Chapter 26: Parents' Mistakes

Through the wooded forest trail, a small group of four marches in the midday sun. Leading is Helmholtz, his armor clanking with every step, behind him is Robin, hood up and Abbados by his hip, and to the back are Emmeryn and Chrom. The former wears a cloak over her robes and a hood over her head while her brother wears nothing over his armor.

His eyes are plagued with bags of restlessness and his posture reflects as much. His shoulders slouch, his feet drag, and his head is cast down. Emmeryn looks at her brother with worry, Robin looks to his friend with sympathy. Robin slows his pace to fall back to Chrom.

"You haven't talked much since we left the castle," Robin comments, "Even less so since this morning. Is the thought of your family troubling you?"

Chrom lets out a tired sigh as he continues to stare at the ground, "Yes…"

"I see," Robin comments, "Worried about what they'll think of you?"

"Yes…" Chrom answers.

"My advice, don't," Robin says, "On the slim chance they don't accept what you've become, you can always prove them wrong. The much more likely outcome is they love you and want to help you."

"Chrom?" Emmeryn pipes up.

"What?" he groans.

"From what I can recall of mother, she was a very kind woman, one I have worked very hard to be like," Emmeryn comments, "I'm sure she loves you no matter what

"She left Crusas," Chrom hisses, "Whose to say she won't be disgusted that I've become more like him."

A silence surrounds the group and Robin makes his way back up to Helmholtz with a sigh. Emmeryn remains with Chrom with a gloom cast about her expression, "I never want you to doubt I love you Chrom."

Chrom remains silent.

Emmeryn's worry grows as she bites her lip in ponder, "So… as prince, you have a noble title in Ylisse."

Chrom groans, "I really don't care for the politics of this country.

"Oh, I wasn't thinking about you joining the royal court," she panics, "I was just wondering of you would want me to declare your title to the Halidom. Would you prefer going by Prince Chrom in Ylisse?"

"I don't know," Chrom cuts the conversation.

"It would be just as well if you continued as, Sir Chrom, as you have been as well if you are more comfortable with that," Emmeryn tries again to start the conversation.

"I don't know," Chrom replies with more force.

"I was just thinking that since Chrom is such a common name of your generation that you may want to have a title that stands out from all the others," Emmeryn reasons.

"I don't know, okay," Chrom snaps at her, "Right now my whole life is a confusing mess. I find out I have the worst father in history, that have a sister that's the princess of the nation I fought against in the last war, and I have more family that I cannot for the life of me remember holed up somewhere in this obscure forest village. I'm a little busy trying to figure out how I'm supposed to take all of this to think about what people call me or whatever."

"Chrom… I only want to help you with…"

"Please, stop…" he groans, "The best way to help at the moment is to stop giving me more things to worry about."

Chrom hastens his step and overtakes Robin and Helmholtz on the path. As he rounds a bend in the trail, he collides with someone else. Chrom stumbles back but the other person is knocked down by the collision. Chrom shakes his head out and sees his unintended victim. They have long blond hair, a flawless complexion, and wear thick, white robes.

"By Grima…" Chrom mutters under his breath, "I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going. I didn't mean to…"

"Peace, good sir," they hold up their hand, "It was an accident, nothing more. I take no offence."

Chrom helps them up as the rest of the group catches up to him, Helmholtz grows a bit of a grin, "Fate and fortune never cease to light our way."

"Are you alright you two?" Robin asks, "What happened, Chrom?"

The newcomer's eyes grow shocked as they inspect Chrom from head to toe, "By Naga's Grace… I never thought the day would come. I can't believe your back, Chrom."

Chrom's eyes grow wide, "Do I know you, mam?"

There's a pregnant pause that ends with this stranger's laughing, "Oh my, today is full of surprises. I never thought that I'd hear you tell a joke as long as I walked the earth. Though, I have grown out my hair a bit since you left, thank you for noticing."

Chrom remains frozen with a puzzled look on his face as Emmeryn steps forward, "I assure you that this is no jest. My brother has lost his memories and we are on an urgent quest to find our lost family. Please, I implore you to help us."

The laughing once again stops as the newcomer looks upon whom they are addressing, "Princess Emmeryn!" they bow their head, "I apologize, I was not aware you and your brother had been reunited. I expected there to be some grand proclamation made throughout the country. Forgive me for my offenses."

Emmeryn gestures to lift up their head, "There are no offenses. I only ask that you aid us as best you can, Miss…"

"Libra, my name is Libra," he replies, "I am the head monk of the town's sanctuary to Naga."

"Monk?" Emmeryn and Chrom yelp.

Libra laughs it off, "It's quite alright. I fear this will be far from the last time that I am mistaken for a maiden. However, is it true, Chrom, you've lost your memories?"

Chrom nods to the worried man, "I'm afraid so. I'm sorry, but I cannot remember who you were to me Libra."

Libra puts his hand on his shoulder and looks his outfit over, "It's quite alright. To be honest I'm taken aback by your appearance… You've taken up Grimleal worship I see."

