Alright, let's get to the chapter!

Severa: We'll release the crows on your signal.

Lucina: Henry is ready to make his debut.

7: And I desperately require snacks. I'll make a run to the store, what ya want?

Severa: I want a dozen sugar cookies so I can share with Morgan.

Lucina: I'll take a blueberry muffin, but can you get a tub of rocky road for Cynthy? She's been dying for it.

7: No problem. Kiwi?

Kiwi: Alll the coffees!

7: No, no more coffee!

Kiwi: Coooofffeeeee.

7: *Ignores the zombie* Then I will make the run! Robin, you have the floor, get as much done as you can. I'll be back.

*7 Leaves*

Robin: You heard the number, move it!

*Cast scrambles*

Isle of Crows

It took a week after repelling the vanguard to set up the meeting with Plegia.

In the interim, the time travelers began to acclimate. With their existence in the open amongst the Shepherds, it was at least somewhat relieving to not have to hide every time a Shepherd passed by.

Didn't make the transition easy though, as Nah was sure to point out.

"Why are we doing this?" Nah asked as she followed her father through the camp. Her week had been spent getting used to her older form and learning to switch between it and her dragon form. This meant learning how to walk with much longer legs, getting new clothes, and altogether learning to function.

"It's paramount you get used to walking around like this." Frederick answered, nodding to a passing patrol. "You will be amongst the soldiers, so overcoming your nerves of being seen is a necessary step."

Nah sighed and looked down. She was wearing white and red clothes that flowed over her body, but retained greater modesty than her mother who was unafraid to flaunt her legs. Nah preferred a longer skirt under the robes that fell to her knees and equally long boots. There were still some frills, she was fond of them, but they only appeared on the bodice.

It was just so damn weird being the center of attention. Most of the others, while respecting her age, found themselves flummoxed trying to speak with this new Nah. Sure, it was satisfying to get Laurent blushing, but it was still weird feeling the soldiers stare.

"Your nerves are understandable." Frederick said. "But please, know that I walk with pride knowing you're here. I simply wish you to be comfortable, but there's little time to prepare."

Nah sighed again and nodded. "Thanks, but it's just so weird. I had my mind made up I wouldn't be able to do this for a long time. Assuming of course everyone lived that long."

Frederick shook his head and flicked her ear, drawing an indignant yelp. "Your pessimism needs work as well. Keeping expectations realistic is the duty of any sensible knight, but losing yourself in it is as good as admitting defeat."

Frederick knew his daughter well, for an offended fire flared in her eyes. "Like hell I'll ever admit defeat! I wouldn't be here if I gave up, and you know it!"

Frederick smirked and started guiding her down a familiar path. "There's the fire. Now that we've taken your mind off things, it's time for everyone's favorite time of the day."

"Unless of course, you'd like to assist in the forge?"

Nah froze as she realized the ploy. It was either endure her father's Fanatical Fitness HourTM and be subject to every wandering pair of eyes or become living bellows.

But let it never be said a dragon backed down from a challenge. "Fine, but don't be surprised when I leave you bruised."

Frederick chuckled. "Oh dear girl, you could only wish."

Nah began to protest as they made for the training field, milky purple eyes watching them go in amusement. "They're getting along better."

Severa glanced up from the report she'd been reading to Nowi. "Oh, you mean Uncle and… Nah? Damn it, I want to call her Natalie now, but I just can't."

Nowi giggled. "Well, it's hard for her too, and she insists we still call her Nah. It's enough to have her here though, and I'm glad the others have taken to your true identities so well. Surprised they had already figured it out, but glad nonetheless."

She winked at Severa, who felt the urge to rub at her new armor. "The promotion suits you, Sev. How is it being Robin's equal?"

"Exhausting." Severa groaned, the report forgotten. "It's like the gods saw fit to double his duties just so I could have an equal workload when I got the position. I can't tell you how many commanders have come knocking just to request a unit or two get shuffled around."

Nowi hummed and looked around, sharp ears, heh, picking up the numerous conversations going on around them. "The soldiers are getting antsy, same with the commanders. They all know we need Plegia's support in this but they're upset with how long it's taking."

"It's a week-long round trip." Severa groused. "Today's the earliest we'd get a message back. You'd think all the reforms and revised training would make them patient."

Nowi giggled, but Robin's arrival interrupted her answer. "We have the Valmese fleet stationed at Origin Peak, it's no surprise they're antsy with the enemy so close by while we wait. Their zeal from the first battle is making them desire a fight, but that's why cooler heads lead."

Severa grunted in agreement before nodding to the small stack of parchment Robin was carrying. "True enough, but what's all that? I thought we got the transfers and logistic reports done this morning."

Robin shrugged. "Oh, it's just a copy of the message from Plegia. The messenger got in about an hour ago, but I only got to start looking for you just now."

Severa stared at him, befuddled. "Wait, really? Why didn't you send a page or something, that's important!"

Robin held out the stack, which Severa took and started to look over. "It's because an argument started the minute the report was done. Plegia has set the meeting place as Carrion Isle, which is as ominous as it sounds, and we need to be there in four days."

