Sekai continued to lay there, motionless and unresponsive. The Shepherds had all shouted words of encouragement, but if Sekai had heard he didn't show it.

"Do you think he heard us?" Olivia asked.

"He sure better have!" Sully said.

Naga floated. "Your attempts are heartwarming...but there has been no change...in the Child of Grima..."

"Sekai." Lissa said.

Naga tilted her head. "Pardon...?"

Lissa put her hands on her hips and glared at Naga. "His name is Sekai!"

Naga pursed her lips and nodded. "I know his name...child of my blood...but it still remains...I see no-"

"Mother!" Tiki cried.

Everyone turned and looked at Tiki, who was pointing towards the sky. Everyone looked up, only to see the dragon body of Grima flying towards them. Also in the distance, Risen began appearing, and making their way towards the mountain.

"Grima!" Lissa cried.

"Dammit! What's he doing here!?" Chrom asked.

"He is here...for the Child of Grima..." Naga said. She looked at Chrom. "Awoken One...hurry, thrust your blade...into the Child of Grima...it is this world's only hope..."

"But that will kill Sekai!" Chrom argued.

"And stop Grima...kill him and save everyone...or save him and kill everyone..." Naga said.

Chrom snarled. He looked at Sekai, Sekai's face calm and relaxed. He looked to be asleep, almost ready to wake up. Was there really no hope? Was Sekai's fate really out of control?

"Father..." Lucina said.

Chrom looked over at Lucina, along with Inigo and the other children. Their future had been destroyed because of Grima. After all their hardships, all their struggles, the best hope for their future was now in front of them. Was it right of Chrom to risk it, just to save Sekai?

Chrom also looked at Lissa, who appeared distraught. This was also her husband, his brother being talked about. They had heard for two years now that Sekai was going to die. They had all fought against it, yet it came just the same.

Chrom also thought of Emmeryn. She had given her own life for the countries of both Ylisse and Plegia, rather than risking their destructions. Would she risk the world, simply to save Sekai? Now more than ever he wished she was still alive. She would know what to do.

Looking down, Chrom also remembered the "conversation" the two had had the previous day.

...

"So, what's this plan all about?" Chrom asked as he walked into the tent.

Sekai followed behind, closing the flaps behind them. He mumbled something as he tied the flaps shut.

"What was that?" Chrom asked.

"Nothing." Sekai stated as he walked over. "Just cursing the tent so that no one can view inside through magic, or eavesdrop outside."

Chrom blinked and sighed. "I assume you always do this?"

Sekai nodded, writing on a piece of paper. "Normally."

Chrom rolled his eyes. "Well, I suppose your paranoia has saved us on more than one occasion."

"Most of them." Sekai said. He pushed the paper over to Chrom, who looked down at it.

Play along. Communicate through the paper.

Chrom raised an eyebrow and looked at Sekai, who nodded. Sighing Chrom began writing.

"We need to have a talk about your paranoia, but later. What's your plan?" Chrom said, pushing the paper to Sekai.

Serious about the paranoia. What's this about?

"So tomorrow we will most likely fight the Deadlords." Sekai said, writing on the paper.

"You've said that before. Who are these "Deadlords"?" Chrom asked.

"The reanimated bodies of several great warriors, stripped of their former memories and identities." Sekai said. "Summoning them is difficult, controlling them is even more so. But if it can be done, even seasoned warriors can have difficulty fighting them."

"And what makes you so sure we are fighting them?" Chrom asked.

"Simple. The Grimleal are competent necromancers." Sekai said. "They will have raised them just to try and take some of us down if possible."

Chrom raised an eyebrow. "Some of us? Wouldn't they want to kill us?"

Sekai rolled his eyes. "No Chrom, they want us for tea." Sekai quipped. "The ideal goal is for all of us to die, but the Shepherds, as I've come to discover, are an annoying bunch prone to survive against odds that would kill anyone."

Chrom blinked before he smirked. "Do my ears deceive me, or is our pessimist tactician actually saying he has faith in the Shepherds?"

"Anyways." Sekai said, ignoring Chrom's remark. "Once we deal with the Deadlords, we will split off our group. Any fliers will circle with their mounts towards the throne room window. At a signal, they will fly in and evacuate the rest of us if things go south. The other group will infiltrate the castle and attempt to recover the Fire Emblem."

