Hero: It took so long, but this chapter is finally done! And thus, Arc I shall come to a close and at long last you'll know who the pairing for Orpheus shall be, although you probably pieced it together by now. Again, as a last minute refresher, the pairing itself has to do with how Orpheus and his spouse fair as a family, not just "Who is the best ship evar" because that is more subjective than fans wanna admit. So the possible children also matter in this, not just the wives. Anyway, let's put this arc to bed. Here's Chapter 16 of Resolve of a Family, enjoy!

Chapter 16

The evening sun had begun its descent down the horizon, closing both a day a long chapter in the earth's history. The Tactician who led the charge to end this quickly ignited war had been on the mend, his wounds cared for, but now rest was his prescription and time was all he could have. He had stayed atop the artificiality created plateau that was where he did battle against the Mad King. He was resting virtually in the same spot in which he collapsed after absolute victory was claimed. With some guards and a couple of friends who kept him company that elected to stay behind from the lack of festivities going on down at the surface would miss out, but it was acceptable for them.

Orpheus had been thinking to himself, but his first guest to offer their company was his first friend, the Viridian Knight.

"Hey, Orpheus. Feeling better?"

"Kind of. Lissa told me not to move my arm around a lot, or to do anything that might put a strain on it. Makes me really glad we're done fighting now."

"Well, at least you don't need both hands to eat some food… Here, I brought you some." And there he would place a plate of food to Orpheus' side, sitting beside him with his own.

"Hey, you sure about this? There's way more better food down there. You're better off over there with them."

"Nah. Parties aren't my thing. I just take some food and go as far from the center of activity as I can." He would give a light chuckle as he was ready to scarf down his plate. "Besides, it's no fun celebrating without my friend, ya know?" Orpheus would try to rise, a wince of pain appearing on his face. "Easy there! Don't force yourself up!"

"I'll be fine. And besides, food tastes better with friends." He would grab his utensil and begin eating as best he could. He only needed one hand. He won't be deterred by this. He's the Hero of the War, this challenge shall not best him! "Hey what about you? I know you got your own fair share of injuries as well."

"Thanks to you being there, Lissa got to me before it could get out of hand. Besides, you took Thunder magic directly inside you. That could have done some permanent damage."

"I'll be fine. As long as I follow her instructions, I'll be able to get back into training in no time." Orpheus would shrug, only to spot another familiar face enter the scene.

"You still wish to improve yourself, Orpheus? That determination is respectable." It was Lon'qu. The swordsman brought along his own gift for the occasion. It was a small white type of container with three smaller cups, if you could call them that.

"Lon'qu! You're here too?"

"Yes. I simply wish to enjoy a victory with a comrade. And I brought something special with it. Something I have saved for a moment like this." He would sit down besides the two, pouring enough of the clear drink to fill those miniature cups and pass them along to said comrades. "This is Sake. It's a beverage from Chon'sin in the neighboring continent of Valm. It's a bit of a national delicacy and hard to find here."

"It's certainly different for alcohol. It's clear and has a unique smell to it." The tactician was curious to try it. Almost eager.

"Well, shall we?" Stahl hoisted his cup with the other two following suit. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" The other two shouted in unison as they all consumed their drinks.

"Wow, it's pretty good! I'm up for more!" Orpheus was into it as they all had casual banter for what felt like hours.

When the mood mellowed out, Lon'qu pressed Orpheus for something from earlier. "Orpheus, why do you still wish to better yourself? We may enter an extended era of peace now that Gangrel has been slain." He would ask, wanting to know where Orpheus' resolve would fall into.

"Gangrel showed me that there's a lot of evil out there still. While I can't seek it out, if I relax and simply hit the books, I'll lose my touch. And if a new enemy emerges, what will I do? I need to keep getting stronger or else I'll become a liability. I can't depend on Chrom or anyone to win my battles. While I can win the war, I cannot lose the battle for my life. And I still have a score to settle with that Marth worshipper, whoever she is."

"But Orpheus, what about the rest of us? You're Ylisse's tactician, we can't be left behind as well and if we all have to get stronger you might just…" Stahl would trail off, a tone sounding a bit worried.

