Of Sacred Blood.
After their first battle against their new enemies, one which Cassandra narrowly avoided a critical injury, the Shepherds needed ships if they were going to have any hope of surviving another war. And much to their disdain, they had no choice but to ask Plagia for help, since they were the only ones with enough wealth to fund such an campaign. No one liked it, but desperate times calls for desperate massures.
Chrom, Cassandra, Robin, and Frederick are walking down a castle-like hallway.
Aversa meets them partway "Greetings, Prince Chrom and queen Cassandra. Plegia welcomes you".
"Aversa!" Chrom said, doing his best to keep his hand away from his sword
"Somehow I am not surprised to see you again" Cassandra said.
Aversa smiled "What can I say? It seems fate has designs for me yet".
"You serve the new king, then? This... Validar?" Chrom asked.
"I do" Aversa answered.
"They say he worships Grima..." Frederick said.
"Why yes, of course he is Grimleal. We are both believers. My liege often says it was his faith that got him through, after Gangrel's passing. It was a difficult time... But he kept order where there might have been chaos. We had meant to arrange an official visit to Ylisstol, but—Ah, here is my lord now" Aversa said as she looked behind her.
Validar approaches "An honor to finally meet you, sire. I am Validar, king regnant of Plegia".
"The honor is mine, good king. ...Is it possible we've met before some... Gods! It can't be" Chrom said as he suddenly recognized the man.
"Oh ho, I'm quite certain I would remember any encounter with Ylissean royalty" Validar said.
Chrom whispering "Psst! Robin!".
Robin whisper back "I know! He looks just like the assassin that came after Emmeryn...".
"And you must be Sir Robin" Validar spoke.
Robin looks at him "You know of me, sire?".
"The whole world knows of Ylisse's master tactician! And indeed, I see the sparkle of wisdom in your eyes" Validar said.
Chrom whispered again "But we killed him, Robin!".
"I know but... The resemblance... it's uncanny..." Robin whispered back.
Chrom was trying to wrap his head around it "How could he possibly-".
"My, the negotiations haven't even begun and already so much whispering..." Validar said, but did not sound offended at all, he was clearly expecting this.
"...My apologies, King Validar. We meant no disrespect" Chrom said.
"Chrom? What should we do?" Robin asked in a whisper.
Chrom whispers back "Nothing for now. But stay close, and be ready for anything...".
"Then let us get to it" Validar said.
"Plegia can offer no soldiers, but will provide 800 warships and 200 transports. In addition, we would be pleased to fully fund the campaign against Valm" Aversa said.
Frederick narrowed his eyes at their suspicious willingness to help "That is... surprisingly generous of you, milord. We could not ask for more, quite literally. You offer most all your assets...".
"I would give troops as well, but our army remains in shambles from the last war. I trust the gold and ships will suffice as a sign of our commitment to the cause?" Validar askd.
"Of course it will. Thank you, King Validar" Chrom said, forcing himself to be respectful.
Validar smiled "The honor is ours, my prince. I look forward to building a strong bond between our two nations".
"As do I. Then, if there's nothing else? My men and I must hurry back to Port Ferox" Chrom said.
"Oh, so soon? But I have one more introduction to make" Aversa said.
"...Yes? And who would that be?" Chrom asked.
"A hierophant, the highest of his order in Plegia" Validar answered.
The hierophant approached, he was a hooded figure in Plegian robes.
"...So you lead the people in worship? We were just discussing religion earlier..." Robin said, but the figure said nothing "...I'm sorry, have I said something to offend you?"
The man was silent before he finally spoke " The heart still sleeps, but the blood flows through it. And the blood is strong...".
Robin looked confused "Huh? Beg pardon, were you talking to me?".
Frederick decided to speak "Good hierophant, I would ask you to lower your cowl. In Ylisse, it is a courtesy expected of one in the presence of royalty".
"You are a long way from Ylisse, sir. ...But very well..." The hierophant pulls back his cowl. Chrom, Cassandra and Frederick react in shock when they saw the hierophant looks identical to Robin "Is that better?".
"What?!" Robin said in utter shock.
"By the gods!" Chrom said.
"His face..." Cassandra trailed of.
"What matter of sorcery?" Frederick asked.
"He looks just like... me" Robin said.
"My name is Robin. Oh, and that was YOUR name as well, wasn't it? What a strange coincidence..." The man said.
Validar fought the urge to smirk "Why that IS rather curious, now that you mention it... What are the odds? In any case, I believe we are finished here. We will let you be on your w-".
