Glad to hear from you again GWI.

Glad you liked the chapter with Sora talking about Jack Sparrow. As for why it's different than in 2, I wanted to include more from the movie, like how it sort of is in 3. They would have still gone back for a second visit though.

Yeah, Kitai's one is a heartbreaker. Seeing your parents die right in front of you would leave a mark. I wouldn't be surprised if Gerome and Severa were the same. A heart to heart with Terra will be good.

For Morgan not having Robin's coat, that will be partly explained in this chapter. I like the idea of Chrom breaking out the other ancient weapons when they get back to Ylisstol, but they might find a few along the road.

Anyway, on with the chapter!

Paralogue 18: Duel Disgraced

"That's…a lot to take in…" Morgan sighs as she rubs her head. "Dark dragons, manifestations of darkness, other worlds, a future that has no, well, future? And to top it all off, a brother that I have no memory of? Part of me thinks that this is a crazy dream…" Currently she was outside the camp at night, learning of information she needed.

"I'm afraid that it is no dream, Morgan." Lucina sadly says as she and the other children gather round her. "Everything we have told you is true. And now we are here in the past to prevent our disaster of a future from coming to past."

"But still, I wish you could remember what happened to you Morgan." Oceania speaks up with a frown. "When you and Marc went off to find the Emblem, we never saw you again. We honestly thought that we lost you. But seeing you here has gave us hope that your brother was alive, until we saw the tome you were carrying."

"My tome?" Morgan asks, puzzled as she picks it from her waist.

"That tome, Mjolnir, actually belonged to Marc. Your father made it for him when they discovered you could turn into a Dragon while Marc struggled to." Akeru reveals. Morgan's eyes widen in shock before she glances down at the well-worn tome. Her hand traces over it, the words and patterns baked into the paper along with familiar writing.

"Some sister I am." She admits with water in her eyes. "I can remember mom and dad with no problem, yet I can't even remember my brother. His face, voice, what he looked like. I didn't even know his name until you said it…." Morgan struggles to hold back her tears before giving in to her sorrow. It did not help when Caelum placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. No one says a word as Morgan grieves for her brother while they remember him. If he was standing here, he would have looked like his sister, wearing their father's old jacket and steel sword strapped to his waist.

But he wasn't here. Only an empty void that he used to fill.

"We have to find the others…." Lucina declares. "We've lost too many friends and loved ones already. And I swear we will not lose anyone else!" While the others nod in determination to Lucina's declaration, they are unaware they are being watched from the shadows.

"A nice declaration, but I wonder if you will be able to hold it when the time comes." The Master of Masters mumbles to himself as he watches. "Soon, the pieces will begin to move, and the final turns will play. But will it end in victory for the light? Or never-ending darkness? Either way, I'm running out of time." And with that, he melts back into the shadows, with no one the wiser to his presence.

Several days have passed since the Shepherds and Guardians visited the Shrine. During that time, Robin and Ricken had begun to get used to their new lives with help from Tiki and Nowi. The snow of Regna Ferox had started to fall heavily as they continued on their rumour-chasing journey. For now, the next rumour they were falling on was that of a master lancer teaching in a far northern village near an abandoned fort where rouges had taken up residence.

"Seriously, Chrom. Just how many abandoned forts are there?" Riku asks in exasperation as they march towards the village. "I've lost count at this point, but it feels like it could easily be in the low hundreds."

"At this point, Riku, I would not be surprised." Chrom replies as he rubs a hand down his face. "Unfortunately, history was not my strong point. Perhaps one of our more knowledgeable friends would be able to answer."

"If only it were so, Chrom." Miriel suddenly says as she walks up to the two, her head not in a book for once. "Unfortunately, as much as I have tried, I have found little to no words spoken about these ruins we have found. I theorise that they once belonged to kingdoms before Sir Marth's time. Mayhap before Anri. But I fear that I can only speculate without further evidence or written words."

"No need to burst a brain vein Miriel." Riku says. "While it would be nice, it's not important at the moment. Finding the rest of Lucina's friends is. That reminds me, how many do you think are left to find?"

