Chrom was more than confused as they hiked towards the eastern palace where Emmeryn was supposed to be escorted to. He had been mulling over recent events and the new knowledge he had gained during that time. The most shocking news was that of the time travelers intending to fix the past. It was only natural for him to be curious at the very notion of their distant future. But after seeing the burden both Lucina and Kiragi carried, that curiosity died instantly. Whatever happened had haunted both teenagers and neither was prepared for it. However, his curiosity was reignited by Kiragi's words, which sparked a whole new mystery for him to figure out. He was no longer able to question the "dark" future the kids had come from, but he could begin a new pursuit elsewhere.

Chrom eyed Takumi from the corner of his peripheral vision. The archer was currently talking with the cute pink-haired singer that had performed for them back in Ferox. He eventually learned from Robin that her name was Olivia and that she wanted to join the Shepherds in order to keep an eye on Takumi. The two seemed rather close. She possibly held more secrets that could help him solve Takumi's case.

His knowledge about anything related to Hoshido was minimal. Most of what he did know was passed down through the legends and just about everyone knew those stories. He needed credible sources if he was going to come close to learning anything about the dead kingdom. Needless to say, he couldn't exactly spend hours in the royal library at a time like this. Maybe after the war was over he would ask Robin for help in that endeavor. His tactician was probably just as intrigued about the amnesiac as he was. That left only one place he knew he could get firsthand information about Hoshido.

He gathered as much candy as he could so he could get information out of Gaius. Being from a line a ninjas that spanned who knows how many generations, Chrom was confident that the current leader would know everything about the ancient empire. When Gaius saw what Chrom was bribing him with, he had no complaints. The ninja was ecstatic by the sheer amount of candy and was more than happy to reveal what he knew.

"Alright, Blue. Lay it on me. What do you want to know?"

"Your family used to serve the Hoshidan royal family," Chrom began. "Could you tell me more about the kingdom of Hoshido?"

"That's really old info, Blue. Why would you want to know anything about them? Besides, you may not be satisfied by my answer."

"Gaius, if anyone has reliable information about that kingdom, it's you. Whatever knowledge you have would be useful, no matter how little. If it can help me figure out how Hoshido connects to one of my men and possible others, I want to know about it."

Gaius shrugged. "If ya say so. It's your business, I guess. Compared to you Ylisseans, Hoshido wasn't much different in terms of ideals. They valued peace and they prospered greatly under the rule of the royal family. But everything changed when Sumeragi, the ruling king at the time, was killed by Garon, the king of Nohr."

"I see. Is that what led to the great war that was said to have been fought between the kingdoms?"

"Yep. Who do you think won that war?"

"Actually…I'm not sure. The legends don't say who won. They just say that both suffered major losses and the truce that was constructed allowed them to regain the peace they once had. But if I have to guess…was it Hoshido?"

Gaius made a buzzer sound, pointing his thumb down. "Sorry, Blue. Your guess was wrong."

"So Nohr succeeded?"

"Yeah. The Nohrian army had a group of very skilled warriors that was led by the Nohrian royal family. They were the main reason Nohr won the war. If Hoshido wasn't in a state of political turmoil, maybe the end result wouldn't have been so one-sided."

"Why would that be the case? What happened?"

"One of Hoshido's own royals was the general of that unit."

"What!? But how!?"

"My family says Hoshido was betrayed by one of its own. I think it's a bunch of hooey. I did some personal digging and I found out that Hoshidan princess was placed in the worst case scenario. I mean, what would you do if you had to choose between the people that you grew up with and your blood relatives; families you both loved?"

Chrom winced. "I…don't know."

"My point exactly."

"Gaius, would you happen to know their names?"

"Of course. I mean, technically you're a descendant of Nohrian royalty and we've been keeping tabs on your whole family in case you decide to be like Garon and your father."

"If I've learned anything from that man, its showing me what I SHOULDN'T be like," Chrom answered scathingly. "So which despicable royal am I descended from?"

"Don't be so judgmental. The Nohrian siblings were nothing like their power-hungry father," Gaius replied. "You're from Prince Leo's bloodline, the heir of Brynhildr at the time. Smart kid, but had a bit of an inferiority complex. If anything, your family got his good heart. And his blonde hair."