"Hold just one moment!" Chrom demanded.
"Milord?" Aversa asked in very fake confusion.
Chrom glared "What is the meaning of this? Why do your hierophant and Robin-".
Aversa interrupted him "I'm afraid we've no time for such trivial matters now, Your Highness. We have aid preparations to attend to, and you have a long, hard journey ahead. Oh, and do be careful on your way back to Port Ferox. This time of year the highroads of Plegia can be quite treacherous...".
"I bet they are" Cassandra said, what little faith she had in making peace with Plagia was all but gone.
Later that night, Cassandra could not sleep at all. The situation had only gotten even more stressful... And she couldn't stop thinking about her baby back home. She was now even more worried that she wouldn't survive long enough to get back home to her child. She sighs as she walks outside her tent and watched the stars.
"Can't sleep either?" She looked and saw Chrom walk up to her.
"No... This is all just... to much..." Cassandra answered as she looked down.
Chrom hugs her from behind, which she gladly accepts "I know what you mean. Just being here is hard enough, but seeing Robin's look alike... I hoped Plagia had changed, but it feels like they as treacherous as ever".
Cassandra nods in agreement "Yes... And it feels like our chances of making it back to our daughter is-".
"Don't! Don't think like that" Chrom quickly interrupted "We will make it back to her, one way or the other".
"Sorry... You're right. I'm just... I miss her Chrom... I miss her so much" Cassandra said.
"We both do. And once this war is over, we will head straight back to her and this time we will make sure we can raise her ourselves" Chrom said.
Cassandra smiled and they kissed... but the moment was ruined when they heard shouting... It sounded like Robin. They quickly rushed in the direction of the sound and found Robin holding his head.
"Robin! Robin! Are you all right? We heard shouting" Chrom said.
Robin gasps in pain "Nngh... Ahh... Ahh... I-I think so... Yes, Chrom, thank you. I'm... I'm fine".
"You are anything but fine. What happened? Why were you shouting?" Cassandra asked.
"...King Validar, he... He spoke to me... in my mind. He said I was his... his son" Robin answered.
Chrom looked shocked "What?! ...Is this true?".
"I don't know... But I also don't know it's a lie. Loath as I am to say it, I felt a... a strange connection, between us" Robin answered.
"Oh, gods... That hierophant doppelganger... Could he be the king's son, as well? Are you twins?" Chrom asked.
Robin rubs his head "I... I'm sorry, Chrom. I can't remember... But if I'm being honest... it would explain much... I'm not even sure I want to know the truth of my past anymore".
"You are yourself, before you are any man's son. Remember that" Chrom said.
"He's right, Robin. Even if you are Validar's son, you've proven yourself many times that you are our friend. And we trust you" Cassandra added.
Robin smiled "Thank you, Chrom, Cassandra".
"Can you walk?" Chrom asked.
"Yes... yes, I think so" Robin said.
Frederick run up to them "Milord, My lady! We are under attack! Risen have encircled the camp!".
"But... we posted sentries! How did this happen?" Chrom asked.
"They made a stealthy approach, milord. I've never seen Risen behave like this. Either they are learning our ways, or someone is commanding them..." Frederick explaind.
Chrom growls "Validar! This is his doing—I'm sure of it. Equip anyone who can bear arms, and tell them we fight for our lives!".
"I knew he couldn't be trusted!" Cassandra said in anger.
Suddenly a large flock of crows shows up.
"Wh-what's that? A storm of... crows?! Gods, it's upon us!" Chrom said as he tried to wave away the crows.
"CAW! CAW! Are you folks lost? Or perhaps a lost CAWs? Heh ha!" Came the voice of a young man.
"Who's there?! Show yourself! Gods' breath, I can't see anything through all these damned birds! Shoo! Scat! Away with you!" Chrom said.
The crows all disperse, revealing the young man "What's wrong? CAW-strophobic? Nya ha ha! Oh, I slay me!".
"Not if these Risen do it first! This is no time for japes! Hide yourself, boy!" Chrom demanded.
"You know, I thought you were all right... Turns out you're all FRIGHT! Nya ha ha! I'd wish you good luck killing these monsters, buuuuuut... They're ALREADY DEAD!" The boy said.
"We are well aware!" Chrom said, already loosing patience with the boy.
"The ravens wanted me to give you a message. "Caaw... C-caw-caw." Roughly translated, it means... Hmm, now what was the human word for that again? ...Traipse? ...Tripe? Oh, TRAPPED! Right! ...They say you're trapped" The boy said.
