On our trip through the castle, my lips were sealed shut. Without the adrenaline coursing through my veins, I could finally think clearly, and I wondered just what the hell I was thinking. Well, I knew what I was thinking, only it didn't line up with what I wanted.

Clearly, you were thinking with your other head, boy scout.

I had to stop myself from slapping my palm against my face with my iron hand. I deserved it.

My mind felt like it was split between three different causes for panic. One, being my reaction to my impulsive move from before. The second was the fact that Lucina was there, in the castle. A year before she was supposed to be there. And thirdly, Cordelia's reaction.

I swore I could still feel my lips against hers, feel their softness, and the way she pushed herself against me when I finally did it…

I wasn't stupid. When we kissed, she reciprocated. I would have to be denser than a ship filled with depleted uranium to not realize that. I was just having a hard time really getting my head around it; I never really had something like it happen to me before.

But none of that mattered to me anymore. I knew how I felt, knew for a long time, and since I finally had an idea on how she felt about me, I came to a decision. I was going to confess. Hell, I was already planning on it. After I was done with whatever the hell was about to happen, I would find her.

Once I came to that decision, a question formed in my head that refused to go away. A niggling thing, really.

"…Hey, Frederick."

"Yes, Alexander?" Frederick asked, not missing a single step.

"Uh," It took me a second to find the right words. "When you saw… us, you didn't seem very surprised. Is there any reason for that?"

"The fact you have held a torch for Cordelia is well known, Alex," Frederick replied, startling me with his quick response. "Many within the Shepherds have predicted you two would become an item, given enough time. I had to break-up a betting ring on it while you were away in Khadein. Rest assured, no matter what you two were doing, I would not be surprised by it."

My cheeks flared up as I grumbled. Was I really that obvious, hell, was Cordelia? I put my money on Gaius being the person behind the betting ring. I was going to need to talk to him at some point, and by talk to I meant shout at, the little fucker.

We came upon a door. If I wasn't wrong, on the other side was the very same room we convened in during Emmeryn's assassination attempt and the day I was asked to become a Knight. On the other side was a person I hadn't seen for almost a year.

"Are you going to enter?" Frederick queried, standing next to the doorway.

"Uh, yeah, you go ahead inside," I replied a little shakily. "I'll go in in a second."

After a moment, Frederick nodded, and entered the room. The sound of the door closing echoed in my ears. My mind replayed old events like a slideshow.

I could still remember the way Lucina looked at me as I turned my back on everything to try and go home. I wished that I could've gone back in time and slapped myself upside. I took a deep breath and calmed myself for what was to come. I wasn't the same person I was before. I still wasn't the person I wanted to be, really, but I was getting there, slowly but surely. I decided to consider this another step on that road.

Reluctantly, I entered.

"Ah, there they are. And here I was thinking Frederick would never reach you," I heard Robin say. He was sitting at the table, next to a very confused-looking Chrom.

I shrugged, looking around the room. "Well, I'm here now. Just trying to figure out what the hell's happened that you get me for it. Something about Marth, right?" I looked to the left. "Speak of the devil."

"We are actually in the process of figuring that out," Robin replied, folding his hands in front of him. "Have a seat. I am sure our guests will introduce themselves once you do."

I said nothing as I sat down and saw the people on the other side of the table, all three of them. One of them was obviously Lucina; the long blue hair was a dead giveaway. She looked a slight bit older than when I saw her last. Maybe a bit taller? I couldn't really tell. The rest threw me for a loop.

The one guy was definitely Owain. Short blond hair and the armor of a myrmidon, mostly colored yellow. His eyes were what really stood out to me. They were almond-shaped, like those of a certain Chon'sinian swordsman I hadn't talked to in months. The other made me pause; she wore heavy plate armor and had short, blonde hair in a bowl-cut. It almost looked like she was gonna be swallowed by the armor she wore. I realized it was Kjelle easily after that.

Guess Sully and Vaike finally fucked in the future.

I shook that thought away; it wouldn't help for that moment.

"Alright, everyone is here," Chrom began, leaning forward and staring Lucina in the eye. "You helped save Emm's life once, and for that I will always be grateful. Honestly, I would've just let you in if you wanted. You've proven yourself to be trustworthy, in my eyes."