Sekai pushed the paper to Chrom, who looked down at it.

Once we enter the throne room, my father will most likely try to separate the two of us and fight us alone. He will probably have the Fire Emblem secured away in a safe location. I will look for an opportune moment, and make a showing of "killing" you, whether by accident or being under control. I'll need you to pretend to die.

Chrom raised his eyebrows. "And what of your father?" He scribbled something down quickly.

Pretend to die? I hope there is a reason for this Sekai.

Sekai nodded. "I hit my father with a full Thoron blast just a few days ago, and he seemed no worse for the wear a few minutes later. I don't know what's happened to him, but I don't think killing him will be as easy as stabbing him."

You doubt me? With you "dead", my father will probably summon the Fire Emblem and begin summoning Grima. When the opportunity is right, I will signal to you by a small electric shock of magic to slice off Validar's arm and recover the Emblem.

Chrom pursed his lips. "I don't like having to leave him alive."

And risk him completing whatever he wants to do with the Emblem?

Sekai shook his head. "I don't either Chrom, but I need more information than what I currently have."

He won't be able to. He needs all five gemstones for the Emblem to work, and he's missing one.

Chrom scrunched his eyebrows and looked at Sekai in confusion, only to recognize Sekai's smirk. Rolling his eyes, he wrote down.

You've done something, haven't you?

Sekai put a finger to his lips, his sign that he wasn't going to tell.

"So, any further questions?" Sekai asked.

Chrom sighed. "No. I'm sure we'll figure out what to with your father later."

Sekai nodded, grabbing the piece of paper and putting it inside of his coat. "I will be putting thought into that. There is...one more thing though."

Chrom looked at him. "What is it?"

Sekai pursed his lips. "One, don't tell Lissa what I'm about to ask you. She'd kill me for asking it."

Chrom raised an eyebrow. "Okay..."

"Two," Sekai continued. "Don't kill me for what I'm about to ask you."

Chrom folded his arms. "This is sounding better and better every second."

"My father has proven he can exert some influence over me." Sekai said. "I didn't know he could beforehand, so I wasn't prepared when he did two days ago."

"This again?" Chrom said, putting a hand on Sekai's shoulder. "I already told you, don't worry about it."

"I'm not." Sekai said. "But I don't take chances." He turned and looked Chrom in the eyes. "I know my father will try to control me again, and I promise I will resist with all that I have, but..."

"But...?" Chrom said, a sickening feeling he knew what Sekai was about to ask.

"But if I don't, I need to count on you to kill me." Sekai said.

"What!? No!" Chrom exclaimed.

"Chrom-" Sekai sighed.

Chrom pointed a finger at him. "Don't you even start. How could you even ASK that?"

"Because," Sekai interjected. "It's the wise thing to do and you know it. Stop and think about it Chrom. This isn't some battle against brigands or Risen, or even a war with Gangrel or Walhart. This is a fight that WILL decide the fate of the WORLD."

Chrom pursed his lips and remained silent.

"We only have to look at our children to see that." Sekai continued.

"Your kids, my son and daughter, all of the other kids and the people of the world. Countless millions? All looking to us. One life is not worth millions."

"I know..." Chrom muttered.

"Then you know we can't take chances, we need to-" Sekai said.

"I know!" Chrom exclaimed. "The words are poison to my tongue, but I know. You're right, it's just..."

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "Just?"

Chrom sighed. "Sekai, you have to understand. You're not my friend, you're my brother." Chrom looked him in the eyes. "After all we've been through these few years, I feel like we've known each other our whole lives. The idea that you might have to die..."

Sekai pursed his lips. "I know Chrom, believe me I do. I wouldn't ask this of anyone but you. You are the only person I trust to do this."

Chrom pursed his lips but nodded. "Alright. Alright, I'll do it if need be. But you'd better fight it with every ounce of your being and then some!" Chrom said.

Sekai scoffed. "Yeah yeah yeah." He began walking towards the tent exit. "I need to go handle something, but I'll see you at dinner."

"Sekai..." Chrom called.

