Forging Bonds/Dark Overlap

“	These Hero cards each have an opposite... Uh... I'm starting to feel a little unsettled. I get the feeling something bad is about to happen...	”	— Sharena

Dark Overlap (Japanese: 折り重なる闇路 Linked dark roads) is the eighty-second edition of Fire Emblem Heroes's Forging Bonds. This event ran from May 7, 2025 through May 21, 2025.

Plot

After a long day of work for the Order, Sharena looked over a pack of cards she purchased. As she inspected the cards, she noticed that they displayed evil versions of Alear, Dedue, and Lena, before she was suddenly overcome by drowsiness. She awakened in a largely empty version of the Order of Heroes' base, threathened by an Alear from during her time working for Sombron. She continued to encounter evil versions of the Heroes she saw in the cards, escaping their threats and attempting to make them come to their senses, while speculating that the cards caused them to appear. Eventually, Sharena lost consciousness again, and woke up without clear memories of what had transpired. Anna explained that Sharena was having a nightmare, and though Sharena had the feeling something important just happened, she shrugged it off before leaving to rest. After the princess left, Anna revealed herself to be Loki in disguise and, taking back the cards she had previously lost, mused on the tricky nature of fate in relation to the cards.

Prize table

For the list of general rewards, see Forging Bonds.

Conversation	Alear's C Dialogue	Lena's C Dialogue	Alear's C Dialogue	Dedue's C Dialogue
	Alear's B Dialogue	Lena's B Dialogue	Alear's B Dialogue	Dedue's B Dialogue
	Alear's A Dialogue	Lena's A Dialogue	Alear's A Dialogue	Dedue's A Dialogue
	Alear's S Dialogue	Lena's S Dialogue	Alear's S Dialogue	Dedue's S Dialogue
Accessory
Accessory EX

Conversations

Dark Overlap

Opening

Character	Conversation
Sharena	Today, I studied history, and I trained, and I interacted with the Heroes...
Sharena	I need to keep this up tomorrow too. You can do it, Sharena!
Sharena	Oh, yeah, and I also shopped at Anna & Company today! And I got these... Um, uh... Here they are! These cards!
Sharena	Their illustrations were so pretty, I didn't think twice before buying them.
Sharena	Oh, look at that! Heroes are drawn on them. There's Alear, and... Oh, this one has Alear in a completely different style. And another one that looks like it could be Alear from a different world. This one too! They don't look the same at all... And this card has Dedue on it!
Sharena	This other one looks like Dedue might be suffering or something.
Sharena	Aww... This card has a picture of Lena, the cleric! She's always doing so much for us!
Sharena	But wait! This other Lena card gives off a frightening aura.
Sharena	These Hero cards each have an opposite... Uh... I'm starting to feel a little unsettled. I get the feeling something bad is about to happen...
Sharena	Ugh... I'm feeling...sleepy...all of...a sudden...

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Sharena	Woah, that was weird. How long was I sleeping?
Sharena	Aaah! What is this— Is that hair?! It's very long...and red...
Alear	So you have awoken.
Sharena	Oh, it's just you, Alear. But wait! Why are you pointing a sword at me? And so close to my face?! And your red hair looks just like the Alear I saw on that card...
Alear	Where are the Emblem Rings?

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Sharena	Whaaa— Stop attacking me with that thing! Th-that's dangerous!

C Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Sharena	Put that sword away, Alear! What in the world has gotten into you?!
Alear	I must gather the Emblem Rings.
Sharena	You mean, the rings that Emblem Marth and Emblem Sigurd reside in?
Alear	Exactly. Father wishes to gather all the rings. And it is my duty to grant him that wish.
Sharena	Wh-whoa, watch the sword! That's dangerous, I said!
Alear	Hurry, now. Hand over the rings.
Sharena	You may demand I give them to you, but I don't have them.
Alear	If you are hiding them from me, you will suffer.
Sharena	Uh... She's not listening!
Sharena	I shouldn't fight with Heroes! I gotta get out of here!
Alear	Wait—

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Sharena	*pant* *pant* That's far enough.
Alear	...
Sharena	Bwaaah! Another Alear?!
Sharena	Listen, this is bad. The Alear back there demanded I give her the Emblem Rings and said she would hurt me if I tried to hide them.
Alear	Hm...
Sharena	I freaked out and ran away! Do you think you could...convince her to calm down? Er... Am I making any sense?
Alear	There is no need to convince her. She and I share the same duty. Hand over the Emblem Rings.
Sharena	Oh, no! Not you too! What has gotten into you two?
Alear	You cannot escape. Now, give me the rings.
Sharena	You caught up?! Please, just...get ahold of yourselves! This isn't like you!
Alear	Really? But we have been the same since we were born.
Alear	If we gather the Emblem Rings, Father will acknowledge us. And we will prove we are not defects.
Sharena	Defects?
Alear	Father disposes of defects without hesitation.
Sharena	You mean... Your father...to his own children?!
???	Rrraaahhh! Grrraaahhh!
Alear	What is that roar?
Alear	It sounds like the roar of some kind of beast.
Sharena	Ahhh... This is concerning, but... I'm getting out of here while they're distracted!

B Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Sharena	*pant* *pant* Thank goodness! I somehow managed to escape. Those two Alears looked exactly like the ones on those cards. They couldn't have come out of the cards, could they?
Sharena	It really is quiet here... Like I'm the only one in the castle... But that roaring from earlier concerns me...
Dedue	Urk... Stop right there!
Sharena	Ahhh! Oh, it's just you, Dedue. Although... You look... What happened to you?
Dedue	Don't worry about me. I don't matter. Tell me, Princess Sharena, are you His Majesty's enemy or his ally?
Sharena	Are you talking about Dimitri?
Sharena	Well, he's a dear friend of mine, of course!
Dedue	Then come. Let us bury each and every one of his enemies...
Sharena	B-but...who are his enemies?
Dedue	It goes without saying... Any who hail from the Adrestian Empire! Grrraaahhh!
Sharena	That voice... It... It was you earlier, wasn't it?!
Dedue	I must do whatever it takes to pave a path for His Majesty's future. If anyone stands in the way of that, I will show them no mercy, no matter who they are!
Sharena	So your plan is to fight Edelgard and her friends?! Y-you can't do that! They're my friends too, just like Dimitri!
Dedue	If you are their friend, then you are also an enemy of mine, Princess Sharena! Gaaahhh!

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Dedue	Urrr...rrraaah!
Sharena	Dedue?! Are you all right? Get ahold of yourself.
Dedue	Urgh... My body...burns...
Sharena	Oh no... He looks like he's in a lot of pain... Hold on a sec! I'm going to find a Hero who has a staff of healing!

A Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Sharena	Hello?! Is anyone there? This is so strange... I can't see anyone around the castle... Oh, wait! That's someone right there!
Lena	...
Sharena	Lena! Thank goodness... I was just looking for someone who's able to use a staff!
Sharena	Something really bad is happening to Dedue, and well... He looks like he's in a lot of pain.
Lena	Is that so? And what would you have me do about that?
Sharena	Well, I uh...thought you could use your healing staff on him. He's suffering!
Lena	Preserve a life? Why would I do that?
Sharena	Wh-what are you saying?
Lena	Sooner or later, humans will come to ruin. A life healed by one will go on to take another. This process will repeat itself, spreading sorrow everywhere. Humanity will march itself to destruction.
Sharena	Lena... It's not like you to speak this way about humanity...
Lena	It is a fate that cannot be altered. History has proven this to be true. Humans strut about as if they own the world. But they are on a path toward annihilation. We must end it. That is the only way to prevent further sorrow...
Sharena	End... You mean end the world? Wha... I'm getting...so sleepy again...

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Sharena	Huh?!
Anna	Hey, Sharena, is everything all right?
Sharena	Commander Anna?
Anna	You were sleeping in the hallway, and you looked like you were having a terrible nightmare.
Sharena	I was? I just...
Anna	What's wrong? Why are you staring at your hands?
Sharena	I just...felt like I was holding something of great importance... And I feel like I was just meeting someone... I mean... I can't remember, so it must have been a dream.
Anna	Well, it's late. You should get back to your room and get some rest.
Sharena	Yeah, you're right. Good night, Commander Anna!
Anna	Good night, Sharena.

(The screen flashes white, and a whooshing sound is heard.)

Character	Conversation
Loki	I thought I'd lost these cards... But they were right here in Askr.
Loki	It seems fate is a bit of trickster[sic]...letting Princess Sharena get ahold of the cards... One Hero who walks the path of righteousness, one who walks the path of darkness... It is fate that decides which path the Heroes choose.
Loki	I think I'll have a bit of fun with these cards... Hehe...