"If milord remembers, I strongly suggested mending that small breach in the wall," Frederick commented.

I leaned back. "And miss the chance for Marth to come a-calling?"

Robin facepalmed.

"My apologies, sir; old habits die hard," Lucina replied, tilting her head. I didn't miss the way she started looking at me. Her eyes mostly remained on Chrom, though. Even if one of them was covered by her hair. "Besides, I wished to remain discreet. You are not the only one who knows that I possess knowledge of the future."

"Who else would?" Chrom asked. "I know future knowledge would be something anyone would want, but," Chrom paused, "You've made a few enemies, I take it?"

Robin muttered something under his breath.

The entire conversation was making me just a little uncomfortable, but I thought I was hiding it well. I'd known all of it anyway; I shouldn't have been as uncomfortable as I was. We were just going through the motions. Earlier than expected, but still.

"Not just any enemy, sir," Lucina said grimly. "The enemy."

"You have us at a disadvantage, milad,." Frederick pointed out. "Who is this enemy you speak of?"

Grima.

"The Fell Dragon himself!" Owain suddenly burst out. "The Shadow of Naga, made flesh! We have come from afar seeking you, to warn you of his impending resurrection-!"

"Shut up, idiot!" I winced as Kjelle slapped him across the back of the head. With her gauntlet still on. The sound it made caused me to cringe. "If you keep speaking like that then the entire palace will hear us!"

"B-but they have to know about the-!"

"Shh!"

"I…" Lucina sighed. "I apologize for my companions' behavior. We have been through a great deal."

Kjelle huffed, crossing her arms as Owain nursed the back of his head. "I'm just sick of his whole thing. I don't know how you aren't."

"Grima," I breathed out, the name feeling strange on my tongue.

Chrom awkwardly coughed into his fist. "I will keep that in mind. But what he just said - the Fell Dragon?"

"I wish I could have delivered better news, but yes," Lucina confirmed, "In the future, the Fell Dragon is resurrected, and we all die."

"Well, that's kinda blunt, huh?" I commented.

Robin stood up. His chair's legs screeched against the wooden floor. "I have heard enough. I want to know who you are. All three of you. You claim to see the future, but I have a different theory in mind. You lived it didn't you? I do not know much about what the future has in store, but if the Fell Dragon returned, there would be mass chaos and loss of life. All the books I have read about the Schism say as such." Robin looked down at the table. "It may be forthright of me to ask this, but-"

A fist slamming on the table silenced Robin and made me jump. I looked to where it came from to see Lucina with her hand on the table. Her expression was hard to read. A mix of grief and anger, maybe? Nonetheless, she schooled it after a second.

"…Fear not, Grandmaster Tactician," Lucina began, standing up herself. "You are correct. I cannot reveal everything to you now, but I know that trying to alter events as little as possible will not work. You know me as Marth, and that is the name I shall keep for now."

"I am Owain!" Owain exclaimed dramatically, striking a pose. "Wielder of the accursed blade of legend, Missiletainn! Do not take another step closer, my friends, for my sword hand-!"

"Please, Gods, shut him up before I do something drastic!" Kjelle groaned, almost facepalming before apparently realizing that slapping herself in the face with a gauntlet would be a bad idea. "Name's Kjelle. Nice to meet you."

And by your powers combined you make Captain Planet. I think that's how that phrase goes.

"I realize it may be hard to believe, but we are travelers from the future," Lucina continued, "A future in which the Fell Dragon is resurrected, and all is lost…"

I listened as Lucina began her explanation. Knowing most of it, a lot of the words simply washed over me. Owain or Kjelle would interject every once in a while, although they'd do it in their own way, sometimes contradicting something Lucina would say or just saying something that didn't really contribute much.

In the end, I'd heard it all before, and so had Robin. We'd already known what was coming, although Robin never knew about the future kids. At least, until that moment.

Chrom was the palest I'd ever seen him. After Lucina was done, he sighed, and buried his face in his hands. "Gods, and here I was thinking things were getting a bit quiet," He muttered, looking back up. "But, strange as it might be, I believe you."