"What?" Chrom queries, "Oh, no. I'm a soldier of Plegia. That's where I had my injury and where I was found. I'm not particularly religious."

"The irony of that statement given your current occupation is tremendous," Robin jests under his breath.

Libra smiles a bit, "It seems some things never change at least. Come with me to the sanctuary. It's not far from where you mean to go."

The group looks to Helmholtz and he nods, "As close as a mountain's peak to the clouds of sky."

"I take it you're their guide to this far off place?" Libra asks.

"Having been through, I thought it noble to lead the wayward loved one's back to their family," Helmholtz answers.

"Then I must thank you," Libra praises, "You've no idea the joy you bring."

Libra leads them down narrow road as Chrom inches away from Emmeryn and towards Libra, "So… How did I know you?"

Libra lifts his head towards the sky for a moment, "I've known you since you came to this village. Your mother was very adamant about staying hidden away from the kingdom and I aided the two of you the best I could. I've watched over you since you were four years old, Chrom."

"Really?" Chrom replies, "I can't imagine what I was like at that age."

"A typical boy really," Libra answers, "No amount of noble blood can change that, I'm afraid. Although, you were the ringleader of the local children from the moment you became a part of the village. They'd follow the brave and strong Chrom anywhere he went. It was adorable to say the least."

"I never really saw myself as the leader type," Chrom admits, "I'm a much better follower than I am a leader."

"And what is it that you do in the Plegian military, Chrom?" Libra asks.

Chrom averts his eyes, "I'm the Captain of the Royal Fell Guard."

Libra chuckles, "A born leader no matter what you do."

The two continue to talk as Emmeryn and Robin listen from behind, "It's true," Emmeryn comments, "He would always rally what other children he could to go on adventures in the palace as a boy. Usually it ended by slaying an imaginary dragon or two, sometimes father would play the role."

Robin smiles as ideas run through his head, "I wonder if Cynthia and Morgan will play like that when their a few years older. I think I'd make a convincing dragon for them to fight," the joy fades from his face as the words leave his mouth, "They may be forced to as adults…"

Emmeryn puts a hand on Robin's shoulder, "Things will work out Robin, just as they did when we saved your father."

Robin takes a deep breath and nods to her, "You're right, I will make it so."

Libra and Chrom continue their chat as Helmholtz, Robin, and Emmeryn keep to the rear of the group. They walk at a steady pace until they come upon a white church, decorated with Naga's heraldry. Libra waves to the clergy tending the grounds as they approach.

"Thank you for leading us here, Libra, which way might my family's dwellings be from here?" Chrom asks.

"It is just a bit north of here, however, you needn't go there yet, there is someone here who would love to meet you, assuming she hasn't snuck off to torment the other clergy with pranks," Libra chuckles to himself.

"Pranks?" Chrom mutters as he rubs his temple.

"Chrom?" Libra frets.

"Sorry, headache," Chrom replies.

Libra nods, "Very well, follow me."

The group does as requested as the monk opens the doors to the church. Chrom lags behind as his headache recedes and walks up the building last. Priests and clerics roam about the main hall, doing chores and studying with one another. Libra looks around the hall and his eyes settle on the blond hair and yellow dress of Lissa, sweeping the area around the podium of the chamber.

"Lissa could you come here a moment?" Libra calls out.

"What is it, Libra?" Lissa leans the broom on the podium and rushes to him, "If this is about what happened in the kitchens the other day, I told you that wasn't my fault."

"No, no, I've brought someone who you might want to meet," Libra says.

"For the last time, Libra, I do not need your help finding a boyfriend," Lissa huffs.

"That's not quite what I meant Lissa," Libra sighs as Helmholtz leads the group into the church.

"Helmholtz?!" Lissa lights up, "What are you doing back here? Libra, do you know Helmholtz?"

"I fear not," he replies, "We've only just met this morning."

"Indeed," the massive man adds, "My mission turned course since last we spoke together. My aim is now centered on seeking correction to faults of the tapestry of fate, having found one of those I cherish most."

"Really? You mean you found your family then?" she inquires, "Is that who you've got with…"

The sight of Chrom as he enters the doorway of the church stills her tongue. Lissa brings her hands over her mouth as her eyes tear up and her face grows red. Chrom's eyes become teary, as he brings his hand to his temple and rubs his head. His eyes blink like a bird's wings in flight as the two look lock eyes with each other. Chrom steps forward into church as the other clergy continue their duties.

Chrom swallows the lump in his throat and reaches out his hand to her, "L-Lissa…"

Lissa puffs up as she marches towards Chrom, tears spilling out, "You… You big meathead!"

A slap from Lissa stings Chrom's face and staggers him, "Chrom?!" Emmeryn gasps.

Lissa's hand trembles and her lip quivers as wraps her arms around Chrom and squeezes, "You came back… I never thought you would."

"Lissa… sister…" Chrom mutters as he wraps his arms around her, "I'm…"

Emmeryn covers her mouth this time, "Sister? Then, what of…"

"Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Lissa cries in Chrom's shoulder, "Especially when the war broke out again a few years ago, you were Naga knows where as the Halidom was thrown into chaos. I always worried that you'd get killed and I'd never know."

