By Her Side

I'm back with over 12k words. Gods help me.

Edited by only me. As always, I don't own any of these characters or settings.

I hope you guys enjoy!


Lucina could feel the stares from the soldiers. Small whispers reached the princess' ears as she heard the words "Marth" interspersed with the successful defense against the Risen ambush. When the three of them entered the campgrounds, swarms of people flocked to Chrom and Robin, eager to attract the attention of the leaders. Lucina slowed her pace to lag, scurrying to the side when the group arrived.

Now, Chr- Father speaks with Henry, explaining the basics of joining the Shepherds to the dark mage. While talking, the prince's mouth was set in a hard line, staring at the crow on the dark mage's shoulders and tapping his foot impatiently on the ground. Meanwhile, Mother conversed with some injured sentries over their reports, glancing at Lucina periodically.

Both appear to be in a hurry to get away from their respective responsibilities.

The princess stood awkwardly next to one of the provision tents, not wanting to intrude. Nevertheless, where is she supposed to go? Should she stand next to the prince, or should she go to the grandmaster? No, that would seem suspicious. They are both in the midst of their normal duties when a battle ends. Lucina couldn't disrupt their tasks. Waiting behind the tent seems like the most plausible option.

"What are you doing?"

Lucina startled when she heard Chrom-no- Father call out to her. The prince turned to face her with furrowed brows, leaving Henry to be escorted around the camp by a hesitant soldier.

"Force of habit," The princess said sheepishly as she emerged from her hiding place. "I've been lurking in the shadows for the past two years. It's difficult to suddenly become the center of attention. I don't want to interfere with your work, either."

"Well, you don't need to hide any longer. Come over here."

Lucina approached his side cautiously, a small smile on her lips. After all this time of daydreaming during her stakeouts, she finally got to be next to him. Nonetheless, the camp's whispers distracted her from her happy state. "Er- Father, what would the Shepherds think about us?"

"Robin and I would explain it to them tomorrow." Chrom shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were a simple task to complete.

"How would you present this quandary to the others?"

"It is up to us to speculate, and it is up to you to unwind. Leave it to us. I'm sure the Shepherds will understand the truth, and Robin will be able to justify your sudden appearance and proximity to us to any outsider."

Lucina lacked the courage to tell him she had serious doubts so that they could explain the mystery to others. Her entire appearance and situation were anything but simple, and a grown woman standing close to the royal family would inevitably spark rumors. But she'll put her faith in his unwavering confidence.

"I'm sorry for the delay," Robin apologized as she jogged over to them. "We suffered no casualties from the ambush and the healers are already on the injured. A success despite the circumstances, I'll say…"

The grandmaster rubbed her temple. Father squeezed her shoulder lightly after giving her a worried look.

"I've had enough of this godforsaken island." The prince growled while Robin shook her head. "The sooner we get to the ship, the better. Which reminds me, Lucina, how did you get here?"

"I posed as one of the Ylissean guards," Lucina explained, relieved to finally be able to speak openly. "I can name some of the few weaknesses I've noticed since arriving here. However, I was only able to sneak in by recalling some of my mother's strategies; as a result, it wasn't a simple task to begin with. Nevertheless, I've been keeping an eye out for any intruders. Which, I'm sure, would help in diminishing the spies infiltrating the army."

Chrom's eyes shone with pride. "We appreciate your diligence, but you can rest for a while. Simply tell us more about yourself."

The royal couple gave her their undivided attention as Lucina reveled in her newfound status. Although she was still concerned about how the rest of the army would react, the two people she cared the most about were right in front of her. They were present and fully aware of her true identity. Years of longing and fantasizing about meeting them have finally come true.

Nevertheless, the princess couldn't help but flinch at their hopeful stares. She hadn't let down her guard in a long time, and a sudden change wouldn't undo years of solitude.

Robin patted her shoulder with a motherly smile.

"You're safe-"

"- dear," Lucina remembered her mother's cool touch on her feverish forehead when the young princess was ill in bed. Despite her hectic schedule, Mother postponed her obligations for the day and tasked herself with nursing Lucina with a cold cloth and tea, even if it was just a simple cold. "Don't worry. I won't leave your side."

In an unusual display for the princess, Lucina wrapped her arms around Robin for the second time in the night, assuring herself that this time it wasn't a dream. She could sense Chrom approaching, asking if something was wrong when the grandmaster tugged him into their tight circle.

The princess would soak up their warmth while it was still the three of them, their true relationship unknown to the rest of the world.

After all this time, Lucina still couldn't express how much she missed them.


Two days after the reveal, the mother and daughter found themselves alone for the first time.

As Chrom introduced Lucina to the Shepherds, an air of skepticism and curiosity spread throughout the camp. Many soldiers have come up to inquire about their daughter or to learn about the growing rumors about the princess' real motivation for joining after her disguise as Marth. To avoid further attention from their future daughter's appearance, the family decided to take their meals in the royal family's tent for privacy.

Robin couldn't help but smile, taking advantage of this small window of free time she had to share. Chrom had gone off to spar with Vaike, leaving Lucina to finish her dinner before watching her father's practice. The princess was taking slow bites of stew while looking around the room, sneaking glances at the grandmaster when she thought the older woman wasn't looking. It warmed the grandmaster's heart.

For better or worse, there were so many questions Robin wanted to ask ahead of time, but she suppressed her curiosity for the better. There were already too many people probing into Lucina's past, and the grandmaster could see the princess becoming increasingly uneasy with each question. Lucina seemed cautious about altering the future anymore than necessary, and the grandmaster needed to be careful in asking.

As a result, the grandmaster planned to start small.

"How are you doing since joining, dear?" she spoke, adding the endearment. Her breath was still caught in her throat when she mentioned her daughter's name, catching herself from saying 'Marth' instead.

"Better than expected, Rob-Mother." Lucina flustered, standing straighter. At least the grandmaster wasn't the only one who was struggling with their new roles.

"No uncomfortable comments?"

"Other than surprise and disbelief, no?"

"That's good."

When Lucina resumed her meal, the conversation came to a halt. Robin pulled out a Thunder tome, the pages fraying from constant use and ready to fall apart in a few uses. She was going to leave it in a convoy or use it for the morning drills when she crafted a plan for this moment.

"Are you versed in tomes?" The grandmaster asked while Lucina finished her bowl.

"Not very well. I preferred the sword."

"Oh, yes, I've never seen you with one," Robin said, touching the book's spine. She did know that fact. When they fought alongside 'Marth,' the princess never used tomes, instead relying on her Falchion and the occasional rapier.

Still, she couldn't help but feel a small bubble of disappointment form inside her. Robin made the mistake of becoming engrossed in her own fantasy.

Before leaving Ylisstol, the grandmaster practiced small spell scripts outside on the castle's grounds. Months of pregnancy and childbirth had kept her out of practice, and she wasn't about to fall behind the others before the Shepherds began their march. Spells launched out of her palms with increasing ease as she continued. Slowly, she began to regain her old techniques.

Lucina was a safe distance away on a picnic blanket in Lissa's arms, basking in the warm sun and cool winds of the castle grounds. The baby was still too young to speak in syllables but had recently begun to utter small sounds other than cries, much to the enjoyment of her family. Her aunt entertained her by making funny faces.

