DISCLAIMER: FIRE EMBLEM AND ITS CHARACTERS BELONG TO NINTENDO.

The March to the Gallows 2

*~~yaaaaaawn~~*

"Mmmmm... Mmm... ... ...Oh, that's right." Lucina muttered as she attempted to stretch her legs, only to remember that she was currently within a not so spacious barrel.

She had nodded off during the early moments of the trip, and had only just awoke from her nap.

As she sat still, she noticed her surroundings were silent. Judging by that, she assumed that their convoy had already been taken in by the Valmese on patrol, as was planned.

Cautiously, she knocked on the barrel's interior towards the side where Morgan was. Unlike the other Shepherds whose positions within the sea of goods was left to merchant Anna, for the purpose of utilizing her self proclaimed merchant psychology, Lucina was able to work something out in order to keep the younger Morgan close by.

Or at least, that's how it should have been.

When no response came from the neighboring barrel, Lucina felt her blood pressure hasten. She gave the barrel a few more knocks, in a more forceful way.

Nothing.

Her initial worry slowly began to grow into panic. 'How long have I been asleep? The Valmese should be escorting us right about now, right? Wait... What if something went wrong? What if this wagon's been separated from the others? What if the others have fled?' Such thoughts flooded her mind, as she debated whether or not to take the risk and emerge from hiding.

She opted to knock a few more times. "Morgan! Morgan where are you?" she called out.

"Lucina! Keep it down! There're Valmese troops just outside!"

Lucina turned to her right, where the voice came from. "Uncle Ricken?"

"Yes! Lower your voice!" he whispered loudly.

"Sorry." Lucina responded, lowering her voice as told. "Uncle Ricken, have you any idea as to where Morgan is?"

"Don't worry about Morgan. She jumped into a barrel towards the back with Severa."

"She left!?"

"Yeah. She said you were asleep and didn't want to spend the rest of the trip with no one to talk to, so she moved. At least she's with her 'aunt', right?"

"I suppose." Lucina said in relief, her heart slowly coming back to rest. "Um, Uncle Ricken? About how long was I asleep?"

"I'd say around 2 hours. The Valmese just showed up a while ago."

"I see."

"Oh, and you can leave the 'uncle' part out."

"Ah, I apologize. I'm just so use to addressing all of you in such a manner."

"No problem. In fact, I actually like the sound of it, being an uncle and everything. I'm the youngest Shepherd after all, so it's a breath of fresh air."

"Then why don't you want to be addressed as one?"

"Well, I guess because you're older than me."

"You're partially right. In this time, I'm but an infant. You're still my elder."

"Ughh, this time travel stuff is a real pain."

"I'm well aware." Lucina said with a chuckle. She pulled up her legs and brought her knees to her chest. "Sometimes I wake and feel like I'll be back in my own time. Like my time here was only a dream." she mused aloud.

"Oh..." Ricken replied, not knowing how to handle such a conversation. But soon, he found his curiosity getting the best of him. "Say, in the future, I... died right?"

Lucina felt a lump in her throat. She knew Ricken was already aware, but it didn't make telling him any less painful. "..."

"It's fine, Lucina. I already know that I do... But can you tell me something?"

"Huh? Yes, what is it?"

"Was I useful in the future?"

"What do you mean 'were you useful'?"

"You know, in battle."

"Uncle Ricken, I-

"Please, just Ricken."

"Uh, Ricken, I saw you in our last fight, you were definitely pulling your own weight."

"Is that so..."

"I'd say. Our magic division wouldn't be the same without you. Why would you ever think you wouldn't be useful?"

Although he knew she couldn't see him, Ricken bashfully pulled down the brim of his hat. "Because everyone thinks I'm just a kid. I mean, I know I can help out in battle, and I've been working on my magic to get even better. But just when I thought I've made some decent progress, 2 years go by and it seems the gap between me and everyone else grew even wider."

"You're still young."

"See! Even you think so."

"Unc- I mean, Ricken, that's not what I meant. It's a fact that you're still young. The youngest Shepherd among all of us. But why is that a bad thing at all?"

"It feels like I'm falling behind. Everyone's giving there all and doing things of legend. But here I am. I might be able to help now, but soon enough, it'll get to the point where I've outlived my usefulness to all of you. Soon, enough that gap will grow even wider, and I'll lose sight of everyone else."

"You're able to fight among the greatest assembly of warriors in all of Ylisse, and what more, you can definitely hold your own during battle. It's true that you're still young, but if anything, should that not make your feats all the more impressive?"

"I..."