Nowi gasped. "That soon? We can't send an appropriate set of representatives and an honor guard in so short a time. Unless… oh no."

Robin nodded as Nowi realized what the argument was about. "Yep, Chrom has decided he'll be heading up the representatives. The new Plegian King is supposed to be there, so it makes some sense, but he's insisting only myself and Sumia go with him."

"Like hell!" Severa shouted, dropping her volume when everyone stopped to stare at her. "There is no way whatsoever we're sending three people into the viper pit. I don't care if the new king is Naga incarnate, he goes with the Shepherds at least or not at all."

Nowi nodded. "Big time. Carrion Isle got the name because of Plegian clans betraying one another; the corpses outnumbered the people. Doesn't matter if it's a halfway point, the connotations are less than ideal."

"Agreed." Robin said as Severa finished reading. "We've already informed the commanders to watch the camp while we're gone. They've finally started working on converting the two Valmese ships we captured. Hopefully, this goes well, we return, and off we go."

Severa sighed. "To fight the Valmese, great. Alright, lead the way, I know you need someone to help with getting our supplies in order. Auntie, you should probably go find your family. We'll probably announce our departure before long."

Robin shrugged and walked off, Severa jogging after him. Nowi gave them a wave goodbye before slipping into the crowd. Once she was gone, Robin tapped Severa's pauldron. "This stuff treating you well? I'm still damn proud to see you wear it, but I need your honest opinion."

"I always give it." Severa laughed. "But it's been good so far. Spars are good, I can still move really well, and the extra protection has saved me from some nasty welts. All-in-all, I love it, just need to put it through real combat now."

Robin shook his head, ruing the idea. "I'd always prefer it only see a test in spars, but this entire negotiation looks more like a trap every time I think about it. We'll need to be on top of our game, if only so we don't get caught with our trousers down."

Severa snorted, a memory rising to the surface. "That reminds me of the time Uncle Vaike got locked out of the barracks a couple years ago. Remember, during the winter Aunt Cherche came back?"

Robin blinked before laughing. "Yeah, I do. Poor guy got stuck out in his underclothes after the latch got stuck. Had to take shelter in the stables if memory serves, only for Cherche to find him when she came back that morning. Talk about a reunion."

Severa gave him a smile. "Did I ever tell you that Morgan didn't arrive in the same place after we went through the gate? Trust me, when we ran into each other again, there was a lot of crying."

Robin did remember that. For whatever reason, it seemed the Shepherds had a penchant for dramatic reunions. And considering the rest of the couples whose children had yet to appear, there were bound to be more.

"And we're here." Robin muttered as they arrived at the so called 'Big Tent'. Judging by the exasperated looks Kellam and Stahl had slapped across their faces as they stood guard, Chrom was still trying to convince the others his idea was the best.

Robin needed to put a stop to his friend's attempt at strategy, it never ended well.

"Alright, that's enough." Robin declared as he entered the tent.

As he expected, most of the Shepherds were crammed into the tent, everyone turned to look at him. Sumia and Lucina looked positively aggravated, while Cynthia was going for the full-frontal assault complete with tears.

How that hadn't swayed Chrom yet was baffling.

"Robin, back me up here." Chrom tried, hoping his old friend could help. "No one seems to realize that we need the Shepherds here in case the Valmese try something. You, me, and Sumia can take care of anything Plegia cooks up, there's no need to bring everyone."

Robin paused as if considering this, drawing many skeptical looks in the process. Then he shook his head and crushed Chrom's hopes. "You aren't going anywhere without the Shepherds. Have some faith in your commanders, not to mention Flavia and Basilio. Those two can run this whole show like we're not here anyway, so your argument's moot. We're going with, if only to temper your impulses."

Chrom held onto the stubborn look for another moment before the weight of the Shepherd's broke even his steel will. "Alright, fine. But if something big happens, I get to gloat."

"As you have promised the last dozen times we've overruled you." Sumia sighed, making the others laugh. "Seriously Chrom, you're Exalt and a father twice over, how have you not suppressed the impulse to charge into danger?"

Chrom shrugged and smirked at her. "Would I be the man you love if I did?"

Sumia rolled her eyes but kissed his cheek. "There are days I wonder, but probably not. Alright people get started on packing. We'll send out departure times after a quick chat with our Grandmasters."

The Shepherds voiced their understanding before streaming out of the tent, conversation on the many needs of packing filling the air. Once they were gone, Robin strode to the table that dominated the center of the tent, Severa right beside him. "So, this is the map of Carrion Isle?"

Chrom grew serious and nodded. "It's a few years old, so you know. The messenger didn't get a detailed look, so this is the best we got."

This last part went to Severa, who was poring over the map with the same intensity as her father. "I see. I will say that this place has valleys galore, great for ambushes and traps. We'll need to be careful on the way in and out in case something nefarious is being brewed."

"I'll give it a good scouting." Cynthia assured them, standing proud in her armor with the crocodile tears nowhere to be seen. "Especially for Risen. After that stunt they pulled in Xaldornos with Aunty, we can't be too careful."

