Chapter 49: Prelude to War

Sometime later, Sora and the others returned. They traveled across the bridge, through the large door, and into the main hallway, which was just as bright and ornate as everything else in the castle. Sora's stomach was irate with hunger. It had been a long day, he thought. He was already thinking of the feast being prepared for him and his friends (it was probably the only thing dancing through Yoshi's mind right now).

After everything that happened today, he needed to rest. He was done thinking. Sometimes life doesn't seem as strenuous when your mind is drifting through a vacuum of space. But he couldn't turn the switch off just yet. Chrom, Lissa, and a few guards approached them; the latter appeared distressed, while the former was restraining the anger and resentment from pouring out of his pupils like a bellowing waterfall.

Two of the guards noticed Sora, and stuck their spears straight at his throat. The boy held his arms up in fear. "Whoa! Hold on! I can explain! It wasn't me who tracked dirt on the carpet! I clean my shoes, despite it taking a tad longer than most!"

"At ease!" Chrom said in a commanding tone. "He's not the enemy! It was his twin that ambushed them!"

The guards lowered their spears. Sora's juddered nerves produced jagged lines of confusion. My twin? He then remembered the 'trick' Riku used earlier. It all made sense now, and hearing Chrom's foreboding statement didn't make his rattled emotions any less vigorous.

"Sora, my utmost apologies for my men's irrational behavior!" Chrom said, as he hurried over to check on him. "Are you okay!?"

Sora placed a hand on his chest, settling the anxiety from rolling around like marbles. "I'm fine. Not the worst part of my day. But what happened? Was that duplicate of me here?"

"Unfortunately," Chrom said, looking away from Sora in aggravation. "And….he stole the jewels."

The group reeled back in horror. Everything seemed to have been going well. But they should've realized that plans were infested with pox in the form of setbacks.

"That's not all," Lissa said, holding up a piece of paper, repulsed by the arrogant scratches of words embedded on the surface. "He left us a note." Her brow narrowed. "From Validar. He's demanding that we surrender the Fire Emblem by tomorrow before the sun reaches its highest point. Or else he'll wager another attack on the village."

"Care to retract that statement on what the worse part of your day was?" Luigi asked, as he turned to Sora with a look of dread.

Sora lowered his eyes, having been stung with guilt. "This…this is all because of me. Riku would've have never created that thing if I—"

"It's not your fault," Chrom said in a calm, steady tone. "Did you command that creature to attack my troops?

"Of course not."

"Then you didn't do a thing," Chrom said. "Blame isn't going to resolve the issue. Actions will. Fortunately, no one was critically injured, which matters most to me. So now we can focus on an alternative method." He looked at all three of them. "And I need your help more than ever. Can I count on your support?"

Once again, something about Chrom's strong, determined voice resonated with Sora. It was trying to make him rise above self-doubt. Normally he was upbeat and positive in the direst of circumstance. But the situation with Riku and Kairi today had beaten and battered his strong will, leaving it to weep in an alleyway.

He needed to rev the zeal that powered his confident motor. Sora's bleak attitude would drag everyone down with him. Besides, moping wasn't going to help him rescue Kairi.

"Without a doubt!" Sora said, assertive. He faced Luigi and Yoshi. "Right, guys?"

The two nodded in response (although Luigi's worry continued scaling the back of his spine).

"Then let's call another meeting to order," Chrom said. "I may have an idea in the works."

And, indeed, his proposal was met with much enthusiasm. It required careful timing, but everyone believed in this plan; trust was the backbone that held it together. One small crack would shatter everything, and the pieces couldn't reform. Once the meeting adjourned, Chrom's troops resumed preparations for tomorrow.

With no chance of sealing the keyhole tonight, war was imminent. All they could do was wait for the sun's rays to touch down on the spot where battle would be waged. In the meantime, Chrom invited Sora and his friends to eat with him, Lissa, and Lucina (the future version) in the dining room. It was a much-needed break after what felt like an eternal day of stress.

Servers placed copious amounts of food on the table for everyone to enjoy. Meats, fruits, vegetables – every part of the pyramid assembled before their eyes. After this, Sora was certain he wouldn't need to eat for another decade. Yoshi would beg to differ; to him, that was part one of the main course.

It wasn't long before their stomachs were on the verge of bursting from the feast. And yet, they weren't tired in the slightest. Lissa thought of a way to rectify that problem: by giving Sora and his friends a tour of the castle. Chrom approved of the idea without delay.

"Annnnnnnnnd?" Lisa said, giving her big brother an eager look.

Chrom rolled his eyes with a smile. "If Lucina's awake, you can show her to them."

"Woohoo!" Lissa said, lifting her arms in the air, overjoyed.

Yoshi stared at the current Lucina. "But she right here." He gasped. "Is she talking in her sleep!?"

"No, I'm awake," Lucina said, chuckling. "I think she means present me."

Yoshi looked perplexed. "Time travel is weird."

Lissa showed the group various rooms and hallways throughout the castle. Sora could just get lost wandering each corridor for hours. It brought him back to his childhood; when he first visited his island, it seemed vast and endless. He spent hours searching for every little secret that the island kept all for itself. Buried treasure? A door to another world? His imagination seemed plentiful like the stars in the sky.

Nostalgia had placed him in a protective dome of good spirits. He needed a distraction from the boisterous outside noise. Although he could hear Riku and Kairi's muffled voices against the walls. Still, he tried to focus on the tour as they traversed hallways with small chandlers overhead, polished floors with black and white square patterns, and statues of former kings that greeted them with prideful silence.

