The Ylissean Odyssey

by Gallian Squad 7

Fragments and a fading smell. Nothing else remains to the lost soul that joins the Shepherds in their quest to defend the kingdom of Ylisse from all who would threaten it. Both outside and within. As their fate unfolds, Old Gods choose champions for the war to come.

27. Rendezvous

Alright, who's ready to get going?

Lucina: Are we actually going to appear?

7: Yes, you are. In fact, you shouldn't be here right now.

*Claps* Virion!

*Virion appears with an eyeliner pencil* There you are! Come now, we must get you ready.

*Lucina is dragged away in shock*

7: Good, now then, let's get this party started!

Robin: We need to wait for Lucina to finish.

7: Oh, right…

…

…

…

Lucina: I'm here!

7: Now we can go! Onwards!

Note: This is the last chapter for a while! I'm going to be working on my other projects for the next ... however long it takes me, so if anyone's been waiting for me to stop uploading to make their thoughts known, don't be shy!

Rendezvous

The last place any of them expected to end up at was Khan Flavia's palace.

After Severa and Morgan were reunited, Lucina and Cynthia had hopped out of the forest where they'd witnessed the reunion and professed a long and overtly dramatic apology comprised of all the sincerity they could muster.

Severa, melancholy and anger forgotten with Morgan at her side, had dismissed their drama. Unfortunately, the royal siblings had continued to grovel until Severa accepted the apology, if only to get them to shut up.

Then it turned into a big group hug, Morgan laughing and crying at finding both her sister and her oldest friends at the same time.

Wanting to celebrate, Severa ordered the camp packed up and their Pegasi saddled. Once everyone was set to go, Severa not once letting go of her sister even as they clambered on Theresa's back, they took to the air and set a course for the nearest town.

Morgan talked non-stop during the prep and their short trip, regaling her sister with the numerous mishaps and adventures she'd been on since they were separated. While Severa knew her sister was perfectly capable of getting into trouble without much effort, the sheer number of times she'd fallen prey to snare traps boggled her mind.

That is, if Morgan wasn't embellishing, which she was also prone to do.

The trip passed without incident and they set down in a little village a few miles south of the Longfort. The villagers were beyond courteous, giving the four of them a nice room in the town's lone inn along with a hearty dinner and plenty of privacy.

Morgan then started telling her tale all over again, answering any question she could with an enthusiasm that Severa had long missed, even if she playfully scolded Morgan every once in a while.

But, that had been the end of their joy. The next day, cavaliers bearing the mark of the Surperius Duchy rode through town, their leader declaring that the Exalted family had been betrayed and volunteers were needed to take back the country from the traitors.

Lucina and Cynthia both went pale at the news, the implications unpleasant. Severa was in shock as well, knowing for damn sure this hadn't happened in their future, so Morgan made a simple proposal.

Go find the Shepherds.

Severa shot the idea down the moment it arrived, but Morgan proceeded to make a compelling argument. The Shepherds already knew them by their pseudonyms, and they'd arrived in times of crisis before, so why not now?

Lucina and Cynthia latched onto that idea with the glee of bears spotting honey. Outvoted, Severa begrudgingly agreed after Morgan unleashed her trademark sad puppy face, but made the demand that Morgan wear a visor like Cynthia's.

Morgan happily agreed before they took to the air again and sped for the Longfort. Lucina recreated her appearance from when they'd first arrived in Ferox and gained them entry when one of the guards recognized Marth's famous mask.

Morgan had to be called back several times after they got through the gate though, her eagerness to meet her parents and childhood heroes shining in her cheeks.

Now they stood before Flavia's palace, none of their earlier eagerness apparent.

Severa rubbed her arms as a bracing wind blew by. "Are we going to go in or not?"

Cynthia hummed, her visor down. "I mean… how could we help?"

Lucina agreed. "Perhaps this wasn't the best idea. We were confused and riled up when the news came, mayhaps we should leave?"

Morgan disagreed, a visor covering her eyes courtesy of Cynthia. "We can't, not after coming so far! I've been up and down Ylisse looking for you guys, I can help! Besides, they'll need all the hands they can get!"

Severa shifted, snow crunching under her boots. "It's just awkward, ok? I don't want Dad to try and corner me for answers when we're trying to help."

Morgan stared at her sister. "I guess… but what about stipulating that we help provided they leave us alone?"

Severa opened her mouth and then shut it. Lucina answered instead. "That could work. Father already knows what I look like, so I don't need the mask or anything, and I'm pretty sure Uncle knows what Sev looks like as well. The two of us can walk in and not cause too much trouble, but I'm worried about you two."

Cynthia laughed. "Don't worry about us! The Doom Patrol never backs down from a challenge!"

Gungnir and Gae Bolg clanged together as Morgan and Cynthia did a silly salute, making Severa scowl and Lucina smile.

"Dingbats," Severa muttered. "Alright, you two wait in the entrance while we ask for the Khan. If we're lucky, we can sort this mess out before having to answer anything uncomfortable."

She got nods all around and the elder siblings set out for the reception hall. They could hear Morgan and Cynthia chattering excitedly as they left, Severa sighing in exhaustion. "Geez, I know I missed her, but I forgot how much energy she had."

Lucina giggled. "Aw, don't be like that. If I recall, it was you that founded the Doom Patrol to try and wear her out."

Severa blushed. "If you tell her that, I'll never speak to you again."

Lucina patted her shoulder. "Your secret is safe with me. Though… I hope this all comes to an end soon. I wouldn't mind getting to go see the world before Valm comes calling."

Severa took Lucina's hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "That sounds good. Maybe we'll run into the others while we're at it... or we might run into our parents again."

Lucina frowned and they stopped. "Sev… do you want to stay in Ylisse?"

Severa's free hand started to play with her sleeve, indecision cloaking her. "Well… yes and no. I want to travel and see the sights too, but we did a lot of moving before we came back. Settling down, getting a job, just living… that has its good points too."

Lucina squeezed Severa's hand this time. "We have time to think about things like that, there's no need to decide now. Come on, we shouldn't keep Cynthia and Morgan waiting."

Severa nodded and freed her hand, missing the spark of disappointment in Lucina's eyes. The walk from there was relatively short, but two guards stopped them before a pair of large iron doors. "State your business."

Lucina bowed, Severa following suit. "We seek an audience with the Khan."

One of the guards grunted. "Who are you to ask? The Khan's a busy woman with that revolt going on down south and she's still working to get our armies together to crush Plegia."

Lucina straightened. "My name is Marth and this is Katarina. We've come to offer our services in ending the revolt in Ylisse."

Both guards stiffened before the one to first speak answered. "I see… we've been told that if you were spotted to bring you here, but you've done the hard work for us. Is your companion Catria here as well?"

Lucina and Severa looked to each other before Severa answered. "Yeah, she's in the entrance hall. There's another one with us now, her name's Tethys. Can we see the Khan or not?"

The guards huddled together, speaking in hurried whispers. Eventually, one of them opened the doors with a creak and the other motioned for Lucina and Severa to go through. "The Khan's organizing the merger of two armies currently, but West-Khan Basilio is taking guests in her stead."

Lucina and Severa nodded their thanks before walking through the door, the guard that held the door announced their presence before it closed with a bang.

A loud harrumph greeted them. "Well, if it isn't two of my wayward champions!"

Basilio stomped towards them with a stern frown on his face. "What was that showing in the Selection Tourney? Especially you, Marth!"

Lucina cringed, knowing that trying to explain herself was a fool's errand. "My apologies, Distinguished Khan, but I believe the past has no bearing on why we are here."

Basilio coughed. "Not now, but I'll get my word in later, you'll see."

He turned and walked further into the room, narrating as he went. "Can't say I'd decorate this place in all the blue, I'm more of a yellow man myself, but it does make that damn throne easier to sleep on!"

Basilio laughed, Severa tilted her head in response. "Wait, you sit on the throne? Isn't that only for the Great Khan?"

Basilio waved her off. "Bah, that woman doesn't care if I sit in it or not. All she cares about is that I don't track mud on the carpet-and I keep myself pristine as is!"

Lucina pinched her nose, feeling a headache start. "Khan, would it be ok if we got to the point?"

Basilio rolled his eye. "Alright, fine. You never were one for small talk, even in the brief time we traveled together."

He crossed his arms and scowled. "What are you doing here? After the Selection Tourney the lot of you disappeared into thin air, only to show up and try to save the Exalt in Ylisse. No one's heard from any of you since."

Severa took the lead. "We've been out and about, nothing to really talk about there. As for why we're here, well, I'll let Marth tell you that."

Lucina nodded and stepped forward. "We heard of the revolt in Ylisse and wish to offer our services to the Shepherds. We may not be members of the Halidom, but it's still home to us."

Basilio hummed, a hand scratching his chin. "I see… well, I can't tell you whether the Sheps will take you, but I'll go get the little lady and see what she says."

Lucina stopped Basilio as he turned to leave, confusion clear. "Lady? Isn't Prince Chrom the leader of the Shepherds?"

Basilio let out a booming laugh. "The crazy dastard ran after his lady love just this morning! In fact, both Chrom and his resident tactician are off on scouting missions. Consequently, little Lissa's making the decisions for now."

Lucina clamped her mouth shut, waiting until Basilio was gone before turning to Severa. "Our fathers are mad!"

Severa shrugged. "Your dad? Oh, yeah, he's mad. Mine on the other hand is just crazy."

Lucina growled. "What's the difference? They're the two most important people in Ylisse right now alongside Aunt Lissa, they can't go cavorting on daring infiltrations!"

