Chapter 14: Of Sacred Blood

"Things are worse than we thought…." Naminé complements as she, Cherche and Olivia walk through the ruined streets of the port. "How could the Valmese be okay with torching innocent civilians?"

"That is how it has always been, I'm afraid." Cherche replies sadly while she gazes at a collapsed stable. "It's either bend the knee or lose your head. Walhart did not get to where he is now by being kind, no offence to Chrom or anyone like him." Naminé smiles at her as Olivia breaks off from them to help a trapped villager, a beam trapping his leg to the ground.

"At least we were able to save people." She says while she gazes around before seeing Lon'qu standing by himself before a burned-out home. "Hm? Why is Lon'qu standing over there?" Cherche follows her gaze and says she is also curious why the Swordmaster is standing in front of the house. Cherche's gaze then narrows, remembering her feeling when she saw him during the fight. Could he be the one?

"If you'll excuse me, Naminé, there is something I need to confirm with Lon'qu." Before the blond could say anything, Cherche had already begun walking over to him, questions burning in her mind. "Say, Lon'qu?" The Swordmaster turns slightly in her direction, eyes narrow as ever.

"What?" Cherche hides a flinch at the question. Even his words carry steel, even when calm.

"This might be a strange question, but..." She takes a moment to pause, finding the words to say before looking at him in the eyes. "Did you grow up in the slums? Living in the streets?" Lon'qu looks at her with a puzzled look before returning his gaze to the burned-out building, saying that he has no idea what she is talking about. Cherche nods along, yet her face says she is not buying it. "Oh. Then it must have been a different Lon'qu. But you did know a young girl called Ke'ri, didn't you?" The reaction was instantaneous.

"Where did you hear that name?!" He yells in shock, starting Olivia and Namine as they stand nearby. The sheer panic and shock written on Lon'qu's face were unnatural to them. Yet Cherche was not intimidated the slightest. She was smiling!

"Ah-ha! It was you that they told me about!" Cherche exclaims in triumph as Lon'qu demands to know who 'they' were. "I met Ke'ri's parents." Her answer was simple, and yet the fury on Lon'qu's face fell, at in its place was shame? "A while back, when I was in Regna Ferox with Minerva. I saved them from a pack of bandits outside the town. They told me that the very same outlaws had killed their daughter. Later I heard a young boy named Lon'qu was with her at the time. ...And that he fought like a demon in a vain attempt to protect her. Naturally, when I was introduced to you, I started thinking—"

"I fought, yes." He interrupts abruptly, yet his words carry no steel or venom: just a deep sadness and loss. "But in the end, it was she who died protecting me. Her mother and father hated me. They blamed me for her death. I was a homeless boy from the slums, and I stole their only daughter." Cherche's eyes glow with sympathy for him as she rests a hand on her chest.

"Actually, about that—" She attempts to say, but Lon'qu simply raises his hand, silencing her before turning to leave, regret written plain as day on his face.

"Enough. I cannot bear to speak of it. I would like to be alone now." He says simply before vanishing into the ruined port as Cherche looks on with sadness. She sighs deeply before walking back over to Olivia and Naminé.

"Well, that could have gone better. At least my suspicions have been confirmed, but there is still something Lon'qu needs to hear." She says to them, determination filling her voice. Naminé and Olivia share a glance before nodding at the battle maid.

"We will help you, Cherche, but not know. Let's give Lon'qu some breathing space while we think of a way to get him to stay put, so he can hear what it is you need to tell him." Naminé suggests, which Cherche gratefully accepts. No matter what, Lon'qu WILL hear what she has to say, for better or worse.

"Chrom, we got a reply from Plegia." A weight that was on Chrom's shoulders lifted as he let loose a sigh he had been holding onto. Plegia DID respond, thank Naga. But is it good or bad? He turned to Robin as he, Sora and Kairi walked up to him, neutral faces around. "They have agreed to meet, but the location is at Carrion Isle." Chrom held back a grimace. Carrion Isle was not the best location for a diplomatic meeting, but if this was the hand they had been dealt, then they better make due.

"Thanks Robin. Don't worry. We will get our ships. Plegia must see that this threat hangs over all of us. Past differences aside, we MUST work together, or fall individually." Robin nods at Chrom in thanks as he looks at the couple. "Is everyone ready to depart?"

