"Lucina!" Laslow forced a smile, "Robin! Good to see you enjoying the married life. What brings you all the way out here?"

"I think we should be asking that," Lucina folded her arms and tapped with one finger like an annoyed mother, "How did you even get to another world? We had to have Lady Tiki's help to even get here. How many of you are here?"

"Ahem," Laurent cleared his throat, "If I may?"

"Please."

"How we got here is a bit of a long story. We can fill you in, but not here. Mayhaps we take this somewhere more private?"

"Perhaps that would be best," Robin finally spoke up, "After you."

The mage awkwardly led the way over to the room that he was renting out for the day. The boys were not exactly in a talking mood - a rarity for Inigo - nor was Lucina. Robin could see her boring a hole in the back of their skulls with her gaze. Naturally, Lucina wanted to make sure they were not up to mischief. Especially as she felt their actions reflected on her and Ylisse.

Not that Robin suspected they were actively up to no good, but they had a tendency to be eccentric. Their own meeting rather spoke to how they could act without proper leadership so Robin could understand Lucina wanting to know what was up after that fiasco.

Seeing more of the town, Robin recognized that this must have been a mining town. The land nearby did not seem particularly arable, and they had yet to see a single farm since arriving in this kingdom. The climate was not as miserable as Plegia, though it was often overcast and gloomy. That said, it was starting to look like it would have a similar economy if the rest of the country was similar to what they had seen so far. He hoped it did not have a similar government.

The small inn that Laurent was holed up in was modest, but it was pretty clearly temporary accommodations. Robin was the only one who opted to sit down though.

"I suppose I should start at the beginning," Laurent finally started, "It began on the night of Robin's welcome back party when we were contacted by a mysterious voice asking for help."

"And you didn't say anything?" Lucina waited for the response with a slightly harsh expression.

"At the time, we had no way to know if it was worth yours or Chrom's attention. Especially after everything that had happened."

"So," Inigo chimed in, "We made for the Mila Tree like we thought the voice wanted."

"And what did you find?" Robin asked, now even more curious.

"That…is where matters started to get so convoluted."

"Didn't think I'd be back here so soon," Brady looked up at the tree, silently proud he had not wheezed once on the trip.

"Do you sense anything, Nah?" Gerome remained all business.

"I," The manakete furrowed her brow as she looked up at the tree, "I don't know. It feels like something's there, but also…not."

Laurent adjusted his glasses, "Care to elaborate?"

"I can't really describe it, but…I think it's powerful."

"Stay on your toes, heroes," Owain led the way with a sword confidently strewn upon his shoulder, "Lest we be caught by a foul ambush."

They kept their arms at the ready as they approached the tree. Under the dwindling light of dusk, it would be harder to make out any would-be attackers, but try as they might, they could not see anything amiss.

"Heroes…" The voice from before finally beckoned and they all prepared for a fight even as a white robed figure materialized before them. Despite the initial surprise, he proved less than threatening when he collapsed to one knee clutching his chest.

"Such travel is quite taxing," He looked up, face mostly obscured by his hood, "But I thank you for answering my summons."

"You…" Nah stared at him, "Are you a dragon?"

"Heh," He pulled himself up to his feet, "In a sense, but I may be closer to human than not these days."

"So why did you call us?" Severa folded her arms, not trusting this stranger.

"Right. I do not have much time. My very being is…unstable, but my world is still in dire straits. I wanted heroes that could help save my realm."

"Why us?" Inigo asked, hands on his hips, "There are greater heroes than us about."

"I targeted my call to attract as many powerful figures as I could. You…must suffice."

"How flattering," Severa muttered.

"I implore you, I do not have much time. If he is not stopped, then my world will fall to ruin. Nothing but desolation will be left after his madness runs its course."

"Who?" Gerome demanded.

"Anankos," The mysterious man clenched his fists, "A dragon of terrible power. His hatred of humanity knows no bounds. He is nothing but madness at this point."

"That sounds familiar," Yarne shuddered, "We can't just leave them like that, can we?"

