Before I start on the explanation of the long hiatus, let me start by thanking Xaendis, who has no doubt been sating your appetites for FE fanficion with his own work. Without our continued discussions of our mutual love of writing, and constantly analyzing our favourite games, series, anime, you name it, I would've certainly become too distanced from this project to continue. If you aren't reading his story by the way, I recommend it, Everlasting Bonds: Wings of despair. So, thank you my friend, for your continued support and for a dear friendship that has gone above just a mutual love of Fire Emblem and writing, and has become an unbreakable bond.

Now, as for why this update has taken so long, as I'd mentioned before, I've recently made a huge move to England, and in doing so, started College. Now, without getting too sappy, I did not have a social life back in my hometown, mostly because of severe conflicts with the people around me. However, since moving here and leaving all the baggage, I have more friends than I've been able to handle, been caught up in matters of the heart, knuckling down on work, and generally having almost no free time to myself. It's taken awhile to adjust to this new lifestyle, but I am now confident I will be to fit in writing time, and intend to continue updating. As for this chapter itself, I'll admit, it has been a hard one to write, not just because of the absence, but writing a captivating fighting scene is always difficult, though I hope it does not disappoint. Enjoy!


Robin approached silently, his amber eyes observing the cerulean haired woman. The Shepherds had only just emerged victorious from the battle for the Mila tree, and were now taking time to treat their wounds and rest.

"Lucina." Robin called softly, raising his hands to show he meant no harm as the princess whirled around, instantly on guard.

"It's okay! It's just me." Robin said, lowering his hands and moving closer. Lucina smiled apologetically.

"My apologies, Robin. How do you fare?" Lucina asked, her smile turning gentle. The two of them were sat at the great roots of the tree, where the crystal waters flowed around the base. Lucina had taken a nasty wound to her right leg during the battle, but had waved it off as if it was nothing. She was now barefoot, her worn and muddied boots placed next to her, and had her cloth leggings pulled up above her knees, bathing the wound in the water.

"Is it any better?" Robin inquired, attempting to get a better look at the wound, the flow of the water making it difficult. Lucina sighed, and began to move her slender yet toned leg back and forth.

"Yes, it'll be fine. I won't let it slow me down; you have no reason to worry." Lucina replied. Her tone was as stiff and formal as ever.

"That's... Good then." Robin replied, half sighing. He had intended to capitalise on this rare moment alone with her to try and work on their friendship, but it seemed the princess was in no mood to talk.

"I'll leave you in peace." Robin said, and turned to leave. To his surprise, Lucina called after him.

"You don't have to go... If you don't want too, that is." Lucina said, turning to face him, but still keeping her wounded leg in the water. Robin found himself smiling, and nodded.

"Yeah, okay." Robin mumbled as he walked toward Lucina. He stood there awkwardly for several seconds until she motioned for him to take a seat next to her. The tactician quietly admired Lucina for a while as they enjoyed the comfortable silence between them. There was never any doubt she was beautiful, anyone could see that. But the more he got to know her... Her eyes that sometimes seemed so full of hurt, so burdened, her smile, that even when it was genuine still had a hint of sadness. Even now, she looked so very tired, so very sad. Without thinking, Robin reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing comfortingly. Lucina flinched and looked up from the water, surprised.

"Robin-?" She began, but the ash haired tactician cut her off.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Robin asked, not yet removing his hand. The tone of the question made it clear he wasn't asking about her leg. Lucina replied automatically, almost as if it was a reflex to that particular question.

"I'm fine."

Robin continued to look at her, the sad smile, the tired eyes. He desperately searched for the words that would make her open up to him. He knew the words must exist, in some combination that would work. However, all he could manage was. "I'm here."

Lucina's mouth parted slightly, and for a brief moment, her lower lip trembled. The wall went back up as quickly as it had fractured.

"Thank you, Robin." She replied distantly, causing the young man to feel defeated. He stared solemnly into the water, trying to think of what he could say to reach her.

