Hello everyone! Welcome! I'll keep the author's notes short and sweet for ya.

From the Ground Up is a Robin x Lucina story that will follow Robin, Chrom, Lucina as well as the rest of the Shepherds over the second half of Fire Emblem Awakening. While this story will mainly be a Robin x Lucina fanfic, it will also be somewhat of a novelization of the later half of the game. Though, I don't plan to stick too strictly to the original recipe. I might throw in some of my own spices here and there.

When it comes to updating, expect new chapters every week to month! When it comes to writing fanfiction, I'm more of a write the chapter and then post it immediately after some edits kind of guy. Because of that, updates could take a couple of weeks, or they could take a couple of days. Sorry in advance if that upsets you!

That's all I really wanted to say! So, thank you all for reading and I hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or the characters.

"'Father,' huh?"

Robin watched Chrom and "Marth" from a distance that was far enough away so he couldn't eavesdrop, but still close enough that he could stand and watch. After the spectacle that had occurred at the end of their battle with the Risen, the entire camp was abuzz with curiosity- Robin included. This "Marth" woman, who had been helping the Shepherds since the conflict with Plegia, had called Chrom "father" when she saved his life from that would-be assassin. After that, Marth pulled Chrom aside and the two had been talking ever since. It was very conspicuous. Robin had heard whispers of a supposed affair or long last relative, but he knew better than that.

Given the teary hug the two had just shared, it looked like things were beginning to heat up down there.

"Oh, this could be bad," Robin muttered. "This could really, really complicate things."

Robin cursed his rotten luck. What were that odds that could this seriously happen? Something this outrageous? It was just unbelievable. The man was an amnesiac with no hopes of recovering his lost memories, and this thing that's happening right now might be the unluckiest thing to happen to him yet. Was Naga screwing with him? Or Grima, for that matter? Hell, maybe it was just the plain old God of Assholery!

How unlucky does one have to be to fall hopelessly in love with someone, only to discover that the person you were so hopelessly in love with was the daughter of your best friend? How screwed up is that?

Okay, maybe "hopelessly in love" was a bit of an exaggeration. The term "crushing hard" might have been more appropriate. It had been a long and bumpy road for the snow-haired tactician. It all began on the day her mask had broken back at the castle and her face had been revealed. The way that beautiful blue hair had cascaded down those tantalizingly slender shoulders; the way the moon had illuminated her feminine yet firm face… it was love at first sight. Robin didn't want to feel that way at the time, as he didn't want anything to interfere with his duty, but as time went on the feelings had only grown fiercer. There was a part of him that had later wondered if he was so shallow as to fall in love based on looks alone, but he was able to rationalize himself out of that corner little by little. There was more to it then that, and he was sure of it.

After what he had witnessed today, that fear seemed so silly now. His biggest worry now was if he would fall in love with Chrom if he were to become a drag queen.

"Oh gods, what if I suddenly become attracted to one-year-olds?"

He shivered at the very thought.

"Robin?"

Shit.

The tactician froze. He slowly turned his head to see that Sumia was now standing right beside him.

His luck had suddenly gotten worse.

"How long have you been standing there?!"

"I just got here," Sumia answered and rose an eyebrow at him. "Why, is something wrong?"

Robin sighed in relief with a hand on his chest. That had been a close one. There might not have been an explanation that could have dug him out of that hole.

Unaware to him, the queen's eyes wondered down the valley, eventually landing on Chrom as he hugged his daughter.

"Eeep!" Sumia squeaked and brought a hand to her mouth.

Robin winced, kicking himself mentally for that one. If he had kept a closer watch he could have avoided terribly awkward situations like this one.

"Wh-wh-wh-why is Chrom hu-hu-hugging that woman?" Sumia blubbered, her eyes seething with rage, confusion, and most of all, sadness.

"Uh…"

Robin looked back and forth between the huggers and Sumia, his mind racing as he tried to think of a decent excuse, since this was kind of his fault.

He was a tactician, damn it! He had helped lead the Shepherds to countless victories that would make even the most prestigious of generals look like amateurs. This should be easy! Just something simple and believable would work.

"Maybe they're hugging to try and stay warm?"