"It is hard to say. Lucina and the others are being very tight-lipped about it." Chrom says before shrugging. "Either way, I'm not going to force them to say if they don't want to." Riku nods before turning his gaze back to the village. The snow continued to fall as they approached, yet as they neared, they could feel a sense of loss emanating from the town.

"Anyone feels like we arrived at a bad time?" Lea asks as they walk through the village centre, stares falling on them from the villagers. Murmurs of agreement come from the others just as a village girl runs up to them with a pleading look.

"Sir! Please! You have to do something!" She cries, running up to Chrom before stopping to catch her breath.

"Slow down. What's the matter?" Chrom says as Riku helps steady her. The maiden looks at Chrom, a cry for help screaming from her eyes.

"It's my friend, sir. I fear she's walking into a terrible trap!" She says, instantly gaining everyone's attention. "That scoundrel Cassius would never fight an honest duel. My husband, a master of the lance, took a stand against his tyranny not long ago. The brute took a girl hostage and then cut my husband down as he lowered his weapon!" She soon breaks down into tears as the Shepherds and Guardians look at her with varied expressions. "My friend, she went over to his castle to challenge him, but I fear he will pull the same move on her…."

"Is that right?" Sully says as she walks up to the young woman. "And seeing how the folks here are all down in the dumps, I'm guessing your hun was well-known and respected? And your friend was his student?" The maiden nods at Sully as tears roll down her cheeks. "Well then. That makes this easier." She turns to look at Chrom, who meets her stare with fire before looking at the young woman.

"We'll see what we can do. We'll find your friend and put that dastard where he belongs." He spins on his feet back to the group. "Riku, Terra, Aqua, Kitai, Lissa, Miriel, Vaike, Lucina, Owain, Stahl, Kellam, Sully! With me! Everyone else, protect this village! Going by her account, we should expect him to send minions here to take hostages! We will NOT allow that to happen!" A roar of acknowledgement rises from the group as they split into two groups, with Chrom leading the strike group towards the ruined castle.

Torches line up along the walls, illuminating the worn stone walls of the castle. A carpet lay on the ground, trodden and frayed. All would be quiet where it was not for the sound of armour rattling against armour while steel-cladded feet smash against the cobbled floor. Illuminated by the torches, a female armoured knight, her armour a dull silver with lavender highlights and clutching a steel spear in hand, marched down the hallway. Her black hair framed her face, filled with a cold and silent fury.

Eventually, she reaches a central room with an overlooking platform above. "Come on out, you dishonourable cur! I know you are here!" She shouts, slamming her spear on the floor. "You killed my master, and now I challenge you!" Silence roams before the sound of padded feet echoes from above. Shambling into the light was a pale and decrepit sorcerer who looked down in arrogance and annoyance.

"Who are you to come in here and demand of me?" He shouts back, unamused. "If you know what is best for you, girly, is that you should just turn and leave. If you know what's best for you. Unless you also want to be a pile of pudding, like your former master!"

"Craven dog… You claimed a hostage! He'd never have lost in a fair fight!" She shouts back, pointing her spear at him. Cassius sighs at her before sporting a wicked smile.

"Very well. If you want to run headlong into the grave, girl, I won't stop you. We can duel farther in the castle. But first…" With a snap of his fingers, the doors behind her slammed shut while two more opened to her on either side. Men rush from them, intent on surrounding her with their numbers, while Cassius laughs. She glares up at him as he looks down with glee. "Consider all these men my seconds; there are more waiting deeper within. Still, I'm not a monster. I'll spare your life if you get on your knees and beg."

"I'd sooner die!" She shouts back, not intending to end up as his prisoner or worse. But that only seemed to make Cassius smile wider.

"Well, we can arrange that, too. Have fun, boys! Don't rough her up TOO much though…" he adds before leaving the room. The woman looks around as the men circle around, armed with swords and axes, with a few carrying bows. But none of them had tomes.

"Very well then." She says to herself before slamming her spear on the ground. "I am Kjelle! Any and all who wish to challenge me, step right up!" She shouts before bringing her shield before her. Soon, the first of the minions charged at her while those standing behind loosed a volley of arrows at her. But she wasn't standing still for long.

