The sun shone through the tent, the bright rays conveniently focusing on Brady's face. He squirmed in his bed until eventually his eyes opened. He groaned, not wanting to wake up. He punched his pillow hard enough to make an impact, but not too hard so that he'd wake his wife up, and sat up, scratching the top of his head. He stretched and let out a large yawn. He went to his mirror and fixed his hair, combing it into its signature spiky appearance. He changed into his normal clothes and walked out of his tent. He smelled the air, sweet with the smells of breakfast, and smiled. Today'll be great, he thought to himself.

Today was no ordinary day. Today was February twenty-second, his birthday. He didn't know how old he was (his father's memory problems seemed to have slightly been passed down to him, not to the extent of Morgan, however), but he knew he was at least twenty-three. Following the scent, he walked into the breakfast tent. A few people were already awake. There was Frederick and his daughter Kjelle, Lon'qu, Sumia, and his godfather, Gaius. Brady didn't know why his father had chosen him as his godfather over say Chrom, but he liked Gaius so he didn't complain. He waved him over to the table. Brady sat down and was immediately handed a wrapped present.

"Happy birthday, Spike." That was his nickname for him. He had a nickname for everyone in camp. His mother was "Twinkles," Tharja was "Sunshine," Libra was "Padre," he even had a nickname for his own wife, Panne, which was "Whiskers." What he found funniest though was Gaius's nickname for his father, "Bubbles."

"Thanks, Gaius." Brady said. He looked at his gift. It was crudely wrapped in red wrapping paper that was covered in yellow polka dots, with a pink bow that looked like it held the entire thing together. He carefully untied the ribbon and ripped off the wrapping paper. The paper was covering a small wooden box, which he swiftly opened. Inside was a brown egg. "What's this?"

"Oh, that? Just a chocolate egg that was made using white, milk, and dark chocolate with a caramel and sprinkle-filled inside."

"Wow, yer giving me something from your stash? I really don't know what to say here."

"Gods, no! I made that puppy myself. In fact, I made you a whole batch of them. The rest are in my tent. I'd eat that quickly before your mother comes back by the way." Brady quickly shoved the egg into his mouth. It was sweet, that's for sure. The three types of chocolate were layered in the shell, and the gooey caramel and sprinkles easily slid down his throat. "You better like it, I spent a few good hours yesterday making them. Took a LOT of willpower not to eat them myself."

"This is great, thanks!"

"Don't mention it. Oh, I hear the wife calling me. Probably Yarne again. See you later, Spike."

"Yeah, see ya later." Brady got up to go get some food, but was stopped by a familiar voice saying "ahem!" He turned around to see his mother standing there.

"Oh, morning Ma. How's it going?" He said.

"Good, I suppose. After all, it's my little honey bear's birthday!" She said with a smile.

"Ma! Come on, you know I hate it when ya call me that!"

"Can't a mother love her son?"

"Yeah, but not by smotherin' me with pet names!"

"Really? And who is it that dictates such a thing?"

"Well…er, I don't know, just stop!"

"You will always be my little baby, Brady, no matter how much you wish you weren't. Really, it breaks my heart."

"I ain't saying that, Ma! I love ya to death, you know that! Just…please, just stop for today. I'll be your Boo-Boo-Bear or whatever ya want tomorrow, just please stop the names for today!"

"Fine, I suppose I can do that. Just give me a hug and you will be free to go."

"Oh, Ma." Brady smiled as he gave her a tight hug. It lasted much longer than Brady wanted. "Uh, Ma? You can stop now." She reluctantly let go. "One more thing. I expect to see you back at your father and I's tent at nine o'clock tonight. I ordered a special cake for the four of us to eat and everything."

"Yes, mother." Brady said with a groan.

"Now why can't you speak like that more often?" She said, not picking up the groan.

"If yer okay with me faintin' from lack of air every hour, then I can speak like that forever."

"Oh yes, very funny." She said, annoyed. She quickly chuckled though, sighing. "I love you, Brady."