Severa tilted her head, cool as ice. "Never took you for one to read mystery novels."

Lucina started pulling at her hair in frustration. "How are you so calm? This is serious!"

Severa allowed a smile to cross her face. "Tactician, remember? Believe me, I'm panicking, I just don't let it show."

Lucina had a retort ready but they were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Oh, it's you guys!"

Lissa frolicked into the room, her robes swaying with the movement. She was very chipper, to Lucina and Severa's eyes, especially given her sister and role model had died not a week prior.

Lissa looked them up and down. "Yep, you two are girls alright. Guess I have to pay Robin after all."

Lucina gulped. "You… had a bet on our gender?"

Lissa grinned. "Yep, hope you don't mind! Robin swore up and down you were a girl Marth, while I thought you were a dreamboat boy. That doesn't matter though, I was told you guys wanted to help."

Severa took over for her dumbfounded friend. "That's why we showed up. If you need anything from us, we'll be glad to give it so long as no one tries to pry into our personal lives."

Lissa nodded. "Sounds good to me! You just missed Robin and my brother, but I'll make sure they leave you alone. For now, why don't you go and grab your friends? Introductions are in order!"

She pointed to Lucina. "You're staying with me though, I want to know why you're carrying Falchion."

Lucina grimaced and Severa took that as her cue. "I can't really say…"

The door clanged shut and Severa was gone, Lucina internally crying at being abandoned. Lissa ignored this and bounced forward to grab Lucina's hand. "Please? I promise not to tell Chrom when he gets back!"

Lucina cast her eyes everywhere but Lissa's face, knowing her aunt's infamous puppy eyes were out in full force. "I can't. It's very important that I keep as much of my past a secret as possible. It's for both my own safety and those around me!"

Lissa pouted. "Fiiiiinnnneeee!"

Letting go, Lissa looked back to the big iron doors. "Your friends sure are taking a while. I thought they'd be here in a jiffy."

Lucina sighed in relief. "We have two pegasi with us, so they need to stable them. It'll probably be a few more minutes."

Her face grew concerned. "But, what of you Princess Lissa? I don't mean to be rude, but I didn't expect you to be quite so… energetic."

Lissa's smile grew melancholic. "I don't blame you. I'm just doing my best right now, even if that just means putting on a smile. Thanks for the concern, though."

Lucina's concern deepened. "Have you… said your goodbyes? How… how can you be so strong in the face of the Exalt's passing?"

Lissa sniffed, eyes moistening. "I…I have. A friend of mine, Donnel, helped me get my head out of the snow. The other Shepherds have been great too and I've been indulging a hobby in mythology. Miriel's been really helpful finding the books, so it's been fun."

Lucina smiled gently. "I'd love to hear about it when there's some down time."

Lissa wiped her eyes. "Thanks, that sounds fun."

The creak of hinges ended their talk, Severa walking through with Cynthia and Morgan in tow. Lissa blinked when she saw Morgan, her face still obscured by a visor. "I don't recognize you."

Morgan smiled and waved. "Name's Tethys! Glad to meet you."

She bowed politely, Severa rolled her eyes at the display while Cynthia giggled.

Lissa took a deep, composing breath. "Alright, it looks like you're all here. Follow me; I'll put you in Chrom's room while I gather everyone up."

Turning on her heel, Lissa skipped away with the time travelers following. Morgan had a tight grip on Cynthia's hand as the young Princess tried to hold herself back from tackling her aunt and crying all over the floor.

Lucina was in similar straights, only the necessity of a calm attitude keeping her from doing the same. Even then, Severa took no chances and kept a firm grip on Lucina's arm.

Reaching a non-descript door after several minutes of walking, Lissa laid down some rules. "Understand that if you take anything in there, we'll toss you in the dungeons. Don't try and hide it either, Miriel can spot something missing at a hundred yards and I'll have her sweep over the room after I retrieve you."

Lucina looked offended. "We are not thieves. Our offer to help is as genuine as anything!"

Lissa nodded, eyes beaming. "Good answer! Now then, there's a table in there with a few chairs. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Lissa turned and went on her way. The girls looked to each other before shrugging in unison and opening the door. As Lissa had said, there was a small table with three chairs around it along with a hearth and a bed. Cynthia hopped onto the bed with a laugh, the others taking the chairs.

"Man," Cynthia breathed. "I had such a hard time not hugging her."

Lucina smiled at her sister. "You and me both, Cynthy. It didn't hit me when we met her the first time, but she sounds so much younger than she is."

Severa sighed. "I just hope this doesn't last too long. We may keep them off our backs for a little while, but questions are going to be asked regardless."

Morgan groaned. "Not that again! I know we're not supposed to do too much, but can't we give some things away? Not even right away, maybe after Sev and Lucy come into the world?"

Severa stood up and bopped her sister on the head. "Dingus. We all want to tell our parents everything, but we can't predict shit if we do! Hell, this whole revolt is out of the blue, and we didn't change all that much!"

"I disagree," answered a new voice. "You've done quite a bit my dears."

Everyone jumped, Morgan and Lucina fell out of their chairs while Cynthia hopped to her feet brandishing Gae Bolg.

Severa, after realizing she wasn't under attack, pulled her arms off her head and stood from where she'd curled up on the ground. Turning to the source of the voice, her jaw dropped. "No…"

Lucina groaned as she pulled herself up, rubbing the back of her head. "Who's… Naga in heaven!"

Cynthia's eyes widened. "Aunty Emm!"

Emmeryn smiled from her spot in Severa's chair, amusement shining in her eyes. "Hello girls. I'm glad to see you in good health, Lucina, and this must be Severa."

Severa gulped, speechless. Emmeryn turned to look at Morgan, who'd frozen on the ground. "Who's this? I don't remember hearing you mention a redhead among your friends."

Morgan squeaked. "Hello… Um, you know who Lucina is?"

Emmeryn smiled at the redhead. "I do. I met her back in Ylisstol some time ago and she explained her quest to me."

She winked. "I figured out who she was, so don't think she broke any promises."

Morgan gulped. "Well, uh… my name's Morgan. I'm Sev's sister, younger sister, Your Grace."

Emmeryn sighed. "Oh stop with that. I'm not the Exalt, not anymore."

Her eyes turned to Cynthia, who'd frozen after calling Emmeryn's name with tears streaking down her face. "You must be Cynthia. Please, take off the visor, I wish to see my niece's face."

Gae Bolg clanged against the floor, followed shortly by the visor Cynthia had been wearing. Teary blue-grey eyes met Emmeryn's own sparkling cyan. "I…"

Emmeryn opened her arms, her face gentle and kind. "It's ok my lovely girl. I've wanted to meet you since the moment Lucina told me about you."

Cynthia sniffled and hiccupped, shaky steps carrying her forward until she collapsed before Emmeryn's seat and cried into her lap. Emmeryn smiled and stroked the girl's hair, contentment radiating from her.

"Sweet girl," she cooed. "I'm sorry we weren't able to meet in Ylisstol, but I also understand not wanting to be found by the Shepherds. There's no need to be sad now though, I finally got my wish to meet both of my nieces."

Cynthia smothered her wails in Emmeryn's robes, the soft wool absorbing her tears. Lucina, after her surprise and shock faded, felt suspicion take hold. "But… we saw you die, Aunty. We arrived in Xaldornos just in time to see you fall."

Emmeryn sighed, reaching down to the side of her seat and placing a blue jewel on the table. "This is why I'm still here, Lucina. The gem you see before you is where my soul now resides, a gift from my mother that I had locked in the Royal Archives long ago. I was reminded of it when we talked to each other in the plaza and I retrieved it in secret when we returned from the Plegian Trade Pass."

Cynthia's sobs quieted. "Then… I'm not actually in your lap?"

White light flashed in the gem with Emmeryn's every word. "I fear not. The body you feel is a construct, something I am able to manifest whenever the gem in which I reside is close to a font of Naga's power. I can still feel as a human would, but no blood pumps through me."

Her hand ran through Cynthia's matted hair. "I'm sorry, but this still means more to me than you'll ever know. I may not be here in the flesh, but I can still help you and your parents in the years to come.

Emmeryn laid a kiss on Cynthia's head, feeling the poor girl's sobs redouble at the news. Sniffles met her ear from across the table and Emmeryn opened her arms again. "It's ok, Lucina, my state is not your fault. Please, come here and let me hold you again."

Lucina tried to put on a brave face, but Emmeryn's pleading expression forced bitter tears to fall. Walking stiffly, Lucina couldn't help but tense as Emmeryn's hand cupped her shoulder.

Emmeryn's face grew sad. "I don't blame you for being upset. It took Lissa a long time to accept what happened to me, and I still see her tense when I speak with her. I only ask that you give me this once, so that I may treasure the feeling for as long as I exist."

Lucina looked away, not wanting to give in when all that remained of Emmeryn was a phantom. "…I can't."

The words were whispered, strained and aching, but Emmeryn only nodded. "I understand… Cynthia, I'm sorry, but I need to go. Lissa could come at any moment and seeing me speak with you could ruin your story."

Cynthia was slow to collect herself so Morgan helped her up and walked her to the bed. Emmeryn gave Cynthia a pitying look before addressing Lucina. "As I said when we first met, I love you both more than my own life. A spirit I may be, but I do not regret my choice. This revolt is my worst nightmare given form, but I have faith that Chrom and his friends will see both it and the war with Plegia to its end."

She smiled as her form began to fade. "Peace will come, and when it does, I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving you with only a false body to hold."

With that, Emmeryn vanished and the jewel dulled. Lucina stared at the jewel for what felt like an eternity before Severa's voice broke her daze. "Well, that was unexpected."

