Jack watched a familiar scenario play out for him, as if the entire war council was on a timer, and when it struck zero, the usual players would say their piece, and then they would adjourn until they set out. He stood amongst the Emblem podiums, looking more full than ever, and he did feel a small sense of comfort being among so many 'old friends'. Despite that, however, his thoughts were drawn to what the others were saying, even as his mind still felt misty and unfocused.

"-and they should be here within the week. We'll have Firene's best knights backing us up," Alfred said. "And I really think we should wait for them, you know. I understand we want Sombron gone. Everyone in Firene would agree with that. But if we pursue him right now, there's no telling what kinda weapons he could have."

Jack shrugged. "More planes. Tanks. Trucks. Cars. Explosives. God forbid, nukes."

"Hm. What is a 'nuke'?" Lumera asked curiously.

Jack stared at Lumera and the others for a few seconds before sighing.

"Probably the greatest weapon ever conceived by my people," Jack said, rubbing his forehead. "And I mean 'great' as in 'big and powerful and terrible'. It's an… explosive device that essentially brings the heat of the sun down to the surface. People close to the blast are etched into the ground as permanent shadows, but they're the lucky ones."

"I hesitate to ask, but how are they the lucky ones?" Diamant questioned, scratching his chin.

Jack shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not a nuclear physicist, so I couldn't tell you the particulars. All I know is that anything within a few miles' radius is doused in something we call 'radiation', which basically turns everything you know about yourself and plays with it like a kitten with a ball of yarn. It's kinda like a dark magic curse, except there is no cure. You either wait out the effects, or wait until your organs fail because your body doesn't remember how to build you anymore."

The room was quiet after that, understandably so. Still, they needed to know what they could be up against. If Sombron got his hands on nukes, they could basically kiss their chances of getting out of the war alive goodbye. Jack knew that Sombron had no feelings for Elyos, no lingering hatred - at least, from what he remembered - but that didn't mean the snake wasn't capable of spite, and he'd probably destroy Elyos completely if given half a chance, whether by magic or technology.

"Is there no way to counter this weapon?" Ivy asked quietly.

"Unless you happen to have defense systems from Earth stashed away somewhere in Lythos or the Somniel, I don't think so," Jack replied, "I will say this, though: the fact we're still here proves that Sombron doesn't have this kinda weapon. He might have others that he'll find in Elusia, but he has no way of deploying a nuke, and even if he did, he'd have to figure out how it works lest he blow himself up. I'm not sure how dragons will stand up to a nuke to the face, but I doubt he'd like it."

"He's already 'died' once," Alear pointed out with a grumble. "Somehow, I doubt that'd be enough to stop him."

"Well, the point is that if he had them, he woulda used them already, right?" Timerra pointed out, her hands on her hips. "I mean, hey, we're not out of the wastes yet, but doesn't mean we're outta water."

"I still think pursuing Sombron as we are now wouldn't be the right call," Alfred said, crossing his arms. "Like I said, my mother's reinforcements should be here within the week, and it'll take a while for Sombron to prepare his own forces, too."

Alear looked from the four royals, to Lumera, and then to Jack before he took a deep breath.

"We will wait until Firene's reinforcements arrive. Once they do, we'll send orders to the Brodian and Solmic armies at the border, and we'll crush Sombron's armies together."

"As you command, Alear," Diamant said, "I will draft a letter immediately, and send it once Alfred's troops have arrived. I imagine Princess Timerra will do the same."

"Yup! Or, at least, whenever I get around to it," Timerra said, rubbing the back of her neck with a cheeky smile on her face."

"Alright then," Lumera said, "then I suppose this meeting is adjourned. I, of course, will be joining you in the coming battles; I have had a tiring time standing on the sidelines. It is time for me to return to the battlefield in force."

"Mother… are you sure?" Alear asked, trepidation entering his voice. "I realize that you're likely more experienced than me when it comes to battle, but still, I…"

Lumera giggled. "Why, are you worried for me, my child? Rest assured, I am tougher than I look. And with Veronica on my side, I can ensure a steady supply of help, even if I am not in an active combat role."

Jack took in a deep breath.

