Chapter 17: Departure
The Southern Entrance
"Ugh, did it really have to rain on today of all days?" Gerome uttered.
"Would you prefer that it be freezing snow?" Frederick responded.
"Oh father, I wonder what the backstory behind that is," Gerome said.
It was the dawn of the final day, and the Shepherds were greeted by an oncoming torrent of rain. With only today to live, they were leaving back to Ylisse. Hyrule was back under control, and the Interloper threat was gone. Most of the Gorons departed, aside from the few that resided in Castle Town. Any other problems that could arise would not be anything that the royal family couldn't handle. Thus, the Shepherds militia could leave.
All of the soldiers awaited in the grass fields of the Southern Entrance of Castle Town, arranged in small battalions as when they arrived. Some of them wore bandages, and some in arm casts. They won, but it wasn't an easy battle. At the the head of the congregation, nearest to the stone stairs, Chrom, Robin, Zelda, Midna, and Link stood.
"I'm sorry you have to leave in such inclement weather," Zelda said.
"We'll be fine, as long as we get out before it gets worse," said Robin.
"Well, this is goodbye. Our final goodbye," said Chrom.
"Members of your militia are welcome to stay, if they desire to do so," Zelda said.
"It'd probably be best that they come home, and so we don't abruptly return with missing soldiers. I'd have a hard time explaining that to their families," Chrom replied.
"So be it. May Naga watch over you as the end approaches," Zelda said.
"May the Light Spirits watch you as the end comes," Robin responded.
"Take care, you three," said Chrom.
Chrom and Robin rallied the militia, and they stood tall, awaiting for Chrom to strike with Falchion. Chrom held Falchion skyward, and a bolt of lightning struck down on to it, energizing the sword. The soldiers standing nearest to Chrom jolted and winced back, yet Chrom was not phased as sparks fell into the wet grass. He brought down Falchion, and held it with both hands, and thrusted it into the ground. The lightning moved in an instant and bolted through the ground that the militia was standing on. And in an instant bright, blue light, the Shepherds were gone.
South of Ylisstol
Bright blue light radiated from a dome-shaped source. It shined for seven seconds until it faded, bringing the Shepherd army from Hyrule. Chrom was still holding the position of impaling Falchion into the ground. The lightning had sent sparks flying, and the soldiers ducked down and covered their heads while being transported back. When they entered back into Ylisse, they poked their eyes up, and lifted themselves back up from their slouching positions.
Chrom lifted the sword out of the ground, and said to Robin "We're home."
Robin replied "We made quite a scene. Look"
Chrom looked around, and noticed the small flames lit by the sparks falling on to the grass. They even managed to light a fallen tree branch. Frederick and some other soldiers moved around and stepped on the flames, putting them out. One even took their canteen of water and put out the flame on the tree branch.
"Let's get back to the castle before a bunch of soldiers arrive," said Frederick.
The Mirror Chamber, Midday
"This time, I'm not shattering the Mirror," said Midna.
Midna, Zelda, and Link stood in the Mirror Chamber, similar to when Midna departed after Ganondorf's defeat. With Grateau dead, Midna's job was done. She didn't need to stay in Hyrule, though not to say that she didn't want to.
"I could stay, but I should be with my people when the end comes tonight," Midna said. "But I wonder, what exactly would you two be doing if the world wasn't ending?"
"I'd have to tend to Castle Town, and ensure that everyone is safe from harm. That would include rallying a better military force," Zelda answered.
"And what of you, Link?" Midna asked.
"..." (Link). He said he would have gone to Ylisse with Chrom and Robin.
"I'd be interested too. Who knew that there were worlds beyond ours?" Midna responded. "Oh wait, I just remembered."
She phased her right hand into Link's chest, and he winced and curled up. Midna then ripped her hand out, and opened her grip, which revealed a shadow crystal that was still inside Link.
"I forgot that was still in you. Though I'm not sure why it didn't turn you into a wolf," she said. "I'll take it, for safekeeping."
The three of them awkwardly waited, and none of them made a move. Zelda broke the silence with "I don't think I want to say goodbye. Now that everything's done, we can't even enjoy ourselves."
"Not exactly. You two still have today. You shouldn't waste it being sad," said Midna.
Midna stepped up to the platform, and said "Until whatever happens after. See you later." She passed through the Mirror portal, back into the Twilight Realm.