HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Paralogue 17: Disowned by Time

"I see…" Flavia exhales a deep sigh before turning her gaze back to Chrom. "To think that such a dastard was building an army right on our door step…I don't even want to think about what would have happened."

"Considering what Lucina, Kitai and the others have told us, it is better that we don't." Chrom agrees. "We know that those who worship Grima are fanatics, but this was something else. Not to mention…" He gazes at the casket holding Phila's body, a content smile etched on her face. Flavia follows his gaze before nodding.

"I agree. It's bad enough that she was brought back as a Risen. It would be ten times worse if it were Gangrel, Walhart, or Naga forbid, Basilio or Emmeryn." She clenches her hand in anger as Chrom closes his eyes. Seconds pass before Flavia releases her grip. "Do not worry, Chrom. I will see to her returned to Ylisse. I swear on my honour as Khan of Regna Ferox."

"That is all we ask of you, Flavia. Thank you." Chrom bows to her.

"It is the least I can do with the war with Grima on the horizon. Speaking off, what will you do now?"

"We will continue our search into these rumours around the land." Chrom replies as the two begin to walk out of the room, guards staying behind to watch over the casket. "Our next destination is some ruins to the north that was apparently a resting place for Naga. According to Tiki, there is something there that Robin and Ricken can use to have the same lifespan as Nowi and Tiki."

"Such an item exists?" Flavia asks, surprised. At Chrom's nod, she couldn't help but grin. "Well, whose to stop me from stopping you. But you should take care Chrom. There have been sighting of Risen in the area. And they are searching for something."

"Let us hope it is not what we are looking for." Chrom replies as they approach the castle entrance. "We will send word when we reach Ylisstol. By then, we should be ready to retrieve the last Gemstone. If Validar will allow it, that is."

"I don't trust him." Flavia says as she folds her arms. "The fact he only gave us ships and supplies yet offered no men raised some alarms in my head. Yet, at the time, we couldn't be picky. But now that Walhart is gone? I can't help but question."

"You're not alone in that. No one in the Shepherds or the Guardians trusts him as far as they can throw him. Lucina and the future children lest of all." Chrom sighs heavily before rubbing a hand through his hair. "Still, we can't act on guts alone. I can only hope that our mistrust is not needed." He turns on his feet to leave the castle, but not before hearing Flavia's last words.

"We all do Chrom. We all do."

"Where am I?" A soft voice echoes amongst the stones of the temple. Crystal blue water flows along delicately made canals. The sound of soft footsteps echoes along the walls as a young woman makes her way through, hand on her head. Her green hair fell to her shoulders while her brown eyes scanned around her. A light pink cloak rested on her shoulders above a white vest top. A pink sash was wrapped around her waist while red knee-high boots covered her black leggings. A blue Dragonstone and yellow tome rested on her hip as she staggered around. "Why can't I remember anything?" She folds her arms before leaning on a bit of wall.

"I can remember mom and dad…but it just cuts off at a certain point." She hisses in pain before bringing a hand to her head again, her pointy ears drooping. "And this headache is not helping at all…." She pushes herself off the wall before the sound of footsteps draws her attention. Despite the headache, she looks around the next corner to see a group of Risen-Heartless, scanning around the area. "Great, monsters." She mutters as the pounding slightly increases. "And why are they so familiar? Argh! Forget about that, Morgan! Focus on getting out of here alive first. What would mom and dad do…."

She melts back into the shadows, just missing the gaze of the Risen as they continue their search. Outside, the Shepherds and Guardians arrive at the shrine, its entrance buried into the side of a mountain as snow falls around them.

"This is where Naga's Tears are, Tiki?" Robin asks as he looks over the ageing entrance. Despite the wear and collapsing rocks, he could still feel sacred magic radiating off the masonry.

"Yes, Robin." Tiki replies as her eyes fall on the shrine. "I can sense them deeper within the shrine."

"And these Tears will allow me and Robin to live as long like you and Nowi, right?" Ricken asks as Nowi stands next to him, hope radiating off them in waves. Tiki looks at them and smiles, nodding her head at them.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go get them!" Nowi excitedly asks but is held back by Tiki and Robin before she can rush into the shrine.

"I admit I am as excited as you, Nowi, but we must be careful., I can sense a Darkness within these halls.." Tiki warns as she stares into the entrance, shadows dancing at the far back.

