Naruto Uzumaki: The Prince of Death

by ReaperOfBalance

Arthas sought an Heir and found one in a demon container of the Elemental Countries. Now the boy will be trained and empowered to take the Lich King's throne if needed and to get the revenge he deserves. May Kami have mercy on the Elemental Nations, for Death now walks the lands and he is furious. Actually WoW but i couldn't choose that.

14. Chapter 14: Averting a Dark Future

Hey guys. Welcome back to Prince of Death and to Naruto performing another service for Shinigami and someone else this time.

Not gonna say anything else besides shit happened… a LOT. So I'll have more updates out as I can finish them (and keep them in some cases) so I can't promise on the when for any of them.

I don't believe there is anything else to go over, so let's get the show on the road.

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

(Authors Notes)

"Speech"

"Thoughts"

"Demon, Summons, Undead, Dragons, Naruto's pissed off/Higher Forms Voice"

"Above's Thoughts"

# Check bottom Author's Note for details/explanation.

CHAPTER 14: AVERTING A DARK FUTURE

WHIRLPOOL

Naruto was meditating on the top of the Kage tower attempting to connect to the part of his mindscape that his new occupant was within. That was the main reason his right arm wasn't wrapped up in seals and bandages anymore. He didn't want to suppress his new tenant, he wanted to meet them and as such couldn't have them blocked or hidden away through containment methods or it would be pointless to try and talk.

As he began focusing, he thought on his current state of affairs.

Konoha had been silent recently, which put many on edge but with his shades situated throughout the village Naruto would know if they tried anything. The place had only sunk lower with more criminal elements taking shelter inside, which was how Danzo was getting supplies when they weren't raiding caravans and shipments from others, black market connections ran deep and you could always find something if you were willing to pay.

Suna was still in a bit of a limbo state as they had no heavy hitters to keep up their appearance of strength, they lacked numbers to give enemies pause, but at the same time the harsh desert kept most enemies from trying anything that would be majorly dangerous to them. The few missions they tried were hit with ambushes and attacks from minor villages to both bring down what strength they still had and to steal the mission for themselves.

Naruto knew that Kankuro was in communication with quite a few of the remaining members of Suna working on convincing them to join Konoha to get power and revenge and then eventually they could just take what they wanted, betray Konoha, and rebuild Suna however they wanted and make it a true elite village. A lie of course, Kankuro had long since been indoctrinated by Danzo into a loyal pawn, it was just a means of getting more defectors to Konoha.

Iwa was quiet, but Naruto knew they were building up defenses and readying for when he eventually came after them or possibly sent Minato after them. His Shades showed that each day various ninja were manipulating the landscape in various ways to offer advantages to the defenders, while at the same time making things difficult for any attackers.

Rumor was that the Tsuchikage's health was in decline, no doubt due to word spreading of the Yellow Flash being alive again but that his son had surpassed him and currently had almost all the Jinchūriki of the world under his command. Naruto knew it was at least somewhat true, Onoki was stressed beyond belief at Naruto encroaching on different territories and only stopping long enough to fully consolidate his control over them, Minato coming back to life was only worsening the stress he was under and no doubt making any of his ailments worse than they were.

Kusa and Taki were quiet and preparing for war or at least to harass some of their neighbors that had become so weak recently.

Rice was in a bit of chaos since most of the bases Orochimaru had there hadn't been hit and as such after word spread of his demise, the stationed individuals and prisoners began acting out and causing problems everywhere they could. It was only heightened by the few ninja clans there fighting amongst each other and the former Sound forces.

Fang and Claw were also on edge, not only were they still having their disputes between each other, but now they were worrying about outside interference and influence from neighboring countries and nearby minor villages. Not to mention a few of the officials wanted the feud to escalate into full blown war so they could make profit and use the deaths of different people to advance their own status and positions.

Bear Country was silent, but rumors were spreading that their budding Ninja village, Hoshigakure, was in a bit of trouble as there was a small scale civil war going on between the Hoshikage and their Jonin Commander. From what his spies had learned, his Shades hadn't taken up position in every country yet, the Hoshikage wanted to use some artifact to bolster their forces to even greater heights and attack some of the bigger villager to show their might now that the balance of power was shifting, they may even gain the attention of the growing empire and be added to their forces and get to grow even stronger and if not then they could simply use their new power to break the empire and gain followers. The commander was against this because apparently the artifact had drawbacks that could be lethal, even if the lethality wasn't immediate, and wanted to spare the younger members that pain and problems especially since just submitting or joining the empire was a better decision than fighting such impossible odds. Thus, they came to blows and members of their small village took sides.

Kira was still in Demon Country, though he didn't know fully what she was doing there or what was involved. He knew an old demon was sealed there and kept sealed by the priestesses that functioned as both the spiritual and political leaders. Currently the head priestess was a woman named Miroku and her daughter Shion was next in line when she inevitably died. A rumor concerning them was that the priestesses all saw visions of those close to them dying, which Naruto knew was likely them dying to protect the priestesses meaning that they were cursed with the knowledge that someone that they trusted and grew close to was going to die to protect them.

Iron had prepared its borders for a possible attack, but the Samurai General hadn't done much more than that no doubt preparing in case it was going to be a hostile meeting or if Naruto would attempt to win or buy their allegiance. Iron was unique among the countries in that there was no royal family or nobles, everyone of a high position was someone who earned their rank through training, combat, and hard work. The latter was needed since Iron snowed 9 months out of the year and their capitol was on a high mountain where it was colder and the air was thinner further enhancing their physical endurance and training when they were hired as guards for different nobles and areas.

Sky Country was in a bit of a civil war as a group called the Sky Shinobi were attacking and declaring war on the Daimyo and the various military institutions. Amaru knew a bit about them, but his Shades had informed him of the fact they were looking for a parasite creature that grew in power and strength to become known as the "Zero Tails" which his Biju warriors and Jinchūriki felt was an insult to the real tailed beasts.

The Land of Vegetables was already sending multiple emissaries to broker peace with them after Shisui solidified Bird Country into his borders.

The gateway to connect to Soul Society was completed but unless you were spiritually or heavily mystically attuned then it just looked like an empty archway. It wasn't surprising to Naruto that Kimimaro, Grom, his demon brethren, his undead and Death Knight followers, a few of the Priests and Shamans, those he brought back from the dead, and those he had claimed as his mates could see the gateway. What was a surprise to him was that Itachi could see it. Jiraiya could see it if he was in Sage mode and Jugo was able to see it from constantly being in a state similar to Sage mode, but Itachi was just able to see it. Naruto was surprised though part him felt he shouldn't be surprised at all.

It was just another sign that Itachi was not the typical Uchiha.

Finally, Rain was silent, but Naruto knew it was just a matter of them trying to find a moment to attack and acquire one of the Jinchūriki. It also didn't help that Naruto essentially robbed them of some power by pulling Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, and Itachi from the manipulations of the "leader" for Akatsuki. Oh, they had some capable members, sure, but with Orochimaru dead, and Nagato, Konan, Yahiko, and Itachi on his side, that was five possible members that were robbed from being of use to them. Thus, instead of 12 capable members, they were reduced to eight with a few mediocre members involved.

For now, Naruto was going to watch them as he was finishing some projects in his current domain that he wanted focused on before they expanded further again.

One such item was his mechanics were examining the heat generator of Spring Country as well as the train, Chakra armor, and zeppelins. While some of it was dated or archaic by their standards, they couldn't deny there was some ingenuity and impressive mechanical engineering in some of it. Many of them were already drawing plans and ideas for what advancements they could make by combining some of the tech and designs from Spring into their current tech and capabilities.

Another item was that his Scribes, Seal users, and Rune Crafters were studying the seal he used on Yhwach as it was far and beyond anything that had been done with sealing, runes, or glyphs before. Even Mito and Kushina had to really examine it to understand a good portion of it and then Naruto still had to explain other parts. When asked how he came up with it, Naruto informed them that he hadn't, he had spoken to someone that Shinigami was in contact with, the name of whom Naruto didn't know, about the seal and was given this design. He had a couple hundred clones study it for days to learn everything from it that he could.

His forces were doing the same thing since, even if they didn't need to drain away a god that could reset the universe as he needed, there were smaller scale uses and potential creations that could come from it.

The final item that was being handled was spreading his forces out some more. Despite the expansion they had done so far, Uzu was still a bit cramped with his forces and clansmen plus the extra clans that had joined after the Chunin Exams. He needed to spread them out a bit to prevent overpopulation being an issue in one city as well as to expand the horizons of the clans.

Plus, some of his more animalistic people were feeling cramped and then they'd lash out if they felt like they were being caged or trapped.

Onto others, Lily was progressing further in her magical studies and was even showing her creativity by combining her world's form of magic with the magics they had. She still had a ways to go to be on the same combat level as others amongst his magic users, but she was proving herself intelligent and capable.

Qui-Gon was settling in well and at times could be found simply meditating and basking in the presence of the Force that was within Naruto's lands. Naruto had had quite a few conversation with him and Vader/Anakin on the Force and the two orders known to use it, with Naruto picking apart both ideologies as well as pointing out that TRUE balance means both sides exist on an even playing field, no one side being heavier or stronger than the other. With the Jedi having tens of thousands under their command and the Sith only having 3 at most, there was no balance to be had unless the Jedi embraced the dark as well as the light.

Even with scattered groups such as the Night Sisters around, it didn't equate to the Jedi essentially bathing the Galaxy in light for thousands of years. Nor them essentially trying to compress Anakin/Vader into their definition of a chosen one.

Just the same the Sith were too intent on destruction and control to truly work. Especially since those like Sidious, Vader's former master, couldn't stop indulging on chaos and destruction. Although, from what Vader spoke of, the man did it to keep feeding the Dark Side so it would never turn on him and keep him sustained for as long as he wanted while cheating death in every way he could.

Naruto believed Qui-Gon's meditations were of him trying to find his own answers in the Force as well as adjust himself to what the Force likely wanted of him in turn for the knowledge.

Vader, or Anakin depending on who you spoke to at times since the man was still struggling with himself, was struggling but adjusting slowly, and it had nothing to do with the careful healing and upgrade process Naruto's people were doing to him. It seemed his two personas were at drastic war over each other for who would be in command. One resisted the other every step one of them took since it wasn't easy to just up and change how/who you'd been for over a decade.

Naruto had stepped in and basically forced them to see the common ground they had. 1) they both wanted Padme and their mother alive again and never allow someone to harm them again, provided they didn't decide to end their existence as a means of penance. 2) they wanted their body back to its prime condition, to be able to look at things and breath without machines being needed. 3) if given the chance both of them wanted to crush Sidious under their boot for all the things he had done, especially when Qui-Gon revealed that Sidious lied about him killing Padme since it was a means of driving him further into the dark and keep him chained and controlled. 4) neither was about to waste this second chance if it meant what they desired most could be achieved.

It wasn't much, but that common ground was at least a starting point to their future. Vader would meditate like Qui-Gon, but unlike him, he readily embraced and immersed in both sides of the Force to feed him and search for answers. Both sides could be used to heal and strengthen, but the Dark Side was far more painful in its execution as it would use the pain to strengthen itself and the user. It also served as a lesson to the user about what it cost when you weren't acting intelligently.

The Dark Side may be a cruel Sadistic/Masochistic bastard, but that didn't mean it enjoyed having stupid or careless users of it. While the Light Side didn't truly test its users and at times was more rewarding of service, the Dark Side constantly tested its users as it wanted no weaklings, fools, or those lacking conviction in using it to live long. It was why Vader was so powerful even in his weakened state, he embraced the challenge and met it head on and conquered it before looking to the next one with anticipation.

Others avoided those challenges, whether Light or Dark aligned. The Jedi refused to meet the challenges that either the Dark Side gave as a way of seeing what it's competition was made or the Light Side gave as a means of growing and learning.

The slave trade was a major point of a Light and Dark Side test. A test every Jedi except a small number of less than 10 took up to try and stop or at least weaken. The Dark Side was to embrace the pain, sorrow, fear, rage, and other darker aspects and either make it worse or turn those feelings on the oppressors.

To sum it all up, both Qui-Gon and Vader/Anakin had a lot to meditate and think on from their discussions. Though they did take breaks to learn more about the world, Naruto and his forces, and train with swords since their usual weapons were a bit out of reach for the foreseeable future.

Naruto broke from his musings as he felt a connection and pull and followed it into his mindscape.

NARUTO'S MIND

Naruto arrived finding his mindscape mostly the same having fastened it to resemble Northrend in landscape with Uzu held within the center of it. The frozen land had been his home for a long time, but Uzu was the home that called to his blood even if Azeroth had a similar yet smaller call.

However, he could see some changes now.

First was the the Uzu tower had shining orb held on top with a dragon's maw which he assumed was the Hogyoku's representation mixed with his dragon's blood. Second was a miasma that smelled of death and could see a large graveyard area with a throne made of bones and the axe he took from Baraggan, Arrogante he believed it was called, sitting beside it. Third, there was an aurora borealis in the sky that was a mixture of white and black with some gold color here and there.

However, the fourth item was what had his main interest. It was a massive towering pitch black wall that encompassed your entire view if you looked at it. The thing was, Naruto didn't put it there and he could practically taste the magic coming off of it and all over it were glowing green and blue runes, glyphs, seals, symbols, icons, sigils, and other such items that Naruto could make heads or tails of.

At all.

Even the seals, runes, and glyphs seemed like a foreign language to him.

Naruto then turned to look behind him and came face to face with a massive black dragon with glowing ghostly blue lines/patterns going through it. It looked at him with baleful golden eyes that had a slit pupil. On its back was a pair multi-layered wings that combined with the colors made it look like they were made of fire. Its front paws were closer to clawed hands and it's back legs had more humanoid feet than the haunches that most dragons possessed. The chest and under arms were a metal colored grey and showed it had at least an eight pack of solid muscle on it. Finally, it had a long tail that ended in what looked like a split blade punching knife.

All in all it was a truly impressive beast.

"So, my resurrector comes to see me at last." A deep rumbling voice came from it as Naruto stared at it. "I wondered how long it would take you to finally come here." It continued as Naruto turned to face it.

"Yes, well, those close to me wanted to be sure you weren't a malevolent entity that somehow hitched a ride with me back from Soul Society." Naruto stated as he stood there, "You knocking against my mental walls and defenses didn't help that feeling." Naruto stated causing the dragon to snort.

"That was merely your other presences and I… getting to know each other and prove we were worthy to each other of sharing this space." It continued, "It has been a long time since I was able to fight anyone or thing that could truly face me. Your Draconic essence as well as your demonic one were more than happy to oblige a bit of a fight." It continued before turning towards the wall, "The rest you felt was no doubt from my attempting to pierce this wall, something your other essences all attempted to do as well. It surrounds the entire land mass that you've forged as your mind, and none of us could truly damage it even when attacking the same spot." It growled as it glared at the wall, "I don't like the magic and feel of it at all. It puts me on edge like an enemy waiting to strike and I can't locate where I sense the threat." It continued and Naruto nodded.

"I agree, I feel some kind of connection to the magic, but I don't know why." Naruto stated before turning to the dragon, "So what do I do about you?" Naruto stated as he looked at it.

The dragon merely looked down at him, "I have no intention of harming you or stunting your growth, partly due to the fact I am fused with you in a way that I doubt I could survive if I somehow did claw my way out. So, I shall work alongside you, especially since I regained some strength from several of those fools you unleashed me on before. I can only believe that each target I destroy I absorb some power and thus regain some of my former power as well. Of course, that means you will get stronger to as a result since we now have a symbiotic relationship." It stated as Naruto nodded.

"And what do I call you? You no doubt know both names I go by." Naruto asked knowing that if this dragon was bound to him in some way then he was able to hear and see outside of his body.

"I am Acnologia the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse." The now named Acnologia stated as he flared his wings open and stood at his full height.

"A pleasure. I'll ask that you not try to smash the wall down when my focus is needed elsewhere." Naruto stated as Acnologia grunted.

"I have no intention of attacking it any longer. It would be a pointless waste of energy and time. Even if your presences helped me, it would take centuries if not millennia to break it, and there's the fact we don't know just WHAT is on the other side. For all I know it's a blocker or limiter on your power you unknowingly placed there and opening it could have disastrous effects." Acnologia stated making Naruto nod.

"We are in agreement on that. However, based on the fact I don't recognize anything on that wall, I don't think I did it subconsciously." Naruto stated as he looked at the wall, "Though that only adds to the argument of not messing with it if possible." He added as Acnologia nodded before Naruto formed a chair and sat down before the dragon, "So, tell me about yourself. May as well get to know each other if we're going to cohabitate." Naruto stated as Acnologia snorted laid down.

The two would talk for a few hours before Naruto left his mindscape to handle his day to day affairs.

LATER

Naruto was in his office going over a few reports as well as notes for new attacks and seals he was designing. One such report was that Menoly had been fully converted to his service and was currently getting measured for proper attire and would be helping break the rather stubborn Loly soon.

Another item were designs and calculations for more Jutsu, spells, and Magika style attacks. He had created Acnologia through some darkness and fire, but what would happen with light, pure fire, and other elements? Baou hadn't remained or fused with his body so not all forms of Magika created attacks created life, it was possible Acnologia somehow got caught in the attack as Naruto was in one of the lands of the dead and thus rules were different for there.

There were many prevailing theories and thoughts over it, especially since it wasn't duplicable as so far Naruto was the only one capable of fusing magic and chakra into this new form of power and attack. It didn't help the danger of it was highly present since Naruto realistically got lucky that Acnologia was friendly or at least not malicious in his intentions and that wasn't counting the physical danger that his experimentations showed.

Other items on the desk had to do with trial and error forms of new seals, runes, and glyphs that he had designed based off some of the principles of the seal used in Soul Society. Some proved correct in execution but needed a good chunk of power, others failed miserably and needed correction, and still more.

The seal he used against Yhwach was truly a masterpiece of masterpieces of seal work, but it showed him how truly little he knew about sealing and other areas and arts. Then there was his mind, the various designs on the wall within his mind were leagues beyond anything he and his forces had conceptually come up with evidenced when his scribes, seal masters, and rune crafters were given copies of some of the symbols and such, and all of them were stumped as to what they did exactly.

Bits and pieces were identified as parts of an array to contain and/or guard something, but the symbols as a whole were a mystery. His dragons that were capable of speech informed him that some of them looked like very ancient forms of Draconian languages, but it would have had to be around the time Alexstrasza and the other aspects came into being given what little they knew of the dialects.

Naruto made a mental note to have some copies sent to Azeroth for them to study and tell him anything they could. Given their knowledge, age, and/or power, Naruto knew his mothers in the form of Jaina, Sylvanas, Tyrande, Maiev, and Alexstrasza would likely know something or able to give him a general direction. Onyxia likely could as well, but Naruto didn't truly see or consider her a mother to him.

He also could have asked Shinigami if he knew, but Naruto wasn't going to summon the Death God for something like that.

"Don't go getting overly respectful on me, boy, I quite like the more earning of respect approach you've taken thus far." A slowly becoming familiar voice spoke causing Naruto to break from his thoughts and work to look at Shinigami standing there.

"Lord Shinigami." Naruto stated as he dipped his head slightly, "I trust this isn't a social visit?" Naruto asked as he sat back.

"Unfortunately, no, it is not. There is another realm that requires your interference to stop endless darkness and perhaps undo the slaughter of millions. However, you'll need your forces, the enemy has an army that is more numbers than substance and you will need to protect 12 children in three locations and ensure they succeed. How you do so is unimportant, but you'll need warriors and transports for them to make their way through enemy infestations. Once your forces are ready; I'll take you to the one who requested aid." Shinigami stated and Naruto frowned and nodded as Shinigami vanished

"Kimimaro!" Naruto shouted and the door was slammed open as Kimimaro entered with a sword drawn along with a few guards.

"Naruto-sama, are you all right?" Kimimaro asked and Naruto nodded.

"Yes, listen get me no less than three full brigades of warriors that are itching for a fight and chance to stretch their legs, make sure to have diverse classes and skill sets, I want to be fully prepared when we get there. Also inform Grom and Marco to gear up and all of them report to the courtyard, anyone else that wants to come is free to. Lord Shinigami needs us involved in another war. As such, make sure extra mounts and supplies are prepared as well since I don't know how long we'll be gone." Naruto ordered and Kimimaro immediately left to fulfill his orders.

Naruto then stood to get his own gear ready since he hadn't been wearing his armor 24/7. He mainly did it to let Acnologia "breathe" as he called it.

Speak of the devil.

[That god had the stench of other dragons on him. None of the smells were even close to those of your warriors or yourself. I can only assume the request came from a dragon or he's been in contact with other dragons for some reason.] Acnologia informed through their connection as Naruto began preparing.

[I already know he's in possession of information that he won't give me until a time he's designated arrives, It wouldn't surprise me if he's making deals and offers to other gods and entities to have me interfere and change the outcome of more places. So long as I'm compensated for the work, I don't care much. Like many of my warriors, I can't just be a simple man, I will always want action and adventure, my blood practically hungers for it. Would you enjoy your existence if I was simply a ruler and stayed in my castle no longer training or acting against enemies that arose?] Naruto replied and Acnologia snarled.

[The mere thought of that kind of existence sickens me. There's no truly sadder sight than a warrior who has lost their fighting spirit. It's the way with many conquerors, they win and then become complacent and lazy and are unable to stand up to new threats or truly keep their warriors in line. No different than the dragons who seek riches and gain a horde then become fat and lazy that they can barely function as a dragon beyond the ability to breathe fire.] Acnologia stated with disgust and a bit of pity being in his voice.