"Follow in Chrom's father's footsteps? No doubt this victory may encourage potential new recruits, but I won't turn Chrom's army into what his father used it for. But for those who are still here. There are those even stronger than Gangel. We all can't stay where we are now. The skills we have are not enough. We need to all grow."

"So you're saying… We take our training into uncharted territory?" Lon'qu seemed to have piece it all together, now realizing Orpheus' plans.

"Yes. I'm still thinking about the details, but if I can gather the resources myself, I'll explain this to Chrom in the future." Orpheus sounded true despite how raw the plan sounded, clearly a mere rough-draft. "What say you two? You guys want to get stronger with me?"

"You're on!" Orpheus' closest ally would respond as if on cue.

"Hmph, a foolish question. Attaining more skills and mastery is the life of a Swordsman." Lon'qu would easily jump on board, a hint of snark in his tone.

"Thanks. The more friends I have on board, the more likely Chrom will have to consider."

"You know he would be all for that, right? He's every bit as much a Warrior as the both of us."

"Yeah, but he must become the Exalt. Now he's going to have to grow into a good leader. Not like his sister, but as his own breed of leadership. Stahl can easily attest on how not to do that." To which the Viridian soldier would merely nod his head. "But he'll be a great leader. I'll see to it myself. They're orders from Emmeryn; the late Exalt's final orders, so I intend to carry them out."

"Hm, you're alright, Orpheus." Lon'qu nodded, relieved to see his ally's motivations were clear and well-intended.

"Oh come on; do you really think I'm that bad of a person?" That reply led to a canyon filled with laughter.

Eventually, the smaller party would disband for the night. But it would not be the last time Orpheus would have company. As he was preparing to enter his tent, someone else approached him; alone. When the light of his still lit fire would show the guest, his heart was at ease. "Oh, Cordelia! Thank goodness, how are you feeling?"

"I'll be fine. Although, Ai has had her last flight for a while, if not permanently. Her wing took a hard hit when we fell. She may have to retire for a while, if not for good." She did look a bit distressed, yet relieved it wasn't worse for her or anyone else.

"Oh man... Well, as long as you both are alright, I can't be too upset about those results."

"Yes. But enough about us, you took it far worse. How's your arm? And the rest of your body?"

"I won't be using it until we return to Ylisse, but I'll live. I'm just glad we won the day and the war."

"Orpheus, I meant the rest of your body too. You were different once you saw Lady Phila die. You were blazing with fire all around and on you. How did you not feel that?"

"That? I did feel it, but not as Fire or any type of real extreme heat, just as… a surge of newfound strength."

"Newfound strength? I'm not sure I follow."

"I don't blame you. I'm not sure I quite understand it either, Cordelia. It's something that just overtook me. But, it was needed and I'm glad it did. I would not have been able to kill Gangrel without it. And you were a big help too- Wait, that reminds me! Did you… happen to hear a voice just before I reversed the situation? The words 'Now's your chance' or something like that?"

"No I… didn't. All I could hear was you two and the lightning magic coming out of Gangrel's Levin Sword. Were you hearing things?"

"I don't know. It sounded like a woman. Someone I know, but I can't think of anyone. It's… It's strange. It's both nostalgic and mysterious."

"Does it have to do with your lost memories?"

"I just don't know. But I heard a voice. And I need to know who it was. But, I know I'm not going to get a chance at that anytime soon.

"Yes. It's probably for the best you put that behind you for now." There was a pause in her tone. An awkward shift as well. "Do you think you can recreate those flames when you have recovered?"

"I plan to recreate them first thing, actually. I want to know what it is and why I have it. I'll be studying it as well as other books about skills and such."

"I wish you luck on that. It would be a real asset, but there's no rush now. We're now entering a time of peace."

"Yeah… but I just can't stop for too long. But anyway… Tell me, what's going on over there? Down where the big party is at?"

"Oh that?" She would spare a glance back down on the flattened earth below, the bonfires so clearly in sight. "Chrom had just declared his plans to become the next Exalt. He plans to return to Ylisstol after we reach the Regna Ferox capital and formally announce it."

"Well now, he's gone up in the world."

"But apparently it gets better. While he was talking with the Khans, Sumia arrived and professed her love for him. The two will… be getting married. Someday after Chrom is exalted, of course."