Sumia sighed in agreement. "At least she can come out of the gem once we're away from the main force. Heaven knows she must be bored cooped up in that thing all day."

"She takes the time to come spar with us, actually." Lucina informed them, making the others stare at her in shock. "What? She's not opposed to training, just unneeded bloodshed. Well, bloodshed in general, but she's more than willing to help with the Risen."

The very idea of Emmeryn raining a corona of destruction upon the undead sent Chrom into hysterics. Sumia wasn't far behind, nor was Cynthia, but even Severa had to cover her mouth and stifle giggles.

"That disturbing image aside," Robin drawled. "We all know what we'll be asking of Plegia, yes?"

He got nods all around. "Then to recap, we're requesting ships and extra funds in exchange for our manpower and protection. Assuming that doesn't go over well, we're willing to offer reparations for the Purge that occurred nearly twenty years ago and assistance in rebuilding the country should it be desired. Anything to add?"

"We're giving the reparations regardless." Sumia reminded. "It's been far too long as is. Beyond that, I can't think of anything."

Everyone voiced similar thoughts, so Severa began to mark the map. "Then let's start making a route. The message only specified we get there in four days, not how we got there."

The royals and Grandmasters gathered around, chatter and suggestions filtering from the tent for several hours as the Shepherds, new additions and all, prepared to leave.

-Cordelia-

"Cordelia! We need you back at camp, it's important!"

Cordelia looked up from her current task of converting a warship into something the Shepherds could use. "Lissa? What's going on?"

"The messenger got back." Lissa panted as she jogged up. "I already signaled Morgan to join us as I was running over here, but you didn't respond when I tried to signal you too."

Cordelia blinked before calling over a sergeant. After passing her task to him, she turned on a dime and made for the Shepherd's camp, Lissa fell in step beside her. "Did we get that meeting?"

"Yeah, but it's taking place on Carrion Isle." Lissa sighed, Cordelia frowned in answer. "I've seen the map; the whole place is covered in valleys and cliffs. The entire company's coming with us while Flavia and Basilio keep things going here. Everything goes well, we're back here and on the water within a week."

Cordelia ran a hand through her hair. "And if it goes south, we're out of luck. Plegia has to see this is a matter of mutual annihilation, not even the most fanatic Grimleal would let such a thing occur."

"I'm not so sure." Lissa muttered. "Regardless, we need to pack in a hurry. Would you mind helping Miriel get the caravan set up? I need to help Maribelle and Libra get all our medicine in order."

Cordelia nodded and Lissa peeled off toward the medical tents. Once she was gone, Cordelia lengthened her stride and made the Shepherd's camp just in time to witness Morgan attempting to carry three barrels into a wagon.

"Woah there!" Cordelia called as Morgan stumbled, just barely righting the precarious stack. "You're carrying a bit much don't you think?"

Morgan giggled and started forward. "Nah, not really. This is nothing considering what Aunt Sully put me through back in Ferox during the rebellion. I just got lost in my thoughts."

Cordelia still took the topmost barrel as she followed her daughter. "You should still be able to see, no matter what. What's got you thinking so hard?"

"Just things." Morgan answered. "You know, now that the excitement's worn off, I kinda miss just being one of the Knights. Getting the promotion… everyone calls me 'ma'am' or 'commander' now. I mean, I thought I was done with that after finally breaking my squad in but…"

Cordelia smiled and laughed. "You'll just have to get used to it. Heaven knows I hated getting that treatment, but it faded after a while. Now I just ignore it for the important parts."

They deposited their loads, Morgan stared at the barrels while Cordelia focused on her. "I guess, but it'll be a while for sure. Oh right, Dad wants to talk with you later. I have a Pegasus that needs grooming first, but I'll see you later. I really want to see that maneuver you've been talking about."

Cordelia waved as Morgan wandered into the sea of tents, other Shepherds and supplies swiftly taking her attention away from her daughter. Morgan, for her part, made a beeline for the tent she shared with Severa once Cordelia was out of sight.

Once there, she ducked inside to find her sister taking off her armor. "You ready?"

Severa nodded and finished removing her armor, coat and shirt joining the metal. Morgan hurried over to a small stack of bottles hidden in the corner of the tent and grabbed a bottle made of dark metal. Turning around, she found Severa had already lain across the cot, face down and back bare.

Morgan gulped as she looked over her sister's back. The mark had continued to grow in the years they'd been with their family, albeit much slower thanks to the joy they'd experienced, but it had now reached the middle of Severa's back.

It was starting to change too, the original six eyes and wings slowly twisting into a facsimile of a dragon that both knew all too well.

Taking a deep breath, Morgan opened the bottle and poured the concoction into her hands, the dark-blue sludge coating her skin. Once she had enough, she began to spread the sludge over Severa's mark and knead it into her skin.

After several minutes, the sludge began to change until it matched Severa's skin tone, the mark disappearing. With that done, Morgan sighed and helped her sister sit up. "We need to find more of this, we're running out. I'd say one more coating for both of us after I'm done and that's it."