"You've accomplished so much and you've still got the rest of your life to further better yourself."

"...Thanks."

"Think nothing of it. I am only stating things for how they are. So don't worry, you turn out just fine."

"So I take it that I'm still able to pull my weight around in the future?"

"As a matter of fact, I remember hearing that my Uncle Ricken was among the greatest mages in all of Ylisse."

Ricken eye's widened. "G-greatest mage in Ylis-"

"You'd even stop by the castle every once in awhile to show off your spells for us children. That is when you were free of your teaching duties."

"Me!? I was a teach-"

"I also remember you being significantly taller in the future."

"..."

"Oh, was there something you wanted to say?"

The young mage now wore a goofy smile upon his face."...No. Thank you... Heh, so I was worried for nothing."

"What did I tell you?" Lucina said, satisfied with the outcome.

"Um, actually there's one more thing I'd like to know."

"If it's within my knowledge, I'd by happy to tell you."

"What of my family? Have you heard anything about them? Their status?"

"Well, I can't say I have... It's a bit... embarrassing to admit, but I was something of a... a troublemaker is what the maids would say, when I was younger. Politics were the least of my worries as a child." Lucina said, as she thought back on the days when she'd flee from her attendants in order to skip lunch. "But taking into account your prestige as a Mage, as well as your position at Ylisse's Mage Academy, I'd wager your family was very well off."

Ricken let out a soft laugh. "Well that's a morale boost if I've ever felt one."

"I'm glad I could aid in dispelling your worries. Just remember to look to the future whenever you're feeling down."

"Yeah, thank you again, Lucina. If you ever need anything, just ask."

"No, no. We Sheperds are family, aren't we?"

"Heh, that's right."

And then, a thought came across Lucina's mind. "Oh, wait."

"Hmm?"

"Ricken, you assisted with Morgan's training the other day, didn't you?"

"Huh? You mean with magic? Yes, I did."

"I understand that Morgan somehow was able to get Robin to mentor her, so I'm assuming she'll be with you all often. So, I was wondering if you mind keeping an eye on her during those sessions?" Lucina requested.

"Consider it done." Ricken replied in an instant.

"I thank you. When I heard she used a spell to get the fireplace going, I was beside myself with worry... Mostly for everyone else." Lucina said, mumbling the last part.

"Heh, well she's an interesting one, I'll give her that. We barely went over basic incantations and seals with her, yet she was able to draw power from that Fire tome as if she's been doing it for ages."

"Was it that amazing? It's to my understanding that she wasn't able to replicate the feat."

"No, she couldn't. We took her outside to have her try with a Wind spell, but nothing. She said her head started to throb so we brought her back inside and resumed the lecture."

"Her head was throbbing? I wasn't made aware of this." Lucina grumbled, folding her arms and filling with disappointment at the notion her daughter was already keeping secrets from her.

"I doubt it was anything serious. According to her, it lasted briefly. And stuff like that is known to happen among new mages anyways. It's because they've yet to properly grasp the concept of letting the magic flow through you. If the energy gets clogged up somewhere in the route it takes from the tome to point of expulsion, it's possible to feel the kickback in the form of a migraine or soreness." he explained, in an almost textbook manner.

"Very astute of you, Professor Ricken." Lucina said with a smile.

Ricken cracked a smile upon hearing what would supposedly be one of his future titles. "Yes, yes. I'll have you know that your daughter earned herself an A for astounding in my class."

Lucina giggled. The thought of her Morgan in school was adorable. But, it seemed that Morgan was well beyond the age of attending any normal academic institutions. 'Hmm, perhaps when I have this time's Morgan, she'll...' Lucina's thoughts came to a screeching halt when she realized what had just ran across her mind.

When I have this time's Morgan...

Lucina felt her face burning.

'No, stop yourself Lucina. This is no time to be thinking about such things. Worry about Morgan and the war. ...Her father is bound to turn up before you one of these days...'

"Lucina? You were saying something?" the mage inquired, wondering why the princess had halted mid speech.

"Oh, nothing. Nothing, I was just about to say... Morgan going to school... Not this Morgan, but the one I'll have... ...Um..." Lucina rested her face in her palms, at a loss for words. She jumped in surprise when she heard her neighbor snort in laughter. "A-aren't we suppose to be keeping it down?"

Ricken stifled his laughter with a hand. "Hah, I'm sorry." he said, lowering his voice. "So that's what's got your tongue tied? 'Having Morgan'?"

Lucina flushed furiously at her exposition. "D-do you even know how children are made? With all do respect, uncle, I don't think it's a subject we should be touching upon at your age." she shot back.

