How did things come to this?

It had started out so well. Phila and the pegasus knights were rescued. Everything was going according to plan. Robin was so cheerful that he hadn't the heart to tell her to keep her guard up. By all means, he should've been celebrating too. He desperately wanted to, but he couldn't help but feel like there was no need. In reality, he shouldn't have been feeling much of anything. He didn't know the Exalt at all. She was a ruler and a symbol of peace, but what did that mean for him? Nothing. He was an outsider. An anomaly even for a "Feroxi" soldier. Despite his misgivings, that urge to keep her safe from harm was still prevalent. He had wondered about that feeling ever since he first met her. He couldn't say it was because of Chrom and Lissa. They were comrades and he trusted them to have his back when he needed them, but they weren't exactly friends. He and Lissa barely talked and the most amount of time he spent with Chrom was on the battlefield. It wasn't because of Robin either. The incident with her was recent. He only helped her out of pity.

He shook his head. No matter how much he thought about the topic, he could never quite get the answer he was looking for. It remained hidden, precariously placed out of his reach as he struggled to obtain it. Now there was no need to worry about Emmeryn anymore. The job was done. All that needed to be done was to get the Exalt out of enemy territory and gut the Plegian king before he could cause any more harm to Ylisse.

"You're here?"

Takumi froze at the distorted voice, his grip on Fujin Yumi unconsciously tightening in response. His head jerked around, spotting a cloaked figure that had been standing there for an unknown amount of time.

Something snapped inside the moment he laid his eyes on the being. He clutched his head as a stream of cries and explosions rattled his brain. He could see the buildings disintegrate in a pulse of purple light, the scent of fire and smoke filling his nostrils. He saw the lone figure that caused the chaos to erupt. A cloaked man destroying a sword, sending sharp and deadly pieces flying towards her. The traitor. She raised her arms, embracing for the worst. However, another woman stood in front of the traitor, taking the hit for her. He could hear her pain-filled shriek as the blades pierced through her body. She fell over like a puppet with its strings cut, gasping for breath. The red-eyed girl caught the woman in her arms as a myriad of emotions passed across her face. The brunette whispered something to the girl, eyes closing for the last time. A scream erupted from the throat.

"MOTHER!"

He hadn't realized he was the one who shouted it. That one little word that held so much meaning to him. Brief images of her came rushing back to him in waves. Her smiling face that greeted him every time they crossed paths. The soft touch of her fingers as she wiped away his tears whenever he was sad. Her gentle arms holding him whenever he needed comfort. She was a light in his life, one he had cherished and loved with all his heart.

It finally made sense to him. Emmeryn reminded him of her. Of the mother that was brutally murdered in front of his eyes.

Burning rage filled his heart, unshed tears fogging up his vision as he glared at the silent being before him. He couldn't see its face due to the hood covering its head, but he had a good feeling that it was smirking. It may not have been the same person—it was definitely shorter and less stocky than the original—but the insatiable desire for revenge didn't care. Takumi raised his bow, pointing his arrow at the stranger. He didn't know who or what it was. All he knew was that standing near it unnerved him and he hated it. The air was thick with an intense desire to kill that swirled along with the flying sand. Despite the heat of the sun, he couldn't suppress the chilling shudder he felt in his bones when he faced the person. But he wouldn't back down. Not in the face of danger. Not in the face of a monster that might've been related to his mother's assassin.

"So, it still survives," it finally said. "What a pleasant surprise."

"You. Who are you?"

"Me? I am what is left. A mere shadow compared to my former glory."

He chanced his words. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's of no importance to the likes of you," it chided him as if he were a mere child. "At least not yet."

"You're pretty cocky for a man with no weapon."

"Am I? That's quite the hypocritical statement considering humans are the most arrogant beings that plague this world."

Takumi's scowl deepened. "And you're not human?"

"It no longer matters anymore." It held out one sleeve, the faintest outline of a hand shimmering like heated air. A bow materialized out of nowhere, appearing to float in the almost transparent hand. "All that matters to me is ensuring the future."

