Italics = Thought / The Past

I do not own Fire Emblem.

Cross published on AO3

The raven arrived at the small house in the village early in the morning. Gunter had barely slept for four hours when the cawing roused him from his slumber. He swore quietly, and hauled himself to the attic. He petted the raven, and took its letter.

Gunter narrowed his eyes ever so slightly as he read the letter. He knew what these three small words meant.

"Sir Gunter? What does it say?" Silas' voice drifted into his ears. His squire appeared to have been woken up as well.

"It appears we will be going ahead with 'route C'. Lady Azura has just had confirmation that the Third Dragon is or was real. You are aware of what that means, yes?"

The younger Knight nodded. "I do. It'll be a push, but I am certain that with the forces that Anna is putting together, we'll be able to get it done."

"Do you have the most recent numbers on our forces?"

"I believe that with the 'Plegian' forces, minus the civilians, we have close to seven hundred military personnel. With civilians, that number is closer to one and a half thousand."

Gunter nodded. "Very good Silas."

Silas turned to go, but stopped midstride. "Sir Gunter?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you believe this is a good idea?"

"….Perhaps. It will be a fresh start. A new land, a Kingdom. A chance at redemption for those lost armies."

"You are ignoring the monumental 'But', Sir."

"I am doing no such thing. There is little point in worrying until we meet with Corrin."

Silas would have opened his mouth to respond, but Shigure's cries startled both men, who raced to the young, unknown Prince's room.

But when they got there, his cries had stopped.

He was being held by a girl, probably a year or two younger than Silas. Her hair was blue, save for the end of her ponytail, which was red (and currently in the iron grip of the babe in her arms). Her eyes were golden, and shone with joy. Her clothes were simple, those of a servant. Neatly kept and clean.

"Lilith." Gunter greeted her with an honest, happy smile. "Welcome to our home."

"Gunter. It's nice to meet you again." The girl said with an equally happy grin.

Silas simply stared.

Ah fuck. She got cute.

Garon had called Corrin to his private study. He poured out two goblets of wine, and eased himself into a seat, gesturing for Corrin to join him.

"Do you have a plan, my Son?" Garon asked.

"Of course Father." Corrin replied, sipping his drink. "I intend to return to Hoshido a hero….having led two of their greatest allies home from 'foul Nohrian imprisonment'."

Garon grinned. "You planned this from the start."

"I couldn't possibly comment on that, Father. But my plan is simple. In two days' time, after our…information extractors have done their work, I will break them out during the night. Escaping via one of the secret passages. It shouldn't be that hard to convince them. They already think they owe me their lives, and the lives of their soldiers. Making them think that I am genuine in my desire to escape will hopefully be child's play."

"Then?"

"Then I answer their questions, earn their trust…then find Azura and convince her to come home…I've picked out a field where I can bring her. Saltgrass Plain."

Garon took a large gulp of wine. "How long do you think it will take?"

"Two weeks after I reach the capital. A month or so in total."

Garon watched Corrin in silence for a full two minutes, before he spoke in a level, somewhat stern voice. "You will have your escort home. The royal Army, led by Xander. They will be waiting in that field one month from two days time. They will stay for two days. After that, you are on your own. Am I clear?"

"As a crystal, Father."

Garon nodded. "Now, leave me."

Corrin got up, and headed for the door, before he paused. "Father?"

"Hrmmm?"

"Does the name Anankos mean anything to you?"

The Kings eyes widened, and for a single, solitary moment, Corrin swore he saw outright terror in his eyes. The kind of terror that is in a child's eyes when they've been caught lying.

"He is…was one of the First Dragons. Our legends claim that Queen Cornelia II slew him about five hundred years ago."

"Ah. Forgive me, but I read the name in a great many books in the Northern Fortress, but only in vague references."

Garon regained composure. "I see. Tell me, why not ask Xander, or Leo?"

"Because they'd say it's just a story. Heh…Queen Cornelia must have been one hell of a woman to slay a Dragon."

"Most likely. Sadly, she is remembered for her failed attempt to conquer Hoshido, not the truly remarkable feat from early in her reign."

"I see. Thank you Father. I shall leave you to it."

"Goodbye, my Son."

Corrin slowly opened the door, and exited the study. A grin formed on his face.

It's true.

It's all true.

Perfect.

"Please Marc. Come with me." The Princess of Ylisse pleaded the Red headed tactician that stood ten paces ahead of her. "I need you."

"So too does my father." Marc said sadly. "Family comes first. You'd do the same for Uncle Chrom."

"I-I thought I was your family." Lucina said in a small voice, tears making their way down the blunette's cheeks. "We're betrothed! I-I love you!"

"And you are my world, Lucy. But I need to help my Father. Why do you act like I'm not coming back? As soon as I am done, I swear I'll return. I promise." He walked forward, and opened his arms out wide.

It took less than three seconds for the Lucina to crash herself into his chest. "….you bastard.."

The tactician wrapped his arms around her. "I know. But I'm your bastard."

"Brother?" Came Morgan's voice behind them. Like his sister, Morgan had inherited his fathers pale, silvery hair.

Marc wheeled around.

"Snowy?"

Morgan grinned. "Who else?"

Marc let go of Lucina, although her grip didn't loosen. "Is it time?"

"I'm afraid so."

Marc sighed, and pried himself from Lucina's grip. She grabbed his wrist, and forced her lips against his.

A cough caused them to snap apart. Morgan grinned teasingly at her twin.

"Aww…that's cute."

"Let's just go."

As the twins started to walk away, Marc spared Lucina a glance. He smiled at her.

"Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. Keep our Sister out of trouble, you hear?"

Lucina nodded, and before Marc could say more, she turned, and walked away.

"That went well."

"Did it?"

"Yes….how'd it go with Owain?"

A look of sad rage crossed her face. "….I don't want to talk about him."

"I understand Snowy….say, have you put on weight?" He joked, trying to swiftly cheer his sister up.

"Just the Plegian diet Lover Boy. Far more rich and filling." His twin smirked. "Now let's go! Father's waiting!"

Marc nodded, and followed his sister onward. He wanted to get things over with fast. After all, he had a promise to keep.

In the end, Marc did keep his promise to Lucina, albeit at the head of an army. Ylisse burned, and any chance the couple had at happiness burned along with it.

ELSEWHERE…..

In a ruined castle in a devastated land, sat upon a steadily crumbling throne, a single, solitary figure sat. Completely alone. In fact, he was the only living thing, plant, animal, human or other left in the entire Kingdom.

His mouth moved, but no sound came out, as though he was mouthing the words written down in a book.

He knew.

The thought both scared and delighted him.