The sun shone brightly as Cordelia and I supported each other through the desert, with Aurora tailing behind us.

All around us, the remnants of the battle were scattered about. Weapons left behind by destroyed Risen stuck out of the sand, the last remains of their bearers. Corpses were relatively few and far between, but they were definitely there. Off in the distance, the towering citadel of the Dragon's Table hung over us.

It was a tomb. The final resting place of Grima. The Fell Dragon would never again trouble us or anyone, ever again. I could tell that much, at least. He was gone. Forever.

So was Robin.

I didn't allow it to really sink in while Cordelia and I were limping through the desert, desperately trying not to reopen our wounds. Even then, when I looked upon her, battered and bruised but still very much alive, I couldn't help but mouth a silent thank you for every breath that left her mouth. We would be safe. Our children would be safe. Our children's children would be safe. All thanks to Robin and his sacrifice.

You don't know that. He could have allowed Chrom to take the final blow. For all you know, he could run over from the Dragon's Table and give you a smile.

That was what I hoped, at least. I knew it wouldn't happen, but it was nice to cling to nonetheless.

"Alex, love, please. Stay with me," Cordelia lightly pleaded as I started dragging my feet slightly. "Don't- Alex, look at me! We're almost there! The camp is just over that hill!"

I groaned, pulling myself together through the abandoned weapons and beaten and burned bodies towards where Cordelia was leading me towards. Despite the gash in her side and her exhaustion, she was in better shape than I was. I was certain she wouldn't see it the way I did, but I was glad for that. As long as she was safe, I could endure whatever the world threw at me.

Especially then, now that Grima was gone.

"I-I'm," I shook my head, trying to get rid of the dizziness. "I'm coming, Cordy. Don't worry; I'm not about to keel over on you now."

"Gods, please, don't say that," Cordelia chided, wrapping her arm around both my armpits to keep me going. "See? It's just over there. I can see the fires!"

I followed her gaze, shielding my eyes with my iron hand. She was right; just past the dunes, I could make out the tents we had left behind earlier that day. It was just one of many to house our troops, but the one I was looking at was certainly the Shepherds' campsite. Knowing that, I forced myself to keep moving forward, despite the encroaching darkness that threatened to swallow my vision.

I heard someone shout, then. A familiar, boisterous voice.

"There they are!" Vaike yelled. I saw him run from the camp, his arm bandaged as Sully and Kjelle flanked him. "C'mon! Help me get them to the healers!"

"Father, they're already crowded as is," Kjelle pointed out.

"I ain't about to let 'em fall down now!" Vaike replied loudly.

"She ain't saying we should let 'em die here, Vaike, ya daft loon," Sully retorted, crossing her arms. "She was just saying that there're tons of others who need the healing."

Vaike blinked. "Yeah, but they can make room. Sorry, but I ain't 'bout to lose anymore friends, not when Grima's already gone."

"Are you three just going to stand there and bicker, or are you going to help us!?" Cordelia demanded, "If not me, then at least him! I will not lose him again!"

"Geesh, sorry, sorry!" I saw Vaike rub the back of his next as he approached me and held my other arm. "C'mon, Alex ol' buddy. Ya aren't about to tap out on me again. Sully, help Cordelia!"

"Alright, alright!"

We were dragged back into the camp, and Kjelle wasn't exactly wrong; almost every single tent was occupied by an injured Shepherd, being attended to by a healer.

Before I could think of anything else, however, I felt my vision finally failing me. Like I was falling back into a deep dark abyss.

I heard Cordelia shout my name from somewhere behind me, and after that, I fell into that darkness.

It had been a long time since I woke up from being injured in a battle. The last time I could recall that happening was during the siege of Fort Mycen. That felt like a lifetime ago. When I woke up after passing out, I found myself staring up at the bright white fabric of a tent. I could see the light pouring in through the open tent flap nearby, and I squinted as I tried to sit up.

"Alex, love, lay back down please," I heard a gentle yet firm voice say. I obeyed, laying my head back down on the cot I found myself in. Turning to my side, I saw Cordelia. Her beautiful features were highlighted by the bright sun outside.

Taking a deep breath, I turned my gaze back up to the fabric of the tent. "How long was I out?"

"Around an hour," Cordelia replied, and I felt her hand grasp mine, gently rubbing circles with her thumb on the top. "You have a nasty habit of making me worry for you, you know? I'm surprised I haven't sprouted any grey hairs after all that we've been through these past few months."

"I'm sorry," I said quietly, turning my head back to look at her. "Guess I finally found my limit, huh? I'd never make you worry for me like that if I could help it, no matter how good it feels to wake up to you like this."

Cordelia looked away, trying desperately not to smile. "You won't be able to talk your way out of this one, love. I am determined to stay mad at you this time."