"Nearly everyone, Chrom. We are just waiting for Flavia to arrive with reinforcements to hold the port down while we're gone." Sora replies before looking back over the port. "Still, I can't believe the Valmese would do something like this. If you told me that it was people like us that did this, I would have thought it was the Heartless or Nobodies that did this…."

"War brings out the worst of us, Sora." Robin replies glumly while looking at him. "We never really know who we are deep down until it is let out. Unfortunately, this is just one of those cases…." Sora sighs deeply as he folds his arms. He knows Robin is right. The war with Plegia proved that beyond a doubt, not including their fight against Xehanort, but still…

"We can rise above it, Sora." Kairi gently places a hand on his shoulder, smiling softly. "We won't submit to our 'inner beast', as some would put it. We can be stronger than it, be true to ourselves while fighting to keep the light safe. Isn't that what we always did?" Sora smiles at her and gives a soft chuckle, agreeing that was always the case and forever will be. With determination renewed, Chrom calls the Shepherds over before marching towards Carrion Isle. Hopefully, Plegia will listen.

"This place is, 'cheery'." Kairi comments as she, Chrom, Robin and Sora walkthrough Carrion Isle's castle halls. The rest of the Shepherds were stationed outside in a valley, not too close to be threatening, but not too far in case they were needed. Still, even knowing that their friends nearby did not help the feeling of dread the four had as they walked through the empty halls. The few torches that were lit did not support the mood either. SO on edge that they were that the oncoming sound of footsteps before them almost made them jump until they saw Aversa stepping into the light, her usual smirk lining her features.

"Greetings, Prince Chrom. Plegia welcomes you." She says to the four as they look at her with narrow eyes. They had not forgotten what had happened two years ago. Aversa sees this but does not mind, simply stating that fate seemed to have designs for her.

"I take it you serve the new king then?" Sora asks with his arms folded. Aversa says that she does serve him. "Are the rumours true about him? That he worships Grima?" Aversa narrows her eyes at Sora, who quickly reiterates that it was not meant as an insult, but just out of curiosity. The other three silently agreed, believing that if the new King were part of the Grimleal, they would have a chance to look into their actions.

"I see. Well then, in that case, yes. He is Grimleal. We are both believers." Aversa replies casually to them as though it was common knowledge. "My liege often says it was his faith that got him through after Gangrel's passing." Aversa couldn't help but silently chuckle at the twitch in Chrom's face at his mention. Even now, he hasn't gotten past it. "But even so, he kept order where there might have been chaos. As a matter of fact, we had meant to arrange an official visit to Ylisstol, but-" her words end when the sound of another pair of feet echoes down the hall. Aversa smiles before turning to great her king, none other than Validar.

"An honour to finally meet you, sire. I am Validar, king regnant of Plegia." He introduces himself to the four, who were sharing VERY confused glances. Did they not bury him back in Ylisstol?! Chrom takes the lead to break them out of their stupor, returning the honour and shaking his hand, all the while wondering if this was another Roxas and Ventus situation. Validar soon turns his head to the others, a devilish smirk plastered on his face. "And you three must be Sir Robin, Sir Sora and Lady Kairi."

"You know of us, sire?" Robin replies quickly, eager to keep the conversation going to hide their discomfort at talking to a duplicate of the one who tried to kill Emmeryn or the very same person. Validar laughs joyfully at Robin, exclaiming that the whole world knows about Ylisse's master tactician, as well as the two mighty warriors who fight by his side against the Heartless. "I suppose it would only be a certain amount of time before the truth about the Heartless was revealed…." Robin whispers to himself, only heard by Sora, Kairi and Chrom. Deciding to continue, Validar motions to Aversa to step forward.

"Now then, Plegia can offer no soldiers due to Gangrel turning a good portion of them into Heartless and the rest swearing off never to wield a weapon again, thanks to Emmeryns influence. However, we will provide 800 warships and 200 transports. In addition, we would be very pleased to fund the campaign against Valm fully."