Severa shook her head. "We'd need to go to Anna again, and she's bound to be suspicious. I was told that bottle would last a year, but it's only been four months."

"I didn't think my mark would start growing too." Morgan mumbled as she started to remove her armor. "But we're going to be on a ship for at least two months soon, there won't be time to get another bottle. We don't know how this… cover is going to work with sea water either."

"Can't we at least tell Dad about this? I know I'm scared and you're scared but…"

Severa glared at her sister, the heat in her gaze making Morgan squeak. "Fear has nothing to do with it, this is about survival. If this gets out, anyone with any sense will want us dead. Our friends will want us dead, the Shepherds will want us dead. To them, it may be a mercy, or even revenge."

Morgan wilted, mind casting back to the time they'd fled from. Everyone had sworn to defeat Grima and his agents, no matter what they must do or who they must fight.

…Even those whose only crime was being born, lest they be waiting for a chance to strike.

"Morgan, I wish we could tell them." Severa soothed, regretting her anger. "I wish there was some way to be free of this, to know that we wouldn't harm those we care for and have them know it too. But you've seen their conviction first hand. No one will stand for a threat to Ylisse or the world…"

"…Not even if it's us."

Morgan nodded, a resigned air settling over her. Severa pulled her into a hug, ruing that this argument had taken place once again. "Come on, let's get you covered. We still have work to do."

Morgan clenched her fists behind Severa's back before pulling away and finishing her disrobement.

Severa stared tiredly at the mark that now snaked around the sides of her sister's breasts, but poured the sludge onto her hands anyway. Once Morgan's mark was gone, they got dressed again.

"We'll be fine, ok Morgan?" Severa tried to make her voice optimistic as they prepared to leave. "I've always made sure we made it through, and I don't plan on failing this time."

Morgan sighed through her nose. "I know sis… and I trust you. Let's go whip some tail."

Severa would normally roll her eyes in amusement, but there was no humor to be found as Morgan left. All that remained was uncertainty and the fear that all their work and loyalty to the cause would mean nothing before the blood that flowed through them.

The world was cruel.

Severa shook her head and started to pack, neither of the sisters noticing a grim Gaius skulking in the shadows outside their tent.

He clutched a notepad in his hand, exact sketches of their marks painting the paper.

I can't go to anyone but Sunshine with this. I can at least play it off as finding the marks during the trek to Carrion Isle, but now I'm scared to know what they mean. Bubbles comes from Grimleal nobility, that's what his mark means, and their marks are different from Bubbles, if they're changing.

If it was what he suspected, based on the idea that the head-over-heels Lucina would kill her girlfriend and hopeful sister-in-law over it…

This trip to Plegia suddenly bore a much more sinister air.

As for how he knew about all this, especially when Severa and Lucina had yet to publicize their relationship…

Well, no one was kidding when they called him the Exalted Shadow.

-Four Days Later, Outside Plegia Castle-

Gaius didn't always like when his intuition was right.

Sunshine had gotten a look at his sketches after they'd entered Plegian territory yesterday, only to immediately start questioning where Gaius had seen the symbols.

He was able to show her the markings on a cliffside, the carvings his work after sneaking off the previous night. It had calmed Tharja down at least, but her explanation wasn't what he was hoping for.

Basically, the marks were signs of advancement towards what the Grimleal called 'Grima's Enlightenment'. The marks showed just how much of Grima's power was flowing through the individual's blood, the more elaborate the marks the greater the power. The vessel with which the Grimleal hoped to contain Grima's power would not experience a change in their mark; those who did would become increasingly susceptible to the Fell Dragon's influence.

And madness.

Tharja called them prophets according to Grimleal teachings, the most advanced and complicated markings supposedly allowing Grima to speak and act through the marked. Thus the prophet part, but Gaius knew Tharja grew more suspicious the paler he got during the explanation.

Morgan wasn't terribly far along, being at least another few years out from reaching the middle stage. Severa, on the other hand… she was starting to approach the advanced stage. In other words, they had a year at best to try and find a solution before Severa might lose her mind and become a Grimleal prophet.

…Damn, that was a scary thought. He'd seen her turn an entire battalion of training dummies into ash with one spell and Robin was starting to teach her how to channel lightning to go with it.

Regardless, he'd been sitting on the information for the entire trip, trying to figure out how he was going to break this to Robin and Cordelia. The only thing that kept his mind off the trouble was scouting and keeping himself busy.

Not even the revelation that Robin had what appeared to be a twin working as the Plegian Hierophant had done much to shock him. That was revealed after their meeting with the Plegian King, Validar, which otherwise ended in stunning success. They were given all the funding and ships they could need, Validar even graciously accepting the reparations Blue and Stumbles had come up with over the Purge.

Stumbles, Blue, Mother, and Bubbles were all beyond unnerved though. Even Freddykins had been on edge since the meeting ended, describing an aura of general despair and malice that had hung over an otherwise genial meeting.