Chrom's tongue refuses to move as her listens to his sister's sobs. She buries her head into his chest as Chrom pulls her close, wrapping his arms around her as well, "I'm sorry, little sister. I'm sorry to make you worry like that."

Emmeryn sees the display and steps closer towards her siblings, "Don't," Robin commands in a whisper, "Give them their moment together."

…

"Frederick tell me what's put you in such a mindset?" Phila demands.

"It is simply a concern for your wellbeing and for the future," Frederick answers, "I have gone over it several times over in my mind and I believe that the cost of both of us being absent from our son's life is too great for the family to endure."

"Your recent actions tell me otherwise," Phila counters back, "You've been home for a total of ten hours within the last week, Despite Emmeryn being gone and having Sir Cy in prison where he belongs."

"Phila, it is merely an effort to sure up the castle's security in preparation for the departure of our forces," Frederick explains.

"And then there's the way you've been so cold to Cyrus," Phila snaps at him, "Even when he's crying for you, you refuse to even look at him. He was the most precious thing in the world to you and now you look like you want nothing to do with him. I'm done asking nicely. If you truly care about the well-being of this family, then stop lying to me and tell me what is going on!"

Frederick bites the inside of his cheek as he looks upon his fuming spouse, pondering his next words carefully, "I understand what this must look like… And any answer that you're thinking is much simpler than what's really going on…" he takes a deep breath, "I don't want Cyrus to be influenced by me more than he has to."

"Frederick," Phila growls, "We've been over this, your habits can only be a good thing on…"

"No," Frederick cuts her off, "They will make him into a remorseless killer. A machine of nothing but hate and spite ever evolving his dangerous skills."

Phila steps back at the words he's speaking, "You make it sound like Cyrus will turn out like some crazed murderer."

"No, not crazed," Frederick replies, "Incredibly sane, and deathly effective at his craft."

"You speak as though you've seen it," Phila comments.

"I have, Phila. We both have," he answers.

…

"So, you really have no memory of anything before your accident?" Lissa probes, "B-But you remembered who I was."

Chrom puts his hand on her shoulder, "It's a bit unreliable, but I seem to be able to recall things from my past when I come into contact with them or hear something that reminds me of them. I can't remember our time together, but I know who you are and what you mean to me, little sister. I could never truly forget you."

Lissa skips ahead of Chrom with an embarrassed blush, "Geez who turned you into a mush spewing grown up?"

"Well, much has changed," Chrom answers, "You've changed too, I'm sure."

"How would you know that?" she counters, "You've been gone for years."

"Well, you're an aunt now, for one," Chrom jabs with a small, playful smile.

Lissa's eyes grow wide and she trips over her own two feet, "W-What?!" she shouts as she scrambles back up.

"It's true," Chrom laughs back, "I'm a married man, and a father of one beautiful little girl, Lucina."

"M-Married!?" Lissa blurts out, "How? Who? Why? What!? I have a niece!?"

Chrom laughs at his sister's breakdown, "Really, is that so hard to believe?"

"Yes!" Lissa exclaims, "You never so much as winked at a girl before you left. Every girl had a crush on you, but you never noticed, even when they tried to kiss you. You were utterly hopeless when it came to love."

The embarrassment turns Chrom's cheeks red, "I was that bad, huh?"

"You were so dense that I thought you could block an arrow with your skull," Lissa jests, "But we loved you anyway, you meathead. More importantly, what's her name? What's she like? Is she some buff knight or something?"

Robin stumbles laughing at Lissa's last question as Chrom's cheeks tint red, "Well… Cordelia's sweet, hardworking, has a small problem with her self-image, but is very talented in everything she does. Except running, she can't quite nail that down."

Lissa nods with a mischievous smile, "Okay, but is she…"

"She's a pegasus knight," Chrom admits, "One of the best on the continent. Yes, she's very athletic but no, she's not exactly muscular."

Lissa grins wider with triumph, "Oh yes, I can see her now. My sister-in-law, a strong and beautiful knight, right out of a storybook. Princess, I mean, Emmeryn, you've met her right? Do you think she'll like me?"

Emmeryn smiles down at her youngest sibling, "Yes, I am certain Cordelia would love you the moment you met."

"And little Lucina, is she cute?" Lissa probes.

"I'll admit, I haven't actually met her," Emmeryn says, "But if she looks anything like Chrom did when he was an infant, yes."

"I can't wait!" Lissa proclaims, "I can teach her everything I know: sewing, cooking, and pranking. I'll be the best aunt ever!"

The move out of forest and into a grassy clearing with a two-level house resting at the edge of it. Libra remains in the shade of the trees, "I fear this is as far as I come, this seems like a family affair. I'd be rude of me to intrude more than I have."

"Fret not," Helmholtz says, "My company shall return with you. The sight of a Plegian soldier is often accompanied with dread to the unprepared."