Lucina glared at the other girl, not appreciating the humor. Severa held up her hands in defense. "What, you got a better way to describe that?"

Lucina held the glare another moment before fixing her seat and flopping into it heavily, her brow heavy with anger and bitterness.

Severa glanced over to see Cynthia still weeping into Morgan's shoulder, her younger sister offering the distraught princess comforting words that never made it past the haze of despair.

Sighing, Severa spoke to the room at large. "Guess I'll be doing the talking then. Buck up people, we'll have to be on our best behavior."

Absent nods answered her, Severa huffed before a knock came through the door. "Come in!"

The door creaked open and Lissa's head appeared. "Sorry for taking so long. We, uh, had a situation."

Severa's eyes narrowed. "What kind of situation?"

Lissa grimaced. "Well… just follow me, you'll understand."

Severa blinked, but managed to round up her despondent friends and frowning sister before following Lissa. The young sage tried to keep a conversation going, but Severa and Morgan only gave one word answers while Lucina and Cynthia didn't speak.

Giving up, Lissa led them through several more corridors before arriving at a large courtyard with close to a dozen people waiting inside.

One of them had a familiar shock of blue hair and was bound in the center of the group, a boy with an overly large hat playfully poking him with a length of wood.

Lissa sighed and gestured to the bound man. "My dear brother, ladies. Bound and brought back after getting scolded by Robin, our tactician. Please, shame him; you'll never get another chance."

Severa felt an evil smirk rise on her face. "Can I poke him?"

Lissa gestured to the boy. "Ask Ricken. I got my fill already, so if he says yes, have at it."

Severa strutted forward to claim her place, leaving Morgan to take over as group mouthpiece. "So, I guess this is everyone?"

Lissa nodded. "That are here, yeah. The guy in the big hat's Ricken, the woman with glasses is Miriel, the creepy girl is Tharja, guy in the big suit of metal is Kellam, the rehead's Sully, girl in the silk and gold is Olivia, mister tin-head is Donnel, and Ms. Curls is Maribelle"

Morgan nodded as she spotted each one, shivering at the intense stare Tharja shot her way the moment Morgan looked at her. "So… are we going to go meet them?"

Lissa shrugged. "May as well. Hey guys, I brought the people!"

Chrom growled from his spot as Severa poked his leg. "We can see that! Now untie me right now, I'm not going to run off half-cocked again!"

Sully snorted. "The fact you need to say 'again' is all the reason we need to keep you tied up."

Chrom glowered at her. "Then tie up Lissa too! I can't stop her pranks if I'm like this!"

Lissa laughed. "Oh please, there's no way I'd be-"

She was immediately tackled by Sully as Kellam and Miriel produced a long length of rope. Shortly thereafter, Lissa was steaming next to her amused brother, equally immobilized.

Kellam wiped his hands. "Now then!"

He turned to the dumbfounded girls, a kind smile on his face. "I haven't seen the three of you since the attack on the palace. I already explained who you three are to Tharja, but who are you?"

Kellam's finger landed on Morgan, who smiled excitedly. "My name's Tethys! I'm friends with these guys, but we only reunited recently."

Miriel spoke next. "Indeed, yet you do not show your face like Katarina or Marth. We are allies here; there is no need for secrecy."

Morgan gulped. "Uh… Kat, is that ok?"

Severa shook her head. "Go ahead; they'll see you without the visor at some point. May as well do it while everyone's here. Same goes for you Catria."

Morgan nodded and took off the visor, shuffling shyly at the attention she was getting. "Uh… is something on my face?"

Miriel hummed. "Your eyes, they are similar to Katarina's. Tell me, are you related?"

Severa and Morgan looked to each other before Severa sighed. "We're cousins. Enough about us though, what can we do to help?"

Chrom grew serious. "At this point in time, help us get organized for the march to Ylisstol. None of our expeditions will return earlier than the end of this week and we need to be ready for whatever information they bring."

He nodded to Kellam and Sully. "Tethys, you can help these two make sure we have enough weapons and provisions in case it turns into a siege."

Morgan bounded up to the two, saluting energetically. "I'll be in your care! Don't be afraid to work me hard!"

Sully gained a terrifying smirk and Kellam sighed. "I hope you know what you're getting into."

Morgan frowned before Sully snatched her arm and dragged her away, Kellam following at a more sedate pace. Ignoring this, Chrom looked to Ricken and Miriel. "Marth, I want you to help these two to research the regions surrounding Ylisstol. You seem quite knowledgeable, so you'll be best served there."

Lucina nodded stiffly, still trying to order her thoughts. Ricken walked up to her and smiled widely. "Come on, there's a lot of books we need to go through!"

Lucina didn't respond to his enthusiasm, instead turning and following Miriel who'd already set off.

Ricken frowned. "She's not all that friendly, is she?"

Chrom shrugged. "Not when we've been involved. Just do your best, that's all we can ask."

Ricken sighed and jogged after them, leaving Tharja, Olivia, and Maribelle.

Chrom nodded to her. "Catria, you'll be helping Tharja, Lissa, Olivia, and Maribelle make poultices and other mystical brews. You just need to deliver the ingredients; they'll handle the actual work."

Cynthia cringed, silently hoping she wouldn't trip too much. Lissa sighed from her seat on the ground. "That's good and all, but I can't move!"

Tharja rolled her eyes. "Imbeciles, the lot of you. Hold still."

Cynthia shivered at the rasp in Tharja's voice, memories flashing through her mind of the times Noire would visit with her parents and Tharja would grow upset at something.

Thankfully, Tharja just compressed a Ruin spell onto her finger and sliced through the bindings. Lissa sprang to her feet and groaned happily. "Thank Naga! Alright, let's go you guys!"

Lissa skipped away, Cynthia following hesitantly while Tharja sighed and followed them. Olivia, too shy to speak in the face of the strangers, followed along at a much greater distance.

Maribelle, quiet until then, looked around to see she was the only other Shepherd present. "A warning for you and your group."

Her gaze hardened to steel as she looked at Severa. "I will not tolerate harm to any of those here, least of all Prince Chrom or Lissa. Do so, and I will end you personally. Am I clear?"

Severa glared in turn. "We're here to help, like every other time we've showed up."

Maribelle huffed before leaving, sharp comments uttered under her breath.

Chrom and Severa were now alone, Donnel long since gone to check Morgan. They stared at each other for a few minutes before Chrom broke the silence. "Tell me, are you Robin's sister?"

Severa took an involuntary step back. "What? No, I'm not his sister!"

Chrom continued to stare at her. "Yet you seem to know him quite well…"

He sighed. "Look, I'm not going to pry any further, but Robin's my best friend. You have no idea how ashamed he is of his amnesia, even if he doesn't show it, and I first saw hope spark in his eye when we first met in Ferox. Please, if you can, help him. I will do anything you ask, just help him!"

Severa was rendered mute at the request. Chrom kept his gaze locked onto her for a long time before realizing she would not speak. "Forgive me; you'd likely prefer to know what you'll be doing. For now, you'll be working dual roles. First, you'll be my liaison to your group until this crisis is resolved. Second, you'll be helping Flavia and myself organize our forces and draw up plans based on the information Miriel can dig up."

His gaze was determined. "Sound good to you?"

Severa let out a long sigh, slowing her racing heart. "That… works, I guess. If it helps, I'm in charge of planning for my group alongside Marth."

Chrom nodded. "Perfect, that'll help immensely. Now, one last thing…"

His gaze turned furious. "Get me out of these damn ropes!"

Severa sighed and pulled Mercurius from its sheathe. She had a feeling this was going be a long week and that was without anyone recognizing their weapons.

-One Week Later-

Severa hated being right at times.

Chrom had neglected to inform her that helping organize forces and come up with ideas was code for playing mediator between him and the Khan. Considering they were two very strong-willed people with their own ideas on how to handle things, the only way anything got done was via shouting.

She wasn't the only one who had trouble either. Cynthia was still incredibly shaken by the revelation of Emmeryn's fate and it made her far more clumsy than normal. Tharja and Maribelle's scolding had increased in intensity throughout the week until Lissa had been forced to have Cynthia help only her and Olivia.

Oddly, Tharja had apologized to Cynthia for her outbursts, explaining that the regents she needed were rare and their destruction set their group back by a significant margin.

It was just her way of apologizing tended to involve a lot of meaningless threats with the actual apology put somewhere between them and a disturbing stare.

Frankly Cynthia wasn't sure who was scarier, an angry Tharja, or an apologetic Tharja.

Maribelle on the other hand didn't apologize, at least outwardly. Lissa had to explain that the little treats that appeared in their work area were Maribelle being contrite and aware of how she tended to cross the line.

If there was a positive, it was in the form of Olivia growing more comfortable around Cynthia. The dancer even showed the young princess several uses for medicinal plants that even Lissa had been unaware of.

Even Lucina didn't escape trouble, despite her relatively cushy job. After displaying an in-depth knowledge of Ylisstol that had outstripped Chrom's own, Miriel and Ricken took to interrogating her for every scrap of information she could provide.

Seeing the famous intensity of Miriel's intellect had kept Lucina up for the next few nights, even as she was instructed to poar over a small mountain of texts that dated back to the 2nd Zaran dynasty six hundred years ago.

She couldn't complain of course, not when Miriel and Ricken had easily twice the number of tomes with far more thorough notes than her. If Lucina had one saving grace in that group, it was her fresh perspective.

Finally, poor Morgan swiftly grew to regret her words. Asking Sully to 'work me hard' was perhaps one of Morgan's greatest mistakes alongside stealing Severa's pudding when they were little and trying to handle Gungnir when Cordelia was still with them.

