Robin could only stare as the portal rapidly grew in mass. The vortex widened, its rim expanding closer and closer towards the ground. The earth around it cracked and split, chunks of stone lifting to be drawn into the void. The energy that crackled around it burst and sparked with greater intensity, a testament to the colossal energies held within the spell frameform maintaining the inter-dimensional gateway.

"Robin, what's happening?!" Chrom shouted, running over to where the tactician stood gaping.

The words hit Robin like a slap, waking him from his daze. "I don't know! Whatever's on the other side is pouring more energy into the rift, trying to open it sooner. But that holds the risk of the whole thing collapsing on it, why would it risk…" Robin stopped dead mid sentence, cursing inwardly as it hit him."It must have figured out what we were planning! It's trying to enter the world before we can reach it, consequences be damned!"

Robin curled his hand into a fist, hammering it against his forehead as he desperately searched for a plan. It was no use, he'd counted on having more time than this! If they hurried, the the strike team could push ahead now and possibly make it in time. But that would leave them exposed, it would putting himself and his friends in incredible peril if anything were to go wrong..

But he was already asking them to take a huge risk. They all knew going it there was a chance none of the strike team would make it.

"Change of plans, we move forward now! Get the archers and spellcasters ready. We give them a volley and as soon as it hits we charge. While our forces engage the strike team makes a push for the portal," Robin instructed, speaking so quickly he barely paused to breath.

"Are you sure this will work?" Lucina asked, looking at him with evident uncertainty.

"No, but we don't have a choice," Robin answered.

"What about us, father?" Morgan asked, grabbing a handful of Robin's coat, turning him towards her with a quick tug. Marc was beside her in a moment, his hand on Falchion's hilt as he gazed at both his parents expectantly.

"You two stay here, I need you to take command of the rest of the army from here on out. It's your job to keep the enemy busy and off our tails for as long as possible," Robin told them.

"But it's too-" Morgan started to argue.

"This is not up for debate. We don't have time," Robin said. He put a hand on her forearm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Please, Morgan," he pleaded, peeling her hand from his coat.

"I… alright. Just... be careful," Morgan said. She dipped her chin in a nod of affirmation, the gesture seeming to be directed more at her own decision to relent to his command then to Robin himself. With that she turned to relay his orders to the rest of the army.

Marc lingered for a moment, eyes flickering between both his parents. "Be safe," he whispered, then he turned and darted towards his sister.

Sighing in relief, Robin turned back to the others. Frederick, Lissa, Lon'qu, Laurent, Kjelle, Stahl, and Cordelia were all there before him, ready to move on his and Chrom's command. Ahead the portal continued to grow, already double the size it had been at the start of the battle.

"Archers, ready!" Chrom shouted. The creaking of a hundred bows being pulled taut filled the air. For an instant the battle seemed to still, even as the Ylissean lines continued to strive against the scattered lines of phantom soldiers.

"Fire!"

Bowstrings twanged and arrows whistled through the air, falling like rain among the invisible warriors.

"Mages!" Robin bellowed. In unison the Shepherd spellcasters unleashed their most powerful spells, a sea of elemental magic smashing through the enemy's center. Robin thrust out his hand, a cry of 'Ignis' falling from his lips as a crimson bolt of lightning struck right at the arm's heart, obliterating a dozen of the ghostly swordsmen in a single instant.

"Charge!" Chrom commanded. With a chorus of battle cries the Shepherd led army surged forward, the ground thundering with their footsteps. Like a battering ram they slammed into the enemy center. Thinned and scattered by the hail of arrows and spells, the enemy lost what little cohesion they had left, scattering before their might. Swords, lances, and spells flashed, the Shepherds pushing the advance. To either side the Ylissean army slowed, engaging the foe hand to hand while the strike team continued forward, driving a wedge straight through to the heart.

With each step the enemy that moved before them grew thicker, until soon it seemed as though they waded through a sea of shadowed flame and glinting steel. Yet still the Shepherd team drove onward, felling any foe who dared block their path.

Frederick, Cordelia, and Stahl wheeled their mounts around in sweeping arcs, throwing aside enemy formations before they had a chance to close in. Meanwhile Laurent and Robin himself threw spell after spell into the foes directly head, seeking to carve a path that they may follow. Kjelle stood against their flank, effortlessly scattering foes who launched themselves at her, while Lon'qu cut down those that slipped through the others' efforts. At the center of the formation Lissa cast healing spells in quick succession, closing wounds as soon as they were dealt.