"That reminds me," Jack said, "where's Veyle?"

Jack had no illusions about what the Ashborn were. Of course, how could he deny them? American soldiers, or maybe even soldiers from other countries, with their bodies broken down into ash with some part of their souls still inside. It was horrifying to even look at them, let alone hear them talk in that garbled language of theirs, if it could even be called a language.

Yet still, he wanted to know for certain, and no doubt Veyle snagged a few from Sombron's lines when she used her staff.

Thankfully, she wasn't far from the ruins of Gradaegis. She stood among a small group of blue-eyed Corrupted and at least three Ashborn, though their change in allegiance wasn't as obvious as the Corrupted, considering the lack of any discernible eyes. Jack took a deep breath, letting the cool evening air in before he moved forward.

"Hey Veyle," Jack said, waving a hand at the petite Fell Dragon. "You, uh, got a lotta use out of that staff, huh?"

It was only then that Jack noticed that Alm was walking around, inspecting the converted Corrupted troops with a wary eye. Jack couldn't blame him; even though they were jerking around and screaming like normal Corrupted, they still looked strange and otherworldly. They were severely outclassed by the Ashborn, though, what with the tatters of U.S. Army uniforms on them as they stood about like golems.

"Hi, Jack! And yeah, I have. But, well, I can only guess why you decided to come see me," Veyle said, looking to the Ashborn. "So, these people were the soldiers of your world? They're wearing… really strange outfits."

"More for camouflage than protection, I think," Jack said, before shrugging. "At least, that's what I can intuit. I was never part of the military. Dad was, but, well…" Jack coughed into his fist. "Where's Mauvier?"

"He's helping the refugees who have been displaced from the attack," Alm answered, walking beside Veyle before turning his gaze to the Ashborn. "These things remind me of the Entombed. Only the Entombed never spoke."

"I'm actually hoping I could get something outta them," Jack said, "Do you mind if I… just, try to talk to them?"

Veyle shrugged. "I won't stop you. I couldn't get anything out of them, but they seem to still follow any orders I give them."

Jack nodded before stepping forward. He stood in front of one of the Ashborn - a bit shorter than him, with a slightly more prominent skull poking out of ashen flesh. He listened closely, and he could've sworn he heard mumbling.

"Can you hear me?" Jack asked.

There was no verbal response, but the Ashborn shivered slightly.

"Hmm," Jack hummed, rubbing his chin. "Tap your thigh if you can hear me."

The Ashborn's right hand tapped against its thigh twice with a jittering, uncomfortable-looking motion that caused Jack to wince. It did it several times before it seemed to stop itself.

"Is there anything we can do for you?" Jack offered. "Anything at all? Just point to something."

The Ashborn's head reared back, a low, rumbling moan echoing from its lipless maw before it hunched forward, completely still.

Jack rubbed his temples, turning away for a moment before trying again.

"Alright, maybe we could try… speaking again? You guys spoke before, so-"

"James Bennet, Sergeant Major, 4234-34-398-9876. James Bennet, Sergeant Major, 4234-34-398-9876. James Bennet, Sergeant Major, 4234-34-398-9876, James Bennet-"

The voice was garbled almost beyond Jack's comprehension, but he could somehow hear the words loud and clear. He could feel the color draining from his face as he turned to Veyle, who looked on with wife violet eyes as the others began to speak as well.

"Daniella Patterson, Private First Class, 5743-11-234-7834. Daniella Patterson, Private First Class, 5743-11-234-7834-"

And then the third began speaking, and their chorus nearly drove Jack mad.

"Fernando Alvarez, Corporal, 2571-68-098-1198. Fernando Alvarez, Corporal, 2571-68-098-1198-"

Jack's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he realized what was happening - it was a dim memory, from a game of all things, but it horrified him to the point that he immediately drew his sword.

"I'm going to kill them!" Jack said, "Stand back!"

Veyle did as Jack said, as Jack immediately sliced through the first Ashborn with ease, ceasing its repetitions before he did the same for the other two, as quickly as he could. There was one thing Jack knew he heard, from the edge of his hearing.

