my earlier life has been nigh impossible to remember and my current life is.. hard to get ahold of so to speak." He'd confess, albeit not all of it was the truth, most of what he's said hadn't been a lie either.

He didn't know his full name, he only knew the name that was on the service medal around his neck. He hadn't been able to remember when he moved into his apartment, when he started seeing his psychiatrist, hell he couldn't even remember where he got his weapon that he was earned his pay with. Zero's memories only started getting coherent when those dreams popped up, and even then..

"Interesting, I've only read through articles about people who've withstood cranial injuries, I haven't particularly seen one in person, judging by the eager nature you hold when it comes to fighting, does it at all hinder you during battle?" Miriel's questions were starting to feel familiar, maybe his psychiatrist went down a similar line of questioning.

"...I lost my sense of time, sometimes things seem faster, sometimes it seems like a situation skips ahead, or rewinds even but I've mostly chalked that up to my head playing tricks on me. But during fights and sometimes outside of them  everything just slows down like an athlete about to make a critical play during an important game. It gives me time to think and respond better, I don't think I've ever zoned out during a fight, though.."

Only outside of them..

"Wait out here Prince Chrom, I'll summon the East Khan." Captain Raimi said before exiting the throne room Chrom and his closer companions remained in.

"Zero."

Dull black eyes land on the Prince's bright blue in response to hearing his name, the white haired tactician  was brimming with a sense of excitement, the Princess looked on in confusion, having not been introduced to the stranger and the towering knight looked... oddly resigned? As if it seemed he had more reservations for what he was about to do but stayed his tongue.

"Although you appeared towards the end of our skirmish on the border, I've been informed you've saved our head mage, Miriel from substantial injury during their clash with Captain Raimi, and although we harbor no ill will towards the Feroxi for the tests they put out for us, both Vaike and our tactician Robin can attest that you've done us a valuable service, and so I wish to extend an offer of employment. Would you be willing to join the Shepherds?" Chrom had asked with an inviting expression and a hand extended towards Zero.

The samurai himself appeared to be in thought however, his mind trying to wrap itself around what this offer actually meant in the long run, and if he'd be willing to serve under his country again, he could almost feel the cold burn of his service medal through his kimono.

It's a reminder that I did something good once.

But the scar on his head flared, an old wound he can't recall recieving and though his opinion of serving his country was good, there was an underlying feeling, a memory that he had made in New Mecca.

"The near-fatal head trauma you sustained during the war has left you debilitated..."

"..I want time to make my decision, I got injured serving my country once and I need to decide if I have the resolve to do it for one I barely know. Will you be here long?" Zero responded after a long moment of pause, turning towards the door after he said his piece, waiting for Chrom's response before he 

"Of course, I'd be remiss to not give my men time to rest, I believe Raimi said we'd have guest rooms here, if you can get back here and ask for me by some of the staff here, I'm sure they'll bring you my way." Chrom replied with understanding in his tone, and Zero went out the door shortly after.

"So the speed demon might not end up joining after all.." Robin finally said after watching the encounter end, Lissa and Frederick in particular ended up showing confusion by the title given to the stranger while Chrom let out a small laugh.

"Speed demon isn't an inaccurate title given how I saw him move atop the Longfort." Chrom remarked, the mood feeling somewhat lighter, though he wasn't sure if that was Robin's intention or not, given she actually sounded disappointed by the fact.

"Wow, I'm surprised he was actually alive out there, kinda feel bad about going up with Fredbear, the clothes that guy was wearing was not at ALL fit fo-" Lissa finally said her piece on the matter but stopped when Raimi entered the room.

"The Eastern Khan shall see you now."

New Aurelis

Inner City

Zero kept a steady pace on the road of bustling capital that Regna Ferox held in its borders, the streets themselves clashed with his usual scenery of cracked pavement and paint splattered buildings, or gaudy mansions when his job called for it. it was like living in the time of the gladiators, more people with swords and shields, spears and axes and all those goodies. If it weren't for the fact that he was walking around a snowy climate with what he was wearing he could probably blend in somewhat better.

"Feeling cold there hon?" A merchant asked from her stall, seems Zero absently walked into a marketplace by just following the crowd.

"What gave it away, the geta or the kimono?" The ronin responded as he approached the stall, he hadn't a single coin on his person but maybe the intention is charity?

"The bathrobe, look I don't usually do this often to new customers but your gal pal Anna's been having something of a rough day, and I got stock that needs to go ASAP, So I'll cut you a good deal here.." Her hands find themselves handling some goods out of Zero's view before placing on her market's surface. But his hands were raised.

"Do you think I wouldn't have gotten an actual outfit fit for the climate if I had the cash?" It wasn't free so he didn't want a single part of it. It wasted both parties time if he hadn't the cash but the merchants eyes gleamed at the prospect.

"Ah, low on money are you? Well, if you believe in your luck my sister has this side job at a gambling place and she, like me, recognizes quality swords as well as I do. If you put your killing edge on the line and win a game, you'd probably have gold to spare.." Anna offered, Zero wasn't sure if she was just that desperate for a customer or if she was intent on sending him to a losing battle.

Casino games and Chronos mixed like peanut butter and chocolate, too much of it was going to get any man woman or child sick to their stomach and that's usually how the house felt after someone with the drug played a couple games of craps, so of course he'd make moves to see if he can exploit the kindness of the merchant.

"..I'll bite then, where's this casino?"

Gaudy and bright, paintings of cards dice and mugs of frothy ale dotted the outer shell of the Tempest, It was enough to allow Zero to crack a smile, if they hadn't the power to toss up a neon sign this was certainly a way to point out that this place was for the bold fools and the insanely lucky. The swordsman clasped the doorknob, taking a deep breath as even from the outside he heard the despair of the losers and the cheer of the victors.

His thoughts upon fully entering the building aside from the distinctly familiar scent of cigarette smoke had to be how packed the place is, but perhaps that was because the last one he had the pleasure of entering only had two folks in it, and both were staff.

Inexperience aside his eyes locked onto the sister Anna had spoken about, or at the very least her unlikely doppelganger working at a table with three  two players, given how one was cashing out.

"Your sister recommended me this place if I wanted a way to earn cash quick, said I could bet my weapon here?" He'd bring the sheathed blade up to the woman's face, earning a confused look by some of the participants ready to test whatever luck they had whilst the dealer unsheathed the weapon, glancing upon what was clearly a well used weapon.

"There's still splots of blood on this thing..." she'd mumble, wiping away any signs of red she found on the weapon with mild disapproval. "You're lucky the oil you were using on it seems like it fights away at the rust, it looks pretty near mint value, I'll see about tossing it somewhere safe for the moment." She said, moving off towards a different member of staff, leaving Zero to awkwardly stand around the gamblers he's interrupted.

"Odd clothes you got there, you really come in here to gamble or were you trying to warm up? Outside is basically a tundra at the moment." A ginger haired man with a bandana around his forehead remarks with what seemed to be a well wrapped unlit cigarette in his mouth.

"That sword too, looks just like the same type the Champ used during the last tournament, are you really just gonna risk throwing it away gambling?" A balding bearded brunette asked with befuddlement across his features, the man easily towered over Zero, and he was eager to hear a response to his question.

"I guess it was a mix of both, I could barely feel my toes by the time I made the trek in here.." The swordless ronin responded to the ginger first before he shifted his attention to the giant, his excuse forming in his head as he thinks of a good excuse..

"As for why I'm betting away my sword.. I got a pretty good offer recently that's gonna take me out of Ferox, I'm pretty conflicted on whether or not I should take it since there's a chance it'll bring me back to a place in my life I'd rather steer away from, so I decided to leave fate to chance, if I win my weapon and my cash I'll accept the offer and if I lose I'm sure some folks would be interested in learning something of my skillset, could be a nice change of pace." Zero supplied an excuse, conversations were sometimes a good way to pass the time, and his withdrawal didn't take offense to his meager attempt at socializing this time.

"I sorta get it, I got this big job offer near Ylisstol recently and the details were really vague, last time I even entered that country I got mixed up into some political intrigue hogwash that messed with me a ton, all I need to say is if you ever get into the locksmith trade do CHECK if they even own what they want you to open." The ginger would relay, twirling the.. cigarette in his mouth? No that had to be a lollipop or something.

Anna had finally returned to the table, her hands reaching into her side of the table, retrieving thirty black casino chips from within her payout station before sliding it towards Zero as he settled in, getting ready to play the game ahead.

"Those are a hundred gold each, you are familiar with how roulette works I hope?" Anna asked the table, but her eyes were mainly on the newcomer.

