DISCLAIMER: FIRE EMBLEM AND ITS CHARACTERS BELONG TO NINTENDO.

A/N: Tune in for the actual A/N at the end of this chapter for some... well news, regarding the future of this story...

The Pilgrimage

The Shepherds were in the middle of their morning meal.

Chrom cut up a few of the eggs on his plate. "So Robin, about our march."

Robin wiped his mouth of the grease from the bacon, turning to give his attention to his friend and commander.

"The villagers have 10 fishing vessels, holding about 10 people each." Chrom stated.

"That should be plenty of room."

"Yes it will, but I was more worried about the chance of the Valmese finding us. We defeated their forces at Valm Harbor days ago, then suddenly went off of the map. No doubt their forces at the Mila Tree are on the look out."

Robin bit his thumb. "That's right, we're sitting ducks out in the water if they've got any Dark Fliers and they send them out to survey the area."

"We could move our departure to sunset. The Sages say it will only take a few hours to reach the tree, so we can sail for them in the cover of darkness."

"But how much time can we afford? Basilio and Flavia must have been on standby for days."

"We can at least afford the time to make sure we all arrive safely."

"You're right. We can't be pressured to act carelessly. Ha, I thought I was the Tactician here." Robin said as he grinned at the prince.

Chrom let out a laugh. "Well I've picked up a few things with you around."

"So we leave at sun down?" Lucina asked.

Chrom nodded. "It's the logical decision given the Valmese's hold over the area."

"Well I guess that leaves me with a bit of free time." Lucina rested her chin on palm, debating on how she should spend the extra hours.

"Why don't you spend a bit of time with Owain and the others? You all just reunited yesterday and... well a battle isn't much of a celebration." Robin suggested.

Lucina caught the brief sigh Robin let out as he ended the statement. Like she had thought, Bora's death weighed on his mind. Who could blame him? In the short time they had known him, Bora was nothing but warm and welcoming.

Lucina leaned towards him slightly. "Just be glad that we came across this town. Had we not when the bandits attacked, there's no doubt the casualties would've been far worse." she whispered. She herself felt a knot in her stomach at thought that her friends might also have perished.

Robin merely gave an understanding nod.

After finishing their meal, the five went their separate ways for the time being.

"Be strong, young ones... you're all too important... to the future to have something... like this keep you down..."

"...Friends... fight... Defeat the forces that... wish to steal Valm's... freedom... Freedom, our way of life... earn it..."

Owain shot up from his bed, waking to cold sweat. He panted heavily, bringing his hands up rest his face.

He had just dreamed of Bora. Finding the man lying silent in a puddle of his own blood as two fiends violated his home.

He remembered Bora's final words to them.

He grit his teeth, clutching the bedsheets. He had to remain strong. He couldn't let his weakness consume him.

Owain exhaled loudly and tried to calm down his breathing.

"Owain? ...Are you up?" a feminine voice called from outside the tent.

Owain got up steadily. "Severa? Yeah... I just got up. Come in."

After a small pause, Severa entered the tent. "Look at you. You're a mess." Severa huffed.

Owain smiled softly.

Severa eyed the man. "...How are you?"

Owain grinned. "I'm feeling great, actually. I can't wait to get back on the road!"

Severa frowned.

Owain fixed his bed. "Last night had awoken the hidden strength within me. A man of my calibur can't afford to stay anchored down! It's my duty to the world to use my power to extinguish the perils that shroud the land."

Severa clenched her fists. 'He's doing it again...'

"Alas, I fear these peaceful days have only inhibited my true potential. I must once again prove to all that I, deserve to stand among the many heroes of old." he said, raising his arms.

Severa couldn't take it any longer. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GOING ON ABOUT!?" she yelled.

Owain jumped at her sudden outburst.

"You expect me to believe that our friends died yesterday, and you're okay with that?"

"A hero must not be consumed by the darkness in his heart. I ca-"

"That's horseshit and you know it!" she shouted, stomping up and grabbing him by the collar. "Why do you do this? Stop trying to act like everything that's happened doesn't faze you!"

Owain grabbed her arms and pulled them off, but they immediately found their way back to his shirt. "I'm not pretending! A hero's will must be made of steel. Any show of weakness is only something the enemy can exploit."

Severa slapped him hard across the face.

