So I'd like to say I'm sorry for the HUGE delay. Life just got out of control with a family death, college, work, social problems, etc etc etc. Anyway, I've decided on a few things which I'll address here in this little Author chat I do. I know I'm not using bold (wow for the first time, must be important...right? YES bold is for the most important!)

So first things first.

1) I WILL finish this story one way or another.

2) I am going to crank out these last few chapters to finish it. I should have an update or two every week.

3) Addressing #2, these will be in their basic form without any second checking so there might be errors.

4) THE MOST IMPORTANT - While I am going to finish this, I decided on something. I am going to rewrite the series and focus more on the Nia/Chrom aspect rather than the other characters (will still go on the linear path and whatnot)

5) In response to #4, I will add more personality to the characters. I noticed after a while my characters became Mary-sues and everything due to my negligence and lack of writing ability. (Me trying to crank these out as quickly as possible were the cause in the decreasing writing ability as you will see in this chapter.)

6) I will let you know when the rewrite is out so you can enjoy the better version of this story.

7) If you would like to be my editor/beta reader (Alongside Chevy Watson if they are still willing) Please let me know, I appreciate all the help.

So, that being said! Hope you can forgive me and *insert typical stuff about reviews and criticism!*

The silence penetrating the group bore down on Nia's shoulders as feet crunched against stone. The thunder tome in her hands stung like a wasp and she wanted nothing more than to burn the book. As more eyes avoided hers, she fell behind the others, staring lamely at her boots. She deserved to die for what she did as she clutched the book nearer. This would be different than when she tried to run away after their first war. This was the only option she had left if she wanted Chrom to survive.

At the front of the pack was Chrom with Lissa next to him, healing his wound methodically. Directly behind him, was Lucina, walking hand in hand with Morgan. She would only damage her family if she stayed. As the others began setting up camp, she sank away, thankful for the evading eyes from earlier.

Her heart raced as she weaved through the thick brush outside their camp. She watched wearily for any abnormalities or followers. Morgan wouldn't hesitate to join her during her escape. The crunching of shoes behind her was a dead sign. Whoever it was wasn't going to let her go so easily. She inhaled, bracing herself for Chrom's face. She bit down on her lips as she turned.

Lucina stood before her, hand tightened around Falchion's hilt. Somehow, Nia wasn't surprised. "Of course it would be you. You're my child." Her daughter shifted uncomfortably under her mother's bitter smile. "You've inherited my brains and your father's brawn, why wouldn't you have figured it out…" She hissed, rubbing her arms awkwardly.

"Mother…I…" The words were caked with emotion as her blue eyes that matched her mother's grew damp. She exhaled, fixing her resolve. With one movement, she unsheathed Falchion, pointing it at her mother's chest. "Mother…I love you…but father…" The words choked in her throat as tears fell freely. "If I don't…If I don't kill you now, father will…" She didn't speak and approached Nia, her faced tinted pink from stained tears.

"I understand. I, too, want your father to live and I know you will make it painless." The blade wobbled hesitantly against her chest while her daughter bit her lip uncharacteristically. "I am a horrible mother…forcing her daughter to commit matricide. Be strong, Lucina." She wasn't. She dropped to the ground, hiccupping as her shoulders shook from emotions.

"Are you two done yet?" It wouldn't be family if there wasn't an eavesdropped, did she expect anything else? She backed away, her hand failing to halt his movements.

"Chrom I have to go." His gaze was unrelenting as she tapped the ground questioningly before taking another step. "If I stay here any longer…I'll kill you!" She whimpered as her words bore no effect. Her tome flipped open and lightning struck the ground at his feet. He halted momentarily, gaging her next movement. Like her daughter, tears were dripping down her face. "Stay back…please…" She begged as the creature inside thrashed madly.

He shook his head, approaching her once more. How many times had they had done this dance? She gulped, searching warily for an escape. She couldn't stay here any longer. She threw her hand to her throat, flinching at the uncomfortable fizz of electricity stinging her skin. That was enough to stop him finally. "Nia, I trust you with my life, I know you can fight against Validar." She shook her head furiously, stepping away from her family.

"You can't!" Her words were shrill as her emotions flooded outwards. "You can't be that stupid! I can fight against him? Hah! For the past few battles I've had to force myself to not attack you. You think I can stop when he controls me? You're crazy! I need to leave before that happens! Lucina needs you and while I'm here, she's going to lose her father again!" She sobbed, her hand shaking against the side of her neck.

"So she should lose her mother instead? Think about it, you can fight it and she doesn't have to lose either of us!"

"No! I am not going to sit here and wait for this to fester and get out of control! Let me go!" She retreated, her eyes finally hardened. He continued to watch her with pleading eyes and all she could do was mouth 'I'm sorry' as she disappeared into the tree line. She spun, throwing herself into a dead sprint. She had to increase the distance as soon as possible. She stumbled, ignoring the pain barraging her ankle afterwards.