Ensuring the future? Takumi was instantly reminded of Marth and that other boy. Of course the noble time travelers couldn't come alone. They had to bring whatever future evil that existed there along with them. The next time he saw those two brats he was going to give them a piece of his mind for causing so much unnecessary trouble. Amber eyes followed the other figure's movement, watching as it raised its arm. He knew what it was planning. Their current position gave off one of the best vantage points over the chaos that was happening below. It was planning on killing Emmeryn. Why else would it be here? It was the Exalt's death that spurred the end of Ylisse in the future, at least according to what Marth told Chrom. He growled, the image of his dying mother still fresh in his mind. He wouldn't allow it to happen. He wouldn't let Chrom and Lissa go through that pain.

Fujin Yumi's arrow flew straight and true, piercing the body before the arm could fully raise itself. The cloaked being was pushed back by the force as the arrow went straight through it. It tilted backwards, falling over before vanishing instantly like it was never there to begin with. Takumi frowned at the sudden disappearance. It did imply it wasn't human, but that was way too easy. Someone with an agenda wouldn't just be defeated like that. It wasn't normal. What was the point if it was just going to mess with his head?

Unless that was the entire point. Mentally berating himself for his carelessness, his eyes immediately began to scan the area trying to find the real enemy. It couldn't be far from where he was at if his suspicions about its motives were true.

The distraction costed him dearly. Something sharp sliced through skin and he could feel it running through his chest and out of his back. Blood spurt forth from the wound and an overwhelming burning pain accompanied it. He fell to his knees and his focus returned to what was in front of him. The figure was still there, standing silently as if it had never left in the first place. The bow was raised, a purple light emitting from the string.

"Damn it!" he cursed through clenched teeth as his free hand immediately went to try and stanch the blood that was running down his front.

The stranger only chuckled. "Impressive deduction as always, but your reflexes are as pitiful as ever. Maybe this will finally encourage the process."

Takumi was seething inside. How dare it mock him! He wanted to bite back; to express his deepest hatred for the being. However, all that came out when he opened his mouth was a glob of blood. Trying to take in any breath only caused him to choke on the thick liquid that was building in the back of his throat. The attack did more damage than he initially thought. Strength began to leave him entirely, seeping out of his body much like his lifeblood was. It was slowly turning into a river, caking the dry sand with a sheen of red. He gritted his teeth together, cursing his own faults for letting this happen.

He heard the sounds of projectiles being shot and the dying cries of pegasi. No. Not after all the effort they put into this rescue, he wouldn't allow their work to go to waste. Mustering up the remaining strength he had left, he forced himself to his feet again. He latched onto the shooting arm, eliciting a surprised grunt from the figure. It paused and turned its head towards him, unconcerned by the assault and seemingly amused by his actions.

"I never thought you had the courage to skitter beside death's door, boy," it mused. "Or any bravery at all for that matter."

"Shut up already!" he somehow managed to shout despite the nasty taste of copper filling his mouth. He wouldn't let it distract him and he wouldn't let the last shot be fired. Phila had just been slain by some unknown force and he was not going to let her murderer get away with killing Emmeryn too.

He finally had a chance to really notice the weapon in the assailant's hand. Sleek curved wood, distinct loops at both ends, the outstretched wings where the arrow would rest, a glowing purple bowstring that hummed with power. He felt sick, dread pooling in his stomach along with recognition. A sinister chuckled reverberated in his ears.

"You know what it is, don't you? Remember that it was your hand that killed the Exalt."

The words ignited an uncontrolled fury inside, giving him the strength to knock the killer back. Stumbling a bit, the thing righted itself only to be faced with an enraged and implacable archer. Takumi never summoned an arrow faster in his life. He didn't think. He didn't even consider taking the thing as a prisoner. Red filled his vision. All he wanted was blood and he wanted it now.

The shot hit its target dead on. However, instead of vanishing like before or acting remotely like a physical body, the person simply evaporated. There were no other words Takumi could use to describe it. Everything seemed to burst into water droplets and small bubbles, rising into the atmosphere and disappearing. Fading, echoing laughter filled his ears as he was left alone to bleed out. It left the archer confused, livid, and distraught all at once.

