"Alright," Robin addressed the Shepherds on the deck of the ship, "We only get one chance at this, so listen up. Grima is resting up at Origin Peak, so this is our chance to strike. Naga will get us onto its back if we get close enough, but the island is crawling with Grimleal.

"No visual on their leader, but expect these to be some of the best of the best. Do not assume anything other than each of these can and will kill you with extreme prejudice, so, we will give them back twofold.

"Grima is at the volcano at the center of the island. Unfortunately, our landing options are limited. We will get off at the southeast coast of the island and fight our way inland from there. We will split up into two teams. Chrom will lead the team to the west, and I will personally lead the team on the east. We meet up on the other side of the mountain where their commander will likely be waiting.

"Once that's dealt with, we," Robin paused to look somberly over his team. His family, "We fight Grima. We don't know what to expect, but expect fierce resistance. Greater than anything we've ever seen or faced. Grima will not go down without a fight, but with Chrom and his shiny upgraded Falchion, we should be able to crash through any defenses. Stay close and cover him. I don't want him focused on anything other than Grima.

"Once Grima is bested, you'll need a way off the dragon. To that end, we will set up warp waypoints at the base of the volcano that have enough power to send us all back. As joint tacticians for this operation that are both proficient in magic, Morgan and I will have the ability to access them. Worst come to worst, we will live to fight another day. However, we will need a small detachment to defend the waypoints."

Taking a deep breath, Robin continued, "Thank you all. For your support. For everything." Tiki looked at him with a stern gaze while everyone else smiled, "It's been an honor, Shepherds."

"He's right," Chrom stepped forward, "There's no finer group I'd rather face the end with. One way or another, this is the battle that will determine the fate of the world, and I have faith in each of you. Now, come, let's save our world!"

"And then mom was like, 'kerpow!'" Robin smiled as Moran moved her hands enthusiastically to show the power of the move. From what he had learned of her, their daughter was an energetic thing. Their daughter.

Robin forced himself to keep that smile, but…he knew he would likely never have one of his own or get to spend more time with this one. He had run the calculations. The odds of his survival were slim to none. That was why he had decided to selfishly enjoy what little time he had with them.

"She is embellishing," Lucina blushed at Robin's side.

"Hey, you were amazing!" Morgan had a gleam in her eyes as she looked at her reunited parents.

"I agree," Robin smiled, pulling her closer making Lucina blush deeper. It was a nice moment. Unfortunately, it was not to last.

"Land ho!"

This sobered up the small family. "Morgan, keep your grandpa safe, alright?"

"Yes, sir!" Morgan saluted before going to join Chrom's team.

"Robin," Lucina watched Morgan go, "Are you sure about putting her in father's team?"

"It's good to have a strategist in both teams in case something goes wrong. Don't worry though. Chrom won't let anything happen to her. I'm not sure there will be a safer place than with him."

"I suppose you're right," Lucina looked up at the shadow in the clouds, "This is really it."

"It will be over soon," Robin held her close while also looking up at the monster, "It will never bother you after today. I promise."

The battle was fierce, but they had been expecting that. The majority of the enemy's strength was focused on the western pass which made sense. Chrom was likely considered the greatest threat to their plans. The prince himself was refraining from using Falchion unless necessary though so as to avoid wearing himself out as he was still unfamiliar with its full power and its effects.

This actually resulted in Robin's eastern team progressing faster than his. It did not make much of a difference. Robin would only have to stick close to Chrom once they were on the dragon's back to make sure he did not get the final blow.

As the two passes joined up, they formed a clearing. That was where the leader of these forces likely was. Robin doubted Grima was leading them personally. Either due to regaining power or seeing it as lowly work. Regardless, Robin had no idea who they would be facing, but they were a competent commander.

Arriving in the clearing first, Robin was easily able to determine who the leader was judging from the different jacket and "the point" giving them away. Commanders did so love to point a lot. Even Robin found himself doing it.

However, the commander noticed him too, and almost immediately sent an unrelenting torrent of dark flames his way while signaling their troops to block off Robin's support. Fortunately, he was able to put up a defense in time, but there was no mistaking it, that attack was meant to kill. So he would respond in kind.

Before the unnatural flames had even settled, Robin rushed out to meet his foe with sword drawn. The commander had quick reflexes though. For each of Robin's slashes, the enemy dodged and weaved through them without a scratch. Once they disengaged from the tactician, Robin realized their hood had fallen allowing white locks to fall freely.

"Not bad, brother." The woman glared at him with utter malice.

"'Brother?'" Robin's mind was racing. She certainly looked similar. Quite similar actually, and with a quick estimation of her age… "Twins."

