Chapter Twenty-Nine

Even though Ylisstol was unaffected by Grima's former presence, that didn't mean the rest of Ylisse was not impacted. The road back to the capital was sobering with the many towns in rumble. The landscape was terraformed with decayed trees and brown fields. Time would heal the wounds of the land and no doubt the people would rebuild.

Grima left a number and Chrom would need to compose a census to finalize the death toll. The fell dragon was dead, but somehow felt he was still lurking around. Perhaps so in the hearts of evil men. But that thought was not a pleasant one to dwell on, at least not for a thousand years.

We got to Ylisstol with the warmest of welcomes in about a week. It was like the home coming after the Plegian War except this time, no more major battles looming over the horizon. True peace and tranquilly.

With no more distractions and wartime responsibilities, it was only naturally for the Shepherds to couple up. The most open secret was Gaius and Sumia and they were to be wed first, shortly after the baby was born. Sumia felt it in her that would be any day now. Gaius stated at a poker game a long time ago he wanted to name it Gaius Belfour Jr if it was a boy or Cynthia if a girl. I was honored to be named his best man. Unfortunately, that meant I had to help with a lot of the planning. I was already swamped in piles of paperwork that Frederick delivered on behalf of Chrom. Needless to say, I was overworked and exhausted every day.

It wasn't Chrom's fault; he needed the help. Never once did I envy his position of power. But if there was one thing he was good at, it was delegating the work. He was also fair and let me take a day off after a while. I decided to use my time wisely and go around the city gathering supplies for Gaius' wedding. It was eight days away; better to get started now than last minute shopping.

Every corner I turned there was someone to greet me like royalty or a long-life friend.

What did I do to deserve this? Everyone is so nice to me and this is new.

I already knew the answer, but receiving the love from total strangers was hearth warming and foreign. Seeing the faces, whether hugging a family member or doing a charitable deed, that is what the Shepherds fought for. This shopping adventure opened my eyes to what a bright future looked like in practice and one that I was grateful to be a part of.

Crossing off my list of items, I needed one more thing: flowers. And lots of them. I knew just the place too and proceeded in the general direction on the cobblestone road. I got to the front door of the shop and was about to turn the knob. I overheard a conversation that I wish I didn't eavesdrop on.

"What do you mean we ran out of wootz?" A feminine voice yelled through the walls. "We just got a batch in two weeks ago and I am not going back to that gate to see my sisters!"

The bell above rang. The conversation ceased immediately. The red head owner stared at me as if she saw a ghost. She dismissed what I assumed to be an employee as the sullen petite girl went to the back of the shop and closed a curtain behind her.

I cleared my throat. "Pardon me, miss, I am looking for something."

The owner perked up and became flamboyant in her demeanor. "Yes! Welcome to The Shoppe of Anna, where we sell the best for the best prices! Now, handsome, what can I get for you?"

I blushed, "Oh stop it, you only flatter yourself."

"Oh really? Then tell me why your face is as red as my hair, hm?"

Her smirk caught me. "Ok, fine, I accept your compliment. Anyways, I am looking for flowers."

"You have come to the right place, sir! We have a special sale on…these flowers right here! They are opulary and bring good fortune to those that have more. You do want good luck, right?" She glared me down pushing hard on the yellow florae.

I waved her off. "No thanks, those aren't the ones I'm looking for. You see, my friend is getting married soon and we need neutral white flowers. Lots of them, too."

I swore I thought I saw Anna frown but she closed her eyes and smiled. "No problem, sir! We have lots of them! Take your pick of roses, lilies, camellia, peony, hydrangea…"

"I'll take them all." I placed a large sack on the table counter. A few of the gold coins spilled out. The metal glimmered in Anna's eyes as she tried not to drop her jaw in excitement. She grabbed the payment and placed it below in the register.

"You got a deal mister! Harriett, please prepared order 322 for this wonderful customer!" Anna cupped her hands and turned back to me. "Harriett will deliver the order to your location tomorrow morning if that is ok?" She slid a piece of paper along with a pen on the table. I wrote down at the courtyards of the castle on behalf of Exalt Chrom. Anna noticed and shouted again at Harriett to make it fast.

"Another happy customer! Please come again!" Anna waved expecting I would leave, but not yet. I had one unexpected order of personal business to take care of first.

"Not so fast, Anna." I held up a hand. "I got some questions for you."

"Ask, sir."

"I couldn't help but overhear you earlier screaming at your friend."

