A/N: FIRE EMBLEM AND ITS CHARACTERS BELONG TO NINTENDO

IMPORTANT: I'd also like to add, that if you didn't catch it, I made an edit to the last couple of lines of the previous chapter. It's pretty significant to this chapter, as I had planned for Robin to be unaware of 'Marth' slipping up about her identity. However, for reasons unknown, I did not go back to fix it before posting. So here it is!

Of Sacred Blood 2

Marth walked uphill, with Chrom not too far behind.

She suddenly stopped, deciding their current location would suffice.

"So?" Chrom began, eager to make sense of it all.

Marth looked down for a moment, as if pondering what was to follow.

"To be honest, I don't even know where to begin," she stated.

"Your name would be a fine start. I already know that 'Marth' is just an alias, although I've really nothing better to call you… but I don't mean to pry. I won't ask for anything that you would not wish to reveal yourself. After all you've done Yliss, you've earned your right to secrecy."

A ghost of smile could be seen upon Marth's face,"Thank you, but… no, this has to be done. I'd much prefer that you know the truth."

Chrom gently nodded, urging her to continue.

After a short pause,"Here, look closely… all will be revealed." With that Marth straightened up and marched to Chrom's side. After a deep breath, she turned to face him, looking Chrom dead in the eye.

Chrom looked at the girl quizzically, wondering what such action would prove. Then, he saw it. Sitting proudly upon her left eye, "That's… the brand of the exalt… Lucina…"

'Where'd you learn to fight like that?'

'From my Father!'

Chrom was left nearly speechless. His eyes traveled down to her hip, where her sword which was undeniably 'his' Falchion rested. At that moment, his mind was invaded by countless thoughts that only a parent would concern themselves with. Why had she come here? Had she been fighting? Alone?

Chrom decided to finally speak up,"You deserve better from me than one sword and a world of troubles. I'm sorry" Overcome with guilt, it was all he could muster. He kept his gaze away from her, until he found the courage to look her in the eye. To look his daughter in the eye. No matter what her reason was for coming from wherever she came, he felt that somewhere, somehow he had failed as a father if it meant that his own daughter was forced to brave this world alone for gods know how long. He had fully expected to be met with a face full of disappointment.

Instead, he looked up to see that of a young woman, who was undoubtedly forced to grow up far too quick's, usually astute face began to crumble. As if she had suppressed any emotion for far too long. It began with a single tear streaming from her eye, after which the rest of her face slowly followed. A myriad of emotions could be seen on appearing on her. Insecurity, relief, and fear. Not fear of him, but rather of whatever demons had been eating away at the poor girl for so long. Relief, that she had finally been able reveal herself to him. And insecurity, as to how he might react upon the news.

Lucina stood her ground, continuing to look her father in the eye. She was well aware of the state she was in. The image of she, who had masqueraded as the Hero King Marth and had acted as a sort of guardian angel for the people of this time, had been reduced to that of a shivering girl, drowning in sorrow. She had broken down and lost to her emotions. How pitiful she must have looked. She had tried to remain strong, to not let herself get to involved with the people of this time. She had a mission to change fate. ...But she could no longer deny that it silently broke her heart every time she'd meet with the parents she'd lost so long ago, and not be able jump into their arms and tell them how long she had missed them. She felt slightly ashamed of how the events of her reveal unraveled, but there was no going back now. What was done was done, and she told herself she would accept whatever reaction her father might give her.

Chrom stared at the girl who gently began to sob. Contrary to what Lucina might have led herself to believe, it was not weakness that he saw in her. Instead, he saw a strong young woman. One who he imagined had been fighting for too long, who merely needed a well deserved break from all the troubles and evils in this world. To him, she was not some pitiful girl, who'd lost her way like she had feared. Rather, he saw a girl that who at this moment, needed her father. He saw his daughter.

Unable to suppress his emotions as well, Chrom gently opened his arms to her, warmly inviting his daughter to him.

If only for that moment, Lucina no longer cared to shackle herself down with thoughts about her mission or her pride. She allowed herself to finally indulge in the feelings she'd long since locked away. All she cared about at the moment was that her father was finally in front of her, and acknowledging her. She let down any remaining walls she had built up, and for once in nearly 2 or 3 years, willingly allowed herself to open up.