Sekai turned around. "Hmmm?"

Chrom gave him a determined glare. "Don't make me have to do it. Everything."

Sekai blinked and nodded. "Everything."

...

Chrom pursed his lips. Had Sekai fought it with everything he had, but still lost? Was Grima's soul to powerful an opponent for him to defeat? If that were the case, Sekai would want Chrom to kill him. Chrom looked down at the Falchion's hilt.

Was this really the only way?

Chrom's attention was suddenly drawn when one of the roots holding Sekai began changing color. It was slow but noticeable. The rich brown soon grew a light tan, and several of the other roots were doing the same as well.

"What the?" He muttered.

"Grima...is awakening..." Naga said.

Sekai's eyes suddenly opened, glowing a deep purple, and Chrom saw him smile. Before Chrom could think on it to much, a shockwave of purple energy launched Chrom backwards. Sekai picked himself up, only for more roots to wrap around him. Those roots quickly began to decay, only to explode through energy as well.

"Lord Chrom!" Frederick exclaimed, rushing forward with a lance. He pierced directly through Sekai's chest. Rather than blood however, pieces of Sekai shot out and disintegrated, like bits of paper burning into ash. "The gods!?" Frederick muttered.

Sekai scoffed and pushed Frederick away with energy. "Your weapons can't kill me." Sekai said. He grabbed the shaft of the lance and pulled the lance out. The hole in his chest quickly reformed, leaving no sign of even a scratch on Sekai. "But nice try." He tossed

Frederick's lance back at him.

"Dammit..." Gaius muttered before he rushed at Sekai, Stahl and Lon'Qu following. Gaius slashed across Sekai's chest, ripping through it.

Stahl pierced through his stomach, while Lon'Qu stabbed into his shoulder. Vaike then hurled an ax directly into Sekai's chest.

Sekai grimaced in pain. "Ow! Dammit, that hurts!" He called, launching the three back. Before Sekai could move however, he was hit by an arrow from Virion. Ricken then fired the Excalibur spell into Sekai, knocking him back into the tree and tearing him apart.

For a moment there was silence, only for Sekai to reform with an irritated expression. "Can you all PLEASE stop!? Because that REALLY hurts." He said.

"...Impressive...Child of Grima..." Naga said.

Sekai turned and looked at Naga. "Oh Naga, you're here to?"

"Sekai...?" Lissa called. "Is...is that you?"

Sekai looked over at Lissa and nodded. "Yes, for now at least."

Lissa's eyes widened and she began running to Sekai, only to be stopped when Owain stepped in front of her. "H-Huh? Owain!?" Lissa exclaimed.

"Hold Mother," Owain said, gripping Luna tightly. "How do we know it's really Father?"

Sekai smiled. "That's my boy." Sekai looked over at Chrom, who had gotten back up and was standing with Falchion drawn. "Chrom you idiot. You should have killed me as soon as you became Awoken."

Chrom stared at Sekai before he smiled. He put the Falchion in it's sheath. "Sorry, couldn't do it without trying to reach you. Besides, didn't you say you went with the stupid plans because they always worked?" He walked up and clapped Sekai on the shoulder.

"Father!?" Lucina exclaimed. "Don't get to close! We don't-"

"It's Sekai." Chrom said. "I recognize him by his eyes."

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "My...eyes?"

Chrom nodded. "Yeah. There's a softness in them that you have, that Grima doesn't." He looked into Sekai's eyes. "I am curious about the sudden color change though."

"Part of having "become one" with Grima." Sekai said. He then looked up and saw the Grima dragon flying towards them. "Oh good, he's already here."

Chrom looked at the dragon. "Yeah, I was hoping you had a plan to deal with that."

Sekai rubbed his chin. "My future self is on that dragon. We'll just have to kill him."

Chrom raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound so easy."

"Well," Sekai said. "There is bound to be some difficulties, but I'm sure we can handle it."

Lucina tentatively walked up. "But...Uncle...how are we supposed to kill him? Our weapons don't seem to have an effect on him..."

Sekai nodded. "Yeah I know. We'll have toGAH!" Sekai grabbed his head in pain.

"Sekai!" Lissa called, running up to him.

