Chrom groaned as he picked himself up. Lucina ran over and helped him up, breathing a sigh of relief at his uninjured sight.
"Father, are you okay?" She asked.
Chrom nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine." His eyes widened. "Wait, where's Sekai!?"
Lucina looked over. "He's still in there..."
Chrom gritted his teeth. "Dammit. We have to help him!"
Basilio pulled out his ax as Validar walked out. "One thing at a time boy. We have other concerns." Moans also sounded as Risen again began appearing from the shadows.
Chrom snarled as he readied his blade. "Shepherds, cut them all down now!" He ordered.
...
Sekai entered a battle stance, pointing the Luna at Grima. Grima stood there with a bored expression.
"Come now Sekai, there's no reason for hostilities." Grima said.
Sekai scoffed. He then charged Grima, intending to pierce Grima with Luna. Grima sighed and grabbed the Luna, stopping it with two fingers.
"Seriously Sekai. Let us be civil." He then grasped the Luna, pulling it out of Sekai's grasp. He stared at the Luna. "I must say, I am impressed though you found this. It would have been useful to have in my time. Oh well." He said nonchalantly, tossing the Luna through the barrier. Sekai gritted his teeth, and pulled out a Thoron tome. He began charging up a spell, causing Grima to roll his eyes.
"Must we do this?" Grima said. Sighing, he looked Sekai in the eyes. "Use the Ignis form please."
Sekai raised an eyebrow. "You want me to use that?"
Grima nodded, folding his arms behind his back. "Yes, if only to drive home how pointless this is. Go on ahead. I won't even move."
Sekai narrowed his eyes. "If you wish." He took a deep breath, and suddenly felt an influx of energy. Pointing directly at Grima, he fired the Thoron, the yellow missile flying fiercely towards Grima. It tore through him, continuing on to crash through a pillar and into the wall.
Grima's lower body stood still, before ash started forming around it, rebuilding Grima within moments, who stood in the same pose as though nothing had happened. The Ignis released, and Sekai began panting in exhaustion, all energy drained.
Grima tilted his head. "See?" He then pointed his hand at Sekai, and Sekai felt an influx of energy surge into him, as if he hadn't battled at all that day.
Sekai raised an eyebrow. "Did you just...rejuvenate me?"
Grima nodded. "Like I said. I wish to be civil. Now, would you like to try again?"
Sekai pursed his lips. Even at full strength and energy, he doubted his magical attacks would do anything since Grima just proved he could reform himself. And without the Luna, he had no hope for any physical damage, though he doubted that would do anything either. His best hope would be to stall until he could figure something else out.
"What do you want to talk about?" Sekai asked.
Grima smiled. "It's okay to be scared you know."
Sekai raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Humans fear what they don't understand. As you prepare to ascend from the ants to the Gods, it's natural to have trepidation." Grima said.
Sekai narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to become possessed by you. I want to retain myself."
Grima nodded. "A fair fear, but unnecessary. You will only be illuminated when you awaken. At the present moment you only see through a dark haze, but soon you will have vision."
Sekai sneered. "And lose my mind in the process."
Grima shook his head. "That's what you don't grasp dear Sekai. You see yourself and Grima as being separate, when in reality you are one in the same."
Sekai scrunched his eyebrows. "What are you talking about?"
"How to explain it?" Grima pondered, putting a hand to his chin. "It's like dreaming. When you dream, your mind perceives that as the reality you are in. Even in the most outrageous of experiences, it seems logical and normal for you, correct?"
Sekai nodded. "Yes..."
"Well, you are currently dreaming." Grima explained. "To you it seems that Grima and you are separate minds, separate wills. In reality, when you awaken, you will feel refreshed. Your mind will be clear."
Sekai scoffed. "You expect me to believe that?"
Grima pursed his lips. "I understand, it can be hard to accept. It was for me. I fought so hard for so long against it, believing the Shepherds to be my reality. When I awoke, I was even horrified of the sudden onset of power. But eventually the human dream faded away as I came to realize the grand truth."
"And what was that?" He asked.