Both men embark back down the path as Robin looks to Chrom, "I can leave too, if you'd wish."

"No… I'd rather someone who knows me as I am now stay with me to help explain everything," Chrom answers.

"I told you that you should have brought Cordelia with you," Robin remarks.

"She is dealing with enough right now because of me," Chrom replies, "This is my own issue. She married the man I became after I hit my head, not the baggage that comes with my past. Besides, you said to me once as my best friend that you'd help me face my past if I ever needed you."

"You got me there," Robin grumbles.

"Hey!" Lissa shouts from the field, "You two old ladies done bickering or what?"

"Old Lady?!" Chrom scoffs, "That's it come here."

Chrom chases after Lissa, who runs off towards the house, Robin chuckles to himself, "Looks like someone's back to their old self."

Emmeryn looks to her younger siblings with a somber smile, "They must have been very close. It's like they've never parted."

Robin and Emmeryn walk after them. As they remaining group approaches the house, some young children are playing in the grass, "Are they are younger siblings or something?" Chrom asks.

Lissa laughs, "No, mom just takes care of the kids around here who lost their parents."

"I see…" Chrom says as the children take notice of them.

He waves to them, but they hurry into the house and slam the door, "What was that about?" Robin asks.

"I don't…" a light goes off in Lissa's mind, "Ohhhh, Chrom looks like a soldier, mom told us all to hide if we ever see soldiers around here and to tell her when they come by."

"Since she has been trying to stay out of Crusas' notice, it seems like a wise choice," Robin says.

"Come on lets set things straight," Lissa says.

They rush to the house, and Lissa leads them through the door, "It looks bigger than I thought it would be," Emmeryn says.

"I practically built the whole second floor before I left," Chrom says.

"Really?" Emmeryn asks.

"I… yeah I remember that," Chrom says, just as surprised as Emmeryn.

They enter though the door, "Welcome home, Chrom." Lissa cheers.

Chrom looks around the room, his head throbbing but unable to take him out of his wondrous curiosity. He looks at the wall, the furniture, and meager decorations of the small house. The wood, while unimpressive, is well-kept and clean. The windows are crystal clear, notwithstanding the cracks and chips, as if freshly washed. The floors are patched up with obvious repair work but are clean as a whistle, even though many children live here.

The sound of hurried steps against the wooden floor draws the group's attention as they turn to the open doorway.

"Lissa!" an older woman's voice rings through the rooms of the house, "The children said soldiers were here. What has happened?"

From the hallway where the children fled, stands another woman. Her long blond hair dimmed by the slight gray of age, her posture perfected even in her worry, and her porcelain skin radiating nobility. The worry in her green eyes disappears, replaced by wide-eyed wonder as she lays eyes on her visitors. She locks eyes with Chrom, his knees now tremble as he leans on Lissa for support. The woman's eyes move to the next guest in the room, Emmeryn.

The two taller women hold practiced expressions as they meet each other's gaze. Emmeryn steps forward first, the other woman mirrors her. The woman marvels at Emmeryn as they draw close together until they are beside Chrom and Lissa. The older woman's face finally cracks as her throws her arms around the group.

Emmeryn's regal expression is broken the moment she is within her arms and a tear graces Chrom's face, "Mother…"

…

Helmhlotz and Libra continue back through the forest, "Really, that is quite a story. You have actually met The Divine Dragon herself?"

"The Divine and Fell Dragon both," Helmholtz replies, "Does my tale trouble your beliefs?"

Libra shakes his head, "No, however, it does make the future seem bleak."

"Fret not about the future, else you be consumed by it's outcome." Helmholtz cautions, "The future once set has now melted to be shaped as we will it."

"And this coming war will aid in the events to come?" Libra asks.

"Tis so," Helmholtz nods, "No event is immovable, but time would see it's original course through. The attempt to aid my grandfather met only the barest of success."

"I see," Libra begins, "Then as a follower of Naga, I would like to do my part in helping avert such a future."

"In truth, that was an intention of mine in retrieving young Lissa," Helmholtz admits, "Yours and her presence was required before we set forth to war."

"Perhaps I could gather other of the cloth to aid in this war," Libra suggests, "Many would normally be opposed, but if they had an idea of what was to follow, their hearts would be swayed."

"So long as mine origin remains undisclosed, an efficacious decision," Helmholtz concurs.

"Indeed, my friend, indeed," Libra says.

…

The group sits around the main room as Chrom's mother comes into the room with cups in hand. The children look in through the windows outside but a glare from their guardian shoos them away. Privacy restored, she looks to her guests and focuses in on Robin.

"I'm sorry that I don't have anything suited to royalty, Prince Robin," she says as she hands out simple cups of water.

"No worries, Miss Emmylia. In Plegia, water is sometimes more expensive than the finest tea," Robin replies as he takes the cup.

Emmylia gazes at the foreign prince as he takes a drink, "If you don't mind me saying such, after hearing about your deeds in the last war, I would have expected you to be…"

"Older?" both Robin and Chrom finish.

