A/N: Finally back with another chapter. And boy is it a long one. I don't really have much to say here so I'll go into the reviews:

Tychon: Haha, I knew. Yeah it really does suck when your muse doesn't co-operate with you. When I'm in the mood to write it feels like I can't stop, while other times it feels as though I just stare at the screen.

Draen: Yes, yes I did. Thank you for noticing that.

Temporal King: You've been a big help for so long now I can't even begin to start with it. I hope that after the long waits this chapter is too your liking. And the moment you want, I can guarantee it too be next chapter. And thanks for the understanding, it felt like all I could focus on was university with the amount of different stuff they were getting us to do. But that's over for the summer now, so all I need to do is balance my time management.

Ghost Artemis: Thank you for the words. Hopefully the wait for the next chapter won't be too long.

And that's that. We've got E3 this coming week, and maybe finally we'll get some news about FE16. Finger's Crossed.

Now onto the chapter:

Chapter 13- Invisible Strings

It was nice being on the open sea once more. The cool sea breeze, the melodic crashing of waves, the…

*Blerrrghh*

The sounds of half of your friends unable to hold onto their lunch.

Robin sighed as he rubbed the back of his forsaken daughter while she leaned over the side of the ship.

"Why does the sea have to be so evil?!" Morgan cried, raising her head as if she were shouting towards the heavens.

"Now you know how it feels all the time you forced me onto a Pegasus." Her friend cackled from beside her. The outlaw was doing her best too look anyway other than the smaller girl, however.

"Yeah, but…shut up." The blue haired tactician tried to argue, failing spectacularly.

The older tactician sighed again. The otherworldly duo had been going like that for the few days they had spent on the ocean. With him being stuck in the middle of the two.

After the Shepherds successful venture in Regna Ferox to acquire more funds for their dwindling savings. They had returned to the port and swiftly set off on their voyage to the eastern continent of Valm.

That day marked the second of their journey across the seas, and throughout it all, Robin was forced to help keep an eye out for those who would be struggling with their sea legs. The tactician had been regretting every second of it.

Unlike before, there were a multiple of ships this time. More than enough to fit every soldier and Shepherd, and so that left some that were designated for only storage. Namely oil.

The Shepherds themselves were split over a few of them. Those who had flying mounts were on one, cavalry was on another and infantry on the ship that also housed the royal family. Those who didn't own a mount but had a loved one that did were stationed with them.

Although there were some exceptions, such as Stahl and Cordelia. The former of which would stay on the ship as his wife, who would ferry him over to the boat that housed his mount at the beginning of the day and then back again at night. The others included the royal family themselves, whose loyal pegasi were treated by them during the day.

That was another reason why Robin was annoyed because his other arm was being occupied rubbing the back of his future father-in-law, who's family were already engaged in other affairs.

"Why do boats have to sway so much, Robin? Surely you know a hex or incantation to cure this?" Chrom asked his friend as he, too, was leaning over the side.

"Unfortunately, not Chrom. Henry and Tharja have been researching but haven't come up with anything yet. Hopefully we don't encounter any Valmese ships." The white-haired man replied.

"It just had to be boats didn't it, gramps." Morgan complained from her place of the railing.

"You said it." The lord agreed.

Robin sighed.

As if his prayers had been answered, the resident dark mages had been successful in finding a temporary cure for the Shepherds ailments and now everyone was able to participate in training.

Along with gold and other valuables, weapons from ages past had been found among the thieving Risen's storage house. These weapons were not like most, it was almost as if they were alive. They chose their wielder and would only work for that one person.

A sword wouldn't cut, an axe wouldn't chop, and lances would fail to impale something no matter how soft. The bows would be unable to be drawn as if the strings were made of hardened steel and magic tomes would not respond to its wielders calling.

Not many had chosen their new master. But those that had gleefully hacked and slashed away at training dummy's, amazed that such power was in their hands. Those that hadn't would be tested by everyone until they were able too.

It was much harder on the magic users, however. Due to their current circumstances, only wind and dark magic tomes were allowed to be used for training. Fire and Thunder were much too dangerous to be cast on board the ships should an unfortunate incident occur.

