This has to be without a doubt, the longest chapter I've written to date. This is the last chapter of the Sage's Hamlet arc. It was not easy but it was worth it. Especially since I am trying to give Robin a few moments to spend with the future children before the Shepherds depart for Valm. I will say, I very much enjoyed writing about Sage's Hamlet and am going to miss it(not really).

Also, thought I should give the island's tavern a name. Don't hate on me for what it's called, just go with it.

This chapter's shoutout goes to Wobbuffet64 for his CorrinXSoleil fics Smiles don't need to Fade, and Midnights without Misery. Soleil is my favorite children character in Fates and I love to see fics surrounding her and Corrin.

Without further ado, enjoy the 28th chapter.


The next day, Robin woke up to the sun shining through his window, showing that it was morning. He got up, dressed himself in his normal attire, and left his room, fearing that if he were to stay in his room a little longer, the prince would barge in and force him to go out and have fun. Besides, there was some business he needed to attend too. He left his room and headed to the exit but passed by Nah's room to see if she was still there. Once he saw that she wasn't in her room, likely spending time with her parents or her friends, he left the Inn.

Once he walked out, he saw that many of the stores were still closed while only some had just opened up, it is morning after all. As he walked around, taking in the sights of the town, he saw two familiar individuals walking out of the towns main tavern, the Willy Nilly, arguing about something.

"The owner said if you sleep in his bar again, he'll ban you. What were you thinking you dumb oaf?!"

"Can it woman! I don't need your lectures right now when I'm hungover!"

The grandmaster recognized the two, it was none other than the Khans of Regna Ferox, Basilio and Flavia. He had wondered where they had been as he didn't see them amongst the crowd that listened to his speech the other day but since Robin had given the Valmese dossiers to Chrom, it was presumed that the prince informed them about the tactician's actions.

I wonder if they even knew I was gone?

He chuckled. Knowing they spent most of their time in that tavern, it was quite possible that they were oblivious to all that had happened in the last two weeks. But, that was a mere assumption, so he decided to greet himself.

"Khan Basilio, Khan Flavia, good morning." The grandmaster greeted the two which gained their attention.

"There you are, boy!" Basilio smiled. "Do me a favor and get this hag off of me will ya?"

"What did you call me oaf?!" She yelled, almost on the verge of drawing her blade. "We're around the same age!"

"Could've fooled me with those gray hairs of yours!" He said, knowing he was pushing her buttons.

"What gray hairs?" Robin wondered as from his perspective, Flavia was in her early 30s with blonde hair.

"Why thank you Robin for setting this idiot straight." She laughed at how the grandmaster came to her defense even though he didn't know it. "Anyway, Chrom gave us the dossiers on Walharts Generals, you did some fine work out there Grandmaster."

"Really? I was half expecting you two to lecture me on how I should've asked for help like Chrom did." He said as he explained to them about the argument he had with the prince the other day.

"Hey a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." Basilio said. "Hell, I would've done the same thing."

"When you're not drinking yourself to death that is." Flavia remarked.

"Tch, all I ever get is crap from you!" The West Khan complained. "But seriously, you did the right thing, going out there, bringing your princess's friends back."

"Indeed, I never took you for a leader Robin. Then again, you're full of surprises." The East Kahn commented.

"I appreciate the praise but compared to you two and Chrom, I wouldn't say I'm anything special." Robin said, being modest like always.

"Not true boy, the shepherds look up to both of you as their leaders, but to those who came from the future, they only look at you. You saved them, you lead them. To them, you're their leader, not Chrom." Basilio informed.

"Wow, you actually said something worth a damn, oaf. I'm actually impressed." Flavia laughed which earned a grunt from the West Khan.

"You see what I deal with everyday?" Basilio asked, pointing to the East Khan in annoyance.

Robin chuckled and thought about what they said. He remembered how his friends from the future often praised him during their journey. He was their leader and despite the odds stacked against them, they won every challenge they face. Is this what Chrom was talking about?

"I guess you're right." He finally relented.

"Although, we're headed Valm in the afternoon. It'll be a damned shame to end all this excitement." Basilio sighed.

"Oh can it, oaf. You're making it sound like we're never coming back." Flavia commented. "We're all coming out of this war alive, with my champions at front of our army, nothing can stop us."

"Heh, you may be right, woman." Basilio smiled as he laughed with the East Khan.

"Well, I have to get going. I'll see you two later." He said as he took his leave.

He made his way around the corner and saw a very peculiar sight. He saw Kjelle, reading a book? It was quite a sight, considering he never took her for the kind of person to read books and judging from the look on her face, she wasn't enjoying it.

He recalled how he told her during their journey that strength isn't everything. You have to be smart as well as strong in order for one to become a powerful warrior, but he didn't mean for her to force herself into reading books. He walked over to her and sat by her on the bench. As her eyes met his, she was startled.

"Hey Kjelle." He greeted.

"Oh, hello Robin." She gave a soft smile.

"You seem frustrated." He noted as he saw a little frown pass the smile she was making. "Are you trying to study?"

"Y-Yes." She said, a little embarrassed. She showed him the book that she was reading.

"Tactics for Beginners?" He let out a sigh as he could tell that she was forcing herself to read it. There are some people who are book readers, and there are some who aren't. People like Kjelle, clearly isn't one. "Look, I can tell you're taking my words to heart but please don't force yourself into doing something you don't like."

"*Sigh*" She let out a sigh of frustration. "I am getting annoyed reading that crap. I know I'll never be as good as you but…"

"That's not important." He interrupted. "You don't have to become a tactician to be a smarter warrior, Kjelle."

"So, what're you saying?" She asked.

"What I'm trying to say is even basic knowledge of tactics can be crucial in executing strategy and increases chance of achieving victory." He explained as he held out his hand. She handed him the book that she was trying to read. "Besides, I'd rather you learn from me than whatever this book will tell you."

"Okay." She nodded as she focused on whatever he was going to say. "I'm ready to learn."

"Alright, listen well." Robin prepared himself for the lecture.

He explained to importance of his pair up system as well as the strength and weakness of each class and weapon.

She took note of every bit of detail as he was planning on testing her.

"What is the weapon triangle?" He questioned her.

"Let's see." She thought for a minute. "Swords beat axes, axes beat lances, and lances beat swords." She answered. "Did I miss one?"

"Not at all. That was correct, good job." He smiled before thinking of another question. "What are a classes strengths and weaknesses?"

"Um, I think heavily armored soldiers are the weakest against magic users." She thought for a minute. "And archers must have a spotter with them at all times as they have no fighting experience which makes them vulnerable. However, flier units are weak against archers."

"Correct." He nodded again and her answer. "And what is the system I use in every strategy?"

"Pair up. In which two people fight together as one." She answered.

"Impressive." He smiled. "You remembered all that in the short span of a few minutes. You've done great Kjelle."

"T-Thank you." She blushed at his praise. "If I'm being honest, It's just strange how no one else has come up with pair up."

"Trust me, you're not the only one who thinks that." He replied. "If you want my opinion, many soldiers are foolishly stubborn, thinking that partners are a sign of weakness and that they can handle the fighting themselves."

"I agree, it's completely foolish." She nodded, agreeing with him. "In the future, we had to keep every available solider close just to stay sane. Anything else, and you'd be dead."

"Kjelle…"

"And now there are people fighting on their own out on the battlefield, thinking only for themselves, their own glory and fame, without a single sense of honor." She continued her complaint, slightly shaking in anger.

"Such is the selfishness of humanity. Some people think only for themselves and their own happiness instead of the happiness of others." He explained. "However, there are those with a good side to them, who can motivate the selfish to look from a different perspective. People like you Kjelle."

"No." She responded. "People like us. If there is anyone who isn't remotely selfish, it's you." She smiled. "I admire that about you."

"I appreciate your praise Kjelle." He returned her smiled and got up from the bench. "I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay." She replied but before he could turn away, she got up and grabbed his arm. "Wait."

"Huh?" He turned around and saw that she had grabbed his arm. "What is it?"

"I… um… since no one is around…" She whispered, clearly a little shy. "I… would like to take you up on your offer."

"My offer?" He wondered where she was going with this as he doesn't recall making any sort of offer toward her.

"The offer you made at the Desert Oasis. You offered me a hug." She was red as she looked at him. "I would like to take you up on that?"

"Oh, that?" He chuckled a little bit on how shy she was. She was always so headstrong and stubborn, he never though she had a side like this to her. "I don't mind, but are you sure?"

"Just hurry it up." She complained as she spread her arms out.

"Okay, no need for impatience." He said as he moved and placed his arms around her shoulders. She responded by wrapping her arms around his waist. He couldn't see it but she was smiling, but he wasn't going to say anything about it. They both let each other go. "Well?"

"It was… nice. But don't expect this kind of mushy crap from me very often, okay?" She made her point.

"Yeah, sure." He smiled.

"One day, I hope that I can become the greatest warrior in the world." She clutched her chest and looked at him in the eyes. "And then, I can fight you fair and square."

"Heh." He rubbed the back of his head and smiled. "Maybe one day Kjelle." He said as he took his leave.


