Sorry about the wait for this chapter. Busy repairing my pc and getting it upgraded.

Nice to hear from you Gusetwithideas. Glad you liked how i handled the kids. I do plan to add more meat on the bone for Tiki and Robin, as for Darkness and Grima, that was something that came to me when thinking about how they acted back in Chi. Could also be something we see more off in KH 4 and beyond. As for Terra and Riku...well...Ill let the chapter explain ^^

Chapter 19: Sibling Blades

Stay behind and form a rear guard would be easy, I said. Sure as hell didn't account for a thunderstorm as well! Flavia thinks bitterly as she scans around her position, rain pouring down so heavy she could barely see before her. Not helped that it was dark as well. The only thing that was keeping her sane was the lumbering oaf next to her, even if he seemed to be sporting an edgy look.

"Fall back and form up! Don't let them scatter us!" Basilio bellows to the men around them, some looking ready to drop and run from their spots. Not like they had anywhere to go, they had chosen to fight in this canyon for a reason. They would nab any advantage they could grab, especially if it meant disrupting the Valmese superior cavalry.

"Basilio, I think we have held our position for long enough." Terra's voice echoed to her right as he struck another Valmese down with his axe. "We stay any longer, and we won't have a choice but to retreat. I think we have bought Chrom and the others enough time now."

"That's easier said than done, Terra. Their cavalry would swarm right over us if we pull back now." Flavia retorts before gazing back into the heavy rain, the silhouettes of their troops barely visible through the streaks of water. Even from here, she could see that the line was on the verge of breaking, even though they had lasted for a good number of hours. "Also, we cannot run without alerting our front troops. I will not abandon my countrymen to die here."

"Then let's give these kettle heads a taste of our barbarian roots!" Basilio roars before swinging his axe in a large arc, cleaving several dismounted Valmese cavaliers. Flavia smirks at him before driving her own sword into an armoured knight, her blade easily piercing the poor armour like paper. A black shadow with purple light lights zooms past her soon after, slashing through five Valmese cavaliers before coming to a stop next to Basilio, revealing a very wet Riku.

"The front line is about to break! It's time we fall back." He reports with a disgruntled look. Basilio nods at him before returning to the troops, orders ready to leave his mouth. Only to see one of his warriors get flung towards him like a doll.

"What the-?! They're swatting our troops like flies!" Basilio cries in horror as he sees more of his men get flung into the air. Flavia narrows her eyes before staring into the rain intensely, the figure of a mounted knight forming in the shower.

Some form of elite cavalry? But why is there only one person? Wait… Flavia's eyes widen in horror as the lone figure moves towards them, armour red as blood and a giant axe held in a single hand. "Gods! It's just one man!" Terra and Riku narrow their eyes at the lone rider while the rest of the force begins to flee behind them. Soon it would only be the four of them holding this narrow gorge, yet the aura emitted by this rider was one they had not felt in a long time.

"Riku, the presence…" Terra says softly while bringing his shield up before him. Riku nods silently in turn before switching his lance for his sword.

"Yeah. This guy, he's on the same level as one of Xehanort's vessels." And this is him without any magic or powers of Darkness. Makes me glad this world was hidden from Xehanort, to begin with.

"YOU FOUR!" The man bellows before them, his voice reverberating like the very storm they were fighting in. Yet his eyes remained closed, face unreadable, yet a trace of anger could be seen along the lines. "Do you command these forces?"

"Awww crap. We've been called out. Can't back away now." Basilio grumbles before walking forward, axe on his shoulder. "Yeah, I'm in command. And I assume you are in command of the Valmese forces?"

"Assume what you will." The man replies before lunging at Basilio with his axe. Basilio brings his axe up to block the attack yet is almost sent to his knees by the blow. Disoriented by the attack, he was slow to stop the follow-up and was sent flying into the cliff wall to their right. Blood drips from his mouth as he slides down from the impact crater, yet amazingly he stands back on his feet, weakly but alive.

