The Blade That Ends Madness

A few days have passed before they could reach back to the Capitol with the three up and ready to prepare to invade Plegia. The streets of Ylisstol was still bustling, but it was clear to see that the people weren't as lively as before and not as many people were out and about today. Nobody could bring themselves to come to greet the Shepherds. The streets hold as solemn and depressed atmosphere from news of the exalt's passing as the Shepherds marched back to the castle in solemn silence.

Back in the castle, Chrom was talking in private with Lissa, Frederick, their twin tacticians and Xander. The others have returned to the barracks. Since their return, the Shepherds have recruited a new fighter, though she wasn't exactly a fighter. It was none other than the dancer that had helped them escape from Plegia, Olivia. Despite being shy and hesitant in joining the Ylissean's militia, the West-khan reassured her of her skills and encouraged her to join them. Sakura stayed with Maribelle and Forrest as they began treating the wounded and the patients. Since the child was good at using her newfound ability to heal, Lissa and Maribelle have taught the girl first aid for injuries and cold as it would be impossible to teach her how to treat against other sorts of illness and such. It was hard to her at first, but, thanks to the two doing their best to be patient while teaching the girl and Forrest helping her at times, she was starting to get the hang of it and could start taking care of the Shepherds' wounds on her own. Syaoran remained close to her and the two would discuss their otherworldly magic. Leo went to talk with Miriel and Kero about the difference of the passage of time between the three worlds. As he explained the unusual situation between theirs and this worlds or times, the mage grew intrigued by the unusual development and agreed to help them find the reason behind it and possibly a way back. As Miriel continued to search for a logical reason, Kero theorized with the knowledge of his world that it may have been that time flows differently between the worlds, so the Nohrian and Hoshidan's time must have flowed slower than this time. With only this, Leo then left to assist their twin tactician with his best friend, Takumi. Reflet had told them beforehand that this time Chrom, Frederick and Xander would come by and help out, which interested the two after hearing of the last time Chrom won a battle using his own tactics.

It was the next morning when Sakura woke up in her own guest room. She looked around to see that everything was normal. The birds were singing in the trees and servants and guards walking through the hallway. It was as if everything that happened was just a dream... As she thought of this, she recalled what the former master of the Clow cards, now Sakura cards, told her before his passing. She looked out the window. It was a new day... a new beginning, that would probably only start when the Plegian king is taken down... She was still unsure of taking a life with her own hands, but she wanted to help and she has found that through her newfound healing abilities. So, she has been learning all she could from the healers. She looked to see that Caeldori was sleeping next to her on the bed. Sakura tilted her head in confusion. Normally, the pegasus knight would be the first one up to wake her. She gently shook her shoulders as she tried to wake her up, "Miss. Caeldori? Wake up. It's morning."

Slowly, the pegasus knight opened her eyes, "Hm? "

She slowly got up and stretched before she looked outside, "Oh my. I didn't mean to wake up that late!"

"It should be alright.", Sakura said to her with a smile, "I don't think the other Shepherds started training yet."

The two quickly got out of bed and hurriedly got dressed before walking through the hallway at a fast pace to where the other Shepherds and her brother and Syaoran were already having breakfast.

"Do we have any other family members with the Brand?"

Leo nodded as the prince clarified what he and Xander have asked the Ylissean prince. They are in the throne room by themselves with the twin tacticians. Chrom shook his head instantly, "No, I'm afraid not. Many of our distant family members have not survived the war during our father's rule with or without the brand. Nobody else, but Em and I, have the brand. ...However, with our sister gone, I'm the only one left with the brand."

Xander asked in confusion, "'The only one?' Doesn't your younger sister have a Brand as well?"

Leo nodded, "Since she's one of the royal family, surely she'd have one too."

The Ylissean prince looked around before shaking his head, "It's not something Lissa likes to talk about, so please don't talk about this with her, unless she brings it up. Lissa doesn't have a Brand when she was born."

The two looked surprised to hear of this.

"I told you before, but not all members of the Ylisse's royal family are born with the Brand. I recall it disappointed many of the other nobles...", Chrom frowned as he recalled the past, "So, Emm and I try to be by her side as much as we could before she began working independently as a healer, but we had her join the Shepherds shortly after. Em was very busy ruling over our people and I was leading the Shepherds, so, to avoid her staying in the castle with Em, we made sure she stayed with me when I was gone or with Maribelle. With or without one, she's still our little sister. She won't need a brand to prove it either."

Xander nodded with a frown, "I see. We won't talk about this with anyone then."

Leo nodded in agreement as did the twin tacticians.

"Thank you, guys.", Chrom said with an appreciative nod before his rose an eyebrow, "However, why do you ask that though?"

Before Xander could respond, Leo answered, "We were just curious after hearing that this was the future of our time and thought how things would be in the future of this."

Xander nodded, "I apologize if we were too nosy about this."

The Ylissean prince shook his head, "It's all right. I understand your curiosity after hearing that our time is your future, but I'd rather focus on what's going to happen now and bring down Gangrel. So that, Ylisstol can regain the peace we once have and you still need to find you're family and friends."

Xander nodded and said, "Now all that's left is Kamui, King Ryoma, Princess Sakura, and our youngest sibling, Elise. We'll also have to keep a lookout for our missing retainers as well."

Chrom and the tacticians thought for a bit before Robin asked them, "Pardon me, but is it possible for you to tell us how they disappeared in the first place?"

Xander nodded, "Yes, the missing retainers and my siblings were heading to Kamui's kingdom, Valla. However, all three of our retainers immediately faded away right in front of us and their family as soon as we were about to leave our castle."

Leo continued, "We contacted the other two kingdoms and were about to have our mages and soldiers help us find out what was going on, but both kingdoms realized that brother Kamui has yet to send his response for a while. So, we all got worried and decided to go over there to see him together. My brother and King Ryoma can't leave the throne for long as their rulers, so we decided that it would be a short trip, but..."

"But it turned out longer than you all initially expected, correct?", Reflet finished with a grimace

The two nodded as Leo said in slight relief, "At least if Kero's theory is correct, time flows slower in our world."

Xander frowned and said, "Still nonetheless, we need to hurry and find a way back before our people starts to panic with a missing ruler. At the moment, we've asked our children and Azura to watch over the kingdoms for the time being."

"Azura?", Robin said with a curious look, "King Kamui's wife if I remember correctly. Why would she be able to watch over all three kingdoms when she is Valla's queen?"

"I understand your confusion, but Azura was a Nohrian princess before she became queen and is one of our siblings. Leo and Elise may not have remembered her as much, but she was raised in Nohr for a short time before Kamui was brought over and she was kidnapped by Hoshido due to the fact that Kamui was taken. However, our father... didn't want to give up Kamui, who was raised with us as one of our siblings. As a result, she was raised in Hoshido as one of the children of the Hoshidan royal family. This makes her both a Nohrian and Hoshidan princess. So, she's able to help out both royal families in this situation."

"So... the same as Kamui?", Chrom said with a sweat drop, "That's... quite complicated."

Leo sighs, "It was at first for me. I didn't even know I had an older sister till then, though I'm not against it. It was just... surprising."

Reflet said with a frown, "Somehow I can relate to that, except I don't remember anything."

Chrom nodded, "Well, I'm sure your kingdom would be all right for the time being with your sister and the children there. I just hope not many of them reach here away from the kingdoms."

Xander nods in agreement to the Ylissean prince's words.

"I hope that does not occur.", Leo said with a frown, "Anyway, I've asked Miriel to also help me figure that out. It doesn't make sense how a portal opened up exactly where Keaton and the children were."

Robin nodded, "I agree. Somehow all of this seems a bit too organized to just be a coincidence. If not, there'd be people from either of those kingdoms here already if it were random. I'd also like to know what kind of magic it is for opening up a portal to another world. It would be terrible if the same could occur to any of the people and the Shepherds here."

Xander grimaced upon the thought, "That would be quite a problem..."

Leo nodded, "I'll try to look into that. I've already asked Miriel to check on so many things, so I'll try to do this myself... If that's all right?"

Chrom thought for a bit with a hand on his chin, "...that'd be fine... if you can find someone else who'd be willing to guard her."

Leo nodded, "... I think I know someone, who'd be willing to do that..."

