A/N
I've looked back at some of my earlier chapters and I've noticed that my writing was very poor and littered with mistakes. The first four chapters of this story have been revised, and more will be corrected in the coming weeks. The plot remains the same, but I made sure to clean up most of the spelling, grammar, and other problems that my younger self had trouble with. I know that these problems sometimes show up in my newer chapters as well, and I'm working hard to fix them.
So I would like to thank everyone for sticking with me despite the many bumps in the road. It really does mean a lot to know people keep tabs on my story, and hopefully I am able to improve your day as well. If you ever have some constructive criticism than I will greatly appreciate it. I know my writing is still lacking in some areas, but I'm trying to get better each time I sit down and start the process.
Also, as an important note, there are some references to FE 11 and 12 in these chapters (technically remasters of 1 and 3), but you do not need to know them to understand. Anyways, back to our lovable heroes!
…
"Is it time yet?" Morgan asked excited as she looked down from her viewpoint to see workers setting up the stage for the opening ceremonies.
"In the next minute or so." Lucina smiled waiting for the celebration to begin. The trio were sitting on the second row of the large coliseum that served as the main building to most of the games. It seated over 25,000 people, and it was filled mostly with Plegians and people from across the world.
At the base of the coliseum, a portly man wearing an all black suit and a top hat walked with a rigid posture from one of the gates near the edge of the stadium. Once he reached the center of the arena, he placed his hand inside his finely tailored jacket and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat running down his round face.
"He must be melting in that black suit." Lucina said worried as the robust man cleared his voice.
"It is very warm today." Robin agreed knowing it was hot, even for the desert's standards.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we ask for your attention please." The man shouted at the top of his lungs so everyone in the stadium could hear. His voice boomed like thunder, but it did not lose its elegance or crisp tone. "In honor and in accordance to the tradition passed down from the first games, we would like to thank Plegia's kind people for hosting the 44th Battle Ground Championship Games. Our hope is the next five days will be met with fair play, and a better understanding of the world we share as warriors across the globe journeyed here to test their skills.
"I expect fierce competition out there, and a vibrant test of both skill and strength. Not to mention a fiery determination to succeed, creating an inferno that this proud desert has never seen before." He declared with his deep roaring voice filling the stadium. Suddenly, his top hat burst into a bright blue flame that rose five feet into the air. The handkerchief he held in his hand also caught fire, but with a deep and bright purple flame. Although, the man seemed unaffected by the sudden blue fireball roaring over his head or the dark aura near his hand.
"Oh dear, it seems I got a little over excited." He laughed heartily as his words echoed out to the thousands of people watching. "So before I light myself on fire any further, I wish to welcome the leader of the Plegian people who will declare the opening of our games. Commencing the tradition of our finest warriors across the land!"
...
Red flames rose from the entrance of the stadium and many people stared in wonder as they saw their leader enter. He had only been their ruler for two months, but he managed to bring a sense of calmness and recovery to the broken country. Needless to say, the Plegian crowd rose from their seats and cheered when they confirmed it was him.
His gleaming smile lighting the way as he waved to his people. His strong and proud look was only matched by his modest dressing and slightly tilted posture of the spiky red-haired king. He was a man of the people, and despite his many critics, he oversaw the country like it was his child. A fitting, and drastic difference from the two rulers before.
"Greetings everyone!" He cried merrily once the crowd died down. "Gregor hopes everyone is ready for smashing good time with pointy swords and arrows that glide like baby sparrow through air!" Gregor spread out his arms like a bird and started flapping, much to the bewilderment of the foreigners and the finely dressed official next to him.
"Oy, but in all seriousness, Gregor thanks everyone for coming." His demeanor change to be more calming with his back upright. He also held a much more earnest expression as he spoke with a clear voice. "As people of this great country are aware, Plegia has seen many hardships and faced many dark times in recent years. However! Today, and over the next several set of days, Gregor wishes to show the many great things that this country holds. Plegia is not just the home to a sandy hot beach, and mages practicing spells in the dark.