"So that's where Emm and Lissa got it from! That's nice to know." Chrom laughed. He then gave a start, shaking his head. "Wait, we're getting off topic! What about the Hoshidan royal family? What else about Hoshido do you know?"

"Sorry, Blue. That's all the sugar I'm spilling for today," Gaius said, a smirk spreading on his face. "Restock it and I'll tell you more."

Chrom groaned. He would have to wait to get more candy at another time. The knowledge he now had was a treasure trove, but there was so much he still needed to learn. Sooner or later, he would get everything out of the thief. It just meant he'd be spending a lot of money on sweets. Curse thieves for being so slick.

Lissa moaned. "This is ridiculous! Can we stop now!?"

"We've got a long way to go to the eastern palace," Frederick noted. "Try to endure it, milady."

"But Frederiiiiiiick! I'm tired! And my feet hurt!"

"Honestly, I agree with Lissa. We could all use a break," Robin said. "My legs feel like pudding."

"We have to keep moving. Get used to it," Takumi retorted. Robin narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you giving me that look for? This isn't some walk in the park, Robin. We have a mission to take care of. I'm not carrying you if you fall behind."

"You can carry me!" Lissa exclaimed. "No, seriously. I would totally be okay with you doing that."

Takumi smiled knowingly. "Lon'qu's your bodyguard, isn't he? Why don't you ask him instead?"

"Hey, that's a great idea too! Why didn't I think of that?"

"And I thought Robin was evil…" Chrom thought, a sweatdrop falling down his face as Lissa went off to bother the myrmidon. "Takumi must be learning from the best."

From what Robin had told him, the archer was already beginning to open up to the tactician, revealing a little bit of his true nature to her. According to Robin, he covered that part up with the hostile front he always had. If they dug a little deeper a teeny bit at a time, maybe Takumi would finally open up to them all the way. It was time he started his quest to earn the archer's trust.

"Takumi!" Chrom called. The younger male soon ran up to him, confusion written all over his face. "Walk with me. I want to talk to you."

Takumi nodded. "Alright. What about?"

"I haven't gotten a real chance to speak with you since our fight at Ferox." Chrom saw Takumi's expression darken. "You probably still hate me because of that. Despite that, I make it my duty to know about my men."

"And?"

"I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. I want to try and start things over; begin anew. I don't want old grudges to dictate how we act towards each other now, especially since we're comrades for the time being. I know you still don't trust me. All I ask for is a chance to earn it."

"Chrom…" Takumi sighed. "You already have. At least a little bit."

Chrom blinked. "I have?"

"So far, you haven't given me a reason to distrust you. You've been more than kind to me the few times we have spoken to each other and I should be grateful for that. It's just…I have trouble expressing myself, especially around those who I don't know very well."

"Oh. Well, that's good to hear! I mean that you trust me, that is."

"I know what you meant."

"I'll keep trying to earn all of it. And who knows? We might be best friends by the time this war with Plegia ends!"

Takumi smiled a little. "Heh. Maybe. If you're lucky."

"I tend to have the devil's luck on my side," Chrom joked. "We'll see how long your suspicion about me lasts."

Takumi smirked. "We shall see about that, Prince Chrom."

"Oh, just kiss each other and make up already!"

Robin shoved Takumi forward. Both men were shocked by the sudden turn of events, so much so that it took them several moments to realize their lips were pressed together. The eerie silence did not help the awkward situation in the least. Robin stared, dumbfounded that her sarcastic statement had unintentionally came true. Frederick and Lon'qu looked like they had just swallowed nails. Olivia and Lissa were covering their eyes, but the latter had a small split between her fingers which still allowed her to see the two kissing. Chrom and Takumi both jumped away, gagging. Boisterous laughter echoed across the mountains as Robin fell on her back in hysterics.

"Robin!" both men yelled indignantly, glaring at the laughing tactician.

"I'm sorry, but that was PERFECT!" she gasped out. "What a way to begin a friendship!"

"IT'S NOT FUNNY!" Takumi growled, his face red more from embarrassment than rage.

"What? Did I ruin your first kiss? Sorry!" Robin giggled, sounding anything but sorry. "Did I ruin it for Chrom too?"

Chrom's expression gave Robin her answer and she burst into another laughing fit. It served them right for being inconsiderate idiots. She looked at the sky, the waning light of the sun telling her it was almost evening. She spotted a couple of dots flying in the sky. She narrowed her eyes when she noticed they weren't pigeons. She leapt to her feet, her Thunder tome in hand.

