FE: Awakening with Blossoms

by YueTian

Sakura had finally become the master of her own cards and is reunited with Syaoran only to be chased by monsters and end up in another world. What else can go wrong? Maybe, an amnesiac, god dragons, zombies, a magical sword and a lunatic who wants to destroy everything while Chrom and his men try to save everyone and possibly both worlds. Wait, who're those silver dragons? Oh no...

35. Chapter 35: Truth of Clow

Truth of Clow

As the man in question finishes his quick chat with his tactician, they watch the man began to turn around and enter the tower as they rush over to them.

"We're not letting you get away!" Leo shouted as he opened his tome and conjured up a wall of vines over the entrance.

The Plegian king turned around with a grimace, "Damn you, ancestors! Well, no matter. Lord Grima shall return and take care of you all very soon…"

"Validar!" Chrom shouted as they face against the king and his tactician.

Seeing the exalt, the king's frown curled into his crooked grin, "Fools! Do you know where you've come?"

"Return the Fire Emblem now, and we can end this!" Chrom offered.

The man laughed, "You would… end this?"

Chrom nodded with a raised brow upon seeing the man's grin, "Yes, once and for all."

"My dear boy," Validar sighed as he shook his head, "We already know how this story end- you and I both! And yet you rush here… Are you so eager to meet the fell dragon yourself? Or perhps your own fatal destiny- you would have that realized first? Haha!"

"To hell with you destiny." Chrom scowled, "I'll write a new ending."

This time, Aversa laughed, "Oh ho ho, so now you believe you can change fate? And here I thought your exalted sister had delusions of grandeur…"

"We've done it already." Chrom answered with a nod.

"Your victory over sad little Gangrel?" Aversa grinned, "Or perhaps Walhart's defeat? Those were meant to happen. They were preordained. You are just another fool in motley, capering on the stage!"

Lissa pouted, "But… what about Emmeryn!"

"You changed only the method of her death." Aversa answered as she shook her head in dismay, "Either way, she was planted in the ground…"

"But that was Gangrel's will…" Frederick pointed out, "Not yours… Not Validar's…"

"You aren't listening." Aversa said with a sigh, "All of this- every word and action- has been orchestrated… Gangrel held the exalt in contempt, yet, so Validar and I used him. In life and death. This king's demise threw Plegian into chaos. It drove the people to Grima… Now their life force and rancor can be laid before the fell dragon enmasse."

"You couldn't mean…" Chrom's eyes narrowed as he heard her words.

"It is called the Table for a reason, you naïve little man." Aversa said, "It's where Grima feeds! The Grimleal have gladly offered themselves to him for ages. Even now, they pray for his return… Today, the Table overflows with bounty and their prayers will be answered!"

Then, she grinned, "With Robin's soul to give him all the life force and the freedom he needs, of course."

"Hold on!" Kamui shouted, "Out of all the people out there in this world, you specifically went after Robin. Why do that?"

"Kamui's right." Corrin nodded, "We've already noticed all the Grimleals' movements. A sacrifice wouldn't require you to be so specific. We saw that once. So, why be so specific now?'

"Why, you say?" Aversa grinned, "Because you helped us confirm her existence. Did you know that, years ago when she first came to be, Reflet is not meant to have a twin?"

"What did you say?" Reflet's eyes widen as she said this.

Aversa's smile only widened upon his 'fun' reaction as she continued, "Oh… It seems I may have run my mouth a little too long. Perhaps your father will be happy to explain everything than I would… after the rite, that is."

"I'll never allow any of that to happen!" Chrom shouted as he swung his arm in a gesture.

"But it already has happened in our future." Aversa grinned, "This moment was set a millennium ago."

"How could anyone give their life willingly to that… thing?" Lucina exclaimed in disgust, "That monster!"

"I will stop you!" Chrom swore as he shouted, "I will stop Grima!"

"Goodness! Now you're starting to sound like Walhart, the big bully…" Aversa chuckled, "He itended to destroy Grima as well, you know. …Our thanks, incidentally, for taking him off the stage for us."

"So, that's why you give us your ships and treasure, but no soldiers…" Chrom said from her reasoning.

"Get rid of Walhart, but keep the faithful Plegians to set your god's Table…" Leo said with a frown, "You had it all planned out from the beginning, just like you said."

"Aversa, it is time." Validar grinned, "I must prepare."

"As you command, Master." The woman replied before a steams of darkness fumed from behind the vines disintegrating it.

"Wha-! Validar!" Chrom shouted, "Validar!"

However, the man entered avoiding all the vines that Leo threw at him as he entered. Now, Aversa stood before them solemnly, "Master Validar is not to be disturbed."

Then, she brought out her tome and jumped onto her Pegasus, "But fear not, I have brought the Deadlords to keep you entertained. These 12 generals were great warriors in life… and even greater, now, in death! I would introduce them one by one, but well, as you'll see, they're not much for talk. Besides, you'll meet them all soon enough!"

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew from behind them as they soon saw that they weren't the only ones here. Leo grimaced, "Damn it! We're surrounded!"

"Not for long!" Reflet grimaced, "Quickly! Cherche! Take Chrom and head to the west! Gerome, Take Lissa and follow them! Nah, Marc! Follow Morgan and Severa and take the East side. Corrin, take your group and head east with them. Kamui, go west. If what their tactician said is true, then we need to stay close in a pincer formation. I'll follow Chrom and Lucina shall go with them."

"Right. That'd be the best decision we should go with for now." Kamui nodded and turned to his siblings before starting to form their groups.

Before leaving, Reflet called out to them, "Kamui, Corrin!"

The twins turned before they were handed a couple of cards each. Kamui raised a brow, "This?"

"Cards I received from this sort of outrealm gate as your time called it." Reflet answered with a grimace, "I admit that they'll be powerful allies in battle, but I could never quite bring myself to call upon them knowing that it'll be just like using them as tools of war. Which is why if you find yourself in a pinch don't hesitate to call on them. I was told to just throw them into the battlefield, but that was it."

"I see…" Corrin frowned in confusion, "Well, be sure to follow your instructions. Thank you, Reflet."

The tactician nodded, "Just stay safe and watch over the wagon if you can. I know Eriol's barrier is protecting them, but I worry just that won't be enough."

"I understand that well enough." Corrin nodded with a grimace, "I'm worried about that as well. It just feels like there's something more powerful than Eriol around us."

"Either way, we'll help keep watch of the wagon too." Kamui said, "It's this fire times, it's better that we really on each other if we all want to survive this war."

"Thank you, Kamui, Corrin." Reflet replied with a small smile.

---

By the time, Kinomoto and Syaoran and awoken, the battle had already begun. Kinomoto looked outside in surprise upon the unusual undeads before turning to Cordelia and Spinel as her loved one asked in confusion, "There must've been a reason for all this. Why wake us up after the battle began?"

Despite, Syaoran's accusing glare, Kinomoto felt that something was off and asked Spinel, "Eriol, Spinel. U-Um… W-Well…"

They could her a strained sigh as Eriol spoke, "It's because we feared that Grima is trying to take control of your two, my most powerful descendant and successor."

"What?" Kinomoto gasped.

"It's true." Forrest said with a grimace, "Not long after you passed out the first time after we came close to this tower, Syaoran had passed out before hand."

"What did you say?" Syaoran said weakly in shock as he heard this, "Sakura also passed out too?"

Cordelia nodded, "Yes."

"This culprit is Grima." Eriol answered, "Before he ambushed me in my home, I had already begin to feel the power of darkness before then. I suspected it had been something else and took up some barrier used for warding up spirits and the like. The mistake I made was that it was not something the Grima couldn't overcome. For him, it would've been a simple matter. So, I created a barrier around this wagon specifically against Grima. Which is why no matter the situation, you mustn't leave the barrier unless anyone of us sees it safe for you to leave or Grima will take you two as well."

Kinomoto's eyes widen, "But, that's-"

She topped upon seeing Spinel shake his head as Eriol continued, "But, I can't hold out for long. Miss. Kinomoto. I need your assistance to call out one of your card and form a barrier around yourselves."

"What about you?" Syaoran asked.

"I'll be fine." Eriol answered, "For I don't have a body from him to take control of and a familiar's body isn't something anyone can control as easily. I've studied all I could here and found that, with his strength, he could only take control of one of our familiars, not two or more. When we freed Ruby and strengthened our contract, he is unable to do a thing is our contract was renewed along with the power."

"That's why Yue and Kero are outside…" Kinomoto muttered upon the realization.

Spinel nodded. Kinomoto frowned anxiously as she watched the battle outside, "No, way… T-Then, what do we do until it's safe for us to leave?"

"Right now," Forrest answered, "Caeldori's and Soliel's grandparents doesn't believe that the enemy knows that you're here. So, till we can stop the resurrection, you should stay here with us."