"Then it's a good thing we came prepared." Robin says as he looks behind them. Chrom, Sumia and Lucina had tagged along, to none of their surprise. Along with them, Sora, Kairi, Oceania, Caelum, Roxas and Naminé had also joined them. Considering the place they were about to enter was a shrine, it was decided that the riders would stay behind, but Sumia somehow managed to convince them to allow her to tag along.

Then again, no one wanted to face the anger of the Ylisean Queen. Not even her own husband and daughter. Roxas, on the other hand, said he would be more useful than Virion due to him having a sword. Donny said he had the same excuse but was missing the experience of using a bow from on foot. It was concerning they didn't have any heavy armour with them. Still, they felt confident enough between him, Ricken, Naminé, Tiki and Nowi.

"Are we ready to enter Chrom?" Robin asks as he and the others move to join.

"We are." Chrom replies. Nodding, the group then proceeded into the shrine, the sanctified air flowing over them like incense.

"This place reminds me of that Shrine we found in Valm." Kairi says as they proceed down the corridor. "Only a lot less malevolent."

"I just hope we don't run into any phantoms like last time." Sora chimes in, arms crossed. "That was not a fun experience."

"We need not fear. This place was once the home of Naga. Only those loyal to Grima would fear repercussions." Tiki says assuringly as they pass a large clearing, crystal clear water running along the floor. Naminé takes a moment to look over the view, arm reaching for her sketch book before her eyes fall on something that should not belong.

"Ummm, Tiki. You said that those loyal to Grima would not be able to come here, right?" She asks. The group look at her as Tiki nods before Naminé raises an arm. "Then, I think they did not get the memo." Following her gaze, the group were stunned to see Risen roaming around the room, seemingly searching for something.

"Risen? But how?"

"We can worry about that later." Chrom interjects. "For now, we have Risen standing between us and our goal. They haven't spotted us yet, so let us proceed with caution. These corridors are too small for you and Nowi to change form, let alone for Sumia to take to the air." With begrudging nods, the group continued on down the hall, but not before Lucina, Oceania and Caelum took one more glance at the Risen.

"I swear, they look to be the same as the ones from then…." Caelum says in a low voice, his eyes picking out the silver weapons in their hands. The girls look at him with knowing looks before chasing after the others, the Risen unaware of their presence. It was not long before they came to another room, this one smaller than the last but still housing numerous Risen. All of whom were armed with silver weaponry and Grima's Heartless mark.

"Okay, what is going on?" Roxas asks in a quiet voice. "Why are they wandering around like they are looking for something?" Everyone gives him small shoulder shrugs before returning their gaze back to the Risen. One of them gets near them yet still doesn't see or sense them, probably due to the holy aura the shrine was filled with. Yet they could hear its voice clear as day.

"Must kill…future…child…" It speaks darkly, its voice a gurgle. But it was the words it spoke that drew the attention of the group.

"Future child? That can only mean…" They group look at Lucina and the other future kids, their faces pale.

"One of our friends is here." Lucina says with fear in her voice. "We have to find them. They won't last long against this many Risen in so enclosed space."

"And neither will they." Chrom growls before drawing Falchion, followed by the others as they draw their weapons, tomes or Dragonstones. "Shepherds! Charge!" With a sudden cry, the group rushed from the darkened corridor into the room, taking the Risen by surprise. Something that they noticed was the opposite to how their battles with the Risen usually start. As Chrom plunged Falchion into the nearest Risen near him, a Berserker, Sora was already charging towards a General. Brining out Ultima Weapon, he initiated an Ars Arcanum on the Risen, leaving it unbalanced as his strikes quickly removed the Risen of its lance and shield. With one final strike through the chest, it vanished into a purple mist.

Kairi was leading a charge with Caelum and Oceania by her side, the three launching into a triple Sonic Blade rush, striking down Sages and Snipers who were aiming at Sumia, as the Queen of Ylisse took to the air in what little room was offered to them. But it was enough for her to strike at the lone Risen Paladin in the room. Knocking it from its horse before an arrow of light pierced it through its chest, courtesy of Roxas.

Tiki and Nowi were ready to change to their dragon forms, yet the size of the room was only just big enough for Sumia. If they were to change form, it would rob her of any space to adapt. So instead, they chose to stay near Naminé and Lucina, the former of the two launching orbs of Light to any Risen who decided to charge towards them.