"I love ya too, Ma." She smiled and walked away.

After breakfast he went to the training grounds, where he spent most of his free time. He picked up a wooden training sword and began to hack away at some dummies. Ever since he came here from the future, Brady had a difficult time keeping his feelings that he's dead weight and useless from his parents. Eventually his father, the great tactician of Ylisse, Aaron, decided he would train Brady in being a tactician. He taught him how to use a sword and tomes. He made Brady's lack of physical strength up with teaching him where to hit the enemy for quick and easy kills, such as the neck, head, and torso. He taught him when to use specific tomes.

"If it flies, use wind, use thunder if you're feeling lucky, and use fire in every other situation." He told him. Slowly but surely, Brady was proving to be a valuable asset to the Shepherds. Of course, his stamina still needed a lot of improvement. After a half hour, he was on the ground, gasping for breath.

"Ho there, Brady! Whatever are you doing sprawled out on the ground like that? A trap? Are you trying to lure me closer so you can entangle me in some sort of hidden net? Well, today is your unlucky day! I, the mighty Hero of…"

"Oh, shut up Owain!" Brady said, still gasping for breath.

"You think you can deceive Owain Dark? I know you are planning something, fiend! Give up, or face justice!"

"Just give the whole hero thing a rest for now, alright?"

"Hero thing? I know not what you mean."

"Dammit, Owain!"

"Okay, okay, geez. Do you have to be so mean-spirited all the time?"

"And did ya not see me lyin' and nearly dead on the ground?"

"That's quite an exaggeration."

"Look who's talkin'. Now help me up. I ain't sure if I can on my own."

"I've got you." Owain grabbed Brady's outstretched hand and pulled him up.

"Whew…thanks."

"Don't mention it. Happy birthday, by the way."

"Yeah, yeah, another year older and all that malarkey. I'm free all day, so, ya want to do anythin'?"

"Um, I'm pretty sure that's for you to decide."

"Well, I have no idea what to do."

"You should have planned last night!"

"Do I look like Laurent or somethin' to you?"

"No, I'm just saying…you know what? I'll get Lucina. She'll figure something out."

"Oh sure, run to yer cousin for ideas."

"She's your best friend! She knows you better than anyone!"

"Yer my best friend too, ya know, on the bloke side at least."

"Hush your words, Brady! I shall find us an idea where the three bestest of friends shall embark on an escapade of adventure! I will return within the hour!" He ran off.

"Here we go again." Brady sighed. Owain was certainly…unique. He always assumed that he acted like this through inheritance, like he has Lissa's naïve and childish nature as well as Ricken's habit of always trying to prove himself. Other times, he assumes he was dropped as a baby. Either one makes perfect sense, really. How in the world Morgan ever came to have a crush on him is a mystery that will never be solved. Brady trudged to a bench and sat down, wiping the sweat off of his face. He sighed, thinking about ways he can improve his stamina. He's done it all. No special healing technique, no special food, and training with anybody (no matter who nor for how long) doesn't help. "Just gotta accept that I ain't gonna get any more durable." He mumbled to himself.

"Hi, Brady." Brady knew that sheepish voice all too well. He looked to his left to see Noire sitting down next to him.

"Noire? Why the hell are you up? This is the only day where we don't gotta wake up at the crack of dawn."

"What about you? Why are you up?"

"You know I need to get stronger, Noire. How else'll I protect Morgan, or my Ma, or, most importantly, you? I've gotta keep trainin' so I can keep everyone I love safe."

"And that's why I love you." She kissed his cheek. Brady smiled and scratched the back of his head, instantly turning beet red.

"Well, aren't you sweet?" He said nervously.

"I wouldn't miss a second of my husband's birthday for the world." She kissed his lips this time. Brady got even redder and turned away after he broke the kiss. Despite putting up a tough front, he was a huge sap for romance, especially when it came to Noire. Her sweet and sensitive personality, her shy face, her beautiful silvery hair that she inherited from her psychotic yet fun to hang around with father, the way she laughs, he loved everything about her, even when her…other side surfaces. He was so happy on the day he proposed to her. "So, what were you and Owain talking about?"