Validar had even brought in Aversa, who many had thought died in the turmoil since she'd fallen off the map. They were certainly relaxed, if what Gaius heard was correct, even graciously offering several gifts of friendship between the nations. So, the question everyone was asking after all that…?

Why did Validar and Aversa sound so wooden and rehearsed with the Hierophant in the room? It was like they'd done this meeting a dozen times.

Gaius really couldn't think on that though. The Shepherds had, after much deliberation, chosen a valley to settle for the night. While it was easy to get trapped in, they'd set up a number of fortifications to hold off any surprise attacks while everyone got organized.

As the moon rose, so did Gaius. He knew sitting on the information about Severa and Morgan could wait no longer, so he needed to find Bubbles. The problem was, even with a full moon, it would take time for Gaius to find him.

At least until he felt a twinge in his mind that erupted into a full-fledged migraine. It wasn't his though, as he had to remind himself, it was coming from the mark he'd placed on Robin. The mark in question was a talisman that allowed Gaius to track whatever it was attached to, but only if he focused.

With his destination in mind, Gaius melted into the shifting shadows and raced toward Robin. Barely a second passed before he rose out of Robin's shadow, his friend panting heavily as if he'd been winded. "Bubbles, what the hell happened?"

"Validar…" Robin gasped, breath coming in gulps. "He… called me his son… did something that… made my mind scream, like… he was trying to invade…"

Gaius frowned as the news from the meeting popped to the front of his mind. "The hierophant, you said they were identical to you. If he's also Validar's son, you could be twins."

"Loathe… as I am to say it…" Robin panted, breath slowly steadying. "I did feel… a strange connection… to him. It would… explain a lot."

Gaius hummed and looked back to see Chrom thundering towards them. "Blue, he's fine. Said something about Validar calling him son and it explaining a lot. Said he felt a connection and that Validar tried to get in his head."

Chrom growled before going to his friend's side. "Robin, can you walk? We need you back at camp, there's an ambush underway like we suspected."

Robin groaned but straightened. "Yeah… yeah, I'm ok now. Sorry Chrom, Gaius, I don't know what that was about. Frankly… I really don't want to know anything further about my past now, especially since it looks like the Grimleal are more heavily involved than I thought."

Gaius grimaced, Robin was closer to the mark than he realized.

"Regardless, we have Risen on top of us." Chrom said, steel entering his voice. "Let's take care of them first. Be aware, they're far more organized than usual, so we can't have the mages line up and get some practice in."

Robin nodded and they dashed off, Gaius shaking his head as he melted into shadow again.

I'll tell him after we're done here. He deserves to know, even if it comes on the heels of that mess.

He thought no more as he rose from the shadows again, the Mani Katti slicing through a Risen's neck.

It was going to be a long night.

-Severa-

"Blow those suckers up!"

Morgan and Miriel heeded her command immediately, turning a group of Risen trying to flank Gregor into flaming chunks. The fight had started like a wildfire, quick and brutal, only the preparations they'd made beforehand kept the Shepherds from suffering unacceptable casualties.

Even still, the Risen were organized and surprisingly cunning, several of the Shepherds sustaining nasty wounds when the Risen used their lesser brethren to tunnel behind their lines and attack from below. That was solved when Kellam came forth, slammed his spear into the earth, and buried the tunnels with the Risen in them.

The drop-in numbers barely stopped the monster though, even as the wounded Shepherds fell back to heal. It left far too few to defend against the onslaught, but they were leveraging superior skill and equipment to the fullest while Severa earned her title once more.

"Lucy, gut that archer and move on!"

Lucina blurred forward and bisected an archer. She wielded a discarded lance to keep Risen knights and fliers at bay while she retreated to the body of the Shepherds again.

"Morgan, another dose to the right!" Severa shouted again, voice growing hoarse. "Vaike, rip that knight off his horse! Virion, Noire, cover fire!"

Arrows whistled through the air, sending Risen to the dirt in droves. Noire was no slouch, but Virion was capable of stringing three arrows at a time and hitting accurately despite the force required to draw his bow. Noire made up for it in range, sniping Risen far in the rear.

Vaike roared into what remained, Armads whipping around him in a twister of carnage. Everything it hit was crushed or sliced, rotten limbs and blood staining the ground. Vaike rushed through the carnage, sustaining many a wound that only drove his fury, until he reached the knight Severa had designated.

It was quite a sight, Vaike ripping the thing off its horse and beating it to death with said mount.

Heat bloomed on the right, Morgan unleashing her personal tome on the Risen. She'd named it Immolate after the effect her unique enchantments wrought on the spell, burning the Risen from the inside out.

Another gout of flame joined a moment later, a huge murder of crows descending on the field. The feathers and birds were so thick in the air, it was amazing anyone could see past their nose.

"Nyahahaha!" A youthful voice laughed, fire consuming another pair of Risen. "You guys look like a lost cause! Need a hand against these bozos? I have to warn you, they're already dead!"

Severa knew that terrible humor anywhere, her thoughts confirmed when the crows dispersed to show a young man with white hair wearing dark mage robes.