And at the the very front stood Chrom and Lucina, twin Falchions alight with power as they

cleaved through foe after foe. They moved as if in a dance, Lucina's quick and precise, Chrom's strong and direct. Against the light of the two holy blades the shadow cloaked phantom's seemed to shrink, their very might stripped away like night in the face of the rising sun.

Boom.

The ground rumbled under Robin's feet. A roar drowned out the clash of weapons, joined an instant later by more cries. From the mass of phantoms rose twenty or more of the brutish undead they'd faced before, their faceless masks caked in dirt and rust. The ground shook as they lumbered towards them, the army around scattering to make way lest they be trampled under foot.

"Focus on the undead. Don't let them overwhelm us!" Robin shouted, his voice nearly drowned in the onslaught of cries emanating from the creatures' masks.

However, it seemed as though the others heard him, the Shepherds as one turning to face this new threat. A wall of blades and lances met the undead as they barreled forward, several impaling themselves as they drove forward in a mindless rage. Others made it further, engaging the Shepherds with every ounce of devastating power they possessed.

One of the monstrous brutes made a line straight for Robin, a roar echoing from within his mash as it threw its whole weight forward like a living battery ram.

Robin leapt out the way at the last instant, slashing at it's side as it barreled past him. The blade bit into bloated skin and muscle, coming away stained with slimy black icor.

The creature howled in pain as it spun around, recovering far quicker than Robin had anticipated. It was on him before he had a chance to follow up his attack, the undead swinging it's shackled arm down at him with speed that betrayed its bulk.

With movements driven entirely by reflex Robin threw himself into roll, the fists of the hulking monstrosity slamming down on the space he'd been an second before. Coming out of his tumble on the feet, Robin branched a hand against the ground to slow himself. He spun around even as he skidded to a stop, thrusting out his empty hand.

"Thoron!"

For an instant the silhouette of the undead shone black against the searing light of the lightning bolt. Then it seemed to bloat, it's body forced outward in all directions as it was burned away, consumed in a blink of an eye by the power Robin had unleashed. There was a flash of light and a thunderous boom. In it's wake charred wisps of ash drifted to the ground, all that remained of the undead creature.

Yet Robin had no time to celebrate his victory. Even as the undead fell he caught a glimpse of movement at the edge of sight. Leaping upright, he spun around, sword clashed against metal manacles. The force of the blow battered Robin's blade aside with enough force for it's tip to sink into the earth, nearly ripping it from his grasp. Even so he stumbled back from the impact, falling to one knee.

The faceless undead lunged again, both hands raised high as it prepared to bring them crashing down on the staggered tactician. With a cry he wrenched his blade free from the earth, throwing himself to the side even as he hacked at the thing's arm. A wet squelch filled the air, a bloated arm falling away, dangling from the manacles blinding it from it's still attached pair.

Regaining his footing Robin darted back to avoid a sweeping blow from the injured undead, the thing using it's own severed limb as a flail. On the back swing Robin brought his sword up at the last instant, entangling it in the chain. He yanked his arm back, pulling the chain taught even as he drew back his free hand, flames licking at his fingertips.

"Arcfire!"

A roaring torrent of flame engulfed the creature, putrid green flesh blackening and splitting as fire consumed it. The undead monster managed a single step before toppling to the ground, it's body melting into oily sludge that too began to slowly evaporate into smoke.

Clenching his hand closed to stifle to flow of flame, Robin turned his wrath upon the next undead he spied, this one already locked in a duel with Lucina. Aided by one of its brethren it fought the exalted lord two on one. She danced between clumsy blows, managing to keep her distance but unable to retaliate with any strikes of her own.

"Elthunder!" The burst of electricity caught the closest creature in the side, staggering it. This was all the opportunity Lucina need. Stepping in close she brought Falchion across in flowing series of slashes that cut through rotting flesh as easily as air. The undead fell with a gurgling cry, Lucina already spinning to face the other before it could even hit the ground.

"Left!" Robin called out, sprinting forward to meet the remaining undead. As he reached the spot Lucina stood she sprang forward as well, the two moving in step with one-another.

The faceless abomination roared, flashing out with shackled fists. In unison Robin and Lucina dodged to to either side, she taking left while he ducked right as per his signal. Blades flashed as the two cut at either ankle, taking the creature's legs out from under it. It toppled backward, bellowing in pain. Both swords fell again, intercepting it's fall to take the undead's head from it's bloated body.