"I've played a couple times in recent memory, it's just make a bet on a color then go double or nothing?" Zero asked in an attempt to gauge how the Casino handled it.

"Yeah, you got evens, fifty fifty shots where you pick odd number or even, red or black, two to ones and then the highest paying ones which are the reaaaaaaaaal longshots! Like making a corner bet, or a line bet or, and this is only if you're actually insane, a single number bet. And we give you a percentage on how outrageous your win is, like say you bet red and win you'd get five whole black chips for your entire set, so the only way you'd get double is if you actually nail the straight line bet, and the single number is triple that." Anna explained to Zero, who mentally noted it down.

"I actually came up with the house edge myself, need to get a profit somehow y'know? I wanted to go crank it up a notch but they kept saying it'd drive customers away." She proclaimed proudly, eliciting a chuckle from the bearded giant.

"Yeah that makes sense, even if you're not peddling wares an Anna has to earn extra gold somehow.." He'd quip, tossing a verbal jab towards the employee before the brunette retrieved his chips from his pockets, placing five black chips in her hand as he aimed for an easy payout. "Red." 

Ginger would follow up on this bet by tossing his own chips in the ring, a hefty ten black chips as he squinted at the wheel, counting the numbers carefully before finally deciding.. "Twenty one to thirty six, the last dozen."

Zero took a deep breath as he held his thirty black chips, the first roll was usually the hardest because that was the unknown variable, the pain of losing was usually washed out by what followed after but it the loss still hurt. "I'll take a single number bet, thirty five, triple or nothing."

Anna had her expression change into a smile as Zero handed off his bet. "Hah, I was right about you being crazy by the way you were dressed." Her hand was on the handle of the roulette table, with a flair only she could produce, she'd give a mighty pull. "Leeeeeeet's spiiiiiiiiin thaaaaat wheeeeeeeeeeeel!"

The sound of the table's disc rotating at a rapid speed had filled his ears as his competition watched in excitement, he could see the ginger biting down on the stick of the sucker, bracing for impact while the bearded was clenching his fist so hard it had gone completely pink from the pressure.

"Aaaaaaaaaand it's a THIRTY SIX RED! Here's your payout." She'd say, offering out chips to the winners.

"Ah, doesn't look like you'll be going on that job, huh?" The ginger haired man would say, "Well, life's like that sometimes. Hopefully you find greener past-"

"So what if it comes from a drug? YOU HOLD THE POWER OF A GOD, YOU CAN SEE THE FUTURE!"

Ginger would follow up on this bet by tossing his own money into the ring, with ten black chips he'd say his bet. "Twenty one to thirty six, the last dozen."

Zero had let out a deep exhale whilst he placed the thirty black chips onto the table, the second roll was usually the easiest, it was like taking a shot. The needle was in for a second and then it was taken out, the pain was there but it was over fast. "I'll take a single number bet, thirty six, triple or nothing."

Anna had her expression change into a smile as Zero handed off his bet. "Hah, I was right about you being crazy by the way you were dressed." Her hand was on the handle of the roulette table, with a flair only she could produce, she'd give a mighty pull. "Leeeeeeet's spiiiiiiiiin thaaaaat wheeeeeeeeeeeel!"

The sound of the table's disc rotating at a rapid speed had filled his ears as his competition watched in excitement, he could see the ginger biting down on the stick of the sucker, bracing for impact while the bearded was clenching his fist so hard it had gone completely pink from the pressure.

"Aaaaaaaaaand it's a... oh wow all you guys won. Thirty six red...I guess." She'd say as if she was the one who lost at the table; offering out the chips to the winners. Zero took it with stride, he got seventy black chips from this game and while he didn't quite understand what that cash meant in the grand scheme of things, the Ginger was looking at him like as if he saw the Ronin get struck by lightning. The brunette however was placing more chips down from the look of it.

"Jeez, talk about a massive payout... You gonna be taking that job then?" He asked with his eyes on Zero's payload, seemed he was following him to get his chips traded in.

"..Why, is this a lot for one person?" Zero asked, figuring he needed to learn this sooner or later

The ginger had his expression change into one of confusion. "Enough to buy a life-sized gingerbread house I'd say, this your first time dealing with Archanean coinage?"

"No, this is my first experience here in general, I ended up helping these envoys from Ylisse fight through the border guard." Zero would say as he finally got to the desk, placing down his earnings. his sword was given to him, alongside a hefty bag of his coinage. Ginger did the same thing as he continued prodding into the Ronin after a tad bit of silence.

"You took on the border guard.. You confident in your swordsmanship?" Ginger questioned with some form of intent forming in his eyes, still following Zero while he left the building.

"I've been fighting for as long as I could remember, you want to challenge me?" Zero's hand hovered over his katana as he stood still.

"Nah, I'm just a locksmith buddy, not even from Ferox but this place has some interesting aspects to it; I'm sure you heard about that tournament coming up between the east and west, yeah? Apparently the previous champ of the west got ousted by this new guy and he's gone absolutely mental in some of the street arenas trying to get his skills back up to par, and with people hosting betting rings all the time around there.." He'd say, proposing yet another gamble to the street walking samurai..

Zero approached the market stall with the Ginger locksmith, the merchant's eyes lighting up at the prospect of seeing the man carrying his sword back to the stall, seems like the wayward swordsman had gotten the cash judging by the sound of metal clashing against each other as he stepped closer and closer to the stall.

"Something light that will keep me warm, I don't care what it is." Straight and to the point like always, Zero waits for his gear as Ginger looked about, eying around the stall.

"You wouldn't happen to have sweets, would you?" The ginger asked as Anna sorted through her things.

"Afraid not, cargo of today is clothes armor and some real workout supplements, type of stuff the typical Feroxi would buy into." She'd state, offhandedly as she began placing several products on the table, a pair of boots fit for treading through snow, white socks for the extra insolation, and a particularly comfortable looking black sweater. "This'll keep you from dying out in the cold, sweater there is padded with a TON of leather so you can afford to take a hit with it since that seems to be your type of deal." 

"I usually don't get hit but thank you for the consideration, that'll all be..?" Zero would ask, hand in his coin purse. 

"Five gold for the socks and boots both, sixty for the sweater." Anna would say, her palm open and extended as she awaited for the gold to fall into her hand.

"...My name is Zero." He'd speak up as he continued tailing the ginger, while normally he never gave out his name, he didn't exactly have any orders against socializing here and considering he was getting all buddy-buddy with the locksmith he figured he might as well get introductions out of the way.

"Gaius." said the ginger as he could see the destination was in sight. "So, Zero huh.. like, the number? That's not one I've heard before."

Not that common to me either, but that's what was on the medal.

"Some people take... many liberties when it comes to naming kids, I guess." The ronin remarked as he kept moving.

"IN ONE CORNER, WE HAVE A WELL RESPECTED WARRIOR FROM DEPTHS OF OUR GLORIOUS WARRIOR NATION, REVERED FOR HIS BRUTISH STRENGTH AND THICK SKIN, THE  BEEEEAAAARRRRRRR!

AND IN THE OTHER CORNER, THE CURRENT MAINSTAY OF THE PAST WEEK, YOU KNOW HIM, YOU LOVE HIM. LOOOOOOOONNNNN'QUUUUUUUUUUU!"

The first thing Zero heard upon entering was a booming voice echoing off the walls of this minor league stadium followed by an utter CACOPHONY of sound radiating from all around him, cheers and jeers all screaming for one of two things, either his rise or his fall and from the sounds of it? One crowd outweighed the other.

"Hey hey.. This ain't bad." Gaius says as he takes in the air of the coliseum, a grin forming on his face as he eyed the man in the ring dashing around with that sword of his, there was a reason up until this point he had won the West Khan's reign and it showed as he (as Gaius would put it) essentially danced around his opponent. "Whaddya think Bathrobe, could you take em?"

"That's not the first time I've heard that nickname.." Zero mumbled as he watched the match unfold. The Bear was someone he could only describe as bulky, sure he had muscle but his movements were choreographed so broadly it was no wonder that Lon'qu guy was treating him like a joke, although he could swing his axe around he'd need to overcome the advantages of his speed inclined weight class else the loss would be on him.

That isn't to say Lon'qu wasn't capable of making mistakes either, although his strategy to keep out of the range of The Bear's swing was doing alright he's been making his fair share of missteps which weren't just injury inducing.. If Lon'qu missed a step, he'd lose either his head or a limb as soon as his opponent began recognizing when he's tripped up, but Zero wasn't sure if The Bear was ever going to pick up on it either, could Lon'qu adapt? That was the question he had on his mind.