"Who are you?" Frederick demanded as he thundered forward. "Begone from this place, the Risen shall show no mercy to you boy!"

The boy kept grinning, a snap of his fingers crushing the Risen that tried to attack him between purple spikes. "Oh, I'm here to help actually. The crows wanted to give a message, they said you're… what's the word…?"

He thought for a moment before seeming to remember. "Right, you're trapped!"

"I can see that!" Severa roared as she sent a spear of lighting into a group of Risen that were starting to overwhelm Donnel. "Now do you have a name, or are you going to stand there?!"

The man laughed again before bowing. "The name's Henry! Show me the enemy and I'll make a bloody mess of 'em. Nyahaha… blood…"

Severa was somehow glad Henry retained his morbid sense of humor. "Well they ain't got much blood, but I'll take what I can get. Frederick, take this guy up the cliffs with Vaike and Nowi, clear them out! The others should be back before long."

Frederick nodded begrudgingly before riding up the cliff, Henry catching a ride while Vaike after them. Nowi's dragon form swooped in pursuit.

Once that was done, Severa ran to the top of their fortifications and gave the field a look. So far, they were pushing the Risen back, but the closer they got, the greater the Risen's skill and strength. That meant they were closing in on the chief, but just knowing it was on the bridge didn't help.

Sumia and Cynthia had reported archers with longbows set up on all sides, trying to approach by air was suicide.

"Severa, looks like you've got everything under control." Robin said as he bound up the flimsy wall. "And your mother already told me about the archers. I have an idea, but we'll need you and Ricken."

Severa glanced at him before nodding. "Alright, just don't take out the bridge. We need that to get out of here."

"What do you take me for?" Robin teased before pointing into the field. "Besides, the wounded have healed. I've given Chrom the orders and Gaius has started on the archers. Once the chief is gone, we can get out of here."

Severa watched as the full might of the Shepherds charged forth, Risen falling like wheat before a scythe. Where they'd once been pushed thin, now they crushed the Risen underfoot.

Seeing Aunt Sumia impale one such Risen through the split in its pants though… even Severa felt sympathy for the monster.

Ricken chose then to ride up, wind twirling around him like a living creature. "Alright Robin, I'm here! What's the plan?"

Robin pointed towards the bridge, a shit-eating grin on his face. "I want you to use Forseti and create a tunnel over the bridge! Severa's going to send a fireball into the opening and you're going to feed it before sending the whole mess onto that bastard's head!"

Ricken blinked. "You mean what we did with Miriel all those years ago? Alright, I just hope that bridge isn't made of exploding rocks."

Robin gave him a blank look as an errant fireball from Cordelia splashed against the bridge. Which didn't explode.

"Point taken, stop giving me that look."

Robin nodded and raised his hand. "Let's get to it, Lon'qu's having way too much fun."

Severa snorted, spotting the sword-master turn five Risen into chunks in the blink of an eye. His wife was no slouch either, Tyrfing turning a further three Risen to smoke in one move.

Olivia made everything look graceful.

"Sev, we're ready."

Severa blinked and looked up, a spiraling tunnel of wind over her head. Damn, that was quick. "Ok, so do you need a large ball or small?"

"Small please." Ricken gritted out, eyes narrowed in concentration. "I can't control anything larger than that. On my mark… now!"

Severa sent the fire into the vortex, Ricken's hands swirling and twisting to guide the wind and flame through the sky. He had to move with the tunnel, which was made easier by his horse, but Robin and Severa jumped down to escort him.

"Protect Ricken!"

The order flew from father and daughter at the same time, the Shepherds heeding the call and forming an impassable blockade around the straining mage. Risen in numbers they never imagined charged from the woods and earth, eager to end the mage.

The Shepherds stopped them cold. Destruction of every stripe and name returned the corpses to the dead as the vortex advanced, the fire within growing with each passing second. It was a slog, and the Risen began to find gaps in their defenses, but Ricken brought it to an end.

With a roar and a great heave, the vortex slammed into the top of the valley-spanning bridge, hellfire consuming all in its path. A moment later, the Risen fell to smoke, even those that had yet to be smote by the Shepherds.

All held their guard for a moment before relaxing, the battle over.

A flash of light appeared amongst them, the glint of a dagger and glowing red eyes showed a Risen diving for Chrom's throat.

None could react fast enough to turn the blade aside, but they didn't need to. The assassin's dagger shattered against Chrom's skin, steel replacing flesh, and Cynthia carved out the assassin's spine.

This time everyone was on guard for several moment before relaxing, the Shepherds splitting into groups to take stock of the battle. If ever they were thankful for Chrom receiving that ability, it was times like this. Made him a lot easier to guard when he could turn himself into a living suit of armor.

Robin went to the new face first, Chrom right beside him. "Who are you?"

"The name's Henry!" He laughed, playing with a dismembered Risen hand. "I'm a mage, and I wanted to help out! Join up too if I can, there's a lot of things going on that I want to be part of. Easiest way is with you."

