Hours later after training with his wife, the tactician prepared for a long and detailed meeting with Tiki. Keeping his word to satisfy his daughter and a fervent Sumia, he promised to look more into the transfer before giving his decision. It horrified him to the core to think that he would risk his daughter's life, but he promised to at least hear her plea out.

When the time finally came to speak with Tiki, Robin asked her everything he could think of and added a thousand other things that might be relevant. He wanted to know more about the actual process of the transfer, the will power required, the reasons Morgan must be the one who must bear the consequences, and why Naga would even think of sending her back in the first place. Even the smallest details required the greatest explanation to satisfy the worried father and Tiki remained patient and calm throughout his barrage of questions.

The biggest theme he kept asking was how safe his daughter would be, the pain she would suffer, and if there would be any permanent effects. He was desperately looking for a guarantee that she would be okay, but all the divine dragon would give was that "there is a very small risk that she will not be strong enough to survive this. That ultimately comes down to how much faith you have in her and how must trust she has in herself."

The conversation went through the night and Robin only stopped once so Tiki could eat dinner and rest for half an hour before going back into full swing. He wanted to have as many answers as possible just like any other father would.

…

"Tiki, I don't understand. I don't understand why Naga would put Morgan through all of this or force me into a situation that no one should ever have to make. Whatever the future holds is far better than what my wife had to experience. So why go through all of this trouble now? Fifteen years is a long time and there is a lot I can do with it."

"Believe me, I would never wish to put you or any child in such a perilous situation. Your love for your daughter and your concerns are not unwarranted." The Divine dragon replied calmly despite the long hours she had been bombarded by questions. She had been expecting this of course, but it was incredibly tiring nonetheless. "Nevertheless, this is not about you or her."

"Milady?"

"My mother has taken the responsibility of eliminating all malicious threats from her own kind. Grima was not the first dragon kin that tried to eradicate all human life. Many great wars were fought for human survival because of it and my kind is largely to blame for its near extinction. This curse set upon you, it is Grima's spite and hatred that my mother wishes to eradicate from this world. Therefore, it is her responsibility to absolve it."

"But why? Why go through so much effort because he cursed one tactician? You have already given me more time with my family than I could ask for."

"You are incorrect." She stated very somberly. "We have not given you anything. Your life span was stolen from you and we only managed to reclaim a small shard that was taken. It is our failure to handle Grima's bitterness and anger that spawned such calamity and destruction to this world. If not for the actions of the shepherds, Lucina's braveness, or your own abilities, the future Lucina witnessed would still become a reality. Therefore, we hold a great debt to you that we cannot hope to repay. Which is why it pains me to ask even more of you."

"What do you mean?" The tactician asked in bewilderment.

"Sir Robin. My mother and I truly understand the gravity of the situation you are in. Unfortunately, the reasons we present this dreadful decision to you is for our own selfish purposes. The future we will see tomorrow will be much better than what could have been, but it is also missing some crucial elements that prevent it from being the one we wish to see."

"Is there another war or famine?"

"It is hard to judge." She replied respectfully. "But there will be some turbulent time in the future. That much is certain. It will be up to great men like Chrom to help the world move forward as it slowly recovers. However, even great men need people to aid them in their efforts. It is the fact that your kind can rely on others to support them through the tough times that has inspired my mother and I through the years.

"...One man can move a mountain, but a group together can change the world." Robin muttered while her words replayed in his mind.

"Precisely. But what should happen to someone like Chrom if he loses his best friend to support him through the tiring and grueling process of leading a nation?"

Robin shook his head and sighed, "He could still get by. He is sharper than I give him credit for and a fighter to the end."

"Of course, he would still be a great ruler loved by his people for his care and compassion. But a king is no more than the sum of the people he relies upon. Sumia would no doubt help him through his struggles, but it is much more than that. Much more." Tiki paused and looked for the best way to word it.

"Robin, I don't believe you fully recognize the abilities you possess. You not only offer Chrom a shoulder to support himself on, but also ideas to make this nation better. Both of you envision a brighter future but Chrom does not know how to achieve this in certain areas as well as you do. Obviously you both will struggle heavily with this task, but together the haildom of Ylisse will grow very prosperous under wise and benevolent leadership. History has shown that to be true under Marth's rule."