She'd been told to carry crates of weapons, armor, and supplies in stacks so tall it was impossible to see and when she inevitably stumbled was forced to clean it up and start again. Sully called it boot camp. Kellam had been kind enough to carry her to the quarters she was assigned at the end of the day while apologizing for his fiancée's behavior.

Morgan, ever the optimist, didn't quit, but she suffered in a way that would make even Kjelle pale.

It was good work though, if only because they had an honest structure and schedule for the first time in years. Yes, they were exhausted, but it felt like they were making real, honest progress.

Then that ground to a halt when the first scouting team returned.

Severa had been in yet another meeting, this time going over infiltration points for sappers, when Olivia had burst into the room. "Khan Flavia, Prince Chrom! The Draconis team has returned, but they have casualties!"

Chrom sprang from his seat. "Take me to them, now!"

Olivia and Chrom blurred from the room, Flavia and Severa hot on their heels. After winding through the now familiar halls of the palace, they arrived at the entrance hall to the panicked calls of Lissa and Miriel.

Hearing panic in Miriel's voice made a pit of dread open in Severa's gut, and it only deepened as they reached the shouting healers.

"What the hell happened?" Chrom demanded. "I need news, now!"

A gruff voice answered, ratty blonde hair revealing a tired Vaike. "We got news alright… just didn't think it'd cost so much."

Chrom rounded on his friend. "Vaike! What happened, where are Libra and Gaius? Frederick and Nowi?"

Vaike sighed, the bruises under his eyes deepening. "Libra and Chuckles are off resting. They were falling asleep on their feet trying to keep them stable."

Chrom grew increasingly frustrated, even as Flavia stormed past him to get close to the healers. "Who's 'them' damn it?! Answer me Vaike!"

Flavia's voice interrupted the shouting. "Chrom, get over here!"

The lack of a friendly nickname underscored how serious things were, Chrom and Severa pushed their way through the Shepherds that had gathered around the healers to see the patients.

Severa's gut fell into her feet. "No…"

The first one she saw was Frederick. His skin was the color of death, his entire torso bereft of armor and clothes, only bandages covered him. Were it not for the shallow rise and fall of his chest, Severa would have thought him dead.

What caught her eye among the brilliant tapestry of pale skin, arteries, and veins, was a spider web of black tendrils that radiated from a spot on each wrist. They'd stopped half way up his forearm, but anyone could tell it was potent poison.

Gulping in revulsion, Severa turned her gaze to the other stretcher and nearly screamed.

It was Nowi, her skin a similar color to Frederick's and her breathing just as shallow. Unfortunately, where Frederick's malady was marked by the black webs on his arms, Nowi's scars were far more permanent.

Twin scabs ran the width of her eyes, the eyelids pulled back to show milky purple where radiant gems had once shined.

Nowi was blind.

Chrom fell to his knees beside Frederick, eyes desperately finding Lissa. "Are they alive, will they make it?!"

Lissa grit her teeth. "I don't know what the damn poison is! The scabs are already healed on Nowi and I'm not a miracle worker! Miriel, help me get them to the recovery ward, we need elixirs and Recovery staffs immediately!"

Miriel and Lissa took hold of the stretcher Nowi was on, orders continuing to fly from Lissa's mouth. "Kellam, Sully, get Frederick and follow us! Go-go-go!"

Sully and Kellam jumped at the call, faces solemn. The two stretchers disappeared down the hallway and all was silent for a time.

Then, Chrom picked himself up and stalked toward Vaike. "Tell me… everything!"

Vaike sighed, a hand running through his hair. "First things first… Carlan's dead, has been for a while."

Air fled the area, Flavia roaring at the news. "He's the one that supposed to be behind this! How can he be dead?!"

Vaike shook his head. "We found the Bishop of Gariel chained in the duke's manor. He told us that the leaders behind the revolt are a marquise named Meredith, a countess named Selena, and a count named Theodore. Under them are several barons and the heirs to four other counts along with middling clergy. The High Cleric was part of it too, but she's dead now."

Chrom was staring daggers at Vaike, but Severa stomped towards him. "How?!"

Vaike grimaced. "I ain't all that sure. We stopped in a town called Menagerie to try and see what we could find, festival gossip and all that, but they had portraits on us. Libra was going over what he'd found when he got ambushed, pretty sure the innkeeper ratted us out. I got drugged in a tavern while Frederick and Nowi got drugged at the festival. Gaius got stuck with a dart from what he told me, but a friend of his got him out."

By then the others had gathered around him. "We were taken to Gariel and locked in the garrison dungeons. Gaius got brought there too by his friend and got us out, but something had happened to Nowi before he got there. By Libra's guess she had awakened shortly after nightfall when a bitch named Catherine had been interrogating Frederick. Poor girl had to listen to him get tortured for hours after that."

Severa felt bile rise in her throat, but a hand in hers showed Morgan seeking comfort. Severa swallowed and squeezed Morgan's hand as Vaike's tale wound down. "They slit his wrists with poisoned blades after that, and Nowi went berserk. I heard a roar and a crash before Gaius showed up to free us. Frederick was in bad shape when we found him, but the poison didn't show at first and Frederick stayed quiet about it even when he woke up."

Another sigh. "Nowi… Nowi had turned into some kind of super dragon. Her entire hide was made of emerald and she shot some kind of light that made these big pillars of crystal sprout from the ground and crush people. There was a lot of blood as we followed her trail, but we saw her crush a part of the Grand Cathedral. That's how the High Cleric died."

Chrom had long grown silent, his face descending into a grim mask. "What else?"

Vaike gulped, voice thick. "Nowi crashed through the duke's manor, but we found it mostly abandoned when we arrived. That was the first sign something was wrong. After that we just followed the gashes through a false wall and stairwell until we arrived at the hidden meeting room. Nowi was lying on the ground, weeping, while we saw the duke's corpse sitting in the head chair. Gaius found the bishop in an alcove nearby, but Nowi crawled over to Frederick's side when she saw he was alive."

Tharja spoke up for the first time. "Wait, the girl's blind. How could she have seen him?"

Vaike looked ready to cry. "She wasn't at the time. One of her eyes looked like a blade had sliced through it, but the other was normal. Frederick started speaking and we all realized it was his peace."

He looked Chrom in the eye. "Frederick died. He asked Nowi to find happiness and just… went still. Libra tried all he could, but Frederick was gone as could be. At that point Nowi pretty much lost her mind, screaming for him to come back, when we saw a light spring over her last eye. I don't know what it was, but I smelled burning skin before it put out her other eye."

Chrom's grip tightened hard, knuckles popping from the force, while the others couldn't look from the ground.

Vaike shook his head. "I don't know what that did, but Frederick started breathing again. We watched as that black shit crawled away from the rest of him and concentrated in his wrists. Nowi fainted and Libra was on them immediately. They both had pulses, they were both breathing, and each was in sync with the other. We had a thrice-blessed miracle happen and no idea why."

Chrom took several deep breaths before speaking again. "Vaike… you did all you could. Thank you for bringing back the information, it's very important. Please get some rest."

Vaike sighed and left to do just that, the others stewing over the new information.

The silence broke when Chrom's fist slammed against the wood of the wagon Frederick and Nowi had been brought it. "Damn those traitors! I'll have their heads!"

Ricken had started sniffling during Vaike's report, but now he was crying. "There… there are people in our home that can… do this?"

Tharja laid a pitying hand on his shoulder. "The world holds all types. I'm not the most pleasant person, but if Plegia can hold good people like Mustafa then Ylisse can hold scum."

Lucina walked up to Severa, her hand finding Severa's own in a silent show of support. "Come on, we need to go."

Severa nodded silently. Morgan had been escorted from the room, her eyes misty and lip trembling as she left her sister behind. Severa and Morgan had been closest to Nowi out of their aunts and they'd need time to process what had happened.

Lucina guided Severa silently, not speaking even after she'd opened a door and Morgan had rushed into her sister's arms, whimpering.

Lucina sighed, leaving the two sisters to their grief. Instead, she walked down the hall and nodded to Cynthia who joined her. "At least they're alive."

Cynthia sniffled. "I know that… but did you see Uncle V? He didn't even notice we were there."

Lucina shook her head. "We have to take the positives with this, Cynthy. We can grieve when we're alone."

Cynthia's arm wrapped around Lucina's. "You promise?"

Lucina patted the arm. "I do. Let's just see what's needed, ok?"

Cynthia nodded and they returned to the entrance hall. Chrom was alone now, just staring at the large doors that led outside, but he turned to face the two arrivals. "Catria, Marth, I'm glad you're here. I need you two to wait here and meet with any of the teams that return before reporting to me."

He glanced behind them. "Where's Katarina and Tethys?"

Lucina grimaced. "They're looking over their own supplies for now. They'll return to their duties when they finish."

Chrom appeared frustrated. "I see. It's good for them to be so proactive, but I've never gotten so much done in a meeting since Robin left. Sully's been singing Tethys's praises too, so the sooner they're back, the better."

He turned and started walking away before looking back to the daughters he'd one day know as his. "You two have been a great help, too. Miriel greatly appreciates your insights, Marth, and Lissa has told me of your help many times Catria, mishaps and all."

Smiling, Chrom turned and bowed. "Thank you for your service. When all this is over we'll have a lot of rebuilding to do and we'd be honored to have you join us."

Cynthia and Lucina looked to each other, surprise etched on their faces, when Chrom turned again. "Think on it, there's no need for an answer just yet. Just remember what I asked, ok?"