Those that had been fortunate to have a weapon choose them were Virion with the legendary Nidhogg bow, Cordelia with the Gáe Bolg spear, Sumia and the Luna lance. The two resident dark mages of Tharja and Henry had claimed dominion over tomes of Gleipnir and Naglfar respectively.

As if the sword had heard his cries, the Mystletainn blade had chosen Owain its new wielder leaving the young swordmaster to cry tears of joy. The masked rider Gerome had been deemed the wielder of the Basilikos while his father now wielded the Hauteclere.

Ricken was chosen by the Forseti wind tome and his son, Laurent, now wielded the legendary Excalibur. The three Regalia of Mercurius, Gradivus and Parthia now belonged to Stahl, Sully and Noire respectively.

Even Robin's own daughter now wielded the Book of Naga, said to have been used by those of Naga's blood since the time of the Holy War. To say she had been ecstatic would have been an understatement to her true reaction.

"Haha, suck it Lord Leo, you're not the only one with a legendary tome now!" The blue haired girl cried to the heavens holding the tome in her hands.

"You've been shouting that every hour, we get it." Nina grumbled from beside her.

"You're just salty I've got an awesome weapon and you don't." Morgan grinned.

"N-no, I'm not. And what does that even mean?!" The outlaw shouted back.

"Though your weapon is certainly majestic, none can be more glorious than the power of my Missiletainn." Ophelia added in her own way.

"I wonder if mine being on fire all the time is just meaning that I'm too hot to handle." Soleil grinned from beside her, gazing curiously at her new weapon with one hand. The other was holding out a carrot, which was rapidly being consumed

"Please no puns, sister." Shigure groaned as he brushed his pegaus. On his back was a weapon that not many in the Shepherds recognised, but he informed people of as a naginata. Though this one the blue haired Pegasus rider wielded was known as the Waterwheel. "And could you please stop feeding Anita. You're going to ruin her dinner." He frowned.

"What? A carrot a day keeps the doctor away." The blue haired girl replied.

"That's apples." Her brother stated.

Robin rolled his eyes as the duo continued squabbling. The twins never seemed to stop having arguments. They were all gathered on the main ship at the moment. It was now the fourth day of their voyage, and Robin was starting to get a little paranoid. His expected deadline for Valmese retaliation had passed and he was certain they would come across them in the day or the next and had called for a strategy meeting.

"Chrom, we should make sure we're prepared for battle." The white-haired man began.

"You're right. I'm still uneasy on my legs, even with that hex. I never fancied myself to be a captain on the sea." The exalt replied.

"In my time, all of the ships were destroyed. Perhaps that is also why I struggle." His daughter added. "Though now given the time, I can say that it would be nice to do this again. It's quite relaxing." She smiled.

"I've been meaning to ask. After you stopped Emm's assassination, why didn't you stay with us?" Chrom asked. Robin smiled, it was good to see his friend having moved on a bit from that event, even if it still hurt him at times.

"I didn't think I could risk altering history any more than I had thought necessary. I sought out to only divert events that could directly lead to Grima's return." The lordling answered. "The assassin's in the castle gardens were among those that were necessary. Had they not been dealt with then my father would have been wounded, and those would have played a major part in the tragedies that would follow."

"What kind of injuries?" Robin couldn't help but ask.

"His sword arm would occasionally have spasms that made it difficult for him to swing his sword, and his side would cause him great pain constantly. But there was also the emotional scaring. Even when I was younger, I could remember times when my father would wake up screaming in the middle of the night. Reliving the events of that faithful day." Lucina explained, her eyes glazing slightly. The tactician couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl and promptly apologised for asking her to relive such painful memories.

"It is alright Robin; those events have passed and will never happen in this time. For that alone I am eternally thankful." The future witness smiled, before quickly morphing into a frown. "But still, the river of time favoured its original course. I only stalled the exalt's death rather than preventing it."

"You did what you could Lucina, and for that we are grateful." Chrom replied sullenly. "Not to mention that you saved me. On two separate occasions in fact."

"You're too kind father." The younger girl smiled. "But nothing is certain and another could take your life."

"…Do you know how I die?" The lord asked, not even sure if he wanted to know.

"Hey! No spoilers!" Morgan shouted standing off to the side. She was quickly ignored.