A thought formed in his mind. Childish, yes, and there was a very good chance she wouldn't appreciate it at all. But Robin trusted his instincts. He leant down to the stream and formed a bowl with his hands, the water so cold his fingers quickly became numb. Before Lucina realised what he was doing, the tactician quickly brought his hands up and launched the water at the woman. She let out a startled yelp as it splashed her face, the freezing droplets running down her shirt, electing another cry. Robin almost immediately regretted it as Lucina stared at him open mouthed, her eyes a mixture of shock and offence. The worry that had become an icy knot in his stomach melted away as he saw the warmth of the grin that formed on her face. The slight giggle that found its way from her lips was a sound he had never expected the stoic warrior to ever make. He decided right then he quite liked the sound of her laughter.

"I do believe you just declared war, sir." Lucina teased, cupping a handful of water. Robin tried to move away, but was defenceless as she tossed the icy water, causing him to be showered-

- With the blood of a screaming man, the bloody wound being inflicted by Chrom. The shock of the hot blood and the grisly scene quickly snapped Robin out of his clouded state. The Prince kicked the man aside, and wrenched Robin to his feet. The dazed tactician couldn't immediately remember why he was on the floor, but he quickly recalled as the agonising welt on the side of his head began to throb. A heavy set soldier had managed to smash him across the head with the wooden end of his spear. Judging by the fact that same man was now lying, still twitching, not far from Robin's left, the tactician assumed he hadn't been out long. Giving a brief nod to Chrom to signal he was fine, he continued to battle. Even before his brief knock out they'd been fighting for what felt like an eternity, leaving a trail of blood, corpses and the screaming wounded who were not quite dead yet. As the last of the fog finally lifted from his mind, Robin once again recalled Validar's threat. That he would personally kill Morgan in front of him if they lost this fight. He'd lost control. That was stupid. Very stupid. If he wasn't thinking straight he endangered not only his own life, but everyone's. Lucina had shared in his rage, and that had disturbed him even more. She no longer looked how he fondly remembered back at the Mila Tree. The gentle sadness had been replaced with thunderous rage, the sort of anger only a parent could feel when their child was threatened. He gripped his sword tighter as he deflected a soldier's spear, slashing through the wooden shaft and then driving his blade into the man's heart.

Chrom was to his right, Falchion whirling at almost impossible speeds as he dispatched every foe that came at him. Robin couldn't help but notice Chrom was the target of most of the soldiers who attacked their side of the formation, no doubt attempting to claim the glory of killing him for themselves. To his left was Severa, who was proving herself to be a swordswoman second only to Lucina and Chrom. She maintained her usual scowl in the battle, seemingly unbothered by the screams of the enemy soldiers, and the blood that even now was drenching her clothes. If his estimations were correct, they were getting closer to the exit. How many more men could Validar possibly throw at them?


Lucina drove Falchion through a soldier's throat, blood immediately erupting from his mouth in a pained choke, the red fluid soaking his beard. Without hesitation, she kicked the man from her blade. Next target. A woman was rushing toward her at frightening speeds, a dagger in each hand. Lucina waited for her to close in, and tried to thrust Falchion through her. Not fast enough, the woman deflected the blade with her left dagger, leaving Lucina wide open. The soldier cried out in savage delight, and attempting to jam her second blade into Lucina's throat. Seeing no other option, Lucina used her free hand to punch the woman as hard as she could. A crunch so loud it could be heard even over the battle hit Lucina's ears as the woman's nose all but exploded in a torrent of blood, causing her blade to go over Lucina's shoulder and miss her throat entirely. Ripping the dagger from the woman's grasp, she hesitated ever so slightly, before ramming it into the side of her neck and tossing her stiffening corpse away. No time for mercy. I can't risk it. The Princess didn't have enough time to give her actions any more thought. Hesitation meant certain death. She'd killed countless soldiers in Valm, so it wasn't like her hands were clean, anyway. She was at the back of the formation, fending off enemies attempting to swarm them from behind. To her right was Lon'qu, his curved blade slicing through the enemy armour as if it was paper, and to her left was Morgan. Lucina hated having her on the front line, especially so close to her. This was brutal, awful business, and she didn't want her daughter to see her stained in blood and so ruthlessly dispatching people who, when you got right down to it, were human.

