I gasped weakly, retreating along with the rest of the Shepherds. I followed up from the rear guard, making sure that everyone was out before I was. There was a loud laugh behind me as I ran. Looking back-there he was. Validar was gaining speed towards me as I hurried across the battlefield. Everywhere I looked it was hell. Fire was erupting out of the earth as it also rained down from the sky-almost everything was set ablaze.

"You can't escape fate! This is all written!" Validar shouted, his voice carrying a maliciousintent.

He had aimed his hand towards me and I could see a purple swell coming forth and erupting from his hand. Looking forward, I made sure no one was in front of me as I began to dodge left and right as not to get hit. One of the missed spells hit the earth with such force that I felt myself leave the ground and nota moment later, felt it again as my bones cracked against the earth. I could hear my teeth clack together as I was thrown with such force, grunting from the pain.A loud cackle emitted from behind me and I braced for impact. But I did not feel a thing as I felt a gust of strong wind whip up behind me.

"Father!"

I whipped my head towards the voice. Morgan hurrying over to me, her legs carrying her as fast as she could towards me.I scrambled up onto my feet and found Validar only a few feet away from me. He was panting from exhaustion and with the amount of blood that was gushing from his side, I could tell he didn't have a lot of time left. We made eye contact, his eyes dark with evil and he gave me a wide smirk. His arm began to raise, but not at me.My blood felt hot and I knew exactly what he was going to do and felt the adrenaline pump through my veins. I started towards her, praying to Naga to give me all the strength I'll ever need to save my child. In the corner of my eye,Validar aimed his attack at Morgan, making her hesitatemid-step and causing her to fall to the ground, making her more vulnerable.

"NO!"

I grabbed her under the armsandheftedher out of the way right before the attack hit her, feeling my lower abdomen explode with pain. I was thrown backwards before coming to a halt on the ground. Everything was blurry and I saw Morgan running towards me, tears streaming down her cheeks. I heard more shouting and saw the rest of the brigade turning back for me. I pulled out my fire tome and pointed at my focal point, creating a barrier between Morgan, the Shepherds and I.

"GO! NOW!" I shouted with the rest of my strength."GET OUT OF HERE WHILE YOU STILL CAN!"

"Father!"

"Robin, no!"

"No! We won't leave you!"

All of their voices carried beyond the great wall, but the one who was the loudest was His.

"ROBIN! DON'T DO THIS! WE CAN STILL FIGHT THEM TOGETHER!"

I let out a soft sigh, smiling. "You're always going to be like this, huh Chrom?"

I could see his face flickering between the flames. I looked him in the eye and gave him a weak smile.

"It's up to you now."