Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Awakening/Kakusei

Author's Note: Last time, a rather enigmatic character had joined the Shepherds. Who exactly is he? What does he know? Blah blah blah and more extra words. Whoo! Thank you for keeping up with this FanFic! It means a lot to me! Please leave a review or something! It helps me help you! Anyway, I'm taking up your time, here's what you came for!

Much love,

~SAYONARA~

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"…Morgan, how was Southtown?... Oh wait…"

"… Who's the new guy Inigo? He gives me the chills…"

"… Chrom, darling, why do you smell like the floor of a tavern?"

It was a long march back to camp. On the way, Morgan got exhausted and Inigo ended up carrying her for most of the way. And when they arrived, they were bombarded with questions from everyone else who stayed behind. He felt as if his legs would give way any moment. He made his way to the mess hall, Brady following after him.

"Who's the new guy Inigo?"

"He's Zexus." Inigo said, pointing his head towards him. "And if you don't mind Brady, I think I need to rest a moment."

Inigo sat down and set Morgan down next to him. She used his leg as a pillow. Her head felt heavy as she burrowed it into his thigh. Inigo let out a sudden gasp, unaware how a sore leg combined with a heavy head would feel.

"Yeah, my bad." Brady said, rubbing the back of his head. "You look like you've been through a lot of crap today..."

"You would not believe..." Inigo began to say, his voice sort of cracking. "The kind of crap we saw today..."

Brady sat down next to him, pulling two bottles of concoctions from his satchel. He handed one to Inigo who accepted it graciously.

"Does it have to do with that new guy, Zexus was it?" Brady asked, pointing towards the silver haired man who was currently conversing with Chrom outside of the mess hall.

"More or less..." Inigo said, downing the concoction. He set the empty bottle on the table and wiped his mouth. "It's a long story..."

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"Lucina, your father wishes to see you in the meeting tent. You better be off to see him."

"Yes mother."

Lucina had just recently woken up. She realized that she had slept for more than half of the day. She had forgotten what it felt like to sleep for so long. When the war was still going on, she slept very lightly, the slightest of sounds waking her. At first, when she awoke from her sleep, she would wander the camp, trying to calm her nerves. It was easier said than done.

And during these spells, she would see Robin at night.

He would help her, talking to her in his tent, telling jokes, cheering her up. His words had a profound effect on her, soothing her in a way.

After they were married, Lucina would still have sudden aversions from sleep but sleeping in Robin's arms helped her drift back effortlessly.

And now, she slept for more than half the day. Lucina felt dead tired.

Brushing her blue hair out of her face, Lucina opened the tent flaps and stepped outside. She saw that the sun was but a shimmer above the horizon. It would only be a several more hours until the sun would set. Around her, she took in all the sights she saw.

She saw Virion and Gerome talk over freshly killed animals. Gerome was sharpening his axe while Virion admired the kill. Cherche came out from one of the tents, carrying tools of sorts. Owain and his father, Vaike, hauled the fresh cuts of meat to the storehouses. Aunt Lissa followed after them, smiling and saying various things

Towards the center campfire, Lucian saw Sir Frederick, yet again, tending the fire while Panne and Yarne conversed over matters to one another. It looked as if Panne was scolding Yarne for some reason. Yarne recoiled after each word. Lucina could see Sir Frederick chuckle about the whole ordeal between his wife and son.

Lucina passed by Kjelle and Severa who were both arguing about something. Kjelle's face was bright red while Severa merely shook her head in grief. Just a little beyond the two, she could just make out two figures sitting next to each other. It was Cordelia and Lon'qu. Cordelia was leaning her head against Lon'qu's shoulder while he stroked her hair, a rare sight indeed for the stoic swordsman.

Gaius emerged from the forest, holding a crate full of jars filled with a golden liquid. On his back, Nowi latched herself onto him, saying something that resulted in Gaius smiling and saying something back.

Lucina came to a stop in front of the meeting tent. She could hear her father talking to someone inside. They were discussing strategies and tactics and such...

It was the talks her father would have with Robin...

She cleared her throat and stepped inside of the tent.