Owain stood, there stunned.

Severa looked down, tears dripping on the floor. "...Stop trying to escape reality with all of your heroic babble... Stop acting like you have to do everything by yourself... Stop acting as if you're not hurting inside as well! " she said, gradually raising her voice.

Owain glanced to the side, furrowing his brows. He felt her weight lean against his chest, arms wrapping around him.

"You're not alone... It's okay to cry..." she whimpered into his shirt.

The words sank into him. What came out were tears, slowly trailing down his face.

He was sick of it. Sick of watching his friends and loved ones die. He had enough of that in the future he came from.

How much more? How much more of his friends would he have to watch lay on the floor as the life left them? How much longer would he be so powerless?

Owain finally let out a loud sob, tightly wrapping his arms around Severa. "Bora... everyone..."

Severa held him deeper, as they both collapsed to their knees.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Owain sniffed.

"...It's okay you idiot..." Severa uttered softly.

The flaps of Owain's tent had opened slightly, the light from the rising sun peeking through and shining upon the two.

They slowly looked over to the entrance to find Kjelle.

Her expression was blank as she stared down at her friends.

"...Kjelle?" Owain whispered.

Kjelle bit her lip, carefully making her way to them before dropping down on her knees.

Severa pulled her in, as Kjelle too began to let loose tears of her own.

They sobbed for minutes, unconcerned with the flow of time. Despite what hardships they've been through in their future, they were but adolescents. As children, they saw things that no child their age should ever have to see. It left them with scars as deep as any wound in battle.

However, there was one thing that living through that hell had given them. The Future Children had forged an unbreakable solidarity. The world they fled had left them broken in ways they might not yet have been aware of, but it mattered little. Together they strived, together they grew, together they fought, until the day came when they would all be able to stand side by side as the people they had sought to become.

After all, Shepherds have each others backs.

For most of the Shepherds, the sun had set just as quick as it had rose.

Robin spent some time training with Frederick and Chrom.

Lucina, had gotten together with her fellow time travellers.

The Shepherds had held a meeting, reviewing various possible scenarios at the Mila Tree.

Say'ri described the colossal tree, explaining that they'd have to advance on its equally massive roots and up the large stairway in its trunk.

The roots were far more narrow than what they were used to fighting on, so they would be forced to travel in tightly packed groups.

One advantage they did have was the tree's seemingly godlike invulnerability. The Ylissean mages would be able to freely use any types of magic without worrying about any structural damage.

It would be a harsh confrontation, but it was vital in assembling allied forces against Walhart.

The Shepherds loaded their belongings onto the Sage's fishing vessels, preparing for their departure.

The Sages took some final moments to bid farewell to their home. Owain, Severa and Kjelle joined them in paying respects to the graves of their fallen friends.

Severa placed a small flower on Bora's grave, a small smile on her face.

Owain and Kjelle stood behind her.

They had finally come to terms with their friend's passing, choosing to carry their will and ensure that the people of Valm could hold onto their freedom.

Lucina made her way to them. "We're about to set off. I hope you've finished settling matters here."

With one final goodbye, they left their fallen comrades in peace.

"So we're all on the same ship?" Kjelle asked as they strolled towards the lake just beyond the forest.

Lucina nodded. "Mhm, along with our parents and Say'ri."

"I thought the ships held only 10 each?" Owain asked.

"The fishing vessels do, but we'll be boarding the ship they use for trade." Lucina explained.

"Wait, wasn't Say'ri a princess too?" Severa asked.

"Yes she is! The ruler of the mysterious lands of Chon'sin! Why, such a fierce yet elegant woman. It's only fitting she would hold such position." Owain grinned.

Severa grit her teeth and marched ahead, making sure to slam past Owain with her shoulder.

"My, you should be more careful with your choice of words, cousin." Lucina smiled.

Kjelle chuckled.

Owain was left wondering what he had done.

The Shepherds sailed through the lake in the cover of night.

Robin was on board one of the ships with Vaike, Donnel and a few others. He stared across the water at Chrom's ship, spying Lucina leaning against the railing talking with Lissa and her mother. He smiled, thinking that at the moment, she looked nothing like the troubled princess he had first met. She looked just like any other ordinary girl.

"Whatcha looking at Robin?" Vaike said as he leaned his elbow on the railings.

