SF's "Write Your Butt Off" Competition HD II.5 Remix

[Anacybele]

47 minutes ago, Interdimensional Observer said:

It's weird, I'm not sure what makes a post uneditable. My 8000 word monster I just edited no problem, but my much shorter reply to Azure isn't.

Yeah, I don't understand it either.

[Azure the Scale Tipper]

@Anacybele What’s the problem?

Also, @Interdimensional Observer, would you like to repost your story by quoting mine? Be sure to remove the comments, then I recommend highlighting the entire thing before unbolding and unitalicizing everything. Then bold all the names.

[Anacybele]

27 minutes ago, Azure in a Roundabout said:

What’s the problem?

Didn't you read the previous posts? Like I'd said, I'm no longer able to edit the post that has my entry.

[Azure the Scale Tipper]

16 minutes ago, Anacybele said:

Didn't you read the previous posts? Like I'd said, I'm no longer able to edit the post that has my entry.

I know. What did you want to edit?

[Anacybele]

27 minutes ago, Azure in a Roundabout said:

I know. What did you want to edit?

I said what I wanted to edit. A small inconsistency and the note section.

[Azure the Scale Tipper]

7 minutes ago, Anacybele said:

I said what I wanted to edit. A small inconsistency and the note section.

Ok.

[Ottservia]

I am now realizing how freaking loooong this might end up becoming. It might be even long enough to constitute its own 5-6 chapter fic. Maybe I should shift my idea a little bit

Edited May 15, 2019 by Ottservia

[Anacybele]

Okay, I have no choice but to repost my entry since I can't edit the mistakes I pointed out in the original post, so everyone, use this post instead and ignore the old one. I'll also reiterate what I'd stated at the beginning of the post about the entry.

It ended up kind of long, and I'm surprised it didn't reach the length of "The First Time" which my longest contest entry so far. But this one is my second longest, I believe. I decided to go with a couple's second child rather than the first, I hope that's okay. I have a different story in mind for their first child already and I didn't have one for the second. I went with Frederick and Kelli from FE Awakening, and remember this Kelli is female Robin with a different name, so she's not an OC. And if you recall my first entry featuring this family, their new baby is Morgan's little sister, Antoinette, or Annie for short. :)

Title: Second Time's the Charm
Fandom: Fire Emblem (Awakening)
Words: 5976

Spoiler

Second Time's the Charm

 

"Here comes the Pegasus!" Knight Captain Frederick of the Halidom of Ylisse said with a smile as he playfully held up a spoonful of oatmeal to his small son's mouth. "Or perhaps it's actually a tough wyvern!"

 

The one year old chocolate brown-haired boy giggled in his high chair, fidgeting with his little bowl as he allowed his father to put the spoon in his mouth. Morgan didn't quite take all of what was on the spoon, though that was expected. However, Frederick was glad he ate any of it at all. A teal haired woman sporting a curled ponytail and a light dress the color of a plum watched with a loving smile on her face.

 

"Oh Frederick, it really pleases me that Morgan eats this well when you feed him," Kelli complimented her husband. "How do you do it? I can't ever get him to eat that much even though he's gotten much better about it since he was born so early."

 

"Ah, it's all in the technique, I would say," Frederick explained. "I've spoken with the physician many times on the matter and also experimented a little myself. It seems that you just have to take it at a steady pace and also be precise with how much oatmeal or cereal you're placing on the spoon with each scoop. And of course, it also helps to make it fun for him as I did so now with the Pegasus and wyvern analogy. Do not worry, my love, you can do it!"

 

"Heh, that sounds like you alright," Kelli agreed with a chuckle. "You put in quite a bit of effort for something seemingly simple! But it works, so I'll do my best to follow that advice."

 

"Good! And I can only do the best for our--ACK!"

 

SPLAT!

 

Before Frederick could finish, Morgan's small bowl of oatmeal had gone from the high chair table to the top of his father's matching brown hair. The boy had flung it as he was fidgeting with it and now many little giggles escaped his lips.

 

"Morgan..." Frederick uttered with a sigh. Kelli couldn't help but burst into laughter.

 

"He did it again?!" she cried between laughs. "Oh my..."

 

Frederick remained silent as he drummed his fingers on the small dining table while oatmeal dripped from his hair. This was exactly the fourth time Morgan had dumped his food on his father's head and he wasn't sure there would not be an eventual fifth.

 

"Morgan, you better stop that, young man," Kelli said when she caught her breath again, much to Frederick's relief. "Daddy can't keep washing his hair twice every other morning."

 

"Tell me about it, one bath per day is quite enough," Frederick agreed, gently removing the bowl from his head. "There's always so much to do."

 

"Indeed," Kelli seconded. "By the way, Frederick dear, I have some great news!"

 

"Oh? What could that be?"

 

"I visited the physician yesterday myself because I had a hunch," Kelli explained as Frederick had taken a napkin to wipe the oatmeal from his hair. "I wanted to surprise you if I was right. And I was! Freddy Bear, I found out I'm pregnant again!"

 

"Mmph--!"

 

Frederick had tried to say something, but all that came out was a barrage of coughing. Kelli rushed over to pat his back to help him out.

 

"Oh Frederick! What was that?!" she inquired, though sounding a little more annoyed than concerned.

 

"Ah... Apologies," Frederick replied when he was finally able to talk normally again. "I think some of that oatmeal slipped into my throat."

 

"Yeah, right. More like you somehow choked on your own saliva. You have to be happy we're having another baby!"

 

"Oh, er, I am, I just...er...wasn't exactly prepared for this," Frederick admitted, but then smiled. "But as with Morgan, I shall take care of you and the unborn child to the best of my abilities!"

 

"Of course, just please take it easier this time!" Kelli insisted. "You were way too all over the place when I was having Morgan. I'll let you know when I need something. Worrying a lot is not good for you!"

 

"Ah, yes... I do apologize for that too. You're right, and I shall do my best."

 

"Thank you. ...Say, I wonder if our new baby is from that amazing night we had for your birthday," Kelli surmised, a rather daydreaming grin forming on her face.

 

"Hm... It very well could have been," Frederick agreed. "Though a child definitely isn't the first thing to come to mind for a gift, that's for certain."

 

"Yeah, I can agree with that, even if the idea is exciting! You should go wash your hair now, though, before that oatmeal dries and gets caked on your head."

 

"Yes, definitely. I'll rejoin you after."

 

"Alright. Before I forget, I'm writing to your parents and Isabelle about the new baby. Don't be surprised if your mother shows up later all squealing with excitement. Hee hee."

 

"Oh lovely..."

 

Frederick never looked forward to seeing his mother, Marie, when it involved news of his children. She was very loving and caring, but sometimes too much so, and also liked telling embarrassing stories about Frederick's childhood. The Ylisse Exalt and Frederick and Kelli's liege, Chrom, as well as Frederick's younger sister, Isabelle, would say that Frederick's doting wasn't much different and that he got it from Marie, and that he would one day tell embarrassing stories about his children himself, but he would deny it and say he is still different. He could agree that he learned much from Marie and his father, James. Just not all of their behaviors.

 

After scrubbing his hair in the bathroom of his and Kelli's Ylisse palace bedchambers, Frederick returned to Kelli momentarily to discuss the day's plans. Kelli chose to look for some of the infant clothes Morgan had already grown out of so they could be reused for his future baby brother or sister and after that she would move onto regular duties she performed as Ylisse's main tactician and retainer to Chrom and Queen Olivia. She also wanted to ask Olivia if she had any leftover infant clothes belonging to little Princess Lucina in case Kelli ended up having a girl. Though Olivia had fairly recently given birth to a little boy named Inigo herself, so she was very busy at this time. Frederick, of course, insisted on knitting new clothes for the new baby as well. He had already made some for Morgan and he couldn't resist adding outfits for his second child as well.

 

After donning his heavy silvery blue armor, Frederick soon made his way to the armory to meet his close childhood friend, Ralph, who also held the title of knight, though in a different sense than Frederick. He didn't wear a lot of armor and only wielded a sword despite both men having mounts, and in addition to swordplay, Ralph could lend his angelic singing voice to his allies as well. The young man's gift of song was renowned throughout the halidom. Some even suggested he may be reincarnated from an ancient race of singing bird folk from another world. Of course, Ralph believed this was nonsense and that he was simply good at what he did. The dirty blonde knight was already waiting for Frederick in the armory when the latter got there, a green cloak decorated with black musical notes in the corners cascading down his back.

 

"Hey, Fred! I'm ready to go," Ralph greeted his friend with a smile. "I think this stuff has become second nature to me now after doing it for the past couple years!"

 

"Ah, Ralph, good to hear," Frederick replied, returning the gesture. "You're remembering what I've taught you well."

 

"Indeed! Though I look more forward to training than armory inspections, admittedly."

 

"Understandable. So, Ralph, I have some news for you."

 

"Oh?"

 

"Kelli and I are having another baby," Frederick announced with a smile.

 

"Wow, really? That's awesome!" Ralph complimented excitedly. "That means Morgan is going to be a big brother! Though...you don't sound quite as excited as I thought you would be. You only seem to be mildly happy."

 

"Ah, well, I am happy," Frederick replied. "But I do have my...concerns. I haven't told Kelli because I don't wish to worry her after her first pregnancy."

 

"I see. I can understand. Morgan's birth was really hectic."

 

"It was. And while Kelli has asked me to take it easy this time around, and I wish to oblige, I can't help but have my mind wander to that past incident. I never wish to go through something like that again. I thought I was going to lose both my wife and son..."

 

"Yeah, I can imagine. I don't want that to happen again either," Ralph agreed. "But Fred, don't forget that those were insane circumstances. You and Kelli were attacked and she was injured! There's very little chance this is going to happen a second time."

 

"True, and the man that was responsible was dealt with," Frederick admitted. "Even if...he had once been Kelli's friend. However, despite Tomas and his decisions, there are surely more Grimleal stragglers out there that we haven't found yet, especially since Kelli's mother is still on the run. I don't know what I would do if they found us and attempted to do something awful."

 

"Yeah, I hear that. But Lord Chrom and Lady Olivia have tightened security since then and ensured that the public knows to report anything suspicious," Ralph pointed out. "And Fred, if I know you, you will do damn near anything in your power to keep Kelli and your children safe. There's no one I know who's more adamant about that!"

 

"Heh, that is true," Frederick agreed. "And Kelli has told Chrom over and over that she doesn't want Cristina to have to live in hiding so she can be a part of our family. I wish to make this a reality myself. She is a lovely woman despite her past, and had only unwittingly become involved with the wrong people."

 

"Yeah, though I only met her once, I can totally see that," Ralph replied. "I'll do what I can to help too!"

 

"You have my thanks," Frederick said with a smile. "Now, I only wonder how well I can balance my duties and caring for two children. I will have to make certain that I put valiant effort into doing so!"

 

"Heh, if anyone can do that, Fred, I know it's you!" Ralph proclaimed, and then a punchy grin crossed his features. "Before that though, you have to worry about all of Kelli's mood swings and pregnancy cravings again!"

 

"...Oh curses," Frederick winced. "You absolutely had to remind me."

 

"Heh heh. Well, you know if you ever need help, you can call upon me. Isabelle would be more than glad to come by once in a while too."

 

"True. And if not my sister, Mother would leap at more chances to look after her grandson," Frederick recalled. "I may have to allow her, much to my chagrin. I only hope she doesn't completely spoil my child. I'm fortunate that this didn't happen to Isabelle or myself."

 

"Ha ha, I totally get it. ...Oh yeah, is it just me, or do you smell a bit like oatmeal?"

 

"...Damn it all. The odor didn't completely come out?!"

 

"Doesn't seem like it. ...Wait, Morgan threw his food on your head again, didn't he?"

 

Frederick sighed and confirmed this, only to have Ralph utterly fail to hold in chuckles of laughter.

 

"I'm beginning to wonder if I should wear a helmet when I feed him," Frederick said.

 

"That little rascal, oh my gosh. This has to be a running gag now," Ralph uttered between laughs.

 

"Shut it. And you better not have broken your promise not to tell Vaike or Lissa!" Frederick warned.

 

"Don't worry, I haven't told them. I swear. They'd never let you hear the end of it, I know."

 

"Exactly. Now let's complete the armory inspection please."

 

"Oh, of course."

 

With that, the two went to work, not hesitating to continue talking at the same time if they felt like doing so.

 

Days passed, and soon this turned into weeks and then months. As much as Frederick tried not to overdo things as he had done when Kelli was pregnant with Morgan, he had still occasionally felt the need to rush from one place to another in the palace and even into the city of Ylisstol, Ylisse's capital. He brought back needed food and supplies, periodically checked on his wife and son, and more, but Kelli reminded him yet again to slow down a little so he wasn't constantly catching his breath. Between knitting new infant clothes, caring for Morgan, training new recruits for the army, the tasks he personally did for Chrom, Olivia, and their young princess and prince, and his habit of picking up pebbles in the courtyard and other odd duties, Frederick had next to no time to do anything else other than eat and sleep. Although, one could argue that this wasn't all that abnormal for him. Even before he became a father, Frederick was always busying himself with something. Only this time, he didn't have many chances to simply look for something to do, he instead already had a full schedule practically pre-made for him. It was quite impressive that the knight captain was still able to find ways to do everything efficiently.

 

As soon as Kelli was very visibly showing, she had to stop helping Frederick with training recruits. Frederick chose to have Ralph and fellow knights Stahl and Sully aid him in her absence, though Ralph had little knowledge of instructing others on combat. Even so, they had done this before when Kelli was having Morgan, and it had gone well enough then. And this way, there was no need for someone to babysit Morgan since Kelli could remain with him. Frederick also hoped that Kelli's mood swings would be a little easier to handle this time around, but unfortunately, it seemed to be no different than when Morgan was on the way. One minute she would be screaming, yelling, or crying and the next she could be plastering kisses all over Frederick's face, sometimes right in front of Chrom and others as well, much to Frederick's embarrassment. She couldn't have picked a worse food to crave this time either, as she made Frederick, Ralph, or anyone who was willing buy whole cakes of any flavor known to them as compared to simple jars of applesauce with Morgan.

 

One day when Kelli was in her third trimester, Frederick walked into the throne room to greet Chrom and Olivia, a scroll in his slightly trembling hand. The pink-haired Olivia was cradling the tiny Prince Inigo in her arms, his head showing some blue fuzz matching Chrom's own storm blue mane. As Frederick approached them, Chrom soon noticed a trickle of sweat on the side of his retainer's head as well as his chest heaving a little more than usual.

 

"Greetings, Milord and Milady," Frederick said, almost dropping his scroll as he unrolled it. "I have finished making sure the courtyard is clear of debris, the recruits are all still on schedule with their training, the armory checks out..."

 

"Uh, Frederick, you don't look too well," Chrom inquired, plainly seeing Frederick struggling to keep his posture. "I know you're working hard and you have a lot on your plate these days, but you look exhausted. You're overworking yourself now!"

 

"Yes, Frederick, you should take a break and rest," Olivia agreed. "We don't want you making yourself ill now."

 

"Ah, I appreciate the concern, but I am fine, I assure you," Frederick said and then went onto finish his list. "And besides, after I'm done here, I must go see if Kelli has put Morgan down for his nap. She may need my assistance with how far she is into her current pregnancy. And then Ralph and I haven't even begun our own training--"

 

"Frederick, you are not fine, you're sweating and barely able to stand!" Chrom argued. "You're going to go rest and that's an order."

 

"And we'll ask others to help with your work," Olivia assured. "Kelli would be very upset to see you like this too."

 

"...Well, you're right about that," Frederick gave in. "Kelli would reprimand me for this. I suppose I ought to listen. Thank you, Milord and Milady. But do not hesitate to summon me if I am needed regardless. I will be here, it shall not take me long to recover from this!"

 

"Yes, Frederick, of course. Now go before you fall over," Chrom replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The young Exalt honestly could believe that Frederick would be back on his feet and completely energized soon. He had a knack for recovering from even a flu or bad cold quickly. He'd even been known to rid himself of a cold just by letting out one massive sneeze. I really ought to get Frederick to teach me his immunity secrets sometime.

 

As the time for Kelli to give birth to hers and Frederick's second child drew nearer, preparations for it became the biggest priority. They decided to move Morgan to a small toddler-size bed to make space in the crib for his new sibling. They also switched the blanket and sheets, as they decided to have the physician predict the gender and he was near one hundred percent certain that the new baby was a girl. And Frederick also knew this meant one more thing he could expect. Marie was going to bring Isabelle's old infant clothes and toys. And that she did while incredibly excited that she was going to have both a grandson and a granddaughter. James joined her, as it was close enough to Kelli's due date that they could be allowed to stay for the birth. Isabelle had already arrived earlier, as she sometimes ran errands for the palace that involved her clothing store or her kills from hunting. She was a skilled archer who could conquer some of the most difficult of wild game and would sometimes bring extra meat or deliver clothes ordered by the palace.

 

"Oh, Freddy and Isabelle dear, we're here!" Marie cried as she and her husband entered the large front doors of the palace to greet their children. "I'm so glad we made it, Kelli is due any day now, isn't she?"

 

"Yes, we are incredibly excited!" James seconded. "Hope you don't mind the...ah...extra luggage your mother has."