Robin's concentration was broken by a spatter of sounds, and she glanced at her spectators. Lucina cooed at the spells in the air, her uncoordinated hands reaching for the air while Lissa giggled at her niece. The mother stopped to stare, throwing a short Thunder spell to check and the baby cooed again, squirming in her blue blanket. A flood of emotions washed over her, and she imagined herself teaching Lucina the art of magic when she was older.

Robin's heart panged painfully, and she cleared her throat. "Did I ever try to teach you, or was it your personal choice?"

"I had lessons," Lucina began, hesitantly. "I chose the blade out of personal preference, but I did study. However, I wasn't very apt at it. I either exerted too much energy and charred the tome to a crisp, or I couldn't even produce the magic sigil to activate the spell."

"Common beginner's mistake."

"Beginner?" Lucina scowled into her bowl. "I was lagging my younger peers in the magic arts. It was the only subject I got low marks on. Some tutors even suggested that I should stop studying and focus on my true talents, but I persisted. The librarians despised me for a good while when I did remedial lessons."

"Gracious, those are straightforward teachers- Wait in the CASTLE LIBRARY? Why in blazes were you taking magic lessons there? Please. Please tell me you didn't train with a Fire tome of all starters. There are one-of-a-kind selections in those halls. It's no place for practice!"

Her daughter pursed her lips.

"Nevermind," Robin swallowed. "It's just practice. I don't remember HOW I learned it, but I certainly got better through time. Mistakes are… bound to happen." She soldiered through that last sentence.

"That's true," Lucina nodded, looking directly at Robin. "She said the same to me, even after burning a part of her sleeve… and one of her favorite tomes. She started teaching me herself, and much to everyone's surprise, I eventually learned a basic wind spell." The princess smiled at the memory, until it slipped into a pained expression. "But I've since forgotten. When it was revealed that I could wield Falchion, the lessons came to an end."

"Why would that be?" Robin asked, aghast. Good heavens, what type of mother was she in the future? She couldn't possibly be so pigheaded as to completely discontinue training. Lucina may not be gifted with the magic arts, but she made an effort to improve.

Lucina broke eye contact. "There was no choice; she didn't return, and I had bigger priorities to attend to."

The silence between them grew louder. Tapping nervously at the tome in her hands, Robin ignored the nagging desire to inquire about Grima and the tumultuous past from which her daughter emerged. After all, they'd only recently reunited—formally met?—and Lucina was still wary of them. The grandmaster didn't want to further alienate her or make her daughter uneasy.

"Er- what about strategy?" Robin asked the second question she planned for.

"I was taught."

The grandmaster perked up. "That's good! I have some chess boards in my belongings. We should schedule a match to test your skills or after I've finished my work for the day."

"I don't believe I could win a match against you."

"It's a test. It wouldn't hurt to try."

"I'm not up to par with your skills," Lucina said, waving her hand dismissively. "I know how to read troop formations and positions, interpret the battlefield, and how to gain last-minute advantages. It's more of a general understanding of strategy than crafting my own detailed plans."

"That's a good foundation for a non-tactician. Every soldier should know the basics, and a leader should notice the strength and weaknesses of their troops."

"I'm well-versed in those specifics, but not much else. However, there was someone who was more skilled than me. I relied more on his informed opinions than on my own."

"One of your companions?" Robin leaned forward, leaving the tome on the table. She was finally getting somewhere.

"Yes, he studied the fundamentals and detailed strategies far beyond my abilities. He was still too young to be officially awarded the title, but that didn't stop him from providing wise counsel when we desperately needed it. Sometimes he acted as my second in command, similarly to how you are with Father."

"Indeed," Robin acknowledged, hearing the princess's prideful tone in this mysterious person. "He must've been important to you and Ylisse to be considered a tactician for the army, especially at such a young age. Did he have special schooling or was he taught by a strategist?"

"Yes, Mo-" Lucina stuttered, stopping immediately and gazing down into her lap. Robin felt her stomach drop at the reaction. "He- I'm- I shouldn't say more."

"I didn't mean to bring up terrible memories. You can tell me the vague details if it bothers you to remember."

Lucina turned away, hiding her eyes, and drawing a blank expression. "It's not your fault. I shouldn't have spoken about it."

Blast.

"Lucina-"

The princess rose from her chair and quickly took their bowls. "I should leave these to the galley and watch Father's match. Excuse my leave."

When her daughter exited the tent flap, Robin buried her head in her hands, feeling ill at this terrible exchange.


A small group of Risen has taken over the outskirts of Carrion Isle's port. Despite the island's fearsome reputation, it was surprising to Lucina that Plegians settled there and established a small port village. There were even active merchant shipments that docked in these lands. When the Ylisseans offered to clear the Risen lands, the villagers accepted grudgingly to re-establish their seafaring economy.

At the sight of their foes, the Shepherds' small patrol came to a halt. Risen aimlessly shuffled outside a small, abandoned hut, carrying rusted weapons. Lucina twitched, about to dash forward, when an arm stopped her path.

"Don't rush into the front lines." Chrom ordered, pushing her gently back. "Recklessness can be your undoing."

"Sorry, Father," she muttered, slightly chastised by him. "I haven't fought alongside others in a long time."

He frowned before nodding, turning to his wife. "Got anything, Robin?"

Mother stood next to Father's other side, glancing at the princess briefly before continuing with her surveillance. The grandmaster's brow furrowed in concentration as she studied the surroundings.

After their conversation the day before, Lucina noticed her mother staring at her more frequently, but Robin kept her distance, making the princess feel guilty about her abrupt departure. It pained her to realize how much she had hurt her mother by leaving, but even so, she couldn't stay without losing her composure a third time in the grandmaster's arms.

"A good pincer maneuver would eliminate them," Mother determined, pointing at the abandoned hut. "These Risen are confined to a single location, and there appears to be no leader among them."

"Agreed."

"It should be a small group. It may appear to be simple, but we must not relax our guard. Forming three groups of two should suffice."

The small patrol began to split up with their assigned partners, whom Lucina recognized as married couples or close allies. Chrom and Robin appear to be unconsciously moving closer together as if to pair up, still too preoccupied with informing the other troops. For her own safety and the couple's peace of mind, Lucina will most likely be assigned to the rearguard.

But first, she had to make amends for her outburst.

As much as she wanted to stick by her father's side, Lucina approached the grandmaster, biting her lip. "I'll join you, Mother."

Robin's surprise was palpable as she glanced at Chrom, who cocked his head to one side. "Are you sure?"

"I'm more than able," Lucina replied as she turned to face Father, who was staring at his wife intently, as if trying to communicate something nonverbally. "It's better to have diversity in our ranks."

Robin made eye contact with Chrom, deliberating until she nodded. "Well, alright. Stay close to me."

"I'll just join up with Lissa then." The prince nodded.

Rather quickly, Lucina thought as Chrom left with a backward glance while Robin patted her pockets awkwardly for her tome before melting into her usual composure. They departed in unison, proceeding with the planned assault in silence. The Risen scattered into a circled group surrounding an abandoned hut. The pair moved closer to their designated area, and Lucina slid Falchion out of the sheath.

