Update: A huge thanks to KimranReech for the review. I've completely re-written the second chapter here and a bit of chapter one. So before reading on, read a bit of chapter one.

Onwards!


If there was anything that I despised the most, it was piling up the secrets and lies to my own family. It was emotionally torturing on how far I needed to go through just to keep my distance from them as much as possible. I could only give small talk to the two after asking for their assistance in eliminating the Risen, because just the sight of them made my heart heavy.

I was reminded of all the things they've done before and during the war in my world, both as a soldier and being a kind person for me and for everyone. They weren't just honorable soldiers; they were my parents who made a difference for others and for the world. I felt proud to be their daughter, and I was glad to have superheroes like them. I always dreamed that someday, sometime, I would become just like them when I grow up, and maybe, just maybe, be by their side in war, so that I can be with them, and protect the parents I love.

But, all of that was taken away from me too soon.

It was so tempting to tell myself that my dream came true, even in the most twisted manner, but if I believed it, the feeling of lying to myself would worsen than before.

After all, those two weren't my real parents.

*SCEEEAAAAAACCCHHH!*

"Elwind." As I whispered my tome, torrents of wind blades were flung towards to a small pack of Risen, knocking them off guard.

"Take this!" yelled Lucina.

Following up my attack, Lucina twirled and simultaneously slashed two Risen myrmidons in half. As the corpses dissipated in smoke, she rushed over to a nearby wyvern rider. The draco knight flew towards her, ready to swing its axe. The two began to close the distance, and before the wyvern rider could even swing at her, she slid underneath them, and emerged from behind.

I took the chance and casted another giant gust of wind, successfully defeating the wyvern rider.

"Marc," called Robin.

I turned to him.

"I'll switch up and fight with her. You back us up with your wind."

I nodded at his orders. Before switching tome for sword and running to Lucina, I noticed that he took a glance at my arm; knowing him, he was probably concerned about my wounds. It made sense after all; even though the elixir fully patched my wounds, it still felt incredibly stiff. What's more, I was hindered for movement as well. I wouldn't be able to use my sword in this condition.

"….."

Wait, my sword?

"Oh….of course….stupid, stupid."

Why did I not realize it until now? I touched the handle of my sword and bit my lip.

"Damn it. I hate to do this, but I'll have to abandon my sword after routing the Risen."

Last thing I needed was somebody interrogating my birth origins, especially those two.

I limped awkwardly to them and readied my magic once more. We stood against the next wave of Risen. I quickly scanned the enemies and counted. Two griffon riders, two swordmasters, and one archer.

Robin and Lucina rushed at the swordmasters, each clashing their swords against the other. Both sides were quick and precise with each strike, their speed on par. Each swing was responded with a parry and the grinding of blade against blade. One of the griffon riders dove to Robin and Lucina, while the archer aimed its arrow at Robin. As the archer launched the arrow, I casted another wind spell, changing the trajectory to the griffon rider.

Hitting home onto its back, the griffon rider fell down, leaving its mount. I charged another handful of anima and sent a torrent of wind at the griffon. Becoming overwhelmed by the powerful gale, the griffon screeched helplessly as it was blown away from the wind. I pushed the griffon to the archer, making the creature get squashed by the large mount. The archer gave a final screech and purple smoke rose in the air.

I heard a growl die down, and spotted that Lucina and Robin just finished their bout with the swordmasters. I could tell that both of them were breathing heavily from the overwhelming speed. There was still one more Risen we hadn't dealt with. I darted my eyes around trying to find the second griffon rider.

All of a sudden, a shadow loomed over me, and I lifted my vision to the skies. I gasped as the second griffon rider was diving towards me, rushing with its axe.

"Marc!" Robin yelled.

I threw myself to the side and helplessly ducked from the attack. I felt the gust of wind as the griffon rider flew past me. I scrambled from getting up and saw the griffon rider flying back towards me. I casted a wall of wind hoping to fend it off, but the flying corpse stopped. I flinched as the rider knew my next move.

Its mount screeched at me and flapped its gigantic wings, sending my wind wall right at me. "Argh!" I was sent flying from the overwhelming force and crashed on the ground. I was about to pick myself up once more but stopped as I heard another war cry.

