Chapter 20 - Escape from the Depths

"My, my. I am impressed. I did not expect you to detect our presence this quickly. But if you thought you could slip away so easily, I am afraid you were mistaken." The voice seemed to echo all around them, as if it's source came not from one person but legions. Nor did the sound die as it should, instead lingering in the air to reverberate with each word uttered by a seemingly inhuman tongue.

Robin whirled around, lightning crackling from his fingertips. He snapped his eyes shut, holding them closed for a instant, blocking off all of his senses as he searched with his mind. A shrill, discordant note filled his mind, flicking in and out of reality. A harsh black fire among the soothing hum of magic.

The bolt struck out from his fingertips, sending up a cloud of dirt where it smashed into the ground just beyond the spot they'd laid hidden moments before. Among the falling debris shapes began to materialize, pockets of air the dust flowed around as it fell, but never touched or stained.

"Clever as well. You knew our magic would keep us hidden regardless of what our forms come in contact with, so you used that to your advantage," the same voice as before repeated.

Among the dusk cloud the nearest figure stepped forward, it's form flickering as it became the flame wreathed shadow of a Invisible Soldier. Robin stared intently, managing to catch a glimpse of gold and black robes, but nothing else. Dammit, the illusion magic must be more powerful in this world.

The woman, for indeed, her voice and what little he could glimpse of her told him that much was true, continued speaking. "Yet clever as you are, you still managed to lead yourself and your friends right into this trap. Lord Anankos knew it was inevitable that you would undertake such a desperate and foolish course as this…" Even though shadows hid her face, the smile on her lips was evident at these words.

"Did he now? Besides, what may seem desperate to some could to others be seen as a calculated risk," Robin countered.

"Then you would be more foolish than we believed, tactician," she said mockingly, her unseen smile undiminished. "Still, we did not expect you to come so soon. Or to receive aid in the manner you did. Curious that you keep that part hidden from the others. Don't you think the broken princling would like the know?" She tilted her head, her glowing eyes falling on Corrin.

"What is he talking about?" Corrin ask, looking at Robin with sudden suspicion.

"Later," Robin hissed under his breath. "I promise, later."

"Robin!" It was Inigo's voice, coming from just behind him.

"What?"

"The voice, I recognize it. We fought this same person the last time we were here. The three of us managed to fight her off, maybe if we-" Inigo started to explain.

"If you do what, I ask?" the woman interrupted. Dammit, she must have heard the whole thing. She laughed, tilting her head to look at the three retainers. "Do you not remember how last time you had the dragon's weaker half aiding you? The power he granted you in that battle has long since faded, and without it you hold little hope repeating your previous success. Besides…"

The space behind her flickered, scores of invisible soldiers materializing in a semi circle around them. "This time there is nothing save you. Lord Anankos will be pleased. Very pleased indeed."

"Robin?" Lucina asked. "What do we do? Do we attempt to fight our way out? Or retreat?"

He paused, considering this for a moment. "As soon as we get a chance, start backing up. Towards the edge," Robin whispered. He honestly didn't care the enemy heard him or not. It didn't really didn't much matter if they did.

"I can imagine he would be. Seems like you hit the jackpot here. Got the only people aware of him pretty well trapped," Robin said, speaking up, trying to keep the woman's attention on his voice. As he spoke, he began to back slowly away, grabbing both Lucina and Corrin by the arms to tug them along with him. Just a few more feet. Need to get just a bit closer. Need to keep her talking.

"Flattery? Is this some foolish attempt to bargain for your life?"

"Nope. I just talk a lot when I'm scared. Don't mind me," Robin answered, taking another couple steps.

The Invisible Soldiers began to close in, their lines flowing forwards like an incoming tide to cut off any escape. The backwards retreat the six had taken brought them closer and closer to the island's edge, a great yawning abyss stretching out beyond.

"In the end, your deaths will mean little. One more pointless act of defiance. Just like her's..."

There was a sharp intake of breath. Corrin stopped moving.

"You... " In a flash Yato cleared its sheath, the golden blade burning with sanguine light. "Don't you dare speak of her!" Corrin spat, eyes narrowing as rage took hold of his face.

"Touched a nerve I see? Come then, try to stop me. Of every death, it is yours that Lord Anankos desires the most."

"Then tell you master to stop hiding and face me now and end this once and for all!" Corrin shouted, taking a step forward.