As he left Kjelle to her thoughts, he walked around and greeted the citizens who approached him. Many of the men and women would stopped him in the middle of his walk to ask him questions and get his autograph. They would ask him about his journey and how he had defeated Nelson among other questions about his personality life, such as his relationship status which he refused to answer, as it was nobody's business.

He continued to walk around and admire the town, knowing that it will be safe when he leaves.

"Ah, good day Robin." He turned around to see Inigo greeting him who seemed a little embarrassed.

"Good day… Inigo?" The grandmaster greeted him but did a double take on the outfit he was wearing. Inigo was wearing an exact replica of his coat before it was modified when he became Grandmaster. He blinked a couple of times to make sure he was really seeing this and looked at Inigo with a disgusted expression. "Inigo… I know we're friends and all but… Just…" He face palmed at what he was seeing. "What the hell is this?"

"I know, I know!" Inigo held up his hands in defense. "Anna told me that if I wore this, it would make me more approachable with the ladies."

"So you're resorting to peacocking now?" He asked. "How's that working out for you?"

"Not good, my friend. Not good at all. Once they knew I wasn't you, they weren't even remotely interested." He sighed looking a little depressed. "If only I had a wingman, I could…"

"Absolutely not, out of the question." He interrupted, knowing where he was going with this.

"Oh cmon, I know we had issues the first time but I know we can do it." He was practically begging. "Please Robin, I'm not asking for much."

"*Sigh* damn it." He knew he wouldn't stop until he agreed. "Okay, fine."

"Yes!" He cheered happily.

"But listen to me. If we're doing this, we're doing it my way, okay? Keep your mouth shut and go along with what I say. If I hear one flirty line from you, I will walk away, understood." Robin demanded.

"Yes sir!" He saluted.

"Good. Now do me a favor and get rid of that coat, I'm embarrassed just seeing you in it." He looked away, not wanting to imagine Inigo in this coat replica anymore as it was weird looking at him in it

"Right!" He quickly ran back to his room at the Inn to discard the coat and came back in a simple set of clothes. "So, what's the plan?"

"See those girls by the jewelry store?" The grandmaster pointed to the group of women checking out jewelry. There were three of them, one blonde, one brunette, and one with red hair.

"Perfect eye, grandmaster. Now lets…" Before he took another step Robin grabbed his shoulder, glaring him in the eye.

"I said, we're doing this my way. Got it?!" He yelled to get it through his head.

"Yes sir!" The boy nodded.

"Good. Now follow my lead." Robin couldn't believe he was doing this but decided that he owed Inigo after their last attempt so the two went up to the group of girls and the grandmaster planned a strategy on how to introduce them to Inigo. They currently had their backs turned to them. "Excuse me, ladies?"

They all turned around to see who was calling them out and their eyes widened at what they saw.

"G-Grandmaster Robin." The blonde woman yelped as she smiled at his presence and gave a polite bow.

"What brings you here Milord?" The brunette asked.

"I was hoping you lovely ladies could give us a moment of your time." He said in which each of them smiled.

"Oh?" The redhead wondered as he looked to Inigo. "Who is he? Your servant?"

"I…" Before Inigo could respond to her question, Robin immediately interrupted so he couldn't say anything.

"This is my cousin, Inigo." He told them which earned a confused look from the dancer. "He's a professional war dancer under the employ of Prince Chrom."

"A dancer?!" The blonde seemed intrigued.

"What's a war dancer?" The redhead placed her hands on her hips, wondering just what a war dancer is.

"I believe he can explain it better than me." He gave the signal for Inigo to start talking.

"Well…" Inigo began. "A War Dancer is one who specializes in special dances that boost morale and overall combat effectiveness of an army. They use dance to invigorate the exhausted and raise the spirits of the disheartened."

"That sounds too good to be true." The brunette commented.

"He speaks the truth." Robin said. "If it weren't for his dances, I wouldn't be half as energetic on the battlefield as I usually am. His dancing saves lives."

"That's… so cool!" The blonde smiled at the dancer.

"Well, it's nothing to boast about." Inigo rubbed the back of his head and smiled.

"Anyway, he came all the way from Ylisse to meet new people so I was wondering if you lovely ladies could help show him a good time?" Robin asked.

"We would love too." The blonde said as she and her friends went over by Inigo. She grabbed onto his left arm while her two other friends grabbed onto his right.

"Maybe you could show us one of your dances?" The brunette asked.

"Well, I suppose I could." Inigo blushed at the sudden contact from the women.

"Will you be joining us, Lord Robin?" The redhead asked.

"I would love too, but I have business to attend too. I appreciate you helping out my cousin. He's a little shy but he's a good person with a great heart." Robin smiled as he told them his thought on Inigo who was also listening.

"Robin…" Inigo smiled at his words.

"Well, I'll see you around Inigo." The grandmaster took his leave while the three women dragged Inigo across town. He looked back and saw the dancer flashing a thumbs up as a thank you for helping him.

As ridiculous as the situation was, Robin saw something he never thought he would see. He saw Inigo flash a true smile instead of his usual fake smiles that he flashes to hide his pain. It wasn't because he finally got to spend some quality time with women but because of what the grandmaster said about him. It was good to see and hopes that, once all the fighting was over, that he will still be able to showcase a true smile, as well as hoping that his philandering ways come to an end.

"Very impressive, my friend." A voice came from behind him. He turned around and saw that it was Owain alongside Cynthia, both smirking as if they saw just what went down.

"Owain? Cynthia? Did you two…?"

"We saw it all." Cynthia said, smiling as how happy he made Inigo. "That was nice of you Robin. Very sleazy, but nice."

"Trust me, I won't be doing that again." The grandmaster noted. "So, what brings you two here?"

"Me and Owain are practicing our Justice Cabal entrances." Cynthia chipped in.

"What's a Justice Cabal?" The grandmaster wondered.

"Excellent question Grandmaster of Fate!" Owain said, cheerfully. "The Justice Cabal are the saviors of the world, warriors of hope, and bringers of prosperity! He placed a hand over his face in dramatic fashion.

"Protecting the world from devastation and despair, we face brigands and demons head on, with passion in our hearts and grace in our souls!" Cynthia exclaimed as she went into a pose right in front of Owain.

"I am Owain Dark, Ruler of Darkness and Avenger of Righteous Justice!" He then reach up to the sky.

"I am Cynthia, Vanquisher of Evil and Destroyer of Chaos!" She did the same.

"Together, with our friends of the future, we are…!"

"We are…!"

"THE JUSTICE CABAL!" They both yelled in unison as they pointed to the grandmaster in dramatic fashion. He could do nothing else as he looked at the two strangely as to what he had witnessed. He looked around and saw that many of the citizens were looking at the two strangely but they walked on buy thinking that Cynthia and Owain were trying to put on some sort of show.

What the hell? He was still wondering what just went on in front of him. I don't know whether to be weirded out by this or praise them on their performance

He decided the latter would be most appropriate as it looks like they were having fun doing their little speech.

"Very impressive, you two. Some of the shepherds could learn from you, that positive energy is very inspirational." The grandmaster lightly clapped and smiled at their performance.

"Really? Thanks Robin!" Cynthia happily said.

"I was thinking I should write a book sometime, chronicling the sagas of Owain Dark and the Justice Cabal! What say you almighty tactician?!" He asked.

"I wouldn't mind reading a book like that, it would be one hell of a novel, that's for sure." Robin said which was completely true if any book Owain writes would be anything like his performance.

"Oh, I have an idea! Why don't you try it Robin?" Cynthia asked, which confused him as to what she was implying.

"Try it? Try what, exactly?" He asked as he didn't know what to do.

"A heroic entrance Grandmaster! Feel the words flowing through your soul and unleash it for all to bear!" The Myrmidon exclaimed as he clarified what they wanted Robin to do.

"Yeah, I think I'll pass." He said, wanting to find an excuse to leave now as he didn't really want to get involved in whatever they were doing as the thought of posing and making heroic entrances like that sounds utterly embarrassing.

"Oh cmon, Robin." Cynthia insisted. "Besides, a nice entrance actually grants you more energy."

"Is that a proven fact?" Robin crossed his arms, a little skeptical that what she's saying is true.

"It is. If there's anything I can offer, it's pep! Awesome hero speeches and belting catchphrases always get me going." She explained. "You should know that better than me."

"Really?" Robin wondered. It's true that he had been delivering a few speeches lately during the course of his journey around Sage's Hamlet and, as Cynthia says, made him feel a little more pumped than usual. Maybe the princess was on to something. "Alright, but just this once, okay?"

"Give it your best shot!" Owain exclaimed, a little excited that he was going to see the Grandmaster of Ylisse, up close, perform his very own heroic entrance.

"Just close your eyes, and say whatever comes naturally." Cynthia said, showing Robin just how she usually did her speeches.

He did as she said and closed her eyes. This sounded completely stupid but he decided to entertain the notion. He was hoping that neither Chrom or any of the shepherds were around as he didn't want any of them to see this, he knew that some of the citizens were walking by but hopefully they wouldn't pay any attention to what he was doing. As he opened his eyes, he knew what to say.

