"It's huge," Frederick stared, aghast at what lay before them, "For once, the legends did not exaggerate."

It was bigger than the journal, Robin noted. Was it…still growing? Did it have an upper limit? All the more reason this thing had to die. He had to kill it. Robin clenched his fists even tighter. If only he had not hesitated.

"If only we had the Fire Emblem," Chrom furrowed his brow, "Then we might stand a chance."

That was one bright spot at least, "I think I got that covered. Isn't that right, Basillio?"

"Hah!" The Khan stepped out from behind some ruins with a big grin and the east Khan by his side, "So much for a grand entrance, but, yeah, I got your fancy shield. Catch, Chrom."

"Basilio," Chrom absently caught the relic, "But how?"

"This old oaf didn't bother to tell me until just recently either," Flavia glared at her counterpart, "The nerve, leading us on like that."

"I didn't plan for it to play out like that. Just kinda…happened. I figured I'd use it to get one over on ol' Snake Face. Snuck in and was ready to make a grand entrance, but, guess it wasn't needed so I just nabbed the Fire Emblem when they weren't looking."

"I'll take it," Chrom nodded, "A little hope is better than none at all. Oh," Chrom turned to smile at his presumed dead friend and apparent son-in-law, "I look forward to hearing of what you've been up to."

Robin forced his attention away from the dragon. It was leaving. To the northwest. Why, Robin was not sure, but they would meet again. Soon.

"Yes, well, perhaps on the road. We should make for Mount Prism, yes?"

"He's correct," Tiki nodded, "To perform the Awakening, we should head there."

"Then let's not waste time. We-ooph."

"Father! You are alive!"

The grand tactician was well and truly stumped as he blinked at the girl before him. He had deduced that Lucina and her cohorts might have been from another world, but…

"Father?"

"Perhaps we should finish this once we've put some distance between us and this place," Chrom suggested knowing that this would be a long conversation. How he wished Sumia was here. She was better with this family drama stuff.

"I…see," Robin was still a bit stunned after hearing the full story. His suspicions, as outlandish as they were, had been seemingly confirmed and then some. Still, Morgan had both brands which meant not even exalted blood could end the threat his line posed.

"Mom really missed you," Morgan added in seeking to ease the obvious tensions, "You're not mad at her, are you?"

Robin looked at Lucina who had been mostly quiet during the story, instead providing quiet support for Morgan while gauging his response, "No. Of course not. Especially not knowing all this. I can't imagine what you lived through to get here."

"It still was no excuse for what I did to you," Lucina held a firm expression despite her pain, "Could you ever forgive me?"

Why was she making this so hard?

"Of course. Though, will you need to return when this is all over?"

Lucina looked down, "It was never certain if we even could return. I do not wish to be a burden to father and mother, but…I would stay here with you, if you'd allow."

"I…have no objections to that, but…you should know…what I am. The curse of this bloodline."

"I don't care about your bloodline, Robin," Lucina shook her head, "Morgan is proof enough it doesn't matter." But she was proof it did! "All I want is to stop Grima and make up for lost time."

"I…if that's what you wish, then perhaps we can start."

"It is," Lucina pulled him into a hug. One which Robin awkwardly returned.

"Group hug!" Morgan piled on and Robin was left staring into space. This got a lot harder.

Miriel and Ricken were not exactly thrilled to be in Robin's makeshift office again. Sure, it was nice to see him, but last time they had been called in like this, it had been to unknowingly help him nearly kill himself.

Henry had no such reservations.

"At ease," Robin told the two mages as Henry was nearly always at ease, "This is not about how to better get myself killed. Miriel, do you know anything about pest control?"

The mage adjusted her glasses as she considered the question, "Pests as in insects?"

"Yes." Robin nodded with folded arms.

"I know they are a nuisance for farmers. The main issue seems to be killing them without harming the crops. It does not seem that any significant progress has been made there."

"And what if you didn't need to worry about crops?"

"I…suppose it would be a great deal easier in that case. Why the sudden interest in insecticide, if you don't mind my asking?"