He shook his head and said, "No, no. Grand country should be known for its people, its strong desire for peace inside each citizen, and the diverse citizens who inhabit it. Politics, war, and other things have caused much pain lately, but inside all of us are kind and gentle souls. In short, a country cannot be blamed for the mistakes of its leaders, but instead measured by the sum of the many great people in nation. Gregor only hopes that during this tournament, you see the better side of us too!"
"I'm sure we will all look forward to Plegia's gracious hospitality." The man next to him smiled as a few blue embers jumped out of his hat. The flames dying down as time passed.
The former mercenary nodded and said, "Indeed! So without any further long-winded speeches or fancy displays, Gregor now proudly declares these games open!"
...
"I still can't believe you thought it was a good idea to put him in charge." Morgan said looking up to her father in disbelief as the crowd cheered around them.
"What?" He asked surprised at her question. "He's spent a fair portion of his life here, and he is more qualified for the job than you would believe. After all, he once fought Basilio for the title of West Khan. He even beat Lon'qu no matter how many times the swordsman challenged him. Plus, this is exactly what Plegia needs. A jolly and experienced rulers who has seen much of the world and truly cares for others.
"He has had a lot of adventures from what I've heard." Lucina smiled back. "Saving wyverns in fields, rescuing Nowi, honoring his brother by taking his name.
"Saving my life." Robin added to the list.
"What?" Lucina's eyes widened in surprise, "I never heard about that one."
"Well, maybe not save." Robin backtracked a little, "But he sparred me from a very serious infection. If he hadn't noticed it, I would have fallen very sick when we were needed in battle."
"Oh, then I must thank him for looking after you when I couldn't." She frowned and rested her hand on the tactician's lap.
"He also drinks like there is no tomorrow." Morgan shrugged, remembering that her father refused to drink when he was needed for something important.
"Gregor agreed to tone down his drinking for a bit. Although, I hear he is still the highlight of many celebrations." Robin chuckled knowing the jolly man could entertain when necessary. "But hey, would you rather have Henry or Tharja in charge of Plegia's welfare?"
"... I suppose not." Morgan whispered not wanting to imagine about what crazy things Henry would do with so much power.
"Besides, I think he is perfect." Robin smiled proudly as he watched the crowd celebrate their king. "This country needs someone who cares about them and heal the wounds that were left behind. With his experience and his dedication to helping others, I have faith he will bring some peace back to this place."
"I hope so." Morgan replied with some doubt, but wished for the best. "Anyways, when does your first match start mom?"
"Er … In about four hours." She answered thinking about what her foe might be like. She could only wonder how strong and fearsome her competition would be.
"So we still have some free time before you need to get ready." Morgan grinned back.
"Yes" Lucina nodded, "But not too much. I need to clear my head and focus on the battle to come."
"I have an idea about what might clear your mind!"
"Does it relate to the story you enjoy hearing?" She asked, smiling back at her daughter.
"Maaaybe."
Keeping up with the tradition, Lucina agreed and thought over where she would begin before saying,
…
It was scary watching my father be bathed in flames as he cried for Naga's blessing, but I had to remind myself that he could handle it. If anyone could withstand her flames, it would be him. How we would stop Grima once we awakened the sword I did not know, but it had been done before by my ancestors so I knew it was possible.
...
"Be welcome, Awakener. Your heart has been tested and deemed worthy. Cleansed in my fire, your desire has proven to burn the stronger." Naga said as her essence appeared in front of us.
"Then you will grant me the power to defeat Grima? ...The power of a god?" Chrom hesitated as he looked down to his sword. It was glowing a bright red and pulsed like it was alive.
The divine dragon closed her eyes and said, "The power to defeat Grima, yes. The power of a god, no. I cannot give a power I do not possess."
"Milady?" Chrom looked back confused.
Naga closed her eyes and said, "I am no creator. I possess not the powers of making or unmaking, and neither does Grima. He can destroy, but he cannot erase things from existence. Despite his wish, there will always be evidence of mankind's deeds. Lucina and her companions are proof of that."
I saw Robin bow his head and look away with regret. I didn't need to ask to know what was wrong, but once this was over I hoped he could find some peace.