No sooner did they charge, Kjelle had initiated a Sonic Blade at those before her, cleaving a path through them before appearing before the archers. They had no time to react before Kjelle swiped her spear before them in an arc, striking them down or destroying their bows.

She didn't have long to celebrate, though, for she could hear the remaining men charging behind her. Spinning around, she plants her shield before her, stopping the charge and pushing some of them back. Taking the opportunity, she thrusts her spear forward, lashing out at any within her range. Yet she could see she was being pushed back.

Kjelle thought of using Sonic Blade to break through, yet that would expose her back to attacks. And if there was one thing her mother always told her, it was to NEVER leave herself exposed.

Especially if there are mages in the area.

A sudden strike to her left shook Kjelle's thoughts as the mob surged against her. At times like this, she was grateful for her father teaching her the importance of a shield. Keeping it firmly planted while angled to protect her left side, Kjelle focused on swinging her spear in her right to create breathing room around her. But she could feel exhaustion settling into her bones. But before she could start worrying about it, the doors leading into the room she entered were blasted open by powerful magic.

The sudden explosion caught the attention of all present, not that they could see into the opening due to a large amount of mist and steam flowing out it like a river. But they did not have to wait for long as they were suddenly assaulted by fire and water magic, slicing through the ranks like snakes. The strikes were followed closely by a sudden charge of cavalry, two Paladins, two Great Knights and a Cavalier with a blue scarf.

Wait, what? Kjelle took a moment to blink in surprise, as her eyes did not fail her as Kitai came ploughing through Cassius's men. But the ones in orange and red armour caught her breath in her throat. She'd recognise that armour from anywhere. Even the battered remains that were brought back. She shakes her head before reforming her stance. Now's not the time to be lost in memories! She chided herself before dashing into the fray, just as Chrom led the rest of the group into the room.

Soon the remaining foes had either fled or were lying on the floor. Kjelle took a moment to breathe before a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder armour. Jumping slightly, an impressive feat in her heavy armour, she spun around with her spear at the ready, only to find Sully standing behind her. "Oh. Sorry. I was still calming down from the fight."

"Eh, don't sweat it." Sully says, waving her off. "Still, glad we got here in time. Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost. Or have I got something on my face?" She asks, seeing Kjelle looking at her in a stupor. Her question seemed to knock her out of it, but she didn't answer.

"We don't have time for this." Chrom says suddenly. "The longer we wait, the more of a chance that dastard will flee. We can't let him get away. Are you still able to fight?" He asks Kjelle, who takes a deep breath before reforming her posture.

"Yes. I am. And I intend to end that fiend's life no matter what. So don't try and stop me." She says with resolution. Chrom was ready to counter her, only for Sully to laugh.

"Hah-Hah! A head-on approach, is it? I like you already." She says with a smile before morphing into a serious expression. "But that is all the more reason we can't let you charge off on your own while that slimeball has minions he can throw at you and tire you out with. Isn't that right, Chrom?" She asks with a grin. Chrom looked at her before sighing dramatically with a tiered smile.

"What did I do to get a childhood friend like you?" He asks jokingly, earning a chuckle from Sully. "If you want to fight Cassius in a duel, that's fine. But we are going to make sure that nothing will interrupt it. Lucina, Kitai, Owain. You go with her and make sure it's fair. We will scourge the rest of the castle for any other stragglers." The three nod at Chrom before heading to a set of stairs leading to the second floor while the Shepherds break into two groups heading to each wing of the castle. Kjelle watched Sully and Kellam leave through one door before smiling to herself.

"Thank you, mother."

"Are you sure you didn't want to tell her right now, Kjelle?" Kitai asks as the four reach the second level. "It could be a while before we see them again."

"Coming from the guy who refused to say hello to his parents before they went to Valm?" Lucina asks back, catching Kitai off foot.

"It is alright." Kjelle replies. "These fiends are nothing like what we faced in our time. They won't fall so easily."

"Even so, the sooner we bring day to this forsaken place, the sooner we can reunite." Owain proclaims. "We have already lost Marc. I do not want to lose another dear friend." He adds without his usual flair at the end, catching Kjelle off guard.

"Marc is dead?" She asks numbly. "But what about Morgan?"