"Father!" she sobbed as she threw herself into his arms. Tightening the embrace as if she feared that he'd soon fade away.

Chrom leaned his head down onto hers,"Shhh, it's okay." He knowingly whispered to his daughter, dispelling anymore insecurities she still might have held.

"Father!"

He continued to let her sob in his embrace, tears beginning to slowly form in his own eyes as he gently rubbed the back of her head. He decided to stay with her like that for as long as she needed.

Shepherd Camp Outskirts

"I love him Robin, and I know I'm a bit of a worrywort, but I fear he'll cause me to worry myself to death long before anything ever happens to him. Besides he said he'd come back right after discussing the results of the battle with you! " sighed Sumia walking alongside Robin whom she demanded take her to her absent husband.

They had been walking for no more than 5 minutes and already Robin was trying his best to deal with Sumia's little episode. She was indeed a wonderful friend of his, but such sides to her were those that only her husband should be so fortunate to see.

"Yeah well... something... came up", Robin stated absent mindedly.

'...'

'Damn it...'

And that little slip-up of a response was exactly how trouble began to brew.

He originally planned to stall her for as long as he believed the meeting between Chrom and Marth could last. But thanks to his big mouth, that plan went right out the window.

To be truthful,this was one of the rare situations Robin had found himself in, in which he himself was unsure of how to proceed. Perhaps because he was rather inexperienced when it came to the dynamics of relationships, or maybe the present situation at a glance had no real cause for urgency, causing his usually sharp mind to.. well take a momentary leave of absence.

He was faced with only two problems at present, yet the odds of getting out of such a situation unscathed made the prospect of taking on Walhart's forces alone seem much more doable.

He considered Marth, who while rarely ever fought alongside the Shepherds save for one occasion, a valuable ally. She, due to undetermined means, was able to foretell future events, and warned the Shepherds of any upcoming tragedies. Not to mention the many times she'd pulled them out of the jaws of death. If she were to request a private audience with no one else but Chrom, it had to be something of great importance. He feared that if he and Sumia were to interrupt the private meeting, it may result in the loss of what could be potentially valuable information regarding the upcoming campaign in Valm.

At the other end of the problem was Sumia. It both pained and annoyed him to see such a close friend so restless. It was only fair that the man's own wife get the right to know of her husband's well being. And at the same time, not taking her to see Chrom and leaving things to her own imagination was how the deadly poison known as suspicion would come to be. He really didn't want to find himself at the cause of any conflict within their household. One, he'd hate to see such friend's of his so miserable. And two, it would be, for lack of better of wording, a pain in the ass. He could only imagine the kinds of rumors spreading throughout the capitol, Whispers of how it was he who sabotaged the royal couple's happy marriage. Perhaps a trip to guillotine wasn't too far off after all...

"What do you mean something came up?" Sumia asked as she stopped walking.

"..."

"Robin? Did something happen to Chrom?" she pleaded desperately.

"..."

When she decided he'd been quiet for too long, she began walking into woods at a fast pace, towards the direction that Robin had told her Chrom was at.

'Shit, I can see the cliffs from here. We're getting close. Think Robin! I've got to calm her down. Even a few seconds could make a difference.'

With that, he hurriedly jogged to Sumia, "H-hey, why the hurry?"

"You're hiding something from me, aren't you?" she huffed.

"No! N-no! No way! Me? Why would I even dare to hide anything from Yliss' beautiful, charming, Queen? Such a lady deserves to be far removed from such commoner squabble", Robin nearly cringed at the only thing he was able come up with. 'I'm the guy who won Plegia with my quick thinking?!' he inwardly groaned.

"...BWAHAHAH! What's with that? HAHA I see you've been spending a bit too much time with Virion ever since he returned. Hahahha"

Fortunately for Robin, his lame attempt at getting back on Sumia's good side had caused her to burst into a small fit of laughter. He noticed when doing so, her pace slowed down drastically.

'Oh my gods, I could do this. Sumia's always been one for jokes, I just need to keep her occupied.'

"Hahaha, really though Robin. Can you tell me what's going on?" Sumia said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

'Quick Robin! You need to come up with the most ridiculous scenarios you can'

"Okay, okay, you got me" he started with a serious tone to his voice.

Sumia slowed down to hear him out.

"You see... remember when the fight broke out amongst us after the battle?"

"Yes."

"It... turns out that..."

"What?"