"He wants to go on an adventure with me or somethin' like that. He's getting' Lucina right now so she can decide what we're doin'. I really don't care to be honest."

"He's your best friend, he's doing it because he cares."

"Yeah, I know. It's just…"

"I have returned with the future Exalt of Ylisse!" Owain said. Brady groaned under his breath. Noire said "Eep!" and looked at the ground. Of all the people in camp, Noire only felt completely comfortable around Brady and Henry. With everyone else, she was either very shy or didn't talk to at all. She was even nervous around her own mother.

"Happy birthday, Brady." Lucina said.

"Thanks, Luce. So, since Owain thought it would be a great idea to become heroes today or some crap like that, where are we going?"

"He told me you were deciding."

"What?"

"Yes! You see, I DID have a plan all this time! I just needed an excuse to get the three of us here! And Noire? She will be a fine addition to our expedition! Come, my friends! Today, we shall become faster, stronger, wiser!"

"Stronger, huh? Okay, I'll go."

"Since you went through the trouble of bringing me here, I'll come along too."

"I…I guess I can go. I-If I'm not too much trouble."

"Okay, then! Follow me, brother and sisters in arms!" He began marching out of the training grounds. Noire and Lucina followed him. Brady rolled his eyes and followed them. They walked for about fifteen minutes before they reached the edge of a forest which led up to a large mountain. "Welcome to Death Mountain! This gargantuan piece of the world has yet to be conquered, and we shall be the first ones to scale its peak! Our legendary names shall go down in history for this!"

"This is so corny…" Brady whispered.

"Now we must come up with titles for each of us! I am already Owain Dark, Avenging Avenger of Justice, and we shall decide on equally impressive names for the three of you!"

"Seriously?" Brady said aloud.

"As serious as Frederick!"

"He's really serious about this…"

"Brady! You shall be Brady Indigo! The dark, brooding grandmaster with a deep passion for his goals!"

"Are ya seriously comparin' me to Inigo?"

"Indigo!"

"Okay, geez."

"Lucina! You shall be Lucina the Great, the brave future ruler of Ylisse who led us back in time from a dying future to save the very world as we know it!"

"Interesting. I like it." Lucina said.

"Noire! You are Noire the Meek!"

"M-meek?" Noire said.

"Yes! You are the quiet, timid, caring woman whom has difficulty speaking for herself…"

"What?"

"Ya better apologize to her, or I swear as an ordained priest in Naga's name I'll beat your miserable ass until you're REALLY Owain Dark!" Brady said.

"You didn't let me finish! She has difficulty speaking for herself, until she wears her trusty talisman, where she becomes Noire the Deadly, the sniper with pinpoint accuracy, with arrows so accurate that each sends a shocking jolt throughout any brigand's body!

"That's better." Brady said.

"I…I guess I can take it…" Noire said.

"Now then, let us embark on this journey!"

"Wait, do we have food?" Lucina said.

"Ha! Look around you, cousin! We shall hunt our food down and feast on the carcasses of our prey! Well, if that's what you guys want anyway."

"It's okay with me."

"It's fine…"

"Whatever."

"Excellent! Come my friends!" He ran off into the forest. Lucina quickly followed.

"Well, shall we?" Brady said to Noire.

"Sure." They ran after them. Brady smiled.

"This may actually be fun." He thought.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It was dark by the time the four returned. Owain had made it up first, and decided to name the mountain "Mount Indigo" in honor of Brady's birthday.

"So, that was yer present to me, huh?" Brady said when they got back to camp.

"That's right! A day of adventure with your closest friends and a mountain named after you!"

"Yeah, it was kinda fun. Well, except for the part when that bear pinned me to the ground and Noire shot it off'a me. That was kinda terrifying."

