Chapter 22-Revelations

After the battle Jacey and Garud stopped bickering with each other long enough to agree to fight by Prince's Chrom's side and protect the Exalt as two of my newest Arrowhead Scouts. I still was a bit discombobulated that six of my Scouts hailed from the future, and all save one saw the world burnt to cinders by the actions of the omnicidal and nihilistic Fell dragon Grima. My unbelievable adventures felt eerily like a weird sort of fever dream…every morning I half expected to wake up and find out I was still imprisoned alone in exile within my sturdy keep. My Scouts were staring to become a headache to organize and secure provisions for, not that that was a bad thing. Better too many capable warriors to support the Crown than too few.

The residents of Vicateria surprised me even further by lining the main road and cheering as the Scouts rode through the town. High up in the central watchtower I saw a tricolor triangular flag partitioned into black, white and red fluttering in the breeze; the colors of the Paraglaive crest. Why would my subjects ever willingly fly my clan colors? After all I had never issued an edict to that effect. I looked over my subjects and attempted to smile as I waved to men, women and children with eyes aglow at the sight of their liege. I heard cheers ringing through my head hailing me and the Arrowhead Scouts as heroes. I was astonished that tales of our exploits had traveled so quickly. Was my recruitment by Prince Chrom, the rescinding of my exile, and the Scouts' battles with the foes of the Halidom really that big of a deal? I reluctantly reconciled my conflicting feelings on the matter by concluding that I was just the figurehead of the Scouts, as my followers and retainers were the true heroes.

Soon enough our party entered the Sunstone Keep courtyard ringed in by mountains both to the north and south. I had to admit I was a bit surprised to see its severe, imposing five story tall bulk again; I had been uncertain when I left if I would ever return. Much to my chagrin as soon as we dismounted to have our horses led off to the stables I saw Lilith quickly dash over to the retaining wall comprised of massive sand colored stones and give the building an affectionate hug.

I rubbed my backside as I was quite saddlesore by now, and hissed at my ally, "Lily!"

"What? Just saying hi to my new home!" She gave me a wink as she giggled, "I can't wait to see our bedroom."

"Honestly," I gently chided her with crossed arms.

Siffra stretched out and beamed, "It's good to be home Mimi."

My priest Bhavin concurred, "Indeed. It will be good to rest in familiar surrounding before we push across the border in Plegia."

With her little boy in tow, my maid Ronna bowed respectfully, "Mimika, shall we?"

I gave a flickering smile to my oldest retainers before sighing, "We've been through a lot together my dear friends. I hope to be beside you for years to come."

Lily took my hand and excitedly pulled me into the main entrance into the reception hall, "C'mom Mimikins! Let's say hi to Exalt Emmy and the gang!"

Vanny merely suppressed a smile, but Ronna, Raskin and Siffra broke into amused laughter as I was practically carried over the threshold into my own castle. My mood lifted instantly as I spotted a grey-haired older lady directing several Pegasus Knights in their lance wielding drills. Supreme Knight Philia nearby silently watched her onetime mentor relentlessly remind the warriors of the skies of the gravity of their service.

Soon enough, Chief Knight Matilia dismissed the capable maidens and turned her focus to the new arrivals. She made a stiff bow, "Welcome home Mimi. I must say your entire demeanor has changed since last we met."

I was perplexed by that statement as I didn't really feel any braver, smarter or worthier than I had when I first accompanied the Prince on his arduous and epic journey all those weeks ago. My retainers and I bowed in unison, and I suddenly felt a bit of Lilith's impulsive nature rubbing off on me. Wordlessly, I stepped forwards and embraced my foster mother with roiling emotions welling up in my heart.

Matilia stiffened for a few seconds, before returning the embrace with her armored arms. Her voice lost its steely note of effortless confidence for a moment as she hesitated, "Mimika…I…I'm glad you're back safely."

I sobbed, "A-aunt Mattie, I swear to never take you for granted again. You raised me to be a kind person who's only concern is the welfare of her people and all of Ylisse. I-I thank you most sincerely." I exhaled softly, "I love you so much. Thank you."

She seemed to be a bit reluctant to release me, but she finally marshaled up her stern façade again as she wiped at her eyes, "Anyway, none of those tears milady. It is unbecoming of someone of your noble station." She bowed a second time and handed over a neatly scribed list of names, "Her Royal Highness Emmeryn desires your presence in your bedchambers. Please go see her at once."

"Of course, Aunt Mattie!"

