When word reached the Shepherds of someone impersonating Chrom, they quickly determined that something had to be done about it. Frederick was able to send them in the right direction, but the group was said to be heavily armed. However, that was not likely to be much of a problem for them especially with Robin at the helm.
Personally, Chrom was probably the least concerned by this development, but he could understand how it could be problematic to have someone sullying his name. Honestly, he was just looking forward to a nice evening of relaxation, but it seemed that that would have to wait.
He mentally prepared himself as they approached the field where the imposter's forces were waiting. Another battle. Just because he was good at it, did not mean he enjoyed it. He was sick and tired of war, yet it seemed to follow him everywhere he went.
Chrom grit his teeth and clenched Falchion's hilt. Self-doubt was unlike him. Only at his most vulnerable would he ever dare let it show. He was their leader, they would win. Of that he had no doubt.
"Shepherds! To arms!"
Chrom once again found himself lost in the flow of combat. It happened from time to time when he was feeling a little low. He would often plow ahead when in such a state as he did not think, he just fought. Fortunately, Sumia, Lucina, Robin, or whoever happened to be nearby at the time would watch his back.
He was so invested that he simply did not care as the dirt, sweat, and blood caked over his features making him harder to recognize at a glance. He cut a swath through the enemy line until he was beset by a pegasus knight. She was rambling about something, but he paid her no mind. Instead, he focused on knocking her out of the sky.
She was surprisingly skilled, but when he was like this, few could stand in his way. With a swift blow as she swooped down to attack, he easily dispatched the pegasus. She refused to give up though as she charged valiantly with her lance, but in the end, Chrom was too good to be bested by a grounded pegasus knight.
She was injured, but refused to give up. Sighing, Chrom marched forward to finish it, but before he could, he found himself face to face with his daughter.
"Father, stop!"
"Wha–" he pulled back as he caught his bearings.
"Cynthia, are you okay?" Lucina quickly turned her attention to the girl.
She knew her. Why did she know her?
"Lucy?" she looked up weakly at the princess, "I found father."
Lucina said nothing in response and called for a medic. Father. She said father. Chrom's world began to spin as everything fell into place. He was instantly pulled from his warrior's rage. Lucina carried Cynthia away as Chrom stared on with dead eyes.
"What have I done?"
The imposter was defeated, but Chrom had contributed little after that. He quickly made for the medical tent after the battle was over, but he did not go further than the entrance out of shame. Lucina was already there and Sumia was not far behind him. He dared not say a word. Lissa said that she would make it, but still…
How could he look any of them in the face? He was reckless. He should have stayed with the group and he should have seen the signs. What kind of a father was he?
The leader of the Shepherds remained uncharacteristically distant the rest of the evening, though none could really blame him. He avoided everyone late into the night. He did not feel like sleeping at the moment anyway. His wanderings eventually led him to outside of the medical tent. She was hopefully asleep by now, but he needed to see her.
Finally getting a good look at her, he could definitely see her mother in her which just made his heart wretch all the more. She was peacefully asleep which gave him some peace, but his thoughts were still plagued with grief. What if Lucina had not stopped him?
"I'm sorry," he knew that she could not hear him, but he had to say something, "I'm so sorry. I don't know if you can ever forgive me, but I truly am sorry. I should have been more careful," he gave a loathsome scoff, "Guess everyone was right, I am far too reckless."
"Dad?" she stirred, "What are you talking about?"
"Cynthia! I–"
"Why are you apologizing?" was she awake after all?
"Cynthia, I almost killed you."
"Well, I was fighting on the wrong side, you had no way to know."
"That's no excuse," he shook his head, "I should have been more careful."
"But you were just being a hero like you always do. I was the one who goofed. Besides, I'm fine."
There was something wrong about the child consoling the parent to him, "Cynthia–"
"No! I won't hear anymore of this. You're a hero dad! Even the best heroes make mistakes. I don't blame you, so why should you blame yourself?"
"Because you're my daughter and I love you. If I had–"
She smiled a little, "I know." They sat in silence for a few minutes, "You know, if you really want to make it up to me, you could always call me by the nickname you gave me when I was little. I'd love to hear you say it again."
"Oh, and what would that be?" If it made her feel better, he would do almost anything.
"Call me your Pega-Pony Princess."
"Er," well, that qualified as almost anything, "I love you, my Pega-Pony Princess."
It was embarrassing to even utter those words, but to see that smile on her face made it all worth it. He was just glad that she did not hate him. All in all, things could have been much worse. He was grateful that they were not, but he would have to more careful in the future.
At least he did not have any more children that he did not know about…probably. Maybe he should talk to Lucina about that.
A/N: Idea courtesy of Qorilazo.
Well, it looks like Then and Now is next. I'm still trying to settle on what point to actually start the story in the timeline since I probably do need to build up Robin and Lucina's relationship first. At least to some point.