Lucina and Cynthia bowed, humbled and moved by the gratitude in their father's words. Chrom waved to them before he entered a hall and disappeared.

Feeling their spirits raised, the sisters found a spot on a pillar and began their vigil.

Barely twenty minutes later, it came to an end.

The doors burst open and two haggard riders galloped inside, their horse's hoofs banging against the stone.

The first to dismount was a man with wild hair and an equally wild look. "I need Chrom, now!"

Lucina jogged up to him. "Lon'qu, correct? What happened, where's Ms. Sumia?"

Lon'qu glared at her before sighing. "Now's not the time to question why you're here. I need to speak with Chrom, it's urgent!"

Lucina leaned back at the urgency in his voice, apprehension sickening her throat. "I'm supposed to tell him whatever you have to say. Please, just tell me."

Lon'qu growled, allowing his companion to answer. "Sumia's been taken."

Lucina felt her world freeze, gaze creakily turning to see a tearstained Cherche. "What?"

Cherche wiped at the frozen trails on her cheeks, voice wheezing. "Sumia's been taken by the rebel's, to Ylisstol. It's her mother, Selena, she took over Denaris and brought Clarissa to the rebels side!"

Lucina could barely think, struggling to keep her voice steady. "What else?"

Lon'qu snorted. "Lord Dunwall of Themis and Duchess Miranda of Surperius sieged the city. It fell swiftly after the walls took their first pounding. No one with an ounce of sense liked being under Countess Selena for even a brief period and the commanding general surrendered citing the needs of his people."

Lucina nodded stiffly. "I understand… is there anything else?"

Cherche sighed. "Only that the quick surrender has allowed Themis and Surperius to rally their forces together. They'll be awaiting Prince Chrom outside of Ylisstol's borders when the Shepherds are ready."

Lucina felt her mask slipping so she gestured to Cynthia. "This is Catria, she'll help you unload if you need it. I'll go inform the prince."

Cherche nodded gratefully and Lucina strode away. She knew that leaving was essentially abandoning her sister to face the news alone, but they both couldn't go, it would be too suspicious.

Besides, Cynthia was strong enough to keep her cool, but if Lucina lost it here, Cynthia would break down as well.

Seeing that her pace had taken her into a deserted corridor, Lucina felt her legs go weak and she braced herself against a wall.

Tears welled, but Lucina refused to let them fall. She couldn't cry, not when she had a message to deliver, but it didn't stop her thoughts from forcing their way out.

"Mother… please be ok."

-Severa-

There was no way of knowing how long they'd been crying.

Severa had run out of tears long ago, her only recourse to whisper reassuring, but empty words to the heartbroken Morgan.

Trying to explain the two girls' affection for Nowi would require too much time, but it was easy to summarize. In their time, Robin and Cordelia had been officially inducted to the nobility at large as a baron and baroness respectively. It gave them land in Felds that lay only a day's journey away from Frederick and Nowi's own homestead, the pair made into a baron and baroness pair as well. Due to their proximity and the constant need for Robin, Frederick, and Cordelia to be in Ylisstol, Nowi took on the role of overly excitable aunt.

While she'd only ever been alone with Morgan and Severa a handful of times, her visits always meant a time of joy and smiles rather than furrowed brows and whispers. Nowi had even been the lone Shepherd to not travel to Valm in their time, though the reason had never been divulged.

She'd taken care of both babies and young children until the world went to hell, just as Kjelle turned five.

Severa and Morgan loved Nowi dearly for the years she'd cared for them, seeing her blinded was simply too much.

Severa blinked after she felt Morgan still. The poor girl had cried herself to sleep.

"Oh Morg," she whispered. "We got you back little over a week ago and now this happens. Why can't anything go right for us and stay that way?"

Silence was her answer and Severa sighed. Morgan would have to try and come to terms with it later, and Severa didn't have time to properly deal with it either.

A pulse from her back made Severa grit her teeth in pain. Ever since she'd seen Nowi, the pulses had become more frequent and intense. It was a wonder she hadn't passed out by now.

Vowing to find both chocolate and a vulnerary come hell or high water, Severa gently lifted her sister onto the sofa and made her comfortable. Morgan still whimpered, even in her sleep, but Severa had to regretfully free her arm. The action made Morgan cry out briefly, but her voice faded into tiny whimpers again.

Severa felt like the greatest jerk of all time right then, but she drew on the cold well of rationality she'd nurtured for years. Determined, she patted Morgan's head before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

Ok, there's probably another meeting going on, so I should get over there. Last thing we need is Flavia and Chrom getting into a fistfight.

Sighing, Severa set off for the meeting, her pace slowly speeding up as she began to hear raised voices echo down the hall. The sound of clashing metal made her take off in a full-blown sprint.

Skidding to a stop, Severa threw open the door guarding the fight. "What in Naga's name is going on here?!"

All action stopped, Flavia's blade holding Chrom's Falchion in place while Lucina tried to pull the enraged Chrom away. It was only Severa's arrival that allowed the lot of them to come up for air.

Lucina finally pried Chrom away and Flavia laid her sword on her shoulder. "Thank heaven you showed up girl. This man's a raging mess of worry and hormones right now."

Chrom snarled at her. "You refuse to help! One of my own is in the clutches of those traitorous dastards and two that made it back are either near death or crippled! We will march on Ylisstol – with or without your help!"

Severa groaned. "Look, would someone fill me in? All I know is the names of the conspirators and nothing else."

Lucina pressed her palm to her forehead. "I'll tell you. I think our illustrious leaders need to calm down."

Flavia nodded. "Good idea. We'll meet back here in ten minutes, alright?"

Chrom snorted and stormed out of the room. Severa didn't like the rage burning in his eyes, but it had to be for a good reason.

The last time she'd seen such anger in his face, the Shepherds had returned from killing Gangrel only to find out Valm had invaded.

Flavia rolled her eyes and took her leave, Lucina crossing the distance between herself and Severa in three strides.

Severa wasn't expecting Lucina to embrace her, nor was she ready for tears to begin falling.

"Mom's been captured," Lucina sniffed. "It…my grandmother's one of the conspirators. Sh-she took mom to Ylisstol."

Severa blinked, arms encircling Lucina automatically. "But why? There's nothing the rebels could want with Aunt Sumia, not even decent intelligence. Unless… they know your dad loves her."

Lucina hiccupped. "At least… at least Clarissa is out of the rebellion as a whole. The capital surrendered after Themis and Surperius destroyed the walls and the general in charge called for all soldiers in the province to stand down."

Severa rubbed her back. "Hey, that's great news! That means we don't have to worry about soldiers coming from the northwest when we go to Ylisstol."

Lucina nodded. "It is… but that likely doesn't include any that went to Ylisstol."

Severa grimaced, that was true.

"In any case…" Lucina sighed, calming down at last. "We need to hear the last report from Felds before anything's likely to get done. Considering the distance, it probably won't be until tomorrow."

Severa took a deep breath. "That's… probably for the best. Your dad needs to cool down and I need to get Morgan and myself ready to see our parents."

Lucina nodded and they parted. "I need to go see Cynthia. I had to leave her with Cherche and Lon'qu, but I need to make sure she's ok."

Severa smirked. "Just be her big sister for now, ok? None of that leader business."

Lucina smiled back. "I'll do just that."

She turned and left, Severa took a seat at the table and settled in to wait.

Chrom, who'd caught a small part of their conversation and been hidden by the door when Lucina left, frowned.

Severa, Lucina, Morgan, and Cynthia… good names, but I wonder why they hide them? Then there's the part about parents...

Shaking his head, he decided to play along for now. "Katarina, I'm lucid! May I come in and not expect to be attacked?"

Severa looked at the open door, frowning. "Khan Flavia's not here yet, you can come in."

Chrom did just that, taking a seat across from her and resting his chin on his hands. "There's a lot to do."

He smirked. "Robin's going to have all kinds of fun catching up."

Severa smirked right back, a fun idea taking root in her mind.

"That he will."

-Robin, Next Evening-

Riding back took a lot more energy than he expected.

Admittedly, Robin had been slung over the side of a horse like a prized kill for two straight days. He could be forgiven for feeling incredibly tired. Especially when both his friend and his kind-of-but-not-quite girlfriend were the ones to put him in that position.

Robin wouldn't actually consider Cordelia his true girlfriend until they had a proper first date.

Beyond that, their little group had to go through the usual set of detours until they reached Surperius territory. Just because Evelyn had pledged her support didn't mean everyone had gotten the memo when they passed by.

Robin was more than a little relieved when they finally passed through the Longfort. It was only a couple hours ride to Flavia's castle and then they could rest.

Cordelia sidled up beside him. "It'll be nice to see Theresa again. I hope she won't be too mad at me."

Robin chuckled. "Yeah, I remember one time when I was on stable duty. She tried to take off my fingers when I gave her a carrot."

Cordelia blushed, embarrassed by her mount's behavior. "Yes, she's not a fan of those. Sorry again for not telling you."

Robin shrugged. "It's fine; you were preoccupied at the time. I was more upset with Gaius laughing at me over it."

Stahl pulled up on his other side. "You stole his custard for that right? What was the ransom price again?"

Robin smirked. "Latrine duty. He paid up without a second thought."

Cordelia frowned in thought. "Wait, wasn't that when Lissa put that weird poultice she'd bought into everyone's food?"

Robin nodded, remembering the distress everyone was in. Lissa may have found it funny at first, but the smell had made her regret the action.

Cordelia's face morphed into a grimace. "I don't think I ever got back at her for that… then again, I think Prince Chrom and Frederick did a good enough job scolding her."

