"At last, we have won!" Declared Chrom.
In a center chamber of the Dragon's Table, the Exalt of Ylisse and his trusted tactician, Robin, stood over the fresh corpse of the vessel of the Fell Dragon, Grima.
It was a dicey decision when the Shepherds entered the castle. Chrom had wanted to head straight for Validar, but Robin had conceived of a different plan.
Validar would've expecting Chrom to arrive and try to take the Fire Emblem, using it as the most opportune time to kill him and resurrect Grima. However, Robin figured that the ceremony would be fruitless if they managed to kill Grima's vessel first.
So, while the main force of the Shepherds - led by Frederick and Lissa - attacked Validar, Chrom and Robin searched the Table for the fell vessel. With the element of surprise on their side, the two men attacked, finally ending it by skewering Grima on the Falchion.
"You did it, Chrom! You were able to slay Grima!" Congratulated Robin.
"No. We did it, Robin. Without your knowledge, I don't know how far I would've gotten." Chrom said with a tinge of bashfulness in his voice.
"I guess it doesn't matter whose achievement this was in the end." conceded the tactician. "This is a victory for all of Ylisse - no, wait. A victory for the entire world! Now, we can make a better future for Morgan, Lucina, and all the other children."
"Aye. We most certainly can." The blue haired Exalt started to become misty eyed at his friend's proclamation.
Lucina, his beloved daughter, had crossed time and space to help in the war against the Grimleal and their dark god. The horrors she described of the future and the hardships she and her friends experienced in those times would now be assuredly avoided.
However, the battle was not fully over yet.
"We've no time to dwell on the future." Chrom said as he wiped a tear from his eye. "We need to rejoin the others against Validar."
Robin watched as Chrom reached for Falchion; which was still lodged in the chest of the vessel. The white haired amenesiac could only apprehensively stare at the corpse that shared his face, silently praying to Naga that they had truly avoided his grim fate.
As Robin examined the defeated vessel, he noticed his head turning ever so slightly. His body started to tremble.
"Chrom, move!"
At Robin's warning, Chrom leapt back with Falchion in hand, readying himself to begin the battle anew.
"Damn you…" Bellowed the disembodied voice of Grima. "I must ensure my resurrection! I will not allow myself to be denied proper flesh by worms like you!"
The purple aura radiating from the corpse strengthened, growing larger and larger until forming into a powerful storm of wicked energy. In the midst of the ominous cloud, the mark of the Grimleal burned red.
"Looks we'll have to wait before we can regroup with the others!" Joked Chrom.
"That won't be necessary."
Suddenly, Validar appeared in a pillar of warp energy.
"Where is the Fire Emblem?" Grima demanded.
"Unfortunately, those Ylissean pests had managed to exchange one of the gemstones with a fake." Validar irritably reported. "I take it this was your scheme, my son?"
"Don't you dare call me that!" shouted Robin. "You're no father, and I've made sure that the last gemstone is far away from you!"
"Keh! Keh! I would expect nothing less from the perfect vessel!"Sneered Validar. "I guess we'll just have Lord Grima forcibly rejoin with you and begin your ascension."
"No." refused the Fell Dragon.
"Huh?" Validar was completely caught unawares. "B-But my lord…"
"Without the gemstone, my revival is incomplete. We must obtain a functioning Fire Emblem! Luckily, I have a contingency. Take us away from this place."
"Yes, my lord."
The wild magic began to rescind, retreating until it had fully secured itself inside the pages of Validar's tome. With Grima's soul preserved, the dark priest warped out of Dragon's Table.
"That dastard!" Cursed Chrom, his sword slicing through space Validar once stood.
"Your Highness!"
Frederick's horse galloped towards Chrom's side, the Fire Emblem secure under the Great Knight's arm. Lissa followed close behind.
"We all felt that burst of power all the way on the upper floors. Are you alright?!" Worried the retainer.