"Hey! I do too know how children are made!" Ricken replied in annoyance, but in seconds, his face too grew warm with embarassment. "*ahem* So... Do you have any clue as to... who her father is?"

Lucina bit her lip, pondering on whether or not she should continue such a conversation. Ultimately, she decided that it was for the best to get the thoughts off her mind, even it didn't lead to any progress. "I... I could not know such things..."

Ricken tapped at his chin. "Hmmm. How many other children came with you from the future? We've got about... six now, not including Morgan."

"Are you suggesting that one of them could be the father?" Lucina asked, skeptical at the idea.

"It's just a guess. But when you think about it, we're not fools to start there. I mean, of the 6 children here, including yourself, all of their parents are Shepherds."

Lucina found herself blindsided by the young mage's deduction."You... I guess you do have a point." she relied slowly.

"So? Is there anyone you know among you that would fit the bill?"

"I'm very close with all of my friends. How could I discern that?"

"Who are you the closest to?"

"I dare not pick favorites. Like I said, we're all very close, and I care for them all equally."

Ricken shook his head. "Come on, you're never going to figure this out if you think like that. It's not hurting anyone, it's for the sake of finding answers."

Lucina contemplated whether or not to go through with this quest for insight. To think about such things was foreign to her, embarassing even. But like Ricken had said, it was merely for the sake of finding answers. Didn't Morgan deserve just that? And so, with a hesitant start, Lucina closed her eyes and tried to conjure up images of her companions in her head. "I've always admired how knowledgeable and dedicated Laurant was." she started.

Ricken offered her a small 'mhm', to let her know he was listening. He knew not who this Laurent was, and probably several of the other names she would go through, but he figured that wasn't important. This was a chance for Lucina to take a step back and analyze her surroundings for herself.

"And then there's Inigo. I-I daresay that I did find him handsome years ago." Lucina said, a hand to her face in attempt to hide her embarrassment. "He's very sweet... up until you learn he's like that with all women." she finished with a flat tone.

"That's two." Ricken replied.

"There's also Yarne and Brady. Both are precious friends of mine, and like the others, I'd entrust my lives to them. Owain... Well, he's nothing more than my dear cousin."

"What about that Gerome guy?" Ricken suggested.

"Gerome?"

"Yeah. When he first arrived before our last battle, some of us swore he would kiss your hand when he grabbed it." Ricken said with a chuckle.

Lucina flushed another shade of red. "N-no, you've got it all wrong. It's nothing like that. We're kindred souls who've earned each other's respect on the battlefield... He likes to think himself as a sort of knight, to me, 'the exalt'."

"Well there you have it." Ricken said.

"I just told you it wasn't like that. Look, I... I don't think it's anyone among my friends. I cannot say for sure that it isn't a possibility, but it doesn't... I don't know."

"Say, what if the father is someone from this time?"

"Yes... That's equally as likely..." Lucina replied quietly.

"Hehe, well I know one thing. If it's any of the guys with us, Chrom'll have their head!"

"F-father would never!"

"Oh, I'm just joking, Lucina."

"...Yes, of course. I apologize for reacting in such a manner."

"It's fine. Um, I don't know if I should be asking, but... I mean I don't intend to pry..."

"Yes? Go on." Lucina instructed, Ricken's sudden apprehensiveness catching her attention.

"Don't you and... Robin, have something going on?"

Lucina's body tensed up. "What? Where ever would you get such an idea?" she asked, just a tad bit to enthusiastically.

"U-um, Nowi might have told me something like that..."

"...Nowi, you say?" Lucina asked cooly.

Ricken grew slightly disturbed. How Lucina had suddenly transitioned from a state of distress to such a composed response was enough to tell that he might have struck a nerve. "Yes?"

"...Very well." Lucina replied in the same manner. '...That Nowi... She said she'd keep quiet about that. Now she's gone and spread such a tasteless rumor.'

"But it's not her fault!" Ricken spoke. "In truth, it was my fault we ever tread upon the subject."

"...Care to explain?"

Ricken felt a chill run down his spine. "I-I wasn't claiming anything. I just pointed out how close you two were! Besides, I'm not the first person to bring it up!"

Lucina's eyes widened. "Wait. What do you mean 'not the first person to bring it up'?"

Ricken balled his fists. "Well word's been making its way around camp. Surely I wasn't the first person to notice your friendship."

"And a friendship is all it is." Lucina insisted. "Now please explain to me what exactly has been 'making its way around camp'."

