Just a few moments later, Tiki had apparently grown bored of her impromptu staring contest with Robin and yawned.

"E-er, excuse me, my lady?" Robin managed to stutter out, taking a step forward. "Why did you-?"

"Pay me no mind," Tiki said slowly, "I just need a few moments to gather myself. This is not the longest I have slept, but I can still feel it trying to claw away at me," Tiki yawned one more time, rubbing her eyes before taking a deep breath, "You four are a strange group, but awfully familiar. Have the Valmese below been scattered?"

"Yes, my lady," Say'ri affirmed, bowing. "We routed them like dogs so that we may have an audience with you."

"Is that so, hmm?" Tiki asked, her eyes lazily moving from person to person. "You ask for the Voice, then, not for Tiki. You want me to impart onto you divine wisdom, so that your victory over the Valmese shall come faster and with less cost?"

Robin gasped, but everyone else seemed nonplussed following Tiki's name reveal. I tried my best to act surprised, but after the previous battle I couldn't find the energy.

"Well, that'd certainly be helpful." I commented.

Tiki giggled slightly at that. "That it would. In the short-term, at least. However, I am disappointed to say that there is nothing that I can do regarding that. A war is a war, and it will run its course no matter what Naga says, or tells me to say. This is not a conflict that can be won through words, even my own, but through action. And the longer you toil away at this one, the greater the danger that lurks in the shadows becomes."

"Grima," Chrom said harshly.

Tiki nodded. "Yes. Even now, the Fell Dragon's power is growing. A festering, black shadow that howls across the land, and it only furthers with each passing day." Tiki looked down at Chrom's arm. "Ah, that is the Fire Emblem you possess. Only…"

"My family has been keeping it safe since the days of the Schism," Chrom explained, holding up the golden shield. "What better place than with me, right?"

The green-haired demigoddess laughed. "Mhm. You almost sound exactly like him, as well. However, I only see Argent." Her green eyes focused on Robin again, and I swore to all the Gods in the world that his head looked just about ready to pop, "Ah, and Sable as well. Light and Dark. Heh."

"It's only ever had this gem within for as long as I can remember," Chrom frowned, "I've entrusted Robin with Sable's safe-keeping for now, but the other gems have been lost."

"That is a problem," Tiki replied, seriously, "Without the other three gemstones, the Awakening cannot be performed, and Grima will return. At his full power and with the pact unfulfilled, not even Naga's power can save us."

My blood chilled with how nonchalantly Tiki said that.

"W-we've gathered two of them already," Robin pointed out, "The Fire Emblem and Argent were held by Ylisse, while Sable was found within Medlun's walls in Plegia. It stands to reason that the other three decorate the halls of other countries as well."

"You speak rightly," Tiki trailed off, staring at Robin again.

"Er, Robin!" He managed to get out, "That is, uh, my name, Lady Tiki."

Tiki nodded, smiling. "Robin. Hmm. You are right; as far as I am aware, the gems were split between the countries formed following the Schism. A rash action by the First Exalt, if I remember correctly."

"You knew the First Exalt!?" Chrom balked before coughing into a fist, "Ah, forgive me, Lady Tiki."

"Indeed, I did, Chrom. He was a brave, if short-sighted man," Tiki explained, "He had the right idea, however. Just as the completed Fire Emblem was used to perform the Awakening and send Grima into a deep sleep, it could also be used to awaken him. A double-edged sword, if you will. It was thought that, should his return be near, that the new nations would cooperate with one another and ensure his continued slumber."

"Fie, a troubling time we live in that we cannot be trusted with such a simple task," Say'ri sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, "My Chon'sin used to house the gemstone Vert, since ancient times. I was never informed of any 'Awakening' or other significant event related to it. It was a piece of priceless jewelry, property of my family. When my brother turned against us, he presented Vert to Walhart as a gift," Say'ri's voice was full of venom, "Were he in front of me now, I would strike him down the same as any dog of Walhart's! Damn him and damn our ancestors!"

Huzzah for fratricide!

"It really would have been helpful if we knew about this," Chrom trailed off, his face looking like he'd just eaten a lemon, "Either way, our path is completely clear, now. With Lucina's help, we've been given time to prepare. She's proof that we're not bound by some absurd fate. We can and will fight this!"