"Yes. We're fine." Chrom nodded. "I'm glad you two are safe. What about the others?"
"All good thanks to my super healing!" Lissa proclaimed proudly.
"That's good to hear." Said Robin.
"Unfortunately, Validar evade us just as we were preparing to strike him down." Lamented Frederick. "Were you able to slay Grima?"
"I'm afraid we came up short as well." answered the Exalt. "He converted himself into some intangible magic form, and was teleported away along with Validar."
"Grima mentioned something about obtaining another Fire Emblem." Robin recalled. He turned to Chrom. "Is there such a thing?"
"None to my knowledge."
"Why are we all standing around here like a bunch of dopes?!" Lissa cried. "Let's stop hurry anc catch up to him before he gets too far!"
"I agree." Nodded Frederick. "We haven't a moment to waste."
"Don't fret, you two." said Robin. "I planned for something like this to happen."
Outside of the Dragon's Table, Validar looked over the fallen forms of the Deadlords as well as his "daughter," Aversa, his face a potent mix of disappointment and anger.
"Such a waste of good holy weapons." He thought as he used his magic to encapsulate and levitate the five Jugdralian Holy Weapons into five magic circles.
"Why do you waste time on those trinkets?" wondered Grima.
"It took a long time to infiltrate Jugdral and obtain the Deadlords and Holy Weapons. While I can remake the former, the latter is not something I am capable of replicating." Replied his servant. "As for this 'other Fire Emblem' you mentioned, where might we obtain such an artifact?"
"First, we must access the Outrealm Gate."
"The Outrealm Gate? But I don't have nearly enough magic in my warp tome to make it all to southern Ylisse-"
The former king of Plegia was interrupted by the sound of an arrow speeding towards his neck. Deftly catching it, he turned to the source of the attack, seeing two of the future children of the Shepherds hiding behind the rocky structures of the Table.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I messed up and I couldn't kill him! I'm sorry!" Stammered Noire, daughter of the Plegian traitor Tharja. The arrow was hers.
"You took the shot! That's what mattered, damnit! Quit crying!" Severa, the daughter of genius Pegasus knight Cordelia, scolded through gritted teeth.
"Mire…" Validar held up his hand towards the girls, indicating he had activated a spell. Blobs of green slime floated above the heads of Noire and Severa.
Before the blobs could fully rupture and do damage, the pair were teleported away. Sensing where they had vanished, Validar looked to a rock pillar and noticed a man dressed like a priest had saved the girls with his own magic.
"Took you long enough, Brady." Muttered the irritated mercenary.
"Hey, I saved your asses! That's what matters, right?" Moaned the thuggish future son of Ylissean noble Maribelle.
Validar clenched his teeth. "More nuisances."
"Ignore the worms. Warp now!" Ordered Grima.
Whipping out his tome, the dark priest began to glow, but before the spell could be completed his magic quickly dissipated.
"What?"
"Ha ha, looks like we got you trapped, 'grandpa'!" Snickered a voice.
Morgan, his granddaughter, and Laurent, the son of the mage Miriel, had used their magic to trap Validar inside a warp cancelling dome.
Enraged, Validar generated two balls of dark magic and launched them at the pair, but once again his attack was interrupted; his projectiles having been sliced in two.
"Ha, not a scratch on me! I thought you were supposed to be a fearsome mage!" Inigo, son of the Feroxi dancer Olivia, gloated.
"It'll take more than that wimpy magic to get through me!" Proclaimed Kjelle, the rough and tumble daughter of the cavalier knight Sully.
"Destroy them all! And do so quickly!" Roared Grima.
Before Validar could ready more dark magic, a sword descended upon him from above. Shifting quickly, the head of Grimleal created a dark cloud to shield against the attacker's blade. It was the Parallel Falchion, wielded by the exalt's daughter, Lucina.
"Your fight is with me!" The future princess declared. "I won't allow you to kill anymore!"