Alear: Fell Dragon Child

C Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Marth	We ended a battle with no casualties today as well. I should return to the others quickly.
Alear	Hmm...
Marth	What is this... Why do I feel as though someone is watching me...
Alear	I've found you, Marth.
Marth	What?
Alear	That blue aura. Imbued with the power of the Divine Dragon. I will summon you again this instant. Shine on, Emblem of Beginnings.
Marth	Excuse me?
Alear	Shine on, Emblem of Beginnings! How odd. Why is nothing happening? The blue aura should turn red when I speak their invocation.
Marth	Emblem... Does he mean an Emblem Hero? He must be a Hero from Elyos.
Alear	Could I have lost my power as the child of the Fell Dragon when I came to this place? If I can no longer summon Emblems...then I am a... I am a defect.
Marth	Defect? You shouldn't say such a thing, even speaking to yourself. Be calm. I assume you are a Hero recently arrived. What is your name?
Alear	I am Alear. But you should already know that, Marth.
Marth	I assure you, I am not the Marth you know. I'm not an Emblem, and saying an invocation does nothing.
Alear	A Marth who isn't an Emblem. Then I have never seen you before. I certainly don't sense the presence of an Emblem from you.
Marth	I am a Hero called Marth, fighting under the summoner's command. And as long as you're here, you are also a Hero, like me.
Alear	Like...you.
Marth	Yes, we are the same. Therefore, you are not a defect. I am sure this place differs from your world. You cannot expect to grasp everything so soon after your arrival. For today, let us return to the Order of Heroes' base together.
Alear	Order of Heroes' base. Is that what you call home?
Marth	It is your home too. We are Heroes for the Order as long as we are here, after all.
Alear	I'm...a Hero...of the Order of Heroes. The Order's base is...my home.

B Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Ike	Prince Marth, would you come here?
Marth	Ike. Is something the matter?
Ike	That one's an acquaintance of yours, is he not? I saw him walking with you earlier. Do something about him.
Marth	What do you mean?
Alear	Reignite us, Emblem of Awakening. Provide for us, Emblem of the Holy War.
Lucina	Wh-what should I do, Sigurd? He keeps repeating the same thing and won't let go of me!
Sigurd	What an unnerving presence. He may be casting a hex of some kind. Let us call upon our allies for aid.
Marth	Alear!
Alear	Yes, Marth. Is something wrong?
Lucina	He released me. That's a relief.
Marth	Alear. Why are you bothering Lucina and Sigurd? None of us are Emblems. We are Heroes. Do you recall when I said invocations would do nothing?
Alear	Yes. That is how it was with you, but that doesn't mean it will be the same with the other Heroes. As long as there is a chance it will affect them, I wish to continue trying.
Ike	I don't follow. What exactly are you trying to do?
Marth	I believe you are aware of Emblems from Elyos who have the same names and appearances as us... It seems he is able to give Emblems who have a blue aura a red one and ally with them by saying invocations. This Alear has only recently arrived, and this is his first time meeting us when we are not Emblems. So...
Sigurd	He has been trying the invocations to see if we will ally with him, I take it?
Lucina	I suppose we are all in blue. But, even without any invocations, all of us are your allies here.
Alear	Everyone here...is my ally. Understood. That benefits Father. However, this does not mean the others are also my allies.
Sigurd	Others?
Alear	I refer to Celica, Leif, Lyn, Roy, Eirika, Ephraim, Micaiah, Corrin, and Byleth.
Ike	Hm. That's more than I expected. There are Heroes with those names among the Order's ranks. Do you want me to call them over? If he sees they are already his allies as well, this may not happen again.
Lucina	What of Heroes in different outfits? If you include them, it becomes a rather daunting task.
Sigurd	Could we not call over the Emblems themselves if they are who he wishes to see? I feel as though allowing him to try the invocations on them would make the most sense.
Marth	Ahh... Maybe not yet.
Sigurd	Why?
Marth	I don't have an exact reason...but I get the sense it may be too early to let him meet with them.
Sigurd	If you say so. Let us gather more Heroes who share the names of the Emblems instead.
Marth	Yes. Thank you. I am uncertain what the right course of action is regarding that Alear... I thought to keep an eye on him myself, but perhaps I should seek advice from someone else.

A Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Lumera	And that is the story behind the Alear with the red aura. It surprised me to learn he had been summoned. Thank you for telling me, Hero-King Marth.
Marth	I did not expect that Alear to be an Alear from a thousand years prior. That explains the different demeanor. Now I am unsure if my approach was correct. Could you tell me more?
Lumera	It would be my pleasure.
Marth	Haha. It feels quite strange to watch Lumera and myself chatting from outside the conversation.
Marth	Emblem Marth. You came too?
Marth	I wished to hear what this was about. When I was with Alear a thousand years ago, the power of the Fell Dragon muddled my memories... But he was still as important to me as the current Alear.
Lumera	Agreed. However, in alignment with Hero-King Marth's concerns, it may be best to have Emblems avoid him.
Marth	He is searching for us. What actions will he take once he finds one of us? Even using a Fell Dragon's invocation, an Emblem should not change here, but something else could happen. Unless we are acting under orders or on a mission for the Order, staying away from him does seem wise.
Lumera	We should also be wary of how Veyle, who claims to be the Fell Dragon heir, handles the situation... As well as how the Four Hounds approach it. Thanks to your judgment, Hero-King Marth, we are able to form plans in advance of something happening.
Marth	I have another concern. What of the Heroes the Emblems come from... That includes me. Heroes sharing the same names as the 12 Emblems have been in contact with him. Could this have some sort of effect on the future of Elyos?
Lumera	We should have no need to worry. That child of the Fell Dragon will fall into a millennium-long slumber upon returning to our world. He will have forgotten all of this by the time he awakens. He will forget everything he sees here, and every conversation he has.
Marth	I see.
Lumera	It will be lonely, but I should also avoid meeting with him. He will surely see me as an enemy, and I am not the one who will open up his heart. That duty lies with the Divine Dragon Monarch in his world, a thousand years prior to mine.
Marth	Oh...
Lumera	Truth be told, I would rather reach out to him and introduce him to many places here for his sake. Like the lakeshore to the southwest. The field of flowers there is so very beautiful, and...
Marth	Lumera!
Lumera	Yes. I sense him. We must be going. I apologize, Hero-King Marth. We shall continue this conversation another time. Please...take care of him.
Marth	I will.
Alear	But, where...
Marth	Alear, what is the matter?
Alear	I sensed an Emblem and dragon, so I hurried here.
Marth	I am the only one here.
Alear	So it would seem.
Marth	Since we are already together, might we go for a walk? There is a beautiful flower field on the lakeshore southwest of here.
Alear	Understood.

S Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Alear	Why...
Marth	Are you thinking about something?
Alear	Marth, have you ever hated someone and wanted to kill them?
Marth	That is a difficult question. Even I am not a saint. Depending on the circumstances, there could be times when I feel such emotions.
Alear	But you never feel that way toward your allies, right?
Marth	Correct.
Alear	A moment ago, I found a Hero with the same face as mine. His hair and eyes had blue in them. He was surrounded by allies, and...he was smiling happily.
Marth	I see...
Alear	I can't allow myself to show emotion. And yet, that Hero shows so much with a face just like mine...
Marth	Do you hate him because he looked so happy?
Alear	If I saw him when I first arrived here, I'm sure I would have destroyed him. But I stopped myself.
Marth	And why is that?
Alear	Because I am a Hero of the Order of Heroes now. Because the Order's base is now my home. That is what you taught me. Lucina and the others taught me you are all my allies here.
Marth	Yes, that is true. There is no need for Heroes to fight one another.
Alear	You possess power, but you hate to fight. Is that why you did what you did? To avoid conflict, you haven't been allowing me to meet the Emblems... Or the Divine Dragon I must slay.
Marth	Well... When did you figure it out?
Alear	The day we went for a walk in the flower fields. You were with the Emblems that day, and you hid it from me.
Marth	You saw me, then? You must have been pretending not to know.
Alear	I am the son of the Fell Dragon. The orders Father gave me are absolute. To let Emblems escape... That would normally be the act of a defect. But I...did not want to make you sad at that time.
Marth	Nor do I want you to be sad. I should apologize for hiding them from you.
Alear	Apologies aren't necessary. I have no intentions of completely disobeying my father's orders.
Marth	That is good enough for now. But... Forgive my worrying. I had concerns. I may not be an Emblem, but upon discovering you were in search of a Marth, I wished to protect you. Just as I did with...Tiki.
Alear	Tiki? Is that one of your allies?
Marth	She is a little girl and a dragon. She, too, bears tremendous strength and draconic impulses. I hoped our travels together would ease her sorrow and loneliness as much as possible.
Alear	This is the first time you've spoken to me about a friend.
Marth	Did Emblem Marth not tell you this sort of thing?
Alear	The Marth I was with never spoke any words. You are the only Marth who has ever spoken to me.
Marth	Oh.
Alear	I'm weary. It has been an eventful day today. I will sleep for a time. Please... Head back without me.
Marth	He does seem exhausted. I will stay for a short while so he does not have to be alone. I'm with you, Alear. Even if you forget all that happens here... If you awake to a different me by your side in the future... I promise to always be your ally. You will have my strength to the very end. I hope a bright future lies beyond your thousand-years-long dream. For now, rest easy.

Lena: Bereft Angel

C Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Is anyone else injured?! Oh, there's another! Don't worry, I'm here to heal you. I'm a Healing Hand!