The group laughs as Emmylia sits beside Chrom, "Still, I never expected to host Plegian Royalty before. How is it that you know my son?"

"Robin is a good friend of mine," Chrom answers, "He's helped me through a tough spot in my life."

Emmylia snickers, "Your father would lose his head if he saw this."

The awkward silence drowns out the room, only the sound of children outside offering any distraction. Lissa coughs to break it but has nothing to say afterward. Emmeryn looks at her youngest sibling and then turns to her mother.

"Mother… Might I ask, who Lissa's father might be?"

All eyes turn towards the princess and then back to Emmylia, "Lissa's father is Crusas… I was only just pregnant when I left the castle. She is legitimate."

Chrom shoots a glare at Emmeryn as she pales a bit, "Oh no, I didn't mean to imply…"

"It's fine, Emmeryn," Lissa speaks up, "If I found out I had a little sister I never met I'd probably wonder too. Heck, I thought Libra was my dad at first. Chrom had to break the news to me that I was a princess in hiding and that Crusas would be very upset if he ever found us."

"Oh…" Emmeryn nods.

Emmylia, worry creeping into her eyes, turns back to Chrom, "I see you've been hard at work, Chrom," she says, "You look like you've gotten stronger."

Chrom nods his head, "Yeah, almost every day."

Emmylia nods back, "You look good… Though your skin looks a little dry. I have something that might help with that if you'd like."

"Um… no thank you… Mother," Chrom replies, "I'm used to it."

"I see…" Emmylia says as she looks between her two older children, "You two look so grown up. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see you become adults."

"I left of my own accord, mother," Chrom responds in an instant, "I should be the one apologizing to you."

Emmylia shakes her head, "It was only a matter of time. You were so adamant about confronting your father about all the terrible things he'd done to our people. You always did prefer action over talking. Still, I'm happy that you're back, and that you brought Emmeryn. I've missed you both…" she squeaks as she trembles.

"Mother, why didn't you come back?" Emmeryn asks, "Father was taken off the throne three years ago, you could have returned to us."

Chrom glares in his mother's defense but is calmed back down by her gentle hand on his shoulder, "I wanted to… I missed you, my firstborn, my Emmeryn… But… I had thought you'd be angry with me."

Tears well up in her eyes, "Mom?" Lissa asks.

"I left you," she continues as her nose turns read, "I tried to get to you while I made my escape with your brother, but I wasn't careful enough. I was halfway to your room when I was spotted by the guards. I didn't want to imagine what Crusas would think or what he would do. So… I left with just Chrom and I've been looking back ever since. I've asked Naga so many times why I couldn't overcome my fears for just one moment in my life.

"I had no right to ask you to forgive me, let alone accept me back as your mother. I failed you, not just that night, but every minute that I left you with your father, alone. You needed me and I wasn't there. I never thought you'd ever want me in your life after that, and I couldn't bear the thought of you hating me once you learned the truth. In all honesty, I haven't changed a bit since that night… I'm still a coward of a woman."

Emmylia quivers as tears run down her cheeks and stain her dress. Chrom, as if on instinct, wraps his arm around her as she cries. Emmeryn watches her mother break down and rises from her seat. All open eyes cast their gaze upon her as she walks to Emmylia and kneels on the rough wood floor. Emmeryn lifts her mother's chin up to face her. Emmylia opens her eyes at Emmeryn's face, a small but strong smile on her face.

"Mother, I think you've been a bit foolish," Emmeryn soothes, "I could never hate you for what happened. If you are guilty of cowardice, then so am I."

Emmylia's open mouth struggles to make a sound for a moment, "W-What?"

Emmeryn nods, "I was beside father for nearly twenty years. I knew what sort of man he was and what he was doing all that time to our people and yet I did nothing. I was content to hope that I could change everything once he stepped down as Exalt and I took the throne. I hoped and waited while our people were suffering, while we were driven into war. I was a coward for not acting. Had Prince Robin not acted against father, I would have kept hoping instead of taking action for Ylisse."

"Emm…" Emmylia whimpers, "I don't deserve you."

"Ylisse needs an era of healing from father's rule," Emmeryn replies as she casts a mournful glance up to Chrom, "That includes us as a family as well. Father divided us with his actions and left us with hard feelings: regret, despair, and anger. All I want is for us to come together now that we've found each other."

"My little Emm…" Emmylia sniffles, "I couldn't be more thankful for the woman you've become."

"It's because I wanted to be a woman that you'd be proud of," Emmeryn replies, "I want you back in my life, I want all of you back more than anything, and I want to make up for the time we've been apart."

Emmeryn exchanges hopeful smiles with her mother as the two of them are tackled by Lissa, "I think that's a great idea, Sis! Maybe we can all move into that big, fancy castle I've heard about. Can we mom?"

"Oh… um, that would be up to Emmeryn," Emmylia answers wiping tears from her face, "She's the ruler of Ylisse, she controls the castle."

Lissa looks over to her sister, "Can we Emmeryn, please!"