Sekai suddenly unleashed a shockwave of energy, knocking everyone away. "Stay back!" He yelled, his voice distorted

Chrom was immediately up. "What's wrong!?" He exclaimed.

Sekai took some deep breaths. "Sorry...Grima is trying to take control." He looked up, clutching the side of his head with one hand. "I don't have much time. We have to move, and fast."

Chrom pursed his lips and nodded. "Alright. What's the plan?"

Sekai breathed out and released his head. "Chrom and I will focus on Grima. The rest of you will have to hold off the Risen forces. Once Grima is defeated, the Risen will vanish, so Chrom," Sekai said looking at Chrom. "We'll have to make this fast."

Chrom nodded. "Right." He said.

Gaius smirked. "Sweet. So we just have to count on one of you two to kill Grima. I like it."

Morgan smiled. "Yeah, no one's stronger than Father or Uncle Chrom when they fight together!"

"We may just win this thing yet!" Basilio exclaimed.

Chrom smiled, but Sekai remained silent. Lucina looked over at Naga. "Naga, will this work?"

Naga pursed her lips. "Yes...and no..."

Chrom looked confused. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"As I said before...my power cannot kill Grima...nor his power kill me..." Naga explained. "If the Awoken one...deals the blow...Grima will only be sealed away again..."

"What!?" Flavia exclaimed. "You mean our best hope is only sealing him again?"

"Not quite." Sekai said, causing everyone to look at him. "Naga's power can only stop Grima temporarily, but there is another way."

"What do you mean?" Lissa asked.

"I'll explain." Sekai said. He began drawing a circle in the air, tracing it with magical energy. "What Grima has done is caused a constant flow of magical energy going between that dragon and himself. So long has this flow remains uninterrupted, Grima has unlimited stamina and energy." Sekai then pointed at himself. "This energy is used for a variety of things, but it's main purpose has been to turn his human body and dragon body into canisters for that energy. Any damage done to said canisters can simply be repaired."

"So essentially, Grima is invincible?" Gaius asked.

Sekai pursed his lips. "You could say that. Naga's power can weaken him, but the only thing that can stop Grima is Grima himself."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Sumia asked.

Sekai drew the circle again. "So Grima's power is a constant flow. Naga can put a block on it, stopping the flow." Sekai blocked his finger with his hand, illustrating the point. After a moment, the magical energy disappeared. "If it can't move, the energy dissipates, and will require a large amount of magical energy to resume. That's how Grima is awoken. But if Grima's own energy collides with itself."

Sekai again drew a circle, then went the opposite direction, causing the energy to flare brightly and burn away.

Frederick's eyes widened. "A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand..." he muttered.

"Grima's deadliest enemy is himself." Sekai said, nodding.

"I don't get it, how do you already understand all of this Uncle Sekai?" Cynthia asked.

Sekai pursed his lips, silent for a moment. "Grima and I," he answered. "We've become one. We share memories and experiences. Though I am still attempting to understand the new flood of information I have received, I understand enough to know this is Grima's weakness."

The Shepherds were all silent as everyone pondered the new change in developments.

"I guess our question now," Chrom said. "Is how would we get Grima to kill himself?"

"I doubt he will do so willingly." Lon'Qu stated.

"We don't need Grima to do it." Sekai said. "At least, not in the way you are all thinking."

"What do you mean?" Chrom asked Sekai.

Sekai sighed. "Once again. Grima and I are one. My memories are his, his are mine. My power is his..." Sekai trailed off.

Morgan's eyes widened. "And Grima's power is yours." Morgan gave a huge smile. "You have the power to kill Grima!" She exclaimed.

Sekai nodded. Several of the other children expressed excitement at the prospect, Owain in particular.

"I always knew we just needed to awaken the power in our blood to defeat the Fell Dragon!" Owain exclaimed.

Lissa looked over at Naga. "Naga, would that really work?"

Naga nodded. "It would..." There was silence for a moment, and then the Shepherds began chattering excitedly. Naga pursed her lips. "It would...but there would be...consequences..."

The Shepherds stopped, staring at Naga in confusion. "What do you mean, "consequences"?" Chrom asked.