 

"Ah, good to see you both," Frederick replied, cringing slightly when he saw that his parents were carrying several bags. "And yes, Kelli is due very soon and she's faring well. She's also enjoyed all the new maternity dresses."

 

"Yep, I've been coming by to help a lot as well," Isabelle added.

 

"And as for the luggage...I've a feeling I don't need to inquire about what some of it is," Frederick deduced.

 

"Oh, that's good!" Marie replied. "And Freddy, you probably did already guess, but I packed and brought all of Isabelle's infant clothes and toys for the new baby! It's so wonderful that you're having a girl so we could give you this great gift! I made sure everything is there! Isabelle's dolls, stuffed Pegasus, some adorable dresses..."

 

"MOTHER!" both Frederick and Isabelle cried at the same time, the latter going very pink in the face.

 

"I appreciate this, but can't it wait until we go upstairs?" Frederick insisted.

 

"Yes, please..." Isabelle practically begged. "I don't need my infancy recited in front of everyone like you did with Frederick's at Morgan's birth!"

 

"And that is a reminder I do not need..." Frederick replied.

 

"Aw, if you insist," Marie agreed and then turned to Ylisse's rulers who were also present. "Though I feel Exalt Chrom and Queen Olivia would find all of this absolutely adorable. You know, your Majesties, I've always been so extremely proud of my children that nothing makes me happier than to see their bright shining faces."

 

"Same here!" James seconded. "I couldn't have asked for better the way Frederick has carried on the family tradition of serving the royal family. And Isabelle is my best girl and the best hunter and fashion designer you will find!"

 

"Yes, I can imagine," Chrom replied, an awkward smile tugging at his lips while Frederick and Isabelle could only bring their hands to their faces. "We're lucky to have Frederick in our service and Isabelle has never not been of great assistance when she is needed."

 

"I'm so happy to hear!" Marie said. "By the way, I had hoped Princess Lissa was here too. She's such a darling."

 

"Ah, she would have come, as she loves spending time with the little ones, but she's deep in a pregnancy herself and isn't in any shape to travel, I'm afraid," Olivia informed. "So she has to remain with Donnel at their farm at least until after she gives birth."

 

"Oh, that's right! She's expecting her first bundle of joy!" James remembered. "Marie, we'll have to pay a visit when her little one comes."

 

"Yes, definitely," Marie agreed. "I can't believe I forgot about that. She's grown into such a fine woman now."

 

"Yes, she has," Chrom agreed. "She would have loved to see you both now though. I think she actually thinks of you two like a second set of parents since she never really knew our own."

 

"Aw, that is sweet of her. Well, we should go upstairs and get all of these little gifts organized. I'm sure Frederick and Kelli will want to make sure they have places for everything."

 

"Ah yes, thank you, Mother," Frederick obliged. "And Father, I could use your aid while you're here. You still know how to instruct recruits, correct?"

 

"Oh, of course, Fred. I'd be happy to help!" James agreed as a nostalgic smile formed on his features. "Would feel exactly like old times too."

 

"Good, thank you!"

 

"Could you possibly squeeze in a hunting trip with me too, Father?" Isabelle inquired. "Don't worry, it can wait until after Kelli gives birth."

 

"Sure, I don't see why not," James agreed. "Our hunting trips are always fun."

 

"Great, thanks!"

 

Later on, after Marie's gifts were brought to Frederick and Kelli's bedchambers and the overly loving mother and grandmother finished showering Morgan with as much love as she could, Isabelle joined her sister-in-law to help her go through the clothes and toys. Marie wanted to stay and help as well, but Ralph, who had been busy practicing his singing during their initial arrival, invited her and James to hear him. They were happy to do so since they never did get many chances to hear his voice, especially when Ralph had to travel to perform. Promising to come back and see them later, Marie departed the room with her husband to join the sensational knight.

 

With baby Morgan playing on the bed beside them, Kelli and Isabelle began looking at the gifts, the former being careful with her very round stomach. Kelli smiled as she held up a cute tiny flowered yellow dress.

 

"Oh, this is absolutely precious," she commented. "And I thought the clothes Morgan got were good! Isabelle, your mother had such good taste when she dressed you and Frederick up!"

 

"Yeah, I do suppose she did," Isabelle agreed, flipping some of her wavy brown hair behind her shoulders. "A lot of these outfits aren't half bad at all. And you know as a fashion designer I can be strict with my critique of clothing. The toys though...I can't believe I ever played with some of these. Now I know how Frederick felt when Morgan got his."

 

Isabelle then held up an old doll with rather large curly hair and a slightly ragged light blue dress.

 

"Well, I do still appreciate how much your mother does for us anyway," Kelli continued. "Even if this is quite a lot. It's almost overwhelming. Between the clothes Frederick has made and all this, it might be too much. I don't know if our baby girl will get to wear it all before she outgrows it!"

 

"Heh, I can understand that. Though I imagine Frederick would've made clothes that are a couple sizes larger than what a newborn would normally wear so they can last a while," Isabelle surmised. "You know my brother is always thinking ahead."

 

"That's for sure! And you're right, the outfits Frederick made are larger sizes so they can still be worn even when the baby grows bigger!" Kelli confirmed. "Has your mother seen them, by the way? She should, as they're impressive! This was the first time Frederick knitted dresses."

 

"I'm not sure, I'll have to ask her. But that one you showed me is indeed adorable! And stitching "Papa's Little Lady" on it is such a Frederick thing to do too."

 

Isabelle giggled upon saying her words.

 

"Yep, it's to match Morgan's little "Papa's Pride and Joy" shirt," Kelli pointed out with a chuckle.

 

"Indeed. You know, Frederick is the reason I wanted to pursue fashion," Isabelle revealed. "Did I ever tell you that? When we were growing up, I mostly followed him around like a dog. I looked up to him and liked trying to copy him sometimes when our parents were teaching him things. If he started picking up pebbles outside, I would do the same. If he was practicing cooking or cleaning, I wanted to help. He was being groomed to eventually serve the palace as a knight and retainer and I wasn't yet old enough to begin training for any sort of career. But when my brother taught me to knit and sew, I knew exactly what I wanted and the rest is history."

 

"Aw, I don't think you told me that! That's so sweet," Kelli replied with a loving smile. "Frederick told me your mother was the one who taught him knitting and sewing. It sounds like it kind of runs in the family!"

 

"Yeah, it seems so!"

 

"Indeed. Oh, and Isabelle, thank you for coming to spend time with me!" Kelli said as the two continued going through the clothes and toys. "Frederick's been so busy since our new baby is due any day now. Perhaps a little TOO busy. He keeps running back and forth from everywhere in the palace! He seems very anxious too. I keep telling him to take it easy and that nothing like Morgan's birth will happen this time, but... He's not very good at listening, even if he is trying."

 

Isabelle sighed, though it was more a nostalgic one than annoyed.

 

"Yes, that brother of mine," she replied. "He's just worried about complications occurring anyway, which I can understand after what you two went through with my nephew here. But he definitely could stand to take a chill pill sometimes. I'm glad to help, though!"

 

"Yeah, I can understand Frederick there too... I would never want a repeat of that either. I'm just afraid he's going to overwork himself so bad."

 

"I don't blame you there. I'm concerned about that myself."

 

"Well, I'm glad he has us to--AH!"

 

Kelli grimaced and clutched her stomach, a pressuring pain suddenly gripping her.

 

"Whoa! Is it happening?!" Isabelle gasped.

 

"Yeah, that was a contraction!" Kelli confirmed. "I felt one earlier too, but I wasn't sure at first that it was the real thing! I must be in labor!"

 

"Oh! Then we need to get to the infirmary! I'll help you down there and then I'll get Ralph and my brother! I'll look after Morgan too!"

 

"Ah, thank you! I guess Ralph's little performance for your parents is going to have be delayed a bit now..."

 

"Yeah, but he won't mind. Ralph's as kind and humble as they come."

 

"That's true."

 

Isabelle quickly picked her nephew up off the bed while Kelli gently hauled herself to her feet. Her sister-in-law then used her free arm to aid her out of the room and towards the nearest stairwell.

 

Later on, Ralph was pumping his legs as fast as he could down a hall looking for Frederick. Last he'd heard, Frederick had been doing some training to try relieving some of the stress and anxiety he'd been having over Kelli being so close to giving birth. However, Ralph didn't find him anywhere in the training grounds and assumed he'd left to do something else. Minutes later, the talented knight finally spotted his friend at the top of a stairwell and rushed up to him.

 

"Fred! FRED!" Ralph called frantically, his voice echoing through the stairwell.

 

"Ralph!" Frederick replied, startled by his friend as Ralph came to a halt at the top of the stairs. "What's wrong? Has Kelli gone into labor?!"

 

"Yes, Isabelle just told me!" Ralph confirmed. "We gotta get your parents! They went to grab a meal while I was getting a performance ready for them!"

 

"Oh! Oh Naga! Yes, we must!" Frederick agreed, and suddenly turned back around towards the stairs as he spoke. "You can go--!"

 

Before he could finish, however, one of his feet caught itself behind the other, forcing him to stumble forward. The knight was unable to keep his balance and before Ralph could react, he went tumbling down the stairs.

 

"AAAH!"

 

"AH! FRED! ...DAMN IT!" Ralph screamed, bringing his hands to the sides of his head as he tried to go help his friend. However, by the time Ralph could reach him, Frederick had gone down two full flights and was unconscious. One of his wrists and one of his ankles looked oddly twisted and he had a few gashes and bruises on his head, arms, and legs.

 

"Ugh, NO! Fred, you idiot!" Ralph opined in annoyance. "Kelli is so going to kill you! And maybe me too! I'll go get help!"

 

With that, he rushed off to find anyone that was close by. Eventually, he found two maids and ordered them to find Frederick's parents as well as Chrom and Olivia. The gang arrived on the scene within a few minutes, with the maids carrying a stretcher for the unconscious knight. Marie was holding her grandson and lightly cradling him, though Morgan of course was probably not even paying attention to what was happening.

 

"Oh heavens!" Marie cried. "Freddy!"

 

"What in--?!" James uttered as Ralph and the maids began lifting Frederick onto the stretcher. He was very heavy due to his muscular body, so doing so required all of their combined strength. Isabelle merely stood there and blinked in shock.

 

"Ralph, what in the name of Naga happened to my son?!" James continued. Ralph took a moment to catch his breath before answering.

 

"Ah... Yeah, uh..." Ralph began awkwardly and explained Frederick's spill in the stairwell.

 

"Oh for gods' sake..." Marie commented. "That boy needs to be more careful!"

 

"I'll say," Isabelle added. "My brother is such a dolt sometimes!"

 

"Now Isabelle, there's no need for that," James said. "But I can't deny that this probably could've easily been avoided."

 

"Yeah...sorry," Ralph replied, hanging his head.

 

"Frederick is so getting a reprimand for this," Chrom commented. "If not just from me, then from Kelli too!"

 

"She warned him to take it easy..." Olivia remembered, heaving a rather frustrated sigh.

 

Together, James, Ralph, and the two maids carried Frederick to the infirmary. Marie and the royals followed, with the doting grandmother periodically giving baby Morgan a smooch on the cheek as his expression remained fairly generic, though he was probably as confused as a baby could've been at what was going on.

 

After a number of hours passed, Kelli found herself cradling a tiny infant girl as she lay in her infirmary bed. She was exhausted and barely able to hold the baby in her arms without shaking slightly, but relieved that the birth went smoothly. Frederick was going to be happy that there were no problems. Kelli stroked the teal fuzz on her new daughter's head as she gave a weak smile, the girl's big brown eyes staring up at her.

 

"Oh, your daddy and brother are going to love you!" she said happily. "You are so adorable. I wonder where everyone is though...?"

 

The tiny girl yawned as the room went silent. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Frederick at last. Though it was more than Kelli had bargained for as her husband hobbled in on a crutch, his left foot in a cast. His right arm lay in a sling and a bandage sat on his forehead. He also looked like he was battling a small headache. Kelli's eyes widened as she gaped upon what she was seeing.

 

"What the--?! Frederick, what the hell did you do to yourself?!" she gasped.

 

"Ah..." the ailing knight began. "I'm so sorry, Kelli... What happened was... Ahem... You see... I got so anxious and excited at the same time when I learned you'd gone into labor. I turned around to come down here after Ralph told me and I...tripped and tumbled down two flights of stairs."

 

Kelli blinked before responding.

 

"Seriously?!" she retorted and slapped her face with her hand. "Oh my freaking gods. This is why I tell you to slow down!"

 

"Yes...I deeply apologize..."

 

"I'm glad you're going to be alright though. I'm assuming Isabelle, Ralph, or your parents have Morgan?"

 

"Yes, they'll be in in a moment," Frederick confirmed and continued explaining. "Ralph yelled for help, a maid summoned my family and Milord and Milady, and we all came down here to bring me to a healer before coming to wait for you to be finished in here. Milord reprimanded me for my...mishap. And my mother, of course, gave me a long embarrassing lecture, demanded that I not frighten her so bad, and then hugged me out of relief that I'll recover. I feel so miserable about it myself! From now on, I'll definitely take it easier when things get...busy. I can never properly serve Chrom and Olivia or care for you and our children like this!"

 

"You're damn right! I'm glad to hear you've learned your lesson."

 

"Yes, I intend to listen better. Believe me."

 

"Good! Now let's name our new daughter."

 

"Ah, yes!"

 

Frederick then hobbled closer to get a good look at his new baby daughter.

 

"Oh, she's beautiful!" he commented with a big smile. "I see hints of your lovely teal hair color this time. I liked this one name I saw in one of Ralph's many songs, by the way. Antoinette, I believe it was."

 

"Ah, I like that a lot too," Kelli replied. "We can call her Annie for short. Especially since I can see Morgan having a hard time pronouncing Antoinette for a while once he starts talking."

 

"Indeed," Frederick agreed. "Antoinette! I've knitted you some lovely dresses to wear, but I shall make more clothes for you when I can, just as I did for your brother!"

 

"Heh, of course you will, love," Kelli commented with a small chuckle. "Now I think it's time for the others to come in so they can meet our little Annie."

 

"Of course. I shall go get them," Frederick agreed. "But one more thing before I do..."

 

Through some light pain, the knight then leaned over and met his lips with Kelli's in a loving, passionate kiss. Kelli was startled for a second, but wasn't hesitant to return the embrace. She smiled at him lovingly when they parted moments later. She could not stay angry with her husband for long, even after he'd landed himself in the infirmary alongside her, and Frederick seemed to know this.

 

"I love you, Freddy Bear."

 

"I love you too, my sweet."

Some notes:

Spoiler

- Morgan always struck me as a kid who was born premature, so I've headcanoned that he's a premie and just decided that his birth was super dramatic and stuff.
- I must admit I enjoyed characterizing Frederick's family. lol Awakening never said his parents were dead or that he didn't have any siblings! So I thought why not? It isn't farfetched considering that the only time we ever hear about his family is in a single mention of his mother in his support with Nowi and it was very brief. Marie is doting and very motherly. She's meant to be where Frederick gets a lot of his bad habits, even if he denies it. And Frederick denying it comes from his support with Maribelle where he denies being like a steward. XD In fact, the foundation for Marie's personality pretty much came from the wolf attack that nearly killed Frederick when he was a boy. This incident is mentioned in his support with Panne and Marie is overloving and worries about her children a lot because of it. I think it makes sense that such a horrible experience changed Frederick's parents to some degree. James is a chivalrous though also casual former knight. Isabelle gets more of her character from him than her mother. And Isabelle herself I do kinda have to expand upon more the next time I use her. She's a fairly recent creation. And the irony that Frederick's sister hunts wild game when he hates gamey meat is too good. lol
- If you haven't already noticed, there's a naming theme going on with Frederick's family too, including Antoinette. They're all named after famous royals since Frederick himself also is. Frederick was the name of a German king. James was an English king. Isabelle was a Spanish queen. And Marie Antoinette was a French queen.
- If you're wondering about Tomas and his former friendship with Kelli/Robin, here's a bit of insight: Long before Kelli/Robin said goodbye to her memories, these two were childhood friends. They were also betrothed. Tomas went into despair and madness after Kelli/Robin disappeared and found that she'd lost her memories and was to marry Frederick instead of him. He also started calling himself Phantom. By this time, he had lost the only friends and family he knew in the Grimleal, and more or less everything he'd worked for too. I suppose it's a kind of similar situation to Berkut in Echoes, only without a throne being involved and Berkut instead sacrificing the one he loved. You can read more about Tomas/Phantom in my short story Happy Together on fanfiction.net though that one is only the prequel to the scenario where Morgan is forced to be a premature birth. I created Tomas and wrote that story before Echoes was a thing.
- Morgan's "Papa's Pride and Joy" shirt is based off of a barracks conversation between Frederick and his child. He offers to make his child a jacket with the same message stitched on the back.
- If you didn't guess, Cristina's name comes from Kris, the New Mystery avatar, like how Morgan's Japanese name Mark comes from the FE7 avatar.
- Oh, and credit to @Dragoncat for the birthday sex idea. lol

 

Edited May 21, 2019 by Anacybele

[TheSilentChloey]

My entry:

Title: Shadows of the Past

Fandom: Fire Emblem Awakening

Words: 1,756

Spoiler

The quiet light of the morning filtered through the window as a certain familiar white haired figure lay sprawled across the desk, eyes closed, breathing deep and even.  The candles to his right burned down to stubbs hours ago, ink pot precariously balanced on the edge of the table upon which the man was sleeping. Books were also equally precariously balanced on the table, stacked alarmingly high, if one wasn't familiar with the sleeping albino.