Even with these victories the two had little time to rest as more undead charged their position, the ground trembling under their heavy footfalls.

All around the other Shepherds dueled faceless creatures of their own, felling undead after undead with swiftness born from experience gained in countless battles. Yet for every one of the abominations they struck down another immediately took its place. But from where they were coming from, Robin could not tell. By all appearances it seemed as though they were springing up from the very ground itself!

They must be summoning them in. There must be a dozen sorcerers somewhere nearby. There'd have to be to bring these things in quickly enough to slow us down. But where?!

"Chrom! Lucina! Keep them off me for one moment! I need to try something!" he shouted. A blast of electricity vanquished the undead closest to him, giving him the window he needed to leap back and disengage from the combat. Now he'd just need trust that they'd heard him,

Robin took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He reached out with his consciousness searching for the flow of magic that would be emanating from where the unseen dark mages were weaving their summoning spells.

Where is it, where is it, where is it? Robin delved further and further outward, scouring the surrounding area. The magical energies released by the portal were so massive, so overwhelming it was like searching for a candle flame held up against next to the sun. In his mind's eyes the portal seemed to be a open wound in the world itself, bleeding waves of blinding white that rippled outwards through reality, blanketing it in an ever shifting fog. Even in the ideal situation it would take him time to pick it out, time which he didn't have. Not only was he a sitting target for any foe who slipped past the others, any further delay could cost them dearly.

Don't panic, you've been through worse. Focus…. Focus… He allowed himself to slow his efforts, passing over each section of ground more carefully. Wait, what was that? He recentered on the spot he'd searched but moments before. There, amongst the constant flow of magic he felt it, a discordant note amongst the hum of the portal's energy. As his mind touched the magic he could not help but recoil away. It felt foul, both oily and sticky at the same time.. It felt only as the most vile of dark magic felt: rotten and unclean.

At once his eyes snapped open, focusing on the spot he'd sensed. While he could not see the spellcasters through the turmoil of the battle, he now knew with certainty where they were. He had to act quickly, neutralize the threat before they could summon more undead beasts to bar their way.

"Laurent! Focus fire to our right, clear a path! Everyone else move in: Chrom, Frederick, Kjelle guard our flank, keep those undead off us! Lucina, Lon'qu, Stahl, Cordelia, with me!"

Lighting burst from Robin's open palm, scattering the lines of phantoms between him and the the sorcerers. An instant later a gout of flame ripped through the opening, spreading outward to further drive it wide open. In rode Stahl and Cordelia, each driving at one side to cleave through foes one after another. Through the center Robin charged, Lucina and Lon'qu at his flanks.

Suddenly the air around them popped, like the discharge of static. A vortex of purple mist appeared around them, circling inward in a spell Robin recognized from his encounter weeks before at Corgrove.

"Down!"

Robin acted at once, drawing in his power and unleashing a funnel of wind to draw in the vapors directed at them and blew them out as far away as he could. Even as he pushed them clear they still began to coalesce, as if drawn together by an unseen force his own spell could not counter. Robin threw himself onto the ground, covering his face with an arm There was a flash of violet light as the spell detonated, sending a wave of force rolling outward washed overhead, passing harmlessly past before dissipating entirely.

Robin came out of his fall in a roll, landing back on his feet and lunging forward through the fading cloud of dust thrown skyward by the spell. He skidded to a stop, coming face to face with thirteen figures wreathed in crimson flame. As their forms shifted and flickered he caught a glimpse of black and purple robes, feathered capes trailing behind as they channeled magic into a center point.

"Thoron!" The bolt of lightning leapt from Robin's hands, catching a trio of sorcerers unaware. So engrossed by their spellwork, they failed to put up any sort of defense, the blast hitting them with enough force to throw them back. The others reacted then, turning just in time to see their doom fall upon them. Swords and lances shone as the dark mages fell one after another under the Shepherd's onslaught, many vanquished with such swiftness that they disintegrated into violet smoke before they'd even hit the ground.

One of the sorcerers however was ready, the same one who had launched the devastating spell an instant before. For a split second Robin saw robes more ornate than the other dark mages through the mirage-like shadows that cloaked the figure. The garments were the identical to those worn by the phantom he'd fought in the woods, just as the spell he'd cast had been the same.

Are they the same person?! But I killed him? Or at least I thought I had!

Before he could ponder it any further the sorcerer lashed out, dark vapor rushing from his hand towards Robin.