Ricken bit his lip. He knew Lucina was slightly annoyed, despite her attempts to come off as calm and collected. "Nothing judgmental, if that's what you're worried about. Things like 'Hey where have those two run of to?' or 'They've been together a lot lately haven't they?'."

"...Has word of this reached anyone in my family?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Then I request you stamp down such rumors when possible."

"...Is there any truth to these... rumors?"

Lucina sighed deeply. "I'll admit that I consider Robin a close friend of mine."

"Right."

"Ricken, is that doubt I hear?" Lucina asked sharply.

"I apologize." Ricken said in a fearful tone.

"... ...No, I should be the one to apologize. I'm sorry, I fear I've spoken to you in an overly disrespectful manner."

"No, it's fine. You may see me as your uncle, but the truth is that you've got far more life experience than I."

"If only that were the case."

"Huh?"

"The last couple of years have consisted of nothing but endless fighting for me and my friends. We might have forgotten how to lead normal lives."

"But you're all doing fine here."

"We're in a war. This is our element, as cruel as it sounds... What would a girl like myself know about love?"

Ricken took a breath as he gathered up the courage to speak of his experiences as an adolescent."... ...It's not something you're supposed to know. I-it's something you feel."

"...Is that so."

"I-I may look like I'm too young, but I know what it's like to be in love."

A grin made its way on Lucina face, she immediately know who the young mage was speaking of. "Really."

"Why did that come as more of a statement than a question?" Ricken asked in confusion.

"Are you forgetting that I've come from the future, Ricken? I know of your... beloved."

The mage found himself covering his face with his hat. "H-how do you know for certain? We're changing the future, aren't we? That c-could have c-c-changed as well." he stuttered.

"I wonder." Lucina said contemplatively. "From what I've seen, even despite being exposed the news of their children coming here from the future, the Shepherds seemed to have stayed on course with regards to their spouses."

"O-oh."

"I pray your hope has been restored then." Lucina said with a smile.

Ricken pulled his hat further down. "So you and Robin..." he started, quickly changing the flow of the conversation.

Lucina shook her head. "We've been over this already."

"You also said you didn't know anything about love."

"That's right, bu-"

"Then is it possible that you do, but you just don't realize it?" Ricken pointed out.

Lucina folded her arms. "How can I know that? Most of what I've learned about the subject comes from books my mother had and even then, they're merely stories. I'd be a fool to think it works the same way in real life."

"Let's see... Have you ever felt, strange around him?"

The princess tilted her head up and racked her brain. "He has a tendency to make me want to smack him across the head on occasion, if that's what you mean." she stated emphatically.

"No, no, no. Like, has your heart ever started beating faster around him?"

"Does my heart beat faster around him? No, why shou..."

Ricken noticed her halted speech and snickered. "You were saying?"

"What does the pace of my heart beat have to do with anything?"

"It shows you're get excited being around them."

"...Is this how you feel around Nowi?"

It was the straw that broke the camel's back. Ricken had thought Lucina was merely bluffing when she said she 'knew', so hearing the name leaver her lips was a unwelcome surprise."L-Lucina! I'm trying to help you here."

"Fine, fine."

"Well, do you?"

"...It's probably in anticipation of one of his usual wise cracks." she replied after a short pause.

"Doesn't sound like your being too honest."

"How would I even know?"

"Well have you at least thought about it before?"

"...It would not be right."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm from a different time."

"I'm fairly certain I was there the night we've accepted you as one us."

"But..."

"So you do actually like him." Ricken pressed on.

Lucina pulled at a strand of her hair, twirling the tips. "I don't know... I'd like to change the topic of the conversation if you don't mind."

Ricken shrugged and leaned back, figuring while he hadn't gotten anything solid, he at least got the topic out there. He secretly enjoyed the chance to talk about such topics so freely and without judgement. And for once, he felt as if he was on even ground with the other party. Then again, who was he to act the expert with such matters? As passionate as he may have been, he knew he lacked experience. He decided that before it got to the point where his ignorance and naivety showed, he would acquiesce to her request for a change of topic. For the time being. "So aside from all the... bad stuff, how was the future?"

"You what!?" Cordelia whispered rather loudly.

"Shh! Cordelia, someone might hear!" Robin warned.

"Are you more worried about the Valmese or another Shepherd hearing this?" Cordelia joked.

Robin groaned. "At this point, either would be a death sentence."

Cordelia grinned to herself. "I didn't know you could be so... forward, Robin."

"It's not what you think. It was a heat of the moment kind of affair"

"As are many things of this sort."

"No, it had nothing to do with attraction. I did it to prove a point."

"To prove a point?"