"We know, damn it! Gods... Where did they all come from?" Chrom asked.
"Well, see, when a mommy zombie and a daddy zombie love each other very much... Nya ha ha!" The boy laughed.
"Perhaps I should save the Risen the trouble and silence you myself" Chrom said.
The boy raised his hands "Hey, wait! I want to join your CAWs—I mean, I can help you! I know magic! What do you say... Birds of a feather and all that?".
"Those robes... A Plegian dark mage? ...Why would you help us?" Chrom asked.
"Oh, don't let all the joking around fool ya—I've got kind of a thing for killing. Most funny people do, you know. The two things must be linked somehow. Ever talk to a jester when he's off duty? Those guys are some sick dastards! Oh! Those ravens also said to keep an eye on those fortresses. If you're nearby when more monsters emerge, it could CAWs quite a stir!" The boy said.
"Enough with the damn puns already! Who are you?" Cassandra demanded.
"Oh, my named is Henry. You should watch the ravens, they like lady clothes" The boy named Henry said, and it was hard to tell if he was joking or not. For his ravens' sake, he better be.
The battle against the surrounding Risen began. It was rough thanks to everyone having been caught of guard, but they did manage to push the Risen back. Chrom approached the Risen Chief, who glares at him.
"Grrr...kill...prince... kill... queen... Bwaaarg!" It roared as it attacked Chrom.
Chrom blocked it's strike before kicking it back and retaliated with a strike from his sword. The risen blocked his strike and they began trading blows and blocks. The Risen Chief was deadlier than the rest, so Chrom had to be careful and not let his guard down. They entered a blade lock which the Risen was slowly winning thanks to it's inhuman strength. However, Robin blasted it in the back with a spell, giving Chrom the chance to finish it of.
"Kill...priiii...agh..." The Risen said before it vanished.
Chrom let out a breath "That's the last of them. Gods, I thought it might nev-".
"Chrom, look out!" Robin shouts as a Risen Assassin appears between them.
"Huh?! Ah!" Chrom said, having no time to react.
"Father, no!" Marth runs up and knocks Chrom aside to block the Risen's strike. The Risen growls and teleports away "Thank the gods you're safe!".
"...You called me Father" Chrom said.
Marth gasped, realizing her slip up "Did I? I... Perhaps we might speak privately?".
"Perhaps we should, yes" Chrom agreed.
Chrom and Marth are standing together a ways apart from the rest of the group.
"I don't even know where to begin" Marth began.
"I already know you're not Marth, though I've nothing better to call you... But I'll ask nothing of you that you don't wish to reveal. Whoever you are, Ylisse owes you a debt beyond repaying" Chrom said.
"Thank you, but... I think I would prefer you know the truth" Marth said.
"As you wish" Chrom said.
"Here. Look closely, and all will be made clear" Marth takes a breath to steady herself, then steps foward to look Chrom directly in the eye, stifling a sob.
A startled Chrom gasps when he realizes that in her left eye she bears the Mark of Naga - exactly as his baby daughter does.
"That's the Brand of the Exalt..." Chrom as he realizes who Marth truly is "Lucina..." He looks her over and sighs, his gaze dropping to Falchion where it hangs at her side "You deserved better from me than one sword and a world of troubles. I'm sorry".
Lucina's eyes well up with tears, which spill down her face. She looks down, sobbing. Chrom reaches up and wipes them away with his thumb. Lucina looks up at him and breaks down in tears before hugging him tightly.
"Oh, Father!" She cried. Chrom holds her as she cries into his shoulder "Father...".
They remain like this for several minutes. Once Lucina had gotten her built up emotions out, they finally pulled apart.
"Better, Lucina?" Chrom asked.
Lucina nods, wiping her eyes "Yes. Father... I'm sorry. It just all rushed back at once".
"Father..." Chrom repeated.
"Should I call you something else?" Lucina asked.
"No, it's just strange to my ear. ...I like it" Chrom said as he smiled.
Lucina smiled back "...Father! Heh heh...".
"Hah! Yes, it will take some getting used to!" Chrom said.
"I'm sorry, Chrom?" They looked and saw Robin, Cassandra was with him.
"Hmm? Oh, Robin. What is it?" Chrom asked.
"It's just that... You two are out here alone, and Marth is...crying. This is how ill rumors are born" Robin answered.