I pounded a fist against my chest. "Damn right we will!"

Robin smiled, nodding. "I'll be with you every step of the way, Chrom."

"I enlisted your help to free Valm and Chon'sin from Walhart's tyranny, Prince Chrom of Ylisse," Say'ri began, walking up to the blue-haired lord, "But this wyrm, this Fell Dragon, he is a threat to every living man, woman, and child across the world. This is larger than this petty conflict. The moment Walhart is deposed, I will personally lead Chon'sin's armies against our shared enemy. You have my word."

Say'ri held out a hand, and Chrom gladly shook it.

"I feel as if I have been here before, many times," Tiki said, her voice sounding whimsical, "So it is to be a brotherhood, then? A joining of hands to help conquer an unconquerable threat? A tale as old as time itself, and likely far older than even I."

"Will you, er, join us, Lady Tiki?" Robin asked, unsure, "I hope I'm not being too forward, but with you on our side, with your strength and influence, we could bring an end to this bloody conflict as quickly as possible."

Tiki looked to Robin once more, smirking. "You know how to compliment a woman, it seems."

"Whuh-!?" Robin blurted out. The sound of me snickering followed shortly after.

"It has been quite a long time since I have been in the heat of battle. The truth of it is, I miss it." Tiki stretched. "So, yes, I believe I will join you. The people of this land regard my word as truth, and they will follow it wherever it may be."

"Excellent!" Robin exclaimed excitedly, "Oh, uh, er, apologies for the outburst."

"No apologies necessary, Robin. Your 'outbursts' are greatly amusing," Tiki giggled.

Robin opened his mouth as if to say something but, unsurprisingly, it only made him look like a dying guppy.

Tiki's eyes widened marginally. "Ah, and before I forget…"

She turned around and returned to her half bed, half altar and began rustling around in it. A few seconds and strange mutterings later, she came back with a brilliantly blue gem, just barely the size of her palm.

"Chrom, this is the Azure," Tiki proclaimed, "When the Fire Emblem was broken and its gems entrusted with the reigning powers, I held onto it for safe-keeping. I doubt now is a good time to be keeping secrets, and with Azure, Sable, and Argent already in your possession…"

Chrom nodded. "It's already over half-complete. We just need to find the other two, right?"

"Indeed," Tiki confirmed, "Gules and Vert are their names. Once you have completed the Emblem, travel to Mount Prism. There you will be tested and if you are found worthy, your Falchion will awaken its true power."

Chrom looked down at the legendary blade strapped to his waist. "It will be done."

We'd decided to hunker down around the Mila Tree for the night. It was doubtful the Empire would attack us in full force in the dead of night, and we needed to get the hell out before they brought the full might of their northern army against us.

Or, perhaps, we'd bring the fight to both their sides.

Robin probably didn't realize that he mumbled a lot, especially when he was so flustered. Although I was sure that Tiki walking beside him as we descended from the top of the Mila Tree wasn't doing him any favors. I was still confused about that. I'd thought that Robin was-

I shook my head, pushing those thoughts to the back of my head. Robin had a lot on his mind; it wouldn't be right for me to question him about shit like that. Besides, it wasn't like I couldn't see why he was an absolute stuttering mess. As far as I could tell, Tiki could do that to anyone easily. I was surprised Chrom even kept his cool, because I sure as hell struggled, and we were both married men.

Nonetheless, I did what I thought any sane man would do in such a situation and sought out Cordelia. She was with the other pegasus knights, at the edge of our camp, surrounded by torchlight.

She gasped lightly when I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind her, but quickly relaxed once she realized it was me. "Ah, Alex! Here I was thinking you'd be-"

A quick kiss on the lips interrupted her. When we pulled apart, she let out a shuddering breath.

"Well, I'm certainly glad to see you, too. Although I'm wondering where t-this sudden display came from," Cordelia said curiously, untangling herself from me.

"Do I need an excuse to shower my wife with affection?" I asked back, crossing my arms and smirking.

"Mmm. I suppose not. You're lucky I'm in the mood to let that slide."

