The war council washed over me as the reports came in. Over a hundred civilians dead, with countless others said to be missing. And that wasn't even getting into the amount of soldiers on both sides that were eviscerated by the flames. I stood next to Robin but my brain refused to acknowledge any of the information given. Felt like I was far away, looking through someone else's eyes at a horrible event that never happened to me.

But I was there, and it was real.

I heard Chrom sigh. "Fine. I'll have an envoy sent to Plegia. I don't like this, Robin. From what Lucina has told me, they are responsible for Grima's return."

"I know, Chrom," Robin replied, crossing his arms. "But it's the only way we will be able to engage the Valmese fleet before they arrive. And I promise you, Khan Flavia, that the lives lost today will be avenged. Even if I must burn every Valmese ship myself."

"Har! That's what I like to hear, tactician!" Flavia barked a laugh. "Were I able to use magic, I'd be right there with you! Too bad I've never had a knack for that stuff. Before we adjourn, though, I want to know something." Flavia leaned forward, hands on the table. "Who was the commander of this vanguard? As far as I know, none of the men we killed were their leader."

Finally listening closely, I decided to pipe up. "Dalton." I rasped. "The commander's name was Dalton. Sev and I ran into him when we were trying to get the gates open. Mean sonuvabitch, he was. He…" I gulped. "H-He was talking about whale oil, before we…"

"Dalton, hm?" Flavia hummed, closing her eyes. "Good. That's good. It's better to know the name of the person you are going to pummel into paste. Better a named monster's head be hung from the gates of Bellator rather than a nameless fool."

I found myself agreeing with Flavia. At least, in the killing department.

"I wouldn't go that far, but the man should be brought to justice, along with the rest of the Empire," Chrom added.

"Alex," Robin called. "You've had a long day. Go ahead and get some rest, alright?"

I stared at him blankly. "…Yeah. Like I'm gonna be able to sleep tonight, Robin."

Felt my joints creak as I left the command tent, my eyes staring intently at the ground.

For a while, I just wandered around, watching as wounded were brought in. Burns marred their bodies, with the occasional stab or slash wound to spice things up. The smell of crisped flesh, weaker than in Port Ferox but still there, flowed through the air like a current.

The one good piece of news I was informed of was that none of the Shepherds had died. I felt a dark pool of shame settle in my stomach at the fact that I felt that way, but I couldn't help it. It was an awful thought, but a comforting one.

"Alex?"

I blinked, looking around. Wasn't lying; I really had been just aimlessly wandering. Probably looked like a Risen without the purple skin and glowing eyes. I was snapped out of it by a voice. A voice I was intimately familiar with.

I turned around, meeting the eyes of my fiancée.

"Cordy," I grunted, looking everywhere but her eyes for reasons I couldn't understand. "I've… Well, I was gonna look for you, but then I got distracted. Kinda just been, er… wandering, I guess. All around the camp."

"I've noticed," She replied softly, approaching me. "A few people have told me that you've been doing that. It's concerning."

"Feh, concerning?" I rasped out a small chuckle. "Nah, you know me; I do this kinda stuff all the time when I've got nothing else better to do. Now's one of those times. Just after I…" I gulped. "Just after I get this smell out of my nose."

Cordelia looked up at me, her lips pressed into a thin line. She grasped my hand. "Let's go, Alex."

"Where?" I asked, bemused.

"To our tent," She said, gently pulling me alongside her.

I hadn't the will nor the want to resist her.

I didn't even realize we had our own tent set up already. Not that I was complaining, really. It gave us some much-needed privacy. Privacy I'd been sorely lacking during the journey to Port Ferox.

Even the name sends shivers up my spine now.

Perishable furniture such as a desk, a few chairs, and a bed made the interior seem homely. More homely than the forest I'd grown used to, at least. We said no words as we sat down on the bed, Cordelia still holding my good hand.

Words came unbidden from my mouth. "…If there is a hell, a true hell, the Valmese are going straight to it."

Cordelia drew herself closer. "I saw what happened, too. I was commanding the other pegasus knights in Phila's stead. I have never seen so much wanton destruction before."

I looked at her, my mask breaking a little. "The minute – minute – things weren't going their way, they sent fireballs into the port. It's been a couple hours and I can still smell it, you know. I can still see this one family that were obviously trying to get out. They were going in the wrong direction, so I tried yelling at them to go the other way but then, then they got-"

I took a deep breath. "I'm… I'm glad you didn't see that. Or that Sev didn't see that. Oh God, Sev." I made to stand up. "I-I need to go make sure she's- she was in there with me, she might-!"