[Agreed, hence why I will not become complacent nor will I stop trying to expand our reach, power, and knowledge. Complacency is death. Vader and Qui-Gon's stories of the Jedi and Sith orders are proof of that.] Naruto replied as Acnologia grunted. [Besides, imagine what powers, talents, magics, and innovations we'll find in other worlds as we continue these services.] Naruto added knowing that adding to his growing empire's knowledge and power was a key factor in keeping said empire together even if he happened to be incapacitated.

[True enough.] Acnologia accepted as Naruto was armored and armed before he headed down to the courtyard already seeing several dozen of his warriors along with Marco, Grom, Kimimaro, Akama, Kakashi, Hashirama, Qui-Gon, Anakin, Jugo, Minato, Kushina, Lily, Fu, Yugito, Vashj, Samui, Karui, Kin, Fara, Mikoto, and Natalia there.

"Sire! What is happening, sir?" Marco asked as he saw Naruto approach.

"Lord Shinigami has need of our services again. This time the threat has an actual army and we have to help three locations simultaneously while protecting 12 children from the threats. Once we've fully assembled, Lord Shinigami will take us to whoever made the request of him." Naruto informed making Marco nod as more of his forces came including different mounts and bags, pouches, and scrolls of supplies handy.

Once they had gathered, a portal opened and Naruto led his forces through all of them ready to fight.

REALM IN BETWEEN

Naruto looked around at what seemed to be an old palace or temple of some kind and he could practically taste holy magic in the air, which was unnerving for the few undead that were with him, but not so much so that they weren't able to be effective. This wouldn't be the first holy site they'd been on/in that made them uncomfortable, so they knew how to handle it.

"My lord?" Marco asked as each of his warriors looked around on alert.

"Calm yourselves, if Lord Shinigami wanted me dead he's had numerous chances to make that a reality." Naruto stated since any of the times he'd summoned the Death God could have been Naruto's last, but he hadn't harmed Naruto.

"Well said good sir." A voice stated making them turn and see an elven woman there smiling at Naruto, though the amount of magic and power she held told them she was not some normal Elf. The fact that his undead were shying away from her a bit was further proof.

She had milky white skin, long flowing emerald hair, emerald eyes, perky D cup breasts, slim waist, a bubble butt, and lightly painted blue lips. She wore a golden tiara that sat in the middle of her forehead, a flowing pinkish purple dress that showed the center of her chest waist to neck with a sheer film of white fabric there that still let you see her bellybutton and the sides of her breasts. The top of the dress was a choker style neck piece that had azure colored straps connecting the neck piece to two gold bands on her biceps and then further down to gold bands on her wrists. Around her waist was a set of the straps that formed a belt that had plates of gold and azure colored material with braided ropes that ended in crystals dangling off of it and she was barefoot/legged.

All in all she looked like a goddess.

[Ah, so she's the one who asked the death god for help. It makes sense. She was always one to be mothering to humans and the mortal races.] Acnologia stated from within Naruto.

[You know this woman?] Naruto asked and Acnologia nodded.

[Aye, she's a divine dragon, like myself, who is more attuned to the light side of magic. Her name is Naga, but her power seems weaker than it should be. If I had to guess, her followers and connection to her world have been broken and thus she is unable to do much to intervene in her world any longer, which no doubt is where you and your warriors come in.] Acnologia informed making Naruto nod.

"Greetings to you, Boundless One, and you as well warriors that serve him. I am glad Shinigami was able to lend me aid in bringing you here." The now identified Naga stated as she stared at Naruto.

"And where is here exactly?" Naruto asked as the smiled at him still.

"A realm between worlds that long ago was crafted by many with a connection to divine power. From here it is easy to interact and reach out to other worlds and the deities that are connected to them. Naturally, the darker entities were cut off, but they are still aware of its existence to a degree." Naga readily explained as the different troops looked around in awe at being in a place that gods literally helped create. "As to why you are here, my world is slowly being consumed by darkness and chaos due to the Fell Dragon Grima's actions and intentions. So long as he exists the world will be at risk and there currently are no powers strong enough to stop him without some form of help." Naga informed.

"Why not just send my master there? He could slay this Grima himself and be done with it." Kimimaro asked and Naruto turned to him.

"Because it wouldn't fully solve anything. Slaying the master means the servants are let loose upon the world without direction or hinderance from their master. Besides, she wants a certain order of events to happen to ensure there's something there for the future. I can't just keep crossing into that world over and over again to solve every problem that arises, thus there needs to be capable and equipped people to handle and lead the people after the dragon is killed. The easiest solution is not always the best solution, my friend. It's part of why I've not simply just unleashed my armies on the Elemental Nations all at once. We'd win certainly, but I'd lose good loyal warriors and we'd be seen as nothing more than invaders; my method not only gains us territory, but new loyal soldiers and people willing to put in work to better the land and us as a result. It's also why I've left Konoha alone, to let the world see what the village really is and to force the various rats and snakes to head there for refuge from me." Naruto explained making Kimimaro bow his head.

"My apologies, master." Kimimaro stated and Naruto shook his head.

"Relax, my friend, your former master didn't train you to be a general or squad leader, so it's only natural that you still have much to learn on that side of things. It's part of the reason I've yet to send you out without one of my more experienced commanders accompanying you so you can learn how to lead for when the time comes that I need you to." Naruto stated as Kimimaro nodded before he turned his attention back to Naga. "So, what is going on specifically?" Naruto asked as Naga stood there patiently.

"As I stated, the world in which I resided is falling to darkness and my connection is nearly severed thus I can do nothing to alter its course or its future. The hope of the world rests on the shoulders of 12 children no more than 20 summers of age, one an exalted princess and 11 others born to heroes of their world. However, without more aid, those 12 will die before they can gain a chance to stop Grima. Their last effort to win the war was to recover five gemstones and an artifact that can empower the princess enough to bring down Grima." Naga stated as Naruto frowned.

"Born to heroes you say? Maybe I can even the odds then." Naruto stated with a smirk as Naga nodded.

"Yes, your powers over death are part of the reason Shinigami suggested you. You can bring the heroes back to both help save their children and help their children stabilize the world after Grima is defeated. With my connection, weak as it is, you should be able to bring the parents of those children back and it will help the children to trust you and your forces." Naga stated as Naruto nodded and ascended to his Death Knight form.

"Then let's get started, the faster we do this the faster we can save those kids and your world from an asshole dragon." Naruto stated as Naga nodded, impressed that his death like powers were so prevalent even in such a holy place.

"Very well, please take my hand so I can form the connection." Naga stated and Naruto took her hand in his left since he didn't want to risk Acnologia's power possibly interfering in the connection. He noted that she seemed to shudder from the contact with him before she straightened herself and closed her eyes, "Begin channeling your power as I call upon the souls of those we are searching for." She stated as Naruto began funneling his power and mixing with her own connection. "Here me, Prince Chrom of Ylisse; Lady Sully, knight of Ylisse; Lord Frederick the Valiant, Sergeant of the knights of Ylisse; Lady Sumia, Pegasus Knight of Ylisse; Lady Lissa, Princess and interim Exalt of Ylisse; Sir Gregor, mercenary and knight of Ylisse; Lady Nowi, one of the last few Manaketes; Lord Stahl, knight of Ylisse; Lord Virion, Duke of Rosanne; Lady Olivia, dancer and swordmaiden of Regna Ferox; Lady Maribelle, Duchess of Ylisse; Lord Kellam, knight and general of Ylisse; Lady Panne, last of the pureblood Taguel; Lord Lon'qu, skilled Myrmidon of Regna Ferox; Lady Tharja, Sorceress and Dark Arts mistress of Plegia; Lord Gaius, thief and rogue of Ylisse; Lady Cherche, Wyvern Mistress of Rosanne; Lord Libra, Saint and War Monk of Ylisse; Lord Ricken, Court Mage of house Ylisse; Lady Cordelia, Ace of the Pegasus Knights of Ylisse; Lady Miriel, head scholar and sorceress of Ylisse; Lord Vaike, warrior and knight of Ylisse; and Lord Donnel, knight and corporal of Ylisse. Heed my call, come forth and live once more." Naga summoned as a large burst of magic came as people began appearing.

Once the magic was done, the 23 people summoned all gasped for air as they fell to their knees trying to comprehend what happened. "What… what in the gods' name?" A dark blue haired man asked as he looked around and saw many of his comrades, his shepherds, all around him as well.

"Peace, Chrom of Ylisse. You need to calm yourself." Naga stated drawing eyes to her making the returned souls widen their eyes.

"How… How are we here? Where the blazing hells is here? And how the in the gods' names did we come back to life?! I know for a fact many in this room died before I did." A red haired fit woman, who Naga's connection allowed him to know was Sully, demanded.

"You did die yes, but thanks to interference from me on one of my gods' behalf, you are back among the living using Lady Naga's connection to your world." Naruto stated as he motioned his healers among the group to begin examining the people, who tensed. "Calm yourself, though my forces are more unique than you may be used to, we mean you no harm. I am merely having my healers look over you to ensure there's no lasting damage or effects upon you since your enemy could have used darker magics to kill you, and that can leave a stain on your soul." Naruto explained as they relaxed only slightly, though one large man in silver and yellow armor seemed a bit surprised that his healers even noticed him.

"Who are you anyway?" A blonde haired girl with pigtails named Lissa asked.

"My name is Naruto though I also go by the name of Ammon, I am a servant to the Death God of my world, Lord Shinigami. At times Lord Shinigami calls on me to perform a service, in this case it was to stop your world from falling to Grima's control by saving your children from death. However, doing that would only mend some problems so I also brought you all back to life." Naruto stated making them widen their eyes.

"Yarne/Inigo/Brady/Owain/Kjelle/Cynthia/Nah/Noire/Laruent/Severa/Gerome/Morgan and Morgana/Lucina are still alive?!" The group shouted all at once as Naga nodded.

"Yes, your children still continue to struggle and fight against Grima. Recently they launched a daring and final plan to secure victory: The others would infiltrate Plegia and recover the Fire Emblem along with the Gemstones. Cynthia, Noire, Nah, and Kjelle would try to recover Gules and Azure but subsequently be ambushed and die before they can even begin to make their way home. Yarn, Brady, Owain, and Inigo would recover Argent and Sable and escape with them, but they are hounded and dogged by their pursuers relentlessly and soon perish just as they near the border of Ylisse. Finally, Severa, Laurent, and Gerome would recover the Fire Emblem and Vert while Lucina would remain in the capitol to give her the best protection as without someone of Exalted blood, the Awakening cannot happen and Falchion has already chosen Lucina as it's master making it difficult for Kjelle or Owain to do so. They would be the only group to succeed and return to Ylisstol, only to fall alongside Lucina with news of their comrades' fates being made known to them as Grima unleashes his wrath upon them." Naga stated horrifying them, though there was some pride in their children standing up to Grima after all this time.

"Wait a gosh darn minute there! What about Morgan and Morgana?! Furthermore, where's Robin?!" The man wearing a pot on his head that was known as Donnel demanded.

"Morgan and Morgana are leading the attackers on the first two groups… because Robin fell to Grima's power and now serves as his vessel." Naga informed horrifying them all while Chrom hung his head.

"It was my death, Validar controlled her to kill me and it broke her. She couldn't handle the pain and guilt and Grima used that against her." Chrom stated as he punched the floor in anger over what had happened to his closest friend and confidant.

"Yes, however fear not, the children only use the power of Grima as they believe it is Robin who is giving them the orders while also giving them false promises of the return of their friends and family after they remake the world to a perfect place. As for Robin, she can still be saved, it was another reason why Lord Naruto was chosen to help instead of others." Naga stated surprising them before Chrom grit his teeth and stood.

"Then what in blazing hell are we waiting for, let's go!" Chrom stated before he grunted as he held his side.

"You can't go yet, Lord Chrom. I can see the fell magic inside your body. I'm guessing the blow that killed you was laced with Grima's power, and as a failsafe if you did survive somehow, it infected your body. Even now it's trying to weaken and destroy you from within. It will take some time for me to kill it and get you back to full strength. The others will go and help the first two groups since it will take some time for them to reach your kingdom if they are in another one entirely." Naruto stated and Chrom frowned as he stood straight and held his head high.

"If you think for one moment that I will not go to protect my daughters, you're out of your mind." Chrom stated as he stared down Naruto, who looked back at him making everyone look between them.

Finally, Naruto sighed, "Fine. Come here, I'll give you a temporary boost that should keep the detriments at bay long enough for you to save Kjelle." Naruto stated as Chrom nodded and came over to him, "This is gonna hurt like hell." Naruto stated as Chrom looked at him.

"Am I flinching?" Chrom asked making Naruto smirk before his hand was coated in white fire and he grasped Chrom's head.

Chrom grit his teeth as the fire began covering him fully before he roared in pain and grabbed onto Naruto's arm, though Naruto knew he wasn't trying to get free of the grip, but he merely needed something to hold onto.

Naruto's forces kept the others back, though it took an Orc and a Tauren to restrain Sully, as he did his work before he let go and let Chrom fall to his knees gasping for air as Sully got free and rushed to him. "Chrom!" She shouted as she knelt beside him as he waved her off and managed to stand.

"I'm all right." Chrom stated as he stood and flexed his hands, "Actually, better than all right, I've not felt this good in years." Chrom stated as he looked at Naruto.

"Holy magic mixed with dragon's fire can do wonders if you know what you're doing. It's not enough to fully fix the wounds that had been aggravating you for years, nor was it enough to fully purge the fell magic, but it should be enough to get you through the first battle especially with your wife and comrades there to watch you. However, let me be clear: You WILL come back here after the battle so we can finish treating you. Despite my powers, I can't keep bringing people back to life, you'll be a bit more corrupted and undead-like each time I do." Naruto stated making him nod with widened eyes.

"I see, I'll be careful, and if I'm not, I'm sure Frederick and Sully will force me to be." Chrom stated with a smirk at his wife and oldest comrade.

"You're damn right I will. After the battle, I'll stay with Kjelle while you come back to finish healing and we'll meet you at Ylisstol." Sully stated in a tone that stated she'd kick his ass if he didn't behave and do as she said.

"All right, all of you go to our war beasts, grab some weapons and replace any armor you need to. Once you're ready, my forces will join you with Naga directing where we teleport you." Naruto ordered as his men brought the Kodos and other beasts up with Miriel taking an interest in the creatures.

[Naruto, there is one thing that is needed to be done while the majority of your forces handle things.]Naruto heard Shinigami's voice speak to him. [You need to send one small batch of soldiers to meet another individual that has survived in the world and deliver a message to her. She will be key to helping bring down Grima.]Shinigami continued.

[Just tell me where to send them and what the message is.] Naruto responded as Shinigami informed him of what was needed.

Naruto then turned his attention to Naga as she spoke, "The enemy you will face the most are Risen, undead warriors brought about by Grima's power, they come in a variety of forms as they match the skillset of those that became Risen." Naga stated making Naruto snort as he turned to his soldiers.

"Death Knights, Paladins, and Priests in each grouping, these are undead raised by some kind of great dragon, but that doesn't mean they're on par with our past enemies. Still, best to err on the side of caution." Naruto ordered making his forces nod. "All right, Naga, if you could direct the location, I'll send the first batch of warriors out to help Cynthia, Noire, Nah, and Kjelle was it? Akama, you're in charge of that force." Naruto stated as Akama nodded as he held his war scythes with Kushina, Fu, Mikoto, Jugo, Natalia, and Qui-Gon moving to stand with him along with Sully, Chrom, Frederick, Sumia, Tharja, Gaius, Nowi, and Stahl.

"Very well, be warned that many of the Risen will be there and they have already captured the four children, you will need to hurry. The child known as Morgan will also be there leading the forces." Naga warned making them nod as she began to channel her power.

"Wait sir." Donnel stated as he approached Akama, "I'm gonna come too, ifin that's all right. I may be a simple farmhand, but that's my boy that's leading the enemy. Please, I know I can talk sense into him and then maybe come back here and have him help me talk some sense into his sister. Please sir! I've got to at least try." Donnel stated as he bowed low and Akama merely stared at him.

"Stop your bowing. If you want to be a man then just join us and don't grovel and beg to come." Akama stated as Donnel stood straight.

"Huh?... Er… right then! I'm coming too and that's the end of that!" Donnel stated making a few look amused, mostly Naruto's troops at the fact that if Akama wanted, Donnel had no chance of coming along.

"I will get you all as close to their position as possible, then it will be all up to you." Naga stated before that group vanished.

"Vashj-chan, come here, I need you to do something for me." Naruto stated as his Naga/High Elven lover approached him with a few of her own personal guard and soldiers.

"What is it my love?" Vashj asked in curiosity.

"I am going to send you to another location, there you will find a dragonkin named Tiki, I want you to escort her to the capital city of Ylisstol and give her a message for me." Naruto stated before he leaned into Vashj's ear and whispered something making her look at him in confusion.

"Are you sure that's the message, my love?" Vashj asked and Naruto nodded. "Then it will be done." Vashj stated before Naruto opened a gate and had her and her warriors go through.

"Why did you send those few off, Lord Naruto?" Naga asked and Naruto smiled.

"An insurance policy, just in case." Naruto stated cryptically as Naga merely nodded.

"Very well." Naga stated as they prepared to send the next group.

OLD FORTRESS, KINGDOM OF PLEGIA

Arriving was not safe or subtle as they were dumped out into the field just outside of the fortress and several of the nearby Risen saw and immediately attacked. However, Kushina handled it with her chakra chains quickly skewering several of them before smashing them into others.

"Let's get going." Akama stated as they moved towards the fortress with Tharja examining the stick that she was given to use her magic and Nowi was looking at the pendant around her neck since apparently it would work instead of her Dragonstone. "Jugo, Fu, if you'd be so kind as to make an entrance for us." Akama stated as Jugo suddenly grew and turned into what could only be described as an Ogre since he was hulking and had a pair of horns while his eyes went black and gold.

Fu gained large butterfly wings of what looked like greenish fire before she took to the air and began raining a pollen on the Risen around the area before Jugo roared and charged before smashing through the outer wall. He didn't even wait for the others and just began smashing and destroying the Risen as if it was as simple as breathing and any wounds he received were sealed up in no time.

Akama was just glad that the Toads and Druids were able to help him get under control, last thing he needed was a berserker that couldn't stop himself from attacking friends and enemies and just wanting to kill anything in sight.

"Let's move." Mikoto stated making Akama nod.

"You heard Lady Mikoto. We have some Undead to kill." Akama stated as the majority of his forces moved in while a contingent hung back with the mounts and supplies.

Chrom's group quickly moved to catch up intent on saving their daughters and showing the Risen their wrath, though from the looks of things their new allies didn't need much help as dozens of Risen were dispersing before their eyes as they moved to join the battle.

"We'll get you to your daughters and secure an exit, you will then lead your daughters out while we handle the rest." Kushina stated making the newly revived people frown.

"What? Why? We can help too." Sully stated and Kushina nodded.

"Because despite how you feel, you lot are not at your max yet, you're still adjusting to being alive again after years of being dead. There's also the fact your daughters are no doubt exhausted and need rest as well, so they need to be pulled away from the fighting quickly especially since the Risen will be trying to take back the Gemstones and if they do then this will have been for nothing." Kushina stated making them frown but they nodded, nonetheless.

"Jugo, Fu, Natalia, you three stay out here with a small force and mop up any Risen that come. The rest of us will go inside to save the girls." Akama ordered getting affirmatives as the majority of the brigade charged the fort.

Fu dropped to the ground and began cutting down any Risen that came near her with her spear while Natalia was nearby handling the enemy with her shield and sword that had been upgraded by Naruto making them durable and more deadly in combat. Though, compared to the threats she had fought in Azeroth and Outland, these Risen were ridiculously easy. They were essentially the equivalent to the drones that Naruto used for some attacks, no real strengths beyond some durability and sheer numbers.

That durability was ruined if you knew here to hit: The brain or spine. Hitting either of those dropped them like the corpses they were. True the more skilled ones could be in areas deemed more important or even inside the fort to ensure the four children were quickly handled. However, that was a moot point as at this moment they were just pathetic corpses that were easy to kill and handle.

Oh well, this wasn't about her getting a challenge, this was about fulfilling a service her love and king was tasked to perform and she'd be damned if he failed because she got careless or reckless.

As they pushed in, Chrom found himself beginning to struggle a bit as he parried and cut down different Risen mainly due to his stamina being lacking compared to what it was. The minutes ticked by as he fought and each minute that passed made him slowly start to fall back to how he felt before Naruto gave him a boost. "Now I see why he said I needed to go back. I'm starting to feel like I did a full regimen of training after participating in a battle for several hours. If I go against Grima and his main force like this, I'll be as useful as a fresh recruit trying take down a Risen with kind words and a pie." Chrom thought to himself as he pushed through the rising exhaustion and fought, keeping up with the others though he noted Sully was staying by his side a great deal.

MEANWHILE: INSIDE SAID FORTRESS

Four young women were panting as they stood near each other within the ruined fortress. One was a green haired girl with large pointed ears and clutching a stone in her hand, the second was an orange haired girl holding a bow, the third was a brunette holding a lance at the ready, and the fourth was a blue haired girl wearing large armor and holding a spear handy. All of them were panting and bruised with some nicks and cuts all over them from the fights they had been in so far.

"Oh no! W-we're surrounded?! This is the end, isn't it…" The orange haired girl named Noire, daughter of Tharja and Gaius#1, stated in fear as the Risen had begun boxing them within some form of great hall area.

"After all we suffered to claim Gules and Azure, we'll never even get them back home…" The green haired girl, Nah the daughter of Nowi and Stahl, stated as she sighed making her ears droop a bit.

The brunette gasped as she heard her comrades, "Noire! Nah! What are you saying?! We have to stay strong! A true hero knows it's always darkest just before the dawn! We're just building up to the big comeback, right, Kjelle?" Cynthia, daughter of Sumia and Frederick, stated trying to bolster the moral of the group and looking to her commander for this mission.

