Hello, all! This is Tomorrow's Hero, bringing you a brand-new story... or in this case, a collection of stories! This was actually one of my first real story ideas, but I forgot about it until recently. Personally, I loved the supports in Fire Emblem: Awakening, and it bothered me that I hadn't seen a story that collected a bunch of them together (I'm assuming here that I didn't just miss an existing story like that). So I decided to make it myself! So, without further ado, sit back and enjoy Semper Amor (Always Loving)!
Semper Amor
Chapter One: The Tactician and the Lord
"You are the wind at my back and the sword at my side. Together, my love, we shall build a peaceful world... just you and me." -Chrom
"You're one of us, Robin, and no 'destiny' can change that."
Even after she awoke to see the three visages – one a young girl, one an young man, and one an older man – smiling down upon her, she still remembered those words. She didn't understand why she couldn't remember anything else, or what the words even meant, or how she knew the blue-haired man's name was Chrom, but she remembered what he had said to her in her vision – at least, that was what she assumed it had been.
The three were quite taken when the mystery girl told them she remembered nothing of herself or anything else – at least, two of them did, as the older man was quick to declare his suspicions on the matter. But even then Chrom was quick to defend her and offer his support. It was touching, to say the least, that he would trust her when he didn't even know her name.
Along the way to town, Chrom helpfully explained to her that the land was known as the Halidom of Ylisse, ruled by the exalt Emmeryn, before introducing himself and his two companions, his younger sister Lissa (who was quite the firecracker, the girl had to admit), and the knight Frederick. (The girl made a note to think of a nickname for him later. "Freddy-Bear," perhaps?) Out of nowhere, the girl identified herself in turn as Robin, a fact she was just as surprised by as everyone else.
But they had little time to acknowledge that, as Lissa cried out in shock as she saw the nearby town; raiders were burning it to the ground and looting everything of value that they could find. Even from far away the group of four could see the billowing black smoke. With little hesitation Chrom and his allies ran to aid the village, leaving Robin behind.
"But what about-" Robin began, but the three were already long out of earshot, so she cut herself off and sighed. She's only been awake for about an hour and yet this was not shaping up to be a good day. She groaned in frustration and folded her arms underneath her cloak. What was she supposed to do now? Stay and wait for the others to return? They didn't seem overly antagonistic, and if they truly were honest then staying put would have been the best choice, but with no memory she had no way of confirming if anything they'd said was true. Should she run? She didn't know the land or anyone living in it, and she doubted she'd be able to survive for very long either.
And then a third option came to mind – should she go and aid the others? It was ridiculous, almost suicidal, and yet Robin couldn't stop considering it. They'd been kind enough to help her, and they took her seriously – mostly, anyway – when she realized she had no memory. To repay such kindness would certainly be the right thing to do. But she wasn't even armed... was she?
Clinging onto that vain hope, Robin fished through her cloak for something, anything that could serve as a weapon, and to her shock, both of her hands made contact with something. In the grasp of her right hand was a gray-colored blade made of bronze, and in her right a tome with a bright yellow and gold cover. Flipping the book open and rifling through the pages, Robin saw that it was filled with strange, symbol-like writing, writing that she possessed no memory of ever learning but that seemed to decipher itself in her mind.
And then, before her confused eyes the book began to glow and crackle with energy, and with a quick yelp Robin snapped it shut, the energy dispersing immediately. Her eyes drifted back and forth between the book and her blade, weapons of which she did not know the origins but which just felt right in her hands.
"I... am armed," she whispered at last. Taking a few practice swings with her sword, Robin was amazed at how naturally the form came to her. Surely she had to have learned such skill somewhere – yet another mystery for an already mysterious woman. But she had no time to dwell on such things. She sheathed her sword, held her book close to her, and ran for the village.
Her allies awaited her.
The air was hot and thick with smoke as Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick rushed into the square. Bandits were weaving systematically through the houses and stalls set up around the area and scooping up anything valuable into their pockets, mouths covered to keep the smoke out. On top of that, the apparent leader, a savage-looking man, had a hostage; a terrified young woman who was a denizen of the town. He'd snatched her up in the initial chaos and there was no doubt that he'd gladly bring her harm if he saw the need.
"Chrom, we have to stop them!" Lissa cried out.
"Don't worry," Chrom began, unsheathing the Falchion. "After today, these bandits won't be bothering anyone ever again..." In response, a nearby sword-wielding ruffian noticed the newcomers and made the suicidally stupid decision to rush them. Chrom raised his blade, ready to dispense judgment, but before he got the chance...
"Thunder!"
As the voice rang out, a crackling bolt of lightning fell down from the sky and struck the bandit in mid-leap. Before Chrom's startled eyes the now-lifeless body fell to the ground, charred and unmoving. He and his companions turned quickly to find the voice's source, and to their surprise...
"Robin!"
Sure enough, the amnesiac woman stood before them, holding a blade in one hand and an open, glowing spellbook in the other. "You followed us! Why?"
"I... I'm not certain myself," Robin admitted reluctantly, uneasiness seeping into her voice. However, she quickly regained her cool confidence, secretly hoping the others wouldn't figure out she'd come to fight with them purely on impulse. "But I'm armed, and I know my way around a fight, if you'll have me."
"... Of course – strength in numbers," Chrom nodded. "Just stay close!"