"...We were having an argument, and let's just say that she had the higher ground during this instance. It was she who provoked me!"

Cordelia smile vanished as she rubbed her temples. "First you tell her you've changed her diapers, then you kiss the girl for the sake of winning an argument? Robin, if we were not friends, I would spear you for being so callous towards women."

Robin cringed at her tone. "I get it, I messed up."

"Twice." Cordelia shot back.

"...Twice." Robin agreed sullenly.

"As far as I know..."

" Ugh, enough already... But it wasn't all for nothing."

"I'm sure you enjoyed it quite a bit, you dog."

Robin blushed. "That's not what I meant. After it happened, things became... different."

Cordelia straightened up. "Are you two fighting? She doesn't look that way. In fact, I'd say you two seem closer than ever."

"That's the problem. Ever since it happened, I came to realize that, well, she's a woman."

"How did you see her before?"

"As Chrom's daughter and a friend."

"So it all hit you at once, did it?"

"I'll say."

"How did Lucina take it? You kissing her, I mean."

"She thanked me for making her experience something a normal girl would."

Cordelia clasped her hands together. "Oh Robin, there you have it."

"Right before she called me a pedophile."

Cordelia arms slowly fell to her sides once more. "Yikes."

"Heh, but she was merely joking. I'm sure of it."

"She doesn't seem to be acting any different. Morgan aside that is."

"...Morgan... Which brings us to the next obstacle."

"Who the father is?"

"Precisely. Say I do choose to pursue this. Would I not be tearing apart Morgan's family?"

"I wouldn't say that just yet. For all we know, you yourself could be her father."

"Me? We're nothing alike. She's Lucina through and through, from the looks down to her mischievous streak."

"And tell me, where did Lucina get that from? I'd say she picked such a thing up from hanging around you for so long." Cordelia said in an accusatory tone.

"Let's not jump to any conclusions here. I've happened to hear that she got herself into a lot of trouble when she was a child."

"Maybe... But, it's not a lost cause."

"Huh?"

"When you, Severa, Morgan, and Lucina paid a visit to me and Gaius the other day, do you know what I saw?"

"Four people walking in on a couple's moment?"

"Oh hush!" Cordelia snapped, her own face growing hot this time. "What I saw was my daughter, accompanied by three others."

"Uh, yes. Like I said and what you most surely still remember, Lucina, Morgan and myself."

"How about a mother, father, and their daughter?"

"W-where is all this coming from?"

"Without you or even them knowing it, you've filled the role the moment Morgan came aboard."

"I was doing a friend a favor."

"A father taking his wife along to show of their daughter to everyone, a father taking his daughter shopping, a father teaching his daughter his own craft, a father and daughter dance as well one with mother, and so on."

"H-h-how did you even know about all of that?" Robin asked in dismay.

"We mothers have eyes and ears everywhere. That and the other Shepherds are starting to take notice."

"What!?"

"Notice something at least. Just rumors I assure you. You know us."

"Please tell me... Does Chrom... ... ?"

"Sumia says he's as oblivious as ever." Cordelia assured.

Robin breathed a sigh of relief.

"But for how long he'll remain that way, we don't know."

Robin's momentary piece was shattered, as he pulled at his hair, his roots nearly screaming. "What in gods name do I do?"

"If you even have to ask such a thing and it's bothering you so much, then we can be sure that you do in fact feel something for her."

"Maybe..."

"Maybe?"

"Maybe. I said I'd think about it."

"Robin, you'll find soon enough that there are somethings in life that you can't do by just thinking."

"Thinking is all I know how to do. I'm a Tactician."

"That's nonsense." Cordelia said disapprovingly. "When you tell those mean spirited jokes you love during supper. When you play tricks on other Shepherds, and the the future Exalt no less. When you talk to each one of us not as our superior, but as a friend. When you took that arrow to your shoulder for Virion back in Plegia. When you helped a girl from another time make a place for herself in this one. Are any of those tactical in the least? Did you really weigh the consequences about such things before doing them?"

"..."

"I'm sure that whoever you were before you lost your memories, you were far more than just some Tactician."

"What do you think I should do?"

"Focus on winning this war. Then on winning the girl."

"... ...Can't I do both at the same time?"

"Getting cocky already, are we? And to think you were such an indecisive wreck moments before. What is going through that head of yours, Robin?"

"As of now, nothing. I'm just doing."

Chrom sat in his own barrel, polishing Falchion's blade with a rag that Frederick had given to him.

In the barrel to his left, sat his daughter, Cynthia.

On his right, was Lon'qu.