"You sure about that?" I said, gently sitting up. "I'd like to think I've gotten pretty good at sweet-talking. You really wanna play this game?"

Cordelia looked at me and pursed her lips. "Go ahead. Give it your best shot."

Challenge accepted.

"Well, for one, I've died and met a goddess, and you're still the most gorgeous woman I've ever met," I began, "And when Grima was destroyed, and you stood up in front of me, I could've sworn you were an angel. The way the sun outlined you, Naga, I thought I was gonna go blind. Glad I didn't, though, 'cause if I did I wouldn't be able to see you, and honestly, that's a fate worse than death-"

I never got to finish my little monologue. Cordelia ensured that when she pressed her lip against mine forcefully. I returned in kind, bringing my good hand up to press against the back of her head and run my fingers through her hair. Her hands cupped my cheeks, keeping me from moving my head. For a while, we stayed like that, only parting finally to catch our breaths. Cordelia's red eyes looked down at me, half-lidded while her fingers traced the sides of my face.

"Only you could do this to me," Cordelia said breathlessly, "Only you. To turn me into a blushing mess like this is unseemly. You should be ashamed."

"Trust me, I'm feeling very ashamed right now," I chuckled, "I can hardly breathe, it's so crushing. I meant everything I said, by the way."

Cordelia's lips broke out into a smile. She held a hand to her chest, the one that had the ring I'd given her, years ago. "I know you do, Alex. That's why I love you."

I laid back down, letting the warmth in my chest blossom. I may have been injured and hurt, but that didn't matter. We were both alive, after all. That was all I wanted.

"I still can hardly believe it's over," I said suddenly, looking up at the roof of the tent. "It… the world looks so different, without Grima's shadow over everything."

"I know," Cordelia hummed, "I can scarcely remember a time where we weren't fighting for our lives. But it's all over now. Do you know what comes next?"

Leaning my head back, a smile broke out across my lips. "Well," I said, "First we gotta go get Severa from Valm. I'm sure that'll be an adventure. Then we'll get married, although I wonder where we'll have that with everything kind of being a mess right now. After that, think we'll help rebuild. Make Ylisstol and Warreth what they used to be. And Grawin… well, that one will probably take a long, long time."

"Gods, when you say it like that, so casually…" Cordelia covered her mouth with her palm, shaking her head. "It's becoming harder for me to believe it, but it's going to happen, isn't it?"

"'Course it is!" I laughed, "I never said it'd be easy, either, but we're both alive, Cordy! We've got each other's backs, and there's no one else I'd rather have than you by my side."

Cordelia looked down and wiped at her eyes. "Alex, love, you already won that sweet-talking challenge. You don't need to keep going."

"I'm just telling the truth, Cordy." I sat up again. "This is where our true lives together start. And I couldn't be happier."

"Me too, love," Cordelia whispered, a tearful smile on her face. "Me too. Just the thought of it makes my heart race!"

I was going to say something no doubt lovey-dovey and utterly romantic, but a commotion outside caught my attention. It wasn't until a few names got shouted out that I realized something.

"Severa," I said, swinging my legs over the side of the cot. "We gotta-!"

"Alex, they explicitly said that you shouldn't be walking."

"Cordy, we have to see," I replied, "Just help me up? Please? Severa hasn't come back, has she?"

"We don't know," Cordelia's expression dropped, "I… I had hoped she would come through the tent flap at any moment, but obviously that hasn't… Alright, love. Please, at least let me help you. Don't reopen your wounds, for Naga's sake! Or mine for that matter."

Gingerly, Cordelia helped me up out of the cot. It wasn't until I was standing up that I noticed the bandages around her forehead, or the ones that covered her side. She was injured too, I remembered, and yet she was still able to move around. I admired her tenacity, really. I may have had the record for most injuries accrued while still being able to move, but Cordelia was bouncing back within only a few hours of receiving her injuries.

Then again, healing staves and potions were always a massive help.

With Cordelia's help, I made my way outside.

The camp almost felt deserted, but that was no doubt because of the group approaching from the Dragon's Table. I heard cheering, applause, even, all coming from that direction.

Cordelia and I limped our way through the camp. A few odd stares from a few straggling soldiers were all the interaction we had with anyone else. Cordelia and I exchanged glances before pushing forward.

We saw her, then, nearly swallowed up by the crowd, but nonetheless there. I nearly disentangled myself from Cordelia and jumped toward her, but my body made it clear that I was not going to be doing any jumping anytime soon. Not to mention what Cordelia would do to me if I were to fall face first into the sand. She saw us coming, at any rate, but her expression remained somber. Yet, at the same time, it was perhaps the most peaceful expression I'd ever seen her with.