"Impressive. You're the first since Yen'fay to survive beyond a single stroke." The man complements before directing his mount towards Basilio, intent on finishing off the West-Khan. Only for Flavia, Riku and Terra to stand in his way. "And what would you be? More maggots for me to crush underfoot?"

"I think you'll find us to be a harder challenged than you'd think, Walhart!" Riku cries before charging at him. Walhart doesn't not respond to Riku's words before bringing his axe down on him, expecting a swift end. Riku's mount lept to the side to his surprise and amusement, allowing his rider a precise strike at Walhart's shoulder. Much to his annoyance, Walhart manages to dodge the strike, bringing his axe around at Riku's back.

But to Walhart's surprise, Riku manages to block the strike with his blade, although his horse is sent back, skidding along the wet ground by the strike. It was lucky they were fighting on stone and not muddy fields. Before Walhart could charge towards Riku, a grunt from behind alerted him to Terra charging at him with Chaos Bringer, a golden glow wrapped around him as he unleased Ars Arcanum on Walhart, while his shield was holstered on his back. To Terra's annoyance, Walhart managed to block some of his strikes while redirecting those he could not.

While the two Keyblade wielders distracted Walhart, Flavia tended to an injured Basilio. "You still with me, you big oaf?" She asks worryingly. Seeing blood coming from his mouth and shaky legs did not do her nerves any good. Lucina was right. Walhart is beyond Basilio. Maybe all of us when we are alone.

"That man…He's a demon…" Basilio replies while a hand goes to a pouch on his back. "You three…haft to escape. Hng! We can't beat him…by ourselves…."

"I'm not leaving without you, you big oaf! The future can be changed, and I'm changing it now!" She moves to grab his arm, only for Basilio to put a hand on hers, his lone eye staring at her with a deep fire. Before she could ask, a glint of red catches her eye as Basilio reveals a gleaming red orb from the pouch on his back. "Is this… the Gemstone!? But I thought-!"

"Now is not the time…" Basilio says before forcing it into her hands. "I'm on my last legs… If I fall… take it to Chrom…."

"Stop being so overly dramatic! You will make it!" Flavia bites back before a slow laugh echoes to her right. Gazing into the falling rain, a tall female figure emerges.

A black shoulderless jacket with puffy upper sleeves, deep purple gloves, and a black hip long cape with a silver clasp connecting it across the chest. A strip of loincloth stretches down the front of the jacket with purple details, while an ebony black skirt wraps around her hips, with a half skirt trailing along the ground behind her. Long jet black boots stretch up her thighs while a decorative neck crown wraps around her neck. On her should, sits a deep lack crow, while in her right hand is a long eloquent golden staff, with a pulsing green Gemstone on its end. And on her head is a crowned headdress.

The woman smile at them with an aged evilness as her crow glares with what looks to be glee. "Well, well. What have we here? The Khan's of Regna Ferox, at the mercy of the Conqueror? And one of you already seems to be a foot in the grave already." The woman looked ready to laugh before she jumped back to avoid a spinning sword coming in from her left. Looking over, the three saw a very angry Riku charging towards the newcomer with a deep scowl on his face as Terra held Walhart distracted.

"Maleficent!" He yells before lunging at her, only for her to leap back from him, sporting an irritated look on her face. "Had a feeling you would show up sooner or later, you witch. Terra and I have a score to settle with you for what you did to us!"

"Really? That's not how I remember our interactions." Maleficent replies, her gaze falling on the two Khans behind Riku as they slink away. "But I don't have time for you." Not sparing a thought before launching a blast of lighting towards the two Khans. Basilio, noticing the incoming shot, pushed Flavia away just as the lightning struck the ground near them, sending the West-Khan sprawling along the ground before impacting the other side of the valley wall. And this time, he did not get back up.

"BASILIO!" Flavia cries before rushing over to him, only to dodge another blast of lightning from the witch before she turns her attention to Riku, his eyes filled with a blazing fury. Flavia turns to the two still locked in combat, drawing her sword and readying herself to join the fray, only for Terra to shout at her.