Chrom folded his arms. "I assume you're not some sort of spy then? We have quite the ability to get the truth out of someone, so lying isn't in your best interest."

"Spy?" Henry laughed, eyes never opening. "No-no, I'm not subtle enough to do that. In truth, I'm a crow in a human's body trying to get out… or is it the other way around? Bah, I don't know, I just want to come along."

Robin and Chrom shared very skeptical glances, but Chrom looked up to see Nowi staring at Henry. When she nodded, Chrom rubbed his head. "Alright, I won't turn down another pair of hands. You'll be working with the other mages, so report to Miriel. She's wearing spectacles, can't miss her."

Henry chuckled again before dashing off, Robin getting straight to the point. "This ambush has Validar written all over it. Why he'd do such a thing, I don't know, but we've got to do something."

"What can we do?" Chrom asked. "He's given us ships and funds, we can't go back on that. We'll have to leave it until the Valmese are defeated, but I fear we won't sleep peacefully with that in the back of our minds."

Robin sighed and looked to the moon. "Yeah… that's sounds right."

He spotted a shock of orange hair walking up to them. "Gaius, what's going on?"

Gaius shook his head grimly. "Bubbles, I need to talk with you privately. It's about your girls."

Robin felt a thrill of alarm run through him. Morgan wasn't injured, he'd seen her hold the line valiantly alongside Kjelle and Nah. Nor was Severa, who he could see discussing the battle with Laurent and Lucina.

It may have been off topic, but he had to admire the other children. Their first time alongside the Shepherds, and they'd done very well. Even Yarne, who acted like a craven, was a surprisingly good scout from what he'd overheard Panne saying.

"Robin." Gaius said, making Robin snap back to reality. "I mean it when I say this is serious. Blue, can we be alone for a bit?"

Chrom furrowed his brow but nodded. Gaius only dropped the nicknames when he was about to deliver bad news of the worst kind. "Very well. We'll get out of this valley before long though, so be quick."

Gaius and Robin barely acknowledged him as he left. Instead, they went to a secluded spot away from the camp.

"What is this about?" Robin asked, serious as death. "What's going on with my daughters?"

Gaius shook his head and pulled out his notepad, flipping to the page with the marks before showing them to Robin. "This look familiar to you?"

Robin raised a brow before shaking his head. "Not really. They look kind of like my mark, but a lot more elaborate, especially the first one. What does this have to do with my daughters?"

Gaius sighed and told Robin about the marks, their history first, and Robin's face grew thoughtful then apprehensive at Giaus' reasons for telling him this – Severa and Morgan. Gaius mentioned the Grimleal and Robin's hand went unconsciously to his own mark.

Gaius didn't think he'd ever see Bubbles afraid, but he was now. Unfortuanetly, Gaius finally uttered the word Robin didn't want to hear, about the girls bearing the marks, their roles as vessels to the Grimleal and to Grima and every emotion building in Robin snapped.

"You lie!" Robin all but roared, lightning frying the ground around him. "This… this cannot be! My children do not carry such a curse, nothing is written of it!"

Gaius was unfazed by the crackling energy. "Do you really think I'd make such a claim if I hadn't gone straight to the source? Tharja herself recognized the marks and gave me the info, even tried to get me to spill on where I found them in her equivalent of a panic. I bull-shitted some cliff carvings, so she doesn't know. Calm down already."

Robin kept huffing in anger, but the light show died down. Once it was gone, Robin became desperate. "There has to be a way to reverse the progression, right? Like some kind of poultice or something? I'm sure if we tell the others-!"

Gaius slapped a hand over his mouth and retreated into the bush, Cordelia jogging up to their spot. "Robin, are you ok? We just saw you let loose!"

Gaius gave Robin a hard glare, sobering the hysterical man as the hand was removed. "Um, yes love! Gaius just told me something upsetting about the Risen strategies, I'm fine!"

Cordelia looked uncertain but smiled. "Alright… come talk to me later, I'll be glad to listen."

Robin returned the smile and Cordelia went back to the camp. Once she was gone, Gaius came out of the bush. "Robin, I wanted to tell the others too, so we could start working on this. The problem's the other kids."

Robin's glare demanded he explain, and fast.

"Look, it seems the other kids can't stand anything related to Grima." Gaius sighed. "I can't blame them either, considering what they came back from. Problem is, your girls are convinced that if word of this reaches their friends, they'll kill them. Just so they won't become agents to Grima. Hell, they'd think it a mercy before coming after you."

Robin began to crackle again. "They won't touch my family, damn what they believe! I will turn their entire cohort to ash myself, and I have no doubt Cordelia would join me."

"Whoa brother," Gaius sighed. "Calm down. This is why I'm telling you, so they don't find out. The girls already hide their marks as is, and it seems that they're okay with the Grimleal lineage considering Noire's with them. The problem is the fact the marks are growing, and I have little doubt the other kids will harden their hearts just to see a potential weapon for Grima destroyed."

"We'd all do the same for Ylisse."

