Hey everyone!

I've actually been meaning to write a chapter based on the one and only Mark for a WHILE now. Like the guest said, Mark is kind of meh and has mostly been comic relief or a Daddy's boy. But let's be real, Morgan is the absolute Daddy's/Mommy's boy.

I know I said the next chapter was going to be Mount Prism, but I wanted to fit this one in beforehand.

The story so far has been mostly focused on Robin and Lucina, and not a whole lot of Mark. He's there, obviously, but I haven't given him much of the lime light. I don't know if this chapter will really "hash" out his character since Male Morgan doesn't really need it, but it will give his character some back story.

This chapter takes place in the time period before they head out to Mount Prism, all in the viewpoint of Mark and will hopefully give you all a little background on the child of Robin and Lucina.

FYI: I will be using his birth name Chrom in dream sequences. Just to get the confusion out of the way now. You'll see why.

Without further ado, welcome to the second part of Chapter 10!


Chapter 10.5 - The Gift from Afar

"Hey Chrom! You want to go play Heroes with Cynthia and Owain? Lucina might even play this time!"

"Really?" Chrom put down the book his father had left him and looked at his sister standing in the doorway. "Lucy never plays with us."

"I know! That's why we gotta hurry before she changes her mind!" Morgan beckoned to her brother excitedly. "C'mon!"

"Coming!" Chrom jumped from his chair and ran out of the room following his sister.

The twins ran through the palace hallways, ignoring the guards' pleas for them to slow down and be careful. Chrom had always liked this palace. It was like one of those castles in the stories his mother had used to read him.

Chrom frowned thinking about his parents, but he tried his best not to show it. He knew they'd be safe. His father and mother were heroes after all. And when they returned home they could go back to their regular lives. His father would teach him and Morgan all about tactics, his mother would teach them swordplay, and they'd get to go to that beach resort like they had promised. Chrom had never been to a beach, let alone know what one was, so of course he was excited to go out and see it.

The two ran out the palace doors and into the palace courtyard where their three friends were waiting for them somewhat patiently.

"Yay!" Cynthia clapped excitedly. "Chrom and Morgan are here! We can begin!"

"How do you all usually go about playing this game?" Lucina asked, her formal tone still slightly present.

"Well we pick a hero from the stories our parents always tell us, then we fight bad guys!" Cynthia replied, pumping a fist into the air for good measure.

"We protect the innocent from the forces of darkness!" Owain struck a heroic pose. "No evildoer gets by on my watch!"

Lucina looked around curiously. "Where are these 'bad guys?' I don't see anyone."

"Lucy!" Cynthie stomped her foot. "You have to use your imagination!"

"Oh of course," Lucina nodded sagely. "How do we begin?"

"We pick our heroes!"

"Okay..." Lucina placed a finger on her chin as she thought, a lot like Aunt Anna always did. "I'll pick Marth then."

"I knew it," Cynthia smiled smugly. "You always loved it when Mom told that story."

"So?" Lucina blushed slightly, crossing her arms indignantly. "You said pick a hero, and I did."

"Fine," Cynthia shrugged, still smiling. "I'll choose Florina, the feisty pegasus knight from the Elibe stories!"

"Um... Cynthia?" Chrom rose a finger in the air. "I don't think she was very 'feisty' in those stories. Actually I think she was the complete opposite..."

"Well she's brave and powerful in my story."

Chrom shrugged, not caring enough to get in an argument with her.

"And I'll chose Ike, the fearless leader of the Greil Mercenaries!" Owain pulled out an imaginary sword, brandishing it in the air.

"And I'll chose my mother!" Morgan jumped up and down excitedly.

"C'mon Morgan!" Cynthia placed her hands on her hips. "We always choose our parents! We have to mix it up a little bit!"

"Well duh," Morgan rolled her eyes. "They're the best heroes in my book."

"Wait, we can choose our parents?" Lucina asked. "If that's the case I want to be Father."

"Not you too Lucy," Cynthia pouted. "Besides you get to be Father all day long with all that training mumbo jumbo you do."

"It's not mumbo jumbo," Lucina frowned. "And I have to if I'm to become Exalt when I turn eighteen."