"Arcthunder!" The spells met in the center, exploding in a burst of light. The shock wave slammed into Robin, the force staggering him with it's weight. Just as he was about to right himself he slipped, a loose rock giving way under his foot.

A cackling laugh fell from the sorcerer's throat, the sound distorted and muffled by whatever spell hid him from sight. There was second burst of light and all Robin could do was scramble out of the way as a burst of prismatic fire detonated in the spot he'd been an instant before. The edge of the attack hit him square in the back, throwing him face first to the ground. Pain blossomed, both from the magical flames and from the impact with the cracked and scorched earth. Stars flashed before his vision and he tasted copper.

Groaning Robin lifted his head. He coughed twice, spitting a wad of blood. He tasted copper, the inside of his mouth bleeding from when he hit the ground.

"Robin!" He heard Lucina scream. Out of the corner of his eye he saw him wife rushing towards him, Falchion drawn.

The sorcerer turned to face her, giving Robin a split second to act. He shoved himself upright, staggering as righted himself. He drew a hand back, preparing to launch a spell of his own.

A wave of darkness struck out from the Sorcerer's hands towards Lucina. She rolled aside at the last second, only to be caught in the burst of energy unleashed as the spell detonated, the force tossing her to the ground. The edge of the blast caught Robin as well, toppling him before he could fully regain his balance. His head struck a rock and again light flashed before his eyes.

As his vision returned he found himself staring up at the phantom sorcerer. It's burning violet eyes shone with cruel glee as it drew its hands back, dark magic flowing from its fingertips as it prepared to deliver the killing blow. The sorcerer laughed, drunk on his own apparent victory

"What are you laughing at?" Robin asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

All at once the laughter stopped, the sorcerer's eyes going wide an instant before a spear-like lance of thunder slammed into his chest, piercing straight through the phantom's heart. Shock played across the the sorcerer's face as he toppled, landing face first on the rocky earth. Within seconds he had faded away into violet smoke, leaving nothing nothing behind.

Bad guys letting their guards down… seriously, you'd think one of them would realize gloating in the middle of a fight was a bad idea. Not that he could complain, the pause had given him enough time to form a condensed bolt of electricity. The technique was deadly, but could only be used at close range. It was something he'd learned from the memories imparted by his Grima controlled future self, who had used the same spell to kill the Chrom of that time. As distasteful as it was, the effectiveness could not be discounted.

Now, I'd like to see that dastard try to come back from that one, Robin thought, dragging himself upright.

"Robin, are you alright?" Lucina asked, rushing to his side. At once he saw she had fared far worse from the spell. Where he himself has been a bit banged and bruised up, Lucina moved with a visible limp, and blood was visible on one of her arms. While not life threatening the injuries would definitely slaw her down until she got some healing.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Robin said, accepting her offered hand. With her help he quickly pulled himself the rest of the way onto his feet. The instant he was back up their eyes met and they gave each other a quick nod, before spinning away, throwing themselves straight back into the heat of battle once more. Ghostly swordsmen and knights charged in to meet them in a clash of ringing steel and dancing blades.

Even with the sorcerers vanquished and the tide of faceless undead stifled, the situation was still dire. The delay had cost the Sheph erds all momentum. The remaining phantoms had closed in, joining the few remaining hulking undead to attack the small group on all sides. Gone was all careful purpose and fluidity their foes had possessed before, instead throwing themselves at the Shepherds in an reckless abandon born of desperation. It seemed as though all considerations of victory had vanished, the force commanding them unleashing all his remaining forces on the field with one goal: to keep the Shepherds at bay as long as possible. They moved with all the fury of a storm-tossed sea, churning at all sides in a ceaseless torrent.

"Keep formation, we need to advance!" Chrom bellowed. Even as the words left his mouth the Exalt leapt forward, Falchion flashing gold as it cleaved through two phantoms in a single blow. Stepping forward to follow the momentum of the blow he whipped the holy blade around over his head, bringing it down in a vertical slash that buried itself deep into the chest of a phantom knight, cutting through plate armor as if it was made of nothing more than cloth and hide instead of tempered steel.

"There are too many behind us. If we turn to advance our flank will be left wide open!" Lucina warned.

Robin followed her gaze, seeing her words were no mistake. Kjelle, Laurent, Lon'qu, and Cordelia were all struggling against foes harring them from the rear, barely able to hold against the tide of mirage warriors. With each passing second more Phantoms threw themselves in, swarming on all fronts, until soon it was all the Shepherds could do but keep them at bay. They were trapped! Surrounded with no hope of breaking through.

