Ugh...I'm so sorry about the long wait...again. Dx

Thank you for your continued patience, I really am trying to update my stories as much as possible but, you know, life.

I think this Chapter starts off pretty weak but towards the middle, it really starts to pick up and I love it.

*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* Contains language which may upset some people as well as violence, discussions of torture and death.)

Together Again?: Hidden Depths

That same night, someone had a dream. In that dream they were in the presence of a small child with all the usual traits you could expect of someone who hadn't experienced any of the darkness the world had to offer. Except...they already had for as the figure approached the babe, the child tried to meet them half-way but they only managed to take a few steps before being restrained by the shackles attached to their wrists and ankles.

The visitor smiled sadly at the sight of the infant in such a state, they were deep underground and the toddler had never seen the sunlight, heard a bird chirp or felt a gentle breeze.

"This is how things must be!" Hissed the child's father when they had dared to question why the child was kept as a prisoner and why they couldn't journey with them around their town. The father explained how if anyone knew of the babe's existence and what they were capable of doing then they'd be dead before they could complete their purpose. To which his reluctant guest shakily agreed with- there was only a select few who knew the child was even born to their ruler and they had no choice but to accept the minor's fate.

That same minor despite their predicament still had the biggest smile and their hands reached out frantically, trying to grab a hold of their guest.

"Hey their little one."- They cooed as they sat cross-legged on the floor and moved their bag to one side. They wanted to hold the child or to stroke their hair or even just to feel their fingertips but they weren't at liberties to; it was one of his rules.

Sighing inwardly, the visitor spoke to the infant again. "I've brought more books, I have to work out plans for tomorrow...do you want to help me?"

The child didn't know many words- not getting to talk to many people that often meant their ability to communicate was limited but they still contemplated before nodding vigorously.

It was a sad sight for the them to see- so sad in fact that it jolted them out of their sleep.

The figure ran a hand through their hair- they knew that these things didn't actually happen the way they did in the dream for example yes, the infant was shackled but not under his orders, but by their own- in order to protect the babe from him and his plans, the infant had been hidden deep underground practically from birth and barely allowed contact with anyone. During that time, they read many books together and discussed many things but all the while, the child was using what they'd managed to glean from books and conversations to come up with an escape route and just like most of their plans- it somehow managed to work.

"Excuse us, have you seen a boy of about eighteen, blue hair, and really err...high spirited?" Chrom muttered to an elderly shop keeper.

The shop keep contemplated as she watched two of his companions- a knight and a mysterious hooded woman enter her shop, a blue-haired girl was looking around in awe at her wares. Turning her attention back to the man in front of her. "I've seen many people in my time young man, what makes you think I'd recall someone with such a vague description as that?"

Frederick was going to protest about how she was addressing royalty but Chrom held him back. They had somehow managed to end up in a town that didn't seem to know Ylisse's royalty which Chrom could see as being a benefit for his son from an alternate time should he want to go around virtually undetected.

...

… ...

… … ...

After they'd visited the bookstore nearly two weeks of traveling previously, they found out that the scroll he was so engrossed by detailed a mysterious town protected by large walls in the middle of a desert. It was claimed that the people who lived within its confines were brutes and warriors who killed anyone without hesitation. No one had ever gone there and come back again. Despite the harsh living conditions, the town apparently thrived and there were many who sought to solve its mysteries. One of the books he purchased detailed the town's histories and the other was one of his normal strategy books which made Robin beam with pride and Frederick pursed his lips at her response.

Since their travelling together on the horse- their had been a noticeable tension between the two. Chrom hadn't seen this level of suspicion and distrust since he'd first met Robin and Frederick had warned him of the dangers of trusting a complete stranger. Every time he'd asked Frederick about it, the knight shifted uncomfortably before telling him that he should be wary of Robin- the second such warning to come from a Shepherd and it was quickly followed by others. Gaius, Lon'qu, Miriel and Cordelia had all come to him with their own concerns.

"She's not the same, something is...off with her. We've fought by her side for many years and whilst we accept that she's going through some stuff right now, she's gone through plenty worse before and always remained the same, As her husband you may argue that you know her best but you aren't looking at things objectively- you don't want to think that there's a possibility that she's working against us rather than with us but as out leader, it is your duty to plan for all situations and outcomes." Lon'qu had stated to the stunned Exalt before stalking away just days ago.