"Hey, hey! Uncle Lon'qu. How did you and Aunt Lissa meet? How did you come to get married?"

Both Lon'qu and Chrom were startled at the girl's question.

Chrom momentarily lowered his blade. "Cynthia, now's not the time for such talk. You must keep your voice down. I don't need to remind you that the enemy is just outside the wagon. Besides, I'm sure your uncle wouldn't want to talk about it."

Cynthia let out a disappointed sigh, muttering something about Chrom being a 'party pooper'.

"I do not mind." Lon'qu said, finally speaking up.

Chrom's head snapped to his direction. "Huh? Since when do you abide to the pleas of children? You're Lon'qu."

"Since I became a father." The man said in annoyance.

"...Practice then, is it? I'm sure you'll need much more given how... theatrical my nephew is."

"Don't remind me..." he replied. "But, he is a fine swordsman. My blood runs through his veins, after all." Lon'qu said rather proudly.

"I'll vouch for that." Chrom agreed. "Did you see how he took out that group of Paladins in the last battle?"

"Hah, you should've seen him take out that hulking sack headed beast."

"A fine warrior he is. Maybe one day, he'll be as good with the blade as Lucina."

Lon'qu's brows furrowed. "I'm sure that day has long passed."

Chrom narrowed his eyes. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Owain's an excellent fighter, but did you see how Lucina mowed down that entire platoon of Myrmidons?"

"Myrmidons are far less armored than Paladins, making them easier to kill." Lon'qu retorted.

"Myrmidons such as you and your son?" Chrom countered.

The now insulted Myrmidon clenched his teeth. "Exalt or not, Chrom, you'd be a fool to challenge me again."

"Are you calling my own swordsmanship into question?"

"I'm just reminding you that a sword fight in the streets is a world of difference from some 'performance' in a castle."

"My daughter happened to best you at Arena Ferox, if I recall. And from whom might I ask did she learn to wield a blade?"

"Not the Chrom of the present. And besides, skill played no part in that bout! She was a woman!"

"Ho ho, so the famous Lon'qu challenges the Exalt of Ylisse to a duel, yet can't overcome his fear of women?"

"I've long gotten over it. Should I remind you whose sister I'm wed to?"

Chrom frowned at his audacity. "You'll soon be wed to the edge of my blade if yo-"

"Oh, will you two be quiet?!" Cynthia spoke up.

The two men were stunned by her outburst.

Cynthia folded her arms. "I mean seriously. Are you really fighting over whether or not your children are better than the other?"

"Gods help me, Cynthia, you had better have my back on this one. I am your father and Lucina is your sister." Chrom stated.

"So? Lissa is my aunt, Lon'qu is my uncle and Owain, my cousin. We're all family here."

After a brief silence, both men let out a defeated sigh.

"Your girl's right." Lon'qu admitted.

"Rather, we should take pride that our family as a whole is compromised of such talent." Chrom said in agreement.

"Yeah, yeah, kiss and make up. Now tell me how you and aunt Lissa met." the Pegasus rider demanded.

Lon'qu made himself as comfortable as he could in the confined space. "Erm... Yes. Wait, your sister is already aware of the story. Why have you not heard?"

"I don't know. I just don't remember." Cynthia said with a shrug.

"Very well. Your father stuck me with the task of being your aunt's personal guard for a time."

"Ohhh, how romantic."

"...Yes. Apparently, someone was after her 'sweet little head', so she told me." Lon'qu said, smiling fondly at the memory.

"An assassination plot? But dad, why would you only have one man guard aunt Lissa."

"Well... Because at first, there was no plot?" Chrom admitted.

"I knew it..." Lon'qu grumbled. "What was that all about then? Was it some form of initiation rite?"

Chrom raised a hand in defense."Lissa requested it herself, believe it or not. She came to me one day claiming that I had Frederick, so logically, she'd need a 'knight' of her own."

"Frederick is more of a handmaiden than a knight off the battlefield." Lon'qu scoffed.

"Don't remind me..."

"Wait, so there was no danger after all?" Cynthia asked.

Chrom shook his head. "There was, but we hadn't known about it."

Lon'qu coughed, trying to grab their attention back to him. "One night while I was making my rounds around Lissa's tent, she came out and we began chatting. It wasn't long after that I noticed figures lurking just beyond the treeline."

"And then what happened?"

"Those men sought death, so I gave it to them."

"Huh? So what did aunt Lissa have to say about it?"

"She thanked me, then I was dismissed from her service." Lon'qu said simply.

Chrom then cut in, his voice slow and stern. "Not long after that, the two started... something behind my back. When the day came that she told me, I was less than thrilled."