Laughter filled the air. "Naive child. Do you really think you pose any threat to the great Anankos with that?" She motioned to Yato. "Only the final seal has any hope of facing it. But your flame it but a shadow. A pale light without the day."

Corrin falted a step, her words seeming to hit him like a physical force. "I-"

Robin gripped Corrin by the arm a second time, pulling him a step back. "Corrin I need you to focus. Concentrate for a moment. You'll see what I mean. You'll know what to do." He whispered the words straight into his ear, as quietly a he could. He could only hope Corrin had heard what he said. And he could only hope the woman hadn't.

"Enough of this. After your bodies lay dead before me, you will see the folly of your ways. In the end, everyone does. Just as I did." In a sudden flash of motion the invisible soldiers charged. The woman raised her hands, a roaring torrent of fire leaping from her palm, surging towards them like a wall of blistering heat.

"Now!" Robin bellowed. A blast of wind sliced through the air, splitting the fire to either side. Dazzling embers rained down around them, the light dancing in their vision.

A sudden thrum of power reverberated through the ground, spreading outward.

Crack!

The sound was like that of thunder, so loud Robin's ears rang. In a single instant a crack had split the earth, spreading out underneath the feet of the invisible soldiers. The island trembled, a deep groaning sound as the land they stood on broke away from the larger island. Smaller chunks of land spun off in every direction, sending many of the Invisible Soldiers who'd been standing on them plummeting into the abyss or sailing away from the battle on more stable platforms.

"A Dragon Vein? How did you…?" The woman's voice reached out from across the growing gap between them. This time there was no smile in her words.

"Just because I can't manipulate them myself, doesn't mean I can't understand or even detect them myself," Robin answered. "I did a bit of research into them, where I found a useful spell that can search out nearby Dragon Veins. Quite useful, if I do so say."

"A spell. But that would mean…"

"I planned this from the beginning? What, did you think I came here not knowing you lot would try something like this? I chose the spot I did not because I thought I could hide from you, but because it provided the perfect means of escape," Robin answered.

"You…" Rage burned in the woman's voice.

"Don't feel bad. The better tactician won, simple as that. And with that, I must bid you farewell," Grinning, Robin swept out an arm, bowing theatrically in her direction.

"After them!" the woman screamed. Another roaring torrent of flame leapt towards them, lighting up the void in a sea of crimson light.

"Excalibur!" A vortex of wind scatter the incoming inferno. Stepping forward, Owain aimed his outstretched hand at the woman, rings of magical light spinning around him as he drew in more magical power. "Even lacking the dragon's might, you would do well not to underestimate Odin Dark!"

There was a faint popping sound, akin to the sizzle of burning oil an instant before a bolt of darkness wreathed in scarlet light lanced from Owain's palm. In the instant before the spell hit the leader of the Invisible Soldiers threw up a hand, a sphere of violet light surrounding her. There was a flash of light, the shield crackling and flickering as it dispersed Owain's attack, if only just barely.

"Thoron!"

The bolt of lighting smashed into the shield a split second later. The barrier shattered, the whole edge of the island vanishing in a single burst of light. From the cloud of smoke debris rained down into the void, among them several invisible soldiers who'd stood right at the edge. Of the woman however, Robin could see nothing between the smoke and the distance now between them.

"Never seen that spell before," Robin noted, glacing to Owain.

"Invented it myself," Owain answered proudly, pressing his hands against his hips and laughing heartily.

Robin arched an eyebrow. Huh, never would have expected him to be the type to… strike that, he is one hundred percent the type to invent his own spell. What's surprising is that it actually seemed effective.

Before he had a chance to reply, something buzzed past Robin's cheek. It took an instant before he registered the stinging pain, his fingers coming away red from shallow line that had been cut into his skin.

"Dammit, archers!" Robin shouted, tackling Owain to the ground just as a hail of arrows whistled through the space they'd stood moments before. Twisting around on the ground, Robin glimpsed the others as they reacted just in time. Severa and Inigo ducked low, covering themselves with their shields. Lucina leapt back, Falchion moving in a blur as she deflected two of the incoming bolts as the rest passed harmlessing around her. Corrin covered himself with arms, arrows bouncing harmlessly off skin that had suddenly become wrapped in dragonscales.

Scrambling to his feet, Robin scattered the next volley with a wall of wind he threw up between them and the phantom archers who'd taken up position at the island's edge. Owain staggered upright a moment later, summoning forth another Excalibur the instant Robin's spell dissipated to block the next hail of fire.