"Remember, Robin, we face practiced thieves and murderers," added a not-quite-convinced Frederick. "They will grant us no quarter. It's kill or be killed."
"Oh, but don't worry," Lissa chimed in. "I may not be able to attack like you or Chrom, but when you get injured?" She waved her staff around, trailing sparkles. "I'll be the one stitching your bones back together, care of my trusty staff! You just tell me where to go, Robin."
Robin nodded and turned to face the battlefield before her. Even now she could feel her mind lighting up with information – she saw the distances between everyone and the enemy, the way the smoke obscured the area and how both sides could use that to their advantage, the weapons that each combatant wielded, and more. She made it all come together in her mind in a way she could not understand but gladly accepted, and in a minute she had a simple, foolproof plan for victory. All that remained was to execute it.
"All right..." Robin held her blade aloft. "Time to tip the scales!"
"Checkmate," Robin declared, storing her book away.
It had been a quick and easy fight. Robin had directed Chrom and Frederick to advance further in order to draw out the bandits, where they would be picked off by either the duo's swordplay or Robin's electric sorcery. There were some injuries, of course, but Lissa had hung back until it was safe to advance and heal the wounds with her magic.
Even the leader, with his hostage, had proved little trouble. Apparently he had overestimated how useful his captive would be in securing his own life, and had prepared very little for other possibilities. Robin quickly distracted him with a lightning bolt - aimed behind him – and when he turned involuntarily it provided the perfect window for Frederick to spear the goon. The captured woman was badly shaken but otherwise unharmed.
"Lucky for the town we were close by," Lissa remarked. "But holy wow, Robin! You were incredible! Swords, sorcery, and tactics! Is there anything you can't do?"
"You're certainly no helpless victim, that much is for sure," Chrom concurred. Robin blushed, a bit unnerved by all the attention.
"Indeed. Perhaps you might even be capable of an explanation for how you came here?" Frederick interjected, locking Robin in another suspicious gaze.
"I understand your skepticism, Sir Frederick," Robin replied, choosing her words carefully. No point in carelessly making a good situation bad. "And I cannot explain why only some knowledge has returned to me. But please, believe me. I have shared all that I know."
Chrom smiled warmly. "You fought to save Ylissean lives. My heart says that's enough."
Frederick raised an eyebrow. "And your mind, milord? Will you not heed its counsel as well?"
"Frederick, the Shepherds could use someone with Robin's talents. We've brigands and unruly neighbors, all looking to bloody our soil. Would you really have us lose such an able tactician?" Chrom countered. Robin felt a warm gratitude toward the Shepherd, vouching so wholeheartedly for someone he barely even knew. "Besides, I believe her story, odd as it might be."
"Th-thank you, Chrom," was Robin's stammered response.
Chrom turned to her. "So how about it? Will you join us, Robin?"
It was a simple choice, and required no thought at all.
"I would be honored."
"Don't be afraid. My strength is yours," Chrom assured Robin as they stared down an axe-wielding Risen. Despite the circumstances, Robin smiled peacefully.
The Risen acted first, hurling its axe like a boomerang, but Robin quickly twisted her body and it sailed past her. Centering herself, Robin hurled her own blade as though it were a spear, and it embedded itself in the monster's chest. The Risen staggered, and Chrom seized the moment to lunge forward and, in one fell swoop, chop the zombie's head clean off.
"Well fought."
"She's also the best big sister anyone could ask for!"
Robin chuckled. "Yes, I imagine she..." Suddenly her voice died out, and a look of mixed confusion and shock crept up on her face. "Wait, what? She's your... But wouldn't that make you and Chrom..."
Frederick laughed. "The prince and princess of the realm, yes. You remember Chrom's name and not this?"
"But you said you were 'shepherds!'"
"And so we are... in a manner of speaking," Chrom chimed in. "We just have a lot of sheep."
"C-Chrom... I mean, Prince Chrom!" Robin stammered and fell to her knees. "Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!"
Chrom chuckled. "Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for pleasantries."
"Finished training for today, Robin?" Chrom asked as he and Robin strolled out of her tent and through the garrison.
Robin nodded. "With combat practice, yes. But I thought I might review a few battle histories..."
Chrom shook his head. "You should relax a bit. Put your feet up. Experienced soldiers rest when they can. On a campaign like this, you never know when the next battle might break out."
"So I've noticed," Robin laughed half-heartedly. "With all that's happened recently, we've barely had time to even eat."
"It's been a tough road, to be sure," Chrom confirmed grimly. "And it's only going to get harder."
"I do try and rest when I can, though. A lady needs her beauty sleep after all."
Chrom paused for a moment with a thoughtful expression, then quickly continued walking. Robin shot him a strange look. "...What? Did I say something?"
"Er, no... No, it's nothing," Chrom answered quickly. "It's just that... well, I... just didn't consider you the type to care after beauty and such. I suppose I've never really... thought of you as a lady."
"Ooooh," someone winced from nearby (probably Vaike.)
"... Excuse me?!" Robin whipped around to face Chrom with a downright frosty look on her face, and he stepped back in horror.
"No! I mean – I didn't mean – not like that!" He stammered desperately for the words that would spare him from the rage of his tactician. "That is to say, a "lady," per se... Er..."
"Keep going," Robin leered at him.