During the tour, Lissa thought of something that might impress her guests: The Fire Emblem itself. It was integral to this operation, after all. And the group was intrigued by its appearance – a tool of unparalleled power must be a sight that entices the eyes with awe. Lissa led the group to the end of a hallway; a large wooden door with studs and a metal bolt awaited their arrival.

Unfortunately, the guard blocking the door was not as keen to see them. He remained still, like an obstinate peg wedged into a crack on the floor. Lissa asked if they could take a gander, and the guard remained adamant in his duty to protect the Emblem.

"We were given direct orders from his majesty to keep this room as secure as possible," the guard said.

"But I'm royalty, too," Lissa said, as a whine cracked through her voice. "Don't I get a say?"

The guard invalidated any further debate through resolute silence. Lissa sighed in disappointment.

"It's okay," Sora said. "We don't have to see it."

But Lissa refused to concede. "I promised you the best tour of our castle. And gosh darn it I'm going to deliver!" She picked at grape vines in her head, seeing if one of them was ripe with ideas. And she found a plump one amongst the crowd, and formed a devious smirk. "Okay. Watch this. No can resist my little pouty face."

Lissa puckered out her rose-colored lips, making the lower jaw vibrate. Her eye glistened within the moonlight shining in from the nearby window.

"Please," Lissa said in a small voice. "Just for a teeny, tiny moment. It won't take long." The guard remained defiant upon the visual overload of adorableness. She was taken aback. "No. that's impossible. How could anyone have the will power to resist these dimples?"

"Lissa have great potential," Yoshi said as he approached her. "With enough practice, her looks can give someone a tummy ache one day."

Lissa was startled by Yoshi's feedback. "A-Are you some sort of connoisseur of begging or something?"

Yoshi cracked his neck, preparing to unleash the full wrath of cute on the hapless guard.

"You may want to stand back," Luigi said with caution.

The guard never stood a chance against Yoshi's radiant face. Lissa's jaw dropped in astonishment as she watched the flustered guard allow them access into the room. Yoshi had a smug look slathered across his face.

Lissa turned to Yoshi with aspiration bursting from her eyes. "Teach me your ways.

The Fire Emblem rested on a pedestal in the middle of a small, circular room; it was a tooth-shaped shield coated in bronze paint. Small cracks had formed on its elegant, metal face from the passing of time. But it wasn't any less valuable; no price could be marked on a relic that brought salvation to an entire kingdom.

Sora noticed words inscribed all around the shield, and it was in a language he couldn't decipher. Five slots were present on the Emblem's intricate design. It was assumed that they housed the stolen jewels.

"Neat," Sora said, inspecting every detail. "Never expected this shield to be a treasured artifact around here."

"Well, it certainly helps that it was created by Naga's very owe fang," Lissa said.

Sora gave her a double look. "A-Are you serious!? Guess munching on one too many mountains finally got the best of her."

"Ewwwww!" Yoshi said, wincing in disgust. "Me fine with my shield. Least it no have plaque buildup."

Luigi frowned at the two for their insensitive reactions. "Guys!"

"No, no, it's okay," Lissa said, laughing. "Anyone would feel the same way upon hearing that. Trust me. I freaked out the first time I learned about it." Her mood turned serious. "But this kingdom would've ceased to be long ago if she didn't bless us with this invaluable gift. Everyday we're grateful for her kindness and generosity."

Sora stared at the shield for long time. He did feel guilty for making the joke; Naga must've been loved and worshiped by everyone. She watched over this world's denizens as if they were her own children. He was starting to have a better appreciation for the Emblem. It was infused by the Divine Dragon's own will – a physical representation of the unconditional desire she had to keep everyone safe.

And she didn't do it just because of fulfilling her duty as a 'deity;' she did it out of affection for her people. Sora's mind started peeking around other avenues. Was there no limit to her power? How far could it lengthen beyond this world? Maybe, he thought, there was a slim possibility that she was the answer to his problems.

"Lissa?" Sora asked.

"Yes."

"Lucina mentioned that Naga is a divine dragon," Sora said. "Doesn't that make her a god?"

Lissa pondered over his question for a moment. "Technically, yes. But she doesn't claim to be. Our ancestors bestowed her that honor because she protected them from evil. While incredibly powerful, she can't create or destroy life. Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering if she could help my friend Kairi," Sora said. "The Heartless – I think they took her heart."

"That girl with the red hair?" Lissa asked. "Honestly, I'm not sure. Even we don't know the extent of Naga's power. I wouldn't want to get your hopes up. Sorry."

Sora sighed, discouraged. It was a slim possibility, after all. "No, I understand."

Yoshi hugged Sora from his side to offer support. The warmth from the dinosaur's body started sifting out the sadness that lingered in his being like bothersome sand. Sora felt a sense of security, reminding himself that he wasn't facing the impossible alone. Luigi rubbed his shoulder in comfort. The challenges ahead of him didn't seem steep anymore.

"Listen, maybe we should end the tour early," Lissa said, remorseful for stuffing his ears with pessimistic wax.

Sora formed a small smile. He felt somewhat better, but an improved mood wasn't going to save Kairi's heart. Or mend his fractured relationship with Riku. "I'm fine. Let's keep going. This is fun. Might take my mind off things."

"Okay," Lissa said, reassured. "If you're sure.

After cheering Sora up with an affectionate lick, Yoshi's nostrils were drawn to a faraway aroma, latching onto them like a pair of fishhooks. He felt like it was pulling his nose forward, beckoning for him.

"Smell something, pal?" Sora asked.

"Me smell something….divine," Yoshi said. "Yoshi's nose need answers known."

He sprinted out of the room in an instant, leaving the others behind in bewilderment.

"We better follow," Luigi said with a hint of apprehension. "Leaving Yoshi alone for a few seconds can be a hazard."

