Prologue - The Tactician

In the Grandmaster's office, a white-haired man was sitting behind his desk wearing a simple white cotton shirt and pants with a pair of brown leather boots. Next to him were stacks of paper revolving around plans regarding politics and future builds for Ylisstol. The man thought he would be used to it by now after doing this for over a year now. Sadly, sitting behind this desk for almost an entire day reminded him of his time wandering the dark void. The only difference now was that he got something to do to pass the time instead of sleeping every now and then until he was brought back to life. The man finished the last page of the set as he signed his signature right on the dotted line. Feeling relieved, he was about to lean back on his chair for a little shut eye until a few knocks were heard from the door across from him.

"Come in," the white-haired man called.

Entered was a blue-haired man wearing a piece of white armor on his left shoulder and a smile plastered on his face. The white-haired man knew him. This man was his best friend, who discovered him with his younger sister and faithful knight. He could remember it like it was yesterday as he woken up in the fields with no recollection of his past. The blue-haired man brought him in despite not knowing if he was an enemy or not, but trusted him nonetheless. Over the years, he worked in his groups called the Shepherds; where they defeated the Mad King of Plegia, won the war at Valm, and prevented the world from ending by the Fell Dragon. The memories made, the bonds connected, and the mixture of emotions felt across this journey were very reminiscent to him. He would never forget them. Even in death after experiencing it.

"It seems your finish with today's work," Snapped out of his thoughts of his past from his best friend, the white-haired man sighed.

"Indeed. I can finally take a short breather after looking through all of these," the blue-haired man chuckled from his friends less enthusiastic cheer.

"I'm sorry Robin for putting this all on you, but when it comes to paperwork; You were most suited for this position than anyone else here."

The white-haired man named Robin waved his hand, dismissing his friend's apology.

"No worries Chrom. You have your duty as the Exalt of Ylisse. I did volunteer myself to help you on Ylisse's political affairs. As the Tactician of the Shepherds, Grandmaster of Ylisse and as your best friend, I'm obligated to help you and the kind people living here."

The blue-haired man named Chrom felt glad hearing his best friend's response. Whether it was paperwork or a dire battle against an army of Risen, Robin's resolve was quite unwavering; especially when it comes to his friends and companions. While thinking about the tactician's strong resolve, a thought popped into his head. He wonders how his daughter and the remaining children are doing since it's been almost a year now since they left Ylisse.

Seeing his blue-haired friend deep in thought, Robin wonders if he was worried about something important.

"Chrom, something on your mind?" Hearing the tactician, Chrom shook his head.

"Nothing much, just wondering how Lucina and the other children are doing."

Despite not having children of his own, Robin could understand Chrom's worries in a way.

Chrom's daughter, Lucina, and the Shepherd's children came from the future to stop the awakening of Grima. They suffered a lot trying to get here, and even though they failed to stop the awakening; we were able to work together with them to vanquish Grima. However, it came with a cost as Robin sacrificed himself to ensure Grima never returns. Due to the bonds he created with his friends, Robin was able to return home. He may had lost many years with his friends, but it was worth seeing the tranquil days they were living in today. Lucina and the other future children might be trying to find a way to live out their new lives since they could not return to their original world. However, Chrom shouldn't worry too much. They were old enough to create their own path as a new future was not only created for them, but also for their younger selves.

"You shouldn't worry too much Chrom," Robin spoke as he leaned himself back on the chair, "Lucina and the others aren't children no more. They are ready to find their own path in life and are ready to see what the future holds for them."

Hearing those words, the blue-haired Exalt felt relieved and understands his best friend's reasoning. However, Robin was not finished talking.

"If you keep worrying, you might become a grandfather sooner than you think," Robin joked with a smirk on his face. He thought it might be okay to lighten the mood a bit with a little joke.

However, Chrom took the joke seriously as he looked pale after hearing it. He wondered if Robin hold some affection towards his daughter. Chrom believed so since Robin and Lucina were quite close during the war in Valm. He heard many rumors surrounding the two among the Shepherds, especially from his beloved wife Sumia. Chrom would deny that his best friend and his oldest daughter would show deep interest towards one another, but after seeing them together at the spa trip; it left him unnerved. The idea of having his daughter marrying his best friend was unfathomable to the Exalt. He doesn't want to imagine seeing wedding bells for those two. Even the thought of being a grandfather at his age made his spine chill from the thought. Having the Grandmaster from best friend to son-in-law and then having a child could make him die early.

Noticing Chrom's grim expression and tightly closed fists, Robin could tell that he was imagining him and Lucina getting married. He understood that they were close throughout the war, but it was purely platonic. He was only helping her be more open to not only him, but to the rest of the Shepherds. However, he does wonder why she seem more flustered when around him after giving her those flowers. Either way, Robin considers her a trustworthy and close friend. Unfortunately, Chrom believed too much into those rumors spread across camp and misunderstood the time he was hearing Lucina express her worries during the vacation trip. Chrom was even more protective of her now than ever before.

Letting out a sigh, he spoke, "Chrom. If you're thinking about the relationship between your daughter and me, you are quite far off with your imagination. Also, don't think too much on that. It was just jesting with you."