"The bond is to strong...man and dragon can no longer...be separated..." Naga explained. She looked down at Sekai. "If the Child of Grima...lands the fatal blow...he will follow Grima...into the abyss..."

Lissa's eyes widened. "Are you saying if Sekai kills Grima..."

"Sekai...will also die?" Chrom said.

The Shepherds all looked at Sekai who gave a resolute nod. "I have thought this through. I am willing to-"

"NO!" Lissa exclaimed. "You most certainly will NOT!"

Sekai sighed. "Lissa-"

"Don't you even START buster!" Lissa scolded, stomping up to Sekai. "There is no way you can convince me I should just let you die!"

"I'm not saying-" Sekai tried.

"Lissa is right Sekai." Chrom said. "There will be no smart talking your way with this one."

"Would you ple-" Sekai said, irritation creeping in.

"You can't die Father! I won't let you!" Morgan exclaimed.

Sekai's eye twitched. "Would you all let me speak!?" Sekai panted a little bit and sighed. "Can we please all just take a step back and look at this chance we have? Grima can be killed by us, today. Never more to rise, to terrorize this world. If we don't kill him, chances are he'll just return."

"And we'll find a way to stop him together!" Chrom said.

"And if we all die before then?" Sekai retorted. "For all we know, it'll be centuries before this happens again. And then, another person will have to be Grima's vessel. Are you telling me you believe that person will also be able to control Grima's power long enough to kill him?"

"You underestimate a manakete's life span Sekai." Nah said. "We can warn the world of Grima long after the rest of you pass on."

Sekai folded his arms. "And what happens when you all still die? Manakete are not immortal, Grima is. If there is even a chance that Grima can return, then he will. This is the best, probably the ONLY, chance we have to end Grima. Here and now."

"And lose you in the process!?" Lissa exclaimed. "Is that what you want? To leave us all in sorrow?"

Sekai pursed his lips. "Of course not." He said after a moment. "But I do wish to save this world from suffering. Think. Please. I am not just thinking of the Shepherds here, or of Ylisse or Plegia. I am thinking of the world, the countless millions now here and to come. Am I to leave them all at risk of Grima, of extinction, just so I can live a long and happy life?" Sekai looked at the future children. "I have seen the suffering, the devastation Grima will leave. Would you all have me be so selfish as to risk the world to spare us all the grief of my demise?"

The Shepherds remained quiet, Lissa and Chrom both looking torn.

"I would." Gerome suddenly said.

Sekai blinked and looked at the wyvern rider in shock. "What!? What are you saying Gerome?"

Gerome scoffed. "Has not your life been a rebellion against your fate? Ever since I've arrived to this time, I have watched you fight tirelessly against it, and have watched you succeed. Are you going to give up now?"

Kjelle nodded. "Gerome's right. When we came back in time, we swore to find a path where no one would have to be sacrificed or lost. We still seek that path."

"Uh huh." Cynthia stated. "A heroic sacrifice is cool and all, but frankly we'd rather have you here with us."

"You are a being who comes only once in a thousand years." Nah said. "The world will be a better place if you live longer in it."

Laurent nodded. "Have you not taught Morgan and I there is always multiple paths to choose? You say it is either you and Grima die or neither. I say we find another path, one that does not require your sacrifice."

"We're sick and tired of having to watch those we love die." Yarne stated boldly. "We're not gonna watch you die to!"

"Exactly." Severa said. "Of all people Sekai, I wouldn't expect you to be so stupid."

"W-We need you here, with us." Noire said.

"We haven't gone through hell to save all of you just to watch you swan dive into it." Brady said.

"Face it Uncle, we don't want to let you go. And I'm sure you know just how far all of us are willing to go to get something we want by now." Inigo smiled.

"We have fought Grima in two worlds and won so far without losing any of us." Lucina said. "We are not going to start today."

Morgan nodded. "Don't even think for a moment of sacrificing yourself Father, cause we're not gonna let you!"

Owain smiled. "You're not dying today Father, for it is not your time. We'll find a way to vanquish the evil in our blood without sacrificing you!"

Sekai blinked, but before he could respond the other Shepherds voiced similar sentiments.

"I have sworn my life to defend the Royal Family, and that includes against them trying to harm themselves." Frederick stated.