"No man's a perfect fighter, I like my odds." Zero would finally decide as he walked off, Gaius split off from the man himself, recalling the agreement they had before they entered the arena.

"Ever since that new Champion came in, Lon'qu's been training furiously to retain his position once the big tournament ends. He's been hitting this arena up since, and he hasn't lost a SINGLE fight yet, so the betting pool got stale, and since he's not really in it for the profits the prospect of throwing a fight isn't on his mind, That said when everyone is betting on him, what's gonna happen to the folks who bet on the other guy when Lon finally loses? They become pretty well off, that's what happens. If you're confident that you can win, I'll toss whatever cash you're willing to lose with my own and bet on you."

Zero's hand landed on the desk of a bored looking arena employee, yawning into his hand as he saw the Ronin stand at his table. "Hundred gold and your name.. title.. and place of birth." The ronin seemed confused. "Place of birth..?" But the man responded. "You will be dueling with real weapons, although we don't encourage killing, it could very well happen down there, we want to know where we'll have the body shipped if you die, yada yada."

Zero would blanch as he placed the gold down on the desk. "My name is Zero, no title, and as for place of birth I'd rather not say, so if I do die, dispose of my corpse as you will.."

The man would write down the information with something of an unenthusiastic groan. "You'll.. probably be up next, that Lon'qu guy has been grinding our challengers into a red mist, so be careful down there, the win condition is either he surrenders, or you make it so he can't fight anymore.." He'd say, before leaving his desk behind with the coin in his hands, out to deliver the information to the announcer if he had to guess.

He'd find himself letting out a sigh as he grabbed his hilt, aiming to find the entrance to the arena and prepare for his first fight since he got here, that stint at the border was more of a practice of reflex and despite him managing to succeed at it. Even this is breaking away from the norm a bit, Zero was a damn psychopath, he couldn't stop killing even if he wanted to, his psychiatrist said his psychopathy was one of the reasons he fit his job perfectly, he didn't feel remorse for his killings, the only thing resembling any good morals was the kid that kept bumping into him after work but even then, how long was it gonna be before he ended up taking her life too?

"WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT, THE FORMER CHAMPION OF THE WEST KHAN TAKES YET ANOTHER MATCH! CAN ANYBODY STOP HIM!?"

His cue from what it sounds, enough reminiscing about the past and thinking of his worries the present was far more important to him, as he popped his earbud in he'd enter the arena through the stairway, the first thing he saw was the aftermath of the last match. Lon'qu was drinking something out of a bottle as his previous opponent's axe was firmly planted in the ground, the man in question being dragged out by what medical staff the stadium had. Seemed Lon'qu managed to cut him up pretty easy, he either caught on and Lon'qu adapted or he really did have the intelligence of a bear, regardless he waited for his opponent to finish getting ready as he kicked up dirt from the arena ground in anticipation.

 "WHAT'S THIS? A NEW CHALLENGER HAS ENTERED THE RING! FROM MYSTERIOUS ORIGINS TO REGNA FEROX, PLEASE WELCOME IN, ZEEEEEEEEEEROOOOOOOOOOOO!

Off the tails of yet another SWEAT DRENCHING MATCH, LON'QU STANDS HIS GROOOOOUUUNNNNNNNDDD!!!"

Lon'qu tossed his vulnerary to the side, breaking the glass on the harsh ground of the arena, his eyes settled on his next opponent, though his expression lightened as he saw the clothing he sported. Albeit he was wearing a sweater underneath it Lon'qu could recognize a Kimono when he saw one, this person.. Was he going to be a fair match? He'd only been up against bulky fools who had no sense of the battlefield so far, and yet his opponent stands with an interesting poise that reminded him far too much of the warriors of Chon'sin.

"..What brings you to this country, coin, glory, or strength?" The former champion asked after the deafening cheers resided.

"I wish I knew myself, but for the moment I suppose it's a bit of one and three. You?" Zero replied, turning the question towards Lon'qu as he took a steady approach, a hand ready to turn on the music player once the fight kicked off.

"I lost my spot due to my disposition and my employer mistook it for weakness, taking in a new champion. I'm fighting here to strengthen myself against such scenarios.." Lon'qu drew his blade, a similar weapon to Zero's own, however it hardly looked near the same quality for some odd reason, could be that they just supply cheap weapons during arena matches, but he didn't really care. Zero never questioned the conditions of the tire irons and bats he's been assaulted with, why start now?.

"Are you ready, Zero?"

MEAT GRINDER

Ludowic

"Yeah, let's get started." he'd say, turning his music player on as he prepared for the fight ahead, he wasn't sure how long he had on it but he'd have to cross that hurdle when he got to it.

Lon'qu made the first move, perhaps it was due to seeing Zero as a worthy fight or maybe it was accounting for the way he fought but the man was far faster then he'd been during his last match, with his Killing Edge drawn he aimed to make a clean strike, the issue is though, with how he's charging a normal man would have to make a split second decision to either intercept or dodge, with Chronos though... He had time.

The world had a tint of blue for Zero as Lon'qu had closed the distance, his hands adjusted his weapon as his intent appeared to be taking a horizontal swing at Zero, the aim behind it was to ultimately cut at his arm or his hands to call the match due to Zero being unable to fight, smart moves on him.

Zero decided to meet him for a clash, unsheathing his weapon in his moment of clarity as his world lost the tint that Chronos gave him, his weapon would rise in an instant to meet Lon'qu's, sparks flew as the edges contended with each other though Zero's weapon had fallen back a fair bit, the Killing edge had the advantage of momentum considering Lon'qu ran at him with the blade, but there was a flaw with that. Zero had both hands on the hilt of his sword as he planned to turn this clash into something more of a parry, twisting the weapon so Lon's edge met the flat while Zero began shifting to the side resulted in Lon'qu tumbling forward as his weapon slid across Zero's own.

"D..Damn it!" He remarked in a form of anger, turning his cascading body into something more controlled as Zero rushed forward to capitalize on the moment with an overhead swing, however due to changing his form into one of a roll, Lon'qu just barely had the quick drawing samurai strike the ground instead due to his burst in speed, leaving him looking on in surprise.

"So you CAN adapt, This should turn out better than I initially thought then." Zero remarked as he brought his sword back to his sheath in a timely matter, an attempt to see how he'd react to a taunt about his blunder.

The answer; not well.

Lon'qu was back on his feet in an instant as his weapon gleamed with the torchlit stadium, the sound of the cheering crowd as his arms went limp with his sword clamped well in his hands as he approached, this time not with speed in mind but more so the intention of finally seeing Zero strike first, or.. that is what the wayward swordsman thought. As Lon'qu finally got close enough to land a strike, he finally swung his weapon but there was something different this time. It wasn't aimed to strike Zero but.. the ground?

"Be silent."

His voice echoed throughout the stadium as the swing had kicked up the dirt of the ring, not just anywhere mind you but straight into Zero's eyes, The issue with this is that Zero had been blindsided by an attack he didn't expect, he either had the choice of losing his vision for the fight whilst trying to parry an attack that he knew could come from anywhere or try to roll into the unknown as he tried to get it out of his eyes, and considering the action already happened he couldn't really shut his eyes in time, and using Chronos to slow things down tends to use up the time his precognition has before it becomes a jumbled incomprehensible mess, he had to do something now or else   

It wasn't until now that Zero noticed his sword arm wouldn't budge, he couldn't draw the weapon from his sheath, he couldn't move it without feeling a sharp pain, what WAS that?

"...This match has been decided, you can't fight any longer."

As Zero's vision had begun to clear up from the dirt in his eye, he finally understood why he couldn't move, why Lon'qu said what he did, perhaps the pain of dying over and over again in his precognitions over the years numbed him, but as he gazed at his arm, his brain finally registered it.

Lon'qu's weapon pierced through his sword arm.

No, this won't work.

Lon'qu made the first move, perhaps it was due to seeing Zero as a worthy fight or maybe it was accounting for the way he fought but the man's speed had been above what he'd used against the bear, with his Killing Edge drawn he aimed to make a clean strike, Zero had no issue with the order of events, though he had the desire to change them, he knew what Lon'qu was going to do next, these actions could always change during the battle but he knew two things for sure. Lon'qu wasn't above fighting dirty, and if Zero wasn't using Chronos in his current state then it was clear Lon'qu had a fair chance of truly besting him.

But he was, and a Chronos user could not risk even a drop of blood spilt, if even the tiniest bit left his bloodstream meant his time would escape him, it meant that whatever few hours he had would be shrunk even lower, Zero couldn't risk that, and so victory was not an option. It was a necessity.