"Lon'qu was still pretty bitter about what Vaike was saying... so afterwards... him and Gaius... KNOCKED HIM OUT, STRIPPED HIM DOWN, AND TIED HIM TO A TREE. POOR CHROM'S PROBABLY DRAGGING HIS NAKED ASS BACK AS WE SPEAK!"

"Are you joking..."

"..."'

All of a sudden, Sumia erupted into laughter. " Hahaha, I can't believe I fell for that. How vulgar of you!"

'...I don't believe I just said that. But...'

"Hehe, yeah. But no, really. It's because Tharja put a hex on that new guy, Henry. Now, he's apparently some frog hopping about the valley."

"Pshh, that's something I'd actually believe too!"

'More. It's got to be more ridiculous'

"Haha yeah, but in all seriousness, I heard that Ricken got whisked away by... a bunch of wild pegasi."

"Bwahaha, What and then they raised him as one of their own? Ohh Robin, that's the plot to the book I loaned you last month. But I'm glad you actually took the time to read it." Sumia cried, wiping a tear from her eye.

'I've got her pace down to a crawl, keep it up...'

"Uhhh, Gregor got swept downstream saying 'Reflection in river was looking at Gregor funny, Gregor teach it lesson'"

"STOP! Haha, that's pretty mean of you. You're terrible!"

Robin continued the slew of terrible jokes that he was lucky enough to catch Sumia with.

"And finally, it turns out Chrom dropped out of the Shepherds to run away with another girl!"

"Hah, now that's just cruel! Aha, I mean Chrom would never think to do su-"

"Ha ha ha ha..." Robin's feigned laughter died out, along with the remainder of his luck as Sumia let out a sharp, audible gasp.

As soon as Robin had cracked his final joke about Chrom's supposed infidelity, both of them had exited the tree cover and were treated to an awfully scandalous sight. Atop the small hill, Chrom could be seen breaking off a hug then briefly planting a kiss on the cheek of an attractive young woman that Robin knew could've only been Marth. To top it off, it appears she had been crying for some time.

"Well damn" Robin stated out loud, unsure of what to think anymore. He could practically hear the mobs jeering as the guards walked him to chop block.

Sumia who had grown oddly silent, walked past him, slowly curled down, and picked up a nearby flower.

She began plucking at the petals, looking a bit too cheerful given the situation.

Seeing Sumia in such a state snapped Robin out of his stupor.

'Chrom.. You had better have a good reason for this', he thought as he made his way up the hill, his face wearing a mix of disappointment and anger.

After several minutes, Lucina seemed satisfied enough to slowly break off the hug. Watery eyes and reddish nose made it painfully obvious that she'd been crying, but Chrom had been relieved to see that the only emotion visible on her pale face now was of innocent joy.

Chrom rested a hand on his daughter's shoulder, then leaned in to plant a fatherly kiss on her cheek, causing the young princess to blush.

She was amazed at how little her father had changed in nearly 20 years. She was relieved to see that even as a young man, he was still the warm, doting father she had always known.

She hardly remembered the last time she was able to feel such peace.

Chrom decided to break the silence," Better, Lucina?"

"Yes father... Sorry, it all just came rushing back at once" said Lucina, as she wiped some of the remaining tears from her face.

"Hmm, father..." Chrom softly whispered, as if contemplating.

"I-I'm sorry, should I call you something else?" said a worried Lucina.

"No, no, it's fine." Chrom waved reassuringly, "It's strange to my ear is all... but I like it" Chrom replied with a bashful grin

"Father.. hehe" Lucina, repeated as she let out a small giggle.

"Haha. I'll admit, it will take some getting used to" Chrom chuckled.

*ahem*

Two blue heads snapped to face downhill, to find the visibly upset tactician coming up to meet them.

Lucina took a few steps back to space herself from Chrom as she stared down into the grass, avoiding the tactician's stare.

Robin shifted his attention to the young Exalt,"Ummm, Chrom."

"Oh R-Robin. What is it?" Chrom replied, nervously scratching the back of his head.

"Mind telling me what's going on?", Robin said as calmly as he could. As much as he wanted to strike his friend across the face right about now, some part of his conscience decided that despite the situation, he should have some faith in him.

"Well, um. You see..." Chrom began, unsure of how he'd even be able to begin to explain such an unbelievable story.