"That Grima and I were no enemies, but friends!" Grima said. "His will was for us to join together, become two halves of the same whole! And that is his desire for you!"
Sekai pursed his lips. Something about what Grima was saying made a sick sense, but something about it seemed...wrong.
Looking at Grima dead in the eyes, Sekai asked. "Be honest here Grima. When he "awoke", did the me of your time fight it?"
Grima stared at him before nodding. "Yes. Sadly he struggled before accepting his calm rest."
Sekai nodded. "I figured."
Grima sighed. "Let me guess. You plan in doing the same?"
Sekai smirked. "You know me Grima. Stubborn to a fault."
Grima took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "Is there anything I can say to dissuade you from this path?"
Sekai shook his head. "No. At the very least, I want to feel like I fought it to the very end."
Grima nodded. "A human enough think to say. It doesn't matter anyways, you will change your mind once you awaken."
Sekai raised an eyebrow. "And how will you do that without the Fire Emblem?"
Grima chuckled. "Oh dear, dear Sekai..." Grima walked up and clasped Sekai on the shoulder. "Do you really think I need the Fire Emblem?"
Sekai's eyes widened in confusion, even as he felt something slithering through his mind. "W-Wh...What do you mean?" He asked.
"You were right in that we need the Emblem to help jumpstart your power." Grima said. "But to awaken you? Oh Sekai, Grima has ALWAYS existed within you! He has been waiting, patiently. Lovingly. Allowing you to grow so that you could join him in godhood!"
Sekai blinked, his vision going hazy. "W-Wh...What are you d-doing to me!?" His mind felt heavy, like a great boulder was trying to fit itself inside.
Grima smiled, clasping both of Sekai's shoulders. "I told you. You are finally ready! After all this time, you have matured. Ripened. Before now, Grima could not merge with you without destroying you! He loves you Sekai. Your mind, your strengths, your soul! To lose that would be catastrophe to him!"
Sekai grunted, falling to a knee. "B-But...why...why me!?" He needed to know. It was now a mountain, no the world! Whatever was in his mind was something of such power and size he was merely an insect to it. An ant!
Grima made himself level with Sekai. "Because you are his child, no...his EQUAL! You are one of a kind Sekai! A human so rare, so precious, that even Grima himself desires to save you. To upraise you from the doomed existence you would live so that you might together save this world. And save it you shall!"
"Y-You're insane!" Sekai said. He had to keep fighting, to keep the impossibility in his mind contained. He felt his mind straining, throwing everything he had to keep it inside.
Grima smiled. "No Sekai. I'm awake. And soon...you will be to."
He couldn't hold it back anymore. It burst through the bonds, the gates, his petty defenses, filling his mind with itself. His mind shattered under it's power, unable to withstand the relentless torrent. He was like a dying leaf on a tree, struggling to withstand the raging blizzard. He couldn't fight it, he couldn't hold on. He could only do one thing.
He screamed.
...
Chrom rolled to dodge a blast that Validar threw at him. Validar was then hit by a giant fireball thrown by Morgan, blasting him apart. Within a few moments however, Validar reformed and stood back up, arms glowing with magical energy.
Gerome gritted his teeth. "Will he ever die?"
Owain panted, stealing a glance. Grima and his father were currently talking, Grima having thrown the Luna out towards them only a moment ago. A sudden moan brought his attention back towards a Risen who came at him with a sword. Owain blocked the incoming blow, only for Severa to suddenly run in and stab the Risen in the back.
"Dammit Owain, pay attention why don't ya!?" Severa exclaimed.
Owain blinked. "Uhh, sorry Severa? I thought I was..."
Severa rolled her eyes. "That Risen nearly got you!"
Owain was about to reply when he saw an archer Risen point an arrow directly at Severa's back. He quickly grabbed her shoulders and threw the both of them to the side, narrowly dodging the arrow that was released. Noire quickly dispatched the archer Risen with her own shot. Panting, Owain looked down on Severa who was beneath him, relieved to see no sign of damage on her. She must have had adrenaline coursing through her as well, because her face was almost as red as his aunt Olivia's.
"You okay Severa?" He asked.