"Alex." Cordelia's voice broke through my sudden panic. "Severa is going to be fine. I checked on her earlier. Just… sit back down, please?"

"B-but I promised her I wouldn't-!"

Her hand came up to rest on my cheek. "Please. Stay with me."

I somehow managed to get myself under control, and slowly sat back down.

"I…" I shook my head. "I know she'll be alright. She's… God, I hate to say it, but she's probably seen worse. Maybe. I don't know." I gazed at her again, raising my good arm to wrap around her shoulders. "I just… Fuck, I don't wanna fight another war. One was enough. I just wanted… Just wanted everything to stay the way it was, like the past couple months."

"So did I," Cordelia sighed, snuggling up closer to me. "Everything was so perfect. The day you proposed was the happiest day of my entire life, and then to have all of this come directly after it," To my surprise, I heard her sniffle. "I've lost so much to war, Alex. I lost almost everyone I'd known in the last war. To see this one start out with such an atrocity isn't… It isn't making me very confident. I don't want to lose everything again. I don't want to lose you or Severa. Both of you have made my life so much more than I could have ever dreamed of! To have it all be threatened by some conqueror across the sea, or an ancient, evil dragon is more than frightening."

She shares your fears.

I stared down, seeing the ruby and gold ring adorning her finger. Nearly broke down looking at it.

"These wars won't last forever," I said to myself and to her. "One day, they'll end. And when that day comes, we'll finally..." I turned to her, pulling her into a hug. "We'll be married. And we'll live long, happy lives. I promise."

I felt her shake in my embrace before she returned it, tightly. Her arms wrapped around my waist as I felt tears stain my tunic. I wasn't able to keep my own from spilling for long.

Two crying loons is what you are.

Promises were something I didn't make lightly. Or at least, I thought I didn't make them lightly. If I promised something, I'd do everything in my power to keep it. I had every intention of keeping the promise I'd just made.

No matter the cost.

I had a hard time sleeping the next few nights. Even with Cordelia by my side, my dreams were filled with the sounds of flaming screams and the sight of bright lights burning through the world. Every night I'd wake up in a cold sweat. It felt a lot like when I got back from Khadein, so many months ago. Just a sense that something was wrong that followed me wherever I went.

I was just lucky that I had Cordelia and Severa. Wondered just how I survived so long without them, really. If I didn't have them, I probably would have just collapsed long ago.

Unfortunately, the lack of sleep got to me. That, and the fact that we weren't moving. Until we heard a response from the envoy we sent to Plegia, we were going to stay put. I didn't know why, but that was really getting to me. Just staying in one place with an invading army gathering to the east and an evil dragon abomination to the south, it was maddening.

I went to look for Robin, just so I'd have someone to pass the time with. Severa and Cordelia were both on patrols, and everyone else didn't seem to be in the mood to chat.

Truly filled with first-world problems, you are.

Never got the chance to talk to Robin that day, unfortunately. A raven-haired Plegian dark mage made sure of that.

Found her skulking around the camp like a goblin, wearing her usual attire of nothing but a full-body veil and smallclothes. Robin was speaking to a few soldiers nearby, while she watched from the shadows cast by the evening sun.

"Tharja," I rasped, walking up behind her.

She jumped then, twisting around so suddenly it almost gave me whiplash. Within a moment, a tome was in her hand, and in the other unholy energies of purple and black swirled. She scowled once she realized it was me, the dark magic dissipating.

We may've disliked each other, but we were still technically comrades.

"Sir Alexander," Tharja finally found the spirit to spit out. "Is there a reason you decided to sneak up on me, or did you think it would be a funny sort of prank?"

"I'm not Nowi or Lissa," I replied, crossing my arms. "I don't play pranks. It's not my fault that you're about as aware of your surroundings as a drunk caterpillar. Especially when you're stalking Robin."

"Hmph," She sniffed, hugging her tome to her chest. "You would too, if you could see just a glimpse of his soul, just how dark it is." She looked up at me, her eyes narrow. "What do you want?"

"I don't give a fuck how dark Robin's soul is," I growled. "He's my lord, and more importantly, he's my friend. And I thought I told you almost a fucking year ago to quit with this stalking bullshit. And yet, here you are, doing exactly what I told you not to do. Is that how you think you're gonna win him over? By watching him from a distance?"