"I suppose it is a bit premature. Our defeat isn't inevitable yet. I can't count how many times we've faced certain death since coming to Plegia… and every time, the four of us managed to make it out alive. Surrounded or not, we can't fall here… not to chumps like these." Kjelle, the second daughter of Chrom and Sully, stated willing to go down swinging and fight her way tooth and nail as far as possible.

"Exactly! If we all work together, these fiends won't stand a chance. Justice will not be denied!" Cynthia stated while giving a grin.

However, as they talked, the Risen began closing in on them, but it wasn't their usual charge straight ahead and not care for injuries method. No, these were moving around and closing in rapidly without taking the time to try and just attack.

"Wh-what's going on?! These Risen! I've never seen them move like this…Ah!" Noire stated in an attempt to warn but it was too late.

Each of them were grabbed by no less than two Risen that suddenly sprang from above and below and cut them off from the others as they were thrown or forced into corners. "Wha…?! H-how did they separate us so easily?!" Cynthia shouted as the two Risen each then cornered them and quickly went for their weapons before they could react. "Hey! G-get back! Don't touch my lance! That belonged to my mother! It means everything to me!" Cynthia shouted as she struggled to keep ahold of her lance but her strength vs a Risen was no contest as it was ripped from her and tossed away out of reach. "Give it back, you creep! You… you have to! Please, not the lance… You can take anything, but not that!" Cynthia stated as tears began to fall at the sight of her mother's lance just being tossed away like garbage.

"Damn! One of them got my dragonstone! How am I supposed to fight now? Give that back! It doesn't belong to you!" Nah stated knowing that all of her power came from being able to use the stone as a focus for her bloodline, without it she was just a girl with big ears.

"They were lying in wait for us… They must have known we'd try to resist… They even got my talisman… Now it really is hopeless…" Noire stated while wondering how they knew about her talisman since it wasn't something known by many outside of their group.

"Get away, you filthy craven! You really need two of you to disarm one of me?!" Kjelle shouted as she punched and kicked as best she could, "Bah! Of course you do! You'd never stand a chance of defeating me in a fair fight!" Kjelle growled as she was forced back into a corner.

"Guys, we can't fight them like this! And those flames are spreading fast!" Cynthia shouted knowing that a large fire had begun spreading after one of the Risen's spell casters had launched several fire spells at them at one point. "Everyone, find a way to break though and then regroup at-" Cynthia started only to be cut off as large barricades rose from the ground and ceiling effectively quartering the room they were in and showing it wasn't a hall like they thought, it was a large jail area. "What…?! Barricades?! You've got to be kidding me! There's no way we'll be able to regroup now…" Cynthia stated as she tried to find some way for them to at least get out of the room, but the doors at each of their sections were blocked by more Risen or the fire.

"So this is the end, then… We've no cards left to play." Nah stated dejectedly. "Very well. If you plan to kill us, please just get on with it. I made my peace with the fact we'd likely die the day we left Ylisse…" She added not seeing a point in fighting back more.

"Nah! What are you saying?! We can't give up!" Cynthia gasped not believing that her usually strong and determined friend was just calling it quits so easily. "What about the five Gemstones? We'll never get them all if we quit now! And if we can't perform the Awakening, the entire world is doomed!" Cynthia continued only for Nah to glare at her with tears coming to her eyes.

"Do you think I don't know that?! Do you think any of us doesn't know that?! I don't WANT to die here, Cynthia, but I don't see very many other options! Do you honestly think someone's going to swoop in and rescue us? That some great warrior is going to appear and spout one of your heroic introductions?" Nah asked with some anger and sorrow in her tone taking Cynthia aback.

"I… I don't…" Cynthia stuttered trying to come up with a response as Nah sighed a bit.

"I know what you're feeling, Cynthia. When things get bad, I'm the same way. I pray that somehow Naga will hear my pleas and come to my rescue… That I'll hear her voice whispering in my ear, and then suddenly everything will be okay. But even after all we've been through, I've never heard her voice even once!" Nah stated with her sorrow being easy to hear in her voice, "I think it's time for us to face the music. There's just no such thing as miracles." Nah continued as Cynthia was silent. "Listen, Cynthia. I'm sorry… I don't want my last words to you to be angry ones. Even after everything that's happened, I'm still so glad I met all of you. I love you guys. Every last one of you. Thank you… for everything. Maybe we'll be reborn into a kinder world. And we can all meet again one day…" Nah stated as tears started flowing freely down her face.

"Nah, please! Don't say good-bye! There's still a chance!" Cynthia tried desperately since she believed there was always a chance at getting away or freedom.

"I, too, feel privileged to have known you all. I'd have been so lost without you… I'm sorry I was always such a pessimist. But even so, I never gave up hope…" Noire started while trying to fight back her own tears, "I always knew in my heart that as long as I had all of you, we'd make it through. But… I guess it just wasn't meant to be. This time we truly are finished… I suppose I'll never know what it means to lead a normal, happy teenage life…" Noire stated as she let tears fall down her cheeks. "I… I'll just stop there… The more I say, the harder this all gets…" Noire stated before she began fully crying.

"Come on, Noire! You know I can't stand to see you like this!" Cynthia stated as she too started breaking down at the sight of her closest friends buckling under the pressure of the situation.

"It's been an honor to fight beside you all. True, I was a little worried at first… But you proved stronger and braver than I ever expected. You always had my back. It got to the point that I honestly thought the four of us would never be defeated. So much for that, huh? This time I just don't see a way out…" Kjelle stated as she fought to keep her tears away, she'd remain strong for them till the end even if it felt bittersweet to do so. "I hate to pass our duty onto the others, but… maybe they're still alive? Maybe they'll figure out some way to save the world without these two Gemstones?" Kjelle added trying to give at least some ray of tangible hope to her comrades, "If I'm going to die here, I'd at least like to die with some small shred of hope… A hope that somehow, some way, the good guys can still win this…" Kjelle stated knowing that any hope would be at least a small comfort.

"Kjelle…" Cynthia stated sadly as she hung her head. "I guess you're right… without weapons, we have no hope of fighting through this… It kills me to say it, but… I don't think I'm gonna be able to save us after all…" Cynthia stated before she clenched her hands tightly, "But that doesn't mean I'm giving up. We can't die here, not like this! We HAVE to take the Gemstones back. We HAVE to defeat Grima! We have to fulfill our dream of bringing peace back to the world… We…we have to!" Cynthia stated desperately as she glared at the Risen near her. "I want to believe there's still some way out of this... I want to believe there's still some way to get home… Maybe Nah's right, and there's no such thing as miracles… Heck, maybe the gods don't even exist at all… But I'm praying all the same. So please, gods, if you're out there… Please…send us a miracle!" Cynthia stated as her friends looked at her sadly.

"Cynthia." They thought sadly as they sympathized with their friend, but there was no hope to be seen for them. Not this time.

However, they were suddenly shaken and surprised as the fortress suddenly shook after a large explosion nearby. The sound was followed by various war cries and shouts, "For Lord Ammon!" More than one voice shouted as the sounds of combat echoed out soon after.

Kjelle took that opportunity to struggle against the Risen again hoping that with their enemies distracted she'd have more of a chance.

However, a dragon's roar surprised the four with Nah stiffening with her eyes widening to epic proportions.

"Nah! Nah are you okay?!" Kjelle shouted concerned to why her friend seemed paralyzed.

"Th-that roar… it… it can't be." Nah stuttered as she recognized that roar, it was a roar that was within her dreams any time she wasn't having nightmares.

The wall shattering near her broke her from her stupor before the Risen closest to her was smashed into by a shield and sword. "Get the hell away from my daughter!" The one carrying the sword and shield shouted revealing Stahl before the other Risen was blasted by dragon fire and the smoke cleared showing Nowi with a snarl on her face.

"No one hurts my precious Nah and gets away with it." She snarled as she bared her teeth with the other noticeable thing being a gold pendant with a red and blue jewel lodged in it around her neck.

The doors near the other three were then busted down by either boots or magic as the other parents entered. Chrom and Sully quickly cutting down the two Risen near Kjelle, Gaius cutting down a Risen with a quick slash to the throat while Tharja destroyed one with magic while holding a wand and having a dark and angry aura around her as she did, and Frederick and Sumia quickly speared the two Risen near Cynthia. All eight quickly took defensive positions as they stood near their children.

"M-m-mother/F-father?!" All four exclaimed in shock seeing their parents there in the flesh.

"Cynthia/Kjelle/Noire/Nah are you all right?!" Sumia, Sully, Gaius, and Nowi all asked as they looked their daughters over.

"Focus for now!" Chrom, Frederick, Tharja, and Stahl all shouted as they handed their daughters back their weapons knowing they had to be ready in case any Risen got past their new allies.

They wanted nothing more than to speak to their children, but there were more pressing matters at this moment.

"Nowi, Tharja, connect us." Chrom ordered making the two nod as Tharja pointed her wand and blasted the barrier between her and Cynthia's group while Nowi shocked Nah by breathing fire at the barricades blocking them from Chrom and Tharja's group.

"Mother… h-how?!" Nah asked and Nowi smiled at her.

"Naga's got some tricks she can pull, she got help from another world and he in turn worked some magic to bring us here. Now focus, we can talk more once we get clear of this place and don't have Risen attacking." Nowi stated as she patted Nah's head.

"B-but the Risen here are powerful! Please, I can't lose you again." Nah stated and Nowi smiled before she kissed Nah's forehead.

"Well, we're strong too silly. And our new allies are definitely strong. They handle Risen like you and I would a simple bird. We'll all be fine, so have some faith in us." Nowi stated as she gave a smile.

"O-Okay. I understand." Nah stated as she sniffed and fought back the tears of happiness she had at her mother and her father being back and hugged Nowi, who smiled and returned it.

"Thank goodness you're all right." Stahl stated as a few of their allies quickly moved in to cover them letting them relax a bit.

"F-Father." Nah stated as she hugged him and Stahl quickly sheathed his sword and moved his shield to embrace Nah in a hug.

"Heh, I was worried you'd be hurt, but that hug could choke out a bear." Stahl chuckled as he held her.

"I… I was so scared." Nah stated as Stahl held her.

"Shh, it's okay, Mommy and Daddy are here and we're not leaving you any time soon." Stahl stated as he kept her close with Nowi standing near them.

Over with Noire, a similar thing was happening. "M-Mother! Is… is it really you?! Did you bring yourself back with some kind of resurrection curse?" Noire asked as she shook in happiness.

"And if I did?" Tharja asked with a dark chuckle as she looked around for more Risen to unleash pain on.

"It wouldn't matter to me at all! You're still my mother, and… I've felt so lonely since you died to save me. I don't care if you're a walking corpse, reek of death, or are just a zombie. You're still my mother, no matter what. Oh mother, please don't leave me again!" Noire stated as she looked at Tharja with love and adoration.

"Well, sunshine, looks like you're our little girl's hero." Gaius commented with some amusement in his tone.

"Yes, Gaius, I can see that. As to your question Noire, I was resurrected but not by my power. Naga called some interesting allies to resurrect us all. Though if your father doesn't behave, they may need to bring him back again." Tharja stated as she gave a mild glare at him as he simply smirked at her.

"Y-you're my father? How do I know this isn't some kind of trick?!" Noire demanded making Gaius nearly face fault.

"Seriously?! You believe Tharja without any scrutiny but just seeing me has you balking at my existence?!" Gaius grumbled.

"It would take considerable time and power to copy my mother so well, but you… you were just a thief." Noire stated making Tharja smile in amusement as Gaius pouted.

"Just a thief? Damn, just what do history books say about me to be 'just a thief'? I'm gonna have to kick someone's ass for that." Gaius stated as he grumbled about magical dark witch wives getting all the attention.

"As charming as this is, we have more pressing matters. Noire, that is in fact your father, if you don't believe ME, then just wait a few minutes and his nose should start bleeding from all the sugar he eats like it always does." Tharja stated making Noire pause and stare at Gaius.

"D…d-daddy." Noire asked as tears started building in her eyes while Gaius resisted the urge to frown at the fact it was Tharja vouching for him that got her to believe him, but regardless, it was still his little girl and he wasn't going to do that.

"Yup, it's me kiddo, just like your mom said." Gaius stated before Noire hugged him as she sobbed into his chest.

"Tears? Really? What am I supposed to…" Tharja sighed before she simply blasted some Risen through a hole in the wall. "Look, let's just focus on getting out of here… then we'll plan revenge on those that tried to hurt Noire, it will need to be something really good to serve as adequate payback for all that they've done. Heeheehee." Tharja stated with her giggle being downright cruel.

Noire pulled back and smiled at her mother, "Oh mother, this is just like old times!" She stated with a smile while Gaius sweatdropped.

"I had to fall in love with a dark witch… oh well, there are worse things and I can't say the bedroom fun is boring." Gaius thought to himself as he smiled at the sight of his wife and daughter.

Over by Kjelle, Chrom and Sully were with her and smiling in relief, "Are you all right Kjelle?" Chrom asked as a few more of Naruto's troops entered and ensured no Risen got close.

"I.. I don't understand, how are you both here?!" Kjelle asked in shock as Chrom smiled.

"A few allies gained through Naga's help. We can discuss the specifics later, right now the important thing is make sure you're all right and ready to continue. From the looks of things, you're fine, which is impressive. Not many could stand their ground this long unarmed and not be hurt. I'm proud of you." Chrom stated with a smile.

"You're damn right, I made sure she knew how to handle herself and her father's lessons only furthered that." Sully stated as she smiled proudly at Kjelle, who ducked her head in shame.

"It's true, I practiced and made sure all of my lessons were committed to memory. Swordsmanship, spearmanship, physical fitness, mental conditioning, all of it. However, all of it, I threw it all away and shamed both my ancestry and my rank when it mattered most. I was ready to quit and not try anymore. I'm a failure as a member of House Ylisse, let alone as your daughter." Kjelle stated before yelping as she was whacked over the head by Sully.

"I don't want to hear that kind of shit talking from you. No daughter of mine could ever be an embarrassment, let alone a failure. Quit that talk before I take you over my knee and give you a good smacking." Sully stated sternly as she looked at her youngest.

"She's right, Kjelle, fruitless struggling could have gotten you killed before we could arrive. And if you truly feel like you've failed, then dust yourself off, get off your ass, pick up your spear, and make it right and ensure you won't fail again." Chrom stated making Sully look at him with a smirk since he rarely swore in front of let alone at their daughters, but he was in military mode right now, not princely peaceful ruler so he was going to be blunt and to the point, just how she loved him being.

"Y-yes sir and ma'am." Kjelle stated as she straightened herself and smiled, glad to have them both back.

"Good, now buck up and get ready to smash some Risen faces in or so help me, I'll give you a training regimen so bad you'll beg the gods to send a horde of Risen for you to face instead." Sully stated as Kjelle smiled and nodded.

"Right, I'm ready." Kjelle stated finding her drill sergeant mother to be great comfort right now/

Lastly over by Cynthia, "Mother, is that really you-WAAH!" Cynthia started before tripping.

At the same time, Sumia was moving closer to her, "Careful where you step, Cynthia, you don't want to-WHA!" Sumia started before tripping as well.

However, neither touched the ground as Frederick caught them both. "Honestly, you two, we will need to work on your coordination more." Frederick stated with a sigh before he stood them up. "Cynthia, you're not hurt are you? We got here in time correct?" Frederick asked as he began to examine her carefully for any injuries.

"Yeah, I'm okay, but how are you here?!" Cynthia asked trying to comprehend that the two greatest heroes she ever knew were before her again.

"Naga was able to get us allies through a deity of another realm. Through him we were able to return to help you." Sumia stated as Cynthia nodded.

"I… I see… That's just so… so…" Cynthia stated as she hung her head.

"Cynthia?" Both asked as they looked at her as she squared her shoulders.

"It's just so humiliating! I mean I didn't want the first time fully meeting my father when I can remember him, let alone the first time he and my mother, who I both idolize, can see me in combat to be like this! I must look so pathetic, all unarmed and helpless. I must be a shame to look at." She stated making the two look at her in shock. "I swear I'm not usually like this! When you all died, we had to take up the fight and I swear we've never slacked off or slowed down in our pursuit of regaining peace, please believe me when I say that I'm not usually so weak." Cynthia stated fearing she was a disappointment only to get a hand on her head that gently rubbed it and looked up to see her father smiling kindly at her with some tears on his face.

"My dear, there is no way you could ever be a disappointment to either of us. Words cannot express how proud we are of you and how you've carried yourself thus far. I am so sorry that our legacy has left you feeling like you have something to prove. Know that you could be the worst fighter in all of history and we'd still call you our daughter with pride. Never think that you have to be great, or fearless, or an unstoppable warrior to gain or have our affection and admiration." Frederick stated as Cynthia looked at him in surprise.

"He's right, Cynthia, I must say you are incredible for your age and for not having formal training. I daresay you're leagues beyond what I was capable of at your age. I am filled with nothing but pride and joy at the sight of you, dear. Never think otherwise." Sumia stated as Cynthia looked at her in shock as tears came from her eyes and she bit back sobs.

"Come now, Cynthia, dry your tears, right now the world still needs a hero like you, a hero I'd be glad to stand beside. There will be time for crying and weeping once we are on the move to save the world." Frederick stated as Cynthia hiccupped and nodded as she wiped her face.

"Your father's right dear, a hero doesn't cry in the midst of battle. They must be brave and stay strong just as you've done so far. You used to say I was your hero, but your MY hero, Cynthia, and as such it's time to get up and get ready to continue fighting." Sumia stated as Cynthia nodded.

"You… you don't know how happy it makes me to hear you call me a hero. I love you both so much, I… I just didn't want to disrespect your memories." Cynthia stated as she sniffed.

"You could never do that, my dear. Never." Frederick stated as he kissed her head and stood as Sumia hugged her and kissed her head.

"Come, please give us both the honor of fighting beside a real hero." Sumia stated as Cynthia dried her eyes and nodded as she gripped the spear tight.

"Right, I still have a job to do!" Cynthia stated as she stood straight and held her spear ready seeing her three friends all ready to fight too.

A sudden cold sweeping through the room brought everyone back to the present, "Come on, the way out is clear this way. Raz has already contained the flames. Donnel and a few others are going after Morgan right now."Kushina called from the hole Nowi had made with Mikoto standing beside her causing the four girls to look at her in surprise at the mention of one of their friends they thought died.

"All right, let's move." Chrom shouted as they quickly guided their daughters out through the opening.

"Tenju will guide you out while we finish this matter. Once you reach the beasts, wait for us."Mikoto instructed making the parents nod as they quickly began following the Draenei Warrior that she indicated.

"W-wait a minute!" Nah tried to get out as she was hurried out away from the fight.

"No time, Nah! We'll answer your questions once we're out of the way." Stahl stated while eying Chrom as they did since he was sweating and panting after their fight to reach the girls. Clearly he was still wounded and recovering as Stahl could remember many times that such a fight wouldn't have even phased him.

"Father look out!" Kjelle shouted as she saw a Risen preparing to throw a spear, but before it could, it glowed and roared in pain before disintegrating.

"Pah! These husks are an insult to true Undead. This world would have been easy pickings for the likes of the Scourge or the Burning Legion if these simple things were what overran them." Raz stated as he jumped down from above with his sword out.

Two more Risen were suddenly sent hurdling into a wall where they dispersed on impact. "True enough, but then again they only have armies of Humans with a couple spots of other races. Plus, magic is not so common as it was for our people, nor Chakra existing to make up for the lack of magic." Mael stated as he held a large Warhammer on his shoulder.

"Fair point, but still. Even the human warriors of Lordaeron were able to mount much more of a resistance. Then again, from my understanding this war has been going on for over ten years, so I suppose they held out better than I give credit for." Raz stated before three Risen fell over dead from sword wounds and two more were sent flying into the wall.

"Gentlemen, please focus on the task at hand. Even if these enemies are as weak as you claim, it would not do well to be absentminded of the battle." Qui-Gon stated before he turned and sent a large blast of the Force down a corridor sending the Risen there flying and smashing into different walls.

He had to admit the craftsmanship of the Dwarves was impressive and could match any of the craftsmen of the Galaxy when he was originally alive. The sword he wielded at the moment was mid-length Katana, weighted just enough to be wieldy but not light enough he'd consider trying to dual wield a pair. Not that that was a problem since he preferred the single saber method to the dual one. Unlike others, he had no problem with the aggressive styles of combat, he was just more suited to a single blade than two or the double-bladed version that their sabers came in.

"Fair point, Master Qui-Gon. Lord Ammon would not like us to dawdle after all." Mael stated breaking Qui-Gon from his thoughts as he waved to Chrom's group before he, Qui-Gon, and Raz moved on to crush more of the Risen.

"Who the hell are these people?!" Kjelle as she saw various warriors cutting down Risen and charging in without any real care for their lives, at least from her viewpoint, and were winning without any real trouble.

"We don't know ourselves really, just that Naga vouched for them and their leader brought us back, didn't seem worth questioning and arguing." Sully stated as they moved to the outside and saw Jugo, Fu, and Natalia handling other Risen that were in the area.

"Ah, my lords and ladies, the path to the pack beasts is clear, we have provisions and healers ready to attend to your children once you reach there." Natalia stated as she was breathing a bit heavily due to how much fighting she was doing more than having true difficulty.

Thankfully she was still ready to go after the training her lover had put her through when she joined his army.

"Thank you, Akama and Donnel are pressing in to confront Morgan now." Chrom stated surprising the four girls.

"Wait! MORGAN WAS THE ENMY COMMANDER?!" Kjelle shouted in shock and surprise and it was shared by Cynthia, Nah, and Noire as they moved outside the fortress walls.