"Go! Hurry back to Chrom and the others! We will follow behind you soon!" he calls back before returning his attention to Walhart, the man sporting a demonic grin on his face as he clashes blows with him. Flavia turns to look at Riku, himself busy dodging thunder and orbs of green fire from the witch. Grunting in annoyance, Flavia turns and flees from the battle, the gemstone Gules held tightly in her hand.

"You have grown more annoying when we last me, Riku? Is this how you treat the woman who thought of you as her own son?" Maleficent scowls as she sends another blast of fire at Riku, who deftly dodges atop his horse. Sending the witch a scowl back, Riku throws Braveheart at her, forcing the witch to avoid its deadly spin.

"I'm not the same person I was back then, Maleficent. And for the record, I NEVER thought of you as anything but an old witch!" Riku yells back while pointing Way to Dawn at her. Maleficent scowls back before noticing Flavia's retreating form.

"So be it, Riku. But do not think either of you shall be leaving this valley! Meteors of Heaven! Unleash my fury!" No sooner does Maleficent cry out to the skies, meteors begin raining down on the valley, killing any unlucky to be near while starting numerous landslides from the valley walls. The onslaught forced Riku onto the defensive, while the duel between Walhart and Terra broke apart as the two moved to avoid the coming Meteors.

"What magic is this witch!? You dare turn on me!?" Walhart asks in anger as he slices a meteor hurtling towards him. Maleficent looks at him with a calm look before sporting a devilish grin.

"Fear not. I had no intention of breaking our alliance. I knew you would find my attack to be nothing, but I cannot say the same for our foes." To hammer her point, she gestures over to Terra and Riku, the two masters struggling to stand after dodging Maleficent's attack and the rockslides around them. A quick glance behind showed their only path back had been blocked with rubble, leaving the two trapped. "Now then, if you will allow it, but I would request we bring them back to the capital. I have a suggestion for what we could do with them." Walhart glances at her with a suspicious glance before nodding at her. Maleficent unleashed a sleep spell on the two exhausted masters with a smirk, sending them deep into slumber.

"Now, we must be off if you are done playing around. With our way blocked, we will have to take a longer route to reach Yen'fay's army." Walhart admonishes before turning around to join with the rest of the army. "I hope for your sake this will be fruitful, Maleficent." Maleficent doesn't reply, instead focusing her attention on Terra and Riku as they are dragged away, a dark plan forming in her mind.

"Oh, it will be Walhart. Especially with the Gemstone, Vert." She says darkly as she gazes at the Gemstone on her staff, her face reflected in its shining gleam.

A mountain spewing a column of smoke looms in the distance as the Ylissean League continues its march south. The current mood of the army had sunk low after the betrayal of the Resistance and the retreat from the Valmese fort. Not helped with leaving the two Khans behind as a rear-guard to stall Walhart.

"No sign of the Valmese so far, but that could change at any moment…." Xion mumbles to herself atop her Pegasus. "Do you see anything, Sumia?" Said Falcon Knight shakes her head, not seeing any sign of the Resistance forces or Yen'fay's. Whether that was a good or bad thing was hard to tell.

"I've got movement, girls." Cordelia speaks with alarm. "There's an army coming in from behind. Even from this distance, I can tell it's not the Resistance forces, so it has to be Yen'fay's."

"They've caught up to us faster than we liked." Sumia mumbles as the three descend back to the main army. "I only hope Robin can devise a plan to beat him. If what Say'ri says is true, then he is on the same level as Walhart in terms of strength."

I'm more worried about Riku. He's currently FIGHTING Walhart! Xion thinks bitterly to herself. She would rather be by his side right now rather than leave him alone. But he is a Master, so he can handle himself. He was also with Terra, Basilio and Flavia, so his chances of falling were extremely low. Still, it did not help the pit of dread forming in her stomach.