"At the family over there." Robin motioned.

"Ohh?" Vaike grinned.

Robin stared off at the crescent moon at the other end of the lake. "Have you ever wondered what it's like to have one? A family? I mean, I don't remember much before you all found me and you grew up on the streets in an orphanage right?"

Robin's thoughts momentarily lingered over Validar. He shuddered at the possibility of being that man's son.

Vaike nodded, turning around to lean his back on the railings. "Yeah, of course I have. Wonderin' wheres my mom and pop at and what they're doin right now. I lived a pretty cruddy life as a kid, causing trouble and what not with my fellow hooligans. But after Emmeryn came and visited us... well let's just say that my life took a turn for the better. That's when I met Chrom."

Robin lifted a brow. "I've yet to hear this story."

Vaike laughed. "Well sit your ass down, 'cause it's a good one. Emmeryn came down to our side of the town to observe the conditions of the less hospitable areas of Ylissetol. You know, so she can 'work immediately to ensure a better quality of life for all citizens' or something. " Rather sound as if he was mocking the late exalt, his voice carried a hint of admiration for the woman. "They stayed around at an inn for about a week. That's when I met Chrom, his prim and proper mug walking around our streets. Something about that pissed me off. I got the urge to wipe that sheltered look off his face."

Robin's eyes widened. "You fought Chrom?"

"Ha ha, yeah, you should have seen it. He put up a good fight. By the end of it we were both black and blue, lying on the floor. "

"D-Didn't Chrom and Emmeryn's escorts do anything about it?"

"Haha oh yeah, they would've killed me on the spot. But ol'Chrom waved em off. He and his sister were different from other nobles... They... they saw us as people too."

Seeing Vaike taken over with nostalgia, Robin let him continue.

"Even after they left, Chrom kept coming back to pick fights. I was glad to give him a beating or two. Before we knew it, our fights became more like sparring matches than anything else. One day he even came down with a pair of swords. Boy, that was when things got real interesting. Eventually, me and Chrom became pals, going around and beatin' down thugs across Ylissetol." Vaike said with a grin. "One day he came and asked me to join some group he was puttin' together."

"The Shepherds."

"Right! So, what I'm tryna tell you with all this, is that you don't need no mom and pop to have a family. Us Shepherds are a big family ourselves!"

Robin smiled. "Never thought I'd hear you of all people saying that. Must be getting soft, Vaike."

"Hah, me? Nah, Ol'Teach just knows how to enjoy the little things in life. After all, I didn't have much growing up to begin with."

"I guess you're right. We are a family."

"Exactly."

"I guess that makes you Lucina's weird uncle right?"

Vaike chuckled. "No way, Gregor's got that spot filled."

They shared a small laugh.

"Although, I wonder if I've got any kids from that future." Vaike pondered.

"Who knows? Maybe we should ask the kids?"

"...Nah, I'm good. Knowing about things before they happen takes the fun out of everything."

"Hah, it's a bit disturbing to hear you spout all this philosophy."

"I'm called Teach for a reason." Vaike said as he stuck out his tongue.

Lucina was glancing over her shoulder, seeing Robin speaking to Vaike in the neighboring boat.

"Lucina?" Lissa asked.

Lucina snapped her attention back to her mother and aunt. "Oh, I'm sorry aunt Lissa. What were you saying?"

"I was asking about what Owain was like as a kid. Was he always so... imaginative?"

"Well even as kids, he was quite the dreamer. But it was only after... the fighting that he became how he is now." Lucina said sadly.

Lissa's eyes widened in horror. "You're saying he's got some kind of mental illness?" she asked with worry.

Lucina shook her head. "No, I don't believe it is anything that bad. Rather, it seems like it is more intentional than anything else. Our lives in the future... was grim and bleak. What small amount of joy we did have, came from each other."

"...He was trying to lighten the mood?"

"I believe so. Despite how annoying Owain's theatrics got over time, it did take our mind's off the fighting, even for just a little. But, he also uses it as an outlet for his own worries."

"An outlet?"

"Yes, he garnishes reality with stories of heroes and legends to keep him on track... so that he never loses sight of his goals... But sometimes, bottling up your own grief like that does more damage than just letting it out. That's where we, his friends, come in. We allow Owain to revel in his delusions just enough to get away from the thoughts that torment him, but we try to pull him back the moment it starts getting a bit too unhealthy."

