Chapter 24: Act 5 part 1- Preparing for Valm
The evening air was crisp as Vaike and Khanna made their way through the winding path that led away from camp. Behind a cluster of bushes, Yukihime crouched with Severa and Morgan, watching their carefully laid plans unfold.
"I still can't believe you roped me into this," Severa whispered, though her eyes never left the pair. "If this goes wrong, I'm blaming you."
Morgan stifled a giggle. "Look at Vaike's face! I've never seen him so nervous before."
Indeed, Vaike's usual bravado seemed to have deserted him. He walked beside Khanna with uncharacteristic care, as if afraid one wrong move might shatter the moment. The warrior who regularly proclaimed himself "Teach" was now very much the student.
"Did you know," Khanna's voice drifted back to them, "in my homeland, we have a legend about stars like these?" She pointed upward to where the first evening stars were beginning to appear. "They say that when two souls are meant to find each other, the stars arrange themselves to light their path."
Vaike cleared his throat, clearly searching for words. "Yeah? Well, uh, Teach thinks... I mean, I think that's beautiful. Like you- I mean, like the story! The story's beautiful."
A soft laugh escaped Khanna's lips, not mocking but gentle. "You don't have to try so hard, Vaike. I fell in love with your honest heart, not your attempts at poetry."
The words hung in the air for a moment before Khanna realized what she'd said. A blush crept across her face, visible even in the dying light.
Behind the bushes, Yukihime pressed her hands to her mouth, tears gathering in her eyes. This was so different from the stories she'd heard of their courtship in her timeline – where war and duty had forced them to keep their feelings hidden until it was almost too late.
"Mother..." she whispered, watching as Vaike tentatively reached for Khanna's hand.
"Ya know," Vaike said, his voice softer than usual, "I ain't much good at fancy words or proper manners. But when I'm with you, I want to be better. Not just at fighting or strategy – at everything."
Khanna intertwined her fingers with his. "Perhaps that's what makes us work. You inspire me to be stronger, and I..."
"You make me want to be worthy," Vaike finished.
From their hiding spot, Morgan tugged at Severa's sleeve. "We should go. Give them real privacy."
But Yukihime lingered for just a moment longer, watching as her parents stood together under the emerging stars. In her timeline, she had only known them separately – her father's grief and her mother's absence had defined her childhood. But here, now, she could see the love story as it was meant to be.
As they crept away, Yukihime caught one last glimpse of her parents. They had stopped walking, and Vaike was awkwardly but earnestly trying to explain something about sword techniques, while Khanna listened with evident affection. It wasn't a scene from a romantic ballad, but it was real and true and wholly them.
"Thank you," Yukihime whispered to her fellow conspirators as they made their way back to camp. "For helping me give them this chance."
Severa bumped her shoulder against Yukihime's. "Don't get sappy on us now. Besides, we all know what's at stake." Her expression softened. "Everyone deserves a shot at happiness, even if we have to meddle a little to make it happen."
As the three future children rejoined their companions, the sound of genuine laughter – Vaike's boisterous and Khanna's melodic – drifted through the evening air, a promise of a future that might just be a little brighter than the one they'd left behind.
The three friends quickly ducked behind a stone wall, Morgan pulling Yukihime down just in time. Around the corner stood Lucina and Odyn, their figures silhouetted in the dying light. The dark elf's blue hair caught the last rays of sun as he drew Lucina close, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. The princess's initial surprise melted into contentment as she returned the gesture, her hand finding its way to rest against his chest.
"You shouldn't surprise me like that," Lucina murmured as they parted, though her smile betrayed her pleasure. Her mixed heritage was striking in the twilight – the elegant features of her mother Sybyrh's dark elven lineage blending seamlessly with her father Chrom's legacy.
Odyn's orange eyes sparkled with mischief. "My apologies, princess. Should I schedule all future displays of affection in advance?"
"Don't be impossible," Lucina chided, but she made no move to step away from him. "Though I suppose I've grown rather fond of your impossible nature."
Morgan watched the scene with wide eyes, still struggling to reconcile this reality with his memories. "It's so strange," he whispered to his companions. "In our time, he was always so formal with her. Just 'Master Odyn and Princess Lucina.' Now look at them."