"Fine, fine," Cynthia raised her hands. "Let's just get this show on the road," Cynthia turned to the twins. "I guess you two can be your parents."

"Sweet!" Morgan and Chrom high fived.

The groups game was interrupted as off in the distance a bell began to ring. The five kids stared at each other dumbfounded, their mouths gaping open.

"Can it be...?" Lucina murmured.

Chrom and Morgan turned to each other wide eyed, large grins forming on their faces.

"Mother and Father are home!"


Mark woke in a cold sweat, his head feeling like someone had taken a hammer to it.

Sitting up slowly, Mark rested his head in his hands and rubbed his temples slowly.

"What was that?" He whispered to himself.

It felt so real, like he had lived that exact moment. Was it a memory? His very first? He'd like to think so. It seemed so happy. Him and his sister playing with his friends, his father and mother returning from some mission to take them on a vacation. That sounded like quite the life.

As much as Mark enjoyed the memory, he wished it had shared a little more information. He got some specifics, but not a whole lot.

Sighing deeply, Mark got out of bed and headed to the washroom, dunking his head in the washbasin filled with cool water.

Whipping his head out and running a hand through his wet hair, Mark looked out the window. It would be at least an hour before dawn, but Mark didn't think he could go back to sleep if he tried.

With two certain places in mind, Mark grabbed his coat off the back of a chair and headed out of his room.

Mark walked through the dormant palace hallways, nodding an occasional greeting at any guard that was unlucky enough to have the night shift.

Now that he was actually paying attention to his surroundings, the hallways did feel somewhat familiar. He could tell he had walked these halls before, and numerous times at that.

Mark turned left and went through the hallway that led to the palace throne room. He walked into the room, then towards the section of the wall that held paintings of all of the past Exalts.

Mark didn't recognize any of them, save a picture of a blond haired woman that had the Mark of Naga on her forehead. There was something about her that struck a chord with Mark. He could tell he's seen her before, but for the life of him he couldn't remember where.

His eyes finally reaching the final painting in the line, Mark stared steadily at the painting of his grandfather, Chrom.

He could understand why his father and mother said he looked so much like his grandfather. It was almost like looking at a picture of his future self. The blue hair, the high cheek bones, the confident smile.

Mark looked around, making sure no one was close enough to hear him and turned back to the photo.

"Hello Grandfather," Mark began uncertainly. "I uh... I'm your grandson. I'm named Chrom as well. I never got to meet you, at least I don't think I did..." Mark added under his breath. "So I thought I would come down here and say hello."

Mark stared at the photo expectantly, as if it would say hello back.

"Heh, right," Mark rubbed the back of his head. "Well anyways... I just wanted to introduce myself and to let you know I'll keep a close eye on Mother and Father."

Mark stared at the painting for a few more moments, committing his grandfather's face to memory, then turned and walked out the palace doors to the courtyard. The courtyard was exactly like it had been in his dream, down to the last detail. The trees, the flowerbeds, the occasional bench for people to sit.

Walking over to the closest one, Mark sighed and took a seat.

He wished he could have his memory back. It felt like an injustice to his friends and his family that he couldn't remember a single one of them. The other children that came back in time didn't know him in the first place, as Father didn't have any children in their timeline, but it still would have been nice if Mark could remember the children from his timeline at least.

He also felt extremely guilty that he didn't have any memories of his mother. Sure he had remembered bits and pieces about her, like her smile or the fact that she had taught him how to use a sword, but he couldn't remember anything else.

And then there was his sister. He didn't even knew he had a sister. There was no denying it now however. There was no doubt that the girl at the Dragon's Table was his sister. Her eyes were all the proof he needed, and if his dream had told him anything, it was that the two were very close.

Mark sighed and leaned back on the bench.

"Mark! What are you doing out at this hour!?"

Mark turned in his seat to see Severa standing behind him, her arms crossed as she glared at him.

"Hey Sev," Mark smiled. "Didn't expect to see you out here."

"You didn't answer my question," Severa tapped her foot impatiently. "What are you doing out here?"

"I just came out here to watch the sun rise. Care to join me?"