Anna yelped, "Oh my! I thought I was discreet. What did you hear exactly?"

"Enough."

Anna started to sweat. "Please, handsome, I'll do anything! Don't go reporting to the authorities! Harriett just got here to help me, I swear!"

I was confused. What mischief was Anna up to? I didn't care. "What? Umm…sure. Anyways, I heard you say 'gate'…something about your sisters? What is this 'gate'?"

Anna sighed and relieve came across her face. "Gate...Oh! It I was talking about an Outrealm gate."

I knew it. So, it does exist.

"Did I hear you right, Anna? You just said an 'Outrealm gate'?" She nodded. "And please, if you be so kind…" I reached in my pocket and took out a few gold coins. "Where can I find this gate?"

Anna told the truth. A portal existed on an island very few had heard of. Sandibar. I hired a few sailors to go there to confirm and only one came back alive. But he did verify that such a gate was there.

I didn't handle the information well. I rudely gave him the rest of his pay and shrugged him off. I hope he won't judge me for how I acted. The wedding was the next night and there was no way I would be able to sleep. I pondered over leaving my friends and going back home. How could I desert them again when I promised I wouldn't? Home…I wanted to see my family especially my wife. It's been years since I've seen her. I wanted to see her beautiful face again. Rationally, entering the portal would not guarantee I would even make it home. Too much could go wrong. And everything is terrific here. Peace, happiness, the Shepherds…I would be throwing all that away.

Despite the risk, I worked myself up with determination to give it a try. I had to reach the Outrealm gate.

I had to let the Shepherds know about this first and give my last goodbyes. That would wait until after the wedding. Sumia and Gaius didn't deserve their best day ever to be ruined by this revelation. It could wait.

"What's wrong, Phil? You aren't enjoying the festivities?"

No. How could I, knowing I would be leaving the Shepherds? The balcony was a good hiding spot after I gave the best man's speech…that was until I got caught. I tried my best to be happy for Gaius and Sumia, but not even consuming alcohol would allow me to have such pleasure. Faking smiles didn't mask my sadness; Chrom saw through. I refused to tell him the truth.

I darted my eyes, "Fine! Everything is fine! What a swell night it is tonight. Look at all the stars out!"

Chrom didn't move with folded arms. "What is the matter with you? How much did you drink?"

"None, I swear!"

"I know you have something on your mind. What's wrong?"

A puff of air escaped my lips. "Guess I can tell you, but I was saving it for later. Promise me you won't tell the others?"

"Depends."

I stood more frozen than a polar bear. But I braced for his reaction. "Chrom...they found an Outrealm gate."

His face gave me more dread than anticipated. He knew the implications. "Phil…are you saying you are…"

I held up a hand, "Yes I am. In a week, leaving."

The words pierced through Chrom's heart. I left him once and now I was leaving his side again. In doing so, the absence would most likely be permanent.

"Why would you leave us yet again?"

I choked up, "Because…I miss my family back home. I just knew if there was ever a chance to go back home, I'd take it. I am aware of the risks involved, but by god, I have to try." Chrom's face began to water up as was mine. "Chrom, I consider this my home too. You've been so kind. But…I have to go see my wife."

The lord wiped his face. "As much as I hate to see you go, I won't stop you. This is your decision and I will honor it."

"Thank you, friend." I gave him a giant hug despite him towering over me.

"Now, come back inside. I'm sure everyone misses your presence."

"That's ok," I waved him off, "I think I'll stay out here for a while longer."

Chrom left without a word leaving me to my thoughts. Am I making the right choice? Again, my mind went about like the waves as I gazed into the dark sky above. Music from inside made its way outside. The violin and piano notes were soothing. I hummed to the tune before my spine crawled at the sound of a voice.

"Hi there."

A very familiar voice.

"I hope I'm not disturbing something, but would…would you like to dance with me?"

Guess I have to thank Chrom later.

I turned around with a gleam. "Yes, Cordelia." She took my arm and we slowly made it to the dance floor. I held her hips as she wrapped around my neck. My heart pounded away with smiles on our faces. Any insecurities of having two left feet melted away.

"You aren't so bad." I whispered to the crimson queen.

As soon as she giggled, that was when I realized my accident as my eyes widen. I said those exact words to my wife at our wedding. It happened, the memories of my first dance with my wife came flooding back. She was the same height and body type as Cordelia's. The way we danced was eerily similar. I could see mentally my wife right in front of me. It felt real, but it wasn't. My rational self came back. Cordelia was not my woman and my wife was not here. My smile faded away along with the last tunes of the background music.

