Sorry, this came out slower than usual, everyone. But alas, here we are. The final battle. I hope you all enjoy it.
In a bright light, the Shepherds onto Grima's back. Standing on the massive monster's neck was the other Grime. The one of Lucina's time. He was only staring into the distance with his backs against them.
"WRETCHED SON OF NAGA... YOU WILL BE DESTROYED."
Chrom drew his blade.
"Are you ready, Robin?"
"I am. It's tie to end this."
The avatar of Grima slowly turned to face them.
"Ignis."
Red flames surrounded him. He placed his hands together in front of him, and a black sphere formed in his arms.
"EXPERIATION!"
Lifting them into the air shot a bunch of dark pillars shot out of the ground at Chrom and his friends. He laughed at the sound of screams. When he was finished, Chrom and the others were barley standing.
"Hrrngh! *Huff, huff* ...Wh-what... What manner of magic..."
"Magic? *huff, huff* That was a...damned...catastrophe..." Basilio grunted. He's weakened us all... He's too...strong...rrgh..."
"This…is Grima's true power…" Riam grunted.
Fredrick tried his best to stand.
"It cannot end like this...I won't have...all our struggle...be for naught..."
Lucina was having trouble getting to her feet.
"No...This darkness...The future is upon us! Oh gods... F-Father..."
Grima laughed. "And so it ends, Robin. See how frail these humans bonds of yours are? How short lived? How pointless? You have all thrown your lives away, and the result is the same!"
The tactician was still standing tall.
"We're not dead yet!"
"Detail, details. *sigh* But yes, I suppose it's time I got you all off my back, so to speak—permanently."
"No..."
"No, you don't want this, do you? You do have a choice, you know. It doesn't have to be this way. You can still save all your friends...Become one with me, and we shall spare their lives...Refuse, and watch as I rend the flesh from their bones!"
"...I..."
"No, Robin! Don't...do it..." Chrom ordered.
"He's lying...It's...a trap..." Lissa said.
"NOW! I will have your decision! Will you save these worms? Will you JOIN ME and become a GOD?" Grima asked.
Robin didn't know what to do. Most likely be lying. But they'll all die if he did nothing.
"I…I…"
"Robin…"
He looked back to Lucina to see her holding her sword.
"Even now, you still fight, Lucina?" Grima asked. "You always were a stubborn fool."
But the princess held her blade at her own neck. Robin stared at her in shock.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
"If you surrender to him to save us…I'll end my own life here."
"Lucina…"
Grima scoffed.
"You also always made me sick, Lucina."
"Hmph. Don't be fooled Robin." Riam said. "I know him. He'll kill us all regardless of what you do."
Robin turned back to Grima.
"He has a point, snake."
"...Well, of COURSE I would. I only thought you might want to leave you with a heroic, selfless image." Grima smirked. "But once again you stole my fun, Riam...But so be it, Robin. Leave them with the final memory that you were their undoing!"
A black hole suddenly swallowed Robin whole.
"Aaarrrrgh!"
By the time Lucina could reach him, Robin and the portal were gone.
"Robin!"
Robin opened his eyes to see a world of black.
Standing in front of him was Grima's avatar.
"Where am I?"
"Where your god wills you to be. Now if you will excuse me... I have some fleas on my back to take care of."
"No...I won't let you!"
Robin shot a Thoron spell, but Grima was only pushed slightly back.
"You still DARE resist ME?! Then perhaps I should end you first!"
Grima held his palm out. A purple light formed in his hand. Robin braced himself but, when the dark sphere of magic hit him he still felt the worst of it. The next thing he knew he was on the floor.
"So dark...A sea of black...I have...no final strategy...No cards left to play...He has...won... Ah...I c-can't see...I can't hear...I feel...nothing...Nothing..."
"…bin."
"..."
"Ro...n"
"…Who….?
"Robin."
"Who's there…?"
"Wake up Robin."
The tactician saw a light in front of him.
Grima's eyes widened in shock.
"You! It can't be!"
Robin could see someone dressed just like him.
"Bad dragon."
The figure raised their hand and white chains rose up. They circled around Grima, and dragged him down.