"Oh?", Chrom said with a curious look, "Who'd that be?"

"Well..."

It was afternoon when Forrest and his future retainers were with Sakura and the healers. Because Prince Leo had something important to discuss with the Ylissean royal family and Caeldori needed to go train and help Cordelia, the group were left in charge of protecting the little mage and her friends, despite the fact that she already has guardians. However, Yue was studying his magic as Yukito in the library with Ricken and Kero was asked to assist their scholar mage with her research to help their past world friends. As a result, they were left to watch over Sakura as she treats one of the many small birds Selkie nearly killed when she was just out "playing" in the woods with Velouria. This has been occurring ever since the Kitsune have joined the militia. Due to her personality, many Shepherds tend to immediately turn down her request to play with her, since it usually consists of her pouncing on everyone. Stahl had once complained how he felt like a punching bag when they were treating one of his injuries and examining one of his many bruises caused by her rough play. Despite their warning and scoldings, the child couldn't quite suppress her strength and decided to stay with her best friend and Panne, much to her concern and worry around the Kitsune. However, Lissa and Maribelle agreed to have Sakura practice her healing magic by caring for these birds. As a result, there is a large bird cage in one of the empty rooms next to the clinic with two large windows opened wide for the little birds and a small clinic for the child and Forrest as her supervisor. Sakura looked over the bird before nodding her head and turned to Forrest, "Forrest, it should be all right to set this one free now right?"

The strategist/healer walked over and examined the bird she cared for before nodding his head with a smile, "Yes. Its condition is good. You can let it go now."

Sakura nodded with a smile, "Yes!"

She walked over to the opened window and lifted the brown bird up to it. It poked its little head out and looked around before flapping its wings and taking off.

"Be more careful next time!", she called out as she waved her hand before returning to clean up.

As Forrest helped Sakura put the stuff away and the child left with Lissa to help out with some of the human patients, Ophelia went over to examine the birds and Nina looked out the window.

"These little ones are looking a lot better than when we first brought them in.", the sorcerer said with a smile as she looked at the birds in the cage on one side of the wooden planks that were set due to fights that would break out between them.

"Well, of course.", Forrest said with a smile as he began gathering some medical tools, "She's been working very hard in caring for them. It's been much easier too with the plank separating them. All she needs to work on now is her mathematics and some more experience. Now, if only we can get Selie to stop pouncing on every little thing that moves, then her workload would lighten up a bit."

As the two nodded in agreement, the healer opened a cabinet and began putting the equipment away.

"Watch out!"

The two turned around only to see Ophelia push Forrest aside and something shot through the unguarded window. It then flew between the two and smashed into the cabinets breaking it into little splinters of wood and equipment and medical supply scattered everywhere.

"Lord Forrest! Ophelia!", the archer screamed in shock.

She took a quick glance out the window before dashing over to them with fear over her face, "Forrest! Are you injured?"

Forrest shook his head as he and Ophelia slowly got up, "No. I'm fine. Ophelia pushed me out of the way just in time. Ophelia, are you all right?"

The sorcerer nodded with a smile, "Yes, milord."

Suddenly, the door burst open as Lissa, Sakura, Lon'qu rushed in.

"Forrest! Ophelia! Nina!", Lissa said in surprise, "Are you three all right?!"

Forrest nodded, "Yes, but what was that? It looks to be magic, but it was so fast. I thought it was an arrow!"

Before they could do anything, Lon'qu was already checking through the window.

"You won't be able to find the culprit like that, Lon'qu sir."

They turned and saw Syaoran looking over the aftermath of what use to be a cabinet.

"Sakura, did you felt that earlier?", the boy asked.

The young mage nodded, "Yes. It was right before the explosion, right?"

Lon'qu narrowed his eyes in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Sakura explained to the confused group, "We can feel the presence of magic and who it is from when they're used and if we know the person. Just now we felt the surge of power before the explosion happened. I assume the person must have cast it from quite a distance. The presence of their magic is very faint, but this presence..."

Syaoran nodded in agreement, "It feels like Clow's magic."

"Clow?", Lissa said with a finger on her temple, "Why does that sound so familiar?"

"It's because it is the name of the former creator and master of the cards Sakura now have in her possession."

They turned around to see Leo walking into the room with Niles, a shocked Frederick, and worried Chrom close behind him.

As the Ylissean prince and his retainer looked over the damage and was given a brief explanation of what occurred from the archer and Ophelia, Leo turned to Forrest with a worried look, "Are you all right, Forrest?"

"I'm fine, father. ", the healer said with a nod, "Ophelia pushed me out of the way just in time."

Lon'qu walked over to Syaoran, "This 'Clow' made the cards Sakura now has?"

Syaoran nodded, "Yes. He created the cards a long time ago and was the former master of it for many years, but...

"What is it?"

"However, he's been dead for a long time now. Long before Sakura was chosen by the cards as their mistress.", Leo finished, "Is that right?"

The two children nodded. Lon'qu frowned, "Then, who shot that magic?"

Syaoran and Sakura both pondered over this dilemma before Lissa finally sighed and said, "Let's first get out of here and let Frederick take care of this situation. You children need to get out of this room. Sakura, I take the birds to another safe place, okay?"

Snapped out of her thoughts, the little girl said with a confused expression, "Shouldn't I help out, though?"

Lissa shook her head as she answered with a confident smile, "It'll be fine. Maribelle is probably still worried sick about us again. Can you go with Syaoran and tell her that everything is all right before more strands of her hair 'turn grey'?"

"O-okay, then. Syaoran, let's go!", Sakura said as she began to pull the boy along.

The boy's eyes widen in surprise, "H-Hold on, Sakura! I'm coming."

As Sakura dragged the boy along, Reflet and Robin rushed in only to be greeted by the scene before them. Chrom went over to them and began explaining the situation. With the two children gone, Lissa went over and did what she could to move the large cage, but, when it looked like it would topple over at any minute, Lon'qu let out an annoyed sigh as he went over to help the princess. Frederick went over to the entrance to reassure the Shepherds that came rushing over and began giving orders to the guards and servants.

"I'm glad nobody got seriously injured.", Chrom said as he approached Leo and the children, "Well, what do you think?"

Leo nodded, "It may be some mages sent as assassins after Sakura, but, as for how they got to know of this room, I'm not too sure about that. Not many people are aware that this room was rearranged for Sakura. It was usually an empty storage room as well. However, with how they timed the attack, I'd say they cast a spell only knowing where she usually works meaning they can't really spy on her or pinpoint her exact location."

Chrom pondered on this as well before he said, "I see... Thank gods Sakura wasn't here before the attack came in. I'll go let those three know of this before they start panicking."

"It might be a little too late for that.", Nina said with a frown as she looked towards the door.

As they did, Running footsteps could be heard through the hall. Chrom groaned, "Speaking of the devil..."

He started walking outside before he suddenly turned around, "Oh, right! Ophelia, you might want to get that arm of yours checked."

As the captain walked out, they looked over to the sorcerer and saw her quickly clasped a hand over her wound with a smile, "Oh, this? Tis, but a mere scratch."

Leo frowned and said, "Are you sure?"

Ophelia nodded quickly, "O-of course, Prince Leo."

Forrest shook his head, "Ophelia, I can see you're lying. A lot of blood coming from your arm. Just let me have a look at it, please?"

As the sorcerer hesitated, Nina sighed in exasperation before stomping over to her, "It's best if you just have it looked at, Ophelia! Now, let's go to the clinic and stop hesitating."

She began pushing the girl into the clinic with Forrest following the two as he sighed at their antics. Leo raised an eyebrow as they left, "Strange... I don't remember Ophelia acting like that with my son before..."

His retainer looked to the entrance with eyes narrowed in suspicion before shaking his head and following his charge out the door.

"Come on! Just show us already!"

"Fine. Fine, but are you sure that nobody is here?"

"Ophelia... Nina and I have told you many times already. Miss. Maribelle left to check on Lissa with Sakura and Syaoran. The last patient left before they did. Just let see that arm."

Ophelia slumped her shoulders in defeat, "Al-all right, but please don't tell anyone of this."

The two let out another annoyed sigh before Forrest nodded, "Okay, Ophelia. We promise we won't tell anyone right, Nina?"