"You know, how you fight and strategize, and... Not to say a lady can't fight, but..." Chrom groaned in resignation. "Gods, this is coming out all wrong."
At last Robin seemed to soften a bit. "My goodness, Chrom. You're the scion of a noble family, aren't you? Didn't they teach you manners at your fancy schools growing up?"
"Oh, gods, yes," Chrom quickly answered, relieved at the reprieve he'd been granted. "Of course they did. We spent a whole term on etiquette."
"Well, perhaps you could use another term, this time on how to talk with a lady," Robin replied, less out of anger than exasperation.
Chrom turned to face away from Robin. "It's just my image of a lady is someone so prim and proper... perfumed, and pretty... Nothing like you at all!" Chrom explained, not at all realizing what he was walking into. "When I look at you, I just don't see a 'lady.' Does that-"
And then he turned back around. And saw Robin hefting up a rock easily the size of his head. And her face could have withered forests.
"Er, Robin? What... what are you doing with that rock?" Chrom eked out, legs coiled to run for his ever-loving life at any moment.
"I'm thinking a sharp blow to the head might help fix your eyesight," Robin spat.
"N-no, wait! It was just a joke!" Chrom tried pathetically to defend himself. If anything it just made Robin angrier. "Ha ha... ha? ...Gotta go!"
And he ran like the devil was on his heels.
"I don't believe it. The little craven actually ran away!" Robin hissed through gritted teeth. Of course, now that the adrenaline fog was fading she could see that Chrom meant her no harm. He probably just meant that she wasn't afraid to get a little dirty, which wasn't such a bad thing. If anything it was kind of complimentary.
She was still angry, though.
"What kind of manners... Sheesh..."
A few weeks later, shortly after the Plegian declaration of war...
…
"Hey, Robin? Robin! Are you in here?!" Chrom called into the tent. Receiving no response - odd, as he'd seen her walk in not five minutes ago – he tried again, a bit louder. "Robin! ... HELLO? I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT OUR NEXT MOVE!"
At last the response came. "Oh! Chrom?! Is that you? Er, if you could just wait outside, I'll be just a moment..."
Chrom was puzzled by Robin's reaction. Ever since the Plegians had declared open war on Ylisse, tensions had been running quite high, and Robin was not exempt. Every time Chrom had walked by Robin's tent he'd caught her reading furiously, or planning countless strategies, or training without rest. Secretly it worried him to see her working so hard – he didn't want her running herself into the ground.
But this was different. Robin's response seemed almost... panicked. Chrom didn't understand what could have been happening to her, but she was a valuable companion and friend, and he didn't want her to come to any harm.
So eventually Chrom's panic and protectiveness won out. "Robin, stay where you are! I'm coming in!" He burst headlong into the tent to find-
Steam. A whole lot of steam, filling up the room as steam often does.
Chrom lifted a hand to shield his eyes. "Gods, why is it so steamy in here? Did someone leave-"
The ensuing scream could be heard throughout the entire barracks, and possibly even further. Of course, Chrom completely missed the point of it, and quickly searched around for his tactician. He ultimately found her in the corner, curled up oddly.
"Ah, there you are," Chrom sighed in relief. "I can hardly see a thing through all this blasted steam... Anyway, I wanted to consult with you on tomorrow's march. You see..." And then Chrom trailed off, finally realizing that Robin's clothing was a bit more, well, lacking than usual. "Er, is there any special reason you aren't wearing any clothing?"
"...Chrom?" Robin began in a chillingly calm voice. "Rather than stand there like a slack-jawed idiot... PERHAPS YOU COULD WAIT OUTSIDE LIKE I ASKED?!"
Chrom staggered backwards in shock and horror, cowering under Robin's glare. Forget forests, the look she had then could wither a continent. "But, I... You... Oh gods, I'm SO sorry!" Chrom whimpered. "I didn't mean to! That is to say-"
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUT!"
"R-right! Absolutely! Straightaway! I'll, er, wait outside the tent!" And once again, he ran as though the devil was on his heels.
Robin stormed out, now fully clad but still glaring. She pointed an accusing finger at Chrom. "All right, you! What sort of idiot blunders straight into the women's bathing tent?!"
Chrom quickly bowed his head in shame. "I'm sorry! Very, very sorry! I was worried about you, I swear it! I had no intention of peeping!"
Robin stared at him for almost a full minute, then sighed as the angry redness faded from her cheeks. "Fine. Just... fine. Apology accepted. Now what was so damned important?"
Chrom brought his head back up, immensely relieved. "Oh, I was hoping you could offer some advice on tomorrow's route."
"All right then. What are the options?"
Chrom reached into his pocket and pulled out a map of the southern area of Ylisse. "Well, according to this map, one route is this steep trail through the hills." He beckoned to it with a finger. "Or, we could circle around the hill and follow the main road across the plain." He traced the route as he had done with the first one. "I imagine either would work but wanted to see if you had a preference."
"...All right then. One moment, please," Robin moved her hand up to her chin as she stared at the map and pondered, and Chrom watched in silent awe. Secretly, Chrom was amazed with Robin's tactical might. Creating plans was her element, no doubt about it, and Chrom couldn't help but envy her sheer skill at it. Robin always considered everything – not just overall distance or potential advantages in combat, but even things such as the weather, or the troops' well-beings, or places to gather supplies for later. She was smart in so many ways, but when it came to planning Robin was nothing short of a genius.
