"That's the story," Robin says. "Maybe we were fools in bringing the Fire Emblem. But there is still time to prevent Grima's resurrection. We just need to get the Fire Emblem back."

"How long until they summon him?" I ask. "And where?"

"I can only think of one place," Robin says. "The Dragon's Table."

"Dragon's Table?" I ask.

"Three years ago, during the war with Plegia, I did a lot of research to indicate where we could strike to cripple Plegian morale," Robin said. "One of the key locations was the Grimleal's massive religious site at the Dragon's Table. It's a massive altar, and I think Grima could be summoned there."

Lucina's face was set in a hard frown, but Robin continued. "It's not too far from here. We could reach it within a day's time. But..."

Chrom stepped out of the medical tent. His wounds looked far less severe than Robin's, but he was still in pain as he walked over to us.

Robin looked at him. "Chrom...what I did back there. It was unforgivable."

"Enough of that, Robin. We're going to find him and stop his wicked plans." Chrom's face was determined, but still kind.

"Right. He'll pay for this." Robin's fist smacked into his hand.

"The Lucina of this time won't have to endure the hardships that I did," Lucina said. "And for that, I am glad."

Robin nodded. "It's time. Once the army is prepared, we make for the Dragon's Table!"


The sun is now low in the sky. I'm been sitting in my tent, lying down and endlessly flipping a Ylissean coin. Heads. Heads. Tails. Heads. Over and over. When you have to kill time, doing something repetitive with your hands is great. I knew a guy who carried change in his pockets at all times, and whenever he was bored he'd count the change.

We're not making for the Dragon's Table tonight. Injuries still have to heal, and we move faster in daylight anyway. Even though Robin desperately wanted to go right now, Chrom and Lucina persuaded him otherwise. Robin slinked away to think or something like that.

I wonder what my friends are up to. Are they okay? Are they worried?

Or will this be like some sort of fantasy story, where I go back to my world and it's still the same day as when I left? Ha. What book was that, again? I can't remember. I know I read it, but I just can't remember it. There was something about a witch and some foolishness about beavers. But that's all I can remember.

I wish I knew what's going on back home. It's been three months. Three long months spent working to become a half-decent swordsman. What would my friends think of me now?

It's getting hard to remember their faces.

I need something. A sign. Just to know that they're alive out there. That I can make it back.

As I contemplate, Lucina steps into my tent. I actually don't notice her until she stands above my bed. "John. I need to tell you something." Her voice is uncertain.

I sit up and look her in the eye. "What is it?"

"...Tonight, I'm going to kill Robin."

Wait, what?

"You're going to kill Robin?" I ask. "Why?"

"In my future...Robin killed my father," she says. "And I won't let the same thing happen again. It is the only way to turn the course of history."

"Is killing him the only way?" I ask her after a long pause.

"Yes," she replies. "Robin will kill Chrom if we do nothing. John. I came here to ask your help in this."

"Why not anyone else?! Why not Lon'qu, or Cordelia, or Henry?"

"They wouldn't think of killing him," she says. "No, they hold far too much love in their heart for him. John. The human race is worth more than one life. You and I, we both know this." She extends her hand to help me up. "Help me. This is the only way we can survive the gathering storm."

Is this morally right, to kill a man to save humanity? I don't know. What is the worth of a person's life? That can't be just expressed in words so easily. A life is an abstraction, formed of memory and perception. But is it worth it to kill a brilliant mind to allow humanity to live?

...Yes.

I think she might be right.

If Robin dies tonight, that's one life out of thousands, maybe even millions. If he kills Chrom and resurrects Grima, then those millions are doomed. It's one life versus thousands. That's simple math. A thousand is greater than one single life.

"I'll help you."


The sun is almost touching the horizon. We're in a remarkably grassy field about ten minutes' walk from camp. Robin is out here, alone, thinking. A rather peaceful final look at the world, I would say. There are far worse places to die. Here, one can see the twilight's last light give way to the dark oppressiveness of night.

On the business at hand, though. We are on a mission. Lucina and I are both armed. Her with Falchion, me with a plain steel sword. In addition, we're in armor, just in case he resists. Hopefully, he accepts our judgment.