"Sweetheart, I've been counting myself lucky since I first confessed to you," I replied easily, chuckling as I saw her face grow red.

"Gods, there you go again with that smile and that laugh and those words and I just-!" Cordelia took a moment to compose herself. I'd gotten pretty good at getting her all riled up, and she in turn had gotten better at controlling herself.

It's been months and we're still like this. I never want this to end.

"Alright, enough with that!" Cordelia declared vehemently, "Especially in front of the other pegasus knights. Some of the things I hear from them are starting to concern me."

I raised a brow. "Why's that?"

Cordelia shook her head. "Don't worry about it. It's nothing important. Right now, I want to hear what happened up there! You and the rest of our leaders spoke with the Voice of Naga herself! The very seat of our religion! Tell me, what was it like?"

I let out a sigh as I looked up to the moon hanging lazily in the starry sky. Glancing at the pegasus knights nearby, who immediately turned their gazes elsewhere once I noticed them, I motioned Cordelia to pile of crates surrounded by torches. Finding two to sit on, I told her what happened.

"So, as it turns out, the Voice of Naga is a light sleeper."

"…and so she just fuckin' went back to her bed and pulled this blue gemstone out, right? And, turns out, she's had the Azure this entire time. For almost a thousand years."

Cordelia's face was somewhere between a frown and half-hearted attempt at a smile. "Lady Tiki is sounding more and more like a disheveled teenager rather than the Tiki, who fought alongside Marth and Caeda and the rest."

"Legends have a way of, uh, embellishing events over time," I commented, leaning with my arm behind my back. "I always kinda expected her to be, you know, just a regular person. Except for the ears thing. Should've asked Nowi about that, now that I think about it."

"Perhaps if Robin hadn't left our two living siege engines behind, you could have," Cordelia suggested, her voice carrying a trace of venom.

I shrugged. "Robin wanted to make sure Ylisstol was defended in case anything happened. What better way to deter anyone trying anything than having two, very big dragons defending your Halidom?"

Cordelia sighed. "I suppose you're right. I, er, apologize for saying that so suddenly."

I waved my iron hand assuredly. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart. I will say, though, Robin's been getting better here recently. It's been a long time since he fought side by side with us on the front lines."

Cordelia nodded, conceding my point. "Perhaps you're right. Grudges won't help me win battles. Still, I don't think…"

"I'm not asking you to forgive him just yet. Just be aware that he's trying," I supplied.

Cordelia sighed once more. "Fine. I will always follow him as my superior, but it would certainly be helpful if I didn't feel disgusted every time I looked at him. When did you become so persuasive, love? I swear I wasn't this easy to convince just a fortnight ago."

"It's what we in the industry call, 'Taking advantage of a good mood', heh."

"Pah!" Cordelia scoffed, crossing her arms, "Is that so? Hmph. Well, now I'm definitely not in a good mood. What are you going to do about that, Alex?"

I raised a hand to my chin. "Hmm. You know what? I have no idea. Guess I'll just try what I know how to do best." I stood up and sat beside her, feeling her warmth tantalizingly close, "And then, all I gotta do is this little thing…"

I wrapped my arms around her as I gently stroked her gorgeous red hair, pulling her close. A sigh escaped her lips, one of contentment as she snuggled up to me.

"How did that work, hmm?" I asked quietly.

"You're lucky I'm madly in love with you," Cordelia whispered, her breath brushing against my neck.

"You're damn right I'm lucky!" I chuckled, "Though now I'm wondering what had you in such a good mood in the first place. Phila compliment you or something?"

"Nothing so base," Cordelia replied, "Although thank you for reminding me about it. I wanted to tell you until you rudely interrupted me several times."

"Don't act like you didn't like it, heh."

"Hmph!" Cordelia huffed, "Anyways, you remember, just after the battle, when Severa said she wanted to speak with me?"

I nodded, leaning my head against hers.

"Well, it was an odd request after such a brutal battle, but what she asked me, it nearly made my heart burst out of my chest!"

"Well? Don't leave me in suspense!"

Cordelia giggled. "She told me she wanted to learn how to ride a pegasus! She said she wanted to become a pegasus knight!"