"And what would you know!?" Tharja hissed. "You don't know anything. You are not like I am. Nobody else can see the darkness that dwells within him, not like I can! If it is to be my fate to merely look upon him, then so be it."

"What about Noire?" I asked back. "What about-!?"

"Don't you dare bring my daughter into this, Alexander," Tharja snarled, her bangs covering her eyes. "I will not hesitate to silence your filthy mouth with a hex should you do so again."

I shrugged. "You don't scare me, Tharja. Truth is, you never have. I'm going to warn you one last time to leave Robin alone."

"Or what?" Tharja asked, leaning in almost uncomfortably close.

"Chrom and Robin are very close," I replied. "If Chrom were to, say, find out one of his closest friends and confidant was being stalked by a dark mage that wished to harm him, well…"

"I would never harm him!" Tharja rebuked.

"And I'm here to make sure that you don't," I growled. "This is my last warning, Tharja. Leave him alone. Go stalk somebody else."

I left her there, stewing in her own thoughts. I wasn't lying when I said Tharja didn't scare me; I'd been through a war, delved into Khadein and nearly had my mind torn apart. Didn't care what she threw at me. I could take it.

Laying it on a bit thick there, aren't you, boy scout?

I spent the rest of the day training.

We'd gotten a reply, after almost a week. The envoy we sent came back with a simple message: a meeting at an island known as Carrion Isle. A miserable spit of land off the northwestern coast of Plegia, uncomfortably close to the Old Altean Wastelands.

I heard the news, completely unsurprised on my end. I'd seen it play out that way, what felt like decades ago. I barely even remembered the events of the… video game, I thought. I knew we'd most likely go to Carrion Isle, and meet up with whoever would be there.

The circumstances were different; we had a full army, we had foreknowledge, but the end result was similar.

One thing, or one person rather, refused to leave my mind. Said person being Validar. The last time I saw the spindly sorcerer was during Emmeryn's assassination attempt, almost three years ago. Stabbed straight through by the Deadlord, if I remembered correctly. Felt myself wince at just the memory of its scream. I didn't like to do that. Its scream wasn't something that should come out of anything, let alone a dark magic construct in human shape.

None of it mattered. We marched towards Carrion Isle, nonetheless.

The journey there was mostly silent, with none of the soldiers or Shepherds doing anything to fill the silence. The crimes committed at Port Ferox still hung over us like a heavy blanket, dampening our moods. Well, it dampened my mood, at least.

When we arrived on the sandy shores just north of the Longfort, boats were there to greet us. They were manned by skeleton crews of Plegian sailors. Even with the roomy ships, only a platoon of soldiers as well as the Shepherds were able to come. I left Pippin behind, then. Didn't want to expose the poor creature to more open sea than was necessary.

It was during that time that I remembered that I didn't have sea legs, and probably never would. I hadn't been on a ship since I traveled to Whiteford Isle to the south years ago, and by God, was it showing. I must have heaved over the side of the ship over a dozen times in one day. Nothing entered my stomach that didn't leave more than an hour later.

"You alright there, Alex?" A familiar voice, that of the Prince, reached my ears.

I turned to the side, finding the blue-haired lord leaning against the side. I thanked the Lord that I wasn't staring at blue-green waves anymore.

"Either the food's poisoned me," I said, coughing. "Or I'm apparently horrible on the open ocean. Take your pick, because I can't decide."

Chrom chuckled. "I'll place my bets on the sea not agreeing with you. Gods know I can barely keep myself moving straight sometimes. And, er, I try to not look over the side of the ship. That would really get my stomach going."

"Oh, would it? Maybe that's what I was doing wrong- Gkh-!" I heaved over the side of the ship again. Once I was done, I let out a groan. "Chrom. Chrom, I need you to do me a solid."

Chrom's brows furrowed. "A… er, solid? I don't understand what you mean."

"Favor. I meant favor!" I pointed out to the vast ocean that stretched out before us like a massive blue-green blanket. "Just-Just toss me, as hard as you can. I wanna see if I'll skip like a rock."

"I don't think-"

"No, Chrom, you don't understand. I've always wanted it to end this way," I paused. "Well, I have for the past few days, which might as well have been an eternity. Look, it'll only take a few seconds, and with your strength it'll be easy."

