Chapter 26

Family

The Next Day

Morgan continued to search around her father's work in the barracks. She entered the room where the place still remained a mess since she last entered.

I should clean up this place sometime. Morgan thought.

She continued to look around the area until something caught her eye. There was a journal located in a shelf that seemed to hold records of the shepherds.

"I'm surprised that you're still checking Robin's stuff here." Lucina said as she had entered the tent.

"Yeah, sorry about that. It's just that there's so much stuff in here! Some of it is pretty cool. For example, I just found these records that talk about every single shepherd that joined during father's adventures!" Morgan said in excitement.

"That sounds quite intriguing, but are you sure we should be reading them? They may have some classified information." She said worriedly.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure that if there was some classified information, father would have hid it better, and besides, I'm only going to check over a few." Morgan shrugged.

"Now let's see what it says for Grandmother." Morgan said as she searched for the document. "Here it is. Alright, it says: A helpful, clumsy, and amazing person. Though she may trip over nothing at times while doing the simplest of tasks, such as cleaning, walking, and even talking, she is amazing on the battlefield. We had became friends and eventually started a book club, which is a nice way to relax and forget about my troubles. She can sometimes lose her confidence in herself, but Chrom is usually there to bring it right back up. Is married to Chrom, and has two daughters, being Lucina and Cynthia."

"Wow, I guess father and grandmother were both close friends, just like he was with father." Morgan said.

"They were really close, especially before my father had proposed to mother. I often had suspicions that Robin was involved romantically with her, which gave me bad thoughts about him." Lucina said with a laugh. "But those thoughts disappeared after father proposed to mother and ended up proving me wrong."

"Aww, mom was jealous." Morgan teased.

"I wouldn't say I was jealous, but I was worried as to what may happen if this timeline was to change that drastically."

"Excuses, excuses." She grinned. "Anyways, let's get on to reading more." She said, looking at the many names in the records. "Oh look, I found Severa's! Now let's see what he thought of her: A close friend of Lucina's, and is one of many others who came from the future in order to prevent a great catastrophe from occurring. Usually keeps to herself, and has an attitude, to say the least. Despite this, I can easily depend on her to do what is needed on the battlefield. I gained a new perspective on her when Sumia told me what Severa did when she was confronted by her mother and showed a soft and sensitive side. Even though she appears to not care about people, she actually does care much for her friends, and will protect them at any cost. She Is Cordelia's and Donnel's daughter, and is in a relationship with Owain."

"Huh, that pretty cool. He sure writes a good chunk for each one, huh?" Morgan said.

"It seems like it, though he described Severa quite well." Lucina responded.

"Yeah, but anyways, let's see what he said about Lissa." She said as she continued to look in Robin's records.

"Alright Lissa, let's see what father wrote about you." She said, beginning to read. "It says: Chrom's little sister and the second person I met after I awoke with no memories. She is an upbeat and cheerful girl who even though is considered weak by Chrom, she attempts to prove herself that she is more than capable enough to help him and the people around her. She is also very playful as she once offered to give me a massage, but instead placed some frogs unto my back, which felt much worse than said (Gods they were cold). Despite this, she is a good cleric on the field, and a good friend as well. Is married to Gaius, and her son is Owain."

Morgan smiled. "I can't believe aunt Lissa placed a frog on father's back! I wish I had done that instead."

"I remember hearing Robin yelling inside the tent while I was outside. It sounded like such a silly conversation." She smiled.

"Really? You're so lucky. I wish I heard father's reaction. It must've been hilarious!"

"I have to wonder if Lissa had brought more than one frog. Robin yelled as if there were multiple on him."

"Oh, I'm sure he was just being a drama queen." Morgan laughed. "But let's get down to the one and only grandfather himself, Chrom!" She said, looking through the records again. "Alrighty, it says: The very first person I met after being unconscious and losing my memories. He put me under his wing as he had made me his tactician, which I was reluctant at first, but took the role proudly. He is a kind man who attempts to follow his sister's ways, Emmeryn."