My eyes widened at that. A chortle escaped me a moment afterward. "Well, okay, yeah, I'm surprised."

"So was I!" Cordelia said happily, "My reaction afterward probably wasn't the most, er, dignified, but I didn't care. I couldn't be happier!"

I smiled, looking up at the starry night sky, imagining Cordelia and Severa flying through them, like sailboats through the sea. It was a beautiful thought, and probably not far off from becoming a reality.

Honestly, though, I was just happy that Cordelia and Severa were finally finding something to talk about. They didn't really seem to have so much in common.

I shook that thought away as Cordelia explained the training regimens she was devising, merely letting the moment last for as long as possible. There were few places I'd rather be than by her side.

"I've gotta wonder, Robin," I began, my fingers rapping against the wooden table. "How many times have we been in this exact position in the past few months? Twenty? Thirty? Forty, dare I say? This is fucking maddening."

"I'm surprised you haven't gotten accustomed to it yet," Robin observed, "It has become a common occurrence, surely, but is that such a bad thing that you have to complain so loudly about it?"

Chrom cracked his knuckles. "I actually agree with him. I've always been happier training or fighting, but this is what is required of me as Ylisse's representative and reigning monarch in this war council."

"Half the war council is represented by Ylisse." I pointed out bluntly.

Chrom chuckled. "Maybe that's why I barely speak at times. I should count myself lucky that I have so many capable people in powerful positions."

"Capable and untrustworthy, actually. You should know I'm planning a rebellion against you," I said dryly, leaning back in my seat with a blank expression. "I'll give you my terms here soon. I want the entirety of northern Ylisse as well as one-hundred thousand gold coins."

Chrom raised a hand to his chin. "Hmm. A steep price. What'll you do with these lands?"

"I was thinking of creating my own country. Name it something stupid, too," I continued, trying not to laugh as Robin regarded us with the most unamused expression I'd ever seen. "Oh, I'll also need the Fire Emblem. You know, since every single asshole monarch we meet wants it."

"Right. Well, I hope you're prepared for me to put down this rebellion personally. Much as your cause is just, I'm afraid I must do everything in my power to keep Ylisse whole," Chrom intoned.

"What're you gonna do, kick me down?" I snorted.

"Gods, how do both of you succeed at confusing me so thoroughly?" Robin groaned, rubbing his temples. "It's like the moment you both speak to each other, this swarming vortex of nonsense just engulfs the room. You speak of maddening, Alex? This is my version of it."

"Just some joking around, Robin," Chrom laughed, "It's useful in times like these. Were we to be serious all the time, well, I don't want to know what I'd become."

I tilted my head to the white-haired tactician. "You'd become like him. Probably just as starstruck, too."

"Starstruck?" Chrom asked, thinking for a moment before an uncharacteristic, teasing smirk spread across his lips. "Ah, that's right! The moment the Voice of Naga showed herself, you became a stuttering mess!"

"Oh Gods, Basilio, Flavia, Say'ri, please, arrive soon," Robin prayed.

"You know, I used to think you were a little too pale," I said, "Now? Now I'm glad for it. It lets me see you blush like a madman."

"He's starting to look like a tomato," Chrom commented.

"Both of you are insufferable," Robin growled, "I- Yes, I may have lost my composure when we met Lady Tiki, and it is true that I don't know why I did. I always thought I wasn't interested in..."

"Interested? Interested in what?" Chrom asked.

"Forget I said anything," Robin pleaded.

"Nah, this is too funny to let up. Chrom, did you know that Tiki isn't Robin's first crush?" I laughed.

"Alex, so help me Gods-!"

"That so? Hmm. It makes sense," Chrom said quietly, "There were plenty of beautiful women in the Shepherds. Even I'm not blind enough to not see that. I don't think you'll tell me who exactly it is, though, will you?"

"God, no. I'm just having a bit of fun. I'd never break his trust like that!" I replied, sounding genuinely offended, "If he ever wants to tell you, that's his choice. You ain't getting nothing outta me." I bumped Robin with my elbow. "Ain't I just the most trustworthy knight you could've asked for?"

"I hate your guts," Robin muttered.

