Lucina found her uncle's studies to be one of the most curious places in the entire castle. Unlike the rest of the castle that was always kept in a spot clean and orderly state (thanks to the fanatical efforts of Guard Captain Frederick), Robin's studies were always cluttered with huge stacks of tomes, maps, and other miscellaneous items. Despite the apparent chaos and litter, her uncle never seemed to have any difficulty with finding whatever he needed. When asked about his apparent ability to navigate through his messy room, he would stubbornly claim that it was not messy at all, but there was a system of which only he could make any sense of.
Whatever the case, Lucina enjoyed visiting his studies in order to see what strange things he had stored. The contents of the room seemed to change every week or so, except from the air that always remained the same, the heavy scent of old books. A constant that Lucina found soothing.
This time however, the little princess did not visit her uncle in order to satisfy her curiosity.
''Why can't you come with us?''
Lucina asked while sitting atop on a stack of tomes, there were proper chairs in the room of course, but they had been occupied by other bundles of books and various items, And Lucina didn't want to ruin her uncle's system by moving things around. Opposite her, Robin sat at his working desk, diligently working on something that Lucina could only guess was important.
''Because it's not proper…''
Robin answered, his focus not moving from the papers that he was in the process of reading and occasionally writing a few lines.
The young princess pouted at this, annoyed that her uncle didn't seem to offer her much attention.
A heinous crime, especially since it was her birthday!
''Why not?''
She pressed; This time her uncle removed his gaze from his papers. Her insistent questioning seemed to amuse him somewhat.
''Because my dear in an event as important as your birthday, it is only proper that only the exalted family should be present when the royal carriage makes it rounds around the capitol. Thousands have gone to the street to congratulate you and your family. Not some foreign stranger that have served your father for only a few years...''
Lucina tilted her head. She couldn't understand her uncle's reasoning.
''But you're family! You're my uncle!''
At this, he gave her warm smile.
''I thank you for considering me as such, but to the common people we are not related, and it would be strange if I were present while you greet your people.''
Robin made a dismissive wave as to signal he would have no more discussion about it.
''Worry not my dear, you would see me again later tonight for the feast. For now, just enjoy your day, pay me no mind.''
Sounds of activity could now be heard outside the windows of the study, Robin rose from his seat and moved towards the open window. Something seemed to interest him greatly as he motioned her to follow, Lucina jumped down from her improvised chair and with hasty steps moved towards her uncle. She was too small to see outside the windows by herself, but Robin gracefully lifted her up to the windows.
The drawbridge to the castle had been lowered, and huge crowds of people began to move across it. There was a joyful atmosphere in the air, the crowd was clearly eager to celebrate the birthday of the heir of Ylisse.
''Look Lucina, look how many people have come to cheer for you.''
The young princess was awed by the sight, she didn't even know a dozen of these people, yet here they were in their hundreds or maybe thousands to celebrate her birthday.
''They love you because they love your father. It's has been a hard-earned love.''
Robin paused as if contemplating on something.
''Did you know that it was a time that the people despised your family?''
Lucina was shocked and shook her head. No, she did not know, but then again…
She could vaguely recall her history lessons about how her grandfather had nearly ruined Ylisse with his wars against Plegia, and how much grief it had caused her family. So much that her late aunt forsook taking part in any aggressive policies even as Plegia raided their borders. Her father had to take up arms where his Exalted sister had refused, and started a war that would cost her life.
''…The people even threw stones at your family. It was uncertain times, your late aunt Emmeryn and later your father has done much to later prove themselves to the people. It's by their tolls that Ylisse has peace and prosperity, and by doing so have re-earned the trust and love the people had for your family.''
Robin then let her down, and bended down to her height. His crimson eyes radiated as usual with a glow that was only matched by her parents.
''Remember Lucina, respect and authority are earned; Not inherited nor should it be expected on the whims of one's station. A good leader acts with confidence with the goal to ensure the protection and prosperity of their people, even if that path is not always easy or clear.''
At this Lucina nodded.
''I'll remember that uncle! I'm going to be a good Exalt, like father!''
Her uncle gave her a strangle sad smile.