"Okay, now he's moving up in the world. Lucky him. How are you holding up, Cordelia?"

"Well… despite knowing he had no interest in me weeks ago, it hasn't completely set in until now. It feels like the bandage was just ripped off." Her eyes drifted, body leaning back slightly.

"Yeah. I didn't expect you to get over it so much in such little time, but you should find someone who's worth your time. Sure, he's got the wealth and fame, but hey; he didn't end this war. We all did. Hell, he didn't even beat Gangrel. I did." His tone held clear hyperbole, trying to poke fun at their new Exalt.

His efforts were successful as the redhead would only laugh in response. "What, are you trying to win me over with your feats now?"

"Hey, I might be."

"Ha, well, I'm not sure if that's bold or you just being a bit too boastful."

"Let's say it's a bit of both. What would you say to that?"

"I say it's something I may consider. Not right now, but later when things settle down."

"Oho! Is that a fact? How about this… A couple months from today, you give me your answer. It'll give me time to come up with a good strategy for you."

"Then you better make it the best first date I could ever ask for. Dinner and a stage play won't be enough for me."

"Well, I'll be sure to make it one only you could truly enjoy!" He would answer with such bravado. He had no plan in mind, but with all this free time thanks to this era of peace that was coming.

"Alright. I suppose I should leave you to it. I look forward to our little outing." She would say with a slight hint of flirtation. "Ah, and some guards will come up here to camp with you and keep you safe, so please rest up while you can."

"Will do; I'll see you later, Cordelia. He would see the redhead off. The war was truly over. Now there wasn't much to do before everyone could go home.

Yes. Home. Wait, home? Orpheus finally had a home to call his own now? It took until now, but he finally would come to terms that Ylisse would be his home now. At first he stayed out of obligation for Chrom. But now… Orpheus felt like he belonged. But his eyes would grow heavy. Now it was time to rest. Time to sleep in for the future.

Nearly a month had passed. With the death of Gangrel, negotiations for peace went easier for all parties. With Plegia now behind them, the Shepherds earned a nice break. Well… if there wasn't the restoration of Ylisstol to worry about. While the rest of the Kingdom was relatively unharmed, the damage was done to the castle and the path leading to it. But there were still matters for Orpeus to tend to. His arm had healed mostly, yet a sling still kept it from being used too much, as he was still not allowed to train for another two weeks at least. With the era of peace now here to stay, there was no need to rush him back to health. It was always better to let the body rest and heal on its own anyway. But he still had work to do. And the first thing on his list was to visit someone in the dungeon. A long overdue visit.

Stepping down the stairs and past the guards, there was only one man in this section. A man Orpheus had not interacted with since that battle.

"It's been sometime… Mustafa." Orpheus was able to defeat the man, yet despite that moment of unexpected power, he failed to kill him. As if fate itself had intervened, but the time for reflecting was not needed here.

"Tactician. I've not seen you since I first came to after our battle. I have heard discussions are in the works to put the war behind us. So all the terms of surrender are now settled? Is all well?" The gruff man would sit up from his bed.

Gesturing for a guard to come over, the figure would bring out the set of keys, singling out the Warrior's key and unlocking the door, allowing the Grandmaster to enter.

"Indeed. It's now fully safe for you to leave soon without any worry. All of Gangrel's loyal followers have either been defeated or have surrendered. The only bad news is this will leave a power void for the throne and now open military positions.

"Then does this mean I am to be free from my cell alongside my men?"

"Yes, soon it shall be. Once the standing minister signs the treaty, I'll let you all go. But before you return, I ask for you to wait here.

"What would you still need me here for? I'd like to return to my Family, Orpheus." His words sounded a bit melancholic.

"About that… I have a Dark Mage and a thief who have a good sense of tracking; searching for your wife and child. I'd like you to meet your family here before thinking of returning home or not."

"But why? Do you believe something worse than war could be brewing?"

"Well; even as we finished the terms, it was clear that since Gangrel had no heirs, he had left quite the opportunity for the nobility. When our spies skulked around, they were preparing to fight for the right to wear the Crown. Apparently a cult was a clear favorite but with their leader Aversa, who fled the last battle and is currently missing alongside the leader before her, there's a chance for anyone to claim it now. If you appeared, you would no doubt be approached to fight for someone or boost their reputation."