Mother whispered, opening her tome. "There's a foe with a set of heavy armor next to the entrance and an axe-wielder in the garden."

The princess quickly understood her meaning because her wording was like what she had previously heard from Morgan. Raising her sword, Lucina crouched along the walls, stalking the slow-moving axe wielder. Meanwhile, Robin shielded her back and aimed at the armored Risen.

"Now," the grandmaster ordered.

The pair dashed forward. Lucina cut in a downward motion, aiming for the gap between the fighter's chest armor. The Risen's rusted axe dropped into the ground with a thump, and the princess swung again for the final blow. The adversary was defeated more quickly than she had anticipated when they dropped to the ground, turning into ash. The heavy clank of armor and the smell of burning metal in the air came from behind her, with Robin clearing their surroundings.

In the distance, the other Shepherds defeated their opponents with planned ease. Robin squinted at the fights before nodding, pleased at their outcomes. She walked into the hut. "We should also inspect the inside. We can't leave any of them behind in case of an ambush."

The princess trailed behind, wary of any surprises.

With heightened caution, Mother looked inside the room, only to find broken furniture and a large empty space in the center. The grandmaster shook her head, "They appeared out of here? There is only one way in and out."

Lucina grimaced, pointing at the empty middle. "Someone must've activated a teleportation spell to impede us. It's possible that the same person or group who unleashed the horde before did so again."

"Interesting, so it's like your own arrival," Robin mused, observing the floorboards for any remnants of sigils. "Of course, it's less destructive. The council assumed the same thing, but there was never any evidence left of it, unlike in the forest."

"It vanishes after summoning Risen. Because dark magic is a more powerful tool for teleportation, the specialized sigil leaves no visible traces; Ylisseans of this era are unaware of this phenomenon because elemental magic leaves some evidence of their conjuring."

Mother raised her brow. "For someone who isn't familiar with the magical arts, you have a lot of knowledge."

"It's information I've gleaned from countless skirmishes over the years. It's a shame to admit that I'm also somewhat of an expert on Risen. Another clue is that they are usually old soldiers or mercenaries who were raised from the dead."

"That's true. Many of them are armed." The grandmaster said as the princess stepped outside. Lucina could feel her mother's concerned gaze on her. "Have you… downed soldiers in your own time?"

"Of course, not even my own army was safe."

Robin cringed. "I'm sorry, it must've affected you badly. Nobody, let alone a child, should have to go through that."

"I've grown accustomed to it." Lucina paused, debating whether to abandon the subject. Sharing personal information is a way for the princess to bond with others if she wants to bridge this chasm she created. Perhaps this is why Father was so willing to change partners.

She steeled herself, deciding to put her fears in the hands of the grandmaster.

"It was difficult at first because I was unfamiliar with many of the difficulties, so I relied on the assistance of other noble families. I had previously honed my sword skills, but now I needed to learn logistics, diplomacy, and tactics."

A painful shiver ran up Lucina's spine as she remembered the time. "I was aware of my obligations, but it was something I would undertake later in life. Not at the age I was at the time. As a child, all I wanted was for my parents to return. It wasn't until I inherited the crown that I realized my position as a royal took precedence over my family. The people needed a leader; not a grieving child."

Robin put her gloved hand over her mouth, closing her eyes momentarily. When she opened it once more, she replied in a rough voice, "Those feelings are still valid, Lucina."

A foe shuffled into their range and aimed at them with a hand axe, and Lucina rushed in, delivering a quick swipe at the Risen's neck. She was beginning to regret indulging in her insecurities. "Pardon me. We're becoming distracted from our goal, and we shouldn't be having this conversation in the heat of battle."

"That's MY phrase, but I believe we should talk more about this. Well, not NOW-"

Lucina saw another Risen stumble into the opening and, with a short glance at her mother, proceeded to eliminate them before the enemy continued to the other Shepherds.

"Gods, what-," Lucina heard the grandmaster curse, rushing behind the princess. Perhaps the princess shouldn't have expressed her concerns. Instead of making amends, she strained the relationship even further.

A bolt of lightning hit the Risen right before Lucina stabbed forward with Falchion, burying the blade into its chest. Another strong tug and the sword was free from the corpse as the undead foe collapsed to the ground.

Robin continued, not deviating from the subject. "So, what if you wept? You were given a heavy burden along with the loss of your family. A leader can be strong while also being vulnerable to their emotions when the time is right."

"No tears now," Lucina recalled what her mother said before departing for the last time. Traitorous tears streamed down the young girl's cheeks as she tried to maintain her composure in front of the guards. The queen wiped them away before hugging her one last time. "We have to be strong."

"My birth parents held their heads high and regal when faced with the war." Lucina muttered, recalling their expressions from the last time she saw them. "If their allies were in trouble, they didn't argue or complain about leaving. They both knew what needed to be done for the good of Ylisse. It is unbecoming of their daughter to act childishly in their stead."

"You were a child. That is to be expected."

"I am a princess. It would be disrespectful to sully the royal name. My parents inspired camaraderie and peace without letting their emotions influence their decisions. It would behoove me to react emotionally in their place. After all, you left the baby in the castle to fulfill your responsibilities as grandmaster and queen."

"That's absurd," Robin snarled, leaving the princess taken aback by her demeanor. "I'd wager you'll avoid me after this, so I'll say my piece right now. Royal or not, you're a daughter over a princess, at least to me and your father. Whatever ludicrous image you have of your parents should come to an end."

Ludicrous?

Before Lucina could retort, the grandmaster pushed her to the ground as a breeze passed by next to the princess' head. A hand axe cut buried itself into the rotten wood of the hut, and the princess rushed to get herself back on her feet. Mother delivered a blast of Thunder with a murderous look to the Risen as they staggered backwards, ending them with another short burst of lighting.

"I SHOULD know because I AM her. If I was truly that type of woman in your past, we're not the same person."

The grandmaster paused to regain her breath.

"We left the baby at the castle with a heavy heart. There's nothing Chrom and I want more than to be reunited with her, yet if we ignore the trouble that's brewing now, there will be no peaceful world for her to grow up in. We may be responsible for the Halidom's peace, but we are still selfish in our desires. I assure you that they felt the same anguish as us."

Now that I recall, Mother's voice back then sounded muffled. While Lucina failed to hold her composure, the queen hid her face behind her small daughter's head, her breath stuttering. Morgan whimpered, holding on to Father's leg while the father patted the boy's head, muttering reassurances to his youngest.

The four of them took their time saying their goodbyes until the royal couple was summoned to leave. Father turned away from the children, gripping Falchion's pommel with white knuckles, while Mother stood up, her eyes downcast, before smiling sadly at both of them.

Lucina sniffed, surprising herself, and she rubbed her sleeves across her face.

"We promised to end this war as soon as possible so we could reunite." Robin persisted; her eyes filled with the same melancholy as the queen. "Decorum is important, but suppressing your emotions is not what your birth parents would've wanted for you. I guarantee you that they are more concerned with your well-being than with what the public thinks of you. Don't place false expectations on yourself when you're doing your best."

"I'll try, Mother."

"It's only what a parent should do. Come now, your father and the others are waiting on us."