"DAMN YOU WENTCH! STOP GETTING IN MY WAY! I AM A GOD! YOUR-NGH! AAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Grima then vanished in a bright light.
"Not easy having him for a roommate."
Robin's gaze slowly wandered to the hooded figure.
"Can you stand?"
Robin grunted as he got to his feet.
"Who are you?"
The figure reached for their hood.
"Have you forgotten already? My dear little boy?"
Robin gasped at the sight of a woman. She had her white hair in small pigtails.
"Mother?!"
Reflet giggled as she brought her hands to either side of his face.
"My look how much you've grown. You're the same age as I was when we last saw each other, aren't you?"
"How are you…I though Validar…"
"He did kill me. But that wasn't enough for him. My soul was cursed to remain in this world."
"That's awful."
Reflet looked down.
"Maybe…but my curse was a blessing in disguise."
"What do you mean?"
"Remember how Grima told you, that he followed Lucina to the past? I saw him come here. I found out his plan."
"Plan?"
"He was going to track you down and merge with you. I couldn't let him do that. The shock could have killed you. Or even affect your mind. So, I merged my soul with him."
"You were inside Grima this whole time?"
"Yes. Two years. I've held his power for two long years. But then he finally regained control. After that I've kept quiet to let my power recover."
"Mother…"
"Robin…I've used the last of my power now. And I doubt it will hold him long. The rest is up to you."
"What can I do? He's far to powerful."
"True. He's far stronger than you. Or any of your friends."
Robin didn't say anything.
"But not all of you put together."
"What?"
"Remember what I told you? Through the people we meet and befriend strong ties are formed. Invisible ties. Bonds with friends and family. Those are stronger than any god. Any dragon."
Robin didn't answer at first.
"Do you not hear them?"
"What?"
-ve to -ack!"
"Robin looked up."
"…Huh?"
Yo- ha- fi- Back! -ghting!"
"I…hear something… A voice…"
"Fight ba-! –ave to keep -ing!"
"He's calling for you." Reflet smiled.
"Fight back, Robin! You swore to do so, remember? Now keep your damn word!"
"C-Chrom? Chrom! Chrom, I can hear you!"
More familiar voices reached Robin.
"Come back to us, Robin!"
"Lissa…"
"I know it would take more than this to stop you, sir!"
"Frederick…"
"You gonna let that ugly snake get the last hiss? Come on!"
"Sully…"
"History is watching, Robin! The bards would sing of your triuph!"
"Virion…"
"On your feet, solider! Don't make ol' Teach give ya a lecture!"
"Vaike…"
"Wake up, Robin! Only I get to oversleep!"
"Stahl…"
"Arise from your hypnopompic state! You are sorely needed here!"
"Miriel…"
"Hello? Can you hear me? …Perhaps if I shout? AAAAAAH!"
"Kellam…"
"Robin, remember all the days we spent together!"
"Sumia…"
"Answer us, Robin!"
"Lon'qu…"
"Please, Robin! You're too important to me!"
"Ricken…"
"Get up right this instant, or suffer a swift smack of my parasol!"
"Maribelle…"
"Do not rob the Taguel of one of our last true champions!"
"Panne…"
"Up and at 'em Robin! One dragon oughta be a piece of cake!"
"Gaius…"
"We're all right here by your side!"
"Cordelia…"
"Gregor will snap you out of it! Gregor does with the YELLING!"
"Gregor…"
"I thought I was your favorite dragon! Forget about Grima!"
"Nowi…"
"The gods gave you to us. I do not believe they wish you taken away!"
"Libra…"
"Get up, Robin! No one goes down without my say so…"
"Tharja…"
"Please, Robin! I still haven't shown you my new dance!"
"Olivia…"
"Minerva wants you back, and so do I!"
"Cherche…"
"I know the darkness is warm and delicious…But too much of a good thing is just bad!"
"Henry…"
"Aye, awaken! You cannot leave now, with my debt to you unpaid!"
"Say'ri…"
"Pull it together, lad! Death is overrated, believe me!"
"Basilio…"
"You don't bow to dragons. You break 'em!"