"Are you alright, Xion? You seem to be spacing out." Sumia asks as she flies next to the blackette, concern written on her face.

"Sorry, I can't help but worry about Riku and the others. I know that together they should be fine, but…." Xion sighs sadly as she looks at the approaching Valmese army. Soon a gentle hand rested on her shoulder as Sumia leaned over to comfort her.

"I know how it feels to be sitting here waiting for your love to return. I was always like that back before I could fight. And Kairi told me that she was the same at one point." Sumia consoles. "I'm sure you were already told this, but we must keep walking forward at times like this. With the belief that we will see each other again, no matter what happens. I know it. But for now, we need to focus on dealing with the threat before us, or we will never see them again." Xion gratefully smiles at Sumia as the three descended towards Chrom and the others, waiting patiently for their report.

"How is it? What have you seen?" Chrom asks tensely. The girls report to him about the arrival of a Valmese army, most likely that of Yen'fay's, about half a day march from them. Chrom frowns at the news before glancing back at Say'ri. "Half a day, not as long as I hoped."

"We should be thankful that the Daimyo lords only gave us token resistance. If they had followed along, we would stand no chance." Say'ri replies sternly, yet Lea could see a hint of sadness behind her mask. "We must plan our engagement now while we have the time before my brother catches up to us."

"That being the question, where should we fight?" Sora asks, arms folded. "Doesn't Yen'fay's force outnumber us? In an even fight, we would lose." The group could only nod reluctantly at Sora. With their current numbers, Yen'fay could easily walk over them, regardless of how strong they were individually. While some pondered ideas on levelling the field, Robin's eyes were drawn to the smoking mountain to their south with a sparkle.

"What are you thinking, Robin?" Tiki asks with curiosity. She had noticed their tactician had been staring at the smoke for a long time, yet had not spoken a word. It would seem he was off in his own world as Tiki's voice brought him back to reality, judging by the slight jump he gave.

"O-Oh! It's nothing. I was only wondering about that mountain, is all. It has been smoking ever since we came into view of it, or even longer than that." Robin explains while his gaze falls back to the mountain. Tiki's eyes follow his gaze before seeing the hill, realisation lighting her eyes.

"That place is called the Devil's Ingil, Robin. It is a volcano and a very active one if the pilgrims who visited me are to go by. Have you never seen one before, Robin?" Robin shakes his head at Tiki, stating that even if he did, his amnesia would have wiped it from his memories. "I see. Still, this volcano is called the Devil's Ingil for a good reason. The people of Valm hold great fear over it and reverence. They said that trespassing it would deliver them the wrath of the fire god. But such a thing is but a myth."

"But if I remember right, don't volcanos spout lava as well as the huge columns of smoke?" Robin asks, a familiar gleam lighting his eyes. Tiki turns to look at him, noticing said gleam in his eyes as a similar one fills her own.

"Yes, it does. And it would seem we are thinking along the same lines, Robin. But the question is, will the other follow through?"

"Follow through what?" Chrom questions behind them with a curious look. Robin and Tiki glance at each other before Robin turns around entirely, looking at Say'ri.

"Say'ri, you know of the Devil's Ingil, right? And how those in Valm respect and fear the volcano?" At Say'ri's hesitant nod, Robin continues. "Then that saves me time. Our plan is simple: we will draw Yen'fay's army into the volcano and fight them there. The smoke, fire and lava will level the playing field to our advantage while eliminating Yen'fay's numerical advantage."

"Are you suggesting that we go into an ACTIVE volcano, Robin?" Aqua asks, exasperated. This had to be one of Robin's more crazy plans than ever. Robin's determined nod only made Aqua more exasperated at the thought of going into an active volcano.

"Couldn't we have Tiki try and make Yen'fay's army retreat like we did at the Fort?" Ventus asks, himself hesitant about going into a volcano. However, Tiki's sad nod dashed any hope of avoiding it.