"Only rumours. They say you fell in a great battle, fighting to alter your destiny. And that you were murdered mere moments before you could, betrayed by someone close and dear to you."

Once she had finished her sentence, Robin felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. His vision blurred, and he swore he could see a battered a broken Chrom before him. A dagger, made of thunder, was jabbed into his gut. The tactician had seen this scene once before. When he had first woken up in that field over two years ago.

"Nngh!" The white-haired man groaned in pain.

"Robin? What's wrong?" Chrom asked him. Lucina staring at him with a pointed glare.

"M-my head. Forgive me. Just a flash of pain. I'm fine now." Robin breathed out, the pain fading as quickly as it came. The future witness still had her eyes on him, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"After your murder and the fell dragon's return. I took the name Marth to fight back and inspire people. I prayed to the Hero-King himself for a small part of the strength he used to the save world so that I may have done the same. But I need that subterfuge no longer. I fight as Lucina now. The name that was given to me by the strongest man and women I know." The blue haired girl delivered.

"A strength shared by the same woman that bears that name." Chrom smiled in pride.

"Milord!" A voice shouted from afar.

In the distance, a trio of Pegasus knights were encroaching on the ships. Some Feroxi men immediately went into action but were quickly halted by the tactician and exalt.

They were getting close when Robin noticed some other blurs behind them. More Pegasus Knights.

But these weren't Ylissean.

"Archers to the stem of the ship! They've been followed!" Robin ordered.

Response was instant. Archers were at the front in moments, the leader if which was the 'Archest of Archer's' himself. Eagerly awaiting to fire from his new bow of legend.

Robin dreaded the tales the flirt would string to a bard when they docked.

Thankfully the response wasn't necessary as the Pegasus knight's followers retreated upon noticing the destination. No doubt going to warn they're own.

"Milord!" Once again came the cry. The head knight, who just so happened to be Cordelia, shouted again as they came in to land. She was flanked by Sumia and Cynthia.

Dismounting as soon as they hit the deck. The trio of flyers rushed towards the exalt, urgency evident in their actions.

"Milord, Valmese ships to the north!" Cordelia announced.

"How far?" Robin asked.

"Less than an hour at our current speed." The red headed genius replied.

"Cordelia, relay that news to Frederick and tell them to get ready. We'll need to ferry them over to this ship. They'll have to fight on foot for this battle. Sumia, I want you to get Khan Basillio and Khan Flavia. We'll need them for a pre-battle plan. I want you, Cynthia, to warn our other flyers and then start helping Cordelia." The tactician explained. "Can you help out when you're done Shigure?"

"Of course, Sir Robin." The prodigal singer answered.

"Good, dismissed." Robin finished

No response was necessary as the trio of knights rushed into action to do what they had been assigned. Shigure finished and joined the other as fast as he could. His timing couldn't be better as the Khans joined them, as well as Frederick.

"Been a good while since the last time I was in a naval battle." Basillio commented as he cracked his neck in preparation.

"Must have been quite long-ago oaf." Flavia replied jokingly.

"Last I recall, you've never even been in one." The West Khan countered.

"Khan Basillio, Khan Flavia." Chrom spoke up to get the quarrelling Khan's attention.

"Chrom. Sumia told us what she and the others saw." Flavia replied. "I must say, it's not good." She added looking at the horizon.

Sure enough, the Valmese ships could now be seen at the edge of their vision. Merely blurs at the current time. But that would not remain. They needed a plan.

"Cordelia has reported the Valmese fleet matches ours, ship for ship." Frederick informed.

"Your tone says that this is not good news." Chrom frowned.

"Their troops vastly outnumber ours. Our vessels are half-full, at the very best. But every Valmese ship is packed stem to stern with soldiers." The great knight responded.

"If we attempted to board them in a straight fight, we'll be slaughtered." The exalt concluded.

"We have little choice but to try anyway. Plegia had no men to spare, but they were generous with other supplies. Including Oil, perhaps a clever tactician may find a use for that." Flavia hinted.

"Of course, I could." Two voices spoke simultaneously. Morgan and Robin grinned towards each other.

"Like father like daughter." Basilio guffawed.

"If we could put their ships to flame, they'd have nowhere to escape to. We could-" The East Khan planned aloud.