Seeing his friend fidget, Robin decided to proceed,"Well you see, it's just that you two are here, alone... and Marth is crying..."

Lucina shot him a glare out of embarrassment. 'How much of it had this man seen?' she dreadfully thought to herself.

Unaware of the nasty look he was receiving, Robin continued,"and well that's how ill rumors are born my friend."

Finished saying his piece for now, he looked Chrom in the eye waiting for an explanation.

Chrom, still trying to find the words to explain, looked anywhere but at Robin. As he diverted his attention elsewhere, he saw who he made out to be Sumia, sitting down at the foot of the hill.

Avoiding the interrogation all together, Chrom made his way down to his wife.

Lucina, after seeing her father so flustered, decided to go offer him a hand at explaining the situation, following him downhill.

As she passed him by, Robin could have sworn she shot him a rather unpleased look.

"He loves me. He loves me not. He loves me. He.." Sumia recited, continuing her flower fortune.

"Err, Sumia? Why in gods name are you shredding those poor flowers?"

Hearing Chrom's voice had snapped her out of whatever trance she had been in, as she came crashing back to reality.

"I-I'm not spying on you! You can't prove that I am" Sumia sputtered as she got up.

Chrom let out a nervous sigh.

Behind Chrom, Sumia could see 'Marth' coming down to meet them.

"Oh gods! You brought... HER!" Sumia choked out, as she turned around, trying her best to hold back a sob.

"Can we tell her Lucina?"

"Yes."

"You don't need to tell me anything! I'm not stupid, I know what thi..." Sumia's outburst died down as something odd registered in her head.

She spun back around, pure confusion on her face,"Lucina? But, wait. That's..."

"Sumia, this is going to be a shock, but you'll have to believe me. This is our daughter, Lucina." said Chrom, just in time for Robin, who made his way back down, to hear. '...What?!'

"Huh?" Sumia replied, unsure of what to think.

"It's true Sumia, I'm your daughter" spoke Lucina, soft, yet proudly. "Look closely" she finished as she walked up to expose her left eye.

"Your eye! It's the Brand... This..."

"Do you see now?" said Chrom.

A wave of panic washed over Sumia," N-No! I don't see! This makes no sense! What does th- wait... Is my Lucina all right? What have you done with her!?"

"Peace Sumia" assured Chrom

"Your baby is still back at the castle, safe and sound. You see... I am her, from another time. A time that has yet to be." said Lucina.

"You mean... the future?" Sumia replied, confusion still on her face.

"Yes, over 10 years hence. After history takes a dark and most destructive turn." said Lucina, as she fought back the terrible images she feared were permanently etched into her mind.

The revelation had piqued Robin's interest causing him to speak up," Wait, what happens in the future?"

Lucina was hesitant to respond to the man, but continued,"Grima, the fell dragon. He's resurrected."

All four fell silent.

Robin began to fight off thoughts of his own as he remembered what Validar had told him earlier.

"Give yourself to Grima!"

Robin pressed on," What happens? To us?"

Lucina closed her eyes," Dead."

Robin felt his heart sink,"All of us? I-I don't, even..."

"A tale that beggars belief, and here we have the proof in front of us. She carries both the Brand and my Falchion. The same sword the First Exalt used to defeat Grima long ago." Chrom spoke up.

"Your blade and mine are one father. It was... all I had left of you" Lucina sad, voice dripping with sadness.

"There's only one Falchion, Robin. I believe her."

"So do I!" a voice cried from the bushes.

They all turned to find Lissa stepping out from the woods.

"Lissa? What are you doing here?" said Chrom.

"I saw Robin and Sumia leaving camp alone, so I followed them out here. Just making sure nothing too interesting didn't happen" Lissa giggled.

"You don't know the half of it", Robin said, rubbing his temple, trying not to recall the hell of a trip over here.

"Anyways, I believe her too! After all, the night she saved me, I saw her fall out a big portal in the sky." Lissa said as she smiled at Lucina.

"Thank you, aunt Lissa" said Lucina, gratefully returning the smile.

Lucina continued her story," The divine dragon, Naga, feared man would have to once again confront Grima . So she devised a ritual, in preparation for that fated day. The ritual allowed one to return to the past in order to alter events already written. I made the journey with some... others... but got separated upon arrival."

"Don't worry Lucy, if they're here, we'll find them!" said Lissa.

