NOTE: Fire Emblem characters and dialogues belong to Nintendo. I own nothing.

Chapter 9: A Shared Power

Time has gone by in Ylisse. As days went ahead, they kept on finding the future children from different parts of the continent. After meeting Owain and Inigo, they soon found Tharja's daughter Noire after being kidnapped by bandits, soon after that, they found Sumia's daughter, Cynthia who, just like her mother, is also a Pegasus Knight. The weird thing was, Cynthia was fooled by a brigand who she thought was Prince Chrom, so she fought against the group. After realizing the truth and almost got herself killed by one of the brigands, Ryoma came to the rescue after nearly getting killed by a Fighter brigand, and since then, she began idolizing Ryoma as her hero.

"Oh wow that armor looks so COOL!" Cynthia chirped on the grunting Hoshidan king. "And wow that sword! You really are a hero!"

"I appreciate the compliment little one. But trust me, I'm no hero."

"Whaaat? But you sure look like one!" Cynthia retorted. "Hey, can you tell me how to make a dashing entrance like that? Please?"

"But, didn't I just say I'm no—"

"Oh come on! Don't be shy! Now c'mon please, please please?"

Ryoma grunted. The young Pegasus Knight wouldn't stop asking him; despite saying to her again and again that he is no hero. "Looks like you've got yourself a fan Big Brother," Corrin giggled. The Hoshidan king just shot her a look, while Sumia kept on apologizing to him.

Days after that, they also found another tactician just like Robin. They soon found out that she was Robin's daughter, Morgan. However, she lost her memories of her past, but she still remembered her father. Even Robin himself was surprised that he would have his own daughter in the future.

There were still many more of the children that are missing. In fact, they still haven't found Camilla's own retainer, Selena. They warned her that, if they ever meet, she best be prepared for what she's going to discover about her retainer. She might even find out her true name, which of course, is still unknown to the group.

After shortly arriving in Valm Harbor, Chrom and co immediately rushed to battle as they saw a woman being cornered by the Valmese. The way the woman looked reminded the Hoshidan nobles as one of their samurai. Under Chrom's command and Robin's guidance, they managed to secure the homes of the port, fend off the Valmese, and save the woman swordmaster.

"Mercy, friends!" said the woman. "The tales of your strength were no exaggeration... I am called Say'ri, and I fight with the Resistance."

"So there is an organized resistance?" asked Chrom.

"Aye, of sorts. Several groups formed to seek liberty for the states of Valm."

"I thought the emperor had stamped out all dissenters..."

"He tries, but we Resistance are a slippery lot," Say'ri explained. "We strike hard and then vanish again into the dark of night. Even now rebels ride to the banner of dynasts across the continent. United, we could pose a veritable threat to Walhart. And so, for some time I have struggled to bring us together."

"What's stopping you?" the female khan Flavia asked.

"Greed. Jealousy. Sloth. All the old weaknesses of man," Say'ri grimaced at the thought. "The dynasts all would have freedom, but on their own terms. Some refuse to take up arms unless their territory is threatened. Others thrive under the Conqueror's heel and will not join unless there is profit in it. Liberty is a fine word, aye, but not always enough to rouse men from foolishness."

The female khan raised a brow, "I take it you're looking for a more convincing argument, then?"

Say'ri nodded, "Just so, although my efforts thus far have met with meager success. I fear many distrust me because my brother fights for Walhart."

"Your brother?" Corrin asked. "Your brother works for the Conqueror? Why?"

Say'ri looked down with sadness. "Would that I knew, good lady. Yen'fay was a good man once, but he is my brother no more!" Say'ri's eyes filled with anger. "If we meet on the battlefield, I would cut him down, same as any other imperial. Walhart is said to command a million men now. Perhaps more. Sooner or later he will stamp out the Resistance entirely, if we do not unite."

"Um, Chrom? Did she just say he has a MILLION soldiers?" Lissa said in worry.

"Ha! And what are one million men against the Ylissean dogs of war?! You stopped a thousand of their ships, did you not? Your daring strategy has awoken and inspired people across all of Valm. Together I know we can yet unite the Resistance and break Walhart's grip! Help me, Prince Chrom! I beg of you!"

Frederick eyed on the Ylissean prince, "Milord?"

Chrom sighed. "This is no easy thing you ask of me. I have my own causes: a halidom to save and a future to win." He thought for a minute, thinking that this may be one of those chances that will change the future. "I know a great battle has been foretold, but is this it? How to know? Still, I admire your courage... Perhaps your mission is the best way to achieve mine. So yes, Say'ri. I will join your cause with my own. And if I'm wrong, it's my life on the line. ...As it should be. Now. What will it take to unite your people?"