And she could fight, as well. At first Chrom had tried to advise to her to steer clear of combat – she was far too valuable a warrior to be lost – but she would never hear any of it. With book and blade in hand she would rush through the battlefield cutting the enemy down. And if she couldn't triumph with her own strength she was more than willing to fight alongside an ally, combining their power to do what they could not do separately. It wasn't long before Chrom admitted she was as worthy as any other warrior. She didn't need any extra protection.
And gods, was she beautiful.
If only he could stop making such an ass out of himself in front of her.
"...I'd say the path through the hills."
"Hmm..." Chrom nodded, half-listening.
"Chrom."
Suddenly it occurred to Chrom that this was not the time for daydreaming, and he swiftly brought himself back to reality. "Ah right, the hills. What for?"
"The main road would be easier, but we'd be more exposed if we encountered foes."
Chrom nodded. "Right, that's what I was thinking. Thanks for the advice. And, er... yes!" Chrom yelled awkwardly and started stammering again. "Well, that's it, I guess! So... yes. Bye."
"Good-bye," Robin replied and turned to leave.
"...And Robin?" Chrom asked suddenly, and she turned. "I'm really sorry about the bath thing. I honestly didn't mean to catch you like that."
Robin sighed and waved it away. "It's fine. Water under the bridge. Let's forget about it and move on."
"Er, right. Yes. Good idea! So! I'll catch you later?" Chrom asked, then groaned in reproach. "Argh, no! I mean, I'll SEE you later!" He groaned again. "Argh, NO! I mean... Bye!"
And then he ran like the devil was on his heels.
Robin watched him leave. She would never understand how someone so striking on the battlefield could be so awkward off of it. Was it just with her, or was it with others as well?
And why, gods, did he always run like that?
The next day...
…
Chrom sighed. "I feel so awkward around Robin. Ever since that bathing-tent run-in..." He mumbled to himself. It was true, he hadn't acted his best at that time. To think that he would just rush straight into the bathing-tent without bothering to consider what he was doing... Chrom had always thought himself a bigger man than that. And yet he'd done something mind-blowing stupid and possibly ruined the friendship he'd cherished greatly.
If that wasn't bad enough, now he couldn't even be alone with her. He would always freeze up in embarrassment, even if they were just conversing as friends, then quickly leave the area. He couldn't imagine how Robin felt about all of it. Gods, what if she thought he hated her? He'd never had this problem before, and he was too self-conscious to ask anyone for help. He'd have to handle it all on his own, no matter how hard it would be.
But right now, he needed to calm himself. "Perhaps a nice, hot bath is just the thing for my nerves..." Chrom mused as he made way for the men's bathing-tent. He would soak until he felt better, then find Robin and have a relaxed conversation, like before. He could fix this.
"Let's see. The lances and axes are kept around here somewhere..." Robin wondered as she wandered throughout the barracks. It had been a while since anyone had taken inventory on the Shepherd's weaponry, and she figured with the Plegian's sudden declaration of war now was as good a time as any. It wouldn't be a great feat; she'd simply check to see if any of the assorted weapons were worn or excessively damaged. A routine procedure.
If only she could find the blasted things.
"They're somewhere... around here, right?" Robin muttered as she searched around for the tent. At last she stopped at a seemingly familiar area. "Ah, here – the arms storage tent, I presume?" She opened the front flap, stepped inside and-
She screamed once more and reflexively brought her hands up over her eyes. This time, however, she was not alone. Another yell, a more masculine one, joined her own.
"Robin?! Where'd you come from?!" The familiar voice shouted in surprise.
Chrom?!
Robin screamed again.
"Blazes, what are YOU screaming for?!" Chrom yelled back, scrambling to cover himself. "If anyone should be screaming it's me, isn't it? You aren't supp- OW!" Chrom cut off with a pained yell. Robin had thrown a bucket at him. And was throwing various other things with it. "Stop it! Stop throwing things! Hey, that's sharp! Don't – YEOW!"
"Have you NO shame?!" Robin shouted, trying desperately not to look at Chrom's unclothed form. "Noble or not, you should AT LEAST wear a towel when you address a lady!" She capped it off by throwing a soap dish. It hit Chrom clean on the ear, and he stumbled back in surprise.
"But you-" Chrom stood up, then groaned and clenched his wounds. "-you were the one who walked in on me!"
"...I'm sorry, Chrom," Robin bowed her head in shame before a now-fully clothed Chrom as the two stood outside the bathing-tent.
Chrom sighed and rubbed his ear. "Are we done throwing things?"
"I think," Robin nodded. "I don't know what happened. Something just snapped and..."
Chrom just chuckled. "Well, no harm done. The gods' injustice, perhaps, for my earlier blunder!" He laughed again.
Robin sighed in relief. "Well, anyway, thanks for being so good natured about it all." Then she lowered her eyes so as to not meet Chrom's gaze. "I feel terrible about that soap dish. How's your ear doing?"
"Better," Chrom reassured her. "It still stings a little, but better. In any case, look on the bright side: we've seen each other naked now, right?" He shrugged. "So I guess we've got nothing left to hide. In a way, we're closer than ever."
Robin pondered that for a moment, then replied. "Not the most appropriate way for a man and woman to get to know each other, but... I suppose as long as nobody else knows..."