"Of course, here's the story of him being found on the field, again. But there's a lot more though." Morgan said, surprised.

"During the Plegian War, a second side of Chrom was shown to me. Many of us mourned Emmeryn's death, especially me as I gave myself the blame for the death, not being able to stop it. Chrom however, felt that it was because of him alone that we failed. He tore through enemy forces with force and hatred, rather than offering them a chance to leave in peace. It's a side of Chrom that surprised me, but made me see that this was a war, and gave me a reason to strategize on, and keep everybody else safe. After the war, he is married to Sumia, who had a daughter named Lucina. Chrom's daughters are Lucina and Cynthia."

"That was… interesting. Did you see your father when this had happened?"

"No, but I could tell he was devastated, and so was I. I tried to make sure Emmeryn stayed alive, but I failed." Lucina said, down.

"Hey, don't blame yourself, nobody could take the blame for what happened, especially you. There wasn't much that could've been done." Morgan said as she tried to console her.

"I guess so." Lucina said, but then sighed. "Morgan, I apologize for ruining the mood like this."

"Nah, it's alright. But I wonder what your entry might say though. It's probably just him saying how apologetic you are."

"I hope not." Lucina smiled.

Morgan looked through the records but noticed that Lucina's name was there, but seemed oddly outdated. "I kinda found yours?" Morgan said to her. The date on the back showed that it was back when Lucina had recently joined.

"May I see it?" Lucina asked. Morgan then passed her the paper. "Lucina is a protective woman who vows to protect her father, and this timeline from catastrophe. She is kind, but isn't one to tell jokes, or understand them either. Is the daughter of Chrom and Sumia."

"It seems that you're right." Lucina said as she looked at the back. "But it might mean that Robin wrote one for everybody and continued to write many more in case he needed to update it."

"It does make sense for him to do that. There were like four more entries in Chrom's name. Same goes for Sumia and Lissa. Also, my name is missing too, so I'm one hundred percent sure that he placed ours somewhere else. And I'm going to need your help to do that." Morgan smiled.

"You want me to help and look?" Lucina asked.

"Yes please."

"Alright then, but afterwards, we're heading back into the castle. It's uncomfortably warm in here."

"It's a deal." Morgan said, placing her hand out for Lucina to shake.

"A deal." Lucina repeated as she shook her hand.

"But while we're looking, do you mind if you could tell a story?" Morgan asked.

"Sure, but about what?" The princess asked.

"Any that you could recall."

"Okay then. I'll talk about the time we went into the woods for the first time as a family, and we had a picnic."

"Oh man, I loved that day!" Morgan said excitedly.

"So Robin and I had been enjoying the peace together until he had gained the idea to go into a nearby forest and have a picnic there..."

It's been over a week since Morgan had "grounded" herself, and the peace in Ylisse continued on. With this peace, Robin gained an idea, and had wanted to spend a day of peace, along with his family.

"Morgan, Lucy. Can I ask you something?"

"I don't know, can you?" Morgan said with a grin.

"…"

"Sorry, never happening again."

"Anyways... would you two be willing to go out and relax a bit?"

"Sure, but where exactly?" I asked.

"There's this forest a few minutes away from here. It's pretty close from here." He said.

"I guess a day with only the three of us sounds nice." I said happily.

"It also sounds good." Morgan said. "But I'm kinda still grounded, so..."

"Don't worry about that. Today could be an exception if you allow it." I said.

"Really?! Yes!" She said excitedly. "I wouldn't give up this chance to bond with just the two of you, anyways."

"Also, I understand that you may feel guilty for what happened a week ago, but why did you decide to ground yourself?" Robin asked.

"Well, if you wouldn't, who else would?" She replied back playfully.

"Do you want to go or not?"

"Yes please."