I bowed, "Thank you for the dance, Cordelia. I have to go now." My feet quickened the pace as I walked out the main doors, leaving a confused redhead behind.

"Love, is Phil ok?"

Chrom held his wife, reassuring her. "He has…a lot on his mind now."

She scrunched her face, "Please tell me. I need to know about his wellbeing and I want to help. He's been acting like a recluse."

Chrom nodded his head. "He is not going to forgive me…fine, I'll tell you. But make sure no one else knows…Phil claims he found the Outrealm gate. I don't know how, but he knows of the one in Sandibar."

Cordelia gasped holding her hands to her lips. "No! That means…"

"One week, he said."

"Love, this isn't right! This isn't fair! Everything is perfect now with no more war. Why would he leave us? This is his home, right? Where would he go?" Cordelia sobbed on Chrom's shoulder.

The Exalt embraced his wife, "His home is beyond here, darling. He has a family he is seeking out. He is married, you know. He misses her."

Chrom wiped away Cordelia's tears. "I know, love, but…I'm going to miss him. He has done so much for us and everyone. While I understand his decision, I don't necessarily agree."

"Let him be."

"Ok," Cordelia nodded. "But…we should tell the others, right?"

Chrom rubbed his chin. Phil is going to be furious at me, he thought. "Tomorrow."

I didn't sleep well that night. I didn't care anymore because the nightmares were over. But I tossed all night thinking about my wife. I almost forgot what she looked like, but that dance with Cordelia helped. Whether I missed her flowing brunette hair or her deep blue eyes the most, I sorely missed all of her. In a chill, I jumped out of bed in a cold sweat, except it wasn't sticky and gross. It was just cold water. Someone must have pulled a prank, but this was not a funny moment.

"Wake up, you dastard!"

Surprisingly, all of the Shepherds were either in my room or outside the door. I glanced around to peer at their angry faces. Sully put the bucket down.

"Please, Phil! Don't leave us again!" A distraught Nowi tugged at my shirt.

Frederick the Wary pushed the manakete to the side. "Explain yourself and your intentions."

His narrow eyes forced the truth out of me as I coughed. "Ok, fine. I found information from a merchant in town that an Outrealm gate existed. So, I hired a small crew to confirm the location. It is on an island far south from here. My intentions were to go back…home."

Commotion echoed in the wooden quarters. Chrom had to settle everyone down. "Stop! Everyone! Let the man finish."

"Thank you. I know this is crazy and dangerous and much is still unknown. But I miss my family. I miss my wife. I want to see them again. You may hate me or disagree, but…please understand. And know this: all of you are a second family to me. And if there is any way I can return; I will come back and visit."

The angered looks became sullen. They knew I meant every word and that there was no changing my decision. This would be possibly a final good-bye.

The Queen of Ylisse came forward, "Phil. You are correct in saying we don't agree with your choice. I certainly do not." She paused to sigh then smiled. "And yet, I respect your wishes. You are a great friend and you will be missed dearly. Your wife must be someone very special, causing you to make such a rash move. Please give her my regards."

I nodded as each of the other Shepherds came up and we hugged in one big embrace. Now I really felt like a jerk for leaving them but I already decided I would go. Donnel broke the silence.

"Hey, you reckon on one last poker game? Winner take all!"

A grin grew, "Absolutely!" I noticed Vaike, Sully, Gregor and several others were excited for one last rodeo at the card game, but not everyone played. "Also, I promise to make time for everyone. So, two weeks then?"

That was when all the Shepherds lit up with glowing eyes. After a few quick remarks, everyone exited. I sat on the bed, looking at a mirror from across. Besides the fact I needed to shave, I saw someone; someone that I was actually proud of. I got up and got dressed. As soon as I closed the door, a maid turned the corner. She bowed.

"Pardon me sir, but I am Martha and I will be in charge of packing your belongings."

"Did Chrom order this?" I folded my arms.

"Yes sir."

"Understood. Thank you very much. My room is behind me. I very much appreciate your help."

She laughed with closed eyes. "My pleasure! It is my job, after all."

Arriving in the courtyard, I immediately got to spending quality time with the Shepherds, starting with the poker gang with a table and coins already laid out for us.