"Sorry to say, but I don't think I'll do that," Chrom sounded like he was desperately trying to contain a laughing fit. "W-what would Cordelia and Severa say? They wouldn't leave your death unavenged."

"Just tell them I died as I lived," I replied simply, turning to look at him again. "Skipping across the lake of life."

"What's going on over here?" I heard Robin say, walking up beside me. "Alex, I've been looking everywhere for you. I've been meaning-" He must've finally drank the scene in, because he paused for a good few seconds before continuing. "I repeat my first statement: What is going on over here?"

"R-Robin!" Chrom greeted, a few errant giggles making it out. "Great of you to join us. I was just having a chat with Alex. I really should speak with him more often. Well, I should speak with all the Shepherds more often. Running a country left me precious little time to do that before. It is a shame it had to be during a war, though."

"I cannot say I wouldn't welcome that," Robin replied, walking up next to me. "But what's going on with him? We'll arrive at Carrion Isle in just a few short hours, and we need everyone at their best."

I retched one more time as Chrom asked: "Hmm? Expecting trouble, Robin?"

"Call it a hunch," Robin said. "We've heard little from Plegia since the end of the last war. Their silence does not fill me with confidence. And the fact that they responded so quickly to our pleas hasn't made me trust them."

"I find it hard to disagree with you," Chrom sighed. "Something doesn't feel right about this. Still, you said it yourself. We're going to need their help whether we like it or not."

"Indeed. I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't think it was necessary," Robin nodded.

It grew quiet, and I almost broke my self-imposed silence before the conversation started again, veering in a direction I didn't anticipate.

"Chrom, why are you staring at me?" Robin asked.

"I was just thinking," Chrom replied.

"That'd be a fucking first!" I barked out a laugh. "Anyway, continue."

"Er, alright?" Chrom coughed. "I was just wondering how we would function without you. I can scarcely remember the time before you joined us, but I know for a fact that we would not be where we are today without your counsel, my friend. We're lucky to have you."

I had to hide a smile as Robin sputtered. Didn't understand why that was so surprising to him. It wasn't like Chrom had ever made his appreciation of the albino tactician a secret.

"I-I… Thank you, Chrom." Robin finally spit out. "That- That actually means a lot."

"Don't mention it, Robin." I heard Chrom groan as he stretched. "I think I'll try to get some rest before we get to Carrion Isle. Don't stay up too late, you two."

"No- fuck- No promises." I managed to cough out before turning to Robin. "You sounded like me when I proposed to Cordy. Thought you were over him."

"I am," Robin rebuked adamantly. "I just wasn't expecting something so heartfelt."

"Robin, it's Chrom," I said incredulously. "If I know one thing about that man, it's that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Or lack thereof, sometimes. Anyway," I pulled myself away from the side of the ship, taking a deep breath to try and calm my upset stomach. "You said you wanted to talk to me about something. Are you just gonna ask me if I know anything about what's gonna come up?"

Robin paused for a moment before nodding. "That was my intent, yes. I don't know how many more secrets you hold, but-"

I held up my iron hand, stopping him. "I'll be as transparent as I can right now. There's something I know that might happen tomorrow that'll get to you. I know it will. I say might because, well, shit has changed. It's incredible we're even going to Carrion Isle like the legends said."

"It'll get to me, will it?" Robin raised a hand to his chin. "Interesting choice of words. Does it… Does it have something to do with my past? I have been avoiding asking you that, truth be told. I've always been curious, but I never had the courage. I have always had the feeling that some things are better left unknown, but I suppose that will not be an option soon, will it?"

I thought for a moment before shaking my head. "Nope. I will not lie to you, and if you really want to know, you could just order me to tell you. However, let me say this: It's gonna be revealed on that island, and we are not in danger from it. At least, not for a while." I rubbed the back of my head. "In my opinion."

"'In my opinion'?" Robin echoed. "Now you're just making me nervous, Alex. Just how dangerous are my origins that you must use such unconfident word choice?"

"I… Look," I began. "It's- The reason why I'm so reluctant to tell you is because, well, things won't be the same after it's revealed, alright? There's a point of no return, Robin, and we're speeding towards it right now. Whether we want it or not. Chrom's already given you a speech about it, because he's Chrom, but let me just tell you this." Unsteadily, I walked towards my lord and placed a hand on his shoulder. "No matter what happens, no matter what secrets are uncovered, you will always be my best friend."