For a second, I could see Lucina's lips quiver just a bit, before she nodded. "Thank you, sir. If I am right, Valm should be on your shores within the year. Your tactician's army should prove to be effective."

"Not if they're all soft," Kjelle commented. "If they aren't running circles around the walls, they won't stand a chance."

"They will do the job," Robin muttered. "They have to, if what you say is true."

Chrom seemed to be deep in thought for a second. "Frederick, Robin," He finally said. "Gather Phila and the rest. We need to have a meeting." Chrom looked to the future kids. "I'd be happy to shelter you all within the barracks for the time being. This extends to your friends that haven't arrived yet."

Lucina blinked, almost as if she couldn't believe it. "You are very kind, sir."

Chrom laughed, color returning to his visage. "It's the least I could do! You helped keep Emm alive during the war, and now you might have given us the time we need to properly prepare for what lies ahead!"

I shared a look with Robin. The expression on Robin's face did not fill me with a lot of confidence for my future. It was a face that screamed 'we are going to have words'. However, before that, I had to have a chat with a certain someone.

It was going to be a long day. A very long day. It may have seemed obvious, considering all the shit that'd happened, but that wasn't giving it enough credit.

Once the first meeting adjourned, I waited for a while. I didn't want to talk to Lucina or the other kids immediately. That would've drawn unwanted attention. I had to get to her before Robin flayed me alive, though, so after a few minutes, I followed where they went.

The barracks weren't far away from the castle, so once I was there it was a simple matter of finding out which room they went into. While I looked though, a small bit of nostalgia whipped through my mind. It felt like it had been ages since I'd set foot in the place, what with its grey walls and spartan rooms. I missed it. The castle was nice, really, it was, but nothing would ever really compare to the barracks.

After a small trip through memory lane, I found the room Lucina decided to plop herself down in. I imagined Kjelle and Owain were nearby. I made a mental note to myself to talk to them later.

I knocked on her door. "Hey, Marth."

There was rustling on the other side.

I sighed. "Look, you may not be happy to see me, but-"

I swore I heard sniffles on the other side. "It is not a matter of not being happy to see you, Sir Alex," Came the muffled reply, "I am just- I am not in state to talk with others at the moment."

My brows furrowed in concern. "It was Chrom, wasn't it?" I asked, leaning against the door. "It's been over a year since you last saw him. That was a bit much, I take it?"

I jumped a little as the door opened, and Lucina revealed herself. An errant tear streamed down her cheek which she quickly wiped away. "What do you want, Sir Alex?"

I looked at her seriously. "I want to talk, Lucina," I said. "I've, well, got some crap to get off my chest. I know right now may not be the best time but I thought it would be better to get it out of the way now."

Lucina looked down, wiping away at her face again before beckoning me inside. Graciously, I entered.

"You're here now, then," Lucina pointed out, sitting down on the single bed within the room. "What is it you wanted to talk about? I'm assuming you have questions."

"I'll get to that, but first I, uh," I sighed again, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "I wanted to say that I'm sorry."

Lucina looked at me, confusion marring her features. "Pardon?"

"You know," I began, "Almost a year ago? Fuck, makes me angry just thinking about it. I was a stupid asshole, alright? I had no business saying what I said back then. You were- You were right about me, then. I was being a coward. I was pretty much everything you said. I didn't listen to you because I was so focused on going home, but, well, that isn't an option. Probably never was."

"I do not understand, what are you-?"

"It's," I interrupted, "It's not important. Just thought you should know that I'm never going to turn my back on this ever again. I'll stay with everyone until the very end, should it come to that. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate what you tried to do then, even if it didn't work. You're a good person, Lucina. Never change."

Lucina blinked. "I..." She sniffled again, and after some mutterings to herself, she schooled her expression. "I accept your apology, Sir Alex. I realize you were not in your right mind at the time, but, thank you."

I nodded. "Yeah, don't mention it. Figured I might as well get that out of the way. Pretty sure Robin's gonna want to see you pretty soon, so, yeah." I adjusted a finger on my iron hand. "I do have a few questions, if you'll be willing to answer them."

"I do not see why not," Lucina said, taking a deep breath. "Since Sir Robin knows as well, I can answer any question either of you has."