"I am Robin, Grandmaster of Ylisse and Hero of Southtown! Combined with my tactics and friends of the future, I will erase all who stand in my way!" He said in dramatic fashion, although he immediately regretted it as he saw many citizens looking at him.

Owain and Cynthia however, were very impressed by his display. Owain smiled at his performance as he expected no less from the tactician. Cynthia's eyes were shining as the grandmaster's performance captivated her and she immediately to talk to him.

"Well?" She wondered.

"I'll be damned." Robin chuckled. The younger princess was right, for some reason, as weird and embarrassing as that was, he felt more energetic than usual. "You were right, Cynthia. I feel like I could run laps around the island!"

"Hehehe." She giggled at how she was able to make the grandmaster perform his own heroic entrance and how he felt afterward. "I kind of wish Father and Lucy shared the same opinion. But they think it's childish."

"Same with my parents as well. It's a shame." Owain said, as they both looked a little down. The grandmaster decided to lift their spirits as he couldn't stand seeing them upset.

"I wouldn't say childish, really." Robin said as they both looked at him as he began to say his thoughts on the matter. "I mean, it is a little strange, but you two have to understand, we are about to go to war, nobody knows what will happen and what we will see, and I think your positive attitudes is fundamental in our group."

They heard his words and started paying attention as they took his words to heart.

"We will be seeing a lot of death which can cause grief and pain. Such is the nature of war, but you two have a type of energy that can inspire others to look on the bright side of things and help them move forward without succumbing to despair. We need people like you." He explained and they each smiled as they could tell he was being sincere.

"Grandmaster… that… was truly inspirational!" Owain exclaimed as he was truly touched by his gesture.

"Robin… thank you." Cynthia moved forward to hug him, unlike her previous ones where she tackled him much to his dismay, this once was soft and comforting. He softly patted on the back as she cried softly on his shoulder.

"No problem, Milady." He said which earned a little pout from her for using formalities before she got an idea in her head.

"Well, we should go. We have to pick up new armor. Shall we, Cynthia." Owain said as he bid a farewell to the grandmaster.

"Okay. See ya, Lord Robin." She teased as she left which made Robin frown a little as he watched the two leave.

It appeared that she was getting back at him for calling her Milady. Seems like him, Cynthia also dislikes titles among friends.

He continued to walk around the town before someone bumped into him from behind. He reflexively turned around and grabbed whoever bumped into him to keep them from hitting the ground.

"Noire?" Robin took a good look at the person who he was currently holding and saw that her entire face was red due to their close proximity.

"Oh, oh dear." Her eyes widened and her heart was beating rabidly at how fast he caught her and how close their faces were.

"Sorry." He pulled her up and then released his hold on her as she began to calm herself down. "You okay?"

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." She said nervously. "How are you?"

"I'm good." He said. "What brings you here, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm going to have lunch with my family. I'm… a little nervous." She said, twiddling her fingers to showcase how nervous she was.

"Why?" He asked as he wondered why she should be nervous for spending time with her parents as he expected her to be excited.

"Well, I sometimes have to remember that, I'm their future daughter. One day, they'll have the real me and…" She didn't want to continue as she feared that she may cry.

"You fear they'll throw you away? They would never do that." Robin said sternly as he finished the archer's sentence which gained her attention. "I understand that they are not the Stahl and Tharja who raised you in your world, but you need to remember something, Noire."

"What?" She asked, wondering what he was going to say next.

"They not only share their faces and their personalities, they also share their blood. Your blood, Noire, as well as their care for you." He explained which caused her eyes to widen in sudden realization.

"I… I never thought about it that way." She said, smiling as his words moved her deeply.

"And besides, I'm not saying that they would ever do something like that because I know them pretty well, but, if hypothetically, they do, I would never throw away the friendship we have. That's a promise." He vowed which made her cry a little.

"Oh, Robin." she moved a hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go. He simply patted her on the back and allowed her to let the tears drop.

"Are we interrupting something?" The two heard a voice from behind them and saw Stahl alongside his wife, Tharja. They both had questioning looks not their faces as they saw their daughter hug Robin tightly. She immediately released him, face red as she probably gave her parents false assumption about why they were hugging. The grandmaster, however, smiled and waved as they approached.

"Good day Stahl, Good day Tharja." He greeted the two.

"Good day to you as well, Robin." She nodded at him. Luckily, there was no tension between the grandmaster and his former dark mage stalker. He was glad that she didn't hold any grudges towards his harsh words a year ago when he told her he had zero feelings for her and was glad the two could remain friends even after what had happened.

"What are you three doing?" The grandmaster asked.

"We're going for lunch. They have a nice restaurant with a reservation for us." Stahl answered. "Care to join us?"

"No thanks, I have business to finish up." Robin respectfully declined, not wanting to interrupt the time Noire is sending with her family.

"Don't let Chrom hear you say that." Stahl laughed as he had heard about the argument that took place between the prince and the grandmaster. "Anyway, we have to get going. See you around?"

"Sure." Robin bid them a farewell. Noire seems sad that Robin couldn't join them but waved goodbye as she left with her parents.

He had to admit, maybe Chrom was right. While it is true that he did have business as he wanted to talk to Jorge about the proposal to become Sage's Hamlet's new governor. He was simply passing the time walking around the town. He came across a store that was selling food for mounts such as horses, Wyverns, and Pegasi. It then came to mind that it may have been a while since Gerome's Minerva had eaten and also wanted to do something about her scars and bruises.

He entered the store and bought Wyvern feed as well as ointment made specifically for treating Wyverns. He walked back to the Inn as to look for Gerome's Minerva. He was directed toward the stables where he had found the Wyvern who screeched at his approach.

"Good day Minerva, how are you on this fine day?" He asked.

*Screech!*

She simply did the same thing as Cherche's Minerva did and let out a screech.

"Good. I was wondering, there may be some who will confuse you with your past self, so should I call you Gerome's Minerva or maybe G-Minerva?"

*Screech!*

"Okay, okay, we'll just stick with Minerva." He said as she seemed offended by what he was trying to imply. By giving her a nickname, he could distinguish the two Minervas but it seemed like this Minerva didn't like that. In fact, thinking about this was giving him a headache.

"Well, I bought you Wyvern feed and ointment. Would you happen to know where Gerome is? I would rather give it to him?"

*Screech*

"No, I'm not implying you're helpless. But I doubt with your claws that you can open this bottle of ointment. You're liable to rip the thing open." He said, as the Wyvern was under the impression that she needed her master

*Screech*

"What can I say, I'm a charmer, especially around pretty girls." He teased which actually caused the Wyvern to blush a little.

"Why are you here?" A voice was heard from behind the grandmaster. As he turned around, he was met with Gerome who was wondering as to why he was talking with Minerva. The masked rider stood weary of the man in front of him who simply smiled as he approached him.

"Good day, Gerome." He smiled as he handed the rider his bags. "I got this for Minerva. It's Wyvern feed and ointment to treat her scars."

He looked at the contents of the bag and saw that there were indeed the items he spoke of. Why would he do this? Is he trying to get on his good side or something, or is it a trick? For whatever reason, it was true he needed to get Minerva some feed so he took the bags and walked over to his Wyvern.

"Thanks." He gave a simple thank you, hoping that he would leave.

"Of course." The grandmaster turned to leave before wanting to address an issue that had been bothering him. "Is everything okay, Gerome? You seem angry?"

The masked rider didn't look at him. He simply ignored him, hoping that he would leave. In truth, he wanted to respond to grandmaster's question, but not with words, with action. The action that will prevent him from causing the doomed future from coming to pass. But they were close to town so it couldn't be done… yet.

"Silent treatment, huh? Fine." The grandmaster turned to leave.

"This may sound rude, but I have no intention of interacting with any of the shepherds from the past. Especially… you." He exclaimed, making his dislike of the man known to him without directly saying it.

"Not even your parents?" He asked.

"Especially not them. I can't involve myself with you illusions, after this is done, I'm…"

"Planning on going back to your future? Is that what you're going to say?" He finished the Wyvern Rider's sentence which caused him to glare before turning his attention back to his Wyvern. "So, Lucina hadn't told you yet?"

"Tell me what?" That last remark sparked a reaction as he turned to face the grandmaster.

"It's not my place to say." He shrugged, thinking Lucina should be the one to tell him. "You can think whatever you want Gerome, and I'll respect it. But there's something you need to remember." He said as he got closer to the Wyvern Rider.

"What?" He growled as the man got closer to him. He silently reached for his axe, thinking the grandmaster was going to try something.

"You may have followed Lucina's orders in your future, but you don't answer to her anymore. You're a shepherd now, which means you'll get your orders directly from me." He informed him which caused the Wyvern Rider to frown. "So, even though you have no wish to involve yourself with us 'illusions', you're going to be receiving orders from the illusion standing in front of you." He pointed to himself, letting him know a second time where he will be getting his orders from. "So do me a favor, and lose the attitude."

"You…" This man was getting on his nerves and pushing his buttons. It was taking every ounce of his willpower not to do anything reckless.

