Inigo took a quick stroll around the outskirts of the port town before their march. He was trying really hard not to flirt, but it was hard for him. Still, he would persevere for Lucina's sake. As disappointing as it was to learn she was taken, Inigo was more disappointed that it had gotten like this.

More than anyone, he believed she deserved to be happy. A belief shared by his comrades, he was sure. She always sacrificed so much for them. Growing up, she cared for them. Taught them to take care of themselves. Taught them to lead. Even those that joined them later like Nah and Noire she treated as family.

In fact, he could not recall any other time she had made a personal request of, well, anyone. It was usually all business with her, and while she was more than willing to help others, she never really asked for it herself. So, if she did not want their secret getting out, they would do their best to keep it.

It helped that he also felt really bad about what they did. She was happy for once, and then they stepped in to "rescue" her from said happiness. He wondered if they should have left well enough alone and never intervened. Unfortunately, it was too late for that kind of introspection now. It was done, and he could not help feeling like they had ruined her life.

Kicking a rock along the path, Inigo's eyes widened as panic set in. Looking around in desperation, he dove for some nearby bushes and hoped for the best.

"You're gonna be right as rain, little doggo," Henry cackled to reassure the injured dog the dancer was carrying.

"Just…no blood magic, alright?"

"Hehehe, you're so silly."

Inigo sighed, pulling a branch out of his hair as they passed. He was glad they were getting along at least. He was afraid his father could sniff him out though, but maybe he was too distracted. He probably could have if he had been paying attention. Dark magic ran in the family. Training was important and all, but some of it was just genetic.

Come to think of it, that Robin fellow seemed to have a lot of potential. Like when he nearly punched his head off. Not that it was necessarily dark magic in nature. He just seemed to have high potential in general. Though, dark magic had a bad rap in his opinion. The standard offensive spells were fine. It was all the blood magic, which he had to remind people was different, that was the problem.

Shaking his head, Inigo smiled wistfully at his parents. He then looked confused. He could have sworn it had been a cat they had first bonded over. "Huh."

"That, is a large tree," Lissa whistled, "I can't even see the top."

"I suppose flying is out of the question," Robin eyed the thick branches with crossed arms.

"Aye, good sir, the branches are far too thick for pegasus or wyvern to land. We will have to take the staircase hewed into the great trunk."

"Stairs?" Lissa blanched, "Up there?"

"You can always stay here and keep watch," Chrom joked before analyzing the enemy forces, "Not as many guards as I expected."

"It's been enough," Say'ri pointed out, "Most of the troops have been taken to other divisions. We are fortunate they are so lax."

"I'd rather not push that luck," Robin rubbed his chin, "Get everyone into position. The sooner the better."

"Is it true?" Nah ran up to Lucina who had to take a step back, "Is Lady Tiki here?"

"Yes," Lucina pushed the young manakete back a step, "Atop this tree."

"We're going to see her, right?" All the children looked at her expectantly. Tiki was a legendary figure to them. She had unfortunately died with most of their parents, but she was said to be the main reason Frederick was able to deliver Falchion, even though he died shortly thereafter.

"I am afraid of what she might notice, but she may also have vital information. I will take that risk, but I cannot get you all clearance to go."

"Awwww," Nah pouted, her ears drooping.

"It is how it must be. Even then I shall have to be discreet lest she detect my lineage."

"Do keep us informed on what you find," Laurent saw the wisdom in her actions, "We shall be waiting with baited breath."

"Thank you. I will see if she can help us discern something that could help us to save this world."

"Are you sure you're up to the task?" Inigo asked, "It means spending more time with him."

"I…will manage."

"Really," Severa scoffed, "You're going to have to talk to him eventually."

"I know that!" Lucina quickly deflated, "I just…I'm not ready."

"Afraid how he'll react to knowing we're from the future? Sorta," Cynthia smiled sympathetically.

"Among other things. I just…I can't explain everything to him right now. I wouldn't even know where to start."

"I am far from experienced in these matters," Laurent eyed her, "But when going over a hypothesis, it is generally best to start at the beginning."

"I…will think on it. If you'll excuse me, it's time for battle."

The others shared a look, but they got into formation all the same.

"Hmph," Chrom looked unimpressed after he felled the captain guarding the staircase, "Is this the best they have?"

"Far from it," Cherche pointed out, "Still, it was an impressive display."

"The guard is set," Robin noted walking up to them, "I'm sure you'll insist on me coming so I left Cordelia in charge."

"You know me well. In that case, let's-"

"Pardon, but might I join you?"

The prince stopped to stare at Lucina, then Robin before finally answering, "I've no personal objections. You are a captain now, but if I let you go, others might ask, and we can't take everyone."

"As you say," Robin intervened, "She's a captain. Let her come." The tactician started up the stairs before Lucina could say anything, "You all coming?"