"There are wyverns circling us!" she shouted, all traces of humor gone. "Chrom, they know we're here!"

"Damn it!" Chrom cursed as more Plegians came into view from then cliffs. "How could they know?"

"It was that hierarch!" Takumi snapped, watching the man reveal his betrayal before getting killed by the Plegians. "I knew he was acting suspiciously, but I didn't think the dastard would do something like this. I should've said something sooner."

"What's done is done," Frederick declared, twirling his lance to signal he was prepared for battle. "What matters right now is protecting Her Grace from these barbarians. I suspect you already have a plan in mind, Robin?"

Robin nodded and motioned the Shepherds to gather. "Frederick, go with Sumia again. This time, we need you to help take care of the wyverns. Watch out for each other out there since you're at a numbers disadvantage. Chrom and Takumi will be right behind you, taking out the ones that stray too close to the other ground units. I want Sully, Virion, Stahl, Miriel, and Vaike out there on the front lines. Lon'qu, stay with Lissa! The rest of you should stay with Phila and protect Emmeryn!"

"Why am I always stuck with you?" Lon'qu grumbled at the pouting princess.

"Maybe because a certain someone can't see that a certain princess has a thing for you," Takumi stated, Fujin Yumi in hand and an arrow at the ready. "Robin's just helping things along."

"I don't want nor need her to 'help things along'!"

Takumi smirked. "So then you admit you don't need help wooing her?"

Lon'qu turned red. "I—You—!"

Takumi didn't get to hear whatever the myrmidon wanted to say. Chrom had motioned him to follow, but he had a feeling he'd get an earful about it later. He watched as Chrom drew Falchion, wielding it just as he had done in Ferox. Now he could see the unrestrained strength the prince truly possessed.

Chrom slashed through the Plegians, blood spraying everywhere as the cool steel of Falchion cut through their axes like paper. The prince was merciless to the men, unfazed by the gore that he left in his wake. He was determined to protect his family and his kingdom, no matter the cost. Takumi spotted wyverns coming from behind Chrom, which was where he would be at his most vulnerable. He aimed and let his arrows fly, the precise shots taking out the riders and throwing their mounts into disarray. The creatures would be cut down before they even knew their riders were dead.

Off in the distance, Sully was leaving her own trail of destruction. Viron sat behind her on her horse, looking quite disturbed by the gusto Sully was showing as she stabbed a Plegian myrmidon through the chest with her lance. Miriel was calmly berating Vaike for his reckless charge into the middle of the enemy formation all while she sent precise spells at the fools that dared to interrupt her. The only ones that appeared to be focused on their objective were Frederick and Sumia. Takumi had no doubt that Frederick was giving the clumsy woman pointers even as he hacked down wyvern after wyvern.

Takumi briefly looked over his shoulder, looking at the back line. Robin was giving precise orders to the rest of the Shepherds even amid the chaos of battle. The newest recruits were a mishmash of characters from what he had heard. The farmer boy was practically shaking in his boots at the sight of Panne shapeshifting into a giant bunny. Gaius looked out for any gold he might be able to snatch off the nearby bodies. After all, a man wouldn't need money if he was dead. Takumi surprised himself when he spotted Kellam performing sneak attacks despite his armor weighing him down. Takumi still wondered how the man could simply fade into the background so easily.

He watched their last two soldiers coming up the rear, seeing Lon'qu lead Lissa closer to the rest of the group. Takumi always noticed how Lissa would be at ease whenever she was around the myrmidon. She felt safe with him, protected from anything that could harm her. The two soon joined up with him and Chrom, Lon'qu sending a particularly nasty glare towards Takumi.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he retorted. "It doesn't take a tactical genius to see what's going on."

Lon'qu scowled. "Don't make me throw you into the ravine."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"More than I should."

"Focus, you two," Chrom ordered. "There are more coming. Takumi, protect Lissa. Lon'qu, come with me!"