Kinomoto didn't like the idea nor the plan of leaving everything to their friends who were out on the field fighting for everyone's sake, but, at the same time, she knew her assistance out on the battlefield won't be as much benefit when she was suppose to be hiding herself from being detected. She looked to Syaoran who could only struggle a nod as well. She looked outside once more before seeing her brother and her best friend also out there on the battlefield as she provides him the backup to the best of her ability despite not being as physically as Kinomoto was during their world's sports events when they were younger. Is staying in the safety of the wagon really the only way for the to help their friends when they're out there fighting for their lives?

---

"I can't believe it." Takumi said with a grimace upon the current situation.

"Neither can I." Leo said with a frown, "But, the proof is right before us and our fight was apart of it."

Though there were only twelve enemies to fight against, Reflet's strategy was proved to be quite effective as the enemies on both sides of the battle field fell when they band together to fight against them one at a time. In fact, it was just enough time for them to turn around and prepare themselves before the next wave of enemies came at them. Kamui grinned as he approached them, "I think it's safe to say that, whatever happens in the future, the people and our descendants will be all right, don't you?"

"Perhaps." Takumi said with a shrug and he turned and saw Tharja and Virion in the distance dealing the final blow on one of the generals.

"He should be fine since hexes don't work on him, right?" Kamui strained a smile as the same thought came to his head.

"Hexes, not." Takumi said with a sigh, "But, there's always other ways to do so, I bet."

"It should be fine, Takumi." Kamui chuckled, "Virion has always come out alive and he isn't a child."

"I know that!" Takumi snapped with another sigh, "Fine… Still, I get a feeling that something is going to happen eventually."

Leo shook his head, "Just let me know if it does happen. I see what the problem is and try to fix it like before."

"Like before?" Kamui raised a brow.

Takumi shook his head, "I-It's nothing! … Kamui, behind you!"

The archer let loose another arrow as it was dodged by its target in a mere inch. The dark tactician's lips curled into a grin, "Oh~? So, this is the power of the royal families of the mystical kingdoms, is it? Interesting…"

"Kamui!"

They turned and saw Reflet rushing over to them before letting out another lightning strike from his fingers. Like the arrow, she too dodged it with more ease as Reflet caught up to them. He shook his head, "I'll never understand minions like you and Excellus. No lives of your own… Living only to serve at the beck and call of your masters. Pathetic."

"Oh?" Aversa sighed, "I might say as much about your relationship to the prince… And please, don't lump me in with that half-witted little toad. Excellus was nothing but a pawn on our board Another actor on our stage. His ambition was our insurance against Walhart's threat. If you had failed, he might have destroyed the empire from the inside. But, in the end, he was just another puppet whose strings we had to cut."

"Then, you've confirmed my theory." Reflet said.

"Yes," Aversa grinned with a giggle, "I promised him the Plegian throne in exchange for the Emblem… He jumped at the offer! Well, as much as the fat little piggie could jump… Men are all the same. Learn their ambition, and you have them by the-"

She stopped before she chuckled, "Oho… Well, perhaps Excellus was a bit different in that respect…"

Reflet shook his head, "Here I thought him the lowest form of slime imaginable, but you win handily…"

"Yes," Aversa sighed, "well, we play the roles we're given, Reflet, as you'll soon discover."

Reflet scowled, "If we all stand on a great stage, I'll be happy to assist with your exit!"

"Oh really now, how amusing…" A smile curled on her lips once more, "You so cute when you try to be clever. But, Master Validar already considers you stronger and smarter than I… Whatever shall I do if he decides you're more witty as well? Perhaps I'd best kill you before you ripen and become his everything…"

"Before I 'ripen'?" Reflet said inquisitively.

The woman brought a finger to her lips, "Shh… Nothing to worry your pretty little head over. Focus on our battle, instead! If you truly are as gifted as my master says…"

She opened her tome, "There is no need for me to hold back!"

But, before she could throw out a spell, Reflet had already opened his and summoned up a spiral of wind. It hit the dark flier and her Pegasus as the steed was unable to control its flight in the air and was soon spun around throwing Aversa off to the ground. Reflet approached her with his sacred weapon to her, "Now, tell me where is Robin?"

The witch grinned, "Oh, I would, but the ritual has already begun. You are too late!"

Suddenly, a dark mass formed between them as Reflet jumped back just in time. However, Aversa was already far from reach as she shouted, "Farewell! Perhaps, we shall meet again? Oh, actually… I suppose not!"

As she laughed, her steed galloped to her as she swung herself on its back and flew up into the sky.

"Damn!" Chrom grimaced as he rushed over to them with their other half of the allies, "She escaped!"

"I'll send a squad after her." Corrin began.

"No." Chrom shook his head, "Aversa wouldn't leave Validar before he was ready, even with her wounds."

The Hoshidan king frowned, "But, that would only mean-"

Chrom nodded, "His preparations must be complete…"

"We have to stop him!" Lucina shouted in alarm, "My future is upon us!"

"We will, Lucina." Chrom answered, "I swear to you- we will."

---

After leaving the scene and entering the tower, Chrom noticed his friend being awfully silent as he spoke to the tactician, "Reflet? Is something troubling you?"

After some hesitation, Reflet grimaced, "Aversa… she said that Robin and I weren't meant to be twins…"

"A ruse to get you worked up probably." Leo said with a sigh.

"Perhaps." Reflet said with a frown, "But, I somehow get the feeling that what they say weren't wrong. What if she was telling the truth?"

"Reflet." Corrin said with a frown, "What if they were telling the truth? Does it really matter to you if Robin really is your sister by blood or if it was meant to be that the two of you are twins?"

"Well, no." Reflet shook his head, "Even if we're not meant to be twins, she's always been my younger twin whether or not that's meant to be, but the troubling thing is, if we're not meant to be twins, then what changed that and why?"

Chrom frowned, "I'm going to assume that Validar might have the answer to all that. Didn't she said that he might tell us more about it?"

"That's true…" Reflet frowned, "I just hope we'll still be able to save her."

Xander nodded, "Then, we must hurry before it's too late."

"Right!" Chrom nodded as the group continued forward.

As they went up the spiraling staircase, Lucina said with a grimace, "Father, Reflet, are you certain that Kinomoto and her friends will be safe at the entrance?"

Chrom nodded, "Yes, Lucina. If what Validar wants is her, then we should keep her where he can't see them. Also, why look for her when he's so close to being resurrected?"

Reflet shook his head, "I don't know, but her barrier is currently at work. So, whatever happens, she'll be safe as long as she remains in the wagon."

"Till we stop Validar and Grima, she's unable to set foot out of the wagon or the worst could occur." Chrom reminded them.

"That's right." Kamui nodded.

---

It wasn't long before they soon reached the top that Reflet and the others looked around their surroundings. After taking in the dark scene of a room filled with pillars and lit by torches, Chrom said, "Are you ready, Reflet?"

"Chrom, first I have a favor to ask…" Reflet said carefully.

"As long as it's not a request to leave you behind." Chrom said with a nod.

"It's not…" Reflet said before he paused, "Though, I did consider it. I can't hurt you if I'm not there in the first place. But… I can't run from Validar forever. And, if I'm going to overcome him, my best chance is with you by my side."

"That's more like it." Chrom nodded once more with a grin.

"But therein lies the favor…" Reflet continued, "If Validar somehow does gain control over me… Promise me… Promise me you'll cut me down before I can do harm."

"You can't mean that." Chrom said with a frown, "You can't ask that!"

"I'll resist him with all that I am." Reflet pointed out, "I promise you. But there are other people involved here- too many people to ignore… You have a duty to protect them as well."

Chrom hesitated before he noticed his younger sister and their time traveling friends speak amongst the other soldiers preparing for combat, not noticing the conversation there were having. He frowned, "You're right… The words burn my tongue, but you're right. But you mustn't let Validar seize control! Whatever it takes. Whatever the cost!"

"I'll try." Reflet nodded, "You know I will."

---

Upon their arrival to the large stone throne with what looked to be a dragon figure casting over it, Reflet's eyes soon fell upon a familiar figure standing and another lying on what he discovered the throne to be a table as he shouted, "Robin!"

However, the dark figure stood in their way. Chrom scowled, "Validar!"

"Chrom…" the Plegian king grinned, "Come to witness the glorious culmination of your failure? How nice. I have the Fire Emblem and the sacrifice, and the Dragon's Table is set for a feast. I will return Grima to this world!"

"You'll destroy the world!" Chrom corrected with a frown, "Lucina has seen it!"

Validar grinned, "Then, I pray today's spectacle lives up to her nightmares! The Awakening rite is not only for exalts and Naga, you know. With it, I'll arouse Grima!"

"I doubt that will work." Leo said with a frown, "We've already studied your method of resurrection before it even began! Even if you brought back Grima, he won't affect the world without a… No!"

Validar grinned as he sees the realization dawn upon the dark knight, "I see you finally caught on, ancestors, but you were still a fool nonetheless. It's true Grima won't fully return as a soul, but that can be fixed quite easily, you see. The fell dragon needs only a mortal vessel, which you so kindly brought along…"

As his eyes shifted to Reflet, the tactician's eyes widen as he also realized the meaning of his words, "Oh gods. He means me…"

Validar laughed, "You ken quickly, Reflet. That's my boy."