"Thank you…"

Jack took deep breaths after the Ashborn crumbled to dust, rubbing his forehead and realizing that he was sweating. Veyle gently came up beside him, looking down at the piles of dust.

"W-what was that?" she asked.

"That's something a soldier does when they're being tortured for information," Jack replied grimly, standing up straight and sheathing his sword. "Or just interrogated. I think… I think NATO did that, but I can't be entirely sure. Point is, they were doing it, and I already felt wrong talking to them like that. Veyle… can you, uh, never convert those guys? I don't think, even without whatever power is controlling them, that they'll ever resemble the people they used to be. It's better to just… just kill them."

Veyle nodded, hugging her staff closer to herself. Dimitri appeared beside her, his gaze locked on to the piles of ash.

"What sort of… monstrosity would do such a thing to someone?" he asked, crossing his arms. "This is an abomination beyond abominations. They should not exist."

Jack snorted. "I mean, on the one hand, I agree with you. On the other, that seems… really harsh. It's not their fault they're like that. It's Sombron's."

Dimitri nodded. "Yes. I understand that. I apologize for my harshness, but as you no doubt know, desecrating the dead is… not something that is looked kindly upon in my homeland."

"I doubt there are many places where it is," Alm said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Back in Valentia, when the dead were rising from their crypts, very few had the stones to try and attack them. Even if they were shambling corpses, maybe some of them were family, and that was too much for some folks."

Jack looked at his sword. "Good thing I don't have that compunction, then. These weren't my family, but they were my people all the same. I… I don't have any illusions about returning to where I came from. I'm basically Elyosian through and through now. But seeing the soldiers of my people reduced to this, it's sickening. You're right, Dimitri; it's an abomination. And I won't stand for it."

Taking a deep breath, Jack continued, "Sombron will pay for this. I swear it."

They would be leaving Lythos just as soon as Queen Ève's troops arrived from Firene, and from there, it would be a straight invasion of the lands of Elusia. Or what was left of them after what Sombron had likely done to the remainder of the people.

Even with all of his undead and new weapons, Jack doubted that Sombron's armies would be able to stand a three-pronged attack courtesy of every nation on the continent. Maybe he was wrong, and Sombron and Zephia had one more trick up their sleeves that they just hadn't shown yet. The minute Jack thought that, he cursed himself for jinxing the whole invasion.

All of that was far away from Jack's mind, however. There were still a few more days until they set out from Lythos, and he wanted to check in on someone who had participated in the battle against Sombron, however briefly.

Jack found Lionel in the plaza of the Somniel, with Seadall nearby. Corrin and Tiki were talking excitedly between themselves, and Jack felt bad for interrupting what looked like a good moment between all four of them. Nonetheless, perhaps out of selfishness, he wanted to make sure that Lionel was okay. Or, at least, doing better.

"Interesting conversation going on here," Jack said, walking forward. "Mind if I cut in?"

"We were actually just talking about you," Seadall said. "I wanted to thank you for giving Lio that Bracelet. He says she's done wonders for him."

"Speak for myself- I can speak for myself, Seadall," Lionel said, laughing as he rubbed his lips with the palm of his hand. "I can speak for myself. Still not good enough for it too much but I'm getting better. Tiki is… really peppy, Jack. Was she like that in the… stories?"

"Stories? There're stories about me?" Tiki said, bobbing up and down in place. "Oooh, what do they say? Please don't tell me it's a slumbering princess story. I hate those."

"Aw, but I like those!" Corrin said. "Those were always my favorites. Used to put me right to bed back in the Northern Fortress."

Tiki crossed her arms, trying to look more adult, if Jack had to guess. "I've done enough sleeping, thank you."

Jack nodded. "They're very heroic and captivating, I assure you. And, well, it's good to know you're doing a bit better, Lio. I saw you take a chunk outta Sombron back during the battle. That was you, right?"

Lionel let out a grumble as he nodded in turn. "I did. I had to do something and it was the only thing that came to mind. Maybe not the only thing, but the only thing that made sense. I haven't- I haven't had a terrible attack since you gave me the Emblem Bracelet, Jack. I know it's definitely too soon to say for certain, but I feel… better. I can't explain it."

