A/N: *PG17 is seen coming out of a room in a robe. She looks to see if anyone's watching before trying to sneak into the kitchen. She opens the fridge not seeing the light shining on Genesis, Angeal and Sephiroth who watch her amused as she makes her a ham sandwich with her homemade Aöle. As she takes a bite and turns around, she jumps seeing the three SOLDIERs behind her.*

Me: Good Lord! What are ya trying to do? Give me a heart attack?

Sephiroth: *flicks on the lights.* No. We're solving the mystery as to who's been eating so many sandwiches in the middle of the night.

Genesis: *smirking* That's one Mystery solved.

Angeal: *after taking a quick inventory* We'll need to go out shopping tomorrow. We're almost out of food, and that snowstorms supposed to come in a few days.

Me: *pouting* Yeah, right on the days I have Upward Cheerleading Practice to coach and Saturday's Basketball Game.

Genesis: *rolls eyes before kissing her forehead* Just eat while we do the disclaimers.

*PG17 pouts but takes a bite out of her sandwich while the men turn to the Readers.*

Genesis: Because of th Snowstorm coming our way, PG decided to post this cheaper now in case we have internet issues later this week. PhantomGirl17 DOES NOT own Fire Emblem: Awakening, it's plot' characters or us.

Angeal: *closing the fridge door* A bucket of Water has been set aside for any and all Flamers and we will see you out, personally. *taps the hilt of the Buster Sword on his back*

Sephiroth: *finishing making himself a sandwich with the Aöle* She also would like to thank all who reviewed and give a SHOUT OUT to AquaticSilver. *dusting his hands off, getting rid of any crumbs* Now, Let us return to bed. Enjoy the chapter.

*He bows to the Readers before walking back to his room, Angeal following. Genesis picks up PG17 as she finishes her sandwich and carries her to his room locking the door behind himself*

Chapter 18: Sibling Blades

~Anna's POV~
I left my daughter's tent before my tears could wake her and wandered away from the camp. Yes, I remembered that this happened in the game but that didn't mean I had to like it, even though it all turns out well in the end. I had to do something!

I heard a humming in the back of my head and I followed it to the tent Chrom and I were. Opening the flap, I looked to see Excalibur glowing gold. Walking over it I pulled the blade from it's sheath and stared at the glowing blade.

"Is it summoning you?"

I looked over my shoulder at Chrom, sitting up in bed. He was only wearing his sleeping pants but I was too concentrated on the humming in my mind. "Yes. This sword is needed somewhere. I'm sure it can take me there and back."

I stuck the blade in the ground before quickly getting dressed. As I was placing on my coat over my shirt and armor, I felt Chrom wrap his arms around me. "Are you sure you need to go?" he muttered, his head burying into my neck.

"Yes.' I turned to him and returned his embrace. 'Keep weather eye on the horizon." I muttered against his lips before stepping away, pulling up my hood and walking back to the sword, gripping it's handle. When I pulled the sword from the ground, there was a flash of golden light, the next moment I found myself on a battlefield.

Looking around and making sure my hood stayed up, I quickly dived into the battle. Knocking down both Valmiese and Risen alike I found my way to my target. Hiding behind a large stone, I watched my dream replay before my eyes.

"Fall back and form up! Don't let them scatter us!"

Flavia grunted as she knocked another knight down. "Easier said than done... Their cavalry is riding right over us!"

Basilio growled. "We can hold our ground... I'll show you how a real Feroxi fights, woman!"

Flavia laughed. "Ha! Did I hear a crack in your voice? Is that fear in your eye?"

Basilio spat out some blood that had gathered in his mouth when a Horse had reared and kicked him. "Gah! Never! Let's give these kettleheads a taste of our barbarian roots!"

Flavia cheered clapping him on the back. "Now THAT'S the oaf I love!' suddenly she saw something out of the corner of her eye. '...Huh? Enemy soldiers, there—"

They watched as an enemy attacked two soldiers, killing them instantly.

Basilio growled. "They're swatting our troops like flies!"

"Is it some kind of elite cavalry? No, wait...' Her eyes widened and she gripped his shoulder. 'Gods! It's just one man!"