"Of course not!" Cynthia was eager to help, "Point us at this bad guy!"

"We should put this to a vote," Laurent adjusted his glasses, looking straight at the robed figure, "We, after all, do not know if we can trust this man."

"A reasonable-" The man quickly shot his arm out. The Shepherds took a defensive stance only for a man that none of them had seen who had been sneaking up on them to be torn apart by a torrent of water, "They found us!"

"Who found us?" Severa demanded, pointing her sword at the man, "Did you just set us up?"

"Not intentionally, no, but Anankos would like little more than to see me dead or captured. His minions found me faster than I had anticipated."

"What if they attack others?" Noire asked in a panic trying to spot more of them.

"Noire, you, Brady, and Laurent, cover us!" Inigo shouted.

"Cynthia, Nah and I can scout ahead," Gerome was also trying to spot more enemies.

"Good call, Gerome," Owain nodded, "Inigo, Sev, think we can handle the front line?"

"But of course," Inigo twirled a sword.

Severa, however, growled, still glaring at the mysterious man. It was not until Owain put a hand on her shoulder that she backed down.

"I appreciate your quick action, but we do not have the time. You must go, now. These invisible soldiers will take too much time to deal with,." Channeling his power, he opened a portal, "I will deal with the threats here with the last of my power."

"We don't even know what to do!" Inigo shouted.

"You cannot stop him. However, I can point you to those that can…"

"Congratulations, Lady Corrin!" The stable girl happily greeted her liege, "I heard you finally defeated Xander!"

"Thanks, Lilith," Corrin blushed, "But he was going easy on me."

"Don't sell yourself short," Flora joined in on the congratulations, "It was a well earned victory."

"Flora is right," Jakob bowed, "Milady has proven her skills. You worked hard for this day."

"Yeah," Felicia grinned, "You've wanted nothing more for years."

"Thanks, guys," Corrin beamed before initiating a group hug, "I wish you could all come with me."

"Someone has to stay and take care of things here," Flora reassured, "And I'm sure the maids in the castle can handle your morning routine."

"And if they can't, then I shall give them a stern talking to," Jakob huffed, "But they should be the best of the best. I am confident they can adapt."

"Well," Corrin sighed, "Guess this is goodbye for now. I feel like I'm saying goodbye to my sisters."

"Don't feel sad, Lady Corrin," Lilith encouraged, "It's not like we'll never see you again."

"She's right," Felicia nodded, "So chin up, we'll keep the place in tip top shape while you're away."

"I'm sure you will," Corrin smiled as Gunter arrived to round her and Jakob up.

"The royals are eager to get underway. Jakob, you'll be riding with me and the other soldiers."

"Yes, sir," Jakob bowed and Corrin offered one more wave as she left to rejoin her siblings.

"I see," Robin narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin, "Another mad dragon. Of course."

"And what progress have you made?" Lucina asked, less frustrated than before and more concerned.

"Not much, I'm afraid," Inigo, or rather, Laslow sighed, "While we've been able to ingratiate ourselves to the Nohrian royals, we've yet to set eyes on the Nohrian princess. We've had better luck in Hoshido at least."

"Why are they in different nations anyway?" Robin inquired.

"Oh, that," Inigo sighed looking over to the mage, "You wanna explain it?"

"Very well…"

"Corrin, please," Leo muttered as his sister kept running back and forth between the windows of the carriage, "You're shaking the carriage. Show some dignity, please."

"Huh?" She stopped and blushed before sitting on her hands, "Sorry."

"Don't listen to him, just a stick in the mud," Elise stuck her tongue out.

"At least I act my age."

"I think you may act a bit older than that, dear," Camilla teased, "Really, it's her first time out of that drafty fortress in years. I think she's right to be excited."

"Back me up here, Xander."

"As royalty, it is all our jobs to properly reflect on Nohr itself the dignity deserved," Xander then let his expression soften, "In public at least. I will expect a fine showing in the capital, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the sights until then."