"Robin, we aren't moving quickly enough. We won't get out of bow range before the two of you begin to tire!" Lucina warned.

"To the opposite end of the platform, I have an idea. Owain, I need you to cover me!"

Rushing to the opposite side of the floating chunk of earth they now stood, Robin peering into the void beyond. "There! About twenty feet down and ten yards is another landmass."

"What now?" Inigo asked.

"We jump," Robin told him simply.

Everyone turned and stared incredulously at him. "You're telling us to do what!?" Severa asked, disbelief filling her voice. "Are you crazy?!"

"Probably," Robin admitted, turning to Corrin. "If you partially transform so you have wings while remaining mostly human, can you support someone else's weight and still fly?"

"Slowly and not for very long?" Corrin asked, frowning as he gazed at the gap between them at the closest island. "I doubt I could ferry everyone over."

Robin nodded. "In that case, do you think you could toss someone, say to a platform ten feet away? While flying?"

Corrin considered this a moment. "I think so, why?"

"Because you are going to fly into the space between us and that island. We are going to jump one by one and you are going to catch and toss us the rest of the way."

"I… are you sure?" Corrin asked, visibly nervous at this prospect.

"Yes or no? Not enough time to think about this," Robin urged.

"Uh, yes, of course!"

"Then go!"

Corrin nodded sharply. He dove over the edge, wings unfurling as he glided over to the distance Robin indicated.

"Lucina, you first!" Robin instructed, turning to his wife.

"Wait, why her? Why does she get special treatment?" Severa snapped.

"Really? And you want to be the first one to try it?" Inigo interjected, rolling his eyes. "I'm perfectly content with not being the guinea pig, thank you."

"I… Yeah, okay," the red haired merceny relented, her desire to argue dying just as quickly has it ignited.

"Wasting time here," Robin urged.

Stepping several feet back, Lucina returned Falchion to its sheath. Then, taking a deep breath, she sprinted forward, kicking off the platform at the last possible instant. In a single bound she managed to cross most of the distance, her judgment and aim true as she fell right within arm's reach of Corrin. The price's hand closed around her wrist, swinging his arm in a wide arc as he caught her to transfer as much of her downward momentum back up into his throw. She closed the remaining distance with inches to spare, landing in a forward roll to disperse her remaining inertia as she came to a safe landing.

"Severa. Inigo. Whoever's going next, go now!" Robin instructed.

The two did as they were told, both safely making it to the other side just as Lucina had.

"Owain, you're next! I'll cover you!" Robin shouted. Whirling around, Robin launched a vortex of wind as Owain sprinted past, he too making it to safety. Firing off two more quick gusts for good measure, Robin faced the space between him and the island. Sucking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes, and jumped.

As it turned out, if something looked like it would be frightening when watching from the outside, then it usually ends up being absolutely terrifying when one does it themselves The lurch as he began to fall was the worst part, followed by the yanking heave as Corrin caught him in a grip that felt like he could slip from at any instant. But yet he made it to the end in one piece. Though his landing could have used some work, as his roll was less acrobatics and more a skidding tumbling wreck that came to a grinding halt in the dirt. Plus he could have sworn he'd had a momentary heart attack during that jump. Or two. Or Three.

Turns out jumping off a cliff once already today didn't lessen his fear of heights one bit.

"Are you alright Robin?" Lucina asked, rushing to his side and offering a hand to pull him upright.

"Yeah, fine," Robin answered, coughing. Think I may have inhaled some dirt there.

Dusting off his coat, he turned to the others. "Right, now we need to move quickly! To the exit, before more of them can cut us off!"

Nodding, the group started off in a full sprint, Robin offering the now stranded Invisible Soldiers one last glance and parting salute before following after the others. Childish? Sure. But if that woman, and by extension her master, was watching, the gesture was sure to sting a bit.

And to think I sometimes wonder where Morgan gets it from.

. . . . .

"It looks… it looks like we've made it back in one piece," Corrin wheezed. The prince clutched as his side, doubled over as he fought to catch his breath.

"Yes… seems so…" Robin agreed. He took couple swaying steps over to a patch of grass, plopping down onto it. His whole body ached with every movement, his clothes drenched in sweat. He breathed heavily, his heart still racing even as he now had a chance to rest.

