The environment of a battle is one of the most important aspects you must plan for. It can either be your strongest ally, or your deadliest foe.

Take rain for example. Just one quick shower can make a battlefield muddy, slowing all ground troops. Or a desert, the heat and sand drastically diminishing your options.

Sea, land, desert, grassy plain. Much like soldiers, each has strengths and weaknesses that you must both recognize, and exploit, if you wish to accomplish victory.

Now, in the following sub-chapters I shall explain some of the environments you may find yourself in. Take note that no two battlefields will ever be the same, so always be on the lookout for-

*Bang bang bang* "FATHER! Are you in there!?"

Sekai looked up and over at the cabin door. It had been about three weeks since he had sailed away from Valm back to Ylisse. Supposedly the winds and currents were being exceptionally generous, so they were due to arrive within a couple of days. Which worked out well since, according to the captain, food stores were running out quicker than expected. No stowaways had been discovered, Sekai having helped in the searches himself, so it was chalked up to just some idiot dock worker doing a miscount.

"Yes, Owain I am. What do you need?"

Owain opened the door. "Our destined battle of wits and will is soon to be upon us. I have come to retrieve you as you requested."

Sekai nodded. "Thank you Owain. And you could just say the card game is starting soon."

Owain furrowed his brows in confusion. "But I did..."

Sekai sighed. "Never mind. Let me grab my coat."

Owain smiled and nodded. "I'll wait for you Father."

Sekai stood and pushed in his chair, pulling his coat off the chair and putting it on. He then clasped the journal closed and neatly put it on a pile of other books. With a nod, the two men began walking towards the galley where the semi-nightly card games were being held.

"So Owain, how has your day been?"

"Great Father, I battled with my eternal rival, and discovered long lost secrets with my sister."

Sekai nodded. "Good to see you are helping Morgan with her studies. Anything interesting happen in training with Gerome?"

Owain sighed. "No, lost again."

Sekai shrugged. "Winning or losing doesn't matter, only that you get stronger from the experience."

"I suppose, but how about you Father?"

"Hmm, what do you mean?"

"Well, what have you done today?"

Sekai shrugged again. "Nothing much. Studied a few old maps and wrote in my journal."

Owain furrowed his brow. "I've been meaning to ask Father, that journal you are writing in...is it by chance your strategy book?"

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "You know of it?"

Owain smiled. "Of course, it is one of Morgan's favorites. I can't tell you how many times Morgan would shove it in my face. "Owain, did you know Father-"

"OWAIN!" Sekai barked, causing the future boy to jump in fear.

"Ahh!...Father...what's wrong?"

Sekai sighed. "Sorry Owain, didn't want to startle you but...well, at this point in time I've only just started writing in that journal. Up until now, I've only written in it once or twice."

Owain's eyes widened in realization. "Ohhh, so you don't wish to be told what you will write...but Father, why start now?"

Sekai gained a look of sadness. "Basilio was the one who gave me the journal in the first place...always said he wanted to read it..."

Owain kept silent as he looked down at the ground in front of him. No one liked talking about Basilio's...defeat, but few more so than his father. No one also knew how to console him since he tended to veer away from the subject. Sekai seemed to want to avoid the subject altogether...

Sekai released a deep breath. "But let's not focus on that. I actually need to talk with you and Morgan about your cover stories later."

Owain raised an eyebrow. "Cover stories?"

Sekai nodded. "Chrom is adamant that once this...situation with Grima is resolved, that the true origin of you children is revealed. But until that time, you will all have to undertake new identities. No name changes will be necessary, except in Lucina's case, but you will have to introduce a different past than what you have."

Owain remained silent for a moment thinking this over. Sekai wasn't surprised, it wasn't easy to hide your past no matter the reason. But if the general populace knew of the coming future, optimists like Chrom would like to believe everyone would unite together to prevent such an atrocity. Sekai, ever the realist, saw more of a...chaotic reaction to the news of the coming apocalypse. It had taken some arguing, but Sekai had finally convinced Chrom it was best to keep Grima's coming return on the down low, at least to make things easier. But convincing Owain probably wouldn't-

"That idea is EXCELLENT Father!"

even be needed.