All of those feelings would soon be replaced. His attention, now free from distraction, returned back to what was happening in the distance. Stomach churning as frothing guilt began to overtake him, his gaze focused only on the scene before him. Phila and her dead comrades littered about, Emmeryn's words booming across the landscape despite her tiny voice. And then her body was falling freely towards the ground. He couldn't breathe anymore. What he had just witnessed didn't happen. It couldn't have. All the worry and concern Robin had ended up revealing to him had become a reality and knowing that made it that much harder to accept.

"Takumi! Retreat! Now!"

He barely recognized the voice coming towards him. The only one he could hear clearly was the one in the back of his mind as he stared at the spot where Emmeryn had landed. The same sort of distorted voice he had heard moments before.

You're useless. You failed to protect Emmeryn. You failed in the eyes of your comrades. You failed to help Chrom and Lissa. You failed Robin.

Strong hands were shaking him, bringing him back to reality. He finally saw the person in front of him despite his hazy eyesight. Lon'qu. Wasn't he supposed to be with Lissa? Takumi could've sworn that was the case. That was the position Robin had given to him based on their cooperation and Chrom's unsaid order to keep his younger sister safe. Takumi wanted to ask what possessed the myrmidon to leave his station to come to him, but only blood bubbled over his cracked lips when he tried.

"What happened?" the icy swordsman growled heatedly, but it sounded concerned for some reason. "Gods, you're bleeding everywhere!"

He definitely was, though he didn't want to admit it. The last thing Takumi wanted was to appear weak in front of this man. He didn't need to be reminded of his own disastrous actions again. He attempted to shove off the sweaty hands that were latched onto him, but to no avail. There was no strength left, his limbs too heavy to lift. He wouldn't have been surprised if Lon'qu was the only reason his body hadn't keeled over yet. It was sounding more like a good idea the longer he was awake. He was tired; drained from the stress, the fight, the deaths, and the memory he was living out once again.

"Don't you dare die on me, Takumi! I'll kill you if you do!"

Feroxi logic. Like that's going to help me, he irritably thought before his vision turned black.

When consciousness finally returned, Takumi almost wished he could've gone back to sleep. His head pounded, every painful throb racking his skull. Every part of him ached and it felt like something was crushing his chest, making it hard to breathe. That was probably because of tightly wrapped bandages. So Lon'qu had gotten him to a healer at some point. He'd have to thank the man later. With a quiet groan, he mustered up the strength to open his eyes. Stone walls greeted him, a single chaired placed beside him in the darkened room. He was currently in a bed, location unknown and comrades currently absent. Sluggishly lifting himself up, using his elbows as support, he managed to sit upright in his bed. Silver hair, dyed with splotches of red and brown, hung loosely in front of him. He spotted the white cloth of the bandages, briefly noting that his clothes were missing. It was possibly beyond repair now, what with a giant hole going through it and being coated entirely with blood. He let out a huff, wondering if life just liked make him miserable.

The sound of a door opening echoed across the bare room. Amber eyes instantly went over to the person standing in the doorway, a look of shock on her face. It was soon replaced by a joyful smile. She dropped the bandages she had been holding, rushing over to him and flinging her arms around his neck. He let out a surprised grunt at the sudden contact.

"Oh praise the gods above, you're awake!" Robin cried into his ear, her voice sounding sweet yet tired at the same time. "Don't scare me like that again, you got that?"

"Robin? What are…?" He paused, unsure of what to say or where to begin. Why was she hugging him so tightly? What had happened while he was passed out? Where were the other Shepherds? What was going on with Chrom and Lissa? How was she handling herself? What about Gangrel?

"We're in an abandoned Plegian fort right now. Everything's over."

"Wait, what!?" he blurted out. "What do you mean by 'everything'!? How long was I out!?"

"About four days."

"Four days!?"

"If you think about it, it's completely understandable for someone in your condition. Staves can heal wounds and mend bones over time, but they can't replenish blood. You had lost so much when Lon'qu brought you back. I thought you were…" she tailed off, a worried frown on her face. She shook her head, as if trying to dispel the image from her mind. "Anyway, you need to take it easy for now. Don't strain yourself too much."