"But be warned adventurers, neither of us bears the power to destroy the other utterly. I can only return Grima to his slumber with the power infused in Falchion. Just like the exalt who slayed him before you."
"Wait!" Lissa called out in a high-pitched tone. "You mean even if we cut his head off he will still come back one day?"
"If such a thing were possible, his soul would return to his resting place. However, this is not to deter you. The steps to awaken him from his slumber are out of his control and require a great sacrifice. Something that cannot be easily done in any lifetime"
"A sacrifice" Robin murmured in a low tone. "One that shares his blood."
Naga frowned and said "In addition to a vessel, Grima needs to consume a vast amount of souls to regain his dragon form. Although, in doing so, he now shares a part of his identity with them. Each soul shaping his personality slightly without his knowing."
"I'm sorry, I do not follow." I asked confused. "I was under the impression that he devoured and destroyed anyone in his way."
"Hmm." Naga paused and looked up at the sky in deep thought. "Perchance, have you heard the story about a man named Legion?"
"Only legends." Frederick spoke this time and said, "There were rumors long ago of a man who was possessed by many different demons. With so many monsters inside of him, the man went insane and spoke nonsense. He referred to himself as Legion because his body and soul was one of many, and until the demons were expunged, he could be seen erratically talking to himself in strange voices."
Her grace looked to Robin and said, "And you fell blood, have you heard it? The many voices Grima speaks with?"
"Voices?" The tactician replied uncomfortable with her eyes on him. "I... I suppose I've heard some whispers before."
"Those are the whispers of the people he has devoured." Naga remarked sorrowfully. "Unlike Legion, Grima can maintain some of his autonomy. His ability to suppress the thousands of voices inside of him and remain in control is what allows him to wield such great power. Although, even he does not recognize that his personality has changed. By consuming so many souls and their identities, he has lost a part of his own. I doubt he notices the changes in himself since his first consumption thousands of years ago."
I shook my head in disbelief and said, "Why would he ever do something like that?"
"As I said before, neither Grima or I can destroy each other. The idea infuriates him to no end, and he searched tirelessly for a way to increase his power. He was willing to bear any consequence to achieve his goals, even if it meant the corruption of himself. So he devoured the souls of man to achieve this end. Thus creating the events of the first Awakening."
...
Robin looked even more troubled and said, "So all of this is just to have power? The bastard just wants to be stronger than anything else?"
"No." She instructed with a commanding tone. "That was not his original intention. While now his desires have been clouded by a lust for power, his original purpose was different. In fact, we once knew each other on peaceful terms. He and I thought that dragons and man could coexist."
"What?!" Lissa cried in shock. "You mean that monster at one time wasn't evil?"
Naga sighed and said, "It is a long tale, but to put it simply, the race of dragons was dying off. A disease of sorts had riddled us to mass panic. Dragons became filled with rage for no reason, and they degenerated further as time passed. In a desperate attempt to save ourselves from losing our sanity, we stored our energy in dragon stones so we would not succumb. You now know of us as manaketes because we took human form when we sealed away our power.
"Although, Grima refused to give up his shadow dragon form because of his pride. As his condition deteriorated, he, along with a faction of our numbers blamed the humans for their plight and wished for revenge. This caused much chaos, and many great schisms. One of them being Marth's heroic adventures. Because I sided with the humans, Grima saw me as a traitor to the dragon race and deserved death."
"... And ever since he has looked for a way to destroy you." Robin muttered back.
Naga nodded and closed her eyes for a second time, "It is ironic that for him to achieve his revenge on humanity, he needed to accept the power and spirit of the humans he wished to destroy. Although, even he no longer remembers that goal. His mind and soul have been corrupted by the disease that plagues our kind, and the sea of personalities inside of him. The only thing he can think of now is power, and his ever-growing lust to have it."
"So, there is nothing left of him ..." Chrom whispered in a stupor. I had trouble processing it all too since she never told me this. "He is just a shell without an identity."
"Indeed, the proud dragon that once called himself Grima is gone. The body that is left only wishes to destroy and consume. Destined to a fate like this for all eternity."
"Gods, that is awful." I replied shuddering to imagine what a terrible fate that was.
