Hi,

As this is a consistent story, I won't keep you long with the introductions to each Chapter unless I feel the need to. This is a direct continuation of the last Chapter and I hope you enjoy it.

A huge thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, gave this story a favourite and/or followed it, I appreciate all of your support and I hope that this story continues to capture your interest. =)

*Spoilers Warning* Definite spoilers about the 'true' end of 'Awakening'. Also spoilers about other elements of the plot throughout the game.

Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with 'Fire Emblem [Awakening]', its locations, characters etc. All rights go to their respective owners.

Rated T. (*Warning* Minor suggestive themes and language.)

Together Again?: Warnings, Threats and Insecurities

The castle doors burst open as the still seething Exalt stormed out, heading for the nearby garden. he needed some air after that meeting. He needed to get away from all of this, everything was far too...stifling.

When he turned a corner in order to reach his destination, he was surprised to find his daughter playing in the grass whilst being watched over by Cordelia who was holding her recently born babe- Severa- in her arms. It was unknown what had happened to the Severa from the alternate future, like most of the children after the war, she'd gone on to do her own thing but he'd recalled her as a rather sarcastic girl who was very irritable and hated his guts for some reason or another. Lucina looked as bubbly and as happy as usual and seeing her like that calmed him somewhat. That child was born from love, trust and a relationship that was so strong that it couldn't be broken by anything. Not even taking how much it would hurt him into account, bringing another child into the world that wouldn't be born for the same reasons Lucina was would be too cruel especially since there was no way that he could ever bring himself to want another women let alone love them.

Upon seeing her father, the two-year-old half ran, half stumbled over to him, tugging on his pant leg in order to draw his attention. "Pick me..." She ordered him and- being the doting father he was- of course he gave in, scooping her up into his arms.

"Heh, you're such a bossy little thing, just like your mother." He winked at her and she just stared at him in confusion, clearly not understanding his words. One of her large, blue eyes featured the same Brand that adorned one of his arms. It was a sign of their heritage, their blood and their responsibilities. In a way, it was also a curse as well as a blessing however, it was always a symbol that would garner them respect.

"L-Lord Chrom!" Cordelia muttered, finally realising he was there. As always when she was near him, a slight blush would dust over her cheeks and she would lose some of the confidence and grace that she normally carried herself with...and people always noticed her reaction to him well, except for him himself of course, he was oblivious even to this day and Cordelia couldn't help feeling that it was better that way; Robin was his only love and she'd hate to be the one to destroy their bond especially after what she did for all of them.

"Cordelia, thank you for taking care of Lucy for me, I appreciate it." His warm smile made her heart skip a beat.

"I-it was no problem, Milord. I wanted to come out here anyway to give Severa some fresh air." She muttered as she looked down at the tiny bundle in her arms.

Chrom couldn't help but feel his heart melt as he looked at the little baby who was even tinier than Lucina was when she was newly born. Lucina was wriggling about in his arms clearly struggling to break free and eventually Chrom gave into her demands, placing her at his feet before strolling over to sit beside Cordelia on the bench she was currently occupying.

As his little girl went off to go and play again, he sighed to himself, sounding worn out to his own ears.

"Milord?" Cordelia's concerned voice made him meet her gaze.

"Just Chrom, please, we've known each other long enough to be beyond formalities; not like they were ever required..."

No, he never wanted to be referred to by anything other than 'Chrom' even when he first met Robin. Neither he nor Lissa or Fredrick had told her of their attachments to royalty. He still found her reaction when she finally realised that they were royalty and that Frederick was a Royal Knight rather amusing. She'd clued on when Lissa had referred to Emm as their sister and- being the incredibly smart woman she was- of course Robin had picked up on it. She then tried to bow and be respectful only to end up knocking into several stalls and people in the process. It was rather funny but also slightly embarrassing and a perfect example of why he hated royal titles.