"Yes, Grima has tricked him and Morgana that he's actually Robin and that what he's doing is for the greater good of the world. Donnel is going to try and set him straight and hopefully get his help for confronting Grima." Chrom stated making the four look at each other.

"I hope they're successful, Lucina was crushed when Morgan disappeared, I can only imagine how things will be if she found out he joined Grima and couldn't be saved." Nah stated knowing that Lucina and Morgan were as close if not closer than she and Inigo were.

"Lucina and Morgan? Hmm, I can see that, his cheerful and tactical mind with her serious and focused one." Sully stated with an approving nod before she turned to Kjelle. "And you kiddo?" Sully asked as Kjelle blushed a bit.

"Uh… well… that is…" Kjelle stuttered making the three giggle.

"She and Laurent are a thing." Cynthia stated making Kjelle glare at her while her blush increased.

"Huh, a soldier and a scholar, not a bad combination. No doubt he's helped you with training like Miriel used to do for the Shepherds." Sully stated as Kjelle looked away.

"Yup, in fact she started getting jealous when he was observing and helping the others more than her because he thought she was offended by his observations." Cynthia stated with a grin making Kjelle scowl at her with a flaming blush.

"Aw, my little soldier likes to be spoiled." Sully stated smacking Kjelle's back and was pleased by the fact Kjelle barely moved despite her using her full strength.

"And you Cynthia? Are you with anyone?" Frederick asked and Cynthia nodded.

"Yup! Me and Brady!" Cynthia stated as Frederick frowned a moment before nodding finding a capable man that was also a healer an acceptable match for his graceful knight of a daughter. "Nah is with Inigo and Noire is with Yarne." Cynthia added making the two girls blush as their parents turned towards them with raised eyebrows.

"Father?! Are you all right?" Kjelle asked drawing attention back to Chrom who was leaning against the wall sweating and panting as he used his borrowed sword to support himself.

"I'm fine, I just need to head back soon so our new allies can keep healing me." Chrom stated as he felt some of the old pains returning and was feeling more drained than he should be after the fights they had been in.

"Maybe you should head back now, if only to make sure you're fully healed for when it's time to help Lucina." Stahl stated worrying for his friend and commander.

"Once we're out of here, then I'll go back." Chrom stated as he stood straight and kept walking with the others to where the contingent that stayed with the beasts and healers was located.

The healers immediately began looking over the group before Chrom hugged Kjelle, "I'm proud of you, Kjelle, never doubt that." Chrom stated as Kjelle hugged him back and nodded.

"I won't." She stated making Chrom nod as he smiled seeing Nah hugging onto her father while Nowi stroked her hair, Noire smiling happily with her mother and father, and Cynthia was hugging both her parents tight.

"Good, I'll meet you in Ylisstol." Chrom stated before he was gone making Kjelle look around in surprise.

"Relax kiddo, he's just back where Naga and our new allies were, Grima did a number on him so they gotta do some work to get him back to how he was." Sully explained making Kjelle nod before she was pulled into a hug by Sully, "I'm so proud of you." Sully stated as Kjelle hugged her back and let tears fall from her eyes for the first time in years.

It was a sentiment shared by the other three girls and their parents… well… Maybe not Tharja, but the happiness that her daughter was a alive and so capable was there.

Back inside the fort, Donnel was moving like a man possessed using his spear and lance with lethal efficiency. He had to reach Morgan before any of their new allies did and they potentially hurt the boy.

It weren't his fault that Grima manipulated and used Robin to get him and his sister as servants, but damn if Donnel was going to let it continue without putting up a fight.

Thankfully, he wasn't being anymore reckless than a few of Naruto's warriors were being as Akama was keeping pace with him easily. Near them, Mikoto and Kushina were moving in synch as they cut their way through the enemies with ease.

"Just like old times, huh Kushi-chan?" Mikoto asked with a smirk as she cut down one enemy before using Shunshin to move behind another and cut it down.

"Me doing all the work while you try to keep up? Yup, just like old times." Kushina shot back as she impaled and threw several Risen with her chains.

"Dumb tomato." Mikoto muttered as she cut down one.

"Damn crow." Kushina replied as she crushed a couple more as the two continued their dance of death while playfully jabbing at the other.

How they so missed fighting beside their sister figure.

In the heart of the fortress a young man with brown hair and purplish eyes stood while wearing robes with a pattern that looked like a pair of wings with six eyes on them. "Our targets have left the fortress, pursue them immediately and kill these new enemies before taking the Gemstones back. Bring in the reserves from the surrounding forest and crush them." He ordered the nearby Risen wanting to just end this stupid war so Lord Grima could begin fixing the world and bringing back the people that died in pointless fighting.

The robes were those of the Grimleal, the devoted and fanatical followers of Grima. He donned them the day he entered the dragon's service at his mother's behest. He didn't understand at the time, nor fully understood now, but he knew his mother knew what she was doing and trusted her to make the right call. Like any good son, he obeyed and did as ordered, even when it tortured him to do so.

His thoughts were interrupted as the door to the room exploded taking a few of the Risen with it. "You stop this right now, ya hear me Morgan?!" Donnel shouted as he rushed in shocking the now named Morgan while Akama and a few others moved to dispatch the Risen.

"F-father?! H-how can this be?! Master Grima said he couldn't bring you back until he was done draining the Fire Emblem and Gemstones!" Morgan exclaimed as he couldn't believe he was seeing his father before him.

"Grima didn't have nothing to do with it. Naga called in some new allies to help stop Grima and brought me, and the others, back. What in tarnation do you think you're doing Morgan?! Why in the seven hells would ya ever be believing Grima is a good person? Even his own texts from what Robin done told me says he's a dark and cruel being." Donnel stated as Morgan looked away.

"That's not what mother said. She said Grima was only trying to make a better world, but the old one had to be wiped out first in order for him to do so. That once the world was broken and the Fire Emblem useless, he could remake the world even better and bring back everyone we cared about." Morgan stated making Donnel scowl.

"Horse pucky! Robin was fighting to stop that monster from waking up! What you heard was that dastard using her body for his own ends so you and your sister would serve him. What kind of god needs to destroy everything in order to make anything? That seems a might bit too convenient to me and we both know I'm just a simple country boy." Donnel stated as Morgan frowned.

"And how do I know you're not some trick by Naga?! How do I know you're not some illusion or fake that's going to cut me down the moment my back's turned and get a cheap shot of victory over my mother?!" He shouted making Donnel frown as Morgan shifted to an offensive stance.

"You know because you can feel right there in yer heart." Donnel stated as Morgan grit his teeth and shook his head.

"No! For all I know this is just manipulation by that damn divine dragon. I won't be fooled and I won't betray mother!" Morgan shouted as he readied his sword and tome.

"Morgan." Donnel stated sadly before sighing. "Fine, do it." Donnel stated as he dropped his lance and spear and left himself open. "I wasn't there fer ya like shoulda been, but I want to be here now, even if that means I gotta die again. I ain't never raised my hand towards you or your sister and I ain't planning to start. So I ain't gonna fight you and I ain't gonna try and stop you, so do what you gotta do." Donnel stated as he stood there.

Morgan grit his teeth harder as he shook and clenched his eyes closed. He then jumped forward with his sword raised and let out a primal roar as he swung at Donnel, who simply stood there with his eyes closed.

Donnel waited a few moments before opening them to see Morgan's sword an inch from his face. Looking past it, his eyes softened as he saw Morgan standing with his head down shaking and sobbing. "Why? Why didn't you move to defend yourself?! How could you just stand there and let me kill you?! Tell me why?!" Morgan shouted as he shook.

"Because I love you, boy, and I ain't never gonna fight you. I'm your pa, and you're my boy, that means I'ma s'posed to protect and watch over ya. So I'm never gonna point that there spear or that lance in your direction, no sir. I don't care if you're a servant of Grima or some crazy cultist, you're still my boy and that's all that matters ta me." Donnel stated as Morgan shook and sobbed more before sinking to his knees.

"What have I done?" Morgan cried as he sobbed on the ground with Donnel kneeling and placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You were just doing what a good son does, trusting your ma." Donnel stated before Morgan pulled him into a hug.

No more words were exchanged, just sobs and cries from a boy that only wanted to make his parents proud.

Akama gave them a few minutes before approaching, "Donnel, we need to get moving. Especially if you wish to make it in time to convince your daughter to stand down." Akama stated making Donnel nod as he stood and helped Morgan do so as well.

"C'mon Morgan, no time to break down yet. We gotta get everything ready and together to bring down Grima. Our new allies say they can free your mother so we can end that dumb lizard once and for all." Donnel stated as Morgan wiped his face.

"Right, I have a lot to make up for." Morgan stated before Donnel patted his shoulder.

"I reckon you could be right, but no time like the present to start putting yer work in." Donnel stated with a smile as Morgan returned it and nodded.

"You're right." He stated before paling slightly, "Oh gods, Lucina's gonna kill me." Morgan stated knowing his lover was not going to be happy when he saw her.

"Aw shoot, if she's anything like her pa, she'll understand. If she's like her mother… well you best start coming up with one hell of an apology." Donnel stated as Morgan nodded. "Now c'mon, I'll see you to the others then I gotta go catch up with some of the other folks before your sister gets hurt or does something dumb." Donnel stated making Morgan nod again.

"Okay, let's go." Morgan stated as he removed the Grimleal robes showing he was in equipment meant more for a fighter underneath and took his sword before tossing the tome, a Grimleal sacred book, into the nearby fire hoping the book would be ash before long.

"That's my boy, now c'mon." Donnel stated as he grabbed his weapons and began to leave the fortress with the others as the fighting had subsided with the Risen being wiped out.

Raz did his job in keeping the flames contained until everyone was out and then let the fire rage as it pleased.

Regrouping with the others, they found Jugo breathing heavily as he was back to normal, "You all right, Jugo?" Kushina asked in concern and Jugo nodded.

"Yes, it's just the first time I've let the transformation complete itself since I trained to be in control of my outbursts. It was more draining to stop than I anticipated." Jugo explained making her nod.

"I hope you're not too tired, the Risen can somewhat sense the Gemstones, so any Risen within a couple miles of us will be heading here to regain them." Morgan warned making people frown.

"All the more reason to begin heading out. We can handle any encounters on the way, but we must not be delayed from arriving at Ylisstol in time." Akama ordered as his forces all began to load up while helping their allies get situated too.

Everyone but the younger members of the group decided to ignore the awkward air between the girls and Morgan, which wasn't that odd since he was essentially the second-in-command of their group before his believed death. They regularly relied on his tactics and intuition to route the Risen numerous times, it was essentially a redo of Chrom and Robin's teamwork before the children were born.

And now it was revealed he had been tricked into betraying them and had nearly gotten them killed.

It was going to take some time to get used to being around each other again for all of them. Even if both sides understood where the other was coming from, the awkwardness was going to remain for a time.

"All right son, I'll see you in Ylisstol, I need to go and catch up with the group that is going to stop your sister before she done does something reckless and foolish." Donnel stated as he hugged Morgan, who nodded.

"Right, I'll see you in the capitol." Morgan stated as Donnel nodded and patted his shoulder.

"Yer darn right! And son, don't dwell on what could have been, and what you did, focus on what you can do now, what you can do to start fixing things that are broken, and making up for your mistakes. Remember what your ma used to say 'it's our choices that define and shape us, not some silly thing like fate or destiny.'" Donnel stated as Morgan smiled in gratitude and nodded.

"Right. I can't change what I did, but I can make sure that nothing like it happens again." Morgan stated as Donnel nodded.

"Atta boy." Donnel stated before he stepped back and was gone.

"Alright, let's move out. We got a lot of ground to cover and not a ton of time to do it." Akama ordered as he was on his personal Elekk mount and began moving out while various tigers, raptors, wolves, Kodo beasts, horses, skeletal steeds, and other mounts followed carrying the warriors and passengers along.

With said passengers still being in awe of the creatures before them, as well as some trepidation due to the undead in the ranks.

Naruto's forces didn't care about the unease or trepidation as their lord had made it clear this was not an alliance world. This was merely preventing a dark entity from consuming this world and then possibly using a gateway far to the south as a means of getting to other worlds and spreading further chaos to the point they could have a new Sargeras or Deathwing on their hands. Especially since there was no telling if the gateway connected to worlds that they did know of.

If down the line it was revealed that the gateway could connect to Azeroth or Naruto's homeworld, then they would deal with it and any possible considerations for alliances then and not before. Plus making their own gate was out of the question as it could destabilize the natural magics and energies of both worlds if done improperly not to mention the stability of both worlds.

The last thing anyone wanted was for Naruto's homeworld to wind up like Draenor.

For now, though, they had a clear mission, get their new charges to the capitol city before Grima could turn the whole place into a smoking pile of ruin.

Considering all that they had faced on Azeroth? This mission didn't seem that hard since the enemy was more numbers than power.

HALIDOM OF YLISSE, A SHORT WAYS FROM YLISSTOL: CAPITAL CITY OF THE HALIDOM OF YLISSE

Lady Tiki, an ancient Manakete who was hailed as the Voice of Naga, trudged through the land of Ylisse with what survivors she still had after Mount Prism, the holy site of Naga, fell to the Risen. So, she was taking the survivors to Ylisstol to regroup with Lucina and plan a better defense. It wasn't easy as they were constantly being attacked and harassed by Risen and each time they lost more of their group. However, they couldn't stop, first and foremost being that doing so would be suicide and second of all they needed to group with Lucina.

She prayed that Lucina and the other children were all right, even if her prayers went unanswered now. Naga had been silent for quite some time and it was starting to worry Tiki.

Tiki then stiffened as a scent came on the wind and she turned to see several dozen Risen charging at them. However, before they could close half the distance, arrows suddenly rained down on them piercing them in various places before lighting then joined in the rain burning those that weren't killed by the arrows.

Tiki turned and saw a group of people approaching wearing, to her, odd armor and a variety of weapons. "Lady Tiki, I am Lady Vashj, on behalf of my lord and master, I am glad to see you unharmed." Vashj stated in her elven form as she and her group approached.

"I appreciate the aid, milady, but who are you and who do you serve?" Tiki asked while keeping her guard up as this wouldn't be the first time servants of Grima came under the guise of being allies only to quickly plunge knives into the backs of those they were with.

It also didn't help that some among her number were decidedly NOT human, but not a race she knew of either.

"As I said, I am Lady Vashj. My master was summoned through Lady Naga's power to help turn the tide; he is currently focusing his efforts elsewhere in an attempt to aid Lady Lucina's friends in a mission they are attempting to carry out. He will meet us at the capital once the children have been secured and their mission completed." Vashj stated making Tiki frown wondering if she could trust them.

"They speak the truth, trust them." Tiki heard whispered to her and knew it was Naga from the presence it gave.

Just hearing her mistress' voice was enough to calm her unsteady heart and fill her with hope.

"I see, thank you for you help. We should get moving before more Risen arrive." Tiki stated and Vashj nodded before she whistled causing some carts and horses to be brought to them.

"Get the wounded on the carts, our healers will take care of them. The rest can mount up and trade off as needed." Vashj instructed as they loaded up and set out with Tiki and Vashj in the lead.

"My lady, I must confess that I was to serve another purpose in addition to ensuring you reached the capital safely." Vashj stated after a while of moving.

Tiki frowned, "And that is?" Tiki asked and Vashj smiled at her in a bit of a combination of sympathy and respect.

"To tell you the role you must play to defeat Grima." Vashj stated making Tiki frown.

"I'm listening." Tiki stated as Vashj explained to her exactly what her beloved instructed her to.

LATER: CANYON AND PLAINS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE HALIDOM OF YLISSE'S BORDERS

"Huff, huff, Infernal Risen! Have we lost them yet?" Owain, son of Lissa and Gregor and cousin to Lucina and Kjelle, asked as he panted from exertion before they stopped near an old wooden bridge that allowed crossing of a large chasm/canyon.

"I hate to yell you, but they're right on our tail…" Inigo, son of Olivia and Virion, stated as he tried to catch his breath, he was thankful that his dancing practice meant his legs had plenty of exercise and muscle to handle all of this running.

"W-what?! You gotta be kidding, I don't think I can run another step…" Yarne, son of Panne and Lon'qu, stated as he was panting and his ears were twitching. "Ahh, it's all over… I guess this is extinction…" Yarne stated as he began to panic and fall to his knees.

"Would you shut it already? We need to keep moving'!" Brady, son of Maribelle and Kellam, stated as he panted and held his staff tight. "If we don't deliver Argent and Sable to Ylisse, this entire world's hosed!" Brady reminded knowing now was not the time to panic.

"Eek! All right, all right…" Yarne stated as he stood back up and each of them took a moment to catch their breath knowing they'd need some strength if they got into a fight.

"Blast! More Risen up ahead! Heh, a pincer attack… Clever…" Owain stated knowing that they'd likely have to fight head on and worry about Brady getting ambushed since he was the healer of the group.

"Here!" Inigo called spotting the bridge that would let them bypass their enemies, "There's a bridge… But if the Risen box us in…" Inigo stated knowing it would be bad if they had flyers and could just send them to the other end of the bridge to cut them off.

"Never mind that. Brady, Yarn, go! Inigo and I will hold this side of the bridge while you secure the other!" Owain ordered and explained when it looked like his friends were going to argue.

"You got it!" Brady stated as he grabbed Yarne to start making their way.

"B-but I'm afraid of heights…" Yarne cowered as he was pulled.

"Which would you rather deal with, heights or those blasted Risen?!" Brady shouted making Yarne pale before nodding. Brady and Yarne quickly made their way across, while taking care not to apply too much pressure lest they fall through some of the more old looking boards.

Just as the two crossed, a squad of Risen on horseback suddenly began to close in on Owain and Inigo. "They're here, Inigo. Stay vigilant!" Owain stated knowing the squad could just be an advance party or a distraction for the full might of the enemy to crash down on them, plus they couldn't risk one trying to cross the bridge and get to Yarne and Brady since they had the Gemstones.

"Don't worry. I'm not letting a single Risen get across." Inigo stated as the two quickly dispatched a Risen each as the others began to close in.

"How's it lookin', Yarne? You see any of them dastards?" Brady stated as they both surveyed that side of the bridge.

"Hmm… Yeah, I see a few stragglers down south. We could probably outrun them without much trouble." Yarne stated since he and Nah had the best eyes of their entire group with Yarne having the best ears, "But… there's a whole horde of those things closing in from the west. I can make out some of them have mounts, counting some flying ones. If we're gonna run, we need to go now!" Yarne stated trying to be calm since panicking right this moment wasn't going to help.

"All right, we better get moving." Brady stated as he nodded to his friend before turning back towards the bridge and saw Inigo and Owain had a small opening. "HEY! Owain! …Inigo! You need to get down here… NOW!" Brady stated still having to pause to catch his breath since he was the least physically fit of the bunch. "There's a whole army of dead flesh marchin' in from the west!" Brady added wishing they still had their mounts, but unfortunately the poor beasts had either been killed or run off.

"You hear that, Owain? We'd better cross the bridge." Inigo stated with a small smile only to frown at his friend being unusually quiet and serious. "Owain?" Inigo asked wondering if something was wrong.

"… If we cross the bridge now, these Risen are gonna follow us. Right?" Owain stated as there were still enough Risen right near them to cause trouble for them.

"Right. Almost definitely." Inigo stated having missed that detail and knew they'd have to kill them quickly so they could cross and get a move on before the horde got too close.

That was easier said than done of course since they had no idea of knowing how much weight the bridge could hold before it would collapse.

"And that's if we're lucky. If we're unlucky, they'll rip us to shreds the moment we turn around to move." Owain stated as he gripped his trusty sword Missiletainn tightly.

"True. We'll need to back our way across." Inigo stated seeing now why his friend was so serious, there was no easy or simple option at this moment.

"Except that will take too long, especially if we have to hold them off as we go. The horde to the west will be upon us before we can even get fully across and Brady doesn't even have a weapon. How are you, me, and Yarne going to protect him once we're surrounded? And that's assuming the Risen don't just cut the bridge while we're still on it." Owain stated as he eyed their enemies that were snarling and growling at them.

"The odd aren't good, I agree, but… we have to try." Inigo stated as Owain frowned.

"No. I've got a better idea." Owain stated as he took his stance.

"Uh… okay?" Inigo stated getting a bad feeling about this.

"I'll hold off the Risen while you cross. Once you make it to the other side, cut down the bridge." Owain stated his tone serious shocking Inigo.

"And strand you here? Are you crazy?! What are you talking about?" Inigo demanded not sure what the hell his friend was thinking.

"Just shut up and go! We don't have time to argue about this! Do you want me to be the only one to die, or do you want ALL of us to die and lose the Gemstones?!" Owain shouted angrily taking Inigo back in surprise. "Ugh. I'm sorry… I don't mean to shout. But you KNOW what's at stake here!" Owain stated in a softer tone as he kept his eyes on the Risen.

"Your serious." Inigo stated seeing this wasn't some big ploy or boastful moment for Owain to look like a hero, but want to be talked out of doing it.

"…Yes." Owain stated as he nodded.

"And you're sure there's no way we can fight and survive this together?" Inigo asked as Owain shook his head.

"…I'm sure." Owain stated knowing this was realistically their best chance at getting the mission done.

What was his life vs stopping Grima after all?

Inigo was silent before he sighed, "…All right." He stated making Owain nod gratefully.

"I'm sorry to make you do this, Inigo. But… I'm glad I got to spend my last moments with you. Now cross that bridge and go! The fate of the world is in the hands of you guys!" Owain stated as he moved to block the bridge more only to see Inigo still there. "This is the part where you leave." Owain stated as he looked at his friend, who was still just standing there.

"Sorry, Owain. I can't do it." Inigo stated dumfounding Owain.

"W-what? B-but my epic speech!" Owain fumbled trying to understand what he was doing.