Robin was about to shoot back when he glimpsed their goal ahead of them. "There's the castle! Not exactly home sweet home, but close enough!"

Stahl laughed. "Agreed! Come on, I need hot food and a lot of it!"

Cordelia laughed in agreement and they galloped the rest of the way. Their excitement faded when they reached the entrance hall, a notable anxiety hanging in the air like smog.

Robin narrowed his eyes. "I don't see anyone. Dismount and get your things ready, this may get ugly."

Cordelia and Stahl nodded, dropping from their horses. Robin did the same before calling into the empty space. "Is anyone here? We need our horses stabled and to meet with the Khan!"

Some footsteps sounded in the hall, a pair of aides rushing up to them. They apologized for not appearing sooner, but the group had arrived just as the shift switched.

Relieved, if only slightly, Robin asked where Flavia and Chrom were before a familiar voice reached his ears. "Robin, Stahl, Cordelia, we need you guys in the meeting room, now!"

Sully rounded the corner at a full sprint, boots squealing against the floor as she slid to a stop. Robin tried to protest the sudden urgency, but Sully grabbed both him and Cordelia by the wrists and started to drag them away.

Stahl attempted to get in front of Sully and slow her down, but the woman known as the second coming of the Bull would not be denied. The guards and servants of the castle were treated to an entertaining sight as they slowly worked their way through the halls, but it came to an end when Kellam arrived.

Robin sighed from where he'd been thrown over Kellam's shoulder, Cordelia being carried under his arm like a log. Stahl had been able to use Kellam's arrival to force Sully into a hold of his own, but that invited retribution so he was being hauled like fresh deer.

Cordelia cleared her throat. "Kellam, while I appreciate this is important, there's no need to carry us."

Kellam's face was stone. "Sorry, but no time. You'll see when we get there."

Robin and Cordelia looked to each other, neither liking the grim answer. A familiar feeling a dread seeped into Robin's mind as they turned a corner and were carried towards a door.

Kellam set them down. "You guys are the last team to arrive. Naga be praised if you have good news."

Robin's dread tripled. "What do you mean?"

Sully grunted as she put Stahl down. "Libra, Nowi, and Cherche are inside along with the Khan and Chrom. Also, we got some unexpected help, but please don't rush them."

That still didn't answer Robin's question, but Kellam was already banging on the door. "Robin and his group are here. We're sending them in!"

The doors opened to show a grim Libra. "Praise be to Naga. Come in, we need to get started."

Robin looked to Cordelia and Stahl before following Libra through the door.

Only to see Katarina staring at him nervously.

"Kat-!"

Chrom's voice cut through the room like steel. "Do not mind her! I'm about to get all of you up to speed while praying to heaven and any deity willing to listen that you have good news!"

Robin blinked and took a breath. Libra was off to the side, his expression a hard, grim line. Cherche stood across from Robin, worry written on her face. Nowi sat beside Libra, her hair hiding her face, but her posture communicated a deep despair.

Finally, there were Chrom and Flavia. They stood to either side of Katarina, the Khan cool and composed while Chrom looked ready to commit genocide.

Robin gulped. "So… what did I miss?"

Nowi, surprisingly, was the first to answer. "Robin?"

Robin looked to the manakete, concern lacing his voice at her emotionless tone. "Yeah, it's me Nowi."

Cordelia walked over to her friend, equally concerned. "I'm here too... and so's Stahl."

Nowi trembled before her head turned up and Cordelia nearly screamed.

Tears fell from the milky purple eyes, pooling in the divots of the scars crossing them like a cruel river. "That's good… I-I can't really tell anymore."

Robin tore his gaze from her ruined eyes, even as Cordelia ran and pulled Nowi close, sobs shaking them both. "What the devil happened?! Why's Nowi blind, where the hell is Frederick, why is Katarina here, it's all just too damn much!"

Flavia held out a hand. "It's simple, really. Nowi was blinded on her mission and Sir Frederick was nearly killed. They did a lot to tell us that Duke Carlen has been dead for some time along with the names of the other conspirators, Meredith, Selena, and Theodore."

Stahl stepped forward. "Theodore's in Ylisstol. Cordelia and I were captured by the Feldian General Evelyn, but we managed to escape soon after night fell. We watched the count leave the barracks we were in before escaping ourselves."

Chrom growled. "Then that leaves one unaccounted for. Sumia's been taken by the other."

Cordelia's head shot up. "Sumia was kidnapped?!"

Cherche stepped forward. "I watched her get pulled into the carriage myself. They somehow eluded a force from Themis and Surperius that surrounded Denaris, and General Draven surrendered after the first barrage."

Robin growled at that news. "Was it that Selena woman?"

Cherche nodded and Robin heard Cordelia let loose a piercing wail. He was beside her immediately. "Cordelia, what's wrong?"

Libra answered for her. "Selena was the one to take her. The problem is Selena is Sumia's mother."

Robin blinked, mind falling further behind. "What? Her mother? That… that doesn't make any sense!"

Cherche held back a sigh before adding. "I spoke with General Draven after he'd been taken into custody. Countess Selena had become noticeably harsher after the duchess and her family had been killed in a plot. It seemed to him like the woman had lost her mind."

Robin groaned and slumped against the table. "Stahl, how are you so calm right now?"

Stahl sighed. "I'm screaming on the inside, trust me. I just need to hear everything else."

Robin glared at him before looking to Chrom. "I assume the reason I didn't arrive to an empty castle has something to do with our new arrival then?"

Chrom grunted. "Arrivals. Katarina here brought Marth and Catria along with a new face, Tethys."

Robin turned his glare to Katarina, the girl flinching at his look. "I guess I should thank you. Without that help, I'd either have a dead or captured Prince on my hands!"

Katarina put on her best smug face. "I guess… surprised you haven't strangled him yourself though. These two fight more often than two drunkards over mead."

Robin felt a smirk begin to rise, but he crushed it. "Be that as it may, I'm still grateful. Considering your secrecy since we first met, seeing you willing to aid us is a needed boost."

He looked to Chrom, eyes sharpening. "Thankfully, we come bearing good news. General Evelyn is no fan of Count Theodore and only obeyed him due to him taking the regent's powers. After Stahl and Cordelia had some time with her while imprisoned, they convinced her to follow her own thoughts."

Chrom's features lightened along with the others. "Does that mean what I think?"

Stahl smiled at last. "General Evelyn has pledged her support in retaking Ylisstol. She gathers her forces as we speak."

A welcome wind of relief rushed through the room, even Nowi cracked a grin. Chrom allowed a smile of his own to show through. "That's the best news I've heard in two days. Robin, I have to ask you to stick around with us and keep things going. Cordelia, Stahl, you two can go and rest."

Cordelia shook her head. "I'd like to go with Nowi if I can. Will you inform me if anything develops involving Sumia?"

Robin walked to Cordelia's side and put a hand on her shoulder. "I will."

Kneeling in front of Nowi, Robin tried to let confidence suffuse his words. "Nowi, I'm glad you're alive. We'll make sure the dastards that got you like this pay, alright?"

Nowi nodded meekly, her eyes incapable of showing emotion now. "I…I'm counting on you. Do it for me and Freddy. But…"

Her hand shot out and gripped Robin's shirt hard, the next words delivered with an intensity Robin had never heard. "I want you to find a woman named Catherine. She's Frederick's sister and responsible for me and Frederick's states. When you find her, I want her alive, and I want her to fucking rot!"

The vehemence in her voice made Robin nod rapidly until his mind caught up. "Y-yes! We'll make sure to do just that!"

Nowi's grip loosened and a sigh escaped her lips. "Sorry, it's just when I think about it I get angry."

Cordelia's hand found hers and squeezed it. "I understand. If something happened to Robin I'd be angry too."

Nowi smiled, a glimmer of mischief returning. "Oh, did it finally happen? If so, I need to go tell Lissa."

Cordelia shook her head. "I'll explain on the way. Can you walk?"

Libra stepped in. "Lady Cordelia, if you could take her left side. She's still weak and needs the support."

Cordelia nodded and helped Nowi from her seat. No one spoke as Nowi was escorted from the room, Stahl broke the silence when they were gone. "I'll go ahead and get some rest too. Cherche, why don't you do so as well? You look like you haven't slept."

Cherche smiled at him. "Trying to keep Sir Frederick stable does that to you. It took the healers hours to get that crap out of him."

She started for the door. "I'll take you up on the offer though. I'll need to make sure I'm rested when the time comes."

They left, Robin the lone member of his group remaining. Sighing, he looked away from the door only to be greeted by cheeky grins from the three across the table.

His eyes narrowed. "What?"

Flavia examined her knuckles. "Oh, just glad to finally see the supposed genius get his head out of the sand."

Robin's eye twitched. "That it?"

Chrom crossed his arms. "I'm happy for you. It's been almost painful watching you two dance around the issue the last few months. So, when's the reception?"

Robin's hand twitched, a spark of energy escaping. "Ask me that after you save your damsel. Oh wait, that'll be me asking won't it?"

Chrom walked around the table and sent a fist crashing into the crown of Robin's head. "Say that again when we're sitting around drinks you arse monkey!"

Robin glared at Chrom and sent a fist crashing into the prince's jaw. "Insults now, eh? Fine then you righteous git! I've had words ready for you since I met ya!"

Chrom wiped his jaw and spit. "Bring it hornblower!"

The two proceeded to get into a juvenile fistfight, their need to vent bringing out petty insults and minor issues that had been bubbling under the surface.

Katarina turned to Flavia. "Are they always like this?"