"See? That's a real sign of brotherly bonds right there. What would he be without me?" I asked aloud.

"I'd be happy, perhaps."

A good laugh was shared all around. As Chrom said, it was sorely needed. Despite our relatively easy win the day prior, we still had the rest of the Empire's armies to contend with, after all, and with our temporary capture of the Mila Tree, we'd essentially drawn first blood for the year. They weren't going to take that hit lightly.

I remembered, vaguely, what was supposed to happen from there. We were supposed to head south west and take over a fort, and somehow that would lead us into a conflict with Yen'fay inside of a volcano. It wasn't until that day that I realized just how little I remembered about future events. It'd been almost three full years since I came to Ylisse. I couldn't remember my social security number. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen a word written in English. All I knew how to do anymore was command troops and fight in battle.

That thought shook me. On the one hand, I was glad. The less differences between me and everyone else, the better. On the other, I was, well, I couldn't really explain it. It felt like I'd lost a part of myself that I'd never be able to recover. I'd cut loose all the fat, all the crap that wasn't essential to keeping me alive in this world and threw it away. In some cases, literally throwing it away, into the ocean.

I wonder if my phone is still there, at the bottom of the southern sea. I wouldn't even know how to make it work if I had it with me anymore, would I?

I was snapped out my reverie by the sound of new arrivals. The familiar, massive form of Basilio marched into the tent, displacing the flaps and bathing the room in light.

"I was wondering whether you guys would show up at all," I said.

Basilio snorted. "Would've been here earlier if we weren't waylaid by some blue mop."

Chrom's brow raised in confusion. "Blue 'mop'? Wait, do you mean Virion?"

"Is that his name?" Basilio asked, "Makes sense. The name he kept spouting out definitely had a 'v' sound to it."

"Are you gonna stand there forever, oaf, or are you gonna let us in!?" Flavia exclaimed from behind him.

Basilio raised a hand to his chin. "I dunno. Did you all hear something? Sounds a bit like a nagging pain in my brown arse but I can't be sure."

"Khan Basilio," Robin hissed, "Please."

"Hrmph, fine. Have it your way. Just a little bit of humor before this blue hairdresser tells you what he told us." Basilio shrugged.

"Gods' damn! Finally!" Flavia sighed, walking into the tent, "I can't tell if you're so big because of muscle or fat, oaf. You fight like a frenzied ox, but have all the fat of one too."

"I can't hear you over the sound of all my kills being higher than yours, reigning Khan!"

Flavia scoffed. "Actually, nevermind. All the fat's gone to your head. Explains why you're so thick."

"Fie, are they always like this?" Say'ri asked quietly, silently entering the tent. "'Tis a miracle the enemy cannot hear such bickering from their homes."

"Har! We should take you to Ferox one of these days, princess," Flavia chuckled, putting an arm around Say'ri for a moment and shaking her a little. "This? You haven't seen anything if you think this is loud."

Say'ri's lips thinned. "I shall pray that day will be pleasant."

"Now you're just pulling my leg!" Flavia guffawed.

Chrom looked at the tent flap expectantly for a few seconds. "Is anyone else coming through or should we-?"

"Aha! Just a moment!" An accented voice called, just before a sharply dressed man with long, light blue hair entered. "Apologies for my delay! I was simply ascertaining the whereabouts of the Queen and of the Flight-Commander!"

"Fucking hell," I groaned.

Robin looked up worriedly. "Did something happen to them? Are we-!?"

"Peace, noble tactician," Virion soothed, "Dearest Sumia is ensuring that our troops are in excellent shape, while Phila is instructing a promising pegasus knight recruit, I believe. Nonetheless, you can relay to them what I will tell you now."

Chrom crossed his arms. "I should've known this was going to be an interesting day. I take it this is important?"

"Why, my prince! It wounds me that you think I would go through all this trouble just for show!"

"I'm gonna wound you for real if you keep waffling," I said dryly.

"Alex," Robin hissed, causing me to nod and shut my damn mouth. "Go ahead, Virion. If it has Basilio that excited, then it has to be something important."