"Bravo," She mocked as eyed him like a predator playing with its prey, "Of course, I should expect no less of the darling child."

"'Darling child?'" Robin asked perhaps too desperately, "What are you talking about?"

"Hmph, father never cared much for me. I wasn't a suitable vessel. Powerful, but I was not a fit vessel. So to him, all I was, was a breeding sow in case something happened to you so they could keep trying. Meanwhile, when mother stole you away, I was left with a father who saw me as a mere tool to make another vessel."

"Our mother…so that's why…"

"You were not raised a Grimleal, yes. She took you away in the night, leaving me behind."

"I'm sorry," Robin lowered his stance, "I don't…remember her, but she must have had her reasons. Perhaps she could not get to you too."

"But you were the priority. You were the precious vessel," His sister flashed a very fake and very dangerous grin, "But it was not all bad. It gave me motivation." She clenched her fist allowing dark magic to seep from the enclosed fist, "Motivation to crush you."

"I don't want to fight you!" Robin stuck to evasion, "I'm sorry mother couldn't save you too, but it's not too late. You can have the chance you always should have had. The chance to be happy."

"Killing you will make me happy," She manically increased the ferocity of her attacks.

"Does Grima really have such a hold on you?" Robin furrowed his brow as he narrowly dodged a dark fireball. She was a good mage. Arguably better than him. If he wanted to end this, he would have to get in close. He did not see a sword on her. She was likely more of a dedicated mage in that case.

"I don't care about Grima, but surely you see that this world will soon be destroyed. What's left but to finally see who is the better twin?"

"This world won't end!" Robin started to push through her defenses, anticipating her attack patterns after studying her, "I won't let it!"

His sister was taken aback as Robin deftly weaved between her spells. This time, when she tried to dodge, she found herself tripped up by a well placed boot. That was all it took to cost her her footing, leaving her at his mercy.

He looked down the edge of his blade, but for a moment, just a moment, he wavered.

"I see your cushy life has made you weak," She spat even as she looked up the length of his tactician's blade.

"No," Robin looked at her with pity, "I simply do not want to kill a sister that I never knew who was forced into a life I can only imagine. I wish you had the chance I did. To love and be loved. To be a part of the world and to, hopefully, leave it a better place than I found it.

"So," Robin brought his sword down, but not on his sister. Rendering her tome worthless, he then sheathed his blade, "I'm giving you a chance. I'd like to get to know you, but I think you need time to clear your head and work past what they did to you."

"Time?" She laughed, "Look above you, dear brother. Time is not something this world has in abundance."

"I meant what I said," Robin replied sternly, "Leave Grima to me. That monster will not bother anyone again after today."

"And here I thought you were supposed to be a genius. Fine." She picked herself up and started to back away, "Throw yourself at father's god. I suppose it may be some consolation to watch it destroy you before it broils this world in flame."

"Grima is no god. Watch as we prove it. Oh, and one more thing, should you start to cause problems, my mercy has its limits."

"Hmph, should you survive, my grudge is not satisfied. I still hate you with every fiber of my being. So, in that sense, I hope you succeed. I would much rather watch the life drain from your eyes myself."

Robin narrowed his eyes, "We'll see. However, try anything nefarious, and someone will make you answer for your crimes."

"Hmph, I suppose I have little choice but to take your deal, poorly thought out as it may be. Though, I do hope you survive if just to kill you myself."

"...You should go now."

For all her bitterness and hatred, Robin's sister did as he suggested and left just as the rest of his squad broke through.

"Robin!" Lucina rushed over to him in concern, "Where's the commander?"

"Dealt with. We should check on-" Robin was cut off by the body of an unfortunate Grimleal being tossed aside as Chrom's team broke through their line at last, "Nevermind."

"Good to see you made it," Chrom greeted the two perhaps a bit nonchalantly, "Any casualties?"

"None. You?"

"The same," Chrom looked up at the dragon overhead as he clutched Falchion, "You ready?"

Robin nodded before scanning Chrom's team, "Tiki. I want you down here defending the waypoint."

Tiki raised her brow at him, but she knew exactly why he asked her in particular, "Very well."

"Good. I'll lend you some troops as well. I'm trusting you to keep this place secure."

"And so it shall remain. I look forward to your return," Her words were poignant, but Robin brushed them off. Instead he gripped Lucina's hand.

"You can stay here if you'd like."

"Thank you, but I cannot back down from this fight. It has been a long time coming. I must see it through to the end."

Robin smiled slightly despite everything, "Alright then. Can't say I expected anything less. Let's finish this."