"Aye. And if I don't serve, my family might be at risk."

"Yes. I'd like to see what might happen there. If we tried to interfere, it would only reopen these now stitched wounds. I do not wish to throw you out of the frying pan and into the fire, Mustafa. I hope you understand, but I will request for Chrom to offer you three and your men shelter during this cold civil war."

"I understand you are looking out for our well being; but for now, I will refrain from answering. I will wait until I see my family; if they agree with your thinking, then I will comply." His face remained stern, yet behind it was concern for his family, who he had not seen since the war had begun.

"That's fair. I also want you to see what Chrom has plans for with Ylisse. He intends to continue Emmerynn's wish in his own way. I'll be here to make sure it happens."

"Aye. That was her last request, was it not?"

"Yes. And I intend to see it through. Chrom shall not make his Father's mistakes."

"That is what Plegia would like to hear, but most importantly, see from his actions. Has he taken the throne yet?"

"He will in two days. He also plans to announce his wife as well. I shall be quite busy soon with all this coming at once."

"Aye. I wish you luck in that, Orpheus."

"Thanks. I'll come back soon. Hopefully with your family sooner rather than later. Take care, Mustafa." And with that, the Tactician had taken his leave. He did have much to do, after all. And on the eve of the ceremony, he would meet up with a certain someone.

Later on, he would arrive at the Barracks, the person of interest already there.

"Ah, and just when I thought you wouldn't make it." She would tease.

"Hey. I'm on time. I'm not one to break my promises so easily, Cordelia." It was she who he intended to meet with on these quiet, yet bustling days.

"Oh, but that sounds like you still can break those promises." She would snap back with sharp wit, as if she was used to having the higher ground in these talks.

"You really love making it hard with you, eh?" He would give out a deep sigh, only for her to respond with a faint giggle. "Are you ready for the big day? It's real close now. And well, will you be okay about Chrom and Sumia being a pair?" With the big day coming closer, no doubt that sinking feeling grew heavier in Cordelia's heart. Her emotions on it back during that night must still be afflicting her even still. Maybe even more than before.

"It's still sinking in, I can't deny that. But I think I'll be fine. She did something I couldn't and confessed to him. And in front of the Khans, no less! I'm happy for her and wish her the best." The words were hard on impact. She couldn't be selfish, especially to her sister in arms. The last one at that. "I'm not sure how I'll be when he says she's his bride during the ceremony. Or even at the wedding whenever that happens." Orpheus could only mull over how to respond. "But don't worry. I've not forgotten our promise. I think… that will be fun." Normally she'd have that face of confidence like the first time he brought it up with her. But she needed to assure Orpheus that she was still interested in their date. Especially considering both the circumstances and the fact they aren't quite a pair unlike the royal couple. And they weren't even the only one. Lissa and Lon'qu were also going to get married down the line. And Sully had also attained a mutual interest with Kellam. Couples were forming as if part of a chain reaction thanks to Chrom and Sumia. This date was not meant to be her using Orpheus to get over Chrom. The thought haunted her mind more than it should. "I'm looking forward to it." She would bow on instinct, as if to further prove her commitment to the promise.

"You don't need to bow like that, Cordelia. I believe you. Trust me; I always have since we fought together. Believe in yourself like I do. And things will get better for you." He would offer comfort in the only way he knew how. To that she would nod, smiling that someone she deemed an equal to offer her solace. "Now then… shall we be off? We have some work to do."

"Yes… let's go, Orpheus." She would stick a bit close to him as they would make their rounds seeing to the needs of the castle, its inventory, and soldiers who were training and protecting it.

In the evening, Orpheus would enter the throne room, finding Chrom by his lonesome, looking at the two heavy chairs.

"Lost in thoughts, eh? You're even all alone, Chrom. No Frederick, no Lissa, or Sumia to have your attention." Orpheus would make his presence known, taking some lighthearted jabs at Chrom.

"Ah, Orpheus. I see you're well. I simply asked for some time for myself, is all. I'm just thinking about… everything."

"You mean Emmeryn and your father's time as Exalt?"