Robin was standing near Roxas, as the two provided cover to Chrom as he charged into the centre of the Risen. A bit reckless to some people, but he knew he was in good hands. A trust showed as several arrows of light and bolts of light struck around him, sending the Risen around him back to whatever Darkness had spawned them.

But as the two were busy supporting Chrom, no one noticed a Berserker materialising behind them. Roaring at the two the moment it formed, it shoulder charged between them, knocking Roxas to the floor while shoving Robin into a wall. The suddenness of the attack took everyone by surprise as the Risen raised its axe into the air, its red and yellow eyes locked on Robin as he brought his sword up to defend himself.

But the Berserker never got a chance to swing, as it was suddenly struck by a bolt of lightning from the side before finding itself landing in the foot-deep water around them. As the Risen vanished into mist, Tiki and Naminé rushed to Robin and Roxas while the two moved to their feet. All eyes soon turned to the lightning bolt's source as the hobbling footsteps echoed from a small passageway.

Stepping out from the shadows and keeping a hand on the wall to steady herself while clutching a thunder tome in the other, Morgan steps into the room before collapsing onto the floor. Without hesitation, the Shepherds rush over to her while Lucina, Oceania and Caelum stand back with looks of shock.

"Do you think she's alright?" Nowi asks as Naminé tends to the girl, her eyes falling on Morgan's ears. "She didn't look good when she collapsed."

"I'm not seeing any external injuries." Ricken replies. "It could be that she was just exhausted." The group looked between themselves before a soft groan from bellow drew their attention back to Morgan as she slowly opened her eyes.

"I see you're awake now. How are you feeling?" Chrom asks, a sense of déjà vu falling over him at the scene before them. Morgan looks at him with what looks to be cloudy eyes before slowly shaking her head.

"A slight headache, but other than that, I'm feeling fine." Morgan replies before being helped up. "Thanks. I was begging to wonder if there was anyone else here other than—" She pauses as her gaze falls on Robin and Tiki, their eyes locked on her. Her face lights up with joy before she envelops them in a hug. "Mother! Farther! I found you. I was begging to think we got separated!" Robin and Tiki glance at each other as Morgan hugs them, small smiles adorning their faces.

"I'm guessing she is also from the future, Lucina?" Sumia asks her daughter, only to tilt her head at seeing the look of confusion on both her face, Oceania's and Caelum's. "Lucina? Is something wrong?" Her voice doesn't seem to reach her as Lucina steps forward with a confused look.

"Morgan? Who did you get here?" Morgan breaks from her parents before looking at Lucina, her gaze filled with confusion while a hand moves to her head.

"I'm sorry…but who are you? Who do you know my name?" She asks with confusion before grasping her head in pain and falling to her knees. "Argh! Why won't this headache leave me alone?!" Robin and Tiki move to her side while Naminé moves her staff next to her head, focusing on removing the headache.

"It would seem there is something about Morgan that's different from the rest of you." Chrom says as he folds his arms. "You said that she was not with you when you travelled to the past. What did you mean by that."

"It is exactly as I said it." Lucina replies with a sad look. "Morgan was not with us when we commenced our travel. In fact, we were not even sure if she was still alive."

"It was a few months before we finally decided to travel to the past." Oceania takes over. "Ylisstol had not fallen, and Aunt Lissa was still around. We decided on a plan to take back the five Gemstones and the Fire Emblem and try and commence the Awakening. Morgan and her twin brother went out to get the shield while the rest of us went after the Gemstones. We never saw them again after that…."

"That's why we're confused about how Morgan is here." Caelum chimes in. "Don't get us wrong. We are happy that she is alive, even if her brother isn't, but we still don't know what happened to them."

"And seeing how that have a headache, I don't think they can even remember." Kairi says sadly. "She doesn't even remember you. And since she hasn't asked about her brother when she saw Tiki and Robin…." She leaves the sentence unfinished as they turn their gaze back to Morgan. She lowers her hand before giving Naminé a nod of thanks before being helped to her feet. When she turns to look at Robin and Tiki, her brow furrows.

"Wait, what happened to you, dad? Why are your ears not pointy? And why do you look younger than I remember?" The two look at each other before gazing back at Morgan.

"Morgan, please stay calm and listen to us." Tiki begins. "I know that what I'm about to say will sound mad and unbelievable, but we believe that you came here from the future." Morgan looked between her parents for a few seconds before yelling out in confusion and disbelief.

