Authors Note: Hello. I hope you enjoy my story. This is a Fire Emblem: Awakening story that takes place after Chapter 13. I know I;m a few years off from stories like this, but oh well. Anyway, this story observes the events of Valm and everything that happens afterwards, with plenty of characters you've seen before along with a few of my own creation. I hope you enjoy. I know that I've enjoyed writing it.

Chapter 1: Departure

Lucina was lost in thought as she sat with her Aunt Lissa and Maribelle outside a cafe in Port Ferox. It was an strange past few weeks. Then again, it was also a strange past two years. Ever since coming back to the past, she has always felt alienated, like she was in a different world. There weren't Risen everywhere you went, the skies weren't filled with clouds of ash, and there were people without a care in the world. The only troubles they had were the occasional bandits and brigands. Being here, she began to feel happy and relaxed, an emotion she didn't have the luxury to feel in the future.

That doesn't mean she still wasn't on edge. The future had not changed for sure yet. She may have delayed the death of Emmeryn, but she couldn't stop it. This can only mean that time is still leading towards her future, a future where everything is destroyed and only a shell of humanity is left. The world that she grew up in.

However, since she joined the Shepherds, she felt a newfound hope. Lucina was amongst some of the greatest heroes of her time, the warriors of legend. She now has a chance to spend time with her Aunt Lissa. And best of all, she's finally reunited with her father Chrom and her mother Sumia.

Though there was one thing that she was still nervous about. Despite the fact that they were still rumors, she knew that her father supposedly died by the hands of his closest friend. Lucina took this to heart and knew that she needed to be wary around the Shepherds. She did her best to only interact with them when necessary or when they chose to talk with her. However, it proved to be difficult to keep her distance. While all of the Shepherds had their quirks, they were all a wonderful bunch of people that Lucina had a chance to get to know over the past weeks. Henry, who was obsessed with blood and gore, was kind enough to assist her in helping rescue a dog and it's puppies. Lon'qu, despite his aversion to women, took the time to spar with her when nobody else could. Tharja, who was known to curse people left and right, helped to suppress her nightmares in order for Lucina to sleep better. Panne, who often distanced herself from people, offered her water to Lucina when she ran out.

And then there was Robin, the Shepherds tactician, the closest friend of her father and the most respected amongst the Shepherds. The one that Lucina was most nervous about. After all, he was the prime suspect in her father's murder. At least, that's what she suspected, especially since she always seemed to get flustered when he was around. And yet, Lucina couldn't see how. She didn't know Robin that well in the future, but she was told he was very professional, distant, and prideful. However, the Robin of this time was, well, cool. There was no other word Lucina could think of. He got along well with all of the Shepherds, he was very selfless and considerate, and he was always there to solve people's problems. Could he really be-

"Hey!" Lucina heard someone shout.

She turned to face her Aunt Lissa, a young blonde girl in pigtails and a yellow dress. not realizing that she drifted into her own thoughts.

"Are you alright Lucina?" Lissa asked.

"Yes Aunt Lissa. Just lost my train of thought. What were you saying?" said Lucina

"She was saying that the fashion around Feroxi was quite fascinating." said Maribelle. "After all, many people call them barbarians. However, despite some of their distasteful etiquette, they certainly dress well enough."

"I suppose." said Lucina. "Fashion wasn't really big in my time."

"I should say not." said Maribelle. " One can't worry about what to wear when you need to stay alive. Still, if I were to die, I'd rather die looking a little dignified."

"An aristocrat to the end Maribelle." Lissa chuckled.

"You would expect anything less darling?" Maribelle smiled.

Lucina couldn't help but smile at this remark. Maribelle, the daughter of Duke Themis, was a troubadour and one of the top healers amongst the Shepherds. The blonde aristocrat sometimes came off as pompous and egotistical, but those who knew her better knew that she was kind and loyal.

"It's funny you say that because-" Lucina then stopped herself. She was about to say how Maribelle died in her future, but she realized that could be greatly inappropriate.

"Pardon dear?" Maribelle asked. "What were you about to say?"

"Nothing." said Lucina.

"Now, now, I won't be insulted." Maribelle said. "I suspect you were about to tell me how died in the future. I'm actually rather curious myself, so go on."