One thing she was certain of is that Validar was not even close to being human. He was a monster, wicked and foul. She'd ached to see Falchion put an end to the would be killer of her daughter. No, not even just Morgan, Validar would kill her sister, her mother, father and Robin. Her friends. He'd kill them all if they couldn't escape this place. Dispatching another soldier who had attempted to remove her legs with double sided axe, Lucina stole a glance at Morgan. She had a large gash on her cheek, and Lucina knew almost instantly it would likely scar. The Princess had many herself, and it had never bothered her, but for some reason, the thought of her child's pretty face being marred almost broke her heart. The young girl's teeth were clenched, and her mismatched eyes were wide. She recognised that look all too well, it was shock. The girl had killed Risen with no issue, but killing humans was a whole different story. Risen didn't scream, or cry. Risen didn't plead for mercy and beg for their mothers as they lay grasping their wounds. She longed to glance back for Robin, Cynthia and her parents, but checking Morgan had been perilous enough. Cursing how distracted she was, the Princess raised Falchion to meet a new charging foe.


Validar stood with his hands clasped firmly behind his back, continuing to smirk. This was going just as planned. Let the fools have a slight taste of hope before he wrenched it from them. He found himself beginning to chuckle, and before he knew it, he had exploded into a full blown mad cackle. A soldier entered the room covered in blood, and approached Validar tentatively, glancing at Aversa momentarily, who simply grinned at the man. Having finally calmed himself, the wicked sorcerer tilted his head at the soldier.

"Speak."

"Yes, m'lord! The Shepherds are almost at the exit!" The Soldier gasped, clearly exhausted from the battle.

"Excellent. Is my boy still alive?" Validar asked. The Soldier frowned at the question.

"Your boy, m'lord?"

"Yes," Aversa sneered, "you'll recognise him by his dashing looks. A trait not quite shared with his father." The woman snarked.

"Quiet, woman. Bah, forget it. Come, it's time to make our move, Aversa." Validar said, readying the spell. Once again he found himself quivering with anticipation. This is the price traitorous kin pay, you miserable wretch of a son.


"There! There's the exit!" Robin cried out as the group reached the bottom of a long flight of stairs. Over a dozen Plegian soldiers had been slain on the decent, most of which tumbled down the stone stairs and were piled up at the bottom. The grand gate to the castle had been sealed shut and barred, but Robin had been expecting this.

"Tharja! Ricken! You know what to do!" Robin yelled out toward the two mages, who turned to look at the gate, nodding. It took another minute to clear the way to the door, and the Shepherds formed a semi-circle position around it as the spell casters began to launch fire bolts at the gate.

"Give us an estimate, Tharja." Robin said as the sorceress fired off a flaming bolt.

"I'd say about two minutes... Once we split this beam it should be simple enough to pry open again." Tharja said, beginning to cast another spell in tandem with Ricken.

"Everyone, hold this position, we-" Robin stopped as a flash of light burst into existence at the bottom of the stair well. From it emerged his accursed father, accompanied, as always, by Aversa.

"Enjoying your stay?!" Validar shouted, laughing to himself.

"I told my men to make you feel at home! Looking at all the bodies, I'd say they did a good job. The lot of you are never more content than when you're butchering poor, innocent Plegians, it would seem!" Validar continued to mock. Robin grunted and worked his way to the front of the defensive formation, standing next to Chrom and Lucina, who had also come forward.

"Your accusations don't even warrant a retort, monster!" Chrom cried, pointing Falchion at the sorcerer. Robin noted the attacks had completely halted, and whilst that should be a good thing... Validar had to be up to something.

"We've defeated everything you've thrown at us, and we find ourselves in a position to end you. Personally, I'd gladly drive my blade through your black heart for the threats you made to my family, among your countless other crimes. But surrender and we'll treat you fairly, as a prisoner of war." Chrom shouted, then pointing at Aversa, "Her too, and the rest of your soldiers." Validar shook his head ruefully.

"Beautiful speech, reminds me of something your sister would say, back when she was working at full brain power, of course. Before she thought that humans could... fly." Validar said, grinning sickly as Chrom bristled at the comment. Robin placed a hand on his shoulder.

"He's trying to ri-"

"I know what he's doing!" Chrom snapped. Behind them, Robin heard the start of the huge wooden beam splitting.

"Last chance Validar! You've got no cards left to play!" Chrom said, clenching his jaw.