She panted, feeling her chest tighten at the exercise. It had been awhile since she had trained with Frederick and this was her punishment. "Are you just going to run away from your problems again? I know you can fight this!" Chrom's voice echoed against the trees behind her. Her leg gave out and she collapsed, her body drained of willpower.

"Nia…" There was pity seeping through his tone as he halted behind her fallen figure. "We will defeat Grima, I promise you." The words fell on lost words as arms encircled her, pulling her back. Chrom stared at his wife, motionless on the ground. "Nia…?" He knelt in front of her, grasping her shoulders. She smacked away his hands, a dull look on her face.

"The two of you are complete idiots!" She hissed, glaring upwards at Chrom. "Eliwood was nowhere near this level of idiocy; Hector maybe, but the others? No way."

It took only seconds to realize it. "Nia of Elibe I take it? It's been awhile."

"It's been awhile my arse." She mocked him openly. "I don't think you truly understand the severity of this situation princy-boy, or should I say King now?" She tapped her forehead. "As you've known, I've been trapped here and what do you do? You make her a shut in and throw me out into this mess! I was the one holding that thing back!" She rubbed her brow, aggravation building within her body. "Now, the chance that your 'future' occurs is more than likely going to happen."

She stood, wincing at the pain throbbing from her swollen ankle. When he tried to help, she swatted his extended hand. "As of right now, I am not your wife and secondly, I am shredding that horrid name from my persona. I have no desire to be related to…her. As long as I am here, I am Ann. Are we clear? Good. And since I so know the question you desire to ask…No, she's not coming out for a while. Something is…wrong…I don't know…" She rubbed her arms awkwardly, looking towards the surrounding nature.

He wrenched her gaze back to him, grasping her chin firmly between his fingers. "What's wrong? Is Nia okay?!" She shrugged, unable to even produce an answer for him.

She patted down her legs, inhaling the scent of wildlife. "I cannot give you the answer you seek but she will return…as of right now, let's try to help your problem somewhat I guess…ugh this is too much work." She puffed, walking back towards the way of camp, the gimp highly noticeable as she walked the same trail her other half had taken.

Back in camp, the others had already calmed down as a smell of vegetables wafted from the middle campfire. At its hold, was Cordelia turning the ladle methodically. Lucina had returned earlier, her head resting on Inigo's shoulder. Off to the sides, Morgan chased Owain like a duckling to its mother. The faces were familiar from watching from a backseat, however, she did not know these people. She stiffened abnormally, feeling the scrutinizing gawks from those lounging in camp.

Her brow furrowed at the sight of Stahl and she pinched her eyes, focusing her eyes. "Sain? She held his face, gazing deep with his eyes. She shoved him back, shaking her head. "Sorry…" She stormed off, ignoring the eyes trained on her.

Her boot caught on the stone and her face slammed the ground as her tomes spewed on the ground, paper shifting all over the ground. If the camp wasn't quiet before, it was now. She brushed off, inhaling and exhaling with an unnatural calm. It broke within seconds as she pulled the rock from its hole and lobbed it only a few inches. "Stupid rock." She hissed before returning to 'her' tent.

The sky had darkened to the color of the sea as the moon took reign over the sky. "Chrom?" The name rolled off like thick honey. It was different, weird. "I've got a plan."

"Is that it?" Lissa sank closer to Vaike as a miasma of evil swirled around the area uncertainly. Red pierced the sky while beams of light broke the skies to meet the ground. All had begun surrounding a 'holy' building and altar. People swayed almost lethargically to a call. A burning sensation filled her body, threatening her already weak hold on her being.

"Yes…It's calling…us…The Dragon's Table." Her mind fought the words forming at her lips.

"It's calling you dear Nia because of your special role in all of this." A chillingly beautiful voice called out above them. Aversa smirked down at them, stretching lazily above her pegasus. "Why not give in for our dear father?" She snapped her fingers, retreating towards the entrance to the altar. A horde of risen pulled themselves from the ground.

"Move!" She rushed forward, tugging Chrom along behind her. "We don't have time for your 'plan' Aversa!" Wind shot out, clipping the horse's wings and slamming it into the ground.

"This soon already? I should've killed you before you…before you become his everything…but you are too late, the ritual is already starting and you my dear, are about to become the main event." The sky ruptured and all eyes trained upwards. Aversa limped away, taking advantage of the distracted minds.

Lucina hasted forward, eyes wide with fear. "No! My future cannot be allowed to exist!" Chrom grabbed her, preventing her from approaching the altar anymore. Ann felt her mind twist, the creature almost exploding and destroying the last remaining humanity within. She stumbled forward, all traces of her conscious gone from her eyes.