"You could roast US all like hams!" The West Khan argued. "Are you truly willing to kill us all, woman?!"

"Dou you have a better idea, oaf?! The problem is that we have no siege weapons." Flavia countered. "We need a way to get lit oil onto their decks without our own ships getting caught in the blaze."

"Unless we want our ships to be caught in the blaze." Robin grinned, his head already ablaze with ideas.

"Set our own ships alight? Why would we…" Basilio tried to argue before sighing, noticing the gleam in the tactician's eye. "Bah, I know better than to question you when you have that look in your eyes. Gods save us from whatever you've cooked up this time. Let's just hope it's not us that gets cooked."

"I have an idea Chrom." The white-haired man announced.

"Then don't just stand there, speak it out." The Exalt smiled,

"But for this to work, we'll need to disrupt their chain of command. Out strongest team needs to infiltrate the lead ship and kill their general. As our best captain I'd have you head the squad, but you are the Exalt, so…" Robin began.

"And as the Exalt, and your future father-in-law, you cannot order me NOT to go. I will lead the assault!" The blue-haired lord announced.

"Alright, dad." The cloaked man grinned. "Then this plan truly stands a better chance."

"So much has changed since we found you that day. Hard to believe you determine the fate of our entire army, our entire people! Destiny has a strange way of working." Chrom smiled.

"No, Chrom. Not destiny." Robin stated.

"What?" The Exalt asked, confused.

"We are not pawns of some scripted fate. I believe we are more. Much more." The tactician began.

"How do you mean?" Chrom urged.

"There is something between us all. Something that keeps us together. Like…invisible ties connecting us. Giving us strength, we forged these ties…and we strengthen them. If we preserve them, or if we break them, it will be out choices. Not some 'destiny'." Robin finished.

High pitched screams of utter joy sounded from behind the conversing pair.

Both Morgan, and surprisingly Nina, were gazing at Robin as if they had just witnessed a moment of history. Which for them, they had.

"He said the thing!" The pair smiled oblivious to the stares they were now receiving.

"Ooooookay then." Chrom drawled, before shaking his head and just chalking it up to the girls' quirks. "Robin. I think this salty air might have gone to your head."

"All right, all right. Perhaps that is enough philosophy for one day." Robin chuckled, before donning a more serious face. "But there are still details to discuss."

"Indeed. Preparations are to be made." The exalt smiled. "Oh, and Robin. If we are all bound by these 'invisible ties', I thank the gods that it's with you." Chrom added.

Robin stared, stunned. He wasn't quite sure how to reply to what his dearest friend had told him. Was it just how he said it, or was there a hidden meaning behind it? He couldn't tell right now.

"Now then, everyone! Look lively! We have work to do!" The Exalt commanded.

The best of the best of the Shepherds were aboard a singular ship. They alone would go out to meet the enemy with a handful of soldiers to handle the ship and set up the plan.

"Their leader will no doubt be on the centremost forward ship. We'll need to be beside them to board them, but no doubt they'll attempt to do the same with us." Robin explained to those gathered. "We need to make sure we control the gangways and should be the ones to put them down."

"What should we do to stop them, Bubbles?" Gaius asked.

"Our ship will position between three of the Valmese ships. Two beside us and one in front. We'll create choke points to keep them back." The tactician replied. "Cherche, Cordelia and Gerome will roam around to prevent any Valmese Pegasus Knights from interfering."

"Frederick and Kjelle will guard the flanks. Gaius, Maribelle, Nina and Morgan will back them up with magic and range power." Chrom added, receiving nods from them.

"The final four of us which consists of myself, Chrom, Lucina and Cynthia, will assault the main ship. Our aim is to take out the enemy commander at which point I'll send out a signal flare. Once that flare goes up, we retreat to our ship to commence the final phase of the plan." Robin continued. "At that point we will ram into their ships with our own."

"Before that, we all abandon ship and let the wind do its job for us. Pegasus Knights are on stand-by to pick us up from when we get off. The signal flare Robin set's off will be the call for them to come to us and get us away from the flames." Chrom finished.

"I have once question, milord." Frederick asked.

"Go ahead." The Exalt replied.

"Are you sure that this is the right decision?" The great knight questioned.