Lon'qu made his horizontal swing as Zero drew his sword again, in an instant he'd find himself exercising the same strategy as last time, rotating himself as the blade clashed to make the swordsman trip over himself, Zero decided to press the advantage even harder as he found himself jumping after Lon'qu, his katana glowing in the torchlight as he attempted to cut away at him before he attempted to fix his mistake and correct his footing with a roll, Zero heard the song in his ears slow as his world tinted blue once again.

However, as the weapon descended upon the myrmidon, he'd accept his fall, Lon'qu acknowledged he couldn't dodge the weapon but perhaps if he could block the weapon he could get out of this? Turning around as he fell, his Killing Edge was once again raised, but this time to block the downwards slash that, if he doesn't stop it in time would undoubtedly go straight through his skull, for him this felt like an instant, Zero's katana making contact with his own weapon.

For Zero it would feel like a minute long process, he didn't have to adjust his trajectory or slow down his swing. If Lon'qu wanted to put that weapon to the test, he'd let him test it, the weapon that had gone through constant battles over countless matches in this ring, the worn down weapon that cracked as it was struck by him. It was beginning to give way as he felt his sword bite out of the Killing Edge, he wasn't going to give him a chance to play dirty. a fight like this ends the instant the opponent is struck. And as he saw the weapon crumble to pieces, shatter in Lon'qu's hands, Zero's katana would turn to the flat of the blade, sounding out a resounding SMACK throughout the stadium.

Zero didn't need to be a killer today.

This will work.

Chapter Text

Lon'qu had gotten careless and he could tell, perhaps it was his mounting sense of confidence when it came to battling among the ring believing he could keep going even with a dysfunctional weapon. Honestly it was a matter of time before somebody noticed the cracks forming in his weapon but he never expected a fellow Chon'sin warrior to be the one to put an end to his streak, a Plegian Mage, sure. or perhaps a Ylissean Horseman...

The match itself had been interesting for the myrmidon even if he ended it early by breaking his weapon, having his read first strike was a red herring of things to come from the samurai, his reflexes were backing the weapon he swung around, he had aimed to question under which school his style developed from, though once the match was over he ended up losing sight of the kimono bearing swordsman as he was dragged off to the infirmary to check for injuries and to reimburse him for his fight.

He'd long left the stadium after his loss aiming to find himself among the company of the West Khan and Olivia once more, he wished to see the upcoming tournament with his own eyes after all, and spending the night in that arena wasn't going to leave his senses in a favorable position. Besides, he needed to see if the West Champion is strong enough to retain the title given the rumors spreading around about the East's new roster.

Zero didn't remember what happened after he turned his music upon leaving the arena or when Gaius had split up from him. He just knew that his coin purse had found itself considerably heavier and his ginger companion had left in pretty high spirits, though the question remained as such, when? He didn't recognize the lit hall he had been walking down absently, however, he knew where his destination was meant to be and due to that he would naturally assume down this hall he walked would reside the blue-haired prince who had lifted him out of the snow. 

As Zero continued down the hall adorned with flickering torchlight giving the atmosphere a warm amber hue, the one wearing a sweater under his kimono would find himself stopped as he neared his destination- or, that was his assumption given the familiar guard outside of it, one whom the Ronin never learned the name of, mind you but one that had been present when the Prince gave his invitation, stopping just a foot away from the knight watching onwards, Zero would find himself locked into a conversation with the one guarding the door inwards.

"...I'm here to talk with the Prince about his job offer."

The knight was towering with armor that matched his stature, if he were to describe it in his own words, Zero would probably claim the man had the appearance of a man made to serve, bearing well-groomed brown hair with armor that reflected the room around it, the armor appeared to be extremely well maintained, near perfect condition as well despite the skirmish the man had allegedly taken part in earlier... Whenever earlier was, that is.

"Ah yes, I've been waiting outside of Milord's room in hopes that you would arrive, my name is Frederick, I am the retainer and caretaker of the Prince and Princess of Ylisse. I would request you identify yourself in turn as I am the one who will be speaking with you about the conditions of your employment." Frederick had claimed, his voice was calm and collected as he spoke with the katana-wielding psychopath who appeared in the freezing snow with his entire upper body exposed to the elements, Frederick had managed to convince his lord to allow him to handle the recruitment of such a being and the tactician thankfully agreed.

"My name is Zero, formerly of the New Mecca Military and up until recently I worked as a mercenary, though as you can tell I'm hoping to change that." Zero would list off to match Frederick's introduction, his hand found itself around the hilt of his weapon to gain a sense of comfort for the interview ahead, or what he assumed to be the interview.

"Why?" Frederick asked with the same composure and demeanor as before, but Zero could tell there was something more. "Why do you wish to join the Shepherds? Why were you sleeping in the cold during a Feroxi winter? Where is this "New Mecca"?" The personal questions, the persistent gleam in the interrogator's brown eyes. This man was a cautious type, though Zero had mowed down men employed by those cautious types this was the first time that he had encountered that was in a tone friendlier than a gun aimed at his head.

It was a good calm, even if it showed that the retainer was suspicious of him which.. wasn't at all unjustified.

"Back home in New Mecca from my knowledge the military used to administer a drug to certain individuals that showed promise, apparently I was one of them? My memory's not that well considering I lost a part of my brain in that war. Really can't say I remember how I got the pleasure of waking up in a damn tundra though... Regardless." Zero would tap his head scar, Frederick however appeared tired of supposed amnesiacs showing up seeking purpose in the Shepherds.

"The drug improved my reflexes, almost as if I could predict the future during a fight, or sometimes outside of them. But combined with this head injury, It's been pretty debilitating too. Sometimes it feels like things slow down to a crawl and it feels as if I'm just.. stuck in my head, when the war ended seven years ago I needed a considerable rehabilitation period, but the one who took care of me sent me on.. jobs." Zero was uncertain if he should be relaying this information.

Well, that's ignoring the very clear fact that if the psychiatrist had seen him after the incident in Chinatown the man would likely try to strangle Zero for the amount dead police that sought to stop his chase of the Dragon, the man wasn't very particular understanding for one that was meant to monitor his mental health.

"So this person, he was the one who managed your mercenary work on top of your recovery? That is.. most strange." Frederick spoke to break off the silence, it appeared the man had been going idle during the conversation and for one that was supposed to judge if he were fit to travel among the militia it was vital for Zero to build his case, and Frederick aimed to poke holes in it once everything was center stage.

"You could say that, yeah.."

With a twist of a bronze-colored doorknob, Zero would enter a familiar room, the flickering fireplace as fall had found itself in full swing was noted as his black eyes find themselves situated on a man in a red suit and glasses glancing over documents, beckoning the Samurai closer, he'd speak with something of an annoyed tone to his voice.

"Come, take a seat."

And Zero complied, it was routine at this point and if he was to ever recover and find himself free of this constant cycle he'd need to follow the lead of someone who knew what they were doing, even if some of what they do is downright questionable there was quite the bit of trust put into them by the samurai.

"So... tell me about last night's assignment, specifically... What the HELL was going through your head? Your decision to abandon your mission last night was UNCHARACTERISTICALLY UNPROFESSIONAL AND. . ."

The man went quiet for but a moment, Zero took this time to think about how he would explain this, before the Psychiatrist spoke up again, staring Zero right in the eyes. He was calm but the voice he took had quite the amount of restraint behind it.

"Inscrutable... Our employers are extremely displeased... I await a compelling explanation.." Mayhaps it was to give Zero a constant reminder that failure was paramount for execution but the psychiatrist's tone didn't ease up.

"..The scientist would have died." 

The night replayed in his head, he found himself trudging through a factory he barely knew the layout of, dodging fan blade to bullets in hopes of achieving his objective, to save someone instead of ending yet another life, only for the sound of beeping to ring through his ears in the actual attempt, a collar strapped with explosives leaving a bloody mess where there was once a person.

Zero attempted to right this wrong, of course, he would be wrong not to do so but even as his precognition finally warned him of the third party watching the scenario, the collar would activate instantly. There was no longer a chance to speak to him unlike the previous predictions, it was an explosion that Zero could only watch cover the walls with viscera.

"The scientist would have died, I was trying to be fast but.." Zero trailed off.

"What are you talking about?" The psychiatrist would ask firmly, though with a present sense of curiosity

"My precognition showed that his death was inevitable. I could not prevent it." Zero would shut his eyes with a sense of shame, loss was a rare outcome for the supposed government hired assassin.