"Heh, Robin'll be happy to hear that," I chuckled. "He'll probably chew me out for keeping you all a secret though. Anyway, I gotta ask, what happened to the whole 'not interfering unless necessary' thing? I know you haven't told Chrom you're his daughter from the future, but everything else is kinda, well, it's big news to just drop on somebody."

"It was your suggestion, actually," Lucina replied, standing up. "The plan originally was to interfere only when necessary. However, when Sir Alex told us of what he knew, he said that that tactic would only work for so long. Well, he told me at least." Lucina looked down. "Of course, I do not think it is safe to reveal my true origins just yet."

I nodded and hummed. "Mhm. And there's that whole thing where he lied to you about Emmeryn. Well, lie of omission, it seems like, but still."

"I still do not understand that. Why would he not tell us, or even me, of that?" Lucina asked to no one in particular. "It is too late to ask him, but I would've wanted to here his reasoning."

"He was probably in the same boat as me; trying to keep things from diverging. Don't exactly know why when he knew that I'd be here, but what the fuck ever." I rubbed the back of my head. "Don't beat yourself up over that, by the way. That was his – our – mistake. And nothing will change that."

"Perhaps he was conflicted about it. No one ever could see through his mask." Lucina shook her head. "You're correct. Nothing will change it now. I just hope that there is not more he did not inform me of."

"I doubt it. Even if he didn't, we're still in a pretty good spot." I leaned against the wall. "We've got an entire trained and professional army to counter whatever the hell Walhart throws at us. Hell, soon we'll be able to see it in action."

"Indeed. I would like to think we will win. It is… nice, to have that luxury," Lucina said quietly.

I nodded silently, thinking for a moment. Sometimes it was easy to forget that Lucina and the other kids came from a future where defeat was virtually ensured. I only had one more thing to ask, anyway.

"Just one more question, Lucina," I said suddenly, taking slow and steady breaths. "Things have changed a bit since we last talked so… Well, I'd just like to confirm something." I looked her dead in the eye. "Am I Severa's father?"

Lucina seemed taken aback by that. For a moment, it looked as if she was going to refuse to answer, but she eventually gave in and sighed.

She nodded.

I stood silently with my arms crossed as Robin sat at his desk, looking up at me occasionally. He ran the gamut of emotions on his face, ranging from anger to confusion to sadness. He opened his mouth several times, apparently trying to find the right words to say, only to close it with an audible click until he tried again.

"You know, Alex," Robin finally said, finding his voice. "I have seen much in the near two years I can remember. I have fought in a war, been taken in by a monarch of a country who proclaimed that he was a 'Shepherd' when I first met him, and I saw the aftermath of Khadein and read of what happened there. However, the longer I think of this situation in particular, the more I think of just how crazy it is."

He stood up, his chair scrapping against the wood. "Let me put it clearly: You are a dimension-traveler, come from lands unheard of to warn us of Emmeryn's death. In doing so, you also told me of the end of the world at the hands of the Fell Dragon. Now, we have three time-travelers bringing ill tidings as well. Dimension-hopping and time travel. Please tell me I am not the only one who thinks that this is absolutely insane?"

I shook my head. "No. No, I think it's fucking batshit insane too."

"I suppose you would be the one most affected by it, would you not?" He sighed, sitting back down. "I can only guess as to why you did not tell me about these time travelers. It provided a good way for me to expand the army, seeing as how Chrom will be fighting for it in the council even harder now, I suppose. Would it be called a 'blessing in disguise'?"

"Probably." I shrugged.

"Nonetheless." Robin looked sternly at me. "I know I said that I did not care what other information you were keeping under wraps, but this- I really wish you told me about this. I have to ask, why didn't you?"

"Because it's not really relevant anymore," I replied succinctly.

"What do you mean?"

"Robin, I already did what they were supposed to do," I continued. "Their purpose was to warn you of what was heading your way. Since, well, since I did that for you, the only thing they could really do is make it public."

"Then why come back at all, then? Wait," Robin paused before turning to me. "If they had not come back, you would not have acted as you did, would you?"

I looked down, lips pursed. "Probably not, no."

Robin sighed. "Then it is a good thing they traveled back in time. If not, we would all perish, with or without your warnings."