Severa's knowing smirk grew wider. "That's because you were always too busy with your nose in those strategy books to notice what was right in front of you. Even in our time, anyone with eyes could see how he looked at her when he thought no one was watching."
Yukihime felt her cheeks grow warm as she observed the couple. Having just witnessed her own parents' budding romance, seeing this established love between Lucina and Odyn stirred something in her heart. The dark elf warrior who had been such a stern, protective figure in their ruined future had found happiness here – had found love with the very princess he'd once sworn only to protect.
"Did you know about this?" Yukihime whispered to Severa, unable to tear her eyes away from the scene.
"About them being married? Found out a week ago when I caught them sneaking off together after training." Severa's expression softened slightly. "It's different here. Better. In our time, everything was about survival. Here, they actually have a chance to live."
They watched as Odyn brushed a strand of hair from Lucina's face, his touch lingering. The tenderness in the gesture seemed at odds with the battle-hardened warrior they had known, yet somehow it fit perfectly with who he was in this timeline – still strong, still protective, but free to express the gentler feelings he had always kept hidden.
"We should go," Morgan finally said, tugging at his friends' sleeves. "Before they notice us. Besides, I think we've done enough romantic reconnaissance for one day."
As they crept away, Yukihime cast one last glance over her shoulder. Lucina was now teaching Odyn some sort of sword technique, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization. Even in this mundane moment, their connection was palpable – teacher and student, warrior and princess, husband and wife, all flowing together into something beautifully whole.
"This timeline really is different, isn't it?" Yukihime mused as they made their way back to camp. "Everything we fought for, everything we hoped to change... it's actually happening."
Severa nudged her with an elbow. "Don't get too sentimental. We still have a war to win." But there was a softness in her voice that suggested she understood exactly what Yukihime meant.
Morgan grinned, his tactical mind already whirring. "Maybe we should start a matchmaking service. Think of all the other futures we could improve!"
"Don't even think about it," Severa groaned, but she was smiling too.
As they rejoined the others at camp, Yukihime felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the evening's cooling air. In this timeline, love wasn't just surviving – it was thriving. And maybe, just maybe, that would make all the difference in the world they were fighting to save.
The training grounds were alive with the rhythmic clash of steel against steel as Roy – or Thallion, as he was known among his people – guided his daughter Nah through a complex series of maneuvers. His unique hair caught the light, the cerulean blue and lavender streaks creating an almost ethereal effect as he moved with characteristic elven grace. Despite his dark elven heritage showing in his orange eyes, pointed ears, and dark skin, his teaching style carried a gentleness that set him apart from many of his kin.
Morgan watched with rapt attention, his tactical mind dissecting each movement, each correction, each subtle shift in stance. His eyes sparkled with the same analytical gleam that so often lit up his father Robin's face when presented with an interesting strategic puzzle.
"Look at how he adjusts her grip there," Morgan whispered excitedly, barely containing his enthusiasm. "The angle change completely alters the follow-through potential!"
Severa rolled her eyes at her brother's commentary but couldn't suppress a fond smile. This was the Morgan she'd grown up with – the one who could spend hours analyzing battle techniques with the same childlike wonder others reserved for festival treats. It was moments like these when he most reminded her of their father, right down to the way he absently ran his fingers through his hair when deep in thought.
"Your brother hasn't changed a bit, has he?" Yukihime observed with a quiet laugh, watching as Morgan pulled out a small notebook to sketch the training sequence.
"Not even a little," Severa replied, her voice carrying an undercurrent of affection she rarely allowed others to hear. "Father always said Morgan's mind was like a tactical library with legs. Used to find him fallen asleep in the strangest places, usually with some battle manual as a pillow."
On the training ground, Nah executed a perfect counter-strike, earning a proud smile from her father. Roy's orange eyes gleamed with approval as he stepped back to give her space to complete the sequence.
"Well done," his deep voice carried across the yard. "You're beginning to anticipate the flow of combat rather than just reacting to it."