Lon'qu nodded in understanding. The two swordsmen began to take out the reinforcements that had come in the from the rear. Takumi kept an arrow in hand, watching for any wyvern that escaped their assailants. He doubted he would really be needed. Falchion tore through the dragons easily. Those that did manage to survive beyond a few strikes were slayed by the curved edge of Lon'qu's katana. He continued to keep an eye on his comrades, his focus slowly drifting towards his Feroxi friend. The rocky mountaintops faded away into green plains, pink petals gently floating in the wind. Lonqu's form was replaced by someone else dressed in white, distinct red armor gleaming in the sunlight. A sword crackling with electricity in hand, drawn and ready to clash with a dark figure.

"Chrom! Their captain has been defeated! Regroup!"

He snapped out of his daze, recognizing Robin's voice. The strange vision was still fresh in his mind. Who was that person and where was that place? What did it mean? He didn't have the time to wonder about it as he spotted Chrom running past him, stray splatters of blood dotting his clothes. Lon'qu seemed to escape the shower of red as if he hadn't been fighting at all. Even in battle, he showed off a perfection that Takumi was sure he'd never be able to achieve. That irked him immensely. Lissa went over to the myrmidon, checking him over for any injuries. The man simply shrugged her off and began to put as much distance between them as possible. Takumi lowered Fujin Yumi, the string disappearing as he went off to regroup with the other Shepherds. The vision would have to wait for now. The Exalt still wasn't safe yet.

When the others were within his view, he noticed there was an extra head of red among them. He got closer, noticing it was someone entirely new. She appeared fatigued and injured, a pegasus looking just as weary as she standing beside her. Lissa quickly went to the woman's side, joining Maribelle in treating her wounds. The moment she set her eyes on Chrom, her whole face lit up for a few seconds before it returned to the grave expression Takumi had first seen.

"Prince Chrom! You and your family must flee!" she announced. "More Plegians are headed this way!"

"Cordelia!?" Chrom blurted out in shock. "What happened to you?"

"My knight-sisters and I were overwhelmed by King Gangrel himself…" she choked out, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I was sent to warn you…and I had to leave them behind…"

"Damn him! That dastard won't stop until he brings everyone and everything down to hell with him!"

"I must return to the capital."

"WHAT!?" Chrom shouted in disbelief, looking at Emmeryn as if she had grown a second head. "No. Absolutely not."

"I never should have left. If he doesn't find what he wants, King Gangrel will turn to the innocents. They will be at his mercy. More Ylisseans could die."

"Sister, this is insane! You'd be doing exactly what he wants! What would happen to the people if their Exalt falls? You can't do this!"

"Chrom…" Emmeryn calmly said. "I'm sorry, but you must continue your journey without me."

"Don't talk like that! You're making it sound like you're…" Chrom shook his head. "For Naga's sake, why can't you think about yourself for once!? Yes, the people need you; but you're our sister! We need you too!"

"Chrom. You and Lissa are my everything. I promise that this is not goodbye," Emmeryn assured, smiling tenderly at her siblings. "Until we meet again, I must entrust these to you."

Emmeryn pulled out a shield of sorts, handing it to Chrom. The prince stared in disbelief at the item. He looked to Emmeryn, the sorrow in his eyes growing.

"The Fire Emblem?"

Emmeryn nodded. "Nothing matters more than the Emblem. Gangrel will stop at nothing until he possesses it. Keep it safe, no matter what."

"But Emm—"

"Promise me, Chrom," Emmeryn pleaded. She then turned to her sister. "Lissa, come here. I have something for you as well."

Lissa watched as Emmeryn held out a book, the same one she had been carrying closely the entire trip. Its purple cover and intricate binding captivated her. Lissa carefully took it in her hands, a surge of something jolting into her arms and spreading throughout her body. A hot pain on the back of her hand caused her to wince. Emmeryn was concerned by her reaction, gently holding Lissa's shoulders. Lissa immediately pulled off her glove, staring at the strange mark she knew wasn't there before. Emmeryn looked at the symbol, smiling lightly at Lissa.

"Emm? What just happened?" Lissa asked, sounding scared. "What did this freaky book do?"

"It is not just a book," Emmeryn explained. "This is the sacred tome, Brynhildr. It has chosen you."

"What!? Brynhildr!? Me!?"

"It was said that the mythical weapons could only be wielded by the descendants of the Dawn and Dusk Dragons. Those who are of their sacred blood would have their respective mark appear when the weapons chose them. This is a symbol of our lineage, Lissa."

"So we're part dragon?"

Emmeryn giggled. "A little bit."