"Morgan is alive and with us in this time. But she had lost all memory save for her mother and father. She even lost her memory of Marc." Lucina reveals. Kjelle looks at her for several seconds before her gaze falls to the floor.

"We should never have sent them on that quest… What were we thinking? Now we have not only lost a dear friend, but the memory of another's as well." She says with sadness in her voice.

"All the more reason to finish this fight and press on." Kitai says. "There are still others we have not found, and I would rather we found them alive like you than dead." Owain and Lucina nod at him while Kjelle looks on ahead as they near the end of the corridor. Before them was a room, likely the throne room or of some import. Standing at the far back, with several minions surrounding him, was Cassius with a very unamused look.

"What's this now? I leave you alone with my men, only for you to appear again with your own minions?" He asks, annoyed. "I suppose you have no honour at all. Just like me."

"Wrong." Kjelle replies, pointing her spear forward. "I'm not cowardly enough to rely on my friends when needed. Unlike you."

"Is that so?" Cassius replies, spinning his staff on its end. "Most fools assume that liars and sneaks like me are weak. They want us to be weak, see? They NEED it." Lucina and the others hide their anger at his words, knowing that their parents would be on his 'list'. "It lets them hold on to the fantasy that right prevails in the end. Heh…" He spits on the ground while pulling out a purple tome. "They can think what they want. An arrogant fool is an easy target. Truth is, in the end, it's the clever ones who always survive."

"Craven dog." Kjelle spits back. "A man who takes hostages in order to win a duel has no claim to cleverness. Even an animal would not stoop so low!" Lucina, Kitai and Owain smirk at Kjelle's remark while Cassius growls. "But enough. My friends nor I have any more words to waste on the likes of you. My master will have vengeance! En Garde!"

On that, Lucina and Owain dashed towards the line of men surrounding Cassius, with Owain unleashing an Astra with his Katana. At the same time, Lucina used her Silver Lance in a Sonic Blade before switching into an Aether on a nearby Armoured Knight.

Kitai charged into the heart of the formation, clearing a path for Kjelle before changing his target to the few archers lined around the room. Some managed to fire a few arrows at him, yet he used his steel lance to deflect the incoming arrows easily or move his horse to avoid others.

While his men were distracted, Cassius focused on firing off magic towards Kjelle as she charged forward towards him. Cassius was sure that her armour would slow her down enough so that his magic would tear her apart, yet he could not believe what he was seeing. She was dashing across the room, striking at any of his men as she charged towards him. It should be impossible for an Armoured Knight to move at such speeds, yet here she was!

"Stay still, girl!" He shouts in anger as he unleashes another Flux towards her, only to growl as she dodges it once again, using that move again to slam into another soldier near him. So focused was he on hitting Kjelle, he did not realise how close she had gotten to him, nor the state of his tome. Bringing his hand back, he pauses in confusion as the usual build-up of magic fails to materialise in his hand. Looking at his book, his eyes widen in shock at seeing the pages begin to burn and scorch, evidence of extreme magical use.

"Have you made your peace? For this ends here!" Kjelle suddenly says to his right. Looking up, he could only look in shock as she lunged towards him at that insane speed before her lance pierced right through his chest. He glances down at it, his mind not comprehending the facts before him as Kjelle pulls her lance out of him.

"Th-this…can't…" he tries to speak, before falling to the ground as the light leaves his eyes. Kjelle sighed deeply before turning to look at the others, who had either finished off the last of the men or routed them.

"It is done. My master can rest in peace." Kjelle says to them before joining them.

"Let us return to father and the others. I'm sure they are waiting for us in the main hall as we speak." Lucina says before turning back to the hallway, followed swiftly by the others. Returning to the main hall, they saw Chrom and the others waiting for them without injury. "We managed to defeat Cassius. The people here will be terrorised no more." Lucina speaks as they descend to the lower level.

"Looks like the good guys win again. Ain't that a kick in the teeth?" Sully comments to the others before noticing Kjelle walking towards her. "Glad to see you're alive to squirt."

"I am glad to be alive. Without your help, I would not have survived this battle. Another lesson I needed to learn." Kjelle looks between her and Kellam before sighing quietly to herself. "There is something else that I need to do as well. I feared it would take me far longer to accomplish, but I need not worry anymore." The two look at each other as Kjelle removes an inner armour slot on her shield. Inside a secret compartment was a wedding ring on a string.