"You're referring to your precognition? I see... That is... Unfortunate, but acceptable, I'll relay this to our employers." He'd push up his glasses as he moved towards his desk in the corner, aiming to pick up several items, A syringe full of blue glowing liquid and a dossier, his usual assignment, it seems despite his failures as an assassin, he'd soon have another job regardless.

"..He was meant to make sure I got better, I don't know if he succeeded or not, but I'm still here regardless."

Frederick nodded his head as he diligently thought over the information given..

"...There's but one more thing I need to affirm before coming to a conclusion, would you be willing to follow me to the training grounds, Zero?" The knight would ask.

"That's fine, yeah." Zero would respond.

As Frederick lead the ronin down the hall he recalls his directives, rather.. what it was he was supposed to be doing, Chrom was overly trusting that much was for sure, he allowed Frederick to lead the interview under the pretense that denial was to be given only if the intent to harm the shepherds could be proven and frankly... It could not, Zero had the prattling of a madman that much was for sure. But outwardly malicious? That would be hard to prove.

Much against his cautious nature, it was likely that Zero was to join the militia at this rate unless that injury of his proves too debilitating there was a likely chance he was to travel with the idle ronin with a past seeming far closer to fiction than he would prefer in Chrom's Shepherds.

"We will be using practice weapons, this is for little else than to gauge potential and ability," Frederick stated as he had picked up a particularly heavy blunt pole.

As Zero gazed around the grounds, filled with bonfires, benches and of course the fire blooded Feroxi aiming to better themselves, though there was a familiar addition amongst the faces filled with strangers and unknowns, and that would be the Snow-Haired Tactician sitting on a bench, pen and paper at the ready.

"Hello! I uh... I'm here to write down how you do with Freddie here! If you're going to be joining us it's best to get things like this examined so I don't end up putting you in a bad scenario if you end up passing this." The stranger would speak up, he never got her name but Zero saw her around, and there weren't many people walking around with white hair that looked as young as her so she was somewhat memorable in terms of appearance.

"I see." He'd end up responding, his hand finding itself on a practice sword that didn't mimic that of what he normally used, more so a western broadsword than the eastern katana that he wore. Albeit this was what was requested and so he wouldn't complain towards the man for not wanting to be smacked around with a Bokken.

"The evaluation ends once either of us could deal a definitive final blow, are you prepared?" Frederick asked, glaring at the black-haired swordsman as he reached for his pocket pulling out a strange piece of string and.. inserting it into his ear? Curious.

"..About as ready as I can be." Zero responded as he hit play on his music player.

Clubber Language

Bill Kiley

This was different, Zero didn't land on this specific song whilst he was working very often, but it was still welcome regardless. Frederick was to be a foe that could most likely overpower him quite easily, something to pump himself up was always welcome though could lead to some unsavory situations depending on how he plays this.

"We will begin." Frederick approached as he warned, Zero had seen such and raised the blade in preparation, though... it was obvious that he was not used to such a weapon yet.

The fight could end in a single move, the assumption was to land a faux fatal blow, and with the blunt nature of the practice weapon he held with his two hands, he could probably find himself letting loose. After all, most fights he's been in left him under the impression that he shouldn't aim for this or that, most fights were meant to be nonlethal and the freedom to strike where he wanted was a welcome one.

Zero would aim to make the first strike, though as of recent his style had been very much been wait and see since he could generally start over at any time, the stakes were lacking in this particular fight, nothing told him to act exceptionally or to give the battle much caution. It was to test his abilities so they might as well see how he acts on the offensive.

Frederick expected a fast swordsman judging by the lightweight appearance of the attire he wore, and he was right to expect such considering the man had appeared to break into a sprint towards the armored one, Frederick was unsure of his current mindset or how he planned to take the course of the battle but one thing was clear. Letting him close the distance would be a foolish mistake, and a fatal one in a real battle.

The Knight would furrow his brow as he attempted to knock Zero off of his footing early, thrusting his training lance forward only to be met with the sound of wood against wood, -THWACK- as the Ronin would put his weapon to use by catching the thrust at an angle with the edge of his broadsword, deflecting the blow upwards away from his vitals, albeit it wasn't a good strategy for a real fight given the wooden pole Frederick was using had no edge to it thus the likelihood of an actual sword breaking or such a deflection failing. It was a good fit here, he felt.

He's doing well to close the distance, however, I should not allow him to get close, perhaps I should..

Having missed his blow, the Knight aimed to cause an upset, this was not something he would condone for others of thrusting weapons but the Feroxi Training Weapon.. It was essentially a blunt log, and so there was little difference between thrusting or swinging the implement. and... Oh boy, did Frederick swing.

It was a wide sweep, the implement came hurling in like a baseball bat aiming to cave Zero's skull in! The Ronin aimed to break into a roll as soon as he saw the man wind up the swing but- too early it seemed, giving Frederick the chance to alter the swing of his trajectory- And he landed it.

The impact was painful, Frederick's lance nailed him in the back and sent the poor Ronin FLYING, well, not far mind you, but farther than he expected from the knight, he had some strength on him, that's for certain. As Zero finished unceremoniously being flung across the field he found himself crumpled on the ground for a moment or two longer than he'd expect, glancing over himself to make sure he wasn't bleeding from the impact whilst biting back his pain.

"..You are allowed to yield, you understand this, yes?" Frederick asked as he walked closer, "If you cannot handle a strike like this, I doubt you'd be ready to face those on the open road, the bandits have grown restless again and they carry weapons far less blunt than the sword and lance we both bare.." A warning for the Ronin.

"I.. just needed to make sure of something before I continued," Zero affirms as he rises back to his feet, ignoring the strain of rising back up, the mounting fatigue that Zero had found himself facing as his boots drag on the gravel below him as he heard the electronic drums match up with his breathing which was.. not truly a good sign, he was feeling lightheaded and his limbs had felt like someone tied cinderblocks to them.

The lance came hurling in, Frederick had reached him it seems and he was aiming to commit to a decisive victory here and now, aiming to pin the fatigued Ronin back down to the ground where he landed but he moved as he saw the pole move in, turning as the weapon nearly grazed him, it was a split second reaction but one that would at the very least keep Zero in for just that long.

With both hands on his weapon, he'd break into a sprint, essentially hugging the pole that nearly knocked him out as he aimed to make a sprint-

With surmounting speeds he'd raise his weapon skywards as he finally reached Frederick, and he would SWING  

Yes, that would work.

Frederick and the Ronin found themselves seated with the tactician, Frederick specifically was tending towards a swelling part of his head with some strange kind of bottle, medicine he assumed. The evaluation was taxing, it didn't help that Zero does not remember the last time he's seen a bed or a comfortable couch, it was daylight out. How long was he going for? Did he ever sleep?

"How did I do?" He'd ask, it was best to get his mind off of the prospect of sleeping.

"..You were not lying about your nigh precognitive ability, to not only dodge such an assault but to restrain the very weapon used is not something performed by amateurs, you know what you are doing at the very least, though it would not hurt to improve your physique further, If I had struck your limbs I'm certain the bones would have snapped." Frederick gave credit where credit was due, but he too had to point out weaknesses.

"Fast, good reaction time... frail, probably need to set up a training regimen to improve his pain tolerance, he took a good while to get off the ground.." The snow-haired woman would say with enthusiasm, writing Zero's abilities in her roster.

"..I have the job now, right?" A question that lingered on Zero's mind as he eyed between the one whom he'd defeated and the snow-haired tactician.

"You have not proved yourself to be trustworthy, stories of lands foreign to our own.. I find it more believable after you gained that head injury of yours you've begun to lose touch with reality. However, you have not shown intent nor will to harm the Halidom of Ylisse, so the conditions Milord has set for you have been.. fulfilled."  Frederick had said with some audible hesitation.

"Congratulations on getting into the Shepherds, Zero. My name is Robin and I'm the Tactician. It's good to meet you finally, we didn't exactly talk given the circumstances on the Longfort but I've heard both Chrom and Vaike talk plenty about you." She'd inform with something of an eager smile, though it was hard to place where this enthusiasm was coming from.

"..Seems kind of rushed, not to mention I'd expect Prince Chrom himself to be out here since he seems to have a pretty tight-knit relationship with the people he employs under this banner of his." Zero would point out, scratching at his chin idly as he shifted his eyes out to the others residing on the training grounds.

Frederick would find himself answering the question; "Milord has himself preparing for the fights ahead before the tournament as are most others of our roster, except our... tactician." 

Robin, practically feeling the daggers being shot into her spoke defensively, "H-hey! This was important to watch you know, not many people can best you, even when fighting without your horse. Besides, I can't be expected to juggle battle tactics and weapons training at the same time."