"Thought so." Robin slyly smiled. "Anyways, do you two want to go today, or is some other day best?"

"I don't have anything to really do, so I guess I'm ready to go." Morgan said.

"Neither do I. We could go today if you wish." I replied.

"Then I guess we'll go today then. Would you be able to get ready in an hour?" He asked.

"We'll be ready by then!" Morgan said happily as she answered for the both of us.

And so we had decided to go out as a family. I decided that because today would be quite an occasion, that I would wear something new. I decided to wear a dress. I went to my drawer where my mother had placed new clothes that fit me. I decided to wear a dress. It was fairly lengthy, going below my knees by a few inches, but it seemed well to wear. It was fairly reminiscent to the dress I wore on my first date with Robin, but it was a few shades lighter, and felt a bit more comfortable.

I had skipped the heels this time, and instead, wore basic footwear. However, an hour then quickly passed by. I went outside to the castle courtyard where I saw Morgan waiting by herself.

"Hey there mom! Looks like we beat dad, huh?" She said as I walked towards her.

"It seems that we did, though he may be making final preparations."

Morgan sighed. "Dad's always making preparations and plans, no matter what. It's what I aspire to do one day!" She chuckled. "Anyways, that's a nice dress you're wearing. I've actually never seen you in one until today, now that i think about it."

"Oh, um, thank you." I said surprised, and in slight embarrassment. I'm surprised that Morgan took note of this, then again, I almost never wear dresses as it is.

"Ah jeez, you're blushing? You and dad are always so tense." Morgan smiled.

"I guess we are." I said, showing a smile.

"Lighten up a bit. It's not like it's that important. It'll be like a walk in the park, or rather, forest."

"Right. I'll do so then." I smiled.

"Hey there you two." Robin said as he approached. "Sorry I'm late. I was just packing some stuff."

"I told you." Morgan whispered.

"It's alright, Robin. We recently just got here as well." I said, ignoring Morgan's statement.

"Ah, well that's good." He said relieved. "But, you do look beautiful in that dress." He said with a sincere smile.

"T-thank you." I said with a blush. "You look nice yourself." I complimented. He was wearing dark slacks with a white shirt, which really seemed to have fit him well.

"Thanks." He said, showing a slight blush. He then turned towards Morgan. "But how come you're wearing the same old tactician robes again?" He asked.

"I don't really like wearing anything else then this and besides, I'm ready to fight if the situation arises!" She said, making a pose with a Elwind tome.

"I guess it's good to be prepared just in case, but I highly doubt that we'll run into trouble anyways."

"Hey, you may thank me later." She said with a overconfident smile.

"Jeez, are we there yet?!" Morgan said in an exhausted groan.

"Just five minutes longer. I promise." Robin said, still continuing to walk on.

"Ah man! My legs are going to explode after all of this!" She complained.

We had been walking for nearly twenty minutes, and it was obvious to see that Morgan wasn't really tired, but bored. As we walked on, the trees seemed to have gotten bigger, and the atmosphere felt strangely safe.

However, I laughed seeing Morgan complain. I know it was wrong to do so, but she was acting quite funnily.

"Morgan's over there and complaining, and you're simply laughing here." Robin said jokingly as he walked towards me.

"Forgive me." I said with a grin. "Morgan is always so energized, and seeing her complain like that was surprising."

"Morgan may know much about tomes and tactics, but she's gotta work on her endurance." Robin smiled.

"Give me a break! I just got here. I haven't even had actual training since I arrived!" Morgan continued complaining.

"Lucina always trains and offers to train you. You're just lazy." Robin smirked.

"You've... Got a point." Morgan said, defeated.

I smiled. "Don't worry too much about this venture. We should be arriving soon, based on Robin's prediction."

"The hill ends up there." He pointed. "Endure it for a few minutes longer, Morgan."

"Finally!" She said, running. "Race you two there!" She said as she sprinted off.