"Come now, fool. Even you don't believe that." Validar sneered. Robin instantly felt his body go stiff. He attempted to move his arms, but the most he could manage was jolting them a few inches.

"The Fire Emblem WILL be mine! Validar shouted, his eyes open alarmingly wide. Robin tried to speak, to warn Chrom, but all he could manage was a pained grunt. Chrom turned to look at him.

"Even my dear son agrees that the Emblem belongs to me!" Validar cried. Robin let out a pained gasp, and gripped his head with his hands.

"I- I can't! Augh!" Robin moaned, flailing back and forth.

"What are you-" Chrom began, but before anyone could react, Robin snatched the satchel holding the Fire Emblem from around Chrom's waist, and bolted toward the sorcerer. Validar simply stood there, lips parted and learning forward in anticipation. The Sorcerer's mad cackling was all that could be heard as Chrom and the Shepherds looked on in shock. Robin managed enough strength to turn his head back. The look of utter betrayal in the eyes of his companions was agonising, the worst being Lucina, who looked as if her heart had broken.

"YES! VICTORY! FINISH THEM NOW! NOW!" Validar screamed, and without warning, two large sections of walls on either side of the great hall came smashing down, with Plegian soldiers pouring out. They charged the frozen Shepherds, cheering and screaming obscenities, certain of their victory. Robin could still not fight back, even as he reached Validar and delivered to him the Fire Emblem, even as his father patted his head in a twisted display of parental affection. Validar, for it had to be he that was controlling him, allowed him to turn and watch the scene. The tactician desperately wished he could control his hands, if only so he may sink a blade into his own heart.


Lucina's mind had gone empty the moment her beloved had bolted with the Fire Emblem, seemingly betraying them all to the mad sorcerer. Time had stopped, and she thought that horrible moment would never end. Every Shepherd, even Tharja and Ricken, were staring in shocked silence. But the moment the hidden soldiers revealed themselves, her deeply ingrained survival instincts kicked in. Robin was gone. But defeating the rest of these enemies shouldn't be too difficult, even without their tactician. She felt her own resolve increase as her father charged forward, raising Falchion high.

"Take formation! This fight isn't over yet! Tharja, Ricken, get back to the gate!" Chrom cried. Morgan was beside her instantly, tears streaming down her cheeks, mingling with the dried blood.

"Mother! W-why! Father..." Morgan could barely breathe, the emotions she displayed mirroring Lucina's own internal feelings. Her mind was so awhirl, she couldn't even begin to imagine what had happened. Robin couldn't be a traitor, the entire notion was utterly ridiculous. There was an explanation... Validar, a spell. It must be.

"Don't worry, Morgan, we'll get him back, we'll figure this out! It has to be Validar's doing!" Lucina began, raising her voice mid-way through so the rest could hear her. It would seem everyone else within the Shepherds shared her opinion. The Sorcerer was cunning and powerful, and Validar knowing a spell to control another wasn't outside the realm of possibility.

"R-right!" Morgan shouted, raising her own blade. The Shepherds surged forward to meet the onslaught, Lucina scanned the crowd and saw her sister and mother on the right flank, both of them in good shape, despite fighting out of their element. Cynthia looked like she had been sobbing, and Lucina prayed her little sister would keep her focus.

"Chrom!" Tharja shouted. "I'd give it another twenty seconds! Are we leaving first chance we get?" Tharja asked.

"No, we're saving Robin, and taking back the Fire Emblem if we can!" Chrom replied. Tharja smiled approvingly at the plan of saving Robin. The Princess had always been somewhat suspicious of the woman's intentions with Robin, but seeing that others still supported him, even now, was heart warming. She fought on harder than she ever had before, channelling all of her energy into trying to ignore the awful realisation that had dawned upon her...


Robin watched as the Shepherds battled against the ambushing soldiers. Robin could tell from a distance that these men were a cut above the rest. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that his comrades would prevail, but wherever they'd come out of it with no casualties...

"People in Plegia simply call you the Tactician, you know that right, son?" Validar asked, lips parted to show a toothy grin. Robin grunted.

"Indeed they do. You're some legendary figure, who can survive impossible odds. Not only survive, even, but win! Miracle worker! Genius! So many names..." Validar trailed off, folding his arms.