I took a step back. "I… I think I'd like to try and get some sleep," I rubbed the back of my neck and laughed. "Think the sea's getting to me a little too much. Can't let it win, can I? Cordy's probably waiting for me, too. I'll, uh," I looked the tactician in the eyes before turning around. "I'll see you later, Robin."

Robin's silence was eerie. When he broke it, I almost sighed in relief. "Good night, Alex. Pleasant dreams."

I didn't have pleasant dreams that night, but I didn't have any bad dreams either.

We arrived at Carrion Isle the next morning. A small port town was all that greeted us, with the population looking at us as we marched through. Not the best welcome party we could've gotten, to be honest. Especially considering some of the villagers were openly glowering at us.

We were guided by Plegian soldiers, a small squad of them that barely responded to our presence. They lead us deeper into the island, towards the city at its center. The island itself was surprisingly temperate, with barely any trees in sight. The only thing to break the view of the grasslands were rolling hills, which kept me from feeling completely wide open. I'd grown too used to the verdant forests of Ylisse, it seemed.

Within the day, we were in sight of the city of Apofis.

I didn't know much about the isolated Plegian settlement, just that it was a center of commerce and mining similar to Warreth in its importance. It was also where a majority of Plegian slavers sold their 'wares'.

I bit back my distaste for the city I'd only seen from a distance and followed the rest of our convoy.

The Plegian soldiers led us directly to the large gates of the city. I stood by Robin, who himself was right next to Chrom, Flavia, and Basilio, as we waited for entrance into the economically rich city.

We stood there for a good few minutes.

"I thought there was supposed to be someone here," Chrom replied, crossing his arms. "I don't understand."

"They got a lot of nerve, what with the Valmese knocking on our doors," Basilio grunted. "They got the coffers to afford a big city but not enough to hire a greeter."

"You've never hired a greeter for your city either, oaf."

"I've never had to play nice to the leaders of two neighboring nations."

"Perhaps- Hmm," Robin hummed, looking to the top of the gates. "It appears our 'greeter' is here."

I followed his gaze to the battlements to see a hooded figure standing just above the gates. I couldn't get a look at his face, but I could just make out the shape of a brown beard. When he spoke, his voice boomed across the land like thunder.

"Welcome, Feroxi and Ylisseans! Welcome to Apofis!" He began. "Come and enter, of your own free will! The King and Hierophant of Plegia wishes to meet you at the top of the hill!"

As if on cue, the gates groaned and opened, yawning like a giant monster. They revealed the interior of the city, such as it was. Robin and I exchanged glances, his eyes focusing on mine. This was it. The end of an era. What happened in Apofis would place our course firmly in whatever direction it had skewed and would haunt me for the rest of my days.

It wouldn't be the first ghost to cling to me.

Apofis was a bright city. Not because it was wealthy or intelligent, although the former was certainly true. No, it was because the city was literally bright. Most of the buildings were made of this shiny white stone, bouncing light into my eyes. A few times I caught myself squinting. I wasn't sure how the others we're dealing with it, honestly.

We were watched at all times, either by the citizens or the guards, as we made our way to the castle on the hill. The entire city was built around a large swell of land that was just short of being a mountain, and even from the halfway point we could get a fairly decent view of the surrounding plains and farms. I probably would've enjoyed just sitting up that high and staring at the rolling landscape below. I didn't have that luxury anymore, though. Where Robin went, I went. If he willed it.

You're important to him. That much is certain.

We eventually made it to the castle, and we were led into the massive main hall. No throne was within, although that didn't stop the place from looking suitably regal; giant red banners with Plegia's emblem emblazoned upon them hung from great columns. Towards the end of the hall was a window that allowed an even more stunning view of the world outside. I was almost left breathless at the sight of it.

"Please, wait here, my lords and ladies," The greeter said. Strangely, I still couldn't get a good look at his face, for some reason. It was like every time I looked there my mind would go blank. That was alarming in and of itself. We had bigger fish to fry then, though, so I kept my mouth shut. I was sure the others had noticed anyway. "I shall tell my Master that you have arrived."

"How long should we be expecting to wait?" Chrom asked.

"No more than a minute, good sir!" The greeter outright laughed, catching me off-guard. "No more than a minute!"

Something's off about that guy. Something seems… familiar.

He walked off down an adjacent hallway and disappeared.