Chrom laughed at that. "It's like we're partners in crime sharing an unsavory past! Anything that brings us closer will make us stronger on the battlefield. Just you wait."
Partners in crime... Robin liked the sound of that. She swore then and there to keep Chrom's secret for as long as she lived... or until Chrom revealed hers, whichever came first. It felt... interesting, like a bond that only she and Chrom could share. Deep down, she was grateful for that bond... although she would've been more grateful if Chrom didn't have to see her naked.
Then again, she got to see Chrom naked too, so she could hardly complain. All was fair.
"Chrom? What are you doing out so late?"
Chrom sighed, then turned slowly to face his tactician. Robin couldn't help but notice the look of sadness and uncertainty on the prince's face, and deep down it hurt her to see him this way.
"Oh, hi, Robin. Just... dueling with some unpleasant thoughts..."
"Anything I can aid you with?" Robin asked.
Chrom paused at that, lost deep in thought once again. "...Tomorrow we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers... But there's something I want you to know first." Chrom closed his eyes and almost silently mumbled things Robin couldn't make out. Was he... praying? She didn't want to interrupt him, so she stayed silent herself, for as long as it was necessary.
A few minutes later Chrom spoke once more, bearing a look of immense burden. "...Not everything Gangrel said was a lie. The last exalt, my father, waged war on Plegia for many years. The violence..." Chrom stopped for a moment but ultimately continued. "It was a brutal campaign, ending only with his death 15 years ago. Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering, but his war was no kinder to his own people.
"As the fighting dragged on, our army became more and more diminished. Farmers who could barely wield a pitchfork were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon there was no food at all, and the kingdom began to collapse." Chrom turned and briefly walked away from Robin. "I was young, but I remember those dark times... I know how they affected Emmeryn."
Robin slowly lowered her hand from her mouth – she hadn't even realized that she'd raised it there. "Such an experience... would change anyone."
Chrom still refused to look at her. "Indeed. When our father died before her 10th year, he left her... quite the legacy. Plegia's desire for vengeance, our own people's unbridled rage... My sister became a target for blame from all sides."
Chrom took a ragged breath. "Her own subjects began to hurl insults – and stones. She still bears the scar from one..." Chrom broke off at last, clenching his fist to his chest and holding in a breath. Robin watched him from the short distance between them, and slowly she realized with a shock that Chrom was trying very, very hard to hold in tears. The thought was almost alien; she had only known Chrom for a few months but she never even once saw him as someone who would cry over... well, anything. Her heart broke for Chrom and his family, and the pain they'd suffered in the past.
"But she never let them see her pain, Robin. Only Lissa and I understood."
"It must have been so hard," Robin whispered. She couldn't believe that either – the very idea that anyone could raise a fist against Emmeryn, let alone hurl stones at her. She remembered just how angelic Emmeryn was in all that she was; her actions, her words, and even her appearance were more fitting of a goddess than of any mortal. The people of Ylisse loved her with all of their beings, Robin was certain of it. It was an unbelievable thought, even vile, that Emmeryn's own subjects would treat her in such a manner.
At last, Chrom turned to face Robin once again. He'd shed no tears, but she could see that his eyes were red. "I cannot claim to know how she does it, Robin. I could never greet such hostility with warmth and patience. While our people mocked and vilified her, she reached out and healed them. She brought soldiers home to their families. She ended the war.
"And when Ylisse's spirit was mended and the people 'forgave' her?" He practically spat out the second-to-last word like it was rotten. "...She never resented them for it. She represents the best of the halidom – the part most protecting. She is peace.
"But some men would take advantage of that. Men like King Gangrel. The day he understands peace will be the day death gives it to him... So perhaps I must be death's agent. Emmeryn would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to."
"Do what you must... as I will do."
"Emm, no! No! What are you doing?!" Chrom cried desperately.
"See now that one selfless act has the power to change the world!" The exalt called out over the battlefield. As she'd hoped, her words were heard by all: the Plegian army, the mad king and his dark witch, the khans, and the Shepherds.
And Chrom, Lissa, and Robin knew immediately what she intended to do.
Chrom dropped his blade and raced for the massive skeleton, faster than Robin had ever seen him run before, in a frenzied attempt to stop her. It was hopeless, of course, but Chrom couldn't allow himself to realize that fact. He needed to reach Emmeryn. He needed to stop her from throwing her life away. At that moment he was no longer the general of an army, and she was no longer the exalt – he was a frightened little boy, and she was his big sister. The guiding light of hope that he couldn't live without.
But she was too far away...
And then she leaped. And then, for one fraction of a second, time stopped as she hung in the air, countless eyes focused upon her. But then time continued, and she fell... until she was no longer in sight.
Chrom howled her name in absolute agony and fell to the ground.
Lissa dropped to her knees and covered her eyes with both hands, crying as though the world had come to an end.
Robin staggered backward in pure disbelief and dropped her weapons. Her mind refused to acknowledge it. Any of it. And yet there it was, filling her eyes and screaming inside her mind.
They had failed. Emmeryn, exalt of Ylisse, was dead.
Robin began to tremble. This couldn't be happening. Her plan had been perfect. The Shepherds had defeated the Plegian soldiers, there had been no casualties on their side, and they had even recruited two new allies; the War Monk Libra and the Plegian Dark Mage Tharja. It was flawless.