"...I've heard about the tournament, something to decide who'll be leading Ferox as a whole through bloodsports, they dragged Prince Chrom into it though?" Confusion was evident, why exactly was royalty getting mixed up in what could be a life or death scenario?

"Well, you can't walk up to a foreign nation that believed you have been bombarding them with bandits and ask for their aid without a price, that price just happened to be life-threatening but I've not seen an encounter that didn't end up like that for the Shepherds, I hope you understood this before coming into the fold, Zero."

"I would expect my life to be put on the line if I were to join a militia, yes." The samurai had spoken in a deadpan tone before inevitably that tone shifted, ever the curious one and, mayhaps aching for a particularly comfortable couch. He would ask the tactician two things. "Should I be expecting work today, or am I allowed free reign on what I'll be doing until the tournament is over?"

The Knight shook his head. "...We've yet to finalize a roster, I personally would not put you among the active combatants given those bags under your eyes, however, I am not the tactician. If I were you.. I would find a place among the barracks and rest, if you find yourself required, you'll likely be awoken."

Zero immediately perked up-

"Where can I find these barracks?"

New Aurealis

West-Khan Training Grounds

Marth had found himself being given a rather aggressive glare by the likes of the previous champion, he knew of course the reasoning behind such an act, the challenge that he had invoked had left a sour taste in the mouth of both participants that much was to be sure. He had expected an even battle between the man who fathered one of his closest companions, and yet all it took was a simple push to be completely disarmed and left slack-jawed.

He expected more out of him, and yet he still did not speak up about the true reasoning behind his loss to the Khan, merely speaking of it as falling to weakness, and yet mere hours before the tournament, the man appeared before him again, or rather her.

"...Woman." Lon'qu began after minutes of silence.

"Sir Lon'qu," Marth responded, deepening her voice much like the time before, albeit he knew her gender she still remained adamant about it being hidden.

"..."

Silence, well, it isn't as if it wasn't expected as Lon'qu worked up the courage to speak, Marth would raise her weapon against the Training Dummy and prepare to strike! Albeit idly since she dared not wear herself out.

"..I am no knight, nor am I a man of high status, do not refer to me as 'Sir'."

THWACK! Wood against leather! A sound that would likely remain consistent throughout the conversation ahead.

"Understood, Lon'qu."

A response came quicker than before, the initial inquiry that Lon'qu had on his mind was revealed before Marth made her next strike.

"...You have bested me through a weakness that I cannot overcome easily." He'd begin with.

"A weakness that I had no intention to exploit, given I've been masquerading as a man." Marth had interrupted with, admittance to his ploy.

"Do you believe yourself able for the trials ahead?" Lon'qu finished, he had no interest in prying reasonings behind a faux identity, no interest in the woman beyond her capabilities, beyond what she was prepared to sacrifice in the road ahead.

"...I am truthfully unsure, I've heard rumors of the opponents ahead, storming through the Longfort not taking a single life, royalty of the very bloodline I am imitating." Admittance from the masked swordsman, though the truth was bent in certain aspects.

Lon'qu grew silent once more as he watched Marth strike away at the dummy made of straw and leather, it was hard to draw the courage to speak, though he could at the very least detect some semblance of sincerity within the voice of the woman. They were uncertain.

"Do you believe you could have beaten me if my... inhibition had not conflicted with my true intentions?"  A question asked by the man, seeking the truth as he tightened his grip around something in his hand. Marth had paused her assault, thinking over the question carefully.

The battle was something of a rushed ordeal, Marth never had the brute strength her father yet inherited his style, to adjust it to her liking left her apocalyptic future very touch and go as she fought against malnutrition weakening her, she had very much seen the hell wrought by Grima, and yet her answer was still much to be considered. She was not one to fight against man, she fought against others specialized in taking down the rotting undead who barely had coordination outside of a select few, and those select few were usually considered insurmountable and thus were not to be engaged. 

Lon'qu was no such thing, he was not of the rotting undead, he had trained for most of his life to battle against a foe that Lucina had not ever considered, that Marth was still apprehensive about facing herself... Fellow man. And because of this, a conclusion was to be made.

"...Likely not, I may be underestimating my abilities but you've won tournaments for your Khan before, I've no such honors under my belt." She admitted to the stoic one, unsure of where this left her.

His hand extended outwards, the item within became clear as the man handed it out, an iconic brown bottle storing within a concoction that has saved its fair share of lives within her future, his voice rung out-

"I will not be responsible for your death, preserve yourself at all costs 'Marth'..."

"I will."

East Champion Barracks

Was this what sleeping with Chronos withdrawal felt like? Sleeping and yet aware of the time that passes, looking onwards as there were little dreams to be had, where he did not simply awaken at a later time but instead had to wait, Zero could only consider such as a truly agonizing experience as he attempts to keep his eyes closed and his breathing steady, hoping that he would have the privilege of passing into unconsciousness like he had many times before.

Insomnia was a cruel mistress.

Footsteps reverberated through the barracks and dorm that Zero had found himself trying to rest, normally Zero would have merely ignored the sounds of walking, however, his sleep-deprived state refused as it he found himself focusing on the sound of shoes against the wooden floor.

Before stopping audibly close nearby.

"...Sorry for disturbing you, but you're Zero, aren't you?" An unfamiliar voice had asked, earning Zero to stir from his attempt at slumber and open his eyes.

Olive-colored hair, average physique for a soldier with armor much like Frederick, though slimmer and swapping the blue palette with a notable green. Zero would turn to meet him, preparing to leave the bed that hadn't granted him the rest he desired.

"My name is Zero, yes." He found himself affirming to the armored one whose attention found itself elsewhere, towards the very bed Zero had struggled to sleep in.

"Do... do you always find yourself sleeping aside your weapon? I understand keeping it close but..." The attention was drawn to the maroon-colored sheath with the notable golden accent. "I parted with my weapon once before and the experience was not one I wish to repeat, best to keep it close than to find myself scouring the entirety of Aurealis due to a thief stealing it from our armory, no?"

"I suppose that's fair... Ah! My name is Stahl, I've been sent to see if you would be willing to participate in the tournament today or if you wish to sleep in..." He'd find himself trailing, the green-themed knight making out the visible fatigue in the eyes of the Samurai. "I'd probably take the chance to sleep  if I were you though, looks like you haven't gotten a wink since you marched with us yesterday."

"...It's fine, I slept enough," Zero murmured unconvincingly which left Stahl furrowing his brow. "Considering you're planning to go into deathmatch I'm not gonna shrug it off buddy, if you're insistent on going we should at the very least get something to keep you awake."

"Fine, as long as it doesn't take up too much of my time." Zero would grumble as his feet hit the floor, finding himself lead by Stahl further into the barracks, not exactly passing much else outside of the stray servant. Zero figured he should strike up some form of a conversation as he walked the halls with Stahl, best to fight off the sinking feeling that his feet were taking longer and longer to hit the ground. 

"Who else was picked?" which had gotten a glance from the cavalier.

"I... wasn't under the impression that you knew many of the Shepherds here yet." was his immediate answer upon hearing the question asked though of course, he'd amend it best he could. "Well, for one I'd say... Chrom definitely, he's too much of a hands-on type of person to NOT  get put in, and where there's Chrom there is also his retainer, Frederick. Robin was still deciding the others when I had left to get you, but I suppose it'll be a fun surprise for when we get back, hah."

Amid the conversation, Stahl seemed to of lead the duo into what seemed to of been a pantry, idly rummaging several supplies out of the Feroxi's storage before ultimately settling on a storage container of dry roasted beans, it was interesting to see that Ferox had supposedly stocked up for the fighters but something Zero didn't expect was coffee. Compared to the bright neon lights back home while this place had some interesting tidbits the people here were still riding horses.

"I'm not that big on coffee." Zero would warn the cavalier. "I'll see if I can manage to make it more palatable for you then, I'd rather our newest recruit not get skewered his first day on the job cuz he didn't get a good night's sleep y'know?" Stahl responded in a joking matter, though while his words were laced with obvious concern for the fledgling shepherd he figured there had to be a reason both Chrom and Robin had requested his presence at the tournament.

"...Are you familiar with tea?" Zero questioned as Stahl would finish grinding the beans in his mortar and pestle, idly responding as he retrieved a container that held within it ground cinnamon. "Somewhat, my family's business was an apothecary and while we tended to focus on medicines in bulk we've also tended to dabble in herbal teas, alcohols, vaaaaaaarious concoctions, you want a recommendation or something?"

"Yeah." Zero responded. "When I came home from work I'd tend to settle down with this herbal tea, I don't really know what it was but it tended to help me sleep. You know any like that?" Stahl began filling an empty mug with the powders he had acquired, mindfully setting sugar cubes beside them as he found himself thinking...