That hit close to him, but I kept my mouth shut. I really had no right to say anything to that. He was completely right.

"Is there anything else you can tell me about them? There must be more to them than just simply being time-travelers." Robin frowned. "Gods, that sentence hurts me."

I pursed my lips. "Robin, I can tell you, but-"

He raised a brow. "So there is more to them. Yes, I would like to hear it, no matter what it is. Or how crazy it is."

I took a deep breath. "Fucking, alright, fine. You know the blue-haired one? Marth?"

Robin nodded, his eyes focused on me curiously.

"She's Chrom's daughter from the future. Her real name is Lucina," I said quickly.

Robin was completely silent for a moment, staring up at me like I'd grown a second head or a third arm. He tilted his head to the side. "That makes a disturbing amount of sense." Robin leaned back, closed his eyes, and breathed out. "Sumia is pregnant, you know."

My brows furrowed. "And no one told me? The hell?"

"It is common knowledge at this point, Alex, I am surprised you did not hear about it," Robin replied, stretching. "I appreciate her keeping her identity a secret for the time being, then. I am unsure if the name 'Lucina' has crossed their minds, but it could have raised a few questions. Especially with Frederick."

"Is Lucina not a common name or something?" I asked.

"Uncommon enough that it could raise questions for him," Robin said, lacing his fingers together on the desk. "But that is not important right now. I assume the other two are also children from the future. What is their parentage?"

"Getting kinda clinical now, Robin," I said, walking towards his desk. "I can tell you who their mothers are, but the fathers are a little bit harder. Can give you my best guess, though."

Robin cringed. "My apologies. I believe I have been doing logistics and such for longer than I should. Anyway!" Robin coughed. "Please, tell me."

"Well, that strange blond-haired one is Lissa's." I continued, rubbing the back of my neck. "Judging from his eyes, I'm gonna guess Lon'qu. Haven't talked with him or Lissa for ages now, though."

Robin hummed. "Hmm. Lon'qu saved Lissa from an assassination attempt during the war. Farcical thing, that was. Lon'qu slew several trained assassins on his own. I believe they still converse, although I am uncertain how often." Robin blinked. "And the other one? Kjelle was her name, I believe."

I chuckled. "Yeah, that one's Sully's. Don't have any solid proof, but I think Teach is the dad."

"Vaike?" Robin frowned. "Gods, she will be strong." Robin looked up again. "There are more of them, are there not?"

"I mean, yeah," I replied, adjusting a finger. "There's a lot of them. I think eleven? Don't quote me on that. I don't know where the others are and I forgot to ask- Shit, I forgot to ask her where the others are."

"That is fine. I think I know what I am going to do now," Robin said with finality, "You have been rather curt today, if you do not mind my saying so. Something on your mind?"

A certain redhead had been, although Robin already knew that.

"Maybe." I mumbled out.

Robin openly laughed. I preferred him that way to the cold persona I saw a few minutes before. "Oh yes, there is definitely something on your mind. Perhaps it is a certain Knight-Captain of the pegasus knights, hmm? One who Frederick told me was in your arms naught but a few hours ago?"

My cheeks continued to warm up.

"I think I will release you for today," Robin said, standing up and picking a few papers from his desk. "Your information has been helpful. If there is anything else you wish to tell me, let me know. Or I could have one of those future children come in here and do it for you. Either or, really."

"T-thanks," I murmured, turning towards the door.

"Oh, and Alex?"

I turned my head to look at Robin.

"I believe she is in her room. Be careful; those walls are not soundproof."

I nearly threw my iron hand at Robin's smug face.

I tried to swallow the growing lump of nervousness in my throat, to no avail; the fucker was like rock and refused to budge. Standing in front of Cordelia's door in the barracks, I found myself frozen in place like a statue. All I could hear was the pounding of my heart in my ears. Leave it to me to find my nerves just as I was about to do what I'd longed to do for what felt like years.

I took several deep breaths, attempting to steady myself.

Daylight's a-wasting, boy scout.

Closing my eyes as if it would make it easier, I knocked on the door. I swore to myself that if Robin lied to me, I really would throw my iron hand at him for real.