Before when he'd just been 'Chrom', he'd been treated no differently from anyone else. He was just another person but the second his royal title came into play, she'd automatically panicked for fear of him being offended by her casual treatment of him when in actual fact he'd appreciated the normalcy of just having people say his name and treat him like any other person.

"C-Chrom...I want to apologise for being out of action lately. The search for Robin and keeping Ylisse safe are both very important and I'm afraid I haven't done much to aid you with either of those tasks as of late..." She trailed off, her red hair bristling in the wind. There was an insecure look in her eyes as she looked down at her daughter.

"Nonsense, Cordelia! You've been pregnant and you gave birth just a month and a half ago; of course you haven't been able to be on the front lines for a while or to help search for Robin, we haven't expected you to be."

She turned her head to the side looking in the direction of Lucina who seemed to be occupying herself by trying to capture a butterfly.

Heh, a butterfly. He found himself reminiscing to the time when the alternate Lucina had come to his time sporting a butterfly mask. She looked so feisty, strong and brave whilst wearing it, the mysterious 'masked man' had come to their aid many times. Chrom could never have predicted who 'Marth' would've turned out to be, not even if he'd been given a million years and limitless guesses.

"It's just...becoming a mum...it's made me think about her." She titled her chin in the direction of Lucy. "About how hard it must be for her to not have Robin in her life. D-Don't get me wrong, you're doing great as a single father! It's just...the kids from the alternate future lost their parents, their versions of us but in this world they all still have or will- with any luck- have both of their parents except for her. I just wonder how it'll be for Lucina when she grows up and starts to question her friends about their mothers and why she hasn't got one..." Cordelia trailed off, leaving the thought to linger.

Chrom sighed inwardly, every member of the Shepherds that had become a mother- Miriel, Cherche, Sumia and Maribelle thus far- had had a discussion of a similar nature and every time it was brought up, it caused him pain. Of course this line of thinking had occurred to him even without their input! He'd be a fool if he'd at not least considered how hard it'd be for Lucina when she was finally capable of questioning these things. He was grateful that so many people cared for both himself and his daughter however, sometimes he wished that they wouldn't treat him like he was naïve or needed these things pointing out a trillion times before they would sink in.

When Chrom didn't respond Cordelia turned to face him again in order to gauge his reaction in case her line of conversation had upset him but- much to her surprise- she found that he looked as if he was contemplating something and was too lost in thought to continue their discussion. So she just sat in silence and tended to her daughter instead.

"Chroom!" A shrill, high pitched voice called out behind them. The Exalt jumped slightly and turned to see Lissa approaching him, waving her hands like a maniac all the while.

"Waaaahh!" The responding high-pitched noise filled the air as Severa who was just beginning to settle in Cordelia's arms began to cry due to Lissa's sudden unexpected outburst.

Cordelia, sighing to herself stood up and began to bounce the baby in her arms whilst trying to shush her. Chrom could see Lucy covering her ears as she looked over, clearly irritated with the baby's crying.

Chrom could safely say that he didn't miss this part of having a new-born.

"Heh sorry about that, Cordelia." Lissa was now only a few feet from where they stood and was scratching the side of her head awkwardly.

Cordelia just shook her head. "Don't worry Milady, it was an accident and I should probably take her inside now anyway." Bowing as best she could in Lissa's direction, she then started to walk back towards the castle.

Lissa puffed her cheeks out in frustration. "When will she stop being so formal with me?!"

Chrom's amused smile caught his younger sister's attention as she came to join him on the bench.

She let out a breath as she rested her arms against her knees and placed her head on her palms. "Well...that could've gone better."

Chrom found himself nodding in agreement. "Yes, honestly, did you really have to yell like that? Young babies are so hard to settle-"

"No not that!" Lissa rolled her eyes at her brother. "I meant the meeting."

Chrom froze.