Lissa covered her mouth in horror and cried, "Isn't there ANY way to destroy him for good?"
"There is, perchance, a power that could end Grima. However... 'Twould be his own.
"...He has to kill himself?" Frederick bushed his eyes.
"Yes. And never would he do so of his own volition. He seeks only to add to his power.
"Damn." Chrom grunted upset. "Although, putting him to sleep beats the alternative. Do you know where we might find him?
"To the west lies a volcano known as Origin Peak. You shall find the fell dragon there."
…
Naga sent us on our way with the first and last chance for us to end my future. While it would not kill him, Falchion's sword would prevent the world I saw from coming true a second time, and it filled me with hope and anxiety at the same time. Though, I knew I wasn't the only one struggling with the emotions inside of me. I wanted to see how Robin was fairing, but before I could I heard someone yell out,
"Lucina!" A young girl sprinted after me, and by the time I saw her face she was already hugging me with her head reaching up to my chest. "It's you, it's really you. I was so worried about us getting split up that I … *sniff* I was afraid that something bad happened to you."
I glanced down to see her two thin pigtails and pointy ears. The clear features of the friend who I had searched years for, and still could not believe she was with us again. "It's okay Nah, I'm here. I would never let Grima harm me after all we've been through."
"I'm sorry, now is not the time to be sentimental." She muttered, backing away slowly trying to gather herself. "We, have more important business to take care of. I just … wanted to make sure you were safe is all ..."
I smiled, both out of joy for seeing she was safe, and to know that she had not changed much since I last saw her. "You don't need to restrain yourself around me. We used to talk about our problems all the time together, remember?"
She looked down sheepishly and said, "Yeah, I remember, but we need to focus on the mission first. I … can't cry just yet. I need to conceal myself in case mother recognizes me. She might act childish, and immature, and careless, and prone to emotional bouts of needing fun. But, she has a good eye and it would not be befitting of me if I cried. I wouldn't want her to worry if she saw me. I know, that I won't be able to show myself to her and father, but still, I don't want them to worry. Also, mature girls don't cry. Not when so much is at stake. I'm not a little girl anymore, and it's time I started acting like one."
"Then is it-" I paused feeling like I was looking in a mirror that reflected my old self. Nah and I were always close in the past. When my sister and Owain were improving the morale with their antics, Nah would be next to me packing up camp and checking our supplies. She was one of the few I could trust to take things seriously when we had a moment to relax. We both saw each other during those moments of doubt and worry too. She was afraid that she did not belong with us, and I was terrified of failing everyone. So we both pretended to be unmovable and stronger than we were. "Is it, okay if I cry?"
"What?" Nah's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting me to say such a thing.
"I was so worried about you Nah. You and everyone else." I shook my head and wiped my eyes with my sleeve. "And of all places, I never thought I would meet up with you here."
"... We saw the dark clouds gathering in Plegia, and we feared the worst. So we came here to ask Naga for her guidance. However, once we got here we heard fighting so we rushed to help."
"I see." I whispered glad that we reached each other in time. "And you are unhurt?"
She looked away not wanting me to worry. "Yes I'm fine. My companions have been frustrating at times with their trivial pursuits, but others wise I am unaffected by this world. I trust no harm has come to you either?"
I nodded and smiled back with water still forming in my eyes. "I can thank the Shepherds for that."
"Good." She nodded unsure of what to say. "Speaking of the shepherds, I heard that Severa, Cynthia, Noire, and all the guys are here too."
"Y-yes, they are all here. We are all finally back together." I whispered in disbelief as my voice quivered.
Nah's look immediately turned to one to concern as she said, "Lucina, are you alright?
Tears fell down my cheeks and I felt like I was in a dream again. Something that seemed to happen a lot lately. "I'm so sorry Nah. When the eleven of us got separated I feared the worst. I could only hope you were still out there, but I knew the chances of meeting each other were very few. So I, I tried to forget my past and move on to focus on my mission. I'm afraid I didn't speak about you or the others very often because it hurt and made me worry. I had to focus on my mission so I couldn't think about you … But in my dreams I always wished to be with everyone again."
