Chapter 21: Act 4- Discovery of a Dragon; Roy's Future Daughter?
The revelation of Nah's existence struck Roy with a peculiar mix of emotions. As he watched the young half-Manakete demonstrating a maturity well beyond her years, he couldn't help but see reflections of himself in her measured approach to combat and strategy. Unlike Nowi's often impulsive battle tactics, Nah exhibited a calculated precision that spoke to her father's influence.
Roy found himself particularly moved by how Nah would pause to analyze situations before transforming, a stark contrast to her mother's enthusiastic diving into dragon form at every opportunity. Her serious demeanor and thoughtful nature served as a perfect counterbalance to Nowi's perpetual youthfulness, creating a dynamic that brought unexpected stability to their family unit.
The way Nah looked up to him with those familiar orange eyes – his eyes – filled Roy with a profound sense of responsibility. Her pointed ears and mixed-tone hair marked her as his daughter just as clearly as her tactical mind and reserved personality. Yet she was uniquely her own person, combining the best aspects of both her parents: Nowi's raw power and connection to dragon-kind, tempered by Roy's strategic thinking and calm demeanor.
As he observed her methodically practicing combat maneuvers, Roy realized that Nah represented something he hadn't known he needed – a bridge between his tactical mind and the wild magic of the Manaketes. She understood both worlds intimately, and her presence brought a balance that would prove invaluable in the battles to come.
The ancient temple's worn stones seemed to hold their breath as Roy and Nah locked eyes across the debris-strewn courtyard. Roy froze, his blue and lavender hair stirring in the gentle breeze as he took in the sight of the young woman before him. Her pointed ears, dark skin, and those unmistakably familiar orange eyes told a story he hadn't been prepared for – this was his daughter, a truth written in every feature they shared.
Nah stood still for a moment, her usual composure cracking as she saw her father – alive, whole, and real. Without warning, her careful restraint shattered. "Father!" The word burst from her lips as she broke into a run, crossing the distance between them in swift strides that betrayed her dragon heritage.
Roy barely had time to brace himself before Nah crashed into his arms. His initial shock melted away as paternal instinct took over, and he wrapped his arms around his future daughter, holding her close as she buried her face in his chest. The normally composed half-Manakete's shoulders trembled slightly as years of stored emotion found release.
"I... I have a daughter," Roy whispered, his voice thick with wonder as he gently stroked Nah's hair, noting how the colors shifted in the sunlight, a perfect blend of his and Nowi's heritage.
From the side, Nowi watched with an uncharacteristically gentle smile, her usual boundless energy temporarily subdued by the weight of the moment. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she watched their future daughter – their perfect balance of tactical wisdom and dragon power – reunite with her father.
The other Shepherds and their future children formed a respectful semicircle around the scene. Lucina and Odyn stood close together, his dark elven features so similar to his daughter's future friend, while Chrom and Sybyrh watched with knowing smiles, their own experience with future children lending weight to the moment. Severa tried to maintain her usual aloof expression but couldn't quite hide her emotion, while Inigo, Brady, and Cynthia openly wiped at their eyes.
"I thought... I thought I'd never see you again," Nah finally managed to say, pulling back slightly to look up at her father's face, studying every detail as if to commit it to memory. "You were always so strong, so wise in my time. You taught me everything about strategy and self-control, about balancing the dragon's power with human wisdom."
Roy's orange eyes softened as he cupped his daughter's face in his hands, seeing in her features the perfect synthesis of himself and Nowi. "And now I get to learn how to be the father you remember," he said softly, a promise in his words.
As the initial wave of emotion settled, Roy's tactical mind began to stir with pressing concerns. He studied his daughter carefully, noting how the magical energies swirled around her – a unique blend of Manakete power and something else, something familiar. His own dragon crest stirred in response, confirming his suspicions.
"Nah," he said gently, still keeping one hand on her shoulder, "The dragon crest... you inherited it, didn't you?"
Nah's expression grew serious, matching her father's tone. "Yes. In my time, you helped me learn to control both aspects of my heritage. The Manakete transformation comes naturally, but the crest..." She paused, her orange eyes meeting his. "It's different. More volatile, especially when daemons are near."
Roy nodded grimly. The appearance of daemons had complicated an already delicate situation. To possess both Manakete power and the dragon crest was to walk a precarious line – one that his daughter now had to navigate. "In your time, did I... were you able to master it completely?"
"You taught me techniques," Nah replied, straightening her posture in a way that reminded everyone present of Roy's own bearing. "How to channel the crest's power through my dark elven heritage while maintaining the Manakete transformation. But you always said there was more to learn."
Nowi stepped forward then, her usual playful demeanor tempered by maternal concern. "Between the three of us, we'll figure it out! Two dragons and a dragon-blessed dark elf – we're practically experts!"
The moment of familial connection broadened as Nah turned to greet her extended family. Her face lit up at the sight of Odyn and Lucina, her uncle and aunt who had been such crucial figures in her future. Chrom and Sybyrh's presence added another layer of comfort – the leaders who had helped guide them all through the darkest times.