 

It was into this scene that the man's wife, a young woman with long cerulean hair arrived to see, having wondered what he'd been doing while she had made a small trip to visit her family- keeping to the shadows as much as possible of course as she wasn't exactly ready for them to see her just yet.  She had to marvel at his ability to sleep just about anywhere.

 

Lucina smiled softly at the slight.  She however had to wake the slumbering tactician.

 

Of course they had been married for a year now and even though things were still in the early stages there wasn't anything Lucina would change.  Even if she had to frequently wake Robin up like this.

 

A gentle hand brushed his hair and a low groan told her Robin wasn't as asleep as he appeared.  His face took on a cute expression, one that she knew her aunt Lissa found most amusing. Lucina saw his nose wrinkle and she spoke, “Robin.”

 

Her voice had an immediate effect as Robin jolted up.  His chocolate coloured eyes wide as he blinked in the early morning light.  He made a few more blinks as he tried to figure out if he was dreaming or not.  He smiled when he spotted her and she could see that even in the clutches of sleep Robin was still aware of what was going on.  “Morning love.” Robin's tone was sheepish and she knew he'd just woke. The crimson flush across his face was all the evidence she needed and Lucina smiled.

“I see that you're awake now.” Lucina giggled softly and Robin chuckled,

“I guess I have a knack for finding odd sleeping places huh?”

Lucina couldn't help the giggle, “I don't know about that.” She said and Robin stretched.  He then settled to move the book he'd slept on to the precarious pile, which amazed Lucina somewhat.

 

How someone could pile so many books she did not understand.  She supposed that only Robin could understand how to sit his books.  She however became anxious briefly. She had some important news and she wasn't sure how it was going to go.

 

Once Robin was up the couple moved to their usual morning breakfast and the tactician was up to his usual mischief.  Lucina didn't know how he did it, but somehow she would end up with an extra piece of fruit in her breakfast- Robin would claim it wasn't him though there was only the two of them.

 

This morning was little different.

 

After breakfast it was usually time for the couple to go about their day, Robin would head into Ylisstol to deliver whatever paperwork Chrom wanted done and Lucina...well she wasn't sure how best to spend the day.  It was nice to be able to relax, though that was going to be difficult on this particular day.

 

She cleared her throat and Robin looked at her curiously.  She was going to tell him today as there was no mistake. She'd held off for the last three or so months- nothing was harder than that- and she said calmly, “Remember when we went to that summer outrealm?” Robin tilted his head but she saw a flash of understanding in his eyes as he recalled their honeymoon,

“Like I would forget that!” Robin grinned, “Chrom still hasn't forgiven me for it, even if he owed me the time off.” the tactician became curious, “Which reminds me...apparently I'm owed some time off…” he mused and Lucina couldn't help the small smile.  Truly it was an amazing time for both of them, however she had to stay on task,

“Well...we might end up with a new addition come the spring festival-”

Robin blinked as what she was saying sunk in.  The surprise quickly overturned by pure joy. “Really?!” He cried, practically tripping to embrace her, while Lucina felt herself sniffling as the joy became overwhelming,

“Yes.  The healers confirmed it.” She said as his arms wrapped around her.  Robin swept her off the chair she was sitting as he cheered. Lucina felt as if truly she could be allowed to hope.  That this moment wouldn't be topped by any other.

 

~

 

The birth of their daughter Morgan was a moment that Robin wouldn't forget ever.  It was a memory that would give him strength to take brief moments of control over his body when Grima was least expecting it.

 

Yet Robin knew one thing.  He had to save his daughter from the Fell Dragon no matter what it took.

 

So when he did what he could to save Morgan- knowing he was short on time.

 

Sending her through the portal had been a calculated risk- taking all of Robin's strength and will power to accomplish.  Grima wouldn't have realised it had happened until it was too late and Morgan would be safe, just as Lucina had begged Robin to.  Robin knew what would likely happen, knew that Morgan would likely lose her memories from the strain of what he'd done. He knew and he prayed his other self would not have to be in this position and that the bonds would be strong enough to put an end to the nightmare he'd endured.

 

~

 

The small family were having a normal day, as usual Morgan had woken her father up and Robin was glad that she'd refrained from too much pranking this time, “Alright Morgan...alright.” he groaned as he rose his head from his book that he'd been studying from

“Come on Father!” Morgan cried, “You'll be late for breakfast!” she cried, “I'll go get Mother!”

Robin watched his little ball of pranks and smiles raced off and he chuckled to himself, “Well I suppose I can at least start making breakfast…” he murmured softly smiling at the sight of his cerulean haired daughter ran off to get her mother.  It made him smile. He only hoped that Lucina was feeling better today than the last few months since Grima's defeat and Robin's return to their small home. Chrom was likely going to want Robin to look over some paperwork and doubtless was worried about Lucina too.  In fact Robin wondered if there was something that he was missing. Still the tactician was relieved that there was peace now.

 

“Father!” Morgan's yell told Robin that she was extra excited and he chuckled softly.  He was soon hearing racing footsteps as Morgan raced to her spot on their small table before Lucina joined her,

“Morgan, how about you wait-”

“But Mother!” Morgan whined and Robin chuckled,

“Come on Morgan, breakfast is nearly ready, why don't you help me get the table set.” He said with a smile.  There was a pause and sure enough Morgan raced to complete the task, with her usual enthusiasm and with a dash of extra excitement it seemed.  Lucina let out one of her rare giggles and Robin outright had to stop himself laughing.

“Mother are you going to tell Father now?!” Morgan said with a pleading expression, Robin blinked as Lucina sighed,

“After breakfast Morgan.” Lucina said and Morgan pouted,

“But-!”

Robin gently pat his daughter's hair, “After breakfast Morgan.” he said calmly,

“But-!”

“You won't want to have it cold Morgan.” Robin said with a grin.  She pouted but eventually conceded,

“Fine…”

 

With breakfast done, Robin and Lucina took care of the dishes while Morgan decided she wanted to ‘go study’ since she was needing to catch up with her father's level of tactical skill under the provision that she didn't lose any of his tactical manuals.

 

As the last dish was dried and put away, Lucina sighed softly, “Robin, there's something we need to talk about.” She said nervously and Robin was surprised,

“Hmm?” he asked, curiously, “I get the feeling this is about something that has Morgan extra excited.”

Lucina nodded, “Yes well, as you I haven't been well for the last little while-”

Robin nodded, “Much to the concern of a few people I might add.” he said as he pulled her into an embrace,

“Right.  So I spoke with Aunt Lissa and...we're going to be joined by little Morgan come the spring festival.”

Robin froze as he tried to process what he'd just heard.  “Really?” the tactician asked as he felt a bubble of hope well up in his chest, “As in Lissa said...for sure?!” Lucina nodded and Robin grinned, “No wonder Morgan was so excited!” he smiled, “I can't almost believe it…” his grin was wide, “So then I guess that means we have a nursery to prepare and…” he still hadn't let his wife go.  Lucina smiled,

“We'll have a few months for that.”

Robin grinned widely, “Well then we'd better get onto it!” he grinned.  He couldn't wait to meet little Morgan. Then he looked thoughtful, “That would mean…” he blushed, “...the summer outrealm…”

Lucina nodded, “Lissa seems to think so.”

He looked worried, “Oh gods...I hope Chrom won't be too mad about that…”

Lucina giggled, “Aunt Lissa promised not to tell him just yet.”

Robin sighed, “That is one kettle of fish I don't think I could handle…” he admitted.

“We'll handle it together.” Lucina said holding his hand.  Robin chuckled and said,

“I can agree with that.” he leant to kiss Lucina when-

“Eww!  Can you two get any more gross?!” Morgan said making an exaggerated expression to show her displeasure.

“You know it's only the most natural way for me to show your mother how much I love her.” Robin teased and Morgan poked her tongue out at him.  Then Robin shifted a little and opened an arm and Morgan knew without any words what he was saying and she joined her mother in the embrace, “It seems that our little family won't be so little for much longer.” he said and Morgan smiled,

“I can't wait to meet little me~!” She grinned and Robin felt truly happy.  Lucina smiled as she was enveloped in a hug with both her daughter and husband.  It was a blissful moment that she wished could last.

So I kinda went in the jumpy direction...opps...

Edited May 21, 2019 by TheSilentChloey

[Azure the Scale Tipper]

I will judge everyone’s when that stage comes, unlike last time.

Just so ya’ll know.

[Anacybele]

I finally found I'm able to edit my post containing my entry! At least, the more recent post. I decided to add one sentence and I fixed a couple typos. So the word count increased slightly, but not much.

EDIT: Seems I actually can only edit it if I open the edit window in a new tab/window. Weird, but at least it's a way around that glitch.

Edited May 17, 2019 by Anacybele

[TheSilentChloey]

As far as I've noticed I seem to hit a bit of fun when both posting or editing from time to time.  I think it might not be a good thing going on.

[Ottservia]

So my entry is technically finished as in I could submit it now though I don't know if I should add just one more scene I had in mind for it. Decisions decisions

[Azure the Scale Tipper]

22 minutes ago, Ottservia said:

So my entry is technically finished as in I could submit it now though I don't know if I should add just one more scene I had in mind for it. Decisions decisions

You have ~six days left. Does that help?

[Ottservia]

The Sun's Gentle Hands

Fandom: Fire Emblem Awakening/Fates

Words: 2,760

Spoiler

“A one and a two,” The young boy said as his feet moved in sync with his mother.

 

“Now a twirl and…” His mother said as they both twirled and struck a pose.

 

Inigo panted as the two held the pose for another couple seconds.

 

His mother let out a deep breath as she turned towards him. Inigo looked up at her and squinted as the golden sun’s rays radiated around her shadowy form.

 

“Inigo that was amazing!” His mother exclaimed as she knelt beside him with a warm beaming smile.

 

“R-really?” He blinked

 

She nodded, “Mmhm you followed every step perfectly” She wrapped her arms around him, “I’m so proud of you at this rate you’ll learn this dance in no time”

 

Warm, that was the only way to describe how it felt. His mother’s gentle hands wrapped around his body like the golden drops of sun that tickled his face. His lips curved into yet another warm smile as his mother ended the embrace and smiled back. A soft warm and delicate smile that shined just as bright as the glimmering sun basking down on them.

 

---------

“INIGO GET DOWN!!!” He heard his mother shout.

 

Next thing he knew his eyes suddenly snapped shut as his body slammed into the floor. Inigo let out a low groan as his body rang with a shot of pain. Slowly, the world came spinning back. A symphony of agony and terror filled his ears as low moans grumbled through the air with the crackle of flames. Something warm and wet dripped onto his cheeks as he slowly opened his eyes to the dark and ruined world around him.

 

“M-moth-” His eyes widened at the sight before him.

 

His mother’s body, splattered with blood and wounds, loomed over him as a short spear drenched in her blood stuck out from her stomach. His hand immediately went to cover his mouth as his stomach coiled around his throat and nearly squeezed out his innards.
 

“Ar-are...y-...you alright?” His mother asked as her lips struggled to form a smile.

Inigo could only nod in silence.

 

“Th-that’s good” A warm smile began to form from her lips and once again shined as bright as the sun that once loomed overhead. “Pl-please….y-you m-must….r….u…” Her lips stopped as her body went limp and collapsed on top of him.

 

For a moment, Inigo didn’t move. He simply laid there trembling with his mother’s blood smeared corpse on top of him. “M-mom?” was all he could say before a blood-curdling roar caught his attention. He glanced over his mother’s body to see two grotesque purple humanoid monsters as they began to approach. He clutched the corpse in his arms and rolled to his feet. He had to get him and his mom somewhere safe. He slung his mom’s body over his shoulder and after a quick glance back ran away as fast as his legs could carry him.

 

----

“I think I lost them” Heavy bloodstained breaths heaved from his lungs as he walked into the back alley. He looked around and could barely see anything as shadows draped every corner and swallowed up any hint of light.

 

He gently placed his mother against the wall only for her limp body to slump to the floor. He propped her back up and made sure she stayed.

 

“Mom are you alright?”

 

No answer

 

Inigo’s heart began to sink. “Come on answer me!” He pleaded as tears began to form in his eyes.

 

Once again there was no answer.

 

“Mom, please! Just answer me!” He pleaded once more as both his voice and the dam in his eyes began to crack.

 

He placed hands on her shoulder and began to shake her vigorously. “Why?! Why don’t you answer me?! Please just say something! Anything! Please just tell me you’re ok! Please…” He stopped.

 

“Please….” He said in a low voice as his heart splattered across the canyon floor, “j-just t-tell….me...e-everyth...ing w-will be...okay…”

 

Once again there was no response as nothing but shadows draped over them.

 

-----

Laslow sighed as he looked at the small chain of circles in his hand. “Everything will be okay” He whispered to himself. He moved his head and gazed up at the nohrian sky.

 

Nothing but darkness without a hint of sunlight and not a star nor moon in sight. It seemed no matter where he went, without her, darkness always followed. He glanced down at the golden chain again. It sparkled in the darkness as if a million stars danced in his hand. Nothing will ever be able to replace that warm shining light from all those years ago.

 

“Mother what should I do? I don’t think I’m ready for…”

 

“There you are Laslow!” He heard a familiar voice speak up.

 

He glanced back and spied a shade of crimson peer through the shadows.

 

“Selena,” He said as he turned around, “Wh-what are you d-doing out here?” He said as her venomous glare shot at him through the dark.

 

Is she angry? She seems angry. She’s probably angry.

 

“Y-you idiot!” She panted as she walked up and punched him square in the face.

 

Yep, definitely angry.

 

The brown haired mercenary stumbled back as his hands wrapped around his face. “Gah! Severa what the hell was that for?!”

 

“First of all, don’t call me that! Have you forgotten our identities need to be kept secret!” She crossed her arms and shot a scowl at him, “Second off, where the hell have you been all day?! Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?!”

 

Laslow shook his head as the pain began to fade and quickly regained his composure, “Geez Selena you pack one mean left hook” He said as he rubbed his jaw.

 

“Oh get over it” Selena rolled her eyes, “Frankly, I’m surprised you’re not used to getting punched in the face”

 

“Well it’s been a while since I stopped after I gave you that ring”

 

“Well whatever you still haven’t answered my question”

 

Laslow raised an eyebrow, “what question?”

 

Selena let out an audible groan, “The one I just asked you idiot! Why did you just wander off and left me alone in the infirmary?!”

 

So that’s what this is about.

 

“Oh right well…”

 

“Gods, why did I have to marry someone so daft?”

 

Laslow smiled, “Well no taking it back now you’re stuck with me”

 

“Just answer the question”

 

“Alright but would be so kind as to show me a smile? It’s a terrible shame to see such a beautiful face scowling all the time”

 

A smear of red spread across Selena’s face as her head quickly turned away, “I said just answer the question, idiot!”

 

“Alright well in truth I….” He hesitated for a moment unsure of how to answer, “...I...I dunno” He sighed, “I guess I just needed to clear my head”

 

Selena looked back at her husband as her scowl melted away and sighed, “I guess it is a lot to take in, huh?”

 

Laslow nodded, “Yeah, it’s kind of like that feeling of seeing our past selves for the first time but now we’re the ones who are going to be responsible for it” Laslow looked down at the dancer chain that sparkled in his open palm, “How did our parents react when this happened to them? Did they feel unready? Were they shocked or surprised?”

“I don’t know though it’s not like we can ask them anymore”

 

Laslow sighed, “Yeah you’re right. Then again we were born during a time of peace after the plegia war but right now we’re in a war...would we be able to keep it safe?”

 

“I talked with lady Corrin about it and she said she had something in mind”

 

Laslow raised an eyebrow, “really, what?”

 

“She’s going to have Lilith open up some kind of pocket dimension where time moves faster or something”

 

“She can do that?”

 

“I guess so but what else can you expect from the daughter of a dragon?”

 

“Yeah”

 

Selena sighed, “Still I’m not so sure about it”

 

“I know what you mean”

 

“We’d be abandoning our child just so they would be safe” Selena’s arms slid to her side as one clutched the other, “We wouldn’t be able to watch them laugh, play, or grow...They’d probably be really lonely y’know...what if they end up resenting us? what if…” She trailed off not wanting to finish the sentence.

 

She didn’t have to either. Flashes of his mother’s limp body drenched in blood swept through his mind, “I know b-but…” He hesitated for a moment, “but what choice do we have? If it’s to keep them safe then…”

 

“I know I’m just…”

 

Laslow smiled, “Now who’s worried?”

 

Smudges of red once again smeared across the redhead’s face, “Sh-shut up you idiot! This isn’t the kind of thing that should be taken lightly! We wouldn’t want to make a mistake cause we’ve only got one shot!”

 

Laslow let out a light chuckle.

 

Selena scowled at him, “what is so funny?!”