"Huh?"

"Yes, just imagine. A hidden group, coming from the future to avert it's coming destruction. Figures hiding in plain sight as they go about their mission. Ooohh, can I make up my story? Can I PLEASE?"

Sekai blinked and then chuckled. Of course Owain would be excited at the prospect. Running his hair through his future son's hair, Sekai smiled. "Sure kiddo, just try to keep it...normal."

Owain looked confused. "What do you mean by "normal" Father?"

Sekai scoffed in amusement. "Just please, no "inner darkness" or "twitching sword hand"."

"But, that is my heroic back story Father. A scion of legend fighting an inner darkness as he strives to do what is good and true!"

Sekai sighed. "Of course it is. Look, just try and keep your false back story's drama to a minimum. We are trying to have you avoid attention."

Owain also gave a sigh. "Well, if that's what you think is best."

Sekai was about to respond when he was interrupted by a sudden shout. "BUBBLES! THERE YOU ARE!"

A smell of mixed sweets and sweat suddenly assaulted Sekai as he felt a sticky arm wrap itself around his neck unnecessarily tight.

"Ack" he coughed out.

"Heya there Bubbles, how are youuu doing today?" Gaius said

There was a faint smell of alcohol and peppermint on Gaius's breath.

"Gaius...are you drunk?"

"What? Bubbles, how could you even INSINUATE such a thing?"

The voice was hurt, but the face showed guilty amusement. Sekai sighed.

"Gaius, why are you doing this? You know what Cordelia will do to the both of us if she ever discovers you got drunk."

"Pfft, that's why we DON'T tell. We can keep this as a secret, and use it to reinforce our bond of friendship and...and brotherhood and-"

"DADDY, WHAT IN THE GODS ARE YOU DOING!"

All three men visibly winced at the loud and shrill voice. Severa quickly pulled Gaius off Sekai and began dragging him off, lecturing the whole way.

"I swear, just because Mother isn't here doesn't mean you can just go and-"

The rest was inaudible as the orange haired girl dragged the thief away, the thief making feeble attempts to escape. Sekai and Owain stood in silence for a moment before Sekai turned and began walking to the galley.

"Yes Owain, I do think that is best."

Owain looked at Sekai, looked at where Severa had just dragged off Gaius, looked back at Sekai and then ran to catch up to him.

...

Once it had been announced Sekai was going back to Ylisse to host the Saint's Day Festival, a small "escort" was assembled to travel with him, along with the injured.

Gaius, Severa, Stahl, Kjelle, Henry, Lucina, and Nah were the escort. Ricken and Vaike were being transported back to sit out the rest of the war. The last group, composed of Lon'Qu, Cherche, and Gerome, were traveling back to Ferox to handle business. Apparently Lon'Qu was now the temporary Western Khan, and had to go and handle some political business.

Sekai had continued on his slow method of revealing the purpose behind his birth. Stahl didn't care, Gaius simply said everyone had their secrets, Ricken was actually very determined to "help" Sekai, and apparently Henry already knew. He hadn't told Vaike yet, or any of the future children of course. That piece of information would have to be handled...delicately. Sekai also found it very annoying that the one thing he had spent most of his life dreading having to share was being accepted so easily. Sure it was heartwarming and all that, but it almost seemed to make all those years of fear and meticulous manipulation of conversations and subjects...a waste of time.

Still, it did feel nice to be accepted.

"I call your bluff."

Sekai smiled as he lifted the cards and flipped them over, revealing two fives. Vaike swore as he pulled the rather large coin pile back towards him and added it into his hands. There were currently playing bluff, the third hand in five. Currently Sekai and Lon'Qu were tied, with the other players including Owain, Vaike, Stahl, and Kjelle.