"Have I made myself clear?" The grandmaster asked. He was getting sick and tired of Gerome. He had been giving him nothing but attitude ever since they met and it was beginning to annoy him.

"Crystal." He said as he made it clear that this conversation was over. He went back to tending to Minerva and focused on putting the ointment given to him by the grandmaster to use.

Robin decided not to anger him anymore and took his leave. As he walked away, he thought over the conversation he had with Cherche's son. He had hoped that he could've spoken to Gerome in a calm manner, hoping he could get along with him. But as things stand now, it's going to take a while before he gets on his good side.


As He left the Inn, Robin made his way back tot he town square. He left as if Gerome wasn't giving him a chance. Then again, he wasn't exactly friendly to him when they first met. That last thing he wanted was to make an enemy in the shepherds. He made sure to speak with Gerome again, maybe offer up an apology to clear the tension between them.

Only a few hours remain before the shepherds depart for or Valm, it was now or never. In order for his plans to be permanently set in place, he needed candidates to run for Governor of Sage's Hamlet. He made his way over to the Hack & Slash only to be stopped by a few voices.

"Yo, boss!" A familiar voice entered his ear which he instantly recognized due to the nickname. He turned a saw Brady alongside Laurent and Yarne, walk up to him.

"Strange seeing you three together." He commented as he wasn't expecting to see the Taguel and the Sage with him.

"Gee, nice to see you too." Yarne rolled his eyes at the Grandmaster's comment.

"So what's up? Shouldn't you guys be spending time with your parents?" Robin wondered.

"Are we bothering you?" Laurent asked, hoping their presence isn't bothering him.

"Not at all, you guys are friends, you could never be a bother." Robin said which earned smiles from each of them. "I was actually about to go talk to an old friend whom I think will be a perfect candidate for Sage's Hamlet's leader. Do you guys wish to accompany me?"

"Absolutely." The Sage nodded.

"Hell yeah!" Brady yelled.

"Sure, why not." Yarne shrugged.

"Okay then, shall we." The four then made their way to Hack & Slash to speak with Jorge.

"Also boss, Lucina's been looking for you." Brady said which caught his attention.

"She is?" Robin had completely forgotten about Lucina. He was so caught up in talking with the others that he completely forgotten about her.

"Yes, and I will admit, I'm surprised at how much she has changed. Far different from the Lucina we knew." Laurent made a comment which put the grandmaster off guard.

"Is that good or bad?" He asked.

"It's amazing. She looks so happy now. In the future, she was always so cold, distant, keeping others at a distance so no one could tell how she was feeling." Yarne commented.

"Was she really like that?" Robin had a hard time believing that. She had been cold to him during her time as Marth but he assumed that it was just a ruse. He had no idea that's how she really was back then.

"She was. But it seems being around her parents have made her happier." Laurent noted. "Or maybe it's because you've always been there for her."

"Me?" He asked.

"Surprised?" The sage simply chuckled. "You've had an effect on all of us."

"So I've been told." He remembered the words of the future warriors he had spent time with and how they were affected by his words in a positive way. "I could say the same for you guys."

"Really?" Brady wondered.

"Yeah." Robin smiled as he explained what he meant. "Chrom pointed out that I am somewhat of a loner. Never really asking for help unless I have too and I don't usually do partners unless it's Chrom himself. You guys changed that about me, and you know what, I'm glad."

The three of them looked at each other before they smiled at what he had said, happy for all he has done for them.

"It was our pleasure." Laurent smiled.

"We're with you until the end." Yarne proclaimed.

"Yeah, friends forever!" The monk exclaimed.

The grandmaster spoke the truth. From now on, he was going to accept help whenever he was in trouble. He was going to learn to stop being a loner and start being a team player as well as the tactician. He was going to take what he had learned, put it to use, and become stronger than ever before for the people he cared for. He also made a note to speak with Lucina as he felt like he had been a terrible friend for not speaking to her as soon as they got back.

As they continued to talk, they arrived at Hack & Slash.

At long last… the journey is over.


As the four entered the shop, they saw Jorge and Gyral having a conversation. It seemed like the two haven't noticed that Robin and the others were in the room as they were busy conversing with each other over a serious matter to even notice that people were entering the shop.

"I understand, what you're saying General and I agree with Lord Robin completely, but I'm not sure if I'm the right man." Jorge said. It appears that they were still on the subject of who should run for Governor and it looked like the shopkeeper was unsure of whether or not he should take the job.

"Grandmaster Robin recommended you personally. He believes that you out of everyone, have what it takes. So how can you doubt yourself?" Gyral asked.

"Because… I'm nothing special." Jorge said looking down. "I'm just a pathetic man who lost his family to bandits and came here to escape that pain. How could I ever lead?"

"I'll tell you why." The grandmaster spoke up which cause the two, who were focused on their conversation to notice that there were other people in the store, to look at Robin and the three that accompanied him. "Because you are someone who knows the feeling of losing the ones you love and would do anything to prevent it from happening again. The only reason this island is safe is because of the information you provided for me. This island needs someone like you Jorge, someone who will face despair head on without fear in your heart."

"Milord, I don't…"

"Your family did not truly die that day in Southtown." He said which cause Jorge some confusion as to what he was saying until the grandmaster pointed to his heart. "Their souls live on in you. That is why you chose to continue living, so you can honor their lives."

"Heh." He chuckled. "You've always had a way with words." He went over to his counter and picked up a book. He showed it to the grandmaster and saw that it was a book detailing strategy. "You're my hero, you know. Ever since that day, I've wanted to be like you, so I started studying strategy. But even so… I'm scared."

"Fear is not a sign of weakness." Laurent pointed out. "It's what makes you human."

"We're all afraid of what may happen, what could happen." Yarne said. "But, one of my trusted friends once said that there are times when you must stand strong and hold your ground."

The grandmaster chuckled as the taguel recalled the words he said to him when they fought against the Riders of Dawn.

"You've survived through your own hell and you wish for a better future for yourself and everyone else. If you want to do something about it, then suck it up and do something, asshole!" Brady exclaimed

As they each voiced their words, Jorge, now feeling a hint of in his heart smiled at Robin and his friends. The grandmaster and the others each gave their reason as to why they think he should be the new leader of Sage's Hamlet and, without any arguments he could think of, he made a decision.

"Then, I'll do it." Jorge clutched his chest, eyes shining with newfound determination. "I'll run for governor, and if I'm elected, I will lead this island's people to a new and prosperous future!"

Robin smiled at how much Jorge had changed. It feels like yesterday when the two met at Southtown and he though him a soul who lost his loved ones and gave him money to help him. He was glad to have met Jorge that day, as he believed that his actions made him into the man he is today.

"Then, my work here, is done." The grandmaster let out a sigh of relief before addressing another concern. "By the way, where did you guys take Nelson?"

"In the basement. I have guys watching him so no need to worry." Gyral said.

"That scumbag is here?" Brady exclaimed.

"We had to put him somewhere." The general shrugged.

"Might as well say goodbye." Robin entertained the notion of saying farewell to the criminal mastermind and decided to do so. After all, Nelson did cooperate and give him the information he wanted.

"Follow me." Gyral said as the group made their way to the basement. "Hey Nelson, you've got a couple of…"

Gyral stopped at the sight of something horrible.

When plans go wrong, it's always important to have a back up plan just in case to make sure that everything goes right. As for Nelson's imprisonment, it seemed like a clean and cut plan. He surrendered, he cooperated, he confessed. His days as a criminal had come to an end.

Or so Robin had initially thought.

But if that were the case, Why was there a giant hole in the ground as if someone had dug their escape.

Why was Nelson missing from the basement, as he was supposedly staying here until his trial.

More importantly, why were the Stonewall Knights that were watching him, lying on the ground, with blood pouring from their slit throats.

"Wha… wha…" Jorge appeared to be in shock as he couldn't speak clearly.

"What the hell is this?!" Gyral yelled as he saw his mean dead on the floor.

Robin immediately ran over to the hole that was in the middle of the basement to check it over. He looked inside to see if Nelson was in there but there was no one in sight. But judging from the state of the hole, he couldn't be far.

"This hole is new." The grandmaster said as he immediately went into action as he realized now that Nelson was free, he would try to follow through with his plan to steal the Fire Emblem. "We need to inform Chrom now!"

They all immediately ran out of the store, with Jorge following after them, too scared to be in the shop.


As Chrom and the others loaded all of their stuff onto the Sovereign, Frederick made sure that everyone was accounted for. With the recent addition of the future children, he had made use of the roster that Robin created in order to keep track of every shepherd so that none would be left behind. However, as he began checking off each name, he noticed that four were missing.

"Pardon, Milord." Frederick called out to the Prince's who was talking with Lucina and Sumia. "It appears that four shepherds are unaccounted for."

"Is that so?" Chrom crossed his arms. "Would one of them be our tactician?"

"Yes, Milord." Frederick reluctantly said, as he heard of his lord's argument with the tactician. "Along with Yarne, Laurent, and Brady."