And yet they'd still failed. Even if it had been because of a factor they couldn't have expected (how could Aversa control Risen like that?), that information did nothing to deaden the truth.
Chrom had been ready to surrender the Fire Emblem to Gangrel, and only in this way had Emmeryn been able to stop him. Not only did they fail to protect her, they failed to protect the Fire Emblem also. Robin knew it, Chrom knew it, and surely everybody else knew it as well.
"...Emm..." Chrom whimpered piteously.
The mission was a failure. A complete failure.
And Gangrel...?
He was laughing.
"How disgustingly noble! And so lovely a fall! Here I thought death to be an ugly thing," the mad king chuckled. "I've never seen one fall so gracefully, in fact... and I've seen many fall." Gangrel swung his arm up into a dramatic, perversely majestic pose and snarled viciously. "Ah... so ends Emmeryn, Ylisse's most exalted! But how can we ensure everyone remembers this beautiful moment of her sacrifice? Perhaps we should gather up her body and put it on display!" And then he laughed, a malicious, infuriating cackle.
Chrom growled lowly and struggled to rise to his feet, but the battle had exhausted him too greatly. It was saddening to see him in such a state, determined beyond reason to avenge his sister and yet unable to even lift his sword. "Gangrel! You die today!" Chrom bellowed, before falling back to his hands and knees.
"No, boy!" A familiar, deep voice shouted from behind. Robin turned as Basilio and Flavia ran up to the pavilion. "I secured an escape route! We have to flee!"
"B-but her body... I... I have to..." Chrom rasped weakly.
"You have to RUN! Now do it!" Basilio fired back before turning to Robin. "Robin! Don't let him do anything stupid!"
Basilio's voice roused Robin at last from her half-focused state, and on the spot her mind switched into survival mode. The fight was lost, but they could at least survive to fight another day. How that fight would go was anyone's guess, but Robin knew that the other Shepherds were likely already retreating, and now more than ever they would need their leader. If Robin could not save Emmeryn, then she would at least save Chrom.
Wordlessly the tactician sprinted to Chrom's side and slung his arm around her shoulder. Now bearing his weight, she staggered over to the spot where Lissa kneeled, long out of tears, and gripped the princess' hand in her own free one. It was a brutally awkward position, carrying one person and leading the other, but now was not the time for such matters. As quickly as she could Robin ran with Chrom and Lissa in tow, as far and as fast as she could. And yet as she ran she could hear something. It was... voices. Thousands of them, chanting in unison. What were they saying?
...mm...n...
...Emm...yn...
...Emm...ryn...
Emmeryn? But who would be chanting-
And then Robin saw. She saw the Plegian army, marching as one away from the battlefield. She saw them drop their weapons and raise their voices and fists to the sky. And she could hear them chanting.
"EMMERYN! EMMERYN! EMMERYN!"
Robin's eyes filled with tears. They were leaving, all of them. They'd heard Emmeryn... and she'd changed their minds. They wanted no more part of this war. Emmeryn had succeeded.
...And yet, that only made things hurt more.
About a week later...
…
"Chrom! Just the man I wanted to see," Robin looked up and smiled as Chrom wandered into her tent. "We need to talk."
Chrom's eyes widened for a brief moment, then he moaned softly and lowered his gaze to the ground. It pained Robin to see him this way, truly it did. His sister's death was still so fresh... and to think he didn't even have time to mourn her because of the war. She didn't understand how Chrom could be so strong, but every night she whispered a short prayer to the gods for his well-being, just in case.
Pulling out of her thoughts, Robin cleared her throat and went on to business. "It's about the route you drew up for tomorrow's march. I was looking at the map and I noticed..." She looked up to meet Chrom's gaze, but trailed off as his eyes did not meet hers. "Chrom? Are you listening to me?"
"Er, oh, of course!" Chrom responded quickly, but after a short pause he added, "Actually, no... I kind of had something to... do." His cheeks turned a deep vermillion as he looked away uncomfortably.
Robin was confused. Of course she'd grown used to Chrom acting awkwardly around her – no matter how much it worried her – but this was different. It seemed almost like... like he didn't even want to be around her. Was this because of Emmeryn? "Chrom, you're acting very strange. Are you hiding something from me?" She asked, taking care to speak slowly and in a concerned manner as to not force Chrom into being defensive.
She did, however, succeed in greatly flustering him. "H-hide? You mean, HIDE hide?! Oh, gosh, no! N-nothing at all! Nope!" It was almost cute how freaked out Chrom was getting. If not for all that had happened to him recently, Robin might have even laughed.
Instead, she leveled her gaze at him and pierced right through to the point. "Then why are you fidgeting like you've got a squirrel in your pantaloons? And refusing to meet my eye? Listen, Chrom. Didn't you say we're close friends, with no secret between us? Didn't you mean that?"
"N-no! I mean, yes! I mean..." Chrom stuttered, then to Robin's surprise he growled and clenched his fists before shouting, "I swear, it's not like that!"
There was silence between the two for a while as Chrom breathed heavily, trying to regain his composure, and Robin stood there and watched him. It was jarring, Robin silently admitted, seeing Chrom lose it like that. Certainly she'd seen him angry before, but that was a rare occasion, almost always directed at the enemy, not his allies. And even then he'd never lost it quite like this. Once again, Robin made an internal prayer for Chrom.