 

“Sorry I was just thinking about how no matter what you’re still the same Severa from when we first met”

 

Severa’s face grew redder almost to the shade of her hair, “What did I say about calling me that! Stupid Inigo!”

 

Inigo smiled again, “look who’s talking”

 

“Sh-shut up stupid Ini-...Laslow!”

 

Inigo laughed again, “You’re pretty cute when you’re flustered you know that?”

 

Severa’s face was a tomato at this point as her hands balled into fists, “Do you want me to punch you again!”

 

Inigo put his hands up in defense and shook his head, “No ma'am”

 

Severa let out a deep sigh, “Gawds I just can’t with you sometimes” She crossed her arms once more.

 

Inigo smiled and walked over to his wife as a warm feeling began to well in his chest. It was a familiar feeling like the one he felt when his mother was smiling down at him. He wrapped his arms around Severa.

 

“Hey, wha-”

 

“Thank you, Severa”

 

Severa blushed again, “I should be the one thanking you, idiot”

 

“If you really wanted to thank me you’d show me a smile”

 

Severa remained silent for a moment before turning her head and brought her lips to her husband’s. The two held for a few seconds before breaking off as she smiled back at him.

“There see? Now everything will be okay”

 

------

Laslow stood beside his wife’s bed as she lovingly cradled the sleeping newborn in her arms.

 

“She’s beautiful,” He said as he leaned in a little closer.

 

“Yeah obviously she’s my daughter after all”

 

Laslow let out a light chuckle, “I don’t know she looks like she has my face”

 

“Yeah but she has my hair which we both know is the most important”

 

“Whatever you say”

 

For a moment, the two stood in silence as they admired their newborn daughter. Drops of golden sun began to drip through the windows as the infant girl began to open her eyes.

 

“She’s waking up” Selena spoke up, “Hello there,” Selena said in the most tender and loving voice as a smile curved on her face.

 

“Good morning” Laslow smiled.

 

Their daughter tried to rub her eyes only to sneeze. Laslow reached over and wiped her face causing her to look at him with a smile. It was at that moment a flood of sunlight rushed into the room and wrapped Inigo in a familiar warmth he had not felt for a long time. It was just like back then when his mother was still alive and looking over him. He had finally found something to replace that light. This child would be his new light. His new sun that he swore to never let fade.

 

“Welcome to this world, Soleil”

 

------

 

“B-but I just can’t leave you here by yourself!” Soleil snapped at her father as tears pooled her eyes. “You saw what they did to mom! They’ll kil-”

 

“Soleil listen to me!” Laslow cut her off, “You have to get out of here no matter what!”

 

“B-but they’ll…”

 

“I’ll be fine” Laslow shot his daughter a reassuring smile, “I’ve been through much worse trust me” He brushed her scarlet red bangs to the side and wiped the tears from her face. If not for the hair color, she would be the spitting image of his mother. “So don’t worry about me got it”

 

“O-okay” She sniffed

 

“Come on show me a smile,” Laslow said as he pulled a small crystal from his pocket, “You haven’t forgotten what I said already?”

 

“That everything will be okay so long as you smile”

 

“That’s right, now smile for me”

 

Soleil did just that as once again that familiar warmth wrapped around Inigo’s body.

 

“There was that so hard?”

 

She shook her head.

 

The mercenary glanced behind him as he noticed several more vallite soldiers began to charge into view.

 

He turned back to his daughter, “Ok we don’t have much time but you should also take this with you” He said as he placed the crystal his daughter’s hands.

 

“What’s this?”

 

“a magical crystal that can warp you to anywhere you desire even across time and space so if anything happens, use this to warp you and Ophelia to a place known as Ylisstol”

 

“Why there?”

 

“It’s a safe place and there are people there that will protect you so long as you tell them that your father’s name is Inigo”

 

“Inigo? but I thought-”

 

“That’s enough talk you should go now the enemy will be on top of us soon” Inigo rose to his feet and turned to face the mass of invisible soldiers.

 

“Alright,” Soleil said as she picked up her sword and began to run in the other direction.

 

Inigo smiled as he watched her scurry off, “Be safe Soleil, I promise I won’t let your light fade”

 

He turned his attention back to the mass of soldiers stampeding towards him. He drew his sword and with a brazen war cry charged forward.

 

Mother, Father, wherever you are, are you watching? Cause I think I finally understand…

 

Inigo decapitated another soldier as a sharp pain stung through his arm. He looked over his bleeding shoulder and pulled out the silver arrow. He dodged an ax swing only for his back to be grazed by the tip of a spear.

 

I understand now why you risked so much to protect me back then....

 

Inigo cried out in pain as a sword tore across his chest. He leaped away from another strike and with several quick calculated blows took out a few more soldiers. Heavy blood-stained breaths heaved from his lungs as he looked down at his body covered in blood and wounds. He looked back up to see several more soldiers begin to surround him.

 

“These things just don’t end, do they?” He wiped some blood from his chin, “Well if they wanna performance that bad I guess I can oblige” He said as he jumped back into the fray.

 

Why you risked so much to protect the light you held so dear….

 

His body was beginning to slow down as more wounds tore across his body.

 

As now I have my own light to protect, a light so bright it shines as bright as the sun like you once did for me back then…

 

Inigo’s eyes widened as he caught sight of a stray javelin whizzing through the air, “At that trajectory, it’ll hit…”

 

And I won’t let that sun fade no matter what the cost...no matter what the cost…

 

Time seemed to slow down as Inigo sprinted as fast as he could towards the javelin’s line of fire.

 

“SOLEIL GET DOWN!!!!” He shouted at the top of his lungs as he threw himself over his daughter. A near deafening wail of pain shot from his mouth as the javelin drilled through his stomach.

 

He barely forced his eyes open and looked down at his distraught daughter. For a moment, his younger self flashed over top of her.

 

He tried to force a smile, “Ar-are...y-...you alright?”

 

Soleil could only nod in silence.

 

“Th-that’s good” A warm smile began to form from his lips and once again shined as bright as the sun that loomed overhead.

 

I’m sorry mother, father, It looks like I won’t be meeting back up with you in the way you expected, huh. I’m sorry Soleil. I was unable to keep my promise to you.

 

“Pl-please….y-you m-must….r….u…n” He forced out before everything went black.

 

Spoiler

Whew that one was a bit of a doozy. Honestly I don't write romance too much so I don't know if that came out the way I intended but I think I did alright with it. The pacing in the beginning is a bit fast I'll admit but overall I think I liked how this one turned out. There were also a couple scenes I wanted put in here but chose to cut due to wanting to keep it brief so if anyone wants me to post a "director's cut" of this so to speak then let me know.

 

Edited May 21, 2019 by Ottservia

[Dragoncat]

Title: Biological Rhythm

Fandom: Xenoblade 1 (AU)

Words: 3301

Spoiler

“Wake up, Blue Eyes. I made breakfast.” Fiora sat down on the bed and playfully cuffed the top of Shulk’s head. “You can’t sleep all day. It’s nearly 9 AM.”

Shulk yawned and lifted his head. “Sorry.”

“You know just about every night sex happens, you can’t seem to drag your butt out of bed the next morning.”

“That’s because you wear me out. Your energy level is something else.”

Fiora had always been full of energy. A stark contrast to her more mellow husband. She was the dominant partner, and when it came to intimacy, many people were surprised Shulk was okay with going there as soon as he was. He was known for his stoic introversion, being more comfortable holed up inside tinkering away on his projects than out in public...and his role as savior of the Bionis, but mostly for appearing uninterested in sex. But he just needed a little nudge, a little sweet talk...something that would only work coming from his childhood friend turned soulmate, and he turned out to be quite the lover boy in bed, and a cuddler to boot. With this, there was no wonder Fiora was so affectionate.

Shulk stretched and sat up. “So what is the breakfast, babe?” Fiora had combed her hair and washed it. He clearly remembered it looking somewhat like a rat’s nest once he rolled off of her, spent and satisfied, to snuggle and fall asleep the night before. Why did she still think she had to fix her appearance for him...neither had to work today, they could spend all day in what they slept in and not leave the house if they wanted. He was in his boxers only, and she had a T shirt and briefs. He was unsure if she’d thrown a bra on or not.

She moved forward and nuzzled his cheek. “Bacon and scrambled eggs with cheese. Now come on, it’s gonna get cold...not that it’ll bother you, but it will me.”

“Are you ever going to stop teasing me about cold pizza? Cold bacon is fine I guess, but not eggs.”

Her only response was a smile as she led him to the kitchen. She remembered roughly three years ago, before the chain of events that changed life as they knew it forever...she had made a comment to her older brother that Shulk had no sense of taste, and would say the soup and hot sandwich she was bringing him was delicious even if it was stone cold. And she couldn’t believe she did remember it so clearly...it was such a minor thing compared to the invasion, the war, the months long separation in which he’d thought she was dead, the reunion and passionate first kiss...just about any of those should have been a clearer memory.

Shulk dug into the food right away. “Thanks.” He said between bites. “I was just going to grab a muffin at the market and then go hunt for monster parts and scrap trinkets.”

“What on Bionis are you building? And you’re using your old lab just for storage it looks like.”

Shulk made an “I am uncomfortable” face. “...Bad memories...box them up, leave them there.”

“Oh, dear…” Fiora put her plate away before giving Shulk a hug. “We may have lost Dickson, but most of us are still here at least. And we gained Alexa, Diana, and Gamma.”

“But...Fiora. He may still be alive. And what hurts the most is Dunban keeps saying he’s dead to him regardless. I didn’t know Mumkhar, but at least we know he’s actually dead...and deserved it.”

Dickson had been Shulk’s adopted father. He had turncoated during a crucial point of the war a few years ago and hadn’t been seen since. He’d been close to Fiora’s brother, Dunban, as well. Dunban was bitter from having both his war buddies turn on him. He couldn’t be blamed for that. He admitted he probably should have noticed the red flags with Mumkhar earlier.

People were resilient. Colony 6 had went from a population of less than fifty to twice that in three years. They were still in the midst of a population boom and reconstruction efforts were going smoothly. Colony 9, home to Shulk, Fiora, and Dunban, didn’t get hit as hard, but was also experiencing a post war baby boom. Dunban had even added to that himself. He’d had an old flame, a chef for the defense forces named Alexa, who he had a quick fling with while he was doing his mercenary work with Mumkhar and Dickson. After the war ended, the romance was rekindled. Fiora was sure her niece was conceived on the wedding night.

The phone rang. Fiora answered it. The voice on the other line belonged to a bubbly two year old girl. “Aunt Fiora! Daddy’s gonna make the mechon into a snack bringer!”

“Oh, he finally decided to try to program it?”

“Yeah and he needs Uncle Shulk to help him. It’s not listening.” Dunban could be heard in the background, replacing swears with more appropriate words for a two year old to hear and threatening to get out his anti mechon sword. Mechon were creatures from the other titan landmass, the Mechonis. The people of the Mechonis were known as machina, and both they and mechon were non organic, mechanical life forms. The Bionis, in contrast, had organic life calling it home. The war three years ago was started by a machina with a mechon army. He had his reasons for his conquest, delusional as they may be, but regardless, it was now a time of peace and a few of the Bionites had been given mechon as friendly gifts.

Shulk got up and put his plate away. “I’m still not an expert on mechon programming. But sure. We can go down there and see what we can do.”

“We’ll have to get dressed though.”

“Well, duh.”

----

Father and daughter were attempting to guide the small mechon to a table with food on it when Shulk and Fiora showed up. The mechon, when pointed in a direction, would go the opposite direction. Diana was trying to imitate the whirring mechanical noises, as if she thought the mechon would understand that better. But nothing worked and the scene was the funniest thing Fiora had seen all week. Shulk just looked unamused.

“I don’t think it understands pointing, Dunban.” Shulk said. “It’s not a dog.”

“It shouldn’t be much different!” Dunban walked over to a chair and plopped himself down in it. “How did Egil manage to turn these things into bloodthirsty killers? I can’t even get it to follow simple directions.”

Diana stood in front of the mechon and gestured to the table. “Beep boop beep bop!”

Dunban blinked. “And now my daughter is spewing racial slurs. Lovely.”

“Oh, you didn’t teach her that?” Fiora smirked.

Dunban huffed in response.

“There are no machina here to hear it. But...probably a good idea to tell her that’s offensive to them before she meets any.” Shulk retorted. “I’ll try what worked with the one I have.”

The mechon made a surprised beep and flailed its metal limbs as Shulk picked it up, flipped it over, and dug at it with a screwdriver. He then put it back down on the floor. “I put it in Organic Command Mode. It was still set to take commands from flashing lights and sounds only machina can make. Miqol should have put all of them in this mode before giving them to us, honestly.”

“So…” Dunban tilted his head.

“Tell it what you want it to do. Clap to get its attention first, and keep your command short and simple.”

Dunban stood up and slapped his thigh with his left arm. His right arm was heavily scarred, damaged, and weakened. This was the closest to a clap he could manage. The mechon beeped and turned toward the sound of the clap. “Bring cheese.”

The mechon moved toward the table, which had an apple, a cheese stick, and a cookie on it. It turned and made its way into the kitchen and came back with a bag of shredded cheese in its graspers, which it dropped at Dunban’s feet. Fiora burst out laughing at her brother’s face. “It technically did what you asked!”

“Well I’d appreciate if it didn’t take things I was using!” Alexa walked into the room. “I was prepping the lasagna for tomorrow and it came and yanked that bag away from me!”

“...Yeah, they’re not perfect at following directions even in this mode.” Shulk chuckled. “I had mine putting books away in boxes. And it filled one box and proceeded to start throwing books in the trash.”

Alexa walked over to the mechon and patted it. “I’d rather have mechon that don’t follow directions perfectly than mechon that attack people.” The mechon made a whirring noise. It sounded happy. “This little one needs a name if it’s gonna be our pet.”

Diana bounced on her toes. “Yeah! Good idea Mommy!”

“Really?” Dunban protested. “A pet mechon? Why name something...that you might have to kill…”

“It brought shredded cheese. It looks like a Shreds.” Alexa ignored the statement about killing. Fiora was smiling, Dunban looked unsure, Diana was also smiling...and Shulk didn’t know whether he should name his mechon or not. Mechon had only recently stopped being vicious monsters...it would take some time to get used to the idea of coexisting, and they really belonged on the Mechonis anyway.

 

TWO WEEKS LATER

Fiora approached her favorite coworker in the kitchen of the restaurant. “Oriana, I found out something really exciting this morning.”

The older woman turned and smiled. “I think I know what it is. How did Shulk react when you told him?”

“...What?”

Oriana chuckled. “How would it not be obvious? You’re a young couple, still basically newlyweds...it was bound to happen soon.”

Fiora shrugged. Yes, that was true. “I haven’t told him yet. I want to tell him in a neat way. I wanted to know if you had any ideas.”

“Order up for table 5!” The cook shouted.

“Well, time to feed the peanut gallery.” Fiora said.

“Peanut gallery?” Oriana blinked. “They’re defense force soldiers...and some of our regulars.”

“Peanut gallery.” Fiora repeated. “Trust me, you’d understand if you were the one bringing them their food.”

The table of four was as follows: Captain Emmy, her subordinate Miller, Cole the medic, and the big gal named Gamma who was married to a childhood friend of Fiora and Shulk’s, Reyn. Reyn himself was not here. He’d probably decided to work in the base through lunch for extra pay in preparation for his child on the way. Fiora had always hoped fatherhood would mellow him out...he was quite the loud and boisterous oaf, always had been. It was good that he was settling down.

Cole made a face at Gamma’s drink. “I really think you should have soda instead of something with alcohol in it every day. You’re pregnant…”

“Only a couple months.” Gamma shrugged and picked up her cheeseburger. “But since when are you an expert?”

“Yeah, man. You just do basic field stuff and broken bones and lacerations and stuff.” Miller said. “Don’t think nutrition for pregnant ladies is in there. Unless…” His eyes widened and he broke into a cheesy grin. “Hoo boy! Spill it! Are you the fastest man in Colony 9 or what?”

“Behave or I’ll put you on bathroom cleaning duty when we get back.” Emmy shot her subordinate a glare. “Him and Tia have only been dating for four months.”

“It doesn’t take very long.” Gamma snickered. “If the first date got steamy enough, it’s possible.”

“It didn’t! I know these things because of medic training! It’s basic knowledge!” Cole’s face turned red.

Fiora had been silent through this whole conversation, but felt she had to speak up now. “Hey, Cole. Speaking of which...I found out this morning that I have one on the way as well. How much alcohol would be too much?”

“Okay, there’s totally something in the water.” Miller commented.

“Congrats.” Cole smiled. “The key is moderation, basically. I’ll go get you some info pamphlets when I can.”

“Big news! BIG NEWS!” Gamma nearly spit a mouthful of food across the table.

Fiora smiled. “Well don’t tell Reyn, he can’t keep his mouth shut and I haven’t told Shulk yet.”

“Knowing Shulk, he’ll be so happy he’ll be speechless.” Emmy said. “He’s got such a kind, gentle personality. Yet I’ve seen him on the battlefield too...quite fierce. He’ll be a great father.”

“Of course he will. Enjoy your meal, guys. And thanks.”