It wasn't too long before the others managed to find Yoshi. He was standing outside of a large storage closet, slack jawed. A long strand of drool dangled from his mouth like a rope. The dinosaur was completely mesmerized by what he witnessed.

"What's wrong?" Sora asked.

Yoshi just pointed into the room. "The promise land."

Sora and Luigi peeked into the room to notice an abundance of freshly baked pies resting on the shelves. The smell was overwhelming their senses with a conga line of apples, cherries, pumpkins, just to name a few. To Yoshi, it was like staring at a mountain of gold; every perfect crust glistened within the dim room.

"Oh, me feel faint," Yoshi said, placing a dramatic arm over his eyes. "Catch me, Luigi."

True to his word, Yoshi collapsed into Luigi's arms. The plumber shot a glance at Lissa. "Why is there a room full of pies?"

"Because we ran out of space in the pastry room," Lissa said (the very thought would send Sora and Luigi into diabetic shock). She gave a sheepish grin. "Yeah, we're kinda known as the sweet tooth nation. Especially for our pies. Best in the land! You're not leaving until you've had at least one!"

To be honest, they weren't against the idea of stuffing their faces with delicious pies. They needed a treat after burning an inestimable number of calories from fighting the Heartless.

"Sure thing." Luigi looked down at Yoshi, prudent. "For now, maybe you should have guards by this door. If he gets in there, we might have an angry mob of sugar fiends chasing us."

"Y-You sound sincere," Lissa said, uneasy. "I'll be sure to let them know."

Sora shook his head: some things never changed, he thought. And he wished it would stay that way between the three of them. Riku and Kairi were a different story. No matter how hard he tried, Sora couldn't relinquish the distressing feelings that pumped through his veins.

For the rest of the evening, he was quiet, chiming in on occasion. His thoughts had been dumped into a wastebasket of despondence; he had no intention of pushing open the lid anytime soon.

As night grew darker, sleep became an essential weapon in tomorrow's battle. Sora and his friends were given access to one of the guest rooms, which contained two queen sized beds and a balcony to get a perfect view of the city; it refused to sleep, as lights beamed out from between the buildings.

Luigi and Yoshi were fast asleep in one of the beds; they were trapped within the fantastical realm of their own dreams.

Yoshi mumbled, "Room only half empty. Me eat the rest of the pies to make space."

But Sora was out on the balcony, leaning against the rails, in the middle of a staring contest with the moon. He was restless, unable to wipe the troubling thoughts from his mind like muck.

"Looks like sleep is the last thing on your mind."

Sora spun around to see Chrom had come to check up on them.

"You'd be right," Sora said.

Chrom walked onto the balcony, teaming up with him to stare down the moon. "Tomorrow's battle making you nervous? Seems like you've never been in a fight of this magnitude before."

"Well, I'm a little nervous," Sora said. "But I've dealt with the Heartless plenty of times. It almost feels second nature."

Chrom faced Sora, examining his demeanor. "I see. You display great courage for someone so young. There's no doubt in my mind you'd be ready. But something is holding you back. Are you worried about your two other friends?"

"More than anything," Sora said, with a small, crestfallen tremble in his voice. "Riku was my best friend – no, my brother. Despite butting heads, we were always there for each other. Whether I needed him to help me with something, or I just needed a good laugh, I always counted on him to pick me up. And I know he felt the same way. He was strong and compassionate."

He clenched his hands around the rails, trying to loosen the tension in his shoulders.

"That person you met today – he's not my brother," Sora said. "He might as well be Riku in-name only."

"Do you believe that your brother is still somewhere?" Chrom asked.

Sora was uncertain. "I want to. I've been trying. But each encounter is worse than the last. Now Kairi's lost her heart. How can I even find it? They're moments where I wish I didn't know what happened to them. It just upsets me."

"I'm sorry," Chrom said, sympathetic. "Perhaps I shouldn't have pried."

"No, it's okay. Kinda needed to get this off my chest."

"Absolutely. In that case, may I interject?"

"Sure."

"Perhaps it's good that you knew what happened to them. With that knowledge, you can find a way to mend the issues. At the very least, you can take comfort in knowing that they're alive." Chrom felt himself wrapped in the same shawl of sorrow that squeezed Sora. "I'm not as fortunate to have that luxury."

"What do you mean?" Sora asked.

Chrom stared out at the horizon, brooding. "A while ago, I lost someone close to me. Someone who fought bravely by my side in battle. In the end, he made a sacrifice to protect this world and its inhabitants."

"My condolences," Sora said.

Chrom shook his head, refusing to accept Robin's fate. "There might be a chance to save him. The odds are slim, but even the slightest glimmer of hope should not be ignored. He means the world to me. Why should I quit when a possibility exists?"

Sora reflected on Chrom's assertation. In a way, his situation was worse than Sora's. Robin might have succumbed to the inevitability of death, and Chrom would never know, not even if he became frail before time's perpetual movement. And he, too, would eventually depart for the afterlife, forced to carry the burden forever.

Yet he wasn't discouraged. It was inspiring. Sora always believed to be headstrong, but Chrom's will seemed impenetrable by comparison. He must really care for this person, Sora thought. In fact, he cared for everyone in his family: Lucina, Lissa, Fredrick, etc. People sometimes go to irrational lengths for the ones they love, even when the odds were almost nonexistent.

Despite his conflict with Riku, their past spoke louder than anything else. He was still like a big brother. Those feelings would never vanish. So instead of lamenting over the good times, why not try to reclaim them? Same with Kairi. Finding her heart would be cumbersome. May even take him years, but he didn't care. His feelings for her were too strong to ignore.