This energized the young princess who resumed taking in the sights with fervor, and as much as Leo was annoyed, he could not truly blame her for her excitement. Still, someone had to be the voice of realism.

Following her lead, the youngest brother looked out the window himself seeing a sight he himself had seen plenty of times. So much so that perhaps he had taken its majesty for granted.

Castle Krakenburg. A symbol of Nohr's strength if ever there was one. The city of Windmire surrounded it in what, according to legend, was the first mine started by the first king of Nohr which kicked off their status as a world power. Naturally, the castle itself reached out from the center of the city providing a fortress with only a few access points.

The main bridge actually skipped the old city in the mine meaning they only had to travel through the suburbs that had sprawled out on the relatively flat ground surrounding the capital. Corrin was a bit disappointed by that, but at the hour that they had arrived, there would not be much sightseeing to be had.

The middle princess took to stretching once finally freed from the carriage inside the castle gates. All the while her sparkling eyes were glued to the majestic structure of the castle.

"It's so much bigger than the fortress."

"It is Nohr's crown jewel," Xander smiled proudly as he also took in the spires, Corrin's wonder infecting more than just Leo, "The central spire supporting it was said to be left by Nohr's first king himself."

"So will I be meeting Father today?" Corrin looked up excitedly at her eldest brother.

"Not tonight. It's far too late. Your audience is scheduled for tomorrow. Sir Jakob," Xander addressed the butler who had come along with Gunter, "I trust you to make sure she isn't late."

"You have my word," The butler bowed.

"Good. Then rest up. Tomorrow should be an…interesting day."

"Heya," Caeda dodged a sword swing on reflex, "Aren't you tired yet?"

Kamui wiped his brow, "Yes. Why aren't you?"

The bluenette beamed, "Years of heroic practice and experience."

"I think ya had better call it a night," Bart folded his arms, "You look pooped. I should know."

"For someone so sure he's a weakling, you managed to best me pretty handily," Kamui borderline pouted as he begrudgingly took his retainers' advice.

"Cause I use magic. And I still get winded pretty easily. Just decided to make the few shots I do get count."

"Heh," The prince smirked, "I'll keep that in mind."

After cleaning up, Kamui excused his retainers for the night. Caeda gave him one more concerned look before following after Bart. She passed by the kanpaku on her way out. She eyed the advisor for a moment before continuing on her way. It was not like she was in any position to judge someone for a mysterious past.

"Prince Kamui," The woman bowed respectfully, "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"No, I was calling it a night," He put his practice katana away, "What can I do for you, Kanpaku?"

"I was hoping I might have a moment of your time. Would you join me for a walk around the grounds?"

The prince raised a brow, but nodded his consent. The kanpaku was something of an outsider, but so far her advice had been spot on as far as he was concerned. It did not take her long to rise up the ranks and to fill in the position left open by Yukimura. Her skills were next to none, and she seemed to have a, in his opinion, healthy distrust of Nohr which only endeared her to him further.

"So, what's troubling you, Kanpaku?"

The advisor looked up to the starry sky, "It's about the festival. I think Nohr may try something."

"Those curs!" Kamui clenched his fists.

"We'll be expecting heavy traffic and even visitors. Not to mention the symbolic importance. I wanted to ask you to help me keep an eye out for anything suspicious leading up to or during the anniversary."

"I'll do whatever I can."

"I knew I could count on you," She smiled, "Just let me know if anything seems off."

"I'll keep my eyes peeled. Thank you, Kanpaku."

She smiled, her hazel eyes glinting in the moonlight, "It is my duty after all, but no need to be formal when it's just us. Reflet will do just fine."

The wyvern coop was not exactly a place most people were thrilled to be in, but for an up and coming knight, it was his favorite place. The solitude was just the icing on the cake. Though, he would not have minded better accommodations for his mount.

"Bear with me, Minerva," He stroked the wyvern's cheek as she chowed down.

"My, my pulling the late hours I see."

The knight stood at attention, "Lady Camilla. What brings you by at such a late hour?"