*SSSCCCCRRRRREEEEAAAAACCCCHHHH!*

As I looked up, my eyes widened at the horrifying sight. The Risen's glowing eyes paralyzed me and I couldn't tear myself away from it. I could only whimper and close my eyes in fear, as I helplessly raised an arm to protect myself, waiting for the strike, however-

*CLANG!*

I flinched as I heard the familiar clang of metal. I dumbly looked up, but as I did, I gasped.

Falchion's edge shakily gleamed as she held it against the axe and her royal blue cape billowed against the wind. I could only stare at her back in astonishment as she defended me against the griffon rider. I then saw her long navy hair shift and upon closer inspection, I spotted the Brand of the Exalt woven onto her cape once more.

"Marc! Get back! I'll defend you!" she yelled.

My eyes widened.

"Again…." I whispered.


The heavy stench of blood and smoke hung heavily in the air, as I heard the sound of crackling fire. I panted heavily and brought up my hands. Both of the bare palms were soiled with a warm red stain. My hands fiercely trembled, and I panted heavily at the sight. I gazed up at the sky, only to find the devastating fell dragon monopolize both sky and earth. I took a deep a breath and angrily clenched my fists.

"AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!"


No! I shook my head from the memory, refusing to let my fear get to me. I couldn't make the same mistake again….. I couldn't let destiny control me! I made a vow; a vow that I would do whatever it took to conquer fate. I either fight, or die trying!

"Ugh, damn!" Lucina began to lose strength in her arms, as she was slowly being pushed down from the overwhelming force.

"Lucina!" cried Robin.

I clawed at my wind tome, feeling the leather go into my nails. I propped my free hand on my knee, pushing myself up, all the while breathing heavily. "Protect us, Elwind!" As I felt the surge of anima flow into my hand, I struck the anima on the ground, guiding the wind to protect Lucina. In the next moment, a wind wall erupted beneath the griffon rider. Lucina immediately stepped back from the magic, as she was surprised by the amount of wind appearing. I strengthened the gust and threw both mount and rider into the sea. With a final screech, they both drowned into the water.

I let out a sigh, relieved that I managed to defend her. "…Are…. you alright, milady?" I called out.

Lucina turned to me with a look of surprise. "Huh? O-oh, yes. Thank you."

"Forgive me for my…..mistake back there. The anima within my wind tome is getting weaker from constant use." I feigned ignorantly.

"No harm done." She smiled.

"Hey!"

I turned around and saw Robin waving at us. I felt a small smile creep onto my lips as I gazed at him. I then turned back to Lucina. "Let's get to the next wave shall we?"

"Right."

We continued going deeper into the Ruins of Time, while eliminating any Risen that got in our way. Robin mainly acted as the shield on the frontline, while Lucina charged in for the final blow. I mainly shielded Lucina and Robin with my magic from any Risen that were out of their range. I was starting to get back into the feel of battle once more, but I still couldn't ignore that imaginary lump in my throat whenever I was near those two.

It was tantalizing to just end my masquerade right now, and approach them as their daughter, even though I knew that those two weren't my real parents. I wanted them to see me as Morgan, I wanted them to accept me for who I truly was, I wanted to let them know that they were my proud parents, and that I was honored of being their daughter.

But I couldn't.

I was too scared, terrified that if I told them about my true face, I would have to tell them all the horrid events that occurred led to my future. Their fates, my burdens, my failures and my condition. I didn't want to experience that same tragic event again, I didn't want to go through that horrible loss and become disconnected once more.

"No one should go near a defect like me." I bitterly whispered.

The only thing I could do for now was to complete my mission.

I didn't realize how many of them we managed to defeat until we encountered the Risen Chief. It was a griffon rider, much larger and fiercer looking, making the other Risen appear smaller, but the one thing that caught my vision was that its glowing orbs were more fearsome than the others. I pushed it aside and was about to cast a wind spell until it began to growl something.

"Must…kill….future…child…."

I froze.

The Risen Chief turned its piercing gaze to me.

I didn't know what was going through my head, but I gazed deep into its demonic stare and I soon regretted that. The stare immediately paralyzed me; its scarlet eyes were chilling, disturbing, it made my feet turn to stone. As soon as my ears caught that growl, I shuddered. I realized that that thing knew me; my real face, and my real self. It was there in front of me, not wanting to kill me as Marc, but to kill me as Morgan. I almost felt like screaming, and I felt my heart pounding beneath my chest.