Emmeryn chortles, "Of course, you're a member of the royal family, naturally you can stay in the castle."

"Really?!" Lissa squeals, "Do I get my own room? How big is it? Can it be right next to yours and Chrom's?"

Emmeryn's smile fades as she listens to Lissa's last question, Chrom puts his hand on his younger sister's shoulder, "Lissa, I live in Plegia, not Ylisstol."

"Plegia?" Lissa asks in confusion, "Why would you live in that desert wasteland when you could live in a castle?"

"Lissa, don't be rude," Emmylia rebukes, "Our new friend is from Plegia."

Lissa looks over to Robin, "Oh… Sorry about that…"

Robin shakes his head, "It's nothing if not somewhat true."

"And even though I live there," Chrom continues, "I still live in a castle, just the Plegian Royal Palace."

"But why?" Emmylia continues to ask.

"Because I'm captain of the Royal Fell Guard," Chrom answers, "I've been helping protect Prince Robin since before the war."

"Chrom is the most skilled swordsman in Plegia, his fighting ability matched only by my brother-in-law, Bernard," Robin says.

"Chrom…" Emmylia pipes up, "Did you join the Plegian army to fight your father?"

Chrom bites his lip, "It's not like that at all," Emmeryn speaks for him, "The truth is much more complicated than that."

"But how's that?" Lissa asks, "Wait, was this because of his head injury?"

"Head Injury!?" Emmylia gasps.

Chrom sighs as he looks to Robin, Robin nods back, "You see, he suffered a terrible accident…"

…

Phila flies through the palace and into the dungeons, relieving the guards as she passes into the deep levels. Her eyes a but swollen and her lip worn red with bite marks, she commands the men away as she approaches the most secure cell in the palace. She looks down upon the back of its pale haired occupant.

"So, you wrung that husband of yours until he told you about our talk the other day?" Cyrus huffs, "Is he really so weak that I've shaken him enough for you to notice with a few simple words."

"Cyrus…" Phila begins, questions flowing through her head like a river.

"If your going to ask me how I became the way I am, you clearly haven't been paying attention to me. How some things never change," he sneers at her, "I believe I explained this to you the last time we spoke, or were you too upset with me to listen."

Phila's brow furrows as she unlocks the door and steps inside, to Cyrus' surprise, "There's no need to act hostile."

Cyrus turns his dirtied-up face around with one eyebrow cocked, "Well you certainly are a brave, or foolish, one. Not many would walk right into the cell of the most wanted man in Ylisse. No doubt you've taken precautions, I suspect that the guards are all gathered waiting to ambush me should I try escaping."

"You're not a criminal," Phila contests.

"Really?" Cyrus snarks in a sarcastic tone, "Then I suppose I must have imagined every guard wanting to put their sword through me on sight because of you and the princess."

"Cyrus be reasonable…" Phila attempts to speak.

"Don't get me wrong, I agree that I was wrongfully labeled a criminal," Cyrus snarks, "Tell me, what crime have I committed to warrant being a wanted man? My recent assassination attempt notwithstanding."

"Cyrus, my actions were based on the idea that you were a threat to the lives of all Ylisseans," Phila argues.

Cyrus' eye twitches as he stands up, "Fear for the lives of strangers? How disgustingly predictable. I guess that would be the only way I was going to be wanted by you."

"Enough of this Cyrus," Phila asserts, "I didn't come to speak with you as a knight and a criminal, I came to speak to you as your mother."

Cyrus huffs, "You are not my mother, my mother died in a faraway land before I ever knew who she was."

"Just because I'm from a separate timeline, does not mean we're not blood," Phila counters.

Cyrus rolls his eyes, "Even if you were, you are still nothing to me."

"Nothing?" Phila is taken aback by the word.

"Nothing but a woman I barely know with words I couldn't care less to hear," Cyrus says as he locks eyes with her.

"What do you mean?" Phila asks.

"I mean that when I look at you, the only familiar thing I see is the color of your hair and only because it's my own," Cyrus hisses, "My mother was never a part of my life; a nobody to me. She, as the good little utilitarian she fashioned herself to be, weighed my life against the lives of all the people in the country and didn't even hesitate to leave me, her own son, to serve them."

"She wanted you to have a better life," Phila defends, "A safer life."

"And look how well that turned out," Cyrus scoffs, "Dad was no better in the end but at least he pretended to care more about me. The reason I am fighting against Grima is not because of your shining examples, not because I care about people I'd be saving, and certainly not to avenge dad. No, I fight Grima because I care about the people who took me in and loved me. I swore that I would make like how they were when we were all together. I will do anything for my Princess and my Queen, because that is what true love and loyalty is."

A stinging smack leaves a red mark on Cyrus' left cheek, "You're the one who doesn't understand what love is. Your mother went off to war with you in the forefront of your mind. You were her everything, and even though she couldn't be there for you…"

"She loved you even at the very end?" Cyrus interrupts, "Please, do you know how many times I had to hear that from dad? Tell you what, I'll admit you're right about everything, serve out my sentence, and become a man of the cloth for the rest of my days if you don't go to Valm. I swear it on the honor of my Queen. Just stay here through the entire war and I'll believe in my mother's love for me."