…Really?

"If you're cold, you stand near the campfire!" Sumia shot back. "You drink hot cocoa! You bundle up! You don't just go hugging people out in the middle of nowhere! Tch, how shameless…"

Sumia mumbled that last part under her breath. Robin would have laughed were it not for this incredibly awkward situation he was in.

"Sumia, it really isn't-"

"If that's how it is, then there's really only one thing to do," Sumia nodded with a look of fierce determination in her eyes.

Robin wasn't even the least bit surprised when Sumia had pulled a flower out of her pocket and began to pluck the petals.

With an exaggerated sigh, he grabbed his friend by the hand. "Come on, let's get this squared away."

Sumia didn't object, thankfully. He really didn't want to have to drag her there, and this Grandmaster sure as hell wasn't above carrying a queen over his shoulder if he had to.

Once he was certain she would keep following her, he let go of her hand.

"Hey, yo Chrom!" Robin shouted and whistled.

Chrom and Marth both turned their heads towards the oncoming pair.

"What is it, Robin?" Chrom asked once they had gotten close enough. "Is everything alright? Did more Risen appear? Is the camp under attack?"

He then noted his downtrodden wife.

"Why is Sumia tearing apart that poor flower?"

"Chrom," Robin smiled sweetly at his best friend, but his glare was quite the opposite. "I'm sure you know better than this. You two are standing out here alone… hugging… crying. This is how ill rumors are spread, you know."

Sumia began her eerie chanting as if to prove his point.

"He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me, he loves me not…"

The exalt's eyes widened when the realization hit. Robin preemptively stepped aside so his friend could approach his wife.

"Er, Sumia?" He mumbled, taking both of her hands in his to prevent any further damage to the flower. "Why are you plucking petals?"

"I wasn't spying on you or anything! You can't prove that!" Sumia exclaimed with teary eyes, only for them to fill with anger at the sight of Marth. "Oh, so you brought her with you, did you?"

Robin didn't think he could feel anymore awkward than he was already, but he had been proven wrong in the span of a few seconds. He had to get out of here before it got any worse.

"You know what? I think I left the lamp on in my tent, and you know what Frederick says about leaving a flame unattended," Robin laughed awkwardly and turned to leave. "You all have a nice talk and just tell me later what-"

"Robin, wait. You should hear this too."

Robin closed his eyes and let out a dejected sigh before turning back around.

"Can we tell them, Lucina?" Chrom asked his daughter before continuing.

"Of course."

It was as he feared. She really was Chrom's daughter.

Robin wasn't the only one to notice the peculiar name.

"Lucina?" Sumia perked her head up.

"Sumia, dear, this is going to be a bit of a shock," Chrom smiled nervously and gripped his wife's hands. "This here is our daughter, Lucina."

Robin refrained from saying anything. It was a shock, and would definitely throw a wrench in his courting process, but he knew when to shut his trap.

"What?"

"It's true, Sumia," Lucina said and stepped forwards, brushing her hair behind her ear. "I'm your daughter. Look closely and see for yourself."

Sumia looked at her smiling husband before stepping forwards and checking for herself. Her eyes narrowed as she stared into Lucina's eyes.

"Y-your eye!" Her eyes widened at the sight. "It has the brand!"

"The same brand carried by the House of Ylisse," Chrom confirmed.

Sumia took a few shaky steps back. She looked like she was still having trouble believing it all.

"No, I do NOT see! How could she have the brand? Why is her name Lucina?" Sumia pointed an accusatory finger at her time-traveling daughter. "What did you do to my Lucina?! Is she alright?!"

"Peace, Sumia," Chrom chuckled and pushed her hand back down.

"Your baby is safe and sound right where you left her," Lucina smiled to try and appear non-threatening, but Robin could see the traces of sadness there. "I am her from another time. A time that has yet to come."

Robin's eyes widened at that. After she had called Chrom her father, Robin had wondered if that had been the case. It didn't make sense, but it was also the only thing that made any sense. Chrom was way too young to have an illegitimate daughter, and Lucina had seemed way to levelheaded to be crazy. The brand in her eye in the exact same manner as the baby back at the castle, as well as her likeness to Chrom had made the future idea a lot more likely.