Lucina hesitated, but since Maribelle asked, she supposed it wouldn't hurt.

"Well you see, you died during an attack by Risen." She said. "Or at least, after the attack happened. You were gravely wounded and there was no chance that you would survive. As you lay dying, your last request was to be buried in the finest clothing one could find. You felt it would be insulting to go to the afterlife if you were underdressed."

Lucina thought Maribelle would be disturbed by this news. She did not expect both Maribelle and Lissa to burst out laughing.

"I would say that wouldn't I?"

"Oh you absolutely would."

"How absolutely amusing."

"But this is your death." Lucina said. "How can you find anything amusing about that?"

"Lucina, relax." Lissa said. "We're not taking it lightly that Maribelle died. We just find it funny because we often joke about our last requests and to know you from the future said that is kinda cute."

"Why would you joke about such a thing?" Lucina asked, shocked from her aunt's response.

"Well we don't always discuss such matters lightly." said Maribelle. "But it helps us to deal with what may come. After all, we are at war. There has to be something for use to joke about and since a death in the army is inevitable, it's often better to jest about it than fear it."

Lucina never thought of it that way. She then wondered what kind of strange last request she would want.

"Believe me, we're very serious when it comes to war." Lissa said.

"I know." said Lucina. "I've seen you in action."

"Yeah, but you've never fought with us." Lissa said. "Not really at least. If there's anything your dad has taught me, it's that some things can only be learned by going through them."

"Father used to say that to me too." said Lucina. "I remember when-"

She suddenly stopped talking when she felt a cold chill run down her shoulder. Lucina knew this feeling and it only happened when a certain someone was around. She could sense someone coming up behind her. She pulled out Falchion and quickly turned around-

Only to be pointing her sword at Robin.

"Gah." He cried out.

"Woah." said Lisaa

"My heavens." said Maribelle.

"Robin." said Lucina. "I'm so sorry, I didn't-"

"No, no, it's my fault." Robin said. "I must have snuck up on you without realizing it." He stared at the point of the sword that was pointed at his neck. "Er, do you mind?"

"Huh?" Lucina said, then she realized what she was doing. "Oh, sorry."

She sheathed her sword and then turned to Robin, blushing.

"The ship is about to leave ladies." Robin said. "Better get on quick and find a good room before anybody else does."

"Got it." said Lissa, getting up from her seat. "Coming Lucina?"

"In a minute." said Lucina.

"Don't be too long darling." said Maribelle, getting up from her seat as well. "We do need you during the war in Valm after all."

"Of course." said Lucina.

She watched as her aunt and Maribelle departed towards the fleet with Robin. However, Lucina began to frantically look around, looking for the source of the chill down her spine.

No. She thought to herself. It couldn't be him. Not here, not now.

She looked and looked, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary (or at least, ordinary for this time). If she had the luxury, she would have investigated further, but she needed to get going, so she ran off towards the ships. If she could have looked however, she could have found a man hiding in an alley, sporting a long cloak, covering his face. The man watched her run and sported a wicked grin as she ran.

"Found you." He said to himself.

Robin was on the ship, supervising all of the items being loaded. Everything was almost on board and the ship would be leaving in about five minutes. The snowy haired tactician walked around the ship, checking everything to see if they sustained any damage while being loaded on. So far so good.

Robin was about to check a large crate, when an arrow whizzed past his head. He turned in the direction of the arrow and saw that is was shot by Tharja's daughter, Noire.

"S-sorry Robin." she said timidly.

"Don't worry about it." Robin smiled. "I've had to dodge worse."

Noire nervously giggled at this remark. Her father, Gaius, then came up to her, holding his own bow.

"Nice try honey." Gaius said. "But you've got to center yourself more when you aim. Otherwise, we would have been down a tactician, right Bubbles?" He turned to Robin and winked.

"I suppose." Robin laughed.

"Ok father." Noire said nervously. "Just p-please don't tell mother about this."

"About what?" Gaius winked again. "We were just practicing archery."

Noire couldn't help but smile at her father's response. The two then walked off to another part of the boat to practice.