Lucina smiled again at hearing the same nickname her aunt gave her back in her timeline.

She turned to see that Sumia had walked up to her.

"...so, you're really my daughter?" Sumia asked softly.

"I swear on my life" Lucina replied assuringly.

"Y-you, grow up- err grew up to be so strong.. so beautiful..." said Sumia, a smile starting to form on her face.

"Thank you... err Sumia..."

Sumia cocked her head in slight disappointment," D-don't you want to call me mother?"

Lucina looked down, slightly ashamed," I.. thought you might mind."

Sumia approached her daughter and rested a hand on her back, bending down to meet her gaze, "Of course not, Lucina! I love you more than anything in the world!" she said, tears forming in her eyes.

*sniff* "Oh, Mother.." Lucina softly breathed, once again setting her emotions free.

Sumia wrapped her arms around her, pressing the girl's head to her chest.

"I'm so proud of you" Sumia said, tears now freely flowing.

"I missed you more than you'll ever now..." cried Lucina into her mother.

Deciding that the family needed its private moment together, Robin made his way back to camp with a small smile on his face.

While passing Chrom, he patted him on the shoulder and leaned into his ear, "I hate you so much" he said, referring to his involvement with the situation, then continued on his way.

Chrom was left trying to decipher what exactly his friend meant.

Lucina peaked her head outside the tent she had been offered to stay in. It was just about dawn, judging by the orange hue peeking over the cliffs.

'My first day as a Shepherd' she thought to herself, secretly finding joy in being able to fight alongside her family.

Dressed in only boots, pants and a long sleeved shirt, she stepped outside and allowed herself to stretch for a brief period. She had just awoken from one of the most refreshing slumbers she's had in recent memories. She slept soundly that night, free from her more usual cynical or paranoid thoughts. Since meeting with her parents, she had felt a great burden leave her shoulders.

After her stretch, she decided to go on a long walk around the camp, while remembering the events of her induction.

The previous night: Shepherd Camp

After her moment with her mother and then aunt Lissa, they had all returned to the campsite. After bringing her a quick, but satisfying meal, they brought her to the meeting hall to introduce her to everyone.

When they entered the large tent, she noticed that not all of the Shepherds had arrived, but had easily recognized those who were there. She allowed herself a small smile as she scanned the room of familiar faces. Maribelle looked as prim and proper as ever. Lucina chuckled inwardly as she remembered the arguments she and her son would get into over his manner of speaking. Stahl, Frederick and Cordelia, close friends of her father, whom she grew up considering uncles and aunts, were seated at the corner of the room polishing their weapons. Henry was sitting alone, happily reading a book. Despite his eccentric behavior, she had always thought quite fondly of him growing up, as his outgoing personality made him easy to get along with. Much like his son, but well, a bit more odd. To the back was Lon'qu and Lissa seated together at a table. Lon'qu's chair a little farther from the table than how a normal person would sit. She smiled openly upon seeing them. She remembered what occurred at Arena Ferox while she was still under the guise of Marth. She felt guilty, but was happy that she at least had not messed this up. She continued scanning the room, reminiscing about her interactions with the variou Shepherds growing up. Finally at the center of the room, at a table to himself, was him.

The lone stranger among the group of otherwise familiar faces. Robin, the Shepherd's tactician, was currently preoccupied with a large map he had laid out on the table. Judging by the small markings all over the continent of Valm, she concluded he must have been preparing for the upcoming campaign. She had thought it strange. She had heard about and met every other Shepherd while growing up, but the man known as Robin was absent from every memory of the the company that she could muster. His close friendship with her father alone should have been enough to earn him a mention when she was still a child, and that's not even including the various feats the man had pulled. Who was he? Why had she never heard of his existence until she had stepped foot into this world?

This was not the first time she had pondered these questions. In fact, she had always harbored a certain dislike for this man who she felt had been a bit too close to her father's inner circle. He had been her primary suspect for her father's murderer during most of the war on Plegia. It had made perfect sense. Her father was killed by a close friend. Yet even after his death, all of the other Shepherds had been accounted for, none of them fleeing anywhere to avoid suspicion or capture. It was a fact that it couldn't have been any of the other Shepherds, so it was only logical to conclude that it had to have been him. Unfortunately for her, upon observing his acts of selflessness, relationship with the Shepherds, and despite whatever she may have thought of him, he hardly seemed like the type to commit murder in cold blood. She did find solace in being able to conclude that the man so close to her father could not be the culprit, as it meant there was no immediate threat. But the fact that the one responsible was still out there became one more thought the prevented her from a good night's sleep.