The archer nodded and started yanking at the hand, "Yes, I promise too if there's anything to hide. Now just show us that arm. What. Do. You. Have. Hiding. Under. It. Any. WAYYY- Ooof!"

Nina was finally able to pry the sorcerer's hand free as she stumbled back unexpectedly. As the two looked at the wound, they gasped in shock.

"This...", Forrest muttered in bewilderment, "Ophelia-"

"Shhh.", the young sorcerer quickly glanced around, "Please Lord Forrest, Nina. Not another word."

The two nodded as the healer quickly cleaned the wound and Nina kept on the lookout for people. As Forrest quickly wiped the large gash, he could clearly see through the mix of blood and water a dark tanned tattoo below the wound.

"Hold on.", he said, "This is going to hurt a bit."

Ophelia nodded and gritted her teeth as he quickly sewed the gash closed. When it was done, he applied for the medicine and bandaged around the arm and the tattoo as fast and carefully as he could.

"There done.", he said as he turned to clean up the equipment and used supplies littered over the desk, "Now..."

He looked around before continuing, "Since both your father and Sir Laslow came from this world with Lady Selena, I'm going to assume that it came from your father too?"

Ophelia nodded in silence as Nina sighed and Forrest continued, "Then, why didn't you tell us or Father? Surely, we could've helped."

"I really wanted too," Ophelia said with a complex look, "but my dad made me promise not to tell anyone. He wanted me to keep it a secret."

"So, Sir Odin knew of this too. Did he tell you anything about it or why?", Forrest asked.

Ophelia shook her head, "He said that he couldn't tell me the reason, but that it was something very important. He told me that he had one as well before it was gone and it would've made grandmother very happy to see that I have one."

Forrest thought for a bit before he said, "Was this what you wanted to talk about before back in Nohr? Your secret that you wanted to tell us the day the village got attacked?"

Ophelia nodded her head, "Yes, milord. Father told me to keep it a secret, but, ever since Father came back, I've wanted to tell you and Nina about it since he said that I could only do so with a few. But, when we got sent to this world and I saw Prince Chrom, I've been unconsciously feeling the need to hide it once more. I didn't think it'd mean much till Prince Leo and Lady Beruka began watching over Soliel and we asked Sakura about it. I've been keeping it hidden ever since for as long as I can remember. Only my dad and mom knew about this."

Forrest thought for a bit before slowly nodding his head, "Aunt Elise, as well? ...Of course, she's your mother. She must've seen it when you were born. I see... Thank you for telling us your secret, Ophelia. I promise I won't tell anyone about it. Just don't take that bandage off, Ophelia. That would be the only thing covering it if you ever get wounded. I will take out the stitched in about a week and change the bandage, but whatever you do don't take your bandage off where there are people around. If they ever question you about it, just tell them that it's an old injury you received when you were young and leave it at that. Also..."

Forrest hesitated a bit before he continued, "Stay with us as often as you can. Just make sure you're not alone. Is that clear?"

Ophelia nodded, "Yes, milord."

Nina incoherently mumbled something before she finally let out an exasperated sigh and nodded in agreement, "I'm not very happy that you didn't tell us about this sooner, but, since Lord Forrest is fine with it, so am I. Who'd thought you'd have such a huge secret for this long. I promise I won't tell either."

Ophelia tearfully thanked the two. Once she calmed down a bit and was sent to one of the clinic bed, Nina whispered, "Excuse me, Lord Forrest. I don't mean to question your decision, but is the reason why you had Ophelia stay close to us because..."

Forrest sighed and nodded, "Yes. Surely, after keeping it for so long, I won't be surprised if it accidentally slipped one day. If it does happen, we'll be there to help her out of the situation. I've heard Sir Odin was like that. I wouldn't be surprised if Ophelia also has such characteristic that goes along with his choice of speech."

Nina nodded with an annoyed frown, "I see. She does have a problem with that... and theatric words..."

With a sorcerer dead asleep after all that happened, Forrest began recording the injury that his future retainer received that afternoon as Nina continued to protect him. Then, suddenly, a thought hit the archer as she said out loud, "But, doesn't that mean Ophelia and Soliel are related, then?"

A few more days have come and passed as the Ylisse prepare for what they hope to be the last battle against the Mad King of Plegia. During those days, they've restocked their supplies and trained harder than they usually did as the tacticians formulated a new strategy against their next attack. This time with the help of Leo and Takumi. It wasn't long before they were ready to depart once more into Plegian territory. Sakura was once again requested by her older brother and Forrest to be with the Shepherds after the event in her small training clinic. After a few days of traveling, scouting, and preparations for the attack, they were on the outskirts of where the battle would take place, the Plegian castle. Their tacticians then began to give out direction.

"Forrest, you will remain here with Sakura. Ophelia, Nina, Soliel. You three as well.", Reflet said much to their surprise.

"Wha- Why?!", Soliel exclaimed in shock, "Is it because I'm not strong enough?"

"It's because we requested it."

The mercenary turned to see both the paladin and the dark knight walking up to join the upcoming battle. Leo explained, "There is also still a chance that Gangrel is aiming for the child again. If that were to occur, Forrest and the others won't have anyone else to help them, if the enemy gets past us and reach you guys."

Robin walked up to them as her brother continue explaining the plan to Chrom.

"Of course, we'll make sure that no Plegian soldiers get past us under our watch, but, as we know what Gangrel and the woman alongside him can do, we don't want to risk any more than just the Emblem. So, we'll be leaving a few Shepherds behind to watch over the camp, including Sakura.", Robin explained as she tried to calm the mercenary and reassure her of her abilities.

Still upset, the girl nodded her head nonetheless as she muttered, "I-I understand..."

She then perked up to her usual smile and said casually, "Then, you can count on me to keep them safe!"

Robin nodded with a smile. She wanted to say more when she noticed the Ylissean prince's retainer suddenly running over to Chrom with a serious look over his face.

"I need to go know. Stay here and watch over the others with the remaining Shepherds, all right."

As soon as the mercenary nodded, Robin rushed over to where Chrom and her brother was.

"Milord," the knight said, "I've a report from Khan Flavia."

They remained silent as the Ylissean retainer continued, "The Plegian army is in disarray."

Chrom's eyes widen in surprise, "How do you mean?"

"It seems many of their soldiers are opposed to further violence. There has been infighting, desertion...", Frederick explained, "Gangrel is trying to stamp out the mutiny by force, but with little success. Outside of a few faithful who serve him directly, his army has all but collapsed."

As the Shepherds listened to the knight in shock. Many grew hopeful of their chances of victory on their enemy's land and castle.

"This... is incredible news.", Chrom said before he furrowed his brow, "But why...?"

"There's only one reason why, Chrom.", Xander said as he walked over to them.

"I agree.", said his younger brother with the same thought as the paladin, "We've noticed changes to the enemy after that one incident. Honestly, the reason isn't that hard to find."

"Emmeryn.", the Ylissean prince said without hesitation.

Frederick nodded with a solemn expression at the mention of the exalt's name, "Yes, milord. Emmeryn... The report says Gangrel's men chant her name as they abandon the field. Her words and her sacrifice have made her a folk hero of sorts."

"Emmeryn...", Chrom said with a grimace as he recalled memories of their eldest sister and her last moments before her suicidal death, "Why did it take me so long to understand. She believed all people desire peace. She knew, deep down, the Plegians wanted it, too. It just took her to bring it to the surface."

Takumi nodded and said in shock, "I can't believe it, but she did it."

"Yes.", Hinoka said as she thought back to the exalt's last moments, "She made the Plegian people open their eyes and see what was important..."

The tacticians smiled as they heard the results of the exalt's last words. It also meant that the chances of them coming out victorious grew.

"I hope she can see this," Chrom whispered quietly to himself, "wherever she is..."

He looked up to them once more and firmly said, "Today we put an end to Mad King Gangrel and bring peace back to the land."

They nodded as the prince signaled for the Shepherds to begin marching to the Plegian castle.

Sakura remained at the camp with the others remaining shepherds and the otherworld children as the rest of the militia left leaving Sumia and Stahl in charge of the safety of their camp in the meantime. With the militia gone, Sakura tilted her head with a thought in mind and turned to her strategist friend, "Forrest, I've been wondering about this, but, if they're going to fight in a battle like this, wouldn't more soldiers be better than leaving a few behind?"