Flavia shrugged. "I don't think so. Maybe the stress of it all's made them need to do something stupid. Personally, I think we should let them settle this and get their heads on straight."

Katarina shrugged. "Works for me. Got anything we can snack on while waiting?"

Flavia smirked and grabbed a package from under the table. "Fresh bread. Came out of the oven barely an hour ago."

Katarina smirked in turn and the two settled in to watch.

Oh, the joys of witnessing slapstick after a draining week.

-Castle Flavia, Infirmary-

She had seen nothing but blackness ever since that day.

Nowi breathed deeply as she thought on the events that had cost her the right to see. The first had been fueled by rage and accomplished nothing, her greatest regret.

The second had been her greatest pride.

As before, a voice had entered her mind and spoken to her. Except, it was not the booming voice of the King of Crystals. Rather, it was a much softer, gentler voice.

One she could vaguely recall from long ago.

It had asked her if Frederick was special to her. Asked if Frederick was someone that, even if it meant giving up everything, Nowi would stand beside for eternity.

Time had frozen for her then. Nowi spent what felt like hours deliberating if Frederick was that kind of person before memories came to her one by one.

Frederick's unfailing politeness, his willingness to keep her around even when she grew annoying and clingy. His glad instruction in dance and the conversations they'd have over dinner and training about inane things.

How he'd put up with her petty jealousy and forgiven her in his last moments…

...The decision was simple. Frederick had done more for her and been a greater friend than any in her entire life. Nowi had been ready to give her heart to him and if it meant he would live…

The voice had chuckled when Nowi's resolve solidified, praising her for her decision. It grew sad after that, saying that a price would need to be paid for Frederick to live.

Nowi offered anything.

It took her other eye.

The pain had made Nowi faint again, but when she'd awoken in the infirmary that night to only blackness, she'd panicked. It was only after Libra and Maribelle heard her screams that they arrived and restrained her.

It took Nowi hours upon hours to calm down. Her eyes had shown her such wonders over the years that it was agony to try and accept they were gone.

It took confirmation of Frederick breathing to get her to accept the sacrifice, if not necessarily come to terms with it.

Frederick…

She knew they'd sat her beside his cot, Cordelia and Libra kindly guiding her to a simple chair. The priest had given Frederick a once over before excusing himself and now the silence stretched between the two women.

"Nowi," Cordelia whispered. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Nowi remained silent for a moment, collecting her thought before answering. "…In order to give him life, I had to pay a price. My right eye was taken as payment for an attempt at vengeance, but my left was taken so that Freddy could live."

Cordelia frowned. "That…that sounds like you've communed with Naga."

Nowi shook her head. "No, not quite. The first was something called Ozymandias, but the second never introduced itself. All I know is that I feel connected to Freddy in a way that I never was before, to anyone. It's almost like… how to explain it?"

Nowi felt her head move as if to look at Cordelia but stopped herself. "Vaike told me after I calmed down that whenever Frederick would feel pain I would grimace in turn. It's like our bodies are synched or something."

She could hear Cordelia hum at the idea. If there's one thing Nowi had grown thankful for after being blinded, it was her hearing.

A groan stopped any response, Cordelia gasped. "Nowi, Frederick's waking up!"

Nowi leaned forward, but she was too fast and fell from her chair. Her arms caught her, but she scrambled about for the edge of Frederick's bed where his hand lay.

Freddy…Freddy…

A slim hand grabbed hers and pulled her up. "Nowi, do you want to be the first thing he sees?"

Nowi nodded shakily, not trusting her voice.

The slim hand guided her slowly, only to be replaced by a familiar hand. Nowi traced the callouses and rough patches dreamily, wondering at the blood pumping through them.

"…Nowi?"

The voice made her heart skip a beat. "Freddy?"

Another groan answered her, followed by a cracking voice. "Where… am I? My vision's… blurry."

Cordelia's voice sounded from beside Nowi. "Castle Flavia's infirmary. They brought you here in bad shape, but Lissa and Maribelle helped you pull through with help from the other healers."

Nowi felt Frederick's hand wrap around her own, the warmth of life making her eyes close though there was nothing to see.

Then she opened them.

What the…?

Around her were ghostly outlines, two figures showing clearly. One was standing next to her, their frame wreathed in a gentle flame, while the one laying before her looked like blue stone.

"I…I can see something…"

Nowi must have said it aloud because the flame-wreathed figure reached out a hand and grasped her shoulder. "Wait, Nowi, you can see?!"

Ah, that explained it. The figures and outlines were people and the room respectively. That meant the burning figure was Cordelia and the blue stone was Frederick.

Boy did that make sense or what?

Frederick's voice pierced her thoughts. "Cordelia, why do you sound so relieved? What do you mean Nowi can 'see'? I still can't...make anything out."

Cordelia tensed, the fire of her figure dimming, so Nowi answered. "I'm blind Frederick. Or… at least most of the time."

Frederick's grip tightened around her hand. "Explain."

It was not a question and Nowi was more than willing to answer. First, she had to get rid of their audience. "Cordelia, could you give us some privacy? Send whoever you think best in about an hour, ok?"

She could see the flicker of flames, Cordelia obviously considering. "…Fine, but I'll be back soon."

Nowi nodded. "That's good enough."

Cordelia's flaming outline strode to the outline of the door and vanished, leaving only the cool blue rock of Frederick in sight. Silence stretched while Nowi gathered her thoughts, Frederick didn't press.

"…I was angry," Nowi confessed. "I heard you being tortured, but I swear that I heard you murdered as well. There was such rage in me that I just wanted everyone who caused it to die. Some being spoke to me then, called himself Ozymandias, and offered me a chance to quench my rage."

She sighed. "I wasn't in my right mind so I accepted. It's a haze of violence after that, but I do remember finding the duke dead and a burning before my eye was taken. I screamed for a long time before Libra arrived and stopped the pain."

Frederick's hand gripped tighter, urging her on. "You have no idea how relieved I was to see you. Even though I'd lost one eye, I could still be there. Then… you started talking and…and…"

Nowi sniffled, fighting back another wave of tears. She'd cried enough, it was time to be strong.

"You died…" she whispered at last. "Your heart stopped beating, I felt you grow cold. Libra did everything he could; even Gaius tried every trick he could think of. We didn't know what to do…"

Frederick broke his silence. "Then how am I here?"

Nowi stroked his hand, unsure of what he would think. "I was made an offer. Unlike Ozymandias, this voice was soothing and kind, like you'd think a mother would be. The only reason I listened was because it sounded…familiar."

She took a deep breath. "It basically asked what I was willing to give, what I was willing to lose, if it brought you back. Your life depended on my answer."

Frederick sighed. "Your answer was your sight then?"

Nowi shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "Not quite…"

Using her new form of sight as best she could, Nowi guided herself until she was next to Frederick's head. As she'd moved, she could see her own arm and body, the entire frame encrusted with crystals of varying size and color.

Ignoring this, Nowi leaned over until she was sure she was before Frederick's face. "My answer… was to offer everything. I was and still am willing to give anything and lose everything to get you back. …Does that make me weird?"

Frederick's free hand came around and she felt it cup her cheek. It was weird seeing the limb as blue stone despite the warmth radiating from it. "Not at all… In fact, my answer would have been the same."

Nowi gripped the hand. "Does that mean… what you said before was true?"

Frederick's laugh was music to her ears. "I meant every word. I was sure my time was up, so why would I keep anything else hidden?"

Nowi couldn't help herself. Leaning down, she made sure her forehead rested against his before closing the gap and claiming his lips as her own.

It wasn't a passionate or romantic thing; Nowi just put her lips on Frederick's. She had no clue what to do beyond that so there they were.

Nowi eventually pulled back. "I'm glad it's still true. I've been crushing on you pretty hard, but I didn't realize it was something real until… you know…"

Frederick chuckled. "I understand. Honestly, I felt like scum to be telling you such a revelation when I was soon to leave. It was why I wanted you to find peace."

Nowi kissed him again, lingering a little longer before pulling back. "I don't know if I would have, but for now, I have it. Can we… give this a real go when it's all over? I can't fight anymore."

Frederick stroked her cheek. "Gladly. I will assist you in every way I can."

He sighed. "I just wish I could take back our argument before we left for Draconis. I'd have been able to give you my gift."

Nowi tilted her head. "You had a gift for me…? Oh, that's right! My birthday was coming up."

She frowned. "But, it's not for another week. You can still give it to me then."

Frederick sighed and his hand fell from her cheek. "I cannot. I was so frustrated after the argument I broke the gift against the wall. I couldn't salvage it, everything but the centerpiece was ruined. It'd take me another month to get the pieces together again and two weeks on top of that to have it remade."

Nowi put a hand on his chest, both to shush him and support herself. "What was it? You have me all curious now."

Frederick sighed. "It… it was a circlet. You told me over dinner a few weeks ago that your old one was starting to break down. It had been with you barely a century from what you'd told me, so I wanted to give you something more… permanent."

Nowi giggled. "Aw, that's so sweet! I wish I could have seen the original, but… I'll wait for you to do what you want. Far be it from me to tell you what to do."

She thought Frederick smiled. Features were hard to see considering all she could make out was a frame.

"I'll do just that," he laughed. "Though, I find myself growing tired, Nowi. Would you mind telling me what you see? Or… how you can see?"

Nowi pulled back, her grip on the hand by his side never loosening. "I can see… outlines and frames. There's… six beds in here, tables, chairs, a door, the walls, and a large window over there. Those are the outlines. As for the frames, those are around people. I see you as… a silhouette of blue rock."