Three minutes later, after dashing up the helical staircase to the top floor followed by an assortment of my followers, we all took a few moments to regain our breath before being admitted to my private chambers. Obviously the Exalt wanted to speak about an extremely private matter. The list in my sweaty palm indicated that I was to meet with her accompanied by Lily, Iniabi, Cynthia, Dia, Jacey and Garud. After getting permission to enter from the guards, I politely knocked on my own bedroom door.

"Heya Mimi! Come right in," a cheery voice replied through the door. I was a bit surprised to see Princess Lissa open the double doors and allow us entry. She beamed at us with lively blue eyes, "We heard you kicked Risen butt earlier today!"

Near the window, Prince Chrom chuckled, "Amazing. My younger sister is a spitting image of her elder sister, yet is just as artless as her older brother."

"Hey," Lissa replied with an adorable pout. She put her hands on her hips and chuckled, "Let's face it, Chrom. Both of us put together don't have a third of the charm of Emm."

Seated at the desk in the center of the room, the Exalt gently shook her head and smiled with gentle amusement, "Now, now you two. Both of you are overflowing with charisma and talent. I am honored to have you as my kin."

"Ah, I sincerely envy you three," a beaming Robin commented from one of the nearby chairs.

I could strongly empathize with Robin's wistful comment as I was an only child as well. I bowed as deeply as I could without toppling over. I stammered, "Y-your Highness, m-my apologies for being six hours late. We were distracted by a band of Risen, and then the citizens of the nearby town threw an impromptu parade in the Scouts' honor."

"Ah, well done, Mimika. Generations of Ylisseans to come will sing songs of the loyal and beneficent Paraglaive clan."

I blushed heavily, as I was certainly not deserving of such high praise. "A-apologies, Your Highness. I regretfully must insist that my parents' actions are eternally unforgivable."

Emmeryn looked mildly disappointed that I was so hard on myself, "I hope you will change your mind someday." She stood up, "Now to business. Robin, you may proceed."

Robin smoothed out her Plegian cape and flashed me a sympathetic expression, "Mimi, I've briefed the royals on the facts concerning our guests from the future. Chrom has given you carte blanche to run the Arrowhead Scouts as you see fit, but we must be certain that we are all fighting on the same team."

My heart sunk as I felt a deep conflict between trying to fulfill my duty as loyal subject to the royal family of this generation as well as the next. I quickly prostrated myself on the ground as I felt like I was living up to my parents' traitorous legacy. "Your Highness, I meant no ill will. I was obeying Marth's insistence that I not contaminate the timeline by revealing my secret knowledge. I am aware that several of my loyal Scouts standing before you are children of a future ruined by Grima's blind hatred. I accept whatever punishment you seek to impose on me. Your Majesty, I acted without sanction and as the Scout's leader I must bear the consequences alone."

Lily crouched by my side and protested loudly, "Mimika no! I will not let you throw yourself on your sword alone. Your Highness, whatever ya do to Mimi, do to me as well."

Dia snuggled into my other side and stammered, "M-m-me as w-well, Your Highness."

"Rise please," Emmeryn softly commanded. She watched us quickly stand up again and wore a soft smile full of forgiveness. "Miss Robin told me that you were trying protect us; nothing more. I simply desire to know the truth of the matter, as we are to plunge into the maelstrom tomorrow." She reached out and squeezed my shoulder as she looked at my faithful bodyguard and daughter. She serenely glided by to her seat as she noted, "Look after your followers as your family, Mimika."

I bowed humbly as my heart finally resumed beating, "Y-yes, Your Highness."

Robin walked over and gave me a comforting hug, "Its okay Mimi. We're still friends here. Why not properly introduce your friends to the Exalt?"

"T-thank you." I hoped for the best as I unburdened my secrets, "Exalt Emmeryn, this is Jacey, the future daughter to my retainers Moon and Raquelle."

The swordswoman gave a respectful bow, "Good afternoon, Your Royal Highness. It's a true honor to meet a legend."

I moved down the line and indicated the scruffy Wyvern rider, "This is Garud, child of the future, and son to my keep priest Bhavin."

He bowed and flashed a half smile, "An honor, Your Highness."

I mouthed my silent apologies to the Pegasus knight as I had wanted to help her both serve the Exalt and keep a low profile. "Your Highness, this is Cynthia, daughter to Lady Sumia Pinnargentea."

Lissa looked astonished as she beheld the full grown daughter of one of her many friends, "No way! You're Sumia's kid?"

Cynthia gave an apologetic nod and gasped as the princess hugged her tightly. After she recovered she noted, "Yeah, I'm sorry Lissa. King Marth needs us to keep our heads down and not muddy the past up too much, lest we create a disastrous future with our screw-ups." For once her voice was somber and hushed as tears meandered down her cheeks.