"But you're just a pathetic shadow of your old man. Your victories left you too arrogant, you just thought you'd waltz in here, right into my trap, and fight your way out?" Validar spat.

"You could've been so much more, boy. You could've accomplished great things at my side! But look at you! Broken, being used as a puppet! Right now you'd cut your darling daughter into ribbons, and you'd do it with a smile on your face if he so willed it!" Validar chortled. Robin was trying to ignore the man's provocations, but it was almost impossible where Morgan was involved. The tactician stared straight ahead, watching the battle. But even now, Robin's couldn't stop his analytical mind. He picked up on the use of "if he so willed it." Who was this "he?" Grunting, Robin looked out over the battle. He saw the Shepherds were defeating the Plegians quite soundly. He scanned for Lucina and Morgan, and saw them fighting side by side, Morgan barely containing tears, Lucina's face as hard as stone. How could he face any of the Shepherds after this?

The Plegian soldiers had dwindled down to a few stragglers, two of which were attempting to flee. Robin scanned the group, and realised there were no major casualties on his end. Thank the Gods.

"Tch, not a single death? Well I suppose you can't have everything in life." Validar sighed. Robin found himself walking forward against his will, each step shaky and teetering as he fought for control. The last of the soldiers had been slain, and the Shepherds now braced themselves as Robin approached. Chrom surged to the front of the group, jaw set tightly.

"Validar!" Chrom cried. "Return Robin and the Emblem!" Chrom finished, slowly but surely walking out to meet Robin.

"Or...?" Purred Validar, running his fingers over his beard.

"Or we take it back. We've beaten your best, sorcerer, and we will defeat you too if need be." Chrom shouted.

"Hmph. Really now?" Validar rolled his eyes, and Robin reached to the floor, grabbing a dagger from a slain Plegian and raising it up to his throat. Robin struggled as hard as he could against the control, but all it did was make the dagger wobble perilously.

"Foolish Prince. No cards left to play you say? I think you'll find I hold them all!" The sorcerer sneered. Robin stared at the floor, averting his eyes from the pained expression on his closest friend's face. He loathed himself as much as Validar at this moment.

"Another step and I'll add a little bit more red to this floor, prince." Validar said, his grin growing ever wider. Chrom looked pained, grinding his teeth as he desperately searched for a way out of the situation. Seeing none, his shoulders sagged in defeat.

"What do you want?" Chrom asked, lowering Falchion.

"Why, I do believe I have all I want already. I have the Emblem, and I'm finally reunited with my boy! I could certainly use his company; after all, the castle will seem a lot more..." Validar gestured to the bodies strewn all around him, "empty... After you all leave." The comment was accompanied with a snicker.

"But, I am a generous host. So I'll give you an offer, boy." Validar said as he pulled the Fire Emblem out of the satchel, slotting in the final gem stone. Robin felt a stab in his gut as he knew exactly what Validar was about to "offer." He could tell Chrom saw it as well.

"You faced a similar choice before, I imagine! The Emblem, or Robin. Your decision."

Robin looked up to meet Chrom dead in the eye. The prince's grip on Falchion nearly dropped as memories of a desert years ago came flooding to his mind.

"You... You are cruel, Validar. But I think your cruelty may be your undoing one day. I choose Robin." Chrom answered sternly, eyes narrowed. Validar tilted his head, and began to cackle.

"So predictable! I never thought you'd swap your kingdom's most prized treasure out THAT quickly though!" Validar continued, shaking his head. Aversa approached him, her usual smug smirk replaced with a look of concern.

"Validar, you're not go-" Validar's cheery demeanour evaporated instantly as he turned to glare at Aversa.

"Silence, woman! Do not spoil the moment with your prattling." Validar turned back to Chrom, and laughed.

"Very well, take the wretch. Take him and know your weakness has sealed the fate of this world, all for a few more weeks with that boy." Validar turned and vanished in a radiant light, Aversa following seconds later. Robin felt control return to his limbs and he dropped the dagger instantly.

"Chrom... Chrom I'm so sorr-" Robin began to plead, before Chrom cut him off.