Awoken from his thoughts about beating up Robin, Chrom coughed, "Sorry. You know it's hard for me to not worry about her. Considering she was old enough to find love in her life."

"I can tell, but don't believe too much in those rumors," Robin spoke as he stood up and walk towards the hanger holder his signature black and violet robe, "You should believe in her, Chrom. Your daughter was now free to follow whatever path she wants."

"True," Chrom smirked.

Chrom remembered seeing Lucina crying tears of happiness after Robin's return from death. The whole family was back together and there was was no more worries of future catastrophes waiting for this generation nor the next. Seeing the tactician putting his robe on, he stepped aside of the doorway.

"Going for a walk?" Chrom asked as Robin nodded to his question.

"Yes. Sitting behind the desk for more than a couple of hours was was bad for my health. Just makes me want to stretch my legs and feel the wind going through my hair."

Chrom chuckled from his comment, "You sound like an old man."

"If you been sitting behind a desk for a very long time in silence without wind or barely little light, you might as well be an old man."

They both laughed from the joke. It had been awhile since they had a normal conservation without involving politics or tragic pasts.

After they were done laughing, Robin walked passed the Exalt and headed out towards the hallway. He wondered if there will be any new books he would find at the local shop in the market district or check in if his new sword had been finished being forged at the blacksmith. These thoughts swirled into the tactician's head until he bumped into someone between the corridors. They both fell onto the floor and in front of Robin was a young woman with brown long pigtails and a scowl on her face.

"Ow! Watch where you're going!" The young woman yelled as she rubbed her bottom.

"Severa, are you alright?" Said a young man with blonde hair and wearing gray clothing with a piece of armor on his left shoulder.

"I'm fine, Inigo. Just that idiot over there didn't know where they were going?" She pointed at Robin, who was slowly standing up.

A young man clothed in yellow walked towards the fallen tactician and offered his hand.

"Uncle Robin, are you okay?" The yellow-clothed man said with concern in his voice.

Robin denied his assist and stood up while Ingio helped Severa.

"I'm fine Owain," Robin spoke as he turned towards the young woman, "I apologize Severa. I was just thinking what to do in town today."

Severa did not softened her scowl. She understood that Robin could get easily lost in though. However, he should at least learn to pay attention when walking. Severa does not want to put all of her frustrations on Robin, but knowing that her favorite dress had been tattered had left her upset.

Inigo on the other hand felt sorry for Robin. They were about to leave Ylisse until a group of bandits attacked them on the road; ruining Severa's favorite dress in the process. Without a choice, they returned to Ylisstol to buy a new one. Since it's been awhile meeting the tactician, he thought he took this opportunity to invite him along with them to traverse around town. He reckoned it might be a great idea as Robin was mostly busy in his office with little chance of hanging out with them and the rest of the Shepherds. He also considered the tactician's presence could also bring beautiful ladies close to him; giving him a higher chance to socialize with them and to finally have a lover. This was like killing two birds with one stone for him.

"Uncle Robin, care to join us on our leisure in the market district?" Inigo asked, "We rarely have a chance to hang out ever since your return."

"Yes! Join us Uncle Robin!" Owain shouted.

Owain knew that Inigo had other intentions, but he also wanted to hang out with the tactician as well. He wanted to ask him about magic as he believed he could explain it easier than Miriel or Henry. He desired to grasp the power of the arcane arts as he had powers within him that needed to be shown for everyone to see. Having both the sword hand and magic hand could make him a powerful hero and it will leave his mark in history.

Robin felt a bit overwhelm from their request to join him. However, he had no reason to deny as it had been long time seeing them.

"Sure. I'll join you guys," Robin responded as both Inigo and Owain smiled from the answer.

Severa still showed her scowl, but it seemed to have softened as she felt happy in the inside after hearing Robin joining them. In honesty, she wanted be around Robin for a while now, but he never had the time to visit any of them after returning. She felt embarrassed having these thoughts as a small smirk slowly shown on her face. Noticing them about to face her, Severa quickly returned to her scowl expression.

"Fine. If you're joining us, help me find a dress to similar to this." Severa sternly spoke as she pulled out the white fabric of what is left of her dress.

Noticing it, Robin took a mental note on its simple design and color to ensure to not to feel Severa's temper if he ask again. With today's plan prepared, Robin, Inigo, Owain, and Severa walked through the hallway towards the exit of Ylisstol's castle.

Outside of Ylisstol, a lone figure wearing a white cloak was seen atop of a hill. The robe covered everything on the man except his cyan long hair. He was out of breath as he took the long way to reserve his remaining powers. Seeing the Halidom of Ylisse, he could find the warriors that could help save his kingdom and aid his child.

"I must hurry," The cyan-haired man muttered to himself.

As he walked towards the town, a couple of unknown entities were seen behind a tall man from a distance. The man ordered them to follow the cyan-haired man as they slowly phased in and out of sight. They slowly followed behind the cloaked man with their weapons in hand. However, the tall man with long black hair holding two swords stayed behind as he watched the rest of the ghostly soldiers follow the hooded figure. He smiled from the sight. He wanted to see the strength of these so-called warriors that the hooded figure was searching for.

Author's Note: I hope the prologue is enjoyable for you all. If you're willing, please review and inform me if the characters are OOC. I want to make sure they are on point.