I could almost feel the seconds tick by as I heard nothing from the other side. I didn't know how long I waited, but I grew more anxious by the second. For those several moments, it felt as if time stood still.

Finally, both to my relief and continued anxiousness, the knob turned, and Cordelia came into view.

"O-oh, hello, Alex!" She greeted awkwardly. I noted that she wore her uniform without the breastplate and armor on, making her look really, really cute, actually. "I'm glad you finally made it! W-would you like to come in?"

"Uh, yeah," I replied awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. "I've got a lot to say."

Cordelia looked down, a small smile on her face despite her obvious nervousness. "So do I."

Entering briskly, Cordelia closed the door behind me. Somehow, I found myself drawn to the view from her window, showing a brilliant blue sky with light shining in through the glass. The sight calmed me a bit. I needed every bit of nerve I could manage. Slowly, I moved to lay my hand against the windowsill.

The 'tink' of my iron hand hitting the wood cast my gaze downward. Frowning slightly, I ignored it and turned back around. Cordelia was there, standing and looking at me with a blush on her beautiful face. Her hands were held in front of her as she played with her fingers. The sound of my boots hitting the floor still drowned out by my heartbeat.

"Y-you said there was something you wanted to say to me, Alex?" Cordelia said, apparently trying her best to keep it together.

"Yeah. Yeah, I do." I closed my eyes, her face the last thing I saw before I opened them again. "Cordelia, for a long time now I've- Fuck, for a long time I've had feelings for you. Like, a really long time. All the way… All the way back at Whiteford, when you and Robin brought me back from the edge. Every time you've walked me by, I can't help but look at you as you leave. Every time we talk my heart starts beating so fast that, at first, I thought I was having a heart attack." I stopped myself, forcing myself to breathe. My emotions were almost getting the best of me. "W-what I'm trying to say is that… is that I love you."

Finally.

A shuddering gasp left Cordelia's lips as she stepped toward me, but I wasn't finished.

"I-I know I'm not the best-looking guy out there. I mean, God, have you seen these scars?" I moved my hand up and traced the rough scar tissue across my lips and cheek. "A-and this iron hand probably isn't very comforting. I-it's kinda freaky now that I think about it. Only have one hand to- to do anything with. I know you can do better but if you-!"

I never got to continue with my rambling. Cordelia quickly wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled my head down to hers. Our noses didn't crush together like last time, letting her press her lips to mine completely. All my nervousness, all my negative feelings melted away. All I felt was her, all I could sense was her, her scent, her skin, her soft lips against my own, all of it. I wrapped her up in my arms, trailing my hand up her back. I could've stayed in that moment forever.

I didn't care how long we were like that, all I knew was that it wasn't long enough.

Eventually we parted, and I opened my eyes to see the most radiant and beautiful smile on her lips. My breath left me in shuddering gasps, mingling with her own.

"Was that enough to tell you how I feel?" Cordelia asked, pressing her forehead to mine. "Alex, I've felt the same way about you. Ever since you held me in your arms that night, so many months ago."

I could tell exactly which night she was talking about: the night of Chrom's wedding.

"I-I never thought I could feel this way for someone else," Cordelia continued, stuttering slightly. "When you kissed me this morning, it almost felt like I was on a Pegasus for the first time; my heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Her smile faltered slightly. "Those months you were gone, all I could think about in-between training sessions and teaching the recruits was you. I-I love you too!" Her smile came back in full force as she giggled. "Gods, it feels so relieving to finally say it out loud!"

My eyes stung as tears began to fall. Relief flooded me as those words left her lips. I just couldn't help myself. I closed my eyes hard before opening them again, as if I expected what was happening to be a dream. Cordelia was still there, tears streaming down her own gorgeous face.

In that moment, nothing else mattered to me. Not the impending Valmese invasion, not the resurrection of Grima, nothing. I'd fight them all just to keep that smile in front of me as radiant as it was.

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle, feeling better than I had for months. "You sure you want this?" I said, half-joking. "I was serious about the scars. They aren't exactly my best features-"

I stopped once I felt my right arm move up. Cordelia held my iron hand in hers as her other came to trace the ones on my face, making me shiver.

"I don't care. Why would I? It's all a part of you."