"Severa!" I shouted, wrapping her in a hug. She yelped, but made no attempt to escape. I didn't even notice the sword she clutched tightly to her chest before I felt its cold metal against me. I didn't care, though. Severa was safe. She was alive. That was all that mattered to me.

"Hi, dad," Severa replied. I felt her turn her head to my side. "Hi, mom. Crazy day, huh?"

"That's all you've got to say?" I asked incredulously, releasing her from my embrace and grabbing her by the shoulders. "What happened out there? Where have you-?" I finally got a good look at the sword in her arms. "Is that…?"

Severa looked down at it, hugging it closer to her. "Yeah. It's his."

"Severa," Cordelia said, placing a hand against her shoulder while looking at the sword. "Did you… did you do it? Did you fight him? Is that why you didn't tell us what you were up to?"

Severa looked at her feet, ashamed. "I did. I just… I couldn't let him stay with Grima for another second. Not if I could help it. I almost got him when he, well, there's a reason why it took so long for us to get here. I'm just glad it didn't hit anywhere vital."

Severa was bloodstained but I'd disregarded it before. I practically turned her over, seething with rage. "Naga, if Grima wasn't already dead-!" I shook my head, feeling melancholy claw away at my chest. "I guess, given the sword, that you-?"

"He's dead," Severa confirmed, her voice quivering slightly, "I didn't kill him, though. I wanted to but I didn't. He… he's the one who kept Grima busy while Robin used that spell, the same one he used back in Valm. Before that, though, I got this sword."

I let out a shuddering breath. "So, he died as himself. With dignity."

Severa slightly nodded.

"Can I see it? The sword?" I asked, holding my good hand out.

Severa blinked at me once, confusedly, before holding the sword close to her chest, possessively.

"You don't have to if you don't want to, Sev. I just wanna see it."

Severa took one last look at Requiem before sighing and handing me the grip. When I grabbed a hold of it, I felt a cold chill run up my spine. It felt wrong in my hand. It was perfectly balanced, perhaps a bit large to be held in one hand, even by me, but not uncomfortable by any means. Still, it felt horrible to hold. Wrong. It wasn't meant for me. It was the sword of a broken man, who in the end, redeemed himself. That man was not me, and while my opinion of him had raised slightly, his weapon would never be mine.

"He wanted you to have it, I'd guess," I said quietly, grasping the cold blade and handing it back to Severa. "It's yours. For as long as you want it."

In Severa's hands, Requiem was easily a greatsword. No doubt she could wreak havoc with it, should she have wanted to.

Gingerly, Severa took the sword back, hugging it to her chest again while Cordelia suddenly enveloped her in a hug of her own. I took a step back, allowing them to have their moment together while I looked for the others.

There was no time for celebration. Even with the Shepherds alive and well, if injured. We survived, but there was still work to be done.

The minute our host was healed, we were off to march back to Ylisse. Chrom and Lucina came back from the Dragon's Table mostly alright, but there were two who weren't so lucky. Tiki had fallen into a deep sleep, and Chrom made arrangements to have her relocated to Mt. Prism, in the east. No doubt the priests there would be more than enthusiastic to have the Voice of Naga herself sleep at the holiest site on the continent. That left little Morgan without either parent.

Mikael was gone. As quickly as he had come, he had simply vanished into thin air. The last anyone had ever heard or seen of him was during the battle, where he covered Henry as they rained magical fire upon our foes, before Grima did the same. Wherever he was, I wished the old dastard luck. I may not have owed him for my resurrection; he did that to repay his own debt, but if he ever showed his face again, I'd buy him a drink.

Thus, Morgan was all alone.

Before we arrived back at Ylisstol, to both begin reconstruction and go our separate ways, I found Morgan tailing behind the rest of the remainder of our armies. She looked listless, her green hair seeming a paler shade than before. I couldn't just leave her like that.

When we passed the Shriekwind Mountains, I approached her.

"Hey, Morgan," I called to the half-manakete. She nearly jumped out of her skin and tumbled down the hill she was on. When she saw me, she let out a breath.

"Uh, sorry. I'm just a bit… distracted. Who are you?" She asked.

"I'm Alex," I introduced myself with a small nod. "I was your father's knight. I know you and I haven't talked, but I think you were there when Mikael resurrected me."

Morgan squinted, tapping a finger against her chin before recognition sparked in her green eyes. "That's right! I remember now! Yeah, father did talk about you a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Almost as much as he talked about Chrom and mother. Ah, father…" That same, listless look returned to her eyes, and I felt a gaping hole in my chest.

Robin was dead. He was truly dead. His soul vanquished when he killed Grima with his own two hands. I didn't allow the thought to intrude into my head often, not when there was still so much that needed to be done. But then again, I couldn't just ignore it.

