Previous Mini-Boss: Phantom Zant, the holographic annoyance from the Twilight Realm

The trip back was a long one. In addition to having the stress of facing Plegia once again in order to claim the last gemstone, Robin also had to contend with being somewhat of a psychiatrist for Link, making up strategies for any future battles, and he was constantly looking over Lissa, who was quite visible now. Thankfully, Chrom was kind enough to tone down Robin's tactician duties a bit, but it was still a long month back.

The therapy wasn't really working. Link's mood had improved; he managed to walk about the camp, but that seemed like all he was capable of doing. He refused every single chance to spar with someone; even Owain, his favourite sparring buddy, was denied a practice fight. Thankfully, everyone else was willing to help him as well. They all smiled at him and complimented him every time he walked by. Eventually, he became willing to participate in Risen battles again, though he was hesitant to strike any of them with his sword. His shield still provided immaculate defense, so he wasn't a hindrance. Though it was difficult to think of what he would do once they reached Plegia Castle. They hadn't been in a fight with humans since Excellus' death, so there was no way of knowing what he could do during another fight with them.

"So, Dad;" he was snapped out of his thoughts by Morgan, "what's the plan?"

"Well, I'm highly suspicious of Validar's intentions. Just giving over the gemstone? Not exactly something that's likely to happen."

"So you've got a way out, right?"

"Well, if worse comes to worse, we go with the Defensive Retreat strategy."

"Okay, what if they're expecting that?"

"Plan B."

"And what if one of those monsters from Link's home shows up? Plan B doesn't account for that."

"More than likely, we'll have to go with Plan H. If that doesn't work, I'll think of something."

"Plan H? I don't remember that one."

"You should; it's the easiest one. Form up and hit it 'til it dies."

"Oh, you mean the last resort."

"That's the one."

"If you two are all set, we're here." Robin looked to where Chrom was pointing, and saw the castle before them. It wasn't as grand as Ylisstol castle, but it still made for an intimidating image. It was the colour of sand, its menacing spires spiraling up to just beneath the cloud layer. Its dark colours gave the perfect feeling of foreboding that Robin had been expecting. This would not be easy.

On their way to the throne room, tension ran high. Everyone was watching the corner of their eyes, catching glimpses of hidden soldiers between the sand-coloured pillars. Chrom, Robin, Lucina and Frederick were the only ones allowed in the throne room (well, Lucina demanded that she go with, and nobody wanted to argue), while everyone else stood guard. Good idea, considering what happened next.

"Greetings, prince." A familiar, despicable voice called out to them. "What brings you to our humble castle?"

"I have come to claim part of the Emblem."

"My, my. Straight to the point. Why the rush?"

"Enough games, Validar! We need the gemstone to stop Grima; or did you want the world to fall into ruin?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"Hand it over! Give me the Fire Emblem, and you may leave with your lives!"

"My father will never give you the Emblem!"

"Silence, intruder! You have no say here!"

"What?"

"You do not belong in this world, and neither does that green-clad fool!"

"How do you know of him?"

"Because I told him." A booming voice without an owner echoed around the throne room. "That green kid is a thorn in my side; well, he was."

"Who are you?!"

"I am Ganondorf, your new ruler."

"Are you mad?! If you ally yourself with Grima, there won't be anything left to rule!"

"Grima has agreed to leave something to rule if I coat the land in Twilight. And once I have claimed this world, I shall retake my own!"