"So, that was Reflet's role in all of this?!" Kamui grimaced upon hearing this, "Using your own children as tools for something as sinister as this?!"

"No!" Reflet rejected firmly, "Never! I'll die first!"

Validar said, "My own children? Of course. You carry my blood, Reflet… The blood of the Fell Dragon. His soul slumbers within you. And, now the time has come to awaken you both!"

"W-What?!" the tactician exclaimed in shock, "I'm Grima? I'm the Fell Dragon?!"

"The Grimleal have worked for generations to create someone like you…" Validar said with a nod, "A vessel worthy of our master. Simply having Grima's blood in your veins is not enough… My father was not worthy, nor was his father before him. Even I was not able to accept Grima's most sacred gift. But you? You had all the makings. You were perfection!"

"N-No…" Reflet said taken aback by the fact.

Corrin grimaced upon seeing the situation before she saw Robin still on the table, "Then, what about Robin?! Why make her the sacrifice when they were born together? Instead, you made Reflet the only vessel here. What made him more important than his sister?"

Validar grinned, "She didn't have the makings of one. Instead, she was brought into this world exclusively to become the sacrifice. Yes, she's very special… though not as special as her own sibling, I'm afraid. However, unlike the exalt's little girl, she does not exists from any other timeline, but the little girl's and here."

"What do you mean?" Xander said with a raised brow.

Validar sighed, "Just as I had said. Robin only exists within these timelines only to grant Grima more power. While you are the vessel for his soul, your sister is what contained all the powers from the other Grima's in the previous timelines that our lord has worked so hard to retrieve!"

He sighed as he continued in anger, "In your damnable mother hadn't been seized by weakness and fear… She betrayed us- stole you both from your crib, and fled with you in the night! I know naught of your life thereafter; but all that matters is your return. That you two are here is proof of your purpose! It is why you still draw breath!"

"You've proven nothing but your own madness." Chrom pointed out, "This can be stopped. You can be stopped!"

The man grinned, "You may have killed me in some future past, but I a stronger this time! With the power of the Dragon's Table flowing through me, I am unstoppable."

Chrom shouted, "You're not the only one stronger this time! Right, Reflet? …Reflet?"

They turned to him and was surprised to see the man looking to them in doubt as Chrom shouted, "Stay with me, Reflet! You're not beholden to this fiend! You can fight it! We've all seen how strong you are! We've seen what you're capable of! Don't let him shake your resolve!"

"C-Chrom, I… I don't know." Reflet said with uncertainty.

"Damn it!" Takumi grimaced, "Validar! You-!"

"Enough! This sorry display ill befits he heir to our master's power." Validar shouted, "And you, Prince- your sad poem sounds lovely, but it will not alter destiny."

"They're more than just words!" Reflet rebuked in anger.

"Be still now, my son…" Validar advised.

"My life did not begin with you." Reflet said firmly, "It began the day Chrom found me in that field. I have been all over this world, and I have helped it change it- for the better. I have fought and laughed and bled with my friends, and that is what matters!"

"Reflet…" Corrin sighed in relief upon the return of their friend.

"The ties we forged, the bonds we share- they are of a power greater than Grima." Reflet finished.

Validar shook his head, "A ludicrous idea, as you will know better than anyone soon enough…"

Reflet shook his head, "We doo agree on one thing: my life so far has all been in preparation for this moment… When I kill you or die trying!"

Validar laughed as if watching a child's banter, "You have your father's courage, but your mother's judgement… Very well, pup. Come! Do your worst! Come at me with all you have! There is no damage I can do your body that the fell dragon cannot repair!"

As the man raised a hand, a barrier of dark energy was formed separating them from their allies as Lucina shouted in shock, "Father!"

However, she was pulled back from tackling the walls. She turned around and saw Leo standing before her, "Leave this to them. We have other matters to worry about…"

As she followed his gesture and turned her head, she saw the hordes of Risens emerging from the other steps below and soon sounds of heavy footsteps could be heard below them as well. Kamui grimaced, "If we don't hurry, we'll be surrounded. Quick!"

To her surprise, Lucina watched as the Vallite king and his twin took charge of the situation before her eyes for the first time as he called out to his own army and theirs. As she watched the army charge against the enemies in groups and cutting the down in time to take on the next wave, she muttered in awe, "So, this is the strength of the militia that took on the Silent Dragon in the tales… I've always heard of the legend, but to see it in person…"

Leo gave her a small smile as he said, "That's big brother and big sister for you. Even with me around, they already know how to take charge of battle and turn the tides."

"They're always so strong, after all."

She turned and saw Princess Sakura before them as she continued, "W-We should hurry and help as well before they get us on both sides."

Lucina looked around and saw the opposing side was starting to crumble as theirs emerged more Risens from the stairs behind them. She nodded, "You're right. Let's go!"

---

Kinomoto waited in the wagon with Syaoran and Tomoyo as he head slowly began to clear. Still she looked to the entrance of the tower, "They'll be safe, right?"

Forrest nodded, "From what Ophelia told us about her father's journal. It should be fine…"

"Tomoyo. Forrest."

---

After nearly an hour of battle, Lucina looked up in shock upon the barrier disintegrating and revealing a fallen King turning into purple haze as if he was a Risen as well.

"It's over…" Lucina said with wide eyes.

Hearing this, Kamui looked up from his finished match and saw Chrom and Reflet still standing and their enemy fallen.

"Yes." Kamui said with a nod, "It's finally over."

"This isn't over yet!"

Suddenly, the fallen man rose up from the ground and a ball of purple haze shot out of him heading straight for-

"Chrom! Watch out!" Kamui shouted.

His voice caught many attention as his siblings looked up in shock as Reflet jumped in and pushed Chrom aside taking the hit directly as he fell.

"Reflet!" Kamui rushed over to them before a Risen stood before him.

He cut it and down saw that Chrom had already gotten to him. He hurriedly made his way there as he watched the Exalt help his friend up till he saw the scene. He could hear his sister's gasp as a lightning bolt stuck out from Chrom's abdomen. Lucina, who had been rushing over to them froze upon seeing her father collapse to the ground and Reflet staring down upon him in silence before the Table. For them, time seemingly froze before them as they witness the sight.

"N-no…" the princess muttered in disbelief upon the scene, "Father! No!"

"Lucina! Get out of there!" Hinoka shouted as they saw the formerly fallen man stand back up with a wide grin across his face as he watches the expression of the woman before him.

"With the Give Gemstones in hand, my magic knows no bounds. Reflet s powerless to resist me and his sister is ready to be devoured by Grima." Validar laughed, "Do you see now, Son? Human bonds are leaves in the wind. They offer you nothing."

"This can't be happening. We were supposed to change this!" Lucina shouted, "Everything I have done is… worthless."

"The hell it was!"

"Huh? I know hat voice…" Lucina said in confusion.

Kamui's eyes widen as he turned around and saw someone he had not seen in a long time. Sounds of gasps and bewilderment could be heard as they watched the man walk past them and stand next to Lucina as the warrior shouted, "Don't you put any stock in this destiny hogwash! Let the dead whine about their fate… As long as I draw breath, I choose to keep fighting! That's what life is all about!"

"Basilio?!" Kamui said with wide eyes.

"Khan Basilio!" Lucina exclaimed, "I-I thought… We all thought you were-"

"Worm food, back in Valm?" Basilio finished, "It almost went that way. But I scraped by, thanks to you."

"I don't understand…" Corrin said in surprise before noticing that the Risens have stopped moving, "Huh?"

"It's probably because their leader is in the same confusion."

She turned and saw Ryoma grinning widely as her eyes widen in bewilderment, "What do you mean, Ryoma? And Basilio…"

"Once I took a couple hits from Walhart, I knew he was too strong for me." The warrior explained as he revealed the scar across his chest with a sigh, "Normally, pride would've had me dead before I'd even thought twice about it. But your warning gave me the courage to be a coward, hah ha! I played dead like a big, bald opossum! It wasn't hard. In truth, I almost was dead. You saved me life, Lucina. Had you not said anything… I'd have stood my ground against that monster and died on the spot."

Upon the usual sense of slight humor and seriousness, Lucina laughed for the first time in a while, "Oh, Basilio!"

They could all see the king's reaction in amusement as the man's grin flipped around, "This… does… not… matter! If you didn't die there, then you can die here!"

"Hah! You're no Walhart, snake eyes! Not as strong, or even as clever… For example: you still haven't realized that you've been tricked." Basilio shouted back.

"What?!"

"What do you mean, Basilio?" Kamui narrowed his eyes, "I don't remember planning anything after this."

"Reflet and Robin predicted everything that would happen here. He saw it in a dream. Saw this very fight with you." Basilio said to the Plegian king.