She weakly nodded. "Uh huh..."
Nodding, Owain quickly got up, grabbing Severa's hand and pulling her up. Suddenly a scream cut through the battle, causing even the Risen to stop and look. Owain looked over and saw as his father on the ground, clutching his head as he screamed. The Risen screamed as well, each one suddenly disintegrating, save Validar, and leaving the Shepherds alone. Validar stood, unresponsive.
"It is finished." Grima said. As if on cue, Sekai stopped thrashing and screaming, falling deathly still. "Soon you will awaken."
Gritting his teeth, Owain ran up to where his father was, a wall of purple fire blocking him. Pulling out his sword, Owain rammed it into the barrier only to bounce back as if striking a wall. Chrom ran up and struck the wall as well, only to bounce back as well. Magic blasts fared just as well from Morgan and Lissa. No matter what the Shepherds threw at the wall, they couldn't cause any damage to the magical barrier.
"Dammit!" Chrom exclaimed.
Grima looked over at them and scoffed. "It is useless Shepherds. This barrier is made of MY power. You cannot hope to fight it."
Owain clenched his jaw. He refused to believe after everything they had gone through this was to be the end. There had to be something he could do.
"As much as I have enjoyed your struggling thus far, I grow weary of your lives." Grima said. Turning to them, he narrowed his eyes. "I would kill you all now, but that pleasure belongs to the Grima of this time. I suggest you all run to enjoy the rest of your pathetically short lives."
Like a lightning strike, Owain suddenly remembered. Looking over, he saw the Luna nearby. The magical lance, a weapon of legends. He rushed over and grabbed it, staring at the weapon. According to the legends, the Luna could pierce through any defense. Having watched his father use the weapon for some time, Owain could think of no situation where the Luna had not pierced something.
Turning and looking at the wall of flame, Owain gripped the Luna with determination. He had never wielded the weapon before, knowing it had chosen his father. There was not much chance it would recognize Owain has a worthy wielder. There was also the chance that the Luna would meet it's match.
None of that mattered to Owain. If he didn't try, they were all doomed.
"Please..." He whispered, moving towards the wall. He only needed it to work once.
Grima saw Owain and smirked. "Ahhh. One last struggle then son?"
Owain snarled. "YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER!" He yelled, thrusting the Luna into the wall. At first Owain felt resistance, and a feeling of despair began to settle in his heart. Clenching his teeth, Owain pushed through, screaming as he did so. Purple sparks shot out of the wall, blue ones coming from the Luna.
Grima raised an eyebrow. "What...?" He asked.
Owain pushed with all of his might, and at last the Luna pierced through the flame. With the sudden disruption, the energy fueling the barrier dissipated, and soon the purple flames were extinguished. Owain panted, shaking as his hands burned from the close proximity of the energy.
Grima stood silent, clapping after a moment. "Well done Owain." He said. "I must admit, I am surprised. Not only were you able to wield the Luna, you have proven it's declaration true. It pierced through even my barrier."
Chrom entered a battle stance, Falchion pointed at Grima. "Very complimentary of you." He said.
Grima shrugged. "I hold no qualms against recognizing the feats of others. Besides, it doesn't matter." He pointed a finger at the Shepherds, purple flames coating his arm. "You have all still lost. I suppose I'll have to handle you all myself however."
"We haven't lost yet!" Morgan explained, aiming her hand at the large window behind Grima. Red flames coating her arm, she fired forth a large blossom of fire. "VALFLAME!" She screamed.
Scoffing, Grima crossed his arms in front of him as a shield. The flame devoured everything in it's path, shooting forth and breaking through the giant window. A purple cocoon protected both Grima and Sekai from the flames and falling glass. Everything else, including the large throne, had been vaporized. Morgan panted but remained standing, Valflame open as it glowed red.
"Again, impressive." Grima said. "But irrelevant. Magic weapons and godly magic cannot stop me."
Owain smirked. "How about a large, angry wyvern?"
Grima raised an eyebrow. "What do you-"
"RAAAARRRR!" A wyvern screamed as it flew into the throne room.