The man on his horse rode up to them. He was dressed in blood red armor, horns on his helmet and a sharp axe in his hand. His eyes were yellow and his hair was white and slicked back. The frown on his face looked permanent.

"YOU THERE! Do you command these forces?" The man asked and Basilio realized who this was.

"Awww, crap!"

Basilio battled the man with all his might but took a fatal hit. He stumbled back and away from him a bit holding a hand to his wound. "Haaarrrgh... Such...strength... Is he even human...?"

The man smirked. "...Impressive. You're the first since Yen'fay to survive beyond a single stroke."

Basilio winced. "I d-don't... I don't stand a chance...' He looked over at his Khan-in-arms. 'Flavia! Everyone! Run! Run for your lives!"

Flavia shook her head fiercely. "I'm not leaving you here!"

"He's a demon, woman...' He yelled at her. 'I can only keep him...busy while you...escape... Hngh!' He muttered to himself. '...D-damn... Looks like my woman was right..." he fell to his knees.

Flavia growled and stood over him. "I think not! I'm here, and that means events can be changed! Damn you, oaf! You're not getting away from me that easily!"

Flavia blocked a blow from the Red Enemy's axe. She was about to strike back until he threw a knife at Basilio, hitting him right in his wound, making it bleed more then it already was.

"Basilio!"

Basilio groaned. The Red Knight smirked gave a nod before riding off... Towards my direction!

My eyes widened but then my face blanked as he came closer. He pulled his horse to a stop right next to where I was casually leaning against the stone. Excalibur's blade in the ground beside me.

"Plegian." He addressed me.

"Emperor Walhart." I said, inclining my head and deepening my voice.

"What are you doing here, Disciple of Grima?" he asked.

I smirked under the hood of my cloak. "The Man you just took down is one of the Khan's of Regina Ferox. He has something on him Master wants. Plus, the former Khan's body can be of some use to us."

He scowled. "Just stay out of my way Plegian, and you can take whatever you want!" he rode off. I sighed, relaxing before looking back to the scene before me.

"Nngh... Flavia... Give this to Chrom..." Basilio pulled something from a slot in his armor and handed it to her. She opened her palm to see...

"Is this...the Gemstone?!" She was so surprised, she almost dropped the Ruby

He coughed up blood. "You have to...survive... G-give Glues to him..."

Flavia shook her head, trying to hand it back to him. "Give it to him yourself, you one-eyed clod of a man! I'm not going anywhere and neither are you!"

Basilio shook his head and handed her the signet ring he always wore on his smallest finger. "Fool woman! I'm f-finished... Don't let it...be for nothing... For once in your life...just do what I say... Give this ring to my Heart, Lucina... Go! Go, gods damn you!' He pushed her away and one of the fleeing soldiers scooped her up and onto his horse. 'GOOOOOO!"

"BASILIO!"

I hid as Flavia and the rider she was with rode past me. As all the other soldiers either escaped or perused, I grabbed the reins of a Valmiese horse and killed the rider before leading the horse over to the one-eyed man.

Feeling a shadow over him he growled. "If you're here to finish me off just be done with it already!"

I shook my head before sheathing Excalibur on my back and pulled him up and onto my horse who kneeled down so I could place him on.

"What? Taking me prisoner, huh? Well then, once my strength has returned I'll beat you down, escape before coming back to beat you down again!"

I mounted behind him and whispered in his ear. "Well if you do that, I doubt my daughter would be very happy with you. Especially since her Father and I found out you were Courting her only just a few hours ago."

He froze and turned his head to look at me. "Anastasia?"

I pushed my hood back just enough for him to see my face and smirked, grabbing the reins. "It took you one last kiss before you ran off to your supposed death for us to find out about you Courting Lucina? Chrom is not happy with you, you one-eyed, brown-skinned oaf!"

He winced and looked away as I directed the horse East towards the fortress Steiger. "Sorry you had to find out that way. We wanted to be sure there was no true danger of either of us before coming out to tell."