"Flavia…"
"I need ya to come on back, y'hear?!"
"Donnel…"
"Robin, you can't close up shop on us now! We still need you!"
"Anna…"
"Heed not the dark's eerie call, friend! Summon forth the strength inside you!"
"Owain…"
"I can think of nothing worse than dying alone. ...No seriously. I can't."
"Inigo…"
"Come on, bud! No givin' up now!"
"Brady…"
"This is a test, and by the gods, you're gonna pass it!"
"Kjelle…"
"Come on! You can do this! You need to fight with us!"
"Cynthia…"
"If you don't come back, I'm never going to forgive you!"
"Severa…"
"We lost to the fell dragon once. Do not grant fate a second victory!"
"Gerome…"
"You're going to be okay, right? …I need you to keep me safe."
"Yarne…"
"It is inconceivable that our rollicking adventures might end at this juncture."
"Laurent…"
"Blood and thunder! Return to us now!"
"Norie…"
"You'll return. I know you will."
"Nah…"
"You are not Grima, nor is he you. Remember that, Robin!"
"Tiki…"
"One nip from a dragon and you're down? Get up, you craven schoolboy!"
"Gangrel…"
"Rise, Robin! Show this god that man is made of sterner stuff!"
"Walhart…"
"Robin…Robin…Robin!"
"Emmeryn…"
"…Robin!"
"Yen'fay…"
"Oh, Robin, no taking the easy way out—I haven't finished with you yet!"
"Aversa…"
"True champions find victory in the darkest hour! Show us, Robin!"
"Priam…"
"Be strong Robin! The son of Reflet should not fall so easily!"
"Suiglez…"
"Brother, return to us! I can ill afford to lose you again!"
"Riam…"
"Robin, you're family to us! And I refuse to allow family to die!"
"Mustafa…"
"Father! You mean everything to me! I can't lose you again!"
"Morgan…"
"You have earned my trust and my love, sir. Now return to us!"
"Lucina…"
"Now do you see?" Reflet asked. Your ties are stronger than you think."
Robin smiled to himself.
"I can hear them…I can hear my friends!"
A bright light formed around Robin.
"It seems it's time for you to leave."
"Mother…I…I wish you could stay with me…"
Reflet hugged her son.
"I wish I could to. Take care of Plegia for me. And Suglez…"
"Yes?"
"Tell him for me…that I'll always be grateful for him. And I want him to move on. Have a life of his own. Forgive himself."
"Right."
Tears came down their eyes.
"Goodbye my son…I love you."
"I love you to mother."
When Robin opened his eyes, he was back on Grima's back.
"Robin!"
Lucina hugged him. He smiled to himself.
"Thank you everyone."
Naga's voice spoke to everyone.
"Children of man, take my power! Rise now, and face the fell dragon!"
A green light flowed around them. All of them were healed from Grima's attack.
"Hear my words, Awakener! Grima's servants will beset you to no end. Dispatch him as soon as you are able! Once the fell one is weakened, a choice will await you...If Chrom lets fall the final blow, Grima shall survive but return to his slumber..."
"So be it." The prince replied.
"If Robin strikes in Chrom's stead, both her life and Grima's are forever over. Only in this way may the fell dragon be destroyed for good and all."
Robin stayed silent.
"The final decision...is yours."
Grima only growled.
"Come my servants! Destroy this ruble!"
More enemies appeared on left and right sides of Grima's back. They surrounded the Shepherds.
"As I predicted." Robin said.
"Shepherds take the left!" Chrom ordered.
"Future Deliverance, to the right!" Robin said.
The group split up and charged to repulse the forces at both sides.
Robin turned to Chrom and Lucina.
"Let's go."
The trio charged towards the front of Grima.
"Remember Robin." Chrom said as he slashed through a mage. "We have a deal."
Lucina looked to Robin curiously who said nothing.
Soon the reached the dragon's avatar.
"I come to end you, Grima!" Chrom declared pointing Falchion at Grima.
"...ARROGANT MORTAL... I AM THE END!"
"I lost to you once, monster. I shall not lose again!" Lucina said. "Die now, that our future can live!"