"BRADY! YARNE! Go on without us!" Inigo stated as he faced the bridge before shocking all three of his friends as he brought his sword down on the support ropes cutting through them and causing the bridge to collapse.

"Yeep! The bridge!" Yarne shouted in shock and fear.

"What the hell are those stupid jackfarts doing?!" Brady shouted in disbelief.

Owain stood in shock before rounding on Inigo. "Inigo, you idiot! We didn't both have to die!" Owain shouted only to get a glare from Inigo.

"I'm not the one being an idiot!" Inigo shouted making Owain look at him in surprise and confusion. "Maybe your plan is the best way to get the Gemstones back to Ylisse. But what am I supposed to tell Lucina and the others, especially Severa?!" 'Oops, sorry! Owain sacrificed himself so we could escape!' Your parents DIED for you to live, Owain. I don't care how smart you think it sound. You're not throwing your life away!" Inigo shouted making Owain flinch back, both at the memory of his parents and the thought of how Severa would react to his death.

"But if I didn't do this, the world is gonna—" Owain started before Inigo cut him off.

"Stop. We can save the world together. Don't you want to be there to see it? I'm not leaving the Gemstones OR my friends behind, Owain. You want to stay and fight? Fine, we'll fight, the BOTH of us. And in case you hadn't noticed, I'm not taking no for an answer." Inigo stated as he and Owain stared at each other before Owain sighed.

"Heh. All right, fine… I suppose I was too legendary to die anyway." Owain stated making Inigo smirk. "Very well, then." He continued as he gripped Missiletainn tight and faced the Risen again, "Let's crush these Risen and head home to Ylisse!" Owain stated his confidence and determination shining through.

"Now you're talking!" Inigo stated as he grinned and held his sword at the ready as well.

On the other side, Brady grit his teeth at the sight and knowledge of what his friends were doing. "…Show-offs." He stated as he sighed and gripped his staff tight in his hands.

"Brady, come on! We have to help them!" Yarne stated making Brady be silent a moment as he grit his teeth again.

"No, let's press on." Brady stated knowing they had to, but what he wouldn't give for a rescue staff right now.

"What?!" Yarne asked in shock not expecting that answer from Brady.

"I said we're going back to Ylisse! You wanna sit around and wait for those Risen to come tear us apart?" Brady all but growled still angry that he couldn't do anything to help his friends.

"B-but… you can't MEAN that?! They'll die without our help! We'll never see them again! Don't you care about them at all?!" Yarne shouted in disbelief.

"OF COURSE, I DO!" Brady shouted and Yarne was able to see the tears that were slowly falling down his face. "You… s-stupid rabbit!" Brady stated unable to keep the tears away making Yarne whimper. "If I could, I'd run over there right now and fight to the death beside them! But… that's not what they want. Why do you think they cut down the bridge? They know we have the Gemstones. They want us to escape to deliver them. Once we get them back to Lucina, we can destroy Grima. End of story." Brady explained the anger leaving him until only sorrow and heartache remained. "A messy, heroic death for us won't solve or help anything, you dummy!" Brady stated as he tried to get himself under control.

"I know, but… sniff" Yarne stated not wanting to just ditch his friends during a crucial fight.

He may be a coward but he wasn't a scumbag of a coward.

"Look, Owain and Inigo will be fine. You know what they're made of." Brady stated, though both knew it was a lie unless Naga or some other deity decided to be merciful. "I'll be damned if the last we see of them is some hellhole like this.. … Now come on, Yarne. We need to go before that horde gets too close." Brady stated making Yarne be silent for a minute before he grit his teeth.

"…Fine." Yarne stated making Brady nod.

"Good man… bunny… whatever." Brady stated with a small smile.

"HEY, OWAIN! INIGO! If you can hear me… I promise we'll deliver the Gemstones to Ylisse. Everything will be okay!" Yarne stated as he felt tears falling, "B-but don't you dare die on us! I mean it! There's nothing a Taguel hates more than a quitter!" Yarne stated, even though he usually wanted to quit.

Owain and Inigo smirked and nodded back at them even as they fended off a few more Risen. "Heh. Don't you worry! We won't quit! We'll catch up!" Owain stated though he didn't truly believe that.

"That's right. See you in Ylisse—I promise!" Inigo stated as he and Owain focused back on the fight.

"…You better." Yarne stated before being silent a moment and then he turned back to Brady. "They'll pull through. They have to…" Yarne stated making Brady nod as the two got moving.

Nearby on another section of the canyon, Grom and his forces arrived. "Hashirama, make us sturdier bridges. Our forces will take too long to cross on these antiques. Vader! Cross the chasms and go reinforce the two at the far end!" Grom ordered making Hashirama and Vader nod as Vader quickly stepped back before jumping across the chasms and moving faster than anyone of his size and weight should have.

Hashirama then stepped forward and he quickly went through handsigns and slammed his hands on the ground. The parents were confused until it turned to shock as large sturdy wooden bridges suddenly sprouted from the ground and crossed the gaps. "By the gods." Kellum stated in shock and awe at the sight of such power.

"Enough gawking. You lot will go with a contingent of my warriors to the east to meet up with and group with your children, one batch will stay with the mounts so we're prepared to leave quickly, and the rest of us will move to engage the main horde." Grom ordered making them nod. "Hashirama, Samui, and Fara, you three go with them, Minato and Yugito you're with me." Grom ordered making them nod as the group split and headed off to save the boys.

Nearby, Brady and Yarne were shocked at the sudden appearance of an all-black warrior cutting down the few Risen ahead of them and the ones that had managed to catch up due to horses, Pegasi, wyverns, and such being used to make up for their lumbering movement.

Of course, the mounts didn't mean anything against the newcomer who quickly dispatched them with brutal and effective movements of his sword. It was as elegant as it was brutal as there was no wasted movement and it was precise in each execution.

Once the few Risen were dispatched, he just looked at them before heading towards the bridge that Inigo and Owain had just cut.

The two didn't know what to make of that, but since he was killing Risen they figured he was likely there to help, but they still needed to get to safety since the horde could still catch them.

However, the problem was more aerial enemies were closing in on them… or they were before a series of arrows pierced the Risen riders and their mounts. Turning to see who else had shown up, both Brady and Yarne were shocked to see Fara and the other warriors moving up before the shock grew as their parents were there too.

"MA?! PA?!" Brady shouted in shock as Kellum took a defensive stance near him while Maribelle was looking him over for any injuries.

"Brady, thank the gods you're all right. Now don't you worry, mother's here." Maribelle stated as she hugged Brady.

"I-wh-that-WHAT THE HELL?!" Brady shouted as Maribelle frowned and smacked him upside the head with her umbrella.

"Language Brady. It is unbecoming of someone of your station to act that way." Maribelle stated before she saw tears falling down Brady's face. "Brady? You don't usually start crying until after I lecture." Maribelle stated as Brady sniffed.

"WAAAAAAAAAAH! I'm so glad you're alive ma!" Brady shouted as he sobbed and hugged her knowing that if she was an enemy then he'd be dead already. Said action made her blink in surprise before she smiled gently and patted his back.

"There there. It's all right. I really am here, dear. Lady Naga managed to find some powerful allies to help us and they brought us all back. You don't have to fight alone anymore. Now buck up, it was rather dashing and brave what you did, but we're not out of the woods just yet." Maribelle stated as she patted his head as he sniffed.

"R-right." Brady stated as he wiped his face before Maribelle handed him a staff that their new allies had given them just in case.

"Good, now come, your father and I will show you the proper way to plant your boot into the faces of those who stand against you." Maribelle stated making Kellum smile at his wife being prim and proper until someone pissed her off.

And nearly killing their son will do just that.

"Pfft. That's not exactly genteel, ma." Brady stated as Maribelle smirked.

"Of course it's genteel. It just won't be gentle!" Maribelle stated with her smirk still in place fully intending on breaking these foolish Risen that dared try to harm her precious boy. "Now, just where has your father gone?" Maribelle asked making Kellum sweatdrop since he was standing right next to them.

He seriously had no idea how the hell he was just invisible to people.

Brady laughed glad to have them around again though he wished he had paid more attention when younger. His mother had been trying to drill proper etiquette into him since he could walk and his father would try to teach him how to use a lance, spear, and shield. He was much more a kid who wanted to play and goof off though, and he came to regret it a lot since he could have been a better fighter and a better healer if he had paid attention. It was bad enough his parents were dead, but to lose their talents and styles was something Brady didn't like at all. If he had learned more, he felt that he could have had more of his parents beyond the memories. Cynthia had her mother's lance, Noir had her medallion, Nah had her dragonstone, Inigo had his mother's dances, Owain had Lucina and Kjelle, Yarne had his heritage and beaststone, Laurent had his mother's research, and Gerome had Minerva. Severa was the closest to being in the same boat as him since all they had were a few lessons of their parents and their mothers' wedding rings, though he also had his father's uncanny talent to be invisible to people at times.

Now though? Now he apparently had a second chance and he had no intention of wasting it and wanted to show both of his parents what he was capable of.

Nearby, Yarne was in a similar situation. "M-m-mother! You're alive!" Yarne shouted with happiness in his voice.

"Yarne, it warms my heart to see you safe." Panne stated with a smile on her face while Lon'qu had his sword out and ready should any Risen get past Fara and her fellow archers.

"It's a miracle! You're back from the dead… Y-you're not a Risen are you?" Yarne asked with some fear in his voice.

"Well, I have red eyes, but no I'm not one of those undead." Panne stated only to get engulfed in a hug.

"Thank the gods, that means I'm not the last Taguel anymore! I was so worried." Yarne cried as he hugged his mother.

"Dry your tears, Yarne. Now is not the time to celebrate or get complacent." Lon'qu stated knowing that there was a time and place for this kind of thing and now was definitely not it.

"R-right, sorry father." Yarne stated knowing that he couldn't afford to be distracted or worse, in his mind at least, distracting his parents and having to watch them die again.

"Don't apologize, so long as you know to focus right now that's what matters." Lon'qu stated making Yarne nod.

Growing up he thought his father was very strict, but he had realized years ago that he was just trying to prepare him for the real world, which unfortunately was harsh and unforgiving especially with Grima slowly taking over. Yarne at times wondered how he would be if his father hadn't died when he was young, if he had been around to raise him to be the warrior that his family was apparently known for in Regna Ferox. He may not be as cowardly as he was known to be today, though he did do better since he got with Noir as he wanted to be stronger to protect her and be able to make her be proud to call him her lover.

Now he had the chance to show what he was capable of and try to conquer his fears.

"Lady Maribelle, if you could escort your sons to where the mounts are, we will continue pressing in to save the other three." Hashirama stated making Maribelle nod since there was no reason for them to engage the main horde when their allies were capable.

"Wait a sec, your small group is gonna take on that horde?!" Brady asked incredulously.

"Don't worry, we all have experience fighting superior numbers and half our forces for this mission are already engaging the horde. Hopefully they'll be able to handle them long off for Mr. Donnel to arrive and talk sense into Morgana." Fara stated making the two boys widen their eyes.

"MORGANA?! WE THOUGHT SHE WAS DEAD?!" Brady and Yarne both shouted.

"Your parents can explain, for now you need to go." Samui stated as both boys were trying not to stare at her or her chest.

"Come along, Brady, we need to move." Maribelle stated as she pulled her son along while Panne did the same.

"We'll meet you once we get the others." Hashirama stated making them nod as they moved with Olivia, Virion, Lissa, and Gregor going with Hashirama's group.

Meanwhile, Owain and Inigo both panting in exhaustion as they had been fighting Risen non-stop and were starting to get dragged down by it. "What's the matter Inigo? Getting tired? Don't tell me you've been slacking in training." Owain stated in a teasing tone as he huffed and tried to steady himself.

"I don't know what you're taking about. I've killed more than you have and I'm still fresh as a daisy." Inigo stated as he panted and kept a good grip on his sword.

"Well that's good, because I think the next batch is ready." Owain replied as more Risen approached with some having bows.

"Heh, this is gonna suck." Inigo stated as he took his stance with Owain right beside him.

However, before either could do anything several of the Risen were sent flying off the cliff while others were blasted into nearby trees. Before they could even blink, a dark figure landed in front of them with his sword drawn.

"Brace yourselves, more are coming." Vader stated as he stood in front of the two young men.

"I'd ask who you are, but we have more important things to worry about." Owain stated since anyone helping to kill Risen was okay in his book for the moment.

"I am an ally, that is all that matters. Your goddess, Naga, requested the aid from the man I am currently aiding and thus here I am and some allies are nearby protecting your two friends and stemming the tide of the horde." Vader stated as he stuck his hand up to stop several arrows shot at them before he turned them around and launched them back at the Risen. "The Dark Side is practically overwhelming here. No doubt from the entity Naruto is being asked to stop here. I hope Master Jinn is prepared to resist it's call. I don't mind it as I've basically bathed in its call for over 20 years. It just feels like an old friend that wants me to have some fun with it." Vader thought as he could feel himself feeling energized, not quite as much as on Naruto's world since it was a balance of light and dark there thanks to his actions, this was just the Dark Side running wild without anything or one truly directing it.

Though he did notice that dispersing these Risen was lessening the feel for the area and he assumed the Risen were acting as foci for the Dark Side and for Grima's power. Meaning less Risen in existence the less power the Dark Side and Grima would likely have when it came time to confront the beast.

A warning from the Force broke his thoughts on the matter as he quickly brought his sword up and blocked a spell that was launched at him, specifically a fire ball.

Vader looked at the attacker while mentally impressed with the runes and seals that were on the blade. They were there to make the blade hard to damage and give him some help against magic since he, Qui-Gon, and Naruto were still figuring out if the Force could affect magic and Chakra since they were possibly different forces/entities. In theory the Force could affect techniques/spells but theory and reality didn't always go hand in hand.

Pushing those thoughts away, he saw a group of mounted mage types approaching and narrowed his eyes behind his mask. He really hoped the seals and runes Naruto had put on his prosthetics to make them unable to conduct to lightning since he had no doubt that magical lightning would hurt just as bad as Force Lightning, though considering the latter needed hate and desire for pain to be used fully it was a bit of a debate.

Naruto assured them they'd work and as a means of ensuring no mistakes or accidents occurred, he had done them himself after the Gnomes and Dwarves had examined and drew up plans to improve his prosthetics as they could.

Still, he wasn't about to test those seals or runes unless he had to, hence why he was making sure he kept a firm hold on his sword as he built up the Force in his hand. Once they had moved a bit closer, he unleashed it sending a wave of Force that blasted them and their mounts back sending them flying into the rocks, trees, and off the cliffs.

He then turned and cut through a spear that was thrown at him from a Pegasus rider and used the Force to chuck the end of the spear into the rider sending the Risen to the ground. He then parried an axe stroke and bisected the Risen before spinning and decapitating another that came from behind.

Vader narrowed his eyes now realizing the Force was only going to give him last minute warnings due the Dark Side wanting to test him again. It happened occasionally, but unlike his predecessors Vader was willing to rise and meet the challenges laid out to him.

He didn't hide.

He didn't send others to face the challenge.

He didn't shy away.

No.

He looked right into the storm and told it to do its worst for he would do his.

He went headlong into meeting the challenge and refused to be bested no matter what said challenge was. Hence why even when he was just over 30% flesh, his capabilities in the Force were still something to respect and fear. If he ever had the chance to update and upgrade his mechanical parts he would have been able remove Sidious from the Imperial Throne long before the Death Star was finished.

However, that was another life and time, right now he had undead soldiers to slaughter for the betterment of the world he now stood on.

He idly had flashbacks to his time in the Clone Wars: facing mindless yet seemingly overwhelming odds to protect the brighter future that laid in wait once the war was won.

Only now, he had solid proof the future in this instance would indeed be a brighter one. As such, he would unleash himself fully on all those who dared stand in the way of it.

Owain and Inigo could only stare in shock and wonder as the warrior before them ruthlessly cut down Risen after Risen and seemed to have extra sets of eyes as he reacted to threats that he should not have been able to see. Owain and Inigo gave up trying to warn him after the fifth time he cut down an enemy he shouldn't have been aware of.

They then jumped as suddenly a bridge sprouted across the canyon at their backs. The shock only grew as more warriors crossed and finally reached its peak as their parents were there too!

"Inigo! Thank the gods you're all right." Olivia stated as she hugged the frozen Inigo while Virion was ready with his bow should any Risen get past the onslaught that was Vader.

"Mother?! Father?! H-how?!" Inigo asked in shock.

"You didn't think the fatherest of fathers and motherest of mothers would simply let you face such odds alone did you?" Virion asked with a smirk as he saw several of their allies joining Vader in his attack while a portion stood around the six of them to give protection but Virion still took a couple shots at the Risen, if for no other reason than to provide some support.

"I'm so happy you're okay, I thought I was going to lose you after just getting you back." Olivia stated as she cried into his chest.

"Please, don't cry mother, I won't be able to focus right now as you'll break my heart too." Inigo stated as he held her.

"Yes, she was most scared, though I do applaud you for that gesture by the bridge." Virion stated as he backed up a bit to stand beside his family.

"...Y-you were watching?" Inigo asked feeling a blush coming on, one of the things he inherited from his mother was getting embarrassed at the thought of people watching or looking at him for too long.

"As heir to the great House Virion, your deeds can only be called exemplary. What could be more noble than putting yourself under fire to protect your charges? Your actions deserve the highest praise. However,…as your father, I must ask you: What in blazes were you thinking?!" Virion stated with a proud smile before exclaiming in outrage at him at the end.

"Huh? But I—" Inigo started but Virion cut him off.

"You could have gotten yourself killed. I can imagine no greater pain than outliving my own child. If I had been forced to watch you die... Ugh. Let us say it would have taken a few years off my life. Never give your father such a scare, Inigo! It is far too cruel! Even if Naga had not brought us back, we never stopped watching over you in the afterlife and to have to watch you die so young would have wounded us deeply!" Virion all but ranted since he could understand why his beloved Olivia was so upset.

"I'm sorry... I was scared too. I told Owain that we'd all make it—that together we could win. But deep down, I knew this might end up being my final resting place. As each blade clanged like a death knell, I wondered whether the end would hurt... I've never been so scared in my life." Inigo admitted making Olivia hug him tighter while Virion merely looked at him before nodding.

"Yes, well...everything will be all right. You will see. Look at you, poor thing... You are shaking." Virion stated as he placed a reassuring hand on Inigo's shoulder to give the boy some more support.

"I can't help it... But I feel a little better now. Seeing your faces has given me a renewed sense of hope." Inigo stated as he made himself stop shaking knowing that he had to focus now.

Virion merely nodded to him, "Then let us fight together! Any who wish you harm shall fall before the Fatherest of Fathers and the Motherest of Mothers! ...And the Sonniest of Sons, of course." Virion stated with a smile as he readied his bow while Olivia broke the hug and wiped her tears away as she nodded and drew her sword.

Inigo merely smiled; his shaking having stopped. "Thank you, Father, Mother. I'll fight hard too. It's my turn to keep you safe." Inigo stated knowing he couldn't risk being distracted now, he had to focus, he refused to let his parents die in front of him again.

He didn't care if he had to fight through one Risen or ten thousand, he would not watch them die! Not again!

Owain was in a state of shock as well, "Hey kiddo! Glad to see we made it in time. You're doing amazing." Lissa stated as she hugged Owain.

"M…M-M-Mother? That's impossible! You've been dead for years!" Owain stated in shock as Lissa nodded.

"Naga has few tricks up sacred sleeves. She called comrades to help from another dimension here to help you. They're leader then in turn is bringing the life back to Gregor and Lissa." Gregor stated as he stood beside his wife and son.

"…Oh." Owain stated making his parents raise an eyebrow at him.

"'Oh'?... That's it? Usually words like different dimension and resurrection send you into spasms of nomenclature. Aren't you going to shout, 'My sword hand twitches!' or something?" Lissa asked as her son had a major flare for the theatrics and dramatics.

"…. You're alive…." Owain stated as he sniffed and tears started going down his face rapidly.

"Owain, are you… are you crying?! Did a Risen land a hit on you?! Let me see it, c'mon." Lissa encouraged as Owain sniffed and Gregor just looked at him with a smile.

"I'm fine! I'm n-not crying! It's like you said... M-my eyelids twitch in rapture!" Owain stated as he tried to stop the tears from falling.

"Owain, I—" Lissa stated but was cut off as Owain tried to keep going.

"Behold! Like a whetstone of hope, you have crossed the planes to sharpen my b-blade... M-my ethereal blade of...of... Baaaaaah!" Owain started before breaking down into cries and sobs while hugging his mother tightly.

"Oh, Owain... There, there. Everything's going to be all right. You're such a brave boy—always putting up a bold front. I'm really, really proud of you. So, you go ahead and have a good cry in your mother's arms. You earned it." Lissa stated as she shed some tears herself and held Owain as he sank to his knees.

"BAAAAAAAAAAH! Mother, I'm so, so sorry! I shouldn't have let you die! And I shouldn't have given up like I did at the bridge. You didn't save me just so I could throw my life away! I'm sowwy, Mubba... I'm a h-howwible berson..." Owain stated through sobs and sniffs while clutching onto Lissa.

"Ah, there is being none of that. Gregor's son is very impressive, just see that look of daring in son of Gregor's eye. Perhaps even put Gregor to shame, yes?" Gregor stated as he patted Owain on his head.

"B-but I just talk a big show! I'm a fool who only care about how I look to other people. I don't deserve your praise, I don't even deserve your pity." Owain stated as he kept crying as Gregor shook his head.

"And what is wrong about "talking big show" if it helps you find courage? What is so terrible about putting comrades first in time of danger? Is certainly bad idea to go running headlong toward own death, but still. You are strong boy, and Gregor will crush anyone who dares say otherwise. That even includes you!" Gregor stated as he cracked his knuckles and nodded seriously.