Chrom fell to her side, wary of the following events. "Nia…?" He received no answer. They paused before the epicenter and she hacked loudly.

"What was…no…" She covered her mouth, fear evident as her eyes filled with tears. "Chrom…Chrom!" She latched on him, burying her face within his armor. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me…" He hugged her back, relief washing away the anxiety growing within. "Chrom I need you to promise me." She stared at him, pleading.

"I'm not leaving you behind."

She smiled bitterly, shaking her head sadly. "I considered that but no…what I need you to do is…if I get taken over again…please…please cut me down. I don't want to be the cause of your death…or Lucina's…or anyone for that matter…" She broke it off, watching his face turn into a mixture of disgust and anger.

"You can't ask that of me!"

She touched his cheek, a calm countenance countering his anger. "I'll resist him as much as I can and I know she will as well but I need you to promise me.

"Fine…" He spat as he avoided her eyes. "You're right…gods that hurts me so much to say." He took hold of her shoulders, shaking her gently. "You must resist as much as possible, whatever it takes and no matter the cost…okay?"

"Of course, whether Ann…" She hissed the name. At least it was a mutual hate between the two personalities. "Or myself, are in control, we will fight him to the best of our abilities."

Validar stood before the altar, beaming at the site playing out before him. "Come to witness your glorious failure with your own eyes? Grima will return to this world." He cackled, throwing his arms upwards towards the lightning filled sky.

"You're going to destroy the world! Lucina has seen it!" He smirked, caring not for Chrom's words.

"The Awakening rite is not only for exalts or Naga…The fell dragon only needs a mortal vessel…which you've so kindly provided for me." His eyes fell upon Nia who flinched inadvertently. Soon, this would end one way or another. Chrom half placed himself between Validar and Nia, ready to strike when necessary.

"I won't help you! I'll die first!" Her brow furrowed as she glared at her father. His look was that of a father trying to convince a child to eat their vegetables.

"You have my blood…the blood of Fell dragon…his soul is within you." She froze, feeling the squirming worming its way through her pores. She retreated, eyes wide with fear. The words penetrated her last defense of her mind.

"Wha…what?" She spluttered, staring down at her murderous hands. "No…no…? I….? I am the fell dragon?!" She shrieked holding her head. Somehow, she knew but she never wanted to admit it.

His condescending gaze bore down into her, wearing down her mind with each blink. "The Grimeal have worked to create someone like you…a perfect vessel for our master…You're weak mother almost ruined everything when she betrayed us…stealing you from your crib and running away. I was so surprised when it came to my knowledge that you were in Elibe, doing the exact same thing you are doing now. So what did I do? I planted the idea in a sad little human being…Nergal was it? To open the Outrealm Gates and more importantly, open a pathway from me to you…Sadly he didn't meet expectations and he was thwarted." The story shook home as Ann's voice broke her conscious.

"You…you caused all of that?! Athos and Wallace…they could still be alive if it weren't for you!"

"None of that matters even matters. You've returned for your destiny. I am much stronger than that weak Validar you killed."

"We are going to stop this!" Chrom's defiance only seemed to entertain Validar than anything. "Nia and I will stop you! We are much stronger too! Right Nia?!" Her eyes were glazed over as silence filled in between them. "Nia…?"

She could feel its hands tugging on her soul, attempting to take over her body. She spared a glance towards Chrom, hoping he could hear her silent apologies. "Stay with me!" The order shocked her senses, stiffening her muscles past their prime. "Fight it!" His words crushed the hands grasping at her mind. "Think of Lucina and Morgan!"

She grasped at her chest, unable to speak anymore. "Your words are merely a sad poem…" Validar sneered from his spot, cackling at the glowers from both Nia and Chrom.

"They are more than just words, Validar! I will fight you or die trying!" Her resolve set once more but Grima inside her wasn't going down without a fight, barraging her mind once more.

"Be still my daughter, your life is mine to control. You're very existence was for this moment." She froze, unable to process more thoughts.

Her fists clenched, blocking the fell dragon's attempts once again. "No, my life did not begin with you! It began the day Chrom found me in that field!" Her family, friends, and companions faces flashed in her mind as Validar began scowling at the scene. "I fought, bled, and laughed with my friends and family to change this 'destiny'. All of this is more powerful than you and Grima combined!" He stroked his goatee, sated with her response. It somehow pleased that almost as if saying, 'keep thinking that while you can.'

"I exist for this moment, you are correct…and that is to end this war whether that means killing you or die trying!"

He spat at her, ignoring Chrom's growing agitation. "Of course, you have my courage…but your idiotic mother's judgement. Do your worst, pup." He sneered, flexing his muscles in a show. "Any damage done to you can easily be repaired by the fell dragon." It was a rare moment when Nia used swords but she leapt upwards, rushing Validar. She slammed him down to the ground, the blade inches from his throat.