Phila looks at his smug, phony grin with disgust and shame, "I-I can't…"

"And that is why I will never allow myself to believe you," he puts his hand on her shoulder and brushes his fingers across the ends of her hair bun, "Even knowing that you'll die and leave your own flesh and blood to become this detestable human being who has grown bitter at the world because of it, you can't say no to putting everyone else before the one life who needs you most."

Phila backs away at his callous words, "You're wrong."

Cyrus turns his back to her and shrugs his shoulders, "Say that all you'd like, words are cheap. Show me I'm wrong and maybe I'll consider believing you."

Phila says nothing as she backs out of the cell and closes him within the bars, "I know that life has been unrelenting in its wrath against you, Cyrus, but you can't use it to justify your anger at the world."

"Justification is only applicable if one denies they are in the wrong," Cyrus hisses, "And I am all but aware of the malicious nature of my acts."

Phil's winces at his venomous words and turns to leave him, "Once our war with Valm has concluded, I shall return and make certain my son knows he is loved by both his parents. That will be the proof of a mother's love that you desire."

"Assuming it's not too late," Cyrus jeers, "I'd wager he's already shown how much of a stranger you are to him. How is Nan-Nan by the way? Is she well?"

His comment breaks her steeled expression, "I've had enough of this. Nothing you say will keep me from my duty."

Cyrus rolls his eyes, "Then watch out for those Valmese throwing axes, I hear they were killers during the war. Or don't, I've lived through your loss once without losing sleep."

She runs out of the dungeon with a tear dripping down her face. Cyrus tucks himself away in the far corner of the cell, "So she has time to come here and visit a criminal but not enough to spend time with her two year old son?" he grumbles as he twirls his fingers, revealing one of Phila's hairpins between his digits, "His loss is my gain, I suppose."

…

"Well, that's quite a story," Emmylia says, "It certainly helps explain why Plegian royalty is sitting in my humble home."

"It's certainly been quite the grand adventure for me," Chrom responds, "But it's been a little rough the last little bit."

Emmeryn's mood glooms but Emmylia grasps her son's hand, "Chrom, it's only natural that you feel like this. Facing our pasts is difficult even with all one's memories intact. I've been so afraid of the past that it paralyzed me from seeing my own daughter. You're not like me Chrom, but you're not like your father either. You don't hide from your problems, and you don't try to put them to the sword. Since you were a boy you've rallied people together and lead them to face problems together."

Chrom looks away, "I still end up solving most of my problems with a sword, just like…"

"Chrom," Emmylia grabs his chin and turns his head toward her, "Right after you hit your head, what was the first thing you told me you did?"

Chrom doesn't think about it too long, "Rescue a village with Robin."

"Because, that, is who you are, Chrom," Emmylia continues, "You're more than the blood of your father. You have more in common with your Plegian Royal friend here than you do your father, and you always have. You're a protector of the fearful. You're a defender of the innocent. That is the source of your strength, not a thirst for battle and pride. Even with no memory of who you were, your first instinct was to help people, does that sound like something your father would do?"

Chrom's eyes break contact with hers, "Mother that's…"

"Look at me, son," Emmylia interrupts, "No excuses. Your father made excuses to justify his actions, I made excuses that kept me trapped in fear, but you're better than that. You have friends to aid you, courage to stand for what's right, and a will that put's your father's to shame."

"What if…" Chrom tries to get out.

"Chrom," Emmylia cuts him off one last time, "I'm proud of you. Proud of who you've become, proud of your sense of right and wrong, and I'm proud that you spared your father's life. Of everything you've told me about these last few years, nothing tells me more about your character than that moment. Even with all that hate, you would never harm someone you once cared so deeply for. Your capacity to love others despite your hatred is what makes you, Chrom, the shepherd of any who cry out for help."

Chrom's quiet sniffles turn into sobs only on par with the revelation of his father. Emmylia embraces him and pulls him close. Lissa looks in amazement at the sight, "I never thought I'd ever see Chrom breakdown so completely like this," she whispers to Robin.

"Sometimes we just need a reminder of who we really are to move on," Robin whispers back, "Grima knows I've needed that more than once."

Chrom quiets down and Emmylia lets him go with swollen eyes and red face, "Thank you…"

"Now all that being said," Emmylia gives a loving glare at Chrom, "I never want to see you in that sorry state again young man. I may be your mother, but you're surrounded by many wonderful people who love you. Am I clear?"

Chrom laughs through his tears, "Yes, mother."

Emmeryn's face softens as she wipes away the tears dripping down his face, "Now, I believe it's almost supper time. Emmeryn, would you like to help me and Lissa in the kitchen while the men out here make themselves useful and get so wood for the fire."

Emmeryn raises an eyebrow, "You know how to cook mother?"

Emmylia chuckles, "No one was going to do it for me once I left the palace, so I had to learn. I'm almost thankful Chrom can't remember that."