Chrom hesitated. He hadn't even asked himself that question. But now having had it lay before him… he wasn't sure. Was the act burning all of the Valmese ships humane? Were they in the wrong by performing this act? As he pondered this, the man beside him spoke up for him.

"No. It is not." Robin answered. "The Valmese are just like us. Not are they only just men and women following their leader, they are also son's and daughter's. Possibly even mothers and fathers." The tactician sighed. "But this is still war. All of us walk a thin rope before us. Keeping our humanity during times like these is the most difficult action we perform. What we are doing, is not right. Our backs are against the wall, however, and this is the only thing I can think of that would keep our forces safe. I claim not to be a god of life, nor a hand of death. I only wish for the men and women we lead to return home safely. All we can do is mourn for those lost, not doing so would mean sacrificing the humanity we so long cling to."

Silence washed over the present Shepherds. No doubt the final decision would have been hard on the tactician. He was making the choice of giving the enemy no options. Should they succeed, and they no doubt they wouldn't, they would be leaving the Valmese to their deaths.

"I understand." Frederick replied with a small smile.

"Very well." Robin smiled back, knowing he had alleviated his companion's doubts. "Morgan?"

"Yes, father?" The younger tactician asked.

"I've heard good things about your tactical prowess from your grandfather." The white-haired man began, swiftly dodging a swing from Chrom. "You'll in charge of the defence of the ship."

"T-thank you." Morgan beamed in a rare showing of embarrassment.

"We'll be upon the Valmese in mere moments." The blue-haired lord announced. "Everyone. Prepare yourselves."

The wait was tense. They were slowly drifting into position. Feroxi soldiers, who were commanded to retreat inside once the battle began, were mulling having been ordered to drop the gangways.

As soon as they made it in too position, Chrom gave the signal.

"Now." The Exalt commanded, raising the Falchion high. The dull thuds of the thick wooden planks dropping to the deck and finding purchase on the enemy ships. "Shepherds to arms! For Ylisse!"

"For Ylisse!" They roared as they rushed into position.

"Grrrr!" The great knight growled. He was weapon locked with an enemy General. The thickness of the enemies' armour was to great to allow any of his men to pass beside him as the two officers struggled against each other.

"You doing okay there Frederick?" Came the chipper voice of his temporary authoritative figure.

"This one…is a worthy adversary." The brown-haired man growled out as he tried to find an opening to get the upper hand.

"Need a hand?" Another voice asked.

"If you would be so kind." It may not have been the most honourable victory. But this General was becoming a problem.

"Might want to bring out that gift your dad gave you." The first voice suggested.

"You might be right." The second replied, before the sound of shuffling and weapons being swapped were heard.

"Anytime girls." Frederick growled, he was beginning to think he was losing the battle of strength.

"Hold your horses." The first chuckled. "Oh wait."

He never heard the distinct strum of an arrow being fired. What the great knight certainly didn't expect was an arrow, made not of steel tips and wooden balance, but made of magical energy to shoot past him and to impact his opponent.

The cry of pain as the man was struck was similar to that as if he had been hit by a magic spell. The arrow had already dissipated into the air, but the glaring hole where it had impaled the armour was clear.

Taking the advantage, Frederick overpowered his opponent and knocked him aside. Falling into the ocean below.

Looking over his shoulder as the Valmese soldiers hesitated in fear, he noted that the second girl now wielded a brilliant bow that seemed to pulsate light. The edges of the weapon had stars to act as balancers. It did, in fact, have a string. But it was ethereal and disappeared as soon as the outlaw pulled her hand away.

"Woah." Morgan gasped.

"Yeah. Woah." Nina agreed, not quite sure what she was expecting.

"What kind of bow is that? I have never seen nor heard of it." Frederick asked, still in awe at the weapon.

"I think it's called a Shining Bow. They're supposed to be similar to Levin Sword's in that they channel the wielder's magic to create the projectiles. I've never seen one in action before." The small tactician explained.

"Heh, guess this could be my version of a legendary weapon here." Nina smirked to her friend.

"Yeah yeah, that's pretty impressive." Morgan waved off before whipping out her new tome. "But I still think I can one up ya." She grinned opening the purple and yellow tome.