"Ahem!" Virion coughed, "You have known for some time that I am Duke Virion of Rosanne. It is a small but important nation. Some of my number even claim kinship with the great Saint-King Alm and his Queen, Celica! Beyond our legendary Chevaliers, we were also known for our wine, women, and most important of all, our food."

Robin leaned forward. "I take it Rosanne produces much of the food for the continent?"

"Our golden fields of barley stretch for miles!" Virion claimed, "What I am saying, friend, is that the liberation of Rosanne, and the surrounding areas, would cripple the Valmese army. What is such a large force without proper care? That was Walhart's main reason for his invasion of my beloved duchy. I shudder to think what he's doing to my dear people, toiling away in the fields."

"What the tosspot's saying here is that if we cut off the Valmese food supply, their army will fold," Flavia grunted.

"They must have stores everywhere," Robin pondered, "They obviously wouldn't put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak. Although, it would certainly be a devastating blow. Especially considering their vast numbers."

"That's all well and good," I began, "But we have an entire front here, you know. The Valmese won't just let us take Rosanne from them. Think of the cost. We'd box ourselves in."

"So we're just to leave Rosanne to its fate, as the Valmese plunder its reserves?" Say'ri questioned.

"What I'm saying is that this detour could be disastrous." I narrowed my eyes. "I'm not saying we shouldn't consider it. I'm just telling you what I think. Maybe Robin'll come up with a way for us to liberate Rosanne without the Valmese coming down and crushing us." I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "We've got a good couple thousand soldiers here, with over a hundred thousand in surrounding camps and positions. The Valmese have a more than that, and this is their home turf. I just wouldn't want to lead all those men and women out there to their deaths for something that wasn't worth fighting for in the first place."

It looked as if Robin was about to object, but Virion raised his hand and spoke. "Your Knight-Captain raises valid concerns. I merely wished to express what our next move should be. Rosanne is my territory, my land, and if I have to battle Walhart's army alone, I shall, gladly. No doubt all of you would do the same to see the scourge known as Grima vanquished, hmm?"

The council was silent.

Virion sighed. "Should you decide that this course of action could prove, as your Knight-Captain put it, 'disastrous', then I will follow your will. The Archest of Archers and Gentlest of Men shall abide by your rule. But allow me to say this: I do not make this suggestion lightly. This is not I, attempting to repent for my actions of the past, of leaving Rosanne to be captured. This is about ending this war as soon as we are able and attacking the real threat that lurks within the shadow of the world."

Virion bowed. "Good afternoon to you all."

He left silently. I leaned forward and rubbed the bridge of my nose, suddenly feeling like I'd just kicked a puppy.

"I think he makes a damn strong case, in my opinion," Flavia said, her arms crossed and feet propped up on the table, "Rosanne's a breadbasket. What's more, the duchy is small, with a small army to boot."

"Old Iron Hand made a good point, though," Basilio replied, "We can't just send all our forces there. Hell, it'd be like loosing arrows into a barrel full of fish. Yen'fay and Walhart's armies'd crush us from the south and north!"

"Not that I want the answer straight away, Robin," Chrom began, looking to the white-haired tactician, "But this is quite the dilemma. Whatever your guidance is, I will follow it, but my instinct tells me to do it. If not because of the people living under Walhart's thumb, then for the damage it will do to the Valmese army," Chrom's eyes glanced downward. "And the sooner we end this war, the better." He added quietly.

I looked up, then, watching as Robin's face changed ever so slightly. I'd been around him long enough to know when he'd changed his mind on something; his eyes would widen slightly, and his mouth would part just a bit.

"…The answer is rather simple, I believe," Robin said, finally.

Chrom smiled. "Those're the words I want to hear! What should we do?"

"The strategic value of Rosanne is too great to ignore," Robin began, "As Virion so, er, eloquently put it, its liberation would cause great problems for Valm's armies, as well as a substantial boon to our own. However, Alex is right; having all of our forces in one place would make it easier for Walhart to stamp out all of us. To that end, I propose we divide and conquer."

Say'ri raised a brow. "How do you mean, tactician?"

"Most of our army makes a stand here," Robin explained, "We could set up defensible positions, create dead zones and such to keep both armies at bay on both sides. Meanwhile, a smaller force would travel to Rosanne, and once liberated, we would attack the southern half of the army from two sides. Rosanne is right next to Chon'sin, correct?"