After checking for any wounds and clearing the field, the duo began to return to the starting point. The princess noticed they walked slower while the grandmaster looked away, giving time for Lucina to gather her bearings.

Father waved from the other side, looking relieved at the sight of them.

As Robin detailed their short report, Lucina realized that she didn't apologize for her outburst, but she had a feeling that the grandmaster wouldn't accept it. Words seem to fail both at best. Yet, she could sense that their shared honesty broke some invisible barrier in their relationship. However, Lucina felt that it still wasn't enough to fully apologize for her previous actions.

Maybe a gift should appease her? Small material keepsakes seem to be a trend currently. When she first arrived in the port town, the princess did look at the large collection that had piqued her interest in the shops. Perhaps Lucina should stop by one of their small stores once they reopen.


"You've sparred with her already?" Robin gasped, closing the book in her hands.

"When we were practicing drills, Lucina asked me for a turn. I couldn't deny her request." Chrom said, unsheathing Falchion and placing it in its usual spot next to his side of the bedroll.

The prince and grandmaster both retired into their shared temporary tent, haggard from patrol and marching to the ship. There was still some waiting until the ships were ready to sail, but they were far from the initial sight of the ambush. The villagers appear to warm to them as well, offering their wares for sale as a token of their appreciation.

Nonetheless, the pair couldn't wait to leave for the Searoad.

Robin stood up from her chair, stretching her sore muscles. "Did she do well?"

Chrom grinned with pride. "She threw the match to keep it going. I'll count that as a success. Lucina also stopped after the match to compare my blade with hers. Her version had a few nicks and dents, but it was an exact replica."

The grandmaster chuckled.

"What?"

"Lucina actively seeks you out," she snickered, amused by Chrom's enthusiasm. "I noticed you two proudly prancing around camp. It's absolutely adorable."

"I wouldn't call it adorable," Her husband coughed, his ears tinged with red as Robin smirked. "We were just discussing our swordsmanship styles. Furthermore, the camp appears to find the whole thing amusing; half of the Shepherds were watching our match."

"It's a spectacle for all to enjoy." The grandmaster pointed out, setting her coat on the chair. "She's the spitting image of you. It's unusual to see a pair spar with almost their exact clone in terms of appearance and fighting prowess. I've only seen portraits of the Hero-King, but Lucina takes after him as well."

And absolutely nothing like me.

Robin gripped the back of the chair, recalling her earlier attempts to get closer to the princess. Maybe she shouldn't keep pressuring Lucina about her past. But, aside from battle, what else could they bond over? Her daughter and she had less in common than she had thought, and the grandmaster seemed to get on the princess' nerves in their conversations. Chrom and Lucina imitated each other so well that she felt insecure about her lack of process.

"Aye, she appears to be enamored with legends." Chrom marveled, settling down on their bedroll and taking his boots off. "The castle tailors must've enjoyed her request. They always enjoyed the older traditional garments."

Robin stifled another laugh that threatened to rise from her throat. She had complete faith in her husband, but his sense of fashion, outside of the tailor's influence, was not one of them.

Which reminded Robin of the precious (and questionably tasteful) green dress folded in her luggage, careful not to wrinkle it. The grandmaster snatched it away from Lucina's grasp after she promised to keep it if the daughter didn't wear it the next time they went to town. For better or worse, they did have similar figures.

At the very least, it was some process in their relationship. For the time being, Robin would encourage Lucina's innocent delight in selecting her clothes while hunting down anyone who dares to criticize her daughter's unique fashion sense. The grandmaster could be satisfied with that.

"How are you two getting along?"

"What?" Robin blinked, snapping out of her ominous thoughts.

"You and Lucina have already fought alongside each other. How was that experience?"

"Great," she lied, not looking at him as she changed into her nightgown. "Lucina fought as well as any Shepherd, even if she had to re-acclimate being around others again. Just before I came in, she told me about her journey to the town."

Chrom narrowed his eyes. "Are you certain? You've been acting strangely."

"These are strange circumstances." Robin rambled, tugging at the end of her hair. Chrom would be devastated if his family did not get along. "Despite the fact that I should be two decades her senior, Lucina, our daughter, is slightly younger than me right now. That we know, of course. I have no idea what my true age is. Other than that? It's been an easy transition."

"Uh-huh. I noticed how you two interacted on patrol yesterday. You looked surprised when she offered to pair up with you."

"Surprised? No."

As she fidgeted under his gaze, Chrom stated bluntly: "I know you are having difficulties, Robin. I'm not blind. Lucina was watching me spar with Vaike just a few moments after I left, and you barely mentioned it when I returned. That patrol stunt confirmed that something was amiss."

It would be pathetic to ask how to get our daughter to like me.

The grandmaster stubbornly desired to feel SOME parental pride. What kind of mother would she be if she couldn't solve the problem on her own?

Nonetheless, she swallowed her pride and told him.

"It's pitiful, is it not?" Robin admitted, sinking next to Chrom in his bedroll. "I couldn't think of anything to say without upsetting her. I talked about tactics and magic, but the conversation stalled, and she even ran away from me when I asked about her past. I won't even start with what happened during the battle. Outside of the war effort, she appears to be the opposite of me."

"That's slightly dramatic. We JUST introduced ourselves to each other. We don't know much about Lucina, and she knows little about you." Chrom insisted.

"It wasn't like this when you three found me." Robin muttered, remembering the start of her new life; a strange transition, but a good one. With each recruit, the grandmaster gradually becomes better at introductions. Chrom, on the other hand, got along swimmingly with almost everyone at the first meeting; his natural charisma made him stand out as the Shepherds' leader, surpassing anything she could do at the same time.

"Which reminds me, you should know what it's like to join a group without knowing a single soul; everyone is nervous at first."

"But she's more than just a soldier; she's our daughter. I wanted to make a good first impression, but I've already botched it." Robin protested, pressing her cheek into the prince's uncovered arm.

"Lucina loves you, though she finds it difficult to show it." Her husband reassured her, holding her hand. "We discussed that she happened to love legends from yore. Perhaps you should tell her old stories about yourself to feel closer to her. Children enjoy hearing stories from their parents and their ancestors."

"I don't have much of a past to speak of."

"You're not making this easier for yourself, are you?" Chrom sighed, squeezing their joined hands lightly. "Look, there is much to tell even without a past. In a few short years, you went from being discovered unconscious in a field to becoming the grandmaster of an entire country. That is already enough material for a full-fledged history book. If you don't have the courage to tell her in your spare time, you can bond while fighting alongside one another, which is how I got to know you."

"My love, you propose that we willingly send our child to the front lines again just to talk to me." Robin joked, aware of how unusual this conversation was in comparison to just a few days before. The grandmaster did, however, give it some thought. "Perhaps I could ask to pair up in training drills. Lucina fought well in the patrol, although her technique could use some refining. Some words of wisdom wouldn't go wrong."

"That's a tactician I'm familiar with," Chrom praised, resting his chin on top of her head. "You're exhausting yourself with hypotheticals; just live in the moment and it'll come to you. I promise you; it will get better."

Although she didn't truly believe it, her husband's faith in her was encouraging.


Lucina could still see the remnants of the burning ships in the dusky light of the Searoad. On her own, Lucina witnessed Mother's ingenuity, which earned her the title of Grandmaster of Ylisse.