"But what about—"

"And by everything, I mean the war with Gangrel is over. He's dead."

"That's good to hear, but…" He growled to himself. "I can't believe this! I should've been there!"

"Takumi. It's alright. I know you feel like you still need to prove yourself, but you really don't. You've done more than enough already. Just be happy that you're alive and well."

"But I—" Robin gave him a pointed glare before he let out defeated sigh. "Never mind. How much did I miss?"

"Well, other than Lissa being an absolute beast, not much."

"That doesn't sound encouraging. What did she do?"

Robin hummed, pursing her lip as she tried to find the right words. "Well…"

She was among the frontline, standing beside Lissa as they faced down the Mad King. Only the most loyal of the king's men had stayed to fight by his side. This was their last stand against the Ylisseans. Robin could see Chrom ahead of her, daring to take on the Mad King himself. She had wanted him to stay back; avoid confronting the king by himself. Yet the idiot had defied her orders and carved his own path towards the man. Chrom was motivated by passion, love, and the desire to avenge his sister. She couldn't help but admire his bravery. Even from a distance, the dark aura of Siegfried was palpable. Any normal soldier that got too close was struck down by its blade. If they were ranged fighters, it fired off a deadly red beam that easily dispatched them. It was practically suicide to take on a deranged murderer with a sword like that.

Black clashed with white, a battle between good and evil that would be settled with blood. As Robin hoped to move closer to support her ally, another soldier would impede her progress. Chrom was struggling to keep up with Gangrel, the Mad King having an advantage over the prince in almost every way. The blue-haired teen was tiring, both from the physical strain and the mental trauma he was still dealing with. Lissa cried out to her brother, telling him to hold on and that she'd be there to heal him soon. Whether Chrom heard her or not, Robin didn't know. Gangrel delivered a powerful blow, knocking Falchion out of Chrom's hand. Another swift strike and the prince was on his back, bleeding from the wound in his side. Siegfried was raised, prepared to kill.

"Ready to join Sister Dear, little prince?" Gangrel taunted, a sick and satisfied grin on his face.

"NOOOO!"

Robin nearly jumped at the bold scream that exploded from the blond next to her. Never had she heard Lissa sound so desperate and furious. The princess shoved her way past Robin, charging at Gangrel and her brother. She had a determined look in her eyes, coupled with a rage that Robin never thought Lissa could ever possess. The desire to run after the young princess coursed through her veins, but the Hero she was currently fighting wouldn't let her get away. She worriedly watched as Lissa was confronted by a Plegian Fighter, axe heading right towards her. In an instant, Brynhildr, which had yet to be used in an actual fight, glowed brightly in response to its master's call. Book flipped open, the power pooled before Lissa and curled around her form as if it was always attuned to her inner magic. Lissa thrust her hand forward, face scrunched in concentration, directing her magic at her enemy.

Tree branches erupted from the earth, ensnaring the poor man who dared to cross the youngest royal. She ran past that fighter, rushing towards her brother. Chrom was stunned by the sudden display of strength from the blonde. She faced Gangrel, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She raised her hand, Brynhildr sparking in response to her flaring emotions.

"Stay away from my brother, you jerk!" she snapped. "I won't let you take him away from me too!"

Takumi gaped. "She stood up to Gangrel and that cursed sword? Was she crazy!?"

"Love makes people do crazy things," Robin said with a smirk. "I'm actually glad she ended up doing that. Chrom definitely needed the support based on what I saw. I think standing beside Lissa helped him find the will to continue; reminded him of what it was he was fighting for. Plus, it really helped give Lissa the confidence she needed to successfully wield Brynhildr. She didn't take a single life with that tome that day, you know? It truly does belongs in her hands."

He frowned at Robin's opinion. He couldn't see that same gentle young girl running off into a fight. But then again, it was always the gentle ones you had to watch out for. He tried to picture Lissa wielding Brynhildr in the way Robin had described her. For a moment, the picture was clear to him. But then it changed, the figure replaced by a tall, dark figure clothed in black armor. Someone with the same blonde hair and a deceptive smirk he had seen all too often on Lissa's face whenever she was going to prank someone. He knew that person, but his skull throbbed painfully in response and a small flicker of anger burned in his soul. He let out a groan, shaking his head to rid himself of the thought. The last thing he needed right now was more lost memories that teased and tortured him at the same time.