Validar frowned, "If you think-"

"Guess what else was in the dream?" Basilio cut in enthusiastically, "The five Gemstones."

"The five Gemstones?" Camilla's eyes widen, "My, that would mean-"

Basilio nodded, "When Flavia gave my stone to Chrom, Reflet saw what fate had in store. He knew Chrom couldn't bring the real Gemstones here to Plegia. That would be like swinging a big, juicy steak right in front of destiny's choppers!"

Hearing this, the man laughed, "A worthy bluff, Feroxi fool, but ridiculous all the same. I had your merry little band watched since Carrion Isle. Your every move! So I know Reflet hasn't touched the stones- he hasn't been near them!"

"You watched out party, yes-" Basilio agreed, "The members your men knew about; the live ones. But, they weren't watching the dead men, were they? … They weren't watching me."

Finally, the man staggered, "I… No, that's not-"

"Heh, looks like it might be finally starting to sink in…" Basilio huffed as they saw the king's expression change.

"That is not possible!" Validar shouted, "These have to be… They must be…"

"Why? Because of… Destiny?" Basilio laughed, "Reflet and Robin had your destiny beat days ago, when they came up with this plan. The expression on your face… it makes all those long nights in hiding worth it. Hah!"

"Damn you!" Validar cursed as the other watched on stunned as his words sunk into them, "Damn you to all the hells! None of this matters! Chrom is dead! Your fates sealed! Grima will- Eh?"

As he turned around upon the strange presence, a white blast hit him directly as he took on the full brunt of it. As the man fell, Kamui's eyes widen upon seeing his friend rise up as if he had been revived.

"No…" Validar grimaced.

"Father! You're alive!" Lucina shouted ecstatically.

"Chrom!" Kamui rushed over to them, "But how-?!"

The exalt groaned as he clenched his abdomen, "Reflet… spared me… He weakened his magic… just before the strike…"

Although they all looked to their tactician, Reflet continued to glower down upon his biological father in anger. Valdiar hollered in frustration, "Damn you all, and your stones! I won't need them to kill you! And, with the sacrifice, I'll- What?!"

Lucina looked up and saw that, behind her father and their tactician, The sacrifice, Robin, had vanished from the table and was nowhere to be seen.

"Ready to end this, Reflet?" Chrom asked with a grin.

The tactician smiled and nodded, "Let's do it. I'm ready to see what our true future has in store."

"We will." Chrom nodded before looking back to the Plegian king, "Now. Together."

Validar glared at them, "Damn you all!"

Before they could strike the man down, light wrapped him and he vanished before reappearing behind his undead minions.

"Damn that little!" Takumi cursed under his breath.

Kamui turned to his friends with a chuckle, "You know, you could've told us about the plan before putting up the act."

Chrom strained a grin, "Sorry, Kamui, Corrin. But… that was the best act I could pull."

The exalt rubbed his abdomen painfully, "It would've been great if your could pull back a little too, Reflet. Damn it… that still hurts…"

"Still better than dying, right Chrom?"

They turned and saw Flavia appear with a wide grin as she said with a sigh, "Or would you like to feel my wrath for not informing this sooner too. I can assure you that it'll only be the blunt side of my blade."

Sensing the anger behind her smile, Chrom shrinked back a bit as he struggled a smile, "Y-Yeah… better than dying…"

"That's great." Flavia nodded, "Next time this happens, remember to inform me as well rather than have me follow your little plan without knowing it."

"Y-Yes, ma'am…" Reflet grimaced as he also took a step back.

"F-Flavia?!" Corrin shouted, "I could use your help a little!"

"Got it! Just hang tight!" the Hero Khan rushed to back up the silver dragon as she pulled out her blade.

Reflet grimaced, "Right, let's finish what we started! Sully! Take Kellam to the front! Lon'qu, Lissa follow them! Then,…"

---

As the orders flowed, it wasn't long before the two armies soon began to mow down the enemies as each took a side to either go after the Plegian King or stall the reinforcement. Lucina strained a smile as she saw the situation now in their favor. She then recalled the words of her friends from the other timelines and a thought came to her as she muttered, "No, this is only a part of the problem. So far, it's due to our on beliefs and help that we got through this. The next part is where our allies come in. Grima still has control of the other powers. If that's not taken care of, then who knows what he plans to do next."

"I think we can do this."

She turned and saw Kamui cut down a Risen from behind her.

"Thanks." Lucina said, "I'll keep a closer watch around my surroundings… But, can we really do this?"

"It was possible where our retainers came from and seeing how much Chrom and the others have come, wouldn't you?" Kamui said as he scanned around the surroundings, "And I believe this would mean that all the stairs are now surrounded. It's a straight line to Validar from here now."

Lucina looked around in disbelief as she saw that most of their soldiers and their allies have already surrounded all the entrance of the stairs where the enemies emerged. Her Father and Reflet were already on their way against the enemy leader as Lucina muttered in shock, "Was it always this easy? We haven't been here for more than a couple hours."

"Probably not by ourselves." Kamui strained a smile, "But, your brother did say that it took all of your friends hours before they finished this battle."

There was a short pause before Lucina shouted in shock, "You knew?!"

There was a laugh as they turned and saw the East-Khan arrive with Corrin turning back into her human form, "I'd say so. It seems they finally told us the entire truth while you were all gone. What was suppose to happen."

Corrin sighed as she too smiled, "However, it seems only our brothers knew what happened earlier. Kamui and our sisters were the only ones not notified of all of this, including me. Quite a surprise too."

"Forget that now." Flavia shook her head, "You should go make sure Chrom and Reflet comes out alive from their fight. It'd be a waste to lose them after all this hard work! We got these dastards handled!"

"R-Right!"

Lucina quickly rushed out across the room to the other side where her father and Reflet was already facing off against the Plegian King. It wasn't long before she could already hear the dying king's words, "Why… Why would you squander your birthright… Reflet… my son…"

By the time, she arrived the man had already fallen to the ground and Chrom shouted in triumph, "We did it! We did it, Reflet! We've altered our destiny! We… We've won."

As Lucina sighed in relief, a flash of light appeared behind them. From it, a dark figure appeared.

"You!" Reflet grimaced.

"Chrom! Reflet! The Risens suddenly-!"

Kamui and his siblings froze upon the sight of another Reflet before them as Takumi muttered, "What in the…"

"The Heirophant…" Leo grimaced as he recalled the result of the negotiation a few months ago.

Not minding the additional presence, the Heirophant pointed out, "You may have altered the course of history, but not its destination."

"What do you mean?!" Reflet demanded anxiously.

The Heirophant chuckled, "It is still written that Chrom died here at your hands. Or, perhaps to be more prercise… mine."

"Chrom!" Corrin shouted but was stopped in her tracks as the exalt stopped her.

"Who are you, really?!" Chrom ordered with a frown.

"I told you. I'm Reflet." The man sighed, "The Reflet that murdered you and became the surviving version of the fell dragon, Grima. When this 'Marth' of yours decided to come back in time… I came with her."

"That's what we were told, but another version of me?" Reflet grimaced, "But how…?"

The man shook his head with another sigh, "I can be so daft sometimes… It's really quite simple. I am you. Our only difference is the decisions we've made and…"

He turned to the time-travelers with a dark smile, "And the people we met…"

Turning back to the three, he continued, "Those vivid dreams you have- those are my memories. The original ones. One with no interruption of other worlds or timelines. We share those memories because we share the same heart… Grima's heart."

Reflet's eyes widen upon realization, "Th-the headaches… The voices… It was you!"

"You recollection begins the day I entered this world." The hierophant explained, "It was simple. Gathering those memories of all of my past selves. Locating where you live and send my forces over… But you escaped and lived to meet your friends. Still, I intended for us to unite then, the first moment I found you. But, like before, your heart was still too weak to contain Grima's power. The shock of my attempt wiped your memory clean."

"So, that would explain Reflet's amnesia." Kamui said with a frown.

"I knew if Lucina managed to rerwrite history, Grima would never be resurrected. And I, in turn, would cease to exist. So, I had to step in, now and again, to keep my future secured. Like when Validar was killed in his attempt to assassinate Emmeryn…"

"So, that was your doing!" Hinoka grimaced.

"And, I know something else." The man continued, "That, if I were to continue onto this path and accept the offering, you'd go find help from Ylisse's pathetic dragon and erase us from all the timeline."

"So, that's how it was." Lucina grimaced, "The original corrected timeline was where we really did erased Grima."

The man laughed, "All, but one."

"What do you mean?" Corrin asked, "We heard what was suppose to happen. My friends destroyed you and, in turn, it would destroy all the other Grimas in the other timelines. So, why are you the only one left? You should've vanished with the others."

"Why?" the man grinned, "Well, that's simple. Grima watched from his slumber. He saw everything that had happened and he knew that there still existed other worlds and their tales in each."

"So, that was it." Reflet said with a grimace, "You planned to find Eriol for his abilities and power."