"WHAT!? Are you out of your mind? That's not even possible!" Everyone look at each other with wincing looks at Morgan's outburst before Robin places a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Actually, it is. More than you would know." He says calmly, while Sora and the others look at each other with pained looks. "Think about it. You said I look younger than you remember, and I'm missing pointed ears, right?" At Morgan's slow nod, he continues. "At this point in time, in OUR time, you still haven't been born."

"I don't understand…" Morgan says while placing a hand on her head. "I can barely remember anything…."

"Don't try and force yourself. You don't have to believe us right now, but you must come with us at the very least. Going alone these days is dangerous, especially if your memory is gone. I was in the same position once, you know."

"Wait, you woke up in the middle of nowhere too?" Morgan asks with wide eyes before bursting into laughter. "Like father, like daughter!" Robin looks away with a bashful look as Tiki chuckles behind him. Looking back at her daughter, she notices the Dragonstone hanging from her belt.

"Morgan, can you use that Dragonstone?" She asks. Morgan glances down at the stone on her belt along with the tome before looking back at Tiki.

"Yeah, I can, although I haven't done so in a long time. At least, I think I haven't…. But I can also use magic tomes as well. I may not be able to remember anything, but I do remember wanting to be a great strategist as dad."

"Well, now you can see me in action." Robin replies before glancing back at Chrom and the others. "After all, we're not leaving until we find what we're looking for."

"We are close." Tiki gestures as she glances down the corridor that Morgan came from. "I can sense Naga's Tears are down here."

"Then let's not waste any more time. Shepherds! Move out!" With that order from Chrom, they move down the corridor, Morgan finding herself with Lucina and the others. Walking with them, Morgan couldn't help but feel the looks she was getting from them before finally turning to look at them.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asks. Lucina and the other two quickly shake their heads.

"Sorry, Morgan. It's just we thought we would never see you again." Lucina admits to her. Morgan tilts her head before placing a hand on her chin, almost mimicking her father to a tee.

"What do you mean by that? If what mom and dad say is true, then you guys are from the same future as me, right? But why can't I remember anything?"

"It's better if we told you about it later." Oceania replies. "But to be honest, I can't help but feel a bit envious that you don't remember our disaster of a future. I still get nightmares about it…." Morgan couldn't help but be curious about what Oceania said, yet she could hear the fear in her voice. Before she could ask, hushes from the front silenced all conversations as they neared the exit. Before them was a vast room with what looked like a shrine at the centre. Several marble columns flowed from it like a road, sprouting from the crystal clear water. The walls and ceiling were a calm blue, like the afternoon sky.

And all around the room were Heartless-Risen.

"Great, more of them…" Roxas moans as they look around the room. "How did these things get in here anyway?" He looks at Tiki, who can only shake her head. Robin, meanwhile, was looking over the room. It was more significant than the last room they were in by a large margin. Sumia would have ample space to fly, while Tiki and Nowi could easily morph with room to spare. Not surprising, considering this was where Naga once dwelled, if the tales are true. He glances at Morgan, briefly wondering if she could change form, but decides against asking. There would be a time and place they could ask her about it or help re-train her, but they had a room to clear out.

"Chrom. I've got a plan."

The Risen Chief did not care as to why it was here. Nor did it care about what here was. All it cared about was fulfilling Grima's will. And his will was to destroy Naga's Tears. But there was another thing he had to do. Kill the future child.

And so he came with his fellow followers to seek out what they were to find. Yet the Divine Dragon's Shrine clouded their eyes, the hateful light blinding their search. He could feel the future child was close, but he could not see where.

The room was too bright and too clean. No fresh bodies, no living souls, no hearts to claim.

But they would not leave until Grima's will was complete.

The sound of steel leaving its sheath soon draws its attention. While the light blinded them, their hearing was left untouched. Turning to the sound, its yellow and red eyes fell upon living beings rushing into the room, but one of them drew its attention. Green hair, brown eyes, a small pink cloak with a tome and Dragonstone on her waist. It was the future child.

If the Risen Chief could smile, it would. With a roar, it commanded the others to charge the intruders, to claim their hearts and bodies as their own. An arrow of light flashes past its head as it moves behind a column. "Archer…Kill…" It commands, having the two Risen Generals lumber towards the archer. Only for one of the intruders to turn into a yellow dragon! The Risen Chief growls in disgust as the dragon breathes holy fire on the Generals, turning them into dust.