The Valmese soldiers seemed to have recovered from the daze of watching their ships leader fall so easily. A couple of knights stepped forward to avenge their fallen commander, but they hesitated upon seeing the book in the girl' hand.

"Naga!" Morgan cried unleashing the sacred magic of her new weapon.

In front of Frederick, an ethereal golden dragon appeared in a coiled form. But that didn't last long. As it uncoiled, the serpentine-like figure rose to it's full height. The Valmese soldiers stepped backwards in fear as the dragon towered above them.

It reared its head back, and then it let out its holy breath. The shining light of the attack washed over the entire enemy ship. Only when the dragon stopped, so too did the lives of all of the soldiers.

Frederick turned around, unable to comprehend the sheer power that the smaller girl had within her. He looked at the blue-haired tactician who held a tired smirk upon her face.

She fainted mere seconds later.

"Morgan!" Nina was by her side as she hit the ground.

The great knight joined her after making sure that no Valmese soldiers remained. Holding his fingers just below her chin, he waited for a couple of seconds making sure there was a pulse from the girl.

"She'll be fine." Frederick told the outlaw. "Mana exhaustion. She may be able to wield the tome, but she can't 'use' it properly."

"This is what you get when you try to show off." The purple-haired girl sighed with a smile.

"I'll wave down Cordelia, she'll take her back to the main ship." Frederick explained. "You're welcome to join her."

"Thanks, but I never leave a job half done." Nina replied. "We gotta help the other guys anyway."

"Well said." The great knight grinned. He'd make a retainer out of this girl yet.

"Hmph. One ship against three of ours. They must have a death wish." A balding man in heavy armour smirked, pleased for an easy win.

"That must be the commander." Cynthia guessed.

"I believe you're right." Robin replied. "We should inform Chrom."

"Right." The Pegasus knight agreed.

The pair were flying above the ship to the right of the Shepherds own vessel. They had been very fortunate that the Valmese had no archers on any of there ships and were planning the best method of attack.

As for Chrom and Lucina, the plank they had was larger than the others and were fighting side by side. The blue haired lords were whittling down the forces of the ship.

"I think this is the first time we've ever fought together now that I think about it Lucina." Chrom informed his eldest daughter.

"Yes, you've always been paired up with mother." The future Exalt replied. "Morgan believed that it would be better to help my friends get better acquainted with there new surroundings as we battled across the continent."

"We've sparred before, but as we fight side by side. I can see just much you took after my sword style." The Exalt smiled.

"Yes. I believe the training dummies agree." Lucina smiled sheepishly. "Mother told me that we've broken more targets in the last month than the Shepherds had in the last two years."

"Frederick still scolds me about that." Chrom agreed.

"And I will too once this is done." A new voice said with an annoyed tone.

Looking up, the royals were met with the sight of a hovering Pegasus. A snickering knight. And a glaring tactician.

"How many times have I told you not to break the training dummies. We waste the Shepherds budget having to buy more." Robin explained annoyed. "But that isn't important right now. We've been able to find the enemy commander."

"Which one is it?" Chrom asked.

"The bald one." Cynthia snickered out.

"Yes. That is a fair assessment." Robin smirked.

"What do you suggest we do?" Lucina asked, with a slight glare.

"Cynthia and I will sweep across the ship with hit and run attacks while I'll use an Arcfire tome to wash them in flames." The tactician informed. "You and Chrom should finish off the weakened forces, princess."

"There's not a moment too lose then." Chrom nodded in agreement of the plan.

With a crack of her reins, the Pegasus knight steered her mount to ready her first run. Her new lance in her left hand. It was the same lance that her sister had put into the wagons after they had raided the Risen storehouse.

Geirskogul.

The spearhead a shining blue with a golden outline. There was triangle shaped hole in the head with a green jewel at the bottom of it. The base of the spearhead jutted out into spikes. It radiated power. The very sight of it seemed to inspire those around it to fight harder.

Unlike most of the other weapons they had looted, the Geirskogul had never appeared in any legends or tales of other realms. It was as if it had appeared out of nowhere and the only person who seemed to have any knowledge of it was Lucina. And even then, her memory of the weapon was faint.

"You ready?" Robin asked her.

"Ready as I'll ever be." The blue-haired rider grinned. Cracking the reins once more, they surged forward.