Robin sighed and looked around the ship. When they recruited Lucina to the Shepherds, she told them about the other children of the future. Realizing their value, the tactician convinced the Shepherd's to search Ylisse for them before they left for Valm. So far, they had found six, not counting Lucina. They found Laurent, who was Kellam and Miriel's son, searching for a Goddess Staff. They found Severa, Cordelia and Frederick's daughter, working for some mercenaries under the rule of Nelson, a former general of the Valmese army (who was currently residing in a cell in one of the ships). They found Kjelle, the daughter of Sully and Vaike, caught in a battle against Cassius, a sorcerer who killed her teacher. They found Yarne, the son of Panne and Gregor, working for mercenaries called the Stonewall Knights. They found Nah, the daughter of Nowi and Ricken, trapped in a place known as the Manor of Lost Souls. And Noire, who was the daughter of Tharja and Gaius, was rescued from a group of slavers.

The children of the Shepherds certainly had as much personality as their parents. Noire was rather shy, unless she had her magic talisman, which turned her into a ferocious warrior. Kjelle was a warrior like her parents, with a fiery passion to boot. Severa could be rather rude, but Robin could tell her heart was in the right place. Nah was pretty studious, but not like Miriel or Laurent. Yarne was rather cowardly, but Panne and Gregor were helping him to overcome that fear. And Laurent was literally the male version of Miriel, though he's much more accustomed to social situations than her.

Robin liked their quirks, just like he enjoyed all of quirks of the Shepherds. He had always felt at ease with them around and hey, the more the merrier. The Shepherds were more than just comrades to Robin: they were his family. Robin needed people like this, especially since the startling discovery that was made a couple weeks ago. It turns out that Robin's father might be…

"Hey."

Robin turned and saw that it was Chrom.

"Everything all settled?" Chrom asked.

"Yup." said Robin. "Everything has been checked by both me and Frederick. I say we're ready to go, but I'd check with Frederick the Wary just in case."

"Especially since he probably found something you missed." Chrom winked.

"You make it sound like I'm not a thorough planner." Robin teased.

"With tactics, your second to none." Chrom said. "I've never really known you as an organizer though."

"Oh har har." Robin said. "Yes my room is often a mess, but you try going through all those books and maps and make time to stay organized while fighting a war."

"So then what was your excuse after the Plegian war?" Chrom chuckled.

"Don't you have to check with Frederick about us setting off?" Robin retorted.

Chrom laughed. "As you say friend." He then walked off to find Frederick.

Robin watched as his best friend departed to look for Frederick. Gods, was Robin lucky to have a friend like him. Without Chrom, he wouldn't be half the man he is today.

He then saw Lucina at the other end of the ship, staring at him. Their gaze met and she quickly turned away. Robin still did not understand her. She seemed nice enough, but she often kept her distance with the Shepherds, him in particular. He was wondering if she was hiding something. He was especially suspicious because she seemed really jittery now, at least more jittery than she would normally be when he was around. However, he decided not to press the matter and let her open up to him slowly. After all, she and the other Shepherd's children were essential if they were to save the future.

"Beg pardon Sir Robin."

Robin turned and came face to face with Laurent.

"Laurent, what can I do for you?" Robin asked. "And please, just Robin is fine."

"Very well." said the sage, unblinking. "I was rather curious if you would partake in training me in the magical arts?"

"Me?" Robin asked. "I would think you'd rather train with your mother."

"I already discussed the matter with her." said Laurent. "She said she would prefer to lecture me in the world of science and that you are far more gifted with the magical arts than she is."

"I wouldn't go that far." said Robin. "But if you want me to teach you, I'd be more than willing."

"Most gracious of you." Laurent bowed. "When shall we start?"

"Perhaps tonight." said Robin. "After dinner, on the main deck."

"Excellent." Laurent smiled. "I truly feel most honored."

"Now, now." said Robin. "I'm really nothing that special."

"Modesty is a most wondrous quality Robin." said Laurent. "I will see you later."

With that, Laurent went to go work with his mother. Robin decided to go below deck and unpack his things.

Then we're all set?" Chrom asked Frederick.

"Everything is in order and everyone has been boarded." said Frederick. "We'll be ready to depart as soon as you give the signal."

"Then let everyone know we're heading out." said Chrom. "It's time to take the fight to Valm."

"Yes Milord." said Frederick. He then walked off to alert the ship captains.