"But I can't even use a Wind tome right! How am I supposed to use this thing without hurting someone?"

"Lissa, I know you don't like hurting people. Brynhildr must've sensed that in you. Do not worry, love. It will not harm a life unless you will it to."

"But Sis…"

"I'm sorry, Lissa. Forgive me, Chrom. I wish I had more time, but I must hurry back to Ylisstol."

"You can't!"

Emmeryn was startled by the voice. Takumi was blocking her way to Phila's pegasus. It appeared the teen wasn't going to budge no matter what she said or did. Chrom was surprised by the Feroxi's actions as well, grateful that he wasn't the only one who was against Emmeryn's idea. Emmeryn slowly went over to the archer, looking into his eyes. They showed defiance; a resolve to stop her no matter what. However, she also saw a deep sorrow in their depths.

"Takumi, please move."

"I refuse! I won't let you!" he snapped. "If you go, you'll die!"

Emmeryn gasped softly. "What?"

"Men like Gangrel take advantage of people like you. They'll use that kindness against you and drive a knife through your back! If he catches you, more than just your head will fall!"

"Takumi, I understand your concern. But no matter who it may be, lives will be taken. If I live, another may die, leaving their family behind. If mine should be one of those lost, so be it if it allows another to live. The price for peace is high. Who that peace will be for by the end of this war…I cannot say."

"Milady, please…don't do this."

"This is my choice, Takumi. Please respect it."

Takumi stood there, grief filling his soul as he helplessly watched the Exalt mount Phila's pegasus. He couldn't keep down the foreboding feeling that something horrible would happen to her. He felt a weird case of déjà vu descend over him as he watched her disappear into the distance. It felt like he wasn't going to see her again after this.

"Big Sister!" Chrom called out, even though it was futile. "Damn it…Why'd I let her go?"

The remainder of the trip to Ferox was filled with silence and anxiety. Takumi couldn't shake the nasty feeling brewing in the pit of stomach. Lissa had been fiddling with Brynhildr nearly the entire way, constantly asking for advice from Robin, Miriel, and Ricken on how to wield a tome properly. She was messing with its magic as the group was forced to wait in Arena Ferox for Flavia to ready her men for battle. Chrom was pacing back and forth, no doubt slowly wearing a hole in the ground. The other Shepherds were trying their best to keep their spirits up and to distract themselves from their worry about the Exalt. Their newest recruit, Cordelia, was playing a harp for her fellow men. Maribelle had prepared a special tea blend to settle nerves.

A sudden cracking startled all of them. They turned around to look at Lissa, who was staring in shock at a tree that had spontaneously sprouted before her. She giggled nervously, hugging Brynhildr closer to her chest.

"Uh…Whoops?" she awkwardly squeaked.

"What in the world…?" Chrom trailed off, looking at the tree in shock.

"It's the power of the Tome of Life!" Robin explained excitedly. "Amazing! It's capable of spontaneous plant growth! I wonder what else it can do?"

"Robin…now is not the time for games."

"I'm aware, Chrom. I know you're worried about Emmeryn, but try not to take it out on others. Flavia is working as fast as she can."

"I know, but…"

"Milord?" Olivia shyly began, shrinking under his gaze when he directed his attention towards her. "I know I'm not of much use, but perhaps I can…dance for you? Just to ease your worries a little bit?"

"…I would appreciate that, Olivia. Thank you. I don't know how you did it, but your dancing mesmerized me the first time I saw you perform."

"Oh, I just shake my hips around and pretend to know what I'm doing," Olivia quietly replied, her face turning a shade of deep red. "It's the least I can do for you now."

"Save your hip-shaking for later, Olivia," came the voice of Basilio. The man walked toward Chrom, eyeing the tree that wasn't there before with confusion. "What in green blazes…?"

"Sorry!" Lissa apologized, hiding behind Robin.

"Never mind your green thumb, lass. We've got more important things to worry about than interior landscaping!"

"Khan Basilio, what is it?" Chrom hesitantly asked.

"I hate to say it, boy, but your worst nightmare has come true. Ylisstol…has fallen."

I'm sorry for the long wait! I was mulling over how to end this chapter for ages! Not much Takumi action this chapter, but there will be more in the coming chapters. I can't wait to get to Tharja. So the news has be delivered and things will be heating up! Stay tuned to find out what happens next!