The man laughed, "Yes, he did. But, not any mages of that world will do. Only their strongest mage will fit well into our choosing. So, I picked the strongest mage of their world. The mage who was said to have done the impossible and stopped the inevitible part of life, death. The mage by the name of Clow Reed."

"He stopped death?" Kamui's eyes widen, "That's what made him so powerful?"

"Of course." The Heirophant chuckled, "Death is said to be the inevitable part of life and nobody could evade the final part of living, but that man defied it and went against death. In doing so, he succeeded in stopping it."

"That's not right." Reflet shook his head, "Clow died years ago in Kinomoto's world, so how?"

Reflet laughed, "That fool didn't stop death for himself. Instead, he was a fool and stopped it for another individual. Who it was I will never know nor do I want to spent the effort in searching for such a pointless subject. What matters to me more is the power. So, I did what I could and found his reincarnation, Eriol Hiiragizawa. It was time consuming, but not as difficult. All I needed to do was expose him to my power and weaken him till the time was ripe. Then, I stole him of his power and his familiar."

"Not for long!" Chrom said, "We took Ruby back and strengthened her contract with her master!"

"That's right!"

Suddenly, they turned and saw Xander approached them as a blue cat slipped out of the bag on the saddle. Eriol's voice echoed, "You took my power and my familiar, but you're hold on Ruby was weak. Weak enough for us to bring her back from you."

"Clow Reed's reincarnation…" The man chuckled, "So, you've been reduced to rely on your servants to care for your own fragile soul. How pathetic! I've wondered what I happened to the rest of the supposed powers I was promised when I defeated you."

Spinel growled as Ruby soon appeared in her guardian form with glaring pink eyes. However, Eriol continued calmly, "Did you really think that because you have taken my powers that it would become rightfully yours, Vessel of the Fell Dragon?"

The man paused as the smile soon turned stiff and he asked, "What do you mean?"

"As calculated as your lord may be," Eriol's voice echoed, "You have done one of a taboo upon crossing the worlds. In due time, those who safeguards the power will come for you for the payment. So, unless you give up the power you stole from my realm and send us back, the witch will hear of your act and collect the payment whether you like it or not. Of course, considering the damage you've done to this timeline, you will still have to give an equal payment for the damage, which is why I warn you now. Return all you've stolen or you'll suffer an even more sad ending than those in the other timelines."

"Oh really?" the man chuckled, "However, I've have these powers for years now. Do you truly believe I won't be as powerful as this 'witch' you brought up? Clow's reincarnation, your threat is nothing more than a jest to fool me, but do you truly believe that I won't be able to tell a lie from a truth such as my own underling have? Now, that's just even more pathetic."

Spinel growled, but Eriol continued with a calm voice, "Grima's vessel-"

"Enough about this trivial things of the future." The Heirophant said with a grin before turning to them, "We have our future past to think of. All that remains is for you to become Grima, as I did. Then, ou and I will become as one, and we can reclaim my power."

"We are not yet the same?" Reflet said with confusion.

The clone shook his head, "You were supposed to choose godhood over your pathetic band of servants. But if you'll not claim what is left of the sacrifice laid at the Dragon's Table… I will claim it in your place!"

Suddenly, red orbs began to appear drifting around the man as light began to shine on the table till a purple flame went ablaze on it.

"What?!" Reflet took a step back.

Suddenly, the light came to the hierophant as a purple blaze burned around him leaving him unscathed. The man laughed, "The fell dragon and I are one! And though my journey through time has diminished my power… the life force here shall renew me!"

As he said this, the purple blaze grew and, out of the blue, lightning shot out from every corner of him. As the fire grew larger, Leo shouted, "Th-This is bad! Everyone, get our of here now!"

Out of nowhere, Lucina was pulled away from her place as she was forced to flee the place after Sakura. Reflet was grabbed by the hood and thrown onto the back of Corrin's dragon form as Chrom quickly followed behind. The group quickly ran out of the room and either flew out of the window or rushed down the steps. Leo shouted, "Odin! What's going on?! Don't tell me…"

"I'm afraid so, milord!" The man shouted back careful not to get crushed by a debris crumbling over their head, "H-He's back! Again!"

"Great! So, we failed!" Takumi grimaced, "Hey! So, how big is this dragon?!"

Odin grimaced, "That's-"

"We'll see for ourselves!" Kamui grimaced, "Hurry! The exit!"

As they rushed out of the doorway, Chrom quickly reached the entrance and made certain that everyone was out before he and his daughter rushed out of the collapsing building. As they ran out together, Chrom heard a shout, "Lucina! Chrom!"

Chrom grimaced before he noticed the light above the gather black clouds. Instinctively, he charged into his daughter pushing the both of them out of the way as lightning struck where they once stood. The two looked up and saw the light shot out from the tower and into the air as an enormous shadow casted down upon them from the illuminating light and from it three glowing spheres shone amongst the lightworks. They watched breathlessly as six wings descended from the sky and the shadow grew darker revealing a black scaled head with gigantic horns on each side. The narrow head flung high up into the air as an earth-splitting cry could be heard echoing in their head. As Chrom and the other watched on with unease and fear, Chrom grimaced, "Right… Now, what?"

There was a pause before Lucina muttered in horror upon the familiar sight, "Grima… It's all over…"

As she slowly got to her feet, Lucina said dumbfounded, "That's Grima! That's the demon who destroyed my world. And now he is among us in reality…"

"The terrible size of it…" Frederick noted with a grimace, "Gods! For once the legends spoke true. We can't face him, not in a straight battle- He'd kill us all!"

Kamui grimaced, "This… This is bigger than the one we encountered back in Kinomoto's dream realm!"

"And, I can still remember that just Falchion and Kamui's Fire Emblem wasn't enough." Takumi reminded them with a frown.

Chrom gritted his teeth, "If only we still had the Fire Emblem, we could ask Naga for her power. Then, at least, we'd have a chance."

"But, Validar took the Emblem!" Lissa reminded them with worry.

"And it was lost inside the Dragon's Table… I know." Chrom said with a grimace.

Lucina turned to her future brother, "Laslow! In your timeline, we defeated Grima, right? That's how you're here. How did you do it?"

Laslow grimaced as he answered in confusion, "I don't know the details too well, but Father always had the Emblem in the end. To us, that was all it mattered."

Before Lucina could inquire him once more, Reflet walked up to them as he pulled something out from under the back of his robe, "What, you mean this Fire Emblem?"

As he said this, they all turned and saw the emblem in the tactician's hands with the orbs shining on it.

"The Emblem!" Chrom said with wide eyes, "But how…"

Reflet smirked mischeviously, "I stole it from you once, remember? The least I could do was steal it back. After all, my so-called-father seemed to have a tendency to run his mouth for too long."

There was a pause before Chrom broke the silence with a hearty laugh, "Reflet, you old dastard. You never cease to amaze! So, this was how we were able to take back the Emblem."

The others were also smiling and chuckling upon the welcomed discovery, but, before they could give a comment, Chrom ushered, "Quickly now! We must complete the Awakening before Grima catches on!"

"Why the awakening first?" Kamui raised a brow, "Grima still has the Silent Dragon's powers and Eriol's magic. If we can't separate that from him, then-"

"It's said the first exalt paid tribute to Naga at a site on Mount Prism." Frederick explained, "If we don't perform the rite first, Grima wouldn't be so daft as to leave it be."

Reflet nodded, "He'd want to destroy that first, especially since it was most likely how he fell to begin with."

Chrom nodded and said to Frederick, "Do you know where, exactly?"

"Yes." The retainer nodded, "There is an altar at the peak of the mountain. If milord would perform the Awakening. It must be done there."

"A small hope is better than no hope at all." Chrom said firmly then turned to the Shepherds, "Hurry, everyone!"

"Chrom sir!"

They all turned and saw Stahl and Flora rush over to them.

"We've got really, really bad news." Stahl said with a grimace, "A spy infiltrated our camp and kidnapped Kinomoto and her guardians!"

"What?!"

---

They all arrived at the wagon where they found Cordelia and Ophelia trying to comfort a sobbing Tomoyo just outside the wagon as Forrest quickly tended to their tactician who had yet to awaken from her slumber. Takumi grimaced upon hearing everything from Stahl and Flora, "So, you're saying that a spy came in disguised as Toya and then took Tomoyo hostage?"

Forrest looked up from the sound of his father's best friend and rushed over to Leo, "Father! I-I can explain-!"

Leo nodded, "We know, Forrest. I heard how you tried to stop Tomoyo. It wasn't your fault."

Chrom nodded, "No, it was ours instead. We were too careless and let a spy enter the camp while we were gone. Now, Grima has Kinomoto in his clutches. Forrest, Ophelia, did the spy ever reveal themselves? If so, what did they look like? Another Risen?"

Forrest shook his head, "No. It was human, sir."

"Human?" Eriol's voice echoed bitterly as Spinel joined them out of the bag hanging on the saddle of Leo's steed.