"I've been away so I came to catch up on my grooming. Only to find all the wyverns expertly cared for. Your doing, no doubt."

"I did not do it to be noticed."

"No, that much is obvious, and makes it all the more impressive. The Nohrian military can be rather cutthroat."

"Is that so?" The young man raised a brow.

"Oh quite, and what I'm about to do might ruffle some feathers."

"Pardon?" The knight suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"Oh, relax," The princess giggled, "Despite my reputation, I'm not that salacious. No, I'm putting you up for a promotion."

"Milady?"

"Your work with the wyverns has been exemplary. Furthermore, your riding skills have been spectacular. I must say, it's even driven me to push myself a bit more. I expect great things from you. The promotion is merely a reflection of your skills."

"...Very well. I will accept graciously."

"Good, good. Now, do be sure to get some sleep, Captain Geoffery."

"This is a lot to take in," Robin leaned back into his chair looking to his wife, "Give us a second, fellas?"

As the two men respectfully filed out, Lucina was the first to speak, "It seems they've stumbled into something big."

"Yes. Question is, what to do about it?"

"What about your sister?" Lucina sat across from him, "That is why we came."

"Well, according to Tiki, she is here. Perhaps we might find her through all this. Though…I really hope she isn't involved." Robin smiled up at her, "But, regardless, it could get ugly. I wouldn't want to drag you back into that."

"It's fine," Lucina answered a bit too quickly, earning an uncertain look, "Really. What kind of leader would I be to let them do this alone anyway? Besides, while the people of this world aren't my people, I'm sure my parents would do the same."

"Heh, that they would. So…you're sure about this?"

She took his hands in hers, "With one condition."

"Name it."

"You don't go trying to get yourself killed."

Robin smirked, "Deal."

Calling the other two back in, Robin and Lucina met them as a unified front, "If there are no objections, we'll help you out."

The two shared a glance before Laurent replied, "I can't say you wouldn't be helpful, but…"

"The reason we didn't tell you to begin with was not wanting to drag you into another mess."

"That's very thoughtful," Lucina nodded, "But not necessary."

"Besides, we may be able to accomplish our own goal while helping out," Robin provided.

"Why are you here anyway?"

"We're looking for my sister," Robin admitted with a hard face.

"'Sister?'" Inigo raised her brow, "Is she cute?"

Robin glared at him, "We're not on the best terms, but I was hoping to patch things up. Tiki ended up helping us out by pointing us here and getting us here."

"I also note you are down a member," Laurent looked around almost nervously.

"Ah, yes, Morgan is also staying with Tiki. We decided it best to take this trip alone."

"Hopefully she'll still be sane when we get back," Robin murmured.

"Relax, Lady Tiki will be just fine."

"Come on, Tiki!" Morgan pouted to the much older woman, "One more round?"

"Morgan, we've been playing this tome stacking game for hours. Aren't you the least bit tired?"

"Nope!" Morgan shook her head and smiled causing the manakete to sigh.

"I suppose your dual bloodlines really do provide a wealth of energy. Still, you have to tire sometime."

"Hmm," Morgan thought for a bit, "Tell you what, win the next game, and we can call it a night."

"Oh, very well," Tiki responded with exasperation, but she grinned all the same.

"Well, alright then," Laslow dropped the subject.

"First things first," Robin folded his arms, "I want to confer with the others. As many as we can get together at least. Inigo-"

"Laslow."

Robin blinked, "Excuse me?"

"We were advised that our assailant may have heard our names," Laurent explained, "As such, we have taken pseudonyms. He is Laslow. I am Klark. Also, I will not be accompanying you to the capital. I am acting as the go between for our groups, so I need to maintain some anonymity."

"Understandable. Where will you head next then?"

"I will relay this development to the others and gather their reports. I will make sure you are made aware of any developments."

"Understood. Let's see what lies ahead."

A/N: Merry Belated Christmas! Decided to post after as might not get much traffic during Christmas.

Also, the spam continues on FF. I considered just shifting my posting to just AO3, but not sure that'd make them stop.