My best friend was dead. I still had Cordelia. I had Severa, although that wasn't likely to last much longer, what with her leaving soon. I had Gaius, Sully, and Vaike, but no Robin.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "I miss him too, kid. I miss him too. He and I have been friends for years. That's why I wanted to let you know, if you need a place to stay, my doors are open to you."

The sun shone high in the sky, but in that moment I could have sworn something glowed in Morgan's eyes. "Do you… do you really mean that? I don't wanna impose or anything. I mean, I know barely anybody here knows me…"

"I wouldn't be making this offer if I didn't mean it, kid," I said, "The next few months will be hectic, I'll give you that. There's a lot Cordelia and I gotta do before we even go to see that new estate we apparently got up north, and hell, rebuilding Ylisse is going to be the job of a lifetime. I just wanted to give you the offer, you know? Make sure you've got a place to stay."

Morgan wiped at her eyes, and I lurched forward when it looked as if she was about to fall over. She steadied herself after a moment, though, and I saw that she was crying.

"T-Thank you, Alex!" Morgan said, wiping away her tears as a small smile spread across her lips. "Thank you!"

"You don't need to thank me, kid," I shrugged, "I owe all this and more to Robin. Just make sure you put in a good word for me when he gets back, yeah?"

Morgan held her arms behind her back. "Of course! Er, whenever that is… Wait, h-he's… coming back? I feel like he said something about that but I can't…"

"He will," I said vehemently. "I know he will."

Ylisstol was still an utter mess. Not that I expected it to go back to being the sprawling city it was before just because we got rid of Grima, but I felt myself deflate a bit just looking at the ruined city. It was the city I'd called home for years, and to see it in such a destroyed state disheartened me, to say the least.

Cordelia and I would not be around for the beginning stages of reconstruction. There were many other places that needed to be rebuilt. Grawin and Warreth, definitely. It would take years before most of the damage had been dealt with, and that was only accounting for Ylisstol.

There were many things I had to do before I could throw myself into the reconstruction effort in earnest, though. Not the least of which being getting my daughter back from across the long sea. Cordelia and Morgan were definitely going with me for that. Before we decided on a way to get back to Valm, however, Chrom called me to the castle.

Out of all the places in Ylisse that held host to the Fell Dragon, Castle Ylisse was probably the most intact, somehow. The walls were still stained with blood, brown and old, but for the most part, the interior of the castle was intact. While it may not have been the prettiest sight on the outside, at least Chrom's home was alright. He didn't rest, not for an instant since the moment we returned. If there was anyone who was taking the reconstruction of Ylisstol seriously, it was him.

The title he forswore for so long out of respect to Emmeryn, he finally accepted. Exalt Chrom. It didn't roll off the tongue quite as well as Prince Chrom, but the people definitely needed to full title.. As a rallying symbol, if nothing else. If Chrom was good at anything, it was getting people to come together. It was how we unified Valm and most of Archanea against Grima, after all.

I walked through the castle halls, directly towards where Chrom asked to meet me. Stopping at one door in particular, I took a deep breath.

Of course, the sentimental bastard wanted to meet in Robin's old office.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. Something I'd done a lot in the months following Grima's death. With a sigh, I opened the door. Chrom sat there, at Robin's old desk, looking around at the dusty shelves filled with books. A map of Archanea laid spread out on the desk, and as I entered, I looked down at it.

"It's hard to believe he's gone, Alex," Chrom said quietly, letting out a breath and hanging his head. "Perhaps I always knew it would come to this. He liked to fashion himself as heartless. A cold tactician. But both of us knew better, didn't we?"

I walked up to the desk and resting my iron hand against the side of it. "A cold tactician wouldn't have sacrificed himself for the greater good. He would have let you deal the final blow, and let our descendants tangle with it. I knew he'd make that choice too, Chrom. He told me as such before we marched off to the Dragon's Table. That's why he sent me to fight on the front lines instead of joining you in that ruined citadel."

"He also didn't want you to sacrifice yourself for him again. Although, in a way, I suppose you did," Chrom sighed, "Severa has already told you about what happened in there, so I won't repeat it. He will come back, I'm sure of it."

I nodded my head. "Yeah, he will. We just gotta wait, right?"

"I know in my heart that we do, Alex," Chrom said, turning to face me. "He's out there, somewhere. And when he comes back, we'll be waiting for him. We all will."

"I get the feeling you didn't just ask me to come here for a reminiscing session, though I'm not averse to the idea." I crossed my arms. "What do you need, Chrom?"

"You're right," Chrom conceded, lacing his fingers together and resting his head on them. "I apologize. It's just, sometimes, I have to let my true feelings out, you know? The road ahead may not be as treacherous as the one we just traveled, but it is still fraught with trials. Sometimes I just need someone to… talk to."