Morgan's quill scratched frantically across his notebook. "Did you see that transition?" he whispered excitedly. "The way she incorporated both elven and human sword techniques? Brilliant!"
"Gods, Morgan, you're such a child sometimes," Severa sighed, but she reached over to ruffle his hair affectionately. This enthusiasm for learning, this pure joy in observing and understanding – it was what had helped them all survive in their dark future. More importantly, it was what made Morgan uniquely himself, a perfect blend of their father's tactical genius and their mother's passionate nature.
Yukihime watched the siblings' interaction with a warm smile, understanding now why Severa, despite her sharp tongue and harder exterior, was always so protective of her younger brother. In Morgan's innocent enthusiasm for knowledge, there was something precious that even their apocalyptic future hadn't managed to taint.
"One more sequence," Roy called out to Nah, his streaked hair catching the light as he raised his practice sword. "This time, feel the rhythm of the steps. Let them flow like water."
Morgan was already flipping to a new page in his notebook, ready to document whatever new technique would unfold. Severa watched him with poorly concealed fondness, remembering all the times this same fascination with strategy had saved their lives in their own timeline.
"You know," Yukihime said softly, "it's beautiful to see how some things remain constant across timelines. Your brother's passion for tactics, your father's influence on him..."
"Yeah, well," Severa replied, her voice gruff but warm, "some things are just meant to be, I guess. Even if Morgan is still the biggest tactical nerd in any timeline."
As if to prove her point, Morgan had already filled another page with diagrams and notes, his face lit up with the pure joy of learning. In that moment, he looked so much like their father that Severa felt her heart catch. Some bonds, it seemed, transcended time itself.
In the training yard, brilliant streams of energy coursed around Roy and Nah as they practiced controlling their dragon power. The dragon crest marks on their bodies glowed with an inner fire, Roy's steady guidance helping Nah balance the volatile energies that flowed through her bloodline.
"Remember," Roy's voice carried across the yard, "the dragon's power responds to emotion. Channel it, don't fight it. Let it flow like a river, not crash like a storm."
Severa watched the scene with a complex mix of emotions playing across her face. This version of Roy was whole in a way his future self had never been after losing both his brother and his wife. Here, he still had his spark, his gentle strength – and most importantly, he still had Nowi.
As if summoned by the thought, the manakete woman appeared at the edge of the training ground, her eternal youthfulness belying her ancient wisdom. She called out encouragement to their daughter, her presence alone seeming to help Nah better control the surging dragon energies.
"It's different, watching them like this," Severa murmured, her usual sharp edge softened by memory. "In our time, after Odyn fell and Robin..." She paused, the words catching in her throat. "After Grima took Robin, Roy was never the same. He tried so hard to protect Nah, to teach her everything she needed to know, but the loss of Nowi broke something in him."
Yukihime placed a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder, understanding the weight of those memories. They all carried similar burdens – knowledge of a future where everyone they loved had been torn away, one by one.
"But that's why we're here," Morgan said with quiet determination, for once setting aside his tactical observations. "We can change it. We can save Father from Grima, save Odyn, save everyone."
Severa watched as Nah successfully completed a complex maneuver, her dragon form flickering briefly into view before settling back into her human shape. Nowi clapped in delight while Roy beamed with pride, the family unit whole and unbroken in this timeline.
"We have to," Severa agreed, her voice firm with resolve. "I won't let Grima take Robin this time. Won't let it destroy all of this." She gestured to the scene before them – Roy teaching his daughter while Nowi watched on, all of them untouched by the tragedy that had scarred their future counterparts.
Morgan nodded, his tactical mind already working through possibilities. "With everything we know, with all of us working together, we can protect Father. We can stop Grima before it ever gets its claws into him."
As they watched, Roy pulled both Nowi and Nah into an embrace, the three of them laughing about something they couldn't hear. The sight stirred something in Severa's chest – hope, perhaps, or determination, or maybe both.
"In our time," she said softly, "Nah never got to experience this. Her mother gone, her father trying to be both parent and protector while carrying his own wounds. But here..." She gestured to where Roy was now showing Nah how to better control her transformation, Nowi adding her own expertise to the lesson. "Here she gets to have both her parents. Gets to learn and grow with their guidance, their love."