"Well, I do have one idea..."

Corrin reminded this whole situation back in her homeland. Back when there was an all-out war between Nohr and Hoshido, and also Garon's quest for power. He nearly conquered Hoshido, and later on drove him into destroying the two kingdoms. Of course, they knew later on that he was a lifeless puppet of Anankos, and that the real Garon died long ago. And then, there was the resistance in Cheve, led by Scarlet. Perhaps if Scarlet and Say'ri would have met, they'd probably understand each other.

What struck her is the thought about Say'ri bringing down her own brother. Even she couldn't understand why he would join the Conqueror's cause, and knew it felt like an utter betrayal, bad it's still a sad thought. She remembered fighting her own siblings before she gained their trust to fight for a greater cause. It was heart wrenching, but hey, this is war, and it tore people apart. She hoped to never fight her siblings that way again.

"Corrin?" Robin held her shoulder, snapping her back to reality. "Are you okay? You look dazed."

"Oh no… it's…" she sighed. Her crimson eyes met on the blade princess. "A-are you sure about this? Fighting your own brother?"

The rest of her siblings looked at Corrin. They knew that she had experienced the same thing, about fighting her own beloved siblings. They felt guilty for turning on poor Corrin who was only trying to reason with them, and convinced them to fight alongside her; they even branded her a traitor. But because of Corrin's kind and forgiving heart that they eventually worked together and all was well in the end. But deep down, there was still guilt, especially for the two eldest of the siblings who branded her a traitor and fought her. "Little princess…" Xander said softly.

"I mean….he's your family….can you at least try and reason out with him?"

"Aye… I cannot reason with him anymore…" Say'ri said in a stern voice. "Our parents died, that dastard of a conqueror raided my kingdom, and yet, my brother did nothing and instead, betrayed me and sided with the man who was responsible for everything! That is why….I HAVE to do what it takes…for my people…."

Corrin sighed. "Well, if that is the path you choose… well I understand. We'll still help you either way."

"I'm glad you understand," Say'ri said in a calm demeanor. "Your name is Corrin was it? I've heard of a warrior from another realm who wishes to fight alongside the prince of the halidom." She eyed at her intently. "I can see it in your eyes….you've been through the same struggle….just like this one. If we just had more time, I'd like to talk more about this to you."

Wow, she's quite sharp, Robin thought.

"Anyway, we must make haste," Say'ri said. "We've got no time to lose."

"Since ancient times, many of our people have worshipped Naga," Say'ri explained as they walked. "More precisely, we worship the divine dragon's oracle, Lady Tiki. Though most know her only as the Voice. The Voice is trapped in her temple as Walhart's prisoner. But if she were freed..."

"The Resistance could unite around her," said Robin. "Where is the Voice being held?"

"There is a shrine built in the branches of the divine Mila Tree. She is confined there."

Chrom nodded, "Then we have our plan. Let's get to it!"

"Woooow!" Elise said in awe. "This tree is HUGE!"

Everyone was in awe when they saw the Mila Tree. The royal family thought that it would look like an ordinary tree, so they were somewhat confused when they said that the divine dragon's Voice is being held in a shrine from a tree. Now, in front of them, they see, a big, beautiful, magnificent tree.

"Whoaaa… I don't think I've ever felt so small..." Lissa said in amazement.

"I can't even see the top…" Takumi said as he saw the thick leaves of the divine tree.

"So the divine dragon's Voice is up there?" Leo asked.

Say'ri nodded. "Aye, sir. A great staircase inside the trunk leads up to it. However, the empire has closed off the only route to the steps. Or perhaps "roots" to the steps, I should say."

"Then we'll just have to break through," Chrom said. "Come!"

"Just who the hell is he?" Elise voiced out, looking at the man with the thick moustache. "He sure has a weird moustache."

"Aye, you've got some nerve calling my moustache weird!" the general shouted. "I am Cervantes! Emperor Walhart's general! And yes, they are impressive though aren't they?" Cervantes said proudly. "My whiskers? Ha ha! I've not shaved since my very first battle. And have I ever lost? No! Not even once! Ergo, my moustache makes me invincible. It's science, missy—science!"

Sakura grimaced at the man's words. "Did he just say he didn't shave since his first battle? That's just…gross…"

"You're going to pay for calling my moustache gross! You've insulted enough!" the general said in anger. "Men, ready yourselves for battle! Kill those Ylissean dogs and show them their place!"

"More reinforcements!" Robin said as he saw Valmese Falcon Knights heading their way. "Takumi!" he called the hoshidan archer, "Take care of the Falcon Knights! Virion and Noire, follow Takumi's lead!"

