Morgan and Corrin - Daughter to Dragons
Day 192, afternoon
Having just returned from the Ruins of Time, a temple on the other side of a now-deactivated portal deep within the Valmese forests, a pair of pegasus scouts reported a large group of potential Risen in the area. The subsequent news sent all available Shepherds rushing in a mad grab for some action, prompting even the most complacent of soldiers to tense up for a long-awaited fight.
When finally inside the labyrinth, the Shepherds were greeted with nearly four-hundred Risen, just enough to keep the army busy for an hour or two. During the melee, Commander Corrin found a girl unconscious and surrounded by the undead, an anomalous circumstance regarding potential future-children. After properly dealing with the horde within and combing the area for artifacts, the Shepherds retreated to safer territories to reevaluate the current situation.
Aside from that, no other objectives were inside and while a few powerful relics were found, nothing else of note occurred and the mission ended smoothly with little complexity.
Of course, there was the issue of the girl that had been recovered in the ruins, seeing that none of the future-children had been unconscious or had been surrounded by Risen when they came to. The child was on the shorter end of things, just a few inches taller than Sakura and sporting a curiously marked cloak that bore similarity to Robin's.
As for a name, the best anyone could elicit was 'Morgan,' a notion coming not from the future children, but from Corrin, surprisingly. The Nohrian had been the one to personally rescue her from the Risen, and claimed 'Morgan' was the name she heard in the temple.
From who, Corrin didn't specify, but no one bothered to press further.
Perhaps because of the way Lucina and the other future children visibly flinched when they heard the name.
Robin himself did not have the opportunity to meet the newcomer yet - he was busy drafting the next day's battle plans while Corrin demoted herself to babysitting duty. During the operation where they encountered Morgan, the tactician had been someplace else, leading a scouting team to find the rumored Naga's Tear. Success in that endeavor, he also mentioned they found numerous other artifacts, one of which he kept in his drawer, hidden from the others.
What that artifact was, Robin wouldn't reveal; an action very unlike the open-armed tactician.
Figuring Robin to have a reason for his secrecy, Corrin focused her attentions on the unconscious teenager in her bed, having been dumped unceremoniously by the princess who was all the while complaining that Morgan was 'much heavier than her small frame let on.' With nothing important on their timetables, the entirety of Corrin's tent population were occupied with the unconscious girl decorating their living space.
Ever the soft-spoken aficionado of cute things, Azura didn't mind the 'adorable' mage sleeping in the slightest. Felicia was also quickly enamored by the sleeping girl, and even while Morgan snored and drooled as a child would, the maid watched her studiously alongside her two lieges. Corrin, ever the curious princess, paid attention to the young mage and everything observable, already have questions to ask when Morgan came to.
She wouldn't admit it yet, but she felt a very odd connection with the strange girl, but she couldn't quite put a finger on it. Seeing Morgan in danger back at the ruins, neck-deep in Risen, Corrin felt extremely paranoid and worried, which was a sensation she rarely experienced. Something about Morgan made Corrin feel... protective? As if dashing to the girl neck-deep in the ruins was... by instinct?
But why?
It certainly explained why Corrin kept Morgan secure in her very own bed, away from whatever troubles the girl had escaped from.
"It would seem our guest could very well be one of the future kids Lady Lucina mentioned accompanying her," Azura offered, sitting cross-legged across from Morgan, feeling an odd sense of satisfaction observing the girl's breathing patterns.
"That could be, considering the Ylissean children seemed to recognize her," Felicia continued, going through Morgan's bag. It had a few potions and tomes, but that was it. Still wanting to let Morgan have a sense of privacy, they had not read any of the tomes, despite their unfamiliarity.
Corrin pondered thoughtfully as she watched the white hair fall not so gracefully around her ears and eyes. A subtle but potent odor spread throughout the room, and upon a quick educated guess, the three inside had an inkling as to where the foul stench came from.
"Remind her to take a proper bath once she comes to," Corrin laughed. "I think it's safe to say that whatever place she came from had a lesser sense of hygiene than ours."
At that exact moment, Morgan jumped up, her bloodshot eyes widening at the sight of two strangers and one not-so stranger by her bedside. Or rather, the not-so-stranger's bedside. They maintained eye-contact for a few awkward seconds.
"..."
"..."
"Good morning?" Morgan attempted, flashing a hesitant smile.
"Afternoon," Azura corrected, returning Morgan's curious stare with her own. "Though, you're free to sleep until morning, if that's what you'd like."
"Naw, I'm fine," Morgan declared, rubbing her eyes.
"If you say so. The healers stated likewise."
Morgan reacted to the word 'healers' but didn't press further, instead looking around and observing her surroundings.
"Uhh... How long was I asleep?" the girl asked curiously.
"Not too long," Corrin reassured, "You're just in time for dinner, if that's what's important."