He paused for a long time not sure what to make of it. "But Morgan..."

"It pains me greatly to have to involve her." Tiki sighed fatigued. "But as your child she represents the same peaceful future you wish to uphold. She also recognizes the importance that you and Lucina will have on the events to come."

"Are we really to have that great of an effect on the world?" Robin replied back in disbelief.

"More than you can imagine and in some ways you will never be able to measure. Make no mistake Robin, the world is not going to live in harmony now that Grima is defeated. There is a lot of good in this world and only a handful of people that are evil. The problem lies in showing the world that to be true when there is so much conflict from misunderstandings. Even Walhart was not an evil person. He was merely someone who believed in a different method to obtain peace."

"I see." The tactician nodded hesitantly.

"Robin, my mother and I are already indebted to you in ways that cannot be repaid. We have no right to ask anything else of you because of this. However, my mother's duty is to stop Grima's taint at any cost. Should his dark cloud cause the world to lose the rays of hope that you, Lucina, and your daughter will one day cast on the world then it will lose something very special. I understand your hesitation and admire your dedication to your family which is why you will not be judged for the action you take on this. I fully trust you will make the decision you believe to be right and I shall respect your wishes.

…

When their conversation finally ended it was nearing midnight. Exhausted, Tiki fell asleep on the spot and Robin was not faring much better. Still, he had to overcome one last obstacle for the day as he exited the room. No doubt Lucina was trying to get Morgan to fall asleep and he figured he better give her a hand since his daughter was probably wondering how the meeting went.

"Father!" Morgan cried the moment the door to her room opened.

Robin smiled trying to ignore his headache and instead fixed his gaze on the two women in the room. As usual Morgan was tightly tucked into her bed and Lucina was sitting in a chair nearby as she glanced back at him.

"Did Tiki convince you?!" She asked urgently.

"Well I am sure I talked her ears off."

"And?!"

Robin evaded the question and turned to his wife. "Did she wash her teeth and brush her face?"

Lucina nodded understanding his humor. She was interested in hearing about what happened with Tiki as well, but she knew he would explain it to her later. "Yes. I was just about to tell the story seeing as you were busy."

"Thanks dear." He smiled gratefully. "I'll take over from here though. You've had your own share to tell lately."

"If you are sure you are up to it." She replied and eased back in her chair.

"What about the transfer?!" Morgan yelled trying to get their attention.

"It's getting late Morgan." He shrugged and covered his head. "I'm tired and I really don't feel like talking about it anymore. I've been discussing it for the last six hours."

"But how are you still not convinced after talking with Tiki?!"

Robin chose to ignore her too tired and indecisive to give her any solid answer. Truth be told, he didn't know what to think anymore and at this point it seemed like he was left choosing the lesser of two evils.

"Look Morgan. I did what you and Sumia asked of me. Isn't that enough?"

"No." She protested. "Not until you give me an answer!"

The tactician looked away from her and sighed. "If I am forced to give an answer now then it would be no. So will you give me more time?"

Morgan's spirits instantly dropped and she said afraid. "How much longer must I wait?"

"As long as it takes to see you will be safe. But please, let's just move on to the story. I am sure you will like this part."

Morgan hesitated for a moment before saying defeated. "...Alright."

Robin patted her on the head and looked back at her with great care as he sat down on the edge of the bed and said.

A week passed after your mother and I kissed. Heh, I still can't help but smile every time I think about it. Unfortunately, we didn't have much of a chance to see each other afterwards. As the tactician I had to help with the politics, logistics, and a bunch of sneaky nobles trying their best to maintain their wealth and stature through the new transitions of government.

This was also around the time that Say'ri recovered form her wounds. Even though she had lost all function of her right arm, she held strong in the fight for her people. The moment she was healthy she took up the mantle as the voice of the people and gave her help anyway she could to aid our efforts.

...

"Thank you again for all of your help Sir Robin. I dread to think what would've happened to my homeland if not for for your help." She spoke gratefully while at the steps to the palace. Her right arm was still heavily bandaged and she was relying on a crutch to help stand up straight. Her legs were fine, but the pain she had in her back made it difficult to steady herself.

"We need you just as much as you needed us. I am very sorry about what happened to your arm though."

Say'ri shook it off and said, "I would've given more than my arm if it meant restoring my country and avenging my brother."