The three archer's nodded and bowstrings were pulled taut.

"Frederick, Stahl, take care of those Bow Knights. Make sure they don't endanger our flyers! Sully, Kellam and Xander, work together and lead the mages to beat those Fighters and Warriors." Robin commanded, his tactician mind at work. Even Corrin helped out in devising strategy; she did command an army before. "Cordelia! Lead the other Pegasus Knights to deal with those Mercenaries! Cherche and Camilla," Corrin saw Valmese reinforcements that looked like they belong to the Hero class. "Go and beat them! Ryoma, lead the other swordsman to assist the wyvern riders!"

All of them listened to Robin and Corrin's command. Robin turned to the healers, "Libra and Jakob, do your best to ward off the enemies so they wouldn't hurt our clerics!"

All of them moved in swift harmony as they defeat their enemies thanks to Robin and Corrin's guidance. They were all very impressed of how they devised strategies together, and how they worked together. Even Robin himself was impressed of the Vallan Queen. How he wished she could stay and worked with more strategies with her together. To him, having the two of them together would be unstoppable. Think of all the new strategies he could come up with her.

The tactician shook his head. What am I thinking, he thought to himself. He knew he couldn't do that. She had a home to return to, and he knew that she likes someone else.

"Robin?" Corrin gazed at the tactician. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah… Let's finish this already so we could move on."

Afterwards, they eventually engaged General Cervantes. Chrom and Cervantes dueled, sword against axe, but Falchion wasn't enough to penetrate the general's thick armor, so it had to be done by magic and luckily, Camilla was there nearby.

"Want me to burn your precious moustache?" Camilla said in a sadistic way, holding her tome that contained fire magic.

"Just try it lass! I'll kill you and make you beg for mercy!"

"My, my…." Camilla giggled, and Corrin knew he was in for trouble. She knew Camilla was ruthless towards her enemies. Cervantes threw his tomahawk toward the Malig Knight, but she was able to evade it, and used her fire magic towards the general and nearly burning his moustache.

"Thanks friend…" Chrom said to the female Malig Knight.

Camilla giggled. "Happy to help."

"Ayyyy…. My moustache!" Cervantes cried. "Nngah! But...how can this be? My invincible moustache! Blasted science, you have...played me for a...fool... Everyone retreat!"

They watched as every one of the Valmese ran from the Mila Tree. "Aww… that was it?" Camilla said. "I was hoping for a little more anticipation."

"Hehe….you're always ruthless aren't you Camilla…" Corrin said.

"Marry! What fighting! I almost pity the enemies of Ylisse," Say'ri said.

"Say'ri, do you know the way up to the shrine?" asked Chrom.

The female swordmaster nodded. "Aye, sir. Follow me—and let us be quick about it!"

Say'ri led them to a staircase from a trunk inside. Since the tree is so big, they would expect that there would be many staircases.

"Ugh... How many stairs are there in a case of stairs?" Lissa huffed as they ascended. "Because I'm already sick of this stupid staircase!"

"The Voice truly lives all the way up here?" asked Lucina.

"Lady Tiki!" Say'ri called. "Are you here?"

They saw a woman with green hair, wearing a red dress, awaken from her slumber. Corrin saw that her ears are pointed, so she immediately knew she was a dragon. She yawned as she rose to see the group.

"Ah, my lady... I'm so relieved to see you're all right," Say'ri said.

"So you are Lady Tiki?" Lucina asked the Voice. "She who speaks for the divine dragon?"

The moment Tiki laid eyes on Lucina, she gasped, her eyes widened. "Marth? Oh, Mar-Mar, is that you?!"

The Ylissean princess looked at her baffled, "My name is Lucina, milady," she corrected. "Though I did go by the name Marth for a time. Might we have met?"

Tiki sighed. "Alas, no. I'm sorry... You reminded me of someone I knew. But he is gone now. Lost during my endless sleep..."

Lucina looked at her sadly. It looks like Lady Tiki seemed to have a deep connection with the Hero-King long ago. "You and your father are of the exalted bloodline, are you not?" Tiki asked.

"Yes, milady," Chrom answered.

"Do you yet possess the Fire Emblem? It should have been passed down through your family..."

Chrom nodded. "I... Yes, I have it..."

"Ah! What relief to know it has not been lost. ...But where are the Gemstones? I see only Argent."

Chrom tilted his head. "Gemstones?"

"Yes, there are five of them—Argent, Sable, Gules, Azure, and Vert," Tiki explained. "Each holds a portion of Naga's power. When mounted upon the Emblem, they allow one to perform the Awakening."

"The rite by which the first exalt channeled the divine dragon's power..."