"I swear if he…" Chrom was about to start before thinking back to the argument he had with Robin the other day, knowing that the grandmaster was probably out in town somewhere. "He's probably still in town somewhere." He turned to his daughter. "Lucina, can you go fetch him for me?"

"Yes, Father." She said. As she was about to leave to go look for Robin and the others, all of her friends came up to her as they realized that the grandmaster hadn't arrived yet.

"What's wrong Lucy?" Cynthia asked.

"Robin's missing again, along with Laurent, Yarne, and Brady." The Future Princess informed them.

"You don't think…" Kjelle feared that he ran off on a mission without them but was interrupted by another.

"He's probably off in town or something, burying his nose in a stupid book!" Severa scoffed before turning her attention to the town. "Might as well drag him back here."

"I don't like this." Gerome asked which got everyone's attention. "Why would he go missing again, now of all times?"

"Hey, what are you implying Gerome?" Nah placed her hands on her hips and frowned at the Wyvern Rider.

"What I'm saying is…" The Wyvern Rider looked out of the corner of his eyes and saw the grandmaster as well as the rest of his friends sprinting in their direction. "Speak of the devil, the fool is here."

"Hm?" Lucina turned around and saw Robin as well as her friends and two individuals unknown to her running in their direction. They seemed to be worried about something. As they reached the princess, he immediately grabbed onto her arms. "R-Robin?!"

"Lucina! Where is your father?!" He screamed.

"Hands off." Gerome warned as he got closer to the man, hand on his axe, but the grandmaster himself, did not notice.

"Where is he?!" He demanded to know where he is. Lucina looked into his eyes and saw nothing but panic.

"Well, look who decided to show up." A sarcastic remark came from none other than Prince Chrom himself.

"Chrom, I do not have time to deal with your terrible attempts at sarcasm right now! The town is in danger!" He yelled at the man in which got the prince's attention.

"What? What are you talking about?" The prince said, confused.

"Nelson! Nelson! The dastard escaped! That's what he's talking about, old timer!" Brady yelled which caught him off guard.

The shepherds who had board the ship heard Brady's words and immediately got off the ship and readied themselves to find Nelson. The Future Children took their place at Robin's side with the exception of Gerome as the Prince addressed the group.

"Shepherds, the man who has been causing this island trouble has escaped from custody! I want each group to pan out and search for clues! Ask the citizens, search every nook and cranny and find the dastard!"

"Oh, that won't be necessary, Prince Chrom!"

As soon as those words were heard, every shepherd turned their attention to the man who said it. Nelson stood there in the middle of the port clapping and laughing and each shepherds drew there weapons. He appeared to be unarmed but the sadistic smile he had plastered on everyone's face made them nervous as to what he was planning.

"Nelson!" Robin immediately ran up to him but kept his distance from where the man was standing, followed by Gyral and Jorge, who felt safer with him. The Future Children made their way to the front of the group ready to support the grandmaster.

"Greetings to you Grandmaster Robin." Nelson bowed. "I thought it would be more appropriate if I said goodbye before you departed."

"You monster! You murdered my men!" The general yelled.

"Oh, you're talking about my guards? Well, you see, they were quite an annoyance. I never intended to kill them, but they got in the way." He chuckled as he simply shrugged off.

"Dastard! Those were good men! Hard working souls!" Jorge yelled which gained the criminal's attention as it was the first time seeing him.

"Oh, and am I to assume that you were the owner of that godforsaken basement they trapped me in?" Nelson glared right into the man, hoping to frighten him. "Why don't you run away like a good boy."

"I… I am not afraid." Jorge clutched his chest and glared right back at the criminal. "I refuse to run away! I did that once and my family died because of it! I'm not afraid of people like you anymore, people who take pleasure in the suffering of others! Say whatever you want, you don't scare me!"

"Jorge…" Robin saw the fury in his eyes as well as his newfound determination which was very inspirational. He turned his attention back to his enemy.

"Do you see now, Nelson? You're worthless! Robin's actions have moved the citizens of this island and your actions won't do you any good." Chrom yelled. "I would suggest you surrender, otherwise, we will be forced to put you down."

"Surrender? Hm, I think not." Nelson laughed. "You think I can't do anything? That's were you're wrong. Fear… despair… oh, I can bring that into all of you!"

"Is that what you think?!" Lucina yelled as she moved away from the shepherds. "Look where your 'despair' got you! Robin and my friends took you and your thugs down! You lost once, and you'll lose again!"

"Oh really? You think I lost." He simply laughed as he paced back in forth. "You see, I learned many things as a General in the Valmese army. One of those things is adaptability. If one plan fails, then there is always another plan that pops into your head."

"What? What are you talking about?!" Severa yelled.

"What I'm talking about is this, dog!" He snapped his fingers into the air. Everyone looked at him strangely as they figured that he was insane but Robin took notice of the ground around him. As soon as he snapped his fingers, giant puddles start surrounding him. Only they weren't actually puddles. Robin, as well as the other future children, have seen those puddles before.

"EVERYONE GET BACK!" Nah screamed and everyone was put on high alert.

Suddenly, the puddles began to form into monstrous forms of the Entombed. As each popped up, everyone was stricken with fear as they had no idea the entombed could be so huge. There were about five of them that emerged, but some of the puddles refused and started making their way into the town.

"What the!" Chrom stood back in fear, his wife clutching his arm. "What the hell are those things!"

"Revenants." Lucina told him, as she too was afraid but refused to show it. "They were the strongest of the Risen in my future, took armies down like flies. They… were said to be impossible to kill."

"Were?" Sumia wondered.

"That was until Robin and I killed one!" Nah proclaimed with a clenched fist as she refused to give in to the fear of these monsters.

"Chrom…" Lissa whimpered. "Some of those things are making their way into the town!"

"They could destroy the town square and everyone in it!" Frederick exclaimed.

As Robin saw the Revenants in front of him, he immediately cursed himself. He should've known that there were more than one of them in that manor he rescued Nah in. That's likely where they came from. Which means…

"This was your Plan B all along, wasn't it?!" The grandmaster exclaimed. "You knew there were Revenants in the Manor of Lost Souls and in the event that you were captured, you would set them onto the town!"

"Oh, being captured was never the plan, but like I said, adaptability is key." Nelson laughed as he found the situation hilarious. "I had already planned to destroy this pathetic island, but I have to say, everything worked out perfectly. It was all thanks to you, Grandmaster Robin. You have my gratitude."

"No… I… I brought you here." Robin whispered as he realized that if he had killed Nelson back then, if he hadn't brought him to the town, this wouldn't have happened. "I… did this… I…"

"Don't you dare insult Lord Robin!" The grandmaster looked up and saw Jorge yell at him. Even with the Revenants present, the shopkeeper kept his word and was still unafraid. "He brought you here so you can pay for your crimes! If he wanted to kill you, he would have done so without hesitation but he chose to spare your pathetic life so that we, the citizens of Sage's Hamlet, can become stronger! I refuse to let you insult him, monster!"

Nelson looked at him and didn't see a hint of fear or despair in his words. All he heard was fury and determination which really irritated him. But as the shopkeeper yelled at him fearlessly, he came to a realization.

"You have guts, boy. So are you the one who will lead this island to peace and prosperity?" He asked as he said the last two words with disgust.

"That's right!" Jorge yelled as he smiled and clenched his fist. "I will run for Governor and create a new peaceful Sage's Hamlet!"

"Oh, this will be wonderful!" Nelson laughed as he turned his attention to his enemies. "Listen to me Shepherds, it is not you that I wish to kill, all I desire is the Fire Emblem. Forfeit your ship, dedicate yourselves to Lord Grima, kneel before me and I will spare you!"

All the Shepherds looked at each other to see if any of them would accept his demands. They had to admit that the situation was terrifying but none of them appeared to be fazed by his words. They weren't going to bow down to a lunatic, they were going to stand strong and fight against him, no matter what he threw at them.

"We refuse your demands, Nelson! The shepherds would never give into the orders of a lunatic!" Chrom yelled as he drew his sword. "Shepherds, one group needs to stay here and deal with Nelson while the rest go to the town square and deal with them! Will you all stand with me?!"

The shepherds raised their weapons in agreement, ready for battle. They each got with their respective partner and prepared for their orders.

"Robin, what's the plan?!" The Prince asked.

"I want every available Shepherd to make their way to the town and protect the citizens! You see those glowing spots on their bodies?" He pointed at the Revenants. "That is their weakpoints. Destroy them and they'll die. I will stay here and take on Nelson!"

"I won't leave you here alone, Robin!"" Chrom exclaimed.

"Alone? No, I'm not alone." He turned to the future warriors who each looked at him. "We started this, let's finish it, together!" He yelled, clenching his fist in determination, and earning nods from each of them.

"Heh, show off." Chrom smiled at his leadership and watched as his oldest daughter took her place at the tactician's side. "Lucina?"

"Don't worry Father, I'll be safe." She turned to Robin and looked at him with a smile. "I've got my partner after all!"

The grandmaster smiled before pulling out his tome and and blew the Revenants as well as Nelson away with Celica's Gale. This way, the Shepherds could move past them and make their way to town.