We walk up behind him. He's facing to the west, towards the setting sun.

"Beg pardon, Robin," Lucina says. The man turns around from his thoughts and looks at the two of us. "Might I have a word?"

He stands up and dusts off his pant legs. "Ah, Lucina. What is it?"

"It's about my father," she says firmly. "I have memories of him. From when I was a child." She pauses. "Before he...died."

"Ah," Robin says. "I see. Continue."

She exhales and continues. "He was courageous, and kind. Everybody spoke fondly of him. And they say he was brave until the very end." Her voice shakes slightly. "As I grew up, I always yearned to know him better. And now that I do...I can see that the world will be deprived of a great man." She pauses and touches the hilt of her still-sheathed sword. "And I won't let that happen."

"Well, of course," Robin says with a chuckle. "You love him."

"Robin, I...forgive me." Her voice shakes again, almost to the point of cracking.

She draws her sword, and I follow suit.

"Lucina?! And you, John?!" Robin is clearly perplexed. "What's this all about?"

"Stay right there, Robin," Lucina says. "I have no choice. I must kill you."

"This is madness!" Robin says. "Why?!"

"In my future...you become my father's murderer." Lucina's voice gains its firmness again.

"That's insane!" Robin yells. "I would never-"

"I was not certain until now," Lucina says, interrupting him. "All I knew was that he had been killed by his closest friend. And I travelled here to discover his murderer's identity and prevent his death from ever occurring."

Robin's eyes flick between the two of us. I don't think he had a plan for this.

"Three long years have passed since my arrival," Lucina says. "I've been waiting a long time to find out who was the one who killed my father. And today's events make it clear to me. You are at the mercy of Validar. And if he takes hold as Chrom turns his back to you...then it is all over."

"Lucina, John. Wait just a minute."

She pays him no heed as she continues. "If Chrom is right - if we can change fate - then there is only one sacrifice needed to prevent the dark future ahead." She tightens her grip on her sword. "I am sorry, Robin." She shifts her stance so she can strike quickly. "I know this is murder..."

"Lucina, you don't have to..." Robin tries to say.

"Don't make it harder!" Lucina yells. "Don't resist, and I will make your death swift and painless." Her voice shakes once more. "Just...let this be done..."

Time almost stands still.

I shift my footing ever so slightly to match Lucina's stance.

"No." Robin says finally. "I won't let you simply kill me."

"I understand," Lucina says. "Then you will meet your end in battle, Robin." There is a moment of silence before the duel erupts.

Lucina strikes first with a swing for the torso. Robin dodges backwards and draws his Levin Sword from his longcoat. Did I just not notice that hidden there?

It doesn't matter. I rush in and swing my sword to his left leg. He blocks. I dodge backwards to evade a swipe from his jagged sword. Lucina rushes in and swings for the neck, but the attack is swiftly dodged.

Robin stands a couple feet away from us. He's gasping and in clear pain, even though he didn't get hit, so he must have reopened a wound. He looks like he's about to fall to his knees.

"Enough!" Chrom yells. "Everyone, lower your swords!"

"Chrom, you don't-" I say.

"Lower your swords!" His voice is very loud and commanding. I almost obey, but I see that Lucina still holds her blade.

"But-" Lucina says.

"Lucina! Lower your sword!" Chrom yells.

Lucina doesn't. "You don't understand! This is the only way that we can change fate and turn the course of history!"

"No!" Chrom's voice has lowered, but he is still very loud. "Our bonds, the ties that connect and strengthen us, those are what can change fate! Death will create nothing!"

"If there is something I can do to prevent the horrors I endured, then I will do anything. Nothing will stand in my way," Lucina says. "If you allow him to live, then your fate is already sealed."

"I trust Robin, Lucina. Nothing can shake my faith in him." Chrom says. "Lower your sword."

"...Fine," Lucina says, sheathing Falchion. "Pray that you are right, Chrom." She turns around and leaves. I silently follow, feeling more an observer than a player in these events.

Well, can't say today was uneventful.

I need a vacation, damn it.