Ahead the portal continued to grow.. Nearly a quarter of the vortex rimmed void could no longer be seen, having expanded to such an extent that it had scoured a gaping ravine through the earth to accommodate its magnitude. Chunks of stone, glowing orange from the heat of the energies stripping them from the depths, drifted up into the rift to be pulverized to dust by the storm raging around it.

Panic seized Robin's heart. He redoubled his efforts, lashing out at foe after foe with renewed fury. But it was no use! There were simply too many!

We're running out of time! We won't be able to make it!

"Bolganone!"

The air ahead of Robin shimmered, an instant before the space detonated in a fountain of flame and molten earth. The spell utterly obliterated the phantoms, reducing them to smoke in a single instant.

Wait, who was that? It sounded like-

Robin whirled around just in time to see Morgan charge over the ridge, behind her all of the remaining Shepherds who'd remain with the rest of the Ylissean army at her rear. Like a battering ram they slammed into the enemy rear, shattering them like brittle iron under the blow of a hammer.

Besides her was Marc, his Falchion wreathed in white flames that burned away the shadows of each foe he struck, banishing them to dust. Overhead Cynthia, Sumia, Gerome, Cherche, Nowi and Nah wheeled about, raining down spears, axes, and dragonfire upon the heads of the enemy.

"Morgan! I thought I told you to stay back!" Robin shouted, turning to face his daughter as she sprinted towards him and the others with him, joining the fray.

"And let you get overrun? I don't think so! I'm not going to stand by when I have a chance to help this time," she countered. "Besides, you told me it was my job to keep these bozos off your back, so that's what I'm doing!"

The firmness of her voice and the confidence that she spoke those words gave Robin pause. Since Morgan's last mission a part of him had worried that her confidence would still be shaken, but here… here Morgan had taken the initiative without hesitation and commanded Shepherds both young and old to follow her without question.

Fighting for their lives be damned, he couldn't help but take a moment to be proud of her.

"I understand. Thank you.!" He said, conceding her point.

"Then what are you waiting for, Father? Hurry! We'll keep these ones busy!" Morgan told him, flailing a hand in the direction of the portal.

"Right" Robin dipped his head in a sharp nod. That was something they both could agree on.

Spinning away he sprinted back to join the strike force. The arrival of the other Shepherds had provided them with a second wind. Now that they no longer had to fend off attacks from behind their full might could be turned forward. With renewed vigor they drove forward once more, smashing through the enemies before them with the ferocity of their combined assault.

Step by step they advanced, scattering any foe who dared get in their way. The portal loomed ahead, growing in the sky before them, drawing ever nearer. Lightning crackled and flashed around it, close enough to be heard as deafening booms that mixed with the ever present thrum of power.

Soon the enemy before them began to thin, fewer and fewer phantoms throwing themselves at the Shepherds. It almost seemed as though they had given up or at least had spent everything at their disposal. Perhaps the worse was already past.

No, it's never that easy, Robin mused, frowning. They have one last trick up their sleeves. I can feel it. Even if he gut instinct proved unfounded, he would not let his guard down. Not for one moment. It was far too easy to assume victory was already in their grasp, meaning he could not allow himself to think that way. Start thinking that and you make mistakes.

A rush of air washed over them, gentle like the shifting breeze. It felt cold, like wind carried from an icy sea. No, not just cold, it felt… dark. There was no other way to explain it. The air carried with it the sense of a great abyss looming before them, so great that a shiver of fear ran down his spine. The hairs of the back of his neck stood on end, his nerves tingling with the feeling of a thousand pinpricks against his skin.

Before his eyes a shadow took shape before the portal, spreading outwards to coalesce into humanoid shapes that stood at attention in tight formations. Slowly, ever so slowly they began to glow, embers of light igniting around them, growing into purple flames that outlined their mirage-like forms. As their bodies danced in and out of focus Robin saw knights and swordsmen in armor far more ornate than the rank and fodder that they faced on the battlefield. No two was alike- each had armor tailored to the individual soldier, each possessing their own heraldry or battle standards. At once Robin realized what this meant. These were the elite warriors, for only high ranking soldiers would possess such unique markings.

So this is their final contingency. They saved their most skilled fighters for the last line of defense before the gateway.

Within seconds the Shepherds crossed the remaining distance, meeting with the elite soldiers in an explosion of ringing blades and erupting chaos. Time was against them now, no more defensive lines or fancy maneuvering. Now it was an all or nothing push to break through.