"The future?"

"Yes," Lucina nodded at the tactician. "More than ten years hence. After history takes a dark and most destructive turn…"

He knew he had promised himself to remain silent, but this was too much for his tactician brain to handle.

"If you don't mind sharing, what happens in the future that requires you to come here?"

Lucina's expression darkened. Robin was well aware that it couldn't be anything good. You don't just go back in time to hang out. There had to have been something Lucina was trying to prevent, something that she was trying to stop. All of her actions from before would point to that hypothesis as well. She had always been at the most important or decisive events of the Plegian War. There had to have been some overarching event that she was trying to avert.

"The fell dragon, Grima, is resurrected," Lucina paused to collect herself. "His roar is a death knell for man, a scream that silences all hope… Death everywhere…"

The three of them shared a look, but all remained silent, content to let Lucina continue at her own pace. Robin would be the first to break the silence.

"Chrom? The Shepherds? We all couldn't do anything?"

"…That is correct."

Robin exhaled slowly and ran a hand through his hair. This had been what he was expecting, but the news still hit him like a sack of bricks.

"I don't know what to say," he murmured. What could you really say to that? An apology wouldn't mean anything. A vow to prevent that future from happening wouldn't help anything. Words of reassurance would be just that; empty words with no meaning.

"A tale that beggars believe, yet the proof stands right before us," Chrom motioned towards his daughter's scabbard. "She carries Falchion, my same sword. The sword the first exalt used to fell Grima years ago."

"Aye," Lucina nodded. "Your blade and mine are one… It was all I had left of you."

The mood darkened even more, if possible. Chrom looked as if he wanted to hug the poor girl, and Sumia looked on the verge of tears.

"I believe her, Robin," Chrom said and turned towards his tactician. "There is only one Falchion."

"Yes," Robin mumbled. He wanted there to be some way to dispute her, some way to prove that this future was a lie, but he couldn't. "I don't think there is any doubt to what she says. You and Lissa even saw her fall from the sky on the day you found me."

"Thank you, Sir Robin," Lucina smiled, but it seemed like it was more of a formality than anything else. Once again, it disappeared as quickly as it came. "Naga, the divine dragon, feared mankind would face Grima again. In preparation for that day, she devised a ritual. It allows one to return to the past and alter events already written. I made the journey together with others, but we became separated."

"Don't worry, Lucina. If they're out there, we'll find them," Chrom reassured her with a fatherly hand on her shoulder. "Rest assured, we'll find them."

Lucina turned her head down and nodded, placing a single hand atop her father's. Underneath the wall of blue hair that covered her face, Robin could make out the inklings of a true, heartfelt smile.

And suddenly, Robin felt out of place. It was time to go.

"I'll head back to camp first," Robin grinned and gave Chrom a clasp on the shoulder. "You three take all the time you need."

Chrom gave a single nod, mouthing a silent "thank you" to Robin before the tactician turned to leave. While it was true that he had wanted to give the family some time alone, Robin need some time of his own to process this new information. A future in ruins? The death of everyone? Time-traveling children? That's not even mentioning his own personal feelings or the meetings with Validar, but that all seemed so insignificant now considering the situation.

Robin still had a war to plan.

"One thing at a time," Robin whispered to himself as he walked. Tonight had all of the makings of one of his patented all-nighters. It's not like he'd be able to sleep in the first place, so might as well get some work done.

Robin moved about the war tent like a well-oiled machine. He would study the maps that were laid out across the table, make a note of something, and then jot it down in his notebook. Rinse and repeat several times over, and after today, he had a lot of notes to write.

While the information he had received from Lucina was startling, it wasn't the most pressing. It was harrowing, yes, but there was something else that weighed on Robin's mind: the Shepherd's after-battle procedures. If it hadn't been for Lucina's timely appearance, Chrom could have been gravely wounded- or even worse -dead. As tactician of this army, he had to make sure that wouldn't happen again.

"We'll have two groups of four– scratch that, five –secure the perimeter after the end of every battle," Robin said quietly to himself as he wrote it down in his notebook. "The rest of us can stay put and make sure there aren't any stragglers that might prove dangerous."