Morgan would've loved to have seen it in action.

Lucina walked the upper parts of the deck, her legs slightly shaky from the waves, hoping for the ocean breeze to clear her mind and offer her some peace from her intrusive thoughts. The Shepherds settled into their new cabins, recovering from their own wounds and highs. Before retiring, they all praised Robin's impromptu stunt of sacrificing half of their shipments to escape. It would have been a fool's errand that ended in tragedy if it had been anyone else.

A brown coat caught her eye, and the princess found the grandmaster leaning over the ship's rails. While they were leagues away from the wreckage, Robin stared at the blaze, rubbing her temples with a solemn expression.

"Mother," Lucina greeted.

The grandmaster's body tensed. However, when Robin saw the princess, she relaxed and smiled softly. "Yes, dear?"

"Are you having difficulty unwinding for the day?"

"I just had a minor headache, so I'm getting some fresh air." Mother stopped rubbing her temples and placed her hands on the ship's rails.

Headaches?

Since she joined, Lucina had noticed that Mother was prone to small headaches from time to time. Aunt Lissa speculated that it was due to stress; the princess, on the other hand, suspected otherwise based on her parents' shared expressions. The pair still haven't expressed their concerns to her, but she shouldn't pass judgment. The princess, for her part, was keeping a few secrets of her own.

It also begged the question as to why this Robin was amnesiac. Everything that had happened previously to their meeting in this time occurred exactly as it had been written. Yet, in an unusual twist of fate, this Chrom discovered her in a field with memory loss; therefore, the past came to pass with differing details after their encounter. It occurred before the princess arrived, so it was not due to her direct intervention.

Lucina couldn't get rid of her irrational suspicions about the unusual circumstances surrounding this change.

"Do you perchance recall anything? Before your amnesia, I mean?" The princess inquired as she approached the railing in front of Robin.

"No," Mother shook her head. "It remains elusive as ever."

"Neither the cause?"

"Lissa and Maribelle couldn't find one," Robin replied, looking out at the sea, despondent. "Some of the castle healers and clergy examined me, but no one could give a concrete explanation."

"Does it bother you?" Lucina blurted out, before realizing it was a rude question. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"Don't say that. You never do," Robin scolded lightly before gazing into the ocean. "Sometimes it does bother me. Who was I before? Why am I left without a past to remember? Is there a specific reason for my amnesia? I kept running with the same questions day after day and received no answers to them. It was then that I realized, over time, that it was best to leave it behind and accept what I had been given. What matters to me now is that I've created new memories with my family and friends in this new life that I've found myself in. Yet, the questions linger on some days."

Robin looked at Lucina with saddened eyes. "Do you know anything? From the future in which you came?"

"I heard rumors. She was the same as you, joining the army, and gaining the reputation as the Shepherd's famed tactician and eventual Queen of Ylisse with all her memories intact. Although…"

Lucina paused, thinking.

"My birth parents never told me HOW they first met. According to the rumors and gossip, she appeared one day by his side and was named as the army's tactician without further questions."

"Just like that?"

"I assume so."

"It does sound like something Chrom would do," Robin muttered, exasperated, but her lips began to curve upwards into a smile. "Did she tell you where she came from?"

"No, but I believe it was because I was young. I had heard rumors that she had worked as an independent tactician across the continent for a while prior to joining. Thus, her experience qualified her for the position. Then again, only my birth father knew the full truth. She trusted him more than anyone."

"No other family members?" Mother pressed; her gaze briefly drawn to her hands.

"Not to my recollection. Although she mentioned her mother a few times, I don't believe she was still alive. It was mostly just us."

"My own mother? Is she- That's good." The grandmaster whispered, shaking her head. "What about you? Can't rest either?"

Lucina squinted as Robin changed the subject, but she still responded. "It's my future."

And the fact that her father's possible killer could be roaming this enclosed space.

"Ah," Mother murmured softly. "I guessed so."

"It's testing my strength." Lucina gripped the railing, trying to regain her footing as the ship rocked. The salty air pushed her hair as a wave crashed into the wooden hull. "If I can perhaps change anything."

"Your presence here with us has already changed your written past."

"For the better? I haven't brought many favorable changes for the last two to three years since I've arrived."

"Of course, for the better, dear. We've been blessed by your presence."

"I don't believe so; the wars still occurred and what happened with Lady Emm-"

"Lucina," Robin interjected, reaching out and patting the princess's hands. "You can't control every single aspect of history; you're one person against all odds. I promise it'll be different this time. Have some faith; you are not alone. This weight you carry is no longer yours, but of all of us."

Can you truly promise that? No matter what it entails?

Lucina was no stranger to broken promises. Her birth parents assured her that they would come back from the war, only to never return. Lucina promised to protect Morgan, but he was nowhere to be found. The other children entrusted her with leading them into a better future, and the princess has yet to offer any significant change to prevent their future. Promises of all kinds were formed and broken in her past as the world devolved into chaos.

Nonetheless, she'll cling to the sliver of hope offered by her mother.

"I'll take your word for it," Lucina said, brightening the gloomy atmosphere. "At least fate has been gracious enough to bring you and Father together despite the odds."

"Oh," Robin blinked as she suddenly remembered their previous topic. "I can't speak for your own mother, but I can tell you how Chrom and I met in this time."

"No need, Father already did."

"He did?" Mother paled. "What did he say?"

"Well," Lucina smiled, proud of having obtained this small tidbit about them. "Father answered that he, Aunt Lissa, and Sir Frederick were making a short expedition to the southern lands for brigands. After a short skirmish, they found you asleep in a field outside of Southtown."

"Yes, that's how it goes,"

"I'm impressed by how well you handled the introductions. Since Aunt Lissa almost tripped on you on the field and-"

"WHAT?" The grandmaster gasped, suddenly gripping Lucina's hand.

"I thought you knew?" The princess' delight faded when she noticed her mother's wide eyes.

"Lissa TRIPPED on me and I'm only now hearing about it? I thought he was going to say something else!"

"Father did say almost."

Robin didn't seem to be listening, slapping a hand over her face. "It's an embarrassing first impression! My own sister-in-law fell over me while I was unconscious, and that dolt didn't even dare to tell me after all these years!"

Perhaps there was a reason Father didn't want to tell Lucina about the couple's first meeting. Mother appears to be comically concealing her red face by looking in the opposite direction. The princess can't help but feel sorry for the prince's inevitable reprimand when the grandmaster's expression turns to anger. A small laugh rose from Lucina's throat, and the grandmaster playfully glared at her.

"Lucina," the grandmaster smiled dangerously, calculatingly patting her daughter's hand. "Excuse me while I find your father or any of the other two. Any of them would suffice. I'd like to say a few STERN words to them."

Her mother rushed off towards the stairwell, muttering: "He fell in love with THAT?"

Lucina should have inquired further about the grandmaster's past, but instead she laughed even louder. It's been interesting to discover new sides of her parents' personalities since the princess entered their lives. When she was a child, the royal couple was undoubtedly more composed; however, they occasionally got into mischief with their children.

Once her purpose is completed, it'll be an interaction Lucina will remember long after she has left them to live their own lives.