"Jorge." Robin called out to the shopkeeper. "Do you have anything in your store that can help?"

"Yes, I have around fifty barrels of oil. What should I do?" He said, determined to help in any way he could to end this evil.

"The Revenants are coming from the Manor. I want you and Gyral to gather every citizen and Stonewall Knight you can find, bring those barrels to the Manor of Lost Souls, and burn it to the ground!" Robin gave his order as he turned to the shopkeeper. "This will be your first official duty. Show Sage's Hamlet they have a leader."

"Right!" Jorge exclaimed as he took his place at Gyral's side.

"Grandmaster, permission to speak freely?" The general asked.

"Go ahead." Robin gave him permission even though he didn't need too.

"Give him hell!" Gyral demanded as he and Jorge ran to his shop.

"Shepherds! Robin and those from the future will deal with Nelson himself! The rest of us will head to town and deal with those monsters and protect the citizens! Are you with me?!" He asked and they all cheered in agreement. "For Sage's Hamlet, for the Shepherds! CHARGE!"

Every Shepherd charged their way past the Revenants who were still stunned by Robin's wind spell, and readied themselves to fight the monstrous Risen that were likely attacking the town right this second.

The Future Children remained, ready to fight the Revenants and Nelson at Robin's side.

"Tch," Nelson got up and dusted his clothes off. "You have been a constant annoyance ever since you came to this island, you know that!" He was practically screaming, anger showing, no longer showcasing that sadistic smile. "I'm going to enjoy listening to you scream!"

"No!" Nah yelled a she pulled out her dragonstone and stood next to Lucina. "I refuse to let you cause anymore harm! If you want Robin, you'll have to kill me, his bodyguard and second in command!"

"Nah…" Robin saw as each of the Future Warriors shared the same feelings. They were each ready to fight alongside him and finish what they had started.

"Yeah, no one touches the boss, scumbag!" Brady yelled as stepped forward.

"Your pathetic nonsense won't save you from my lance!" Kjelle exclaimed as she joined.

"Yeah! If you think you can beat us, then you have another thing coming!" Cynthia cheered as she leaped onto her pegasus.

"Y-You won't m-make us fall into despair! Never!" Noire yelled as she readied her bow.

"Your rantings will not sway us." Laurent calmly said as he pulled out his tome. "You're but mere poison, and we are the cure."

"We've come this far, may as well end this show with a grand finale." Inigo chipped in as he drew his sword.

"If it means putting you in your place again, I'm all for it!" Severa grinned as she stood next to Robin.

"You Revenants of Death are nothing in the face of Owain Dark!" The myrmidon said dramatically as he pulled out his sword, Misstletain and readied himself for battle.

"I don't like fighting you illusions of the past anymore then I like the idea of fighting to change it." Gerome said as he took his place with his friends. "But, I suppose fate can spare a few exceptions!"

"I'm not scared of you!" Yarne yelled. "I'm the last of my kind, you know. As scary as fighting is, I won't allow you to walk all over me!"

As Robin watched each of the Future Warriors stand by him, he saw just what he had truly become. He had always denied it before, but this time he couldn't. As the man who led the Future Warriors and reunited them, he had created hope in their hearts when all they ever knew was despair. He looked and saw Lucina smile at the determination of her friends. Even she knew what the grandmaster had become.

He had become a hero.

I never thought the day would come, when I would stand by my friends again and fight as one. Lucina thought to herself as she looked at the man who made it possible. Thank you… Robin.

"Now do you see, Nelson!" The future princess yelled. "We will never submit to the likes of you. Your despair cannot stop us!"

"We won't give up! As long as we draw breath…" The grandmaster threw his fist in the air. "We will never give up!"

As Nelson saw each of their determination, their looks of hope, their looks of fury, it made him very angry. He was hoping that they would be so scared of death that they would join his side. But now, it appeared that he would have to kill them. He clutched his face with his hand in annoyance at the situation and prepared to unleash his Revenant pets onto the Grandmaster and his team.

"You're all stupid kids! You know nothing!" He yelled in fury as he pointed at his enemies. "Kill them my pets! Rip them apart!"

The Revenants, having recovered from the shock of Celica's Gale, moved towards their enemies. They were slow, like the Revenant Robin and Nah had encountered, but that didn't make them any less dangerous. Robin immediately came up with a plan.

"Laurent, trap them!" He commanded as the Sage slammed his hand onto the ground.

"BOLGANONE!"

A circle of fire formed on the ground around the Revenants, their feet entrapped in the flames, now stuck in the ground, The monstrous Risen were unable to move.

"Flier units, attack from the sky! Nah, send fire balls their way to distract them! Yarne, cripple their legs!"

"Roger!" The manakete used her dragonstone and transformed into her dragon form as he she took to the skies, sending dragon fire their way to distract them from the others. The Revenants threw their hands into the sky, hoping to kill the dragon.

While they were busy with Nah, Cynthia and Gerome began attacking one of the Revenants, with the Pegasus Knight attacking the front and the Wyvern Rider attacking from the back. They targeted it's weak points and with each point destroyed, it stopped moving as if they it shut down or something, until a few seconds later, it started attacking again. Yarne, began charging into their legs, making them fall to the ground, making it easier for ground units to attack it.

"Noire, open fire! Brady, cover her!"

"Got it!" The monk replied as he took his place at the archer's side.

Noire fired a couple arrows at the weakspot of another Revenant but it was stronger than it looked. It tried to bring it's arm down, only for Brady to cut it off with his axe. After a few more arrows, the weak spots on it's chest began to fade. While it stopped moving, she moved around to the back and began firing arrows at the exposing weak points behind it.

"Kjelle, Javelin! Laurent, open fire!"

The knight gained some distance from one of the Revenants and threw her Javelin the weak point on it's chest. While it stopped moving, Laurent moved behind it and began firing Fire Magic at the weak points on it's back. When it turn around to try and kill the Sage, Kjelle began thrusting her lance into the remaining weak points, causing it to turn around to try and kill her. However, the constant attacks, back and forth from Laurent and Kjelle confused it greatly, much to their advantage.

"Severa, Inigo, Owain! Give them hell!"

At his command, Owain and Inigo began attacking the fourth Revenant by using their speed to avoid any attacks and striking it's weakpoints with their blades. While it was busy trying to take down the two, Severa made her way behind it and began striking at it's back.

Everything's going according to plan. Robin thought to himself as he and Lucina prepared to defeat the last remaining Revenant. I hope Chrom and the others are okay.


As Chrom and the Shepherds made it back to the town square, the Revenants were already tearing the place up. The Inn they were staying at as well as the tavern, the Willy Nilly, that they frequently visited were already destroyed by the time they arrived.

The streets were empty but there were a few bodies lying around. It seems that Jorge and Gyral had evacuated the town and those who refused to follow him perished. Hopefully, they would be successful in destroying the Manor of Lost Souls and stop the Revenants for good.

Luckily, The shepherds were proving to be successful in their fight against the Revenants who were attacking the town. Sully and Kellam were able to kill one as Virion and Miriel distracted their targets with arrows and fire magic so that it would focus on them while the General and Paladin took out their weak points.

Another one fell to it's knee's as Panne, using her beast form, attacked it's legs, sending it to the ground while her husband, Vaike, used his axe to take out it's weak points. Stahl and Tharja joined in, with the Paladin striking it's weak points and the Dark Mage draining it's energy with Nosferatu.

Nowi had taken to the skies with her beloved Donnel, riding on her back. They circled around a Revenant, confusing it as it tried to kill them while Donnel poked it's weak points with his lance until they were destroyed. Cherche and Gregor mirrored this same approach.

As for the healers, they were all on standby until one was injured. Thanks to several practice sessions, many knew when to retreat for healing whenever they were in danger. Libra and Anna stood by with Lissa and Maribelle who were being guarded by their respective husbands in the event that a Revenant came after them. One did, but as they tried to to crush them, Gaius sent throwing knives into their eyes, blinding them with Lon'qu taking out their weak points with incredible speed.

While many were getting tired of fighting against such powerful Risen, Olivia's dances kept them going with Henry protecting her at all costs. Ricken and Cordelia protected them as well in order to keep the Dancer focused on helping the others. If any Revenant came their way, the two used their combined magic abilities to obliterate their legs, sending them to the ground, rendering them useless.

Chrom stood by his wife who flew around one of the Revenants, poking the weak points on it's back, confusing it while Chrom destroyed whatever weak points it had on it's chest. As it disintegrated, he looked and saw many more Revenants heading to the town.

"Damn, more keep coming!" The Prince complained as the horde of Revenants appear to be never ending. "Keep it up Shepherds! Don't give up!"

However, they would not give up. They had to end at some point and the Shepherds were determined to keep fighting until this threat was over.

I hope you're alright Robin. Chrom thought to himself as he looked over to the Manor where the Revenants were coming from. Here's hoping your friends come through.