Severa narrowed her eyes. "Is that all?"

"Of course," Mark's smile faltered for only a second, but it was just enough for Severa to notice.

Severa huffed and walked over to Mark, taking a seat next to him.

"You're a bad liar Mark."

Mark's smile dropped in an instant and he turned away from Severa to stare off into the distance.

"Spill it. I know you can't be all happy-go-lucky all the time."

Mark exhaled and leaned forwards, resting his elbows on his knees.

"I remembered something. From my past."

Severa's features softened. "About what?"

"About my sister. We were playing with a younger Cynthia, Owain and Lucina," Mark glanced at Severa. "Not my mother, the other Lucina. The baby one. Same goes for Owain and Cynthia too I guess."

"That sounds like a nice memory," Severa remarked.

"It was," Mark nodded. "But something felt... off. I don't know, it's hard to explain."

"Maybe more will come back to you?"

"Maybe," Mark's frown deepened. "I just feel guilty that I can't remember anything. I feel like I'm letting you all down. I know you all were important in my life but I just can't remember anything."

"You're not letting anyone down Mark..." Severa reached out hesitantly and took a hold of Mark's hand. "You weren't even there in the time we came from. How could you be letting us down?"

Mark made eye contact with Severa, who blushed and looked away in response. She wasn't really known for making such gestures.

"Thank you Sev," Mark's smile returned and he squeezed Severa's hand. "You're sweet."

"W-What!?" Severa's blush deepened. "I-I'm not sweet! I-I'm... I'm,"

Mark threw his head back and laughed, scooting a little closer to Severa on the bench.

Severa huffed and shoved Mark, crossing her arms and turning away from him. Severa stayed turned from him, but glanced at Mark a few times with a small smile tugging at her lips.

Mark wrapped an arm around Severa's shoulders. "Care to watch the sun rise with me?"

"I guess I will since you made me come out here to check up on you," Severa replied hotly but scooted a little closer to Mark regardless.

"That reminds me," Mark began. "How did you know where I'd be anyways?"

"I saw you walking through the palace so I followed you," Severa answered, eyes widening when she realized what she had said. "I-I mean I was just going for a w-walk."

"Of course," Mark smiled.

The two stayed on the bench for the next few hours watching the sun rise together.


Chrom stood at the top of the stairwell of their cottage, watching her mother pack. His mother and the rest of the Shepherds had returned from their mission a few days ago, but Father hadn't been with them. Mother told the two that Father had gone missing, but for them not to worry because she was going to bring him back. Chrom wanted to believe her, but he had only just got her back and he didn't want to lose her as well. Plus he didn't want to go back to the palace while her mother was searching for her Father alone, he wanted to find him just as bad as she did. He and Morgan were fifteen now, they weren't some kids that needed babysitting.

Chrom turned to look at Morgan, giving her a soft nod for the go ahead. The two went down the stairs, coming up behind their mother.

"Mother?"

Lucina flinched, turning around to address the two.

"Yes Chrom? Morgan?"

Chrom shared a look with Morgan then turned back to their mother.

"We want to help you find Father."

"No," Lucina answered immediately. "Under no circumstances can you two come along."

"Mom!" Morgan stomped her foot. "It's Dad! We want to help!"

"I'm sorry sweetie," Lucina frowned. "But you just can't come. It'll be dangerous and you're both just too young."

"We're fifteen now Mother, we're not children," Chrom interjected. "You've taught us how to use a sword and Father has taught us how to use tomes. We can help."

"I said no," Lucina narrowed her eyes. "It's too dangerous. If something were to happen to one of the two of you I could never forgive myself."

"You were younger than us when you had to fight!" Morgan exclaimed. "And all we want to do is bring Father home!"

"This is different Morgan," Lucina frowned.

"How!?"

"That's enough!" Lucina rose her voice. "You two cannot come along, and that's final."

"Well then," Morgan crossed her arms and turned away. "We'll just sneak out of the palace and look for Dad ourselves."

"You wouldn't..."

"We probably could," Morgan kept herself turned away from her mother. "We know the place inside and out after all."

"Mother," Chrom interrupted and took a step forwards. "We love Father too, we just want to help find him," Chrom gave her his puppy-dog eyes. "Please?"