"Lucina, you don't need to apologize!" She cried alarmed. "We knew how many burdens you held and that the mission always took priority. We wouldn't have wanted you to worry about us too. You were so strong and courageous, that I used you as my strength even when we were separated. I'm sure everyone else in our group feels the same. We all looked up to you and knew you would never give up."
I gave one of those stupid looking smiles as I said, "I would be nothing without my friends beside me."
"Lucina." She looked away again and said, "I … never thought I would see you this way. You seem different somehow."
I shook me head in hysteria and said, "Somethings have changed since you last saw me. I've met some very wonderful people here, and a man who helped me greatly with my trouble."
She stared puzzled for a moment before saying, "Inigo told me you got married, but I thought he was joking. I had to hear it from Cynthia and Noire before I believed it."
I laughed faintly and said, "Is it that much of a surprise?"
"It's just that, we all know how focused you are. It must have taken someone very special to earn your hand."
"Robin is a special person indeed." I smiled warmly. "When this is over I will have to tell you all about him and introduce you. He is a great man, and I owe him so much."
"He already sounds like someone I want to meet." She replied very interested and said, "But how did Severa take it that you got married before her? Didn't you two have a bet when you were little about who would get married first?"
I rubbed the back of my head nervously and said, "We might have. I made bets with anyone I could find when I was little, but she did not take it well when she heard the news. Even before we got married she said Robin stole me away, because I spent a lot of my free time with him. She also accused him of mind control when she heard we were getting married."
"Hehe, that sounds about right."
"But she did attend the wedding and begrudgingly said she was happy for me."
Nah frowned and said, "I'm sorry I wasn't there to see."
I shook my head and said, "It is okay. The fact that you are safe and sound is enough for me. Although, I have yet to see Yarne."
"Hmm?" Nah looked around and said, "Where did he run off to? He came with me to talk to you."
"Is he hiding again?" I asked figuring that was still a habit of his.
"Must of." She whispered before she covered the sides of her mouth with her hands and shouted. "Yarne! Where are you?!"
…
There was a long silence with no response. So Nah sighed and said, "Don't make me turn into my Dragon form and fry your butt again!"
Slowly, we saw his furry ears raise from behind a rock and said. "Um, hello Lucina, and Nah. S-sorry to bother you."
"Were you listening this whole time without planning to say hello?" Nah asked annoyed and crossed her arms.
"Well I … I saw you hugging Lucina and then you started talking about the past, and I …. I didn't want to interrupt. Especially when the two of you got sentimental, and um, please don't kill me for eavesdropping! You wouldn't want to kill off the last Taguel, right?" He pleaded while timidly ducking back underneath the rock.
I smiled and said, "I see he hasn't changed much."
"Inigo tried to get him to 'man up,' but I think that made his condition even worse. Now he is especially terrified of doing something wrong."
I shrugged and said, "You are not afraid of me, are you Yarne?"
…. "N-no, of course not leader. You are one of the few people I trust completely. It's Nah that I am afraid of."
"How come?"
"Well um." Nah laughed back nervously and said. "I was trying to help Inigo. So I turned into my dragon form and started chasing after him so he would learn to face his fears. In retrospect, it wasn't a good idea to pursue him for two hours and breathe fire to make him jump, but it was so much fun that I lost myself a little."
"You charred my little furry tail and gave me a thousand heart attacks!" He cried in horror.
"That sounds like something your mother would do." I said finding it difficult to suppress a laugh.
"I suppose I have my moments." She whispered lowly, heavily embarrassed.
"... Me too." I confessed while playing with my hands.
"Really? You, our fearless leader?" Nah asked amazed.
"Yes, I'm afraid so." I smiled back. "Like a few days ago, Robin was sleeping in our shared bed and he looked so peaceful and cute. It broke my heart to wake him up, but we needed to get to the shrine so I gently tried to rouse him. However, every time I called his name his nose twitched a little. So, I felt this overwhelming need to touch it as it wrinkled." I blushed and looked away ashamed. "And I might have accidentally squeezed his nose too hard and caused him to wake up in a coughing fit."