"I trust you, Chrom. But you better explain yourself before I crush your head with my butt!" Cassandra said, clearly getting the wrong idea.
Chrom gulped, knowing full well Cassandra would carry out her threat if they didn't tell her quickly "I think we should tell her, Lucina".
Lucina nods "Of course".
"Wait, did you just call her Lucina?!" Cassandra asked.
"Cassandra, this is going to come as a shock, but... I'll just say it: This is our daughter" Chrom answered.
Cassandra was silent for a moment "...WHAT?! What kind of excuse is that?!".
"It's true, Cassandra. Please, look closely. Prove it with your own eyes by looking into mine" Lucina said.
Cassandra walked up to her and looked straight in to her eye "That... That's the Brand?!".
"The same Brand carried by all House Ylisse's bloodline" Chrom confirmed.
"But that is Lucina's pattern..." Cassandra noticed.
"Do you see now?" Chrom asked.
"No, I don't! This is impossible. Lucina was born only recently, what happened to our baby!?" Cassandra demanded, looking ready to panic.
"Calm down Cassandra. Your baby is perfectly safe in the palace. I am from another time. A time that has yet to be" Lucina explained.
"A time yet to be? You mean... the future?" Cassandra asked.
Lucina nods "Yes, more than 10 years hence. After history takes a dark and most destructive turn...".
"But why? What happens in the future?!" Robin asked.
"The fell dragon, Grima, is resurrected. His roar is a death knell for man, a scream that silences all hope... Death everywhere..." Lucina answered.
"Chrom? ...Our whole company? All of us? Dead?!" Robin asked in shock.
Lucina looks down "...Yes".
"I...I don't know what to say" Robin said.
"A tale that beggars belief, and yet the truth of it stands before us. She carries Falchion, my same sword. And the same sword the first exalt used to defeat Grima long ago" Chrom said.
"Your blade and mine are one, Father. It was... It was all I had left of you" Lucina said.
"There is only one Falchion, Robin. I believe her" Chrom said.
"Yeah, and so do I! Heck, I saw her COME from the future! She fell right out of the sky! I've never seen anything like it..." Lissa remembered.
"Thank you, Aunt Lissa. Naga, the divine dragon, feared mankind would face Grima again. In preparation for that day, she devised a ritual. It allows one to return to the past and alter events already written. I made the journey with others, but... we became separated" Lucina said.
"Don't worry, Lucina. If they're out there, we'll find 'em!" Lissa said.
"Hold on. You said all of us died in the future... What happened to me?" Cassandra asked.
Lucina flinched as the painful memory returned "In my timeline, your battle with that monster, Astaroth... ended with you suffering a serious injury to your arm, which rendered it useless for combat... After that you were unable to continue in the war and was sent home... And thereby weren't present when father died".
"No..." Cassandra whispered, knowing she failed her husband in the future was very painful... And had Lucina not saved her from Astaroth when she did... history would've repeated itself.
"After father's death, you forced yourself to rejoin the war, despite your injury... you did your best, but the Risen were endless... but the war took it most devastating turn when the Azure Knight Nightmare joined" Lucina said.
"The Azure Knight? I thought he was only a myth" Chrom said.
"He is very real and very dangerous. Once he showed up, the war became unwinnable..." Lucina said before looking at Cassandra "You... gave your life to save me from him".
Cassandra looked shocked by what she had just heard "This... this is a lot to take in... and it sounds unbelievable and yet... I believe you... So you really are my daughter?".
"I swear on my life" Lucina answered.
Cassandra walked up to her and touched her face "So, this is who you will grow up to... You have your father's hair, but you definitely have my face. You are beautiful".
"Thank you, Cassandra" Lucina said.
"Why don't you call me mother?" Cassandra asked.
"I-I thought you would mind" Lucina said, a little embarrassed.
Cassandra almost laughed "Why would I mind that? You are my daughter, my beloved child. If this is who you grow up too, then I am very proud of you. And I can say for certain my future self felt the same".
Lucina began sobbing "Mother!".
She hugged Cassandra hard, and Cassandra quickly hugged her back. It had been so long that Lucina had almost forgotten how warm her mother was.
"I've missed you more than you'll ever know..." Lucina sobbed out.
Cassandra smiled as she rubbed her back "I'm here now, Lucina. And this time, I ain't going anywhere".
Lucina cried in to her mother's chest refusing to let go, which Cassandra didn't mind. After so many years of nothing but pain and hardships... Lucina really needed to feel her mother's love again.
.
Tell me what you think.