"So you're the girl who traversed the seas of time to try and prevent my master's resurrection." Sneered Validar.
Lucina rushed Validar with a flurry of strong swings, but none could connect. A magic circle appeared in front of dark mage, releasing a blast of magic that pushed the warrior off balance.
"You should've spent more time training with daddy!" Mocked Validar as he unleashed another spell.
The blue haired girl managed to defend herself from the blast.
"Do not take this child lightly!" shouted Grima. "Look at her left eye!"
Validar heeded his God's words and examined the girl closely. The accursed Brand of the Exalt that sat over Lucina's iris had begun to glow.
"Her Brand is reacting with the Falchion and enhancing its strength. Damn." Validar internally cursed. "If she damages my tome, lord Grima will die!"
"Darkness slaying god edge!"
"Heroic Lance!"
Suddenly, a pegasus knight and a myrmidon charged Validar. Reacting to the unfamiliar voices of new challengers, the dark priest created a purple forcefield around himself to block their flamboyant attacks.
"It appears that not even my aching sword hand can cut through this magic!" lamented Owain, the theatrical son of the Ylissean princess Lissa.
"No matter! Real heroes always triumph in the end!" Assured Cynthia, the daughter of pegasus knight Sumia.
As Validar held the twin attack at bay, he sensed more of the Shepherds fast approaching. Chrom was leading the pact along with Robin. It was only a matter of time before his plans crumbled underfoot.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!"
The Fell Dragon's magic billowed forth from its bindings, coalescing into a construct of Grima's skull. It was large enough to be witnessed by the oncoming Ylissean forces.
"Morgan!" Robin shouted as he desperately tried to make it to his daughter's side in time.
"Father-!"
The barrier containing Grima shattered, sending both Morgan and Laurent reeling.
"I do not have any interest for this!" screamed the Fell Dragon. "I will not be stopped by a pack of time distoriting whelps! Use your Warp NOW!"
Frantically, Validar opened his tome once more. Gone was the common magenta aura of Warp, it having been tainted black by Grima's dark influence.
"Stop!"
Lucina tried to cut down the priest, but it was too late. Validar and Grima had escaped their grasp.
The Shepherds regrouped, parents checking on their children, and assessing the damage.
Sumia doted on Cynthia, Lissa joked with Owain, Maribelle scolded Brady, Olivia worried about Inigo, Tharja smirked at a frightened Noire, Sully roared with Kjelle, Miriel analyzed the situation with Laurent, and Cordelia checked on a bashful Severa.
Robin gently cradled Morgan as he lifted her back onto her feet.
"Are you alright?" He asked as he dusted off her coat - one given to her by a future version of him.
"Yeah. I'm sorry, Father. I really screwed up." Morgan sighed solemnly.
Robin smiled. "It's fine. I'm just glad you're safe."
"I was so close…" Muttered Lucina, kneeling on the ground with tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Chrom placed a tentative hand on her shoulder.
"You did the best you could." he said with a sympathetic smile.
"No." the princess declared. "We've come this far! We have to finish it!" She shot up to her feet, wiping the tears from her eyes in defiance. "Every moment we waste feeling sorry for ourselves, the farther Grima and Validar get!"
Her "best" was simply not enough. She had to succeed at all costs. She had sacrificed too much to fail now. Her friend's shared her determination.
"Yeah!" Severa added, pushing away from her mother's embrace. "We can't just keep moping around like losers!"
Frederick nodded in agreement. "Do we have any leads as to where Grima was in such a hurry to warp to?"
"Um… I uhh… I h-heard…" Noire sheepishly stammered until receiving a "loving" nudge by her mother. "Grima mentioned heading to the Outrealm Gate!"
This revelation shocked everyone. The distance between the Gate and Dragon's Table was immense to say the very least. They'd have to first travel south, procure a ship, and finally sail to a small island off the coast of Ylisse. Even moving their fastest - which would require the aid of Tiki, Nowi, Panne, and Cherche's wyvern, Minerva - it would still take them at least a couple of days to reach the gate.