"Quite the entrance hall they've got here," Flavia noted, looking around. "It's almost like the last war barely even scratched them."

"From what I understand, Carrion Isle is largely independent of Plegia. At least, in most respects," Robin said, taking a deep breath. Probably to calm his nerves. "Which does raise a few questions in my mind. Why would we meet here? Surely there was somewhere else less isolated that could serve as a decent enough gathering area."

"Perhaps they just wanted to confuse you, Robin?" Chrom asked, chuckling.

"There are far better ways to throw me off balance, Chrom," Robin shot back, although his smile was good-natured. "That is not the only question I have, however. That strange man who just left us, could any of you see his face?"

"…I was gonna say something, but…" I mumbled.

"I'm glad you didn't, Alex. It would be best not to draw attention to it. Especially when we are in, well, unfriendly territory," Robin said.

"Still don't trust these Plegians, huh, Robin?" Basilio asked.

"It's not as if I don't trust all Plegians, Khan Basilio. I just have a hard time trusting those who lead them."

"A mistrust you and I share, then," Chrom nodded. "I'd like to be out of here as quickly as possible. Something doesn't feel right about this place."

I knew what he meant. While the city itself and the view were breathtaking, sans the slavery bit I knew about, there was something else. Something not quite right. I didn't know exactly how to describe it; it was just this feeling of undercurrent, like being underwater and feeling something pulling me down and forward. Just this dark, instinctual urge to run away before something horrible happened.

It wasn't far removed from what I felt in Khadein, actually. Like the walls themselves were trying to speak to me and they were all shouting 'Run!'.

That's when he came in.

A flourish of robes as someone entered the entrance hall through the adjacent passage. I could feel this… this pressure, weighing down on me. The room felt darker somehow as this person - no, this monster wearing human skin – walked into the room. An extravagant robe covered his lithe form, his hood still up, hiding his eyes from sight.

I looked to everyone else to see their confused expressions. The thing in human form just stood there, watching us. Until Chrom spoke, at least.

"Er, beg your pardon," Chrom finally said. "Are you the King?"

Typical Chrom bluntless. Not like you're any better.

The hooded abomination nodded. "I am, Prince Chrom. It is… amusing, to meet you in person."

…So this is what has changed…

"Amusing?" Chrom shook his head. "In any case, I'm sure you've read our-"

"The message from your envoy? Oh yes, I have read it. It was very interesting. Nostalgic, even," The thing chortled. "You require ships to face an impossible enemy, ships you do not possess, but I do. My, isn't it odd? How you so quickly forget history to serve your own purposes?"

"Alright, it's only been a minute but I'm getting irritated," Flavia snorted. "Why don't you take off your hood, King of Plegia? I want to see the face of the man who so brazenly mocks us."

"You act as if you are still in Ferox, Khan Flavia," The figure remarked. "I would advise that you do not take such a hostile tone with me in the future. I may just withhold my support to watch Valm's bloody crusade against you. But… very well. You shall have what you wish."

This is it.

He moved his hand up and took off his hood, revealing-

WHAT.

His face was different. His face was Robin's but it was different. There was something wrong. Scars marred his visage, and his red eyes glowed with mirth at my reaction-

IT'S LOOKING AT ME.

"Why, all of you seem to have seen a ghost. I had no idea this castle was haunted." The doppelganger laughed. "Especially that tactician of yours, Prince Chrom. His name was Robin, wasn't it? Tales of your exploits have traveled the width and breadth of the land, you know. I do so like to hear about them. And, as I look at you…" Its face grew contemplative as he stared at Robin, who looked just about ready to pass out. "Yes, your blood is strong. Not quite as potent as I'd hoped, but given more time…"

"W-what is the meaning of this!?" Chrom stuttered. "Why do you look like Robin!? You-!"

"Ah, thank you for reminding me, Prince Chrom. I have yet to introduce myself." The Hierophant bowed his head to us. "I am the King of Plegia and Hierophant of the Grimleal, Robin. A pleasure to make your acquaintances."

Stunned silence reigned. I had planned on feigning surprise, but that wasn't needed. The person in front of me was clearly Robin, but different. His face had several scars shaped like slashes, and one big one that traveled across his face. Looking at them both in front of me, if I knew nothing from my old world, I'd believe it if someone said they were twins.

I don't- I just-!