Within in a few minutes, the Ylissian fleet departed from Port Ferox onto the open ocean. Everyone on the coast watched them depart, cheering for a safe passage and a swift victory. The campaign against Valm had officially begun.

To say that Chrom was nervous was one way of putting it. There was so much at stake in this war, even more so than the war with Plegia two years ago. And that was saying something. Back then, all he had to deal with was the Mad King Gangrel, the man responsible for his sister's death. No. Emmeryn died of her own accord. But then again, she wouldn't have had to make that choice if Gangrel didn't push her to the edge, figuratively and literally. Chrom hated Gangrel with every fiber of his being. However, he was gone now, he and Robin saw to that. That threat was over and Chrom now felt pity for the people of Plegia. He still did not fully trust them, with the exception of some of his Shepherd's, but he now understood their pain. Emmeryn's sacrifice helped him see that.

But now they were facing a whole new threat. Gangrel was one thing, but this Walhart sounded like he could eat men like Gangrel for breakfast. The Conqueror had already captured Valm and he planned on taking over Regna Ferox, Ylisse, and Plegia next. And while he may be a great challenge, perhaps the greatest challenge thus far, Chrom would let him take over only if the Conqueror managed to slay the Prince himself.

Oh and that was the other problem. Apparently Chrom needed to stay alive, because if he died, the future of the world would fall to the fell dragon Grima. He found this out when a warrior named Marth turned out to be his daughter from that very future. At some point, Chrom apparently falls and this allows Grima to completely take over.

Gods. Chrom thought to himself. How does one have all of this weight on their shoulders and not fall apart at the seams?

"Hey." a soft voice said behind him.

Chrom turned and found himself facing Sumia, the queen of Ylisse and his wife.

Oh right. That's how.

Sumia smiled. "Ready for a voyage at sea? I don't think any of us have ever been on a ship."

"We've never really had a need until now." Chrom said. "Still, it might be fun."

"And romantic." Sumia giggled as she leaned on her husband.

"Oh ho." Chom said. "If that's what my Queen desires, then so shall it be,"

The two chuckled and then their lips met. Chrom really didn't know where he would be today without Sumia and frankly, he didn't want to find out. She was the one thing that kept him going after Emm died, the one thing that stopped him from killing the Plegian General Mustafa and his remaining men after Chrom and Robin went on a rage against every Plegian they could get their hands on. She was strong, gentle, and full of life. Plus, she knew how to put him in his place when need be, something few people are capable of. She loved him at his best and his worst and felt the same way.

They eventually split from their embrace and simply stared lovingly at each other.

"I'm glad you came Sumia." Chrom said. "I was hesitant at first, but I knew it was the right thing."

"I did want to stay with Lucina." said Sumia. "But I knew she would be safe back at the castle. I also knew that the Shepherds, and more importantly, you, needed me more."

"Can't argue with that." said Chrom. 'Especially because if you stayed behind, I might run into some other beautiful lady and then run off on you. Virion did say that Roseanne was famous for their beautiful women."

"And if you did, I'd hunt both of you down." Sumia teased. "And trample you both."

Chrom laughed. "Oh trust me, I would not be stupid enough to do that. Even if I were to find a better woman than you, a feat I will never accomplish, I would never leave the queen of my kingdom, mother of our child, and love of my life."

"Well then, what if you find a better tactician?" Sumia smirked. "Would you abandon the second love of your life?"

"Oh ha, ha." Chrom rolled his eyes. People, especially the Shepherds, often joked that Robin and Chrom's relationship was more than just platonic. "A tactician like Robin is hard to come by. It'd be pretty stupid to replace him, especially at this point."

"Oh yes." Sumia nodded. "Robin's done so much for us. I kinda wonder when he'll settle down for himself."

"Settle down?" Chrom said skeptically. "This is Robin we're talking about. The day he settles down is the day I eat horse shit."

"Then you'll be quite safe father." a voice said behind the couple.

The two turned to see their daughter from the future. Chrom was still getting used to this, but he didn't mind. In fact, he rather enjoyed it for some reason. Maybe it was his new fatherly instincts.

"What do you mean?" Sumia asked.

"Don't tell him this yet, but Robin doesn't settle down with anyone in the future." Lucina said. "In fact, he disappears altogether. Nobody knows what happened to him and even if they did, they never mentioned it."