Say'ri stared Robin directly in the eyes. She could be properly intimidating, even if she wasn't trying to be at times. "That it is, tactician. When our countries were at peace, trade flowed freely between us."

Robin nodded. "Good. Once Rosanne and Chon'sin are liberated, we make our final march on Valm's capital, and once that is over, well, I think we all know what we do next, yes?"

"Cut the head off the empire!" Basilio exclaimed excitedly, "Damn, I like this plan!"

Robin smiled lightly, either to himself or because of the jubilant energy that was filling the room. "If we follow this plan, the war could be over as soon as the end of autumn. That would give us plenty of time to marshal our forces and return to Archanea, and if we have the Fire Emblem along with the five gemstones, the Awakening can be performed in earnest."

I finally raised my head at that, turning to the Khans. "Tiki said that, during the Schism, the Fire Emblem and the five gemstones were scattered, with several countries taking them as their treasure. Regna Ferox wouldn't happen to have one of said gemstones, would it?"

Flavia shrugged. "Hell if I know. If we did, it was before my time."

"Hmm," Basilio hummed, "Actually, I have a confession to make. We have Gules."

Robin's eyes widened almost comically while his mouth gaped open. "Y-you what?"

"Har! Look at yourself! You look like fresh fish on the market!" Basilio guffawed, "Might wanna close that mouth of yours, tactician. Don't want bugs crawling in there."

"I think Robin's just surprised you'd have such a priceless treasure around, with you, without telling us," Chrom said, his voice both curious and confused.

"It isn't anything personal, kids," Basilio grunted, "Gules has been a treasure of Ferox since before we even became a nation. Hell, think it was the ancestor of one of our founders who took it during the Schism. It's hard to just reveal a secret like this after a thousand years of keeping it, you know?"

I raised my iron hand. "What matters is that we have four of the gemstones. The moment we get Vert, we can put an end to Grima for the next thousand or so years."

"Is postponing his return the only way?" Robin asked quietly.

No, but I'm not going to tell you the alternative.

"If there's another way to put him down for good, I'd be willing to explore it," Chrom replied.

Robin, please.

"C'mon, Robin! I won't fall down to a bit of magic. If you wanna take me down, you gotta use your instincts!" I shouted, easily blocking a strike from the white-haired tactician.

"I-if I had magic, you would've been dead on the floor long before we'd gotten this close!" Robin panted, surprisingly staying on his feet even with the force I put behind my slash.

We still had a few days until a combined for was to move towards the south. It wasn't going to be a long journey, but I doubted we'd be coming out of it completely undetected. Just something about it seemed off, somehow. It was crazy, I knew, but ever since Khadein, I'd trusted my instincts. And there, they screamed 'something fucky is going to happen'.

Nonetheless, I continued to try and instruct Robin in swordplay. I'd only been using one for about three years, and my skills mainly included brute force, something Robin didn't have, but I still tried my best.

I had to give it to him, he was surprisingly strong despite his wiry frame. I made fun of his noodle-y arms all the time, but there was some power behind them.

"I remember back in the Arena in Bellator when you blocked a blow using a goddamn sword!" I exclaimed, blocking a strike with my shield. "Did you not do any training in the past two years?"

"You try constantly negotiating with nobles who hate your guts on a daily basis, and see how often you have time to train!" Robin snarled, attempting to parry a strike, only his timing was off and I bonked him in the face. He whirled, hand to his face as he took several steps.

"Well," I mumbled out, watching him stumble. "I think that's enough for today. You've gotten better, I'm sure, but we've still go a long way to go."

Robin sighed, falling on his ass. "You don't need to say that for my sake, Alex. I am all too aware of how out-of-practice I've become. Beyond my instincts, all of my muscles are out a shape. But I just don't want to rely solely on my magic. Even with Fulmen to amplify it, I still feel anxious, like an enemy such as Deadlord Verrat is just around the corner, waiting to turn me to ashes."

"I actually think you're too important to Grima for any of his lackeys to turn you to ash, if that's any consolation," I supplied.