"...YOU CANNOT SLAY...WHAT MAY NEVER DIE..."
Grima shot dark flames from his hands. The trio spread away, dodging it. The then charged towards the dragon.
Chrom rushed at him first only for Grima to avoid his swing.
He then shot a blast of purple sparks, at Chrom sending him hurling to the ground.
"AAAAHH!"
"Father!"
Lucina rushed towards, her downed father.
"Lucina, look out!"
Robin's warning did little to help, as Grima was already upon her. He was quick to grab her by the throat.
"Hide and seek is over princess." He said with a wicked smiled. "Nowhere left to hide. No more annoying schemas."
"Thoron!"
Grima winced as the spell hit him in the back. Turning his head, he saw Robin.
He threw Lucina into him, knocking him over. He raised a hand above his head, and a bolt of lightning struck them both. First there was a harsh pain. After that, nothing. Neither of them could move.
Grima walked up to both of them.
"Very well. If you wish to die together, so be it."
Robin looked at the purple light in Grima's hand.
"Is this…is this how we died in Morgan's future?"
Chrom struggled to stand.
"No!"
"Thoron!"
Another blast of lightning hit Grima's hand, knocking it away, just as he fired.
He looked to his left to see Morgan.
"Stay away from my parents!"
"BRAT!"
In the blink of an eye Grima rushed to Morgan and punched her in the gut.
"AGH!"
Morgan dropped her tome.
"Stay out of my way."
The girl then drew her Silver sword and slashed Grima across the chest. She then fell to her knees gasping for air.
Grima put a hand over his wound and then looked at his blood.
"You'll regret that, girl!"
Grima shot a sphere of dark magic at Morgan, who was sent to hurling across the dragon's back.
Robin, managed to get into a sitting position.
"Morgan, run!"
The girl only winced, as she tried to pull herself up.
"Run? I can barely breath!"
Grima slowly walked towards the girl, ready to finish her off.
But he was stopped when a arrow hit him in the shoulder.
As he turned to the side he saw Riam, with his crossbow.
"You…"
Riam displayed nothing on his face as he drew his lance.
"Sorry I kept you waiting this long brother. I've come to keep my promise to you."
Grima' started to glow purple.
"...I AM...GRIMA...I AM...DESPAIR..."
Riam thrusted the weapon at Grima, but the dragon conjured a sword of black flames. He parried the attack. He slashed vertically, at Riam who sidestepped the attack the impaled Grima in the chest.
"AGH!"
"Burn in hell monster."
Riam tried to shove the weapon deeper, but Grima gripped it.
"YOU"RE THE ONE GOING TO HELL BOY!"
He pulled the weapon out and spun around before throwing it and Riam away.
As the man sslowly got up, Grima charged another fireball.
"Riam!"
Mustafa ran in front of his son, just as Grima fired. The man blocked the attack with his axe, but both were still sent further across the ground from the impact. Grima charged a bigger fire ball in his hands.
"IT'S OVER FOR YOU!"
The flames faded when a sword came through Grima's chest. Robin was holding the other end of Sol Katii from behind Grima.
"No more."
He kicked him in he back, and off his blade before drawing his Levin sword with his other hand. Grima got up and looked at Robin.
"...RETURN TO ME...COME...WE ARE ONE...AND THE SAME..."
"NO MORE!"
Robin rushed at Grima who blocked both swords with his.
"You will NOT hurt my family again!"
He kicked Grima in the torso, making him stumble back.
Both Robin and Grima pointed their weapons at eachother.
"IGNIS!"
Both of them glowed with red flames as they charged each other again.
Robin swung the Levin sword down on Grima who blocked it before swinging at his side with Sol Katti.
"GAH!"
Riam shot an arrow into Grima from behind.
"Ngh!"
Mustafa threw his tomahawk at him as he turned around. It slammed into the dragon's torso.
"AGH!"
He pulled it out and threw it back at them.
"Get down!"
Suiglez rushed in front of them.
"RAH!"
With a two-handed swing of his sword, he deflected the attack.
"DAMN YOU!"