"I'm sorry Chrom, all of the Shepherds are; if we'd had any clue what the meeting was going to be about then we would've cancelled it before even approaching you to tell you about it." She frowned as she took in her brother's face. He was slightly older-looking than he had been during the war. Of course he'd aged- that much was obvious- however the majority of his physical changes seemed to have been caused by exhaustion more than anything since he still retained a rather youthful appearance for his age despite the circles around his eyes and the cautious way he held himself since Robin's 'death'.

Chrom just shook his head, waving his hand dismissively. "No need to concern yourself with it. The advisors are there to give the people a voice; they were just doing their job."

Lissa folded her arms across her chest and pouted. "Yeah, at your expense! Honestly, I wonder if Emm ever had to put up with 'advice' like that?! I mean...I get that serving the will of the people is important but...to ask you to move on from Robin just so you can have more kids is disgusting and downright creepy if you ask me. I mean anyone would think you're just a spe-"

Chrom quickly placed a hand over her mouth in panic "Woah-kay, don't finish that sentence, please. You're my sister, I never want to hear words like that leaving your mouth, do you understand?"

Lissa grabbed at his hand, an amused glint in her eyes. "I'm not a little kid anymore, Chrom. I know how babies are made."

Chrom groaned in frustration. Shaking his head to try and deny Lissa's words: you're still my baby sister to me though! You always will be!

They sat in silence for a brief moment before Chrom spoke up again. "Lissa...do you think I'm being selfish?"

Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion.

Chrom looked at his daughter out of the corner of his eye, clearly ignoring her father and auntie as she continued to be an uncontrollable bundle of energy. "Well...my baby girl doesn't have a mother nor does she have any siblings to play with. Ylisse has been without a Queen for nearly a couple of years and all I can think of is how I'd rather die than replace Robin and that- even if I did agree to remarry- I'll never be able to marry a woman that I actually care for." His hands balled into fists. "Sure, when it comes to my private life, of course I think it's of no business to the Halidom whether I'm married or not or whether I have a woman who is carrying my child but for Lucina...how can I allow her to grow up without a mother to look up to or at least one sibling to take care of?" His mind drifted to thoughts of the alternate Lucina's relationship with Morgan; they were incredibly close and always had each other's backs no matter what. ...In this world, unless they found Robin, Morgan wouldn't even exist!

This time, it was Lissa's turn to cover her brother's mouth with her hand before he could carry on spouting such ridiculous nonsense. "Now you listen to me, Chrom! Lucina does have a mother; Robin! She may not be with her right now but she will be one day- you're the one who keeps reminding us Shepherds about that when yet another day goes by without her return. When she does come back, how would she feel knowing that you remarried or had gotten a woman pregnant just to keep the Halidom appeased? Because it wouldn't be for your benefit or Lucina's for that matter regardless of how you twist it.

"Speaking of Lucina, how would it look to her if you remarried or had a child with some random woman she's never met? Her mother was a hero who saw the Shepherds through three wars! Who- against all the odds- took on her destiny and won and who sacrificed everything to save the world. She wasn't just some woman who bore you a child; she was- and is- your other half, your soulmate and your wife. You can tell just by watching little Lucy that even though her Mummy isn't with her or with you right now, she knows that she was born out of love and that means more to her than just having some random woman try to fill the role of 'Mother figure' for her in Robin's absence. There isn't anyone who would even come close to being on a par with her mother, let alone someone who could outright replace her."

Chrom let his sister's words sink in for a moment as she shifted so she could stare straight into his eyes with her own that were pleading with him to believe her. "Please don't let what your advisors tell you or what other people tell you break you. Remember when you decided to follow in Emm's footsteps by following your heart? Well, as your sister, I can tell that if you did this, you wouldn't be doing that and it would kill you on the inside more than losing Robin already has done."

Suddenly, a steely determination filled Chrom's gaze. Lissa's right. He thought to himself. I can't let them get to me, I can't let them break me!

"Thank you, Lissa. You're right of course, I guess I'm just in a vulnerable place right now."