"That's… exceedingly generous." Robin says with some astonishment as Chrom, Sora and Kairi look at him. "That is almost the entirety of your assets. Even without Plegian troops, you have given us a fighting chance against the Valmese on the seas."

"I would offer troops, but as Aversa has said, our army is in shambles due to Gangrel being influenced by Maleficent. I trust the ships and gold is a sign of our commitment?" Validar asks with, what they could attune was worry, yet the entire time Sora and Kairi could not help but feel something was off. Not like they could act on any of their suspicions right now, what with Valm preparing to invade. As much as they hate it, any investigations will happen AFTER Valm is pacified.

"Thank you, King Validar. If that is all, then we must make our way back to Port Ferox and plan our counterattack against Valm." Chrom turns to leave, but Validar places his hand on his shoulder, surprisingly gently, saying that they had one more guest to introduce to him. "Yes? And who would that be?" Chrom asks nervously. This was starting to drag on a bit too long.

"No one harmful. Only a hierophant, the highest of his order, closely followed by another." Validar motions over to his left, bringing out a man whose height was that of Robin's and dressed in robes EXACTLY like the ones he used to wear two years ago, with the hood covering his face. Robin seemed to pick up on it, glancing nervously at Chrom, who shared his worry. Then, taking a breath, Robin decided to talk to him.

"So you lead the people in worship? We were just discussing religion earlier…." Robin begins, hoping to gain some insight into the Grimleal's plans, but is met by silence. I'm sorry, have I said something to offend you?" he quickly asks as the man continues to stare at him, before speaking cryptically and in a familiar voice.

"…The heart still sleeps, but the blood flows through it. And the blood is strong..." He turned his gaze to Sora and Kairi, who almost flinched under what they felt like was a piercing gaze. "…And the hearts burn with a bright light, of purity and warmth, while a blade lies hidden beneath, waiting to rise again…." The couple quickly glanced at each other with puzzled looks, but underneath they were panicking. How did he know about them?! A quick look at Robin also told he was equally confused at the hierophant's words and a little disturbed as well.

"If you can excuse me, good hierophant, but can you kindly lower your shawl?" Chrom asks politely, hoping to take his gaze off his friends. "I understand that we are not in Ylisse, but it is a courtesy expected of one in the presence of royalty. Although I am not assuming Plegia has the same customs."

"…You are correct, we don't share the same custom, sir. …But very well. It is of no matter to me…." The man slowly removes his shawl, revealing his face all around. The four could barely hold back gasps of shock at the man's face. Apart from his eyes, which were blood red, he looked IDENTICAL to Robin! "My name is Robin, your Majesty." 'Robin' says as he bows at Prince Chrom, who was very close to rubbing his eyes at the sight. Dear Naga, he was kidding at the whole Roxas and Ventus joke!

"Why that IS rather curious, now, isn't it… But, what are the odds?" Validar says with a hidden smirk before looking at the group. "Well, your highest, I am sure you have questions about our 'Robin', but I am afraid they will have to wait. The war with Valm looms, and we can not spare any distraction now, can we?" He says cryptically before he, Aversa and 'Robin' melt back into the shadows, leaving the four stunned and worried.

"Are you kidding us right now?" Roxas says in disbelief at the couple. They had just returned to the Shepherd camp and told the other Guardians what had happened, while Robin went off to think by himself. Sora nodded sadly at his brother, who let out a huge sigh. "Just when things couldn't get any worse, we now have Emmeryns former killer, who is also a Grimleal, in charge of Plegia alongside a duplicate of Robin."

"Says the duplicate of me?" Ventus lightly jabs at him, hoping to break the grim atmosphere a tad. Roxas sends him an amused smirk before returning his gaze to the couple. "Still though, didn't the meeting go too smoothly?"

"It did, Ven." Kairi replies with a worried expression. "That's why we can't help but wonder if something is going on. Especially after what that other 'Robin' said."

"A heart that sleeps but is filled with dragon blood, and two hearts that burn with light, one of purity and warmth while the other hides a blade, right?" Riku asks with narrow eyes before letting out a groan. "While I can't say what he was in Robin, it is obvious what he saw in Sora and Kairi. That Kairi is a Princess of Heart, and that Sora…" Riku turns to look at his childhood friend, eyes locked on the ground, arms crossed. "…you still have the X-blade locked away in your heart."