"Trust me, Chrom, I completely understand," I ran my good hand down my face. "That's how I survived the first few months I was here. Anyway, what did you need?"

Chrom took a deep breath. "There are many vacant spots on my small council. Spots that need to be filled sooner rather than later. I don't plan on assigning someone else to be my Grandmaster Tactician, not when Robin could still be out there, but there is one position I know needs to be filled, and I know just the person for it." Chrom looked me in the eye. "Alex, I would like you to be my Knight-Commander."

I knew that was coming at some point. With Frederick's death, there were only so many people who could get an army into shape and keep them that way. My experience during the Valmese War probably made me a top candidate, even before accounting for my friendship with Chrom. The only black mark on my record was during the battle of Kamui. The prospect did make me feel anxious; I could feel my legs shaking beneath my pants as I wiped my brow. Phila said as much that I was being groomed for the position, long before we even made landfall on Ylisse's shores. I took a deep breath.

"I accept, Chrom," I intoned, "It's going to be a while before I can perform any of my duties. I've got to get my kid from across the long sea and get married, you know. I know it's selfish of me to do that when we've just reclaimed the halidom, but-"

"Say no more, my friend." Chrom held his hand up and smiled. "Knowing that you will be by my side while we rebuild is more than enough. Take all the time you need to get your affairs in order. You'll find your spot on the Council when you're done."

I let out a breath. "Thank you, Chrom. That means a lot." I placed my good hand on the side of the dusty desk, a wistful chuckle leaving my lips. "It feels like just yesterday Robin and I were here. I used to stand right here and feed him information about our army and the troubles the nobility were giving him. I miss those days… Huh?" I wiped at my eyes, feeling tears falling down my cheeks. "Oh, good. I thought for a second I would never," I sniffled, "That I'd never realize."

"I'll get out of your way, Alex." Chrom said quietly as he stood up from Robin's chair and made his way to the exit. "Take all the time you need."

"T-Thank you, Chrom." I said as the blue-haired lord left. I wiped at my eyes again, but the tears wouldn't stop. In a bout of brief frustration, my iron hand slammed against the desk as I fell to my knees. "God damn you, Robin. God damn you! I… Fuck! You goddamn fool! Idiot! Why'd you have to go and…?"

Some part of me always knew he would do it. Hell, he basically told me before the final battle began. I thought I'd accepted it. I thought I really did. Evidently, I didn't. I slumped to my knees, sobs wracking my body as my iron hand weakly tapped against the wooden desk.

"You better come back, Robin." I said to myself, glaring at the wall nearby. "You better come back, you tactical dastard. Tiki needs you. Morgan needs you. I… I need you."

At the ruined gates to Ylisstol, we prepared ourselves to say goodbye to Severa.

"You don't have to go, Severa," Cordelia suggested weakly. "I'm sure we could find some way to fit you in. Obviously, it would not be easy, but we could still try."

Severa shook her head, looking out through the gate and towards the bright skyline. "I can't be here anymore, mom. I just can't, I'm sorry. Too many bad memories here. Too many things lost. And I can't just sit around all day, I'd go crazy."

She was dressed and ready to go. Armored greaves and gauntlets over gambeson, along with a shield strapped to her shoulder and Requiem on her back, given a new scabbard. Wherever she went, almost nothing would be able to stand in her way, doubly so with whoever traveled with her offering their support.

I shared Cordelia's sentiment. Like many things, I thought I'd accepted that Severa was leaving. She told me as such before we left Valm, but when we came to that fateful day, I had to keep myself from falling apart.

I placed my good hand on Cordelia's shoulder. She looked at me and her lips thinned. "We're going to miss you, Sev. These past few months have been a ride, haven't they?"

Severa barked a laugh, crossing her arms. "No shit! For a while there I thought I'd lose my mind! Or maybe I already lost it. Can't really tell." Severa looked down. "I know this is hard for you to accept. I can tell. I'm sorry I'm leaving like this, so soon after Grima's death. But… Just know that these past two years have honestly been the happiest of my life. Before now, I had no idea what it was like to have a real family. To have good memories like this. I…" Severa shook her head and surged forward, wrapping us both up in a crushing hug. "I love you both so much. Thank you! Thank you for everything!"

Instinctively, my arm wrapped around her shoulder, and Cordelia's followed not a moment later. For the last time, we held our future daughter in our arms. Or maybe it wasn't the last time. I had faith that she would return one day. If not to stay, then to visit. She knew where our new home was located, and once she had found the life she was searching for, Cordelia and I would welcome her with open arms. Always.

Until that moment, though, I contented myself with holding her that final time, at the gates of Ylisstol.

Cordelia and I set sail across the ocean alongside the remains of the Chon'sin and Valmese armies.