Since then Chrom had spent more time observing Robin- maybe it was because he got to see sides of her that even the Shepherds hadn't- but she seemed virtually the same to him. There was a mischievous glint to her eyes, a lust for knowledge and a childlike innocence every time she saw something she couldn't remember having seen before. She spent hours reading maps and helping around camp and a few nights ago, Chrom had been walking back to camp after a quick patrol and found his wife sitting on one of the logs that had been set up around their campfire with Lucina's head resting on her lap; she was looking up at the stars and humming softly whilst running her hands through her daughter's hair- he noticed her cloak next to her leaving her arms bare.

Chrom didn't want to disturb the tender moment between mother and daughter but he was already walking towards them and speaking before he could stop himself. "Nice evening huh?" Talk about a cliché thing to say! He'd scolded himself.

"What-?!" Robin jumped slightly and twisted her head to look at him as he sat down next to her and his daughter who he could see now was fast asleep- her face relaxed and reminding him so much of his baby who (surprise, surprise) had the exact same face when asleep- so innocent and peaceful- it was nice to know that his baby would retain that face when sleeping throughout her life- a sign that she'd always be his and Robin's baby girl in some way.

"Y-yeah." Robin stuttered before turning back to look up at the stars.

There was an awkward silence between the two, Chrom removed one of his gloves and brushed a hand over his daughter's face, moving some hair out of her eyes, she shifted a little in her sleep before settling back down.

"You know I often wonder..." He found himself beginning even though he wasn't sure what was exactly going to follow. "...what we were like in her time. Similar things happened to her here that then happened in our world but unlike then, she and the other children we're all born before I...before I died and you disappeared. In this time if you hadn't saved me- saved us- then who knows what that would've meant for the children who weren't born? Maybe some or even the majority of them wouldn't have been born at all and then there would've been no hope for this world? That's why the role you played was so important, if it wasn't for you, none of us would be here now, Lucina- both Lucinas-, Morgan and all the other children too would never know peace."

Robin was now looking down at their daughter seemingly deep in thought. "Chrom?"

His head jolted when she spoke like loyal puppy responding to its master. "Yes Robin?"

She bit her lip, hesitating before finally speaking. "Why did...why did I have to come back?"

"WHA-?!"

"I just mean what was the point? Now the wars are over there's no need for a superior tactician, Lucy has functioned well enough without me heck, all of you have. I don't doubt that it was difficult to begin with but now you have to adjust to having me back. You somehow have to explain that to a kingdom that's already grieved their queen, I'll never be able to get those two years with Lucina back. I did what needed to be done...why did the universe decide that my unfinished business was so darn important when compared to that of others who have passed? Innocents who passed will never come back but the host for a fell dragon? Sure, why not?"

Chrom felt as if his heart was shattering into a million pieces-blinding hot rage went through him at her words. "Stop! I don't ever want to hear you talking like that again Robin! I waited so long for you- we all did and we did so because we need you so much. Lucy needs her mother, even if there are no wars we will need our tactician to protect our kingdom and people and our Kingdom will sleep more peacefully knowing that the ever-rational queen is there to keep an eye on her ever-emotional husband.

"...And besides," He continued as he blinked back tears. "I don't want to live without you again- couldn't live without you again. There was so much I never got the chance to experience with you since we were always at war. You've never been to a beach or visited a hot spring, you've never just taken a stroll with me through a park or eaten a picnic, you've never gotten to celebrate Lucina's birthday and-" He bit his lip, cutting himself off.

When he looked up, he could see her staring at him, she reached a hand towards his face and brushed a few tears away- apparently he hadn't been able to keep from crying after all. She smiled knowingly at him, "Heh okay, I get it there's still a lot of reasons for me to stick around and besides...by the looks of things you wouldn't be able to cope without me." She winked and he laughed.

He moved his free hand towards Robin's, wanting to feel close to her even if she couldn't remember him when out of the corner of his eye, he saw something on her bare arm.

"What's this?" He murmured as his hand floated upwards to her arm to brush over the strange marking. It was on the opposite side to his brand of the Exalt but this was nothing like that, this filled him with dread and horror as he realised what it was. He'd seen enough cows grazing in fields on his travels 'round to know how a brand like this was made- a red hot poker.