"Hehe, I'm sure he thought he was under attack."
I laughed nervously and said. "That was his first thought, but he still thinks a fly went up his nose. He doesn't know that it was my fault."
"But wasn't he surprised when you were hovering over him?" She asked interested.
"I peeled back before he could notice." I giggled feeling a little guilty. "But I swear the blush on my face was going to give me away if we didn't hear the bell calling for everyone to pack up. For the next hour or so I couldn't even look at him with a straight face."
"Wow, who would have thought the two of us would have such silly stories to tell?"
"It is strange." I nodded knowing that we never exchanged these type of conversations in our time line. Did things really change that much since then, and why wasn't I more worried about our final fight with Grima? I knew it was going to be the hardest mission of our lives, but thinking about Robin's nose twitching just made me smile. Like my fears would melt away because I knew Chrom, Robin, the shepherds, and my family of friends would make it through this. We wouldn't let Grima hurt anyone else no matter what. Not after all the hard worked we did to get here.
…
Robin looked back at his wife strangely and said, "You held my nose while I was sleeping?"
"... Maybe." Lucina replied looking away from her husband.
Morgan laughed uncontrollably as she saw the unsettled look of her father who was now rubbing the tip of his nose, wondering if it really twitched when he was sleeping.
He shook his head and said, "It's a miracle I get any sleep at night."
"I've only done it twice." Lucina defended herself "And it is your fault for looking so peaceful."
"Right, because when someone tries to suffocate me, it is clearly my fault." He shrugged. "But, I guess it is better than having my daughter try to lure me into a pit fall trap."
"Hehe." Morgan laughed back mischievously. "I would never do that."
Robin rolled his eyes and groaned, "You two are going to be the death of me, but I don't think I would have it any other way."
Lucina smiled and kissed him on the cheek to ease his worries. He immediately felt better, but he still pouted somewhat.
"But was what Naga said true? Grima used to be another ordinary dragon?"
The tactician paused and said, "I don't know about ordinary. In Marth's day the two most powerful types of dragons were shadow and divine. So if there really was a disease that made them go insane, that explains why Grima did what he did. But to lose most of his sanity, and then share the rest of his personality with thousands or millions of different souls must have driven him beyond madness."
"Yeah, I can't imagine what that must be like." Morgan said trying to recall what loose memory she had of Marth's adventures.
"It also explains why we hear about manaketes, but never dragons anymore." Lucina added knowing it was a long time since the land ever reported a flying dragon sighting. Manaketes might be rare, but they were not an endangered race and were common in some areas.
"...You think Nowi would be able to share what she knows about it?"
Robin shook his head and said, "Granted, she is a thousand years old, but I doubt she was around at the time of the disease, or remembers much about her parents giving up their dragon form.
"Strange, to think that we were once dragons too." Morgan whispered intrigued.
"Pardon?" Robin asked confused.
"You originally had Grima's blood in you, right? Doesn't that make us his thousand year old descendant or something?"
The tactician stopped to think for a moment trying to see where she was getting out before saying, "Oh. No, that is not how it works. I imagine Grima had too much pride to mate with the species he wanted to kill, and I don't think that is how the ritual was preformed."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Robin searched his memory for a book he read about the old exalt and the awakening process. "I remember reading something about the Grimleal storing a jar of Grima's blood before he died. I imagine what they did was inject some of that blood into one of our ancestors and tried to breed him into the host for Grima. Hence, Validar's obsession with turning me into the perfect vessel. It could also means there were other people in this world who were injected and were not ready to be a vessel when my time came. Luckily, they don't have to worry about that problem anymore."
"Oh, so we did not come from a line of big hulking dragons." Morgan replied, almost disappointed.
"No, I don't think so." He shook his head thinking it over. "I can't exactly trace my line down thousands of years, but I'm pretty sure I'm just as human as anyone else.
"I don't know dear, I still think you are special." Lucina chimed in happily.
"Haha, thanks love." He smiled back.
...
"Hmm, you are probably right, and I shouldn't be too worried about it." She nodded and looked back at her parents happily. "Not when I already have the super-duper strength of my mom and dad in me!"