I was too stunned and terrified until Robin called out to me.

"Marc, we'll distract the Risen! Get ready to attack this thing!"

I snapped myself out of my daydreaming, and blinked. "R-right!" I clumsily replied. I shook my head and pushed it aside. I couldn't show fear, not now, not ever!

I guided the anima into my free hand, as I felt the charging energy dance onto my palm. Robin and Lucina surrounded the Risen Chief, baiting its strikes. I stood my ground behind them as they dodged and blocked the Risen Chief's swinging axe. The Risen Chief steered the griffon, turning its mount around as it flapped its giant feathered wings. The two were caught off guard from the spin and backed off from the aggressive griffon.

"Whoa!"

"Ugh!"

As if answering to its desires, the griffon rider then pushed itself into the air, escaping Robin and Lucina's clutches. I sent a barrage of wind blades to the griffon rider, forcing it to steer its mount to the side. I smiled as it followed my commands, and quickly launched another Elwind. The Risen Chief rewarded me with a screech of pain while the griffon was steered in confusion from its rider. I half-expected that it would barely endure my sudden wind attack.

The two stumbled in the air and began to lose altitude. Lucina then rushed towards the Risen and lowered herself. I realized immediately from that posture that she was about to launch her favorite signature move.

She leapt high into the air with Falchion above her head, then dropped herself in a binding arc to the griffon rider. The Risen Chief snapped its head towards her and roared in defiance. As she was about to cleave the griffon rider, my eyes caught its mount. It began to lift one of its claws and I gasped as I immediately realized that the griffon was about to claw Lucina.

"Not happening." I angrily snarled. I quickly chanted another wind spell, and before I could even let the griffon hurt her, a tornado of wind magic burst from underneath its talons. The mount and rider screeched in pain as they were trapped by my wind.

Closing in from the air, Lucina then landed the final blow on the griffon rider. The griffon thumped on the ground along with the Risen Chief. As the Risen Chief dissipated in purple smoke, it hoarsely snarled.

The sound of moving waves filled the dead silence of the air.

I sighed in relief as we finally managed to rout the Risen, though, the victory felt even more tiresome. I still couldn't get those words out of my head. I shuddered at the thought of it knowing my true face. Out of all the ones that realized my real self, it had to be one of Grima's minions. 'Must kill future child,' was it? The Risen focused its gaze at me, even though I had my cowl on. If that was the case, then it was possible that Grima-

"Hey."

"Ah!" I whirled around as I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I dumbly realized that it was just Robin calling out to me.

"Something the matter?" He asked out of concern.

I shook my head and half-heartedly replied, "No, just feeling relieved that you two finally managed to rout the Risen."

He flashed a small grin at me. "Well, if it weren't for your magic, we never would've been able to take care of the flying units. Plus you shielded both me and her," The tactician pointed towards Lucina. I noticed that she was crouching near the dead griffon. "If anything, I should be thanking you."

"….."

"Robin!" Lucina approached us with a glowing item in her hand. "The Risen Chief dropped this; is this it?"

As I looked closer on the shining object, I realized it was Naga's tear. Lucina handed the tear to Robin and he inspected it. He revolved the item around his hands as he further examined the tear.

"Yeah, this is it all right. Thanks."

I spotted Lucina turning her gaze towards me. I looked at the ground underneath my cowl, feeling scared of looking her in the eyes.

"Marc?"

"…..Yes?" I nervously replied.

"I noticed that you protected me with your wind magic, especially just now. Thank you." She bowed slightly.

"I….was merely following Sir Robin's orders, Lady Lucina."

As I humbly answered her gratitude, a short bit of silence hung in the atmosphere.

I began to query their silent responses, slightly worried if I was discourteous to them. Wondering why, I asked, "What's wrong?"

"N-no….it's just…..how did you know our names?" she asked.

Wait, what?

"We didn't even give you our names." Robin added.

I inwardly slapped at myself for slipping something so obvious. Damn my carelessness; be careful with your words numbskull! I tried to rack through my thoughts to quickly evade their line of questioning, when suddenly, my mind traced back to when I encountered these two. They called each other's names, so I may use it as an excuse. "…..No, you did." I tried to mask my quavering voice, as I was nervous for being suddenly put into question.