And someone had used one on her.

"Don't touch that!" Robin bellowed as she pulled away from him and unceremoniously dropped Lucina's head onto the log in the process.

"Ow!" The princess yelped as she sat up.

"Sorry." Robin muttered curtly before grabbing her cloak and storming off towards her tent.

The two sat in a stunned silence. "What was that about?" Lucina asked her father.

He shook his head. "I have no idea." He lied, his fingers still burning from the contact with her brand.

...

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… … …

Chrom snapped out of his reverie. "Please miss, I know it's a vague description but try to remember- you own the last stall that we had to visit in town and if you can't tell us anything then we'd have reached a dead end and it's vital we find him!"

The woman behind the counter contemplated for a moment, her attention drawn towards Robin. Her pale hair covering one of her eyes as she looked at a book on a nearby counter.

"What strange company you keep." The old woman muttered whilst stroking her chin. "I'm sorry, I can't help you, I haven't seen anyone who matches the description you gave me- as vague as it was."

A cry escaped from Chrom's lips; if they couldn't find Morgan then there was chance they wouldn't be able to find baby Lucina either and both of those things put together would put him back into a state not too dissimilar to the one he'd been in when Robin 'died'.

"Milord, may I suggest we try to track down this town in the desert? If Morgan was researching it before he disappeared and this is the town where his trail runs cold, it stands to reason that he stopped visiting towns and went to look for the town instead." Frederick suggested.

"But that wouldn't make any sense!" Robin countered, "There's been no mention of him keeping company- are you really suggesting he went into the desert alone to find this town knowing full well after his research what the people of the town are apparently like? It'd be suicide."

Frederick begrudgingly turned to face her. "It's the last lead we have."

"Even so, we have no idea where this desert is and nowhere near enough supplies to take our entire company with us!"

"HE'S YOUR SON AND YOUR DAUGHTER IS ALSO MISSING!" Frederick snarled.

Lucina looked up from the wares then, her eyes going wide. She'd never seen Frederick lose his cool like that with anyone let alone with her mother. She walked over to her mother like she was still a little girl seeking protection from a stranger but instead of pulling on her pant leg, she pulled on her mother's cloak, trying to take them both away to safety. "Mother, let's leave Father alone to have a word with Frederick."

Robin acted as if she hadn't even heard her, she was seething with rage and disgust. "I know who they are, I don't need you to remind me!" She spat before spinning on her heel and storming out of the store with Lucina in tow.

Before either Chrom or Frederick could say a word, the elderly woman spoke up. "Like I said, strange company. Now, I haven't seen the boy but I know of this town in the desert that you seek. There is forest near here, passing through it will eventually lead you to the desert but I don't recommend crossing it. Nobody knows where the town is- some superstitious old crones believe it moves with the sands in the winds but clearly, I'm not one of them. My name is Madame Ulima, remember it when you need my stories to guide your way." She then gestured with her hand towards the door, prompting both men to leave.

When they both stepped out of the store they were as silent as mice.

"Forgive me for losing my temper, milord, it won't happen again."

Chrom rested his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Peace my friend, this situation is getting to us all."

Frederick smiled before speaking "We'd be best sending the flying units to scout out the desert, I'll-"

He was cut off by the sound of a woman's scream. She came flying through the woods, dropping the water she'd gone to collect. "They're here! The bandits are back!"

Even before Chrom could register her words, a horn sounded and the town became bursting with sound and movement. As the woman ran past him, he made a grab for her arm. She was about to cry out again when he spoke "How long until they reach the town?"

"Two minutes, Sir, many travel by horse."

Great. He thought. "Get as many people as you can out of here, don't waste your time with belongings, I have soldiers with me, we'll hold off the bandits as best we can, understand?"

She nodded before sprinting away.

"Milord!" Maribelle called as the Shepherds met up with him, Robin and Lucina were with them and so was Lissa...damn.

"Lissa, you need to hide, now! Lon'qu, Stahl, Sully, go with her."

"What?! No I'm staying here!"

"No you're not Lissa, now go!"

She was about to protest further when a firm grip pulled her back. "Let's go!" Lon'qu muttered curtly...you could tell when a situation was serious when he'd put his phobia to one side.