In the tent, Chrom, her father, was standing by the main table, a map of Ylisse strewn across the top. He seemed to be deep in thought, he made the usual face when he was about to make an executive decision. Lucina could see several flag posts stuck onto the map. These wooden spikes would be used to indicate an enemy base or an area that deemed ready for conquest. The ones marked in blue meant the area had already been won over. On the map, there were six indicators. Five were blue. The other was red.

Lucina had talked enough with Robin to know that when there was a red spike on the map and her father made that face of his, there will be a resulting battle.

But that made Lucina wonder even more. The war was over. All Grimleal posts and opposing vanguards were gone. Opposition should be minimal to nonexistent with the fact that Grima was gone. But it had only been a day.

It felt much longer though...

"Ah, Lucina." Chrom said, his face brightening up. "Good to see you awake and moving."

Lucina nodded and stood next to her father. "What have we here?"

Chrom put his hand on the map. "Thanks to the information Zexus has given us, we were able to pinpoint several Grimleal and Grimleal Advocate strongholds."

Lucina raised her eyebrow. "Who is Zexus?"

"That would be me."

Lucina turned and saw that she hadn't noticed the man standing there the entire time. His presence in the tent was nearly identical to Kellam's in the mess hall at that moment, she was surprised.. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and he wore a brown hooded cloak. He had long silver hair that was long overdue for a trim and had piercing ashen eyes. It was a rare color.

"M-my apologies." Lucina stammered, doing a quick bow. "I-I didn't notice..."

The man, Zexus simply waved his hand. "It's fine. I'm not too strict with formalities."

Lucina looked at him for a moment. At first glance, the man resembled a simple ruffian. If it wasn't for his face, everyone else would have probably thought the same.

"I'm sorry, but who exactly are you?" Lucina asked. The moment those words left her mouth, Lucina bit her tongue. Her words carried a bite. A caustic bite that lashed out at the listener at the other end. Lucina wished she had been softer in her tone.

"Lucina..." Chrom said under his breath, his eyes had become concerned at her tone. "You shouldn't be so brusque."

Zexus shook his head, smiling. "It's fine. Anyone in her disposition would be same if not worse... I'm sorry for your loss milady."

"Why I-" Lucina was taken aback. How did this man know? "How do you know that?"

"Talk of the camp as of late." Zexus said. "Everyone mentioned how they didn't see you for most of the day. They all assumed you were keeping to yourself in your tent... I won't pry any further into the matter, milady."

"Ahem," Chrom cleared his throat and got their attention. "Anyway, first order of business. Zexus, if you would please."

"Alright." He said, making his way to the map. "You see here that there are blue and red spikes on the map."

"I already know what they mean." Lucina said. "What's with the red one?"

Zexus grinned. "My my, you seem to know more about this strategy board than you look. That's good."

"My husband was a tactitian..." Lucina said. "He told me the basic ropes of how it works."

"Then it should be easier for me to explain." Zexus said, rubbing his hands together. He cleared his throat. "Today, your father and his group were ambushed by a group of several brigands a little bit off the ways of Southtown."

Lucina looked at her father, her eyes wide. "Father! Are you-"

"I'm fine." Chrom said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Just listen to Zexus."

"Long story short, I came before anything too drastic happened." Zexus said. "And I was employed by your father."

Lucina looked at Zexus and at the board. She looked back at Zexus. "And how does this relate to the red spike on the map?"

Zexus grinned. "As it happens, I am a drifter and I know the areas around the country quite well. And it's brigands you're looking for, I know where to find 'em."

Lucina brought her hand to her chin. "So you're saying that this red spike is supposed to be a brigand camp?"

Zexus shook his head. "Not only a brigand camp. It's a junction between the Grimleal and the bands of ruffians that wander around. It's a perfect area to employ a critical strike."

Lucina looked at the red spike and back at her father. "So is this where we are going to go next?"

Chrom shook his head. "Not all of us. Zexus suggested that we send two recon teams to scout the area out and report back to us. Then, we send a forward strike unit to quell all opposition."

"I see." Lucina said. "Have the teams been decided?"

"That's why I called you here." Chrom said. "Or for that matter, why Zexus asked for your presence."

"Huh?"

"Milady, I will be leading one of the recon teams. Commander Chrom has already spoken to the members under my leadership and they will meet up with me shortly. I wanted you to be here because you will be in the other team."