Lissa moved away and smiled slightly at her brother, "Don't worry, we all know you're capable of being a big dolt sometimes." She winked at him and he laughed. "-And besides...in three days time we'll be marking two years since her disappearance, I think you have a right to be insecure right now."

The mood between the siblings became sombre as they got lost in their own memories of Robin. Lissa recalled how after Emm's official funeral, Robin had held her in an embrace as she cried, never leaving her side even when people kept trying to call her away. Eventually, a stricken Chrom found them both and Robin had just opened her arms to allow for him to join his sister and the siblings grieved together until they fell asleep in Robin's arms.

The next morning when they awoke, Robin was already up and about; she didn't mention their show of weakness again for which they were both grateful.

Whilst Chrom recalled the first morning he'd woken up with her next to him after their union. Her eyes were still half lidded and she looked so content in his arms. He'd expected her to be embarrassed at their state of undress but in actual fact, he was the only one who felt uncomfortable and Robin had teased him about it all that morning.

"Chrom-?" Lissa said his name then seemed to hesitate.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Hmm? What is it?"

Lissa thought about coming straight out with it and then decided to beat around the bush. "Do you...do you remember Owain?"

How could I forget? Chrom thought to himself, recalling his eccentric nephew who was the exact opposite of Lucina in every way. He was loud, brash and excitable. Admittedly, it took Chrom some time to warm up to the young man simply because of how different his personality was from his own but eventually he was able to accept Owain and his more elaborate way of doing things and they'd developed an incredibly close bond.

"Yes, I do. He's my nephew after all."

"Well...err..how should I put this? I'm...expecting." She coughed slightly, trying to disguise the word 'expecting'.

But of course he picked up on it..."What?! Owain is paying us a visit?"...

...And completely missed the point she was trying to make... Lissa sighed in exasperation. "No Chrom as in I'm expecting- you know- a baby?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh. Oh!" His eyes widened in shock as the news began to sink in. "Oh..."

"Geez, Chrom, you got anything else to say." She frowned, decidedly unimpressed.

All of a sudden, Chrom pulled his sister into a hug. "Congratulations, Lissa! I'm happy for you."

"Yo-you are?!"

Chrom nodded seemingly genuine.

"*Few* I'm glad to know, I thought you'd end up breaking something namely my husband."

They laughed with one another for a time; the mood had lightened somewhat. Until...

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH...!" Lucina's ear-splitting scream drew the attention of Lissa and Chrom. To begin with, they'd both just assumed that she'd tripped over a rock or something however, as they took in the scene around them, they realised that Lucina was looking at something, pointing at it in fear.

Chrom bolted in the direction of his daughter. "Lu-Lu, what is it? What's wro-"

He was cut off as he took at the object his daughter was pointing at, just inches away from Lucy's feet, an arrow was stuck in the grass with a note attached. Chrom had his daughter in his arms in an instant, wrapping her tight in his embrace as he surveyed the sky to see if he could spot anymore arrows or a culprit of some sort.

While he was distracted, Lissa bent down to pick up the note, just managing to scoop it up in time before a strong grip on her arm pulled her back.

"What do you think you're doing didn't you see the arrow protruding from the ground?!" Chrom seethed through gritted teeth.

Lissa just ignored him as she read the single line on the note once in her head before whispering it out loud.

'We're coming for you...'

"Is that really all it says?" Chrom spat out.

Lissa nodded, her eyes widening in horror.

Lucina whimpered as she buried her face further into Chrom's chest. She wasn't used to seeing her dad when he was angry but luckily, she knew he wasn't angry at her.

Chrom's arm tightened around his daughter protectively as he planted a kiss against her forehead when all of a sudden, a breathless voice reached them. "Milord, Milady! Are you two okay? How's Lucina, I heard her screaming?" Frederick approached them looking even more stern than usual.

"We-we're all right but Lucina almost got impaled with an arrow." Lissa cried.

"What?!" Frederick growled, his eyes narrowing.