Cynthia held her lance out to the side as if she were jousting. She wasn't aiming to stab them, but rather catch their sides with the edges of her new lance.

In the corner of her eye, she could see the bright orange glow of the roaring flames that her passenger bathed the Valmese in. There were lingering trails of the flames on the ship, but they were put out from some mages with weak wind spells.

As they finished their first run, Cynthia banked them around to keep up their momentum. Robin had to wrap his arms around her waste to keep himself from falling, something that the rider didn't mind at all.

Without giving the Valmese a chance to recover, they flew across the ship again. Once more raining down flames on the Valmese soldiers.

"Cowards! I'll have your heads on a pike as I march through the streets of Regna Ferox!" The commander roared.

"You'll have to get them first!" Chrom roared as he charged the knight.

"Hmph. So, it's the Exalt himself that would dare challenge us." The general deduced. "I had heard your tactician was a smart man. Though from this decision, it doesn't appear as though he is as brilliant as they say."

"You'd be surprised in what he can plan." Lucina glared.

"And just who are you little girl?" The General asked. "I was told there were only three children of the Crusading Exalt."

"That is not for you to know." Chrom sneered.

"Hmph. I am Ignatius, hand of the Conqueror. By my lance, I will strike you down here and now!" The man announced with pride.

Lucina prepared to strike but a hand held her back.

"Father?" She whispered.

"Lucina, do you have a Rapier with you? Every member of House Ylisse has one fashioned for them when they are born. Even Lissa has one, but she never uses it." Chrom told her.

"Yes, but why?" The future Exalt asked.

"They're made in a way that allows them to puncture through armour. The Falchion won't be effective as it." Her father explained.

Nodding, the blue-girl sheathed her Falchion and went to take out the pointed weapon that she kept on the other side of her belt.

Moving into her usual position, she stood firm waiting for the moment to strike.

With a roar, the enemy general charged towards them. His bulky armoured slowed him down considerably, but he kept his shield in front of him leaving no openings.

The pair dodged to sides as he slowly turned around. The two lords finding themselves in his sides.

Taking an opportunity, Lucina rushed forward with a lunge. Ignatius turned to her with his shield and blocked the blow.

Unfortunately, he had taken his eyes off of his other opponent. Chrom charged forward at the man's open back. His sword easily piercing through the hard metal of the man.

"Gah!" The commander screamed in pain, falling to his knees. "Kill me…and ten more…will take my place."

"The commander is down!" Chron cried in victory. "Robin! Signal the retreat!"

Not needing to respond. The tactician raised his hand into the air, a bright explosion alerting the Shepherds of their success.

Flames…Roaring flames of destruction was all they could see as they sailed passed the ruins of the once massive Valmese fleet.

"It's like the sea itself is on fire!" Lissa cried.

"I honestly can't believe it worked." Frederick said amazed.

"Only Robin could come up with a plan of using half of our own fleet as flaming cannonballs." Flavia chuckled. "It was so simple, but none of the Valmese expected it."

"We may have won the day, but the war still looms." Chrom added. "We must continue onwards and take control of their main harbour."

"Aye, boy! I've had enough of the smoke and smell here for more than one lifetime." Basillio agreed.

"Full Speed for Valm!" The Exalt commanded.

In his cabin, Robin held his head to his desk. He was struggling to come to terms with what he has commanded to have done.

After the war with Plegia. There were many on both sides of the war that called him a demon in disguise. A reaper of death that collected his souls on the battlefield.

While some did it in praise, others called him it out of fear. Many Ylissean nobles grew fear of him should he ever decide to turn against the halidom, while some other families resented him for not saving the Exalt.

The fate he had left the Valmese to, he would never wish upon anyone. Not even the Mad King Gangrel if he were still alive.

He pounded his desk. How could anyone not feel remorse for ordering such an action?

Not to mention his daughter had fainted from over exerting herself. Luckily, she had already woken up by the time he had made it too the infirmary, but that still hadn't stopped him from worrying. He now understood what Gaius had told him not long after they had found Brady.

A knock came from his door. He wasn't really in the mood to talk to anyone, but the person on the other side persisted and repeated the action.

"Are you in there, Robin? Father says it's time for dinner." The knocker asked.