Ophelia nodded enthusiastically, "Y-Yeah! He had a hat just like Uncle Brady's father and a mage's robe! It was all blue like the night and he had a staff in his hands with a strange sun and moon shape on the end!"

Leo frowned in confusion, "What in the-"

"Does he have spectacles?" Eriol cut in quickly.

"Y-Yes, sir!" Ophelia answered swiftly in surprise.

Chrom turned to him, "Eriol, do you know him? He does sound familiar…"

"Oh, I know him very well." Eriol said in a low tone, "That's my body."

"What?!" Kamui shouted in shock, "Then, Grima must've used your body to do his biddings!"

"I'm afraid so." The voice replied negatively, "But, if it was my body they were against… Where's my descendant?"

"Your descendant?" Ryoma frowned in confusion, "Would you mean Syaoran?"

Upon the word, Forrest grimaced, "He tried to stop Grima from kidnapping Kinomoto and rushed out of the barrier too. But, he was sent flying into the tower's wall."

"What?!" Lissa gasped upon hearing the new of her husband's pupil, "Where is he now? The clinic?"

Forrest nodded, "Maribelle and Brady are currently tending to him. They said that he'll be all right and recover, but he has yet to regain consciousness. He suffered numbers of wounds in a blink of an eye. It's like the body didn't even bat an eye at him."

"That's…" Chrom grimaced, "Eriol, you were actually this powerful? Then, could Clow Reed be…"

Eriol sighed as Spinel lowered himself down and settled on one of Ruby's shoulder, "The tale of my incarnation's life isn't all soothing as you are hoping to learn of. Nor is my current life that I hoped for at the start."

Chrom shook his head, "Then, we shall hear of it as we hurry to the altar. I'll go speak with Toya. He's just come out from a harsh battle, so I'll have to break the news to him carefully. Lissa-"

"Go check on, Syaoran, right?" Lissa nodded with a grimace, "I already have that first on my list."

"I'm coming too!" Elise joined in firmly as she tapped her staff in her other hand, "The more healers the better!"

Sakura looked to Tomoyo in concern, "Then, I'll-"

"I think it'll be better if you go help Princess Elise and Lissa, Sakura." Ryoma said with a strained smile, "Tomoyo will need sometime to herself and she already have our friends beside her."

The princess looked anxiously before she slowly nodded and quickly the three princess rushed off to the tent. Once gone, Reflet turned to his friend, "It's possible that Grima knew that we wouldn't risk bring her with us."

Chrom nodded, "It would've been better to have left her in the castle, but what's done is done. Right now, our only chance of bring her back in the slightest is the other Fire Emblem. Our present time's."

"But, then, you'll have to brave Naga's flames, Father." Lucina said with a grimace, "If your don't survive it, then, you'll-"

"I'll be just fine, Lucina." Chrom nodded, "Myself in the other timeline have done it and, if going through it is the only way for us to succeed, then I won't have any problems going through with it myself. It's not just Kinomoto and our own lives at stake here. So, is the world and your future."

He turned to Reflet, "Stay with Robin for now, and let us know when she comes to. You're going to need some rest as well after Grima and Validar tried to take control of you. We can ask Robin about her experiences later and if she's feeling up to it. Speaking of her, where's Gaius? He was with you till our little performance."

"He's gone to find some more elixirs since we have a few Shepherds critically injured." Forrest explained, "He's also gone to see how the enemy was able to infiltrate our camp."

"He won't be able to find it. I can assure you." Eriol spoke up with a sigh, "I have the ability to teleport between places. With enough power and an image in mind, it's not so difficult, especially if my body must've been residing here with the Grimleals. It's the only way for it to remain missing till now."

"Speaking of which." Chrom frowned, "I recall there being an attack to the castle where Kinomoto was training to be a healer once."

"I remember that too." Leo said with a frown, "And, that Lon'qu told us that the incident maybe related to Clow."

"I was wondering why the name sounded so familiar when Eriol told us about him." Chrom grimaced, "So, is it safe to safe that he was behind the attack that day too?"

"Most likely." Eriol said bitterly, "My descendant wouldn't mistake my presence for someone else's as easily. I would've be surprised with what he had forced me to do all these years."

Chrom sighed, "It seems we'll have a lot of things to sort out along the way. For now, let's wait till Gaius returns before we head out."

"Honestly, he shouldn't have gone out by himself." Reflet added with a frown, "With Grima back, he can bring out Risens at any time."

Chrom nodded, "If he doesn't return soon, we may have to send a search party for him."

---

Thankfully, the thief, who was promoted into assassin, returned just before they could send out another squad in search for him. Chrom and Reflet refrained from telling him of their plans to search for him as he was unusually focused on getting the goods, that they checked weren't stolen, to he clinic. Syaoran had yet to regain consciousness and Robin was still a little dazed when awoken, but they decided to have them in the wagon with the rest of the wounded as time was of the essence. Their destination, Naga's Altar. Along the way through Plegia, Spinel nestled in Frederick's bag on the saddle as he began, "So, how much do you currently know about my incarnation, Chrom?"

"We heard that he was once the strongest mage in your world. You told us that as well." Chrom replied.
"Oh! Oh!" Lissa jumped on her feet, "And he created Kinomoto's cards and staff! I heard she changed it to her magic and all that stuff, but that's just about it."

"Grima said that he stopped death, though." Kamui said with confusion, "Did he really do that, Eriol?"

Spinel nodded as Eriol answered, "He did."

"But, nobody can avoid death." Leo said with a raised brow, "Even if they avoid getting killed, they can't avoid age."

"That's right." Eriol responded, "Which was why he was given the title of the strongest when he stopped death in its tracks."

Upon their look of confusion, Eriol spoke, "Clow Reed's father was a Western Magician, what you call a mage, and his mother was an Eastern Magician… I'd assume similar to an Onmyouji. They were both very powerful magicians in our world and because of this lineage in his blood, he grew to become a really powerful mage the world has ever known. And, with strong power, our age and appearance are affected as well in our world. He was able to live for hundreds of years without his power ever diminishing."

"What?!" Reflet grimaced in disbelief, "He lived for so long?"

"Wow…" Elise looked to the cat in awe, "I wonder how many times he went through his birthdays?"

Lissa giggled, "Yeah!"

Chrom sighed as he shook his head with a slight grin on his face, "So, because of his power he was able to stop death?"

"No…"

As the mage's voice echoed, some looked to him as they notice the darkness in his voice. He continued, "That was something else. During his life, he had created many things and seen into many realms. Some of which inspired his creations. He then created the Clow cards that would each hold power over the elements of our world and their characteristics. They each were gifted with personalities from their own elements. However, due to some of them clashing against each other, he created two guardians to keep them in check from creating havoc."

"That's Kero and Yue, right?" Elise grinned widely, "Kero told us that before!"

"That's right." Eriol responded with a chuckle upon her enthusiasm, "He created those two as his familiar and guardians of his creation. Keroberus of the Sun, in charge of Earthy and Firey and those under them. Yue of the Moon, in charge of Watery and Windy as well."

"Sounds like a very powerful mage all right." Takumi nodded in agreement, "But, how did he die when he was suppose to have beaten death?"

"He didn't." Eriol responded, "Not for him, at least."

As they looked to him in confusion, Eriol continued, "He was never opposed to the idea of dying when his time came, but he was unable to accept something else. As a powerful magician with such lineage, he had many connection despite living a secluded life in his own mansion, which is like your well-designed two story home in this world. One of his connections was with a friend, who was just as powerful, but fragile all the same. They were rather close and created items together making them a really strong pair."

Reflet grimaced, "Don't tell me the death he stopped…"

"Yes." Eriol answered, "One day, her life was coming to an end despite being young. About to lose someone close to him, he couldn't accept that thought very strongly and wished to stop her death… Her time."

"And just like that, he stopped her death?" Hinoka's eyes widen in bewilderment.

"Yes…" Eriol answered, "But, for a costly price."

"What was it?" Chrom raised a brow.

"She was to remain in a barrier for as long as she exists and, though she was able to leave the barrier, it can only be for a limited time." Eriol explained, "And, when you consider the fact that she was unable to die anymore…"

Corrin gasped, "That would mean that she's stuck there for a long long time."

"It was one of the mistakes he made." Eriol said in acknowledgement, "And it was his greatest regret. It's easy to assume that, even now, she's still remains trapped in her own home."

"That's…" Reflet grimaced, "It's more like a curse than a blessing. Clearly, he got more than he had hoped for and suffered from it."

"Yes." Eriol agreed, "He knew that it wasn't possible to go against nature, but he was unable to withhold his desire to wish for her to continue to stay that he trapped her between the realm of life and death."

"She's trapped?" Ryoma raised a brow.

"Yes." Eriol answered, "He did wish to stop her from dying and, in doing so, he stopped her time. Now, she's stuck between the state of a peaceful death and life. Some in our world are unable to consider her either alive nor dead anymore. But, this mistake didn't stop others from naming him the strongest magician in the world, regardless of whether it was a mistake."