"I think it's time to go!" Robin heard the beginning sounds of a battle just outside the door, signifying that their time was up. He practically pushed them out of the room and into the fray that awaited. Morgan, true to her word, was giving out commands to ensure the Shepherds' safety. It wasn't exactly what Robin would have done, but it worked. "Defense formation! We're leaving!" The Shepherds instantly moved; Kellam and Kjelle forming a small wall up front protected from behind by Laurent and Miriel. To either side, Frederick and Sully ensured that the mages didn't get hit by any stray enemies, and Cordelia and Cherche covered them from the air. All the other Shepherds, bar two, were at the back, protecting the front and middle as best they could. The two left out were Link and Lissa. Robin had taken one look at the terrified eyes of the green warrior, and decided it best that he was out of the fight as much as possible. In this formation, they began to move their way to the door. The resulting trip was ordered chaos. The opposition they faced seemed to be the Grimleal, worshippers of the Fell Dragon, and they weren't in short supply. Every time the group turned, they managed to find another horde of the Grima-devoted psychopaths. This turned the quick escape into an exhausting battle. Cuts, scratches and burns from the mages were earned on their way across the expansive marble floor towards the double doors that led out, now guarded by what Robin assumed was the commander.

"Focus all fire on that one! We stop him, they scatter!" Robin immediately fired a bolt of lightning at the man, who deflected most of the impact with his axe. Still, having electricity run down your weapon has to hurt. The shot was followed by a rush of wind as Gerome shot past, headed directly for the guy. His axe felled any other Grima worshippers as he shot by, while also earning a few more unnoticed scratches. The commander readied his axe with an arrogant smile, clearly unaware of the fearsome opposition he faced. Gerome's axe swept down as the man dodged, creating a small dust cloud. Then the reason the man seemed quite unaffected by the bolt of lightning reared its head. He pointed the axe towards Gerome and unleashed lightning of his own. Thankfully, Gerome just pulled his axe out of the ground, and was flung back a little bit by the force, so he missed being turned into a lightning rod by a hair's breadth. The man's smile had dimmed, but it was still an overconfident look. Gerome turned and flew up high, a plan in his head. The commander began to throw shot after shot at the Wyvern Rider, who barely avoided them every time. When he reached the ceiling, Minerva dove. The commander began to panic and flailed his axe around, now completely missing his target. His shots hit some of the other soldiers, clearing more of a path for the Shepherds. He locked eyes with Minerva, then turned and ran. The wyvern adjusted its angle, and landed directly in front of the man. He fell to the ground, holding his axe in front of himself in an awful attempt at self-preservation. Then an axe went through his vision. Gerome, evidently, hadn't been on Minerva when she decided to take to the ceiling. He withdrew his axe from the man's head, and gave the wyvern a pat on the snout.

"Excellent job, Minerva." She gave what was most likely a contented growl. The two watched the remaining Grimleal run in fear of the beast.

"Well done, you two." Robin ran up and gave Gerome a pat on the back. He didn't want to risk getting too close to Minerva, so he settled with smiling at her. "I think that earns you a reward." Robin bent down and picked up the axe the commander had. "A bolt axe. It works at both close-quarters and from afar. Should come in handy." He gave the weapon to Gerome, and began to move towards the door, but not before whispering "And it may impress Lucina if you can wield it," right into the boy's ear. Gerome gave him a shocked expression, but took the axe. "Everybody out!" He waved them all to the door, and the troop ran.

"Well, you got us out." Chrom ran beside Robin, headed towards freedom.

"Not quite." In a flash of purple, Validar appeared before the two of them. "Hand over the Emblem, Princeling!"

"You'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands, sorcerer!"

"That could be arranged, but it would be much easier if I didn't have to touch it at all."

"What do you-"

"Robin! Take the Emblem from him!" A searing pain shot through Robin's head, and his legs began to move on their own. Grasping his head, he watched as his body slowly turned to Chrom and knocked the Exalt to the ground. His arms reached out and took the Emblem from its rightful owner, then threw the object to Validar. Without hesitation, Validar placed his gem into the final slot on the precious piece of metal and vanished. The pain left Robin's body, and he collapsed onto his knees.

"Robin; are you alright?"

"I'm sorry, Chrom; it's all my fault."

"Come on; let's get out of here." The Exalt pulled Robin off the floor, and they dejectedly ran out of the castle, their heads full of despair and their hearts filled with regret.