"It would've been.", Forrest said, "But it would be harder to keep track of strategizing with more people. It would be hard to keep track of where certain soldiers are. Also, we have a camp to protect for when they return."

Sakura nodded, "I see... That would be difficult, but does big brother really need to go as well?"

"I don't know.", Forrest said with confusion, "But our tacticians decided that it'd be best and, from what I know of your brother so far, I don't think he'd like it if you were all attacked by Plegian soldiers while you're all here in this world..."

He looked to the girl with a nod, "I believe that the captain and tacticians will watch out for him along with the other Shepherds. We all know that he's still learning after all, but I heard that he may have some skills with the sword. So, I'm sure he'll be back."

Sakura slowly nodded her head as she looked off to the distance where her brother and the other Shepherds left to what may possibly be the final battle of this war.

Screams and smoke filled the sky as the Shepherds were already crashing against the Plegian soldiers. Reflet was rushing through the hallway just behind Chrom and Olivia with a tome in one hand and a sword in the other. Despite it being the dancer's first battle, she has been doing well against their enemies with the help of their captain. At this moment, his sister is outside giving out orders to the other Shepherds as he and Cordelia rushed into the castle. As he rushed through the hall, he can't help but get a strange feeling as he looked at the stone wall and purple carpet. It all felt so familiar that it was scaring him. Did he ever come here in the past before he lost his memory? If so, what was he doing here? Was he-

He quickly shook his head to empty the oncoming thought. He didn't want to believe in it. He was already fortunate enough to know that he wasn't alone in the world. He has reunited with his long lost twin and made many friends. With that, it was enough for him. He doesn't need his memory as long as he has these new bonds.

It wasn't long before they reached large double doors after slaying countless enemy soldiers coming at them as well as occasionally using magic. After seeing the Ferox castle and the castle of Ylisse, it wasn't difficult to assume that this was the entrance to the throne room. Chrom quickly pushed the doors open and rushed in. There sitting on the throne smiling as he looked out the window to the smoke and screams in that hung in the sky was none other than King Gangrel, the Mad King.

"Gangrel!", Chrom shouted, "This war of yours ends here and now!"

The man looked over to them with a feigned look of shock over his face, "Well, if it isn't the little princeling! You got here faster than I thought... Are you ready to join the squashed sister of yours now?"

The man unsheathed the sacred black blade as he said, "You know, I was looking for some worthy dummy practice for this legendary blade of mine... Without a doubt, it would be rather pleased to covered in the blood of a royal member of the fallen Halidom of Ylisse."

Chrom raised his blade as he said, "That would never happen, Gangrel. Your men wouldn't even stand behind you. Also, that blade didn't even choose you as his master to begin with!"

The man laughed, "And? So what if it didn't choose me now, there's always later on. Maybe... after it soaks itself in the blood of the exalt's bloodline!"

With that, Gangrel charged forward with the blade in hand and cackling laughter. Chrom quickly parried against the mad man's blade and pushed him back as he jumped back preparing to strike when his opponent suddenly raised his hand. Realizing what was going to happen, Chrom quickly jumped back, but it was too late. An arrow flew through the air and was coming straight for him. He braced himself for the tip to pierce him when a zap of lightning could be heard and the scent of smoke and scream filled the room. He lowered his arm and saw splinters of what he assumed to be the arrow and a bow-wielding Risen collapsed on the ground with a glowing arrow through its forehead before vanishing into a purple haze. The two looked back in shock and saw Takumi standing there with his bow in hand.

"That bow...", the stunned Plegian King said, "It can't be! I've yet to invade Roxanne for it!"

Chrom's eyes widen, "Takumi?! Virion?! What of the situation outside?"

"Many of the Plegian soldiers have either dropped their weapons and fled the battlefield, or fought alongside us, milord.", Virion said, "Robin is making sure that the remainder of the enemy whom stayed is taken out."

Takumi sighed in relief, "She actually sent us here herself. After what occurred during the last encounter, we had to make sure that you didn't fall into another trap... Guess her intuition was spot on."

"Takumi?", Gangrel muttered in confusion, "As in Takumi, the Wild Card?! How did you... Well, it doesn't matter. You're all going to perish anyway and I'll obtain two more sacred weapons to my collection!"

The man quickly raised the blade. The group watched in shock to see a great number of Risen appear in front of them.

Immediately, Reflet began giving out orders as he fought alongside with the pegasus knight with his magic and blade. Chrom was barely able to push back against the large number of Risen coming at him. With the help of Olivia, the fight was definitely not going well, but, with Olivia's dance and sword skills, they were making past the Risen. He then took on another ax-wielding Risen and killed it in one strike through the chest.

"Die!"

Startled by the unexpected voice, Chrom immediately turned around only to find the tip of a black sword coming at him.

"Captain!", Olivia shouted in horror as she rushed over to him.

Reflet turned instantly with eyes widen in shock, "Chrom!"

A loud clang of metal could be heard as the group watched in surprise. A silver sword parried against the blade as the owner of the silver sword pushed it back.

"Are you all right, sir?", the man on the horse said as he faced the Mad King.

Chrom looked up to him with a relieved smile, "Yes. I appreciate for the he- Xander? No. I apologize for that. I thought you were someone we know, but that armor..."

The red hair black paladin looked at the prince in shock, "You know-"

"You shouldn't be looking away from your opponent you know.", Gangrel shouted as he suddenly charged at the red hair paladin.

The man quickly blocked the blade and pushed back once more, then rushed in to strike down upon the king, who blocked it this time.

"This sword...", the man said with eyes wide in shock, "What are you doing with my father's sword?!"

Chrom's eyes widen in shock. Before Gangrel could mention anything, Chrom quickly slams the paladin aside and off his horse as he takes on the Mad King once more.

"Reflet! Olivia!", the Ylissean prince shouted as he forced his opponent back and went in for another strike.

"Got it!", the tactician said as the dancer nodded.

The two quickly rushed in and pulled the paladin and his war horse away from them before he could bring any more attention from the Mad King.

"Wha-? What are yo-"

Reflet looked back with a stern look, "We'll talk about this later. For now, don't bring more attention to you than you already have."

"What do you mean?"

"Siegbert!"

The two turned as Olivia rushed back to assist Chrom and saw Takumi rushing over to them.

"U-uncle?!", the paladin said in shock, "Wait. If you're here, then-"

"I take it that he's Xander's child, then.", Reflet said with a nod, "Have him stay with you two for now. We'll need him to stay away from Gangrel's eyes. I've no doubt that he must've had a misunderstanding from those words just now."

Takumi nodded as he and Virion pulled the young paladin aside with them as they returned to shooting at theRisens just behind Cordelia and Reflet.

As the fight continued inside the castle, Robin and Shepherds were doing their best with the Plegian soldiers, who allied themselves with the Ylissean and Feroxi soldiers, as they went off against what remained of Gangrel's soldiers and the remaining Grimleals, who suddenly revealed themselves in the midst of the battlefield. The plan she and her brother had devised for what they hope to be the final battle was simple, but also quite risky. The Shepherds were to attack the castle from the east side as the Khans and their soldiers charge in from the North side of the enemy castle. During the fight, both the Shepherds and the Khans will help sneak Chrom and Reflet into the castle with two other Shepherds. Despite being finally allowed to use her sacred weapon, Lissa would not be able to join her brother in this fight as Gangrel also seeks the sacred tome as well as her life. It also didn't help with the fact that she was only just barely able to grab a hold of using Brynhildr without summoning more giant apple trees. The last thing they needed was the princess accidentally taking a life, which was an action she was not accustomed to doing, much like their deceased sister. During the battle, they can't afford for someone to lose themselves to shock, even if it was momentarily. The only big problem aside from all the personal problems was that the number of soldiers under the Mad King's control. After their escape back to the kingdoms, the number of Feroxi soldiers that Flavia gathered for their alliance weren't as much as before, due to a large number of casualties that have forced many to remain on their land. As a result, the numbers of soldiers from both sides may just barely be either less than or equal to the enemies number meaning that, even with this strategy formulated by both tacticians with the help of Leo and Takumi, they could still possibly be defeated just by numbers alone. However, after hearing the news the received from the Khans, things were looking up, even if it was just a little bit after hearing the news of the rebelling Plegian soldiers against their own king for the peace that the deceased exalt spoke in her last words. Now, here they are. Fighting against the remain Plegian soldiers with the help of those rebelling for that peace. Due to this, it wasn't as hard as they thought to help bring Chrom and her brother into the castle before she learned of the aid they were receiving from the allying Plegian soldiers. Their only hope now was that Chrom and Reflet are successful on their part of the strategy and slay that madman. However, over an hour have past and, although the Shepherds are now trying to wrap up the battle, the two and their partners still haven't returned or signaled for their victory. Deeply concerned for her long-lost brother and their good friend, she was able to spare their two best archers to head into the castle and check to see if they've fallen for any possible traps the Mad King and his witch might have placed throughout the castle or in the throne room where Gangrel may be. It's been about another long hour since then with no word from any of them, much to her concern, and they were just about finished when she heard Gaius's voice, "Hey, Bubbles. Looks like you got guests. Xander is coming over with Toma- Hinoka... and... they don't look too happy. Oh, wait. Actually, they're not."