Although for now, she had dropped her accusations towards the man, her lack of intel on him meant she was still wary, and she would continue to be so if it meant keeping her family safe. He may not have been the murderer, but there was still something largely off about him.

She was pulled away from her thoughts, when she realized she had been staring at him the entire time. What more, he seemed to have taken notice and was now looking right back at her. She was caught by surprise, but quickly decided to not to show anymore of her weaknesses here. She stood her ground and held her stare at him, brows, just barely furrowing. After a few seconds of prolonged eye contact, he offered her a quick nod, then diverted his attention back to his work. Lucina finally broke her gaze from him, slightly disappointed that the man had been completely unphased.

Before she knew it, all Shepherds were now present within the tent and her father grabbed her hand to lead her out in front of the them.

"I'd like to have your attention" said Chrom assuming an authoritative tone.

The Shepherds were all ears.

'"Now, many of you may recognize this fine young lady here as 'Marth'" Chrom said before he turned to smile at Lucina.

Upon hearing Chrom refer to the blue haired girl as a 'fine' young lady, on top of the look of adoration he gave her and the fact that he was still clutching her hand, many of the Shepherds began whispering to one another, casting suspicious looks at the two people before them.

Many of the women seemed rather appalled at what would they could only hope wasn't going on.

"I never had Chrom pegged for such an unfaithful pig" Sully whispered to the other girls.

"W-what does that he think he's d-doing!?" stuttered Cordelia, angry that the man she had once loved could do such a cruel thing to one of her closest friends.

"To think my darling Lissa even shares the same blood as that charlatan... Poor Sumia must be an absolute wreck right now" whispered Maribelle

The three of them all looked to Sumia.

"Look at her, my dear friend's heart broken, she loo-" Cordelia paused upon seeing Sumia.

"...Heh? She looks... fine... happy even" trailed Sully.

"I-is that pride I see?" squeaked Maribelle.

Sumia had been beaming at both Chrom and 'Marth', much to the three girls' bewilderment. The final nail in the coffin for them was when Sumia had offered a cheerful thumbs up to Chrom and the girl.

Needless to say, the three girls lost it.

Amid all the whispering, Chrom raised his voice," Now this might come off as weird..."

"Got that right, you ass!" yelled Sully in the back. A knowing Lissa pounced the taller woman, covering her mouth as she motioned Chrom to continue.

Chrom held back a chuckle. Given Robin and Sumia's initial reactions, he knew for certain that the rest of the Shepherds were probably thinking along the same lines. He had hoped to first attract their ire, then make the big reveal. He would then use the ensuing guilt of the bunch to ensure he was kept from dish duty for at least a week. Where he picked up such a tactic could've only been attributed to Robin, who was currently smirking in the middle of the disapproving crowd.

After a bit more heckling," This is my daughter Lucina".

The room went dead silent, save for Robin and Lissa who were failing horribly at hiding their laughter, and an enthusiastic Sumia who was quietly cheering.

If it was possible to die of embarrassment, then Lucina would have surely just failed her mission to rewrite history.

Questions began springing from all sides of the room. Chrom and Sumia both explained the situation and offered the proof to the claim. After various remarks, and even more questions, the consensus of the room finally accepted Marth to be Lucina.

Lucina explained her past and why she had come. Disbelief spread across the room, when they learned they'd all perish within 20 years time.

They asked her if it was even possible that their fate could be avoided. Without thinking, she responded with resounding, "YES", taking even herself back at her boldness. Who could blame her, this was the last chance she had. She had to change it. But then..

She confessed to them that she no longer had any more leads follow. When they asked her what she meant, she responded by explaining that her various actions in the past had already altered this time's present.

She explained that on her travels during the 2 years following Gangrels defeat, she noticed certain events that she had determined would occur, would either be delayed by several days or end up not happening altogether.

She told them she had come to the conclusion that her interventions in this time had already rippled, causing a future different from her own. She went on to say that this did not mean her future had been avoided, but rather the small events and details leading up to the major occurrences had been changed.