----

“Ack, crap.” Shulk walked through the front door and went straight to the couch and slumped down in it. “Busy today. A fridge, an oven, two washing machines...and one of the customers was an old lady who said I’m more handsome in person than on TV. I don’t know what to make of that. I haven’t been on TV in two years.”

While Fiora waitressed, Shulk made a living as an appliance repair man. They had a good amount in savings by now...and they would need it soon to support their child. Fiora smiled at the thought. She couldn’t wait. And now was the time to make the announcement to the father to be.

“There’s a nice surprise in the oven.”

Shulk perked up. “A hot meal does sound good!” He got up and went into the kitchen, then came back with a hamburger bun. “...Honey? What is this?”

“A bun.”

“Yes I know it’s a bun.”

“A bun in the oven.”

“A bun in the oven.” Shulk repeated. “Yeah, but…” After a moment of staring at Fiora’s face, it clicked. “A bun in the oven! Are you pregnant?”

Fiora nodded. “Found out this morning.”

“Oh yes, this is wonderful!” Shulk hugged his wife tenderly. “I can’t wait to meet our little one! He or she is going to be as cute as you!”

“Shulk…” Fiora hugged back, smiling.

 

ABOUT NINE MONTHS LATER

They were three weeks old...tiny scraps of flesh that looked somewhat like potatoes with faces, but Shulk’s paternal instincts were strong, so they were the most precious things ever to him. Twins! That had been a shocker. Fiora had had a rough pregnancy and birth, but it was all worth it. And what amazed Shulk the most was how the twins had their own mannerisms already. His daughter was a bit of a runt. She was visibly smaller than her brother, yet she seemed spunky and strong willed like her mother. His son, on the other hand, was calm and content most of the time, but he seemed to lose patience when he got hungry. And both of them, of course, did end up being as cute as Fiora.

They were in their crib asleep when the doorbell rang. Both parents were in the room with the babies, and Fiora flinched at the doorbell, expecting it to wake the babies up. It didn’t. But she sent Shulk out anyway in case they were going to wake up and want fed.

Shulk’s heart sank to the pit of his stomach when he opened the door. “...Dickson.” Standing right in front of him was the man who raised him only to turn and stab him in the back...and his expression was blank, so it was hard to tell if there was remorse at all.

“Long time no see, I suppose?”

“Dickson, I…”

“People act like they’re in a funeral. I’m lucky I even got told you and Fiora have newborn twins now. It’s all hush hush. But, I guess that’s what I get. I didn’t expect a welcome back parade.”

After an awkward silence and stare down, Shulk heard another familiar voice. “Dickson got it mixed up.” The little orange furry creature, a nopon, spoke in his usual bubbly tone. “We both hear of small hom hom litter in newspaper.”

“Riki! Hi!”

“Yeah, well, newspaper or not, I still got told by one of the merchants too.” Dickson shrugged. “I was at Frontier Village, and Riki came up to me waving the newspaper. Now was as good of a time as ever to show my old face around these parts again. I hope I’m still welcome, if only just a little.”

Another awkward silence, then Fiora’s voice. “Shulk, who’s here?”

“Riki. And...Dickson.”

“DICKSON? Wow, he was still alive…”

Riki bounced through the door into the house. “Baby hom homs! Yay! Riki’s littlepons all grown up now. No more litters, that was the last one. Where are they? Please show!”

“Just keep your voice down, Riki.” Shulk smiled at the nopon. He was glad he came. Nopon were such friendly creatures, and Riki was so much fun to be around. “They’re asleep.”

Riki made a confused face. “Their ears open this early?”

“Homs aren’t born blind and deaf like nopon are.” Dickson reached down and patted Riki’s head. “Let’s be quiet, okay?” He turned to Shulk. “...If it’s okay with you.”

Shulk nodded. He was trying to think like a nopon...nopon rarely held grudges. “Follow me.”

Fiora gave Dickson a blank stare and smiled at Riki as they walked into the room. Dickson had to pick Riki up to show him the babies asleep in the crib. “Aww!” Riki gushed. “Hom hom babies roly poly like nopon babies! Look at the head floof on this one, and this one really tiny…”

“She is smaller than her brother.” Fiora confirmed. “But she’s healthy and strong. They both are.”

The girl baby squirmed and began making some soft cries. Riki flinched. “Sorry, Riki be quieter.”

“She woke up on her own, you’re fine.” Shulk picked up his daughter. She seemed to untense. Her eyes were a stormy gray blue color, and they were fixed on Dickson and Riki.

“Her name is Violet.” Shulk beamed with pride. “Just look at her eyes! I thought they were colored like the flower called a violet, so that became her name.” Violet squeaked and began gnawing at Shulk’s cheek. “Daddy can’t feed you, silly girl. He’s not that way inclined.” Shulk told her. He then turned to explain. “She gnaws when she’s hungry.”

Fiora took the baby and retreated to the corner of the room. Dickson was smiling. He sat Riki down on the floor and peeked into the crib for a closer look. “So, that’s Violet. And this is?”

Shulk hesitated. “He’s named after Fiora and Dunban’s father...and you. Rickson. Richard plus Dickson.”

Dickson’s eyes widened. “Shulk...I really don’t deserve…”

“We discussed pros and cons.” Fiora turned the chair to face the others. She was covered up with a blanket, the only thing visible was the top of Violet’s head. “Shulk doesn’t remember his biological parents...and we didn’t really like any of the other options we found…”

“Dickson, look. It still hurts. But I can forgive you. You were the only father I knew.” Shulk sighed and hung his head. “Will you be their grandfather?”

“...I suppose.” Dickson said. 

“I will tell Dunban you’ve returned. Hopefully he won’t run you off his property.” Shulk forced a smile.

Riki bounced up and down. “Dundun! Yay! Visit him too!”

“We homs need to be more like nopon, looks like.” Dickson moved forward and patted Shulk’s shoulder. “Riki didn’t seem to care. None of them cared. It was nice. Congratulations, by the way. They’re adorable. You just let me know when you’ve announced my presence to Dunban. And if I come back with a big gaping sword wound even after that...well, that’s on him.”

Shulk and Fiora both chuckled. “Will do.” Shulk said. “Welcome back, Dickson.”

Thoughts and notes

Spoiler

I explain the AU here. If you played the game, you should give that a look.

Title is a reference to Mechanical Rhythm, one of the tracks in the OST.

Maybe the scene with Shreds the pet mechon could be omitted...but meh, it's funny. I also probably could have fit some cute pregnancy/birth scenes in, in hindsight...

Yes, the twins were conceived the night before the story began. Bow chicka bow wow. I remember reading that home pregnancy tests can work as early as two weeks, and in this 90s era tech (mainly) world, those would exist. Also, Fiora was a goddess vessel, it's part of the game's plot, and said goddess is a very kind and motherly one. I like the idea of the former presence of the goddess causing a gut feeling/instinct like "I feel different here" and Fiora knew pregnancy was possible for sure. Or I guess, some women irl test that early too so idk. Regardless I also found out that at two weeks gestation these little ones would just be tiny balls of cells. They don't grow faces and limbs until like eight weeks. Interesting.

 

Edited May 24, 2019 by Dragoncat

[Interdimensional Observer]

Yeah I should have instituted the grammar corrections sooner, but I was lazy. Thanks again @Azure in a Roundabout! I know it's a lot of text to look through. I'll have to return the favor later.

The grammar-corrected version of Twenty Years:

Spoiler

Time: Gran Count 778, early Summer.

 

From the edge of the Yied Desert, a Grannvalian envoy approached Castle Rivough. It consisted of mostly horses and their riders, only a few walked alongside the steeds. Though blemished by a little dust, the group had changed into their finery a while ago, for soon they were to be received by Issach, arrayed outside the castle town. The gathered elite of the city and country were like the many peasants interested in spectating this event on foot. Horses adorned in accents of silver were reserved as a highlight for the leading Issachan representative: the king himself.

• Oifey: Hail thee King Issach! Hail King Shannan! I, Oifey, Duke of Chalphy, Chancellor of the Kingdom of Grannvale have arrived for an audience with you, at His Majesty King Seliph’s behest!
• Shannan: Welcome Chancellor! Welcome Duke Chalphy! It was here, at the edge of Issach my realm, that Grannvale and your great uncle met with my great father twenty-one years ago! It was here your kingdom and noble house began a most terrible war!
• Oifey: Peace! In peace I come King Shannan! We fought together but a year ago to end the tyranny my forefathers had wrought and which oppressed your people for decades to follow! I wish to heal old wounds, not strike new ones!
• Shannan: I know your sincere purpose well Duke Chalphy! The correspondence between us and your Majesty King Seliph of Grannvale is what led to our meeting on this day. As brothers and equals blessed by seven and one Crusaders, our Kingdoms must assist each other to bring the scars left by Loptyr’s return to fade.
• Oifey: Indeed King Shannan! Facilitating such assistance is my cause on this day, and I have crossed the Desert of Death to do so. Do I and my retinue have the right to pursue this?
• Shannan: The right is your’s Duke Oifey! Now let us bring ease to our voices and begin our diplomacy elsewhere. I welcome you to the court I’ve arranged here at Castle Rivough for this occasion, partake of it as your weariness demands and whims desire with all my generosity.

-

And so, Oifey trotted towards the outer wall of Rivough’s castle town in procession. Dozel during the reign of the Grannvale Empire had chosen to operate primarily out of Rivough, finding Issach to be backwater ill-befitting of a Grannvale ducal family. Extracting tax and tribute in kind, cash, and labor through coercion and funneling it through Rivough to Grannvale itself was the Empire’s priorities. As a result, Castle Rivough was for twenty years of oppression in good condition, and thus fit for greeting this special envoy. 

It was not a grand envoy: the Chancellora cohort of his handpicked diplomats with information collected on Grannvale’s present state, a convoy for their needs, and a military guard in case of bandits whilst passing through the Yied Desert. As Duke Chalphy with the Crusader Baldr’s blood in his veins but without his Brand, and though he had fought alongside King Shannan without regard for status, Shannan’s ceremonial reception party was likewise calculated to be relatively small. Smaller than would have been afforded to King Seliph had he visited.

• Shannan: So few Duke Chalphy? You must be here solely for your mission then.
• Oifey: My wife Duchess Clidna ,your distant cousin, is on her way. She is accompanied by your closer kin, Ulster, Duke of Dozel. They should both be here by tomorrow.
• Shannan: Likewise, Queen Patty is not here, but she promises to come on the morrow. Before we were to leave yesterday, she met a veteran of King Leif’s army. It appears she struck up a good moment’s conversation with this woman, not of Issach, yet a mistress of the blade nonetheless. So, how is Lady Clidna?
• Oifey: She is well, adjusting to life in Grannvale as Duchess is not the easiest when one has spent it all in Issach, but fortunately Ulster and Larcei and their Issachan retinues has made the change of circumstances easier.

Duchess Clidna was a relative of King Shannan. She belonged to a cadet branch of the former royal family of the kingdom of Ganeishire, one of the sub-kingdoms into which Issach was divided. They were bound together under the greater King of Issach directly descended from the Crusader Odr and bearing his Brand. She had none of his holy blood, but was nonetheless a collateral descendent of Odr. 

Her father and brothers had joined Prince Marricle in his last stand against Grannvale in Ganeishire Castle, yet she had fled with her mother as her father had requested, to hide in the northern badlands of Issach for her safety far from Grannvalian authority. She was between Oifey and Shannan in age, and when word came that the Prince had returned, she and her mother turned to him to offer their loyalty and find security. She became a devoted member of the Liberation Army, unable to fight, she took managing to the mundane supportive roles which allowed the warriors to concentrate on battle and excelled at rallying the women who did much of this work. 

For Oifey was a topflight strategist and logistician, he had met with Clidna on frequent occasions. He liked her upbeat demeanor, and a strong friendship followed. Feeling old by this point in his life, he felt a wife was necessary, and when Seliph had crossed from Miletos and entered Grannvale for the firs time in his life, Oifey felt victory was assured. With the peace of mind to pursue love, he proposed to Clidna soon after the liberation of Chalphy, and they quickly wed after the final battle had concluded. 

The celebrations were saved for their coronation as Duke and Duchess of Chalphy, he was thankful, and she was happy if surprised to raise to this status. It was a physical symbol of the Issach-Chalphy bonds began when Sigurd and Shannan had met, and she was perfectly willing to be a part of this. Oifey continually thanked her for accepting his hand in marriage, and was willing to spare no expense to make her feel at home in a distant land.

-

• Shannan: We’ve seen enough war for many lives Duke Chalphy, therefore I have arranged not for sport on this day. Will a celebration of the newborn continental peace and liberation through song and spoken word be sufficient? Accompanied by a lunch that should be to your likings?
• Oifey: That will be more than sufficient, your magnanimity is great King Shannan. 

Bowing to King Shannan to thank him, Oifey and his diplomats relocated to the courtyard of Rivough Castle, sitting at a banquet table in the midday sun, he was positioned to the right of King Shannan, a spot generally reserved for a close advisor or other highly distinguished guests. The music began and the food, a small three-course lunch, was served. The talk, however, quietly continued.

• Oifey: Yogurt made of fermented mare’s milk served alongside savory skewered lamb, the flavors of Issach are not to be replicated anywhere else in Jugdral. I’ve tried to obtain the former in Chalphy, but to no avail, thank you for serving it today King Shannan.
• Shannan: Your fondness for my nation’s cuisine is not so unusual Duke Oifey, you did for sixteen years reside here, I would be surprised and disappointed if your palette had not adjusted to it. To see you crave it is warming.
• Oifey: I am a mutt King Shannan. Only fifteen of my years have been in Chalphy, less than in Issach, with years spent everywhere else in Jugdral in between and after.
• Shannan: And I hardly different, by fate we saw the world together before we sought refuge in the land of my fathers and mothers. We belong to the continent yet we govern far less. As for myself, I confess that I prefer Grannvalian wheat bread to Issachan barley; Silessian rye as well. 
• Oifey: My convoy should still have have some loaves, and a few bags of flour if you would like it freshly baked, should I send for them?
• Shannan: That will not be necessary Duke Oifey. Though I would like some for tomorrow’s events, if you would provide.
• Oifey: Consider it discharged King Shannan. And before I should forget, I carry on my person a letter from Duke Dozel- Ulster. I am not aware of the contents, but he said you could read it in the open if you liked. Would you ask for it now?
• Shannan: Ulster is my precious cousin, so do hand me the letter if your hands are still clean of spices and drippings. *Is handed the letter and reads through it*
• Oifey: Have I the right to ask for its contents at this time King Shannan?
• Shannan: I see no reason to hide the affairs of Ulster your friend and fellow Duke to you, though he may not have the title for long.
• Oifey: Whatever is meant by that King Shannan, how fares Ulster as he had not told me?
• Shannan: He finds himself out of place in Grannvale, and wishes to return home to Issach. He questions his right to inherit the Duchy and believes it should be passed on to Iucharba and Larcei. And for himself, he requests I establish a position for him as administrator of the Issachan lands he and Larcei possess by their persons in Issach.
• Oifey: Ulster had seemed a bit forlorn in Grannvale, which is why I allowed him to accompany me on this visit. I had not expected him to wish to cede his title, but perhaps he thought I would disapprove of it. He has thought it through however. A landlord long absent does do wrong to the people who they serve and those who serve them. Iucharba and Larcei if they approve will make a fine Duke and Duchess for Dozel. With Neir’s Brand restored one day soon it may be. We should discuss this with him in the coming days together, and with our word Seliph will not blink to provide the final agreement.

-

The conversation continued and the lunch came to its end by two. Until the hour of six, the diplomats and their lieges discussed the state of their countries and how best to see them assist the other’s reconstruction, without impeding their own. It was a short workday, but this was the first of a roughly two-week stay. That would be sufficient for two close allies to form a viable pact.

At six o’clock, the dusk Sun still illuminating the sky without an omnipresent shadow cast in the air, King Shannan and Chancellor Oifey prepared for this evening’s dinner. It was to be a small gathering, the two of them and a handful of servants and high diplomats.

However, Patty Queen of Issach had arrived earlier than expected, with the woman who had she had met the day before. Hearing of the dinner, Patty insisted she bring the swordmistress as a guest of honor. Shannan greeted his wife and her guest, seeing them in loose but modest and elegant dresses of yellow and orange with accessories of purple and white ready for the occasion. He agreed to her request that they be seated at this evening’s meal. 

He was not sure what to make of this older woman, but finding the idea of ambassadorial dining to be not his beloved’s likings, he rearranged the evening’s events only an hour before they were to start. He and Oifey would offer a toast at the table of their working staff, and then leave for another room where they would have a separate feast with Patty and the swordmistress. The castle’s servants proposed and prepared entertainment for both groups as they ate. In each room a storyteller accompanied by a few instruments, would relay one of those very long and very old epics, filled with vibrant imagery, stagnant details, timeless drama and ribald tales alike. Shannan, his wife, Oifey, and the guest were fine with this, and so their bureaucrats were. The dinner at last began between the four specified individuals, with Oifey meeting this notable woman.