"I'm afraid that it won't work like before. Those under Yen'fay are loyal only to him. Any attempts to dissuade them will be met with failure. It is why I agree with Robin's plan. A contest of strength will not win this battle, only one of wills."

"And my brother will be forced to follow us. His determination and pride would see it through." Say'ri adds with a grim look. Chrom looks between them before heaving a sigh while sporting a nostalgic smile.

"I swear, one of these days, you'll think of a plan that even has me slack-jawed. Well, you heard him, friends, make for the Devil's Ingel!" With a great reluctance, the Ylissean League marched towards the Devil's Ingil, their movement shadowed by Yen'fay's troops as the column of smoke loomed overhead.

It is bold of them indeed to come here. Very bold. Yen'fay thinks as he marches through the sweltering terrain. The Ylisseans had marched into a cavern at the volcano's base, taking up position on a rocky outcrop near a river of molten magma. All around them in the enclosed space, plumes of smoke billowed into the air, rising upwards and out through a hole in the ceiling. One can't help but admire their intuition. Had things been different, they could have been powerful friends.

"Why, General, such a melancholy air about you today. Whatever is the problem?" The slimy voice of Excellus brakes Yen'fay from his musings as the worm approaches him from behind. "Oh wait… is today the day you face off against your beloved sister? Dear me, of course, it is! Well then, of course, you'd be in a foul mood…."

"She is a rebel and a traitor to the empire and is no longer worthy to rule our land." Yen'fay replies without emotion, not even bothering to turn around and face the slime. "I have no sister." And while he did not show it, those words hurt to say. Say'ri was his sister, Naga's sake!

"Oh, very good, very good. Right out of the book, General Yen'fay!" Excellus praises, oblivious to Yen'fay's inner turmoil. "In any case, I'm SO glad I can trust you not to take it easy on her ragtag little troupe." Excellus's grin grows more deprived as he stares at Yen'fay like a unique sword. "Yes, we BOTH know why you'd never let her comrades escape, don't we? Oh, I know it must be so difficult, but think of it this way: You still have a big family! The whole imperial army! And as an added incentive…." Excellus turns his gaze back to the Ylissean League, the Shepherds standing defiantly at the front. "I heard that she has found a certain someone to fill her lonely heart. As a big brother, would you really see her off with some man without 'evaluating' them first?"

Yen'fay remains silent as he pierces through the ash-clogged air. He could just make out the figure of his sister, standing next to the man with red hair and a flaming sword. If he could have shown a smile at that moment, he would have, comfort in the knowledge that his sister had found a new family to stand with. How he wished he could say it, but with the blade hanging above his neck, he had no choice but to continue this charade.

"Well, I should run. I heard that Maleficent is planning something special in the capital. Do tell your little sister I say hello? Ta ta!" And with that, Excellus vanishes in a magical warp, leaving Yen'fay to himself once again. He sighs to himself before drawing his sword, Amatsu, from its sheath, the golden blade illuminated by the lava around them.

I will not ask forgiveness, for my action are inexcusable. Dear sister, show me that I have nothing to worry about.

"Gotta say, I'm impressed with your brother." Lea quips as he gives Flame Liberator a few swings. "He actually followed us in here. Course, he only brought a smaller group of fighters with him, but I still can't be helped."

"Aye, you are right in that regard. My brother has never been known to shy away from a fight, regardless of the field." Say'ri replies, eyes hard. She had known this day would come ever since walking down this path, and yet some part of her still refused to believe it.

"Our foe has gathered before us and stands ready to fight. How shall we proceed, Robin?" Frederick asks, dismounted. The heat was proving to be too much of a strain for their mounts, so all riders, barring Cherche and Gerome, had opted to fight on foot.

"We will let them come to us." Robin stats, his eyes scanning over the opposing force. "Yen'fay has brought his most elite troops in here with him, and the current conditions would make any prolonged fight exhaustive for both sides. But even a well-disciplined force like his would be frustrated at being dragged on a long chase. All we have to do is wait. And we have an advantage that they do not." Before Frederick or those near Robin could raise their eyebrows at the quip, a sudden, brief downpour of rain washed over them.