''I have no doubt that you will. You have the making of a great Exalt my dear Lucina. You're so like your father; You're a strong and smart girl, and I have every confidence that you'll weather whatever the world will throw at you…''
Back then those words made her swell with pride and joy, but now it only it only gave a vile taste in her mouth.
He never meant any of it.
Empty platitudes that were thrown to an innocent child that didn't know she was in the presence of a truly evil man, masquerading as a caring uncle and friend.
She and her family were nothing to him.
Nothing but fodder for his god, nothing but tools to be used and discarded as the situation demanded.
Nothing…
Lucina and her companion's intervention proved decisive in breaking the raid of the village. By going after the bandit leader first, they sowed confusion and disorder amongst their ranks. While Lucina's band only numbered five heads, the speed and skill of the future children made the bandits believe that they had been attacked by an entire company and immediately began to flee instead of offering battle to these new assailants, despite the fact that they still outnumbered their foes at least six to one.
It was after that a simple question of hunting them down as the bandits routed. Some of the outlaws tried to abscond with a few captured villagers in tow, but Lucina made a point of going after those slavers first. The villagers may be Valmanese, but for Lucina it didn't matter; No one deserve to suffer a life of slavery or whatever foul intentions these outlaws planned.
As she watched the remnants escape into the safety of the nearby forest, Lucina could only regret that Noire and Nah was not with them. Noire could take a few more of these outlaws with her bow, while Nah could have flown overhead and burn them as they tried to reach the forest.
But for now, Lucina would take comfort that they had reduced their numbers to such a degree that they would be foolish to try something similar in the future.
It felt good, to swing her blade in protection of something like her father. It was all she ever wanted to do; it was her entire purpose.
The villagers for their part were grateful for their assistance, offering them food and a bit of coin. Seeing how the villagers had little enough already, Lucina refused and merely asked them about the area, in an effort to gather some further intel about the valmanese army.
What they heard was both troublesome and interesting. The villagers had no love for the Conqueror, for he had forcibly conscripted most of their most able-bodied men and left them essentially defenceless against the outlaws. That was the reason for the Conqueror's massive army size, he had practically emptied the entire continent of its manpower by force. Yet Lucina also knew that this most likely meant that his army, while huge, was brittle. With so many involuntary conscripts, it would be unsustainable in the long run.
It was a sledgehammer built to crush their opponents quickly, powerful yes, but clumsy.
She asked Laurent to document as much as he could before turning her attention to her recently discovered companions.
Lucina felt relieved that she could finally account for everyone that managed to go through the portal.
They did not seem to have suffered any wounds from the battle, and Lucina noted with some satisfaction that they also were in good health.
Unlike Lucina and her current companions, the other four were fortunate to arrive in the past with only a few months difference between them. They had found each other quickly and survived by working as mercenaries in Valm, while staying clear from Walhart's army.
Gerome was as stoic as ever, greeting her with an indifferent tone, even so Lucina knew he was happy to see them; it was just not in his nature to show much emotion. If nothing else his wyvern Minerva spoke on his behalf by playfully nibbling her nose close to Lucina.
In stark contrast, her cousin Owain greeted her with his trademark dramatic flair, citing how their paths was ''fated to align'' and how this reunion would ''burn away the darkness that had engulfed this troubled land''. Lucina could not always understand her cousin's way of speaking, but she always appreciated his enthusiasm, even if others (like Severa) found it annoying.
Inigo greeted her with his usual flirty attitude of which Lucina was quick to ignore. While he did come with some very charming metaphorical descriptions of her. Lucina also knew that he would say the same thing to the next girl that would catch his fancy. Lucina did not mind however, Inigo might seem like a shameless womanizer, but he was at heart a good man.
And then there was…
''LUCY!''
Last to greet her was her own little sister Cynthia, who had just landed with her stead, having flown overhead in order to ensure that the bandits were truly gone from the area.
With her usual energic mood, Cynthia jumped at Lucina and embraced her in a powerful hug that almost pushed both of them down. Not that Lucina would have minded and was just as eager to return the greeting.
As the two ended their embrace, Lucina noticed something very different with her sister; Her light brown hair not unsimilar to their mother. It was clear that she had her hair dyed.
''It was Gerome's idea! He said that my natural colour would only attract unwanted attention, it being rare and all. But doesn't it look great!? It's just like mother!''
