Robin's eyes locked with his evil counterpart's as soon as he appeared on the scales of the gigantic dragon. His twin was giving a vicious smile, as if he knew they were coming, and the seven-foot-tall man beside him was giving one of the deepest laughs he had ever heard. Seconds later, ethereal spikes shot up from the dragon's back, managing to strike every single Shepherd at least once. The initial pain was intense, dropping everyone there to their knees, but it slowly lessened. The spikes hadn't actually caused any physical damage, but they were slowly sapping the strength of everyone they touched. They all struggled to remain conscious, the life draining from their bodies. At that point, the vessel of Grima walked forward and stood over Robin, giving a low cackle.

"Did you think you actually had a chance? Did you really think that this pathetic bunch of ragtag mercenaries could stop the alliance of Ganon and Grima?!" Robin responded with an intensely angry glare, his brain frantically trying to come up with a solution to their current predicament. "No matter; despite your interferences, the two of us will soon reign over this world!" His doppelganger paused as if thinking something over, then widened his grin. "Although, there is still a chance that this little band may survive."

"What… do you… mean…?" Robin was now near the point of blacking out, he was so drained.

"Accept your destiny; allow your body to be taken over, and I shall spare this pathetic lot, despite how much it will pain me! Submit to me and live!"

"You… think me… an idiot?"

"What?"

"You'd… kill them… anyway…"

"True, but you could have at least been their hero just before their demise. A 'heroic' sacrifice before their end! Oh, well. You will just have to join them in endless suffering!" The vessel of Grima raised a hand, and dark magic began spilling from it, encasing Robin in a ball of darkness. It slowly shrank and contorted until there was only a wobbly spot in space left, as if you could see heat coming off of the creature's scales.

"Robin!" Chrom attempted to reach out for the spot, but was hardly able to lift a finger.

On the other side of it, Robin was now able to move again, but no longer had the will to. He was lying prone on the solid black void, convinced that the enemy had won.

"We… I… failed. They're too strong… everyone almost died, and they didn't even touch us… it's hopeless…" He listened to his defeated tone echo around the endless black void. "I just hope they're okay…"

"They're dead!"

"...What?" Grima's human form appeared in front of him, an enormous grin on his face.

"Your 'friends' are dying right now, and there isn't a thing you can do! Soon, the world shall be covered in darkness, with me as its ruler!" Robin stared in mild shock at the man. Part of him was actually believing the monster's bluff, which only grew as time wore on. His hope was nearly gone when a small voice faded into existence.

"Y- -ave -o fi- -ck!" Robin could've sworn he'd heard that voice before.

"What?! No! How is this happening?!" Grima was starting to panic, his whole body trembling with anger and fear.

"Fight back!" Robin could now tell who's voice it was. "You can't give up!"

"...Chrom…?"

"You have to keep fighting! Come on, Robin; we need you!"

"How is this possible?!" Grima's composure shattered.

"Come on, you can do it! We believe in you!"

"Yeah!" Another voice entered the abyss. "You're not leaving me alone with Chrom, are you, mister?"

"L-lissa?" Robin's spirit was starting to come back.

"You must not fall here, Father! Your story is not yet over!"

"Don't think you're leaving us, Father! You still have strategies to teach me!"

"Owain… Morgan…" As Robin began to stand up, other voices echoed through the abyss, all trying to convince him to get back up. All the Shepherds were yelling at him to get up, with the exception of one, who didn't speak anyway.

"No, no, no, no!"

"What's wrong, Grima?" Robin was now on his feet, still slightly hunched, but now able to arrogantly smirk at his counterpart. "Something not going to plan?"

"What are you doing?!"

"It's not what I'm doing; it's what I've done. I've made friends and formed bonds all over this world, all of them unbreakable." Robin could feel a surprising amount of energy coursing through his body, and an unbelievable amount of shame at what he was about to say. "This is the strength of love!" His body started giving off an intense light, almost blinding the Fell Dragon.

The wobbling air where Robin had disappeared began to shift and move, getting faster and faster until a small sliver of light appeared. The sky cracked with light, raising Ganondorf's eyebrows and stunning every Shepherd. The human form of Grima reappeared next to the seven-foot figure, rage and fear plastered over his face. The cracks expanded and widened until the fabric of space could take it no more, and the air shattered into a blinding light. When it subsided, Robin was standing where he had once been, almost completely rejuvenated. Almost the instant he returned, Naga's voice rang in the Shepherds' heads.

