AN: Oh boy. THIS chapter. Well, might as well get started.

Disclaimer: Fire Emblem and all referenced franchises belong to their respective companies.

Third person POV

"So, Captain, let me get this straight. You did NOT confirm that the Ylissean party carries the Fire Emblem." Aversa sighed.

"Yes! Th-that is correct milady!" the soldier nodded nervously.

"You did NOT confirm that Prince Chrom was among them."

"Y-yes! That is also correct! The air was thick with sand, so we couldn't ascertain their number either."

"Hmm. No use crying over spilt blood, I suppose. Say, Captain."

"Yes?"

"Close your eyes."
"W-why?"

"I have a surprise for you."

"Um, o-okay. May I ask what it—URK!"

"A swift death."

"Try to refrain from killing ALL the soldiers, my dear." Gangrel smirked as he traipsed into the room. "We'll need a few for the welcoming party. The Ylisseans will be here soon—Chrom and the Emblem among them, I'm sure. That goody two-shoes prince would never put common sense before his sister!"

"And when they arrive?"

"It will be a massacre worthy of their legendary father!" Gangrel chortled.

As Gangrel chortled evilly and thought about murdering Emmeryn, a spy was reporting to Chrom, speaking of the terrible things that would happen the next morning.

"It's exactly as you predicted, Robin." Chrom turned to his tactician, a grim look set on his face.

"So far, yes. But tomorrow will be the true test…"

"We'll find a way to see it through, Robin. Don't worry. This time tomorrow, we'll be swapping stories with Emm on the road home."

"I hope that is the case." Robin stated, brow furrowed in deep thought for the next day's battle. It was at that moment that his stomach growled. "But I guess we really should eat dinner now."

"Agreed. Did you know Sumia's cooking the dessert today?"

"Oh, really?"
"Yep. I can't wait to taste more of her delicious pies."

"Y'know, that's all you ever really talk about these days."

"Huh?"

"Sumia and her pies. Whenever we have a tactical meeting there's usually a slice sitting right beside you. You were even eating one earlier today!"

"Th-that's a baseless claim!"

"You have strawberry jam on your cheek."

"Wait, what?" Chrom brushed both of his cheeks to check for the jam, but found that there was none. "Hey, there's nothing there!"

"I know. I just had to make you acknowledge that you ate some pie."

"And I suppose that's why you're our tactician. Well, that and the fact that you've saved our hides more than once. But you really do have to try her pies."

"Alright then. I suppose I shall. So who's cooking dinner?"
"Sully."

"R-really? Then I guess I'll just skip to dessert."

"Did somebody say dessert?" Gaius popped out of some bushes, his clothes slightly torn and dirty.

"Oh! G-Gaius, don't do that!" Robin, in his surprise, had pulled out two Thunders, both tomes already sparking.

"Don't worry, Bubbles. I know you wouldn't hurt a friend."

"Well, yeah, but why were you even in the bushes?"

"Just had to get something. Some bandits were in the way, though, so I cut them down to size."

"What thing was so important that you had to go through bandits to get?"

"Just some special red honey." Gaius casually remarked, pulling out a large pot that went by unnoticed until that moment.

"Do I even have to ask?" Robin sighed.

"Nope."

It was at this point that the trio proceeded to walk in a rather uncomfortable silence, which was only permeated when they reached the mess hall. Gaius went to Reflet, who was currently sitting at a table with Kellam and Ricken.

"So. Why'd ya tell me to meet with you?"

"Hey, Gaius. I already told Kellam and Ricken about the plan, and Maribelle reluctantly agreed. On one condition, though."

"And what was it?"

"You'd have to come with us."

"If Twinkles is coming, then it can't be too dangerous. That's all you needed me for?" Gaius looked disappointed.

"Well, we needed you for another thing. You do have the honey, right?"

"Yup. So why is this honey so important? Had to go through some bandits for it, y'know."

"It's to complete the look."

"What look?"

"A dead person. What else?"

88888888

"Master Grima, Exalt Emmeryn is to be put to death on the morrow. Events will soon be back on course." Validar knelt before Grima, looking respectfully downwards at the blackness.

Grima merely looked on in silence.

"Ha ha, yes, I should never have doubted the truth of your words. The yoke of destiny cannot be cast off! Even as they resist, they write your future with every step, O great one!"

Grima remained mute.

"Err, forgive me for this, oh glorious one, but might I suggest a change in decor?" Validar raised his head slightly to look at Grima, watching his face for any sign of approval.

Grima raised an inquisitive eyebrow, curiosity painted across his face. "Is there something wrong with my mind's infinite ether?"