"It became quiet just now. I apologize for my visage, but I have not lived an easy life," The King of Plegia explained. "As for your ships, consider them yours. All of them. I can spare no men, but anything else is at your disposal."

"W-what?" Chrom stuttered. "I don't- You're certain? Just like that?"

"Indeed," The Abomination affirmed, snapping his fingers. "Just. Like. That. The Valmese are a threat to every country on this continent, including my own. I need men to repair my nation after the war, you see, but everything else is yours." He smirked. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss? I am a very busy man, after all, and Medlun will not last long without my presence."

Before anyone could speak, Robin's voice cut through. It started small at first, barely noticeable, before shakily rising in volume. "You… Just what are you? Who are you!? Why do you look like me!?"

"Ah, so many pointed questions!" The Hierophant giggled. "Unfortunately, I do not have the answers you seek. Although us sharing names is strange, wouldn't you agree? It is almost as if we are the same person with different experiences! If you would like to know the answers, I trust you know where to look," His eyes flicked to me before returning to everyone else. "Hmm. Nonetheless, if that is all, I will take my leave."

His trailing form faded down a dark hallway, leaving us alone.

I feel sick.

I was still surprised. Gobsmacked. Every synonym I could think of. I didn't even need to act. It was just there. Even as we exited the castle amongst conspiratorial whispers and reassurances, I couldn't get it out of my mind. He kept looking at me. That was what stuck out for some reason. He kept looking at me-

Couldn't for the life of me figure out why. Something about it was disturbing, somehow, like I'd felt it before.

I could also feel Robin's glare, burning a hole into the back of my skull as we walked through the streets of Apofis and out onto the prairie. Even then, his gaze was milder than that of the Hierophant. The Hierophant and the King of Plegia, I added. A monster shaped like a man walking around his meat puppet like a person walks their dog.

I'd faced abominations, Risen, Draconians, the Pontifex, a fair bit of what the world had to offer. I never dared to say that I'd seen it all, because that wasn't true. Still, I didn't think any one person could catch me off guard. An event? Sure. The Scourge of Port Ferox proved that I could still be shaken, at least.

Something about that Robin would always stick with me. Always.

We made camp just a short distance from Apofis. It was an unspoken agreement amongst the Shepherds that staying within the city probably wasn't the best idea, if only to settle our nerves. For the five of us who saw the new King of Plegia in person, however, it was just a good way to get away from him.

Robin didn't approach me like I thought he would. It was almost like he vanished, actually. I searched for a good few minutes, asking anyone if they'd seen him. The landscape was bathed in the yellow light of the setting sun, after all, and him being unaccounted for would raise a shit ton of questions I didn't think either of us were comfortable answering.

I sighed as I was finally told where he was: the prairie of all places. All alone. Like a fucking lunatic. It only took me a couple minutes to find him after that. Actually, it was probably a good thing he went to such a secluded location, away from listening ears. I had a feeling he had a lot to say.

He had his back to me, looking out to the sunset, his arms crossed.

"Robin," I called, approaching him. "I-"

"Tell me, Alex," He said suddenly. "Tell me everything. Right now."

"Are you sure-?"

"How could I not be sure with what I saw!?" He shouted, spinning around to face me. His red eyes trying their hardest to drill holes into my head. "That thing, that man wearing my skin! What is he? How is he!? Is he my twin!? My clone!? I don't understand, Alex, and you've told me this whole time that the secret you've been keeping for so long would be revealed here. If that was it just then, then tell me exactly what it is."

"…Is that an order, my lord?" I asked, standing straight.

Robin nodded, eyes blazing.

I stood still for a moment before sighing. "Alright. Fine. You know the man who was killed by the Deadlord a couple years back? In the castle? He's your father. His name was Validar, a high-ranking Grimleal cultist. If not the highest ranked."

Robin blinked, looking around at the ground for a moment as what I said was absorbed. He turned his gaze back up at me. "That… That cannot be it. Even if that's true, there's something else."

"Yes," I paused, taking a deep breath. "His bloodline, and your bloodline, were dedicated to breeding a vessel for the Fell Dragon, Grima. I don't know the specifics, but apparently your ancestor made a pact with him, and it's only through your bloodline that he can return at all. Validar is- was a failed vessel. But you," I gulped, a rock growing in my throat. "Robin, you are the Fell Dragon's vessel. His blood is your blood. And the man, the thing we met a few hours ago is your future self. He followed the children into the past, the past where Grima won. He took you over in the future, leaving nothing but a husk with his consciousness within."