• Oifey: Hello my Lady, I am Duke Chalphy and the current Chancellor of the Kingdom of Grannvale, Oifey Chalphy. Would I be permitted the grace of your name?
• Swordmistress: I know who you are, I was well informed before I had arrived. I am Eyvel, of Fiana, a village in the boondocks of Thracia, I led its Freeblades militia.
• Oifey: That voice, your presence, Lady Eyvel, you remind me of-
• Eyvel: I have gone by no other names, you are mistaken Duke Chalphy.
• Oifey: You blunt my question before I finish asking it, you are no frail woman swordmistress Eyvel. But I will not inquire further of you if you wish it not. May our hour or three here together be a splendid reward for the service I heard in briefest passing you offered to King Leif.
• Eyvel: Thank you for your respect and politeness. And yes, to an evening of delight!

-

Eyvel raised a toast and the dinner began in the earnest. Shannan formally introduced his Queen Patty to Oifey, though they had been well acquainted from their times fighting alongside Seliph in the holy wars. It was again a standard three course meal, during which they made small talk and listened to the epic being told. It told of heroes from before the days before the Loptyr Empire, set in northwest Issach and eastern Silesse. There were two families: one righteous and one crooked. Over several generations, they had fought to control the territory. Shortly after dessert was served, the voice of the old storyteller became hoary and he took a moment to rest. Conversation filled the air to keep the silence away.

• Eyvel: To think the entire continent of Jugdral at war but twenty and one years ago, is now united in bliss, its ruling families interlinked. I could not have thought this possible in my younger years, when I was something of lowly vagabond.
• Patty: But that’s just how things have worked out. I’m Queen of Issach by marriage, my brother is the Duke of Jungby, cousin Lester is King of Verdane, cousin Lana is Queen of Grannvale, and Shannan’s nearest cousins are Duke and Lady of Dozel. I think I’ve lucked out in life, never thought it would be so easy when it was just me and my hitman brother Febail caring for Connaught orphans, and now King Leif my distant in-law is providing everything we couldn't for them.
• Shannan: I can only concur to these sentiments my dear and Lady Eyvel. From a child in innocence, suddenly made to fear that death would catch me if I didn’t run fast enough holding my aunt’s hand. To being worshipped by my people as the second Odr, having fought alongside the new Hodr and Baldr in a crusade against Loptyr revived. Now I am to live in prosperity ever after, it’s enough to make me chuckle from time to time.
• Oifey: You speak as though it has been a simple progression from terror to salvation King Shannan, when I know you know it hasn’t been that. Barring your flight and barbaric captivity, I’ve seen all the same sights as you. There was good and bad in all those intervening years between your beginning and conclusion, even if the storm clouds were always there until the very end.
• Patty: So, when did you two old friends meet? I never heard the story before, wasn’t really interested I guess, but you’re making me curious, care to share Shan Shan?
• Shannan: I’m not sure it’d really interest you Sunshine, but if you’re willing to bear then it would be no problem. Oifey, would you please start for me?
• Oifey: It was when we first liberated Genoa Castle in Verdane after Chalphy and Leonster had invaded it to rescue Lady Edain from the barbarians and punish them for their prior invasion. Sigurd had trusted me with informing him of the castle’s every detail our investigative group had found. When I heard the report of a lone child being locked up in the dungeon, I wanted to see it for myself before telling Sigurd, so I went down there and there saw Prince Shannan, dressed in gray, foreign for what I was used to attire, curled up in a corner. You said nothing and did nothing but look my way. I thought you could’ve been a common slave at first, but I could not figure out why you would be locked away alone in your own cell then.
• Shannan: I was saddened by everything that had happened to me, and Aunt Ayra was out fighting for my sake. I didn’t know if she’d return or if the thugs that had captured us would kill me at any minute. 
• Oifey: Then I ordered you be set free and be brought to Sigurd. You looked meek.
• Shannan: I didn’t know what was happening, I just tried to behave myself as Aunt Ayra asked. If you had told me you were Grannvale it wouldn’t have made any difference, you were why I had fled Issach in the first place. But seeing another kid around, even if I didn’t know why, made me feel slightly better.
• Oifey: After meeting Sigurd, you were brought to a bedroom and put under guard for your own safety. Ayra then came back to Genoa. She wanted to check to make sure it was not a Grannvalian trick; Sigurd had ordered I return with her to prove it.
• Shannan: I was relieved to see Aunt Ayra was alive, and you guided her to me. I could tell you were a bit surprised when she hugged me, but you alway kept a polite smile. Oifey, you’ve never failed to be courteous.
• Oifey: I had reason for a moment to suspect you, to want you treated differently, Issach and Grannvale were at war, but Sigurd said to take care of you and promised you would be returned to your homeland some day. I couldn’t defy Sigurd’s word, I revered him too much to think he could be in the wrong. I dashed any hesitation from my mind and obeyed orders.
• Shannan: After that, Oifey and I developed our friendship. He had to tend to the supportive military duties Sigurd asked of him, constantly moving back and forth between battlefield and base. I remained secure in our present home, training under old men in whatever it took to be a good king. And after Deidre was kidnapped, I swore to keep Seliph safe and raise him as Deidre would have wanted it. Whenever Oifey returned home, he would greet me and we’d take a break together, often with Seliph when he wasn’t sleeping.
• Patty: *Yawn* The way you two explain it makes it seem so boring.
• Oifey: Boring you say Lady Patty? That reminds me, I once asked your husband once why Issachans don’t fight on horseback. 
• Shannan: -Oifey, are you sure-
• Oifey: His answer: “Our donkeys carry gold, not asses.”
• Patty: My! I don't think he’s ever been that crass with me! 
• Shannan: Issach sees the horse not as frill of the privileged’s blood and sport, it’s the essential right of all for transporting the gold of the earth- both metal and crop. That was I meant. And to be fair, Oifey’s voice was not of the gentlest tone when he asked. 
• Oifey: I had sprained my left ankle not long before we had to relocate everyone on that day. A horse was conspicuous you said if I departed on one at that moment. But the haste and the pain of walking with a crutch got to me and I was snippy.
• Eyvel: *Laughs* Not what I would expect of either a holy Duke or King. But I’ve heard stranger tales.
• Oifey: Care to inform us Lady Eyvel?
• Eyvel: Not tonight. But the two of you do seem like brothers.
• Shannan: We are close, in a sense you could call us that. I wouldn’t mind.
• Patty: *Yawn!* That wasn’t boredom this time, I would love to hear more of this kind of stuff, there is more right. But it’s getting late, and I’m a little tired. Shannan my darling, could we send away the waiters and all? I need a ten-minute nap leaning on your shoulder before we head off to bed, and I can’t do with too many others around.
• Shannan: Of course my Pattycakes.

-

And so Shannan raised his arm and bade all but a two handmaids of Patty’s and one old butler of his, Oifey, and Eyvel, gone from the room. Shannan then moved his chair right next to Patty’s and let her lay her head against his left shoulder, while he held her dearly. While like this, comfortable in this seemingly awkward position owed to the chairs having armrests, Patty with her eyes closed continued to speak aloud.

• Patty: Thank you my Shannananan. Since you’re a brother to my hubby even if you aren’t my in-law Oifey, I have to say Shannan does me well. 

Patty then took Shannan's left arm and moved it over her stomach. The message’s meaning was clear, Oifey’s face turned unexpectedly blush. Shannan’s did the same, but in a different way as he continued to tilt his head towards his resting wife. The servants reacted similarly to Oifey. Eyvel’s face saw the light smile she had worn this entire time become more pronounced.

• Oifey: Pregnant Queen Patty? Most welcome news! Congratulations. A toast to Issach’s heir and future, to its Queen, to the Houses of Ulir and Odr, and to the King as well! Only if there was more drink left to offer a toast, but our supper had ceased to be some time ago and our beverages are low.
• Patty: Thanks Oifey! At first you looked down on my behavior, but you aren't singing the same tune now.
• Eyvel: If you’re so happy, then why do you blush Duke Chalphy? That is not a face of I would expect of cheer.
• Oifey: To you Patty, I was only cautious at first given your profession. However, my time with Sigurd taught me to be open to others. Between Shannan’s word you had reclaimed the Balmung and presented Lord Seliph with a fine blade, my caution ceased to be needed. All residual doubts were dispelled once your brother Febail had joined, bearing the Yewfelle I had seen shot on the snow-covered fields of Silesse, it became clear you were the daughter of Lady Brigid and her beloved Dew, dearly departed friends of mine. You joining the liberation was divine destiny. And to you Lady Eyvel, that is how I am given this heartwarming announcement. And do you not see the same on King Shannan’s countenance?
• Shannan: I only did my part. But yes, I have done my Queen well and my royal duty. Be it a son or daughter, I will love them just as I do my beloved.
• Eyvel: As I might expect of a proud husband Your Majesty. Have you not a wife yourself Duke Chalphy, may I ask?
• Oifey: I do have a wife, the Duchess Clidna, she should arrive here tomorrow. And no, from what I am aware, we are not expecting children yet.
• Eyvel: Perhaps she delayed because she needs time to gather herself for the announcement?
• Oifey: That could very well be the case, but I haven’t the faintest idea of whether to expect such news. Once it comes, preparing for all thereafter is easy. Beforehand, it is difficult to moderate expectations, either one dashes it from their head altogether, or they become obsessed to paranoia.
• Eyvel: You are less gathered than you suggest you are Oifey, Duke of Chalphy. But regardless, I think you are a nice person. Treat her well.

Eyvel was still not sure why Oifey was blushing, but with the happy news delivered the diner could be adjourned. It was approaching nine, and Patty, although she exaggerated her pregnancy’s effects on her, for she was only a little over two months with child, was indeed tired.  

-

As they headed towards the castle’s wing with bedrooms fit for royalty and distinguished guests, Patty stated she wanted Eyvel to spend the night with her. This meant of course excluding her husband Shannan, which he did not mind. What did openly perplex Shannan and Oifey alike is how this woman, arrived before the Queen but two days ago, had worked her way into her bedchambers. Neither would yet say, but they temptingly promised they would sooner or later.

Given the choice between a third prepared suite and Oifey’s assigned room, Shannan stated he would join Oifey. Though it had been scarcely a year since the war against the Empire had ceased, the two friends felt they had much catching up to do. The women Patty kissed her husband on the cheek goodnight and he the same to her. Oifey asked for the Queen’s hand if she wished it, and she more than willing to provide it, still exuberant even on the boundary of sleep. The two men shook hands with Eyvel and bowed before her, to which she did the same. They then split for their respective quarters.

Brought to their bedroom, a servant on watch asked if Their Majesties sought another, there were two in there already, one for a master, another for a servant which would go unused. King Shannan briefly stated that would be unnecessary, they were old friends used to less than ideal living conditions, they would bear with it. The watch servant stated they understood and then stood aside, allowing the King and Duke into the sizable room, they then closed the door and locked it. They began the process of undressing and donning the soft, long and flowing nightgowns their status provided for.

• Oifey: At last, at the age of thirty, you are now a father Shannan.
• Shannan: And you still aren’t one, despite being thirty-five. They say the seeds Man makes grows gnarled with time. You’ve a Dukedom as holy and as great my entire kingdom Oifey. You best plant it while the fields are still fertile.
• Oifey: Oh I’ve tried, but no tendrils rise from the soil yet. And I’m not sure I honestly care they do. …Tell me Shannan, dearest friend, how does it feel to be a father?
• Shannan: I’ve only just put them in my wife, I can’t really say what its like. I’m happy, and this is a new responsibility, but the full weight doesn’t feel like it’s hit me yet, it won’t until they come out Edain used to say. It won’t until your grandchild comes, so I’ve heard elders say. And why are you asking me? You’ve all the more experience at fatherhood Oifey.
• Oifey: That wasn’t real fatherhood, only a farce. I can claim no right to be called anyone’s father.
• Shannan: So you say, but Seliph has said otherwise.

The words struck Oifey true. He recalled the many times, from when Seliph crawled to the day he departed for Chalphy, to leaving him in Belhalla to rule. Even before his real father was gone, Seliph had taken to seeing him as his father. Oifey could have expected Shannan’s rightful response, but he refused to see it coming.

• Shannan: Diarmuid and Lester have said otherwise, you were the one who taught them how to ride. Lana and Larcei have said otherwise. And Ulster’s demeanor certainly says otherwise, his mother and father exercised restraint only when readily called for. I am not so wary either, and I don’t think it was Edain or any other who helped us all those years, I am convinced you nurtured that in him.
• Oifey: And you are not their father then? You could have sired them all had you been one impassioned youth. I was not alone as you admit.
• Shannan: Seliph considers me his big brother as you know. Even before he could tell me that, sometime after Deidre was gone, I had come to see him as my little brother, though it took me a while to realize such. Ulster and Larcei are Ayra’s children and my cousins, I’ve felt a similar brotherly love for them. Diarmuid, Lana, and Lester, well maybe you’re right with them actually, I was no stranger nor mere attendant, but I didn’t feel so close to be a brother. If it was a fatherhood, it wasn’t a normal one at all.
• Oifey: Our lives ceased to be normal when that campaign damned Manfroy orchestrated began, and only now is normalcy returning. We’ve just got to make the most of things.

They were now dressed for sleep. Their nightgown kept their bodies modest, and airy, they would not overheat on this summer’s night. The bed was fit for two, with a fine metal frame and quality stuffing for it and the pillows. The quilt and sheets dyed with several royal Issachan purples, the bedsheet was a shade of lavender, with the quilt darker, its hem the darkest shade and the pillows between the quilt and the hem. Shannan relieved himself in a chamber pot as Oifey laid himself atop the quilt, not yet tired enough for sleep. Shannan noticing his friend’s restiveness likewise did the same, placing his arms behind his head on the pillow as a visible sign of togetherness in a room lit by the moonlight of a waxing gibbous and several candles.

• Oifey: If you are tired Shannan, then rest, you needn’t share in my lack of fatigue.
• Shannan: I understand your insomnia Oifey, it was not present when we first met today, it wasn’t there until the dinner was almost over. 
• Oifey: Times change.
• Shannan: You know that, but you’re having difficulties accepting it. Rather than throw aside the past without a care, how about we walk through it together again, one last time? I’ll begin.

-

• Shannan: Thank you Oifey, for being besides me for the past twenty years. When I had fled Issach with Aunt Ayra, I abandoned my homeland and my old friends. On the run only to be captured, my fear and loneliness grew. Then Sigurd rescued us, but I was still alone. Sigurd cared for me, yet his and Aunt Ayra's worries for my safety meant I could never fight. I remained holed up in castles, I was taught self-defense, and later Ayra showed me Odr’s sacred technique, but I was unable to ever put it to use.
• Oifey: …I wasn’t around that much, but I was more present than anyone else, barring Arden perhaps. And there were those six months of troubled peace at Agusty, months spent at Evans before then, and the year Silesse thereafter. Everyone was around for those times in between the great conflicts, and we befriended them, but we were closest to each other. Like you, I felt restrained, Sigurd never let me fight. Had I been but a year or so older, I could have been like Finn and joined Quan and Sigurd and the rest in combat. I could have been there at Belhalla.
• Shannan: But you weren’t there, Sigurd had felt that ominous feeling on that what we believed would be a glorious last battle, and bade us both to leave with the children. I thought talked you out of that guilt years ago. Does it endure?
• Oifey: I can never forget I have had those thoughts, but I will never and can act on them, there is no longer any need for me to lay down my life for Seliph in place of his, therefore I have no excuse. We all had those premonitions, yet none enough to avert the calamity. On that day, so many good died, including Dew.
• Shannan: You speak of Dewy because of that guilt. He was no older than you, perhaps even my age; he couldn’t have been twenty four as he said, and yet he fought and died that day. His last words I wish I knew. But he fought because it was his job as a thief. He did hold off that Verdanian horde remember. Your duty was strategy and logistics, for Sigurd had only praise for your mind Oifey. I had no purpose. It was dreadful, until Deirdre gave me something to protect. Before then it wasn’t just Ayra, it wasn’t just Sigurd, more than everyone else, you helped me through that prior ennui.
• Oifey: I am thankful I could be of assistance. And Dew was but a kid when he first met us when we were relocated to Marpha and we were walking through the castle. He greeted us in his cheery way from a trip to the pawn shop, but I thought he was eying you, your clothes suggested some status. When you said your name and that you were the Prince of Issach, his eyes only lit up even more. 
• Shannan: Seeing this, you moved yourself just in front of me, politely, but for my own protection. He somehow knew of the Balmung despite his age and ignorance. He didn't know what it exactly was, but he thought I had it. To think his daughter of all people would give it to me years later. Could Father Claud have foreseen this? It sounds like prophecy.
• Oifey: She gave you Balmung, and you gave her your sword. What would our friend, who tried to get us to come along in his mischief, think that you would marry his Pattycakes, the babe he had named shortly after leaving the womb so he told us?
• Shannan: He would have quite the laugh of it *chuckle*, and make us ache with joviality in turn. He was a fine young man by then, like you, and I was what you had been when we first met, with a lip of fur. Yet after he got through his mood when Febail had been conceived, he retained his boyish charm even when his body was past it. For his sake or for Brigid’s, he never said, but I liked it.
• Oifey: …I don’t think we should dwell on the dead anymore. This doesn’t help us in the least. We should move past them.

-

As the insomnia started to weaken, Oifey stood up and stretched, before peeling back the quilt and laying on the top sheet without pulling the quilt back over him. Shannan just laid back a little more, closer to entirely supine.