Gyral and Jorge lead the remaining StoneWall Knights and citizens of Sage's Hamlet through the Forrest surrounding the Manor of Lost Souls. They moved carefully, carrying barrels of oil and placing it at certain points so the Revenants moving through the forest wouldn't notice. They were lucky that they were slow as it could take a while before the majority of them made it to town.

"Okay General, Most of the barrels have been placed on the road. Now let's put them around the Manor." Jorge commanded.

"Look at you, commanding me." The general laughed. "I'll admit, I didn't think much of you at first, but it turns out the Grandmaster was right. You do have what it takes."

"Thank you, General." Jorge smiled as he lead his group to the Manor.

Many citizens were reluctant to follow Jorge because he wasn't a born citizen of Sage's Hamlet. However, thanks to his newfound determination, when he explained the situation to everyone and how he came to be at the island, many decided to follow him while some scoffed at him and stayed at the town. As they followed the shopkeeper and caught glimpses of the Revenants, they knew they were right in following him.

Jorge directed the citizens to place the barrels in certain parts around the manor with Gyral commanding his Stonewall Knights to do the same. Once it was done, the general realized a certain issue with this plan that could be problematic.

"It has come to my attention that none of my Stonewall Knights have Fire Tomes and I doubt your citizens have any." Gyral told the Shopkeeper. "What do we do?"

"It'll be alright General. Didn't I tell you?" Jorge smirked as he pulled out a Fire Tome. "I've always idolized Grandmaster Robin. I not only studied strategy but I also practiced Magic, and Fire Magic is a beginner's choice."

"Heh." The general chuckled at how the shopkeeper came prepared. "I think you'll be one hell of a leader. I know who I'm voting for."

"Alright." Jorge turned his attention to the citizens that followed him. "My friends, this is it. Today, we start a brand new day for Sage's Hamlet. Whatever future awaits us, it will be forged with out hands!"

They all cheered for him as they knew this evil was about to end. Jorge turned his attention to the general.

"Let's get out of here!" Jorge commanded with everyone sprinting their way back to the town square. However, while everyone head back, Jorge turned around, and readied himself to light up the oil.

Susan, Miranda, are you two watching? Jorge thought to himself, hoping that his late wife and daughter could see him now. I always knew you two were still with me. Thank you for giving me strength.

Jorge charged a spell into his hands and prepared to start a new chapter in his life.

"FIRE!"


As Robin and the Future Warriors fought against the Revenants, an explosion caught everyone's interest. Everyone turned their attention to where it came from and judging from the location, it appeared that Jorge and Gyral had been successful and the Manor of Lost Souls where no more.

"NO!" Nelson yelled as he knew what just happened. "My pets!"

He turned and saw that four of his Revenants were already destroyed. One was still remaining and it faced the Grandmaster and Future Princess.

"Lucina, it's time for us to end this!" Robin exclaimed as he charged Katarina's Bolt into his hand. "Combine your Falchion with my magic!"

"I'm with you Robin, all the way!" Lucina brought her divine blade towards Robin who placed his electric charged hand near the Falchion.

His magic began to merge with the divine blade which was engulfed in lighting magic. The electricity that was emitting off of the blade began to extend as the grandmaster and Future Princess readied themselves to destroy the last remaining Revenant.

"Incredible." Lucina whispered at the power being displayed before her.

"Now. Here's how it's done!"

The two leaped into the air, ready to strike down the Revenant. When it tried to attack them, it's arms were blown away by Nah's dragon fire. Now, it was unable to do anything as it awaited it's destruction.

"AHHHHHH!" They both yelled in unison as they brought down the Electric charged Falchion, slicing the Revenant in half. While it didn't kill it, it was rendered useless as it couldn't do anything, losing control of it's body, allowing the other future warriors to poke out it's weak points.

"No! NO!" Nelson stepped backward before tripping and falling to the ground. "What are you?!"

"I'll tell you what we are." Lucina stated as her friends stood by her side. "We're the Shepherds!"

"I've said it before and I'll say it again!" The grandmaster said with a clenched fist of determination. "No matter what fate throws at me, even if it costs me every bit of power I have, I will destroy despair! That is my resolve!"

"You're a fool!" Nelson yelled as he panicked. "The world cannot exist without despair! Even if you destroy it, it'll only come back stronger than ever!"

"No, I refused to believe in that! If it's the world's destiny to always have despair, then me and my friends will destroy that destiny!" He stated as he moved towards Nelson. "I believe in my bonds with my friends, the invisible ties that make us stronger! As long as I have that, I cannot lose!"

"You may as well give up now, scum." Severa scoffed. "You've lost."

"Lost?" Nelson whispered as the words repeated in his head. "I… lost?" As he said those words, he began to chuckle which caught the others off guard. What started out as mere chuckling turned into maniacal laughter.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" It appeared that he had finally lost it as he glared at the Grandmaster and his friends with murderous intent. "I'm not done yet! If I'm going down, I'm taking you all with me!"

Nelson stretched his arms out as his body began to glow red. As he continued laughing, the remains of the Revenants made their way to the Sage and began merging onto his body. He screamed in pain but continued his laughter as every bit of Revenant remains latched onto his body.

"What the hell?!" The grandmaster took a step back as Nelson was turning himself into a humanoid Revenant. It was terrifying to see that he still had power left within him.

"He's using his life essence to merge with the Revenants." Laurent explained as Nelson began to grow in size.

"What now, Grandmaster! Can you and your bonds hope to stand up to this power!" He laughed as his eyes turned red and laughed, showing them how inferior they were now. "Now, I will destroy all of…"

"Think again!"

Just then, a lance skewered through his chest, with Nelson clutching himself with his makeshift arm. He turned around to see Chrom alongside Sumia who flew past him and landed near the grandmaster and the future warriors. Soon after, the other Shepherds regrouped with them.

"Seems your friend came through, Robin. The Manor of Lost Souls is now ash and the Revenants have been stopped." Chrom assured him causing the grandmaster to let out a sigh of relief.

"Well, not all of them." He said as he pointed at Nelson. The Prince looked at him and was disgusted by his appearance.

"What the hell?" Chrom looked at his enemy and chuckled at what the criminal mastermind made himself into in order to make one last stand. "Well, I suppose we could end this with a bang, can't let you hog the spotlight now, can we?"

"Really?" The grandmaster turned to his friend. "You can't possibly believe that this trash deserves to be the final battle now, do you?"

"Well, what do you say?" Chrom smiled as he drew his blade. "Like old times?"

"Hmph, sure, why not." Robin smiled as he he readied himself for one last fight against Nelson. The Shepherds stood back as Chrom and Robin made their way over the the criminal mastermind with everyone looking in admiration at how this will turn out.

"Father, Robin." Lucina whispered as she smiled. She was finally going to see them in action for the first time. She had heard stories about how Chrom and Robin were unstoppable when the two worked together and couldn't wait to see just how strong they were. "Take him down!"

As the two stood in front of Nelson, they got a better look at him. He looked very different from other Revenants. He was approximately the same height as them along with makeshift arms and legs with lances, axes, and swords sticking out of them. It didn't have a head, however, but Nelson's head was visible, poking out of it's chest with red eyes. That was the only part of him that they could see as his entire body was being covered by the essence of the Revenants that had consumed him.

"Do you fools think you can beat my power! The power of Lord Grima!" Nelson laughed as his two most hated enemies stood in front of him.

"You should have realized by now that whatever power you throw at us, it's pointless against the strength of our bonds!" Robin pointed his blade at him, lecturing him about how he alone, can't stop them.

"You're wasting your time!" Chrom said as he prepared for battle. "I think he needs to learn the hard way."

The grandmaster nodded as they both charged at him, with Robin attacking his left and Chrom attacking his right.

Tossing his Levin Sword up in the air, The grandmaster snapped his fingers and balls of fire from Micaiah's Pyre materialized out of nowhere and began torching his hand. As he leaped into the air using a wind spell, he caught his blade and came crashing down onto his arm, slicing it off and destroying it as it melted away.

Chrom slashed at every attack and made a point to keep his distance for one attack that would destroy his right arm. He then leaped into the air and came into a spin, crashing down onto it's arm with every bit of strength he had, destroying it.

With both arms gone, Nelson screamed in agony. Knowing that it was almost over.

The grandmaster looked at Chrom and signaled him for the final blow. Robin then tossed his Levin Sword up into the air, in which he jumped up and kicked the hilt of his blade forward, sending it into Nelson's stomach. Chrom, went for a powerful stab and lunged his blade into his chest as well. Each of their blades came out in the opposite of where they entered with the Prince grabbing onto the Levin Sword and the Grandmaster catching the Falchion.

"NOOOO!" Nelson yelled as his strength left his body.

The two took a few steps away from him, giving each other back their respective weapons. But, as they did this, Nelson used all of his strength into one last attack, raising his foot and bringing it down close to them, the impact causing the Prince to lose his grip on Falchion which flew into the air and impaled into the ground behind him.

Before the Levin Sword could do the same, Chrom grabbed onto it quickly with Robin opening his tome and charged a thunder spell. The prince aimed his friends blade at Nelson's chest ready to finish this battle once and for all.

"I guess, I'll try this blade out for once." Chrom said as he tightened his grip on the blade. "What was that catchphrase of yours?"