"Yeah, I didn't mean for that to happen. Sorry."

"I was just as scared as Brady. I mean, what if I accidentally shot him?" Noire said.

"You did great, Noire. You're a great shot." Lucina said.

"Th-thanks. I had to use the talisman, though."

"Eh, I'm just glad you saved me." Brady said. He then leaned in close to her. "And to be honest, it's kinda hot when you use it." He whispered. She turned red and smiled sheepishly.

"Woah, what did you say to her?"

"None of yer damn business!"

"Let them be a couple, Owain." Lucina said.

"That's easy for you to say! You have Gerome and they have each other, but I'm single!"

"You'll find someone."

"Maybe, but only if she accepts me for who I am. So, nobody like Severa."

"Severa can be a jerk, but she's a cool girl." Brady said.

"Oh yeah, you two have your own society."

"I was kinda forced into it. She makes me buy everything."

"That's kind of…abusive, isn't it?" Lucina said.

"All I know is that if I back out, she'll hunt me down like that bear, accept Noire ain't gonna be able to save me."

"I'll always be there for you."

"No, I mean that girl goes full-on femberserker when she gets real mad."

"Isn't she always mad?" Owain said.

"No, she's snarky, but not angry." Brady said.

"Oh."

"Yeah. Anyway, my folks are throwing a party for me around now. How would you guys like to come?"

"Who else will be there?" Owain asked.

"Just my parents and Morgan, far as I know."

"I'll attend." Lucina said.

"I'll come too." Owain said.

"Me three." Noire said.

"Alright then. We'd better hurry before my Ma yells at me fer bein' late." They walked to Maribelle and Aaron's tent. It was big, like all the other tents for the married couples. What was different about their's, however, is that it was regally decorated (courtesy of Maribelle) and had tactical books and plans scattered around it (courtesy of Aaron, and much to Maribelle's displeasure). Brady walked in first, where he was immediately greeted by his mother.

"Brady, you've arrived on time. I'm impressed."

"Thanks, Ma…I guess."

"It was compliment, dear."

"Yeah, I know. Hey, is it okay if Noire, Owain, and Lucina stay for the party?"

"How did I know that you would want to bring some of your friends?"

"Uh…Ma Sense or somethin'?"

"The correct term is "Mother's Intuition," but yes."

"So…can they?"

"I'll allow it, but only because it is your birthday."

"Okay guys, she gave the O.K.!" He called out to them. They walked in.

"Thank you for letting us join the party, Aunt Maribelle." Owain said. She was his godmother, specifically chosen by Lissa. Lissa told him that she was like family, and wanted Owain to treat her as such.

"Of course, darling."

"Hi guys!" Morgan said, waving. Owain and Lucina walked over to her and began to speak.

"Happy birthday, Brady." Aaron said, walking over to Brady.

"Hi Pop."

"How was your day?"

"It was fun as I made it, I guess."

"That's good. And hello, Noire."

"Hi, Aaron." She said.

"So, tell me what the four of you did today." Aaron said, smiling.

"I shall tell you of our glorious adventure on Mount Indigo!" Owain said. "Gather around my friends!"

"I'll tell yas what really happened after he gets done."

"Oh, can we do cake and presents afterwards?' Morgan asked.

"Sure, dear." Maribelle said.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"So you named that mountain after Brady, that's adorable!" Morgan said.

"It is not! As his best male friend, it's my job to get him the greatest gift possible!" Owain said.

"I'm not saying you like him like that or anything, I'm just saying it's cute!"

"Well, stop it!"

"You'll have to catch me first!" She jumped up and ran out of the tent.

"Kids." Aaron said, grinning.

"Aaron, darling, they're our age." Maribelle said.

"I know, it's just that they're…kids."

"We're still here, Pop." Brady said.

"Forgive me, it's just that all of you didn't really have an appropriate childhood. You probably grew up surrounded by war and death. The two of them, they're trying to have fun now to make up for all the lost time."