He looked back to Robin, seeing a concerned look on her face. "So what happens now?"

"Siegfried has been taken and will be put under tight surveillance when we return to Ylisse. We don't want it falling into the wrong hands again. Reparations will fall to Plegia and we have already sent most of the Shepherds back to Ylisstol to begin reconstruction. Many of the border villages need to be rebuilt. Gangrel really did a number to the Halidom on his quest to kidnap Emmeryn."

"Please don't say her name," Takumi muttered, covering his eyes with his hand. "It's my fault she…"

"Don't you dare say that!" Robin exclaimed. "We all did our best. Blame Gangrel, not yourself."

"No. Let him continue. I'd like to hear what he has to say."

Both Robin and Takumi perked up at the deep voice. Frederick was there, standing in the door way alongside Chrom. As Chrom entered the room, a scowl was threatening to form on Frederick's face. The blue-haired prince went over to the bedside, relief shining in his eyes.

"I'm glad to see you're awake, Takumi. Basilio will be happy to know that he hasn't lost one of his best men."

He scoffed. "Like that makes me feel any better about what happened. You would've been better off if I had died. Nothing I've done has made any difference."

"Takumi, I understand what you're feeling right now. My sister was able to touch everyone's heart in some shape or form. Losing her…it's difficult to accept," Chrom paused to take a breath. The wound was still fresh and he had to stop the tears from falling. Blue clashed with amber as Chrom tried to incorporate as much certainty into his voice as possible. He meant what he said, but Takumi always had to question it. He wasn't going to let the archer believe there was any doubt behind his words. "But please, do not make light of yourself. You are more important than you believe. There are those who would be deeply affected if you had perished."

"Like yourself, milord," Frederick cut in. "Although I don't think this swine deserves any sympathy from you."

"Frederick!" Chrom furiously snapped, garnering Takumi's attention. Chrom almost never got angry with his faithful knight. "Are you still going on about that!?"

"I only have the best intentions in mind, milord. My duty will not allow any potential harm to come to you or your sister."

"Takumi isn't a danger to us! If he was, he would've put an arrow in my back a long time ago!"

"I know it's in your nature to follow your heart, but for once will you listen to reason?"

"Will you both be quiet!?" Takumi snarled, effectively silencing the bickering men. Chrom flinched, shocked by the sudden—and oddly commanding—outburst. Takumi glared at the knight, his heart beating erratically. He wouldn't show any weakness before the man. "Go on. Say it, Frederick. You think I'm a murderer, don't you?"

Frederick didn't grace him with a direct answer. "The evidence is stacked against you."

"What evidence?"

"You were one of the few who weren't immediately present when the event happened. The pegasus knights were not merely shot down; they were practically cut into pieces. There were no residual arrows in their wounds. There's only one weapon we know that has that kind of destructive power and the only one who can wield it is you."

Takumi felt his stomach clench. Hearing the reasoning behind the claim made it sound too real, even though he hadn't been the one to pull the string. He hung his head, clutching the blankets so hard his knuckles turned white. He didn't dare look Chrom or Robin in the eyes. He knew his guilt would be visible to them. He couldn't stop the real murderer from getting away. He may as well have been the real killer.

Frederick's judging eyes were on him, burning holes through his head. "It wouldn't surprise me if you've been a Plegian assassin this entire time, just waiting for the right time to make your move. You've certainly played your part well, hiding under everyone's noses and gaining our trust. I recall you saying that you didn't care what happened to the Ylissean people, and that once your "business" was over you'd be gone. Was Emmeryn's demise your real business that needed to be finished?"

"I could never hurt the Exalt! Not her," Takumi angrily retorted. "She didn't deserve to die."

"But Phila and her knights did?"

"Frederick, that's enough!" Robin snapped. "I know you're just doing your duty, but you're basing this off of pure speculation! Did you even see him pull the arrow?"