He groaned. "That just makes it worse! It means the only reason I'm successful in combat is because the enemy is deliberately holding back!"

I held my left hand up to my chin, thinking. "Maybe we should take a step back. Get your body up to par. Thinking some good laps around the camp and weight training'll do you some good."

"I do not like that glint in your eye, Alex!"

I waved my hand, attempting to assuage his worries. "Don't worry about it. That'll probably come later." I walked up to him and knelt to his level and held out my hand. "C'mon, get up, big guy."

He grabbed my hand and I hoisted him up easily. I watched as he massaged his temples, probably trying not to groan again.

It'd been a while since the end of our last war council, and I'd grown curious.

"Hey, Robin," I said, catching he attention. "This little, uh, foray into Rosanne that's gonna happen soon. Who's going?"

Robin's lips thinned. "Well, I've debated through several people, although there's always one mainstay."

I held my breath. "You mean-?"

"I do mean you, yes," Robin finished, his expression pleading. "Alex, you will not be alone with Virion and Cherche. Cordelia and Severa will be going with you, no matter what."

I closed my eyes and nodded. That made it better, at least. I wouldn't be separated from Cordelia for several months again, and I could keep an eye on Severa.

"Alright. Fine," I said finally, rubbing the back of my neck, "I mean, you could order me around all the time with impunity. I'm your knight, after all. I just- Thanks,"

Robin nodded. "It would be cruel of me to put you in a similar situation as Khadein, even if Rosanne is markedly less horrifying to look at."

"I dunno. Virion's from there, and Cherche too. And I've seen Cherche collect bugs in the morning," I commented.

Robin became just a shade paler. "Yes. I am aware of their strange hobbies."

"Ah, but you'll have to get used to Tiki, though." I smirked. "Tell me, have you talked to her yet? Gimme the details, man!"

"Why in the name of the gods would I do that!?" Robin exclaimed, his arms spreading to his sides, "T-that's none of your business!"

"Don't you see, Robin? This is my vengeance. For all those fucking 'soundproof' comments," I chuckled sinisterly. "Seriously, though, all joking aside, I've never seen you act that way before. Not even with Chrom. Guess Morgan has a decent shot at existence, huh?"

Robin's head perked up at that. "Gods, I forgot to ask about her."

I blinked. "Fuck, I did too."

"Well," Robin clapped, "If it's any further consolation, I will most likely be joining you in Rosanne as well. Strategy isn't too important when you hunker down and fight a war of attrition on two sides, and Virion is, er, I've played against him before. He is a rather brutal commander. Not that I think he is a bad tactician, but I think I might prefer to be hands on with such a delicate operation."

"And we'll be taking Tiki, too, won't we?" I asked, brow raised.

Robin seemingly attempted to retort, but his voice died in his throat. After a moment of silence, he nodded. "She would give us the religious advantage. Beyond a few cults dedicated to the old gods Mila and Duma, Tiki is revered as Naga's own flesh and blood, and according to records dating back to the War of Heroes and War of Shadows… well, it's certainly a possibility. No one can deny she's a manakete, that's for certain."

"Hmm," I hummed, "Well, whatever happens, Robin, know that I wish you luck. You've got your work cut out for you, but I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines."

Robin chuckled, and I noticed a small blush on his face. "Heh, yes, thank you."

A few days later, and we were on our way. What little I knew of Rosanne painted the picture of a country of endless sunshine, with vast fields of wheat and great orchards filled with apples and grapes. That was how Virion described it as he began to talk our ear off on the way, at least.

I had a feeling that the coming battles would be hard and bloody.

Sighing, I took one final look at the Mila Tree as we left it, along with a majority of our army and Shepherds. The tree loomed over us long into the day, its shadow stretching across the world.

I wanted to return one day, when the world wasn't drowning in blood and death. Maybe take Cordelia and Severa with me. It'd make for a nice vacation.

The last chill chapter until we go into completely uncharted territory. The Valm Arc is a great place to go off the rails, finally. Not like I imagine many people will complain; Valm in-game is easily the worst part of ol' Awakening.

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

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See ya guys next time!

Edited on 3/25/21. Alex and Cordelia are so cute, it should be illegal.