"I don't get it." Leo said with a grimace, "I've studied magic as well and I've heard of spells that would utilize the dead in ways that I find disgust. But, I've never come across such magic as this."

Eriol clarified, "That's because of her home."

"Her home?" Camilla raised a brow.

"She ran a shop that would grant wishes, but for a price." Eriol explained, "Due to that, she now has a lot of things in her warehouse as price for the wishes she granted. And, to tell what's the right price for the wish you grant is not an easy job for anyone. Like knights, it would take years of experience before we can tell if taking the item of the value to the customer is correct, or the shop will hurt the owner to make up for what was either not enough or too much."

"And, he made a wish to stop her from dying." Ryoma said with a grimace.

"He also took on the payment as well." Eriol said, "He was unable to visit her home as per the price."

"That's terrible." Camilla frowned, "Just wishing for a loved one to stay with him, doesn't mean that the wish should be granted and have them both suffer."

Xander frowned, "Does Kinomoto or Syaoran know of this?"

"No." Eriol answered firmly, "Right now is too early for her and I hope that she would not come to learn the truth. I fear it would be too much for her to handle."

"A good choice." Reflet nodded.

"Yes." Frederick concurred, "She has a strong will, but, I fear that the matter will be too much for either of the children."

"So, this was the reason why Grima came looking for him." Chrom said with a frown, "Then, it's a good thing that he split his powers when he did."

"Yes." Eriol said with a frown, "But, I wouldn't doubt that Clow hadn't foresaw that with his ability."

"Eriol, are you able to tell when your body will reappear again?" Chrom asked.

The voice answered, "I'm afraid not. If so, I'd have been able to trace its location by now."

Ryoma said, "Then, it's safe to say that wherever we're going, Grima will send him as well."

---

The journey took a little over a day. Though Chrom had thought of letting the Shepherds rest, they knew that wasn't possible as they entered Ylisse. Chrom had looked up and saw that the dark clouds had already spread over the Plegian lands. Quickly, the group headed east through the night and, by morning, they came to a small desert far east of Ylisse. Though the group wasn't as fond of treasure hunting, they helped a young man search for a lost treasure hidden in the desert after hearing that he had been searching all of Plegia, but could 'calculate' if the rumors were true and was at a dead end in his studies. The man was about to give up when Corrin suggested having someone else with a similar mindset converse with him in hopes of reigniting his determination. Needless to say, it was unanimous vote to have Miriel give it a try. However, many were bewildered upon finding that the person they've come across was actually the scholar mage's future son. Though he didn't have the proof and Miriel was willing to go search to see if it was true, many believed in his claim and was relieved that he was aid them in their quest after revealing the disturbing situation to him. Then, from there, they continued north till it was it was soon afternoon and the group decided to take a breather by the woods. Taking this chance, Chrom and Reflet went to check on Robin who was in the clinic as Lissa gave her a quick check up just to see how she was doing. The tactician looked up and saw her brother and her friend. She greeted them with a strained grin, "Chrom, Brother! How are you holding up? The militia have been traveling for a while now."

"Reflet glanced over to Chrom before pulling a small smile back to her, "I'll be fine after this rest. Needless to say, it seem Chrom can still go on."

Robin chuckled, "That, I believe."

"Anyway." Chrom cleared his throat, "How are you feeling now?"

"My heads a lot clearer now." Robin said with a sigh, "It's still rather hard to believe that I was to be the sacrifice."

"Do you remember what happened after you were taken?" Reflet asked hesitantly.

Robin shook her head, "Not too much. I do believe that I did wake up once and there was something drk blue, like… huh, I'd say like Spinel's fur?"

Reflet raised a brow as Chrom questioned, "Maybe, that was Eriol's body?"

Reflet grimaced, "Eriol's body, huh? Considering what he is capable of, there's a good chance that he may have either done something to make you pass out again."

Robin sighed, "I heard everything from Gaius and Lucina."

She strained a grin, "You must've put up one interesting show to fool Validar like that."

"At least, it still went along as planned till the Heirophant showed up." Chrom said with a grimace, "Damn it. Who'd have thought that was the whole truth behind all this."

Reflet turned to the small part of the room still covered by the white curtains. Chrom frowned, "Lissa, about Syaoran's condition, is he-?"

Lissa sighed and shook her head as she looked up, "Eriol, came to check on him this morning when he didn't wake up."

"What did he say?"

Lissa frowned, "He said that he got cursed by his magic and the only way to get out of the is to take him to a place with a lot of this thingy in the air. But, the thing is that it can only be in their world for some reason."

There was a sigh as they saw Maribelle emerge from the canvas door, "It's spiritual energy, Lissa. And it can only be in their world because the altar where going to contains a special kind of energy that can only be used here."

"Oh, yeah! That was it!" Lissa said with a smile, "Thanks, Maribelle!"

Maribelle sighed and shook her head, "Oh nevermind. Prince Chrom, Eriol and Spinel was searching for you just now in the council tent. It seems he has some inquiries of Divine Naga's altar."

"I see. Thank you, Maribelle." Chrom nodded.

"Wait! I'm coming too!" Robin said as she got up.

Reflet shook his head, "Robin, you're still a little dazed right now. Unlike me, Validar used magic on you."

"But-"

Chrom shook his head before he raised a brow, "That reminds me. I recall that you took one of Validar's magic meant for me. Were you badly injured from that time?"

"Nah." Lissa answered, "When we checked on her, she was already healed."

Chrom smiled, "That's good. We were worried when we heard that you were their sacrifice. Als-"

Suddenly, there was a loud explosion as Reflet grimaced, "Damn it!"

Chrom nodded, "Let's get the Shepherds-"

"No, Chrom…" Robin sighed, "Forget what I said. I'll watch over the children…"

"The children?" Chrom's eyes widen as he grimaced, "Oh…"

After leaving Syaoran to the healers, Chrom and Reflet made their way to the council tent where they found the blue cat napping on the empty wooden table.

"Ah, there you are Chrom sir." The voice spoke, "I was looking for you."

"I heard." Chrom nodded, "Is there something you want to talk about?"

"Yes." Eriol said, "It's about Naga's altar. Is that the place where you shall meet the Divine Dragon?"

"From what I read, it is." Chrom nodded.

"Then, I have something to discuss with you."

---

"That can't be." Hinoka said with a grimace, "The Fire Emblem is cursed?!"

Tiki nodded, "Yes. Though it is what will be needed to defeat Grima, it was after the Seal of Shields became the Fire Emblem. Though it began as a clean shield used to protect its people from the degenerated dragons, it went missing for a period of time and, when it came to the hands of the royal family of Archanea, it had been cursed in order to guarantee the victory of Marth's ancestor."

"B-But that can't be." Corrin shook her head, "Lady Tiki, what is this curse?"

Tiki grimaced, "It was… to doom its wielders when it is passed on to someone else in order to save the world or such a feat."

As they were taking a break, Corrin had decided to inquire more about the Fire Emblem's origins and its history from none other than the descendant of its creator who use her brother's blade alongside their own fang. With her was Hinoka and Leo, who were all curious of the tale as well, came to the wagon for the tale. However, it would seem that they've received more than they had hoped to find as Lady Tiki revealed to them its history involving the Hero-king's own ancestor, Anri, who had been only a peasant during his lifetime. Leo frowned, "But that can't be… Before Chrom had the Emblem, it was in Emmeryn's possession. Emmeryn still lives and Chrom is unharmed."

Lady Tiki shook her head, "Unharmed and alive, yes. But, Emmeryn lost her ability to speak normally and her memories, did she not?"

"That's…" Corrin grimaced.

What she said was true. She had been told that, before Chrom, Emmeryn was the one who wielded the shield and, when war began, she gave him the shield to keep it safe and out of the previous Plegian king's hands. Leo's eyes widen as he muttered, "Kero had been right. There's no such thing as coincidences…"

Tiki nodded, "It was meant to occur whether they knew it or not. In turn, it sent the Archanea's royal family to misery throughout its history before Mar-Mar became the king. It's all written in Ylisse's record deep in its chambers. However, nobody knows who placed such a curse on my mother's creation, even to this day. It was the same for Lucina. In her time, Emmeryn passed, leaving the shield to her brother, Chrom. When he saved his kingdom from Plegia, he passed and the emblem was given to his daughter."

"Then, it'll all be a cycle all over again. Someone dies and hands the blade to someone else. They save the world. Then, the wielder dies and it happens all over again." Leo grimaced.

Tiki added, "A cruel fate to those who just wants peace."

"To think it was actually like this." Hinoka frowned, "But, that doesn't mean the Emblem was responsible for Emmeryn's current condition, right?"

"That's right." Tiki agreed, "Even, if the Emblem had the curse, what happened to Emmeryn had little to do with her supposed death and current situation. In the end, it was the former king who wanted her death, and he thought he did in the end of his life. So… what happened… wasn't really the Emblem's… curse…"

Upon the fading voice, Hinoka looked to the manakete, "Uh… Lady Tiki?"