Robin looked over to where Gaius was looking after handling another spear wielding soldier. Indeed, the two were coming over to them and they don't look as optimistic as the other Shepherds. If she would use one word to describe this, it would be "fear".

It's been probably about an hour since they've reached the throne room. However, with the intensity of the battle, Reflet and the others were starting to lose track of time if not for the sun rising high in the sky and just barely out of sight from behind the castle's windows. This was not part of their plan. What seemed to be a simple inside strategy suddenly became complicated with the arrival of Risens by the Plegian King's side. They've already expected soldiers by his side, but, with the disappearance of both his men and that witch, they were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Risens, despite guessing something was already off. Reflet and the Shepherds have been tirelessly fighting against the large number of Risens as they helped defend Chrom and Olivia from incoming enemies with the Mad King still trying to take their captain's life. It was a miracle for them to have survived the fight for such a long period of time, but it was also wearing them down as both fighters began to show signs of fatigue. However, neither one of them is determined to back down. The only thing they've been able to succeed in is beating against the previously large number of Risens. It was a slow process that finally began to show results as the number eventually became half as many as before.

Chrom continued to clash against the Plegian King. After witnessing all the traps and deception the Mad King of Plegia have used against them, Chrom wasn't too happy to learn that the man wasn't as weak as he thought with his sword. Chrom frowned as he looked at his opponent's black blade. He'd like to say that the color was a perfect match to the color of that mad man's own soul, but he could scarcely believe it after facing the Nohrian King with the exact same blade. He recalled it being a different feeling upon seeing the sacred weapon than the weapon in a crooked man's hands. Despite it being the same design and perfect shape, it looked dull. With the fight continuing longer than it should've, Chrom did what he could as he tried to think of a way to catch him off guard. He needed something that could help him do that or a way to disarm that damn weapon of his. He gritted his teeth at the thought as he blocked another of what seemed to be the millionth strike from the madman. As he quickly pushed back once more, he jumped back, but, as he did, he was shocked to see his opponent rushing at him this time rather than waiting for him to do so. His eyes narrowed in suspicion upon the sudden change as he raised his sword to block that attack once again. However, unlike the other attacks, the force was a sudden change to the man's usual attacks and it nearly threw him a few steps back. This time the man stepped aside letting the blade slide down his most treasured weapon, much to Chrom's surprise, and rushed towards the Ylissean prince with the blade of his sword coming straight for his face!

Suddenly, a loud sound of clashing metal and crackling static was heard once more as the black sword disappeared from his view and landed far behind the Mad King with a clang. Shocked, Chrom looked up with sweat dripping down from his forehead, "Seigbert! I thought Reflet told yo- Xander?!"

In front of him was indeed the paladin that they've mistaken Siegbert to be. Xander stood there with his sacred weapon in hand as his wife rushed over to where their surprised son and her brother was. With the appearance of reinforcement, Gangrel gritted his teeth in anger and unsheathed a silver sword hidden under his cape. However, instead of charging at them, the man ran over to where the sacred weapon was much to their surprise as they quickly tried to stop the man. However, before he could reach for it, a shock hit him in the back and collapsed on the ground. As he looked up, he could see Ylisse's grandmaster tactician with a blade in one hand and a burnt tome in the other as he dropped it to the ground upon using the last bit spells from it. The Mad King looked around the room filled Risen as his eyes widened in shock upon seeing the awakened sacred blade in the hand of another person other than himself, "What?!"

He wanted to look back at where his weapon lay but was faced with the tip of Chrom's blade.

In the Ylissean prince's hand was the sacred weapon that was disarmed from the Plegian King, "It's over, Gangrel. You've lost."

However, instead of anger or frustration, the Mad King grinned deviously and said, "I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you."

The captain narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "What are you trying to say, Gangrel?"

The man shook his head with a sigh of disappointment, "I'm pretty sure my soldiers have acquired that girl by now and burned your little camp just outside of here."

"What?!", Chrom said in shock, "Gangrel, you..."

As soon as he prepared to strike, the Mad King used this chance and tackled Chrom down as he tried to reach for the blade. However, Chrom could already see this and flung the sword into the air, "Reflet!"

Reflet nodded and rushed over to the direction of the blade as he cut down another Risen. He reached out and barely caught the black sword by the hilt. Upon touching the black sword, he felt some shock sensation running through his arm as he winced from the strong bolts, but refused to let go of the sword. Suddenly, all three sacred weapons in the room began to glow.

Chrom kicked the Mad King off as he jumped up with eyes wide open, "Wha-What's going on?! Reflet!"

"H-hold on!", Takumi said in shock, "Isn't this just like when Kamui awakened his sacred weapon?"

Xander nodded, "Yes. That could mean that..."

The light died down and, in Reflet's hand, the sacred weapon glowed gently with static emitting from the double blade. To Chrom, it looked and felt nearly identical as the blade in the fellow paladin's hands.

"What's going on?", Chrom said in confusion, "Xander? Do you know what happened just now? Don't tell me..."

The paladin nodded, "The weapon chose him as his master. In other words, Reflet awakened this time's Siegfried."

"Nononononono!", Gangrel shouted in anger, "THAT'S not possible! He's not even a member of the Royal family! There's absolutely no possible way that he could awaken it! I'm the one from the royal family. I should be the one to wield the sacred weapon! Not some low life Ylisseans! All this preparations and years... For nothing! The sacred weapon is mine!"

With the silver sword in hand, Gangrel blindly charged past both Chrom and Xander as he rushed over to the tactician in rage, "Its mine, you hear! Now, die!"

"Reflet!", Cordelia screamed in panic as she tried to rush over to her partner.

Snapped out of his daze, Reflet quickly pulled up his silver sword to block only for it to snap in half by the force of the enraged king and was pushed back. As the madman rushed at him with the tip of his sword pointed at him, Reflet quickly lifted the sacred weapon in his other hand as he jumped aside and barely missed the blade. He immediately brought the black blade down as fast as he could. The blade cleaning cut through Gangrel's arm as both the arm and his silver sword dropped to the ground and electricity burst from the black sword killing a few more Risens nearby. Gangrel stared at his bloody arm before screaming in outrage. However, his scream was cut short as a spear had run through his chest and the man himself collapsed onto the ground face down. Dead. The man laid dead on the ground with blood trickling out from under him.

Chrom walked up and checked on the man's corpse. He nodded as he said, "It's... finally over. Gangrel is now dead."

Reflet nodded, "In the end, his own madness made him blind to his surroundings. As a result, it led him to his death. Thank you for helping me out, Cordelia."

As the pegasus knight nodded, Xander frowned upon seeing the dead corpse, "I've never seen someone so obsessed over the sacred weapons to the point of insanity..."

Chrom continued, "It looks like we'll be able to finish things here in a bit. Now we got other problems to take care of. Olivia, Takumi. The two of you will handle the last few Risens left. Cordelia, Virion. I need you to return to camp and-"

"Excuse me, sir."

They turned to see that the voice had come from Seigbert.

"Seigbert?", Xander said, "Is something wrong?"

"No. It's just that I was coming here with Lady Nyx, and Sir Kaze's daughter, Midori. Along the way, we saw a camp just outside of the battlefield under attack by those monsters and assisted the people in taking them out. Midori decided to help care for the wounded soldiers as they only have a novice healer and Forrest, so I came with Lady Nyx."