"I'm glad it didn't have to come to that. Enough has been taken away already."

"Aye. Truer words have not been spoken." She leaned more of her weight on her crutch and grunted in some minor pain. "Now begins the road to healing and I fear it will take a long time to end the suffering that Walhart caused. "

"Yeah. It will be tough enough to keep all of the rebels together under one cause and then you have the scars that come with war. Chrom and I will do the best we can to offer support when we get back home."

"Thank you. We will take any aid we can get in these troubled time. Also, I hear you will be staying in Valm for a while longer." She inquired as a couple of soldiers passed by us.

"Yes, there are a few areas in Valm that might hold some information on where the last gemstone is held. Now that the war is over we can prioritize our search on finding Sable."

"Perhaps fortune will be in your favor this time around." She added encouragingly

"We can only hope." I exhaled wishing that was the case. "On a less somber note, I heard you asked Lon'qu to be your honorary adviser."

Say'ri looked away from me for a moment and said, "It was merely a gesture to a fellow Chron'sin. I know he still has business with you but perhaps one day he will consider returning to his homeland and help us rebuild."

"I don't know. He doesn't seem like the type of person to be tied down to one place."

The swordmaster gave a small frown and said, "Ah. I see."

Picking up on the signals I smiled and said, "But hey, who knows. When he overcomes his fear of women he might even consider settling down one day."

"Perhaps ..." She whispered in deep thought.

I glanced back at the morning sun to see that noon was fast approaching and said, "Anyways, I better get going. I have an important appointment to make."

"Ah yes, more business to take care of?"

"I guess you could say that." I laughed in dismay and shook my head. "With luck I'll come out of it alive."

"Huh?"

"Haha. Nothing."

...

A few moments later I made my way to the heart of the capital with some doubts and concerns of what was to come next. The idea petrified me as I walked by hundreds of people each in a hurry to their own destinations. More importantly they were witnesses in case there was a possible homicide attempt. However, despite the huge crowd, there was no mistaking one fair blue headed princess sitting on the side of the plaza fountain with her long graceful long hair swaying each time there was a wind gust. Although it stirred my emotions seeing her, there was a large amount of fear still dwelling inside of me preventing me from enjoying the view.

"H-hey Lucina." I gave an awkward and nervous smile.

"Oh!" Her eyes lit up spotting me and returned the same expression. "G-good afternoon Robin." She replied back equally as anxious with a small tint of red on her face.

Taking a deep breath to gather my strength I sat alongside of her with my back facing the watery fountain that was filled with small coins.

"You look very lovely today."

"Thank you." She smiled warmly. "You look rather dashing as well."

"Heh. Heh." I scratched the back of my head afraid.

After some silence Lucina looked back at me with her piercing beautiful blue eyes and said. "I really appreciate you coming. It means a lot to me."

"N-no problem. This was inevitable anyways."

She shook her head and said, "Still, I'm very grateful you are here. I don't think I would have the courage to do this by myself."

"Nor would I want you to. We are in this together and I'll take the responsibility that comes with it. ...Even if it kills me."

Her smile widened and she said, "Hopefully it won't come to that."

"I can pray although you never really know with this kind of thing."

"Yeah." She muttered unsure. "We still have sometime before it happens. Perhaps we could find a way to brace ourselves."

I debated how quickly I could get drunk over at the inn but shrugged it off and said. "I do have an idea."

"Oh, what might that be?" She asked very interested.

I bit my lip for a second before succumbing to my impulses and said, "We could hold hands."

"What?" Her eyes widened for a moment and she hesitated looking around us. "In front of all these people?"

"I am not ashamed of others seeing."

Her cheerful expression returned and she looked back at her left hand that was covered with a blue leather glove. "You're right... I have no reason to hide how I feel anymore." She carefully peeled the glove off exposing the skin underneath as she smiled back at me with a new source of pride.

When we joined hands I felt a tingle surge through my arm that later extended to the rest of my body. Her touch seemed to invigorate my body and soul it for the moment my concerns were melted away.

"Your hand is really soft."

She blushed as the heat rose to her face. "The gloves help keep my hand from callousing from all of my sword play."

"Well they worked wonders."

He grip tightened and she grinned back. A few other people started to take notice and glanced our away but at this point I saw it as an honor instead of an embarrassment.