"Yen'fay's troops don't have easy access to water, but we do. And if there is anything an army needs in an environment such as this, it's water." Tiki comments while casting a thankful gaze to Aqua, who gives a slight smirk as she holds her water tome. "Also, there are no easy sources of water near here, meaning Yen'fay's troops will need to spend time bringing water in from outside, in vulnerable caravans. Leaving him only one option."

"An all-or-nothing charge. And judging by how his troops are lined, I'd say we have about a few minutes before he charges." Robin finishes before glancing at Chrom and Sora. "Think you two will be able to handle Yen'fay?"

"With all respect Chrom, but will you allow me to challenge my brother?" Say'ri's request took Robin by surprise, but subconsciously he had already predicted this request. "This something I have to see through. I still have questions that I need answering."

Robin looked ready to argue, but the fire in Say'ri's eyes killed any rebuttal he could come up with. With a reluctant nod, he agrees to Say'ri's request before glancing at Chrom just as the Valmese begin to march across the crumbling plain. Spouts of flams erupt from the side, yet Yen'fay's troops march unflinchingly before breaking into a full sprint. With a silent nod, the mages and archers of the League open up on the charging Valmese, striking down several and injuring many more. Yet, their charge continues undaunted, Yen'fay himself leading the charge with no emotion on his face, his blade aimed towards Chrom.

However, before he could make contact, Say'ri darted forward herself before locking blades with her brother, as several arrows of flame shoot past her into some Swordmasters who dared to approach. The remaining Valmese troops got Lea's message, leaving the two siblings to fight each other with no distractions.

"You've grown strong, Sister. Just as I expected." Yen'fay says as the two break apart, slowly circling each other as the battle around them rages. While Yen'fay's face betrays no emotion, Say'ri's was filled with restrained anger as her eyes narrowed at her brother.

"Brother. Know that I cannot forgive you, and neither can I let you live." She says with finality in her voice. "But there is something I must know. Why, why did you leap into the arms of a madman? Why did you let Mother and Farther die? Why did you do nothing when our homes and fields were burned to ash!?" As Say'ri let out her emotions, Lea looked on with worry. He knew letting anger guide your hand would only defeat you. He learned that when he fought Roxas back in Data-Twilight Town. Not a happy memory.

Of course, this was not helped by Yen'fay's silence at her questions. The only noticeable change would be the tensing of his shoulders and grip, but nothing else. It was hard to even get a grasp on his thoughts. And it seemed to be enough for Say'ri as she drew her second katana, exhaling a calming breath before turning her eyes back to her brother.

"If you will not speak with words, Yen'fay, then I will make your sword answer for you!" She yells before the two siblings charge at each other, swords clashing with each other as sparks fly. While Yen'fay thought calmly and defensibly, Say'ri attacked with lightning strikes, each one aimed at a weak point in his defence. Each strike is a probe, a faint, a test. As the two falls into a rotating pattern of offence and defence, neither one gains an advantage over the other.

Nocking another flame arrow, Lea let it loose on another Valmese that began wandering too close to the duel, even though part of him wanted to join and help. A feeling he felt that the rest of the Shepherds were feeling alongside him, judging by their irritated looks. Not helped by the fact that Tiki and Nowi couldn't use their dragon's forms in this space. One blast from their breath could easily break up the ground or cause a lava tidal wave. Not exactly something any of them want to see.

"Nowi, wait!" Ventus's worried cry alerted the pyro just as a flash of light lit up behind him. Awww, crap, don't tell me… He didn't even need to finish the thought as Nowi's dragon form took to the sky, several Valmese Warriors beneath her, weapons just out of reach. Looks like they had managed to get close to her during the melee. Luckily she was quick to change form and take flight, but that did not last as she soon let loose a blast of light at the Valmese. While she eliminated them, her attack sent large cracks shooting through the ground, hot steam blasting through as spouts of lava gushed behind. To her credit, Nowi seemed to give a guilty expression in her dragon form.