She noticed this back in Plegia. She explained that while the outcome of Gangrel's defeat had not changed, the various battles leading up to final confrontation had. She told them that Phila and her squadron should not have died at Gangrel's castle, but rather while guarding the capital. And that they were never meant to clash with Mustafa's forces during their initial escape from Gangrel's castle, and he in fact was executed for insubordination following the successful assassination of Emmeryn in Ylisstol.

Finally, she told them that with the present time having changed, she could no longer offer support to the Shepherds in terms of warning them of any future skirmishes or ambushes. And if even if she could, the events would likely occur in a manner different from the stories she was told growing up. Her foresight had now only left her with the plainly obvious. That Walhart would attempt to conquer the world and Grima's eventual resurrection.

They asked her if she at least knew anything about their upcoming campaign against Valm. She was sad to say she once again left them empty handed. She stated that Valm's initial invasion force wasn't even supposed to land at Port Ferox.

Seeing her daughter in distress from being unable to give any info, Chrom spoke up," Lucina, come with us." he said adamantly. Beside him Sumia had a face that held the same sentiment. She turned to look at the Shepherds, all of whom were either smiling or nodding at her.

Given her current situation, it would seem like the best choice. Not to mention the thought of being able to stay with her family was more than she could ever hope for. But doubt still lingered in her mind. Did she deserve any of this? After the many changes she had already caused in this world? As the toxic thoughts consumed her mind, she began to think that all of it, even meeting her parents, was a huge mistake. A mistake that she had caused. How much more would change now that she had revealed herself to be a time traveller?

"No. No, I-I don't think I should... I've already made such a mess of this world. I fear what changes me being directly involved will bring about. There could be irreversible consequences."

Chrom looked sadly at his daughter. Even in this timeline, her burdens from that world would not leave her be. He needed to figure out a way to get her to settle down and quit beating herself for every wrongdoing in the world.

"Give me a break"

All eyes in the room snapped to the voice, revealing a slightly annoyed Robin.

"You're telling me you went back in time, and now you're moaning on about irreversible consequences?"

She felt a bit offended. It had come off like he was making light of her and her friends' plight, "I'd just prefer not to create anymore unnecessary changes here, and if that means I must go away, I will. What if I were to indirectly cause far worse problems than the ones already at hand?"

"What problem could be worse than the world ending!?"

"Enough, you've no idea what you're talking about!" Lucina yelled.

"No, I believe I do." Robin continued, refusing to back down. "You say you're afraid of changing events? Correct me if I'm wrong, but was that not the point of you and your companions coming here in the first place? To alter events already written? Are you afraid you'll be held accountable?"

"..." He struck a truth. Although she'd be lying if she said the man wasn't ticking her off right now, but she decided to let him continue.

"I'm far from an expert in the subject, but wouldn't it make sense to assume that even if you were to avoid any further contact with us at this point, you simply living in this world would cause changes left and right?"

"What grounds do you have for such an assumption?" she retorted.

"I'll have to agree with him" Miriel spoke up, all attention now on her. "The world is made up of a series of interconnected systems, be it plants, weather, or animals. The ripple effect you mentioned earlier changing the details of a battle, is what many scholars refer to as the butterfly effect. It involves tiny, even unnoticeable changes being able to affect the larger system as a whole. Unnoticeable changes or foreign catalysts, much like your being here?"

Upon hearing Miriel support the tactician, she realized that she had never given it much thought. She had been so focused on the aspects of Grima and the war, that she had failed to consider the smaller changes she had spurred. The lives of everyday people. Had she thrown this world's balance off that much?

Miriel continued her explanation, as Vaike and Donnel nodded in agreement in the background, pretending to understand what she was saying, "Like what Robin pointed out my dear, your very presence in our world is unnatural in the sense that whatever you do here, be it eat, drink or even step on the grass, would could cause changes that can quite possibly shape a world with drastic difference from yours."

Despite, the many valid points thrown at her, Lucina found her resolve. She slowly and confidently realized that all these changes the two spoke of would be meaningless come the dawn of that day.

"And? How does any of that matter at all? The location of a tree sprouting? One less fish in a river?! I came here to stop Grima! What's your point?" argued Lucina.

"So you're saying that you wouldn't care about these changes you'd bring about our world?" Robin asked.

"I'll do whatever must be done in order to stop...", Lucina fell quiet.