"That's super important," Morgan realized, feeling her empty stomach. "I haven't eaten in..." panning out, she recollected herself and shook her head. "Forever, it seems."
"Well, no time like the present," the blue-haired stranger suggested, rising to a stand before stretching her legs.
"I have the weirdest feeling... like the time I'm in right now isn't the present..." Morgan observed, rolling out of bed and crossing her arms.
Azura laughed as she helped Morgan with her things, ruffling her hair absently when she donned her coat.
Strange. that fabric has a similar designs to Robin's, yet it's horribly worn and frayed. Are they the same design? Or perhaps-
"You remembering anything Morgan?" Corrin asked, to which the tactician shook her head.
"Morgan?"
"That is your name, right?"
"...Uh, yeah. I think. It sounds familiar," Morgan shrugged.
"Well, if we find a different name, we'll use that. But for now, will Morgan suffice?" Azura wondered.
"Oh yeah! I mean, I don't really care what you call me... But it would make sense considering if my parent's gave it to me... then..."
As Morgan trailed off to her thoughts, the trio of women waited in anticipation for Morgan to name-drop her potential parent...
"Aaaand I'm drawing a blank. Darn..."
"It's alright," Corrin assured. "Considering the very likely possibility that you are one of the future children, it shouldn't be too hard to narrow you down from the original Shepherds." Morgan nodded hesitantly, before glancing outside to the camp, where others could be seen training or conversing.
"Future children?"
"Very long story."
"N-no, wait! That would make sense! A-are there others from the future? Am I from the future?"
Corrin nodded before opening the door, letting the sunlight seep in from the orange sky above. Enjoying the breeze, she stepped onto the grass and danced lightly on its surface.
"Yes and probably, I guess. We're not entirely sure on your origins, compared to everyone else. Lucina isn't much help with you, so I'm not putting it past us that you are from their time."
"Luci?" Morgan wondered, too quietly to be heard.
"Anyway, I'm due to go sparring with Chrom now," Corrin announced, strapping Yato to her hip and closing the door behind her. "I'll tell our fearless leader that you're awake. Double portions for you at dinner sound alright?"
Ignoring her, Morgan quickly followed, forcing Azura to roll her eyes in mock disgust and join the party.
"She's taken a liking to you, Corrin," Azura joked over Morgan's head towards the lead princess. "You shouldn't abandon your new friend so quickly."
"I don't mind! I'd like to walk around, anyway," Morgan dismissed Azura with a wave and a smile. The dancer noticed that the girl carried a tome and a sword by her side, the latter sheathed on her right hip and the former tucked under her left arm.
Just like Robin.
"Ah. Corrin, Azura... and the young lady I assume the camp's talking about?"
Morgan noticed a man with the apparent aura of royalty greet them, nodding towards Azura and Corrin before fiddling with his sword.
"It's Morgan, if we're going to rely on names. Look familiar?" Azura asked. Chrom nodded quietly, while Morgan was distracted when Corrin drew her own blade.
"I have a few ideas," Chrom whispered back, "Most involving our tactical friend."
"That's what I'm thinking," Azura replied, "The future-daughter of our Commander!"
"It can wait until Robin's up to speed," Chrom reasoned. "Corrin, you ready to go?"
"I'm already warmed up thanks to our little expedition this morning," Corrin excused, "Shall we?"
"Indeed we shall," Chrom answered, slowly drawing Falchion with a melodic ring. "Best of three, or to the death?"
"Until something breaks: probably your resolve," Corrin responded, ever the fan of pre-sparring banter. Twirling Yato around, the golden sword seemed to hum in agreement.
"Funny you say that. You know, this sword is awfully good against dragons," Chrom replied, leveling his stance.
Azura and Morgan watched at a distance as the two Lords charged at each other, the clanging of blades easily heard to the surrounding passerby.
"It must be strange, coming from the future," Azura thought aloud, to which Morgan shrugged. "What changes that can occur within even a day will never cease to surprise me..."
"You really think I'm from the future?"
"Our company has encountered a fair number of those disowned by time. We're just guessing you're one of them."
"I could've come from anywhere, really. I don't remember anything about myself... I don't even know who... or where my parents are." Morgan frowned and looked solemnly at the ground, only for Azura to wrap an arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting smile.
"We'll find them, don't worry. I already have a couple ideas on who your father might be." Morgan looked at Azura hopefully, and the dancer gave a reassuring smile back to the young girl.
"Really?"
Their thoughts were paused when a particularly loud clang followed by two thuds and a synchronized groan were audible from the two sparring partners. Then two sets of laughs, and another synchronized groan.
"Don't... Don't try that move again," Chrom winced as he rotated his shoulder, still flat on the ground.
"Who taught you how to fight like that?" Corrin remarked with a scornful smile, rolling over so that she was facing the sky.