At the center of it all Robin and Lucina moved together, weaving a hurricane of death upon any who dared step into their path. Through blade and spell they dropped knight after knight, swordsman after swordsman, mage and mage. Further they advanced, each step barred by another powerful foe desperate to slow their charge.

Three generals in heavy plate armor lumbered towards the duo, weapons glinting with a menacing light. Lucina lunged forward to meet them, deflecting a lance with a two handed sword strike, before dancing back out of range to avoid the sweeping axe blows from the flanking plate-clad foes. Digging in her heels, she shifting into a low stance, deftly ducking under the next spear thrust.

With perfect timing Robin leapt into action. He'd used the scant few seconds Lucina had bought him through engaging the knights head on to recover some of his strength. Sparks rained from his fingertips as his drew his hand back, a multi-pronged blast of lightning striking forth to smite the heavily armored foes. The spell traveled over Lucina's head, spreading outward to hit each of the three generals. For all the protection their plate provided, it was worse than useless against lightning. The spell spread through the metal plates, electrocuting the three where they stood. Violet smoke curled from within their armor before it too dissolved away, scattering like ash in the wind.

In the instant the knights vanished Lucina threw herself into motion, sailing forward in a diving roll to pass under the readied blades of two swordmasters. She came out of the roll in a low crouch, pivoting on her heels to whirl around, Falchion taking the legs out from under one of the swordsmen. The other continued to charge, and Robin stepped forward to parry the incoming strike. Even as he deflected the blow aside he thrust his hand forward, a blast of fire catching the phantom in the face. The ghostly swordmaster reeled back, ornate helm smoldering, its enraged cry cut short as Robin drove the tip of his sword through the phantom's chest.

Yet still the mass of elite foes pressed the attack, fighting with a tenacity unseen even in the almost unquestioned autonomy seen in the actions of every member of the phantom army. Even as Robin moved to engage his next foes a duo of great knights charged his and Lucina's position, forcing them both to leap to either side lest they be trampled under the armored steeds. Swordmasters, Spearmen, Generals, and Heroes alike rushed in to fill the gap, forcing the two of them to engage separate struggles to push forward.

Spell after spell fell from Robin's lips as he smashed aside foes left and right with flashes of magical power, pausing only to strike down any foes who made it within reach of his blade. Somewhere nearby Lucina also battled multiple foes, but beyond the sound of Falchion sundering lesser blade after lesser blad, he could not tell her progress. Even a second glance her way could prove fatal.

"Thoron!" Another blast of thunder caught two foes at once, obliterating the closest outright and sending the other falling back in a smoldering wreck. Robin swayed where he stood, for a single instant overcome by a wave of vertigo. His head throbbed and his arm felt leaden as he barely brought it up in time to block an overhead strike aimed by the only phantom still close at hand. Blow after blow Robin barely managed to keep up, at long last the long hours of fighting taking it's toll.

He weaved back, narrowly avoiding another slash, the tip of his foe's sword bouncing of his chestplate. Gripping his sword with both hands he deflected the next blow as quickly as he could, trying to create an opening. Normally he would have gone for his magic, but as quickly as exhaustion had begun to take him he could not afford to waste anymore energy if he could help it. Two more blows he blocked, closing in on the second parry. He locked blades, holding the foe's sword out to the side as he brought his knee up, staggering the phantom with a strike to stomach. He brought his arm up, smashing the pommel of his blade into the swordmaster's face before he could recover. Stunned by the blow the ghostly fighter was too slow to recover, remaining wide open for a split second Robin needed to brought his sword the bear and drive it's trip through the phantom's heart.

Painting, Robin yanked his blade free of the swordsman. He turned to look back at the others. All around the Shepherds battled against the tide of the phantom army's most skilled warriors, their efforts having them spread out across the plains before the rift. No longer were these conflicts one of two forces but rather a multitude of smaller duels as both sides had lost all semblance of formation. Even as ghostly knights and swordsmen alike fell in great number, they were still holding on, forcing the Shepherds to struggle for each inch of ground.

"Everyone, regroup at my position!" Robin shouted, calling out to the others. "We're almost there, we just need to-"

A warbling boom, like the thrumming of a great instrument filled the air. The ground shook, so violently that Robin was nearly thrown from his feet. Staggering, Robin flailed as he attempted to keep his balance, his attention drawn to the rift.