This would be especially now more than ever. It was never as if the death of one of his own would have been acceptable under any circumstance, but after learning about the future that Lucina had come from, the weight on Robin's shoulders was heavier than ever. If someone were to fall in such an unnecessary way, Robin would never be able to live with himself.

Once he was finished with that, he planned to come up with strategies for the upcoming conflict with Valm. They were a formidable foe, so Robin wanted to make sure that the Shepherds stayed on their toes. There was the off-chance that their armies would clash out at sea, so the tactician had to sketch up some plans and back-up plans if that were to be the case.

Then finally, Robin had to compose himself. A lot had happened today. There was the meeting with Validar and that look-alike, followed by that head-splitting headache and another confrontation with Validar, and finally the conflict with the Risen and Lucina's appearance. It was a lot to take in.

Luckily for him, strategizing always set his mind at ease. When Robin was like this, everything else just sort of dulled. It was just him, his strategies, and the maps before him. Of course, there was the possibility that any plan he drew up would have to be thrown out come fighting time, but it was always best to be prepared. As Tactics for Beginners would put it, "It's always better to have a strategy and not need it than to have no strategy at all." Robin always considered that a kind of common sense, but still, the phrase stuck with him.

"I had a feeling I'd find you here."

Robin looked up from his work to see Chrom standing near the entrance with his arms crossed and an annoyingly smug smirk on his face.

"A tactician in the war tent, who would have guessed," Robin deadpanned.

Chrom chuckled and pulled out one of the chairs to sit down.

"It's nice to see that today's events haven't dampered your sarcastic wit."

"It'd take a lot more than that," Robin grinned and backed away from his work. "What can I do for you, Chrom?"

"I just wanted to talk and touch base with you," Chrom shrugged and leaned back in his chair. "If you have time, that is. I know how you get when you get into the 'zone.'"

"I can spare some time," Robin replied and sat down as well. "There certainly is a lot to discuss, isn't there?"

"You can say that again," the exalt scoffed. "It feels like my entire world has been flipped upside down in the span of a day."

"Pretty much," Robin agreed and rested his chin in his hand. "First that thing with Validar, and now this."

"Yeah..." Chrom mumbled and glanced at Robin. "What are your thoughts on it all?"

"You mean the fact that our world is doomed, or the fact that there are time-traveling children that have come to stop it?"

"Both," Chrom frowned and pointed a finger at his friend. "And the world is not doomed. Not if we have anything to say about it."

"I know that," Robin clicked his tongue and smacked Chrom's hand down. "It's just hard to wrap my head around, y'know? I never once considered the possibility that the end of the world was just right around the corner, let alone consider that it was because of our failures that it was brought about in the first place."

Robin's eyes wondered to the table, specifically to a map of Ylisse. The map had been marked in dozens of different locations with small black crosses. It was used to indicate run-ins or sightings with the Risen.

"But now I'm kicking myself for not seeing it earlier. The Risen grow by the day and we're on the brink of a second war within a few years of the last. This has to play part in that end, doesn't it?"

Chrom exhaled slowly through his nose, his brow slightly furrowed as he took Robin's words in.

"It is quite possible," Chrom admitted. "I would agree that the Risen are definitely not a good sign. But-"

"Oh gee, what an insightful observation. This just in: zombies are bad!"

"But," Chrom repeated himself a little louder this time while tactically ignoring the sarcastic remark. "We've had the odds stacked against us before and we've been able to pull through. And as loathe as am I to say it, as long as we have you guiding us, no outcome is set in stone."

Robin opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. While he had every intention of changing fate, there was still a part of him that wanted to tell his friend that he was placing too much trust in the ability of an amnesiac tactician that he had found unconscious in a field. But he didn't, and he wouldn't. There were some things better left off unsaid.

"…You're right, of course," Robin smirked. "But let's talk of something else, something less dark. How are Lucina and Sumia holding up? It was kind of a mess when I left you guys."

"They're doing well- at least, I think they're doing well," Chrom groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I honestly can't tell for sure. I know Sumia is elated to see her future daughter grow up into such a strong woman."

"But, you can't tell with your daughter," Robin finished for him.