"You're a hell of a stubborn guy Sekai, but we're all even more so. You're staying here even if we have to tie you to a tree." Sully said.

Virion nodded. "Indeed. As noble a sacrifice it would be, it would still be undesired. And a true gentleman lives only to cater to desires."

"The Vaike ain't done with ya yet, and you're not done with the Vaike!" Vaike smiled.

"None of us can bear the thought of you meeting your end today. We have so many more experiences to share." Sumia said.

"Your death at this time is undesirable. That's a fact Sekai." Miriel said.

Stahl smiled. "We started this road together Sekai. It would be a shame if you weren't there to see the end of it with us."

Sekai felt a breeze, and faintly heard words upon it. "You're my friend Sekai, and I'd rather you stick around." Kellam's voice called.

"Foolishness does not suit you Sekai." Lon'Qu said. "And neither does death."

"Of all people Sekai, no one deserves a lovely future more than you. I intend to see you collect." Maribelle smirked. "Willingly or no." She added.

"You can't bail out on us now Sekai. Life is sweet with you around, and we wanna keep it that way." Gaius said.

"I have watched to many comrades die already." Cordelia said. "Would you have us all experience that pain?"

Panne nodded. "Your regard for your warren is worthy of any taguel, but no true taguel leaves their warren willingly."

"Yeah!" Nowi exclaimed. "You belong here with us, not with cruddy Grima!"

Gregor smiled. "Amusing how smart tactician can be so stupid! Gregor will teach you life is for enjoying, yes!?"

Libra nodded. "Your life is not Grima's Sekai, nor are his sins yours. There is no need for you to atone for them."

Tharja snarled. "Forget the world. I want you here, and so do the rest."

Olivia nodded. "Chrom and I have talked about everything we want to do as a family Sekai. Please, don't take that away from us."

"Ron'Shin, Minerva, everyone...me...we'd all be heartbroken to lose you." Cherche said.

"I know death is exciting Sekai, but no need to rush it. Let's savor it's far off embrace together!" Henry smiled.

"There's still plenty of work here for you to do before you can call it a day Sekai." Donnel smiled.

"Death is overrated boy, take it from me." Basilio said.

Flavia smirked. "Stop trying to be all heroic Sekai, we're not having it."

"There is indeed risk to sealing Grima away, but if the alternative is your demise then we'll take it." Tiki said.

Lissa nodded. "Yeah. Didn't you promise me we'd be together forever? Besides, I'm to young to be a widow!"

Chrom nodded. "Don't you see Sekai? You belong with here, with us. The future will always be uncertain, but that's why we need to try a build a better one. We want you to help us build that future."

Sekai pursed his lips and sighed. He closed his eyes, and rubbed his temples with one hand. "When did I find myself surrounded by so many fools..." He muttered. Taking a deep breath, he looked up and stared at Chrom. "You realize this is perhaps the only chance to end Grima once and for all you all want us to throw away, right?"

Chrom nodded. "We'll find a way. Just promise us Sekai. Promise us you won't kill Grima."

Sekai was silent for a moment before he nodded. "If you all are so adamant about it, what can I do but agree? I give you my word I will not strike a killing blow on Grima."

Chrom smiled, clapping Sekai on the shoulder. "Thanks Sekai. I know we're taking a huge risk here, but we're not going to sacrifice one of our own just to avoid it."

Sekai blinked, looking up at the dragon. "Hopefully future generations will vindicate us in that decision."

"The decision is yours...make it as you will..." Naga said.

Lucina gulped. "So, what's the plan?"

Sekai pursed his lips, concentrating. He could feel his other self coming. "Grima is on his way here. We'll wait for him, fight him where we have the advantage."

"Advantage?" Chrom asked.

Sekai nodded. "This mountain is saturated with Naga's energy, which also provides a dampening effect on Grima. This is the one place in this world he will be at his weakest. Consequently," he said, looking at Chrom. "This is where you are at the strongest."

"So if we're gonna beat Grima..." Chrom said.

"This is the place we'll do it in." Sekai said.

"And you're certain about this? That he'll be weakened here I mean." Chrom asked.