And besides, he had made new friends on his journey. It was all about connections. If he continued making more, the wires would expand across the universe, until one day they reached her heart.

"Riku and Kairi mean the world to me," Sora said, as he started reconstructing the pieces of his broken confidence. "I'll figure out some way to save them, no matter how long it takes."

Chrom gave him a hearty pat on the back. "Now that sounds like a warrior who is up to the challenge. I have faith in you. Never give up if that slightest bit of hope is in there. Take that chance." He looked over his shoulder. "And it seems you have those two in there to take an edge off that toil."

Sora concurred; Luigi and Yoshi were the reason he stood here right now. Without them, he wouldn't never learned of Riku and Kairi's whereabouts. Or have left Traverse Town for that matter. Not a day goes by where he wasn't grateful to have them in his life, despite their quirks.

"One thing's for sure," Sora said with a chuckle: "boredom is something those two never provide."

The uncomfortable, stuffy air was clear. They needed to carry that positivity through tomorrow's battle.

"Whatever assistance you need, I'll be more than happy to oblige," Chrom said.

Sora pretended to be glum. "Actually, there is one thing: still in a lousy mood. Think I can take a few of those pies? Might cheer me up."

"No, I think this conversation served its purpose," Chrom said, laughing. And Sora soon joined him in releasing that merriment into the night's sky.

After they finished, Sora said, "I hope you find your friend."

"Thank you," Chrom said. "I'll give it my all."

Soon, the windows in the castle shut their eyes, as did everyone inside. Tomorrow was going to be a long, onerous day. If they didn't pull through, many lives would be sacrificed in the name of Grima.

After breakfast, Lissa escorted Sora and his friends to a barrack located nearby the castle, which housed Chrom's militia: the Shepherds (a name that struck giggles into the hearts of people); but behind that unflattering name was a group of stalwart individuals that formed an iron gauntlet of omnipotence. Even the largest of armies turned into meek little insects before their strength.

They were men and women from all walks of life, with the wholehearted desire to protect their land from the unjust. Defeat was an impractical verb to them. They conquered the oppressors who sought to claim their home as a prize. This included the likes of Validar and Grima.

Chrom planned to make sure history repeated itself in their favor. He had all the confidence in his Shepherds to succeed; they were the shield that raised itself before Ylisstol.

The group arrived inside the main building, witnessing people preparing their weapons for battle. Some donned armor. Others wore robes, indicating their status as spellcasters. Sora just stared around in amazement; it was like something out of a fantasy novel, where the valiant king and his soldiers prepared to march into battle, overthrowing the villainous battalion from seizing the kingdom.

They were about to be a part of history. It was both frightening and exciting.

"Here we are!" Lissa said, outstretching her arms in pride. "The Shepherds' garrison. Make yourselves at home. Chrom should be along shortly."

Yoshi started walking, taking in the scenery when he bumped into a man wearing armor that was bigger than his body. At first, Yoshi assumed the man was a statue. But he took a closer look, noticing the man formed an awkward smile (with his eyes still closed, for some reason). The dinosaur screamed, jumped into Sora's arms, and pointed at the man.

Both Sora and Lissa turned to see him, and were startled, too.

"Goodness!" Lissa said with a squeak. "Kellam! Didn't see you there?"

Luigi looked at Kellam, then back at the others as if they lost their minds. "Didn't see him? He's wearing giant armor. And standing right in front of us."

"Y-You actually noticed me?" Kellam asked, surprised. "No one ever notices me that quickly. The gods must be smiling upon me. Must've taken them awhile to scout me out."

"So, this is the new blood." The group turned to see a man with blonde hair approach them, resting an axe over his shoulder, and wielding an arrogant grin on his lips. "Not bad. Never thought little boys like you'd be fighting alongside ol' Vaike. Considerate it an honor. Still have a long way to go before you've got my physique. Looks like you can use some meat on those bones."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sora asked, insulted.

A man with long white hair, wearing purple robes, with a perpetual, unnatural smile (like Kellam, his eyes remained closed), snuck up behind Luigi's shoulder. "These are the new recruits, I see. Been dying to meet you."

Scared witless, Luigi stacked himself top of Sora and Yoshi like the star on a Christmas tree.

"H-H-Hey!" Sora said, unable to maintain their combined weight. And they all crashed onto the floor, with Luigi and Yoshi on top of his back again.

Lissa rubbered her forehead in exasperation. Glad her brother's troops leave such a good first impression. Sora groaned from the aches in his back; one day they were going to be grinded into a soup of some kind.

Yoshi sat up, shaking his head. "Vain man right. Maybe Sora need more meat."

"Veins!?" Vaike asked, looking over his body in a panic. "Where!? I don't want them tarnishing my perfect visage."

Lissa giggled. "Not those kinds of veins. Brain still floating around somewhere in your giant skull?"

"Forgive my unconventional introduction," the man with purple robes (named Henry) said, in a cheerful voice. "Sometimes there's nothing more enjoyable than getting a rise out of people. Seems like I swept you all off your feet."

Sora snorted, and covered his mouth.

"No," Luigi said, lowering his brow in disdain. "No, you didn't."

"Was a little funny," Sora said.

"Your part of the problem," Luigi said with an irritated whisper.

"Erm, they're a bit eccentric, but Henry and Vaike are two of Chrom's strongest Shepherds," Lissa said. "And there's plenty more still. I think we'll have no problem taking down these Heartless."

"But some of those creatures are cute," Henry said, still retaining his exultant attitude. "I wouldn't mind keeping one for a pet and see what it does. Imagine the mayhem they can cause."

His statement was met with dumbfounded looks from Sora and his friends. Lissa leaned into them, whispering, "Maybe calling Henry eccentric is a bit generous. He means well, I promise."