"When?" he questioned.

"….When I shielded you from that fighter."

"Ah….."

From the sound of Robin's voice, I realized that I managed to counter-attack their questioning. Not letting this chance go, I continued the assault. "I've heard quite a lot about you tactician, especially your contribution from the war against the Mad-King. I've also heard from some people of the Halidom saying that their King and Queen have a daughter named Lucina."

"W-well…." The swordswoman was immediately disarmed by my words.

"Or did I hear wrong?" I pressed.

Lucina stepped back and raised a hand in defense. "N-no…you're….correct."

I silently breathed out as I managed to dodge their interrogation. I noted to myself to choose my words carefully whenever I was around, as I cannot let them realize that I know too much, especially about themselves. I was about to ask Robin until I lifted my eyes from the ground and spotted Lucina's face. The swordswoman's expression was grim and foreboding, showing that she was in serious, deep thought. Instinctively, I gulped as I knew that expression anywhere; it wasn't the first time I saw someone like that when I was a child. I often saw her mask that ominous-looking face too, whenever she was thinking about the war with Grima.

I glanced down on the ground again, trying to rid myself of the image of Lucina's face. I didn't dare look at Robin's, as I was scared of looking into his eyes. I felt a tension rise between us, so I decided to change the subject. "Sir Robin?"

"Yes?"

"If it is not too much trouble, may I see your commander?"

"Chrom?" he echoed.

"Yes, I wish to enlist myself in the Shepherds, hoping that I may join your cause."

Robin blinked for a few seconds before answering me. "Then, let's go find Chrom. He should be finishing up on his side; follow me."

I nodded and followed behind Robin. The three of us walked in silence, hearing only the waves and our footsteps. I could still sense a small pressure in the air between the three of us, and I began to regret my choice of words. I realized that it was all necessary to hide myself from these two, but knowing the fact that I made them become afraid of me was hurtful. I gripped on my wind tome and hoped to find Chrom sooner.

Answering to my hopes of lifting the pressured air, I then saw Chrom conversing with a few of the Shepherds.

"Chrom!" Robin called out.

The azure-haired man turned to the voice and approached us. Just from appearance alone, I realized that he presented himself true to his position. He materialized the dominance of a leader and a hero that only an imaginative author would think of in an adventure novel. I noticed that Falchion was in his sheath as it was strapped to his belt; so this was the famed man who led the Shepherds….

"Hey, there you are," he then turned his gaze to me. "Who's this?"

I realized that I was slightly stunned by his appearance and blinked. Out of pure respect, I gave a slight bow. "Allow me to properly introduce myself; my name is Marc, and I am a wandering tactician."

"A tactician….." he echoed. "Just like Robin?"

I nodded. "Correct; you see, I've been trying to find some work, and lately, I've heard quite much about you and your army."

Chrom raised an eyebrow. "Just out of curiousity, why do you wish to join the Shepherds?"

I bit my lip as I tried to endure Chrom's questions. Don't tell them the truth, don't tell them. Just bear with it for now. I said to myself. "…Fate has led me here, as I seek a challenge, commander," Chrom eyed at me as I gave vague answer. "What I merely want is the work. I do not care for spoils or victories, nor glory or fame; what I only wish for is to challenge myself in the art of strategy. Out of all the armies I've heard tall tales about, I've heard many of the Shepherds."

"You wish to better yourself?" he summarized.

As much as I despised doing this, I needed to avoid any more personal questions, as I didn't want these people to see through my masquerade. "Yes; I only ask one thing in return."

Chrom warily looked at me, bracing himself. "And what's that?"

"I would kindly appreciate it if you do not ask any personal questions, regarding my past or origins. As I've mentioned before, I only wish to better myself in my tactics, anything else, I do not acquire. So long as you don't ask me any personal questions, I will not ask any in return."

The King glared at me for my secretive behavior. I half-expected this kind of reaction; he obviously didn't approve of my demand, so I had to prove my point. "For example, I won't question as to why there are two Blade of Legends." I pointed.