"…Yes." Sora replies with a pained groan before looking at them. "Ever since we defeated Xehanort, and he bequeathed the X-Blade to me, I've kept it locked away in my heart so that no one can ever misuse it again. I haven't really thought about what to do with it later, but keeping it away from people like Maleficent was my first task." He then casts a gaze back to the castle, eyes narrow. "Guess I'm just going to have to be a lot more careful from now on…."

"That is a bridge we can worry about later." Aqua interjects before walking over to the couple, placing hands on their shoulders. "But for now, all we can do is focus on the threat before us while keeping an eye out for other foes that may be waiting for us. For instance, seeing if Robin needs an ear to let off any worries he might have." Before anyone could comment, a strangled cry echoed from nearby—Robin's cry of pain. Instantly, the Guardians ran towards Robin's location, followed closely by everyone else in the Shepherd camp. It did not take long for them to reach Robin as he lay kneeling on the ground, grasping at his head as though he was suffering from the worse headache ever imagined. Chrom was the first to reach him, grabbing his shoulder and asking if he was alright.

Instantly, Robin's cries died down as he loosened the grip on his head before turning a relived face to Chrom as he helped him to his feet. As he wrenched him towards the rest of the Shepherds, who were all now looking at him with worry, Chrom asked him what had happened to him. Robin let out a deep sigh before explaining.

"I don't know. I was just standing here, trying to get my thoughts in order, until a voice started echoing in my mind. That was when I cried out in pain. Then, Validar appeared before me, asking me questions I did not understand, but there was one thing he said that…."

"What? What did Validar say?" Lissa asks intently. Robin looked at her with a pained look before lowering his gaze to the ground.

"He said… That he was my farther." That shocked the group. Of all the things to learn, finding out that your father was not only the same one who tried to kill an Exalt but also part of a cult trying to bring back a fallen Dragon? "I don't think he was lying either. As much as I hate to admit it, I did feel some form of connection to him.…."

"Gods, then the duplicate. Could it be possible that he is your twin brother?" Chrom asks in shock, no one noticing the twitch in Tharja's eyes before she looked away, Gregor being the only one to see. Robin only closed his eyes in shame, saying that his past remains a black void despite his and Naminé's best attempts. But now that he had learned about this, he was unsure if he even wanted to know anymore. "Even if you do remember, it does not change who you are in the here and now. You are yourself before you are any man's son. Remember that." Robin gives him a thankful smile before letting go, insisting he is well enough to walk. Until a flock of crows descended on them.

"What the-?!" Xion exclaims as the birds fly around them, obscuring their views and filling their ears with constant cries. No one noticed a young man walking amongst them, wearing robes in a style similar to Validar. They could not see, but his hair was as silver as Robins, and his eyes permanently shut while a dark tome was held in his hand. A crow lazily landed on his shoulder as he looked around, amused.

"CAW! CAW! Are you folks lost? Or perhaps a lost CAWs? Heh ha!" he cries out near Chrom, whose eyes narrow at the voice demanding that he show himself at once. Then, seemingly acting to a wordless command, the crows all disperse and fly towards the nearby trees around them, leaving only the man and a single crow on his shoulder, with a very amused smile. "What's wrong? CAW-strophobic? Nya ha ah! Oh, I slay me!" The Plegia says like a jokester as the Shepherds look at him with befuddled looks, although Tharja and, surprisingly, Maribelle both give him looks of recognition.

"Henry. What a delightful surprise to see you again…." Tharja deadpans while giving a very unamused look. "Why are you here anyway? Got kicked out of Plegia finally?" Henry looks at her funny before providing a round of giggles at her.

"As funny as ever, Tharja! You have not changed a bit! Still cursing anyone who looks at you wrong?" Tharja simply huffs at him before walking over to Gregor, staring daggers at the hero, who is still immune to her curses. Henry continues to look around before seeing Maribelle, a soft smile forming on his face. "I told you back then you would be free, didn't I?"

