- Disclaimer: Fire Emblem characters do not belong to me.

- Notice: May contain spoilers. Storyline may deviate from original video game. Contains fantasy violence, mild language, and suggested themes.


"Morgan!" The double framed doors of the Ylissean throne room burst open as Robin rushed before the Exalt and future children. He searched quickly through the small group of youths, eyes jumping from one child to another. "Where's Morgan?"

"She insisted on walking straight to the fields, on the hillside of the castle." Severa crossed her arms, eyes narrowly focused on the newly returned tactician.

The whole group shifted uncomfortably, wondering why in the world Morgan chose to seclude herself from the group upon their arrival. Robin stepped back, his heart racing at the thought of seeing Morgan again. He spun on his heel, breaking into a sprint as his shoes echoed throughout the halls.

All children seemed to be present, save for two - Morgan and Lucina. As Chrom observed every single child, he waved his hand, dismissing their group. They each took their leave, walking side by side before huddling into a circle.

"I feel as though Morgan has already planned something for her father." Nah furrowed her brows, putting much thought into her words. "But it may not be the reunion he may be expecting."

"What do you mean?" Inigo leaned forward, suddenly intrigued by the young manakete's words.

"Upon our arrival, Morgan was heavily distraught." Nah looked up at the grey haired mercenary who blinked in reply, tilting his head to the side with a blank expression. "Honestly, are you that dense Inigo?"

"I too, felt as though she was...preoccupied." Laurent added, closing the book in his hand. "She was void of her usual cheery self. Her eyes were far too narrow, eyebrows knit with concentration, lips rarely forming a smile-"

"I think we get the point." Severa raised a hand, silencing their red haired mage from completing his keen observations.

"In any case, we should locate her as quick as we can." Owain's lips began to curve into a grin. "I have a feeling things are going to get interesting."

There was always something magical about looking out into the sunset. At least that's what Morgan thought. She closed her eyes, savoring the cool, crisp, refreshing breeze that blew against her face, sending her golden locks flying with the current. It felt nice to stay within the Ylissean castle and its grounds, mainly because it felt like home.

A few footsteps shuffled on the green, neatly trimmed grass and Morgan opened her eyes, tuning in to the faint breaths of her father. After taking a moment to recover, Robin dusted off his dark cloak, a smile on his face as he reached out to his daughter. "Morgan-"

In that instant, the younger tactician drew her silver sword, directing her blade at Robin's chest. Her eyes narrowed dangerously at her mentor, father, and Ylisse's master tactician. Morgan's dark brown irises held no regrets as she withdrew and poised to strike him a second time.

Robin sidestepped at the last second, leaving his cloak to endure the damage. As Morgan's blade tore through his right sleeve, she spun to a stop, braking hard before closing in for another blow. Robin dodged every swing, though he did lose a few strands of hair here and there. At the rate Morgan was attacking, he was sure that if she'd land a single hit, it would prove to be more than a minor flesh wound.

Eventually, Morgan's friends reached the castle hill, where they watched from a distance, observing their tactician's duel.

"Why is Morgan dueling with her father?" Cynthia shot out with concern. When the group remained silent, the young pegasus knight stepped forward. "Don't you think we need to stop them? She's going to kill him!"

Gerome studied the pace of their duel, taking quick note that Robin was merely dodging every swift strike. "No, this is something she has decided on her own. It is not our place to interfere, especially one that involves such delicate, familial matters."

"Cynthia, if this is the true prodigal tactician, he wouldn't lose so easily." Kjelle focused on the two figures, dancing around the grassy field. With the sunset sinking between the mountains, it seemed like the ideal setting for a spirited showdown.

As Robin rolled over in an attempt to skirt around Morgan, her blade managed to scrape a portion of his cheek. A trail of blood found its way to the ground, sullying the soft, moist soil beneath his shoes. Robin finally unsheathed his sword, all the while thinking it was about time to put an end to their little frenzy.

Morgan was panting hard, trying to catch her breath. She was running out of stamina and would only hold for a little longer. As Robin poised for one final strike, she too, mimicked his actions realizing that the last hit would determine the true victor.

The whole group of youths waited in anticipation, holding their breaths as Robin and Morgan dashed through the field, sprinting past each other with blades drawn across. Both stopped to a halt, standing for a few good seconds before Morgan fell to one knee. She dropped her head, somewhat disappointed with the outcome of their battle.

"You've improved significantly." Robin steadied his blade, sheathing it in place as he turned to face Morgan.

The younger tactician straightened herself out, turning over to meet her father's eyes. The look she held was different than that in the beginning. She pulled herself into Robin, wrapping her arms around his waist. A few sobs were released within the next minute and he softened his eyes, patting her head lightly.

"Since you disappeared, I trained everyday, searched everywhere until I would finally find you." Morgan tightened her grip. "And now that you're here, it's hard to believe that this is real. You're alive and you're back. I missed you."

Robin embraced Morgan with all that he had. "I missed you too."

The evening was spent in high spirits as the future children ate and drank to their content. The great dining hall echoed with laughter as Robin watched from afar. They shared stories, mostly memorable encounters when they parted ways after Grima's demise. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially Morgan.

"I heard about what happened earlier."

Chrom made his way to Robin who smiled gently before giving his response. He wasn't stunned when Ylisse's Exalt joined his side. "Yes, it wasn't the ideal reunion I had in mind."

Chrom crossed his arms, overlooking the pleasant scenery as Inigo whispered something into Morgan's ear. She pulled back, her eyebrows knit tightly together before releasing a hearty laugh. "They can be quite the handful."

Despite examining every future child earlier in the day, it was only now that Robin realized Lucina's absence. He turned to Chrom whose eyes were dark and gloomy. "Where's Lucina?"

"She hasn't returned since Grima's fall."

"Have you any word where she is?" Robin questioned the Exalt who shook his head slowly.

"No. Even the others haven't seen her since then. They searched endlessly for her and you these past two years." With the present Lucina now born, she most probably believed that there was no other reason for her to stay in Ylisse. "I understand her reason for leaving, believe me, I do. However, she can at least send me word on how she fares." Even if she came from a different timeline, it didn't change his parental feelings towards her. They were still father and daughter no matter what.

"I agree. It's only natural for us to worry over our children's welfare." If Chrom hadn't seen Lucina since their last battle on Grima's back, then it must have been very hard for him. While Morgan and the others searched for him, Chrom was looking for Lucina as well. "I know you're busy tending to your Kingdom's needs. After all, Ylisse needs their Exalt to lead them in maintaining this new era of peace."

Now that no battles were waged, Robin didn't have much to do. He was most useful in the council room, strategizing plans but there was no concrete reason for him to stay idle behind the castle walls. Negotiations between Ylisse and the other countries were doing well.

If anything, Robin owed Chrom a great debt for accepting him in with the Shepherds since he first lost his memories. Chrom stood by his side despite his infamous bloodline to Grimleal leader Validar and endured more blows in battle to save his life. He was a true friend.

Robin faced the Exalt, his eyes steeled with confidence. "I will go in your behalf to search for Lucina."


A/N: Hey guys, it's been a while. I was supposed to update this last year, but haven't had the chance to finish writing it up until as of late. Fortunately, I've been hit by a surge of inspiration and decided to continue the story with a set direction. 'Return' will follow into one of the DLC Scrambles but details will be revealed later into the next chapters.

...To be continued

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