Seadall held up a hand. "I don't believe you have to explain it, my friend. I am just glad that you are well and safe. For the moment."

"'Friends'? Seriously?" Jack scoffed. "You two ogle each other every chance you get."

"Well, I was thinking about calling him 'my love', but somehow, it didn't sound right," Seadall admitted.

"I think it's adorable," Corrin commented.

"Here here!" Tiki added.

"I don't want to hear about that, Jack," Lionel said, looking down at Jack from the bridge of his nose. "I see how you and Ivy look at each other when you think no one is spying on you. It's as if everything outside of you two completely ceases to exist. You know she's a princess, right?"

Jack nodded. "Uh huh."

"Do you know what kind of hissy fit the nobility of her country will throw when they catch wind that their sovereign is kissing and making googly eyes at some foreign commoner?" Lionel continued.

"What nobility? Most of them are dead," Jack replied.

Lionel blinked before shaking his head. "Fair enough. Didn't expect to hear that."

Jack shrugged. "Most of them were in league with Sombron, so who knows how many of them are even still alive."

"Sombron…" Lionel said, rubbing his forehead as he looked away. "I want him dead."

"You and I both," Jack said, taking a deep breath. "You didn't see it, Lio, and I'm glad you didn't - but I went to have a… 'chat' with some of the Ashbron that Veyle was able to turn to our side. They… we don't have any Ashborn on our side anymore. And if you come across any, just kill them. There's nothing that will bring them back and they're definitely in absolute agony. Okay?"

Lionel raised a brow at that, looking to Seadall. "Taking your word for it, Jack. I didn't expect to be able to change an ash zombie's mind, but now I know I can't and shouldn't. They're enemy soldiers now. With guns. We gotta kill them as quickly as possible. We gotta."

"Those weapons your people have," Corrin began, mumbling to herself for a few seconds before continuing. "The only thing that even closely resembles them are the mobile ballistas from my word, and even then, those were giant. Every single one of those spindly, blackened thorns has the power to kill from a fair distance. A few of them can kill an entire squad of seasoned knights, it seemed."

Jack shrugged. "And now you know why there're no real knights in our world anymore."

"That's not the reason why there're no real knights in our world, Jack-"

"In any case," Jack continued, "I have no idea how many guns have ended up in Elyos, or how many weapons from our world have arrived here, period. I just hope I'm right and Sombron doesn't have nukes, or doesn't find them. There's very little we can do against that."

Lionel nodded, frowning. "Sometimes I almost feel ashamed having come from the U.S. Or even Earth come to think of it."

Jack let out a sigh. "Yeah, me too."

"C'mon, champ, you can do it! Walk to dad! I'll catch you if you fall, don't worry."

Jack clapped his hands as he knelt to Connor's level. The sun hung high over the Somniel, though there were very few people around at its southernmost tip. Jack made sure that the fences were sturdy - and he had to admit, seeing the remnants of Veronica's map strewn about the perimeter made the Somniel feel a lot bigger than before. Still, better safe than sorry. Jack wasn't sure what the castle attendants were teaching Connor, but if Jack had to guess, he was approaching a year old, and just barely able to walk.

"Da!" Connor gurgled out.

"That's right! Dad's right here!" Jack chuckled, patting his chest. "You're gonna have to walk to him, son. C'mon! I know you can do it. I believe in you!"

Connor took step after clumsy step, and Jack couldn't be prouder as he slowly but steadily made his way to him. So much so that he couldn't help but smile. Finally, when Connor was within striking distance, Connor held his arms out as if for a hug.

"Da-da!" Connor said, a bit more clearly as he hopped forward, and Jack caught him, laughing all the while.

"Yeah, da-dad! See, you're even talking! Well, maybe not really talking, but you got the spirit, kid," Jack said, hugging Connor tightly for a moment. "What the hell have I been doing all this time, Connor? I should've never left you with those mean people in the castle, huh? Maybe not mean, but they weren't your dad. I'm sorry for that."

Connor tilted his head. "Ma?"

Jack looked around. "Where? I don't see her."

"You saw me very well, Jack," Ivy said.

"Hmm, must've been the wind. You seeing things, son?" Jack asked, as Connor pointed behind Jack's shoulder.