Chrom could tell her resolve was beginning to break.

"We won't get in the way!" Morgan added, ready to put the final nail in the coffin. "And wouldn't it be better to stick together? As a family? Like you said, you'd be devastated if something were to happen to us and if we were with you, you could always keep an eye on us!"

"Please Mother?" The twins begged in unison.

Lucina's eyes softened as the final wall broke.

"Fine," Lucina sighed. "But you will do as I say. Do I make myself clear?"

"Of course!" The two replied excitedly. That had been easier than they thought. Of course she always did have a soft spot for them.

"Okay," Lucina motioned towards the stairs. "Go and get some essentials. We leave in an hour."


Mark jolted awake. He was still on the bench in the palace courtyard with Severa slumbering on his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his chest. Mark deduced that the two must have fallen asleep waiting for the sun to rise.

The sudden movement caused Severa to stir as well, groggily wiping the sleep from her eyes.

"Hey there sleepy head."

Severa flinched, turning slowly to see Mark's smiling face.

"Oh!" Severa blushed and detached herself from Mark. "I-I was just resting my eyes is all."

"Of course," Mark's smile grew. "I quite enjoyed it after all."

"W-what!?" Severa's eyes widened momentarily. "I-I mean that's not something you say to a lady!"

Mark laughed. He loved getting under Severa's skin. It was just so easy to catch her off guard, he just couldn't help himself.

"As much as I enjoyed our nap," Mark stood from the bench. "Father asked me to sit in on the meeting today. Catch you at lunch?"

"Hmph," Severa crossed her arms. "If you're lucky."

"I hope I am then," Mark bent over and kissed the top of Severa's head. "See you at lunch Sev."

Mark turned and walked back towards the palace entrance, sadly missing out on Severa's beet red face.


"Hey everyone," Mark said as he entered the council room. Robin was standing behind the war table in the front of the room, while Lucina, Flavia, Basilio, Lissa and Sumia were sitting in the seats in front of him. "Sorry I'm late."

"Don't worry about it Mark," Robin smiled and motioned for Mark to take a seat. "We were just getting ready to start."

Mark nodded and took a seat next to his mother, giving her a smile and nod in greeting.

"Alright then, let's begin," Robin paced to the front of the table, leaning against it and crossing his arms. "It's quite straightforward really. We'll go straight for Mount Prism and perform the Awakening ritual."

"Without Chrom who will perform it?" Flavia asked.

"Lucina will," Robin answered, giving a nod to Lucina.

"That's right," Lucina replied. "I've studied it for years, I'm more than ready to perform the ritual."

"Alright," Basilio nodded and rubbed his chin. "But if we're taking all of the Shepherds on this mission, who will stay in case Grima attacks while we're gone? Our troops aren't exactly in fighting shape."

"He won't attack Ylisse. Or Ferox for that matter," Robin moved a piece on the table towards a mountain range that Mark could only assume was Mount Prism. "Anyone that Grima would want is heading to Mount Prism. And with Grima's strength weakened he can't commit all of his forces. He'll want to bide his time and attack us at full strength to overpower us."

"How can you be so sure?" Sumia questioned. "Why wouldn't he just send everything at us at Mount Prism?"

"Because if he failed to stop us and we made it out completing the Awakening ritual and besting his Risen armies he'll be extremely weak for our final attack," Robin explained, then sighed deeply. "Besides, it's what I'd do. Bide time to fully recover then attack at full strength."

"Then what?" Mark interjected before he could get too upset.

"Then," Robin moved the piece away from the mountain. "We'll go and take Grima down."

"That's what I like to hear!" Basilio laughed and clapped loudly. "Short and to the point!"

Yes," Robin smiled slightly. "We have no time to waste. We must strike Grima before he reaches full strength. I wish we could have started earlier but we'll just have to make do."

"I have a question," Lissa rose a hand.

"Shoot."

"I've heard about this Awakening ritual as well, but what is it exactly?"

"Whoever attempts the rite must brave Naga's fire," Lucina answered. "If both body and spirit survive the agony they are blessed with the divine dragon's power."