Flight or fight is undoubtedly an annoyance! Lea thinks to himself before jumping from a burst of steam beneath him, nothing the smoke seemingly slicing off part of his cloak in the process. Standing to his feet, he glances around the field, noting how the Valmese were disoriented by Nowi's attack as the Shepherds and Guardians regrouped for a counter charge. But Lea focused on Say'ri, as she had jumped away from a spurt of lava, its blaze consuming the katana in her right hand and leaving soot over her.

Her brother was unphased by the lava as he calmly walked toward her, his sword held in both hands at a downward angle, while Say'ri shook her head to rid herself of the disorientation. She looks up to see Yen'fay walking towards her, face emotionless as he raises his sword above his head, only for an arrow of flame to strike him in his right shoulder, catching him off guard and dropping his sword. Wasting no time, Say'ri grasps her remaining Katana with both hands before slashing her brother across the chest in a single strike.

The entire area seemed to fall silent the moment Say'ri landed her blow. Even the lava appeared to quieten as Yen'fay stood, his face impassive as he watched his wound bleed, before a very faint smile spread across his lips. "Say'ri… You have grown…so strong…." He says before collapsing on his back. The moment his body hits the ground, Yen'fay's forces turn and flee, almost as if it was pre-planned. But Say'ri paid no mind, her eyes focused on her dying brother.

"Do not mock me! I have seen your best swordplay… and that was not it." She says as tears threaten to fall from her eyes. "There were numerous points you could have ended me, yet you did not. You held back on purpose… but why?" Yen'fay says nothing, only coughing as the life within him fades.

"What I did not tell you in life… I shall carry with me in death…." He turns his head towards his sword, its blade embedded into the ground. "My sword… Amatsu… it is yours now… I can leave… with no regrets, no fear for you… For you have found… strong companions… and…" he turns to look at Lea as he walks up to Say'ri, a sad look on his face "…something more…" and with that, his breath stills, only silence remains.

We won. We defeated my brother and turned his army around. And yet… "I am left with only more questions than answers. And any answers that I could have been lost to us… Yen'fay… why did you remain silent? Why did you not answer us? Why?" No one could answer Say'ri's question as Panne worked to create a grave for Yen'fay outside the volcano. She had taken Amatsu as a replacement for her destroyed katana, yet it felt heavy in her hands. All the while, the unanswered question bounced around her mind, demanding answers that she knew could not be found. At least not from anyone around her.

"He could not answer even if he could. But oh, what a death it was!" a slimy voice echoes around them as the Shepherds and Guardians look to the top of a cliff, Excellus standing atop with a sickening grin and wisps of darkness surrounding his form.

"Excellus… What would you, the strategist of Walhart, know of my brother, you loathsome toad!" Say'ri shouts back in anger, her hand reaching for her blade. Excellus merely scoffs at her before folding his arms, trying to look as intimidating as possible.

"More than you would know, ex-princess. And I would watch that mouth of yours…" he says darkly as the shadows around him dance like fires on candlesticks. "I am honouring Yen'fay's sacrifice by not killing you now…but even I have limits."

"What do you mean by sacrifice? And how the hell did you get the powers of darkness? Last we heard, Walhart had completely forbidden it entirely!" Lea shouts back up to him. He still remembers the reports, when he was with Say'ri in the port, about how Walhart actively banned its use. And yet here was his strategist using it in open defiance.

"Hmmmmm…. Well, I COULD tell you, but that would ruin the surprise. And besides, I am sure the ex-princess is wondering what I mean by Yen'fay's sacrifice, am I right?" the snake gloats at her, to which she nods hesitantly. At sight, he seemed to put on an even smugger face before revealing the truth. "Well, you may not have realised it, but the two of YOU only live by MY grace! I knew where your hideout was from day one. I could have had you killed countless times, or better yet, dragged to the feet of Walhart in disgrace! And I would have if it was not for that brother of yours…" he adds bitterly, his face forming into a deep frown.