Grima raised a hand into the air. Suddenly the ground started shaking. The head of the dragon they stood on rose up behind him and turned to face them. Purple flames burned in it's mouth.
"Are you insane?! You'll catch yourself in that blast!" Riam said.
"I…AM…IMORTAL! ONLY…YOU CURS…DIE!"
"THORON!"
A bolt of lighting hit the towering dragon's six eyes. The beast roared in pain as the head swayed back.
"Yeah? Well, these curs are tougher than they look!" Morgan smirked.
She ran up to Grima and drew Balmug and slashed into the avatar's legs, bringing him to he knees.
"Nice shot kiddo." Robin grinned.
Lucina then ran up and thrusted her sword into Grima's chest.
"We say when it ends!"
Chrom followed up with a vertical swipe as Lucina backed away.
"Anything can change!"
Then Robin came in with both swords. The first was a horizontal swipe with Sol Kitti. Then another with his Levin sword. Then an upward horizontal swipe with each forming a X. Then held both over his head.
"You're finished!"
He swung both down into Grima. And finally thrusted both into his chest, sending him a good distance back.
The dragon was on the ground.
"...NNGH...AAAAUGHHH..."
"Now, Robin! This is our chance!" Chrom said. "I'm going to finish it!"
Robin said nothing as he put his swords away. But just as Chrom was about to step forward a purple light glowed in his hand.
Lucina's eyes widened.
"Robin, don't do it!"
"Damn fool!"
Riam was about to get to his kness when Suiglez put a hand on his shoulder.
"Let him go."
"What?!"
"We gave him our words and he considered them. This decision is his now."
Morgan got to her knees. "Father, no!"
Chrom was the only one who didn't seem worried.
"Robin…don't forget our deal."
The tactician grimaced.
He lowered his hand and backed away.
"Fine. Live your miserable existence in slumber Grima. And I hope you find it a fate worse than death."
Chrom slowly walked over to Robin. He gave him a smile.
"You made the right choice, my friend."
He ran over to Grima and put the Exalted Falchion through him
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
The head of the dragon they stood on slowly fell down. The avatar started to fade.
But it slowly looked up ad the ones who defeated it.
"Chrom…Lucina…Riam…Thank you…"
Riam gave his Robin a sad smile.
The avatar closed his eyes and faded away.
"Rest in peace, brother. "
"It's over." Chrom said.
Lucina then saw something else.
"Wait, what's that?"
Everyone saw the image of someone similar to Robin.
Suiglez couldn't believe it.
"Lady Reflet?!"
"Reflet…Robin's mother?" Riam asked.
The woman smiled as she spoke.
"Thanks to all of you, the curse is broken. My soul is finally free. Everyone…for me…for those who have fallen…Make the most of this new future."
Robin watched as she disappeared.
"Goodbye, mother."
In a bright light, Naga teleported everyone off Grima's back, as it fell.
There they were. At the end. Grima's petrified body laid before them.
"He's...he's finished...We did it! And without sacrificing the life of another friend! Can you believe it, Robin?" Chrom asked.
Robin said nothing.
"Grima has returned to slumber." Naga said.
"He may rise to threaten the world again, but he'll never destroy it. One such as I, or the first exalt before me...One will rise up to challenge him." Chrom said before turning to his allies. "Shepherds...Friends...The war is over! The fell dragon's era of chaos has been averted! The Risen will trouble our world no more! You all know that I'm a simple man, never one for speeches or song...But you need to know this...All that is good and brave in me and what I have done is because of you! We have weathered a sea of horror, but we did it as one. And, finally, we have come to the inviting shores of a bright future. Together."
"Wooooo! I can't believe we did it!" Lissa cheered.
"Exceptionally well fought, my prince! At long last Ylisse can know lasting peace." Freadrick applauded.
"Nothing like kickin' the crap out of a dragon to make you feel alive!" Sully laughed.
"Virion the Grimslayer...Ah, such a noble ring to it!" Virion bragged.
"Yes! We won! We won! We...Uh, hey—has anyone seen my axe?" Vaike asked.
"Anyone else hungry? Because I'm starving!" Stahl said.