"Oh, Father, I... I'm sorry! Ahhhhh..." Owain stated as he broke down into sobs again.

Gregor merely smiled down at him. "Yes, yes, that is being good boy. You can cry as many big man tears as you are needing. After everything you've been through, you deserve it. But once the man tears dry up, we fight, yes? Ylisse and Lady Lucina await!" Gregor stated with his smile becoming a grin.

"Y-you're right. My world needs me! ...I have to survive this!" Owain stated as he stood and started wiping his face while Lissa merely smiled at the sight and Gregor gave a large grin as he thumped Owain's shoulder with his fist.

"That's Gregor's son!" Gregor exclaimed as he handed Owain back his trusty sword, which was dropped when he started hugging Lissa.

"My lords and ladies, if you would be so kind as to cross the bridge and begin making your way to group up with Lady Maribelle and Lady Panne's group. Lord Vader and Grom will ensure very few, if any, Risen have the chance to follow you. They should be near the contingent that was left with the pack beasts." Fara stated knowing that most of the Risen were being exterminated by the two Battleragers with Samui and Yugito backing them up and Hashirama acting as a bridge, literally, for their forces to cross the areas more easily and then put his own combat skills to work. Minato was also fighting, but he was also for emergencies exits and retreats since he could use his Hirashin to move or extract any of their forces or allies if they were wounded or needed to be evacuated quickly.

"Right, we should go." Lissa stated knowing both Inigo and Owain were exhausted and had multiple wounds that needed to be treated.

Seeing them about to protest, Gregor and Virion shook their heads. "None of that, son, you're both exhausted and there will be plenty more to fight on the way to Ylisstol not to mention fighting Grima as well. Better to save your strength for far more dangerous enemies than to waste it on smaller fry." Virion stated as Gregor nodded.

"Naga's help are capable people, Gregor even think they are stronger than most of us. They break the Risen like they small child trying to be intimidating, no need to be worrying about them handling horde that is trying to get Gregor's son and his friends." Gregor stated as he could see Owain was barely standing and if they encountered the horde, he wasn't likely to last long before he collapsed.

Not surprising since they had run for hundreds of miles from the Risen to keep the Gemstones and then having to fight for quite a while against multiple enemies. Gregor, and he believed the same was true for the other parents, was honestly impressed by the fact he could still stand or even consider fighting more.

"Come on, you two, no bravado or trying to be tough guys." Olivia stated in as stern a voice she could, though it wasn't really that much.

The two younger men sighed and nodded before the group began moving away from the main combat with a small escort to help them should any Risen reinforcements arrive or some managed to slip past the main force.

With said main force, Grom was cutting down the Risen with a ruthless efficiency that would have made his clansmen and ancestors look on with pride and adoration. Despite understanding his chieftain, as that was what Naruto was to him, and his motivations, Grom still preferred head on combat. To throw yourself completely into combat and only your strength, skill, and luck to win you the day against the odds set before you.

However, as he said he could understand his chieftain's motivations. He didn't simply want to kill his enemies, he wanted to crush them so completely, so utterly, and so fully that they'd know his suffering and just how impossible their chances were when they became his enemies.

Grom knew there was a time to slaughter your enemies and a time to truly break your enemies.

Grom then moved as a spell was launched at his former position and saw a young woman on a wyvern and she did not look pleased. "I will not allow you to interfere in Master Grima's plans. The Gemstones will be retrieved and returned to the table. If you surrender now, I will consider giving you a swift death." She stated as more Wyvern flyers appeared only to be promptly shot by several arrows thanks to Fara and the others finishing the pincer movement and boxing the horde in.

"You have strength, child, no doubt from your mother and father. Stand down, we've no desire to kill you." Grom stated as he stood in front of her while the other handled the Risen.

"If you think I'll just tuck tail and run, you've got another thing coming." She stated with a scowl as more Risen were summoned around them varying in the types of classes they were.

Grom merely sighed, "You're rather foolish, child. No amount of corpses will win you this day, even worse that you fight for some pathetic dragon that fills your mind with lies." Grom stated as more Risen were quickly removed, any wounds sustained on their end were quickly handled by the various healers they had with them or through a quick use of bandages and potions.

"You know nothing! Lord Grim is-" She replied before another voice interrupted.

"He's a dadgum liar is what he is!" Donnel stated as he arrived and was panting a bit from having to run across the area to reach them and ensure Morgana didn't do anything dumb.

"F-Father?! Wh-What are you doing here?! How are you here?!" The girl stated as Donnel smiled at her.

"Naga's got some connections to other realms, she done called in some help and they brought me and others back to life." Donnel stated before he frowned, "I already talked some sense into yer brother, now I'm gonna do the same to you. What in nine hells were you thinking, Morgana? You two never shoulda been helping Grima with anything." Donnel stated surprising Morgana at the fact it wasn't Grima that had brought her father back.

"H-how do I know that this isn't some trick of Naga's?! For all I know you'll just kill me or use me against Grima and I'll learn it was all a lie." Morgana shouted as she shook, which was only worse as her wyvern roared.

"Ah shoot, it's nice to see you too Mordred." Donnel stated to the wyvern who growled happily. "Morgana, I reckon you're much smarter than I'll ever be, you and your brother both. Now you think on all those books you used to have and read all the time and think of any mention that Naga ever done did trickery or lies to do anything." Donnel stated as Morgana shakily raised her hand with tears in her eyes and a Thoron formed there making him sigh. "Like I told your brother, honey, I ain't ever raised my hand at you and I don't plan on startin. So you do whatcha feel you gotta." Donnel stated as he stood there and Morgana grit her teeth before she roared and fired the Thoron.

Donnel didn't move as it went straight at him before he raised his eyebrows as it sailed right over his should and struck a Risen right behind him, blowing its head clean off.

Morgana got off her wyvern as she shook and tears fell, "D-D-Daddy." Morgana whimpered making Donnel smiled softly at her as he approached.

"Hey sweetheart." Donnel stated softly only to get tackled.

"Daddy!" Morgana cried as she hugged him tight and sobbed into his chest.

"It's alright, honey, your pa's got you." Donnel stated as he held her, both of them expertly ignoring the Risen being destroyed.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Morgana cried as Donnel stroked her hair.

"I know, honey, I know. It's all right, we'll fix it, and save your ma." Donnel stated as his daughter cried her heart out and vented all of her pent up feelings into his chest.

Like her brother, she never wanted to do the campaigns she had led, but had trusted her mother to know what was best and hoped she was right in her claims that they could fix the world once the last of the power was drained from the Emblem and Gemstones.

Only now she finds that all her work, all her sacrifice, all the suffering she endured was for nothing and that she had served dutifully, faithfully, and devotedly because of a lie.

"I got ya honey, I got ya." Donnel stated as she kept crying and holding onto him like a lifeline.

"Reminds me of when I told Luke I was his father." Vader thought as the fighting died down and he could feel the Dark Side on the girl getting pushed away by the light. "Is this how I was when I saw Luke being tortured?... No… Not the same. I didn't fully renounce the Dark Side at that moment, just a majority of my rage and hate. If I had fully renounced it, I doubt I could use it as I do now with such skill and efficiency. I merely gave up Sidious' version of the Dark Side, the one that only allowed you to be cruel and selfish. Even when I was a full fledged Sith, I never hated just to hate, I hated things worth hating and I never turned my wrath on anyone that didn't deserve it in one form or another. It was why Ahsoka never had to fear me even after I learned she was still alive, not that I can blame her or Rex for faking their own deaths. It's also why I approve of Naruto's way of doing things, he doesn't care about your family, titles, or perceived power, you still have to earn your rank and leadership. It's how I would have done things if I ever killed that decaying fossil and took command. I can only hope Thrawn sided with Luke alongside Piett and Veers as were my instructions. If not, my devoted and loyal Noghri would remove such people to better Luke's chances of taking control of Coruscant and then reveal themselves to him to be his followers as they were mine. Perhaps they'd even serve under Leia if necessary." Vader thought while feeling the echo of the Dark Side rippling through him at the thought of what he did to his daughter on the Death Star and knew that had utterly destroyed almost any bridge he could have wanted to build with her if things had been different for him upon saving Luke.

"Then again, she is her mother's daughter, so there was still a small chance." He thought with a small smile before banishing such thoughts. It would serve no one, least of all himself, to dwell on the past and what could have been.

He had a job to do, and doing it meant that he had the opportunity to see Padme again. He didn't care if she damned him, he just wanted to confess to her and let her know she was and will always be his goddess of an angel that he never stopped loving. The important thing was that she would be alive, that was what mattered, if by the Force she did in fact forgive and embrace him as her husband again, then all the better.

He broke from his musings as he saw Donnel and his daughter stand again and nod to the others as she tossed aside the robes she was wearing showing she had some basic clothing with a bit of leather padding on her. She then did the same to a large book and blasted it with a Thoron to set them both on fire.

"Now that your business is finished, we can get moving. We must reach Ylisstol by the time our lord specified or we risk this war dragging on longer than necessary." Grom stated as they treated their wounded quickly before moving to join the others and begin the march to the city.

MEANWHILE IN YLISSTOL

Lucina, eldest daughter of Chrom and Sully and Exalt of the Halidom of Ylisse, was pacing as she thought hard on the situation around her. Each day they lost more soldiers and with each death the Risen only got stronger, it didn't help that Grima had a literal army back in Plegia still willing to sacrifice themselves to both add to his power and army each day.

She could only pray that her closest friends and confidants would be successful in their mission to retrieve the five Gemstones and the Fire Emblem or she truly was out of options and ideas on what they could do.

Oh how she wished her father was here, he'd know what to do in this situation and would no doubt be able to turn the tide easily.

"Something ailing you, Lucina? You look troubled." Tiki stated as she entered the throne room surprising Lucina.

"Lady Tiki? I apologize, I was lost in my thoughts." Lucina stated as Tiki nodded. "What are you doing here, milady? I thought you took refuge at Mount Prism." Lucina asked and Tiki sighed.

"The mount fell to the Risen less than a week ago." Tiki stated shocking Lucina.

"What?! But it was heavily fortified and defended!" Lucina stated and Tiki nodded.

"Yes, and I thank you for that, if you hadn't dispatched some of your finest warriors, I would never have been able to get the survivors here along with myself. We suffered some casualties on the way here, but it would have been worse if not for the aid of some warriors we encountered." Tiki stated surprising Lucina.

"Warriors?" Lucina asked in curiosity as Tiki nodded.

"Yes. They were a small band of holdouts that had been fighting the Risen where they could and were on their way here to offer their aid against Grima when they encountered us. Currently they are reinforcing the city and tending to the wounded as they had several doses of medical supplies with them." Tiki stated as Lucina nodded.

"I see. I am so sorry for the losses at Mount Prism, I thought there was enough fortifications and defenders to keep you safe. Especially with Naga's presence over the mountain at the very least slowing the Risen." Lucina lamented as Tiki nodded.

"I know child, calm yourself. This war has been taxing and showing all of us that our expectations aren't always near their mark." Tiki stated as Lucina nodded before Tiki frowned and looked around the throne room, "Lucina, where are the other children – the ones that were fighting with you? It's rare to see you without at least two of them guarding you." Tiki asked as Lucina looked away from her.

"… Plegia." Lucina uttered and that single word shocked Tiki.

"What?! But there's no place more dangerous! Why would you… I see… You wish to perform the Awakening." Tiki stated as Lucina nodded resolutely.

"Yes. To defeat the Fell Dragon, we must return the five Gemstones to the Fire Emblem. As you know, both the Emblem and Gemstones are held in Plegia's hands. We discussed it and the plan was for the others to go and retrieve them, especially since removing them would also weaken Grima as he could no longer feed on their energies at the Table." Lucina stated though she grit her teeth at the end.

"I can see it pains you that you could not join them. Alas, it is a good thing you did not. Your safety is of the highest priority to perform the Awakening as you are Falchion's chosen wielder. Were Owain capable of wielding it as well as you, you both would need to be protected, but alas the sword can only possess one true wielder at a time and there is no guarantee that Owain would be chosen by Falchion." Tiki stated as Lucina nodded.

"I know, but I hate not being able to fight beside them. I was raised as a warrior first and a princess second, I'm not some damsel that needs rescuing." Lucina stated before she sighed and gripped Falchion's handle tightly that her knuckles turned white. "There's also the problem that they've been gone too long. They should have returned by now." Lucina stated and Tiki placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Peace, Lucina. No doubt Grima had the Plegians keep the Emblem and Gemstones separated from each other. Your friends will succeed, but they need time to do so, time we can give them but we must have and keep faith in them." Tiki stated as Lucina took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"You're right… thank you, milady. I will banish such thoughts." Lucina stated as she gave a small smile and Tiki nodded.

"Good, that's the brave girl I know and care for. Now, I can help defend Ylisse until the others-Lucina watch out!" Tiki stated as she pushed Lucina out of her way just as a cloaked figure charged and plunged a spear of magic into her chest. "Nrghn" Tiki grunted as she used her strength to push the attacker away sending them back until they righted and landed on their feet.

"Lady Tiki!" Lucina shouted as she rushed to Tiki's side with Falchion drawn while she stared at the figure before her.

"It's you… how did you get inside… Ylisstol?" Tiki grunted as she stood and looked at her attacker, who remained quiet and just stared at her. "Lucina… run… run as fast as you… can. Ah!" Tiki ordered before she collapsed to the ground.

"Lady Tiki?! Gods, please no. Lady Tiki!" Lucina shouted before glaring at the mysterious figure and charged to cut them down only for them to vanish. "They vanished?" Lucina muttered in confusion before looking around and then moved back to Tiki. "Lady Tiki, you didn't have to get hurt, that blow was meant for me." Lucina stated as Tiki flinched in pain.

"You were… more important." Tiki stated before she gasped as the pain intensified.

"Lady Tiki! Hold on, I'll find a healer with a staff, just hold for me." Lucina stated before Tiki grabbed her arm.

"No… No… Lucina, save the staff… you'll need them. I…am finished." Tiki stated as she panted and Lucina shed tears.

"Don't talk like that! Please!" Lucina cried as Tiki smiled sadly.

"So… this is what it's like. I've watched everyone I've ever cared about leave me one by one... But this is the first time I've had to leave someone else behind... I just wish...I could have chosen the time myself..." Tiki stated sadly as she felt the wound wasn't going to heal.

"Stop it... Stop it, stop it, STOP IT! You can't die, Lady Tiki. Not you! I've already lost Mother and Father... You're all I have. And without the divine dragon's Voice, what will keep Ylisse fighting? You're our last hope. Please don't go. Please don't leave us now... Don't leave me." Lucina stated as she began weeping.

"You're wrong, Lucina. Ylisse still has its last hope. It has you and the other children... Once they return with the Gemstones and the Fire Emblem...perform the Awakening...and bring light to this darkened world... And our new friends will help you, just please, have faith, if nothing… else, have faith in my words." Tiki stated finding it harder to focus.

"I will. I promise, but...but...where are they?! I cannot help but fear the worst. They might never return! I may never see any of them again! Their promises to return are empty...just like my father's turned out to be..." Lucina stated as she wept and Tiki smiled as she cupped her cheek.

"You must have faith, Lucina... They deserve that much... I can see them now...fighting...to bring the Gemstones here... I believe...mankind...has hope..." Tiki stated as her hand began to slide down Lucina's face.

"Lady Tiki?" Lucina asked in fear.

"You must...fight destiny...and…the future... Bring us...the true peace...that...the Hero...King...strived...for..." Tiki stated as her hand fell to the floor and her heart stilled.

"Lady Tiki? Oh, gods, no! Lady Tiki, please! Please, don't leave... Gods, NOOOOOOOOO!" Lucina cried as she sobbed over her mentor and friend and feeling her world slowly shatter after all the losses she had been forced to endure, all the shows of strength she'd had to give to keep people going.

She didn't know how much more she had to give for her world.

LATER

Lucina stood atop the castle looking over the city as she tried to hold herself together as she hoped and prayed for her friends to return soon. If they didn't… No, she couldn't have such thoughts in her mind. She promised Lady Tiki that she'd have faith and she was going to do so, if only to honor her mentor's memory.

"Lucina!" She heard a voice call and saw three of her friends: Severa the daughter of Ricken and Cordelia, Gerome the son of Cherche and Libra, and Laurent the son of Miriel and Vaike coming towards her on Gerome's trusted wyvern companion Minerva.

"I'm so glad you're all safe!" Lucina stated in happiness as she hugged all three of them once they dismounted Minerva, who was panting, obviously tired from the trip.

"It's good to see you too. Here you go—one Gemstone, and one Fire Emblem! I hope you're happy. These were NOT easy to get." Severa stated with a cheeky smirk as Laurent and Gerome rolled their eyes.

"Severa, would it hurt you to just hand them over without being condescending?" Laurent stated since it was obvious that getting the two items was not easy.

If it was easy then they never would have lost the items in the first place.

"I can hand them over any way I like! You're the one being obnoxious." Severa growled as she whirled around on Laurent while Gerome just shook his head and palmed his face.

"Heh. You haven't changed a bit. That comes as a relief. I cannot thank you enough for retrieving these." Lucina stated as she strapped the Fire Emblem to her arm and placed Vert into its slot making it glow.

"Keep them close. We need to be ready to start the rite the moment we have all the gemstones." Gerome stated knowing that they only had one shot with this, if they lost either of the items now, it was unlikely they'd ever get them back.

"I know." Lucina stated knowing that they had lost and risked much.

"How are things here in Ylisstol? Are the people safe?" Severa asked having seen some new people among the guards for the walls and wondered if they got reinforcements from somewhere.

Lucina looked down at the question, "Well, we've managed to keep casualties to a minimum, but… ….." Lucina trailed off as her hands started shaking.

"What's wrong, Lucina?" Severa asked since she was easily the girl's best friend and could see something was seriously wrong.

"I...I'm so sorry... I failed her. I failed Lady Tiki..." Lucina stated as tears fell from her eyes shocking the three that the woman that been a teacher and surrogate mother to them all had suffered some fate.

"What?! What happened?!" Severa asked as she supported Lucina to ensure she didn't collapse.

"Has something happened to the Voice?" Gerome asked knowing that wasn't good if that turned out to be the case.

"The enemy snuck into the castle. Lady Tiki took a blow for me and fell... It's my fault... I should have been paying closer attention..." Lucina stated as she began crying again with Severa hugging her.

"You're not to blame, Lucina. We should all be grateful you survived." Laurent stated since they each knew there was no guarantee that Owain or Kjelle survived getting the Gemstones let alone that they could be capable of wielding Falchion.

"Poor Lucina... I'm sorry we weren't here for you." Severa stated hating that her best friend had to be left alone with that happening.

Lucina sniffed and managed to stand on her own again. "It's all right. I need to pull myself together... Lady Tiki said we must have faith. Those were her last words—to believe that mankind still had hope. She said to believe that you would all come back. And now three of you stand here before me. The others are safe too. I just know it." Lucina stated as she wiped her face and the others nodded with smiles on their faces.

"I believe it too. Once they have returned safely, we'll need to depart for Mount Prism at once. There you can perform the Awakening and we can end Grima." Gerome stated knowing his friends weren't the type to go down easy.

"No doubt the mount is already teeming with Risen if Lady Tiki came here. If we come to blows, run to the altar as fast as you can. We'll hold off the Risen." Laurent stated since Lady Tiki would not have left the mount if it was still safe and sound.

"Let's see how those dastards like it once the Awakening is complete. We'll destroy them and Grima alike and restore peace to the world!" Severa stated as she hugged Lucina from the side making said princess smile in appreciation.

"Thank you... All of you." Lucina stated before they stiffened as an oppressive presence suddenly filled the air.

"...Doesn't that sound like a darling little scheme?" A female voice stated making them turn and see the Grima possessed Robin standing there with a cruel smirk on her face.

"Who are you?!" Lucina stated as they each drew their weapons, though Lucina felt she was familiar to her for some reason.

Grima smiled cruelly, "I am the wings of despair and the breath of ruin. I am the fell dragon, Grima. How good to see you again, child of Naga. When was it again we last met? Ah yes. I believe it was when I butchered the divine dragon's Voice." Grima stated as her face spread into a grin that spoke of pain for those that saw it.

Lucina stiffened at that as her knuckles turned white from her grip, "That was you?" Lucina asked in a near whispery voice as Grima chuckled.

"Indeed. I was hoping to end your life, but I rid myself of a pest all the same. Soon I will send this world into its final death throes. But energy has been drawn away from the Dragon's Table since your little...theft. Even incomplete, that Gemstone and Emblem possess considerable power. I am afraid I must take them back now." Grima stated as her eyes narrowed in fury.

"You can try." Lucina snarled as she took her ready stance.

"Or you could just give them back to me. They're worthless to you. It's not like you'll be seeing the other Gemstones anytime soon." Grima stated in a bored tone since she honestly didn't expect any kind of issue to arise.

"I hope you're not implying our friends are dead." Gerome stated since he knew that this could very well be a mind game of the dragon's.

"I do not "imply." I have sent the strongest of my Grimleal to dispatch your comrades. They are almost certainly dead by now." Grima stated as she gave a grin.

"'Almost certainly' doesn't sound very certain to me. Perhaps it's the corpse of your little servant you should be concerned about." Laurent stated with narrowed eyes knowing the dragon would be happy to flaunt such a thing in their face if they had indeed failed and been killed.

"Yeah. Our friends are no wimps! They've outwitted death more times than you can imagine. You think you can scare us with baby threats like that?" Severa stated since she knew, she knew if they were dead then Grima would be a lot more threatening right now.

"If they were dead, you would have proof. You don't. Ergo, they are not dead. Really, your bluffing begs for practice. Where are the corpses? Their weapons? The Gemstones themselves? You can produce none of these, thus you yourself either know they are alive and your forces failed, or perhaps the so called great fell dragon isn't as all knowing as people have been led to believe." Laurent stated as Grima narrowed her eyes.