"Nettle is pretty cheap and it helps calm the nerves, could work if you find yourself looking for something bitter, but personally I'd say Lavender could do what you need, though it would be best to stock up on it as soon as you find it in the markets since they're generally hard to get in places like Ferox." He'd say finally filling the cup with water, it wasn't particularly hot but they were in a rush so it would have to do. "Done."

Zero nodded as he acquired the mug of coffee. "I'll look into it." He'd finally say before drinking the stuff, even if he didn't like the taste of coffee Stahl at least helped make it go down easier.

The two continued soon after, walking down the hall.

Zero had found himself feeling far more alert than when he initially approached Frederick. Far more ready than he was when he initially got out of bed to meet the room ahead of him, containing both strangers and acquaintances alike, Zero would approach the small crowd with a form of optimism whilst Stahl walked ahead.

The room they were in was relatively close to the grand arena where the Shepherds would find themselves battling inside, Zero was unsure how much time they had until they were to enter said arena but he wagered it isn't long given the entire militia was in the room, Vaike and Miriel being two notable figures in the crowd. One that caught his eye was a woman walking aside some kind of horse with wings? Did he not catch her when he marched with them to the capital?

"I brought the new recruit in just as you asked Chrom." Stahl asked, bringing the attention of most to the newly recruited Samurai who was in the middle of observing the avian foal, though his thoughts were interrupted by a crowd of strangers before he could spare too much time on thinking about it.

"Hi! My name is Lissa, I'm the medic for the tournament ahead! I'll be making sure that you don't bleed on everything so try to keep me safe yeah?" were the words spoke by the actual chi- er, no that isn't entirely accurate. Moreso... a teenager? Blonde and frail looking wearing what best resembled a birdcage as a dress, she really appeared young to be in this sort of group but he hadn't time to dwell on it given-

"Hey! so you're the runt who managed to catch Frederick off guard? Heh, the name's Sully, I won't be fighting beside you today but that doesn't mean I don't wanna see how you do. Wipe the floor with them, would you? And make it entertaining! I wanna get pumped up before I try my hand against you." A spirited red-haired cavalier found herself proclaiming to the swordsman.

"I'm Kellam, I've actually tried introducing myself to you before but you seemed in a bit of a trance- I won't be participating with you but I wish you the best of l-"

"I hope you'll do well in the tournament ahead! I actually recently went under my first official engagement in the Shepherds myself, since I finally found my own pegasus... O-oh right I uh, almost forgot! My name is Sumia, I've been told you're called Zero?" Rose-tinted armor, brown hair whom apparently had a winged horse, she appeared interesting at the very least from what he's seen of her.

"Great t'see ya again Zero, Congrats on gettin' in the Shepherds! I'm sure Freddie gave ya hell in his test! Also, y'better keep up with The Vaike in the tournament, this is gonna be dangerous and I don't want you forgettin'." A familiar boisterous voice belonging to the Shepherds number one axe fighter, Vaike was a good sort of person albeit lacking somewhat but that wasn't really a problem.

"It seems I'll be competing as well my friend, I would wish to observe the true nature of your style in the battle ahead however it is unwise to change focus in what may be a lethal confrontation..." Miriel spoke up, a wordier type than Vaike but a good person regardless, at the very least Zero believed so.

"Glad to see you were able to make it Zero! I won't be able to join you all considering I don't tend to do well in combat scenarios so I ended up handing off most of my notes to Chrom, so I'll still be helping out from the stands! I'm sure you guys can do it." Robin had offered in the midst of introductions and warm greetings, it was fair to say that he was being somewhat overwhelmed but that was fine, best all at once than having to meet them all individually.

"I'm glad " Chrom had offered with a warm smile and high hopes for the man.

Zero was unsure how to respond to the majority of what was said, though he did note an aching familiarity about the closeness of the group he aimed to enter, soon enough his voice would find itself raised as he gave somewhat of a ballsy claim towards those who took him in.

"I will try to live up to your expectations."

They entered the arena, Zero, Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, Vaike, Miriel. They would all find themselves facing off in a battle that tempts lethality, a battle where every life finds itself at risk and where even the most skilled fighter could falter. The crowd around them roared as the Ylissean league left the door, and as the opposing party did the same as well.

"Alright oaf, I'll admit that you've picked plenty of strong champions within your reign, but today is the day the WEST falls!"

The Eastern Khan had said oh so boisterously over the crowd, catching the attention of most. Zero couldn't exactly figure out how she managed to raise her volume higher than the horde of Feroxi in the stands but he just saw a flying horse a good minute or two ago, he wouldn't question the logic of this land. Not yet, at least.

"HEH, THAT SO WOMAN? I'll have you know that Lon'qu isn't the champion this year! That motley crew of foreign royalty isn't going to hold a candle to the one whose skills match the name he chose to uphold. That BOY won't hold a CANDLE to the legacy his ancestor built, he will not surmount... THE HERO KING MARTH!"

"Wait Chrom, you don't think he means..." Lissa uttered to her brother over the loud roar of the crowd, as her eyes land firmly on the other side of the arena. The door in which they resided in SLAMMED open! The eager foreign fighters funneling out and with them, came a familiar sight. One who had saved her very life recently.

"...I think they rehearsed that." Zero found himself uttering, the West Khan does seem the type for theatrics.

"Big talk Oaf, but that's all it is, nothing but words! Give the crowd the ACTIONS to back it up! Hah, unless you'd wish to retire early?"

"Marth or no, we'll need to clash against them all the same, Shepherds... To arms!" Chrom called, aiming to put Robin's advice to good use in the fight ahead as he commanded various parties towards specific foes, Sending Vaike after the armor knights whilst given Miriel the go ahead to face off against the mages. Frederick found himself making sure the Princess had stayed safe during the encounter, which left the Samurai sticking alongside Chrom as his focus remained on the blue-haired warrior from across the arena.

"A relative of yours?" A question that he hadn't made the effort in asking, instead doing as he always performed, placing one of his fragile reminders of New Mecca into his ears, his hand aiming to turn on his music player that had rested comfortably within the pockets of his clothing-

"Zero."

But ceased as Chrom appeared to have something to say.

"I've asked you to pair with me to make sure that whatever happens next isn't interrupted. Robin had a... fairly in-depth talk about what my role should be on the battlefield today but the one we're about to face off with, Marth... He's enough to make me change the plans." Chrom said with an uncertain tone, still not fully grasping why the one who had saved his life was fighting against the east, will he yield once the Prince explains his situation?

Zero hadn't a clue as to why Chrom had been so focused on the one across the arena, however he hadn't really much issue with it.

"Just know that if things appear to be heading into a scenario where you may be injured, I will intervene. Chrom." Zero decided to say, finally turning on his music player as the two began to advance.

Breath of a Serpent

LudoWic

"...Where... Where did you get that?" A question asked by a familiar voice, one whom she had met and assisted prior, and one that she had been hoping to protect for the sake of it all. Marth had stiffened as she had opened her eyes to meet his, the blue-haired Prince of Ylisse with an expression that appeared far more confused than Marth had ever seen him. 

Chrom had his gaze locked onto the blade that matched his own yet... didn't, at the same time. It appeared far more worn than he'd ever seen his own, well, outside of when he'd initially received it but that had been no surprise given the previous wielder had died using it.

Of course, his question had been returned with silence. Not exactly surprising given Marth seemed the type to keep his secrets from what Chrom could recall, though such behavior gave the prince nothing but uneasy feelings as he raised his weapon, as he could see the way Marth's hair almost identically matched his own in terms of color, his father's hair as well. Was Marth a long lost brother? A bastard that he'd no knowledge of? He wouldn't doubt it given what his father had done.

"Fine, our swords may speak for us."

Marth was not thinking properly as she found herself facing off against Chrom, one determined to win his future for Ylisse and her people against the threat of bandits on the border, the threat of an entire country weighing on his shoulders, the Feroxi had nothing of the sort, they had not contributed to the wronging of Plegia nor would they be attacked until the Valmese arrived, 

If she had simply allowed things to continue onwards without altering the course, the Shepherd's would fail without a doubt and Lon'qu would have reigned as champion. She may have been pushing for things to be rushed but this was for a better future, one where the prince had the support of Ferox- one where this dreadful war wouldn't end in the death of her aunt.

Chrom swung his weapon at her opting for Marth to raise her weapon in defense, Chrom's Falchion clashing against Marth's own as sparks dispersed from the clash of the divine blades as she felt the overbearing pressure of the Prince of Ylisse. Her expression had turned cocky within this exchange as she had begun to realize something, something that had proven this fight trivial.