"This," Robin tossed a few papers onto his portable desk, "I've managed to find documentation about the origins of the Risen. That includes what they are. As it turns out, they are dark magic infused insects which take control of cadavers. In theory, kill the bugs, remove the threat."

"Astounding," Miriel went over the notes Robin had made from the journal including his own theories, "How did you acquire this? Our attempts to study the Risen have all proven inconclusive at best."

"Yeah, they either disappear in a puff of smoke, or when they don't, there's definitely no bugs," Henry huffed, "Makes it really hard to relish in the carnage I'll have you know."

"Bit of a story, but I found a journal detailing the notes of the man who first created the Risen. So, I need all three of your expertises for this project. Miriel, I need you to head up the scientific part. In other words, find me a way to genocide some bugs."

"I shall see what I can do."

"Ricken," The young mage stood at attention, "I need you to work on the anima side of things. You specialize in wind magic. See if you can find a way to disperse whatever Miriel comes up with."

"Yes, sir!"

"Henry, these things are infused with dark magic, so your job is to find a way to make this bug killer work on them. Make sure it can still kill them. This seems right up your alley."

"What kind of monster do you take me for, killing a bunch of buggies, still, orders are orders I guess. Just who would have thought we'd be up against such an insectfull foe!"

"Er…right. Well, for this reason, you won't be going with us to Mount Prism. I want you to go straight to Yllisstol. You have all of our research resources at your disposal for this project. We don't have much time here, so use whatever you think you need."

"Understood."

"Yes, sir!"

"Okidoki!"

"Good," Robin nodded his head, "Then let's see if we can't cripple Grima's army."

As they filed out another person filed in. Robin had heard her approach. To be fair, he had asked her to come.

"You found notes from the creator of the Risen?" The manakete asked curiously, "Even I did not know the fell beast's origins."

"More like I found the notes of someone who found the notes. From a woman called Celica."

"Ah, the queen of Valentia. I was relatively young then, but I remember the queen mentioning how the king of Valentia seemed paranoid and refused all diplomatic gestures. The Hero King did not mention it, but his wife did seem to think it bothered him."

"Well, I have an idea as to why," Robin noted, "But I didn't ask you here to reminisce. I wanted to run a plan by you, and you're the closest thing to an expert I have."

"I'll help however I can."

"Good. Cause I think I can kill it."

They made incredible time making it to Mount Prism. The world, after all, was quite literally on the line. The whole time Robin had somewhat dodged Lucina without making it too obvious. It was hard, it was so hard, but it would just hurt her more given what he had to do.

"Wait," Robin stopped in the midst of the mountain trail leading up to the peak and the temple that stood there for a moment. He could feel Grima's influence, and it was getting closer, "We have company. Grima must be rallying."

"Even here," Chrom scowled, "How many? We can't afford many delays."

"No, we can't, that's why you aren't staying," Robin stood his ground. Chrom, after all, was the failsafe, "Take Cynthia, Frederick, Lucina, Morgan, and Tiki, and book it up to that peak. We'll buy you all the time you need."

"Robin, I won't-"

"We don't have time!" Robin shouted, surprising everyone, "The longer we wait, the stronger Grima becomes. You'll just have to trust us."

Chrom scowled at his friend, but eventually relented, "Fine."

"I'm staying with you," Lucina said firmly. It was not a request. Robin only barely reacted by slightly tightening his fists. Why?

"This is what you've been fighting for. Protecting your father so that he can save the world. Don't you want to be there?"

"I have found a new reason to fight," Lucina spoke with such determination that Robin could not refute her.

"Alright, you and Morgan are with me. Stahl, I want you to lead the cavalry on the northern route where the trees are lighter and you can better use your mobility. Cordelia, take Cherche and Gerome and help out both groups as needed. Priam, you and the khans take the south. Take Lissa, Lon'qu, and Owain with you. Everyone else, with me."