Before his eyes the heart of the rift began to glow, rapid flashes of light sparkling and bursting from within. For an instant panic seized Robin, for it seemed that the portal had opened wide enough for it's creator to pass through. But no, something wasn't right. The multitude of tiny explosions continued, spreading outward towards the gateway's rim. It's surface began to churn and ripple, the surrounding vortex spewing gouts of crackling energy out in all directions. It seemed as though the portal was tearing itself apart, leaking the frightening power barely contained within.

What was going on? Why was it-

Robin stopped dead in his tracks, eyes widening as he realized what was going on.

It knows it can't get through the portal in time. We'll reach it before it's stable. It knows that, knows it pointless to continue. So it's closing it! It's shutting the rift before we can use it!

If that happened the entity behind the attacks could try again in the future, armed with the knowledge of what the Shepherds were trying to do. For them there would be no next time, no opportunity to use the enemy's own portals as a gateway into it's world.

Robin whirled around, frantically searching for each member of the strike force amongst the chaotic melee raging around them. All of them were still scattered across the battlefield, caught up within the final wave of phantom defenders. Even Chrom was far behind, dueling three phantom swordsman at once. Meanwhile Lucina, who had been with him but moments before was now several yards away, slowed by encircling foes even as she raced towards him.

Even as they all pushed forward, struggling with all their might to reach the rift, Robin at once recognized the peril. It's not enough… they won't make it in time.

He spun on his heels, looking back at the portal. He was the closest, the only one who could reach it before he collapsed.

In the moment he knew what he had to do.

"Thoron!"

Any thought of conserving energy was lost now. He drew on everything now, a blast a lightning slamming into the line of knight that moved to block his way, the heavily armored phantoms falling in smolder heaps. Robin leapt forward, sprinting across the cracked earth. More moved to stop him, only to be thrown aside by a wave of wind that leapt from his fingertips.

He only had seconds before the portal was closed, time he had only because of the enemy's own action. So much power had been put into the stabilization of the rift that it would take time to tear those supports down. Enough time for one final chance.

He bounded forward clearing the last few feet between him and the outcropping of earth that stretched out towards the gaping maw of the portal. He skidded to a stop teetering on the edge before regaining his footing. Before him the gateway between worlds was a sea of black, it's rim stripping away chunks of stone from the ravine it had scoured in the earth. Below molten magma glowed with fiery light, mixing with the flickering violet that swirled around the void to cast an unnatural pallor over the world

Reaching out with his mind, Robin found the fading weave of spells holding the portal open. He seized upon it, throwing his own will into it, pouring his own power into the net. Threads snapped under the strain, reality buckling back against the weakening portal, forcing Robin to frantically weave strands of his own to replace each that broke.

His legs buckled and he fell to one knee. His chest burned as if it was on fire, the strain of maintaining such a powerful spell pushing him to his limits and beyond. His head throbbed, feeling as though his skull at been split by a hot iron.

I have to hold… have to keep it open… have...to… buy… time…

Through blurry vision he glimpsed the Shepherds pushing towards the rift, so close yet so far away. He wasn't sure if he could hold it long enough. He was so tired, he'd already given everything. But he had to. Had to keep going.

Then he felt it. The same presence he had felt before. Cold, dark, born of the icy depths of a sunless sea. In an instant it rushed to engulf him, obliterating all other sensation.

In his mind's eye he stood face to face in a sea of black. Before him loomed a ghostly white mask eyes burning with a fell light that pierced deep into his soul.

A worthy effort… but futile.

In a single instant the agony Robin had felt a moment before returned, only now tenfold. The presence smashed against the supports, washing them aside as easily as wooden huts swallowed by a tidal wave. The ground cracked under Robin's feet, chunks of stone swallowed by the rift as it tore itself apart.

No…

It was collapsing too quickly now. It would detonate just like the one Morgan closed had done and it would destroy everything caught too close. Everyone…

"Get back! Everyone, get away!" Robin screamed, letting his agony fuel one final warning to his friends.

He threw every last ounce of strength he had and more into the portal. He had to delay it, if he didn't they would all die.

Agony beyond anything he had ever felt before washed over him. It felt as if his very soul was on fire, burning him alive from the inside out. He couldn't move. He couldn't breath. He couldn't think.

He was going to die.

The single thought echoed in his mind, slipping through the haze of pain.

He was going to die. He wasn't going to survive this.

Memories flashed through his mind. He thought of Lucina, of every memory they'd shared. Of his children, of the Morgan and Marc who had come from another timeline. Of the two infants back at home, who would grow up never knowing their father.