"Why not?"

"She's my sister. I guess you can say that I'm a bit protective of my family."

"Aww, dad, that's so cute!"

"I-it is not. It's the duty of every man in any household to safeguard their families."

"Whatever you said, daddy." Cynthia said with a giggle. "Anyways, then what happened?" she asked her uncle.

Lon'qu gathered his thoughts, brushing off the amusement from Chrom being teased by his daughter. "She was moping about how she wouldn't get to see me anymore. I told her... that we could talk, every once in awhile."

"Is that how you got over your fear of women?"

"Yes... It was a most difficult challenge indeed. That Tharja even offered to perform a hex on me that would alleviate me of my phobia."

"So it was a hex?" she asked?

"It would have been much easier if it had been. I was almost ready to go through with it, but right before, I turned down the offer."

"Whaa? But why would you do that?"

Chrom cut in after his daughter's question. "Lon'qu, you don't have to keep going. Cynthia already knows that you and Lissa got together after the dilemma with the assailants."

Lon'qu let out a low chuckle. "No, I can do this. If I shy away from talking about it, then I'm running away from all that's happened. It was painful, but I no longer regret anything that's happened. I've come to terms with it."

Chrom wasn't one for trampling down another man's resolve, so he went back to his position as a listener.

The Myrmidon cleared his throat before continuing. "I denied Tharja's offer, for it would mean that not only would my fear be erased, but the memories of my childhood as well."

Cynthia thought about it carefully. "...Did your fear stem from something that happened when you were young?"

"...Yes. When I was still a boy back in the slums, I had fallen in love with a girl named Ke'ri. She'd sneak off from home everyday to come see me."

Cynthia remained silent, listening closely.

"We went for a picnic one day... We were attacked by bandits. I fought them off to the best of my ability, but there were too many, and I, too green. Ke'ri... she lost her life. She was cut down before my very eyes."

Cynthia let out a gasp, her eyes lowering as they began to grow moist. "...Why... Why would you want to hold onto a memory like that? You should've just forgotten."

Lon'qu shook his head at her naivety. "You came from that accursed future, did you not? You should know yourself that within every terrible experience is a silver lining."

Cynthia pondered the meaning behind his words.

"I failed to protect her. She died because of my weakness. That was what started my journey for power, and also my fear of women..."

"Lon'qu..." Chrom uttered sympathetically.

"And when I first was assigned to guard your aunt Lissa, my fear came back at full force. I tried to detach myself from her annoying yet friendly demeanor. I wanted to see her as nothing more than some object to be protected. An object, so that I'd never have to worry about another life being lost on my watch. But that aunt of yours... she was never the type to just leave people be when asked to. I slowly grew accustomed to her, and before I knew it, I seemingly found her company... pleasant."

Cynthia grinned softly, still tearful from the story.

Chrom himself wore a proud smile.

"I could've just forgotten about my past with Ke'ri, but where would that leave me in the present? That tragedy was what made me into the man I am today. A man with the power to protect those he loves. A man who could protect Lissa."

"...How romantic!" Cynthia gushed, wiping away the droplets from her eyes. "So did you get over your fear after that?"

"Patience child, there's more to be said." Lon'qu replied, growing embarrassed at the girls reaction to his tale. "After the incident with the assassins, like I had promised, Lissa and I continued to speak to one another. And although those occasions were pleasant and we grew ever closer, the fear and pain still lingered at the back of my mind. I felt that they still held me back from... coming to terms with how I felt about your aunt. Our relation continued that way, at a standstill, for nearly 2 years. She'd send me letters back in Ferox on occasion and I, would visit her in Ylissetol on the pretense that I wished to spar with Robin and your father. We grew closer with each passing visit, but I knew a part of me would never let it grow into anything more than what we had. One day, Ylisse received word about the Valmese. Chrom regathered the Shepherds and headed for Ferox. And by chance, the ones who delivered the message were none other than Virion and Cherche."

"Wait, what does that have to do with you and aunt Lissa?"

"Because what happened between us didn't just sprout over night, it took time. After Virion's briefing about the impending invasion, Cherche seemed to have recognized me and caught me as were exiting the meeting. She said that she knew Ke'ri's parents."

"Wow... what are the chances?"

"Indeed. She hounded me the entire day, and I refused to talk about the matter. Her persistence proved greater than mine, and I eventually decided to hear what she had to say."

"And?"