We were silent after that. The Sun was rolling high, casting colors of reds, yellows, gold and orange over the sapphire sky, when we came to the fortress. Riding up to the gate, I brandished Excalibur to prove my claim of who I was. We rode into the courtyard, I saw Gilbert and Elder Estar run up. "What happened?"

I got off and help the Khan down. "This Oaf here took on Walhart, face to face. He needs healing now, before he dies of blood loss." As the man was carried off, Excalibur started glowing again. I turned to the two men. "Looks like my time here is up. I've got one request: make sure he lives long enough so Chrom can kill him for not telling us that he's Courting our daughter!""

I laughed at the looks on their faces as I disappeared in the flash of golden light. When the light dimmed, I was still laughing and startled Chrom as he was putting on his pants. Seeing it was me, he pulled his pants up and coming over to hug me. "Are you alright?"

I nodded. "Yes. Everything went well and I saved a life." I wouldn't tell him or Lucina about Basilio living. Hopefully by the time he reappears Chrom won't want to kill him. Perhaps we can skip over the Overprotective Father stage.

~Narrators POV~
Say'ri overlooked the army they were about to attack. Her eyes drew towards the leader of the army, they became sad when she looked upon her brother. As he turned and about to lock eyes with her, she turned away and headed towards camp where Chrom, Robin and Anna were talking strategy. They looked up as she approached. "It's just as I thought: the turncloaks only made a show of opposing us. We're clear of them. But Yen'fay's forces approach swiftly. It won't be long now..."

Robin nodded. "We should hasten south to meet them, and distance ourselves from Walhart. This battle will be challenge enough without the Conqueror breathing down our backs."

Say'ri lowered her head. "...Another concern: the dynasts who betrayed us. They attacked us and let us go both, because it suited their purpose.' She looked back up. 'Should the attack us from behind as we battle Yen'fay, it would be an easy victory. They would curry favor with the empire without risk of injury. This is how they think."

Anna bit her lip in thought. "Hmm..."

Chrom frowned. "We cannot defend two fronts. We'll need to choose our battlefield carefully...' He suddenly looked up and pointed towards a mountain not that far from where they were. 'Say'ri, that mountain—I've seen it smoke for hours but I see no trees on in anywhere?"

"What...ah. That is no forest fire, sir. It's a volcano.' She turned to him questionably. 'Have you never seen one?' When Chrom shook his head, she explained. 'That one is called the Demon's Ingle. It is known and feared by all people of Valm. Few dare even get close, lest they anger the wicked fire god."

Chrom blinked before looking at Robin, who had his thinking face on. "Robin? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Robin smirked looking up. "Only if you're wondering how quickly we can reach the volcano."

If Say'ri had been drinking something, she most certainly spit it out. "G-go to the Demon's Ingle?! Do you know what you're saying?"

Robin gave a half shrug. "I'm saying your opportunistic former friends wouldn't dare risk following us. And we can use the flames as barriers, to limit how your brother's army approaches."

Say'ri blinked at that logic before nodding. "Mmm... And my brother will still come. His stubborn pride will force his hand..."

Chrom smiled. "Then it seems we have our strategy."

"...'Tis a risky plan, but I can devise none better. And you two seem to have a peculiar talent for performing miracles."

As the Shepherds and Feroxi headed towards the volcano, Yen'fay surveyed his men. His mind was on when he will face his sister. His men had their orders. He was ready.

Excellus appeared not two feet behind him and came towards him.

"Why, General, such a melancholic air about you today. Whatever is the problem?' He asked mockingly before looking north towards where Chrom's army was marching. '...Oh, is today the day you face off against your beloved sister? Dear me, of course it is! Well then, of course you'd be in a foul mood..." he laughed mockingly.

Yen'fay kept his face blank and kept his voice monotone. "She is a rebel and traitor to the empire. I have no sister."

Excellus laughed. "Oh very good, very good—right out of the book, General Yen'fay!' he smirked and thought. '(And I commend your acting ability...very convincing! I think your men all heard you.)' He spoke up. 'In any case, I'm SO glad I can trust you not to take it easy on her ragtag little troupe."

Yen'fay said nothing.