He remembered the day they were born and how happy he'd felt. He thought of all of the moments he'd hoped to have. Watching their first steps. Teaching them to read and write. Seeing them grow up happy in a peaceful world. Every one of their birthdays, every celebration. Everything he would no longer have a chance to see.

I'm sorry…

"Robin!"

His eyes snapped open. Through vision blurred by pain he glimpsed Lucina running towards him, hand outstretched. She hadn't tried to get away. She hadn't saved herself like he'd screamed

No… Lucina… get back… He tried to form the words but found he could not. He didn't have the strength left.

Their eyes met. For an instant time seemed to stop. In Lucina's eyes he saw fear and desperation, not for herself, but for him. She didn't care if she died… her only thought was to save him.

She wouldn't leave him. Not now, not ever.

"Lu...ci...na…" Robin lifted a hand, reaching out for her.

The beat of his heart hammered once in his ears.

Lucina bounded forward another step.

Another heartbeat.

Lucina lunged forward, her hand reaching out for his.

At that moment the spell gave way. For an instant all was silent. Then, the portal detonated in a blinding flash of light.

The last thing Robin saw was Lucina's face.

Then nothing

. . . . .

The blast from the portal radiated outward, consuming everything that lay in it's path.

"Back! Everyone back!" Morgan screamed, urging the Ylissean forces to retreat. On and on the wave of every rolled, swallowing the phantoms under the ceaseless tide.

Then the ground stopped shaking, the explosion fading away until not but a smoking crater was left in it's wake.

Morgan fell to her knees, panting and gasping for air. They'd done it, they'd gotten clear…

Looking up, she surveyed the carnage. Of the seven hundred-fifty Ylissean soldiers who had accompanied them, less than five hundred remained. However, none had fallen in the explosion, their lines far enough away to pull out in time. The same could not be said for the invisible soldiers, for not a single one of the phantoms could be seen upon the field.

What happened to Mother and Father? What happened to the strike team?

Scrambling to her feet, Morgan searched the battlefield for any sign of them. Had they made it through the portal before it collapsed? Or had they been forced to fall back? And if so, had they gotten far enough away?

"Morgan, over there!" Marc shouted.

Morgan's gazed followed to where her brother was pointing. There! She spied a small group of people on a hilltop not far away. Without waiting for the army she sprinted ahead, praying that it was the members of the strike team. She practically scrambled on all fours as she ascended to the top. Mounting the crest she spied her grandfather, then Laurent. He must have teleported them away.

Then she froze, the momentary relief vanished. Where was her mother and father? All of the other members of the strike force was there but them. Where could they-

"Where are they? Morgan asked, her voice faint.

She could only stare as her grandfather turned to look at her sadly. "Morgan, I… I don't know. Your father reached to portal but… he and your mother were there when it went. I don't know if they made it through or…"

The world stopped. Her grandfather's words echoed in her mind. The blood in her veins went cold, and for a moment even the beating of her heart seemed to halt.

Morgan felt her knees buckle. Before she should hit the ground she felt hands catch her. From the corner of her eyes she saw it was Marc, her brother slowly lowering the both of them onto the ground. He was crying and then she realized so was she.

Mother… Father…

They were gone. She couldn't even mourn them. She didn't know if they were alive or dead. All she knew is that they were gone, leaving not a trace behind.

They had vanished beneath the tides.


Author's Note: Wow, that is certainly a place to leave it off, huh? So ends the finale of A Future Broken, and on a rather uncertain note.

Now, before everyone freaks out, allow me to say this. This is NOT the end of the story. From the very start A Future Broken was never intended to reach further than these 11 chapters. For it is not the whole story, but merely a small part to set the stage of things to come. This story is not over, and neither have we seen the last of our heroes (Anyone who knows me can be safely assured I would never actually kill off my OTP, so Robin and Lucina will return). This story is not yet done, there is still much for me to tell. Indeed, it has only truly begun. For at this point on the story's scope will move beyond the heroes of the Awakening world, for this threat is one they will not face alone. Other worlds hang in the balance, and soon friends new and old must unite to save homes.

This sunday I will be posting a brief epilogue to wrap up A Future Broken and lead directly into the next story. Then if all things go as plan I will be posting the first chapter of my new story in two or three weeks, which will pick up from where this one left off, so be on the lookout for that.

As always please let me know what you thought of this story. You all know how much I love hearing from you guys.

Until then I would like to wish everyone a wonderful day and I will see you when the story continues in two to three weeks with the first chapter of my new story: A Future Tied by Fates