"Wow, I'm honored to meet you, Cindy," Lissa gushed.

Chrom looked over to my Scouts, "Jacey, Cynthia, and Garud. Keep this information to yourselves at all costs. Fight for my sister and you will always be welcome. Dismissed." Just as Lily and Dia motioned to leave, Chrom shook his head gravely. I realized why Robin wanted to talk with the mage Iniabi alone, but why my bodyguard and maidservant?

The three warriors saluted and quietly exited the room; soon enough the doors softly latched shut behind them. I knew what was coming next as I patted Iniabi on his shoulder with regret in my eyes as I was unable to keep my pledge to guard his identity, "This is Iniabi, scion of your Royal family."

Even Emmeryn turned notably paler after hearing that bombshell. Both Chrom and Lissa stared with mouths agape. At the other extreme, Chrom's right hand woman gave an affirming nod to her kin; as Robin seemed to already know that they were related.

The Mage flashed a brave smile in my direction and asserted, "Thank you most sincerely for everything you've done for me, Mimika. I'm honored to have served you." He turned to face the royal family and incanted a spell that caused his hair to glow; when the light faded out, his formerly raven hair was now the exact shade of Navy blue as Chrom's hair. He bowed politely, "Hello grandfather Chrom and grandmother Robin."

Robin's smile faded out as her brown eyes displayed confusion. Even I was taken aback. I had been all but certain that he was Chrom's son from the future. He was actually his grandson?

Iniabi explained smoothly, "I hail from a different potential future than Hero King Marth and my fellow comrades. My kin back home realized that this world needed help, and they sent me to aid Lady Mimika and Your Highness by extension."

Robin shook her head in disbelief, "Kin? Who sent you?"

"You did, grandmother."

For once the tactician was left at a loss for words as she pondered the existence of a different Robin.

Chrom walked forward and stared intently at the eerily calm mage and asked with a steely edge to his voice, "Are you Marth's son?"

"Nephew, actually. My parents are your destined son Morgan and daughter-in-law Amber."

Robin sighed and rubbed her face with her hand, "Apologies Chrom. I all but knew that he was a relation to us, but the exact lineage was unclear to me until just this moment."

Chrom rubbed his hair in exasperation and his face turned reddish presumably based on knowing the fact that he and his tactician were romantically involved in the future, "I assume you trust him, Robin?"

She nodded with an intense blush on her own cheeks, "I do. As far as you and I are concerned, please do not presume based on one potential future that you and I-"

Chrom waved her off frantically and groaned softly in deep embarrassment, cutting off his dear ally. He sighed and shook his head, "I'd rather that was a private discussion saved for later, Robin. Just know that despite this humiliation that I am and will forevermore remain your steadfast friend." He managed a weak smile, "Come what may."

"Likewise, Chrom," Robin replied with a deeply sheepish expression.

Lilith giggled, "You're so cute together, ya'know! Shall I call you Chrobin?"

I gently tapped her shoulder as I sternly shook my head, "This cheeky lamia is Lilith, twin sister to Jezebel and also a child of the Ruined Future."

"Hey! I resemble that remark, Mimi."

Robin smiled at Lily, "There is something about you that I'm a bit unsure of. I know you're related to someone that I know."

"How'bout Mimi's future lover?"

"Lily," I hissed in futile mortification.

"What?" She affected an innocent expression.

The tactician shook her head as she ignored my flustered protests. "You're not related to Lady Mimika by blood. I suppose Exalt Emmeryn's test will rule you out anyway." She then looked over to Dia and smiled warmly, "Its okay, my dear. We're all friends here."

My maid looked at me and sniffled slightly with a quivering lip. I took her hand and squeezed it tenderly to comfort her. I spoke softly, "This is Lydia, my…my daughter from the future."

Robin smiled in satisfaction. I guessed that she had her suspicions about Dia's true identity. Just about everyone else in the room looked taken aback, especially Lily. She smiled at Dia with wet eyes brimming with emotion. "Dia is your child, Mimi? Seriously?"

I nodded firmly, still too worked up to respond verbally.

Iniabi smirked and calmly noted, "Interesting. You informed the Scouts countless times that due to your cursed bloodline that your lineage should end with you. How did you end up breaking your own oath?"

Why did he always have to be right? The more childish side of my personality wanted to see him err just once. I fumed back at him, "Yes, I know Iniabi…I know." I embraced my child tightly, "It wasn't my plan to ever have an issue, but I suppose fate had other plans." I planted a kiss on Dia's cheek. "No regrets, my precious child."