• Oifey: On Sigurd’s order, at Lubeck we took Seliph and some of the other children, those who were born and whose parents would let them come with us. We fled for Issach, only freshly occupied by Grannvale, whose control was weak outside of the castle towns. 
• Shannan: When I came back home, many of my old friends were gone, killed by Grannvale, and those who weren’t were orphans like me. My kingdom had been defeated, nothing was unchanged and nothing would be easy. Even in our own home we wouldn’t be secure. News that Sigurd and everyone had been killed drove us to depression.
• Oifey: I wasn’t sure I would ever recover, but I couldn’t wallow in grief, not in front of anyone. For the light of hope Sigurd had entrusted us with, I had to live, protect and nurture that light.
• Shannan: And we sure did that. Without me, I don’t think the Issachan people would have treated you so well. They bore with Seliph and revered Sigurd because I told them to. It took until the Empire changed for the worst and the rumors spread of Empress Deidre’s firstborn of light that they sincerely loved him. And with your wisdom Oifey, you did your part, just as important as mine own.
• Oifey: Indeed we were both invaluable, and I can say that without it being hubris. I had the knowhow to survive the persecution, the hunts for our heads and Seliph’s. To my advice, you effortlessly bent the Issachan people, and I am deeply grateful they were so willing, and that you could make them do it. I have discussed with Finn King Leif’s survival for all his years. Theirs’ was much more perilous than ours’, owed much to the disunity of the Manster District. But behind you Shannan, all the people of Issach singularly united. Not to call our survival carefree.
• Shannan: It was survival from the forces of darkness, it was a war of longest attrition. But it was also parenting. We had to raise the next generation of warriors, Seliph, Larcei, Ulster, Diarmuid, Lester, Lana, and the coterie of young rebels whose parents pledged their lives to us. We didn’t want them to fight to liberate Jugdral, but as Lewyn told us, they were destined to and we would join them.
• Oifey: Parenting in such circumstances was difficult. We couldn’t be too public, else the Dozels would see us drawn and quartered. We had to change homes every so often, and had to be prepared to do so at the drop of a feather. We weren’t alone, Edain was with us, and you could rally scores of women and old men to wherever we went. But we insisted on working so hard at all that the world required of us, it could drive us mad.
• Shannan: Not that the children ever knew, and we lied as much as we could to Edain and the rest. If I had to swear, if you had to punch the ground, we only felt comfortable doing it before each other. And I suspect it was madness that drove you to groom your upper lip as you have.
• Oifey: I wanted to be more of a father to Seliph and the others, and the mustache I felt would do that. Before we met, whenever I had the fortune to glimpse Duke Byron, the great patriarch of Chalphy, I see in his beard the weight of his years and all the sagacity they held.
• Shannan: And yet Sigurd never grew his face out.
• Oifey: Sigurd never had the chance. I had to because he could not. I needed the stature of age, to do what Sigurd could have done with or without a mane.
• Shannan: You insisted on growing old before your time, and I got around to letting you keep it. And now you’re of the age where it looks natural, don’t get rid of it.
• Oifey: Were it not for my wife liking it, I might just have done that now that you’ve said that. Though thank you for teaching the boys to shave, I was Squire Stubbles when I began.
• Shannan: I think I owe my success on that front to your failure, being five years my senior, you provided recent experience I could learn lessons from. You were more approachable than any adult. Also, thanks for teaching them and myself, to swim.
• Oifey: What did your mentors think, in nine years with Issach’s gracious coastline, they never taught their lone prince from the male heir how to survive in six feet of water? All Chalphy boys and even the girls are taught how to swim early on. The warm, beautiful shores of Chalphy facing the cultured land of Miletos, the Strait of its name said to be the home of mythic Dagons.
• Shannan: I think you answered *yawn* your own question. Issach’s shores are awful for swimming, and they never bothered to bring me to a lake. Chalphy is marvelous beyond compare, I thank you for your insistence on that clandestine dip.
• Oifey: It was after I tried to force you to go for a swim in Silessean waters during our stay at Sallane. I got you to leave Seliph with others for the day, you were ill with extreme concern for no reason, and insisted the waters weren’t that cold, to the point I volunteered to go in first. When I got in up to my hips, I feared I would die, frozen and compromised. 
• Shannan: I came when I saw how your body twinged and pulled you back out, even though it was blistering frostbite just the same for me. When you regained your warmth, you swore to give me a much better experience in Chalphy one day. Though I wasn’t expecting it as it happened.
• Oifey: There wasn’t much time to arrange a celebration along the shores. Everyone had to leave for their respective countries with Loptyr gone and the world needing direction for its reconstruction. So when you came to Chalphy from Belhalla, as a day’s stop on the return home to Issach, I had to get you to swim. I got you stay at an old villa right on the coast, and I insisted the guards take the night off.
• Shannan: Before we had gone to bed, you pulled me aside and told me to tell Patty we had Chalphy-Issachan relations to conclude. So our wives went to bed without us, while we ran out to the shores and stripped down in the darkness of a waning crescent. When we returned, the moon was halfway through its trip, and the few staff on the midnight shift we encountered we talked our ways past despite being dripping wet. But for as bizarre as it was, it was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.
• Oifey: About that, Shannan, Seliph told me something he before I left he had been hiding for a while from us. That blessed ring he had said he had found on the shores of Chalphy in the brief interlude between Arvis’s death and our last holy war, he said he been given it by the spirits of his parents. I scarcely believe it, but when he handed me the ring for a second, maybe I wanted to believe it, I thought I felt the strength of Sigurd and Deirdre’s kindness.
• Shannan: If Seliph saw the truth, he wouldn’t lie about what he couldn’t see, then I wonder if Sigurd and Deirdre saw us together.
• Oifey: Oh dear…
• Shannan: What could they have thought of that? To see two grown men stark naked, frolicking at night in the same place as where their son had, for the first and only time in his life, had seen them and remembered it. What would they have thought of their boys decades later out of their minds ruining the sanctimoniousness of the grounds they had bestowed no small miracle on?
• Oifey: “Their boys”, Shannan?

Shannan fell silent. Was he Deirdre’s boy, was he Sigurd’s? Oifey likewise contemplated it quietly. Sigurd had taken them both in, the both of them orphans. He had contributed to their swordplay, they considered him for all his faults the one they wanted to emulate the most, not to the exclusion of all the others they cherished in their lives. Deirdre for their short time together had come to adore them just as much, with her heart of limitless compassion. They were their boys, their sons, despite being not theirs’ by blood.

-

Their minds then returned to that which had been bothering them both since earlier that evening. Shannan’s child with Patty, it would be Shannan’s, it would be Patty’s, but it would not at all be Oifey’s. They would not be raised in the backwaters of Issach, taught to run from men in armor with Helswath imprinted on it. They would live a normal life, which was very good for the unborn heir to Issach. Neither man wanted another child to have the irregular lives they had lived. But Shannan and Oifey missed their days together, despite all the difficulties. They found joy in those times, and weren’t ready to see that era end.

• Oifey: Shannan, remember how we’d sleep together with Seliph and the rest?
• Shannan: Of course. If they were at all afraid to sleep at night, we’d agree to share one big bed on the hard floor with them. Larcei and Lana we weaned off to Edain once they came of six I think, but I recall Lester yearning for our security until he was eleven.
• Oifey: If Deirdre and Sigurd have been watching us the entire time, they would know that isn’t the full story. When the children were at peace, when all was calm and going, we’d still sometimes share a bed, and we did so until the start of the holy war at Tirnanog, long after they stopped needing us.
• Shannan: I know. That is a fact. Why we did that, I am not certain.
• Oifey: Is that true Shannan? I know why I did such an odd thing. You were the one I could confide in more than any other. Though our origins differed, no one else shared with me the same corpus of experiences I had delighted, borne, and suffered in. In the twenty years past, our dreams have been so much the same, our sorrows alike, and the objects of our affection identical. I wanted to be with you even when I didn’t need to, because nobody else understood me so well. Maybe we could have made others understand, but we felt we had not the time to try that. It was just easier for me to confide in you.
• Shannan: You’ve the right of it Oifey. We hid nothing from each other, for we were one and the same. I couldn’t make the children cry, I didn’t want to burden Edain, nor did I want to demoralize my nation. Our minds were bound together, knowing wherever each other was and was doing. You gave me solace though it were my own internal thoughts. To see you sigh with glad exhaustion from a hard day’s work it reflexively made me respond the same. To be so happy or so sad if it seemed inappropriate for the hour I could hide, but beneath it, I acquiesced that we could be so familiar.
• Oifey: That time is past, but it bears its fruit. Just as Sigurd raised us to do all we have done, so now do our trees blossom. 
• Shannan: Whatever that Eyvel said, there is no tale as odd as our own. A page and a prince, raised by the holiest knight and his wife, in turn become fathers to crusaders who set things right. It’s absurd to think it real, but I don’t regret it. 
• Oifey: Nor do I. And though our world is changing, we needn’t forget it altogether. We have raised our six as one, now we can cultivate new gardens as two. Both crops will be just as real, and just as meaningful. *Yawn*

 

Nearly two hours had passed in musings back and forth, but the recollection was complete. Their days together had been retold, they had validated what they they feared to be false, and they could pass on on to the next phase of their lives. Though now they could be given over to sleep, their unburdened souls took to the numinous. They had not spoken of it directly, but for they were a single heart, they needn’t do so. As it had been before, so it was one last time.

-

The next morning came, and Oifey and Shannan stirred from their bed just as the sunlight began to filter in, contented by however much sleep they may have gotten. They dressed themselves in the fresh attire their servants had stored away the prior day. They were old flames, dearest friends, and they intended to keep a rapport alive past their time of eros, regardless of where they were. They left their room and joined Patty and this Eyvel, who arrived to the breakfast table within a minute of the two men. Again, it was a small gathering, just them and some servants, they would join the diplomats after a light meal for a more formal second course. Conversation began anew.

• Patty: So did you catch up with your brother Shanny? 
• Shannan: I can say I did my Sweetheart. We spoke of old times. Your father was among the topics, he was a good friend of ours as I’ve told you before.
• Oifey: Not to drag the newly risen Sun below the horizon, but Shannan got a little teary-eyed when he spoke of him. Wondering what passed through his mind as fire rained from above.
• Eyvel: If you must know, I could tell you what his thoughts were when I dashed to his side. Dew didn’t let want to let me down to the last instant. He smiled as always.
• Shannan: …So it is as I couldn’t believe! *Cough cough*
• Patty: Mom! You made my husband choke on his link!
• Oifey: Lady Brigid! Where have you have been all these years?! We’ve missed you--your sister Edain has missed you!
• Brigid: I fought to the bitter end at Belhalla, as Ulir’s daughter and bearer of the Yewfelle that was my duty. I escaped, just when all was reduced to cinders and there was nothing left to save. From here on my story becomes too complicated to explain over a short breakfast, but know my memories were sealed and my Brand faded. I awoke as Eyvel, I raised a new daughter, and in me Prince Leif found a new mother, I protected them and a village, and they rescued me in turn. Not too long ago, I remembered everything, and for Issach was closer to Fiana than Grannvale, I came to see my blood daughter before my son.
• Shannan: That is peculiar. Words cannot do justice to the tragedy, but it sounds as though you found fulfillment despite the heartaches as Eyvel. We offer our condolences for every bit of it. 
• Patty: Mother is going to be fine. She remembers everything now and there’s plenty of time to form new memories together. Me, her, my kingly husband, our baby and our brothers.
• Oifey: Are you including me when you say that Patty? For a former thief descended on both sides from brigands, you’re being generous. 
• Patty: Not a big deal. Shannan’s told me before how he doted on Seliph like a big bro, and that he was the same way with Ulster. What is it him having a big bro of his own? I like mine own.
• Brigid: When you return to Grannvale in two weeks or so, allow us to come with you. Febail should hear in person the good news, and I long to see his face again. We’ll send a letter for Edain to meet us there, I hear she now resides in Verdane. I will need us to stop in Darna though, I told Mareeta to wait for me there. She deserves to know the truth and meet my other children.
• Shannan: As my brother, your sister nephews, or nieces, either will do. 
• Oifey: It would be an honor to escort you my Queen and returned Goddess. And Shannan, I will provide if I am able, but I do demand “family’ visits in return. Chalphy is a beautiful place if you weren’t aware.
• Brigid: *Laugh* Finn is a charmer too. Must be young men.
• Shannan: Well you married Dew, so I think it’s mutual my Lady. I won’t say whether I ever had thoughts of you, but your daughter is a sweet girl and I can only beg for your belated approval. And Oifey, I promise to send them to visit, but do send yours’. And don’t forget Larcei and Seliph!

 

This meal, so abruptly overturned at the start by the revelation of a miracle, came afterwards to an end with most of the food had gone untouched. This was given to the servants. Everyone then got up and left for the grand morning banquet. Duchess Clidna and Duke Ulster were to arrive within the hour they were told just as they sat down again. Amused by the prospects ahead, Shannan and Oifey did not have to worry that their prior bond would ever be forgotten.

 

[TheSilentChloey]

Remeber when @SoulWeaver gave us that really awesome prompt last round about showing something in a different light and I think @Anacybele for her character has a big secret that gets out and how everyone reacts?  Well I think I may have the original idea that they spawned.  The only warning is that it's a bit on the stong angst side (I kind of had a sob fest while writing it) and I was scared it would go into dark territory really quickly.  Thankfully it didn't (at least as far as I can tell but the warning is here just in case it does) for your reading pleasure I present this:

Title: Guilt's Hold

Fandom: Fire Emblem Awakening

Words 2,860

Read before reading please

Spoiler

So I tried to keep it as mild as possible but I think some dark stuff may have slipped in.  So potential trigger warnings just in case.  Because I hate people getting hurt, like I said I kept it as mild as possible but what might be mild to me might not be to someone else.

 

Spoiler

"Grima, why insist on these games? You only delay the inevitable. And besides, the alternative? Have you considered what happens should I fall? These followers of Naga will spurn you now that they've learned what you are. Kill me, and you incur the wrath of the Grimleal as well... Would you truly choose to be so utterly alone?"

 

The voice of what was his "father" spoke.  He had to admit, he didn't really care. Killing Validar was a necessity, making sure the Exalt survived...well he didn't want to have to kill Chrom if he had a choice.  Perhaps...perhaps Validar was right, perhaps he would wind up alone for the rest of his life. It didn't matter. All Grima knew was precious little. He knew that once the Robin guise was destroyed he would be alone.  Always alone. Yet what of the alternative? Grima knew he didn't have a choice in the matter. He was supposed to bring about ruin and despair but for the first time in a long time, he'd found humans worth fighting for.  It didn't matter how he was perceived, he could live with being hated...at least he would try. He stood Thoron tome in hand a string of choices before him and only one clear path.

 

He would rather be hunted on all sides than create the circumstances of ruin his other self had made.  Though Grima knew he couldn't justify it. His path was a different one now, and it had taken the girl to make him see it.  He sighed inwardly, gripping his tome as best he could. It was time to test his resolve.

 

~*~

 

The ominous air reminded Grima of a time long past, a time he struggled to forget.  Scars wouldn't heal on their own, and the scars he carried were soul deep. Yet he couldn't let it happen again, even if Chrom would hate him- Grima would take it.  He would take the pain of being alone and cherish what little light he had been given. A small sad smile crossed his face.

 

His mind was made up and now all that was needed was for him to do what was right.  For the first time in his life Grima wanted to be Robin.  He didn't want to lose what was so precious to him, even though he knew that was exactly what was going to happen.  He was going to lose it all. So he decided he'd fight. He'd no other path.

 

None.

 

All he had to do was put an end to it all.

 

Grima wished it didn't come down to this, yet it had.  The universe truly hated him.

 

Thoron rung out across the battlefield and as he hit Validar, he knew what awaited him.  He would find a way to figure out what his next move was, true he would probably be hunted- he would have to leave and find some corner where Naga's faithful wouldn't find him.  A place where no one would find him and he couldn't harm anyone- though he was sure that even that option wasn't allowed to him. There would be no peace until he was strung out to dry.

 

Grima knew that he'd have to hurry whatever his choice.  He saw Validar fall into his own pool of blood and the barrier fell.  The Grimleal were quick to try to swamp them but Grima saw his opening- would have seen it if not for the fact Chrom was too close.  Grima saw a worried expression in the Prince's eyes and he suddenly slammed into Chrom as a blast of Nosferatu shot across the battlefield from a sorcerer who wasn't one of the Shepherds.

 

"Robi-"

 

Grima leapt up and quickly retaliated with his own blast of dark magic, "Get to the Shepherds and get the hells out of here!" He yelled.  He would take whatever was to come alone...because Validar was right. He was alone. A deep gut wrenching pain stilled him for a moment and he looked away to the battlefield.  If he could buy them some time…

 

"Not without you Robin." Chrom said and Grima blanched,

"Just do it!" He shoved Chrom towards the Shepherds and safety, only for Chrom to grip his arm,

"I meant it Robin." Chrom said as blue eyes looked into crimson.  The moment could have lasted an eternity but Grima knew that they wouldn't have time to argue.  Chrom could kill him later, if that was the Prince's plan. Grima turned to the battlefield again and gave out a blast of his own powerful dark magic.  The wave enough to cut a path for them to get to the Shepherds,

"Go." Grima said firmly, then he sighed, "Someone has to watch you gods' damn back."