"Huh? Maribelle, what is he talking about?" Lissa asks, confused at the interaction between the two that, for all she knows, have only just met now. Maribelle looks around before sighing, explaining that Henry was the only Plegian who didn't treat her like trash back in her captivity before she was rescued. What surprised her was that he even disagreed with Gangrel, but he felt that speaking up would have resulted in an excruciating death due to what he could do. So the least he could do was make sure she was still in good health until she was rescued.

"It would seem we all over you a favour, Henry. But why show yourself now? And hidden by crows of all things?" Chrom asks suspiciously at the sorcerer, wh looks at Chrom before his festive look briefly turns severe.

"Well, let's just say that the crows told me that the Risen are about to surround you." He says calmly before a horrendous roar erupts from the valley's top. All turn to the source to see a giant Heartless with numerous Risen warriors surrounding it as they pour across an ageing dam. "About to? I mean, they actively are."

"And you tell us this now!?" Sora yells as he and the rest of the Shepherds draw their weapons. Chrom shakes his head in annoyance before asking if Henry will fight with them, to which he eagerly nods. Robin glances around the valley they were in carefully before finalizing a plan. Heavy forest before them while small pathways up to the top of the ridges connect to the dam.

"Frederick! Take all the riders and Panne with you! Don't let any of the Risen get past the valley! Sumia, you and the others support them! Gregor, take Gaius, Anna Vaike, Namine, Ventus, Nowi, Ricken, Tharja, Virion and Olivia, move up to the left plateau, and head to the dam! Everyone else with Chrom and me, we will take the right plateau!"

A roar of acknowledgement erupts from the Shepherds as Frederick leads the frontal charge with the other riders as the rest of them split into two groups. This is going to be a long night.

Chrom could swear it was almost morning by now. But, then again, fighting for your life does not allow you the chance to check the time of day, yet the slight change in the sky from dark blue to a lightish pink was all he needed to know. If only these Risen could take a hint!

Placing his spear back on his back and drawing Falchion, he took the chance to look around the battle. To his surprise, they were actually nearing the dam, while the giant Risen stood still, unmoving and almost uncaring. Glancing over to the other side of the canyon, he held back a frown at seeing Gregor's team advancing slower than them. So much for hitting the dam with a pincer attack. Then again, Frederick's team had just finished clearing the valley floor and were moving to attack the Risen from behind.

Meanwhile, Sumi and the other flyers stayed out of range in the sky. Several of the Risen were reanimated snipers, posing a severe threat to them. Rather than risking any assistance, all four had wisely decided to stay as far away as possible. Although considering how he had just struck down the last one, they would be free to help them on his side. Speaking off, Henry had proven to be a valuable ally to them. His personality notwithstanding, he has shown to be vehemently on their side, aiding Terra and Isa when they found themselves surrounded.

But he didn't have time to stand and gawk. The ground rumbling as the giant Risen lumbered its way to him told him as much. Thankfully, he was not alone. Robin was already casting thunderbolts at the creature, with Miriel adding her own bouts of flame. Still, it did nothing to deter the beast, as it spoke, to the surprise of all, in a brainless state to kill Chrom. Not that it had a chance to do so as Kairi and Lon'qu struck at its legs, sending it sprawling to the ground before Sora jumped on it back with Ultima Weapon out. Lodging the axe into the Risen's back, he then runs down the spine, dragging it as he went before leaping off at the hips. Remarkedly, the Risen was still alive, weakly raising its head towards Chrom, before finding Falchion wedged right between its glowing red eyes, finally defeating the creature as it fades into black smoke.

"That's the leader down! The rest should scatter soon!" Robin cries before glancing over to the other side. Sure enough, the Risen were in full retreat. But that still left one question. "So, any idea where these Risen came from?"

"Who knows?" Sora says as he and the others gather around. Sumia lands nearby Chrom as the two walk away from the group, undoubtedly discussing something private. "Still, this is the first time in a while we had an attack this large. What more was that there were no Heartless among them. Maybe a renegade group that belonged to Gangrel?"

"Or they could have been with the Grimleal." Kairi comments offhandedly. "Either way, we have little to no information about anything, and I hate it." Sora looks at her sympathetically before putting an arm around her. The other two groups of the Shepherds were just crossing the dam until a flash of light appeared near Chrom and Sumia. When it died down, everyone's blood ran cold. It was a Risen Assassin, sword drawn and ready to strike, while Sumia and Chrom had their weapons stored. Completely defenceless.