"Guess yer right. I bet there's a kid in every one of us future cats, and we're just expressin'm in different ways."

"That's my boy. I swear, every time I see you Brady, it's like I'm looking into a mirror." Aaron said. It was true. The two had the same dark brown hair, the same hair style (when Brady's isn't combed) and they looked a lot alike in terms of their facial features. If it wasn't for Brady's red eyes and eye scar, the two would be very hard to tell apart.

"Stop talkin' me up, Pop. I'll never be as good as you. We may look alike, but yer stronger, faster, smarter, heck, you even seem to be luckier!"

"Stop talking down on yourself. You're a great fighter, Brady, and a good tactician. Name someone other than Aaron or Morgan that can beat you in a strategy game." Lucina said.

"Yeah, I guess you have a point."

"Well, I must be going. We must get up early tomorrow to march." Lucina said. The others said their farewells and she left.

"I should go too." Noire said. "I'll see you at our tent, Brady." She kissed him and left.

"Noire is such a sweet girl, and polite as well. I'm glad you married her." Maribelle said.

"Thanks Ma. I'm glad I did too."

"Although that does make Henry and Tharja family as well." Aaron said.

"Yeah, doesn't Tharja stalk ya or somethin', Pop?"

"Not as much anymore since she and Henry got married, but yes."

"Well, she will eventually have to realize that the two of us are married and have two wonderful children. She will move on, I'm sure of it." Maribelle said.

"I guess I'll go home now. Love ya Ma, love ya Pop."

"Please, Brady, give your mother a hug before you go."

"Okay, fine." He hugged her and smiled.

"My baby boy." She said. Brady began to tear up. He remembered when he first arrived in the shepherds. She had tried to teach him how to be a proper gentleman like she did with Aaron, but to no avail. She eventually accepted him for who he was, and has been a loving mother ever since, and that's all Brady wanted. They broke the hug and Brady quickly hugged his father before exiting the tent. "Oh, wait!" Maribelle called. "I fixed your staff. It should be in your father and I's room.

"Really? Thanks, Ma!" He ran into his parents' bedroom, but found much more than his staff. Right in front of his eyes stood Owain and his sister, making out.

"What the hell!?" Brady yelled.

"What's wrong?" Maribelle called, concerned.

"Er…nothing, Ma! Just tripped!" He looked at the two.

"Brady! Uh…we were just-"

"I knew it." He said with a grin.

"Please, don't tell anyone!" Morgan said.

"Secret's safe with me. Now get out." The two thanked him and went underneath the wall of the tent and went back to their separate tents. Brady grabbed his staff, said goodbye to his parents, and went back to his tent. He undressed and put on his night clothes, and got under the covers next to Noire. "You awake, Noire?"

"Yes."

"Owain and Morgan are a couple."

"Really?"

"Yep, saw them smooching and everything. Don't tell anyone, though. I wasn't even supposed to tell you."

"I think it's sweet that they're in love."

"Yeah, guess it is. Goodnight, Noire."

"Goodnight, Brady." And with that, Brady closed his eyes, reflecting on the past day. It had been fun. He'd gotten gourmet chocolates from his godfather, spent the day with his wife and best friends, and spent some time with his family. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Noire, falling asleep.

So, I will add more chapters when other birthdays happen, but I haven't decided if it'll be exactly on the character's birthday or not, nor have I decided if I'll do all the characters. Tiki's next, but I really don't care that much for her…I guess we'll just have to wait and see! It'll probably just be the characters I really like (so around 90%).

So, this is my first Fire Emblem fic. How did I do? I would especially like feedback on how I portrayed each character (especially Gaius and Brady, they're two of my favorite characters in the series).

Also, how I wound up picking the Avatar's name: It was a relatively generic name drawn from a hat with tens of unusual names like "Briar," "Tullius," and "Pyre," with a few other normal names. *facepalm* Eh, Aaron's cool I guess. It means "Exalted," believe it or not. Kind of fitting for Awakening now that I think about it.