…

For awhile we sat there without saying a word and occasionally exchanged glances. It was enough for us to sit there knowing neither of us were going anywhere anytime soon. There was something special about feeling another persons touch and it is something I could never hope to explain. All I could say was I felt more alive and warm than ever before.

"In all my years I never thought I would be able to experience this." She whispered in delight as she looked out a the bustling town without worry or a need to save it. "It is even better than I dreamed it would be."

"I'm glad." I replied with a lot of pride. "It wont be long now until these types of days are normal."

"... Normal." She marveled in wonder.

"Have you thought about what you would like to do after this is all over?"

She paused for a moment and looked up at the sky. "I will have to return to my time like I mentioned earlier, but it still seems like a dream that we have made it this far."

I frowned for a moment and said, "You still refuse to stay with us?"

"...I want to ..." She said with a mix of emotions.

"Good." I nodded and declared with a strong and unmoving voice. "Cause I'm not going to let go of you."

"Robin-"

I quickly interrupted her and said, "I mean it. You can try all you like, but you're not getting away so easily anymore. I have you in my reach and I am not going to let go without a fight. I'll find ways to keep you here no matter the cost and I can be very sneaky in my tactics."

"Is that so?" She smiled endearingly.

"I'll do whatever it takes."

Her grip tightened even more on my hand and she relaxed the tension on her shoulders as she let the weight of her burdens fall. "A penguin."

"A what?"

She laughed and said. "To answer your earlier question. One day I would like to see a real penguin. I lived in a world that was barren and always on fire. The thought there was a bird that could fly away from that place and go to a much colder and undisturbed sanctuary always filled with me hope.

"Uh, Lucina. Penguins can't fly."

"Huh?" She asked bewildered. "They have wings don't they? I saw them in a picture once."

"Well yeah. But they are a little too heavy to be able to fly."

"Oh." Her cheek grew redder and she looked away embarrassed. "I always thought they were a bird."

"They are." I laughed at how cute she looked this way and said. "They just spend more time swimming than flying.

"Hmm? I don't understand. They are considered a type of bird that can't fly?"

"Yep. They look like a bird which why they are considered one, but they don't use their wings in the same way that a crow or eagle does."

She lowered her head and covered her cheek with her free hand. "Well I feel real silly now. All this time I pictured them to be something they were not."

"Haha, I think it's rather adorable."

"W-what?" Her face flushed as her voice cracked in horror.

"I'm not to use to seeing this side of you quite yet. It's nice." I smiled and tried to comfort her. "And you know what? One day I'll take you to the north of Regna Ferox to see them."

"Now you are the one being silly. It is just a childish fantasy of mine."

"Which is all the more reason I want to see it come true." I added encouragingly.

"Pfft. Hehehe." She laughed and glanced back at me with a smile that hurt my heart to look at. "You would really go all that way in the frigid cold just to let me see a bird that can't fly?"

"Of course. If they mean that much to you than I would like to see a real one for myself too. I would shake his wing and personally thank him for his support in aiding milady in strengthening her courage.

"You aren't helping." She replied even more embarrassed.

"Haha I know."

…

After she regained her composure she shook her head and said. "What about you? What would you like to do after we stop Grima?"

I laughed and said. "I would like to go and see a penguin of course. Who wouldn't?"

She punched me in the shoulder with her free hand and pouted in protest. "That is the last time I tell you anything about me."

"Well it's true." I quickly defended myself. "If I was to think about the future then I would like to picture myself being by your side. I am very serious about dating you Lucina and that means I would like to believe that the two of us will still be close after this is all over."

"Robin..."

"That is the reason I am risking my life today after all."

…

The crowd of people around us was started to thin out and only a few people passed by us now. This allowed us to see two figures approaching in the distance traveling on the cobblestone road.

"I think that is them." I gulped as the strength in me started to deteriorate again.

"Yeah … We can still back out of it if you want." She replied nervously.

"No. No. I'll be fine."

The two of us hesitantly let go of each others hand and tried our best to compose ourselves.

When they got closer Sumia was the first to wave when she saw us and Lucina returned it as her parents made their way over.

"Good afternoon mother … and father."

"Greetings Sir." I replied trying my best to look him in the eye.