With the arrival of Say'ri and the subsequent increase in complications, Robin began to forget the events of Carrion Isle by strategizing for the upcoming battles. Fortunately, her dizziness had subsided by the time they arrived on Valm's soil, and her mind had cleared of any headaches and nightmares that had plagued her for the time being. Validar's spells appeared to have a limit, which relieved the grandmaster greatly.

Daughter.

Walking back to her tent, Robin shivered at the term and slid her uncovered fingers through the baby clothes tucked in the coat, the wool soft to the touch. She thumbed the bow that drew her attention at the market, reminding her of her newborn back at the castle.

The grandmaster should probably send it to her baby's nursemaid, but a terribly selfish part of her wanted to see her daughter in the outfit herself. Children of this age grow extremely quickly, and the baby Lucina may have outgrown it by the time they return. But one thought lingered in her mind above all others.

What would happen if Validar invaded her child's mind through their bloodline, just like with Robin in Carrion Isle?

Lucina was surrounded by the best guards in Ylisstol at the moment, she thought, picturing the nursery and her assigned royal knights. Either way, she is just a baby. There's nothing he COULD do. Besides, the adult Lucina is unaware of her own maternal lineage, and the King of Plegia shouldn't know of her existence. They are both safe from his plans.

Another shiver ran down her spine as she delved deeper into her fears. Robin had her own family to protect, and if Validar tried to harm any of her daughters, the grandmaster's rage would be unfathomable, but she would also feel terrible guilt for passing her blood to them.

Outside of politics and peaceful diplomacy, Robin wanted no further association with Validar. He had already hurt the grandmaster, and that was reason enough for her to avoid contact with him, even though a part of her longs to learn more about her past.

Perhaps Robin was just an illegitimate child or a distant family member. Perhaps she wasn't related to him at all. People have commented on her clothing and appearance, initially assuming she was a Plegian. Maybe this was a sick ruse to undermine the amnesiac after Plegia's defeat, taking advantage of her mysterious past to attack the Royal House of Ylisse. There were numerous other possibilities that she could consider.

Or perhaps she didn't want to believe she was related to such a man.

Robin quelled her running thoughts as she entered her tent, taking Lucina's gift from under her coat.

Her husband slumped to the side, clearly tired of the endless scrolls that messengers sent them from Ylisstol. Even the fact that they were separated by a large swath of ocean and faced global conquest did not deter them from the frankly tedious administration of running a Halidom.

"Robin," Chrom exclaimed, his voice more upbeat than usual. "Please entertain me with something. Because the author writes like a bore, I'm about to nod off on top of this very important land dispute. I need to respond to the messenger by nightfall."

Robin snorted as she approached the prince's desk. Numerous correspondences were spread out on the table, and the Royal House of Ylisse's seal stamp was freshly stained with wax next to a small stack of letters waiting to be sent out in the corner. The grandmaster wrapped his arms around his neck from behind and looked over his head, already armed with the perfect distraction.

"I did warn you to settle the spat before we left." Robin smugly chided.

"Damn it, could you revise it with me, Robin?"

She kissed his temple, humming. "Nope."

At her husband's bitter groan, the grandmaster pulled out the baby clothes from her pocket, beaming. "Anyway, look at what Lucina bought me from the town. It's quite charming, isn't it?"

"She gifted this to you?" Chrom's eyes brightened as he set his quill to the inkpot, forgetting his predicament.

"She noticed me looking at it during our most recent trip to the market and surprised me with it."

"Lucina wants you to wear it? It's-er, a bit small for you?"

"No, you fool. It's for the baby back at the castle." Robin flicked her husband's forehead with her finger, secretly relieved that she wasn't the only one who had the same assumption.

"That was very gracious of her." Her husband touched the bow, glancing at the stack of letters. "She's still crawling, isn't she? The guards wrote that she escaped her crib in the last message, and I'm still baffled as to how. If she continues at this rate, these clothes may be ruined. Not to mention that by the time we return, we'll have quite an escapist child on our hands."

"We're still due for another letter this week if the ports are cleared. We can write back to the castle to have them commission a portrait done with the clothing."

Chrom looked at her, dumbfounded. "You'd have a messenger to carry a portrait through the battlefield?"

"Oh, it's not for us now. It's for a keepsake. While we're outside of Ylisstol, I'd like her nanny to document everything she can. She had promised to make a scrapbook of what we had missed in the previous letter as well."

His mirth waned at the mention of their child's whereabouts, and he gently set the baby's clothes onto the desk. "Right."

The prince leaned his head back into Robin's chest and she rubbed her cheek to his, comforting him. Her back started hurting because of her posture, but she knew he was troubled by something on his mind.

"I am surprised by one fact," Chrom pressed his lips together. "She appears to be an only child, based on her description of her future. I thought we… would have more."

"What?" Robin blinked, confused for a moment, until she knew which daughter he was referring to. "Oh,"

It took her by surprise as well. The couple both agreed they wanted a larger family, though they jokingly debated whether to add another child or end up with three in total, like Chrom's own set of siblings. Robin had no close relatives, but she wished Lucina to have the same sibling bond that the prince had with his sisters. An innocent conversation in which they believed peace would last after the Plegian war ended.

"I assume it too," Robin said. "Given what she described about the horrors of the future, it's easy to believe that we were too preoccupied with the war effort at the time."

"Then," Chrom let out a harsh laugh. "Should I feel anguished that Lucina went through it all alone or relieved that we didn't have more children to suffer such fates?"

"Chrom…"

"It's been a thought that has been pestering me for a while since Lucina revealed herself. For the longest time, I was highly tempted to ask, yet I didn't want to pressure her into revealing so. She's already troubled by other, more important affairs."

"We wouldn't bring another child to the world if we knew what our future held."

"I just wish it didn't have to be that way. At this point, I've concluded that she is an only child." Chrom clenched his jaw. "The troubles don't stop there either. Lucina informed me that she is unable to return to her own time."

"She can't?" The grandmaster gaped. "There are no other paths for her to return?"

"Naga warned them before they made the leap that her own world would be lost in time. She might as well live in this present for the rest of her life. Then she rambled some blasted nonsense about how she'd leave us alone once peace is restored. It's absurd! Lucina would be welcome to stay by our side at any time. She will always be dear to us, whether as an ally, friend, or daughter."

"That's why…" Robin's tongue became dry. "It's almost identical to what she confessed to me."

"Hold on, what did she tell you?" Chrom craned his neck to her, frowning.

She recounted the conversation today. Lucina's confession that she was envious of the baby. The reason she bought the clothes, how the princess didn't want to replace the baby, and how the mother should concentrate on her REAL daughter. Robin began to grow more heated while Chrom glowered at the statements.

"That's preposterous." The prince fumed, about to get out of his chair. "Who's the craven that's been filling her with these thoughts?"

"Chrom, I believe she's been telling herself those thoughts," Robin nudged him down, attempting to soothe the prince's anger. "I did assure her that she is loved, whether or not she is the child I gave birth to."

"What's causing her to feel this way? Is it something we've done to disturb her?"

"She probably thinks she doesn't deserve to draw attention away from the baby Lucina. Allow this version of herself to enjoy the advantages she did not have in her time."