"There's no way we'll catch up in time!" Cried Cynthia.
"Don't be so sure, Cynthia." Morgan interjected with a confident grin. "We can just use our own warp tome to reach them!"
"That wouldn't be possible." Sighed Laurent as he somberly pushing up his glasses.
"Validar's tome was enhanced by the fell magic of Grima, thus increasing the tome's base parameters far beyond its normal capabilities." his mother explained matter of factly.
As the Shepherds racked their brains for a solution to this dilemma, Robin thought more on Miriel's explanation. He rubbed his dry fingers over his Fell Brand, the symbol of Grima and the signal that dictated that he himself would one day be the one to burn the world to ash. Or so it was preordained.
Looking towards Chrom, all the tactician could feel was deep pain in his chest. The thought of killing the one who had so drastically changed his life and gave him purpose made him sick to his stomach.
Robin had thought that killing Grima's vessel could've prevented this, but he was foolish to think a God would be as easy to kill as a Risen. Now the monstrous inevitability had crossed over into another timeline, hellbent on finding an artifact that would bring about the destruction he so desperately craved.
Once more pondering on Miriel's words, Robin had an epiphany.
"I know how we can catch up with Validar!"
All the Shepherds turned towards their tactician and he elaborated.
"If you're able to call upon the power of the Fire Emblem, then we should be able to make an Outrealm portal right here!"
Frederick turned to Miriel. "Would it work?"
The mage pushed up her glasses. "In theory it is possible."
"Then let's give it a shot!"
Chrom removed the binding shield from his arm and recalled the ritual Tiki, had showed him before the battle. The gemstones inside the Fire Emblem began to glow in a beautiful aurora, causing the space in front of the Shepherds to twist and distort; opening a mystical blue rift.
"It really worked!" exclaimed the astonished exalt.
Cheers were heard as the gods of luck finally smiled in favor of the Ylissean army.
Robin took a breath and removed his right glove, his Fell Mark flashing in the setting sun. He placed his hand into the rift, wincing as a surge of power flowed through his body as his hand burned bright purple. Chrom stepped forward.
"Robin, what are you-!"
"It's ok!" The tactician assured.
Fuzzy images of ghostly faces filled his mind's eye. Through the struggle, Robin was able to see beyond the sea of the multiverse and feel Grima's presence on one world. Suddenly, he collapsed, Vaike catching him before he hit the ground.
"Don't worry, ol' Teach has got ya."
"Robin, what did you just do?" Chrom asked as Robin stood up.
"Grima and I are connected through this brand." He explained, looking down at his hand. It stung, but other than that he was fine. "I figured I could use it to track where he and Validar escaped to."
"And?"
"They've already crossed the threshold, but I know where to look."
"Then we can't waste anymore time!" Rallied Chrom."Everyone, prepare to-!"
Before the Exalt could charge head first into the portal, Robin blocked his path.
"I'm sorry, Chrom, but you can't go."
"Robin, this is no time for jokes."
"Precisely why I'm not making them." the tactician countered. "I understand you wanting to finish this, believe me I do; but you cannot fight this battle. There is a chance that once we cross the gate, we may never return."
"Are you insane?!" Chrom protested furiously. "How will you kill Grima on your own? You don't have Naga's power!"
"...I'll find a way."
"This is insanity. Now step aside and let's-"
Before Chrom could take another step he was halted again, this time by the firm hand of Frederick.
"Milord, Robin is correct. You must stay behind. Ylisse needs it's Exalt. If there is even a slim chance that there is no way back, then you leaving is unacceptable."
"Frederick, you-"
The air around the Shepherds grew grim as they watched Robin and Chrom. The realization of what it meant for them to cross over into another world was more than the group of warriors could initially process. They had hoped that once the Grimlael had been subdued they could all sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor, but sadly things were never that easy.