"Where'd she get that energy from?" I said surprised. Just two minutes ago, Morgan was complaining about exhaustion but now, she simply dashed off.

Robin then began to run as he grabbed ahold of my hand. "We don't want to keep her waiting, do we?" He said.

I showed a smile. "Right."

We went up the hill quickly. The trees above our heads went and passed as we ran on. The sun shined strongly through the trees above our heads, creating many shadows below us.

We ran through the dirt as we created a trail of smoke through the wind. We eventually reached the top. "Well, here we are." Robin said, looking out towards the forest.

I looked at the sight, and was amazed. This bright day heavily illuminated the forests to look as brightest as they can, showing a remarkable green color. I then looked to my right where multiple flowers were. Each flower, looking lively as ever, as they showed off their colors. "Robin, this is amazing." I said in awe.

"This area looks so majestic!" Morgan said, in awe as well. "Did you know about this place?"

"I did. Chrom and Lissa once took me here. It's always a sight to see, no matter how many times you've been here." Robin said as he looked at his surroundings.

"You could say that again." Morgan said. There was then a rumble coming from the young tactician's stomach. "Hey uh, dad? Can we start eating?"

"Sure." He said, pulling out food from a basket.

Time quickly passed on as we ate and looked at the sights. It was a very relaxed day where not much really occurred, but it was one of those days where I was able to enjoy the new peace in this past timeline.

Morgan yawned as she laid down in a field of grass. "Man, this forest is really peaceful, you know that?"

"It really is." I replied back. The three of us were resting upon the grass, even though Robin had brought along sheets. I then began to feel a sense of drowsiness.

"Seems like both you and Morgan are worn out." Robin said.

"I'm not even tired. It's just that this place is so suitable for sleeping!" Morgan said happily.

"This area is surprisingly comforting. It's a bit strange." I said.

"That's how it usually feels like here. It's just remarkably peaceful. The only other time it's ever felt like this, was the Mila tree, but even then, it was a time of war so there was not much time to enjoy the view or relax." Robin said.

"Hey, aunt Lissa's always mentioned that day. She said it was a big step for the two of you."

"We'll tell you that story eventually." He said as he avoided the subject.

"Ah what? I always have to wait to get my questions answered, I guess." She said, lifting up her hands, then placing them back down. She yawned. "Wake me up when we're leaving." She said tiredly. "Night guys."

"Wait, Morgan, don't go to sleep right now-"

"Don't worry about it Lucy. Just let her sleep. The day will still remain bright for quite some time."

"I presume so." I replied back. "But what should we do in the meantime?"

"There isn't much, really." Robin said. He then caught a glimpse of the sun, which was starting to go down. He looked towards a spot with a perfect view of a sunset. "We could wait here for the sunset." He suggested.

"We shall wait then."

More time passed on as the resting Morgan remained in her same gentle spot, right behind us as we were awaiting the sunset. As time had passed on, I was beginning to get tired. I'm not sure whether it was due to the odd nature of this forest, or because I had finally made a reasonable sleeping pattern, ever since I began to sleep within the castle again.

I yawned.

"You seem tired as well." Robin said.

"I am." I replied back. "I think I may be next to go to sleep." I said with a weak smile.

"It seems likely."

I began to feel drowsy once again, but was distracted with the view of the newly lit sundown. The sun was going downwards as the orange color filled the sky completely. "Amazing what a simple sunset could look like." I said. I was never used to seeing this too often due to war or other matters being in the way, but on this one day, it seemed like an amazing oddity it was.

"Yeah. The sunset is always a beautiful sight, no matter where the location may be."

He then caught glimpse of my eyes. I think I was showing signs of exhaustion. "Hey, if you want to take a quick nap, just say so."

I showed a smile. "Right, I apologize for that." I said, now laying my head against Robin's shoulder. "I'll go ahead and do that." I said as I gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight, love." I said as I closed my eyes.