Robin staggered back as if I'd struck him. "I… I am the Fell Dragon…? Alex, you can't be… Y-you mean to tell me that the monster we've been preparing to fight, all of the troops, the equipment, the weapons, everything, and I was… I was it all along? That…"

I almost began choking up. "You wanted the truth, Robin. I didn't want to tell you. You'd learn eventually, of course, what with Grima himself being up that hill. But I didn't want to… to break you, after unloading everything on you before. I just wanted…"

"No," Robin whispered. "Do not blame yourself for this. You… I'm glad you hid it for so long. Who would want to be saddled with such a fate? Such a dark end? I can hardly wrap my head around it, even now… So, the man, the abomination up there is my future self? My… my destiny?" A chill went up my spine as Robin laughed, grabbing his head. "It's just so… so ridiculous, wouldn't you agree, Alex!? It is like the plot twist at the end of all the stories I have read! Like a fairytale! That I would be the monster we have been trying to fight for so long is just so poetic!"

His form seemed hunched over, with a broken smile on his face. I almost expected him to start turning into Grima right then and there.

I can't let that happen.

"Robin, listen to me," I stepped forward, grabbing him by the shoulder a little too harshly. "That thing up there is not your destiny. It never was. You are your own person; you can do whatever you want. Me and the future children have made sure of that. If there's one thing they've taught me it's that fate can be challenged."

"That is easy for you to say," His shattered smile melted into a deep frown. "You've had these secrets for years. How did you even live with them all?" Robin asked lightly. "How did you resist the urge to tell me for so long? That I was doomed to be a flesh puppet for a Fell God!?"

"How the fuck was I supposed to tell you that!?" I nearly shouted. "Robin, you wanna know the real reason why I didn't tell you? Because I didn't fucking care. I did not give a rat's ass who or what you are, and do you wanna know why? It's because of what I told you earlier; you're my friend. We've been beside each other practically since the beginning. You picked me up when I fell down, along with Cordelia. You gave me the position I have, allowing me to play a part in events to come. Look me in the eyes and tell me that you're the vessel for the Fell Dragon and actually mean it. Because as long as I and the other Shepherds are still breathing, that won't happen."

"Y-You… You can't mean that," Robin stuttered. "If I am the Fell Dragon's vessel, it makes so much sense. My pragmatism, my secrecy, my… my everything. It makes so much sense I can't-!"

"Don't give me that bullshit," I growled. "You are Robin, not the Fell Dragon's vessel. Nothing will change that. Now c'mere you depressed motherfucker."

I pulled him into a bear hug, not letting him get another word in. He struggled for only a moment before I felt his thin arms go around me, and his form was wracked with sobs.

Everyone needs a hug sometimes.

After a few more moments, I released him and he took a step back. "I-I… thank you, Alex," He wiped at his eyes. "If it's all the same, I'd like to be alone for a while."

I nodded. "Take all the time you need-"

"What's going on over here?" A voice said from the shadows, nearly making me panic. I calmed down once I turned and saw Chrom approaching us. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Not really, no," I replied nonchalantly, putting my hands behind my back. "Although I could ask why you're here, too."

"I wanted to check on Robin," Chrom explained, looking to the red-eyed tactician who appeared to be a bit overwhelmed. "He… seemed to be taking the King of Plegia's appearance harshly. I couldn't just leave him like that, not when we finally have all the time in the world to talk."

I blinked.

…Chrom and I are very similar, huh?

"I'm fine, Chrom." Robin said, sniffling a little before putting on a braver face. "I just need some time alone."

"Are you sure?" Robin nodded, and Chrom sighed. "Alright, thank the gods. I'm glad to see you're doing okay. Make sure you get back to camp before-"

A shout, more like a scream, echoed across the prairie. The sound of it was familiar, and an old feeling, like ice being poured into my veins, flowed through my body. I recognized the sound. It was a scream of hate and anger and pain.

The sound of battle followed not long after, a hundred voices dead and living came from the camp.

I knew I'd been forgetting something.

Ambush.

Yooooom. All done. I'm exhausted. I think once I hit 40 I'll take a bit of a break. Been a while since I had one of those lol.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Lord knows I'm filled with anxiety about it.

Here's a link to our Discord: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

Hope to see you guys next time!

Edited on 3/16/21. Damn good chapter, this one.