More Than Just An Enemy
A/N: Just an fyi, this fic is a slight AU. The only difference is that Tiki's recruitment chapter happened before beating Yen'fay, rather than after.
The battle against Yen'fay was a grueling battle, but thanks to Robin's battlefield choice, and his tactics, the Shepherds had emerged victorious. Now, the Shepherds were celebrating. Tiki smiled to herself. The Shepherds very much reminded her of the Archanean League. However, she noticed Robin sitting alone by the fire, drinking what she presumed was tea.
His mood seemed quite somber, despite the, nay, his victory. He took a gulp of his drink and got up, heading to his tent. Curious, Tiki decided to follow him. She approached his tent, and stopped outside the tent flap. She gently knocked on one of the support beams. "Robin, might I have a word?"
"Hmm? Oh! Sure, come on in," came his reply. Tiki pushed aside the tent flap and entered. His tent was quite messy, books were piled up in the corners, some left wide open. He had a messy stack of maps on a table, and a second table with a game reminiscent of chess set up on it.
Robin stood up. "Do you require something, Lady Tiki?" he asked. Tiki pulled up a chair and sat down. "I wanted to commend you on the battle. Spectacularly done, by the way." Then she frowned. "Does something ail you? You don't seem to be celebrating like the others."
Now it was Robin's turn to frown. "Today... You heard about Yen'fay, right? That he was only fighting for Walhart to keep Say'ri alive?" Tiki nodded. "Well... it made me think..." Robin sighed. "... It made me think about how maybe Valm is divided about this war... How some might not wish to fight... Ever since this war began, I have wanted to win, to protect Ylisse. I mostly felt, ah... disdain... for the Valmese. But at the same time, I never really thought about what must have been going through their heads."
Tiki pursed her lips, thinking. "And now you find your disdain for them has lessened?" she inquired. Robin stroked his chin thoughtfully, then shook his head. "No... The distaste remains. The vast majority of their army intends to conquer the world, conquer Ylisse. As far as I know, Walhart is far from a benevolent ruler, definitely not like Chrom. I know for a fact he would not treat the citizens of Ylisse well. Yet now, I can tell you my feelings for the Conqueror's armies are not just distaste... Not anymore."
Tiki pondered his words for a few seconds. "Not all evils are wrought for evil purposes," She paused. "Some might consider this naïve, but someone I once knew said this: 'A true leader needs to look at their opponent and see more than just an enemy.' You, Robin, are looking at your opponent and seeing people. But remember, some of these people want you and your friends dead."
Robin smiled slightly and stood up. He stayed silent in thought, but nodded in thanks to Tiki. Tiki smiled and nodded in return. Then, Chrom, Lucina, and Flavia entered the tent. Tiki glanced at Robin. "It would seem you have some planning to do. I shall leave you to it." Then she departed.
A/N: Whew! First finished fic! Well, I mean, technically it's a oneshot, but who cares! Anyway, who recognises the scene I'm trying to mirror? If you did, take this internet cookie! (::) If not, take one anyway! (::) But in case you were wondering, this is trying to mirror the conversation between Marth and Princess Nyna after Chapter 13 of FE: Shadow Dragon. But, anyway, please review, I'd like some constructive criticism! ... And I'd like to know if anyone actually liked my story, LOL.