After a while, Robin deemed it safe to speak. "I know you've been avoiding me recently," she began slowly and carefully. "And I'd like to know why, Chrom. I think I deserve an explanation. Please. I can't go on pretending there's nothing wrong." Her voice became quiet. "Do you dislike my company now?"
Chrom looked at her as though something was dreadfully wrong with her. "Dislike you?! Egads, Robin, of course I don't dislike you!" Chrom shook his head. "Nothing could be farther from the truth."
"Then why are you avoiding me?" Robin pressed.
"...Don't look at me like that," Chrom began unsteadily. "It's just that... we've been fighting a lot together. We're always side by side. At first, I thought of you as an ally, then a comrade, and finally a friend. I've felt the bonds of trust grow between us, stronger and stronger.
"And then I realized... you were more than just a friend."
Robin pondered it all with her eyes closed until the last sentence, which after a quick two-second beat made her head snap up and stare at Chrom with wide eyes. "...What do you mean?" Robin asked, a bit blindsided.
"I mean I care about you Robin. As a man, and you as a woman," Chrom slowly reached forward and grasped Robin's hands in his own. In shock, Robin tried to pull away, but Chrom held on tight.
"Chrom, we can't possibly-"
"Wait, please! You've made me come this far, and now I'm going to say my piece," Chrom cut her off.
"But when you're worked up like this, you might say something you regret," Robin argued, both wanting and not wanting to hear what Chrom had to say.
"I don't care!" Chrom fired back. "I've tried to keep this bottled up, and I can't do it anymore. I'm going to tell you how I feel, even if your head explodes in embarrassment!" Chrom took a step back and took two agonizingly long deep breaths before gripping Robin's hand once more. "Right, I'm set now. Here goes. Prepare yourself, because I'm going to say it!"
"Say it already!" The words burst from Robin's mouth. She didn't mean to be so forceful, but Chrom didn't seem to mind. She was blushing too now, just as madly as Chrom.
"Robin... I'm in love with you."
It was an indescribable feeling, hearing him say those words. Robin could feel her chest tighten and sparks shoot up her spine. Her entire body felt warm and fuzzy, and she could feel her lips curl up into a joyous smile. She wanted nothing more than to take Chrom in her arms and tell him the same, that she'd felt the same way about him for so long and that she couldn't wait to spend the rest of her life forever by his side. But she forced herself to wait, as infinitely hard as it was.
Chrom wasn't finished, either. "I've been in love from the very first moment I laid eyes on you. I just didn't want to realize it until the last little while." Robin did not miss the 'didn't want to' part, but stayed silent for the time being. "Look, I know this is sudden and I'm coming on like a wyvern in heat, but I'm not trying to force you into a decision, believe me," Chrom continued. "Whatever your answer, I shall abide by it – no matter how painful. And come what may, we'll always be friends. That I promise." With that, he released Robin's hands and stepped back slightly, allowing her to sit once more.
Robin thought about all that Chrom had told her. And she thought about Chrom himself, too. The heroic prince that saved her in that field despite knowing nothing about her. He gave her more than a chance, her gave her a home in the Shepherds. She'd made countless friends with the allies around her and was well on her way to becoming a legend of Ylisse, and it was all thanks to Chrom.
She thought about all the times he'd been so awkward around her, saying she wasn't a lady and catching her in the bath. Did his feelings have anything to do with all of that? Robin was never the most emotional person – she preferred logic, personally – but she couldn't deny that Chrom had helped her feel a part of herself that she may not have been able to feel otherwise.
Still, there was one thing she needed to ask him.
"Chrom..." she began, still sitting. "What did you mean when you said that you didn't want to realize your feelings for me?"
Clearly Chrom was not expecting this in the slightest; he was so surprised he actually staggered a bit. For a while he was silent, and Robin could only guess at what thoughts were going through his mind at that time. But she wouldn't push him. She would have to let him provide the answer himself.
And eventually, he did. "Robin... I've already told you the history behind Ylisse and Plegia," Chrom's voice and expression were both pained, and Robin was stunned by his vulnerability. "And you've seen it all for yourself... just how much the Plegians hate our country. Ylisse is at war, Robin, and we're the vanguard. Every day we place our lives on the line, knowing that each day could be our last... And the gods know that we've lost too many lives already," To Robin's shock, Chrom covered his face with his hands and softly wept into then. Even after Emmeryn's death, she'd never seen him cry, not even once. It was completely alien to her, and the only thing she could do was sit and watch as her general – her friend – broke down before her.
But Chrom did eventually calm down. He wiped his red, still moist eyes and looked at Robin once more. "...I could never live with myself... if I allowed myself to grow close to you... and then... and then..." He trailed off and did not speak again, but he didn't need to. His unspoken words drifted in the air between the two as Robin understood.
I could never live with myself if I allowed myself to grow close to you, and then you died too.
And the realization was a knife to Robin's heart. But even so, she knew that if Chrom was feeling such things, then it was up to her to help him. She knew very well that she couldn't dispose of those feelings completely, only Chrom could do that. But she could still do something.
Robin stood up, walked around her desk to Chrom, and silently embraced him.
Chrom gasped in surprise, but didn't say anything. Rather, he slowly brought his arms up around Robin in a reflection of her own motions, and brought them together around her back, forming a mutual embrace.