That evening found Robin staring out at the sunset, trying to think of what happened. It wasn't his fault, he knew that; but he wasn't without blame. If he hadn't been there, then Validar couldn't have controlled him, and they might still have the Emblem.

"Uncle?" A voice snapped him out of his rather depressing thoughts. "May I have a word?" He turned and smiled at Lucina.

"Always happy to talk with my niece."

"I wish to discuss the future with you."

"... I see."

"In my time, as you know, the Shepherds have all been killed by Grima; my father included. His death was what finalized Grima's total reign over the world."

"Okay…?"

"Nobody really knew how he died, but there were rumours. Most of them said that he was killed by his best friend, and I did not see how that could be the answer. I have seen how close the two of you are, and I thought that nothing would drive you to killing your brother-in-law."

"Uh-huh…" Robin was beginning to see where she was going with this.

"But today, I witnessed something that proves who killed my father. Validar must have seized control of your mind and made you kill him." Lucina withdrew her Falchion, making Robin jump slightly. "I'm sorry, Uncle, but I have to do this!"

"Lucina, have you thought this through?!"

"There isn't any other way!" Tears began to run down the blue-haired woman's face. "I wish I didn't have to, but I must! For our future to survive, you have to die!" Robin bowed his head, silently thinking.

"Okay."

"What?"

"Okay. You're right. I've been thinking about it too, and I can't see any other way." Robin looked back up at Lucina and spread his arms, smiling. "If my death is what it takes to ensure everyone else lives, then so be it."

"I'm so sorry, Uncle."

"Don't be; it isn't your fault." Robin closed his eyes, prepared for the feel of Falchion's blade in his heart. Lucina lunged forward, both hair and tears flying out behind her. Then her sword bounced. Standing between Robin and his niece was Link, shield placed between Falchion and Robin. The tactician opened his eyes to see Link's sad eyes staring up at him intently, trying to convey something.

"ENOUGH!" Chrom raced towards the three of them, possibly the angriest he had ever been. "Is your little experiment over?"

"Father?"

"Lucina, what on Earth were you thinking?"

"But, in the future, he-"

"I know; you're not the only one who can eavesdrop. He may have killed me in your future, but this one is yet to be decided. Do you not trust in our friendships? Do you not trust in your own Uncle?"

"Well…"

"Lucina, this future is not the one you came from. We can change this; we will change it. Together. Killing Robin won't solve anything; without his skill, we wouldn't be able to fight our way to Grima, and the world would still lose."

"I… But…" She gave a deep sigh. "You're right. I have to trust in the bonds we share. I'm sorry, Uncle. I hope you can forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive." Robin looked back at Link, who was now staring intently at the ground. "You were only doing what you thought best; what would protect as many lives as possible. It's me that needs to be forgiven."

"You?"

"I was being a hypocrite. On our journey back, I was teaching Link that just because something bad happens, it isn't the end. You have to keep going for those who care about you, for those who look to you for help. There's always another way."

"He's not wrong."

"I understand now. We have to keep going for those who depend on us."

"That's basically my point, yeah. Plus, if I'm gone, who's going to teach my kids how to pull amazing pranks?" Everyone, Link excluded, gave a chuckle.

"Come on; let's get you back to camp." Chrom put his arm on Lucina's shoulder and gestured to Robin. The tactician gave Link a pat on the back, and the four began to move back to camp.

"Who knew someone so quiet could say so much?" Robin muttered under his breath as they walked. Link must have heard, because he tilted his head up, now giving a slight smile for the first time in a long time.

A/N: Events are moving forward! The actual 'stopping Grima' story of the game has finally come to play a big role in this story, and I couldn't be more excited. I hope you guys are feeling the same way. Oh, and there's a reference to something in this chapter; tell me if you got it! If you enjoyed; or didn't, I can take criticism, please feel free to put any suggestions, comments, concerns or questions in a review or PM. Anything you have to say is always appreciated!