"... Then you refuse to return what you have taken?" Grima asked in a tone that conveyed suffering for those that stood before her.

"We refuse." Lucina stated as she prepared herself for one hell of a fight.

Grima merely released a sigh of exasperation. "Very well. I was hoping not to have to flex any...muscle... GRRRAGH!" She roared sending out a wave of energy that struck the four sending them crashing back.

"Eeeyaaargh! Nngh... *huff, huff* Is...is everyone all right?" Lucina asked as she tried to stand but felt like her whole body was on fire.

"With the next blow, I will kill you. The Gemstone and the Emblem. NOW." Grima stated hiding the fact that such an attack had drained her just a bit since the Emblem and Gemstones actually drew power into them until they could be fully corrupted and absorbed at the Table, thus they had some power from her in them.

It didn't help that she felt various Risen being destroyed all over the place and thus weakening her standing even more. There was also the fact that something about this location was pricking the back of her mind and really starting to piss her off.

"Never!" Lucina stated through gritted teeth knowing full well that even if they did turn the items over, Grima would still just kill them.

"Still you resist me? Very well. Die, if you wish." Grima stated as she frowned and began to prepare a new attack.

"Nngh... You'll have to go through ME!" Severa shouted as she got to her feet and moved in front of Lucina with her own sword drawn surprising everyone.

"Severa, what are you—?" Lucina asked as she tried to catch her breath.

"What stupidity is this?" Grima asked with a growl finding that this situation was getting more annoying by the moment.

"Lucina, I'll stop her attacks...even if it kills me. Now RUN! While you've still got the chance!" Severa stated knowing that Lucina's safety was the most important thing, it was what she and her friends had all agreed on a long time ago: No matter what Lucina was to be protected and kept safe.

"No! Severa, I can't..." Lucina stated as tears started pricking at her eyes.

"You have to, you idiot! If you die, we all die! The world will come to an end!" Severa growled knowing that now was not the time for her bestie to falter in her duty to the world.

"I know, but..." Lucina stated feeling useless and helpless right now, and hated it more than anything.

"Mother said her greatest pride as a Pegasus knight was defending the exalted family. I may not be a Pegasus knight, but I can still share in their duty. I can still protect you!" Severa stated as she planted herself and braced to face the dragon before her.

"Impertinent little brat. What could you ever hope to protect? You're less than a shadow of your mother. If I could break her, then I'll have no trouble breaking you." Grima stated with a cruel look to her face.

"Rrgh..." Severa growled trying to bury her fear, which was a bit easy due to the anger she felt over this bitch in front of her insulting her mother like that.

"You do not give the lady nearly enough credit." Laurent stated as he stepped beside Severa and had a spell already forming in hand.

"Laurent!" Severa shouted in surprise as she expected the mage and Gerome to pull Lucina away and run like hell.

Laurent ignored his friend and kept his eyes on Grima, a wise move all things considered, "Severa deduced this would be our best chance and acted swiftly. And she will not stand alone. You will have to go through me as well. Can you defeat us both before Lucina escapes? Or are you just sardonic quips?" Laurent asked as he was ready to unleash the full breadth of magical power he could command.

It likely wouldn't do much in the long run, but if it staggered or even stalled the beast before them, it would give Lucina time to get away.

"Laurent, you fool! We don't BOTH have to die..." Severa shouted knowing that Lucina would need help and support to keep going.

Laurent merely smirked, "What, you think this is some noble gesture? I'm simply following the wisest course. A shield twice as thick serves twice as well." Laurent stated before smiling a bit, "Besides, Owain would be most furious if he found out I didn't even try to protect you and let's not even get to how Kjelle would no doubt harm me for not supporting you in protecting Lucina." Laurent stated making Severa gain a bit of pink at the mention of her boyfriend.

"Uh-huh. It's a noble gesture. But still...thanks." Severa stated since some fear was alleviated at not having to die alone since it was obvious that would happen by fighting the dragon before them.

"Certainly. Your life is worth the effort, Severa." Laurent stated with a smirk as Severa returned it.

"Yeah, I know. Heh heh..." She stated feeling good that she and her friends could still tease even in this situation.

"... I'm staying too." Gerome stated as he and Minerva moved to stand beside Severa and Laurent.

"Gerome..." Severa stated knowing this was not a move Gerome would usually do.

Gerome just smirked, "By Laurent's logic, a shield thrice as thick would be an improvement. But I can make it four times as strong." Gerome stated as Minerva roared and growled at Grima.

"Gerome, no! We cannot lose you and Minerva too." Laurent stated knowing Minerva was the best shot at Lucina getting out of there and making it to Mount Prism quickly.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Minerva wishes to fight for Lucina. She told me as much before. And more importantly, she insists we meet our destinies together. If death is to come for us, it must take us both." Gerome stated knowing that even if he ordered her to, Minerva would not leave him.

Minerva had left his mother years ago and was haunted by that memory, Gerome was not going to be so callous as to make her live that moment again.

"...All right, then." Laurent stated knowing it was pointless to argue as it was a waste of time and energy.

"Forgive us, Lucina, but we must leave the hardest task to you. Find the rest of our friends, and put this Wyrm out of its misery." Gerome stated knowing that they'd die before long once the fight continued.

"No... You don't have to do this!" Lucina begged as tears spilled from her eyes.

"There's no time to debate it. Go, Lucina! ...GO!" Severa shouted knowing that every second counted before Grima tried something.

"Now!" Laurent shouted fully prepared to unleash all the magical power he had on Grima to buy even just a second of time for her.

"...Please." Gerome stated not wanting her to join them in death and this doom the world.

"Agh... This cannot be happening! Must I abandon my friends and run like a dog? Is that the price of saving the world? Too many have died already... Please, someone grant me the power to change this!" Lucina cried not noticing a small glow in Falchion.

"Ha ha ha! Isn't this precious? What will it be, child of Naga? Will you buy a few more minutes of life by watching your friends get butchered? Or will you stay behind and render their sacrifice meaningless? I must say I shall enjoy this either way!" Grima stated as her own power began forming.

"Rrgh..." Lucina growled as she fought with herself on what to do.

"Don't you see? Humanity is finished. You have no future. Your mother and father are dead. And now, the exalted line... ENDS...WITH...YOU!" Grima stated her power surged.

Only for a sudden wave of power to wash over the area and force hers back, "What?!" Grima exclaimed not sure what was going on.

"What...? Falchion is glowing..." Lucina stated in disbelief as the glow increased.

"You've gotten too full of yourself, Grima." A male's voice sounded off as a gateway opened and Naruto stepped through Death's Embrace in hand as he looked at Grima, who was shocked at his appearance and the feeling of power and smell of death on him. "You should learn to just kill someone instead of talking incessantly about doing it." Naruto stated as he stepped forward, each step feeling like a tremor to Grima as he moved between Grima and her targets.

Grima growled, "I see Naga has played her last card. Summoning help from another world? Pfft! She should realize by now that she has already lost. There's no going back. Instead, she wastes my time with petty tricks!" She stated as she jumped back, "...But it makes no difference. One person can't make that much of a difference." Grima stated as Risen appeared all over the place whether on the roof or in the skies.

"You poor fool. Whoever said I was alone?" Naruto stated as Kimimaro, Kin, Lily, Karui, Marco, and Kakashi appeared from the gateway with each striking down several of the Risen making more room to breathe in.

"A few more maggots." Grima stated before she froze at who came through next. "I-impossible... He's dead! I buried him myself! There's no way he could be here. This future has already been set in stone!" Grima roared in denial and anger as Chrom came through alongside Cordelia, Ricken, Miriel, Vaike, Cherche, and Libra all armed and ready to fight shocking the four.

"That's what you think you dastard!" Chrom shouted as they quickly took positions near their children.

"F-father?!" Lucina asked in shock and joy as she looked at Chrom.

"I'm real Lucina, you can thank Lord Naruto there for his help after Naga summoned him to give us aid. Right now, your friends are on their way here with their own families helping them, including Robin's children." Chrom stated shocking the five.

"Morgan and Morgana are alive?!" Lucina and Gerome shouted as Chrom nodded.

"Yes, the dastard before us manipulated them using Robin's body and voice. Now they know the truth." Chrom stated as Grima growled in fury.

"Not that it will matter soon, by the end of the day, Grima will be dead and permanently this time." Naruto stated as Grima scowled heavily with Naruto's and her power clashing in the air.

"I don't know or care who you are, but you will fall before me just as everyone has that dared to face me." Grima stated as Naruto chuckled.

"I don't take anyone who needs to boast seriously. A dragon will never need to tell me that it's a dragon." Naruto stated as he grinned at Grima.

"You're damn right." Morgan's voice called out as he, Kjelle, Cynthia, Noire, and Nah showed up and stood protectively with their friends as their parents followed them as Kjelle stood beside Laurent.

Morgan quickly stood beside Lucina and kissed her cheek, "I'm sorry for being so late, I promise I'll tell you everything and make it up to you." Morgan stated with a smile as Lucina looked at him in shock before she smiled and nodded.

"You dare betray me, Morgan!" Grima stated as Morgan scowled at her.

"Don't you fucking dare speak to me of betrayal you dastard! You used my mother's appearance and voice to trick me into serving you!" Morgan roared as Grima scowled.

"Then I'll just have to kill you as well." Grima growled before a Thoron blasted several Risen.

"Like hell you will!" Morgana shouted as she moved beside Gerome and the others showed up as well with Brady moving beside Cynthia, Inigo moving beside Nah, Yarne beside Noire, and Owain beside Severa.

"Glad to see you could finally join us." Severa stated with a smirk.

"What? The Hero always shows up at the last minute!" Owain stated making Severa roll her eyes at her boyfriend's antics.

An arrow into Grima's shoulder made her growl more as Vashj arrived and stood beside Naruto, "It is done, sire. Our forces are currently spreading through the city and wiping out all of Grima's followers that she summoned and brought here." Vashj stated as Naruto nodded.

"Good. Now that leaves one last thing to do, and that's kill this pitiful excuse for a dragon." Naruto stated as Grima snarled.

"Pitiful?! You think I am pitiful, you worm! You know nothing of real power!" Grima stated as Naruto and his forces chuckled.

"And you do? Oh, you like to think that you're a god, but you're not a god. No, you're just a parasite, eaten out with jealousy and envy and longing for the lives of others. You feed on them, on the memory of love and loss and birth and death and joy and sorrow! It would be hilarious if it wasn't so pathetic for a dragon to be." Naruto stated as Grima scowled and released a deep rumbling growl, which is what Naruto wanted since he wanted the fool focused on him and not on the still recovering Lucina nor on the Fire Emblem and Gemstones. "Perhaps you're not a parasite, but that means you're just an insignificant worm. A toothless maggot that bellows and moans to convince people that it's a dragon when you're nothing and will always be nothing but an insignificant speck upon the world." Naruto stated as Grima was shaking in rage as her power began being unleashed. "But don't worry, I'm not going to kill you, I'm just going to beat you, break you, and shame you to where you can't do anything but beg for my mercy. Then, once I feel you've suffered enough, will I give you my permission to die after I take one last thing from you, and that's Robin." Naruto stated as he stared at Grima, who growled and summon the true Fell Dragon behind her.

"As if I'd let you try and take my vessel!" Grima growled as Naruto chuckled darkly.

"You assume you have a choice. Kimimaro, Kin, Marco, Kakashi, Karui, Lily, handle the Risen with our new allies while I ensure Grima understands her problems." Naruto stated as he growled before leaping at Grima turning into his dragon form as he did and tackled the fell beast away from the city to the shock of those native to these lands.

Kimimaro and the others didn't waste time and immediately started attacking the Risen. Owain's group could attribute Kimimaro to fighting similarly to Vader when he helped them while Marco was more like Akama to Kjelle's group. Karui, Kin, and Kakashi clearly were trained effectively and over a long time if their skills were any indication. Vashj was impressive as her archery was some of the best any of them had seen, even Virion and Noire couldn't deny her skill. Lily was also of interest due to her magic and spell work through her wand and hands rather than through a tome, staff, or something that was used to for magic.

Of course, they weren't just observing, they were cutting down Risen of their own while protecting Lucina, Gerome, Severa, and Laurent as Brady and Mirabelle worked to heal them, both of them idly wishing that they had some help from Naruto's healers. Of course, Brady and Morgan both gave Lucina the Gemstones they had so she was ready for her part if it was necessary.

Outside the city, the landscape was being torn apart as the two dragons fought. Though it was clear to quite a few that Naruto had the advantage. While spouting about power and might, the only opponents Grima had ever "fought" had been lesser dragons and mortals, never against someone or something that stood on equal or greater levels of power.

Naruto was doing just that as he could take all the hits Grima dished out and return the favor in kind. Bites, claws, blasts of power, it didn't matter.

In essence they were on an even playing field, but only in the most fundamental of terms.

Naruto had constantly fought entities that were just as strong or stronger than him and pushed forward, never backing down or shying away from the challenge. As such, Naruto had more experience fighting someone who could fight back.

He also could add to his power if he felt it necessary by adding his demonic and Death Knight powers as well. Then there was his spiritual power as well as his chakra to factor in giving him multiple ways to even the playing field if Grima somehow gained more power.

Of course, both Naruto and Grima knew such a power boost would never come. The only method for it would be if the Emblem and Gemstones suddenly teleported back to The Table for Grima to drain power from them or if she could get back to the table and feast on her remaining sacrifices and faithful in Plegia.

Such a thing was not likely to happen. Hell, Grima suddenly changing her ways and becoming best friends with Naga was more likely to happen.

Hence why Grima was furious since there shouldn't have been any reason that a mere mortal, even one that was apparently a strong Manakete, could contend with her and her power. Yet, she could practically taste the power coming from her opponent and it was infuriating on many levels.

If Grima could have claimed this world sooner, she could have traveled to different realms absorbing their power as well and would have been able to crush this insect like so many maggots beneath her feet. But this being, he was far beyond anything she had faced. Even Naga and the other dragons had never made a fight this one-sided before and it was REALLY pissing her off.

A blast of silver fire broke her inner raging as the pain forced her to focus, that fire was worse than anything she had ever experienced. Even the pain of the First Exalt, the leader of Ylisse, striking her down into her millennia slumber had not been as painful.

It only reinforced the simple fact that had been on her mind since Grima laid eyes on him: This Man was NOT ordinary!

Internally, she wished she could have sent some of her devoted to this man's realm and taken him to be her vessel. With him, she could have torn this world to ribbons in a matter of days and never would have had to fear the Fire Emblem and Awakening occurring.

But something deep in the back of her mind told her that it wouldn't have worked that way, that their union would have only been for so long and at HIS discretion before she was somehow subdued or killed and then absorbed by him to give him the real power with none of her influence or commands.

A slash to the face made her howl before focusing her mind on the fight.

Even if a part of her said it was futile to fight.

Down below, Lucina was trying not to break down with Chrom and Sully right there with her and she knew the other three were in same boat as her even if Gerome and Severa put up brave or indifferent fronts.

"Father, mother." Lucina stated as she shook while Naruto's forces were handling the bulk of the fighting while her friends that had just returned were backing them up.

"We're real, Lucina, and we're proud of you." Chrom stated with a smile as Lucina lunged and hugged him.

"Please… Please don't leave me again." Lucina sobbed as she hugged him while Chrom smiled and stroked her back.

"Don't worry, we're not going anywhere for a long time." Chrom stated as he held her before he turned to Sully as did Lucina, who pulled the woman into her own hug causing Sully to smile and hold her with Chrom.

Nearby, Severa was in a similar situation as Cordelia and Ricken were hugging her, "I'm so proud of you, Severa. I'm so proud to have such a courageous and strong girl." Cordelia stated as she hugged Severa, who was sniffling and trying not to cry.

"You bet! Our daughter is fearless and strong enough to handle any enemy." Ricken stated with a smile as he kissed her head.

"Mother, daddy." Severa sniffed trying to make herself not cry at seeing her parents again and that they were proud of her.

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry we left you alone and forced you to grow up so fast. I promise, things will be different. We're not going anywhere." Cordelia stated as she kissed Severa's forehead causing Severa to lose control and sob into her parents' arms and hug them as tight as she could.

"Mother! By the gods it's good to see you." Laurent stated as he looked at Miriel.

"My dearest son. Seeing you unharmed fills me with joyous sensations." Miriel stated as she hugged him. "I only wish you had not wasted such time searching for me. I am afraid to inform you that such a pursuit was destined to be fruitless and unachievable." Miriel stated as Laurent sighed.

"I was afraid of that, but with no body or sign, it was…" Laurent started as Miriel nodded.

"You were never going to find a body as there was no body to find." Miriel stated surprising Laurent, "I was in battle with three or four scores of Risen and knew there was no chance of escaping such a situation. I couldn't allow those Risen to continue their existence as they'd pose a threat to everyone, including you. So with little time and options before, I chose the most logical: Magical Expulsion." Miriel stated shocking Laurent before understanding came.

"I see, such an explosion would no doubt leave little to no trace of you behind to find. Thereby leaving the conclusion that you were not likely died. I hadn't considered Magical Expulsion as it was simply a theory and never recorded as being put into practice by anyone as such I had written it off as an extreme unlikelihood and never gave it serious consideration. Alas that was most likely due to an emotional need to hope that you were not in fact dead and I would see you again." Laurent stated before sighing, "It seems I still have much research and knowledge to acquire." He stated and Miriel smiled at him.

"True, as we all do. However, unlike before, you will have ample time to learn, study, and research topics once we win this fight." Miriel stated causing Laurent to smile.

"Okay, okay, enough with all the sciency-sappy stuff. The Vaike is interested in seeing how his progeny is doing and how he can fight." Vaike stated as he eyed Laurent, "Damn, you're even skinnier than I remember you being. I know food isn't likely in abundance, but damn you need to eat more and get some meat on those bones." Vaike stated as Laurent made to speak before he coughed and sniffed a bit while turning his head away. "You always break down into tears before responding?" Vaike asked with a smirk.

"I'm not crying! Some ash just flew in my eyes." Laurent shouted making Vaike smile while Miriel shook her head.

"Through your glasses?" Vaike asked as Laurent huffed and wiped his face.

"Look, I have feelings too! My dead parents both just showed up before me when I thought I was going to die, give me a break!" Laurent stated making Vaike laugh a bit.

"Couldn't turn the floodwaters back, eh? The Vaike does have that effect on people. But maybe you should trust your heart more than that head full of brains. Ya coulda just said you're happy to see me instead of bein' so stubborn." Vaike stated as he gave him a hug.

"Father." Laurent stated as he smiled and returned the hug.

"Touching, but we have other priorities." Miriel stated making the two separate.

Vaike coughed a bit, "Right, tender moment's over. Now come on Laurent, let's shake and Vaike! I want to make sure the son of Vaike is able to keep up with his old man." Vaike stated as Laurent smirked.

"Watch closely, you better not blink or you might miss me in action." Laurent stated making Vaike laugh while Miriel shook her head with a fond smile on her face.

"Wha—? But how—? I mean—" Gerome stuttered trying to process the sight before him.

""Hello, Mother, Father" would do. It's so good to see you—especially in one piece!" Cherche stated with a smile on her face that Libra mirrored.

"N-no... Stay back!" Gerome stated as he pointed his axe at them.

"What has gotten into you?" Cherche asked with a frown.

"This must be a trap. My mother and father were killed by Risen long ago. And no matter how much I long to see them...no matter how much Minerva misses them...they can never return. It's not possible. Stay away, you impostors!" Gerome stated before Minerva released a roar. "Minerva? Wh-why are you so happy?" Gerome asked in shock.

"Thank you Minerva, it is good to see you too." Libra stated as Cherche nodded.

"You both can understand her?" Gerome stated as he shook.

"Do not cry, Gerome, those tears are a waste right now. They should be shed when we are celebrating." Cherche stated with a small smile.

"W-what tears?" Gerome stated as Cherche approached him.

"Such a strong boy, here." She stated as she removed his mask making him freeze. "Such a heavy mask you wear... And so much sorrow and pain it was made to hide... I am so sorry I left you. Your mother should have stayed with you till the end. But you see? That is how I know how strong you are. You never gave up." Cherche stated as she gently wiped the tears from his eyes. "Now that your struggles near their end, I am here to struggle with you. You needn't accept me as your mother. But all the same, I swear to defend you and Minerva both. Where I failed you in the past, I intend to succeed here in the present." Cherche stated as she kissed his forehead.

"She is right, Gerome, even if you won't accept us and let us stand beside you, we will both gladly stand in front of you and be your shield. If necessary, we will die for you." Libra stated shocking him as horror crossed his face.

"NO! No, please, stay behind me or even stay beside me if you must. But please… don't sacrifice yourselves again. I can handle this, please, I'm not strong enough." Gerome stated as he clenched his eyes closed.

"Gerome, of course you're strong enough, look at all you've-" Libra stated before Gerome grabbed them both by their shoulders.

"I CAN'T LOSE YOU AGAIN!" Gerome shouted surprising the two. "I lost you both, then I lost Morgana, and I nearly lost my friends and Minerva. I can't go through that again, I'm not… I'm not strong enough to handle it." Gerome stated as tears freely flowed down his face.

Cherche hugged him as Libra placed his hand on Gerome's shoulder, "If we do this together, you won't have to be." Libra stated simply as he gripped his son's shoulder tight before he was pulled into the hug.

"Very well." Gerome stated after a few minutes to control himself. "Please, stand beside me in this fight, I will need your strength." Gerome stated as they nodded and Cherche handed him his mask.

"Of course, son, we are always here for you, no matter what path you choose in life." Cherche stated as Libra nodded.