It was like he never left. Morgan was amazed at how confidently he gave orders. Even Lucina was impressed seeing that he seemed even more sure of himself than before, but not in a conceited way. He was determined, and a determined Robin was hard to stop.

Grima, however, was not playing around. The amount of Risen sent to assault the mountain were of a quantity hitherto unseen in that world. It still paled to what Lucina and the others were used to, but it was a clear sign that the Fell Dragon was active. A message they all got loud and clear.

At least Grima had not made a personal appearance, but that did not stop the hordes as they descended upon the defenders. Not that the Shepherds were going to let a single one of them through.

However, their numbers and strength was starting to wear them down. It got to the point that Robin had to weigh the possibility of falling back to regroup, however, that proved unnecessary.

A shadow was cast overhead, and as Robin looked up to confirm if it was friend or foe, someone leapt off the pegasus while it was still in mid-flight. Said person came crashing down, sword first, in a blaze of blue flame. The erupting flames took out a large swath of Risen in one fell swoop.

Rising to his feet as if that was nothing, Chrom surveyed the rest of the battlefield. His Falchion was notably different. Sheathed in blue flames with a red hot edge and a blue glow in the hilt, it emanated immense power. Chrom himself had an aura not dissimilar to when Robin channeled power himself, save that his was blue.

"Shepherds!" Chrom shouted, "Follow me! Don't leave a single Risen left standing!"

The Shepherds did just as their prince commanded, not that there were many Risen left for the rest of them. Chrom was like an entirely new man. He already teetered on the line of superhuman, but the speed and power with which he fought after the Awakening was on a whole other level. Falchion cleaved with flames, extending his reach and power. Witnessing the sight, the Shepherds finally felt as if they really had a shot. Well, all but one.

For Robin, this was an obstacle to work around in order to get his shot, but it might prove useful yet.

"I take it the Awakening was a success," Robin masked his misgivings.

"Yes," Chrom sheathed Falchion allowing the flames to dissipate, "I now have what I need to face Grima. The monster has apparently gone to Origin Peak to recover its strength. That is where we will strike."

"It will take a few days to prepare the ships," Robin muttered, "We should stop over in Ylisstol to restock and rest up for the final battle."

"I agree. I think they've earned it and you can reacquaint yourself with everyone." He said everyone, but Robin knew he meant Lucina. And probably Morgan, but that would be acquainting rather than acquainting.

"Then let's move."

"That was some fighting back there," Chrom stopped as someone walked up behind him. How had he not heard him?

"Er, thanks. Priam, was it?"

"The same," He held out his hand and Chrom took it.

"Not sure I should take much credit for it, but I do owe you my thanks for helping Robin to get back to us."

"Bah, he did most of the work. I didn't even patch him up."

"Either way, you have my thanks, but I've been meaning to ask: that's an interesting sword you have there."

"Ah yes," He held up the ancient blade proudly, "Ragnell has seen many battles. This will surely be one of its finest."

"'Ragnell,'" Chrom rubbed his chin, "So it's true. Priam, your family wouldn't happen to hail from a land called Tellius, would it?"

"Hah, now there's a name I haven't heard in a while. Most do not know of the land of my origins. Tell me, where did you learn of it?"

"I read about it in the royal library. I admit I'm not that big of a reader, but there was a particular book detailing kingdoms from other lands. Plenty of names most people would not recognize such as the Lycian League, Nohr, and Hoshido. Tellius and its kingdoms were among them. It also mentioned a radiant hero that used a two handed golden blade."

"Aha, so you know of him as well. Yes, he is my ancestor."

"What could drive such a hero from his own land?" Chrom asked in amazement. He had to admit, he loved the stories in that strange book. Legends of the radiant hero, the young lion, and so forth. He did not know who collected those stories, just that they were likely not of this realm. Not something he quite believed to be true until Lucina revealed that she had done something similar.

"Just that, being a hero. Or called one at least. From what I heard, he was not that fond of all the attention that came with being a hero. So, when he was sure everyone could handle themselves, he left to lands where no one would recognize him. Met a nice lady down the road and eventually I came to be after several generations."