"Christ," I breathed out, "Are you trying to make me fall in love with you even more?"

"I wouldn't be averse to the idea, no." She giggled, keeping her arms around my neck as she looked up at me. "That implies that there's still more ground to cover, doesn't it?"

"Maybe you'll be able to publish a book about it? Heh, 'How I got a scarred soldier to fall in love with me'. You'd be rolling in gold." I chuckled, a thought coming to mind. "Though now that I mention it, I guess, where do we go from here?"

Cordelia stopped. "I… hadn't thought about that either. Where do you think we should go?"

I shook my head, a certain tsundere coming to mind for some reason. "We can work that out later. Right now, well, I'd like to stay like this."

Cordelia squealed happily as I came upon her again, gathering her up in my arms.

The days after our confessions were among the happiest of my entire life. I probably had the goofiest grin on my face.

Unfortunately, keeping the whole thing a secret wasn't an option, considering that we'd apparently been pretty, well, blatant in our crushes for each other. Vaike was one of the first to notice, the musclebound fucker. I set him straight when I invoked the Sully card. All he could do when I pull that is sit there and mumble. Funny as all hell, doing that.

And of course, there was my blossoming relationship with the most beautiful woman on the planet. I wasn't sure how relationships worked in Ylisse, to be honest, or what her concept of one would be. In the game, I vaguely remembered that after four conversations, characters got married. That obviously didn't sound right. Marriage seemed a bit of a big step, in all honesty. Even if I had confirmation from Lucina that things most likely got to that point before. My knowledge of Medieval Europe wasn't exactly complete, but I knew that a lot of marriages, if not all of them, were arranged.

I refused to let thoughts such as those get to me, though. Ylisse was based on Medieval Europe, but it was not it. I didn't think they had the concept of a 'girlfriend' though. I guessed the closest thing I'd call us would be lovers? It was a bit on the nose but it worked.

We met several times after that, in secret, in everywhere from her room again to the outskirts of the city. Those were always exhilarating, and I could not get enough of it. The feeling of her in my arms, her lips against mine, all of it.

It had to come to an end though. Not our relationship, but those few care-free days. A week after our confession, Robin summoned me. Apparently, he had something I wanted to see.

"Alright, Robin-" I began, not looking. When I did, I saw Chrom and Frederick were right next to him. "-Wait, what? Nice to see you as well, Chrom, and you, Frederick, but what's going on here?"

Robin smirked triumphantly, looking out from the balcony. "Take a look for yourself, Alex. Chrom was impressed that I was able to gather them all in one place for a demonstration."

"That I am. Considering what Marth told us of Valm and… and Grima, it will be put to the test," Chrom said, holding a hand to his chin. "Gods, just looking at them fills me with confidence! I almost wonder why I was worried."

"This is a decent army we have mustered, Robin." Frederick loomed over the banister. "I am concerned about its training, however. I know that you have plans to demonstrate this army, as you have said. I want to know what that plan is, since you have neglected to tell anyone."

Finally, I reached the balcony, and my jaw promptly dropped to the floor.

In the courtyard of the castle stood an army. Soldiers wielding spears and shields stood in a rank and file formation, like terracotta statues. They weren't completely immobile; several were moving about the courtyard, checking their weapons or polishing their shields. Judging from the amount within the courtyard itself, it wasn't the entire army either.

"Most of them arrived this morning," Robin began, walking up next to Chrom with his arms behind his back. "An entire army paid for by the crown itself, and not beholden to a different lord. They will follow your orders, Chrom. Wherever you may lead them."

Chrom looked contemplative for a moment. I caught his slightly sour expression out of the corner of my eye as I gawked at the troops below. "I'll be honest with you, my friend, I wish I could have avoided this. Somehow, I feel as if I'm betraying Emm's memory just by authorizing this. She wouldn't want Ylisse to have a standing army; she wanted it to be a nation of peace." Chrom closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "But I know that that's impossible right now. Peace won't come just because we want it. We need to fight for it, to prove that we're worthy of it." Chrom looked to Robin. "According to Marth, the Valmese will invade in a year, and we will have to deal with the Fell Dragon's resurrection afterwards. Whatever happens, Robin, I could not have asked for a more capable Tactician at my side."