Just I suspected, Chrom flinched as he instinctively glanced at his Falchion and Lucina's. He began to shift uncomfortably as he was silenced by my words.

"Do you understand?" I reiterated. "Don't forget that I'm a wandering tactician; my ability in spotting little details is a requirement of my skill. But, whatever your business is, I'll stay out of it, so long as you do the same for me in return. Will that be fair?"

"All right…" he said with uncertainty.

I quietly let out a sigh, as I didn't realize I was holding my breath due to the tension.

"We could definitely use another tactician, though, since ours is running ragged all the time, even as we keep telling him to rest."

"Please don't give me that glare, Chrom," he flatly replied. "But nevertheless, he has a point. I'd feel reassured knowing that somebody's able to assist me with my endeavors. I look forward to working with you Marc."

Robin gave another grin to me, and I became shocked by his blithe outlook. Why wasn't he disturbed by my observations like from earlier? Just a while ago, he was caught off guard by my perception, now he was okay with it, as if he welcomed it. I don't understand; was he masking his emotions like I was, or did the man suspected that I would question about the two Falchions? I could only shy away from his face as I gave a meek response. "Right….."

I walked with Chrom, Robin and Lucina, as we began to take our leave from the Ruins of Time. I stood behind them, hiding myself from the other Shepherds. Chrom mentioned to me that he would give me a proper introduction to the army tomorrow, as he said that the sun was setting down. I looked up to the sky and didn't realize it was getting dark until he pointed it out.

Time always moved quickly as it never sat still.

As we began to approach the entrance, I stopped in my tracks and looked back to the Ruins of Time. My eyes caught the deepest part of the area, where I fought the Risen Chief with Robin and Lucina. I frowned at the memory of the Risen's words before our bout. No matter how I looked at it, the Risen Chief was clearly targeting me. I knew just from that battle that Grima knows I've arrived here. Looks like I'll have to keep an eye out on the Risen, in more ways than one.

"Marc?"

I blinked as I heard Robin's voice and turned to the man. "Yes?"

"Aren't you coming? You're going to be left behind if you stay here any longer."

Left behind…Like last time…"Forgive me; I was just wondering what our next course of destination is."

"Hm? Well, we're marching onwards to a town that's a few ways away. It'll probably take us about 2 days to get there, so for now we're finding a safe place to camp."

He flashed another smile at me, and I began to ponder his behavior. "…Tell me something, Sir Robin."

"Yes?"

"Your response to my secretive behavior was not what I expected."

"Well what were you expecting?" He crossed his arms as he asked.

"Shock, bafflement; the same reaction I always saw from others, like with Sir Chrom and Lady Lucina." I said blatantly.

"Oh, don't get me wrong Marc. I suspected that you wouldn't want others to know about you."

I analyzed his words, trying to perceive as to what led him to such a deduction. "Prove to me how."

Again, instead of being surprised, he smiled, as if he predicted my demand of what he knew, instead of repeatedly asking how he knew. "As soon as you told me that you were a tactician, and your answer for joining the Shepherds. You said it yourself, too: 'My ability in spotting little details is a requirement of my skill.' And you're right; a tactician must always perceive what's in front of them, otherwise, the smallest mistake could ruin your strategy. You shouldn't forget either, Marc; I'm a tactician too."

"Already noted." I curtly answered.

Robin nodded and walked back to the group. I wistfully watched his back as he furthered the distance, seeing his black, patterned cloak give a slight waver with each step. I bitterly gripped on my wind tome, recalling his words.

"How could I forget you? You're the person who taught me how to be a tactician in the first place."

I brought my right hand up and turned it. I removed the glove, revealing the bare skin. Imprinted on the back of my right hand was the Brand. I slightly smiled as I was reminded of my mother, but as my eyes travelled to the surface of the water, I spotted my hooded reflection and frowned. "But, all the more reason for me to hide." I lowered myself, getting closer to my reflection.

As I looked down on the water, my entire face was reflected upon the water's surface. I gazed deep into my own eyes, and spotted another family mark.

Hiding beneath the darkness of my blue bangs was the Mark of Grima on my left iris.

I sighed tiredly and lowered my cowl, covering my eyes. "I should get back with the others." I re-equipped my glove and ran towards the Shepherds, taking our leave from the Ruins of Time.