Chrom rolled his eyes and shrugged. "How many times must I tell you to just call me Chrom?"

"Oh ignore him dear. You think you would have gotten use to his teasing by now." Sumia smiled back at us and said. "It is a very lovely morning. I trust you had a chance to enjoy some of it?"

"Yes … Robin and I were just discussing some pleasant matters." She looked back at me and gave a warm smile.

"Good to hear. I'm glad to see the two of you are getting along so well." Chrom replied back whimsically, but if I didn't know better I swear he was taunting us.

"Er, yes I guess you could say that." I nodded.

Happily, Chrom turned to his daughter and asked."So what did you two wish to speak about?"

"Well um. You see father." She stopped and looked at the ground. "You look at me as a grown women right?"

"Of course." Chrom squinted his eyes almost appalled at the question. "I have always seen you that way. However you will forever be my daughter regardless of age."

"T-thank you father." She mummered with a faint smile. "And you see me as capable of making my own decisions because I am a grown women."

"Have I ever given you the reason to suspect differently?" Chrom asked full of care. "You are very mature even for your age and I have never thought otherwise."

Meanwhile, Sumia intently stared over to me with more piercing eyes as she seemed to understand more. She was inspecting Lucina's removed glove and how close our hands were and made a connection with the nervousness in our voices.

"So will you promise to at least hear us out for a moment?"

"Of course Lucina." Chrom smiled to try to ease her worries. "I'm here for you."

After taking a large sigh and ignoring Sumia's gaze. I spoke up and said, "Besides, you wouldn't want to do anything rash with so many witnesses around."

Chrom's curiosity peaked a new high as he looked back at us in doubt. "Witnesses?"

...

"Well uh. It's not easy to explain and I don't know where to begin." I shrugged and gave one final glance at Lucina before I dug my grave. "But I have developed feelings for your daughter."

"Enh?" Chrom squinted his eyes very confused and lost.

Lucina took her stab at it and said. "Father. This might sound strange. But Robin and I … We, respect each other and hold a great deal of trust for one another.

*Ahem* "What we are trying to say is ... We see each other as more than friends."

"I figured that would happen." Chrom smiled ignorantly. "In such a troubled time we all need to have close friends to count on. You've always been good friends with Sumia, and it's a relief to know you can have the same friendship with my daughter.

"Er. No. I don't think you understand. I don't see her as a close friend. ...To be honest, she means more to me than a friend … And she also feels the same way towards me...I ... Love her."

Lucina's cheeks darkened a deep red and she reached to grab my hand again and squeezed it tightly.

"Huh?... But that would mean..." Chrom froze rigidly stiff like a statue and his jaw remained partway open as he connected the dots.

"Father?" Lucina asked concerned. "Are you okay?"

The Exalt didn't budge as he was lost in his own head. He didn't even move an inch as he stood frozen in place.

...

…

"Hehehe. Poor grandpa." Morgan laughed uncontrollably. "So what did he do next?

"He fainted." Lucina responded covering her red cheeks.

"Really?"

"Mhm. It seems your father was spared to at least live one more day." Lucina added.

"Hehehe. I'm sure things didn't go over well when he woke up."

Robin grimaced and said, "Wellll ... no. They didn't...But that is a story for another day."

"Meh." Morgan grumbled but didn't protest seeing her father's weary face. "Did father at least keep his promise though?" About the penguins?"

Lucina smiled fondly and said. "Yes he did. Remember when the two of us went to the skiing resort while Sumia and Chrom looked after you?

"You mean when you abandoned me for days in this big dusty castle to fend for myself."

Robin shook his head, "While we 'abandoned' you we made a detour up to the north where we were able to see some penguins that your mother was so interested in."

"Your father even picked one up and tried to make it fly."

"Hehe. That sounds like my dad alright."

"Well I almost got him to do it. Perhaps with some wind magic and ingenuity we can make Lucina's vision become a reality."

"I don't think that will be necessary dear." Lucina blushed a bit embarrassed. "Thank you though. I had a great time up there.

"Me too."

...

Eventually the two parents managed to convince their daughter to fall asleep after reminiscing about a couple of more things from their trip to the snow. However, when they left Morgan's room Lucina felt that warm fuzzy feeling in her stomach that she was all too familiar with. Like Robin, these stories had a way of bringing back good memories for her too and she was thankful she had so many to look back on.