Excellus smirked again. "Yes, we BOTH know why you'd never let any of her comrades escape, don't we? Oh, I know it must be so difficult, General. But think of it this way:' He clapped his hand on his shoulder. 'You still have a family. A big one! The whole imperial army is your family now!' he laughter was cruel and hurt Yen'fay's ears. '...Well, I should run. Do tell your little sister I say hello? Ta ta!"

Excellus vanished. Yen'fay sighed and bowed his head, a single tear ran down his face.

The Battle soon began, their armies meeting within the volcano. Yen'fay soon met with his sister with the Ylissean Queen.

Say'ri frowned at the blank face of her brother as Anna placed a hand on her shoulder. "Brother. I won't ask you why... We are well beyond that point now. I will speak it plain: I cannot forgive you, and neither can I let you live."

Yen'fay shook his head. "I've asked you for nothing, Sister, least of all your forgiveness."

Say'ri growled pointing her sword at him. "But you will have my justice, like it or no! You, who stood by in silence while everyone around you suffered! While villages were razed and fields burned, you watched but said nothing... When Father and Mother were murdered—you said nothing! Nothing, before you ran to the arms of the one man responsible for all of it! Your silence was deafening. Maddening. Even now...have you nothing to say?!"

Yen'fay remained silent yet Anna's eyes narrowed, especially every time he flinched she said the word 'nothing'.

Say'ri growled at her before running towards him. He blocked her sword with his. "Damn you, Yen'fay! Then I will make your sword answer for you! Draw your blade, and let it sing your final words!"

The brother and sister fought while Anna kept anyone from attacking her partner from behind. But then Say'ri was dragged away from her brother when a Risen Wyvern grabbed her and dragged her away.

Anna looked at Yen'fay. "General Yen'fay."

Yen'fay looked at her and nodded. "Aye, that is my name. What would you have of me, Ylissean?"

Anna tilted her head to the side and slowly came closer, not drawing the sword on her back nor pulling out any tome. "I would ask why a famed swordmaster would sell his honor to Walhart."

Yen'fay just kept his face blank. "...That is not your concern."

"I think I know why...' she was so close to him they could almost be kissing. 'You do this because..." she leaned up whispered in his ear. His eyes widened and he gasped. She took a few steps away from him with sad eyes.

"There has always been rumors that said you know the future..." he stated. Anna nodded. "When you can... search for him. Though we were not sure what meeting each other would cause us, we risked it. Find him. Save him. Tell my sister I loved her to the very end..."

Anna nodded before drawing Excalibur from it's sheath on her back. The fight was short seeing as how Yen'fay wasn't really in it. In the end he took the fatal blow.

As he fell, Anna caught him and cradled his head in her lap as she kneeled to the ground. "Well fought... Milady... She will...be...safe... I can die...in peace..." With a small smile on his face and a sigh on his lips he passed, his eyes now looking nowhere. Anna cried over the General's body, ignoring the fact his solders immediately surrendered as he fell. She muttered a silent prayer before closing his eyes and picking up his body.

Walking to where her family and friends stood, she said as they looked up. "He has done a brave thing... I know why he joined Walhart..."

Before she could say more, Excellus appeared.

Excellus laughed madly. "But oh, what a death it was! Did you see the grief etched on his face? The mix of longing and pain in the eyes? He had become such an accomplished actor, but that was all too real, hee hee!"

Say'ri growled at the Mad Sorcerer. "Excellus... What would you know of my brother, you loathsome toad!"

Excellus chuckle deeply and cruelly sending shivers down the spines of all as his grin even turned evil. "More than you, princess of Chon'sin. And I would watch that mouth of yours... I am honoring Yen'fay's sacrifice by not killing you now...but even I have my limits."

Say'ri raised an eyebrow. "...What? What do you mean "sacrifice"?"

"Oopsie! Did I just spill the beans?' he laughed. 'I'm so sorry, but I promised your dear brother I'd never tell..."

"Speak like a Man and not a Snake Excellus! Excalibur has obliterated lesser Evil like you." Anna said tightening her grip on Yen'fay's body.