"If?" Mark questioned. "And if they don't?"

"They... die."

"What!? You can't be serious!" Mark turned to his father frantically. "You can't be serious about this!"

Robin didn't look that thrilled with the idea either, but Lucina didn't let him get a chance to voice his concerns.

"I am deadly serious Mark," Lucina frowned. "This is the only option."

"No it isn't! I could do it!" Mark exclaimed. "I'm your son after all, I could-"

"No," Lucina shook her head adamantly. "I'll not risk it. It has to be me."

"But-"

"It'll be fine," Lucina reached out and squeezed Mark's hand, her tone softening. "I promise."

The other four watched the two silently with concerned expressions but decided to keep out of it.

"This is the best option Mark," Robin grit his teeth. "I don't like it either but it's our best chance."

"Are you sure Robin?" Sumia asked softly. "I don't want to lose a daughter..."

"I'll be fine Mother. I swear it," Lucina answered resolutely.

"Okay," Sumia sighed. "If you're sure then I'm sure."

Satisfied that that part of the conversation was finished Robin cleared his throat.

"Anything else?"

Robin scanned the small crowd, looking for any hint of a question in their expression.

"Alright then," He clapped his hands. "If that's all we can adjourn for the evening."

The group nodded, standing and making their way out of the room.

"Mark do you have a second?"

Mark nodded, giving his full attention to his parents.

"What's up?"

"You look a little tired is all," Lucina put it lightly.

"There are bags under your eyes," Robin went for the more direct approach.

"Oh," Mark looked to the ground nervously. "I just had a bad dream the other night is all. Nothing to worry about."

Robin narrowed his eyes at his son but decided to let it slide.

"If you say so. But always know you can talk to me or your mother if something is bothering you, alright?"

Mark nodded quickly, not wanting to continue on this topic of discussion. Why mention the dreams now when he had no idea what they meant? Maybe if more returned to him in the upcoming days he'd mention it, but doing so now just seemed like jumping the gun. How did he know they were memories anyway? They could have just been dreams after all.

"Well, would you like to join us for lunch Mark?" Lucina asked, changing subjects.

"I would, really... but I already have lunch plans," Mark smiled apologetically.

"I bet you do," Robin smiled mischievously at hearing his son's answer.

"Uh... yeah?" Mark rubbed the back of his head. "But I'll catch you guys later?"

Lucina smiled and nodded while Robin continued to grin madly at his son.

"Have fun Mark."

"I bet he will."


It was late when Mark returned to his room. It had been a rather hectic day for the teenager. First there was his interesting morning, then there was the meeting with Father and Mother, then he had lunch with Severa, followed closely by reading in the library, and capping the day off with having dinner with Father and Mother. It was nice. A whole lot different than the marching schedule he had grown accustomed to.

Mark opened the door to his room, yawning widely and stretching his arms as he walked in. He was definitely ready for some sleep, especially if it meant he might retain some more memories.

Mark undressed quickly, throwing his articles of clothing all over the floor and jumping into the bed, snuggling in underneath the covers. Mark sighed contently, letting himself succumb to the temptations of relaxation. There was nothing like lying down in bed and getting all cozy after a long day.

Mark closed his eyes, letting himself drift off into a peaceful sleep.


"Gods," Morgan mumbled. "I hate deserts."

The three had been trudging through the desert the entire day, all in search for some giant tower that Mother had said would be their best guess at finding Father. The three stopped in front of a giant hill to catch their breath and grab a drink of water.

"Are you sure that tower is out here Mother?" Chrom asked.

"Completely."

Chrom and Morgan nodded, both gulping down water from their canteens.

"Don't drink too fast," Lucina chided. "We don't want to waste it."

The two slowed down in response, then wiped the sweat from their brows.

"Alright, up this hill then it should be in sight."

The twins nodded and followed their mother up the sand dune.

Chrom couldn't help but be a bit skeptical of her mother's directions. Who would build a structure out here in the middle of nowhere? Deserts aren't exactly that habitable.

Yet he followed her up the hill regardless. She wasn't wrong that often.