'Lucina.' Robin surmised. "I'm here, but I'm not feeling hungry." He replied lifting his head up so it wasn't muffled.

"Are you sure?" The future witness asked again.

"I'm sure." Robin answered.

As he heard her walk way, he once again dropped his head against his desk. He just wanted to be left alone to his wallowing right now.

He sat there for what felt like hours when another person came to get his attention.

"Robin?" The person began. "It's me, Cynthia. Are you okay?"

Unlike with her sister, Robin struggled to turn the younger princess away. He was debating with himself when he heard the door open itself.

"You forgot to lock it, hehe." Cynthia giggled closing the door behind her.

He couldn't help but chuckle with her. It wasn't something that he would normally do. "I guess we all make mistakes." He replied turning to her.

"Oh my gosh! Are you okay?" She asked running towards.

Looking towards the small mirror next to him, he had to admit that he looked like hell. His eyes were red, while he hadn't been crying, he still felt the stress from his decision. His hair was sticking out all over the place and the underneath of his eyes were dark and heavy.

"Am I a monster?" He asked her.

"W-what?" The blue-haired girl hesitated, not expecting the question.

"Am I a monster?" He posed again.

"What makes you say that?" Cynthia asked.

"Because what kind of man would order what I did." The tactician sighed out. "Even when we first met, I executed a man. I have asked so many brave men and women to fight to my plans, and so many soldiers of Regna Ferox and Plegia have died." Robin continued. "I'm no hero. I'm just an orchestrator of death."

Cynthia was silent for a while, not really sure how to respond. But she was able to sum up a perfect response to Robin's speech.

*SLAP*

A good old slap to the face.

"Ow." Robin moaned in pain holding his cheek. Then, Cynthia grabbed a hold of his shoulders and stared him in the eyes.

"You are not a monster." The heroic girl started. "You did what you had to do. Even heroes have to make hard decision's and not all of them are good ones. All we can do is accept them. But also look at all the good you've done. Those men would have destroyed Port Ferox. Possibly made examples out of innocent people. You saved so many people today."

"But I-" Robin tried to reply.

"No buts. You defeated the Mad King Gangrel with minimal casualties. You have made the lives of Ylissean's and Plegian's better. You saved Regna Ferox. You have helped so many people. So, I'll say it again. You are not a monster." The princess finished.

Robin stared at her in disbelief. He wasn't sure how to respond to the heartfelt speech she just gave him. The tactician remembered back to his own speech he had made earlier that day. He felt remorse for his actions, from that remorse he held onto his humanity.

"I…thank you, Cynthia. That's exactly what I needed to hear." He smiled at her. She beamed in response.

"You helped me before after we found Inigo remember. It's the least I could do, not to mention it was the heroic thing to do." The Pegasus knight smiled striking a pose.

"Yes, you're right. It was definitely heroic." Robin agreed.

"Ya know, if you still need some help. I could try and keep the nightmares away with my hero's presence." Cynthia suggested.

"Are you sure?" The tactician asked her. "Wouldn't Lucina get mad?"

"Pfft, I'm a big girl now. I can do what I want." The younger princess crossed her arms and tried to look as mature as possible.

It was an adorable attempt that failed spectacularly.

"Alright, alright." Robin relented. "I am feeling quite tired, it's been a long day."

Similar to after the battle where they found Olivia's son and granddaughter, Robin only took off his cloak before the two of them entered his bed.

"Thank you again, Cynthia. You really set me straight." The white-haired man said.

"Well, for helping you out, I think I deserve a reward. Don't you think?" She replied wiggling her eyebrows.

"Yes, I suppose you are right." Robin agreed, knowing exactly what she wanted.

It felt like it had been an age since they had last kissed. It was slow and sweet.

"I love you Robin." Cynthia told him as they separated.

"I love you too, Cynthia." He replied.

The duo cuddled together as they waited for the sandman to claim them.

A/N: And that's a wrap. Love it, Hate it, don't give a damn. Leave your opinions in the reviews.

In Heroes news, I got a +Speed Karla...I've already given her Distant Counter and built her up to everything. Male Grima decided to say hello again, so now I've got him at +1.

Anyway, I'll see you guys next time.