Lucina could only agree to this and silently thank Gerome for his foresight, the last thing she needed was her sister exposing herself to needless danger. Lucina would never forgive herself if something were to happen to her little sister.
The two groups spent some time catching up, as they left the village and began to move back to the Ylissean camp. Severa wasted no time berating especially Owain and Inigio on various things from their ''reckless'' way of picking fights to how unseemly their state of clothes was. It might sound troublesome, but Lucina was not concerned. It was Severa's way of showing that she cared. Those three had always been close.
As for her other companions, they were content with exchanging some basic pleasantries before the subject soon moved to the most important matter at hand.
''So, events are still moving in a direction that similar to our own time…''
Inigio stated after Laurent had given them a summary of their current progress.
''Indeed, and given our current predicament. We'll be unable to do much more before the conclusion of this conflict. Until then we need to gather proof against the chief tactician, so that we might expose him before it is too late.''
Laurent concluded.
''…Or failing that simply kill him after we have dealt with the Conqueror.''
Kjelle added bluntly.
Lucina had expected that it would be it, and at first it seemed that everyone agreed with their current course of action. All except one...
''This is folly…''
Eyes turned towards Gerome, who had remained strangely silent for the most part.
''What do you mean Gerome?''
Lucina asked. Gerome turned towards her; His features concealed behind that mask that he always wore.
''I mean that this meddling of the past is futile. Look at you; All this time and what? Nothing, things are proceeding as it has done…One way or another. The future does indeed seem absolute…''
At this Severa angrily strode towards the masked man, moving so close that she was only inches away from him.
''Are you saying that our mission is pointless!? I for my part are not going to just lay down and die! If things are so futile, then what in the seven hells are you doing here?''
The wyvern raider remained as stone.
''I came here so that I might reunite Minevra with others of her kind. I owe her that, she has served my mother and me faithfully, and deserve to spend the last of her time in the company of other wyverns…before the end comes for us once again…''
Lucina was tempted to smack the wyvern rider for that, but it would not get them anywhere and certainly not get Gerome to get back in line.
Gerome once again cast his gaze to the bluenette and continued to speak.
''I have done my part. I have been with the others until that we're all reunited, and now that you're; You won't have further need of my services. I'll take my leave now…''
Kjelle moved to intercept Gerome before he could mount Minevra.
''You stay here your coward…''
Gerome in response made a move to unsheathe his axe, while his Wyvern made a threatening growl. Before things could escalate, Lucina interrupted.
''That's enough! Kjelle let him go!''
The knight begrudgingly backed off.
''Gerome. I trust that you would do nothing to betray or endanger our mission?''
The wyvern rider made a curt nod at this.
''Fear not, I vow that I won't do anything that might jeopardize your goal. And while I believe it to be fools errant, I do wish all of you the best of luck.''
With this he flew away.
''You should have not let him go. We need all the help we can get.''
Kjelle said as soon as Gerome had flown away from eyesight.
''I don't believe in forcing anyone to do anything they do not wish to do, just as I won't force anyone of you to follow me if you do not want to.''
She turned towards the others.
''That goes for all of you! If anyone has any doubts about our mission here, leave now! Go and find whatever refuge you can in this world! My father always believed that we are the architect of our own destiny. And so do I! I challenge my fate! I intent to fight for a better future no matter the odds!''
She took a moment to gaze each of her companions. There was no sign doubt amongst them, only a determination that mirrored her own.
''Are you with me?''
At this each and every one of them responded in their own way.
Brady, Severa and Kjelle with a simple nod or grunt.
Inigio with a graceful bow.
Owain with a long and complicated monologue which of course was his convoluted way to say yes.
Laurent adjusted his glasses before saying how it was only logical for them to at least try to change the past.
Her sister Cynthia gave her another hug.
''Of course we're with you sister! After everything we have been through! We'll always have your back! Now and always!''
At the moment Lucina felt again like the little girl that looked out of the window on her birthday and saw how all of Ylisse had come to cheer for her.
They may not have been many now, but they were her people.
And she in turn vowed to protect them, just as her father had once done.
As always thank you all for reading!
Next chapter will be from Aversa's POV.