Turning around, Grima was greeted by Ron'Shin who had flown into the throne room. Before Grima could move, Ron'Shin slammed him with his tail, launching Grima clear across the room.
"EVERYONE GET OUT NOW!" Chrom yelled.
The Shepherds wasted no time in moving towards the glass, even as the aerial Shepherds poured in for the evacuation. Validar groaned and began moving, only to be launched back by Lissa. Owain ran up and picked Sekai up on his shoulder, even as Lissa got up to them.
"Sekai!" She exclaimed, quickly feeling for a pulse. She sighed in relief when she found it, though it was incredibly weak.
"We have to get Father out of here, now." Owain said.
Nodding Lissa helped carry Sekai over to Ron'Shin, who tenderly grasped Sekai within his talon. Ron'Shin then looked over and saw Grima beginning to get up. Growling, Ron'Shin sucked in air and roared forth a fireball, destroying that section of the throne room.
Jumping on Ron'Shin's back, Owain grabbed Lissa and helped her up. "It's no use Shin, he can reform! We need to retreat, now!"
Ron'Shin growled but nodded, flapping his large wings and lifting them out of the room.
Grima reformed seconds later, casually walking towards the hole. Validar followed him, silent and mindless.
Scoffing, Grima looked at Validar. "I warned you Validar. You have failed me for the last time." Waving his hand, Validar moaned as his body crumpled to ash. "You are barely even good for energy." Grima muttered.
Looking outside, he watched as the Shepherds retreated. He could sense Sekai getting more and more distant. Sighing, Grima began concentrating his energy. He was going to allow the Grima of this time to construct his artificial body.
"I see I must do it myself." He muttered.
...
Chrom flew on Tiki, Olivia clutching his waist behind them. Looking behind him, he was relieved to see everyone being safely evacuated. Some were holding onto talons or even each other, but everyone was making it. Tharja and Henry were busily chanting curses to strengthen the mounts and manaketes.
Suddenly the sky grew dark, and as Chrom looked up he saw the clouds were joining together, pulsing with dark energy.
"The gods..." Chrom muttered.
"Chrom! What's happening!?" Olivia yelled.
Lucina, held in one of Tiki's claws, widened her eyes in horror. "N-No...this feeling..."
Chrom's eyes then noticed it. Movement in the clouds. First it was a wing, then another. Soon the tail, and ultimately the head appeared. Six eyes, glowing a blood red blinked and looked down at them. The monstrosity roared, a sound that sliced through the air.
"Grima..." Lucina muttered.
Chrom clenched his teeth as he watched the giant dragon fly towards the table.
This was a worst case scenario.
...
And good morning. Thought I'd pump out this last chapter for the weekend before I disappear for a day or two.
So I'm sure some of you have wondered why Sekai got the Luna all those chapters ago. While yes a part of it was me wanting to give him a cool weapon, another part was this moment. I just wanted a good way to destroy that barrier aside from "Oh Validar died". And before anyone gets on me about "logistics" in Fire Emblem, don't. It's a story people.
Which briings me to this point. The next two chapters will be a personal telling of the backstory of Grima. I would like to mention that when I wrote this, I was on a mission with no way to access the Internet to study this thing's back story. So if I have written something that seems "off" then oh well. I tried.
Anywho, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Now, for some quick review replies.
SnowyDawn17: Haha, I have no problem with your reviews or how you'd like to convey said excitement. I'm glad you enjoy it.
Knight Gallade: Hmmm, never really thought about it. When I played I generally put everyone in their better respective classes. In the story it's been a bit different since I allow them to remember past skills. For example, Sekai can still use magic even though Wyvern Lords can't. It's just me more realistically saying that while the characters do progress, they still remember past skills. I have written down some "canon" promotions for a few of the characters, but that's always been more of an afterthought for me. I don't know, did this help at all or do you have more questions?
TheHolyBlade: I do like to consider myself a glorious bastard, especially when I get to write out things in advance and then watch it all fall neatly into place. Hope things are going well.
Alright, have a good day everybody. Fave, follow, review, and...oh, already told everyone to have a good day...awkward.