"And she will," Yukihime assured her, understanding in her voice. "We'll make sure of it. All of us together."
The dragon crest on Nah's body flared once more as she practiced, but this time the energy was steady, controlled. Roy and Nowi's combined presence seemed to help her find balance, much as their love had helped stabilize the volatile power of their bloodline in her.
Severa straightened her shoulders, her resolve hardening. They had come back in time to prevent a catastrophe, to save their parents and their world from Grima's destruction. Watching Roy with his family only strengthened her determination. This time, Robin would not fall to Grima. This time, their families would remain whole.
This time, they would write a different ending to their story.
The war council tent hummed with tension as the Shepherds gathered around the strategic map. Chrom stood at its head, his presence commanding yet tempered by the quiet fury radiating from Sybyrh beside him. The dark elven warrior queen's orange eyes blazed with controlled anger, her black hair with its gold and silver tips catching the lamplight as she leaned over the map of Valm.
The future children were interspersed among their parents and fellow Shepherds, each bearing the weight of knowledge from their own timeline. Lucina stood close to the front, her hand intertwined with Odyn's, while the dark elf's tactical mind was already analyzing potential strategies. Nearby, Morgan's eyes darted across the map with the same intensity his father Robin often displayed, while Severa maintained her characteristic stern expression, though her hand rested ready on her sword hilt.
"Walhart," Sybyrh's voice cut through the murmurs, sharp as a blade, "made two critical errors. First, he presumed to think I would ever consider his advances." Her lip curled in disgust. "Second, he threatened Ylisse."
Chrom placed a steadying hand on his wife's shoulder, though his own expression was hard. "The Conqueror clearly doesn't understand who he's dealing with. But we'll make sure he learns."
Yukihime watched as Inigo shifted uncomfortably, while Owain seemed barely able to contain himself from launching into one of his dramatic declarations. Nah stood close to her parents, her dragon crest faintly glowing in response to the emotional atmosphere. Kjelle and Brady exchanged knowing looks – they'd seen enough battles in their own time to recognize the gravity of the moment.
Cynthia, usually bubbly and energetic, had adopted a more serious demeanor, while Yarne tried to make himself seem smaller despite his taguel height. Noire's fingers fidgeted with her bow string, a nervous habit that surfaced in tense situations.
"We have something Walhart doesn't," Chrom continued, his voice carrying across the tent. "We have knowledge of possible futures through our children. We have skills and abilities he can't anticipate. And most importantly," he shared a look with Sybyrh, "we have bonds that can't be broken by force or intimidation."
The dark elven queen's orange eyes swept across the gathered Shepherds, lingering particularly on the future children. "Each of you came back to prevent a terrible future. Your presence here has already changed so much." Her gaze met Lucina's, then moved to Yukihime, to Morgan, to each of the others in turn. "Now we'll use that knowledge, that strength, to ensure Walhart learns the price of threatening our family."
The future children straightened under her gaze, each feeling the weight of their purpose anew. They had come back to prevent Grima's rise, but in doing so, they had become part of this crucial moment in history. The war with Valm would be different this time – they would make sure of it.
"Mother," Lucina spoke up, her voice steady as Odyn squeezed her hand in support, "in our timeline, Walhart's campaign was brutal. But now we know his strategies, his weaknesses."
Morgan nodded eagerly. "We can anticipate his moves, counter them before he makes them."
"And this time," Severa added with a fierce grin, "he's managed to make it personal by insulting our queen."
Sybyrh's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Indeed he has." She turned to Chrom. "Shall we show the Conqueror what happens when he provokes both Ylisse and the dark elves?"
As Chrom began outlining their strategy, the future children exchanged glances. This was another divergence from their timeline – Walhart's ill-advised advance towards Sybyrh had never happened in their future. It was a small change, but one that might cascade into larger differences in the coming war.
For now, they would fight alongside their parents, wielding their knowledge of a dark future to help forge a brighter one. And Walhart would learn, as so many others had, that threatening the family bonds of the Shepherds was always a fatal mistake.