Roxas and Virion acted fast, bringing their bows to fire at the assassin. But before they could even draw the strings back, a voice echoed out throughout the field. One that some of them had not heard since the assassination attempt on Emmeryn. A voice filled with fear and dread.

"MOTHER! FATHER! NO!"

'Marth's' voice echoed throughout as she ran from the nearby trees, a silver spear in hand, before standing before the assassin. It tries to strike, only for her to block it with the Risen's sword with her spear, knocking the creature off balance and then running it through. The assassin stares blankly at her before vanishing into a cloud of smoke as 'Marth' breathes deeply before looking at a very stunned and confused Chrom and Sumia. "I'm glad I made it on time." She says before noticing the weird looks she was getting.

"…You just called us 'mother' and 'farther'. Sumia says, confused. 'Marth's' eyes widen before she looks at the ground, conflicted, rubbing her arm with her free in a pondering manner. The rest of the Shepherds look at each other with bewildered looks as Chrom approaches Marth along with Sumia. Sora, Kairi and Robin follow shortly before the rest gather around.

"Look, I already know you're not 'Marth', though we've nothing better to call you…." Chrom states with a softness in his voice. "But I'll ask nothing of you that you don't wish to reveal. Whoever you are, Ylisse owes you a debt beyond repaying." 'Marth' looks at Chrom, her eyes duelling with untold emotions as uncertainty races across her face.

"Thank you, but I had already made this choice. I came here to tell you the truth, and I mean to do so." She takes a deep breath, almost fighting with herself as untold emotions continue to build, before staring at Chrom and Sumia with sadness. "Look at my eye. It will explain all." Chrom and Sumia look at each, baffled, as the rest of the Shepherd's look on with puzzled looks. Finally, Aqua and Terra walk up to them along with Sora, Kairi, Robin and Lissa before looking at 'Marth's' eyes out of curiosity, silently gasping in shock. Chrom and Sumia were about to ask what was wrong before looking at her eyes, words failing them.

In 'Marth's' left eye was the same brand of the Exalt that was on Chrom's shoulder, and…

"Lucina…" Chrom says softly before looking at 'Marth', no, his daughter standing before them, a fully grown woman and warrior. But he felt no pride or joy at the sight of her, and a slight glance at Sumia could tell she was feeling the same. Then, with no words, Chrom cast his gaze at Falchion on Lucina's hip, a deep sadness filling his eyes. "You deserve better from me than on sword and a world of troubles. I'm sorry."

Just like that, Lucina could not hold it any longer. Her face broke. Tears streamed down her face as emotions long held back rose to the surface in droves. Then, not even thinking, Lucina lunged forward and embraced her parents in a tightening hug, fearing that if he took her eyes off them, they would be gone forever. Chrom and Sumia returned the hug as Lucina cried into their shoulders, all the while, the Shepherd's and Guardians could only stand and watch in silence.

Across the sea over in Valm, a small gathering is held in a secluded village. Sitting around in an abandoned house, six people gather over a map of Valm, two girls and four boys all around or a year younger than Lucina. As the flames on the candles danced around, the six figures could be seen.

One of the girls has short silver hair and ocean-blue eyes, her armour that of a Pegasus knight, the armour a deep purple, while her underclothes are an ebony black along with her thigh-high boots. A steel spear hangs on her back while outside, her Pegasus grazes in the field, pure white with silver and purple armour. "Well, we are here. At least, most of us. The other three are late again." She says before looking to her left.

The other girl had deep brown hair that fell to her shoulders, while her sky blue eyes were left unobscured, while at the back, her hair was wrapped into a high ponytail. Her armour was that of a mercenary, the cloth a deep red with pink lining, the metal a solid white with red edging, while the metal on her shoes was a deep silver. A steel sword hangs from her hip as she leans over the map of Valm, a thoughtful frown covering her face. "Actually, they are not late. But unfortunately, while one of them is currently at the Wyvern Valley, and looks to be so for the foreseeable future, the other two are currently stuck dealing with other important tasks. So that leaves the six of us with these missions." A small huff from her left catches her attention as she glances toward the source.