Chrom nodded and Grima did just that.  He could see Lucina's look of worry but he doubted it was for him.  She probably thought Grima would be trying to murder her father even though she had no idea that Grima had no such plans.  He'd made a choice and he would stick to it, even if they would kill him when all was said and done. He would have to wait for another opportunity to leave before that happened.  Or maybe...he wasn't sure what to do. The thought of leaving hurt as much as the thought that they would hate him now that they knew who he truly was. The fighting wouldn't last much longer he knew.

 

~*~

 

They got out easily enough, a sign that the Grimleal were not as powerful as they assumed they were.

 

Grima didn't care as he sat overlooking the sandy dunes before him.  He'd made his way to the edge of the Shepherds camp and found he could not muster the will to go further.  So he sat like a silent sentinel waiting for Chrom to decide what to do with him. He was supposed to be the one that brought about the ruined future after all and as long as he lived...Grima looked down at his human form and felt the grief rise.

 

For someone who was supposed to cause despair he'd done a damn good job of making his own.  He couldn't be sure on what the best course of action was- stay and be hated or go into the cold desert night to be hunted by all.  Maybe Chrom should have let Lucina kill Grima.

 

A strangled sob escaped him and he clutched at his sides.

 

This form was frail enough- though he found himself wondering what right he had to be so selfish.  He'd lied to them- though all he really wanted was to put his past behind him. Start a new life and not be bound to…

 

Grima looked upwards to the stars for not the first time.  He was supposed to be their enemy and yet he couldn't muster the will to even harm them.  Hell he'd let Lucina kill him if Chrom hadn't intervened when he did. Grima looked down once more and felt his eyes sting.  He deserved...he didn't know what he deserved but he was sure he shouldn't be present, he should leave-

"Dueling with unpleasant thoughts Robin?" Chrom's voice was soft and not the least bit how Grima imagined it would be, "Or should I call you Grima?"

He felt his fist clench,

"I'll answer to whatever you will." He said not meeting the Prince's eye and trying to keep his composure.  His vision blurred dangerously. He didn't know what to say. Nothing could change the fact that he was the Fell Dragon Grima.  Not even being Robin. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder but his eyes remained firmly on the ground.  If this was how death was to come to him then...maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Just maybe he could wind the clock back to before, to enjoy the brief freedom a little more.

 

Yet no blade pierced his flesh.

 

Grima wasn't sure why but Chrom simply stood by his side as the blurring grew worse.  Grima fought to keep it from getting worse but no matter how hard he tried the lump in his throat refused to go away and the blurring only got worse as fluid threatened to spill from his eyes, a feeling Grima was well acquainted with, even if he were to take on his dragon form.  He felt the fluid spill out of one of his eyes and knew that he couldn't stop himself from it. He felt exposed but for once maybe that was a good thing- though the truth was that he was a pitiful creature. How could he ever look any of them in the eye when they knew what he was.  Maybe he should have let Lucina kill him, there was still a chance- she would make it quick he knew though her tears hurt more than he felt comfortable with and even if Chrom hadn't interfered, Grima was sure that neither could do it.  He couldn't end himself, she couldn't kill him.

 

What a truly pitiful creature he was.

 

What did it matter how he felt?

 

He was supposed to be ruining the world, causing widespread destruction and death and yet…

 

He couldn't do it.  He couldn't turn his fangs on the humans he'd spent a considerable time protecting.  Even if they hated him- he couldn't do it.

 

The spawn of Naga was nowhere in sight but Grima knew confrontation was inevitable now that the Robin guise was gone.  He dreaded what was going to happen yet in the same token...he knew it would happen.

 

Another tear fell.

 

The agony threatened to break him yet Chrom's hand didn't move from Grima's shoulder, a warm hand that should have been choking the life out of him, stabbing him with the Fang of Naga putting an end to Grima and yet…

 

Another tear rolled down his face.

 

A voice spoke softly, "Robin…" Grima tensed as Lissa came and she simply took his hand in her own.  He knew by her tone that she was pulling a concerned expression. A warmth Grima didn't deserve suddenly enveloped him.  His body trembled and he squeezed his eyes shut. If this was how death was to come to him...he would accept it.

 

The tears fell freely yet Grima couldn't bring his eyes to open.  If he was to die there was no point in making things harder.

 

Yet that wasn't what happened, Chrom spoke softly and he was sure someone wiped away the tears, though they kept coming, "Robin...you're one of us.  Nothing is going to change that, alright. Nothing."

 

~*~

 

It was a quiet trip to Ylisstol, Chrom felt it best that Robin was taken as far away from Plegia as possible for his own sake.

 

The revelation that he was meant to be the Fell Dragon Grima only hardened Chrom's resolve to help his friend.  The distance was concerning and the constant flinching was worrying. Chrom hated the thought that Robin constantly seemed to expect his own execution.  It pained Chrom more than anything and even Lucina was upset. She felt it was her fault that Robin had retracted into a shell, no matter how much Chrom said it wasn't her fault.  Chrom made a point not to call the tactician Grima, even if that was who he really was. There were somethings that he just couldn't do.

 

Robin barely left his quarters, and Chrom knew the tactician was barely eating as well.  He didn't know how to help him. Though he was pained by how much Robin had withdrawn, Chrom didn't know how to help him.

 

Frederick had tried to get Robin out of his quarters with mixed success.  Though it was getting to a point where Chrom had to do something.  Lissa stood at Chrom's side casting a worried expression, "Chrom?" She looked to her brother and Chrom sighed,

"I'll try to get through to him...he doesn't deserve to hurt like this- even if he thinks he does." Chrom said at last and he opened the door.

 

Robin was sat curled up in a ball eyes vacant and he looked like he'd been most certainly crying.  He stiffened the moment he heard Chrom and the wary, almost fearful expression on Robin's face was too much for Chrom.

 

It made him sick to see Robin like this.

 

He couldn't bare it.  Robin didn't deserve this.

 

Chrom sighed and tried to work out the best way to approach the tactician.  He wasn't one to think things through- which got Chrom into plenty of hot water in the past but this was a time where Chrom felt he should go with his gut.

 

~*~

 

A gentle hand rested on Grima’s head as he quickly averted his gaze.  It wasn't what he'd expected but it was strangely...something Grima wasn't sure he didn't want.  He'd spent most of his time since their return to Ylisse in an almost house arrest, until his fate was decided by the Shepherds.

 

Yet Chrom just rested a gentle hand on Grima’s head.

 

He should have been killed- he'd lied to them about who he was.  So why did they not kill him?

 

True when Grima first came to them he was...a little disoriented and was trying to figure out what it was he wanted to do.  It had been so insignificant to be a tactician for them- easily done that Grima had stayed against his better judgement after the first war ended.  He ended up helping Chrom plan his wedding to Maribelle- which wasn't something Grima had expected to do since he would have rathered killing the squabbling Ylissean Nobles and been done with it- a first he supposed for him.  The thought bought a weak smile to his face before the tears took over again.

 

And then there was the day Lucina was born...and gods Grima thought Chrom would have given himself a heart attack with how much he'd panicked.  Grima had somehow managed to calm Chrom down- though he knew it wasn't what he'd done as much as what he'd said at the time. And little Lucina- oh gods did Grima have a weakness for the small child.

 

Holding the frail tiny human actually made his chest ache.  She was so innocent to the darkness of the world, no different than he'd once been and he'd vowed to at least try to keep that level of suffering away from her.

 

Then he'd heard how he failed to keep that vow from the future version of the child.  It was the first time he'd experienced self-loathing. He couldn't believe he'd break that promise but having kept a close eye on Lucina- he knew she told the truth.  He just knew it and it...hurt...more than anything could have hurt.

 

He almost would have ended himself then.

 

If they were not about to step into a war with Valm and Grima being needed.

 

The sound of a scraping chair told Grima that Chrom chose to stay and he felt an odd feeling in his chest that he couldn't describe.  He heard Chrom say something about a warm mug of tea for them both and Grima's much loved chocolate biscuits. He still couldn't meet Chrom's eyes but somehow he felt as if Chrom was up to something.  He felt the edge of hope despite the fact he deserved to die.

 

"You know I still haven't thanked you Robin." Chrom said calmly and Grima frowned, inadvertently his eyes met Chrom's, "You always had a knack for keeping us all safe." He said and Grima looked down, and Chrom sighed, "You are your own person Robin.  Fell Dragon or not." Grima tensed and Chrom gently tipped his chin their eyes met and he spoke, "You are who you want to be, Robin." Grima bit his lip as more tears threatened to spill, and Chrom kept his line of sight.  Grima wanted to breakaway, to have the ground swallow him whole, to have himself stabbed by Falchion- anything- than this.

 

He didn't want to cause the ruined world that hurt Lucina- yet he had.  He hurt the people closest to him. The only humans he felt he- Grima trembled as his body started to shake and he physically couldn't see.  "It...I…" He sobbed helplessly and felt Chrom pull him to his chest.

 

Grima knew Chrom wasn't always the wisest man but in that moment...it was what Grima needed.  His sobs the only sound in the room as he was enveloped in a warmth he knew he didn't deserve.

 

~*~

 

Lissa stood outside the door as she heard the pained sobs from Robin.  Her heart ached as she knew how the tactician felt. Even if he was supposed to be Grima, she trusted Chrom and as she opened the door quietly she saw Robin's head pressed to her brother's chest.  Their eyes met and Lissa knew that in that moment at least that Chrom was willing to help Robin- Grima- as best he could. She felt he deserved that much. After all, he wasn't as evil as he thought himself to be.

 

[Anacybele]

Contest should be over now, so when's the voting poll and critique coming? ?

[Ottservia]

@AnonymousSpeed can you update the OP when you get the chance?

 

Anyway I got some feedback to doll out and because I forgot to do it last time we're doing @Interdimensional Observer's "Twenty years" first:

Spoiler

This was intersting piece that I enjoyed for the most part. I liked the idea you explored here of parent through bond and parent through blood. It was an interesting and unique way to take the prompt and I think it worked out well. I also liked the unique presentation style you employed. It was like reading a play or watching one rather on grand greek stage. It gave off a very ancient and grandious epic kind of vibe which really added a lot to the story being told. I liked it not much else to say really though it did feel a little info dumpy but with the presentation style, I'm gonna guess that was intentional.

@TheSilentChloey's "Shadows Of The Past"

Spoiler

A cute simple little piece with a side of somberness to it. I like the idea of relaying the same scene with both Robins. The one from future past and the one from the in-game timeline. It was a unique little touch that added a bit of emotional depth and impact to the story. Overall it was cute little piece that I enjoyed. Not much else to say really. Though maybe it was bit too simple but that's just a nitpick on my part. Though PoV was a little on the confusing side from time to time.

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by Ottservia

[AnonymousSpeed]

7 hours ago, Anacybele said:

Contest should be over now, so when's the voting poll and critique coming? ?

47 minutes ago, Ottservia said:

@AnonymousSpeed can you update the OP when you get the chance?

Now don't y'all get your maternity pants in a knot. I'd have had it updated at midnight if the darn site hadn't needed to shut off.

Speaking of, that also prevented me from this with y'all. I figured I would not add it to the poll because it's kinda garbage anyway, but I'll share it just because.

Vinny Plays Egg
Words: About 1,000 of 'em

Spoiler

"Happy Mother's day everyone," said Vinny Vinesauce. "So. This first game was sent to me. One of my trusted people who sends me, just...weird, shitty games emailed it to me a few days ago. The email reads...hold on just a second here-" He pulled up the email.

Vinny, I just found this game and I really think you should play for Mother's Day. I've played through all the way and can confirm that it's a little weird but it is safe for stream.

....now that worries me a lot, but he was very insistent that I should play this. And I do trust this guy. He has not sent me any porn yet."

"Hopefully this is not the yet."

"Anywhere, here is...Egg."

The background of the title screen was pure black. Large, white block letters spelled "EGG" across the middle of the screen. Small, white block letters spelled "Press Start" beneath that.
Vinny looked over at the chat.

"No, I haven't even tested this game to see if it works yet. I'm assuming it works...but it might not."

Super Mario World Mario walked across the void, stopping just under the title font.

"Oh, hello Mario."

Vinny smoked four packs of cigarettes a day for twenty years, became an alcoholic, took up professional wrestling, and did the Mario. "Luigi, I've been sucked into the void."
"It's dark in here, Luigi. I, I've been to some dark places. I've seen things nobody should see. I went too far into the abyss. I'm too far gone, Luigi!"
"BUT MARIO! You can't be! We've got to get back to the castle, Mario!"
"WHAT DID I JUST SAY LUIGI?"
"But Mario! What will I tell the princess? What'll I tell toad? What will I say to Yoshi?!"

The streamer wasn't sure how much longer he could keep the scene going, so he pushed start.

Nothing happened.

He fiddled around with the controller a bit, and upon hitting right, Mario moved a little to the right.

"So, I pressed start, and all it did was leave me where I already was."

The screen scrolled to the right as Mario approached its boundary.

"I don't know if I even had to actually press start, I just did it because told me too."

The void soon began melting into a grey stone castle.

"Okay..." Vinny muttered, watching as his screen became occupied by floors, then ceilings, then walls in the background.

"So, I'm noticing there's not a lot of egg in this game. I'm seeing castles-" Mario came upon Peach, and the game deprived its player of control. "I'm seeing the princess." Mario walked slowly towards Peach, against Vinny's will that he instead walk fast.

A textbox popped up at the top of the screen, and Vinny read it.

"Mario, I have something to tell you."

Upon hitting a button, a new textbox replaced the first one.

"I am pregnant and you are not the father."

The saucier giggled. "I'm sorry, what? When did this become Jerry Springer?"

Next textbox.

"The baby is Y-"

Vinny choked on a chuckle. "Yoshi's?!"

The Italian left the game on that as he recovered some breath. "God..." he muttered.

He glanced over at chat. "Oh I'm sorry chat, Maury Povich, not Jerry Springer, my bad."

Beat.

"Vinny, it's pronounced 'Maury Povich.' Thank you chat. Very helpful."

With another button press, so faint and half-hearted as to be nearly only half an A press, Peach's sprite slowly rose from the ground to reveal a Yoshi egg.

Vincent burst into a brief fit of laughter. "Did Peach just lay an egg?"

"Wait, that's a yoshi egg. Did Yoshi lay the egg? I though Peach was supposed to be pregnant."

Mario replied, and Vinny read it in his gravely Mario voice. "So-a, the cake-a was-a li- fucking damnit." The jabroni slapped a thing. What a terrible old meme. "I feel like I've just been rickrolled without actually being rickrolled."

Chat was pretty slow, but there was at least one response getting copypasta-ed a few times. "Vinny, maybe they both laid the egg at the same time. Well of course."

The next button press was firm, it definitely counted as full press.

"Mario, I will now tell you how Yoshi and I first fell in love."

The screen faded to black, and re-opened on what looked like a normal Super Mario World level. The music was there, the colorful jungle aesthetic, Mario was on a Yoshi, it was almost like it became an actual Mario game. Bowser had peach in his Koopa Clown car, which floated at the edge of the screen.

"I've got Yoshi now," Vinny observed. When he moved forward, Bowser moved back a bit. Yoshi went a little forward, Bowser went a little back. Vinny then sent Yoshi into a full sprint after the koopa king, slowly gaining on him.

"Yoshi, I don't like the way you're looking at the princess," said Mario in Vinny's voice.
"W-what does Uncle Mario mean?" said Yoshi in Vinny's scratchiest baby yoshi voice.
"Don't you play dumb with me, ya disgusting dinosaur. I know what looks means. I've had it. I've had that look."

The distance between heroes and villain stopped shrinking. Vinny tried jumping a few times, pressed a few buttons, maybe seeing it he could get Yoshi to eat something.

"It's the look I get when I-"

The screen went black. The level end theme played. Yoshi's eyes bulged bigly.

"What?!"

His tongue had contacted the princess.

The level theme finished playing, "aaaaand the game just closed itself."

"...well, that was Egg everybody. What a brilliant way to start the stream." Vinny sighed. "This was sent to me as a mothers day thing. I can't think of anything I would- well, I'll stop myself there, but this not something I would want my mother to see."

"You know how I said I trusted the guy who sent me this? Years of knowing this guy, and trusting him to send me games to play on stream. Yeah. That's all over now."

 

[Ottservia]

6 minutes ago, AnonymousSpeed said:

Now don't y'all get your maternity pants in a knot. I'd have had it updated at midnight if the darn site hadn't needed to shut off.

just making sure but it is what it is I suppose

[Anacybele]

Yeah, no worries Anon, I didn't mean you had to rush. ?

[AnonymousSpeed]

'Eeeeeeeey now, not a problem guys. I'm just talkin' 'bout maternity pants because I'm running this joke into the ground, you guys are fine!

[Ottservia]

1 minute ago, AnonymousSpeed said:

'Eeeeeeeey now, not a problem guys. I'm just talkin' 'bout maternity pants because I'm running this joke into the ground, you guys are fine!

I was trying to come up with a pair of jokes myself but my brain failed to birth them at that moment. Oh well maybe next time It'll sire some ways to play with some words.