"The captain has arrived!" Kellam said.

The trio hurried to their feet, standing tall and attentive with the Shepherds as Chrom, Lucina, and Fredrick arrived. Chrom couldn't help but looked pleased. This was his loyal army. But they didn't serve him; they served the world. To banish injustice from placing its hateful fingers on their placid soil. He couldn't have asked for better allies.

"Good morning, everyone." He faced Sora's group. "Seems you've become acquainted with our Shepherds already."

Sora rubbed his head, withholding the truth. "You can say that."

Henry gave Luigi an unnerving smile, and he replied with a gulp.

"Excellent," Chrom said. "Today we must work as one if we are to be victorious. Timing, communication, and teamwork are pertinent in this battle. Brute strength alone will yield failure."

"Why does he look at me whenever he says that?" Vaike asked.

Lissa smacked her forehead for his ignorance.

"My sister, Emmeryn – the previous Exalt – strived for peace," Chrom said. "And with your help, we will continue to keep that ideal alive. All of you have served our country well during the battle against Grima, and there's no doubt you will do it again. I can't express my gratitude for your act of selflessness."

Chrom turned his attention to Sora's group. "The same goes for our new friends: their knowledge of the Heartless has been a blessing; and their willingness to assist us without question is admirable. With an ensemble of great comrades, we shall prevail against Validar and the Heartless!"

Everyone raised their weapons, hollering with exuberance. There was no reason to worry. Chrom believed in his Shepherds' abilities. They had never failed him once. He expected the same results. Although someone was missing from this rambunctious crew: a friend who'd share that similar enthusiasm, and inspired Chrom with words of encouragement.

It was going be strange marching into battle without Robin; something about his absence just made everything feel out of place. It was hard to describe. But there was no point in lamenting over temporary loss. Robin would want him keep pushing forward in the forthcoming conflict. His sacrifice was for the good of the nation, a sentiment Chrom wore like a neckless.

Once preparations were finished, the Shepherds began their pilgrimage to Validar's fortress. Onlookers let out supportive cheers, praying that they'll come back in one piece.

If the world of Ylisse could experience pain, it would've had a tremendous headache from the proud marching of the Shepherds. They made their way through fields, forests, and uneven terrain without the slightest inkling of retreat from the forthcoming fight. Sure, everyone experienced a light shower of nerves drizzling down their necks like freezing water; war was an invitation to cut one's life short.

But the unified feeling of comradery evaporated any concern. They had faith in each other's abilities. No one had to look over their shoulder to see an empty trail. Someone would be there to safeguard their lifeforce from being inhaled by the shadows of the afterlife.

It wasn't long before the Shepherds saw Validar's lair between the mountains. The sun gazed its beams upon the gloomy castle, awaiting the impending conflict with excitement. Once the Shepherds stepped through, blades would be drawn; spells would be cast; arrows would be launched; and the cacophonous cries of many would reverberate throughout the mountains.

In Chrom's hand, he held the Fire Emblem, gripping the handle with all his might. He exhaled; all he could do was let fate take the helm, spinning it into unknown territories; and hopefully, there would be a triumphant dock waiting at the end. Chrom began conversing with key members involved in the plan, while the rest waited in impatient silence.

Vaike cracked his knuckles. He was like a hunting dog restrained by a leash, that wanted to break free and bite down on the first thing that moved. "This is taking forever. I wanna turn those ugly creatures into dust already."

"Well, just keep their remains away from me," a young woman with blond hair said. In her hand, she held an elegant white umbrella. "This outfit is indispensable."

Vaike glanced at her. "Why are you wearing such nice clothes? This ain't no royal ball."

"Excuse me," the woman said with an indignant sniff. "I'll have you know that a noblewoman such as myself needs to look fabulous when breaking a shin or two."

"Oh brother," Vaike said, shaking his head.

Chrom overheard their conversation while talking to one of the Pegasus Knights. He was glad to know that time had been merciful to old friends. They were just as colorful as ever. A little eccentric, maybe, but they were unified by one goal: to maintain peace. Chrom turned his attention to Fredrick; a sudden feeling of ease alleviated the tension that swelled in his stomach. The two of them had endured many hardships together; and yet, each experience fortified their bond like the construction of an indestructible tower. Not even a verbal battering ram could smash it into pieces of bitter rubble. Chrom had all the faith in his royal captain to build the steppingstones that lead to victory.

Chrom walked over to Fredrick. "You know what needs to be done."

"Yes, milord." His expression remained stoic as ever. "Let it be known that I consider it an honor what you ask of me."

Chrom smiled. "There's no need to think that, my friend. Growing up with two sisters, there was always that desire for a brother; something you easily fulfilled. There's no one I'd rather trust." He handed the Fire Emblem over to him.

"Thank you," Fredrick said, with a faint smile. "The feeling's mutual, sir."

Sora had listened in on their exchange. A pang of envy tore across his skin as if someone pulled off a scab. Why couldn't he and Riku be on such good terms? He glanced at the Keyblade, biting at his lower lip for comfort. The prospect of exchanging blows with Riku was distressing.

This wasn't sparring anymore; it would possibly be a battle of life and death. Before he could follow that precarious trail of thought, a calm stream filled the path. Floating within it was the reassuring voice of Chrom, reminding him of the little hope spot.

No. I won't give up on him. He's my best friend. I'll find a way to him.

Luigi noticed Sora's strange behavior. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Sora said, snapping out of his thoughts, "I'm fine. Just can't wait anymore! Rather get this over with now."

But Yoshi knew better. He walked next to Sora, giving him a gentle back rub. "Want Yoshi to knock some sense into Riku? Forty tongue lashes can make a man weep."