I lost track of time as two weeks became three. I fulfilled my vow of spending time with every single Shepherd. Activities ranged from archery with Virion, counter spell concoctions with Tharja, to silent prayer time with Libra. The last sunset was spent with the Exalt family. I took them to the cliff where I almost confessed my feelings for Cordelia.

"Does this place look familiar to anyone here?" My eyes darted to Cordelia.

"Yes. This is where I threw my homemade javelin that reminded me too much of my pegasus sisters."

"You made a javelin all by yourself, mother?" Lucina asked with full curiosity.

Cordelia widen her lips and nodded while holding her daughter tight.

"This is also the place, Lucina…I almost confessed to your mom." The Lowell family looked with intrigue and pondered, especially Lucina. "Once, I thought I loved her. I forgot about my own family at one time when I assumed there was no way for me to return home." I could tell I had all their attention so I elaborated more. "But I knew I would be doing a wrong. So, I suppressed my feelings and became selfless. I knew your mom still had feelings for your father. I did what I thought was best for both of them. I loved both your parents so much that I wanted them to be happy together. I encouraged them to…pair up, so to speak."

Chrom placed a hand on me. "And we are very thankful for all you've done for us. We couldn't be happier than we are now. You are like family to us."

"Thank you, Chrom."

"Father," Lucina turned her head up. "Didn't Phil scream at you at one point?"

Chrom raised a brow and then the lightbulb went off, "Ah, yes. He did. He definitely told me off and I deserved it."

"And he told me to run and confess to your father, Lucy."

Lucina rubbed her neck, "Guess I owe you a lot, sir Phil."

Chrom squinted at his daughter, "Lucina, you know he doesn't like being called 'sir'. Try something less formal and more personal. Remember, he is like family."

Lucina blushed, "Ok. I'm sorry…I guess I owe a lot…Uncle Phil."

The words came as a shock. Even though I was not a real uncle, I felt like an uncle in a sense, so I accepted. I smirked, "A simple 'thanks' would be a good start. That's all I need."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome…Lucy." She got red in the red as I patted her on the head. I began to walk away, "Anyways, I'll leave you three to enjoy the sunset. See you all in the morning."

They waved as I left them in their peaceful moment of reflection and family bonding. I slowed down to peer into the orange and blue sky one more time. It would have made for a beautiful painting. Maybe one day I will take up the hobby. I arrived at my empty room except for a bed and two drawers and candles. Finding my perfect position, I slept very well that night before the big day.

The morning mood wasn't as depressing as I anticipated. That did not mean I was not melancholy. I faked happy faces during the last meal in the mess hall, until the moment Stahl stuffed his mouth in an eating competition against Vaike and vomited. I lost all composure and proceeded to cry in tears, first in laughter then in sadness. The tears dripped onto my muffin, making it inedible. The muffin didn't matter; these were the moments I would miss the most.

The port was about a four-day travel and I could not make the captain wait on me. I gathered my oversized bags as I made rounds to say farewells to my friends. Chrom was last and my face was red and watery by the time I shook his hand.

"I'll be just fine. See you soon enough, friend."

We arrived to Sandibar in one piece. A storm blew in the sea, causing much nausea and discomfort. The captain recommended to turn around but I persuaded to go through. Was it wise? No, but no one was injured so the gamble paid off. The white sand greeted us with trees similar to palm back at home. No human development in sight allowed for thick vegetation growth in the forest. The small group, lead by the captain, pulled out steel swords and cut down the brushwood. The sweltering heat was near overwhelming in our march.

"How far until we reach the gate, Captain?"

He pulled out a map and pointed at the location. "Looks like we about-"

Before he could finish, an ungodly shriek rang among the jungle. The red eyes glowed first, followed by their purple skin. The Risen returned. Or, perhaps, they never left. Whatever the answer, they were real and hungry for human flesh. Not knowing the skills of the sailors with a weapon, I did not want to take my chances. I grabbed the map from the Captain and sprinted east. According to the paper, we were already near the structure. Brushing off and dodging the branches, I could hear the blood-curdling screams from behind. The few minutes seemed like hours in the huffing and puffing, but I eventually made it to a clearing. And there it was, in its glory and splendor, the Outrealm gate.

Another screech echoed. I was not told, unfortunately, how the portal work. Frantically looking around for a sign, I picked up a pebble and threw it at the structure and…nothing happened. The Risen were approaching and fast. But the closer they got, something flickered like lightning. An aqua plasma came into view. This was it.

The portal.

No time left, I jumped without a thought into the void, leaving the monsters behind.

I'm coming home!