"Brave warriors, take the strength that I can spare, and save this world from the evil of Grima." A green light enveloped the Shepherds, removing the purple spikes and revitalising every member.

"I thought so."

"What?!"

"That kid's slippery; there's no way it would be that easy. You made the mistake of underestimating them."

"But-"

"They have Gods on their side; this fight was never going to be a walk in the park."

"You told me that winning was assured!"

"I did. I didn't say that it would be easy." Grima gave Ganon a low growl, then returned his frazzled attention to the biggest threat, which was now on the move. The Shepherds had mobilized as a unit, heavier soldiers in the front, ranged ones in the back, and everyone else somewhere in between. Robin used this formation quite often, as it was very effective, but there was a big difference this time: Morgan was commanding it. Robin, Chrom and Link were off on a three-man crusade, their heading set for Grima and Ganondorf.

"This isn't over yet! Grimleal!" From out of seemingly nowhere, Grima's faithful appeared and blocked the trio's path.

"I suppose now is the time for minions." Ganondorf raised a hand, the triangle shape on the back of it lighting up. Several portals appeared across Grima's scales, releasing Twilight-infested creatures, including Risen. With the Grimleal streaming in via teleportation and the portals open, the dragon's back was soon crawling with monsters and lunatics.

"Link! Think you can get us through?" The mute man smiled at Robin, and took his enormous ball and chain out of its small pouch. "Chrom, duck!" The two crouched down as the huge hunk of metal started swinging around in the air, intimidating the Grimleal and practically ripping through the Twilight monsters. After a few more rotations, Link hurled the massive ball straight ahead, knocking over Grimleal and crushing monsters. The three dashed through the new opening, nothing left to impede their progress. Ganondorf smiled at them, and raised his hand again. This time, instead of portals bringing ungodly monsters to the fray, he created a barrier behind the trio of fighters to ensure no help would come.

"Hello again, boy." Link stared at Ganon with fury in his eyes, and tightened his grip on his sword. "Seems you've managed to interfere with my plans again. No matter. You can't stop me this time, kid; I'm stronger than ever." He placed his arms at his sides, widening his smile. At this, Link tensed.

"What's wrong?" Robin was really wishing that Link could talk right about now.

"Don't bother asking; he can't answer." Robin's attention returned to the two figures before them, one much more confident than the other. "I'm just missing a weak spot."

"Enough of this idle chatter!" Grima's eyes were glowing purple, his rage almost tangible. "It's time this ended! NOW!" The dragon's neck bent back, making his hideous head face the closest three Shepherds. Ganondorf sighed, then raised a fist in front of his face. The triangle on the back of his hand glowed once more, then his eyes followed suit. Soon, those three places were the only remaining lights on his body as he was engulfed in darkness, similar to Link's own transformation. However, this one was much more intimidating. He grew exponentially, gaining a few strange protrusions and an enlarged torso. He was down on all fours, the tint slowly going back to its orange-and-green usual. Robin and Chrom stood back in awe as a massive, evil-looking warthog-like creature now stood in the seven-foot man's place, staring them down with a confident, murderous glare.

"Finally! Now, DIE!" The dragon's head spewed purple fire at the trio, who instinctively dodged.

"Chrom; you get close to Grima. That new Falchion ought to hurt him more than anything else we can throw his way."

"On it!"

"Link, you… uh…" The green-clad warrior was already charging towards the enemy he knew, who was still just standing in place. "Sure, go with that." Robin turned his attention back to Grima, who was keeping Chrom at a distance with ease. Robin pulled out his Thoron tome and shot a quick blast of lightning at the dragon's incarnation, attempting to give Chrom an opening. Grima seemed to be a master of multitasking, however, and managed to have his form dodge the attack while his head kept fighting off Chrom. "Okay, not exactly what I had in mind…" As if to distract him more, a black sigil briefly appeared in front of him, then released Ganondorf's warthog form. Robin tried to move out of the way, but one of the monster's enormous tusks grazed his leg. Clutching it, Robin watched as the enormous swine disappeared again, only to reappear near Link, who moved into action. He ran towards the pig, putting his shield on his back, then let his feet fall out from under him. He was now sliding along the floor of scales on the shield, holding his sword flat against his chest. Ganondorf kept running, seemingly unable to stop, and went right over Link, who, with impeccable timing, lifted his sword up and let it slice across the monster's stomach. It kept going, soon disappearing into a self-created portal again, allowing Link to get back up. His expression wasn't the one Robin expected to see, however. Normally, in fights, Link would have either a determined look when going up against huge odds, or he would have a smile when he figured out what to do. This time, he had a look of worry about him.