"Really? You want to finish this with an end quote?" The grandmaster raised an eyebrow at his friend.

"Might as well." The Prince chuckled.

"No! Please! Don't do this!" Nelson, in a moment of desperation, begged for his life.

Chrom and Robin, glaring right into Nelson's eyes as they brought their weapons together.

"Checkmate!"

Was all they had to say before Robin casted a Thoron bolt with Chrom sending a bolt of thunder from the Levin Sword straight at Nelson. The two bolts of thunder merged together due to their close proximity which formed into a thunderous arrow that peirced right through Nelson's chest.

"NOOOOOO!"

He screamed as his makeshift body began to disintegrate and his power fading. His backup plan had failed and this long battle was finally over. Nelson, a man who wanted to bring despair upon the island of Sage's Hamlet had finally tasted the despair he so desperately craved.

The despair of defeat.


Once Chrom retrieved his Falchion, he was tackled by his wife and daughters who hugged him tightly. He brought his arms around them, happy that they were all safe and that this fight was over.

Robin smiled at them before turning back to Nelson. Despite everything, he was still alive, barely. By using up all of his life essence, he drained his entire body. He laid on the ground, breathing hard as he couldn't find the strength to walk. His eye color had returned to normal but other than that, he had turned into a shell of what he was.

The other Future Warriors made their way to Robin's side as they stared at their enemy.

"Go ahead… kill me." Nelson asked.

"No. I already told you, we don't have that right." Robin explained it for the last time.

"Plus, what's the point? Look at you, you can't do anything." Severa pointed out.

"It's over, so just shut your mouth and face what you've done." Kjelle said.

"Live and face your punishment. That is the least you can do for the people you hurt." Laurent told him.

"Damn... you." Nelson said for the last time before passing out.

"Lord Robin!"

He turned around and saw Jorge and Gyral running up to him alongside remaining stonewall Knights and citizens of Sage's Hamlet. It appeared that they had survived which made the grandmaster smile. The two of them looked at Nelson who was still alive.

"Get this piece of trash out of here." Gyral commanded and his men took him back to the Hack & Slash where they knew that he would have zero chance of escaping.

"Grandmaster Robin. Words cannot express how thankful I am that you came back into my life." Jorge smiled as he gave a polite bow. "Thank you, for everything."

"Don't thank just me." The grandmaster turned to see his friends, the warriors of the future, standing by him with smiles on their faces. Lucina and Cynthia also made their way by their friends once they had finished their family group hug. "You should be thanking, us."

"Oh, but of course." Jorge chuckled as he turned around to face the citizens who had accompanied him. "Ladies and Gentlemen, let us give our thanks to the Saviors of Sage's Hamlet!"

They all cheered and smiled as they clapped at their saviors. Thanks to Robin's prior speeches, they had remembered each of their names and cheered each and everyone of them, remembering them as the bringers of their peace.


Once all was finished, the Shepherds boarded the Sovereign and sailed away. Robin waved from the railing as he saw all of the citizens bidding him farewell.

"Hey handsome!" Robin turned to see the Shepherds friendly merchant approaching him.

"What is it Anna?" He had asked Anna to look into a certain matter for him. Maybe she had good news for him.

"I was looking into your request, you know? About that bandits Levin Sword?" She brought up which gained his attention.

"So you found out how to transfer the thunder magic of Rugar's Levin Sword into my own?" He asked.

"Yep! All I need is your sword and I'll make the arrangements." She smiled which also meant that she was about to ask for compensation. "Of course, I expect a…"

"You expect a fee right?" The grandmaster rolled his eyes before reaching into his coat pocket and pulled out bag of coins, tossing it her way. He then gave her his Levin Sword but not before warning her. "Be careful with it, I've shocked myself by accident so it's no toy."

"No problem. Pleasure doing business with you." She said before taking her leave.

He then turned his attention back to the town, as the citizens were still waving goodbye. He smiled to himself but was also a little sad. It hurt a little to leave such a wonderful place. But, knowing it was in the hands of Jorge and Gyral, it would all turn out alright.

"Upset?" He turned around to see Chrom approaching him.

"Somewhat. I've made many friendships with the people on that island. Shame we have to leave now." He admitted.

"You make it'll be our last visit there." The Prince said, chuckling at Robin's fear. "Maybe once the future has been saved, we'll go on another vacation there, hopefully without you running off."

"Yeah, yeah." The grandmaster waved off his remark, joining his friend in laughter. He then turned to see his friends from the future talking amongst themselves.

"They're really something, aren't they?" Chrom pointed out as he looked toward the future warriors as well. "All they ever knew was pain and suffering and now, from the looks of it, they're more than determined to stop the doomed future from happening."

"I know. They also must be happy to see their parents again." The grandmaster remarked.

"That to, but don't forget, they wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you. You gave them hope to believe in." Chrom smiled at his friend. "To them, you're their leader, and for that, on behalf of their parents, I thank you."

"Don't worry Chrom. I promise to do right by them. I give you my word." Robin clenched his chest in determination, ready to lead the future warriors to their goal.

"I'll hold you to that." He chuckled before turning around and seeing his daughter behind him. It appeared that she had been waiting for a chance to talk to the tactician. "Well, I'll leave you two alone."

Chrom took his leave as he left Robin alone with his daughter. He knew he would have to talk with her at some point and he owed her an explanation for all that he had done.

"Lucina, I'm so sorry." He apologized.

"Sorry? For what?" She raised an eyebrow, wondering why he was apologizing to her.

"When Chrom was drunk, I knew you would have to look after him which would cause you to stay behind when I ran off. I took advantage of that and I'm sorry. Not to mention we haven't spoken since I reunited you with your friends." He turned around, not wanting to look at her, fearing her reaction. "I've been a horrible friend to you."

Instead of words of hate he had expected he felt arms wrapped around his waist and as he glanced over his shoulder, he saw the Princess had embraced him from behind, letting a few tears fall from her face.

"How could you have been horrible when you saved all of my friends? You gave them something to believe in and now, they're stronger for it. A horrible friend? Far from it. You're the best friend I could ever ask for. Thank you." She tightened her hold on him, overwhelmed with happiness. "Thank you."

He then placed his hand on hers in which she took it into her own. He smiled as how Lucina had no ill towards him for his actions and was glad that everything was okay between them.

Little did they know that their friends were watching.

"Awww." Nah teased as she saw the display before her.

"Isn't that sweet." Severa rolled her eyes at what the two were doing.

"I'll never understand this mushy crap." Kjelle crossed her arms.

"I-I'm glad Lucina isn't mad at him." Noire commented.

"Indeed, a brawl between them would have been horrendous." Laurent stated.

"Look at us. Together at last." Cynthia commented at all of her friends were finally reunited. "Isn't it wonderful?"

"I will say, this story turned out well in the end." Inigo remarked. "But now, we must face the next chapter in our lives."

"Wow, that was real cheesy." Yarne said.

"But he speaks the truth!" Owain brought his hand to his face. "Together, with our combined powers and the Grandmaster of Fate, we will be victorious!"

"Hell yeah, I'm with the boss, all the way!" Brady said, making his loyalty to Robin clear.

"M-Me too." Noire said with confidence. "If R-Robin's leading the charge, I know we can't lose."

"He did say he'll destroy despair. I'm willing to put my bets on it." Inigo laughed as he was willing to believe in the grandmaster.

"I suppose, I'll believe in him too." Severa crossed her arms and frowned. "Despite his cheesy speeches."

"His speeches were splendid." Gerome said which shocked the rest of them as they believed that he had a low opinion of the grandmaster. As each of them looked at him, they wondered what else he was going to say. "But, they were empty. He speaks of destroying despair when has not truly felt the worst of it."

"What are you saying Gerome?" Nah wondered, placing her hands on her hips and frowning right at him.

"Nothing." Was all he said but his thoughts spoke of something else.

It means you are placing your trust in the man who will destroy everything. His empty words and promises are nothing but trickery. The Wyvern Rider looked at the tactician who, alongside Lucina, was making their way over to them. He would voice his concerns with his fiends later in private but he knew he would have to keep a close eye on this man. Your manipulative words won't work on me, traitor. I will stop you, I promise.

"I'm glad you guys could join us." Robin commented as they each turned their attention to him. "I promise you, we will come out of this war alive. I know it because I have seen all of you in action. We'll show the Valmese our teamwork. Are you with me?!"

"YEAH!" They each cheered as they looked towards the ocean, ready to face whatever comes next.

"Full speed for Valm!


Next up, Act 4:Valmese Conquest.

I have to say this was a good way to end the Sage's Hamlet arc. I did warn you guys in Chapter 19: A Manakete's Resolve that the Revenant that Robin and Nah foguth wasn't the only one. Also, were you guys expecting me to kill off Nelson. I bet you were, but what's the point now. He used up all of his energy to become a manmade Revenant and used up all of his power. Now, he can't do anything anymore. His story is over, and now, it's up to the citizens of Sage's Hamlet to decide his fate.

I can't wait to write up the Valm chapters.

Til next time.