"I suppose I was expecting something more…bombastic," Chrom folded his arms, "But at least it seems he was content with his new life. EIther way, I'm glad to have you on board."

"And I'm glad to meet such capable fighters. We should spar sometime."

"Heh," Chrom smirked, "I look forward to it."

Arriving back at the castle, the Shepherds did their best to enjoy the down time before they faced off against Grima. However, not everyone was able to do so easily.

"You know, Severa," Owain walked out onto the training yard, "It's unlike you to train so hard. Especially when given time off."

"Excuse me for taking this seriously, unlike someone I know."

"Hey," Owain's expression darkened a bit, showing he was aware of the situation. This got Severa's full attention, "I was there too, remember? But worrying won't help anyone. If I can just lighten the mood a little, I think I've done some small part."

"Ugh. This is Grima we're talking about. We were never supposed to fight it! That wasn't the plan. Now…" Severa forced herself to breathe, "What if it kills them…what…if it kills you this time?"

"So that's what this is about?" The swordsman chuckled, "I'm not going anywhere."

"You'd better come back!" She surprised him by hugging him suddenly, and while the affection was not unwelcome, it was surprising.

"Heh," He returned the hug, "I wouldn't dare leave you behind."

"You'd better not be lying…"

"You have my word."

"Had enough eavesdropping for one night?"

"Perhaps, if just for the night," Cordelia turned on the railing to greet her husband.

"Bit unbecoming of the great Wing Commander, don't you think?"

"Never," She smirked, "Not when it comes to our daughter. I think…she might finally let herself be happy."

"Well, that's a relief," Stahl leaned on the rampart beside his wife, "I was worried she'd let her doubts weigh her down forever. Now if only she'd admit she was ours."

"Well," Cordelia joined him in leaning over the rail, "I suppose she isn't in a way. All I care about though is that she's happy. Okay, mostly care about. Besides, once Grima is dealt with, I think it's high time we get started on that nursery, don't you think?"

"Yeah," He replied wistfully, "Sounds great."

The city was peaceful. Lights flickered here and there as the city was blissfully unaware of the great evil which loomed over them. In a sense, Gerome envied that ignorance, but he was cursed with knowledge. Knowledge of Grima's might, and of their own helplessness. Knowledge that this was not his world, but it was apparently his Grima. They had brought this curse with them.

"Heya," Gerome wanted to groan, but he just could not bring himself to do so, "Should have known you'd be all the way up here. What are you doing, anyway?"

"Brooding," The knight sighed, "Something typically done alone, but now that you're here, what did you want?"

"I don't know…just to talk I guess."

"There are far better conversationalists in the army, Cynthia. You'd be better off with them."

"So…you don't want to talk?" The princess pouted, even though Gerome did not have to look in order to confirm as much.

"I never said that. Simply that I am not good at it."

"Well," Cynthia slid up next to the knight, "I'll just take your company instead. It's just…with us going to fight Grima…it all ends soon, one way or another."

Being comforting was not Gerome's forte, but he felt he needed to try. "We all saw Chrom in action. It seems he is ready to challenge Grima and win."

"I know that, but…it's all still so surreal," Cynthia paused, "But enough about that, what do you plan to do once this is all over?"

"I had planned to release Minerva into the wild."

"And what if she doesn't want to go?"

"Pardon?"

"I've watched her look out for you for a long time. I'm not sure she'd want to leave you."

"Hmm," Gerome looked down in thought, "I suppose it is possible I just assumed she would like it. Perhaps I should ask."

"Hey, and if she does want to stick around, maybe you two can be my sidekicks!"

"'Sidekicks?'"

Chrom let out a deep sigh as he looked out over his balcony. Looking out over his kingdom like this made him feel so small sometimes, but it also reminded him of part of what he was fighting for.

"Couldn't sleep?" He felt his wife press up behind him. Gently, for the baby's sake.

"Just can't stop thinking about the battle to come. Falchion's power is amazing now, but I can't help but wonder if it will be enough. Even if it is, will it be enough next time?"