"The wars are over, Chrom." Robin spoke up. "Ylisse needs a ruler much more than a tactician right now. If you go, then you would be putting everything we've worked for in jeopardy."
Chrom was still unsure of what action to take. Of course he knew Robin and Frederick were right, the Halidom needed it's ruler perhaps now more than ever, but he couldn't let Robin - his friend and closest confidant - brave such a dangerous mission alone. It was tantamount to suicide.
"I will accompany you, Sir Robin."
To the shock of everyone Lucina stepped forward.
"Lucina…" her father muttered weakly.
"I can slay Grima with my Falchion as well." She brandished her sword and held it high into the air. "I've braved the seas of time to save another world before, Father, and I shall do it again if that's what it takes to save others from sharing the same fate I have." Her smile started to wane. "It was nice, being your daughter. Please don't deny your Lucina that."
The Exalt inhaled noticeably as he thought back to his beloved baby daughter. It was hard to imagine that she would grow up to become the proud warrior that stood before him now. It almost made him shed a tear.
"Do you think you two can handle Validar and Grima on your own?"
It was less of a question and more of an interrogation.
"Not without me they won't!" Piped up Morgan.
"Morgan-"
"I won't take no for an answer, Father." she interrupted. "I lost you once, and I will not do it again!"
"Well, I can't let two beautiful maidens brave the perils of a foreign world all alone. I'll be coming too!" Inigo chivalrously volunteered, much to his mother's surprise.
"I-Inigo, you want to leave?" she nervously stammered.
"I'm truly sorry, Mother. I wish I could stay longer, but this is my duty. I must see it through to the end." Inigo told the dancer with an apologetic smile as she began to tear up.
"My sword hand aches!" Proclaimed the ever dramatic Owain, his arm waving wildly. "The Outrealm Gate beckons to my cursed blood!"
"Alright, just promise me you'll be safe." Lissa smiled sweetly.
"Do not try an-Wait, you're not going to stop me?!"
"If this is what you must do, then do it! Simple as that!" The princess laughed, slapping her son on the back.
"Mother…" Owain quickly wiped the tear from his eye. "G-good to see you finally have come to understand my curse!"
"Yeah. Yeah. Just try not to cause too much trouble."
As one pair of blondes made peace with this decision, another was not quite on the same page.
"I don't care how much trouble this 'other world' is in, you are staying right here, young man." Maribelle declared.
"Sorry, Ma..." Brady sheepishly started. "But I gotta go. They need me."
"Absolutely not! I won't allow it!" A red-faced Maribelle yelled as she tried to strike him with her parasol.
Grabbing the pink umbrella before it could strike, the thuggish priest spoke his mind. "Ya don't understand, Ma! I need to do this! Not just for you, but for everybody! You still got a 'me' in this timeline. One ya can raise to not jump into ass deep trouble."
Maribelle's golden locks shadowed her eyes from her rebellious son.
"I'll never forget all the stuff ya taught me 'bout being a gentleman." Brady smiled wide, prompting his mother to hug him tightly.
"You'd best come back, otherwise you are in for a severe punishment."
"I'll keep that in mind." Brady chuckled.
Severa grimaced at the display, only to be met by the cries of Cynthia and Sumia embracing on the other side of her, their goodbyes muddled through hysterical tears.
"Gawds…"
"Will you be going too?" Cordelia asked plainly.
Severa thought for a moment. There was no question that she was joining the party, but how would she explain this to her mother without being...Severa.
"I don't know. What are you doing?" was her irritated reply.
"I must stay here to protect Chrom." Her mother declared. "That is my duty as a knight."
Severa's face started to twist in frustration. "Gawds, that's so like you! Grima isn't dead yet, but you're already choosing your 'beloved' Exalt over that fate of the world! You're so infuriating!"