"Let the scholars remember: there is no weapon more proficuous than the heart!" Miriel declaired.
"Hip hip hurrah! ...Huzzah? ...Hello? ...Anyone? ...Never mind." Kellem sighed.
"We owe our victory to the world's finest captain and prince!" Sumia smiled.
"Laying it on a bit think, aren't all of you? ...Well, I guess it any time called for it, it'd be now." Lon'qu said with a faint grin.
"Captain Chrom! How'd I do? I was great, wasn't I?" Ricken asked.
"I never doubted us for a second! ...Well, maybe a half second." Maribelle admitted.
"The taguel have won more than peace...We have won a new clan." Panne smiled.
"And so ends another contract. ...Sweet, sweet victory." Gaius grinned.
"My good prince...My joy has no bounds..." Cordelia smiled.
"Today Gregor not be stingy! Treat everyone to special bear dinner!" the mercenary laughed.
"All this happiness is so contagious! I could just...c-cry!" Nowi sniffled.
"At last, we have won Exalt Emmeryn her peace of mind..." Libra said.
"Stop grinning, you shameless fools! ...You want to make me smile, too?" Tharja muttered.
"Today's dance will come from the heart!" Olivia smiled.
"Whew! Quite a battle... Perhaps time to settle down for a spell." Cherche sighed.
"Oh, NICE! I'm still bleeding in, like, twelve different places! Look at all that blood..." Henry smiled in awe.
Lucina smiled, looing at the sunrise. "It's over...I'm finally free..."
"Chon'sin's struggle has ended. Mercy on you all, my good friends." Say'ri said.
"Har har har! We whupped 'em but good! Now, to feast! Bring the meat and mead!" Bassilio laughed.
"The names of Chrom and Robin will long be remembered in Regna Ferox." Flavia smiled.
Donnel Laid down on the grass with a smile on his face. "Look, Ma! Look, Pa! I done done it!"
Anna smiled before walking away. "Well, it's back to business, I suppose. Drop by our shops now and again, okay?"
Owain held his sword up triumphantly. "Farewell, O dire beast! Now it's your turn to suffer in darkness!"
"Huzzah! Now I'll finally have more time for the ladies..." Inigo grinned.
Brady dropped his axe in disbelief. "Well, heck. We actually did it. We saved the world!"
"My long training has finally proven its worth." Kjelle smiled.
Cynthia made one of her heroic poses. "Truth and justice win again! Woooooo!"
"I never doubted us. We were born to win." Severe smirked.
Even Gerome was smiling. "We have wrestled destiny itself into submission!"
Morgan hugged her parents. "Mother! Father! Now we have years to share stories with one another."
"H-holy moly! I might make it outta here alive after all!" Yarne cheered.
"Well, how delightfully fascinating this all was." Laurent smiled.
"Is...Is all the scary stuff over?" Noire asked.
Nah walked next to Nowie. "Our journey through time was worth it, wasn't it, Mother?"
"The world has been plucked from the maw of darkness!" Tiki smiled.
"Really now, I just can't seem to die..." Gangrel chuckled. Where's the messy end I was promised?
"I stand justified! Man, alone is the ruler of his domain." Walhart chuckled.
"Chrom...Everyone...Thank you..." Emmeryn smiled.
Yen'fay held his sword in front of his face. "Say'ri, your strength has led this world back to light."
"I suppose an end is an end." Aversa smiled. "...But now how will I fill my days?"
"Our strength in body and mind have set the world on a better course." Priam smiled.
"And so, it ends." Mustafa smiled. "Hopefully we won't see war for a while longer."
"Lady Reflet…this is what you wanted, right?" Suiglez asked.
"At last, it's all over." Riam smiled. "To think I'd finally see the day…"
Chrom smiled as he spoke again. "I know some of you will be returning to your homes and families. This is good, though I will be most sorry to lose you. But ours is a fellowship that cannot be weakened by time or distance. As we walk toward a new and brighter future, let us think often on each other. And let's never forget what we have accomplished, here, today. Together."
As everyone broke into cheers, Robin still had yet to say anything.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned his head to Mustafa.