Thank the gods for Frederick's morning workout routine. Years of daily tortue at his hands are finally paying dividends. Still, I must be getting out of shape. I barely managed to keep up…

After giving their enemy the slip, the group has made a beeline for the exit at a full sprint, eager to leave before their pursuers had a chance to close the gap once more. The plan had worked perfectly, but had left all of them pretty winded.

"Do you… do you think they'll follow?" Severa asked, raising her head between gasps for air.

Corrin answered before Robin had a chance to, shaking his dead. "I don't think so. When Azura and I first went there, a whole force of Invisible Soldiers were right behind us and yet they didn't follow. Neither did they follow us after I first met you two," he hooked a thumb Robin and Lucina's way.

"Still… we should move as soon as we catch our breath. Even if it's just to play things on the safe side," Robin.

Corrin nodded, pressing his hands against his knees as he continued to breath deeply. After another moment he straightened, his gaze fixing on Robin. "So, Robin…." his face grew serious, his attention fixed fully on the tactician now.

Crap. Was he about to ask about Azura? That woman had called Robin out on his lie. What was he supposed to do now? Tell the truth would be best, but still…

"... what now? What's our next move?" Corrin finished. His expression remained no less serious, but in that moment it had seemed to take on a less dire air.

Robin exhaled a pent up breath. He… he wasn't asking about that? Had he forgotten during the mad rush towards the exit?

"I… well, all things considered our plan doesn't really change much. Our mission is to find a way back now that the Bottomless Canyon will soon be sealed to us. And to convince your siblings to follow us once we have a way found," Robin answered. "Lucina's idea of going to Hoshido seems like our best bet, unless there are others places where records of… you know… can be found." He made sure to choose his words carefully as he spoke. He had to make sure it was clear what he was talking about without saying it directly.

"Actually, I'd been thinking about that," Inigo said, speaking up. All eyes fell on him. "There is at least one place between here and Hoshido that might have what we need. Remember our trip to Izumo?" He looked to Corrin, Owain, and Severa.

Their eyes brightened at this, seemingly catching on to what he was suggestion.

"Oh, right. Wasn't their duke or whatever some kind of fortuneteller? Isana or something?" Severa said, frowning.

"Izana," Corrin corrected, nodding. "And yes, from what we were told, he possesses some power over prophecy. Are you thinking he could have the knowledge we seek?" Corrin asked.

Inigo shrugged. "Even if he doesn't, it's still worth a try. Not to mention that with his powers he might be able to answer our other questions. Like another means of getting there now that the skies have changed."

Robin nodded. "If it's on our way, there's no sense not following up on that possibility. I might be able to even use that as an excuse for why we need to travel to Hoshido," he said, rubbing his chin as he pondered this avenue of thought.

"Robin, something else occurs to me now, " Lucina interjected, stepping forward. "Even if we find a means to enter, how do we defeat our enemy? If all that has been said is true, this foe may be a powerful as Grima. And in this world, again a foe not from it's world, I doubt Falchion would prove sufficient on its own."

"Yeah, I've been considering that. From what our enemy's other half told you three," he gestured at Owain, Inigo, and Severa, "Corrin is somehow key to his defeat. But even knowing that, we still need to discover how. That is the third matter we will need to seek answers for," Robin answered.

Corrin averted his gaze, his eyes falling on the floor. Not that I can blame him, Robin thought. To have that weight on your shoulders… I know how that can feel.

"Wait… wait… there is one other place that may help. On the great peaks of Notre Sagesse, sits the Sevenfold Sanctuary. The Rainbow Sage once dwelled in that ancient temple, and though he now lies dead, his ancient wisdom may yet not have perished with him," Owain, shouted, leaping suddenly to his feet.

Everyone blinked at him. "Owain... please, can you repeat that. You know, normally this time? Save the melodrama?" Severa asked. "I ask this as your day has already been too much of headache for me to translate for you."

"Oh, um, well… so remember how the Rainbow Sage was supposedly around for centuries?" Owain asked, glancing between those gathered there. "Well, if he is, he's bound to have been aware of… that other world. And if he was, then perhaps…"

"He may have had some sort of tome or scroll pertaining to it," Inigo finished for him. "What's more, Notre Sagesse isn't that much of a detour, especially if we travel to Izumo by sea," he noted, turning his full gaze on Owain. "I'm impressed, Owain. I forget that on rare occasions, your inane ramblings can be rather insightful."