Corrin remembered Frederick talking about the Fire Emblem to her when she was new in Ylisse. Her own legendary weapon, Yato, is like their world's version of the Fire Emblem, only it can be awakened again by the four legendary weapons, which are in the hands of Xander, Leo, Ryoma and Takumi.

Tiki nodded. "The very same. With the Fire Emblem's power, the exalt was able to defeat Grima. But such power was too much for men, and so the Gemstones were scattered. I kept Azure here with me."

"My kingdom had safeguarded Vert for generations," Say'ri suddenly spoke. "But the gem was recently stolen by Walhart's men."

Lucina turned and asked the Voice. "Milady, do you know where the other two Gemstones might be?"

"The remaining Gemstones, Sable and Gules, are no longer known to me. They may have been taken long ago, at the time of the Schism."

"Regna Ferox was founded during the Schism," Basilio spoke. "As were most all nations in the realm, I believe."

"Wait—does that mean you guys have one of the Gemstones, Basilio?" Lissa asked the former khan.

"Ha! As if anyone would entrust the oaf with such a thing!" Flavia said.

"Actually, it's true—we did keep one: Gules. ...Did I never inform you?" Basilio said in a serious tone.

Flavia raised her brow. "You most certainly did not."

"Hmm... Must have slipped my mind. Regardless, yes. The West-Khans once safeguarded Gules. But it was lost long before my lifetime."

"Here. Take Azure, exalted ones." Tiki held on to the gemstone. "With it, you possess two of the five Gemstones. Now you must seek out the others and perform the Awakening. Our world must be defended from Grima at all costs!"

"But I'm confused..." Chrom said. "I thought Grima's power was sealed away."

"Yes, but ever since, there have been those who would change that. Grima's life force grows even now, and with it, the long shadows of despair."

"When will he return?" Chrom asked. "And where?"

"I cannot know these things. But I can feel his presence... It looms, closer and closer... This task is a heavy burden, but as he of exalted blood, it must fall to you, Chrom."

"I understand. Thank you, for all your help."

Lucina kept herself in silence. She knew her dark future was getting closer. Corrin noticed this and held her shoulder. "Hey, it's going to be okay," she reassured her. "We won't let the fell dragon win."

"I hope you're right Corrin…" Lucina said. "I do hope you're right."

"We owe you a great debt, milady," Robin spoke.

Tiki however, sensed a great power coming from within Robin. "Ah! You... You have it..."

"...What?"

"You have power...like mine."

Robin just stared in confusion. "I do?"

She also turned to the Vallan ruler. "And you…"

Corrin looked at her in confusion. "Um… what about me?"

"You also have the same power….as mine. Maybe even greater. Who knows…"

Corrin looked even more confused. "Excuse me? What are you saying milady?"

"I can sense great draconic power within you," Tiki said, eyeing on Corrin. "You're a warrior from the Outrealms, correct?"

Corrin nodded. "Yes. My name is Corrin."

"Corrin….As I said, you possess a great, unique power within you," Tiki explained. "Your power is nearly the same as the Manaketes in this world, only yours is different. Out of this world. However, the moment you have stepped foot in this world, your time grows ever slowly."

"My time grows slowly?" Corrin looked even more confused of Tiki's words.

"What do you mean her time grows ever slowly the moment she stepped foot in this world?" Xander asked. "Please elaborate on this."

"Time flows differently in this world than your own. In your own world, you may age like any other normal human. But here in this world, we Manaketes must accept a cruel fate—and that is outliving your loved ones from the passage of time, like how I had lived for 2,000 years, while my friends went ahead in the afterlife. You may be a different dragon, but in this world, you're just the same as any of the other Manaketes….no matter what world you are in."

Corrin couldn't believe what she was hearing. "What?! Does this mean in this world, it will take me a thousand years to age?!"

Tiki nodded. "Yes…"

Corrin couldn't bear the thought. She couldn't imagine herself watching her siblings grow older while she is still her youthful self. And it's a sad thought of watching her family and friends die and leave her. Thankfully her world wasn't like that, and that she could age as a normal human.

She shook her head. "I don't think I would want that…."

"Ah, forgive me for my words. However, I must thank you, Outrealm warriors, for lending your strength in this world. I wonder, did Naga herself sent you here… ? Perhaps the divine dragon had other plans."

The royal family were slightly shocked and baffled of what the Voice said, especially pertaining to Corrin. "I... Ah... Forgive me..." Tiki said. "I am still groggy from my slumber. My words outpace my thoughts."

"Are you all right, my lady?" Say'ri said in concern.

"I am fine... Just very tired... I haven't the strength to join you in the fray. Not yet. But I will call the people together, in prayer, for an end to this conflict."