Chrom looks to the young paladin in surprise, "Just outside the battlefield? Could it be..."

"I don't know. They said that they were shepherds, but they don't quite look like people raising sheeps in lands like this."

Reflet chuckled as he said, "That's our camp. 'The Shepherds' is what Ylisse's militia is called."

Chrom nodded with a smile, "Yes. It's a little late, but my name is Chrom. I'm their captain. Thank you for helping Sumia and the other Shepherds protect the camp while we weren't there."

"Still...", Hinoka said with a confused look, "Siegbert, how did you get in here unscathed? Of course, I'm glad to see that you're all right, but it's a little surprising after all those soldiers your father and I had to go through to get here."

"Yes.", Xander said with a raised eyebrow after finally noticing his child only had a few bruises and cuts unlike them, "Could there have been a secret path or something similar?"

"I'm not sure if you could call it a secret.", the young paladin said with a frown, "It was something like a backdoor entrance that leads to this room over in that corner. That's where I saw Chrom fighting against this 'Gangrel'. He looked like he was in need of help, so I jumped in. After hearing their conversation, it wasn't too hard to figure out what was going on or who was the enemy."

As he said those words, he pointed over to the corner of the room to reveal that there was indeed an open door there standing in plain sight. Their eyes widen in shock of this unnoticed detail as Xander said in surprise, "Also, there was no guards or soldiers guarding the entrance?"

"There was, but only a couple. This dark mage showed me the entrance and took out the guards for me before leaving. He said something about going to find the next battle. Lady Nyx decided to assist Uncle Leo and his retainer after finding them in the midst of battle."

"I-I see.", Chrom said with a nervous smile, "Now, I wished we knew of this beforehand. It would've saved a lot of time and effort in getting here."

Olivia walked over to them, "Chrom? The last of the Risens have been defeated."

The captain nodded and said to the tactician and his pegasus partner, "Reflet, can you signal the other- Oh, right... your tome was worn out."

"I'll do it, milord.", Cordelia said as she rushed out the double doors without waiting for his reply.

The group looked at each other in surprise as Chrom said in confusion, "Did something happen to her? Usually, she'd wait for my orders before leaving too. Reflet?"

The tactician chuckled nervously with a smile as he said, "I-I'll go talk to her in a bit. Right now, I'm pretty sure Khan Flavia would want to talk with you now that the war is over, Chrom."

"You're right.", the prince said, "We'll go speak with her after we get back to camp. For now, we need to go see the situation outside."

At the thought of his younger sister, Reflet nodded and the group began to leave the throne room and the castle as they rejoined Robin and the other Shepherds.

Sakura has been treating the soldiers' wounds after the sudden invasion of Plegian soldiers. The sudden large number of men brought some chaos and disorder before Sumia and Stahl began to issue orders of their own. They were then assisted by three passersby, who said they were on their way to find some friends. It wasn't till after the battle that Forrest came to see their new allies when they realized that it was none other than Xander's and Hinoka's son, Seigbert, along with Nina's mother and their Hoshidan friend, Midori. It was a surprise to hear that three have followed the rumors of the Nohrian King and Queen all the way to their camp despite knowing the war going on between the two countries, though many were more shocked to see that the young female archer's mother looked so young. It was difficult to believe that she could be the archer's mother or even have children of their own with her age appearance till she had to briefly explain the reason behind it as "something personal" and that she was actually much older than her physical appearance. Though the Shepherds tried to understand the logic of it, Siegbert was rather more eager to go find his parents after discovering that they've joined the Shepherds for the moment and are currently in what they've hoped would be the last battle of the war between Ylisse and Plegia. However, after hearing that Sakura and Forrest was their only two healer here and she told her that she was still in training, Midori decided to remain in the camp to assist the young girl in caring for the other soldiers with her own herbal medicine as Sakura heals them with her staff and treats any serious injuries that a staff won't be able to treat just as her mentors have taught her. A few hours have passed before Sakura and the others could finally take a break from their work. During that time, Caeldori began to tell the Mercenary what had occurred before they arrived here but left out the reason behind Soliel's change in hairstyle. Sakura watched as Forrest wrote his report of the injuries of each person they've treated and the number of casualties. When he was done, Sakura's eyes widen in pure amazement, "You actually remembered all of that, Forrest? That's amazing. I don't even remember all the Shepherds I've treated after all that. How did you do it?"

The strategist smiled, "It takes practice. Also, I've taken care of many of the soldiers alongside my mother, who is also a healer, back in my world. So, with this many Shepherds, it isn't much of a problem any more than it was back home with so many soldiers my uncle led. If you keep treating patients yourself and record their progress as you have been doing now, it won't be long till you can do the same as well."

"Really?!", Sakura said in excitement as Forrest began organizing the papers, "Then, I'll keep working to help the Shepherds!"

"That's good to hear."

They turned to the entrance to see Kero floating in with a smile on his face as he continued, "If only you can be this motivated in getting better in your math..."

As he said that, Sakura raised her fist as she tried to withhold her anger and shouted, "Well, I'm at least better than you at it! You barely know much of it!"

The little guardian's ears perked up as he raised his own "fist", or, in actuality, paw, as he yelled back, "What are you saying?! I'm the great Kerberos. Of course, I'd understand something as simple as mathematics!"

"As if! The last time I asked you to help me with my homework, all you did was write what you want!"

The group sighed as the usual two friends bicker back and forth over the simplest of things regarding Sakura once again. It only ended after Sakura's usual bribing of sweets that always works on the little plush toy as Forrest was just about finished putting away the files in order. Suddenly, Syaoran rushed in through the tent entrance catching his breath. Shocked by the scene before her, Sakura rushed over to the boy's side with a concerned expression over her normally cheerful face, "Syaoran! Are you all right?"

As he nodded weakly, the strategist walked over to them, "Is there another attack?"

"N-no.", Syaoran answered as he slowly got up and wiped the sweat of his chin, "Chrom... and the other Shepherds... have returned. It looks like we won... Reflet is even holding the Plegian King's weapon."

As the others rushed out to greet the returning soldiers, Forrest stood there in deep thought as he said aloud, "That Mad King's weapon? ... Wait, wouldn't that be-?!"

Immediately, the strategist looked out with the surprised archer and sorcerer following after him.

A couple weeks have gone by after they began the return journey back to Ylisse. Upon reaching back to Ylisse, Chrom and his younger sister immediately begin to prepare for the funeral of their sister that they've set aside for such a long period of time. In the end, the body was never found much to their disappointment and regret. Nevertheless, they continued to hold the funeral for their beloved sister and Ylisse's exalt a couple days as soon as the preparation was completed. Many attended her funeral, including those from the other world and the long distant past. The rest of the process remained solemn and gloomy with sadness and grief hanging in the damp air that resulted from rain the night before. As if the funeral process wasn't enough, they've discovered that Lissa's assassins have come after the princess once again. However, this time, Lon'qu was able to put an end to the remaining assassins that came after her life. Still, the swordsman came back with an arrow sticking out from his chest to most of their shock, as Lissa dragged him into the clinic as quickly as she could. Though he came out fine in the end, rumors began circulating as to how they've witnessed Chrom getting kicked out of the clinic by his own younger sister as she immediately treated the swordsman, even though it was actually the truth upon Sakura's witness of the event. It has been long after when Xander began to teach Reflet how to control his Siegfreid's power and practice using the black blade. As a few days passed, Sakura was walking through the hallway chatting with Syaoran as they were heading over to the clinic. With the Plegian King dead, Sakura was safe from any possible kidnapping or assassination attempts for the time being as not many knew about her abilities or powers. Also, there's been word that Chrom is planning to take on the title of Exalt as respect for his late sister. Despite the sudden decision, not many were surprised by this as he was the prince of Ylisse and the second eldest. As they entered her small training clinic, they noticed Nyx, the Nohrian dark mage with brown hair and wore a mage clothing a bit similar to Tharja's, calmly sitting on one of the stools talking with Nina while Forrest was checking on the records of patients that suffered from the invasion of Ylisse when the late exalt was taken hostage and Ophelia was back in the same spot admiring her little patients. Upon hearing the creak of the door, Forrest looked up and smile when he saw the young healer, "Oh, good morning, Sakura."