Sekai glared at Chrom. "Chrom. Need I again say I have Grima's power? I FEEL the dampening effect."

Chrom chuckled nervously. "Just making sure..."

Sekai rolled his eyes. "Goodness Chrom."

Chrom rubbed the back of his head. "How long do you think we have?"

Sekai pursed his lips. "Not long. A few minutes at most."

Chrom nodded. He turned and looked at the Shepherds. "All right everyone, let's get ready!"

Everyone quickly broke into small groups, sticking together. Owain walked up to Sekai. "Father! You dropped this." Owain handed Sekai the Luna.

Sekai stared at the Luna and smiled, taking it in hand. "Thank you Owain. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here right now."

Owain blinked in confusion. "Father?"

Sekai quickly pulled Owain into a hug.

"H-Huh!? F-Father!?" Owain exclaimed.

"I'm not the type of person to show affection, you know that. But," Sekai whispered, tightening his hug. "I just wanted you to know how grateful I am that you're my son."

Owain felt his eyes water, and he returned the embrace. "I'm even more grateful that you're my father."

Sekai released Owain and put his hands on Owain's shoulders. "Be careful Owain."

Owain nodded. "You to Father."

Sekai smiled as Owain left, only for his face to grow serious as he watched Owain leave. So, he thought, it really is there.

Now that he had fused with Grima, he could see the curse that was on Owain as clearly as he could see his son. He didn't know what the curse did, or why it was on Owain in the first place, all he knew was that it was strong. Strong enough he didn't know if even he'd be able to break it.

The strangest thing was that the magical energies that powered the curse was that of Grima's. Looking over at Morgan, he sensed similar energies on her, though slightly weaker. What was the curse on his children?

He sighed, thinking to himself that there was nothing to do about it now. Sekai took the Luna and walked over to where Ron'Shin was. "Hey buddy, how are you doing?"

Ron'Shin gave a low growl, rubbing his head into Sekai. Sekai chuckled. "Yes, yes. I'm fine Ron'Shin."

Ron'Shin brought his massive head up to Sekai's, staring into his eyes. Ron'Shin growled again, causing Sekai to purse his lips. "I have had...an experience these past few hours Ron'Shin."

Ron'Shin cooed, causing Sekai to smirk. "Perhaps one day I shall share the tale."

"What tale?" Lissa's voice asked.

Sekai looked over, seeing Lissa walk up to him. "Oh, just what happened to me these past few hours."

Lissa pursed her lips, wrapping her arms around Sekai's waist. "Perhaps...you'll tell me to?"

Sekai nodded. "Of course."

Lissa looked at Ron'Shin. "Shin, I'd like some privacy. Can you cover us?" Ron'Shin nodded, pulling a wing over the two, blocking them off. Lissa pulled herself into Sekai. "Can I make a request? Can you hold me right now, and promise me everything will be alright?"

Sekai nodded, wrapping his arms around Lissa. "Of course. Everything will be alright Lissa."

Lissa gulped. "I know it will. I just...I just have a feeling."

Sekai rubbed Lissa's head, shushing her softly. "It'll be okay love, I promise."

Lissa sniffed, looking up at Sekai. "Really?"

Sekai smiled. "Have I ever broken a promise?"

Lissa smiled, hugging Sekai again. "No...no you haven't."

Sekai held Lissa close. "I can't promise there won't be sorrow by the end of this, but I can promise that everything will be okay..."

Lissa was silent for a moment. "You'd never break a promise to me, right?"

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

Lissa looked Sekai in the eyes. "I want you to promise me, here and now, that you will not sacrifice yourself to kill Grima."

Sekai scrunched his eyebrows. "Didn't I already-"

"No." Lissa interrupted. "I want a promise directly to me."

Sekai smiled and kissed Lissa on the forehead. "As you wish." He stared directly into Lissa's eyes. "I promise you that I will not sacrifice myself to kill Grima."

Lissa held up a pinky. "Pinky promise?"

Sekai wrapped a pinky around Lissa's. "Pinky promise."

Lissa smiled and wrapped Sekai in a hug again. "Thank you. I'm sorry I can be so worrisome at times."

Sekai chuckled. "You're just, oh what's the word...paranoid?" He smirked.