*CLANK*

I shouldn't have expected any more of you.

She'd aptly adjust herself as the Prince's weapon slid down the fuller of its counterpart, inevitably breaking contact upon leaving the tip due to the excessive force Chrom had been putting in- sending him tumbling forward. This was not whom Marth had recalled, although they fought similarly to her recollection, Chrom hadn't the same experience of the one she recalled fondly upon.

Which certainly complicated things when it came to purposely losing this tournament, she certainly hadn't wanted to go out easy given the Khan's faith, how could she lose convincingly? A question she dwelled on for only a moment as the blue-haired lord recovered from his stupor forward, correcting himself almost instantly as he turned and swung with some momentum, aiming to hit Marth whom, to his knowledge was still behind.

However, Marth was far more light footed than her fellow prince, instead of remaining still she found herself back pedaling, albeit his strength wasn't too impressive in comparison of what she recalled, her attempt at losing still flat in her mind, mayhaps...

It would not hurt to see the others my father had brought along, would it?

Chrom had aimed to pursue Marth on the battlefield, it was hard not to feel toyed with considering she had parried his blows with ease, not to mention stepping out of his range when he'd fixed his stance and attempted to turn it into a feinted gambit- He was getting read by her and he wasn't entirely sure why, by the time he had bridged the distance and aimed to strike his eyes caught upon something alarming, That stance...

"Where did you learn to fight?"

Chrom had shouted as he gripped the hilt of his weapon until his knuckles turned white, with both hands he'd move in, mirroring Marth's stance in almost every way as he advanced with the tip of his weapon aimed to his side as he made a mad dash towards her- Of course, Marth would do the same, seemed fair enough to mirror him.

"My father!"

*SHINK*

She'd respond, biting back as the two blades clashed again, gritting her teeth as the two matched in momentum, if Chrom had matched up even slightly to Marth's expectations she was sure that the Falchion would have flown from her hands, but that wasn't the case. Not at all. It was another stalemate with an edge against an edge. Her blood was pumping as she began to push back.

"Now YIELD already!"

*SHHHHHHHHHH*

Further and further, Chrom was placed on the defensive as he took each step back, noticing the faintest glimmer of light from the blades they had attempted to overpower the other with, there were no sparks so where exactly...? In this moment of curiosity Chrom was pushed further back, making an indent on the gravel of the arena. He couldn't back down now, as he aimed to retort to Marth's words he'd-

Watch helplessly as Zero's wooden geta appear to plant themselves into the cheek of the one whom had taken his most famed ancestors name. Chrom stood there, dumbfounded as he watched Zero get off the ground, still processing what just occurred right in front of him. Zero had just DROPKICKED Marth! His eyes would trace over to where she was knocked for but a moment only to see the one who he had been battling against nursing a newly forming bruise as they had risen from the ground.

"Chrom, the time for questions is for before or after a battle, If you get distracted you'll be dead in no time, considering what I saw while I was dealing with those mages that were closing in on you, I'd say you're paying more attention reacting to them imitating you and less the actual skill they were displaying in that fight." 

Zero said, dusting his newly bloodied bathrobe off with one hand as he found himself noting Marth whom had chosen to remain still and await action from the two, which was fine by the Samurai.

"I don't know who this guy is, but the rest of the Shepherds are handling themselves. If we want our Khan to win, he's the last major obstacle we're stuck with, what's your call here?" His eyes drifted to the bluenette carefully, Zero's hand laying over his hilt.

Chrom had let out a loose sigh, truthfully he wished to handle this battle alone but the Samurai had gauged it was a losing battle, which he couldn't quite deny given that he was being read throughout the battle, and if the outside threats were dealt with, at least it would be in the favor of Ylisse. It hurt his pride but...

"With me, Zero."

Zero approached with Chrom in tow, the Samurai hadn't truly seen what Marth was capable of but he was sure he was soon to find out, aiming to take the lead against the masked one Zero closed the distance in little time, though Marth expected such given what she knew of the Chon'sin people and how they moved- mayhaps it was karma for besting Lon'qu unjustly to have to face one that was similar in style to him...

Zero's katana practically flew out of his sheath as he made his first strike! A streak of orange had been his slash as he had swung skywards at Marth from his katana's lowered position, his weapon of choice reflecting the lit flames around the ring as it did so.

Marth stepped back in an attempt to dodge, but she was too slow- The blade's tip grazing her chin and nearly her lip, her breath was shaky as she recognized the fatality of what had been performed if she hadn't gotten out of the way. Though, this wasn't that unfortunate, she had an opening now at least! With Zero's weapon having finished it's swing Marth would rush forth! Swinging horizontally at Zero's chest, feeling the impact of the Falchion against bone, feeling Zero's ribs shatter as her sword had broken through with brute force.

By all means it could lead be a fatal wound if left untreated but Marth appeared surprised that she even managed that much, her eyes squinting at the Prince aiming to defend the samurai.

I managed to land a blow!

I... I managed to land a blow..?

Zero would aim to close the distance with Chrom in tow, though, he slowed a tad as he was halfway towards the masked man, allowing the prince to catch up.

This... isn't where I started planning? Was I going through the motions without realizing it?

In something of a panic, Zero would feel where he had been struck in his previous attempt, only to note the lack of an injury, of course there wouldn't be one. He didn't fight Marth yet. It was all fi-

Marth swung her Falchion down towards Zero's shoulder as he had paused to check himself, a careless mistake in battle surely, but this should incapacitate one of the Shepherds and leave her battling against her father, she just had to make sure it hit hard-

But.. It didn't land? She never felt the resistance of her blade against flesh, merely seeing once again Zero running across the room like he hadn't taken a sword to the chest.

...Marth stared confused, she wasn't entirely sure of what was going on, was her mind playing tricks on her or were things reversing? She... She had approached Zero before, yet she was waiting in the same location she was before, and it couldn't of been in her mind, she felt the impact of the blade against bone! Was this fate resisting? She never struck a blow against her father, would it have the same effect?

Her breath caught in her throat as she thought about the implications of this.

You know, the strange part of this scenario for Zero, well, less than the fact that his careful planning had apparently brought him up to this point without his knowledge was the haunting idea that these resets- The reversals.. They were going without his input, usually he'd discuss in his head about how this wouldn't work, or how that wouldn't work. He doesn't get the choice anymore, it's back where he was before and he could hardly slow down, not with how he was at the moment.

It frightened him if he had to be honest, but he couldn't stop. Not yet.

Soon enough Chrom had passed him, Zero wasn't even aware that he had slowed down but he wouldn't complain, aiming to keep pace with the bluenette, the previous runs had ended early due to underestimating his opponent, he could afford to do that due to Chronos keeping him going, but it was clear it was running low- and it would be a miracle if he beat the withdrawal.

If it's gotten to the point he can no longer slow everything down to process it all, it was clear he needed to pick up a new strategy, after all he was a competent swordsman when it came to lethal fights, if he intended to beat the withdrawal symptoms he'd need to learn how to avoid depending on it.

"..We've got you outnumbered two to one, could you not yield Marth? You've aided us once before after all." Chrom asked, standing across from the swordsman as Zero stood beside him, hand hovering over his weapon expecting yet another attack given what he warned him about, but if he wanted to play bait for an encounter he wasn't exactly against it.

"...I will not, I was picked as the Champion of the West. I can not yield without a fight." Marth would respond, her weapon aimed towards Chrom.

The prince would nod knowingly, his weapon already drawn as he thrusted his blade forwards! Marth, the masked warrior originally was out to test if she could overpower him as he was now, but with Zero besides him she didn't wish to risk the idea, instead opting to use her superior speed to sidestep the would-be stab and

*CLANG*

divert Zero's incoming blade with what little momentum she had. He had come in with a diagonal cut, something broad to keep Marth's sword occupied as she either took the blow or parried the katana, he was hardly sure what she would have done, but it seemed she played it smart. That didn't mean Zero didn't keep swinging! The sounds resonated throughout the arena as Zero smirked, it seemed Marth didn't have the confidence to dodge Zero's attacks.

What a fatal flaw, confidence is what makes and breaks a fight, I suppose.

Chrom had barreled into Marth from the side! Seems Chrom had the quick sense to tackle Marth while she was in the midst of trying to hold Zero off, and with her reluctance to test her speed against Zero's it had ended up with the masked fighter on the ground.

Zero pushed his Katana against her throat as Chrom held her down, the tip pressing against her skin as the Samurai had spat a singular word.

"Surrender."

Yes that... will work?