"I- why-" He struggled to form words, gritting his teeth. "We were supposed to be living in peace and now there is a conqueror at our shores and the revival of a Fell Dragon throwing the world into chaos. Past, present or future, nobody in our family or Halidom is safe."

"We promised," The grandmaster echoed his words. "She'll be with her family. Both of them will be. Whether the baby or the one who traveled the past to change her fate."

"I simply want Lucina to concentrate on the present instead of those damn thoughts. Her future held dark memories for her, so we'll do everything in our power to make the most of the time she missed with us. We CAN'T let it occur in our future or with the baby back at the castle. I won't allow it."

"We won't." Robin affirmed before smiling softly. "I'm proud of Lucina for what she's accomplished despite the odds. Even though the circumstances surrounding her appearance are dire, having her here with us has been a blessing. I've never been prouder of our daughter."

"I, too," Chrom sighed, his frustration fading. "I'm hoping for a bright future for both. Perhaps when peace returns, we'll be able to provide the baby and the older Lucina with the family they deserve."

The reply to the messenger remained abandoned as the couple continued reassuring themselves. Robin's back arched painfully, but she did not say a word, even though the grandmaster would soon regret it when she awoke the next day with a knot in her back that wouldn't go away.

Moreover, she didn't admit to Chrom that a small, shameful part of her was relieved that there were no other children that shared her questionable bloodline.


The Valmanese war has only grown stronger. The Shepherds were starting to feel the strain of the battle, still stiff from their two-year hiatus and fighting on unfamiliar terrain. While waiting for a response from the dynasties, the commander and chief tactician decided to explore the surrounding villages. As a result, they aid those in need while providing field practice and boosting troop morale.

Lucina marched on down the trail, lost in her thoughts. It's been weeks since they discovered her identity, and the princess blended well with the Shepherds, most of whom are now used to her presence and real identity. She'd even grown accustomed to the colorful characters on the army's roster. But every now and then, she paused to survey the land. Years of searching for her old comrades had yielded nothing.

So why did she tell Aunt Lissa about Owain?

Aunt Lissa didn't comment more on the revelation, going off to find her brother in a hurry. Now, the princess's worry gnawed at her. What if she disliked the prospect of knowing about a future child she hasn't had yet? After all, the healer just recently got married.

Lucina hadn't seen her cousin since arriving in the past, but she missed his boisterous and exuberant performances on quieter days like today. Owain always made these monotonous treks more enjoyable. When Lucina didn't have a task to keep her mind occupied, she could recall the same thoughts for every other future child in some form or another. Perhaps she is growing nostalgic, maybe even too relaxed for her liking.

Would Father question Lucina if Aunt Lissa told him about Owain? The princess already feared her parents' suspicions of hiding information beyond the necessary details. There were too many concerns already that would be exacerbated if she mentioned Morgan after so long. Would Chrom and Robin despise her if she withheld this crucial information from them? She was unsure how to approach the subject due to her fear of their reactions.

"Lucina?"

Mother's voice in front snapped Lucina out of her worries. "Pardon, Mother. I was reminiscing."

"That's some serious reminiscing." Robin hummed, slowing her pace to match the princess's. "You've been looking downwards since we passed the woods."

"It helps pass the time," Lucina replied, omitting her true thoughts.

"Do you often wander into the fields?" Mother asked. "I prefer to clear my head out in nature when I'm burdened with something."

Lucina remembered the long stretches of waiting when she first arrived. For a while, her only source of entertainment was her memories and the occasional wonder of things she didn't have in her future.

"Surprisingly, yes. It's a habit that developed after I arrived, whereas I didn't have the luxury of dawdling when I was younger."

The breeze touched Lucina's skin, neither shockingly cold nor absurdly warm. Days of haphazard encampments had accustomed her to extreme temperatures and decaying landscapes. The princess was now enjoying the consistent temperatures and lush, vegetated lands that had taken her by surprise when she awoke from nightmares. At times, she just sat and marveled at the beauty of the world she'd found herself in. "It's lovely to see what nature has to offer when attempting to clear one's mind. I don't recall the grass ever being so vibrantly green."

For some reason, her mother smiled. "I didn't have anything in my past to compare, but I understand your thoughts. I was taken aback when I first saw the snowfall in Regna Fox. I'd heard about it in theory, but I don't think I'd ever seen it in person before. It wasn't as white as I'd hoped, and when it melted, it left a wet stain on everything it touched, making the ground slick and causing some soldiers to fall. The winds were also stronger than I anticipated, and I thought wearing only my cloak and some thin layers underneath would keep the cold at bay."

The grandmaster cinched her coat closer, grimacing. "A blunder I learned not to repeat. However, I had never been so fascinated beforehand. Lissa had to tug me away from a pile of snow on the side of the road before my hands would freeze from frostbite. Because I was so engrossed, I didn't realize my fingers were turning red and I couldn't feel anything in my hands until she took off my gloves. The poor girl had to beg Fredrick to light a fire to warm them up again."

"Tales do not always depict reality's less-than-pleasing aspects," Lucina reflected, imagining the event.

"No, they do not." The wind blew once more, lifting Robin's white pigtails for a moment as she fixed her warm eyes on the princess.

Lucina locked her gaze on the grandmaster. From the brown and purple coat to her pale hair, this Robin was almost an exact copy of her birth mother from her memories, albeit with fewer lines.

Her brown eyes, on the other hand, reminded Lucina more of Morgan than anything else.

It didn't help that her brother wanted to emulate their mother and shared similar mannerisms. From their love of tactics to silly mischief that sometimes Lucina couldn't understand, they mimicked each other to a disturbing degree. As both women grew closer, the princess had to stop herself often to avoid blurting out his name instead.

Lucina cursed herself for being so hesitant to bring up the subject. The best time to confess should have been in the beginning, when her parents were still in the dark about most of her past.

"It's concerning that we have yet to locate any of my companions." Lucina divulged, surprising herself.

"It's understandable. We don't know where they landed."

"It may be a naive dream, but I can't stop myself from pursuing it. They could be anywhere in the world, yet our paths would surely cross someday."

"I agree with you, dear. After all, despite the odds, you found us."

"That's true." Lucina's heart pounded in her chest. "Mother, I-"

"Yes?" Robin encouraged.

It was simple for Lucina to confess that she had a younger brother named Morgan. Just a short phrase followed by a simple explanation of their relationship. The princess had already informed her aunt about Owain, so it SHOULD be easier for her own parents. Chrom and Robin deserved to know about their son. She had no right to conceal his existence from them.

Lucina was supposed to watch over her younger brother, whom she still hadn't found and spectacularly failed to protect. Instead, here she was, selfishly enjoying their shared dream. With the passage of time, the princess's omission of him during their conversations became easier, and she began to despise herself. If they ever found Morgan, she wasn't sure how she'd explain why she hadn't mentioned anything beforehand to the three people she cared about the most in the world.

"Uh, Lucina? You were going to say something, weren't you?"

"It's regarding-er." Lucina stuttered, snapping out of her trance. The princess cast a glance at her father and Aunt Lissa in the front. The siblings perched atop a small hill overlooking the village center, interested in the scene below. Isn't Father supposed to be present in this conversation as well? The prince was also entitled to the same revelation.