"Forty?" Luigi asked with a scoff. "I start bawling at ten."

Sora pat Yoshi's head, grateful for his friend's endless encouragement. "No thanks. We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

"Sora," Chrom said, approaching the trio, "are you and your friends ready? Some of my Pegasus Knights will be taking us to the back entrance. From there, we shall initiate our plan."

"Sounds good," Sora said with his usual grin; he tossed the thoughts of Riku out a window, letting it plummet into his subconscious "Lead the way."

Chrom took one last look at his Shepherds; their bright faces reflected off the sun's rays. They were prepared risk their lives to protect Ylisse – to keep the hopes and dreams of its people alive; and to let the future generations grow like an beautiful garden, providing an endless cycle of nurturing life to the world.

He couldn't have asked for better soldiers. Such loyalty; such valor. To them, death wasn't something feared; it was merely an obstacle to avoid. Chrom saw unwavering courage illuminate from their irises.

All except for one. His own daughter.

Lucina appeared restless. Her eyes drifted to the side, shrouded in a mist of uncertainty. She squeezed her right arm in a desperate attempt to quell the tension. Chrom wouldn't let this issue go unresolved. And it wasn't just because her negative energy would extract the positive aura out of his platoon. He may be an exalt of an entire kingdom, but he had the greatest responsibility of all:

Being a father.

"Can you excuse me for a moment?" Chrom said to everyone, and he made his way over to Lucina.

Yoshi slumped his shoulders, annoyed. "Aw, me can't take the suspense."

"I know," Henry said. "It's terrible." He let out a wide, eerie smile. "I hope it'll last."

Luigi turned to him with an uncomfortable expression. "What are you?"

Lucina saw Chrom approach her. This made her feel worse. She didn't want her father to worry. His focus should be on the battle, not her wellbeing. It would ruin his concentration, potentially leading to a fatal mistake.

She couldn't bare staring straight into the past's black, merciless, vacant eyes again.

"Something troubling you?" Chrom asked.

Lucina took a moment to push the words through her throat. "Are you sure I can't come with you? I'd rather be fighting at your side than being separated."

"Even though we are a few years apart, you already see your father as an old man that needs continuous supervision," Chrom said with a chuckle.

Lucina's blushed a bright red, overpowering the sun's golden rays. "N..n..no father! That's not what I…"

"I speak only in jest," Chrom said in a gentle tone. "I understand. You wish to not let death befall upon me as it did the future."

Lucina's eyes focused on the ground. Just hearing him mention his own death left an aching burn in her heart; it continued sizzling non-stop.

"Especially since we've just reunited," she said. "I don't want anything to happen."

Chrom placed his strong hand on Lucina's shoulders. She gazed into his eyes; they were firm as stone, glazing with determination. "And nothing will happen. I'll be fine." He gestured towards Sora's group. "My new friends will assist me without fail. We'll look out for each other."

She took a gander at Sora and his friends. Although the trio were unusual in appearance, they proved formidable in battle. But something irked at her head like a small flea: had she not shown up in time, Chrom would've been killed by the Phantom; and he had their help then, as well. Still, not even a small leaf of doubt fell from Chrom's strong demeanor, as it stood tall like a youthful tree.

"A-Are you sure?" Lucina asked.

Chrom nodded. "Trust is something earned; these three have proven their reliability. I wouldn't have confidence in saying that if I thought otherwise."

"Of course. Your judgement has always been sound."

Chrom's expression turned grave. "Besides, you are needed on the battlefield. Without a doubt, you're one of my strongest warriors. Also, you still carry the Falchion from the future – a weapon imbued with the power of a divine dragon." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Use it to make our victory swift."

Lucina sighed, letting his words crawl into her mind like an earthworm. Chrom was depending on her to lead the Shepherds towards victory. She exhibited the same strength as her father; the Shepherds needed such inspiring vigor to keep their spirits from being crushed by the opposing force. She carried the blood of a benevolent ruler, and wanted nothing more than to see her troops succeed.

While concerned for her father's safety, Lucina would never go against his wishes. Was it because of his parental bond? Maybe. But it's also because she had faith in him. Along with Robin, Chrom defeated Validar and Grima, bringing about peace. There's a reason he was well respected.

"Leave it to me," Lucina said, feeling inspired.

"I knew I could count on you," Chrom said. "Let's reclaim our peace for, hopefully, the last time."

Upon giving the command, the Shepherds made their way towards the fortress, while Chrom, Sora, and his friends took off with the Pegasus Knights towards the background. Timing was everything. There was no room for error.

Otherwise, their efforts would go up in flames, along with all Ylisse, from the unstable wrath of the fall dragon.

A consistent burst of wind brushed through Sora's hair as he flew along the mountains, riding on the back of a Pegasus. He could see every jagged, uneven detail of the mountains' rough skin. It was an incredible view. He felt like a bird soaring through the sky, free to explore without restraint – unbounded from the gravitational pull of responsibility that kept a person cemented to the ground.

How he wished Riku and Kairi could be sharing this incredible view with him. All he could do was suppress those desires, for now. Who knew when he'd have another opportunity to enjoy the view again? Some moments can never be captured a second time. Forgoing those negative thoughts, he resumed focusing on the ride, letting his eyes widen in amazement as they passed by the mountains.

It wasn't too long before the group arrived on the other side of the vicinity; they caught a glimpse of the fortress' backside, and hid themselves behind one of the mountains, making sure the battlefield was in sight. One of the knights peeked out from behind the mountains, pulled out a spyglass, and focused on the castle. Everything was static; there wasn't the slightest bit of movement. Even the wind held its breath, apprehensive over the approaching battle.