Robin snarled and growled, starting to resemble his 'benefactor' in more than one way. "You may speak truth, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. I will carry this secret with me, but we will find a way to save my daughters."

Gaius nodded. "Agreed. I'll get Sunshine on it, see if that new guy can help too. The problem's the story I'm going to use."

"Validar." Robin snapped. "Tell them about seeing the marks upon him and several of his entourage in varying states of advancement. That should get the research started without making anyone suspicious. We find a way to reverse the effects that way, it should be viable on the girls."

Gaius rubbed his neck, not liking this at all. "I got ya, that should work. We'll need to tell them eventually, though. Most of the others should be ok, and we know Frederick's far too sweet on them. He's probably the least likely of the bunch to take the news well, and even then, it'll probably just be caution."

Robin shook his head and gazed forlornly at the camp, his family chatting with Chrom's and laughing. "I can only hope. My family deserves so much more than to be hunted for their blood, especially when no fault lies in any of them."

Gaius nodded in agreement. "We'll do all we can for them, Robin. Just go be a father for now, I'll keep you updated on any progress."

Robin was silent, mind wandering far away. Gaius saw he'd get no further answer and took his leave, thoughts of how fate seemed to play with Robin like a toy passing through his mind.

Robin in turn barely collected himself before joining the Shepherds, his silence and melancholic air worrying everyone. Yet, none were willing to attempt breaching the haze, not even Cordelia. She knew when Robin needed his space to think, and this was one of those times without doubt.

So, when the camp had been packed and they traveled until they could no more, most everyone fell asleep with only the tireless Frederick and his family to watch the camp.

Robin, still silent, went to sleep ruing that he'd brought another curse upon his family without realizing it. Just by loving and being loved in turn, he'd inadvertently sentenced five souls to torment.

Truly, he was a pitiful man.

-Severa and Morgan's Tent-

The night was peaceful and silent, only the crackle of torches filling the air. The girls had gone to bed sure in the fact that their uncle, aunt, and friend could watch the camp. Unfortunately, even the ever diligent Caomhnóir family couldn't watch everything.

The stranger slipped into the camp easily, their cloak identical to Robin's. They ghosted through the alleys and tents until they arrived at their destination, the tarp parting silently to show the slumbering Severa and Morgan.

Another figure materialized from the cloaked being's shadow, taking the form of a woman with long hair.

"They're beautiful." The woman cooed, voice barely a whisper. "My little girls, all grown up."

The cloak's hood fell back to show the Hierophant, faded red marks like eyes stretching over his forehead while his normal eyes were rainbows with red showing brightest. "Indeed… and such deep sleepers…"

The woman giggled, the shadows falling away to show her faded crimson hair and eyes ringed with softly glowing red marks. "They always were… oh how I wish to hold them my Lord…"

The Hierophant shook his head. "Not yet, my Queen, not yet. We shall hold them once more when the time comes, but for now… we can simply watch them and give a gift."

The woman looked to him and smiled, already knowing what the gift would be. "Then let us give our loves their gift."

The Hierophant nodded and they took seats on each cot, the woman with Morgan and the hierophant with Severa. Somehow, no creak was made, no weight settled, as the phantoms recited their gift.

The one lullaby the girls remembered from both parents, even to this day.

The more I learn, the more I see. The less the world impassions me. The hungry heart, the roamin' eye. Have come to rest, to not apply.

Severa and Morgan began to squirm, dark-purple energy leaking onto their cots.

The frantic chase, the crazy ride. The thrill has gone, I step aside.

The energy slithered onto Severa's back, whimpers starting to rise as it invaded her mark. Morgan too began to grimace as energy traced her mark, following the contours perfectly.

I'd believe in anything, were it not for you. Showing me by just existing, only this is true… I love you, I love you.

The phantoms brushed each girl's cheek as their pain became more acute.

Without question…

The marks began to expand, three months of progress occurring in seconds.

I love you.

And damnation stepped ever closer.

Ch. End

For those wondering, the song is 'Without Question' from 'The Road to El Dorado'. I had a fun time making that sweet song sinister, but here we go!

Severa: Great, now that movie's ruined for me.

Lucina: Let's just be glad the crows didn't cause too much of a mess.

7: Amen, that wouldn't be fun to clean. Besides that, we're off to another famous part next time.

Severa: Oh right! The fleet happens next time.

Lucina: Will Say'ri show up?

7: She should. Unless something changes, I expect to see her next time.

Severa: Cool, we need someone with their head on straight.

7: I resent and personify that accusation.

Lucina: That makes no sense.

7: That's the point.

Regardless, off to review responses!

EpitaphEater: I do hope you like this one too!

Warrior of Six Blades: I'd be pleased too all things considered. Severa's coat is the only physical reminder besides her blade and tome of her family, so finding it missing is not what you'd call good. I'm glad you enjoyed the kids too, though my idea for Nah to actually be Natalie came to me a while ago when I realized you could very easily turn Natalie into Nah as a baby's first word. The promotions were fun to write, and if you think Grima's a jackass now, boy you've seen nothing yet.

That's all folks, see you next time!