Suddenly, Cordelia wrapped arms around her daughter. "I only stay behind because I know you will do a much better job in my stead. You are a fine warrior, Severa. I'm proud of what you've become."
Severa's eyes widened at her mother's words and her cheeks flushed red. Thrashing about in her embarrassment, she managed to break free from her mother's embrace.
"Don't think you can just butter me up like that, damnit!" Severa shouted. "I'm leaving and that's it! Bye-bye!"
Severa stormed off to meet with the other travelers, her cheeks still burning.
Kjelle scratched the back of her head watching Severa's march. Suddenly she felt a firm smack on the back that forced her a few steps forward.
"Why are you standing around here like a tree?" asked her brutish mother. "Go on! Git! Gate isn't going to stay open all day."
"Mother…" The heavy armored girl turned to face Sully. Her eyes burning with determination.
"Now that's a look. What's eating you?"
"Mother, if I could request it, I'd want us to sparr as soon as I get back to Ylisse!" Kjelle earnestly requested. "I have a feeling I'm gonna get way stronger on this quest than I already am. Will you do me that honor?"
"Ha! You're on! Though don't expect me to just stand around and get weaker waiting for you to come home!" The red head bumped her own fist against her daughters, fortifying their pact. "Now get going!"
"Right!"
"Umm… Mother… S-should I go or not?" Noire nervously looked to Tharja for permission.
"Do what you want, but I am going." The dark mage declared, much to her daughter's confusion.
"B-but wh-Why?" Noire questioned as she frightfully hugged her bow.
"Robin is my fated one. Where he goes, I must follow. It is as simple as that."
"I think it'd be best if you stayed here with me to research the Outrealm Gate." Miriel suggested.
"We could also use your insight into helping us build future bonds with Plegia." Added Frederick.
"I don't give two handfuls of wyvern dung about Plegia or Ylisse." Tharja spat. "Without Robin I have no interest in them or any of you. Now stand aside."
"Tharja…" Her 'fated one' began to speak. "You're the only one with enough knowledge of the Grimleal to discern Grima's motives. If we need help, you would be the only one who could find us. There is no one I trust more to handle this task. So please stay behind. For me."
Robin wasn't being entirely truthful. While it was true that Tharja's knowledge of black magic would be helpful, Henry was just as equipped - if not more so - in handling the task. He just needed an excuse for her to stay behind. Otherwise her affection for him could make things...complicated.
Tharja looked off to the side as she listened to Robin's suggestion, a dark smile on her lips.
"Well, if you think so highly of my skill, Robin, then there is no way I could refuse!" Her encouraging tone soon turned dark as she stared directly into his eyes. "Know this: no matter what plane of existence you inhabit, I shall always find you."
"I've no doubt." Robin chuckled nervously. "Thank you, Tharja."
After her spine chilling claim, the dark mage ordered her timid daughter to join the Grima hunting party - all so that no women from this new world could grow close to her Robin.
"Will you join us as well, Laurent?" Lucina asked.
"I'm afraid not." the young man answered. "My talents would best be served here helping mother research the Outrealm gate. However, I will wish you all safe travels."
After gathering the items they needed from Anna - who noted that one of her sisters would more than likely be in that other world - the departing party gathered together at the mouth of the swirling blue vortex.
They looked to their friends and family, a mix of apprehension and determination on their faces. It made sense of course, any child would be sad to see their children embark on something so dangerous, but they had faith Robin would guide them and keep them safe, and he swore he would.
Robin took a breath as he looked into the swirling mouth of the Outrealm Gate, and felt the softest squeeze on his hand. It was Morgan. She tried to keep a brave face, but her emotions betrayed her.
"Don't worry." Robin assured, squeezing her hand back. "None of us are letting go."
Morgan looked around the circle and saw the smiling faces of her friends, each one confirming her father's words. Her resolve strengthened a bit, she nodded firmly and braced herself for the trip.
In unison the group jumped into the vortex, the entrance closing behind them in a flash of white light. The remaining shepherds covered their eyes.