"I still don't see what this has to do with training...three sixes." Kjelle said putting down her cards.

"You're learning how to better read your opponents. A valuable skill, right Lon'Qu?" Sekai said.

Lon'Qu nodded as he placed a single card down on the pile. "One seven."

Owain looked at his cards and then grabbed two, placing them down onto the pile. "Three eights."

Sekai looked at his cards. He had three eights. "I call your bluff son."

Owain groaned as he flipped over a five and a nine. Sekai then put his three eights down, and looked over at Morgan and Nah who were both reading a book. Ricken was looking over Morgan's shoulder and the two had entered an animated discussion about whatever was written inside. Gerome sat nearby, arms folded and sitting still, though whether or not he was sleeping Sekai couldn't tell.

"How is the game going?" Cherche asked as she walked into the galley, Henry following shortly after.

"It's only just begun, so can't say to much right now. But I'm glad everyone's here, we have to discuss what the current plan for this next month is going to be."

All of the players put down their cards, and everyone put down what they were doing. Nah looked over at Sekai.

"What do you mean Sekai?"

"Well, I don't know how many time you children were able to celebrate the Saint's Day festival, but it is quite an...exuberant affair. Music, games, stalls, and LOTS of people having fun."

Morgan tilted her head in confusion. "I don't understand Father, you make it sound like that's a problem."

Sekai stroked his chin. "It's not. We want the people to enjoy themselves, but Ylisstol is about to experience an enormous population growth, and the city guard won't be able to keep track of everything."

Stahl spoke up. "Basically, you are worried somebody is going to try something, correct?"

Sekai nodded. "The Royal family has always been a target during events such as this. Normally a volunteer force of extra guardsmen are assembled, but with most of them having already volunteered for Valm, the chances of our guard force significantly expanding will be low."

Lon'Qu spoke up. "They won't be able to cover everything."

"Yes, and I fear with Lissa's condition along with the current war, certain parties will be emboldened to attempt something."

Stahl grew a determined look. "Don't worry Sekai. I promised Sir Frederick I would guard you and Lissa and I will."

Sekai smirked. "I know Stahl. Why do you think I chose everybody in the escort party here?"

Kjelle looked confused. "Wait, you aren't worried about any attacks?"

Sekai scoffed. "Of course I am. It's my job to worry. But I just have to have faith all of you will be able to protect us. That brings me to my main point kids, we have to go over your cover stories."

"Cover...stories?" Gerome asked.

Sekai nodded. "We can't let the general populace know about Grima just yet, to many risks involved. So for now, all of you will be soldiers or mercenaries we recruited in Valm."

"Wait, won't people find it a little odd you just randomly picked us all up?" Nah asked.

Sekai sighed. "Much as I hate to admit it, it's thanks to Chrom's unhealthy affinity for just recruiting anyone he meets that will allow this ruse to work. Remember, we picked up Gaius as he was working with assassin's aiming for Emmeryn, and Tharja was recruited at Emmeryn's execution."

Stahl laughed. "He found you lying unconscious in a field."

Sekai nodded. "How he hasn't been killed yet I don't know. But in any case, no one will find the idea to far fetched I hope. We just have to make sure you all know your stories. Gerome, your parents and you will figure out your own since you will be joining them in Ferox."

Lon'Qu looked over at Sekai for a second before turning away. He wanted to speak later privately.

"So...what are the stories going to be?" Nah asked.

"Well, I figured Owain and Severa would be partner mercenaries we hired. Morgan could be a tactician apprenticed to me. Kjelle will be a Resistance soldier we have brought along, and as for you Nah...hmmm, perhaps an apprentice of the Voice?"

Everyone stared at Sekai with blank expressions, causing him to feel irritated. "What?"

Lon'Qu scoffed. "So we know Owain didn't get his creativity from you."