"Am I a book to you now, Orpheus?" He would ask with a humored look.

"Nah, just a hunch. You still afraid of being like your dad?"

"Well… I just don't know how I'll react if another war comes to our doorstep. I want to remain against it like Emm, but I also can't afford to let both the people's lives and rights be compromised to some evil force."

"Hmm, I can see why you think that. It is tough."

"Yes. But I know it'll work out. If I must raise the sword, I'll do it for my people and for our ideals. I won't have much to fear now. I have everyone; I have Sumia; and I have you to keep me in check."

"Damn straight. If you went astray even for a second, I'll have Sumia give you another 'slap' to bring you back."

"Gods, no. I'm still reeling from the first one." The two would laugh it off as old friends would. But when the laughing faded out, Chrom's expression looked determined. "I'm ready to become Exalt. I'm done playing Hero. It's time I become a man worthy of the title of Exalt. A man who will make everyone I know proud." A smile of determination beamed off his face as he let Falchion rest on his future throne. "I'm ready to keep Ylisse safe. What say you, Grandmaster Orpheus?"

"Oh, you already know my answer. Let's go!" He would bump his fist with the soon to be Exalt. The world was now ready to move on.

And two days later…

"...Exalt Emmeryn is gone from this world. Yet she still resides in me; and in all of us. Her spirit, her will, her compassion. We all still have it. And I will use it to keep Ylisse safe from all who threaten it. And to offer support to those who seek refuge and aid, as she would do. I am not her, but I will work as hard as she would to better the lives of all who call this Kingdom home. With my fiance, Sumia, our Grandmaster of the Ylissean army, Orpheus, and the vanguards of our Kingdom, the Shepherds; I promise you all we shall continue the Legacy of not just Emmeryn, but as well as the First Exalt." The crowd would applaud his commitment before silencing to hear the formal lines to ascend the throne. "Hear me, all! I come bearing the Sacred Blade Falchion, proof of the sacred covenant! In the name of the exalted blood! I, Chrom, the son of Naga, claim the Throne and it's title, Exalt of Ylisse!" The cheers of the crowd could be heard through all of the capital. The rebuild phase had formally begun, but a new era would enter in as well; the era of Exalt Chrom. And with it, a well deserved moment of peace.

End of Arc I

Hero: And that's the end for now. And yes, Cordelia shall become Orpheus' wife in due time. I'll keep the pairing off the main character list for a day for late viewers. I was so unsure between her and Sumia. Sumia I wanted, but I could not get an idea of how to work Cynthia well enough to my liking. Severa on the other hand is a diamond in the rough that can really make this more interesting. But those won't be seen till Arc III.

I can understand why this first arc may feel like so much more of a retread that so many others do. I admit, I only really like how I did fights and scenes that aren't just posting the script from the game itself in here for being consistent to the source material. Part of me wants to break that script apart, but some things there I feel work well and I'd like to add on to most of them rather then blow it up and build it up from the pieces like how say, SomethingWittyEntertainment(the guys who do SAO abridged) do it. Some events will be altered and that'll show way later down the line. Arc II is all original as it is nothing but things that take place between the two years of peace that are between the War with Plegia and Walhart's Conquest. It is here that we get Orpheus hitched, explain the surge of growth as units before the Valm invasion attempt, as well as finally show off who that mystery person is. Also, I retconned the name of Arc I. It's now called Remember. I'm getting all this explanation stuff out the way as to make up for lost time. I got some drive to get started on the next chapter as well, so good news there. And to emphasize this again, romance isn't the major focus here. I'm sorry in advance if you were hoping for a lot of lovey-dovey stuff. This is more of an emphasis towards family when it happens as they face, challenge, and survive all the challenges that get thrown their way. So please don't get any ideas of tons of romance from here on. I'll definitely show a date or two and some important moments, but yeah, hope this doesn't detract your interests.

Anyway, I think that's a wrap. I hope you all enjoyed the groundwork I laid down. Trust me, the fun stuff hasn't even begun. Arc II may not have as much action, but it is also laying down the final pieces of the track to get these characters set up for a long, tough, bumpy ride that you all shall enjoy. Thanks for reading up to this far, I'll see you guys in Arc II.