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Aha... That'll do it! Next I'll... Um...
Ratatoskr	Oh, wait! I see someone else who's hurt over there!
Ratatoskr	Oh, and there too! Whaaa— And here too?!
Ratatoskr	Uh-oh... That's a lot of injured people today, and not nearly enough of us to care for them!
Lena	A Healing Hand, hm... So this is the power of one intimately familiar with the World Tree...
Ratatoskr	Lena! Perfect timing! Um, errr... There are so many injured people and we can't help all of them. Please, will you tend to some?
Lena	That is...pointless.
Ratatoskr	Wh-what?
Lena	Once these injured warriors are healed, they will return straight back to the battlefield. Amidst an endless cycle of war, they will likely determine that if they are injured, they can simply be healed. Then they will no longer fear injury; they will forget it, and all the pain and suffering it causes...
Ratatoskr	Oh...
Lena	In due time, they will not hesitate to continue harming others, committing slaughter after slaughter...
Ratatoskr	So, what are you saying?
Lena	The purpose of this conflict will disappear, lost beyond all memory. It will be replaced with battle for the sake of battle. And you are merely aiding this process.
Ratatoskr	Th-that's not true! Something's gotten into you, Lena!
Lena	Hm...

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Lena? Wh-where are you? She was right here, but now she's gone. Was that...an illusion?

B Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	I sensed something off about Lena yesterday... It was like she was someone else entirely, and then she just disappeared.
Ratatoskr	Wait—is that her?!

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Lena! And Julian!
Lena	Oh, hello, Ratatoskr.
Julian	Greetings. Looks like you're as busy as ever.
Ratatoskr	Um...yes. I'm just...wondering. Lena... What was up with you yesterday? You left the battlefield out of the blue, and I've been thinking about it ever since.
Lena	What do you mean?
Julian	Hold on, Ratatoskr. Lena wasn't on any battlefields yesterday.
Lena	Yes, I have been tending to the wounded who have been carried to the church for the past few days.
Ratatoskr	B-but that doesn't make any sense. I just saw you on the battlefield yesterday.
Lena	I...
Julian	That's not possible. I was just helping Lena yesterday, so there's no way she was on the battlefield.
Ratatoskr	Oh... Then maybe I mistook her for someone else. She looked just like her, but her manner was completely different... Plus, she was saying really sad things, like that healing people is pointless...
Lena	Really? That doesn't sound like me...

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Julian	Lena would never say such awful things!
Ratatoskr	I know that! Th-then she must have been someone else who transformed into Lena!
Lena	She may not have been someone else...
Ratatoskr	Wh-what? Then the Lena I met was the real you?
Lena	Not necessarily. I'm guessing you might have met a Lena from another world.
Ratatoskr	A different Lena?!
Lena	When Gharnef captured me to sacrifice me to the Shadow Dragon, Medeus, I had a horrible dream. You might have met the Lena from when that happened...

A Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Does anyone else need healing?!
Ratatoskr	Heard! I'll heal you right away!

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	There, you're all right now! Is everyone else OK?
Lena	You are continuing your pointless actions?
Ratatoskr	Ahhh! You again! The fake—or other—um... The Lena who's stuck in a nightmare!
Lena	Your actions are solely for selfish purposes... You only want to hear those sweet words of gratitude and bask in the joy such words bring...
Ratatoskr	Th-that's not true! We can't abandon lives that could be saved.
Lena	What good is healing surface wounds when others run deeper? You don't believe you can save hearts, do you? If you do, that is pure arrogance. And, of course, unhealed hearts will go on harming others.
Ratatoskr	Well then, I think we need to stand by the injured person until their heart is fully healed!
Lena	You cannot change the world by your actions alone. No... The future of the world is already decided. All humans must be brought to ruin.

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Uh— Ahhh... Wh-what is this?! I feel like I'm going to be crushed...
Ratatoskr	Errr... If I don't do something... I'll...
Julian	Are you all right, Ratatoskr?!
Lena	Get a hold of yourself! You must not let her defeat you!
Ratatoskr	Wh-why are you two here?
Julian	Lena is too caring a person to ignore a situation like this once she hears about it.
Lena	Another...me? You, too, shall be annihilated. No use fighting it.

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Julian	Ahhh! That power is...sinister!
Lena	There is no doubt she is me... From back then... When all hope was taken from me and I fell into despair...

S Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Lena	The desire to save someone is only a desire... The wish to heal another is a selfish desire for gratification. Such actions build upon themselves, and the world becomes ever more twisted on its path to destruction. There is no such thing as unconditional devotion to another.