Frederick coughed in surprise. "A blue rock? I suppose I wear a good deal of blue, but it is Lord Chrom's personal color…"

Nowi giggled. "It's probably just how I view people. I'm not sure why, but when I'm holding your hand, I can see these things. It's a mystery."

Frederick sighed. "Indeed it is… Nowi, would you stay with me? I would like to rest."

Nowi carefully took a seat. "Gladly."

Frederick's breathing quickly slowed, Nowi smiling at his sleeping form. He must have been truly tired.

"Hey, Nowi! How's our favorite knight doing?"

Nowi looked up and almost had to shield her eyes. A small frame in the vague shape of a woman in robes walked in, holy light blazing from her body. The voice placed her as Lissa, but Nowi simply couldn't face her.

"Nowi?"

Reluctantly, Nowi freed herself from Frederick's grasp and blessed darkness returned. "Sorry, Lissa, lost in thought. Here to check on him?"

Lissa's giggle was her answer. The shuffle of cloth and scrape of soles on stone let her follow Lissa's movements, but neither spoke until Lissa was done.

"Alright, he's coming along nicely," Lissa cheered. "He won't be ready in time for us to march, but damn if we're not going to make sure those dastards pay for this! We'll get Sumia back with us and everything'll be hunky dory!"

Nowi smiled at her enthusiasm, listening intently as Lissa started giving instructions.

They may not be able to retake Ylisse, but Frederick and Nowi would be ready to finish the fight when it came time to end Gangrel.

They owed their friends that much.

-Severa-

The fight between Chrom and Robin took far longer than Severa had thought it would.

Flavia had polished off the last of their snack almost an hour ago, and the fight was still going on. It wasn't much of a fight to be sure, they just tiredly slapped at each other, but it was swiftly growing dull.

"Ok, I think we're good," Severa sighed. "Who says we all call it a night and get some well-deserved sleep?"

"Hear-hear!" Flavia seconded. "Robin, you got here in the evening, but the moon came out long ago. Let's get our heads on straight and get to it tomorrow, eh?"

Robin staggered away from Chrom's last blow, his breathing labored. "Yeah… I think that's a good idea. Actually, can I ask Katarina something before I go? Privately, please?"

Chrom pushed himself off the wall where his punch had carried him. "Yeah, let's…let's do that. I'm going to bed."

Robin bumped fists with Chrom as he left, Flavia playfully punching his arm as she followed the exhausted Prince.

Robin and Severa stared at each other for a few minutes before Robin got them started. "So… why are you here?"

Severa glared. "To help? What, you think that's not a good enough reason after we've saved your sorry hides time and again?"

Robin pinched his nose. "No, that's not it. The last you and I spoke, I realized your name wasn't Katarina, it's something else. I even vaguely recall that you told me you couldn't tell me the 'truth'... so to speak."

Severa grimaced. "That still stands. Everything's already changed in ways that we don't understand and messing with this further only makes it worse."

Robin stared at her. "The way you say that… it makes it sound like you traveled through time."

Severa's face was stone. "Like that could happen. No, we just want to end this war as soon as possible. There was just no inclination that a rebellion of any scale would occur, let alone one that appears to be so unpopular."

Robin sighed. "On that, we can agree. Were this staged shortly after the Purge ended, I could understand, but this has poor timing and impatience written all over it."

Severa planted her hands on the table. "Exactly. My group knew that the Shepherds would need help with this and we wanted information. It's mutually beneficial."

Robin walked around the table, leaning against the edge when he was beside her. "Again, that sounds right. But, should I still call you Katarina, or do I try and guess your real name?"

Severa smirked, not thinking it could do any harm. "I'll give you three guesses. Once those are out, can I go?"

Robin nodded, deciding to through out some random guesses before confirming his supicions. "Gladly. Now then… Heather?"

Severa shook her head, not even close.

"Jennifer?"

Severa felt a smirk rise; her mind assured he'd never get it right.

"…Severa."

Ha, like she…oh.

Robin stole her smug look. Apparently, she'd gotten it from him. "Judging by the surprise, I'm right. Now then, I'm assuming you don't want others to know, so I won't spill, but when this is over I want answers."

Severa gulped. "Uh… look, don't tell anyo-, wait you said that already. Um… how did you guess?"

Robin shrugged. "Believe it or not, I entered a relationship with a wonderful woman just a few days ago. That event pretty much triggered my memory for the first time in a while and the name 'Severa' came to me. I knew you were related to me in some way, the hair shows it, but at this point I think we're just cousins of some sort."

Severa jumped on the opening. "That's closer than you've been, but I still can't say anything. It would be beyond irresponsible and I would get screamed at for hours."

Robin sighed. "I guess that's all I can ask. Thanks for at least agreeing to speak with me; I know it's not easy trying to deal with those two."

Severa smiled. "You're best friends with a prince, it can't be that bad."

Robin rolled his eyes with a laugh. "You say that, but you don't really know him. Man can't handle anything stronger than wine and the two of us got into one mess after another trying to figure out my tolerance."

Severa started towards the door, Robin followed her. "What's yours then?"

Robin scratched at the back of his neck. "Liquor. Found that out after Gaius snuck some bottles into a party we had for him, Panne, and Cordelia after they joined the Shepherds. Boy did I make a fool of myself."

Severa smiled and prodded him for tales the rest of the time they were together. In her time, Robin had never really shared the stories of his days with the early Shepherds, even when confronted by both of his daughters.

They separated at a fork in the halls, Severa wishing Robin goodnight before going on her way. She made sure to turn a corner and wait a second before peeking into the hallway she'd left.

Robin had turned to walk in the opposite direction, his steps vigorous and determined.

A figure with crimson hair at the end of the corridor made his destination clear.

Severa giggled silently before setting off with a skip in her step. The song her parents had played long ago and the first one she'd heard her father play months ago hummed past her lips all the way to her room.

Opening it, she found it filled with her friends and sister, their eyes flying to her when she entered. Curious, she closed the door and locked it before speaking. "What's up?"

Morgan hopped from her seat and approached Severa slowly. "Well… I ran into Mom…"

Severa's eyes widened. "And…?"

Morgan scratched the back of her head. "I kind of challenged her to a spar and got my ass kicked."

Severa's eyes took in the way Morgan was holding herself, obviously tender. "What did you do to earn that much punishment?"

Cynthia jumped in, a teasing grin on her face. "She tried to tease Aunt Cordy about her hair!"

Severa's eyes widened. "Morg! You know she treasures that mane of hers, she's beaten people unconscious for less!"

Morgan pouted. "You share it ya know. You won't let anyone but Lucy brush it."

Severa put Morgan into a friendly headlock, rubbing her knuckles against her sister's head. "Because you can't comb anything! You cut yours short so you wouldn't worry about it!"

Morgan screeched in protest. "No noogies!"

Severa chuckled and let her go. "Get some sleep Morg, you won't be moving well tomorrow."

Morgan groaned and shuffled to her bed, flopping into it without a care.

Severa smiled before looking to Cynthia and Lucina. "Well, I suppose I'll get to the point."

She sat on Morgan's bed, hands kneading the blanket.

"Dad figured out my name."

Lucina gasped but Cynthia answered. "Wait, he figured it out?! Did Emmeryn tell him?!"

Severa shook her head. "No, Dad came straight from the entrance hall to the meeting. He said that some memories came back and that my name was among them. He doesn't know I'm his kid, he thinks we're cousins of some sort."

Cynthia sighed in relief. "Thank Naga, that would get ugly fast."

Lucina snorted. "It's why we never revealed our real names. What confounds me is how your name showed up in his memories. By rights, he should have no knowledge of your name, yet it appears that he was able piece it together."

Severa frowned. "Now that you mention it, he did say that he knew Katarina wasn't my real name. It was after I killed the leader of Emmeryn's assassins, but he was close to falling unconscious so I thought he was confused."

Lucina shook her head. "At this point it doesn't matter. We cannot reveal ourselves to our parents lest we pressure them into marriage. I want them to be as genuine to each other as they were in our time, not getting together for our sakes."

Cynthia smiled at her sister. "I don't think we have to worry about ours. Dad was destroying dummies in a courtyard for hours after he heard Mom got taken."

Morgan piped up. "Our mom looked absolutely ecstatic to me. She said she got a boyfriend, but all she'd tell me was he had 'opal eyes'. Pretty obvious our parents are more or less set."

Severa smirked. "I saw Dad running off to meet her before I got here too. Now we just need to make sure they survive the next few battles and we can get out of their hair."

Lucina grew pensive. "Girls, I need to ask you something. It's very important."

Her friends looked to her, each curious. Lucina took a deep breath before asking a question that could change everything.

"When all this is over… and our younger selves come into this world…"

She sighed.

"Would you like to stay in Ylisse on a more permanent basis?"

Morgan gasped. "Lucy… do you mean what I think you mean?"

Lucina nodded, face set in her usual determined mask. "I am."

"Do you want to join the Shepherds?"

Ch. End.

So we didn't actually assault Ylisstol this time, but I refuse to write another 8-10k words for one chapter. I fear I'll kill my beta if I do.

Kiwi: *snoring after finishing edits for Chapter 27*

Severa: Kiwi didn't appreciate it when you did 12k, what's going to happen with 15k?

Lucina: Probably a red pen getting shoved down 7's throat.

7: *gulp* I hope not! I can't write with a pen down my throat!

Severa: Noooo, really?

7: Drop the sarcasm, this chapter really focused on you guys.

Lucina: Along with Nowi.

7: And her as well.

But, rather than add to this word count, let's say goodbye for now! Hope everyone enjoys this chapter and looks forward to the next one as we assault Ylisstol!