The tip of a large, black tower loomed over the top of the dune, and slowly but surely they could see more and more of the tower as they went. The tower was easily a few hundred feet in height and was colored a deep black. Just looking at the tower made Chrom feel anxious.

"No way," Chrom mumbled.

"This is it," Lucina remarked as they reached the top of the dune. "Robin will be here."

"And then we'll save him and bring him home right?" Morgan asked softly.

"Of course," Lucina smiled.

Chrom didn't like that smile. There was something off about it...

"Let's go," Lucina said and made her way towards the tower looming over them.

The twins followed their mother closely, and within moments they were standing outside of the ominous tower.

"Listen up you two," Lucina stopped and turned towards them. "I know I let you come along, but when we go in there I want you to stay near the entrance, okay?"

"What?" Chrom frowned. "Why?"

"Because," Lucina paused and grit her teeth. "It could be dangerous. I couldn't forgive myself if something were to happen to either one of you, so just stay near the entrance alright?"

"A-alright," Morgan answered. "We'll stay safe."

Lucina nodded and turned back to the tower, giving the door a push and walking in.

The first chamber of the tower was surprisingly bare. Similar to the outside, the walls inside the tower were completely black, the floor being colored the same as well. The only thing that stood out was a giant picture of some sort carved into the floor. As Chrom got a better look at it, it looked awfully similar to the twin's left eyes.

The chamber only had one other doorway, and it was huge. The doorway was easily twenty feet tall, the giant doors made of oak. On either side of the door stood identical statues, both depicting the head of a dragon with six eyes and tusks on either side of its mouth.

"A-are you sure he's here Mother?" Morgan stammered. "I-it doesn't feel right in here."

"Yes," Lucina replied sadly. "He's here."

The three walked to the singular door that led to gods knew where.

"Remember what I said. You two stay here, alright?"

"Yes Mother," The two replied in unison, looking at each other uncertainly.

"Good," Lucina walked forwards and pushed open the door. Lucina turned around to address them one final time. "I'll be back soon, and with your father too."

Lucina walked through, the giant door slamming behind her.

"..."

"..."

Chrom and Morgan tried their best to wait patiently, but their curiosity and excitement to see their father eventually pulled through.

Tiptoeing towards the door, Chrom grunted and pushed it open ever so slightly so that he and his sister could get a look.

The chamber was dome shaped, easily large enough to fit hundreds and hundreds of men inside of it. Ornate pillars with carvings depicting the dragon from the doorway led up to the altar in the back of the room. If Chrom had to take a guess he'd have to say this room must have been used for some type of religious ceremony. But to what he had no idea.

He could see his mother standing not to far off talking to another figure. Chrom's heartbeat quickened. That had to be his father, it had to be. Who else could it be?

Chrom squinted his eyes to get a better look.

He almost wish he hadn't.

It was his father alright, but it didn't seem like it. This man was wearing his father's usual cloak, but the hood was up, which was very unlike Father. Then there was his skin. It was completely gray, almost ashy looking. His eyes glowed a bright red underneath his hood, and thanks to the light from the torches Chrom could make out the maniacal grin on his face.

"Chrom," Morgan gasped. "That isn't father!"

"I know," Chrom whispered back.

The two strained their ears to hopefully eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I know you're in there Robin," Lucina said, her voice cracking. "I know you. You aren't the fell dragon. You're Robin. My Robin."

Their father, or whoever it was, cackled, his grin only growing larger.

"Oh this is rich. You honestly thought you could come here and talk Robin into coming back?" The man threw his head back and laughed. "The man you loved died long ago princess."

"You're wrong Grima," Lucina's voice grew stronger. "I was there, I saw him fight your control. I know he's still in there."

"You humans are such foolish creatures," Grima chuckled. "You're all too sentimental."

"You wouldn't understand demon," Lucina growled.

"Oh my heart," Grima placed a hand over his chest in mock pain. "Your insults, they wound me. Would you really talk to your husband in that manner?"

"You are not my husband," Lucina spat. "I know he's still in there, fighting you inch for inch."

"And if he isn't?"

"Then I'll put him to rest and kill you."

"That'd be quite the feat seeing as how you have no Fire Emblem."

"I don't need it to end you."