Only the rough sounds of the Pegasi's flapping their wings filled the empty silence with an irritating swish; but they failed to interfere with Chrom's thoughts, like radio noise. He continued replaying each part of the mission without missing a beat. In fact, he'd probably be able to recite it in his sleep.

There were some junctions in the docket that needed to be addressed: things such as where and when Validar attempted to perform The Awakening. Plans are never perfect; the number of variables is so vast and endless that they could wrap around the universe multiple times. What matters was how one adapts to sudden change. Chrom was confident that Fredrick would keep those numbers stable.

In a few minutes, though, his life would be in the hands of three strangers: Sora and his friends seemed reliable. But one never can never see what lies underneath the shiny exterior within a day – not until the polish dries. Then again, it was a similar situation with Robin. And despite the mishaps they faced, their loyalty for each other never faltered.

Chrom saw the good in people, despite their past being cluttered with grievance. It shined through the disorder, and was brighter than anything else. Right now, that sense of virtue flowed out of Sora and his friends like a clear, glistening stream. He had no reason not to doubt their loyalty.

The Pegasus Knight soon informed everyone that the Shepherds were approaching the fortress: from within her glass, they appeared as toy soldiers being pushed forward by an invisible hand of fate, prepared to initiate the battle. A dark oval-shaped object appeared in front of them, and Validar emerged from the portal.

With the pieces in place, the knights flew straight towards the back entrance, staying close towards the ground. Chrom kept his eyes focused on the crest of the fortress, watching for even a hint of movement. He squeezed his hand around the Falchion's hilt; his hand was so tight that it went numb.

But nothing happened as they reached the back entrance. Should they be concerned? Chrom would've been somewhat relieved if they were attacked. Again, they couldn't control the variables of time; all they could do was brace for the inevitable results. They would not let their guard down until Validar's last gasp reverberated throughout the castle walls.

After dismounting from the Pegasi, Sora and his friends approached the entrance. There was no going back, Chrom thought. As of right now, he was a prisoner of the fortress; he was not going to leave until victory had been obtained. After opening the door, the four entered the dark, dreary maw, where only small, timid torches would guide them through; for, they, too, shrunk in fear from the omnipresent, sinister black hallways.

However, someone did see the four enter from a window above – a familiar silver haired boy whose patience had been whittled to the size of a wood chip. He let out a dejected sigh; it was like being trapped on his island again. He would never find answers within the boundaries of this world; it would only waste time. Precious time that could never be reclaimed.

Time that would keep him further away from Kairi. And with Sora around, it would extend further.

The Shepherds came to a halt upon seeing Validar. Some were unable to the fathom the idea that he was alive. It was like the traumas of the past reflected off the lens of their eyes. And the fact that he was alone made things more unsettling. No soldiers; no sorcerers; no archers; not even woodland creatures. All Validar wore was a sinister, confident smile.

He gazed at each Shepard, studying their features, eager to see the look of fear on their faces before being consumed by the Heartless. "So, the exalt has brought all of his friends. Good. Looks like he's pining for a mass suicide."

"The darkness inside of him is incredible," Tharja, a black mage, said. She was known for her cold, aloof demeanor. But in this moment, trepidation slithered across her skin like a boa constrictor. "He's far stronger than before."

"This revelation is hardly an issue," Viron, an archer, said. He was known to think…highly of himself. "His powers may have grown, but he is but one man. Where's his army? It's not like they're going to appear out of thin ai – that's exactly what he's going to do, isn't it?"

A giant pond of darkness appeared from behind Validar. Heartless of various shapes and sizes pull themselves out from the ground, answering the loud murmurs of the Shepherds accelerated heartbeats. They were plentiful – an army that almost matched the size of the Shepherds.

But quantity would not give them the advantage; they had little comprehension of the Heartless' power. All the Shepherds could do was draw from their years of experience in the field, and fight to protect Ylisse from being eclipsed by everlasting darkness.

Even though the Shepherds were prepared to fight without hesitation, everyone found these strange creatures unnerving (except for Henry, who clapped in glee at their mere presence; you can imagine he was met with a few crooked expression).

They swayed back and forth with unnatural movements; their emotionless, yellow eyes danced around like erratic fireflies. They didn't resemble anything close to human beings. Some rode on horses with skin as black as a starless night; in their hands they carried swords, shields, lances, axe, etc. Some were on foot, such as archers, wearing red caps and had quivers attached to their belts.

The familiar variety appeared as well: Soldiers, Shadows, and Space Pirates. Some new Heartless appeared as well: a muscular Heartless donned in purple and blue amor, carrying a massive shield; in the center of the shield was a ferocious dog head, which snapped at the opposition, eager to gnaw on the Shepards' bones until they cracked. Hovering overhead were wyvern-like Heartless with dark red skin, flexing its three-toed feet as it awaited the command to attack.

Viron's jaw dropped in shock, and then he rubbed his temples. "Why must my elegant words be one of my worst enemies? Why!?"

Fredrick knew this fight wasn't going to be easy; first hand experience had painted him a harrowing picture. But he would not let it bleed with doubt. He had confidence in his troops. They have survived against the Fell Dragon himself – a fierce beast that could've eradicate this world with nothing but the single drop of an impure thought. At least, that's what he kept telling himself.

Positivity was a strong weapon that must remained unsheathed. Without it, failure would prevail.

Fredrick felt the weight of the Fire Emblem in his hand; it was time to initiate the plan. He would succeed – not just for his country, but for his exalt. No, his brother. He dismounted from his horse, holding the Emblem in one hand, and a lance in the other.

"Captain, it's good to see you and your stoned cold disposition after all this time," Validar said, smirking. "Even when staring right into death's visage, you always remain unnerved."