"Still feeling guilty, Robin?"
"For what?"
"You know very well what he means." Riam said. "You regret not sacrificing yourself, don't you?"
Robin sighed. "How can I not question it? I could have ensured my bloodline never threatens us again. But instead..."
"I'll admit that sacrificing yourself could have saved others in the future." Mustafa said. "But it would have meant the end of a very valuable individual."
"I'm just one man, Mustafa. What am I compared to the whole world?"
"Someone with a noble heart, and a sharp mind." Suiglez smiled. "You will more than make up for whatever Grima can do in the future. Everyone here agrees. Especially her."
Robin, then noticed Lucina approach.
"Lucina…"
The princess slowly reached, to wrap her arms around Robin. "You saved our future—no small feat. We will use it to find a permanent solution for the fell dragon. And we shall do so together."
Morgan walked up to them, with her hand where Grima punched her.
"Don't worry, Father! We'll find a way to make things right! I know it seems crazy, but look at all you've accomplished! I know it was right to not give your life up!"
Robin and Lucina looked at her in surprise.
"You knew?" Lucina asked.
"Grandpa here told me, last night."
Chrom smiled as he walked up to Robin.
"Don't you see? You belong with us. We want you here to share our present...And help create our future."
Robin finally gave a small smile.
"Everyone…thank you."
Suiglez spoke up next.
"Robin…was that really lady Reflet?"
"Oh, yeah. When Grima dragged me into his trap, my mother saved me. She was inside him the whole time, holding him back. She wanted me to tell you something, Suiglez."
The knight listened quietly.
"She said you need to forgive yourself and move on with your life. She also said that no matter what, she will always be grateful for you."
Suiglez smiled.
"Thank you, Robin."
Chrom stepped in. "Robin, you kept your end of our deal. And now I will keep mine. You have my blessing."
Morgan looked ready to jump for joy.
"Oh, boy! Come on let's give dad some room!"
Mustafa, Suiglez and Riam were utterly confused as Chrom and Morgan led them away. Robin took Lucina's arm and they walked up a nearby hill.
When they reached the top Lucina gave Robin a confused expression.
"What's going on? What deal did you make with father?"
Robin turned to Lucina.
"Before I say…there is something I must ask you."
"Oh?"
"Lucina. You have changed my life. Ever since you were brought into the castle it pained me to see someone as beautiful as you in chains. The thought of you suffering was painful. But as I got to know you more, you became more valuable to me personally, and I swore to do anything to win you your freedom. But before I knew it you become even more. You were the woman I loved, and I wanted to do anything to make you not just safe and free, but happy as well.
Robin reached into his pocket and got on one knee.
"So, Lucina…for your happiness…and mine."
He took out a box. Opening it revealed a small gold band with a blue jewel.
"Will you marry me?"
Lucina's heart skipped a beat as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Oh, gods, yes! I would love to marry you!"
Lucina threw her arms around her fiancé. Robin wrapped his arms around her hips and spun her around. Once he put her down he slipped the engagement ring on her finger.
"So, the deal was, Robin doesn't sacrifice himself and you'd give him permission to marry Lucina?" Riam asked.
Chrom nodded.
"Im's surprised he bought that." Sumia smiled. "We all know that if he did go through with it and came back to life, you'd let him anyway."
"I know." Chrom smirked. "But I figured he wouldn't risk it."
"How did you know about it Morgan?" Lissa asked.
"Grandpa visited my tent last night to tell me that father could kill Grima. He told me the deal they made to assure me it wouldn't happen."
Everyone looked at the top of the hill where Robin and Lucina stood.
"They make for a fine couple." Mustafa smiled.
"I can't wait to see my parent's wedding!" Morgan chirped.
Back at the top Robin scooped, Lucina up in his arms.
"Shall we tell everyone the news?" the tactician smiled.
"Yes."
Robin walked his fiancé down the hill. Part of him still felt guilty, but he figured he could eventually leave that behind him. He didn't want to waste to much time regretting the past.
It was time to shape the future.
And here we are. The end...Yeah right. We've got two more chapters before we wrap this up, so see you next week and happy holidays!