She knew Robin was struggling with another difficult decision which made it all the more important to be there for him, yet she would admit the idea of losing him was not something she wanted to think about either. Like that day at the fountain, she really didn't want to let go of his hand when the time came.

…

The following morning Robin slowly opened his eyes and awoke in his bed with most of his room still covered in shadows as the sun only partially peaked over the mountains in the distance. Next to him lay his wife sleeping soundly in her light blue night gown besides him without a care on her peaceful face. Smiling at the view, the tactician quietly left his side of the bed without making any sudden movements to disturb her.

He then proceeded to get dressed with the faint light that passed through his window. It didn't take him more than an a minute to go from his nightwear to his tacticians uniform, but doing so without making a noise proved to be the difficult part. After some minor struggling, he was once again in his blue Ylissean cloak and his shoes were at the door step. That just left grabbing his wallet and keys to his office when he noticed Lucina turn over in her sleep and extend her hand on the now empty space that he once occupied.

"Mmnh" Her hand began searching for something as it moved up and down the linen sheets. A small frown emerged on her face as the object she was looking for disappeared from her grasp. No matter where she searched, her hand found nothing but air. Then, just as she was about to give up fearing the worst, a warm and familiar hand touched hers. "Mmmm" Her smile returned and she brought the hand closer to her face.

"Good morning love." Robin whispered as he kissed the top of her hand. "I've got to go to work now, but I promise I'll be back soon."

The smiling princess pretended not to hear him and she gently grabbed his arm and tried to drag him back into bed. "Nmmm"

"Haha, come on dear." Robin laughed quietly and unsuccessfully tried to pry himself from her grasp. "Frederick has been covering for my weeks of absence and I already owe him enough favors."

The sleeping blue headed beauty didn't budge as she tightly held her grip on her property.

"I'll do anything you want when I get back, but you have to let me go first."

She paused for a brief moment as her half asleep brain thought it over. "Mnn nnh" She protested and pulled him closer forcing Robin to stand with only one leg outside the bed as she tugged on him.

"I want to be with you too" The tactician replied sweetly which brought a wider grin on her face. "But I have to sign transfer orders and make sure Valm is honoring their agreements. Plus I have to work on some new strategies for our militia in case we ever need them again."

None of his words seem to phase the sleeping princess as she continued reeling him in like a fish without any way to fight back from her. Both of Robin's knees were back on the mattress and he was inching closer to her with every passing moment.

"If I keep missing work your father might fire me. I haven't been on great terms with him ever since that day" Robin laughed helplessly as he leaned back down on his pillow. However, having him back with her was not enough as she scooted over to his side and wrapped her arms around his chest.

"Stay." The princess whispered gently in a way that melted Robin's heart. She looked so peaceful and so happy that it was physically impossible for him to ignore.

"Okay." He replied back defeated by the largest margin in his career. There wasn't even a remote chance of putting up a fight when she was like this. "I'll stay."

"Mmmm." She tightened her grip on him which brought the two even closer together than they were before. Not even a piece of parchment could fit in between them now as they shared body warmth. "Mine."

"Haha, must you be so adorable looking when you are forceful like this?" He joked as her embrace was stronger than any rope or chain.

The princess gave a small childish giggle that only worsened the matter for Robin. All he could think about was her warm smile, and the serenity in her care free tone. It was hard to believe this was still the same determined and fearless warrior he met all that time ago in the forest.

"I take it you were having a good dream?"

She nodded without making a sound or loosening her grip.

"Was I in it?" He asked with a deep grin.

"Maybe." She whispered devilishly.

Perhaps the thing that swelled him with the most pride was knowing that he would be able to share these moments with her for the rest of his life. Her warm hands and tight grip only further confirmed this as she slept with her human sized teddy bear. What he wouldn't give to see it last for an eternity.

...

"Lucina. Remember when I said that I wished to grow old together with you?"

"Mhm." She hummed happily.

"... I still want that very much ... As much as it pains me to say it, I think I am going to go through with it. I can't risk missing the chance to spend a full life with you. Fifteen to twenty years is a long time, but it isn't enough if I know that there is more nights like this that we could share."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure. I must be a terrible father, but I will put my faith in our daughter to make it through. She is stronger than I give her credit for."