"Ma! Ma!" Connor protested.

"I… did not know how much I would enjoy being called that. He's really cute…" Ivy whispered, partially to herself, Jack guessed.

"Well, get used to him, 'cause he's coming with us," Jack said, turning around finally with a big goofy smile on his face. Connor began to suck on his thumb as Ivy approached. "I… really have to thank you for what you said. I can barely even remember why I was so scared of the lil' tyke. Look at him! Look at him, stare into his eyes - he's great and I won't hear anybody say differently."

"Jack, I am the last person to try and contradict that," Ivy replied, deadpan. "I don't know how to explain it, but ever since he and I were introduced, I can't help but try to spoil him. Is that bad?"

Jack shrugged. "Under another context, maybe. But if you're willing to be the mother figure in his life, who am I to complain?"

"Oh, good, it is nice to know that I serve such a utilitarian purpose," Ivy deadpanned again.

Jack shrugged. "Only the best for my boy."

"Ma!" Connor reached out his hand, grasping at Ivy. "Ma! Ma!"

"Mind if I take him for a moment?" Ivy said, holding her arms out.

"Just don't drop him. He's a tough kid but not that tough," Jack said, wincing at his own words. "Okay, that one was bad. I'll stop now. Sorry, son."

"Da."

Ivy quickly took Connor into her arms, and he giggled as Ivy looked down at him with a soft smile on her face.

"There we are. Much better now, hm?" Ivy cooed. "Look at this little man. He's growing so fast. I half expect him to be leading the kingdom in a few months."

Jack heard an unanswered question in what Ivy said, but he decided to leave it alone. There would be a time and a place to discuss the line of succession, and that time was not it. Still, looking at Connor and Ivy, he could feel his heart soaring to new heights. He realized he loved them so much that his chest could burst. To that end, he couldn't help but gather them both up in a hug. Ivy let out a confused yelp before a harmonious chuckle left her lips.

"Someone is feeling greedy today," Ivy whispered.

Jack stepped back a little, but he kept his arm around Ivy. "Well, I don't see you complaining."

"Why would I? This is the most content I have felt in many, many years," Ivy replied, rolling her shoulders. "I feel a back massage could do me wonders, but I suppose this domestic scene will have to do."

"Later? I can do that later," Jack said, rubbing his chin with his free hand. "What do you think, Connor, should I do it?"

"Da!"

"He said yes," Jack said. "And I can't argue with the boy."

Ivy scoffed. "He doesn't even realize what he's saying, Jack."

"Says you. How do you know what's going on in his head?" Jack said, smugly. "He's smart and he knows it. He doesn't have to prove himself to you."

"Oh, you are just being impossible today," Ivy grumbled. "You had better make this up to me later, Jack. I expect to be treated like the princess that I am."

"Oh, so now you're going to bring the princess card out? I see how it is. I told you, Connor - women are evil," Jack said, patting Connor's head.

"Ma."

"I believe that Connor specified that you are, in fact, the problem here, Jack," Ivy said, smiling smugly at Jack. "You should work on your behavior. You're teaching him bad manners."

"Me? I'll have you know-"

"Da!"

"Not now, Connor, I'm arguing with your step-mom," Jack replied, "I'll have you know that I am the absolute model of good behavior. I haven't even made one bad joke today."

Ivy hummed. "That's a shame. I quite like your bad jokes."

You- Really?" Jack asked.

She looked at Jack, her eyes half-lidded. "No."

Jack stopped himself from stumbling back in shock. "Connor, you need to use those tiny legs of yours and run. Your step-mom is wicked and will destroy us both."

Ivy laughed at that. One of the few times Jack had heard her laugh as she hugged Connor tighter. "Oh please! Do you actually believe I am being serious? By the Divine One, I love these games we play. I could do this all day."

Watching Ivy holding Connor, a big, wide smile on her beautiful face, and Jack knew that, no matter what happened, no matter where he went, wherever those two were was home.

Maybe someday, he would return to Earth and show his parents what became of him, but until that day, he would be content.

A brief glance at domestic life. Fun times! I am the master of mood whiplash.

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