"Yes. The gods will see us through. They've already given us one miracle in having another chance to be a family. We will all make it through this, I know it." Libra stated as his wife and son nodded before they and the others turned to join the fight.

They were thankful for their friends and new allies' assistance, but they weren't about to stand back and let other's fight while they did nothing.

Not that it seemed like they were needed to do a whole lot since Grima couldn't summon more forces while Naruto fought her and those she had in the city were too busy fighting against the remaining soldiers in the city and Naruto's own forces.

Qui-Gon and Vader were mostly leading the charge since they could sense the shift in the air as the Dark Side dissipated more and more. However, rather than it howling in fury, it seemed more to be breathing a sigh of relief almost like it was bored of the current spreader and was unhappy that it wasn't getting a true meal from the conquest. However, it also couldn't dissipate so long as its user was still strong enough to use it when there were no other true wielders for it.

Meaning Grima losing meant it was free to search for greener pastures in this universe. It also meant that Grima would only have the bare minimum of support from the Dark Side, meaning their job was easier especially with Vader being a master in all but name of the Dark Side. As such, it would gladly feed him in order to bring Grima down and proverbially set the Dark Side free.

Not that it would have mattered anyway, the Force fluctuated and shone around Naruto to an almost abnormal degree in their opinion. Qui-Gon hadn't seen anything like it besides maybe Anakin when he was younger and thought maybe Naruto was the Force's Chosen One of his universe. Given what he had heard about him being subject to one or more prophecies of his and one other world, it was a strong theory.

For Vader, he hadn't seen such a thing save for his time as master to Galen Marik aka Starkiller. Despite Sidious' beliefs and claims, Galen was not Vader's version of Maul. He truly trained him and prepared him to do one of two things: Either help Vader kill Sidious or kill Vader and replace him. The former was ideal while the latter was still good as either way, he was no longer leashed to Sidious and the bastard would be dead soon enough.

However, that plan was gone and never to be recovered.

Maybe in another universe he succeeded, perhaps even finding a way to break the cycle so he could keep Galen as well as have his children on his side as his students with Ahsoka as his second in command… if not more if he were honest. Padme would always be his truest love, but Ahsoka also had qualities he felt attracted to and their bond only increased those feelings. However, as he fell he cut those connections instantly so she could be free of both him and Sidious. Ahsoka was one part of his past he could never truly bring himself to destroy, thus he left her be and never sought her out.

However, dwelling on the what-could've-been would do nothing now.

Perhaps after he saw and had Padme's judgement upon him, he could think on what he truly wanted and then figure out what he had to do for Naruto to possibly grant him it either by his own power or by his god's.

First they had to finish their work here.

A roar of pain filling the air told everyone that said work was beating completion as that roar was definitely Grima's.

Said dragon was currently roaring in pain due to Naruto burning two of her wings while digging his claws into her back and shoulders. Once the wings were burned, Naruto began clawing and scratching all over making the scales Grima had seem like nothing as there was near no resistance to Naruto's claws. It also didn't help that his tail was chopping and stabbing Grima's lower half causing more damage.

A smashing hit to the head tore up some landscape as Grima's skull was shoved into the ground before Naruto ripped it up and began repeatedly smashing her face into the ground, breaking both of the horns on her head.

Deciding he had damaged her enough, and there was enough time gone to wipe out enough of the Risen to weaken her even further, Naruto carried her back to the castle before he plunged his claws into Grima's chest making him roar in pain as Naruto grasped something and tore it out. Naruto then moved and shifted back to his human form as he landed with a woman with long silver hair in his arms.

"ROBIN!" Donnel and Chrom both shouted as Donnel moved over to his wife.

"D-damn you." Grima growled as he tried to stay standing while losing quite a bit of blood.

"Mmm, by the gods do I have a headache." Robin groaned as she rubbed her head and Naruto helped her stand up. "Donny." Robin stated with a soft smile as Donny moved and hugged her tight and she returned it before both were nearly tackled by their children.

"Are you ready to do your part, Lucina?" Naruto asked the young woman making her turn to face him.

"You're not going to kill him?" Lucina asked in confusion as Grima was still struggling.

"I can't kill him without a possible backlash of his power, the Fire Emblem will nullify his power so it can't cause destruction after it's unleashed. Hence why I had to help you get the Emblem and the Gemstones safely. With them, you can call on the power of Naga and kill this bastard without fear of his power backlashing." Naruto stated as Lucina nodded as she had Falchion and the Emblem ready.

"It matters little. The Fire Emblem gives you no power over me. ...Not now that Naga is dead." Grima growled with a sense of victory in his tone even with how wounded he was.

"Sh-she...what?" Lucina asked feeling numb while many were shocked at this exclamation save Naruto and Robin.

Grima chuckled darkly as he responded, "I killed that meddling dragon ages ago. Did you really think I would let her live and risk someone performing the Awakening?" Grima stated feeling a bit of triumph that their main source of hope was destroyed

"Y-you're lying..." Lucina stated through gritted teeth as Grima grinned.

"Ha... I'm sure you wish I were. But this time I speak the truth. Your only hope died with her. Your actions were completely, utterly meaningless! I will grant you no escape from this coil of despair. Each and every one of you is destined to die here and now, one way or another!" Grima stated feeling like laughing only to pause as Naruto started chuckling drawing attention.

"As I said before, Grima, you celebrate much too early." Naruto stated as he stood beside Lucina.

"What are you on about?!" Grima growled hating this man and his power more than ever.

"You can ask any of my warriors, but I ALWAYS plan out every possible move, every possible outcome, every possible situation. Thanks to the real god that I serve, I was made aware of Naga's death and set things in motion accordingly." Naruto stated with a smile on his face that spoke of cruel intentions to Grima.

"W-what have you done?!" Grima shouted feeling a very human chill of fear go down his spine.

"Just made sure there was a replacement handy, isn't that right, Lady Tiki?" Naruto asked as an astral form of Tiki appeared.

"You are correct, Lord Naruto, I thank you for your help in this." Tiki stated with her voice carrying more power and weight to it.

"What?! The Voice of Naga!" Grima exclaimed in shock.

"Lady Tiki!" Lucina shouted in surprise and joy as her very presence seemed to push away Grima's foul power.

"Yes child. Thanks to Lord Naruto's servant, I was made aware of what happened. As such, I will help you perform the Awakening...as this world's new Naga." Tiki stated surprising everyone as Grima looked on in shock.

"You lie! There is NO new Naga! I killed you!" Grima stated only for Robin to chuckle.

"You took her life, yes, but not her spirit. You forget that my body is equally under my control no matter how much you tried to suppress me. Thus, when you moved to strike her down, I intervened ensuring you only killed her physically, not spiritually. I knew she needed to be here to ensure your destruction, fell dragon." Robin stated feeling a bit of joy and catharsis at pissing off the bastard before her while Donnel and her children just smirked at her finding her move to be exactly like her.

"NO! Is there no end to your meddling?! I-it doesn't matter! None of this matters! You need to be on Mount Prism to perform the Awakening! And I will kill YOU ALL before you get there! Regardless of this man's interference or not!" Grima roared knowing there was no way that Naruto could fight her day and night until they could reach Mount Prism and get through all of the forces there.

However, Tiki, Robin, and Naruto's smirk made the fear wash away the rage, "Wrong again. You forget why the exalts performed the rites on Mount Prism in the first place. It was because the divine dragon's power was strongest there. But now that Risen have defiled it, the mount no longer has any power. Naga's, or should I say MY power has focused elsewhere in response, as a means to defy you and give our world a chance. Do you know where? Inside the remains of the Voice, which you were foolish enough to leave... Right here. In Ylisstol." Tiki stated shocking Grima into stillness, "If you had left Mount Prism alone, Grima, you might have stood a chance. Instead, you have brought the Awakening right to your feet and made it possible for me to ascend and take Naga's place. Are you ready, Lucina? Speak the words." Tiki stated with no small amount of glee in ruining Grima's plans and ambitions.

Lucina nodded and held Falchion tightly, "I am ready." She stated only to be surprised as Chrom stood beside her and placed his hand on both the Emblem and Falchion.

"If one Exalt can bring out power to strike down a dragon, what would two Exalts unleash I wonder." Chrom stated with a smirk as Grima's and Lucina's eyes widened.

"Not to mention, what would happen if another great dragon also gave their power to the emblem and sword? What do you think would happen then, Grima?" Naruto asked as he was covered in his Draconic armor and began radiating pure power as well as a holy aura.

"By the gods." Brady and Mirabelle stated having not felt such a holy presence before.

"NO! I WON'T LET YOU!" Grima roared as he tried to attack only to be stuck as thousands of chains sprouted from around the area and began binding him all over keeping him in place.

"I think you'll find that you have no choice Grima." Naruto stated as he smirked knowing his clones were doing their job well of staying hidden for just this moment as the chains forced the head to become level enough for a strike to occur there.

Naruto then turned to Robin and offered his hand making Robin nod knowing she could add some of Grima's own power to the mix to help put the final nail in his coffin.

Chrom smiled and nodded to Lucina as they held Falchion aloft, "...Hear us, Tiki! We bear proof of our sacred covenant! In the name of the Exalted blood, we ask for the divine dragon's power! Baptize us in fire, that we may become your true children!" Chrom and Lucina stated together causing a bright glow and power to swell within Falchion and the Fire Emblem as Tiki's fire engulfed them.

"Awakeners, your hearts have been tested and deemed worthy. Cleansed in my fire, your desire has proven to burn the stronger. I shall now imbue your blade with my power." Tiki stated as her fire began fusing into Falchion with Naruto adding his own fire and power causing the blade to shine like a powerful star as Robin's was added as well.

"NO! I WON'T LET IT END LIKE THIS!" Grima roared as he attempted to force his presence into Naruto's body and for a brief moment he succeeded.

However, as he felt himself enter the body, his presence was immediately eclipsed and blocked by two large overwhelming shadows with one radiating pain, suffering, and darkness on a level that Grima could never begin to imagine possessing and the other being like a brighter star than Naga ever hoped to be. "YOU ARE NOT WORTHY! BEGONE!" The two stated with voices that carried absolute power and authority to a degree that it caused Grima to quake in fear.

Never in his mulit-millennia existence had he experienced something such as this. He had never felt such power and authority in all his life that made him feel as if he was truly some maggot or worm. These things didn't radiate power, they WERE power incarnate.

Before he could truly comprehend their words, let alone their presence, he was quickly expunged back into his body and reeled back slightly in shock at the force of his expungement.

"Do it, my friends, end this dragon's pitiful existence and bring peace back to your world." Naruto stated though he was unsure of what Grima had just tried to do as he felt the dragon's presence come near him before it was blasted back.

"Right." Lucina stated as Chrom nodded at her to finish it and she gripped Falchion tightly. "You've been a horror and shadow over our world for years, Grima. But now… Now it ends! You will never be able to harm my people, my home, my loved ones again! Today you die! This I swear!" Lucina roared as she charged and held Falchion at the ready feeling the comfort and support of everyone she held dear coming to her.
Grima could do nothing as he was still too stunned at what happened to even try and struggle.

Lucina roared as she leapt and struck true with her blade gleaming in the rising sun's rays as it pierced into Grima's flesh between his multiple eyes with no resistance being met.

Grima roared in agony as the power of Tiki, the Fire Emblem, and Naruto coursed through his body before being bolstered by the power Robin gave. The latter made it so the power he still had began redirecting itself to aiding rather than repelling the power that was attacking and thus was killing him faster.

Many had to shield their eyes at the bright light that came as Grima roared.

Within moments, it ended and Lucina was shown standing atop a crumbling dragon skull with only the chakra chains holding it together enough to keep her from falling.

Lucina panted and gasped as she was still processing that she… that they had just done it.

Grima was dead.

Their enemy was destroyed.

The nightmare was over!

They had won!

Turning to look at her family and friends, she couldn't fight the tears that began streaming down her face as the relief and joy flooded through her. Something that everyone from her world was sharing. Not only had they won, but they also had all survived, and better they had their family together again thanks to their new allies.

Lucina was partially afraid she was dreaming and was sending prayer after prayer that if she was dreaming to let her stay here for a long time to truly enjoy it.

"You've done well, Lucina. I couldn't be more proud of you." Tiki stated making Lucina smile as she retrieved Falchion and got off the skull and ignoring the chains moving the few remains away from the city.

"Thank you milady. I can scarcely believe it's all real." Lucina stated as Tiki smiled.

"I am glad, you deserve to celebrate. I'm just sad I can not do so with you." Tiki stated shocking her and the others.

"Milady?" Lucina asked in confusion.

"I am the divine dragon now, Lucina, as such I can no longer interfere in mortal affairs. As such I have to return to what is now my realm, but know that I will always be watching over you." Tiki stated as she wiped some tears from Lucina's face.

"I… I understand, thank you milady, for everything." Lucina stated as Tiki smiled and nodded.

"Think nothing of it, child." Tiki stated before turning her attention to Naruto, "Lord Naruto, I shall leave the last bit to you." Tiki stated as Naruto nodded.

"I'll handle it." Naruto stated having regressed back to normal.

"Thank you." Tiki stated before she faded away.

"Handle what exactly?" Chrom asked as everyone turned to him.

"A final gift for you all." Naruto stated before turning to Lucina, "I need to have the Fire Emblem for a minute, milady." Naruto stated making Lucina frown. "You will have it back within a couple minutes, but I require it for the time being to do what I promised as a gift." Naruto stated as Lucina bit her lip before glancing to her father, who nodded a moment later.

"Very well." She stated as she removed the Fire Emblem and handed it to Naruto, who clearly noticed both Chrom and Lucina's followers preparing to fight if necessary should Naruto show he was tricking them.

It was admirable, if predictable.

Although, he was pleased to see neither Marco nor Kimimaro taking offense to them looking ready to strike him as it was understandable in the grand scheme of things.

Naruto turned his attention to the Emblem and began channeling his power into it causing the Gemstones to glow and his power made a few take a step back as he shifted to his Death Knight form.

"Here my call, souls of the fallen, I call you forth to return to the land of the living one more. Have peace and prosperity with those you called friends, allies, and loved ones, and rise once more." Naruto intoned as the Gemstones all glowed brightly before a flash of light blinded everyone for a minute before they opened their eyes and were shocked at what they saw.

Naruto was no longer alone, there were several people standing around him that many of Chrom's group recognized and for good reason.

Standing around Naruto were Chrom and Lissa's sister Emmeryn, Khans Flavia and Basilio of Regna Ferox, Say'ri and Yen'fay of the Chon'sin Dynasty, Phila the captain of the Pegasus knights and Emmeryn's personal guard, Anna the fighting merchant, Emperor Walhart of Valm, Aversa of Plegia, and Priam the wondering warrior.

Naruto rolled his neck a bit before handing the Fire Emblem back to a shocked Lucina, "See? Nothing to worry about." Naruto stated as the newly revived people were trying to clear their heads of the grogginess.

"Em!" Chrom shouted as he rushed to Emmeryn making her look and widen her eyes seeing Chrom as information flooded her mind catching her up on the more important things.

"Chrom." Emmeryn stated with a teary smile as she hugged him tightly before Lissa then joined in.

"There's a nice sight." Naruto stated with a chuckle before turning to Lucina, "Rule well, Exalt Lucina." Naruto stated offering his hand as Lucina looked somewhat surprised before glancing to her father and saw him just smiling at her.

Lucina gulped slightly before nodding and shook Naruto's hand, "Thank you for everything, I'm sorry there's not much we can do to return the favor." Lucina stated as Naruto shook his head.

"Don't worry, I'm sure my god will have something suitable down the line for me. Plus, I'm always up for killing assholes with a god complex." Naruto stated making Lucina smile slightly.

"Still, I really can't thank you enough. I can only imagine what the outcome would have been if you had not helped us." Lucina stated though both she and Naruto knew fully well what would have happened.

Naruto then turned to see Walhart staring down at him, "You impress me, boy, you tread the paths of the conqueror and the king at the same time. I wish to join your forces and see how you lead and fight." Walhart stated surprising many before Aversa stepped forward.

"I would like to go as well. It will be so dreadfully boring here now that things are settling down. There's much more fun to be had amongst your ranks. A lady needs to have variety after all." She stated before Anna came up.

"Oh, oh, me too Mr. Cutie!" She stated excitedly, "We Annas always look for the chance to expands our business. Getting to set up shop in your world, and any others you may end up going to, is too good an opportunity to pass up!" She continued as Naruto merely stared at the three.

"Very well." Naruto stated before he nodded to Lucina, "May your reign be peaceful and prosperous." Naruto stated as Lucina nodded with a smile as she looked to Morgan, who was talking to his mother animatedly.

"Thank you, good luck in your own endeavors." Lucina stated making Naruto nod as he and his forces began to vanish entirely.

"Well, it's a new day, what are you're orders milady?" Chrom asked as he looked to Lucina, who mock glared at her father.

"For now, we all rest, we've all earned it, tomorrow we can begin rebuilding." Lucina stated getting nods and verbal agreements from those around her.

They had won their decades long war, taking some time to rest wasn't that big of a deal.

REALM BETWEEN

"Thank you Lord Naruto, words can not truly express my gratitude for what you've done." Naga stated as she looked at Naruto and his warriors counting the three new ones.

"It's no trouble, milady, Lord Shinigami requested my help and I am glad to give it." Naruto stated as Naga nodded and moved towards him.

"I've seen that, and I'm sure your god will reward you for your service. But I have my own to give." She stated as she stood before him, "With my body and sacred site broken in that world, I can never return and thus my options would be to fade away to nothing… or I grant someone a form of my power and continue to exist." Naga stated making Naruto raise an eyebrow as she reached and grabbed ahold of his left arm. "You've saved another of my kind through your unique status and methods, and in return he's granted you power and has become a companion for you. I offer you the same thing, where he is power and darkness, I am wisdom and light." Naga continued and Naruto got the distinct impression there was something more going on that he wasn't aware of, but it wasn't hazardous to him or his people so he'd let it go for the moment.

"Very well. Welcome to the fold, Naga." Naruto stated as Naga nodded with a smile and turned into multi-colored flames that swirled around his arm before sinking into his skin and forming a similar dragon marking on his left arm only it was white with emerald eyes.

Naruto flexed his hand and arm to ensure it was still fully usable before Shinigami appeared. "Ready to return?" He asked as Naruto nodded and smirked a bit at how shocked and afraid his three newest allies were of Shinigami. "Good, there will be two more warriors waiting to meet you. Both have been treated similar to how Konoha treated you and eventually paid the price for not learning that fast enough." Shinigami stated making Naruto narrow his eyes and nod before they were back in his throne room.

"Marco, would you please show our newest recruits where they can find living quarters and the like?" Naruto asked as Marco nodded and motioned the three to follow him while most of his forces dispersed to rest or find others they were friendly with to talk.

"So, you're the one that the Forerunner spoke of?" A gruff voice stated making Naruto turn and see two individuals there that were unique in appearance, though the curious thing is that Vader and Qui-Gon had surprise at seeing one of them and he in turn was surprised at the sight of them.

"Well, this should be interesting." Naruto stated as he motioned Kimimaro to stand down as he didn't want to have a fight go on just yet.

Deep down though, he felt more fear and excitement coursing through his body. He could easily sense and see these two were strong and capable warriors, but that was just the point! Shinigami kept ensuring he was getting plenty of strong and capable warriors under his command that brought something new or interesting to his army that he didn't already have.

Just what was he going to face in the future that required him to have such capable warriors and generals under his command?

That thought alone was what made him shake in fear and excitement as his blood roared for the challenge, but the fear of who he may lose to get said challenge was there as well.

But he was an Uzumaki and a Menethil, he was NOT going to back down and sure as shit wasn't going to dare let anyone try to take the life of one of his people without putting up a MAJOR fight.

First things first, he'd learn who his two new soldiers were along with learning more about Walhart, Anna, and Aversa.

Then, it was high time he turned his focus back to the Elemental Nations. He'd always be ready to serve Shinigami, but it was time to put his foot down on another couple countries and expand his borders further.

Maybe he'd have his new warriors lead the charge on one of the lesser countries to see their capabilities.

Although he felt Fang and Claw were going to need his special attention and he planned to give it.

DONE!

Hope you all enjoyed that, next time we return to conquering the Elemental Nations. Only 6 chapters left for this fic, not counting an epilogue. So, we got two more trips, mopping up the elemental nations entirely, and then a surprise for you all which is not the Epilogue.

#1 the pairings of the Fire Emblem characters are based on TomFawkes's decisions for his playthrough of Fire Emblem Awakening. So the parents and the kids' relationships are what he decided to do in his playthrough. The exception being that Female Morgan aka Morgana is with Gerome since Morgan will always be the opposite gender of the one you pick for Robin (your character) to be and Tom didn't have Gerome end up with anyone in his playthrough.

Also, I had Morgana more easy to convince for Donnel since Morgan is always closer to the opposite gender parent (meaning Robin) than the other parent. Since they're twins in this case, Morgan is closer to Robin and Morgana is closer to Donnel.

For the him/her usage for Grima, Grima is a male, but since a Robin was a female in this case I had his speech listed as "she" until he and Robin were separated.

Also, this was the "Future Past Part 1, 2, and 3" DLC for Fire Emblem: Awakening.

Next time: Kira has finished her task, Fang and Claw have some hidden guests, Fu leads her first March, and some new guests arrive.

Special thanks to my Patrons: FallenHeratic, Andrew Stephens, charger2040, Shadow9Fox, Retro Netloc, Josh Robbins, Janus Christoffer Sønderskov, Zenkichi, Patrick Ferro, Kieron Acharya, Smilix, Dylan Page, William Skondras, Alex Bauer, Tom Khoury, paul garthwait, mac, Matthew Andersen, Rex, Jason Anderson, Ace, and Hert Fanfiction. Thank you all for your continued support.

See you all next time!