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Lena	We do not heal others for our own gratification. It seems you cannot understand it, with a closed-off heart. We choose to live alongside others, healing those who have been hurt.
Lena	When you heal a Hero, they turn around and take the lives of countless enemies... Those enemies have loved ones as well, who will resent their deaths. And the chain of hatred will expand. All that will result is further tragedy. Helping others does not justify ignoring this reality.
Lena	You are the one ignoring reality. We do not need a reason to save those who are suffering. You said that if we heal a single Hero, they will then take the lives of countless enemies. But a Hero can also aid and support even more.
Ratatoskr	Wow! You're amazing, Lena! Not even Medeus's power can overtake you!
Julian	I may not understand how the world works, but I fight because I want to make Lena happy. That's why we all do what we do, for the people precious to us. We heal others because we care about them. We don't need any more reason than that!
Ratatoskr	That's right! I care about everyone in the Order of Heroes. That's why I do my best for them!
Lena	Foolish... Those personal feelings twist the world and lead it to ruin, yet you persist... This conversation is pointless... You will regret your actions after Lord Medeus turns this world into but a shadow of what it is now...

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Ratatoskr	Sh-she's gone. Just like before!
Julian	That was impressive. I thought we were done for.
Lena	Your words brought me such joy, Julian.
Julian	Really? I just said what was in my heart.
Ratatoskr	I wonder if we can heal the other Lena's heart...
Lena	Yes... I hope that closed-off hearts such as hers will be saved... Come, let us pray that she will find salvation.

Alear: Red Days Past

C Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Alear	Hmm... I sense the presence of Emblems in this world. That means Emblem Rings should exist here as well. I must obtain all of them and give them to Father.

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Alear	Well... I have come to the depths of the forest in search of the rings. I still know too little about the lay of this land. I shall return following the same path I used... Huh? Who could that be? A woodcutter, perhaps.
Gonzalez	Hmph! Hah! Harumph!
Alear	You there.
Gonzalez	Hmph! Hah! Harumph!
Alear	Hey, you! The person swinging the axe, trying to cut down that tree.
Gonzalez	Hm? Oh, me? Y-you call me?
Alear	Yes. I was calling you.
Gonzalez	O-oh! What you want? I was working real hard. Cut tree.
Alear	I need to know where the Emblem Rings are.
Gonzalez	Uh... Em...blem?
Alear	Yes. Emblem Rings.
Gonzalez	Never heard of this. What you need?
Alear	Hiding them is pointless. You had best tell me now.
Gonzalez	I... I'm hiding something? Not hiding... I don't understand.
Alear	Is that so...

B Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Alear	I'll say it again. The Emblem Rings, in which the Emblems reside. Where are they?
Gonzalez	Uh-oh... What do I do?
Alear	You try my patience...
Gonzalez	Seems like you need help. But I not have answer. Want to help... Um... Er... I know! Mordecai in hut close by!
Alear	Mordecai... That is the name of a friend of yours?
Gonzalez	Yeah. I go to Mordecai. You, follow.
Alear	Understood.

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Alear	You. Can you tell me where the Emblem Rings are?
Mordecai	Who are you? This is quite sudden. I do not see where this is going...
Gonzalez	She want, um... What was it? E-E... Em... Looking for important things. But, I not understand. I bring her to Mordecai. Ask you.
Alear	One more time. The Emblem Rings, in which the Emblems reside—where are they?
Mordecai	Ah. Those must be beorc treasures. I know little of beorc things. I do not know where they put their treasures.
Gonzalez	Uh-oh. Mordecai also not know. Your search very hard.
Alear	Perhaps you truly do not know. Hm. What now?
Mordecai	You should not give up yet. If you are searching for beorc treasure, then you should ask the beorc. Benny is nearby. He may know about the items you seek.
Alear	Yet another person. Where can I find this Benny?
Mordecai	You can find Benny at the forest garrison. I would take you, but I still have much work to do.
Gonzalez	It fine. I take you to Benny.
Alear	Understood. I will follow you there.

A Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Alear	Where are the Emblem Rings?
Benny	Wh-who is this...uh, this Hero? She has an aggressive presence.
Gonzalez	She searching for treasure. Maybe Benny seen something?
Benny	O-oh... You brought her?
Alear	I grow weary of asking. What have you done with the Emblem Rings?
Benny	The Emblem Rings? Those sound like important treasures. I'd like to help you, but I'm afraid I have no idea what those are.
Alear	You know nothing?
Benny	If you're looking for unusual items, you should visit Anna & Company. They handle lots of rare things there, if I recall correctly.
Gonzalez	Oh! I know. Shop place.

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Gonzalez	Go through here. Shortcut to town. Get there fast. All will be OK.
Alear	Why are you trying so hard to help?
Gonzalez	Um... I ugly. People find me scary. Village people throw rocks. Yell for me to get out. Treat like monster. Not person.
Alear	And...
Gonzalez	You show up. Call me person.
Alear	So I did. That's merely how I started our conversation. Nothing more.
Gonzalez	It made me happy. Lots of happy! So I thank you. Help search.
Alear	I see.
Gonzalez	My name Gonzalez. Late to tell name. Not know your name.
Alear	I am Alear.
Gonzalez	A-A-Alu...
Alear	Alear.
Gonzalez	A-Alear... Alear. I remember. Alear.
Alear	I hope so.

S Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Gonzalez	This is it... This Anna shop.
Anna	Oh, welcome! Did you come here searching for something special?
Alear	If you have the Emblem Rings, in which the Emblems reside, produce them immediately.
Anna	The Emblem...
Alear	Rings. Yes.

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Anna	Whoa, whoa, whoa... What is this creepy aura?!
Jorge	Hello! That's a shockingly assertive presence you've got. Trying to haggle for a better price?
Anna	Miss! Please hold on a moment. Hahaha... Come to the back with me, Jorge. Now!
Jorge	Huh? Whoa! No need to pull me!
Anna	We're not negotiating on price! Did you look at that menacing aura?!
Jorge	Aura? Let me see... Oops! I didn't notice before, but that does look pretty dangerous. I've been working with customers for a long time. I'd say you need to be wary of this one.
Anna	I don't think we should consider her a customer. Does she seem like a Hero we can let walk about freely? She's got an ominous feeling about her. Like darkness itself is swirling around her!
Jorge	Doesn't look like anyone's going to stop her from doing anything. Do you think this is all right?
Anna	No way! No matter how you look at it, this is bad. Maybe we should contact the Order of Heroes.
Alear	Do you have Emblem Rings or not?
Jorge	Oh, yes, the Emblem Rings, right? Unfortunately, we don't have any of those here. But, don't give up yet. All kinds of rare items find their way here from different worlds. So, while we wait for a shipment of the rings to arrive, or at least some more information, I have a proposal. What would you say to helping out around the shop until then?
Alear	Helping out... What would I do?
Anna	U-um, yeah... Oh! Why don't you be our bodyguard?
Alear	Bodyguard? To protect this place from enemies... Leave it to me. I will be your bodyguard until the Emblem Rings or information about them arrives.
Jorge	Great! The situation is under control. Does this work for you, boss?
Anna	We've managed to get her in a place we can monitor her, at least. Let's keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't do anything drastic for the time being.
Gonzalez	Hope you find treasure, Alear.
Alear	Indeed. You took good care of me. Thank you, Gonzalez.

Dedue: Dauntless Beast

C Dialogue

Character	Conversation
???	Rrraaahhh... Aghhh!
Tormod	Huh? What's that sound?
Sothe	Uh, Tormod... Why are you stopping all of a sudden?
Tormod	Shhh! Quiet, Sothe. Don't you hear that?
???	Rrraaahhh... Your Majesty, I... Raaagh!
Sothe	Is that a...beast? No... It must be a person. The voice is coming from deep in the woods. It's...agonizing.
Tormod	It sounds similar to when that potion made Muarim go berserk. Gah! Hearing it breaks my heart! No way I can just stand here and do nothing!
Sothe	Hey, where are you going?
Tormod	I'm worried it may be another laguz suffering like Muarim did! I can't ignore it. I have to help!
Sothe	Calm yourself! Uh— I guess he isn't the type to wait around. Hm... He's such a handful!

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
???	Rrraaagh!
Tormod	What is that... It doesn't look like a laguz to me.
???	Raaaggghhh!
Tormod	Whoa, hey. What's the matter? Are you hurt? I can help you!
Sothe	Wait, Tormod! Don't get too close! Obviously, something strange is happening.
Tormod	Wh-what?!

(The screen flashes white.)

Character	Conversation
Dedue	Urgh...
Sothe	What just happened?
Tormod	He changed forms... Is he a laguz?

B Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Dedue	*pant* *pant* Agh!
Tormod	He must really be a laguz if he can transform from a beast into a human, right?
Sothe	I'm not sure. Many Heroes can take on beast or dragon forms despite not being laguz.
Tormod	Either way, we have to help... Hey, you! Are you OK? Oh, I know... You probably want some water, don't you?
Dedue	Urrrggghhh...
Sothe	It's too dangerous, Tormod!
Tormod	But look at how much pain he's in! I won't neglect him now!
Dedue	*pant* He's right... You should keep your distance...from me...
Tormod	You can talk?! That's great!
Sothe	Are you a part of the Order of Heroes too? What in the world happened to you?
Dedue	I am Dedue, vassal to the king of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, His Majesty Dimitri...
Tormod	Are you able to transform into a beast like a laguz?
Dedue	No—aaagh! This is...the power of a Demonic Beast, gained through using a Crest Stone to assist His Majesty.
Tormod	A Demonic Beast?
Sothe	You gained it through a Crest Stone, but... Is that safe? It doesn't appear to be.
Dedue	Do not be concerned. I will not attack you two. My only enemies are those who threaten His Majesty... Arrrgh...
Tormod	We're not worried about that! It's your pained expression that worries us! Can't you feel how dangerous that power is? It's destroying your body!
Dedue	Whether it's dangerous or not, there is one thing I can say... Aaagh... Once I fully become a Demonic Beast... There is no going back. I will never be able to return to my former self...

A Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Tormod	You'll never be able to return to your human form?! I'm no expert on Crest Stones, but it sounds like you should get rid of that thing as soon as possible!
Dedue	That is not up for discussion. I decided to attain this power for the sake of His Majesty's ideals... He saved my life, and he'll save more. This power is necessary to repay him. It is too late to turn back now.
Sothe	Even if it costs your life?
Dedue	Yes... If offering my life grants His Majesty's wishes, then it is a fair trade.
Sothe	I understand. I have met many Heroes who have placed a higher value in something other than their lives. But how do you plan on using such ominous power?
Dedue	I will use this power...to end those who threaten His Majesty... I will end Edelgard, the emperor of the Adrestian Empire.
Tormod	That's right... You're from Fódlan...
Sothe	But didn't you and Edelgard go to school together? What happened that you would fight each other to the death?
Dedue	Fate has led to this. Unfortunately... My strength is not enough to stop Edelgard... However, if I use the power of the Demonic Beast, I can...take her down...with me—urrrgh! This is why I use this— Rrraaagh!
Tormod	Hey, stop! You'll end up dead before you can make use of that power!
Sothe	All you're doing is wasting your life. Knock it off!
Dedue	Even so... I cannot back down. I will remove everything that stands in his path!

S Dialogue

Character	Conversation
Sothe	Dedue... You said Dimitri saved you, right?
Dedue	Yes. Now I can use that life to create a foundation for his future, even if it ends in my death...
Sothe	Discarding your life is how you will repay him? But didn't he save you because he wished for you to live?
Dedue	Urrrgggh...
Sothe	Would it really please Dimitri if his retainer threw his life away? It wouldn't, right? I, too, am in debt to someone who saved my life. And of course, I would not regret sacrificing myself for her. But I believe surviving alongside someone special is the best way to repay them! Don't you feel the same? Isn't staying with Dimitri the greatest repayment you could offer?
Dedue	I, uh...
Tormod	You said so yourself. Dimitri is picturing a future... Don't you think you're a part of it? His ideal future is unattainable if you pass away. Wouldn't it be best to escape and survive together?!
Dedue	You two...have interesting points. It is true that His Majesty values his retainers. That is why they all follow him, risking their lives for his sake... However, it is all for nothing if he is defeated. He must survive... And this is the only way I can ensure that.
Tormod	W-wait! Where are you going?! Sothe, don't just stand there. Stop him!
Sothe	Hold on, Tormod. He has already...
Dedue	Farewell, Heroes. I pray that a bright future...comes your way...

(Fade to black. Fade back in.)

Character	Conversation
Sothe	He's gone.
Tormod	But...
Sothe	His mind was already made up. There was nothing we could say to change it.
Tormod	This is too depressing! Does he really have to fight someone who was once his friend?
Sothe	Conflicts in every world are unsettling, not just here.
Tormod	Hey, Sothe?
Sothe	Yes?
Tormod	After Muarim went berserk, he returned to normal when he heard Rafiel's galdr...
Sothe	Yes... That song allowed him to regain his spirit after the potion for creating Feral Ones caused him to rampage.
Tormod	And Heroes from across many worlds gather here in Askr, right? Many of them have special abilities. Maybe someone can return Dedue to his former self. Even if there's no one here now, maybe there will be one day.
Sothe	Of course, it's possible.
Tormod	Anyone will do, really! I just want that fool to be saved! Sacrificing yourself for your lord will never make your lord happy! But still, Dedue intends to sacrifice himself, even though Dimitri went out of his way to save him. It's so sad.
Sothe	Yes...

Trivia

• This Forging Bonds event was used as the basis for the A Day in the Life comic "Capitalizing on the Bodyguard".

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language	Name	Definition, etymology, and notes
English	Dark Overlap	--
Japanese	折り重なる闇路	Linked dark roads
Spanish	Coincidencia oscura	Dark coincidence
French	Sombre coïncidence	Dark coincidence
German	Dunkle Überschneidung	Dark Intersection
Italian	Coincidenza oscura	Dark coincidence
Portuguese	Cópia sombria	Dark copy
Traditional Chinese	交錯的闇路	Intertwining dark road