"S-sorry," Dia cried softly into my cloak as we held hands.

Chrom patted my servant's head and smiled, "It's okay Miss Lydia."

Emmeryn picked up her staff and held the gemstone over Chrom's sword Falchion that rested on the table; I presumed her actions was to test for the royal bloodline. Soon a light emerged from the semicircular cutout near the handgrip. Simultaneously both Emm and Chrom winced as their respective brands of Naga lit up with a holy golden luminescence. Soon afterwards Lissa gripped her right hand in pain as she stared at the same circular mark on the back of her right palm. She gasped in shocked disbelief, "I-I have a brand! I never realized…"

I saw Iniabi grimace as the brand on his own palm lit up from within. That wasn't a surprise as I knew his secret already. Suddenly to my left I saw a flash as Lily was forced back into her lamia form. Her fanged grimace indicated intense discomfort as the brand appeared through the fabric of her tunic revealing the familiar logo on her belly. I saw Iniabi gawk at my beastkin bodyguard as his mind raced through the implications.

I spoke with awe, "Li…Lilith? You're a royal too?"

Her glowing crimson eyes met mine with a look of pure shock, "Holy plop! M-mimi…I never knew. I swear."

Robin's eyes grew very wide, as she spoke breathlessly, "So you're related to the Ylissean royals too, Miss Lilith?"

The red-eyed lamia shook her head in confusion and panic, "I dunno! I can't see how."

Just as Exalt Emmeryn was about to release the spell, a bright white flash behind me made everyone turn and gasp in Lydia's direction. I felt cold shivers all up and down my back as my hand interlinked with Dia's felt silken scales and claws in place of human flesh. That burst of magical energy was just like a Manakete gem or beaststone. Sweat trickled down my back as I dreaded facing the truth of my situation. By Naga's mercy...it just couldn't be true.

"Milady, please don't look," Lydia pleaded through sobs as she yanked her hand away.

The room was now completely still except for my child's crying. I couldn't stop shaking as I slowly turned around and saw, really saw my daughter for the first time. I felt my insides twist up as I gaped in pure shock; I beheld a teenage lamia with Lydia's sweet face. Her skin was still pale, her ears were slightly pointed, and her wavy raven hair ended with spikes at the tips. Her tear-filled eyes featured brick red irises at the outer edges and sky blue at the centers. Her jet black scales encased her neck, cheeks, both forearms, and all down the dorsal surface of her tail. Mixed in with the dark scales were a few random splashes of crimson. Her larger horizontal belly scales were tan. Naga's Brand shone through her maid's dress at the very top of her breastbone. I had no choice to accept the truth. Lydia was my daughter…and Lily's!

Emmeryn deactivated her staff and the brands went dark; she looked rattled at the sight of three scions of her royal house standing in front of her. "R-Robin, you told me Mister Iniabi was the only one related to my family, but Lilith and Lydia are as well?"

Robin had to collect herself before speaking, "Your Highness…I only knew for sure about the mage."

Even Iniabi looked agitated, "Lilith, who was your father and mother?"

Lily ignored his query and wrapped up Lydia in a berarhug, "My child! You're my kid, aren't 'cha?"

"Y-yes mama. I'm so sorry I lied to you. You were Lady Mimika's mystery spouse 'Paried' all along." She broke down sobbing, "I know you both should hate me. I let you die when the Sunstone Keep was razed. I'm such a horrible brat."

Lily started bawling too and snuggled her long lost child with an expression of pure happiness.

I stood and watched with my hand on my heart. I could feel it pound crazily as I tried to wrap my head around the revelation that cut far too close to home. That irrepressible lamia Lily had been right all along? Lydia really had two mothers? I finally crouched next to the pair on the stone floor and smiled shakily, "Lydia, you dummy. What makes you think I would love you less if you were half human or not? You are my child and nothing will sever that bond." My watery blue eyes shimmered with elation, "Nothing."

"Oh papa! I'm sorry I let you die!" She tackled me to the carpeted floor with an amazingly strong grip.

I chuckled and held her close to my body, "Lydia, I'm a woman. How can I be your papa?"

"Mama Lily carried me. She's my mama; thus you're my papa."

I sighed and snuggled her as I felt her tears drop onto my tunic, "I never dreamed I could be a father."

She giggled through her tears, "I can call you something else."

"Call me what makes you at home, my darling child."

"O-okay papa."

Lily beamed as she effortlessly hoisted us both into a powerful embrace. She gushed, "Wow. I'm speechless."

She was far from the only one. In fact, her offhand remark summed the situation all up rather neatly.