"I am not yours to control anymore!" She hissed, tightening her muscles while more than ready to detache head from neck. He was quicker, lobbing her into the hastily made barricade separating her and Chrom from the others. Her head throbbed but yet she stood, ignoring the worried voice emitted from her conscious. She watched, warily, as Chrom engaged Validar next, his luck almost as bad as hers. The old man could move, surprisingly, despite the fact that he had been dead two years ago.

"There!" The suddenness of his voice startled her as she peered upwards, barely dodging the blobs of darkness rushing her position. Her foot caught, slamming her face into the ground but it was enough as the attacks melded into the ground behind her. She panted, finding herself spinning continuously whilst tracking Validar's movements. He was too fast, using dark magic to teleport throughout the map.

She danced around, weaving between the dark blobs, gasping as few skidded against her skin. She could feel her mind unraveling. The walls surrounding the Fell dragon came crashing down within. Her mind bounced between sane and insane. It wouldn't be long now. A loud groan silenced the compound as Falchion broke through Validar's chest. Her breath hitched, finally realizing where she was.

The vision that plagued her dreams for months had finally arrived. Even as Validar collapsed, his body disintegrating, she knew that it was time. The darkness came next as everything seemed to move in slow motion. No, it was not slow motion. She could see everything. She spun, shoving Chrom out of the way, his eyes wide. It struck her dead center, stealing what little breath her lungs could manage. Her back stiffened as her hip crashed into the stone ground. The barrier collapsed, widening the area once more.

Chrom fell to her side, supporting her upwards as she watched her father disappeared into darkness. She tried to whisper, beg even, for him to leave her. Her head pounded, taking away her sight. The worm inside scrambled, pulling on the last threads she still held. "No!" She pounded on the recess of her mind. She was alone, not even Ann to scold her for her actions.

A cold hand clamped on hers and she reared back, afraid of what she may see. "You dolt, calm down. What's going to grab you in your mind? Grima? He's in control….remember? Man, you're hopeless. Now, when I give the signal, we charge. Get ready." She watched in horror as Chrom helped Grima to its feet, unaware of the imminent danger. "Now!" She didn't hesitate, slamming her weight entirely upon the barrier. Her mind warped back as electricity had already begun charging between her fingers. Grima's last grip on her mind sent the bolt forwards, hitting its mark.

It stuck out from his body as he clutched his side while he just blinked at her. "No…" She whimpered, backpedaling from his body. Nothing had changed. Lucina's shriek was worse than she had imagined. Even as he died, he attempted to soothe her with his words. Nia felt her knees lock as she tugged on her hair, unable to comprehend. They were all dead.

A cackle. It was one her mind had hoped to forget. Validar's laughter filled the still area. Ahead, Chrom's hand lay unmoving against the stone. She wanted him to reach out, to tell her it was going to be okay one more time. Lucina's barrage of terror filled shrieks fell flat to her ears. Things would have been so much easier had Chrom left her in that field. "Everything I have done…Worthless!" The words battered against her already tainted mind. She had lost. Not just in tactics but in everything else. She had no friends left, no family members that she could look at. Nothing. Tears filled the void.

"The hell it wasn't!" Nia didn't react to the voice, her eyes empty of emotion. She stayed focus on Chrom. Why didn't she run? It was strange, hallucinating to the point where she heard Basilio. Whatever startling thing the others had found out now meant nothing to her. "How long are you going to lay there?" She shook, shaking her head gravely. She was done. There was nothing left in her to fight.

She paused as Chrom shifted and pressed upwards, his eyes focused on her. She stifled her sobs, latching on to his body. He stroked her hair, shushing her gently. "You weakened it before it struck." She shook her head. It had all been Ann.

"Hah! The look on your face made all these days hiding like a pup worth it! Ever since Nia told us about this dream she had and about her plan to stop it. That was days ago. Starting to understand now?" Ann had been protecting them all along.

"Bah none of this matters! With a wave of my finger, I still have Nia under my control!" Chrom's arms tightened around her shoulders, bracing for anything. She pried away, rising to her feet. She flashed a glance at Chrom before facing her father. He snickered, watching his trump card approach him.

"I…am not…yours to control!" Lightning sparked outwards, catching him off guard. "I want to see our true future Chrom."

"Hah, that's more like it Nia! And you, you damn oaf…" It wasn't long before Flavia arrived, her finger jabbing at Basilio's chest. "If you had died, I'd have brought you back and killed you myself!" She ignored Henry's "oohs" and "ahhs" from behind.

"I'm done running, Chrom. Let's finish this fight."

Righto, here is the end!

I should get out the next chapter by this weekend so be prepared!

TSP