The two comrades stayed in that position for a long while before finally separating and looking at each other once more. And Robin had an answer to give.
"...I'm sorry, Chrom, but this is impossible. The general and his chief tactician? It just... it wouldn't be right. Our first responsibility must be to the soldiers we lead, not to each other... you understand that, don't you?"
Chrom's face had fallen throughout Robin's entire speech, but in response to her inquiry he tried in a vain attempt to pull himself together long enough for a response. "Yes, I do," he nodded, but his tone betrayed him. He turned to leave Robin's tent at last, but...
"But someday this war will end," Robin continued. It was a small statement, but it was enough for Chrom to stop and turn to face his tactician with a new seed of hope within him. "We'll emerge victorious and bring peace back to the world. And when that happens, we'll be free to follow our hearts." Robin capped it off with a warm smile.
Chrom was speechless. Just a moment ago he'd thought that the one he loved was rejecting him, but now... it was almost too much.
"...OUR hearts?" Chrom asked hopefully.
Robin nodded. "Yes... because I love you as well."
Chrom's jaw dropped as he stared at Robin and stammered humorously for something, anything to say in return. "You... y-you do? But that's... but that's..." A huge, ridiculous grin split across his face. "That's wonderful! This is the best day of my life!" He laughed merrily, and Robin couldn't help but laugh with him. For the moment their troubles had all been forgotten, eclipsed by the image of joy that awaited them at the end of the tunnel.
And at that moment Robin made a simple, silent vow; she would not die, nor would she allow any of her comrades to die. For Chrom's sake, and for her own. It would be her penitence for not saving Emmeryn.
She would see to it that they all returned home.
Several weeks later...
…
It was finished.
Gangrel had fallen at last, and by Chrom's blade, no less, the Plegian army had surrendered, and terms of peace were being delivered between the two armies. The war had ended.
And yet it was a bittersweet victory, for sure. Far too many had died for the sake of bloodshed, not just in this battle but throughout the entire war. Nations and cities could be rebuilt, but no amount of money could replace a human life.
Still, the fighting was over, and the Shepherds and their allies had to be grateful for that at least. The reconstruction would be long, but with the Plegian treasury, it was more than possible.
And Chrom had a discussion to partake in, with a very special woman...
….
He went to her after he was certain everyone else had parted. This was to be between him and her only.
"Robin?"
She turned to face him. "What's wrong, Chrom? You look so serious."
Chrom sighed. "I... I think I owe you an apology. This was never your war to fight."
Robin shook her head. "But I chose to fight it."
"All I've been thinking about is stopping Gangrel, no matter the cost," Chrom looked down at the ground, ashamed. "Even my own life would not have been too high a price to pay."
Robin thought about that before answering. "As much as I don't wish for that sort of price, I would... understand if it came to that. It would have been for us, after all... and for me."
Chrom strode forward and ensnared Robin in a strong hug. "I never want to let you go, Robin. Does that make me selfish?"
Robin chuckled. "If so, then let me be selfish, too. I would be with you, always."
They stayed in that way for a long time. Chrom held Robin close to his chest, savoring the feeling of her warm body against his. Robin drew as close to Chrom as she could, closing her eyes so that she could better notice the beating of Chrom's heart. It was a steady, unshakeable beat, and it made her feel more comfortable than she'd felt in a long, long time.
"...Robin?" Chrom spoke at last.
Robin pulled away to look at him. "Yes, Chrom?"
"We... met under unusual circumstances, but lives have been made from far less. My sister always followed her heart, so now I'm going to follow mine..." His voice built up to a crescendo as he knelt down before his tactician. "What I want to ask you... Well, what I mean is..."
"Will you marry me?"
They were absolutely beautiful words.
"...Yes."
But none of them were as beautiful as that one.
"You..." Chrom began, and his voice came out as a choked sob, but then he threw back his head and laughed deeply and joyfully. "Yes! With a word you've made me the happiest man in all the realm!" And then he pulled her close once more and kissed her deeply and passionately. She returned it with equal fervor, and the newly engaged couple held each other close as they savored every passing moment. They could be together. It was all they wanted and now that finally, finally had it.
It was a long time before Chrom finally drew away. "Now I'll need to ask for a bit of patience for the near future... My first duty must be to heal the scars of war and assume my role for the people. But then, we can truly begin our life together."
Robin nodded. "That's all right. I'm a tactician, remember? I'll figure something out."
"Thank you," Chrom replied, and kissed her once more.
"...I can't help but think back to the day we first met..." Robin wistfully thought out loud. "Strange, isn't it, the way fate brought us together? I am a lucky woman to have met you, and luckier still now."
"And I, as well," Chrom happily agreed. "I know together we can bring joy back to the royal palace. I'll do everything I can to make the castle a happy home for us...my love."
My love. Robin adored those words. They were so simple, and yet she couldn't think of anything she'd have rather heard Chrom speak.
They had won. More than that, Robin had won as well. The Shepherds were alive, every single one of them. Robin's debt had been paid. She could face the future without a single regret.
"My love," Robin agreed.
And so ends chapter one. I've never tried to write a purely romantic story, so even with the supports to guide me, I'm not sure how well this turned out. Please leave a review for me. I really do want to make this a big thing, so I'll need some help. See you soon!
Tomorrow's Hero, signing out.