Robin looked shocked by his words. He composed himself quickly, however, and smiled. "And I am glad that you decided to take pity on an amnesiac stranger you found on the side of the road! Heh." Robin coughed into his fist. "As to your question, Sir Frederick, I am sure you have heard reports of bandit activity towards the south."

Frederick nodded. "Indeed. Phila's reports also indicate that they are unusually organized. You have come to the same conclusion as I have, have you not?"

"There is an abandoned fortress within the forest," Robin began, "I cross-referenced the areas in which the attacks take place and have deduced that the raids are centered around it. Beyond that, I believe I know who is behind them: a Plegian general from the last war."

I turned to him, dubious. "Didn't we kill them all? Or most of them, at least?"

Robin shook his head. "That does not seem to be the case. Either way, the fortress will be a tough nut to crack, as it were. I believe it would be an excellent place to test this army; it presents the least amount of risk while also giving us time to prepare for the Valmese."

"If milord wills it, I will not object to this operation," Frederick replied, turning to Chrom.

"We test our army and get rid of a thorn in our side. Let's do it, Robin." Chrom approved.

"Excellent!" Robin looked to me. "Alex-"

"You want me to go with them, don't you?"

"You will not be alone. I am to believe that many of the Shepherds will be traveling with us as well, even I." Robin rolled his shoulders. "It has been too long since I have been in the heat of battle, I believe. Of course you would be accompanying me."

Chrom gave me the most mischievous look I think he was capable of making and smirked. "I don't think that's what he's worried about, Robin. Haven't you heard?"

Robin looked confused for a moment before realization dawned on him. "I see! How could I forget?" A similar smirk appeared on his face as my head swiveled from side to side, bemused and afraid. "Do not worry, Alex, Cordelia and a wing of pegasus knights will be coming with us. You will not have to be apart at all."

"You- I- You mother-!" I spoke gibberish. Pure gibberish. I was being tag-teamed by the Exalt and Grandmaster Tactician. I didn't get paid enough for that. I threw my arms up in the air. "Alright then, you know what!? I admit it! I love her! And if anyone tries to hurt her I'll take an entire army on by myself. Not that she needs it; she still kicks my ass and that's pretty damn hot-!" I sputtered like a broken engine. "Oh. Oh, fuck all of you."

"I did not even need to do anything; you did that all by yourself!" Robin laughed. Chrom was nearly on the floor.

"As much as teasing Alexander about his love life is riveting," Frederick began, deadpan, "We must prepare for the battle ahead."

Chrom coughed. "Of course, Frederick. Robin?"

"Do not worry," Robin replied, composing himself. "We will be ready to move by tomorrow morning, at the earliest."

I stood there indignantly, no doubt with a bright blush on my face. Slowly, though, my thoughts calmed down, and they drifted back to Cordelia. Shocker, there.

Beyond that, though, was something else, a thought that refused to go away. I was curious, to be honest. Severa. Severa was my daughter. I hadn't thought about it much, although it did galvanize me to confess even more. It was strange. It almost felt like I had a family again, even if I hadn't met her yet. It was a small feeling, really, but a different kind of warmth bloomed in my chest.

To replace your old family, you make a new one.

I hoped to meet her soon. I imagined what a reunion like that would be like. Considering what Lucina told me about my future self, things were likely going to need some patching. I could do that. I felt like I could do anything. It was going to be wild next few years, I knew. I dreaded it and wanted it to come faster, if only to get it over with.

I left the balcony with a small smile on my face.

Ya hear that? That's the sound of the most wholesome romance I've ever written sailing. And by God is it sailing well.

Hopefully it all comes across all right. I am pretty nervous that I've either gone too fast or it's not good enough or- well, you get the idea. Enjoy the floof while it lasts, my friends. Shit's gonna get complicated real fast.

This might be the last Chapter I post for the year. Work is fuckin' killing me right now since it's the lead up to Christmas. Hope this is enough to keep you going for a whole!

Beta'd by DestructionDragon360 and Narwhal Lord.

Here's a link to our Discord: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

See you all next time!

Edited on 3/4/21. Just a deliciously fluffy as last time.