"I guess you're cleared then," Chrom sighed before following his friend up the steps.

While the walk up the tree was admittedly somewhat awkward, Robin stayed near the front with Chrom trying to make small talk while Lucina took up the rear along with Mustafa. She spent most of it staring at her boots or the tactician.

The Plegian general noticed this, of course, but he did not feel it his place to intervene. The youth would learn. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it was an uneventful trip to the top of the Mila Tree.

The top was not what most of them were expecting, but then again, not many had experience with tower sized trees. The top was large enough for someone to live comfortably, and it looked like someone had been doing just that. The branches provided cover from the elements while just enough sunlight got through to illuminate the area.

The lady in the bed slowly stirred. The semi circle of interlopers around her bed was probably not the greatest way to wake up, but they were on a crunch.

"Mmm," The manakete slowly opened her eyes and looked at the assembled leaders, Lucina watching away from the others at the staircase, Her eyes finally settled on the Fire Emblem attached to Chrom's arm, "Ah. So you have come."

"You were expecting us?" Chrom asked as she yawned.

"I have been expecting one of the exalted bloodline for centuries. It is your duty to stand against Grima in the world's hour of need."

"Grima?" The prince raised his brow while Lucina flinched, which did not go unnoticed by her estranged husband, "The monster from legend?"

"It is no mere legend. I worked with your ancestor so long ago to seal Grima. Afterwards, the Emblem was deemed too powerful to remain together, so it was separated. The gemstones given to trustworthy allies. I, myself, have kept one all these years."

"I see, but why tell me this?" Tiki seemed confused.

"Are you not here to reassemble the Fire Emblem and stop Grima?"

"No, we were here to ask you to help us unite the Valmese against Walhart. Is Grima something we should be concerned about?"

"Hmm," Tiki closed her eyes, "Grima's power is growing. This I know. However, the seal will take more than time to break. There are plenty who would see the beast awakened, and its power is strengthening. Please, take this gemstone and prepare for the worst."

"I see," Chrom took the gemstone and inserted it into the Fire Emblem. He could feel its power pulsating through the shield. To think, it had been incomplete this whole time, "Thank you, Lady Tiki. Though what of the more immediate threat?"

"Yes, I will see if I can unify the people. I make no promises though."

"We appreciate all that you could do for us," Say'ri bowed. As she did so, Tiki took the opportunity to better analyze her audience as she finally got up from her bed. Her eyes landed on Robin in particular.

"You have…power like mine…"

"Um, excuse me?" Robin leaned back a little as Tiki invaded his personal space.

"Sorry," Tiki backed up as she remembered her manners, "I'm still drowsy. Perhaps my words outpace my thoughts."

"Heh, don't mention it," Robin smiled and Lucina looked away for a moment before heading down the stairs.

"So what now?" Basillio was the first to speak as they exited the tree, "We still got a massive empire breathing down our necks."

"Yes, even with support, we're outnumbered two to one on a good day," Robin rubbed his chin, finally clearing his head after seeing that gemstone exchange hands, "We can't let them join up. Cherche, you said the Imperial Army is divided up into three main divisions, yes?"

"Yes, with a more specialized enforcer force."

"We'll need to watch out for that one, but we need to cut off their support sooner rather than later. If they join forces, it will not be good for us."

"That would be Pheros' division," Say'ri noted, "Last intel I had, she was based in Fort Steiger to the south. If we hurry, we should be able to make it."

"Question is if we could finish in time. We'll need to be fast. Perhaps we could mask our intentions. We'll travel in smaller companies, taking different paths to obscure our objective. That will put some in immediate danger though."

"War is dangerous," Flavia scoffed, "We know what we signed up for. I'll see you at the fort."

"She's right, lad," Mustafa put a hand on Robin's shoulder, "You're looking out for your troops as best you can."

"I agree," Chrom nodded, "Now, if we're in agreement, let's prepare our divisions."

"So, they took the bait," Excellus cackled, "Good, good. I take it you've disseminated what will happen if anyone actually sides with the Ylisseans."

"...I have," Yen'fay responded silently from his side of the desk.

"Good. I hope you haven't had any traitorous thoughts thinking your sister is safe now."

"You know where my loyalties lie."

"Oh, I certainly do, and that's why you'll be staying south. You are not to engage, nor interact with the enemy without express orders. Is that clear, general?"

"Very."

"Now," The toad of a man smiled, "I must be on my way. I do want to savor their expressions once their friends turn on them. Oh, and Pheros' too. She's always so arrogant. It will be nice to pull her down a peg, don't you agree?"

With a laugh, the tactician disappeared and Yen'fay allowed himself to grit his teeth. Excellus had played them, he had to admit. This would be their true test. To see if their tactician could outwit a mind as sick as his.