"No. But did you see him not pull the arrow?" the knight countered. "You were the last one with him, Robin."

"Maybe so, but I refuse to believe what you're accusing him of. You haven't even given him a chance to defend himself!"

"He hasn't denied a single word I said."

Takumi scowled. "How am I supposed to answer to that!? Even if I defend myself, you're not going to believe me! Look; I didn't kill Phila, but I wasn't able to stop the one who did. I blame myself enough for that already. I don't need you to remind me of my own failures!"

"So you know who actually did it?" asked Chrom.

Takumi shook his head. "No. It was wearing a hooded dark-blue cloak of some sort, so I didn't see its face. Although, I doubt I would've seen it even if its face wasn't covered. I don't know who or what it was, but it definitely wasn't human."

"You're sure about that?"

"Its body was almost entirely invisible. Honestly, I only saw a vague purple outline of its hands. Not to mention when I did shoot it, it burst into water droplets."

"That's…a bit odd."

"I knew it. You don't believe me."

"I didn't say that, though it does sound a bit farfetched," the prince answered before a humored smile graced his features. "It's about as believable as time travelers from an apocalyptic future and a strange tactician that knew my name but couldn't remember her own."

Robin's face flushed slightly at the reference. Takumi stared at Chrom, not believing what he was hearing. He had always known Chrom was too kind and trusting for his own good. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence and an unbelievable testimony, his faith never wavered. He trusted Takumi; believed in him. And somehow, knowing that made his heart do somersaults in his chest.

"Milord," Frederick began. "Surely you're not suggesting you believe his claim?"

"Frederick, that's exactly what I'm suggesting," Chrom frankly replied. "I've heard what you had to say and I've also heard the concerns of the other soldiers who agree with your suspicions. I have taken it into consideration, but I stand by what I said before. Takumi is not that kind of man. Besides, if what he says is true and there is some hostile force out there that we don't know about, it's my duty as Ylisse's new Exalt to look into it. As of right now, he's our only witness. Like it or not, we need him, Frederick."

The butler/knight let out a deep sigh. "As you wish, milord. I can see that you're not going to budge on this subject, no matter what I say. But still, I advise caution. I will not watch another member of the Ylissean royal family fall."

"Prudent as ever, and I thank you for that, Frederick. Lissa and I really don't say it enough."

"Chrom?"

He paused at his name, noticing how soft Takumi's voice was. His head was still hung low, silver bangs hiding whatever emotions that were swirling within his amber orbs. The Ylissean prince sat down on the bed, trying not to sit on the legs underneath the covers. He felt his smile fall as he looked over the silver-haired teen. Sometimes he forgot exactly how close to death the archer had been. The bandages seemed to meld together with the abnormally pallid skin. The wound underneath was almost completely gone, but Chrom remembered how deep he was able to see into the chest cavity. He involuntarily shuddered at the memory. He hoped he would never see someone that badly injured again, much less witness the suffering of the ones close to the victim.

Takumi looked up, a mix of remorse and gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you. For believing me."

"What are friends for?" Chrom replied. "Er, I mean…at least I consider you a friend. Whether if you think that about me or not is another story."

A rare smile. "Maybe. Just a little bit."

"I'm glad to hear that. Now…" His face became stern. "I need you to tell me what happened. Don't leave out any details."

Yeah...I skipped out on the Gangrel fight, but honestly there wasn't much to change even with the addition of Siegfried. He still gets killed in the end, so just use your imaginations as to how the fight went down. It's probably better than whatever crap I could write. That also means I skipped out on Chrom's confession scene. Who's the lucky gal who will be Chrom's wife? You'll find out eventually.

My headcanon concerning Skadi: It is NOT a possessed version of Fujin Yumi. The description says it originated from the Outrealms and its special ability can produce a "copy" of the user. Fujin Yumi does not have that ability. Despite the eerily similar design and power, I do not believe it is not the same weapon. This is sorta supported by the fact that the real Fujin Yumi ended up in the afterlife along with Takumi in Conquest. I like to think that it's a dark weapon that came from the same place as Ganglari, the sword Corrin got from Garon.