Excellus growled. "Bah! As if YOU could harm ME! SHE only lives by MY grace, you ungrateful WRETCH! I could have had her killed countless times! And I would have, if not for him..." he spat at the dead General's body.

"Enough talking around it—say what you mean!"

Excellus raised an eyebrow. "Oh, did Yen'fay not groan out the truth as you cut him to bloody pieces?' he his head in faked sorrow. 'No, I suppose not. He always was so quiet. And proud...honorable, I think they call it? Yet he swallowed his pride and cast aside his honor...all to protect his beloved kin. That's right, Little Sis. He did it...to save you."

Say'ri dropped her sword and backed away in shock. "What?! ...Lies... You're lying!"

"He's being truthful for once..." Anna muttered looking at the dead body in her arms.

Excellus laughed again. "Yes, a rare treat, so you best shut up and enjoy it. Before you met these Ylisseans, I could have had your head with a word. In Chon'sin, at Valm Harbor... Did you really think yourself so elusive? You were my leverage for Yen'fay. Unwitting and unbound, but a hostage all the same. I let you live; he fought for us. That was our deal. And he kept his end, right TO his end!"

Say'ri fell to her knees trying to deny it. "No...NO!"

Excellus sighed placing a hand on his chest. "Phew... Well, I don't know about you, but I feel MUCH better having that off my chest. Maybe I will give this truth telling a try more often! Yes, I shall resolve to do so! In any case, good-bye friends! I wish you safe travels, and so sorry about Yen'fay... Oops! I broke my resolution twice already! Tee hee hee!" With a finial maddening laugh, he vanished.

Say'ri stayed kneeling tears running down her face. "N-no, this isn't... This can't be... Y-Yen'fay, no..."

Chrom walked over to her and reached out to comfort her. "Say'ri..."

"Gods... The things I said to him... The things I did... I have wronged him beyond imagining."

Chrom said nothing as Say'ri half stumbled, half crawled over to where Anna stood with her brother's body.

Say'ri reached oouta hand and petted his hair. "If he had only spoken! Told me! I could have joined the ruse, I..."

Lucina stepped forward. "Milady, I know well the grief of losing family with so much yet unsaid."

"I am wretched! I've repaid my brother's kindness with death! Oh, Yen'fay, forgive me... Please, oh please... Please..." The women threw herself onto her brother's body and wept harshly as everyone else was doing.

Chrom came over and mutter his own prayer to Naga for his soul to find peace. "Say'ri, you did all you could. Your brother knew that... You are blameless in this. Excellus and the empire are at fault here. And they will be made to answer for it, I promise you."

Say'ri looked up at Chrom, tears staining her eyes. "... Sir Chrom, I... Pray, forgive me. You have done so much for this land while I can give nothing in return. Or worse... What help I offered turned against us..."

Robin nodded and spoke with a fearce voice. "WE'RE the Resistance now, and we've yet to lose a battle! Yen'fay would be proud. And he'd also want us to fight on...to make sure his sacrifice has meaning. And fight we will, Say'ri. Until this land is free."

Say'ri stood and wiped her tears. "Aye, sir... And thank you. I owe my life to you all, and to my brother... I swear to you, and to him... I will make the most of it."

It was then Anna cleared her throat. "We shall give him a proper funeral...' she turned to the dead General's sister. 'We shall burn his body and place the ashes in an Urn. You may have the Urn afterwards, Say'ri." The woman burst into tears and hugged Anna's neck.

~Time Skip~Anna's POV~
When the Pyre was built, Chrom personally placed the body on it while my brother Robin lit it with a fire spell. As all watched, I read the letter Gilbert sent me via Messenger hawk.

Squirt,
Basilio is healing nicely. He hates having to be cooped up here but Riku's not much better so they're sulking together. Anyway, the Yen'fay from the other future showed up via golden light when you returned. I vouched for him and he's been helping out ever since. He asks how his sister's doing and what you all did with his other self's body.
Basilio is also asking how Lucina is. He sent her his signet ring with Flavia for her to wear.
Wish I could say more but Elder Estar has asked me to help out with some security things and my break's over.
Gilbert

I shook my head and sigh, folding up the letter. I looked over my shoulder to see Lucina gathering up the last bit of Yen'fay's ashes and placing them in a Urn with his and his sister's family symbol upon it. Chrom handed it to her and she took it and kissed the place where his name was engraved.