We left through Warreth, smoking ruin that it still was, to the west. Say'ri was glad to have us, I thought. She didn't make any sort of fuss about us coming along. Perhaps she enjoyed the company. Either way, we were getting our baby back. The way to Valm was peppered with long nights, but the days were as sunny as they had been since Grima's ultimate defeat. It was as if the world itself was already on the road to recovery. Naga knows Grima probably wreaked havoc on nature.

I mostly spent my days either with Cordelia, or up on the desk of the flagship, watching the waves go past us. The water seemed different, then. A far cry from the roiling mass that passed us by as we sailed towards Warreth months ago. It felt as if a great deal of malice left the world with Grima; the world seemed like such a bright place all of a sudden.

"Dueling with unpleasant thoughts, Sir Alex?"

I turned to see Say'ri approaching from the entrance to the lower decks. She was garbed in a magenta robe, bereft of her usual lacquered armor and swords.

"Not as much as you probably are, Say'ri-" I shook my head. "Or should I call you 'my lady' now?"

"You have not done so before, and for you to try now seems odd to my ears," Say'ri replied, "I would ask that you keep things between us as they have been. I would rather have a company of heroes across the long sea refer to me as a friend rather than a foreign monarch."

I held up my iron hand. "Gotcha. To answer your question, not really. Just wanted to watch the sea. Pass the time, you know?"

Say'ri walked up beside me and leaned over the side of the ship, looking down at the water below. "A strange pastime, though I suppose there is little else to do aboard this vessel. I asked, Sir Alex, because I know you will be retrieving the other Shepherds, along with your child. This is a momentous occasion, is it not? Then again, you have lived a momentous life, I daresay."

"Not many people die and come back from the dead, sure," I sighed, "But to be honest with you, Say'ri, I'm too tired to really be all excited. Am I happy Grima is gone? Yeah. Am I ecstatic that I'm getting our child back? Absolutely. But we've lost a lot on this journey. Not just me, either. We've all lost a great deal. And you…" I looked at her, then, eyes soft. "What happened to Yen'fay?"

Say'ri's lips pursed. "He vanished, along with several others during the final battle. Doubtless you have already heard that Priam has left these lands. As for my brother, I am unsure. Is he dead? I do not believe so. He would not so easily be struck down by those marauding purple undead. Do I believe I will see him again?" Say'ri looked down. "I do not think I will, no. Where he goes is not where I am to follow. My duty belongs with my country and countrymen. I will not fail them. Rest assured, Knight-Commander, should Ylisse or Regna Ferox require our aid again, they will have it. But for now, I most rebuild."

I nodded my head. "I understand. For what it's worth, I hope you do see him again."

"That is kind of you to say, Sir Alex," Say'ri replied, "This world is changed. You can feel it as well, can you not? 'Tis a new wind on the water. This is the start of a new era."

I looked out to the horizon, watching as soft clouds swirled around the sun, bathed in orange light and reflecting off the crystal water. Say'ri was right, really. It was a new era. For everyone. The world truly was a brighter place. There would always be evil, of course. The old vices of men would never go away. As long as others stood to keep it at bay, however, the world would continue onwards. It would move on, build upon what came before, and eventually see the glorious sunrise for what it was: a new beginning.

"We shall be on Valm's shores within the week, Sir Alex. I understand you and yours will be heading back almost as soon as you came," Say'ri said, "Should you ever decide to visit, Chon'sin will be open to you."

I chuckled. "Getting rid of those old policies, are you? No isolationism?"

"Of course! Such things only weakened us," Say'ri scoffed, "The time to hide behind our borders with fear that we would lose everything that made us Chon'sin have passed. Make no mistake, the path will not be one that is walked with ease. Yet I am prepared to face it with all of my strength."

I pushed myself away from the edge of the boat, running a hand down my face. "Then maybe the future really is a bright one, after all that's happened."

When I held baby Severa in my arms again, I nearly fainted. She had grown a bit, but she was still that beautiful baby we had left behind. I wasn't sure how far along she was, but she crawled on her own, and she looked at us with big blue eyes. Cordelia practically ran through Grayport looking for her before we had her with us again. For that week we spent in Grayport, we made up for lost time. We did everything ourselves, taking the duties away from Libra and Tharja. Considering Tharja's own swelling belly, it was probably for the best.

Before long, though, we were across the long sea again.

Everything since Grima's defeat felt like it had gone by like a blur. The days almost seemed to blend in with each other, making it feel like what had taken months only took weeks. When Cordelia and I were back in Ylisse, though, that changed.

Our wedding would be held at the end of October.