"She said Ke'ri's parents did not hate me for what happened... She told me they were happy that she had made my acquaintance, and so was she... I felt that a terrible weight on my shoulders had been lifted. But, I also felt that despite their forgiveness, my scars would never truly heal. But later that night, as I was alone to myself, I came to realize that I loved your aunt. I realized the feelings that I held for her outweighed the fears in my mind... That perhaps I was strong enough to be by her side, and that being with her was worth fighting the pain..."

"Awwww."

"S-silence!"

"But that's too cute! I didn't realize you were such a softy!"

"I-I am not! A man stays true to himself. I simply did just that. When we regrouped at Ylissetol after repelling the initial invasion, and a week before we received the response from Plegia about their agreement to aid in the coming war, I proposed to her and we wed at the castle."

"Wait, before you met with Plegia's king? At Carrion Isle right? Wasn't that when Lucy joined up with you guys? That would mean you and aunt Lissa just recently wed!"

"Yes."

"Hohoho oh boy, is that why dad's still sore about it?" Cynthia laughed, turning towards Chrom's direction. "Your baby sister got stolen just last month?"

"Cynthia I swear to you, after this war's over, you're grounded for as along as Lon'qu's been going behind my back!"

Cynthia furrowed her brows. "Two years?! No fair!"

Lon'qu chuckled. "Is this Chrom the ruler, or Chrom the father speaking?"

"Both." The blue haired man declared.

"So dad, how did you take Lon'qu's proposal?" Cynthia asked, her sharp voice indicating she was still pouting.

"I was furious of course. I knew nothing of their relationship before the news was broken to me. In fact, we had a sword fight in the middle of the throne room right after he told me."

Lon'qu let out a laugh. "You should've seen those damned guards. They knew not whether to interfere or flee the area."

"You're joking." Cynthia said in disbelief.

"I can say that he is not." Lon'qu responded.

Chrom smirked. "Lon'qu would know. He took quite the hit to face after the servants pleaded for us to lay our swords down."

"You hit uncle? Wait, so was the marriage a secret to you as well?"

"Yes, I hit him. No, I'll have you know that the one who arranged for the marriage at the castle was me."

"What? But you just said you hit him."

"I did. But after our scuffle in the throne room, he caught me in the court yard and insisted we speak man to man. And so, I let him say his piece."

"...And?"

"The story he told you just know was exactly what he had said to me. I thought to myself that any man who'd go through such a thing for my sister was... adequate enough to be her husband. That and Lissa came to us during our discussion and threatened me if I did anything to prevent it."

"Bwahaha!" Cynthia laughed.

"Keep it down, we're in hiding right now." Chrom reminded.

"I'm sorry, this story was just too amazing." Cynthia said, voice back down to a whisper. She turned back toward Lon'qu's barrel. "So, what you were saying about every terrible experience having a silver lining... Yours was that tragedy giving you the strength to protect aunt Lissa, right?"

"That's correct." The Myrmidon replied.

"And you also said that 'I should know'..."

"I was under the impression that someone as cheerful as you would have realized by now."

"... ...The future was a terrible place. We all saw our parents die off one by one... But we grew because of that, no matter how painful it was... The d-day mother died..."

Lon'qu heard how her breath hitched. "Easy child, there's no need."

"He's right Cynthia, it's okay." Chrom said.

"N-no, uncle's right. I can't r-run away from what's happened. T-that's not what heroes do."

Lon'qu smiled to himself. He admired the girl's courage."

"The day... The day mother died... I wanted to become a hero. I wanted to be strong enough to avenge both her and father... I hate it. I hate how me and Lucy were left behind..."

Chrom frowned, daggers of pain stabbing at him from within at his daughter's words.

"I trained tirelessly... All of us did. And by some miracle, we were all able to come back here and meet you all again... And this time, we all have the strength to protect our parents... That's my... That's our silver lining." she decided.

Chrom couldn't deny the mix of remorse and pride that surged within him. Had the barrels not separated them, he would've immediately wrapped Cynthia in his arms.

"And a fine hero you've become." Lon'qu noted.

A/N: Here's the first chapter in the long awaited 'marathon'. Unlike what I've promised before, I will extend the days between release of new chapter to every 3 days. So I release this one today, none tomorrow and the next day, but one the day after that and so on. Sorry about that, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to write. What more, I actually find myself more motivated when I'm under pressure like this. I've already got the next 2 chapters completed and am working on the 4th in the marathon. That still gives me more than enough time to work while giving me reason to keep writing!

As for anyone questions regarding the choices I made in this chapter, it'll be elaborated on in the next chapter.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I look forward to releasing the next one in 3 days!

PS. Corrin/Kamui x Aqua OTP for the next game!