"Damn!" Chrom got sent flying back and landed near Robin, panting from exhaustion as he got up. "This isn't working!"

"Don't have to tell me that." Robin stood as well, hobbling slightly from his newest injury. "We need to distract him."

"Okay, but how?"

"Give me a second…" That second was quite literal, as Link came running up to the two, the familiar sparkle of an idea in his eye. "You've got a plan?" He nodded. "What is it?" He pointed at the two beasts, then smashed his hands together. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?"

"...What?" Chrom looked as puzzled as ever.

"And that's the reason why I'm the tactician. Chrom, I need you to keep Grima's attacks focussed on one area."

"Okay."

"Link, it's your plan, so I assume you know what to do." He nodded, then charged back to the demon pig, who seemed to have lost its bearings, making that small conversation they just had possible. Assuming that Link could handle himself, Robin moved off to help Chrom.

"There's nothing you can do!" Grima seemed to have gained some confidence after Ganondorf's transformation. "You should have joined me when I gave you the chance! Now you will all fall!"

"No; you'll be the one who falls today!" Chrom moved in to attack again, and was forced to retreat once more. "I hope you know what you're doing, Robin."

"Of course I do!" A bolt of electricity shot past as Robin joined Chrom in his attempt at distraction. They smiled at each other, then continued the assault. Their distraction seemed to draw on for hours due to the constant dodging while trying to keep Grima's attacks to one location, when it was really only a few minutes. At some point, Robin managed to glance over at Link to see his progress, which was surprisingly bad. He couldn't seem to coax the monster to where he wanted it. Link was now battered and bruised, his frustration with things not going entirely the way he wanted them to starting to show. "Chrom, think you'll be okay on your own?"

"Yes; just hurry!" Chrom jumped back as another blast of purple fire landed at his feet. "Go!" Robin nodded, then turned and shot another arc of lightning towards the reappearing warthog-like demon. It hit him square on the nose, but didn't even seem to phase the beast. It did, however, change his focus. The next portal appeared right next to Robin, thankfully allowing him enough time to move, and almost shot the evil pig out. Robin looked to Link again, who seemed to have caught the idea. He shot past Robin, headed closer to Chrom, and took out his bow, waiting for a chance. Ganon reappeared, Robin moved, Link shot, and Chrom finally caught on.

"Oh! So that's-" He was interrupted by another blast of purple fire.

"It's hopeless! We're invincible!"

"We'll see about that!" Chrom moved back this time, taunting Grima. Grima was so frayed at this point that he almost immediately attacked, not noticing Chrom's proximity to Robin, who had just aggravated Ganon. The two nodded at each other, then stood in wait. As soon as Ganon reappeared, they jumped out of the way, and Grima's foul breath made a direct hit on Ganon. It sent the creature flying into the barrier, almost shattering it and making an enormous crack in the demon's tusk.

"Careful, you imbecile!"

"Me?!" Ganon got up, his eyes glowing red from rage. "You were the one who-" He was interrupted by Link, who managed to force his sword straight through the newly-formed crack in Ganon's tusk. The monster reared in pain, his whole body turning black once more, the transformation back to fightable figure commencing. At the same time, Robin and Chrom had gotten close enough to Grima to actually do some damage. Robin's Thoron didn't seem to phase him, but a single slice from Falchion sent the doppelganger reeling back, holding the spot where the blade went through his body.

"Gah! Insolent fools! You will rue this act!" Grima's actual head came down towards them at a breakneck speed with the intent of crushing. Robin and Chrom only just avoided the attack, but lost their footing due to the shockwave of skull against scales. This knockback dizzied Grima, and allowed Robin to get a quick glance over at Link, who was now facing Ganondorf solo. They were clashing with a sword made of light that Ganon had summoned against Link's incredible blade. Robin could practically feel the energy exploding off of the two weapons every time they crashed together, sparks flying in every direction. He noted the determined expression that was back on Link's face, and he was confident that their otherworldly friend could handle this on his own. The Grandmaster's attention went back to his and Chrom's fight, which was starting to turn in their favour. Grima wasn't making the smartest decisions, occasionally attacking the wrong place, which allowed for Chrom to get in close and cut across him with his Falchion. Robin ran up and joined the fray, trying to distract Grima even more by sending Thorons his way.