Fredrick was repulsed. "Desist the pleasantries with me. It's bad enough I must endure your condescending, wicked words. As requested by his majesty, he wishes to surrender the Emblem as a sign of mercy."

"Mercy, you say?" Validar asked, suspicious. "Why does he not deliver it to me himself?"

Fredrick's expression never flinched. His stern eyes remained locked on Validar's. "Because I'm making sure he stays safe. Our kingdom needs him now more than ever for guidance. The death of our Exalt is a burden we can't afford in times of war."

There was silence for a moment, as Validar analyzed every pour, every crease inscribed on the captain's face. The air was thick from an upheave of trepidation.

"A very convincing fabrication," Validar said, laughing. "When it comes to telling a lie, you excel above all others. You're about as hard to read as a book in the blackest cave. But I know Chrom quite well. Always jumping into battle no matter what the condition." He beckoned over a small group of Heartless. "Search the area for the Exalt. He has to be nearby!"

They left in a hurry to uncover the subterfuge. Lucina's worry for her father started to reassemble in her chest, growing heavy, and a bit sharp, like the edge of a flail. Lissa noticed Lucina starting to tremble, as if her nerves were an unstable building prepared to collapse. To rectify the problem, Lissa squeezed her niece's hand, hoping to act as support to keep it steady.

"Stay calm," Lissa said in an assuring whisper. "Leave this to Fredrick."

Fredrick's eyes were always fixated on Validar. "Search all you want. It doesn't change the fact that I plan to hand over the Emblem without reflection."

"I would humbly accept it," Validar said. "Oh, but those pesky weapons don't do my poor heart any good. Would you kindly drop them to the ground?"

Fredrick frowned; hearing his derisive tongue was like having a crow screech in your ears. It was painful – the delight he had for making others suffer made his stomach pulsate in contempt. But for their plan to work, Fredrick was forced to submit like a lowly peasant.

"Stand down," Fredrick said, addressing his troops. Everyone dropped their weapons to the ground (Vaike was peeved that his favorite axe had to be tarnished by the soil).

"Much better," Validar said, pleased. "Proceed." Feigning reluctance, Fredrick handed him the shield. "I thank thee for your cooperation. Perhaps I'll consider letting you live. I am a lot more merciful, unlike the Heartless."

"Sure," Lissa said, muttering to herself. "About as believable as turning cow manure into pastry."

Validar's grin widened as he stared at the shield. His goal was near completion. How he waited for this moment – to watch the world be consumed by a tidal wave of darkness. He resented every single soul that defied his master's intentions. Revenge was the force that pumped boiling blood through his black heart. People didn't deserve the luxuries that were handed to them. Deep down, they were hateful, gluttonous, and lacked any respect for one another.

And yet, it was this narrow mindset that blinded beings like Validar and Grima from seeing a dew of goodwill sparkle from within a person. They, too, let their anger get consumed by the darkness, which let them believe their own lies. And Validar was more than comfortable with unleashing his darkness upon the world – to make everyone experienced the same rage he felt.

He was prepared to take the next step when Sora's doppelganger hurried over to him. Somewhat irritated, Validar asked, "What is it?" But his mood soon turned to alarm when the doppelganger revealed some troubling news. "They're already inside!? How did you hollow headed beasts let them get by?"

This is my chance, Fredrick thought. He picked up his lance, ran straight at Validar, and thrusted right for his chest. The doppelganger was quick to deflect the attack with its Keyblade. It then leaped into the air, bringing the blade straight down on Fredrick; he just held up his lance, and the Keyblade broke in two. Upon landing, the doppelganger looked up at the towering soldier like a meek chipmunk cowering before a tall, silver fox glowing against the sun's majestic glow.

"Wasn't worth the effort," Fredrick said. He kicked the doppelganger away, causing it to land right at Validar's feet.

Furious that his plans were on the verge of sliding down a ramp of failure, he picked up the doppelganger by the shirt collar, glowering at it. "Stop with this foolish! Go after them! I'll be along shortly! I better expect there to be four less bodies by the time I get there!"

The Heartless nodded, created a portal in the ground, and dove into it. Validar turned his attention to Fredrick; twisted bristles of absolute animosity prodded through his insides. The captain leaped onto his horse, pointing his lance at the sorcerer with intense resolve.

"We will never surrender to the likes of you!" Fredrick said, and he raised his lance into the air. Then, he turned to his troops. "Soldiers, arm you weapons! We battle in the name of Ylisse!"

A massive uproar of cheers exploded throughout the mountain area. Everyone picked up their weapons, invigorated by Fredrick's words. They were here to fight for their loved ones. No one was going snatch away that desire, because it was anchored in the ground, made from the finest material in the world: their determination

Validar couldn't help but sneer. "I knew my expectations for an easy victory would be low. Wouldn't expect any less from the mighty Shepherds. Heartless! End their lives!"

The dark army charged right for the Shepherds, who remained undaunted by their presence. If anything, they were ecstatic to lock blades. These creatures were nothing but invaders – mindless abominations that didn't deserve to sit on the soil of their prosperous country. The people of Ylisse worked hard to rebuild their lives after facing Grima. They would not allow another harmful stain to spill upon their home again.

Lucina felt her morale rise from the confidence of her comrades. She had to have faith that Chrom would be fine. Although Lucina could no longer predict the future, she knew her actions in this battle would make a difference, and help guide this world into a better tomorrow.

"For my father!" Lucina said, shouting in confidence. "For our future!"

And so, war had ensued. Only one faction would survive, dictating the fate of the entire world. Either it would continue existing, or be submerged in an inescapable, pitch-black ocean of suffering for all eternity.

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