"Whoever did this was also nice enough to leave this." Chrom muttered sarcastically as he directed Lissa to give the note to Frederick.

After he read it, Frederick, Chrom and Lissa all agreed it was best to go inside for the time being. As soon as he was in, Chrom ordered Frederick to increase the Guard and to initiate the general procedure for when threats against the Royal Family occurred to which Frederick agreed to do.

Comfortable in the knowledge that Frederick was taking care of things, Chrom took his young daughter up to his room with Lissa close on his heels.

Once inside, he lay the young girl down on her mother's side of the bed; it was the first time that it had been occupied since Robin's sacrifice and it pained him to see if being taken up by someone else even if it was his daughter- she should be sleeping between both her parents when she's afraid- he thought but desperate times called for desperate measures and there was no way he was letting Lucina out of his sight for a second after what had just happened.

As she lay sleeping, Chrom brushed his hand repeatedly through her hair as Lissa paced back and forth in a panic.

"That arrow was fired at Lucina does that mean that the note is referencing..." She chocked on her words.

"Probably" Chrom muttered, his anger returning. "They're after her which means we'll have to keep our security up and sleep with one eye open. I won't let anything happen to her. I could never live with myself if anything hurt her and besides...Robin would probably kill me if I did."

"Robin."- Lissa sighed, plonking herself down in a chair.- "If she was here, she'd know what to do; where we should focus our resources and guards."

"But unfortunately she isn't here which means we'll have to rely on our own initiatives."

"What's one of those?" Lissa joked before her expression became stern. "Chrom? ...You know like every year, at around this time and around Robin's birthday; you, myself and Frederick all go to look for Robin ourselves rather than leaving it to the others?"

"Yes?" Chrom turned around slightly surprised by Lissa's line of questioning.

"Well...how will this affect it? Will we still be going to search for her even now?"

"Of course." There was no hesitation in his voice. "I'll leave Lucina in the care of the other Shepherds, they're more than capable of protecting her in our absence."

Lissa nodded to herself, "Yes...I agree..."

"What do you mean we're bound to the inside of the castle?!" Lissa cried as Frederick delivered the news.

Both herself and Chrom were sat on one of the sofas whilst Frederick was stood in front of them. It was kind of nostalgic since all three of them used to have the same positioning whenever Frederick was scolding them but right now it was incredibly irksome.

"In order to keep you all safe, you need to remain in the castle. You're not even allowed outside on the castle grounds unless you're heavily guarded or escorted. May I remind you that just yesterday Lucina was attacked with an arrow?"

"Of course you don't!" Chrom seethed. "But we always go to look for Robin, we did so during the first few months she was missing and we did so again last year and we're going to this year."

Frederick turned away, he really didn't want to go against Chrom's and Lissa's wishes- he really didn't- especially since he shared them however, his hands were tied. It was his duty to protect the Royal Family at all costs.

He made that point clear and Chrom just sneered at him. "Robin is a part of the Royal Family- she's Ylisse's Queen for crying out loud!"

"Milord I- I really don't want to cause you further upset however, we must adapt as the world changes around us. Yes, we're able to look for Robin when we're at liberties to do so but right now, we're not and so we can't." Before they could argue back, Frederick turned on his heel and stalked out of the room.

Lissa's bottom lip began to tremble and as soon as Frederick was out of earshot, she turned to her brother. "C-Chrom...what are we going to do?"

Chrom turned to face his sister, feeling just as uncertain as she looked. "I don't know-" He murmured before wrapping his sister up in his arms, closing his eyes in an attempt to hold back his tears. "-I just do not know."

So...yeah, there was a lot of dialogue in this Chapter. Well...a lot more than I had intended. xD But hopefully it added a lot to the characters. Also, Robin does make her reappearance in this Story sooner rather than later, maybe within the next Chapter or so unless something crops up that I think needs to be covered. Well, I hope you liked this. Until next time. xXx