It was one of the boys, dressed as a myrmidon with black his primary colour, while silver acted as its complement. The leather armour was a deep blue, while his pants and boots were a deep red. His hair was also a deep auburn red, while his eyes were ocean blue, partly obscured by his long hair covering the left of his face. A katana hung from his hip as he leaned backwards, arms behind his head. "They could have at least told us what it is that is so important they couldn't make it." He says before looking out a window, the dark of night filling the skies.

"By the ghost of Leif, do not let the cloud of doubt sway you, friend!" One of the others exclaims dramatically. Wearing the outfit of a myrmidon, but in bright yellow and cream, with brown leather armour and red cloth and black boots. His hair is dark, short and spiked, while his eyes are narrow and brown. A katana hangs from his hip as he strolls around. "Hark not to the deaths of despair, but let us fly to the rising dawn of hope!" He continues until a hand slaps him on the back.

It came from another. His hair is ebony black yet with sea-green eyes. He is where a white shirt with silver baggy sleeves, while a purple sash wraps around his waist with a silver lining. On his feet are two silver boots, while his legs are covered in black skin-tight pants. A cape runs down to his shins, black on the outside yet silver on the inside, while purple and red tomes hang on his hips. "Now is not the time for theatrics, buddy. We need to decide on our next course of action for the resistance." An elegant chuckle echoes to his left as the last of the members enters the light.

His hair is light blue, while his eyes are brown. He is dressed as a mercenary with blue and white his colours of choice, while a steel sword hangs horizontally at the back of his waist. He has an air of a noble around him yet doesn't move to flaunt it. Despite the seriousness of the room, his smile never seems to waver. "You can say that again. It is time we chose our dance partners." He takes a glance over the map before pointing to the north. "I'll head up there. There have been rumours of Risen hiding in the old fort that Celica had to pass through back in her time. There may even be Heartless there as well…."

"Are you sure? It was rumoured that earthquakes erupted from that place numerous times. Even Celica took multiple tries before she managed to breakthrough. Naga knows how she did it without losing anyone. But you know we have no way of dealing with the Heartless, right?" The Pegasus knight asked with concern. The blue-haired mercenary just laughed it off, saying that he would be fine and would probably have a few ladies fawning him after it. The group sighed at his quote in unison before glancing at the yellow myrmidon.

"I shall head to the village near here. Word is that a powerful sword rests there and that foul villains seek to plunder it. I shall see to it that they are met with divine justice!" He boldly proclaims in a found tone to the collective eye-roll to all present. The dark mage of the group glances at the Pegasus knight before nodding at her.

"My sister and I will head towards the village where Alm spent his youth. The resistance is setting up new headquarters there, so they will need help in shoring up its defences." He turns his gaze to the final two with a look of uncertainty in his eyes. "All that leaves is the twins. So, where are the two of you heading?" The identified twins glance at each other briefly before the boy points towards a forested part of the map.

"We will go here. There is a secret Taguel enclave here that Walhart will hit soon. One of the last if we are right. We are not going to let another travesty hit them again." He says with a sense of finality in his voice as the others nod before they break the meeting and leave for their assignments. Before they leave, the twins turn to a small box left to the side, untouched and locked. The girl sighs sadly before walking over to it and opening it, pulling out two necklaces she holds with utmost carefulness before handing one to her brother. He looks at it with great sadness before they put them on at the same time, the light of dawn reflecting off them like mirrors.

Around the boy's neck is a chipped pearl necklace with its bottom missing, while around the girl's is a dull crown necklace on a woollen string, a deep gash striking halfway up the crown. The two look at each other before their frowns morph into ones of determination, a fire burning deep in their eyes as they utter a single phrase.

"May our hearts, be our guiding keys."

Lots of plot points dropped in this one! This one was a bit tricky to write, which is why i glossed over the fight with the Risen. It may happen a bit more often if it feels like it would not contribute anything. Other than that, I can finally, FINALLY stop calling Lucina 'Marth'! Also as shown at the end, I'm going to try and show other things happening behind the scenes. Only it will work of course, not going to try and shoe horn things if it it upsets the pace. Anyway, i hope you enjoyed the chapter!