"Was this really the only way, Frederick?" Chrom asked solemnly.
The knight stood as straight as he always did, but his usual no nonsense tone had a noticeable softness this time around.
"I'm not sure, milord. All we can do is impart Naga's blessing on them and hope they return safe."
"Would you two stop moping!" Lissa interjected slapping them both on the back. "If anyone can handle this it's Robin and Lucina. They'll be fine!"
"I hate to say it, but I agree with the princess." Added Tharja. "There is no way that Robin will fail."
The exalt grinned and looked to the burning orange sky above. "Let's hope you two are right."
A throbbing headache woke Robin up to his new surroundings.
The blinding light that welcomed he and his travel companions inside the gate had been replaced by the warmth of a summer sun, or at least he thought it was summer.
Lifting himself up using his aching muscles, he took stock of his location. A forest bathed in lush green and yellow. There were a few animals scampering about, but they didn't seem to mind his presence. He could also hear a stream not far from where he was standing.
"Seems normal enough." He commented.
Despite his body feeling like it had gone ten rounds with Minerva, Vaike, and Sully at the same time, he still felt well enough to walk around. He had to find the kids. Luckily, they were lying in a clearing not far from where he was. He breathed a sigh of relief.
After waking all of them up they did inventory. Thankfully their supplies had survived the trip.
"The hell are we?" Brady asked.
"We seemed to have landed in some sort of forest." Lucina answered.
Severa rolled her eyes. "Nothing gets past you."
"Is anyone else around?" asked Kjelle.
"My sword hand senses no immediate danger in the area." Owain announced. "It should be safe to travel onward."
"I agree!" nodded Cynthia. "Heroes don't have the luxury of waiting around!"
"I-I-I think we should wait a little longer." Noire suggested. "Perhaps a merchant will come along and tell us where we are."
"We don't have time to wait! Or did you forget that we came here to stop an evil god from destroying the world?!" shouted Severa.
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Everyone calm down." said Lucina. "This is not the time to fight amongst ourselves."
"What should we do, Father?" asked Morgan.
Robin pondered for a moment. "Noire's right to be cautious, but like Severa said we can't afford to waste time. I heard a river earlier, perhaps we could follow it to a town and-"
"Halt!"
A strong voice, cut through Robin's plan. The sounds of metal footfalls rang in the air and the shepherd's found themselves surrounded by a group of knights. Stepping forth from the pack was a blonde haired women with wheat colored skin. Attached to her hip was a very odd - yet powerful - looking sword.
"You have intruded upon the territory of Garreg Mach Monastery. On the authority of the Knights of Seiros as given to us by the archbishop we demand you state your business."
"A monastery?" Cynthia whispered.
"That's like a church or something right?" Owain wondered. They both looked to the lone priest in their party.
"What are ya starin' at me for?"
Kjelle shushed them all.
Lucina looked to Robin. He thought it best not to antagonize this heavily armored force.
"Sorry for the intrusion." he apologized. "My name is Robin. My friends and I are group of travelling merchants. We wandered off our regular path and ended up here by mistake."
The woman's eyes scanned the group meticulously, noting the weapons they were carrying. "That's some serious equipment for simple merchants. You're dressed funny too."
"You're one to talk." Severa muttered. Lucina elbowed her rib.
"We're not really native to this area." Robin said to the woman. "As for the equipment, we've ran afoul of our fair share of bandits along the way. Can't be too careful."
"I see. Well then, Mister Robin, just one more question."
"Of course."
"Where is your wagon?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You said you're merchants right? That must mean you have a wagon or a cart around housing the wares you intend to sell. Unfortunately, my men and I didn't see anything of the sort on the way over. I assume you must have hidden it from those 'bandits' you were fighting. Mind showing us where it is?"
Robin started to sweat. Even though she was smiling, he could feel the woman's murderous intent. One wrong move and she wouldn't hesitate to cut him down.