I prepared myself as best as I could, feeling as if my heart would pound itself out of my chest with every waking moment. Cordelia and I had been engaged for years, hell, we even called each other husband and wife even though we hadn't been truly married. To have it be official, for some reason, filled me with anxiousness and dread. Not the bad kind of dread, though. In a way, it was the same kind of a dread that filled me before we took back Ylisstol, only with less chance of horribly dying. It wasn't exactly the same, obviously, but it was close enough.

The days grew shorter as the appointed time grew nearer. The ceremony was to be held within one of the few intact churches within Ylisstol. Just as we planned, it would be a private thing, with only a few close friends and family members attending. That was fine with us. There wasn't even a party planned, although I was sure there'd be some sort of celebration after the ceremony.

On the day it was to happen, and just before I was going to place myself next to the altar, I confided in Gaius. He was to be my best man, after all. I would have chosen Robin, obviously, but, well…

It wasn't like Gaius wasn't a good pick, really. He'd cleaned himself up remarkably well.

"Nervous, Sailor?" Gaius asked, with a brow perked.

I took a deep breath. "Yep. Absolutely. Haven't seen Cordy since this morning and Gaius, I swear to Naga, it feels like my heart is about to jump out of my chest and do jumping jacks on the table."

"Well, ain't that an image," Gaius grumbled. He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me a shake. "Look, Sailor, calm down. I know you've probably heard those words dozens of times today, but I'm serious. You ain't got nothing to worry about! Gods, you two have been waiting for this day for years, haven't you? Take a deep breath and enjoy this! It's your special day!"

I did as he asked, taking deep breath after deep breath. I felt a little dizzy after a second, though, and stopped. "Well, thank you for at least hearing me out, Gaius."

"Don't mention it, Sailor. What kind of best man would I be if I just let you out to dry?" He smirked. "Besides, you can't go dying on me again. I've tasted those cakes of yours; you're not dying until you make me one at my own wedding. Got it?"

I laughed, turning around. "Bet your life on it, Gaius!"

Even with that small peptalk with Gaius, when I took the altar, I could feel the nervousness clumping up in my stomach. I swallowed as the few guests took a seat on their pews. I saw Vaike and Sully towards the back, with Vaike in particular giving me a thumb's up. Maribelle was nearby, although I wondered just how in the hell Gaius was able to get her to come along. Edgar and Rosalind were near the front, with Edgar being his usual stoney-faced self, while Rosalind held the biggest grin I'd ever seen. A crow settled on a bannister nearby, and I could almost feel it smiling. Lastly, was Chrom, sitting at the very front. He'd cleared his busy schedule just to attend. The only reason why Sumia wasn't there was because she was the maid of honor.

Libra gave me a reassuring smile as the church went quiet. The front doors opened, and through it, came Cordelia. She wore an extravagant, frilly white dress, with blue ribbons outlining it. Behind her strode Sumia, along with a girl gently throwing flowers along their path. Cordelia held a bouquet of flowers in her hands, and her face was obscured by a white veil. I could still make out her features, though, and in that moment my heart skipped a beat.

She stopped just in front of me as Sumia stood to her side. By my own side was Gaius, and I could feel the grin from behind me. Libra coughed to gain everyone's attention, though I could barely hear what he said next; I was too transfixed by Cordelia.

"Friends and family," Libra intoned, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of our good Knight-Commander, Alexander Jameson Wright, and his bride-to-be, Flight-Commander Cordelia Aitla Kindall," Libra paused for a moment before continuing, "It is only after great hardship that these two have finally found the chance to entrust their futures to each other. This proves that love can bring us through the greatest of trials. I only have one thing to ask of both of you. Alexander." Libra turned to me. "Do you take Cordelia to be your wife, through hardship and health?"

"I do," I said instantly, feeling a lump in my throat as I tried not to cry. "She makes me the happiest man alive. I can't imagine being with anyone other than her. I promise to spend the rest of my life with her."

Once the words were out, I felt myself grow lighter. I looked at Cordelia, watched as the sun danced along her veil, and all I wanted to do was take it off and kiss her until the sun went down.

"And Cordelia," Libra continued, "Do you take Sir Alexander to be your husband, through hardship and health?"

I could feel Cordelia's vibrant red eyes on me as she spoke, "I do," her voice was wavering, but it was perhaps the happiest I'd ever heard her. "Alex, my love, from this moment onwards, I am yours. And you are mine. I will never forget what you have done for me. I will love you above all others, for the rest of my days."

Each word filled my chest with more warmth than I could ever imagine. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I held them back and waited for Libra to finish.

"Very well," Libra said, "Then I pronounce you as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Gingerly, I used my good hand to move back the veil that had covered Cordelia's face. She took my breath away, with her lips colored a ruby-red and a healthy blush on her cheeks. Her eyes were bright, so bright. As I leaned my head forward, I slowly closed my eyes.