The sound of rapidly approaching footsteps draws its attention as a group of three charges towards it. Two with blue hair wield swords, while the other rode a Pegasus. It was then it realised that the blue-haired ones were wielding blades of light. "Kill…Naga's Chosen…" It lumbers as it throws its axe at them.

The rider dodges the axe before diving towards it, forcing the Chief to escape to the side. The other two charged towards it, the light in their hands blinding as the Risen Chief stumbled back before falling off the ledge. Landing on its back, it struggles to stand before moving away from the ridge.

Even though it gave up its free will, it retained some knowledge. And the one thing it remembered was to never stand under a ledge during battle. As the axe returned to its hand, it could hear one of the Intruders yelling at it, but it sounded like they were speaking underwater and on the other side of the glass.

Not that it cared.

It glances towards the Future Child it was ordered to kill. It had already killed its twin and now seeks to end it. It reaches out to its fellows but is stunned when it finds that only a handful remain.

How did they manage to wipe out so many of them? It did not have time to think as soon the two from before were open it again, joined by four more. Swinging its axe in a rage, the Risen Chief aimed to smash its way past them and charge towards the child. But it did not count on the green-haired woman from turning into a silver dragon.

And with a blast of holy fire, the Risen Chief ceased to be, Grima's will left undone.

"That was probably the easiest encounter we have had so far." Ricken boasts as they re-group at the central shrine. "I mean, usually, they put up more of a fight than that."

"Don't get carried away, Ricken. We had the advantage when we ambushed them." Kairi admonishes. "If they saw us coming, had cavalry or flyers, it would have been a harder battle. I'm just glad Nowi managed to take out those Generals before they got near us." Ricken looked ready to counter, but wisely held his tongue. He knew better than to argue when she was right. They had gotten lucky in this fight.

"Hey! I think I found it!" Nowi's voice soon echoed from inside the shrine as she ran out, holding onto two golden tear-shaped objects in her hands. "These are the Tears, right?" She asks excitedly as Tiki picks one of them up, a smile forming on her face.

"Yes. These are the Tears." Tiki replies happily before giving hers to Robin. Nowi does the same to Ricken, placing the Tear in the palm of his head. Looking at it, Ricken could feel divine energy radiating off it like the sun. So now what do we do? Glancing up, he sees Robin looking at the Tear in his palm before swallowing it in one go. That simple? Well, here goes! Throwing caution to the wind, Ricken follows Robin's example and swallows the Tear.

For a second, nothing happens before he feels a warm feeling spreading throughout his core. It spreads to his arms and legs. Then to his hands and feet. Soon he could feel his face being enveloped in a warm glow. But while that was happening, he felt another feeling coming over him. Like a part of him was slowing down exponentially before almost vanishing completely. And while that was happening, he could feel his ears changing, morphing into a new form.

Yet there was no pain. The only feeling he felt was being bathed in the sun's warm rays on a calm day. But soon, the feeling began to fade, yet the changes he felt remained. Opening his eyes, which he hadn't realised he closed, Ricken could see the excited form of his wife before him, struggling to hold herself on the spot and sporting the widest grin Ricken had seen since he popped the question.

"It worked." She said in a quiet voice. Reaching up, Ricken felt his ears to find them no longer rounded, but haven took on a pointed form like Nowi's. He couldn't help but grin wildly before Nowi tackled him into a hug. "It worked! You're like me!" She says with laughter, with Ricken joining her soon after. Setting her down, Ricken looked over to Robin to see him and Tiki leaning their heads together, Robin's ears the same as Tiki's.

"We can safely say that our trip has been a success." Naminé says with a smile as she and the others look on.

"Indeed." Chrom replies with a wide grin. "Not only have we completed our mission, but we have also found someone who was presumed lost. That is more than enough cause for celebrations."

"Still, I can't help but wonder." Sora says with a slight frown. "What is Grima doing? Does he know what is going on? Is he making plans to stop us?" He rubs the back of his head with a sigh. "I just have a bad feeling about what is waiting for us. It feels like we're dealing with another Xehanort plan again while we're unaware of what's happening."

"Even if that is the case, we will overcome it this time." Oceania suddenly speaks up. "We won't let that future happen again. No matter what."