Lissa giggled. "Maybe we're rubbing off on each other more than we think."

"Uhhh, Sekai? Are you in there?" Chrom's voice called.

Sekai sighed. "Duty calls."

Lissa pouted. "And always when we're having a moment."

Sekai scoffed in amusement. Releasing Lissa, he let out a quick whistle, signaling to Ron'Shin to lift up his wing, revealing an

embarrassed looking Chrom. "You called?"

Chrom sighed. "After all these years, you two being married still weirds me out at times."

Lissa scoffed, giving Sekai a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll go find Owain. I assume you will want the two of us to stick together, right?"

"I'll make a tactician out of you yet." Sekai quipped.

Lissa rolled her eyes and skipped off. Chrom folded his arms, sighing again. "I don't even want to know what that was about."

Sekai was silent, staring at Lissa as she walked away. Chrom raised an eyebrow at the sight. Looking at Sekai, he swore that Sekai had regret in his eyes.

"Sekai? You okay?" He asked.

Sekai pursed his lips and nodded. "Yes, I'm just...unsure about my decision regarding Grima..."

Chrom grew serious. "Sekai-"

Sekai waved him off. "I know I know. No one would accept me sacrificing myself, I have to much to live for, it's not our way. Basic Chrom stuff."

Chrom narrowed his eyes. "And yet I seem to have to repeat myself quite frequently."

Sekai chuckled, then stopped and looked at the Grima dragon. "He's here..."

Chrom raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

Sekai nodded, walking towards the main body of the Shepherds. "Very." He said.

"Battle stations everyone, now!" Chrom yelled. He then turned and looked at Sekai. "Sekai...just...just please, let me take care of this."

Sekai nodded. "I will not land the killing blow. You have my word."

Chrom was silent, staring intently into Sekai's eyes. He couldn't see any hint that Sekai was lying, but there still seemed to be guilt. And Chrom had a horrible feeling it wasn't because Sekai was going to let him seal Grima away.

A sudden moan drew his attention away. Looking over, Chrom watched as Risen began appearing, some coming out of the ground, or others walking up the mountain path. The Shepherds pulled out their weapons, aiming them at the Risen. The air in front of them crackled, and Grima soon stepped out onto the mountain, appearing from thin air.

"I have to give my compliments, dear Shepherds." Grima said with a bow of his head. "You could have chosen no better place for your graves."

"We're not dying here today dragon!" Gerome called.

Grima chuckled. "Oh, but aren't you? Challenge fate all you will, but in the end it is always useless."

"Is it?" Sekai asked as he walked up.

Grima raised an eyebrow. "What is this? You are awoken, but I sense...nothing..."

Sekai smiled. "Sorry, Grima's busy at the moment. I can entertain you however."

Grima narrowed his eyes. "How is this..." Grima said before he simply smiled. "No matter. I will admit, your resistance is impressive, but you cannot fight your fate for long."

Sekai's arms crackled with energy. "I won't be fighting fate Grima. I'll be fighting you."

Grima scoffed. "So be it." Grima's eyes glowed purple, and his own arms crackled. "Kill them all." He said.

Sekai smirked. "What do you know. We agree."

The Risen charged the Shepherds, and the battle began.

...

And the final battle commences!

This was as always a fun part of the story to write. I know I did the whole "all the Shepherds" speak thing last chapter, but I did it again here because I felt it adds to the emotion of the scene. That, and I can't just write everyone sitting there being quiet. Besides, the endgame various phrases are well written, and I want to include them.

But I know the question on all your minds. Will Sekai keep his word? Will he strike down Grima? Am I going to spoil this moment? Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

*Nibbles on a carrot* Ain't I a stinker?

REVIEWS!

Anonymous: Eh, you win some you lose some. I stand by what I have written.

SnowyDawn17: Glad you liked it. Originally it was just Naga telling the story, but then I realized I needed Sekai to know things he couldn't know at that time, so I had Grima expound. Then it grew. I'm happy how it turned out.

SoulEvangile: Good you caught that. Originally the mother's name was going to be Katsura, but with Ophelia's introduction I figured it was the better decision. I also hope you continue posting your works, I enjoy them.