"L-Lucina?" Robin said, surprised and embarrassed.

I could tell simply by the way he spoke, that he was blushing. However, after this, I had gone to sleep.

"Wow, I didn't even know that happened when I was asleep." Morgan said, surprised. "Also, I didn't know you had pulled some moves on dad." Morgan said slyly.

"Admittedly, I never got used to flirting, but I assume that my drowsiness may have caused me to do that."

"No johns, mom." Morgan smiled.

Lucina gave a confused look. "Excuse me?"

"It means no excuses." She clarified.

"Ah, I see." Lucina said. "Anyways, may I ask what happened afterwards though? Robin told me that you had awoken almost as soon as I went to sleep."

"Well, I guess it's my turn to tell the story now." Morgan said as she cleared her throat. "Ahem, anyways, after I woke up, I saw it was getting dark and-"

"Aw man. What time is it?!" I said as I woke up from my nap.

"Most likely around seven." Robin responded. I then saw mother resting on his shoulder. She had a peaceful smile on her face.

"Seems you two had a romantic day." I said as I got up.

"Everything we do together has to be romantic, doesn't it."

"Well, you guys ARE engaged. I'll give you the privacy once you two are married though." I grinned slyly.

"W-what is that supposed to mean?!" Robin said, showing a blush.

"Huh, did I say something?" I said, pretending I never spoke. "Anyways, we should be getting home by now, shouldn't we? It's kind of late."

"Seems like it." He responded back with a sigh. "I guess I'll have to carry Lucina to the castle."

"Aww, poor dad."

"Not now please."

"I'm kidding." I said as I stood up. "This sounds like it's straight out of some fairy tale though." I said with a laugh.

"Yeah, yeah. But can you carry this basket for me though? Everything's already inside."

"Sure thing father."

With that, I grabbed ahold of the basket, and Robin went and carried Lucina, this time, being strong enough to do so for a while. We walked back to the castle. Luckily for the three of us, no risen showed up while we walked. Even if they did, it was likely that I would've taken care of them anyways, thanks to the remaining sunlight, and an upgraded Arcthunder tome Lissa gave me.

"Wouldn't want to be you. Having to carry mother all the way home." I said as we walked on.

"I'm just happy that we spent some time in peace, not in the castle."

"You don't like the castle?" I asked in confusion.

"I do, it just gets a bit stale though." He clarified.

"Yeah, I can see that. Then again, it might be you being grateful for a day of peace, after some of the things that happen there."

"Like you sending Severa's family a few meters in the air." Robin brought up.

"Yeah!"

"Let's just continue walking." He said as he walked ahead of me.

"Ah what?! Was it something I said?"

We arrived at the castle, where Sumia awaited.

"Hey there grandmother!" I said as I ran towards her.

"Hello Morgan. How did it go?"

"Pretty good. Both mother and I went to sleep though." I said with a laugh.

"Lucina's asleep?"

"Yeah." Dad said as he caught up.

"Ah, I see. But that is quite out of character for her." She said.

"I was surprised as well, but at the same time, it's nice seeing that she's able to relax with no worries."

"I guess it is." She smiled.

"But we'll see you later. I'll go drop off Lucina and Morgan to their rooms."

"Right. I'll see you tomorrow then." Sumia waved.

We continued to walk, as I decided to ask a question. "It's a bit early to get to bed though, isn't it?" I asked.

"It's almost 10, and we've been out since this morning."

"What's your point?"

"Just go to sleep please." Robin said, sounding tired.

"Fine. But this is the only time I'm going to sleep this early."

"We'll see." Robin replied.

"I'll see you later then. You better go to sleep if you're that tired though."

"I will." He said. "Sleep tight, Morgan." He smiled.

"Goodnight father. If mom wakes up, tell her I said to go to sleep, alright?" She grinned.

"Got it." He said as he waved goodbye.