Lucina took in all of his words. "And who will be leading that team?"

"Among this group you have here, there is a rather bright and brilliant tactician. I believe she will be a perfect leader for that team."

"You don't mean..." Lucina muttered.

"Her name is Morgan I believe."

Lucina was at a loss of words. Her daughter was going to be a tactician for a recon team. And Lucina herself was going to be under her leadership. Lucina wasn't mad she was being placed underneath her daughter. She was rather exasperated over a different reason.

"Don't you think Morgan is a tad-bit too young to lead a group?"

"She's almost as old as you currently Lucina." Chrom quipped.

"That's not my point father! She's inexperienced. I'm worried of her sake as well as the other team members."

"She'll do just fine..." Zexus said.

"And how do you know that?"

"She got my attention today while being ambushed. No regular person will be able to do that."

"I still don't get your point..."

"My point is that she is a LOT smarter than you give her credit for."

"She's my DAUGHTER Zexus. If there is anyone in the Shepherds that knows Morgan, that would be me."

Now, Zexus looked as if he were at a loss of words. He turned to Chrom.

"You didn't mention to me that Morgan was her daughter..." He hissed.

Chrom looked surprised as well. "I thought you knew... Seeing that you put Lucina under her leadership..."

Zexus looked hotly embarrassed. "Well... I... Uh... This is awkward..."

"Well?" Lucina said, raising her eyebrow.

Zexus shook his head. "The plan still sticks. Morgan will be leading your group. She'll need the experience if she wants to be a great tactician."

Lucina sighed. There was no more use protesting. Zexus' words did carry some merit. If one wanted experience, they would have to work for it.

"Alright." Lucina reluctantly said. "How are the teams going to be like?"

Zexus pulled out a rolled sheet of paper. "The teams will be consisted of three members including the leader. Any size bigger will be too much to manage in a recon mission."

"Will a strike team be ready on stand-by?" Lucina asked.

Chrom nodded. "I will be leading that force myself. We will be waiting from a manageable distance ready for your mark."

Lucina thought hard one last time. "What happens when the recon teams are compromised?"

Zexus and Chrom looked at each other. Zexus turned to Lucina. "In the event something like that happens, a team should send one member to where the strike team is located and alert them. Reinforcements should arrive shortly."

Lucina nodded. "So, Morgan and I are in one team... Who is the other member?"

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Brady walked out of the mess hall, leaving Inigo and Morgan alone. Holding empty bottles in his hand, he went a nearby waste bin and tossed the bottles inside. Dusting his hands off, he went sat on a nearby stump, looking towards the sunset sky. It was nice for change, to have a leisure day after all the fighting throughout the war. It was tough, the war, but at least he found his parents.

And now, with the war over, Brady couldn't help but wonder what else was in store. The Shepherds had spent so much time debating on what to do when Grima appeared, it was chaotic. People were scared, Brady was scared, and so were many of the other Shepherds. But through Chrom's leadership and Robin's calculative wit, they persevered.

And when the final battle came, they won.

It's hard to believe that it was only yesterday.

It felt like years.

Robin's absence truly left a lasting impact on the Shepherds' camp. People weren't laughing as much anymore. Brady hadn't seen Lucina all day. She wasn't present at the council meeting with all the others. And after that meeting, she was nowhere to be seen. Tharja too. She simply disappeared after she said her piece at the meeting. She was supposed to be in charge of weapons maintenance today. With her not present, Brady would have to fill in for her.

He sighed and stood up, stretching his back a bit. He walked towards the barracks.

As he walked, he remembered what Inigo was telling him.

How they were cornered in a forest.

How Morgan was taken hostage.

And finally, how that guy, Zexus, managed to come at the right moment and save them.

It was quite the miracle, Brady agreed. Stuff like that doesn't happen right of the blue. The more he thought about it, the more it bothered him. Brady couldn't pinpoint what but something didn't fit right with him.

"Good evening, Brady." A soft, warm voice said to him.

Looking up, he saw Libra, the war monk. He was holding a healing staff and gave Brady a warm smile.

"Hey Libra." Brady replied, waving his hand. "Where you off to?"

Libra lifted his staff. "I'm off to the sick bay. There are still some wounded members that need treatment."