"Yeah, no offense Father, but those were kind of lame." Morgan said. Everyone else just nodded and muttered agreement.

Sekai glared at them all and growled. "It doesn't matter, just keep the future a secret. I need to go talk with the captain about our estimated time of arrival. If you will all excuse me."

And with that he left to speak with the captain. Lon'Qu sighed as he got up to follow.

...

"Thank you Captain."

"Anything for royalty sir."

Sekai turned and exited the captain's quarters. He walked out onto the deck and stared up at the night sky, feeling the cool sea breeze on his face. He heard a small creak behind him as a figure walked up to him. It didn't take long to figure out who it was.

"Some time since we last looked up at the stars, hasn't it?"

Lon'Qu walked up and joined Sekai. "Indeed."

"Can I assume you wish to discuss something with me?"

Lon'Qu nodded. "It's actually an offer really. It won't take long for me to complete the business I have in Ferox. Three days max. So my family and I could come and partake in the Festival."

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "I thank you for the offer, but it might not help much. No offense, but a swordsmen and two wyvern riders, impressive combatants they may be, won't help to much defending the entire city."

Lon'Qu scoffed. "You misunderstand. We would come as guests. A foreign leader, his wife and bodyguard."

Sekai caught onto the meaning. "Buy you wouldn't have just one bodyguard would you. You'd have a small force."

Lon'Qu nodded. "And with Ylisstol security so low, it wouldn't be to difficult to bring in a small force to oversee security."

Sekai stroked his chin. "It would make things easier, though we'll have to make sure the two forces cooperate and follow orders."

Lon'Qu raised an eyebrow. "These men are professionals. Why wouldn't they follow orders?"

Sekai raised a hand. "forgive me, I did not mean to imply they wouldn't. I'm just worried how they will react to me giving the orders."

Lon'Qu caught onto his meaning. "You worry they will blame you for Basilio's death."

Sekai nodded. "Apparently one of the deciding factors in the war during the children's time was the Feroxians losing faith in me after Basilio's death. I worry it may happen again is all."

Lon'Qu nodded. "Understandable, but you need not worry. I'm certain Khan Flavia told you this, but Feroxians focus on actions. Basilio died to save his men, a death all of them would accept in a heartbeat."

"Yes, but it was my plan that sent him to his...death. Surely some will blame me."

"They will, but they will pass judgment on your actions from now on. If you make his sacrifice worthwhile, you will be remembered in songs as a hero. Make it in vain, and they would curse your name."

"You make it sound so simple."

Lon'Qu shrugged. "It is our way. I have faith in you if that helps."

Sekai smirked. "It kind of does. Thank you Lon'Qu."

Lon'Qu nodded. "Of course. But if I may ask a question, earlier when you talked about possible assailants, you sounded like you had a few suspects. Is that true?"

Sekai nodded. "I'm worried what my father would try and do. I don't need to be a genius to know he does not...approve of my marriage with Lissa. If he were to know he is soon to be a grandfather..."

Lon'Qu put a hand reassuringly on Sekai's shoulder. "She will be fine. We'll make sure of it."

"Of course she will. I just wish I knew what my father was planning. Hahhh, no use worrying about it I suppose."

Lon'Qu nodded. "Perhaps he won't try anything."

Sekai scoffed. "Now THAT would be a Saint's Day miracle."

...

Meanwhile in a fortress in Plegia.

A dark figure stood staring at a statue of the Fell Dragon, a large book open on a pedestal at the foot of the statue. He made no movement when a shadowy figure entered the room behind him, and didn't acknowledge it's presence. After some time the figure finally spoke.

"Master, the forces are ready to head out on your order."

The figure turned a page and continued to read. It felt like an eternity before he finally spoke.

"Good. Send them to Ylisstol at once. We have much to do, and a short time to do it. And Validar? Please emphasize the importance of stealth. I do not want ANY of them found, do you understand?"