Before I could go and reply to Gilbert's letter, I saw Flavia and the soldier that saved her ride up and dismount.

The Soldier huffed and puffed in exhaustion. "Milord! *huff, huff* K-Khan Basilio, he... He has been killed in battle!"

Lucina gasped out a quiet, 'No!' as Chrom cursed, holding his distraught daughter in his arms. "Damn it all! You're certain?"

Flavia nodded sadly. "I am. He's gone, Chrom. I saw him fall myself. ...He's gone" Lucina cried even harder.

"Flavia, what happened? Wait...you're hurt! Anna—fetch a healer, at once!"

Flavia growled before falling to her knees, not in pain but sorrow. "I'll be fine, gods damn me... Gods damn me for outliving that one-eyed clod! That big, bald oaf! That...that... Aaaaaargh!"

Lucina wiped her tears looking up sorrowfully at her father. "That's twice now I have failed..."

Flavia punched the ground. "I'll kill him! I'll cut that dastard Walhart down myself! I swear it before the gods!"

Chrom shook his head while running a hand through his daughter's hair. "No, Flavia...for now, you need to rest and to heal. When the time is right, we will avenge Basilio. You have my word.' He cupped Lucina's face in his hands and wiped her tears with his thumbs. 'You both do."

Flavia nodded. "...Then know that I will hold you to it...' she rose came over to Lucina and placed something in her hand. 'He wanted you to have this."

Lucina looked down and slowly opened her hand before seeing the ring and crying some more. "...Why did I let him go..." she muttered into Chrom's shirt clutching both it and the ring.

Flavia then looked Chrom in the eye. "Chrom, there's something else. Something important. Basilio asked I give you this..."

Into Chrom's hand did she place the Red Gem. "Wait... Is that...? Ah... I can feel its power resonating through my whole body..." he gave a breathy shutter.

Flavia nodded seriously. "It's the Ruby Gules, one of the Gemstones you need. Don't ask me why in hell's name the oaf hid it from you. He always did love his surprises, damn him." She started crying again.

Chrom shook his head. "Whatever his reasons, I accept his gift now, and gladly."

"It's hard to believe he's truly gone... The larger the man, the larger the void left in his wake..."

Lucina continued to cry. "And Khan Basilio was a titan. There is no replacing him. I should have tried harder to convince him..."

Say'ri then came forward, her brothers ashes and Urn in a thick leather pouch by her hip. "The scouts have reported back. Walhart's army...' she licked her dry lips. 'has retreated to the imperial capital."

"Retreated?!" Robin cried.

Say'ri nodded. "It seems the dynast turncloaks are withdrawing their soldiers as well."

Chrom shook his head in shock. "I don't believe it..."

Say'ri blinked back her own tears but continued. "Steiger is ours and Yen'fay have fallen; it's no shock Walhart might pull back to regroup. And of course the dynasts now see cracks forming in the empire..."

"Maybe they'll reconsider which side they will fight for?" Chrom suggested.

Robin shook his head. "Possibly, if they can see an advantage in it for themselves. With them or not, it seems a decisive battle is upon us."

Say'ri gave a small half smile. "To think, how quickly our fortunes have shifted..."

"We have Basilio to thank for it.' Robin said looking at both Lucina and Flavia. 'For all of it.' He looked back to Chrom and Say'ri. 'His sacrifice made it all possible... If only there had been some other way..."

"No second guessing!' Regina Ferox's Khan said with spirit. 'Basilio would have hated that. You did your duty as best you were able, same as he. Now clear the doubts out of that clever head of yours—we're going to need it. The fate of Valm—and all our homelands—hangs on this next battle. For the sake of history and all our fallen comrades... We will bring this empire crashing down!"

As all this is being said and done, I still had my back turned to all and Gilbert's letter in hand, with this new bit of information, maybe Yen'fay would be willing to give me details about the layout of the Capital. With that in mind, I went off to mine and Chrom's tent in search of a quill and ink.