"Do you need help?" Brady asked.

"That would be delightful."

Brady nodded. "After I'm done with the equipment maintenance, I'll head on down there with my staff as well."

"That would be most appreciated. Thank you Brady."

Brady nodded and waved Libra good-bye. He continued to walk down towards the barracks. As he was about to lift the open the door to the room, he heard someone running. He turned and saw a blue-haired figure rush past him.

"Oh hey Lucina. Haven't seen you all day."

The figure turned, seemingly out of breath. Hunched over, she mumbled a greeting.

"Hello… Brady…" Lucina said, in between pants.

"Why the rush? Your dad give you a new chore to do?"

She shook her head. She caught her breath and spoke. "No. I just need to find my daughter."

"Morgan?" Brady said.

She nodded. "Do happen to know where she is?"

Brady shrugged. "Last time I saw her, she was in the mess hall with Inigo."

"Okay tha- wait a minute."

Brady lifted an eyebrow. "Somethin' wrong?"

"My daughter. In the same room. As Inigo."

"Yep." Brady replied. "At least I suppose-"

"ThankyouBradybye."

And she ran off again.

"Huh…" Brady wondered aloud. "Wonder what's gotten into her?..."

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Inigo, folding his outer coat, put his coat underneath Morgan's head. She burrowed her head into the coat similar to what she did with Inigo's thigh. He rubbed his thigh sorely, finally free from Morgan's iron grip. He sighed.

Geez… She looks like a delicate girl but once she sleeps, she latches onto you like what Nowi does to Gaius…

"Ow…"

It didn't help that his legs were already sore from all the walking. What Inigo wanted the most right now was to probably go to take a nice warm bath. His mother, Olivia, told him that there were some good springs around the area. He probably would have gone out to take a look around if he wasn't so darn tired.

Suddenly, the doors to the mess hall were thrown wide open. Inigo jumped at the sudden break in the silence. In the doorway stood an out-of-breath Lucina. She didn't look too happy.

"Oh hey Lucy." Inigo said, waving.

"I told you not to call me that." She said, making her way towards him.

"Sheesh." Inigo said, rubbing his head. "One way to receive a greeting…"

"Where's my daughter?" Lucina asked, walking amongst the aisles.

"She's right here." Inigo said, pointing next to his side. "She's sleeping."

"What did you do to her?" Lucina demanded.

"Whoa, whoa whoa!" Inigo said, standing up stiffly, his arms up halfway. "I didn't do ANYTHING to your daughter."

"And why should I take your word?"

"Your girl's been out cold for a while." Inigo said. "She's had a long day."

Lucina squinted at Inigo.

"Why is it that when I am alone with someone's daughter, they automatically assume that I am going to things to them? Let alone talking…"

"Why you ask?" Lucina said, folding her arms. "Because you can't keep that overly-flirtatious mouth of yours shut for more than twenty seconds."

Inigo shook his head. "If you think I did something weird or whatever, just ask Brady. He'll back me up. And if you are even more doubtful, go ask Tharja, she'll do a quick check-up on her… Hell, bring both of 'em."

This time, Lucina shook her head. "Never mind… I guess I'll just have to take your word for it."

"That's new…" Inigo said. "Normally you'd go get those two."

"Well, this isn't a normal time Inigo."

"Huh, tell me about it."

"Ah forget it…" Lucina said, she turned to Inigo and directly met his eyes with hers. Inigo felt as if her eyes were drilling holes into his head. "I need to discuss important matters."

"Okay." Inigo said, getting up from his seat. "I'll just leave you to your daughter then."

"With you."

"… and make sure she gives me my coat ba- wait what?"

"I need to tell you something important."

Inigo sat back down. "Well this is new… Even more new than that-"

"Yeah yeah. Just stop talking would you?"

Inigo shut up.

"The thing is…"

Inigo nodded.

"Morgan, you, and I are being assigned for a rather critical recon mission will be initiated in about… an hour."

"Say what now?!"

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(A/N): Poor, poor Inigo… Never has a chance for anything… or anyone…This is making up for that week I took off from writing. Sorry guys… Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it! Leave a review or something! It helps me help you! Well, I'm done talking.

Until next time,

~SAYONARA~