"Good morning!", the young girl said with her usual cheerful look till she looked over to the dark mage with a confused look, "Huh? Mrs. Nyx? Are you here to see Nina?"

The dark mage smiled softly at the child's confusion, "Yes. Well, that was also part of the reason."

"My mom also brought over a friend, who really wants to see you, Sakura.", Nina said as she motioned over to the birdcage.

Seeing this, Ophelia moved out of the way and there stood a girl with long grayish-violet wavy hair, porcelain-like skin, purple eyes, and wore a purple dress with red shoes. She smiled gently and said in a quiet voice, "Sakura! You're all right! Thank goodness!"

Sakura froze in place with wide eyes, "Tomoyo?"

Hearing this, Syaoran and Kero rushed over to see and were stunned as well.

"Tomoyo?!", the boy said in surprise.

The two ran over to the girl and greeted her with joy upon their reunion as Toya and Yukito quietly walked in unnoticed by the kids.

"What a relief. It's good to see that Sakura is cheerful again.", Yukito said with a smile as he watched the three interact, "I haven't seen her this cheerful for a while now."

Toya remained silent as he watched the four before turning over to the younger looking sorcerer, "Where did you find Daidoji?"

Nyx tilted her head in confusion, "Daidoji?"

"Ah, we formally address a person by their last name in our world.", Yukito quickly explained, "It's probably different from where you are from, but-"

"No.", Forrest quickly said, "In the Hoshido Kingdom, that's how they do it too if I remember correctly. My mother told me about it."

Nyx nodded, "As for the child, we found her wandering outside the borders of Regna Ferox. We arrived at this time around the area and found her there. Her clothing was quite strange, so we assumed that she was a resident of this world. However, we were quite shocked to hear that she had never been here. After reaching this capitol, she later claimed that she must've come from another world. Then, we heard rumors of King Xander and Queen Hinoka joining this time's 'Shepherds' to fight in the war against Plegia, we left Tomoyo with a kind old couple who run a tailor shop here before rushing after you all."

The warrior nodded as he watches the kids. Yukito nodded with a smile, "I see. Thank you very much. I'm sure her mother would appreciate you as well if she heard of this. To her and us, Sakura and Daidoji are very important. Li as well."

"It's all right. Really.", the younger looking sorcerer said, "To be honest, she managed to do most of the things herself. She actually sold some of her unusual possessions to make some money and negotiated the price herself, although we have a merchant on our side who could also help her. That's something you don't see every day. She's really mature for someone her age."

Toya nodded with a sigh, "That's because her mother runs an enormous trading business that designs, produces, and sells toys. In our world, it's really successful and her mother runs it by herself while trying to make time to see her and Sakura."

As some of their eyes widen in surprise, Nyx nods her head unamazed at the words, "I thought so. So, she does have a bit of experience in trading. That'd also explain her maturity as well."

Nina, however, frowned in confusion, "I can understand Tomoyo, but why Sakura?"

Toya sighed, "That's because our mothers are cousins, so she has quite taken with Sakura as she was supposed with our mother when they were younger. It's quite complicated, but basically, the three of us are distant cousins or biologically related."

As they stared in shock, Yukito chuckled, "However, it was quite a coincidence that Daidoji and Sakura became best friends without even knowing this. I'd say it's like fate brought the three together, right Toya?"

The brother didn't say a word as he diverted his gaze to one of the windows. Forrest sighed in exasperation at seeing his usual behavior, which the Shepherds have grown used to, before asking him, "Anyway, have you decided on what to do for now since the war is over?"

Yukito smiled and answered for the warrior, "We've talked about it with Chrom and Robin and decided that we will remain here for now as part of the Shepherds while we search for a way back to our world. We need a source of income in this world after all and a place to stay. Also, Chrom and Sir Frederick have offered for us to join the Shepherds. So, we accepted it."

The strategist nodded before turning over to the chattering children, "Then, what of Sakura and the kids? I heard Lissa and Maribelle have been requesting the captain to ask her to stay as their apprentice. Though personally, I'd like that as well. She's really talented in healing and has been getting better at treating patients. She's even getting by this training with the birds really well since wild birds can be really hard to keep calm when handled in the hands of humans. It won't be long before she can actually start learning how to treat human patients."

"About that.", said the brother, "Just yesterday, Chrom talked about that with her. Sakura accepted the offer, even though we talked about how hard it might be for her. She said that she wanted to help, so we couldn't really stop her. As for the brat, he said that he'll remain here because the West-Khan told him to until Lon'qu says otherwise. So, we'll all be here for the time being till we find a way back."

Yukito nodded and looked over to the kids, "We'll watch over Daidoji as well. She's still a child, much like Sakura and Li. So, she shouldn't be out by herself, but I'm not sure how she'll spend her time here with all of us busy."

"Actually...", Nyx said after a bit of thinking, "I think Midori could help with that a bit. She's a merchant and, with Tomoyo's intelligence, she can learn some herbal medicine from her. The child is quite smart. We'll let her decide this, though she should stay away from the red hair merchant. I... don't think she'll be a good influence on her..."

The group silently nodded with a sweatdrop upon remembering Anna's "negotiations" and obsessions over money when it comes to trading. Yukito smiled as best as he could and asked, "So, may I ask what your group have in mind now that the war is over?"

Nyx nodded, "King Xander and Prince Leo have discussed things with Prince Chrom and it looks like we may remain here with his Shepherds for a long while. There's been a rumor going around that another continent has been at war recently and we're hoping to avoid being in the middle of it all once again."

"Yes, I recall father telling me that.", Forrest said with a serious look, "I'd agree as well. I'd rather not go through another war again if it were me. Two is quite enough. I hope nothing else breaks out while we're all here."

As Nyx and the Nohrian children nodded, Toya said with a nod, "Also, I heard your father was personally offered by Chrom to assist our two Grandmaster tacticians along with Takumi ."

"I've heard that as well.", Yukito said with an awed look, "Is that true, Forrest? If so, that's quite a feat for them when Reflet and Robin are already really talented in their field of work."

Forrest nodded, "Yes. I've heard about that last night. He came to tell me about that. Apparently, he accepted to help them for now along with Prince Takumi. But, Toya, I've heard that you also became Prince Chrom's personal pupil and, Yukito, I've also heard the Grandmasters are teaching you magic as well and those are no small feats as well. Not when Prince Chrom is also about to become the exalt and the Grandmasters are becoming awfully well known here in the castle, not just for Reflet being chosen by the Seigfreid of this time, but mainly for their talents."

Toya sighed in irritation, "Yeah. I don't know why they chose to teach us out of everyone here, but... I'm thankful for it... After all, I need to protect them somehow."

As he said this, he looked over to Sakura, who was beginning to show her best friend what she does here in her clinic. Understanding the young man, they didn't say a word as they watched kids.

It wasn't long before Sakura began to start her work in the clinic as Forrest continues to be her supervisor.

As the weeks have gone by after Chrom foreswore the title of Exalt and was swamped with work to restore the peace between the two previously warring halidoms and the grandeur of Ylisse with the help of his tacticians. The war had left many wounds on the people and the Halidom. It also didn't help with the past that Ylisse and Plegia had for a long time nor the ongoing Risen attacks. However, with the help of the khans and the reparations of Plegian's gold, Ylisse eventually restored its former glamour and the people, though very slowly, are beginning to show signs of trust between the three halidoms. One that would have even pleased the former exalt if she been there to witness it. As if that wasn't enough, word begins to spread of the exalt's decision to take on a wife after peace had been restored to Ylisse. Many were pleased and thrilled to hear of this as was the Shepherds, though they were more shocked to hear that it was none other than Olivia, the timid dancer, who had accepted his proposal ecstatically before the announcement due to her shy nature. Many of the Shepherds had thought that Sumia would be the one the young exalt would choose but were surprised to hear that she held no romantic emotion with the prince and was rather overjoyed to hear of their engagement.

The castle was bustling with servants rushing through the halls in preparation for the wedding that morning. It was so busy that even some of the Shepherds had to help with the preparations as well. Xander, his younger brother, and the two Hoshidan nobles were walking through the busy hall over to Miriel's lab. It's been a while since they receive word from Seigbert of the condition of Nohr and what the young paladin had to say shocked them speechless. It wasn't till the night before that their retainer brought word that Miriel and Kero, whom they've asked for assistance, in this case, had come upon some type of explanation for this.