"N-no! It's… darkness is most magnificent. I was merely wondering if you would prefer something to liven up the place."

"How would one procure furnishings to be put in one's mind?"

"Well, since it's your mind, I suppose you could just think it into existence."

"That is true, I suppose. What would you recommend?"

"Maybe a carpet, since my knee hurts from kneeling like this."

"You may rise."

"Thank you, my lord. Perhaps a couch would suit you more I am certain my liege would enjoy a soft cushion to rest his tush on."

"… continue on about the carpet. We'll discuss the couch later."

"We could put a pattern on the carpet. Plaid would be marvelous!"

"Are you insane? That is a horrible idea. I prefer something more unique. Like Risen. Or wolves. Or perhaps, Risen riding wolves." Grima grinned a most dastardly grin, as if acknowledging somebody's presence other than Validar.

"Is there any reason you are grinning maniacally, my lord?'

"None in particular."

88888888

"Damn it, not again!" Robin jolted upright, his body drenched in sweat.

"Robin? Hey, Robin! What's wrong? Was it a nightmare?" Lissa looked at Robin worriedly.

"Knowing him, it was probably about Risen riding wolves." Reflet remarked.

"Y-yes, it was… I always seem to have that dream, especially with you two hovering over me!" Robin shook off the strange vision as a nightmare, pulling himself off of his bed. "So, what brings you two here? Was there something you guys needed?"

"Frederick says it's time to march. And we can't start the plan without our master tactician!"

"Master tactician… I think I like that title." Robin grabbed a clean rag to wipe himself off, staring suspiciously at Lissa's companion. "So why is Reflet here?"

"Because Lissa couldn't get you up early enough. Frederick sent me here with a present." It was then that Robin noticed the bucket Reflet was carrying. "I still can't believe that guy keeps his own sweat from his training sessions."

"Reflet."

"Yeah?"

"If you or Frederick don't die by this war's end, I'll kill both of you."

88888888

Robin's POV

Gangrel, standing on a dead dragon's ribcage, started a speech that slandered Emmeryn's good name. Flavia took out Gangrel's executioner and we all rushed in, ready to save her. The battle was going great, and we even recruited two new members, a war monk and a dark mage. That is, until that happened. That was when my plan started to fall apart.

"AHHHHHHHHH! NOOOOOO!" a loud voice cried out in the dry desert air. "GAIUUUS!" Maribelle's voice? But why? I had put Gaius, Maribelle, and Ricken at the rear to guard against any reinforcements, but there were more than I anticipated. The bloody mess that was Gaius… no wonder Maribelle was shocked. Too shocked to even notice the wyvern rider that came for her, Hand Axe glowing that telltale purple. Ricken quickly followed, being surrounded by all the riders… how could this have happened? Chrom finished off the leader of Gangrel's forces, but Risen appeared out of nowhere and killed all of the pegasus knights. This all culminated in Emmeryn sacrificing herself… and here we are, on the run from Gangrel's men. We've even lost Reflet and Kellam in the chaos, but knowing Kellam, I'm probably not looking hard enough. Master tactician… I don't deserve that title anymore.

88888888

Reflet's POV

"No! No… I'm too late… our bleak future is written once more… and darkness awaits us all." And that's my cue to follow her. Which I have been doing for 30 minutes. Is she really by herself? The last time she was with the Shepherds, she was alone, but it would have been more helpful if those two were still with her.

"Hey! Luci! Did it work?" That was Inigo. Good.

"N-no… she ended up dying before I could reach her."

"Don't you see? We can't change our fate, and this proves it." And that marvelous brooding bastard is still here. Perfect.

"You guys don't have to let her tale end there."

"What was that?" And I now have three people pointing weapons at me. Great.

"Wait. Aren't you one of the Shepherds? Your name was something like Reflect?"

"It's Reflet. Could you please ask those two to put their weapons down? I'm not here to fight, or anything like that."

"Do you think we can trust him, Lu-"

"Fool! Don't reveal her name in front of a potential threat!"

"S-sorry Ge-"

"I just told you to not reveal our names, Inigo! … aw, crap."

" … well, since Chrom trusts you, I guess that means you're a decent person." Lucina sighed, putting her weapon away. "But what reason do you have to follow us?"

"Well, would you believe me if I said she wasn't dead?"

"Continue…"

AN: With school coming around the corner, two things might happen. 1: I could procrastinate on my homework and get chapters done quicker, or 2: Homework might consume my carefree summer lifestyle, my slow updates, and my soul. I fear it shall be the latter. Oh well. C'est la vie.