"Chrom what are they talking about?" Morgan whispered.

"I have no idea..." Chrom answered and tuned back in to the conversation.

"Even if that were true," Grima smiled wide. "You'd never kill me. I'm your husband after all."

"That isn't true."

"Isn't it?"

Grima stalked forwards and let his hood down, his whole demeanor changing as he walked. His face lost its grey color and his eyes reverted back to their father's old eye color. Grima's evil smile turned to the usual confident smile their father wore, and his eyes shone with intelligence and curiosity just like Robin's.

Chrom bit back a gasp. That was their father standing in front of them.

"Hello Lucina," Robin smiled and reached a hand up to caress her face. "I've missed you."

Lucina's eyes widened and took several shaky steps away from the man.

"What?" Robin frowned and took a step towards her. "I thought you'd be happy to see me."

"N-no..."

"You came all the way out here to see me," Robin raised his hands. "Well here I am Lucina. It's me, Robin. You're husband."

"No!" Lucina drew her sword and pointed it at Robin's chest. "No! This is a trick!"

"That's the thing isn't it?" Robin's smile darkened, his voice deepening. "You'd never know would you?"

The light in the chamber dimmed. Chrom could feel his heart catch in his throat.

"You've made a mistake in coming here princess," Robin's face grayed and his eyes reddened. "You will find no hope here."

Lucina raised her sword in front of her shakily, but Grima just slapped it away.

"Where was that fire you once had? Did it die along with your husband?" The shadows in the room seemingly began to pool in Grima's raised hand. "Well don't worry. You'll see him soon enough."

"NO!"

Chrom and Morgan pushed the door open and rushed into the room both drawing their swords.

"Stay away from my mother!" Morgan snarled.

"I don't know who you are, but you're not my father!" Chrom shouted.

"What's this?" Grima cackled. "Robin's offspring?" Grima turned to Lucina and smiled. "You really do spoil me dear."

In the blink of an eye Lucina reached to her hip and pulled out a dagger, raising it and thrusting it towards Grima's neck.

Grima grabbed Lucina's oncoming arm then punched her in the gut, causing her fall to her knees doubled over.

"Mother!"

Chrom and Morgan rushed forwards, their swords raised to strike at Grima.

"I would think you're father would teach you better than this," Grima outstretched a hand as dark magic began to crackle around his finger tips.

"Stay away from my children!"

Lucina pulled another dagger from her boot and sprung forwards plunging the blade into Grima's shoulder.

Grima roared and backed away clutching his shoulder, the dagger still embedded in it.

"I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!" Grima bellowed and pulled the dagger from his shoulder in one go. "YOU WILL BEG FOR MERCY WHEN- GAH!"

Grima collapsed to the ground grasping at his head in pain.

"NO!" Grima cried then went completely silent.

There was a brief pause, then Grima looked up frantically, his features once again reverting to Robin's but this time more lifelike, more real. It was definitely Robin they were seeing this time.

"L-Lucina?" Robin whispered softly, his eyes widening when he saw the twins. "Chrom!? Morgan!?"

"I-is that you Robin?" Lucina asked cautiously.

"For n-now," Robin stammered and grasped at his head. "H-he's too strong. I don't know how much time I have..."

"Robin it's okay," Lucina knelt beside her husband. "It's okay. We're here to help"

"What!?" Robin exclaimed. "N-no. You can't. You have to leave."

"We can't leave you Daddy!" Morgan rushed forwards with tears in her eyes. "We came here to bring you back and that's what we're going to do! Why won't you come back with us?"

"No, you don't understand," Robin shook his head helplessly, tears of his own welling in his eyes. "I can't win. Grima's too strong. Even now I can feel him clawing at me."

"Mother what's going on?" Chrom looked at Lucina desperately. "I don't understand..."

"You have to leave," Robin pleaded and scooted away from them. "All of you. I-I can't hurt you, please leave before- GAH!"

Robin doubled over again, clutching at his head in pain.

"Go!" Robin screamed. "NOW!"

Without looking, Robin waved his arm forwards, and in response the air behind them seemingly cracked and split open, revealing an endless, swirling vortex with bright light pouring out of it.