"My daughter," Chrom admitted.
"Well tell her to save it for the enemy... Gods, I can't feel my legs."
As Azura helped Corrin up, Morgan walked over to...
Chrom, was it? I think that sounds familiar...
And extended her hand in aid. Chrom took it gratefully, dusting himself off and wincing as he stretched his sore arm.
"Hey Morgan... I can't help but notice the weapons on your person. Seeing that my fair princess is in better shape than I, think you're up for a quick spar with her? Maybe we could find an appropriate role for you if we knew your strengths! That way, Robin won't have to shift his efforts from the plans, and you..."
The rest of Chrom's request trailed off as Morgan felt a memory click from within.
Robin? That name sounded really familiar. Could it be?
That's the name... of my Father!
"Father!" Morgan exclaimed happily. "I think he's my father!"
"What."
Chrom frowned, taking the response from Morgan the wrong way. He was already off balance by the fact that he had one daughter. Now two?
"Uh... I guess I have two daughters the-"
"Not you, you idiot... Robin!"
"...what?" Corrin gasped.
"ROBIN!?" Chrom laughed genuinely. "Guess your suspicions were right, Azura."
"They often are," the dancer bowed humbly, smiling at Morgan all the while. "See? We'll figure out your story in time, Morgan."
"Well, we'll piece it together later. Robin owes me a bullion and a drink once this is all sorted out. Now for you..." pointing at Morgan, "Are you ready to spar?"
"Uhh... sure." Turning to Corrin again, Morgan raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You're a princess?"
"Princess Corrin of Nohr and Hoshido, at your service," Corrin replied, bowing gracefully to her opponent. "I forgot about introductions. Sorry!"
Morgan drew her bronze sword pitifully, before staring down her opponent, Yato and all, with a light frown.
"Great."
"Don't worry! I'll go easy on you and-"
Morgan charged at Corrin in a blink, but instead of striking, she nimbly flipped off the Princess's shoulders, forcing the swordsman to the ground while Morgan raised her sword arm. A flash of determination and power made itself apparent in her eyes, and for once, Morgan felt completely fine with the situation.
"Hyah!"
With a cry, Morgan drew her tome before throwing her sword at the dodging Corrin, landing with a roll. As Corrin evaded, Morgan maneuvered to her sword, quickly retrieving it and all the while chanting a spell with her left hand gripping her tome. In a dazzling display of light, Morgan shot off a Thoron bolt towards Corrin, who dove to the ground quickly as she avoided a very probable death. Watching as the yellow streak of energy passed inches above her, Corrin breathed a steady sigh of relief as the spell passed dangerously overhead and incinerated one of the tents that was in its path. Gazing at their now exposed heads, Jakob and Frederick paused their arguments to notice that their surroundings were now vastly altered.
Not to mention the hill behind the camp was now on fire.
"Whoops," Morgan giggled nervously. "I guess I overdid things, huh..."
"What was that?!" Corrin groaned, feeling her head for any burns. Grunting in pain as she picked herself off the ground, the princess found herself surprisingly still in one piece. Morgan quickly helped her, and Chrom merely looked between the equally shocked Azura and the pissed off Jakob.
"Asshole!" the distant voiced yelled out.
"Is she fine?" Chrom asked cautiously, concerned for the Princess' health.
"I'm alright. Just haven't dove like that in a while. Geez Morgan, I didn't know you were going to be using magic..." Corrin scraped herself off and pulled Yato out of the ground where she had dove.
"My fruit knife versus your glowing-holy-sword-thing? Not a fair fight in the slightest."
"Yeah well, you still could've warned... me?"
Corrin looked at Morgan's tome and realized something quite odd.
"Uhh, Morgan? That's a regular fire tome."
"Yah, and?"
"Well considering the fact that you very nearly incinerated me with a lightning spell, I have a few questions."
"Oh! That reminds me... I'll go take care of that fire..." Morgan ran off towards the tent, Jakob yelling at her all the while.
"..."
"Well?" Corrin egged on, smiling at the blue-haired royals.
"That was quite the show," Chrom admitted, pointing at the girl and the apocalypse she had unleashed in front of her.
"It would make sense considering her potential father," Azura remarked. "They share fighting styles, even if Morgan surpasses Robin's already significant magical ability."
They were interrupted by the white-haired man running towards them, worry on his face.
"Are you guys alright?! I saw one of the tents just explode and I thought someone let Sully cook... again."
"Asshole!" the respective voice taunted from the distance.
"Oops," Robin muttered.
"Don't worry about us, we're fine, Robin," Chrom assured. "By the way, the new girl apparently can cast lightning bolts out of fire tomes."
"One problem at a time, Chrom," Robin dismissed casually. Turning to Corrin, Robin appraised his co-commander who was still covered in dirt and ash from the close encounter with Morgan's spell.