"While I love spending time with you mother, I fear I won't be much help," Emmeryn admits, "I have never learned how to cook."

"Ah yes," Emmylia smiles, "You joys of palace life."

"Oh Yeah!" Lissa interjects, "We're going to live at the palace now. Right mom?!"

"Well…" Emmeryn hesitates, "You are welcome to live with your siblings of course, but I don't think I can just leave here with a dozen mouths to feed and take care of. I doubt the palace has an attached orphanage to house them."

"I might be able to get into contact with a friend of mine who could find a place to house them," Robin says, "Do you know of a Duke Marden of Themis?"

Emmylia smiles again, "Now that's a name that brings back memories. He and I were close friends back when I was nobility. He always had the best taste in tea, though I introduced him to his favorite blend. Do you think he would help find homes for the children?"

"Of course," Robin says, "Many Plegians have settled there since the war ended, many who have lost loved one and are looking for a fresh start. I'm certain many would be more than willing to foster the children here."

Emmeryn sighs, "Then perhaps I will consider going back to the palace. I've been away from my old home a long time. It will be… an experience to see what has changed."

"Yes!" Lissa yells, "I'm gonna be a princess!"

"You two should at least visit the palace in Plegia too," Emmeryn says, "If you ever decide that you would rather live close to Chrom."

Emmylia nods, "While I was never one for the desert, I have no issue visiting where my son lives."

"Yeah and I want to meet my little niece!" Lissa shouts.

Emmylia's smile fades as her jaw drops, "N-Niece? Lissa, what are you…"

Lissa covers her mouth with both her hands, "Oops…"

Emmylia looks to her son, who is rubbing the back of his neck, "I was going to get to that part soon. Mother… I've been married for almost three years. My wife, Cordelia, and I have had a child together…"

"Y-You got married?!" Emmylia fumes, "And you never bothered to tell your own mother?!"

"I didn't even know if you were alive, or where to begin finding you," Chrom panics.

"What's her name?!" Emmylia demands, "How old is she?!"

"Lucina," Chrom answers, "And she's almost two years old."

"Two years I've had a grand baby and I never even knew it," Emmylia sulks.

Robin chuckles at the sight, "Perhaps you can make up for lost time. Both Chrom and Cordelia will be joining the war against Valm, you could spend time with her while everyone's away. My father was going to do it before but I'm sure he wouldn't mind the help.

…

By dim purple candlelight, deep within the bowels of the Dark Mage Brotherhood's enclave, a dark presence lurks. This malevolent soul tampers with powers beyond the grave and at the brink of mortal understanding. Powerful magics flow through the air and seal themselves into a small box at their master's command. As the magic seal takes to the box, the creature in question looks upon his sinister work. All with a smile on his face.

"Nyahahahahah," Henry cackles as he holds up a wooden box, "Yes! I finally did it! I am the greatest Dark Mage of all time! Baring Robin of course."

"Henry!" Maribelle shouts, "What on earth are you doing cackling so late into the night?"

"Maribelle, sweetheart," Henry begins, "Remember how Robin asked me to do that super-secret research about necromancy that I wasn't supposed to tell anyone about?"

"The research you told me about immediately after you received orders to conduct it? Yes, I recall," Maribelle turns her nose up.

"Well I did it!" Henry declares, "I have now made a tool that not only advances human knowledge of necromancy, but a weapon that will help us with the war against Valm."

"Truly?" Maribelle inquires with widened eyes.

"Yep, and all it took was a hex that has forced me to stay awake for the last two weeks straight," Henry beams with pride.

"You haven't slept in two weeks?" Maribelle worries, "Do you hold no concern about your health?"

"Don't worry the spell was only designed to last two weeks anyway," Henry admits, "Good thing I finished this when I did, could you imagine me falling asleep as an army of undead monsters rises from the…"

Henry lands face first into the floor, unconscious and snoring, "By the gods, Henry, could you not have found at least a chair to sit in first, the floor is filthy."

So, it's been a minute... or five months, honestly it's been too long. At first it was writer's block, then Three Houses came out (stellar game by the way). then i started working on original material, and then I scrapped almost everything I had drafted out in this chapter to go in a different direction. So, yeah my bad here. What did y'all think of the reunions? Chrom's was a lot harder than Cyrus' for me to write and feel like it was acceptable. Does it feel too corny and forced to see him get better in the space of one chapter? If so, know that the tension between him and Emmeryn isn't going away that easily, it will take a bit more time to resolve that and i felt like after Chrom sees what kind of person his mom sees compared to Crusas would help him resolve his internal issues. I changed up Libras origin quite a bit to fit the story here, but it seems reasonable that he'd be doing this type of thing if given the choice. Also, is Cyrus too mean? I love writing him because of how over the top I can make him go in terms of being mean but how much is too much? Next chapter will blow through quite a bit of material as we've already seen what a Plegia enforced army can do to ships at sea. Please leave your thoughts, comments, concerns, and criticisms in a review please, it helps with improve the work. As always, thanks for reading and y'all have a great day.