Man. This was a heck of a day. Mom getting carried by dad the entire way was kinda funny though. I think that's why he's kinda grumpy. I thought to myself as I left and went to my room.

"You always enjoyed making fun of your father and I." Lucina said in annoyance.

"Of course, you guys were so sensitive and blushed whenever I mentioned your relationship." Morgan laughed.

"And you took advantage of that."

"Heh, yeah I did. Also, I found our records a few minutes ago!"

"You did? Where was it?" The pinches asked.

"It was hidden behind his desk. Yours was in a small drawer though."

"I see, but why did you wait until after the story to tell me?"

"I wanted to finish up the story first."

Lucina sighed. "Fair enough. But are you really going to read it?"

"Of course. It's only logical."

She then opened the folder and began to read. "Alright father, what do you have to say: Morgan. Now where can I begin with her? I met her in the area known as the "Ruins of Time" where she was unconscious with no memory, similar to me. After rescuing her, she revealed to us that she was my daughter. Lucina's and my daughter. I was surprised, but very happy hearing this. Getting to know Morgan was also an adventure, she showing herself to be a optimistic and cheerful (can't forget sadistic) girl. She aspires to become a tactician like me, and I can easily see her accomplishing this with some training. She loves to mess around with everybody around her, including (especially) her parents. Morgan is a girl with aspirations, and goals, and I'm proud that she is my, and Lucina's daughter."

"Father really did like me as his daughter, huh?" Morgan smiled weakly.

"Of course. He always did."

Morgan smiled, but looked at the folder once more, and turned it around. There's more?

Morgan looked at the page. Hello there Morgan. If you're reading this, then I'm most likely gone. I was hoping you wouldn't find these records, but if I tried to hide this, you'd find it anyways. Regardless, I just want to tell you one thing. I'm sorry. I left Chrom, Lissa, and my own fiancé and daughter. I don't know if you're mad or not, but either way, forgive me for what I did. I'll try my hardest to come back, if it's possible. If by chance, I never come back, I want to let you know, that I was thinking about you and Lucina until the end. Again, I'm sorry. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I want you to be strong. For me, for your mother, and for yourself. I'll try to make it back and remember, that I'll always be with you, even if i'm not there. - Your father, Robin.

"Morgan, are you alright?" Lucina asked.

She stood silently. "Y-yeah. I'm fine." She smiled. She dropped the folder.

"Are you sure?" She said, picking up the folder, and reading.

"No. I'm not." She said, starting to tear up. "Father. Why did he have to leave?"

"He did this to protect us. He wanted everybody's future to remain safe."

"I know, but… I miss him." She said, now crying.

Lucina went to his daughter and gave her an embrace. "I know. I miss him too. I don't know when he's coming back, but I know he is. He'll come back to us."

"Do… do you mean it?" Morgan asked.

"Yes. We just have to wait."

"I know that. I want him to be with us. I want all of us to be truly happy."

"I know Morgan." Lucina said, trying to comfort her.

"I just want us all to be together again." She said, crying on her shoulder.

"He'll be back soon. He will."

A/N: And after a few months, I'm back. On the spooky day, of all days. You know, a halloween chapter would've been nice to write. Oh well. Anyways, I'm back and will begin that bi-weekly update schedule. I was hesitant to say if I was gonna be gone, but I ended up not, because I was hoping that I was going to finish this chapter. School then started, killing my free time, MGSV wasted too much of my time, and I started playing Smash bros Melee whenever I had time. Anyways, I was working on this chapter for some time, probably around a week or so. I just had too little free time to write. Next chapter will be short, so it will be uploaded in a few days, likely one week. As for Robin, just give me three more chapters of non-story chapters, and I'll finish up the story (which is around 6 or so chapters left.) Last thing, I'm going to a Smash Melee tournament as I'm typing, so if you're bored and staying home for Halloween, go on to twitch and to Sigmelee. Anyways, I'm off. I'll finish the story, hopefully by the end of the year. Have a good one!