"I know you are, Robin, its okay. But save it for later, we need to go." Robin looked past Chrom and toward the large gates. He hadn't noticed when the beam had been split open, but the pair of mages had done it, and the exit was all clear.

"Everyone! Out, now! We're returning to camp!" Chrom ordered, turning to jog. Robin continued to stand, unwilling to go with them. He glanced up at the group and saw Morgan looking at him imploringly. Father! He saw her mouth, beckoning to him franticly. With tears in his eyes, the tactician forced himself to join the rest of the group, wrapping his arms around Morgan and comforting her as she bawled into his chest. The Shepherds finally escaped the castle, and made way for camp at an exhausted, but fast pace. Robin spent the entire trip back preoccupied with comforting Morgan and hearing the reassurances of his friends, telling him they didn't blame him for a second, that no one doubted his loyalty.


So preoccupied was he, he did not notice the cerulean haired woman alone at the back of the column. Her lower lip was trembling, and her deep blue eyes were wide. It can't be. She whispered to herself, over and over. It can't be....

But despite every excuse she made to herself, she knew it was true. She clenched Falchion so tightly, her knuckles had turned white.

Murdered by his closest friend.


Three days had passed since the Shepherds had returned to camp. No one was quite sure what the next move would be, since they were sure Validar had fled the castle. All they could do was treat their wounded and wait for the sorcerer to act. Robin had secluded himself to his tent for the first two days, unwilling to face anyone. Over the course of those days, every member of the Shepherds had payed him a personal visit (Tharja choosing for hers to be in the early hours of the morning, much to his dismay). Morgan had insisted on spending nearly every hour of the day with him, even when he had his visits. He was thankful for it, as much as he wished to languish in self loathing, he adored his daughter's company, and the reassurances of the Shepherds, by the third day, had finally given him the strength to face them all.

He had not, however, seen Lucina. He'd asked about her, but she refused to speak to anyone. Even her family had barely gotten a word out of her. He wanted badly to see her. He'd even dreamt of her visiting his tent and reassuring him of her love for him, that she didn't blame him for a moment and that all was fine. They were selfish dreams, of course. He couldn't blame her for avoiding him.

Robin sat around the great fire in the centre of the camp, where most of the Shepherds had gathered to eat dinner. He scanned the crowd, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of flowing cerulean hair. She did not appear however, and by the time the sun was setting he'd decided to give up. A nice walk, that's what I need. Robin thought to himself, and discreetly left the camp site so as to avoid any offers of companionship. I'll be back before anyone misses me, Robin decided as he set out toward a lonely field in the distance, out of site of the camp.


She followed him silently. Leaving the camp without being seen was simple enough; they'd left her alone all day. Her only visitor had been her parents offering her dinner, but she'd declined. She felt too sick to eat anything right now.

At all costs. This world must be saved at all costs. Wiping tears from her cheeks, she couldn't be weak now, she set a slow pace for the distant field.


Robin stared out over the lush landscape. The setting sun had lit up the field in a most beautiful manner, and though it was so bright it hurt his eyes to do so, he admired every detail of it. The tactician allowed himself a small smile as the breeze brushed against him, the grass rustling soothingly. He immediately felt guilty for allowing himself that brief moment of relief. He deserved no rest or joy until he had reclaimed the Emblem from Validar. Closing his eyes and sighing deeply, the tactician didn't notice the approaching figure.

"Hello, Robin." Lucina said curtly. The ash haired man flinched at the unexpected call, and turned to look at the Princess. His heart both warmed and broke as he saw her. Her eyes were cold and unwelcoming. She regarded him indifferently, not saying a word. Despite the utterly cold manner, it was still his Lucina. It had felt like an eternity since he saw her last.

"Lucina... I-" Robin began, but the Princess cut him off.

"No! Don't... Don't talk!" Lucina shouted, her voice wavering with emotion. Robin looked at her in utter astonishment, the cold demeanour faded momentarily, but went straight back up again.

"Just... Don't!" Lucina repeated. Robin began to move forward, the thought that he didn't deserve her anymore forgotten has he instinctively went to embrace her. Before he knew what was happening, Lucina drew Falchion, and thrust it toward him, the tip mere inches from his face.

"Stay right where you are, Robin!"