The war council continued as each of the first-generation couples contributed their perspectives. Robin and Cordelia stood close together, the tactician's strategic mind already weaving their companions' strengths into potential battle formations while his wife added her insights from years of pegasus knight training.
"The aerial advantage will be crucial," Cordelia noted, her red hair gleaming in the lamplight. "Especially in Valmese territory."
Beside them, Donnel adjusted his ever-present pot helmet as Panne's keen taguel senses added to their intelligence about the terrain. Frederick and Sumia's combined knowledge of cavalry tactics and pegasus warfare proved invaluable, while Lon'qu and Lissa balanced martial expertise with healing strategies.
"We shouldn't move against Walhart's main force until we've gathered all our strength," Roy observed, Nowi nodding in agreement beside him. Gaius paused in his perpetual candy-munching to add insights about infiltration routes, while Olivia quietly suggested ways to move their forces unseen.
Kellam's virtually supernatural ability to go unnoticed had already proven useful in scouting, as Maribelle pointed out with unusual pride in her husband's unique talent. Libra and Sully's combined experience with both healing and combat added depth to their tactical options, while Henry and Tharja's dark magic expertise promised to give them an edge Walhart wouldn't expect.
Vaike, standing protectively near Khanna, for once refrained from his usual boasting. "Teach thinks we should talk about the kids we still need to find."
Sybyrh nodded gravely. "Laurent, Virion and Miriel's son. Ricken's child with Sarai." Her orange eyes flickered with concern at the mention of the captured dark elf. "Gerome, born to Cherche and my cousin Valvahderyhn..."
"The Red Knight," Chrom added, noting how some of the future children tensed at the mention of these names. "And your brother's twins, born to Say'ri of Chon'sin."
"Each of them crucial to our cause," Lucina interjected, her hand tightening on Odyn's. "In our timeline, their abilities proved invaluable."
Morgan's tactical mind was already racing. "Laurent's magical and analytical abilities, combined with his father's archery expertise... And Gerome's skill as a wyvern rider, enhanced by his dark elven heritage..."
"The twins," Severa added, her voice unusually soft, "they combined Chon'sin swordsmanship with dark elven magic. They were..." she paused, choosing her words carefully, "they were something to behold."
Sybyrh's expression grew determined. "Then we have our priorities. We must locate and rescue them before confronting Walhart's main force. Sarai's freedom is also non-negotiable – no dark elf shall remain in captivity while I draw breath."
"These children," Nowi spoke up, her usually playful demeanor serious, "they're not just reinforcements. They're family. Our family, even if some of us haven't met them yet."
The atmosphere in the tent shifted as each parent considered the children they had yet to meet, the bonds yet to be forged or restored. For the future children present, the weight of knowing their missing companions' fates in their own timeline hung heavy.
"We'll find them," Chrom declared, his voice carrying the weight of both royal command and family promise. "All of them. And then we'll show Walhart what happens when he threatens a family as large and diverse as ours."
Sybyrh's orange eyes gleamed with fierce determination. "First, we locate Laurent. His analytical mind will be crucial for planning our next moves. Then we make our way to Valm proper – Ricken's child and the others are likely to be found there."
The future children exchanged knowing looks. They remembered how each of their missing companions had joined their cause in the dark future. This time would be different – this time, they would find them before tragedy could strike.
As the war council continued into the night, plans were made and strategies devised. But underlying every tactical discussion was a single truth: they weren't just fighting for territory or politics. They were fighting for family – those present and those yet to be found.
The young mage stood frozen in place as the implications of what he'd just learned washed over him. His future self had married Odyn and Roy's sister – a dark elf of noble birth. More than that, they'd had a child together. His hands trembled slightly as he gripped his tome tighter, trying to process this revelation.
"Sarai..." he tested the name quietly, wondering about the woman who would become his wife. As a dark elf, she would share her brothers' striking features – the pointed ears, the dark skin, those distinctive orange eyes. The thought made his heart skip a beat, even as his cheeks flushed red at the direction of his thoughts.
Roy noticed the young mage's reaction and approached him, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "She has our mother's grace," he offered softly, "but her own unique fire. In our time, she was known for combining dark elven magic with traditional human spellcraft in ways few had seen before."