As they reached the doors to her study, Leo knocked on the door. A voice was heard through it, "Come in!"

As they opened the door, the group walked in to see Miriel rapidly scribbling something on paper at her desk with Kero, who was usually rarely away from his mistress, watching over her work. Upon noticing the group, Kero gently tapped on the mage's shoulder before she looked up to them and set her quill back into the small jar of black ink. She stood up and walked over, "I see you're all here."

Xander nodded, "We've heard that you and Kero may have found the reason to why time is now frozen back in our time?"

Miriel let out a disheartened sigh as she slowly shook her head with a frown, "I deeply apologize, but I haven't been able to determine the cause for this phenomenon as of yet. To simply put this, I've been coming up with theories and experimenting them. However, it's nearly impossible to experiment with time. To do that, it would require an unimaginable amount of magic to do so. Also, to freeze the flow of time in the past would result in our time being frozen as well, but this wasn't the case here. Instead, our time continues to flow at a steady pace. However, Kerberos may have a theory behind this, though there is indeed no proof to this."

The little guardian nodded with arms folded together as he began to explain, "In our world, it's possible to control the passage of time. However, just as Miriel said, to mess with the flow of time would require an enormous amount of magic and mental energy."

In confusion, Takumi raises a brow as he said, "But I recall Kinomoto using her magic to manipulate time before. If it was so hard to do so, how could a child stop time the way she did?"

"That's because she wasn't the one directly stopping the time. It was the Time card that stopped it. Also, all he did was pause it temporarily according to the amount of magic and mental energy she used as the price of asking for such as task done. She didn't mess up time, such as now where the past is frozen and the present's flow of time is still running at a normal pace."

Xander frowned with uncertainty and frustration as he does his best to remain calm, "Then, do you know what is going on with our time?"

Kero frowned as he carefully said, "I have a guess. It may sound crazy, but I feel that it may not be off the mark in this situation..."

"Which is?", Hinoka said with a tinge of impatience and agitation in her voice.

Kero looked to them in the eyes as he said in a serious and concerned voice, "After the mysterious presence on the day Sakura's clinic was attacked and from what Tomoyo told me of our time being frozen along with people showing up in this world, I'd say that it'd be most likely that someone from either our world or your time have also come here and is powerful enough to mess with time in both worlds. Otherwise, they would've done this years ago before we got here. However, I don't know what they may be after for doing this or if they are responsible for our problems back in our worlds. If this is true, then we may have a problem on our hands, since we don't know what they plan to do next. It's also concerning me that they can still move around and continue to cast magic when it normally would've taken a person's life or left them in a deep coma for months after manipulating time."

Everyone was disturbed upon hearing this as Leo said with a grimace, "Kero, you do know what you're saying, right?"

The guardian gravely nodded. The usual jolly and light-hearted personality of his was nowhere to be seen upon his face making it all them all the more convinced that he was not joking or fooling around as he would be around his mistress.

"Yes.", Kero said with a frown, "If this is what is truly going on, then it's not just that Sakura is in danger, but, rather, both worlds and the people are as well. We may have a serious issue on our hands now. Probably much, MUCH bigger than the war that we just survived through."

Solemn silence hung in the air as his words sank into their minds. Takumi let out an irritated sigh as he placed a hand on his head, "And I thought that this was just going to be us going back in time to find some missing people. Now, we're stuck in something much larger than we expected!"

Leo nodded, "I felt something was off when those three just disappeared in front of us and was seeing going through that portal. Not only that, but we've yet to find them or Sakura, Elise, and King Ryoma. I do hope Brother Kamui is safe too... huh?"

Leo's eyes widen in surprise before he placed a hand on his chin in deep thought.

"What is it, Leo?", Xander said seeing the confused expression on his brother's face.

The dark knight shook his head with an annoyed sigh, "No, it's nothing... Sorry about that. I think what's going on here is starting to get to me a little..."

"All right...", the paladin said with a nod, "For now, let's just return with the other Shepherds. Miriel, Kero, I appreciate your help with this. Can we continue this discussion at another time? Maybe tomorrow?"

The two nodded as Miriel said, "Of course. Today is the day of Exalt Chrom's royal wedding, so I advise you all to take the day off as we all did and go join the festivities in town. I've witnessed the grandmasters themselves leave the castle with Sakura and her friends. Maybe you should go and join them?"

The Kerberos's ears twitch upon those words as her usually jolly expression returned and flew in circles in excitement, "That's right! With all the seriousness and gloom going on, I nearly forgot! I need to go back to Sakura! There may be some special sweets or cake on sale for an event like this! I also need to be sure that Sakura can use the Flower card correctly! Ahh! So many things I need to do!"

Xander smiled at the suggestion of the mage and the words of the small guardian beast, "Yes. Thank you, Miriel. I think we'll take your advice on that."

They then turned around and began to leave the lab as the little beast guardian waved to his scholar friend and darted out the door in a rush. While he did so, Hinoka asked with uncertainty, "Xander, do you know what is this 'Flower' card he's speaking of?"

Xander smiled with a sweat drop as he said, "I don't, but I do hope it's not something that would ruin the celebration. Leo? You've seen her cards before. Do you know what does it do?"

The dark knight nodded with a sigh of disappointment, "I was hoping it was something bigger, but, just as the name applies, it manifest flowers according to what Sakura wishes for."

Takumi shakes his head, "Let's just hope that what happened during Hayato's and Hana's wedding doesn't happen a second time. I've had enough bugs for one day. I'd rather not go through that again..."

The group agreed as they began to leave walk past the castle gates to the brightly colored town.

After exchanging vows and completing the ceremony, Chrom and Olivia walked over to the balcony as they greeted the people, who cheered upon seeing the two. Among the nobles, friends, and Shepherds that attended, Lissa quietly signaled over to a girl not far from the balcony. Off to the side with two small pigtails tied using two pink ribbons and a cute white and pink blooming dress designed and handmade by her best friend accompanied with a pair of black shoes, Sakura nodded, then pulled out her card and her pink staff as she recalled what Cordelia and Sumia have told her and gently tapped on the card as she quietly whispered, "Flower!"

A gentle gust of wind blew as a pale young woman in a similar blooming pink dress with very curly pigtails, corsages on her wrists and ankle, leaf green eyes, and a pink floral symbol on her forehead appeared. She smiled happily upon seeing her mistress and the festivities. Quietly, Sakura whispered, "Flower, I need to ask for your help again. Can you please..."

After hearing the request, the woman smiled joyfully and flew up into the sky high above the castle. She began twirling in the sky as numerous colors of petals began showering down upon them surprising everyone by the sudden shower of flower petals in the sky. The show brought even brighter smiles upon everyone's faces as they happily cheered for the couple.

After they were done and Sakura called Flower back, the two returned inside as Chrom and Olivia glanced over to the little girl and the little flying guardian, who was stuffing his face with cookies that Sakura had bought for him with the money she earned from her work, with a smile on each of their faces. It wasn't hard for them to guess who was behind the little flower shower they were all in after seeing the pre-teen child and her spirit manifest a large bouquet of pink gerbera and peonies. Nonetheless, it was quite a pleasant surprise for them all. The wedding ended up being quite a success and a memorable event for the newly married couple as the party began that didn't end till late into the night.

YueTian: Finally, done!

Kero: Yeah. Took you long enough!

YueTian: Sorry! Sorry! I had my own celebration to go through last Monday, a birthday celebration, and had many urgent errands I needed to run throughout the whole week. Though, I did kind of took a day off during all those busy days, since my school is going to start soon. I was really tired and always ended up falling asleep late in the night. I apologize for not keeping up with the updates, but I did the best I could. Also, you may experience more of this by the end of this month as I'll be very busy with college assignments and such. I'll still do my best, but, until then, I hope you continue to enjoy this story! I've done my best to use a bit wider range of vocabulary so I won't be repeating the same old words over and over again. This is why I don't enjoy writing essays along with the page and number of words requirements. Anyway, it's a little late right now, like 4:55 in the morning, so I'll hit the sack now as this is put up.

Kero: ...And- she's gone... Oh well, I guess I'll let her off for no- Hey! You forgot the title again! YueTian! Wait!