When I felt her soft lips brush against mine, it was as if time itself stood still. We had kissed many, many times, but along with our first and second, that one would always stay with me. The time we finally were able to do the only thing either of us wanted.

I bridal-carried her out of the church that day, to the cheers of our friends. Cordelia had tears in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around my neck and looked at me. Happy tears. The only tears that I would ever allow on her face.

Time to start our new life together.

A year had gone by since the day of Grima's death. In that time, Ylisstol had begun the rebuilding process in full; entire buildings were being reconstructed. The scattered citizenry were steadily trickling in. Guards were enlisted and patrolled the damaged walls. The castle itself had healed, with most of the damage done by Grima having been repaired. The rest of the country was steadily following, with Warreth in particular seeing a boom in immigration from both within Ylisse and from other countries.

My duties involved organizing the guards around Ylisstol and making sure our army was up to snuff and trained to perfection. Some people had taken to calling me the second coming of Frederick the Wary. What could I say, I learned from the best. Cordelia was able to get the Pegasus Knights back into shape. Commander Phila's legacy was in good hands.

Our estate to the north had some of the best land in northern Ylisse. Winters were harsh, yes, but we had enough in our stores to last us through it. Severa had grown strong and healthy, even saying her first word, even if I wasn't there to hear it.

That would change with time; we were all busy. Once Ylisse was back to its old self, I would devote all of my time to being a better father. To make sure that our Severa would get the attention she needed. Whenever the future version of her came back, I would welcome her with open arms.

Morgan was still around. I allowed her to stay with us for as long as she wanted while we waited for Tiki to awaken or Robin to come back, Speaking of whom, that was the one part that always seemed empty. The past year had been nothing but kind to me, even if it was a bit busy, except for him. For Robin. Every day that went by, my hope for him coming back slowly diminished.

That was why I suggested a little trip to Chrom. To relive old memories. He needed some time off, I reasoned. To get away from the stuffy castle for a while, to take a break from taking care of toddler Lucina too. We brought Lissa along and Morgan too, just in-case.

Southtown itself had seen little action since the bandit attack years prior. Most of the town had been repaired by then, and people had returned to their usual lives. I passed by vaguely familiar buildings, remembering that first frantic day I found myself in Ylisse. The old coot who directed me to the inn when I first arrived passed on only a little while before we went back, sadly.

With Morgan safely tucked away in the inn, occupying herself with tactical texts as if her father would come over the hill at any moment, I traveled through the countryside to where it all began.

It had been so long since I was there, I almost couldn't recognize it. That same field with those same trees nearby, with Southtown just there in the distance.

It was only then that I realized how far I had come.

I had gone from a no-name college student, studying a language that no longer mattered, to Knight-Commander of Ylisse's army, married to the woman I loved with a beautiful child. Something like that was the stuff of dreams.

I took a deep breath, wondering idly if I stood there long enough, whether or not I'd find myself on that bus again, a completely changed man. Truth was, I didn't fit in with that world anymore. It would be an alien place, completely devoid of anything meaningful to me. Ylisse was where I belonged. With my friends and family.

"Alex! Hey! Heeeeey, Alex! We found something! C'mon, Chrom's gonna do something funny!" I heard Lissa squeal as she ran up to me.

"Alright, I'll be there in a minute!" I chuckled as she disappeared back into the distance.

Welcome back, my friend.

Before I left, though, I took one last look at the field. If I squinted, I could have sworn I'd see my old life. My old friends, my sister, my parents, everything. I felt as if I had to say something, and after a moment, I mouthed a single word.

Goodbye.

Ask yourself this question, and don't lie to me.

How would you react if you were transported to another world? Not only that, but a world you knew intimately. One you had spent countless hours thinking and learning about.

If your answer is anything positive, I don't think you quite understand what it would actually be like.

Chances are, the world is a death trap. Even if you have knowledge of the world, you are woefully unprepared for it.

And chances are, it was better off without you in it anyway.

But maybe there is hope.

Maybe you can truly make it a better place. And if not that, then find your place within it.

Maybe you would become far more intimate with it than you ever thought possible. Maybe you would finally decide to spend the rest of your life there.

It is a chance. A small one, but a chance. It all depends on what you do with it.

It took me years to find my place. To find where I truly belonged. The road towards it was not an easy one, but it was one I would gladly walk a second time.

My story is over. Now the time has come for you to make your own.

Which path will you walk? Will you allow yourself to be ensnared by despair? Will you drown? Or will you rise above what you were? Become the person you want to be?

Whatever road you choose, all I ask is that you choose the one that suits you.

I believe in you.

-Memoirs of a Knight-Commander, Alexander Jameson Wright, May 1st, 1059 AS.

Part 3. One more to go.