"Corrin... As much as you enjoy your shenanigans, we can't have a commander hurt. Try to be... uh, more cautious with your new child, okay?" Robin asked with genuine concern, leaving him in a red-faced fit. Chrom smirked even harder.
Ever since the pranking incident with the water bucket, Robin had found himself flustered around the young Nohrian Princess when they weren't alone. And with the sudden epiphany of who Morgan's mother could be, Chrom realized his bullion payday was very well about to be doubled.
An hour before
"Have you heard from our new future-child yet?" Robin asked nonchalantly as he sipped tea on his chair. "I'm assuming she is one. No Risen horde appears for just anyone."
"Mhm, Corrin's got an eye on her. Kid's staying in her tent."
"O-Oh... Okay." Robin replied, not too casual anymore.
"You sound almost disappointed."
"It's not that," Robin reasoned, but Chrom stayed his path.
"You'd prefer to stay in Corrin's tent instead?"
"Chrom."
"Yeah?"
"Wherever you think you're going with that notion, I suggest you leave and pursue... a different course."
"Bet you a bullion it's your kid," Chrom teased.
"Chrom."
"Bet you another it's yours and Corrin's."
"You are not only within melee range, but also within most of my spells' kill radii, I'll remind you."
"Fine! Going, going..."
Day 192, afternoon
Robin stared at Azura and Corrin before turning back to Morgan who had just run back after seeing the oddly familiar head of white hair. The child looked at him oddly, her own white hair outlining a rising grin.
"Is that..."
"This is Commander Robin, one of two leaders of the Shepherd Liberation Army," Azura introduced. "Robin, this is Morgan, the girl Commander Corrin rescued from the ruins earlier today."
"A pleasure to meet you, Morgan," Robin began, staying neutral in the off chance that-
"Hey Father!"
"..."
"..."
All five people glanced at each other nervously, allowing a good ten seconds to pass by before Robin broke the ice.
"So you're my kid from the future, huh," Robin started.
"Yep!"
"...Well, I..." Robin trailed off, clearly not knowing how to handle this.
"You're a lot younger than I remember... And that's saying a lot! I don't remember a thing!"
"That's good?"
"Anyway... you're the tactician right? Well, I'm studying to be a tactician too! I can help you help your friends!"
Robin smiled at Morgan, noting how that phrase struck a positive note from him.
"We're always grateful for more help, Morgan. But-"
"We?" Morgan scowled, putting on a jealous tone.
"Corrin and I," Robin explained. "We're... both, Commanders."
"Oh. Well, now there's three of us! See? I even have your tactician's cloak!"
She did a spin for emphasis, and Robin noted just how tattered his robe was in the future.
Battle damage or just age?
"I hope I wasn't dead when you put on that robe?" Robin attempted, not exactly careful to harm the child's emotions. However, sadness was not Morgan's response as she just waved her sleeves around, spinning in a circle once more.
"Not at all! I can't exactly remember why you gave me it, but you just put it on me one day while I was sleeping, that's all I remember! But it's comfy!"
"Sure is..." Corrin added silently, fondly remembering the feel of the tactician's robe on a cold night. "I want one."
"That's... Good to know," Robin laughed nervously. "What else did I do, considering I'm not... dead?"
"I dunno! I don't know anything at all!" Morgan exclaimed happily. "I just know my Father's safe and sound and anything else will just happen as we go!"
"I... well, um..."
He bit his lip and scratched his head nervously. Like Chrom when he discovered Lucina was his daughter, Robin was at the most offset of odds.
"But... I'm... single," Robin started, wincing at his crisis. Morgan's bright demeanor dimmed slightly, as she furrowed her brows with a sigh.
"Oh... And I don't even know who Mom is either..."
Two sets of eyes drifted to Chrom.
"I know what you're gonna say and so help me and your family, don't say it," Robin threatened. Corrin instinctively backed away, Azura following suit.
"What?" Chrom asked with an oblivious smirk, the less than stellar tactical wheels in his head turning at a rusty speed.
"You so much as open your mouth and I will give you a glorious death."
"Corrin?" Chrom started, watching Robin draw his sword slowly.
"Yes, Chrom?"
"You should probably start that chess game with Robin that we had to delay a while ago... Wouldn't want our tactician here to - Put the sword down Robin!" Chrom screamed as he sprinted away from the enraged tactician.
"I'll catch up with you later Morgan! I'll be right back! And then we can talk about Mom!" Robin called behind him as he launched a bolt from his left hand, swinging his sword wildly.
Morgan turned to Corrin and Azura, not knowing what to make of her father. Azura smirked knowingly at Corrin, the Princess blushing as a result. Corrin cleared her throat and grabbed Morgan by the shoulder as she led him back to her tent to grab dinner.
"You know, come to think of it, your father is a pretty interesting guy."