Lissa looked into the water of the lake sadly. "...My son..."

Lucina winced. "I'm truly sorry aunt Lissa. As their leader, it was I who let him become the way he is... I thought I was only doing what was best for him. I thought we could all use some happiness in our lives, even if that happiness wasn't of this reality... I'm a failure as their leader..."

Lissa wrapped her arms around her niece. "You don't have to be sorry for anything, Lucy. You brought back our children in one piece. I'm sure Owain would've done much worse had he not been able to cope the way he does now. You're a fantastic leader... I'm sure Chrom agrees." she finished with a smile.

Lucina's eyes began to moisten. "Oh aunt Lissa..." she whispered, as she returned her aunt's hug.

"His attitude wasn't too off putting for you guys, was it?"

"Not at all. We appreciate Owain and what he does for us." Lucina reassured.

"Than as a mother, having friends like you guys is all I wish for him." Lissa smiled.

"He's also got the rest of his family back now."

Lissa giggled.

"Umm, aunt Lissa? Uncle Lon'qu still isn't upset with me... over..."

Lissa snorted. "Hah! Are you talking about your fight with him at Arena Ferox? Don't worry about that. He says he's proud to have you as his niece."

Lucina blushed slightly. "Really? Well... now that he's gotten over his problem around women, be sure to tell him that I look forward to a rematch."

"Ha, just be sure not to hurt him too much!"

"Aunt Lissa! You should have more faith in uncle!"

"Aww, Lucy, I'm joking!"

Sumia couldn't help but let her heart warm at the fact her daughter was getting so close to the people around her. She felt proud to be Lucina's mother.

Lissa and Sumia had gone inside the ship's small cabin, leaving Lucina alone to think to herself.

*Ahem*

Lucina turned her head to see Say'ri stroll over. "Ah, miss Say'ri. How are you faring?"

Say'ri smiled. "There's no need to be so formal, friend. To say I am simply getting by would be an understatement. Joining forces with Ylisse... it fills me with a hope that I had long thought burned out."

"We will not let Walhart have his way."

"Aye, we mustn't. Tell me, Lucina. I have been made aware of your status as Ylisse's princess and Chrom's daughter. Yet your ages do little to support that fact."

Lucina smiled softly. "It seems that with what has been going on, you've let to be enlightened about my origins." Lucina took a moment to find the words to explain her situation. "You see... I have actually come from the future."

Say'ri looked shocked at the revelation. "The future?"

Lucina figured she wouldn't buy into her story right away. "Yes, what I'm about to tell you may come across as disheartening, but I'm afraid that Walhart is not the only thing that puts this world in danger."

"But what could pose more of threat than that demon of a man?" Say'ri asked with disbelief.

"...A demon himself."

Say'ri looked at the girl questioningly.

"Tell me, Say'ri, have you heard of the being known as Grima?"

"Grima? Aye, he's the deity worshipped by the Grimleal, no?"

"In the future, Grima has been resurrected. The age of man had ended."

"How could that be?"

"My father, the only hope destroying Grima had fallen. With him gone, Grima's rule was unopposed."

"It is because of that Falchion, is not?"

Lucina nodded. "Falchion was the blade our ancestor used to slay the fell dragon long ago. It could only be wielded by those of Exalted blood, and even then, the sword is selective in who might bear it."

Say'ri's eyes travelled to Lucina's hip, where her own Falchion rested. "I assume there is only a single copy of such sword in this world. If that's true, the blade settled on your waist speaks lengths about the truth of your tale." Say'ri clenched the railing of the boat. "Fie. To think Walhart is the least of our worries..."

"Do not think of your struggle so lightly. Walhart's defeat is instrumental in even standing a chance against Grima. We require the jewels for the Fire Emblem in order awake the Falchion's true potential. Only then can we slay Grima."

"The Fire Emblem? Are you certain this is the only way to destroy the beast?"

Lucina nodded. "That's why with the death of my father, Grima was free to do as he pleased."

"But you inherited the Falchion yourself."

"By the time we assembled the required jewels for the awakening, Grima and his forces were far too powerful for what a single sword could accomplish. Naga had instead used the Fire Emblem's power in order to send myself and a few others through time, in hopes that we could prevent Grima's resurrection. "

"...Such an arduous task for a woman as young as yourself. Does fate truly despise us mortals?" Say'ri sighed as she stared up at the stars.