Ricken straightened up, trying to appear more mature than his years might suggest. "And... and our child? What are they like?"
Odyn joined his brother, his dark blue hair contrasting with Roy's cerulean and lavender streaks. "Brilliant," he said simply. "A perfect blend of both bloodlines. Your magical talent combined with dark elven affinity created something extraordinary."
The young mage's chest swelled with pride, even though he hadn't yet met either his future wife or child. But then his expression sobered as he remembered the current situation – Sarai was captured, somewhere in Valm, possibly in danger.
"I may be young," Ricken declared, his voice firm despite his youth, "but I swear I'll do whatever it takes to help rescue her. Even if... even if this timeline turns out differently, even if she doesn't choose me this time..." He took a deep breath. "She deserves to be free and happy, no matter what."
The two dark elven brothers exchanged knowing looks. This was the same determination that had drawn Sarai to Ricken in their timeline – his genuine heart, his desire to help others regardless of personal gain, his willingness to prove himself worthy rather than merely expecting respect.
"Just be yourself, young one," Roy said, placing a reassuring hand on Ricken's shoulder. "That's all our sister ever wanted – someone who saw her for who she was, not what she was."
Ricken nodded, his resolve strengthening. He might be the youngest among the first generation, barely on the cusp of adulthood, but he would face this future with courage. Whether fate led him and Sarai down the same path in this timeline or not, he would fight to give her the chance to choose her own destiny.
After all, that's what being a true Shepherd meant – fighting for others' happiness, even if you weren't part of that future yourself.
Morgan stepped forward, his tactical mind for once taking a backseat to his heart. "You know," he said warmly, "in our timeline, it wasn't your age or your status that drew Aunt Sarai to you. It was your heart."
Severa nodded, her usual sharp edges softening. "She used to tell us stories, actually. About how everyone expected her to make some politically advantageous match with a noble or a powerful dark elf." A rare smile crossed her face. "Instead, she chose the young mage who treated her like a person rather than a princess."
Ricken's eyes widened at this revelation. "She... she really said that?"
"More than that," Morgan added enthusiastically. "She would talk about how you helped her adapt to life outside the dark elven realm. How you'd spend hours practicing magic together, combining your different styles." He grinned. "Your shared passion for magical theory was apparently quite the talk among the Shepherds."
Ricken clutched his tome closer, hope blooming in his chest even as his resolve hardened. The situation was dire – Sarai was being held by not just any enemies, but daemon-controlled Risen and the Grimleal themselves. The thought of her in their clutches made his young heart clench with determination.
"The Risen are bad enough," he said, his voice steady despite his youth, "but the Grimleal..." He looked up at the future children. "We'll save her. No matter what it takes."
Severa's expression grew serious. "It won't be easy. The Grimleal are drawn to power, and a dark elven princess with her magical abilities..." She trailed off, not needing to finish the thought.
"Then we'll just have to be stronger," Ricken declared, a flash of the man he would become showing through his boyish features. "I may be young, but I'm still a Shepherd. And Shepherds don't abandon people who need help." He paused, adding softly, "Especially not someone who might... who could be..."
"Someone who could be your future?" Morgan supplied kindly.
Ricken nodded, his cheeks flushing but his gaze determined. "Even if she chooses differently in this timeline, I want her to have that choice. Free from Risen, free from the Grimleal, free to decide her own path."
Severa smirked, but there was genuine warmth in her eyes. "Well, if you're already thinking like that, I'd say Aunt Sarai's chances of choosing you again are pretty good."
The young mage straightened up, squaring his shoulders. In his mind's eye, he could almost see her – a dark elven princess combining grace and power, someone who might look past his youth to see the man he was becoming. Whether she chose him or not, he would fight to give her that chance.
First, though, they had to face the Risen and the Grimleal. But looking at Morgan and Severa's encouraging faces, Ricken felt his confidence grow. The future wasn't set in stone – they were proving that every day. But some things, some bonds, some choices... maybe they were meant to be, regardless of timeline.
To be continued in Chapter 25: Act 5 part 2- Valm preparation II and the rescue of Sarai