As the other future children gathered around, each greeting Nah with their own mixture of relief and joy, Chrom stepped forward to address the pressing matters at hand. The warm family reunion gradually shifted into a strategy session as they outlined their next moves against the Valmese threat.
"The timing of your arrival couldn't be better," Chrom explained, his voice carrying the weight of command. "We're gathering our forces for a decisive confrontation with the Valmese. Your combined powers – Manakete and dragon crest – could be exactly what we need."
Nah listened intently, occasionally glancing at her father, drawing strength from his presence. The tactical minds of father and daughter were already working in tandem, analyzing possibilities and strategies. Yet beneath the strategic exterior, both Roy and Nah savored each moment together, making up for years lost to time's cruel manipulation.
As the group made camp that evening, Nah sat with Roy and Nowi, explaining the techniques her father had taught her in the future timeline. The campfire's warm glow illuminated their features as other family members and friends gathered around, eager to learn more about their unique bond.
"You always said the key was understanding that the two dragon powers weren't fighting each other, but harmonizing," Nah explained, her orange eyes reflecting the flames. "The Manakete transformation is like a river – flowing, natural, controlled. But the dragon crest..." She held up her hand, letting a faint azure energy shimmer around it, "It's more like a storm, raw and primal."
Roy nodded, recognizing the description of his own power. "And how did I teach you to balance them?"
"You taught me to use my dark elven heritage as a bridge," Nah said, demonstrating by closing her eyes and taking a measured breath. As she did, the others could see the subtle shift in her magical aura – the wild energy of the dragon crest flowing through channels reminiscent of elven magic patterns, while her Manakete essence remained steady and strong.
"The meditation techniques were crucial," she continued. "Every morning, we'd practice channeling both energies simultaneously. You showed me how to visualize them as different colored streams – the Manakete power in green, like Mother's dragon form, and the crest's power in blue, like your magic. The dark elven blood serves as a natural conductor for both."
Odyn leaned forward, intrigued by this demonstration of power so similar to his own heritage. "That's why you were always so composed in battle, even as a child. You were constantly maintaining that balance."
Lucina smiled at her husband's observation. "I remember watching you train with Uncle Roy in our time. You two would spend hours perfecting those techniques."
Severa, sitting nearby with Brady and Inigo, snorted softly. "Yeah, while the rest of us were getting our butts kicked in regular combat training, you were dealing with double dragon drama."
"It wasn't always easy," Nah admitted, a shadow crossing her face. "There were times when the powers would surge, especially around daemons. You..." she looked at Roy, "you taught me to use the dragon crest's reaction to daemon presence as an early warning system. By keeping a small portion of that power active, I could sense them before they appeared."
Nowi bounced excitedly. "Ooh, that's clever! Like having a built-in daemon detector!"
"But it came with risks," Nah continued. "The more daemons present, the stronger the crest's power would become. You taught me to counter that by partially transforming – letting just enough Manakete power flow to balance the crest's surge without fully becoming a dragon."
Chrom and Sybyrh exchanged knowing looks. "That kind of control could be invaluable in the coming battles," Sybyrh noted, her orange eyes, so similar to Roy's and Nah's, showing both concern and pride for her niece.
"The hardest lesson," Nah said softly, "was learning when to let go. You always said that trying to maintain perfect control during every battle would eventually break me. Sometimes, you said, I needed to trust in both aspects of my heritage and let them work together naturally."
Cynthia, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, spoke up. "Like when you saved me from that ambush! You just... let both powers loose at once. It was terrifying and amazing!"
"That was after years of training," Nah cautioned. "The first few times I tried to use both powers together..." She grimaced. "Let's just say we had to rebuild parts of the castle training grounds."
The group shared a laugh at that, even as Roy made mental notes of everything his future self had taught their daughter. The family dynamics were clear in how they all interacted – Odyn and Lucina offering supportive comments, Chrom and Sybyrh providing tactical insights, while Nowi balanced the serious discussion with her characteristic enthusiasm.
"The most important technique," Nah concluded, looking around at her assembled family, "wasn't about power control at all. You taught me that having people to protect, people who believed in me – that was what really helped keep both powers in check. The dragon crest responds to emotion as much as to training, and the Manakete power is strengthened by bonds."
Roy reached out and squeezed his daughter's hand, understanding now why his future self had been able to guide her so effectively. It wasn't just about magical techniques or combat training – it was about family, about the bonds that tied them all together across time itself.
"Well then," he said with a warm smile, "we should start your training again tomorrow. This time, we'll all be here to help you master both sides of your heritage."
The rest of the evening was spent sharing stories and strengthening bonds, each tale weaving another thread in the complex tapestry of their unusual family. From Severa's sarcastic but affectionate commentary to Brady's gruff shows of support, from Inigo's attempts to lighten the mood with dance offers to Cynthia's enthusiastic battle reenactments – they were all part of what made Nah stronger, what made all of them stronger together.
To be continued in Chapter 22: Act 4- Before the Storm; The Conqueror's Demands