As Robin smirked once more, it hit her. Had he planned this from the start?

Robin stood up, "The future of this world had already changed the moment you stepped into it. Even if tonight is the last we'll ever see of you, the world will still keep moving, along with the changes you've brought it. Your presence will have an effect wherever you go, so why not put it to use? Lucina, you've already acknowledged all this for yourself a moment ago. So, as long as it means we stop Grima... won't you stay with us and help to create our own future?"

Somewhere along his speech, his smirk had slowly grown into a soft, genuine smile.

As she looked back at the Shepherds, they once again wore their approval on their faces.

Lucina gave out a soft sigh.

He had won. That snake of a man had won.

She had already changed this world, for better or worse. They were all aware of the possible changes her support may unwittingly cause, yet they welcomed her anyway. So was there harm in doing a little more? All she had to do now was accept it. Accept it and keep soldiering on. No more running away. Every second she was in this world, it changed from the one she grew up in. So why not use this as a chance to help shape a world she could be proud of? She decided to drop her regrets, she'd just keep sprinting forward from here on out.

Besides, there was no way she'd be able to deny the offer now without coming off as a coward. And by the looks her parents were giving her, they didn't plan on letting her go either.

"I'll stay.. if you'll have me."

The meeting hall erupted into cheers in welcome of their newest member.

She was suddenly entangled in her parents arms, both glad their daughter had decided to join them. As she welled up with hope at the prospect of having her parents beside her this time around, just for a moment, she may have contemplated thanking that bastard of a tactician.

"Lucina!"

She snapped out of her thoughts to see her mother calling from across the camp. How long had she been walking?

"Lucina, come over to the mess hall for breakfast! We're headed back to Port Ferox in 2 hours!"

She told her mother that she'd grab all her gear then head for the hall in 10 minutes, as she made her way back to her tent.

After putting on her usual attire, she grabbed her Falchion and headed out to meet her parents.

As she turned the corner to the mess hall, she bumped into the Shepherds' visibly exhausted tactician, who with a doubt had been up all night in preparation for the following week.

"Ah, I'm sorry" she said as she backed up.

"No, it's quite alright"

She had no idea what she'd say to the man. Despite the outcome last night, they had still engaged in quite the heated argument.

"You know, I half expected to hear that you'd gone missing this morning. "

The tension from last night still lingered as if it had happened just moments ago.

"I have a duty to save this world. I won't go back on my word" she said firmly, as she looked up at him, matching his stare.

"Are you sure you just don't want to spend more time with Daddy?" he grinned.

Lucina turned red with embarrassment and quickly gripped her Falchion," Are you making fun of me!?"

"Whoa, easy there, it was just a joke" said Robin laughing, putting his hands in front of him in defense.

With a huff, she removed her grip from her Falchion.

"Well you'd better get over there. They've been waiting and Sumia's a nightmare when she gets restless."

For a moment, she had thought of asking him if he was now making fun of her mother, but decided she'd had enough of him this morning.

She nodded and moved along. Stopping a couple steps later, she turned around to see the tactician was still in her sights.

"Hey, you!" she called to him.

Robin turned to her.

"I've got a name you know."

Lucina sighed, "Robin. Thank you... for last night."

Robin chuckled, "Don't mention it, princess"

In annoyance, her face slightly tinged red once again. Robin was amused to see that she was just as bothered to be addressed with formalities as her father, and quickly made a mental note to bring it up as much as possible.

"Lucina" he corrected himself just this once, before waving her off and continuing on his way

With that, she turned around and went off to meet with her parents with, unnoticed even by her, a soft smile on her face.

A/N: Well, that was quite a bit longer than the first. You could probably see where I'm going to go with this. Lucina and Robin don't exactly get along too well at this point. I plan on taking it slow, really building it up. I'm definitely going to use their support convos with each other, but as for now, they still have yet to be on 'proper' speaking terms.

But that's the fun of it I guess. So expect to see the two get into little verbal scuffles with one another, and every once in awhile give something meaningful to the other. We'll see how it goes from there.

As for the Inigo situation, I still plan on him having a thing for Lucina when he eventually gets around, but whether or not it'll be an integral plot point or just some fun for a few lines is still up in the air as the score is still 1-1

Thanks for the views, favs, follows, and reviews!

Next update will take a few days, so until then.