"Well, I'll be dammed…" Sully says softly before looking at her with a warm smile. "I was starting to wonder if me and Kellam had a kid. Looks like that answers that question, huh?"

"Yes, mother, father." Kjelle replies softly. "It's good to see you again after all these years."

"I'm honestly surprised you can see me." Kellam says honestly.

"What makes you think I couldn't?" Kjelle asks back. "You may have a dim presence, father, but not to me. If my mom is the sun, then you are like the moon. Besides, how could I ever forget the man who taught me to use Sonic Blade while in heavy armour?" Kjelle's comment earned several chuckles from everyone in the room while Kellam looked away with a sheepish look.

"Hah! That's a story I'd like to hear." Sully says with a hint of pride before looking back at her future daughter. "You'll tell us, won't you. Every single detail?" Kjelle snaps a salute while wearing the biggest grin ever.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Still no sign of them?" Sora asks as Sumia and the other flyers return from their patrol. It had been almost two hours since Chrom left for the ruined castle, yet there was still no sight of him. There had been an attack about an hour ago, most likely trying to kidnap people from the village, yet they were easy to deal with.

"Nothing." Sumia replies with worry in her voice. "I know I trust Chrom and Lucina not to do anything stupid. And that they are not alone, but I still can't help it." Sora nods before glancing over to Kairi, Robin and Tiki, who were next to the maiden from before. Sighing, Sora came to a decision.

"If they are not back in the next hour, we will go in after them." Sumia seemed to accept it before flying off into the sky with Cherche, Cordelia and Cynthia following her. "At least I hope we won't have to go in."

"Come on, Sora. Riku and the others are with him." Xion says with encouragement. "They are prepared for anything inside that place." Sora smiles at his sister before walking towards Kairi, Xion and Gaia, following close behind.

"I hope so, Xion." Sora replies before looking back into the snowfall. The scene reminded him of Arendelle, with the trees filled with snow. The chilling wind blowing through the air didn't help keep him warm, though. Shaking his head off any snow starting to build up, Sora was about to head for one of the houses before spotting a group of people coming down the road. He didn't have to guess who it was, with the blue-haired people leading at the front.

"Looks like they made it. And with one extra as well." Robin points out as Chrom and the others approach the village. The village maiden looked exceptionally happy at seeing Kjelle amongst them, small tears building up on the sides of her eyes.

"Kjelle! Thank the gods, you're safe!" She says as Chrom's group enters the village. Kjelle smiles warmly at her before bowing towards her.

"I kept my promise. Your husband can rest in peace now." The woman smiles warmly at Kjelle before grasping her free hand and shaking it.

"I may have a way to thank you. Please, wait one moment." With that, she disappears into her house, leaving a wondering Kjelle behind. Soon, she exits, holding a very ornate spear. A single blade with two curving edges near the head, with two long red ribbons flowing from the top. A red jewel is engraved on the surface of gold on top of the spear. "This is Gradivus. My husband used it after it was passed down from his father. And now I give it to you." Kjelle looks on with shock, while Chrom looks over with a raised eyebrow.

"But this is a precious keepsake, is it not? Its rightful place is with you." Kjelle tried to argue, but the lady was unmoving.

"I can hardly use it as he did. I would be insulting its memory. You are more worthy than I, as his student. I'll not forget my husband for lack of a memento. Please, take it." She says with a kind smile. Kjelle hesitates before gently grasping the spear in her hand. She could feel the weight of a thousand battles, the lives taken, and those who wielded it. It filled her with a sense of pride to now count amongst those warriors. And she would not disappoint.

"Thank you." The woman smiles before giving Kjelle a hug before separating for the last time. Turning around, Kjelle moved to join the others as they prepared to set camp for the night. The hunt for their friends would continue in the morning.

Some trivial for Kjelle's name. One way to pronounce it, according to those who are natural Swedish speakers, the Ch from 'Chocolate' is the closets way to pronounce the start of her name. (Don't quote me on that though. Best to look it up yourself in case i am wrong.)