Lucina scoffed. "Fate can hate us for as long as it intends to. But we do not have to sit quietly by as it has its way with us."

Say'ri chuckled. "To challenge fate itself... Ylisse surely has its blessings to have you as its heir."

Lucina smiled sadly. "I am not this land's true heir. You see, I've already been born in this time. When the time comes, the role as exalt is rightfully hers."

"You choose to forfeit your inheritance?"

"It was not mine to begin with. I've come from another world. I can only strive to ensure this one can live in peace."

"Do not let the notion bother you. You are doing far more than anyone with a mere title can ever hope to accomplish. A nation's strength comes not from its leaders, but its people. Just be happy you have a family to call your own." Say'ri grimaced as she concluded.

Lucina picked up on the pained expression on her face. "I apologize, I had not meant for this conversation to open up any personal wounds."

Say'ri shook her head. "It is fine. I do not intend to run away from what has already happened."

Lucina looked at her, unsure.

Say'ri stopped to think for a bit, before resuming,"I must come across as heartless, wishing my own brother dead."

"No, you do it not out of a whim. It's a terrible position for anyone to be in. I can't even imagine being put in the situation you're in."

"I loved my brother. I idolized him as we grew up. But the moment he betrayed our people and flocked to that demon, Walhart... All my respect had been poisoned into hate..."

Lucina rested a hand on her shoulder. "I have a duty to my people. Do you not feel the same way? Although our burdens may differ, as a fellow princess I can understand the pain you are going through." Lucina stared back into the water.

"Aye, and I'm truly grateful to have someone such as yourself around to lend an ear. We must remain strong. If we truly wish to overthrow fate, we can rely on no amount of luck. We do it ourselves."

"We will. Together, we are capable of that much."

The two princesses bonded for a while on the deck.

After a few more hours of sailing, with not a single Valmese in sight, the small fleet had finally landed on the other end of the lake.

As they marched up the hill, the massive tree could already be seen towering in the distance, seeming to dwarf even the surrounding mountains.

Basilio and Flavia's divisions were able to oversee the battlefield from their locations, and would rush in the moment the Shepherds charged.

Taking one final moment to recuperate, the Shepherds prepared for the battle ahead of them.

A/N: So time for the news. There's 2 things I need to announce.

Unfortunately, you guys are going to be stuck with me for a while longer. I had originally planned for this story to only run up until the conclusion of the Valm War. It's evident in the intro of the first chapter. However, I realized as I've been writing, I couldn't really do this story justice by cutting it off right there, so I'm going to expand the the fic into 3 parts, including the Valm part that we're in right now. This will most likely be a pretty lengthy fic at the rate things are going, so I hope I don't bore you all by the time this story gets to its conclusion!

Now, moving onto the second part of the announcement. Like I just said, this fic will now be in 3 parts. Valm being the 1st, and the battle against Validar/Grima being the second. As for the other part, I've actually cooked up an entire segment that's not in the game itself. It's a neat little part that I think will close up some loose ends the main game doesn't really get into. This NEW part, with how I've planned it out so far, could come in either right after the Valm part ends, or after they've defeated Grima. But the nature of this part's plot also puts me in a position to alter a few details in the upcoming chapters, as to create a reason for it happening in the first place. Worry not, I won't alter the major points of the game to the point where this won't be following it, but rather I'm adding an entirely new segment to the main story. Now I don't want to get into any spoilers right now, but hopefully you'll be able to pick up a few of the changes before the end of the siege on the Mila Tree. I might however throw some curve ball in order to freshen the story a bit.

The new segment won't feature any OC's except for the enemies and townspeople. I'm trying to make it tie into the game's main plot as much as possible without adding any 'new' elements, but at the same time I want it to be fresh, new journey the Shepherds embark on. Contradictory, I know.

Also, I've made a tremendous error in forgetting that FORSETI is one of the 12 holy weapons! How the hell did I let that happen!? I guess I'll have to edit some of the previous chapters, but over all it should be the same.

I'm extremely grateful to all of you; readers, reviewers, people who've faved or followed this fic. I hope you all will bear with me until this story's conclusion.

Now buckle up, because the journey's just begun!