"That's so like you. I know you'll be able to win though. I just wish I could go with you."

"I'm sure you would," Chrom turned to feel their baby kick, "But, don't take this the wrong way, I hope you never have to fight again. I hope our babies know peace."

Sumia smiled, "I could say the same for you." The queen, however, noticed that Chrom was not smiling.

"What's wrong?"

"I…Naga's power cannot kill Grima. The best we can do is put it to sleep. I keep wondering…what if next time no one can stop it?"

"Well, then let's work to make sure there isn't a next time? We'll have the time after all."

"True. Maybe we can find a way."

"See? Now, come to bed. You should be well rested."

Chrom finally cracked a smile, "Alright, alright."

Not everyone was settling down, however, as the research group that Robin had tasked with finding a way to eliminate the Risen were still hard at work. Miriel was among them as she researched the scientific side of the equation.

"Hmm, this compound kills insects, but nearly everything else as well," She scribbled a few notes.

"Perhaps we should dilute it then," A newcomer suggested. It was Laurent. She had suspicions as to his origin, and they had discussed a few topics together, but they had never outright broached the topic of his parentage.

"Perhaps. An insect's smaller form might mean less is still fatal. I am still concerned about negative side effects though."

"Indeed," Laurent adjusted his glasses, "We may not have much time, but this calls for rigorous testing. May I assist? This…is a matter I would most like to help with."

The mage looked at the young man for only a moment, "Very well. I could use a capable research…partner."

"Excellent. Let us continue post haste. We do not have much time after all."

"What's a lovely lady like you doing here all alone?"

"Eep!" Noire jumped and turned on her heels, hand already grabbing an arrow before realizing who it was, "Inigo! Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry," The philanderer put his hands up defensively, "I didn't mean anything by it. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

"I'm…fine," Noire replied quietly, "You don't have to check up on me. I know you only do it cause I'm a girl."

"Perish the thought!" He looked genuinely offended for a change, "I know I have a certain…reputation, but I do care about you."

"Even though I'm…Plegian? I know I wasn't very popular back in our world. Not that I can blame them."

"Hey, you are not defined by your parentage," He offered a comforting hand, "Just look at me. My dad was an utter psychopath."

This earned a slight giggle, "But I can tell he cares underneath all that…"

"Crazy?" Inigo chucked along with her, "Yes, he did. Besides, my dad was Plegian. It's fine, you know. In fact, my mom was Feroxi so not a drop of Ylissean blood in me. What matters is that you joined us. No matter where you came from."

"I suppose. Maybe you're not so bad, Inigo. Despite what all the girls say about you."

"See? I, wait, what do they say about me?" The blonde simply giggled which just distressed the swordsman even more, "Noire!"

"Still inspecting gear at this hour," Cherche clicked her tongue in faux disapproval, "Even the great Sir Frederick must sleep eventually."

"I fear my own health is secondary to that of the Shepherds." Frederick did set the blade and whetstone down at least.

"Hmm, and what about my wellbeing?" Cherche idly inspected the blade. Impeccable care, of course.

"I…it is all the more reason to double my efforts."

"Then imagine what it would do to me should you get impaled because you were too tired to focus," The wyvern knight scowled, "I daresay I'd be inconsolable."

"I…Lady Cherche-" Frederick was stopped by a finger on his lips.

"Not now. We'll discuss it after that monster is laid low. It gives you an incentive to stay alive."

The stalwart knight stood at attention, "Yes, milady."

"Good," She smiled, "Now rest up."

"If you insist."

"I do, now shoo," Cherche grinned, "See you at breakfast."

"Of course," Frederick bowed like a true gentleman and left Cherche to sigh. What was she going to do with him?

"Are you still up?" Lissa rubbed her eyes as she looked to the window where her husband stood stoically.

"Apologies. I was…thinking."

"What about?" Lissa propped herself up on her elbows.

"You…agreed to come to Ferox after this is over, but…I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do. To uproot you like that."