Leo sighed, "She fell asleep again. Sitting up too."

Corrin sighed in disappointment, "And here I was hoping to ask her what made her mistaken my brother for the Silent Dragon. You don't suppose she'll tell me while she's asleep, would you?"

As she joked, a voice answered, "Pretty ruby eyes…"

The three froze and turned to the manakete as Corrin's eyes widen, "U-Um.. excuse me?"

"Nan-nan…" Tiki snored, "Had pretty ruby eyes… too…"

"Um…" Hinoka frowned, "She's talking about Anankos, right?"

There was a bit of silence before Leo sighed, "And here I thought that it only ended with her occasionally falling asleep."

However, despite the humor, Corrin frowned, "The Silent Dragon had the same eyes?"

Suddenly, there was an explosion as Tiki slept on shockingly. Hinoka grimaced, "Just what if the world was that?!"

Corrin grimaced, "By the god, please tell me it was just Reflet's daughter. It's too soon for a Risen attack!"

As Hinoka and Corrin rushed out to check on the commotion, Leo stayed behind as he raised a brow before turning to Tiki, "Lady Tiki… Anankos. Did he… No, could he be…"

---

YueTian: Hey, guys! Was this chapter good enough for all of you? I really tried hard to get everything packed in here and get all the children into this chapter. We're still missing a couple now, but I think I know what I should do to add them inside. What do you think of the sudden change to the plot than the original to those who know the plot of the game? Anyway, I'll get this up and going soon. I have an idea of what I should do now that I feel like I'm close to the end. It's still really hard to believe that it's been over a year now, since I created this story. Looking back, I think I've done a little better in the character, but my sensory details still need some work. I've been told by many friends who helped my read some of it that I need to add more background and senses with better vocabulary since I'm repeating the same words. I bet that my friend/editor is having a hard time still correcting the first few chapter of this story due to the vocabulary and grammars. Anyway, let's start with the late anniversary update conversation! To compare my on thoughts and ideas, and my progress from the firsts chapter up till now! ...You know, if Kero was here, he probably would tell me to be more confident in myself and continue talking.

Spinel: The idiot will if he was here.

YueTian: Right, sorry about that. Usually, he's the funniest one to tease about with his big attitude. And I even brought some Mooncakes as an early gift for the harvest festival. I'd take them if they weren't so packed with oil and I wouldn't feel so guilty in doing so. Do you want some instead, Spinel?

Spinel: (Glare.)

YueTian: Right… Nevermind… Then, perhaps Ruby would like some instead? I heard she's not too happy about the latest development with this chapter. Perhaps some of these might lighten her mood a little. If not, maybe share it with the militia?

Eriol: (Chuckle) Thank you very much. (Spinel is forced to hold the red bags of holiday treats)

YueTian: Next time, I'll bring some holiday snacks that aren't… sweet just for Spinel.

Corrin: Wow, you seem to know what Spinel would like. Speaking of which, you knew some of our soldier's preferences too.

YueTian: (Sigh) It's just one of those things you learn when you become an older sibling. I have two rather picky younger sibling and one of them even has food allergy. So guess who checks all the food packages and asks the waiters all the questions before eating? You can't expect your parents to keep an eye on all of us when they have work and our studies too. Life is just never easy, especially when the pressure comes down to you. I can't count how many times I wanted to puke from it all and even couldn't swallow my own lunch, much less breakfast. Thanks to that I even lost weight once when I was in middle school and high school. It was the same in the beginning of college. Well, at least, I'm not physically fighting in a live or perish situation. Either way, I'm surprised by how much the growth of some of the characters have influenced my plot. I recall Takumi being rather blunt and harsh during the game, but here he is a little grown and willing to listen a little more than just making blunt decisions and comments. Leo… hasn't changed much, I think.

Chrom: (Raised a brow) Really now… He was like this in the past as well?

YueTian: Oh! Uh… Yeah… I forgot that their plot is your past in this story. But, aside from Takumi, I don't think anyone else has changed much. But, Robin… I never planned for her to act like a younger sister at all. Yet here she is being occasionally mischievous, but not so much as Lissa and minus the pranks. She seems to have a sense of humor that I never even considered for her to have when I decided that there will be twins in this story. And I have decided for a long time that there would be twins. Kamui was another situation. The idea came to me at first. I thought that just Kamui would be fine and all, but as the story progressed, I thought of many scenarios that would occur if there was another pair of twins. In the end, Corrin was created and brought into this tale as well. It really wasn't because it sounded better. Well, sort of. Kamui just sounded like a manlier name than Corrin, though they were probably both given to any genders. Maybe the preference has to do with my ethnicity since Kamui is Corrin's Japanese name in the game and I have an Asian background though I was born in US. It was the same when choosing Reflet, well sort of. In the beginning of my first fanfic that I still plan on stopping, I gave Reflet the name 'Roban' and, boy, was it bad. Not just to the readers, but even I thought that it was terrible. I mean, all I did was change the freaking 'i' to an 'a', for goodness sake! So needless to say, it was horrible. I was then saved by a reader who gave me a review or private messaging and suggested that I use Reflet. Why? Because, it was Robin's Japanese name! And, man, did I feel so much better after changing out that embarrassing name. This all happened when I was writing Questions and Reasons. And… It's a good thing Reflet's not here with us now or he could be-

Reflet: What is this about my name?

YueTian: EEEK! N-Nothing, sir!

Reflet: Hmm? You're hiding something from me…

YueTian: A-Anyway… Heheh… Now, about Kinomoto and her friends! First and Foremost, I did not plan her situation to be like this from the start. My idea was simple. Bring her in before the Clear series (Yes, I read the manga and created this just before the anime coincidentally came out out of the blue causing me to freak out and blah, blah, blah, you can probably guess all that… and I was sad because the cards all changed as if being erased in my heart and I dearly loved each of those cards that came into her possession before the series. Just so you know, I don't like change too much.), then take her out to help stop Grima who was after her powers. She meets Chrom and the others and joins them on their fight. Learn the importance of defeating others in order to protect. However, there was factors I did not intend to add into when I created this!

Robin: What?!

YueTian: (Nodding) One: I only intended for Sakura and Syaoran to be here with the guardians. It was only added after when I realized how much change this could affect the plot of the story. Two: She wasn't intended to become a healer as well. It was just out of the blue because I need for there to be a reason and a permission for her to go out and be there when the major cutscenes occur in the game's plot. And, I do try to get all of them. I just can't get her into Plegian's castle for the negotiations in the beginning, because Validar is too smart not to call out her presence if he knew and, if Chrom and his tacticians really thought carefully about her safety, she wouldn't be there with a man who took over their enemy's empty position as king! Three: She was only there to help defeat Grima, then be offered a way back home. End of the story till I made it more complicated by adding that Grima took Eriol's power and I even brought him into this well-rounded mess as well. Hahaha… Oh, sometimes I hate myself for wanting to complicate things so…

Leo: (Sigh) So, what are you going to do about this?

YueTian: Well now… I don't know.

Takumi: What?! What do you mean?!

YueTian: (Shrug) I told you my intentions from the beginning. That changed and now all I've been writing since you and your siblings' appearance is all mostly improvised plot I thought and planned for a day before writing. Even your involvement and relation to the story in this wasn't planned from the start. So, I changed my opening summary a bit and added all of you in or it wouldn't be as fu… Let's just say a sort of filler kind of thing.

Leo: Where you embarrassed me by keeping my lips shut and threw my brother across the arena.

Takumi: I'll never forget that day either… As far as I can recall, nobody has been able to do that to any of our older brothers, unless it was Kamui and Corrin in their dragon form.

Kamui: There'd have to be a really convincing reason for either one of us to do that, Takumi.

YueTian: Hmmm… Throwing the kings up into the air due to dragons…?

Corrin: Don't you dare…

YueTian: R-right… sorry about that. It's was just a thought. Sorry. Either way, here we are now close to the end and it's already been over a year! I'm so relieved that it's lived this long. Thank you to everyone out there who supports and loves my story! Thank you! Oh, I'm very sorry that I am not able to add Sakura Kinomoto and her guardians into this conversation since they're still trapped with Grima. I was really bad timing on my part. Anyway, I hope you all go out and try out some of my other stories, though I wouldn't recommend Questions and Reason or The Start of A Wildfire for certain reasons and that they're not really my better works, but if you want to see how much I've changed since then, I won't stop you. I do highly recommend FE Fates of the World and FE Sky's Fate /FE Fate of The Sky, I don't remember. They're unusual in their own right, but I was told that they aren't as bad and, as the writer, I also like them as well. So, please give them a try if you could. If you're lost go to my profile and you can find it in my stories. I do want to make a poll to see which ones do you guys like better, including Blossoms, but with so much of a gap in readers and chapters, I feel that it's still too early for such a poll. So, I'll just leave it like this. Again, thank you every one for your support! I hope to continue seeing you from here on out!