The grandmaster followed her gaze. "Do you want to speak with Chrom? We can call him over if you want."

"That's not necessary," Lucina said after a brief pause, her palms becoming clammy. She'd most likely cower again if they waited for the prince. "I'd like to tell you about someone important to me."

Robin straightened, ready to hear the princess' words with rapt attention.

Simply say it. Mother would understand.

Lucina opened her mouth, ready to confess everything about Morgan when a voice shouted over the fields.

"-fiends!"

Mother blinked, glancing at the front of the march. Lucina's ears focused on the sound, hearing the distantly familiar tune. There was only one voice that could hold her attention across a large field and who had been a part of her life since she was a child.

"-my sword hand twitches! It hungers... for justice! Leave now if you value life and limb, for I cannot stay the hungry hand!"

She DID recognize that voice. Lucina walked faster, bringing Robin close as well. Father and Lissa had already descended into the town along with the vanguard, but the princess needed to see for herself if it was true before entering. Approaching the hillside, Lucina came to a halt to look down into town, just as Father did.

"-warrior comes from the future to bring hope for a dying world… I am Owain!"

She grinned as Owain waved his sword around. It was her cousin, without a doubt; Owain's vigor was unrivaled. He was older and dressed in a modified version of his old yellow myrmidon uniform, defending a village woman from a band of bandits, typical of the heroic caricature that her cousin loved to imitate.

Lucina's troubled thoughts about her brother faded as her attention was drawn to Owain's appearance. She eventually tracked down one of the children after so many years. Maybe she was finally being blessed after all these years. When the princess turned around, she saw her mother looking down at the scene as well.

"Owain's here, Mother!" Lucina shouted, perplexed by the sound of her own laughter in her voice. High-pitched and slightly hysterical, but genuine and true.

I'll tell you both about Morgan one day. I promise.

"That's good," Robin said, catching her breath after the scare. "Wait- who is this Owain?"


The future children gathered over time. With each child found, Robin could see Lucina's mood improving. Her daughter's rare smiles came easily, and her gait grew more relaxed.

The Shepherds stopped by the nearby village near the Regna Fox and Plegian borders to resupply their weapons and numbers before returning to the harbor. Despite seeing new lands in Valm, it was nice to be back in their homeland, even if for a short and restless break.

Robin smiled as Lucina walked alongside her and Chrom, their heads held high. Lucina had come a long way since she first revealed herself on Carrion Isle. When the princess first joined, she hid at the sight of others and remained reserved around them. Now, their daughter walked confidently by their side and shared her thoughts when she wished. Despite their rocky beginning, the mother and daughter have grown closer.

Still, the grandmaster noticed that Lucina was still looking for someone. According to the princess, there were still some children missing, but she wouldn't specify who. The children whispered among themselves, sharing Lucina's sense of secrecy when it came to the matter of their comrades.

Regardless, her daughter was content with her newfound allies, and the grandmaster let them keep their secrets to themselves.

"Excuse me," An old Feroxi man called from the side of the road, squinting at the trio. "You happen' to be in the Ylissean League they talk about?"

"Yes," Chrom said, stopping the three of them in their tracks.

"Oh, thank Naga! I've been callin' some folks, but they keep saying they are too busy for my ramblin'. They keep saying I'm a liar, but I haven't been an honest man in my life! There is treasure in those ol' ruins."

"Treasure?" Robin asked, still slightly wary of where this conversation was going or rather if the family got caught in the elderly man's ramblings.

The older man pointed to the south, where a cluster of crumpled towers could be seen in the distance. "People say the area has been haunted for years, but now there are truly ghosts in it too! Saw it with my own eyes! Only treasure hunters dare go there."

"Why in blazes would one go treasure hunting there?" Chrom muttered, looking at the collection of ruins. At her husband's frank comment, Robin elbowed his side, keeping a cool expression while he grunted.

Nevertheless, the elderly man answered. "The treasure tale is as old as this village's founding. Forgot the name but something… Naga? It's 'bout the legacy of the divine dragon."

"Divine dragon, you say?"

"Divine it is. Blessed by Naga's herself, they say. Gold is hard to come by lately, and these younglings want a taste of fame. Bah! In my time, men scoured the ruins from top to bottom and couldn't find a single coin to scrape together. I'm not a treasure hunter myself, but I bet they couldn't see the bottom of their boots-"

Chrom frowned, seemingly coming to the same conclusion Robin did a few moments ago. "I think we should-"

"Pardon, was this artifact described as having a tear shape?" Lucina interrupted, stepping forward, as the elder nodded.

"Believe so. Same as this man's arm." He pointed to Chrom's branded arm, the arch surrounding the symbol of a tear.

"I've heard those same tales," The princess mused, turning to Chrom and Robin. "The artifact is called Naga's Tear, but I'm unsure of what makes it valuable."

"It's worth dozens or more bullions, young lady. I think a couple of soldiers have got better eyes for searchin' than any rogue thief round here. Just be careful with those ghosts that keep terrorizing the place. They almost took the baker's kid, and the kid had to run halfway 'cross-"

"Should we believe what he says?" The prince whispered as the elderly man continued with his ramble. "I'm not here to listen to a sermon."

Lucina spoke first. "It's only a story I heard from displaced villagers around this area in my future. I don't recall if anyone found it."

"We did order a new shipment of weapons from the forger just recently." Robin remarked. "And with all the new unexpected 'recruits', we're running short of funds for this monthly quarter. It wouldn't hurt to at least verify."

Chrom sighed, nodding. "Alright, we'll see what we'll find. Finding treasure along the way is a boon as well. If not, this can be a good jog around the scenery before we're stuffed back to the ships." He approached the chatty Feroxi man and asked for directions.

As the older man, after another small story, described the directions to the so-called Ruins of Time, Robin stared at the cracked building glowing blue in the distance, a blanket of suspense enveloping her. The grandmaster didn't know why exactly she was feeling so. Perhaps it was just the food she ate.

"Are you going to join us, Lucina?" Robin asked, while Chrom expressed gratitude to the elderly man, trying to return to his family. "It's probably just a regular patrol. I doubt we'll fight any treasure hunters or bandits."

"Of course, Mother." Lucina locked her gaze on the grandmaster, her blue eyes gleaming with determination. "How could I not? You're both going to be there."

Robin cracked a smile, grateful at having such a wonderful daughter by her side. "Alright, dear. Now, let's help your father before we spend the entire afternoon trapped here."


Author's Notes: Lucina really told Lissa about her cousin, but failed to mention her sibling to her parents. What a great older sister.

First, I'm sorry Chrom, I had to cut out your parts. You'll get your spotlight later.

Second, I was WAY too experimental and ambitious for this one, and I struggled hard. This work is the closest one I've gone to possibly discarding it and continuing with the other planned work so far, but I persevered. As such, it still feels a bit incomplete to me, but I'm going to stop editing it before I lose my sanity. I'm done. These timelines kill me, man. All I wanted was some mother-daughter drama before Lucina's Judgement. Post-timeskip content is hard to write cohesively for me, and I'm not good with short one-shots. But it's here!

I'll be back to my more usual work style for the next one.