"Well, it is kind of what younger princesses do," She replied light heartedly, but it clearly did not put her husband at ease. "Hey now, I don't care where we go so long as we're together. Besides, it's not like we'll never visit, and Chrom will definitely be around enough. I don't mind, really."

"Hmph, perhaps not, but I do." He finally turned to face her, "Perhaps I should rethink this."

"No, you'd better not!" Lissa demonstrated how serious she was by getting out of bed with her hands on her hips, "Look, you have all this ambition to become a khan and all that. I…don't really have that. All I've really wanted was to be a good royal like my siblings, but I don't have to be here to do that. I'd hate to have you give that up to make me a little more comfortable."

"Lissa…if that is how you feel, then very well." Lon'qu put a hand to her cheek, "I won't bring it up again. Let's get some sleep."

"Hmph," Lissa nodded smugly at having accomplished her mission.

Robin had trouble sleeping. It was due in part to Chrom, or perhaps more accurately, Sumia insisting he and Lucina finally move into the same suite. It was a nice place, and he was grateful for it, but he was still awkward around his wife.

He did not hold a grudge against her, no, quite the opposite. However, he was afraid. Afraid of what was to come.

"Could Grima's own power kill it?" Robin propositioned with a serious expression. Tiki, for her part, replied cautiously.

"Most likely, but it would never do that."

"Robin?" Lucina carefully approached her husband as he stood motionless over his desk, "I…you've been avoiding me. I know I've no right to complain, but…if you do not wish to share a room, I can find somewhere else to lodge for the night."

Robin flinched, knowing it was true while also the last thing he wanted, "No, sorry," He forced himself to face her, "I…have a lot on my mind."

"I think I have a way around that." Sighing, Robin removed his right glove and showed Tiki his darkest secret. The manakete for her part, only looked at it for a moment before looking him in the eyes, "I believe I am descended from its creator, and, more than that, I can use the same dark power it can. Likely due to it and I sharing his blood."

"I had sensed you were not so dissimilar to me. Though, it seems instead of dragon blood, the dragon has human blood. Fascinating. Still, I cannot recommend this. The danger it would pose is immense. The strain of using a dragon's power directly and the blowback of killing something as powerful as Grima would mean you would almost certainly perish as well."

"It is a stressful time," Lucina kept a respectful distance, "So much so we have barely spoken. Robin…I am truly sorry for what I put you through."

"I know."

"I know."

"I just…didn't know what to do when I regained my memories, but I know now," Lucina's eyes were full of determination. She was being completely honest with him, "I want to spend the rest of my life by your side."

"You know?"

Robin sighed, "Yes, for the reasons you mentioned and I believe…whether because of something the Grimleal did or because we share blood, we have a strange bond. I've little doubt it could negatively affect me should something like that occur."

"Yet you still plan to go through with it?"

"I do. What other choice is there?"

"I would like nothing more than that," Robin admitted selfishly, "I'm sorry…I'm just…so sorry. Could we…try again?"

Lucina smiled, "I'd like that."

Robin smiled as well.

"And what of Lucina? Of Morgan?"

"I…I don't want to leave them, but it needs to be done."

"I see. Well, I won't stop you, but please, consider other options."

"I already have," Robin smiled woefully, "I can see no other way."

"I promise you," Robin whispered as they embraced, "I will cherish every moment with you. I will love you for all my days. I will stay by your side."

The throne room was empty as was to be expected so late at night. There would be little reason to enter at such a dark hour, yet one person had decided to venture into it. Perhaps it was curiosity, but she wanted to see it.

The plush red carpet leading up to the throne guided her on her quest. With each step, she climbed higher upon nearing the seat of power. Undeterred by the majesty of the position, she finally arrived and ran a hand across one of the arms of the throne. Then, after a moment, she gingerly took a seat. It was an odd feeling, and she might get in trouble if someone caught her, but it felt oddly right.

Looking out over the empty room, Morgan frowned.

A/N: So, multiverses. For the most part, I prefer the worlds to be quite different and limited in number.