"I guess smashing your head against your body isn't the best idea!" He was also trying to get under Grima's skin.

"Facing me is a worse one!" The hideous head came around to face Robin, only for it to reel back in pain as Chrom hit his human form once more. A shout of rage came from both Ganon and Grima, as the dragon's head came in and forced Chrom back, while Ganondorf jumped into place next to Grima. "What are you doing?!"

"That kid is annoying me; he was trying to fight me using a fishing rod!" Link arrived next to Robin, giving what could only be described as a cocky smirk.

"Did you really do that?" The expansion of his smile was all the answer Robin needed. "Way to go."

"You dare treat this like a game?!" Apparently, Grima's rant wasn't over. "This is the battle for the world! This is where you all- Gah!" Electricity racked Grima's body.

"This is where we all win."

"I like your attitude, kid. Shame you're going to die." Ganondorf lunged forward, but was stopped by Link, who jumped in front of Robin and deflected the sword strike with his shield. Ganon stepped back, his arrogant air changing to one of anger. "Stop getting in my way!" Link thrust his sword at the man, making him back up next to Grima again. Robin looked at the duo of enemies before them, and saw how weakened they were. Two more ought to do it.

"Chrom, Link; this might be it!" The two swordsmen looked at each other, nodded, then held their swords at their sides. The two legendary weapons met in the middle, making sparks fly as they simultaneously charged towards the two evil forces. Falchion grew ever brighter as it approached its somewhat counterpart, and the light reflected off of Link's sword, making a point of almost pure light amongst the darkness on Grima's back. The light blinded the two it was going up against, giving the perfect opening for the swords to slash across their respective enemies' torsos. As the light cleared, Grima and Ganondorf were down on their knees, obviously in excruciating pain from the hit.

"Robin; I'm going to end this!" Chrom raised Falchion again, ready to strike down Grima. Robin took the moment of hesitation and ran between them, the mark of Grima beginning to give off a soft purple light. "What are you doing?!" He didn't answer; he simply gave what he presumed would be his final nod to Link, and reached into the darkest parts of himself in order to grab hold of a small portion of Grima's power. A ball of dark energy grew in the center of his marked hand, growing bigger and bigger until Robin had to raise it above his head so that it wouldn't collide with his own body. At the same time, Link jumped high into the air, sword at the ready. Time seemed to slow for Robin, and all his senses heightened as he looked around at the people he had come to think of as family for what he assumed to be the final time. I'll miss you all, but it's for the best. He threw his hand forward, and the ball of darkness encapsulated Grima entirely.

"NO!" Amongst the swirling mass of energy, Robin could faintly make out Grima's form dissolving into nothing. He looked over and saw Link with his sword stuck right between Ganondorf's eyes, the life draining from the man's green-skinned body.

"How… did I lose… again?!" He went limp, and Link withdrew his sword from the seven-foot monster's head. He turned and gave a brief smile at Robin, which faded almost instantly. Robin looked at his right hand to see it becoming a purple mist.

"Wait! No!" He looked up to see Lissa, Owain and Morgan running through the disappearing magical barrier, tears staining all of their faces. "Don't leave! We need you!"

"I'm sorry." They all crashed into his slowly fading form, embracing him in one of the most crushing hugs in history.

"No, Dad, don't go! There's still so much you have to teach me!"

"Don't leave us, Father! I need to learn from your legendary example!"

"There's still so much we haven't done! Please stay!" Robin was now in tears as well, hugging back with all the remaining vigor his body had.

"There isn't much I can do about it. Please, no matter what happens to me, keep living. Be all you can be, and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise." He was almost gone by now, only an outline of his former self remaining. "I love you…" His last words echoed into the distance, his body gone and spirit now free. Grima and Ganondorf were defeated that day, but the world lost someone very special to it.

The fight was over, the war had been won; but the cost was steep. Robin, Grandmaster Tactician of Ylisse, was gone.

A/N: Happy New Year! Well, 2016 has rolled around, and this story is almost done. This chapter took a little longer to get out because I wanted to make it as incredible as possible for all you readers (plus, you don't want it to end so quickly, do you?); I can only hope I did you guys justice. So, as always, be sure to review or PM with any concerns, comments or questions you may have. Oh, and be warned: the next Author's Note will probably be extremely long, so watch out for that. Only one chapter left, guys!