Realizing the situation was starting to worsen, Lucina slowly inched her hand towards her Parallel Falchion. The instant her index finger rubbed the bottom of the hilt an arrow zipped by her in a flash, cutting her cheek and landing in between her and a shocked Severa.
Noire spotted a short-haired woman in a tree at least ten meters from where they were standing, her bow ready to fire another bolt. The accuracy at that range was astounding to the girl.
"Damn!" Kjelle hissed through gritted teeth. She tightened the grip on her lance.
The woman in front of Robin drew her sword, and pointed it at his throat. He could hear electricity crackling around the blade. The knights drew their weapons as well.
"Let's try this again." the woman said. "How about you tell who you guys really are, and I won't end your life here and now."
"Father, what do we do?!" Morgan panicked.
"My blood aches!" Owain cried. "Finally a challenge!"
"Yeah, bring it on!" Cynthia added.
"That sword doesn't scare me!" Kjelle finished.
"Stop it, you idiots!" Severa shouted at the trio. "You trying to get us killed?!"
"P-Please, calm down, everyone!" cried Noire.
"Guys, this don't look good." said Brady.
Robin raised his arms in surrender. "Wait! Please lower your weapons! We don't want any trouble."
"Funny, because you've got yourselves stuck in it deep."
"I confess that we aren't merchants."
"Then who are you?"
"We're on the hunt for a very dangerous criminal that recently entered this territory. I wish I could elaborate further, but I can't right now. You mentioned that you serve an archbishop, yes? Perhaps if we could speak with them we-"
The woman's eyes darkened immediately, if she was only entertaining the idea of killing him before, there was no doubt she would do it now.
"You won't set one foot near Lady Rhea."
"Please allow us to explain!" Lucina interjected.
"Back off or I'll-"
"Catherine, hold on."
The blonde woman turned her head towards the woman with short blue hair that fired at Lucina earlier.
"Shamir, what are you-?"
"Look. The girl's left eye."
The swordswoman - now identified as Catherine - took another look at Lucina, specifically the eye Shamir pointed out. When she saw the mark of the Exalt, her eyes widened.
"Is that a crest?"
"Looks like one to me."
"Dammit." Catherine sighed and put away her sword. "Stand down."
Her soldiers lowered their weapons.
"What just happened?" Cynthia questioned.
"Lucina saved our asses...somehow." Brady answered.
"Well looks like you'll get your wish, Mister Robin." Catherine said, that menacing smile on her face once again. "You and your friends have earned an audience with the highest authority in all of Fodlan. Consider yourselves lucky."
Fodlan. Robin repeated. That must be the name of whatever country this is.
"Thank you." he bowed.
"Don't waste your breath. I'm only doing this because of the archbishop's policy on lost crests. If it were up to me I would have slayed the lot of you where you stood."
"I would have liked to see you try." muttered Kjelle.
"How about we don't antagonize the scary woman?" Severa suggested.
"Come on, we're heading to the Monastery." said Catherine.
With that Robin and company were escorted towards a large church in the distance.
"What's a crest?" Morgan asked her father.
"I haven't the slightest idea, but whatever it is it's seemed to have gotten us out of trouble for now."
"What's our next move?" Lucina questioned.
"We'll speak to the Archbishop and get the lay of the land. Wherever Validar and Grima ran off to might very well be within this church's sphere of influence. We can use that." His face slowly began to tense. "Though something tells me that this journey won't be an easy one."
As the group entered the gates of the monastery, they were watched by a holy woman with long jade hair.
A/N: Hey guys, I wanted to thank you for checking out my latest fic. I also want to give a big thank you to my editor and co-writer, Maximillian Havisham. Seriously, if you like RWBY or Fairy Tail or both, I can't recommend this guy enough.
And if you liked this, please fave/follow or leave a review. I would greatly appreciate it. Until next time, take care!