"Thank you, I- Hey, wait just one moment!" Owain snapped indignantly, grasping the insult a second after the rest of them. "I'll have you know…" the two started bickering in ernest, though no true malice could be found in either's voice.

Heh, some things never change, Robin mused, recalling the many occasions where the two had butted heads. Still, seems like we have a couple stops to make along our way. With luck, at least one of them will possess the answers we need. Perhaps things are far more hopeful than I thought.

"Yato…" Corrin said, speaking up suddenly. He lifted his head, his eyes lighting up as if he'd just worked out some puzzle that had been stumping him.

"Huh? What about it?" Robina asked, turning to look at him.

"That woman, she called it a 'seal'. She said it's flame was just a shadow." Corrin did not raise his head, his eyes staring at the sword intently. "It's similar to something I was told before on two separate occasions. The Rainbow Sage was the first one to call it that. He said that to save the world, I must unlock the 'Seal of Flames'. That Yato was the key." He turned to look at them. "I thought I'd succeeded, that the power that Yato now possesses was the Seal of Flames. But I think I was wrong. This is but a shadow."

Robin turned to look at Lucina, the two of them exchanging a quick glance. "The Seal of Flames… you don't mean…" Lucina whispered.

"But wait, that... How would…" He heard Severa muttered, followed by an excited intake of breath from Owain.

"Could it…" Inigo murmured,

"You've heard of it before?" Corrin asked, eyes flicking between each of them in turn.

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Robin answered, nodding his head. "Though not the same Seal you speak of," he turned to face the group as a whole, addressing them all as he spoke. "In every world, for all their many differences, there is always one a constant. In every story, when the world teaters on the edge of destruction, a hero seeks the Seal of Flames. In each world this seal takes a different form. In some it is a weapon, in others a medallion or even a stone. In our world it is known by many names. The Shield of Seals. The Pedestal of Fire. The Crest of Flame."

"In our world, we ourselves sought it to defeat the Fell Dragon Grima. For only with it along would the divine blade Falchion possessed the power to stop him," Lucina explained, speaking up. She drew Falchion, holding it out to Yato. The light surrounding both blades flickered and flashed as they were brought close. "When we fought before, Falchion reacted much the same as you see now. I believe this must be because both weapons truly are tied to our own worlds' Seal of Flames. If this is proof enough, then I believe the course before us is plain to see."

Corrin's eyes seemed to light up at this. "So if we're to have any chance, we will need to find the Seal of Flames and some other way back into that world. If we do that, then maybe… maybe we really can do this."

Robin nodded. "Indeed. To save this world and all others, we need to find the Seal of Flames of this world…"

"We need to find the Fire Emblem."

Author's Note: *Channeling Cinima Sins* Roll credits!

Sorry, couldn't resist making that joke. But yeah, as promised that was the rest of what had originally been one single chapter but got split into two. I hope you guys enjoyed it, as I really had fun writing this one. Got to not only have a bit of the old Corrin break back through as he finds new resolve, as well as give Robin a chance to show off why he is widely considered to be the greatest tactician in all of Fire Emblem

Also, fun fact. At the end of this chapter I accidentally had Corrin say Valla and didn't even notice my mistake until my beta reader pointed it out. Just imagine what had happened if I'd left that in! Man, clearly if I was in Fates, I'd have been killed by the curse by now, managing to make it an entire chapter without screwing up only to fail at the very end. I laughed way too hard when it was pointed out.

Now, we go to responding to guest reviews!

Dracofighter: So the deadline is actually a plotpoint in Fates brought up in Awakening. Basically every couple decades, the skies above Nohr and Hoshido switch, and when this happens the way to Valla from the Bottomless Canyon opens or closes. Since it was said that was several months away at the point Revelations starts, I figured it must be very close at this point in my story. I headcanon that Revelations takes a bit longer than the other routes, as Corrin is going around collecting allies and thus with both nations fighting in the background neither is able to press and advantage, dragging out the war.

I must apologies as there will be no Character Spotlight or Robin's Writings this chapter, I didn't have the time to do that and I really wanted to get this chapter out. I hope you all understand.

Anyhow, what's all for now. As always, please, if you enjoyed this chapter, have any questions, or just want to tell me I suck, leave a review letting me know what you thought or even shoot me a PM instead. I absolutely love hearing your guys feedback, as it always makes my day when I see comments and it honestly helps keep me motivated to keep writing on the days I am stuck or otherwise not feeling it. Plus it's only by your constructive criticism that I can improve as a writer.