"I see." said Chrom sadly. Well that certainly is a blow for his best friend. "It seems we may have to change that."

"Oh?" Lucina asked.

"We're already changing a lot of things to make the future better." said Chrom. "Might as well make sure my best friend doesn't disappear or at least, disappear alone."

Lucina smiled and nodded.

"Let us focus on the task at hand first." Lucina said. "Robin's relationship status can wait."

"Indeed." said Chrom.

Speaking of the tactician, Robin walked over to the group, along with Lissa, with a smile on his face.

"Ah, take it all in." He said. "Breathtaking…Somehow our troubles feel a lifetime away out here."

"I suppose." said Chrom. "Yet in truth, we're headed straight for them. I should be grateful the Plegians delivered us this fleet, as promised."

Chrom then began to felt a strange sensation in his stomach. It wasn't quite nausea, but it didn't feel comfortable.

"But it's my first time on a vessel." He said. "And my legs...I never fancied myself a sea captain."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sumia silently giggle

"This is my first voyage as well." said Lucina. "In my time, all ships were destroyed. Smashed to pieces, along with their ports."

"Lucina." Chrom asked, looking at his daughter. "Something I've been meaning to ask...After you stopped Emm's assassination...Why didn't you stay with us?"

"I felt I had no other choice." said Lucina. "I could not risk altering history any more than necessary. I sought to divert events that directly led to Grima's return."

"Hey, so wait." Lissa chimed in. "What about the guys who tried to kill Chrom in the gardens? What would have happened if you didn't save him?"

"He would have been gravely wounded." said Lucina. "And those wounds would have played part in the tragedies to come."

"Whoa." Lissa smiled. "Good thing you changed things huh?"

"If indeed they have changed." said Lucina. "The river of time always favors it's original course. Take the Exalt's death. I stalled it yes, but in the end I was not able to prevent it."

Lucina looked heartbroken at these words. Chrom put his hand on her shoulder for comfort.

"You did what you could." He said calmly.

Lucina looked at her father. She smiled briefly at his confidence in her.

"I was so certain it was over. That I'd save the world." She said sadly. "But time simply found another way back to its course. Perhaps the task is simply too great...Perhaps if I'd done something differently? I replay events in my head, over and over…"

"Don't." said Robin. Lucina looked at the tactician. "I've done that several times when my plans fail. It never helps."

"You did your best." said Chrom. "And you saved me after all."

"You're kind, both of you." Lucina said. "But nothing is certain...Another could take your life. Time could find a way…"

"Do you know how I die?" Chrom asked seriously.

Chrom could tell that this was a tough subject, but he had to know. Suddenly, for a second, he thought he saw Lucina move her eyes towards Robin.

"Only rumors." Lucina said. "I was told you fell in a great battle, fought to sway your destiny...And that you were murdered-betrayed by someone dear to you."

Everyone present looked at Lucina with stunned silence at this revelation. Chrom couldn't believe it. One of the shepherds, one of his comrades, was going to betray him.

Suddenly, Robin yelped in pain, clutching his head and falling to his knees. Chrom ran to his friend to see what was wrong.

"Robin?" He asked. "What is it?"

The tactician let go of his head and looked up at Chrom. He then got up and shook his head.

"M-my head." He said. "I don't...forgive me...F-forgive me. I'm fine"

Everyone sighed in relief. Everyone except Lucina, who was eyeing the tactician suspiciously.

"After your murder and Grima's return" Lucina continued. "I took the name Marth and fought back. I prayed to the Hero-King for a small part of the strength he used to save the world."

Lucina then looked to her father and mother and gave them a warm smile.

"But I need this subterfuge no longer." She smiled. "I choose to fight as Lucina now. The name that reminds me of the strength in the man and women who chose it."

"A strength shared by the woman who bears it." Sumia said proudly.

"Agreed." said Chrom. He then looked at Robin. "As for you, I suggest you go and lie down."

"Probably would be best." said Robin. "It would also help to get used to sleeping with waves rocking me to sleep. Might be comfortable."

With a quick bow, Robin departed for his cabin. Chrom turned back to Lucina and noticed that she was watching Robin walk away.