"T-this i-is-" Lucina stammered.

"That's right," Robin answered, still in pain. "You can get the happy life you finally deserve," Robin's voice cracked as he finished.

"W-what are you talking about Father!?" Morgan cried. "What's going on!?"

"I'm so sorry sweetie," Robin gave a pained smile. "But everything will be okay soon, I promise."

Robin looked to Chrom.

"You'll be the man of the house for a little while son, I'm sure you'll make me proud."

"I love you both, so much," Robin told the both of them then turned back to Lucina. "I don't know how much time I have left," Robin whispered, the tears in his eyes breaking forth. "I love you Lucina. I'm so sorry I wasn't strong enough."

"Robin," Lucina said tearfully. "It doesn't have to end this way, we can still-"

"GAH!"

Robin cried in agony and fell to the floor.

"Robin!"

The three watched horrified as the man they once knew writhed in pain on the ground. But in an instant Robin's cries of pain stopped and a complete and utter silence took its place as a dark aura began to pulsate around him. Slowly he rose from the floor, glaring angrily at the three in front of him.

Lucina's eyes widened, immediately knowing what had happened.

"We have to go!"

Lucina grabbed Falchion and turned and ran towards Chrom and Morgan, grabbing them by the cuffs of their cloaks and hauling them towards the portal.

"Mother, what's-"

"Go!"

Lucina wasted no time and pushed the both of them into the portal. Chrom could feel himself get sucked into it, pulling him away from the world he had once lived in.

Chrom reached out helplessly. "Mother!"

Chrom watched as his mother stood protectively in front of the portal and hefted her sword, pointing it menacingly at the man pacing towards her.

As Chrom fell further and further, the hole became smaller and smaller.

Lucina turned back one final time before the hole closed for good.

"I'm sorry. I love you both, always remember that."

And that was the last he would ever see of his birth mother.


Lucina looked up from the novel she was reading and towards the knocking sound coming from the door.

"Come in."

Mark opened the door and walked in, fumbling with the cuffs of his cloak anxiously as he stood awkwardly in the center of the room.

"Good morning Mark," Lucina smiled. "I was actually getting ready to come and see if you wanted to get some breakfast."

"Uh... y-yeah sure, that'd be nice."

"Is something the matter?" Lucina asked. "You seem a little... anxious."

"Sorry about that," Mark shook his head and straightened up. "I was just coming to see if you'd want to do some sparring before breakfast."

Lucina rose an eyebrow. "Was that all?"

"Yeah," Mark smiled, seeming a bit more genuine now. "I thought it'd be nice to spend some time together."

Lucina returned the smile and nodded.

"I'd love to Mark," Lucina said as she stood and motioned towards the door. "Lead the way."

Mark nodded and walked towards the door, stopping halfway and turned to his Mother grinning mischievously.

"I'll race you."

"Mark," Lucina sighed. "It seems a little inappropriate to race through the palace hallways like a child."

"That's what I'd say too if I was afraid of losing."

"I'm not afraid of losing I just-"

"I didn't know my mother was such a chicken."

"Fine! Have it your way!" Lucina glared at her son and pointed a finger at him. "And the loser has to give the other their dessert at dinner."

"Deal!"

Author's Notes:

So there ya have it! My take on how Morgan would be sent back in time. I'm obviously not saying its cannon, but it's a little change of pace.

I absolutely love all of his support convos, and they're all absolutely adorable. I love female Morgan as much as the next guy, but male Morgan is a bro. It seems like in everyone of his support convos he's helping someone out. Nah, Cynthia, Lucina, Severa (I guess), Kjelle, you name it. He's a lot like Robin in that regard. I mean just look at his support convo with Lucina. It's awfully similar.

I didn't give much of a build up to the Mark/Severa relationship, mostly because I've been hinting that they'd be a bit of an item by now.

Had to add that little Mark and Lucina scene at the end as well. I wanted to focus a bit more on their relationship, since it's usually Robin that the Morgans go on and on about. It could be argued that Mark would immediately tell his parents about his memories, but I decided to go for the more subtle approach here.

Once again, thanks for reading! Until next time!