Validar nodded, standing up to bow. "By your will Master Grima."

The figure scoffed then returned to his reading, signifying to the Plegian King that he should depart, which he promptly did.

...

"ALRIGHT YOU PATHETIC PUKES, GET TO UNLOADING!"

Sekai walked off the gangplank and onto solid ground. After three weeks at sea, they had landed in the same port they'd originally departed from. It was impressive how quickly the Feroxians had fixed the damage done by the Valmese. Aside from a few still broken buildings and bridges, you wouldn't be able to tell only three months earlier the area had been nearly destroyed. Most of the others had already disembarked and were getting ready to find temporary lodgings. Sekai had stayed behind to wait for the ship carrying the mounts to dock so he could lead Ron'Shin off.

Lon'Qu walked up beside him."Glad to be home Lon'Qu?"

Lon'Qu nodded. "I have talked with the local dock manager. Payments and docking fees are being wavered and some soldiers have been called for to escort us to Lissa and Maribelle."

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "They're here?"

Lon'Qu nodded. "It's talk of the town, the princess of Ylisse remaining in this town. They will escort us to the lodging she has been lent. From there your group can leave for Ylisstol. Once we are done with business here, my family and a security force shall join you in Ylisstol."

Sekai nodded. "I'll make the necessary preparations for such an arrival. Though there may be some...complications."

Lon'Qu raised an eyebrow. "You expect resistance?"

An image of Lord Byron appeared in Sekai's mind. "Nothing I can't handle. I'll just have to be...delicate."

Lon'Qu shook his head. "I'll never understand Ylissean politics. In Ferox, if you have a problem with someone you challenge them to a fight. There is no appeasement anywhere."

Sekai smiled. "I do so love that aspect of your political system."

Lon'Qu looked behind him. "Seems the ship carrying the animals has docked. Let's go get the wyverns then."

Sekai raised an eyebrow. "You're getting Minerva? That's unexpected."

"Cherche wishes for me and Minerva to grow closer is all."

Sekai shrugged as the two men turned to get the wyverns. He did turn back however and look at the city, one thought crossing his mind.

Lissa, I'm coming to see you now.

So I know I said the Saint's day thing would be this chapter, but I realized that if I wanted to properly do this thing with Grima that I'd have to split the chapter. So I did. Expect it hopefully before or on Christmas day.

But I will answer some reviews.

Lokisdottir: Hey man, that's actually a good idea for maybe an Outrealm thing. I'm trying to stick as close to the original Awakening storyline as I can, and in all honesty I don't ship Flavia with Basilio. They seem more like platonic life partners to me. But that is something I will consider.

Guest: Let's do yours in order.

No I will not be doing a lemon fic between these two. It's just not my thing really.

Yes I am still hoping to do the outrealm thing, but it would have to wait until I am done with this story. I have a pretty cool idea to open it up, but I kind of need someone dead.

Well, I like to have fun imagining how I'd tell the story of things I enjoy. Not much else to do but imagine in several situations surprisingly. But in all honesty I'd always thought someone had already done this whole no amnesia schtick I have. I still can't believe how "original" of an idea this is. But as for a particular reason, there really wasn't one. One day I just went ahhh screw it and started writing. Three months and now 37 chapters later, here we are.

And I'm always open to suggestions, so long as you understand I retain the right to ignore them in favor of a different idea.

Fuzzyjacket: Hope this helps your apparent need for "moar".

All right, I'll try and get this done before Christmas. Little teaser for funsies (Yes I just typed that, you don't own me)

The conversation was dragging on and on, but Sekai found himself pleasurably enduring it by daydreaming about wrapping his hands around the fat man's neck and squeezing.

Gods did he hate nobles. Except Maribelle and her family. They were surprisingly tolerable. Mostly. At least they didn't blather on and on, and oh gods was he STILL talking?

Maybe Lon'Qu was right and he should just challenge the noble. Naga knew it would make him happy to beat the man.