When both Lon'qu and Lissa were on the horses and had galloped away, Chrom sent Maribelle, Cordelia and Frederick to guard and heal the fleeing townspeople. He'd just done that when the thunderous roar of hooves came towards them.

The sounds of weapons being drawn and the sound of his own leaving its scabbard was enough to put him in the mind-frame for battle. Lucina came up to flank him ad did Robin and they waited with bated breath for the hooligans to approach them.

When they did, there was no time for thinking, no time for hesitation, Miriel used wind magic to startle the horses, knocking many of their riders to the ground. Cherche intercepted those who managed to stay on their steeds whilst Robin barked orders to those who needed them. Kellam and Gaius snuck up behind their forces whilst Virion tried to make the men drop their torches before they could light any buildings on fire.

All of this was so familiar to Chrom- familiar to them all actually- they knew what was expected of them and what they were capable of and yet...

The men kept hold of the reigns and to their torches, they quickly spotted Gaius and were unsurprised when attacked by Kellam, arrows, magic and weapons made contact with them but they didn't even flinch. Heck, even Cherche's dragon wasn't scaring them!

Despite the difficulties they faced, they still managed to cut down some of their ranks, a female soldier was caught off-guard by Lucina whilst two males couldn't survive against Robin's battle prowess. But they were quickly growing tired.

This is just like then... Chrom had the fleeting thought and realised that it was true, this is just like when they fought the bandits that tried to attack Ylisstol. The sheer numbers, the similar level of skill, how little they were phased by their battle tactics. If they're here does that mean...?

Almost as if on cue, a sultry voice spoke up. "My, my, you just can't keep yourselves from meddling, can you?"

Chrom's forces stiffened as did her own but unlike his who froze with dread, her forces froze out of respect, parting to reveal her to their enemies.

She was wearing a long black dress today which was luckily lacking in the revealing department. She still wore the wig, the eccentric make-up and jewellery and her feet were still bare. She was also still in that chair.

"I will never stop meddling where bandits are involved, you cowards deserve all you get." Chrom seethed.

"Ha!" She scoffed, covering her mouth with her hand. "That's rich considering all you've took from me."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oho, you'll find out soon enough." She muttered as she clicked her fingers and ordered to be put down on the ground, she then stood in front of them, looking out of place in this small-town setting.

"What is your name?" Tharja asked.

The woman's attention turned to her and her expression distorted with mock shock. "My, my, a dark mage who hasn't heard of me, I'm offended."

"Name." The unimpressed mage repeated.

"My name is Calypso, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"I wish I could say the feeling was mutual." Chrom spat.

Her attention quickly turned back to him and that unnerving smile slid over her face again. "Why you should be absolutely ecstatic to meet me, you know my daughter quite well after all."

His eyebrows pulled together in confusion. "Your daughter."

"Who is it?" Lucina asked, there were many females travelling with Chrom, some of whom he'd known since childhood, he was close to all of his Shepherds...she really wasn't narrowing the suspects down.

Her head snapped around to look at her then and Chrom had to resist the urge to step between them. "Why who indeed?"

With a flamboyant turn away from them she walked back towards her throne like she was putting on a theatrical play before waving her hand towards them. "Reveal yourself my daughter, my heir, come home to your Mother dearest."

No one stepped forward at first- confusion passed over the Shepherds like a wave before finally a figure stalked towards the throne with dignified purpose, gasps rose up from all of them, Chrom included as he started towards the figure.

"Robin?!" Chrom made a grasp for her wrist, trying to pull her back to him but she lifted it up at the last second to pull her hood down as she turned her face over her shoulder to gaze at the Shepherds; her eyes were crazed and manic and her mouth was twisted in an inhuman way. This was different from when she was possessed by Grima- that time, she'd been a reluctant host to his whims and desires but now...now she looked like a willing participant in this woman's schemes.

"Congratulations! The woman drawled but Chrom didn't even bother to look at her as she spoke, he was too fixated on his love who had already been through so much and who still wasn't allowed to experience peace- his heart was being torn apart as he thought about how much he'd failed her and continued to do so even now she was back. "You've gained yourself a mother-in-law."

Can someone just please let Robin and Chrom be! Wait...I'm writing this story...oops. xD Until next time. xXx