"What are you talking about?!" Say'ri yells in anger, the snake's words biting deep. Excellus grinned as he saw she had taken the bait.

"Why, did he not tell you as you struck him down? No? Well, that's to be expected. So quiet, prideful, honourable. Bah, it makes me sick to my stomach. And yet he cast aside his honour. He swallowed his pride, all for one thing he treasured above all else." His eyes filled with glee as he stared at Say'ri with depravity. "All to protect his beloved kin… you."

He cackles in glee as he sees the horror spread across the faces of all present, but none more so than that of Say'ri. "That's right, it's the truth. Before you met the Ylisseans, I could have had your head with but a word. When you grouped up with the red-haired freak, I could have had you clamped in irons within hours. Chon'sin, Valm Harbour, even at the Mila Tree and the fort… Did you really think yourself to be so elusive?" He cackles more as the darkness seems to surround him like a mist. "You were my leverage against Yen'fay. The unwitting and unbound pawn but a hostage all the same. I let you live, and he fights for us. That was the deal, right up TO the end!"

Any words or arguments Say'ri had died before they left her throat as dark thoughts filled her mind. It's all my fault. Yen'fay's defection, the Resistance betraying us, Chon'sin… Everything, because of me… I was a pawn the entire time!

"Well, that was fun. I actually feel better getting that off my chest. Maybe I should give this truth-telling more chances. Oh well, time for me to be going. I wish you safe travels, and so sorry about Yen'fay… Not!" Excellus cackles like a madman as a corridor of darkness surrounds him, just as Lea let loose an arrow of fire on him, his arrow missing him by mere seconds.

"As if he couldn't be any more of a slimeball…." Lea mumbles as he puts Eternal Flames back on his back, a frown plastered on his face.

"Gods… The things I said to him… The things I did… Not only to him but my countrymen…The Resistance… No wonder they all hate me…." Say'ri's mumbles drew the attention of all with sympathetic glances. "If he had only spoken…told me… I could have joined the ruse… The Resistance would still be with us…."

Lea looks around before giving everyone a quiet gesture with his head, conveying a silent message. A message is received as everyone leaves to provide Say'ri with space. All except Lea, who stays and watches with sadness as Say'ri walks over to Yen'fay's grave, sorrow and grief written on her features as tears streak down her face.

"I am wretched!" She shouts in anguish as she falls to her knees. "I've repaid my brother's kindness with death! Oh, Yen'fay, forgive me… Please, oh please…"

"It's not your fault, you know." Lea says as he kneels next to her, draping an arm over her shoulder. "Your brother knew that. And I'm sure the Resistance knows that as well. You are completely blameless in this. It's Walhart that's caused all of this, not you. So don't you go thinking that you are to blame, you hear me?"

"But even so…" Say'ri replies, tears still on her face. "I have no home to return to. Even if they knew, I have been banished from Chon'sin. My act to free Valm would be the last thing I do before I leave forever. Where do I even go with no family to call home?"

"Well, there is one." Lea begins with a blush on his face. "If you don't have a home here, how about you come with me? I'm sure Twilight Town would be a nice change. The difference is tech and clothing style will be a shock to the system, though….." Lea mumbles to himself, only to hear Say'ri giggling at his comments, despite the tears running down her rosy cheeks.

"You would do that, Lea? You won't leave me behind?" she asks, with a slight hopefulness behind her words. Lea said nothing, his only reply a determined nod with his signature grin. Say'ri smiles warmly at him before finding herself slowly moving to his face, with Lea himself copying her movements. Before long, the two were locked in a soft kiss as the Shepherds and Guardians looked on with warm smiles.

If only they knew just what troubles lay in wait for them.

Hope that wasn't heavy-handed with Lea and Say'ri.