"That's right," Chrom nodded glumly. "I know she's happy to see us again, but I can tell that there's something there beneath the surface. Something that's still troubling her."

"What do you mean?" Robin asked. "Other than the obvious."

"It just feels like there's this part of her that's still pushing us away."

"It's only been a day, Chrom. Maybe she just doesn't know what to say."

It was quite possible that Lucina didn't want to get close to anyone out of fear of losing them for a second time, but Robin was wise enough not to say that. Not because he didn't think Chrom shouldn't know that, but because he was sure that he was already aware. Chrom was a smart man. Robin was near positive that he had already came to that decision, but still wanted to hear alternatives. Less dreary and bleak alternatives.

"That could be it," Chrom shrugged, but he didn't look convinced. "I'm just worried that she'll distance herself from her mother and I, and I don't want that. I want to be someone she can rely on, now more than ever."

At that, Robin couldn't help but break out into a smile.

"It's amazing how fatherly you've become," Robin let out a small laugh. "Who would have thought that the man who got completely faced at the holiday festival two years ago would grow into such a mature and thoughtful dad."

"Hey!" Chrom barked and shot another one of his fingers at Robin. "That was one time, and I didn't know the eggnog had booze in it. That was an honest mistake."

"Sumia sure didn't think so."

Robin and Chrom both laughed at the memory of that night, so much so that they had to hold their stomachs and wipe away tears at the end.

"No, no she did not," Chrom wheezed and wiped away a stray tear as he settled back down. "Once you have your first kid, you'll understand. It all sort of just comes naturally."

"Yeah, right," Robin chuckled and wiped away some tears of his own. "C'mon, Chrom. Everyone in the Shepherds have already shacked up, and we're about to fight a war, in case you forgot. I won't be getting married or having kids until waaaaaay in the future."

It was actually kind of frightening how nearly everyone in the Shepherds had ended up marrying one another. Robin often wondered if he had any part in their beginnings, but he always chalked it up to pure coincidence.

"Hey, you never know! There are plenty of fish in the sea," the exalt said with a cheeky grin. "Which reminds me, whatever happened to that one girl you were talking about?"

Robin tilted his head to the side and cocked an eyebrow at him.

"That doesn't ring any bells. I'm not one to talk about women, you know that."

"No, no, I remember it now!" Chrom exclaimed and snapped his fingers. "It was the night after our victory against Gangrel! It was late in the night after all of the celebrations and partying, and everyone had either gone to bed or passed out. The only three still awake were you, me, and Gaius."

Robin's jaw slowly dropped, his eyes widening in horror. Oh gods did he remember that night now.

"That's right! I remember you were talking about this woman that you had a serious crush on, and you just wouldn't stop yapping about her. You even went so far as to describe her as a 'hottie with a body-'"

"Stop!" Robin blurted out, causing Chrom to flinch. "For the sake of all that is holy, I beg of you to quit right there. For both of our sakes, please stop."

Chrom rose an eyebrow at his friend, his dumbstruck expression slowly turning into a smug one.

"You're embarrassed, aren't you."

"No shit you idiot!" Robin covered his rosy cheeks with a hand. "…I can't believe you remembered that."

"Of course I did," Chrom grinned victoriously and rose to his feet. "Because unlike some people, I didn't have a drop of alcohol that night. Ha!"

Chrom strutted towards the exit, laughing all the way.

"Thanks for the chat, Robin. Just as I expected, you really did cheer me up."

Robin growled and threw a book at the prince, who simply dodged it and ran away.

"See you tomorrow!" Chrom's called out, his voice getting quieter as he got further away. "Make sure you don't stay up all night again!"

Robin grumbled some curses under his breath and roughly pushed back in Chrom's chair.

"Well now I'm gonna," he huffed as he went to retrieve his book.

"Ugh…"

As Robin began to stir, he became painfully aware of the hard and unforgiving wooden table his head was resting on. That and the little puddle of drool that had pooled at the corner of his mouth. Great. He would have moved to clean it up, but he feared that the minute he budged an inch his back and neck would scream in pain. That's what happens when you fall asleep bent over a table.

"Five more minutes then," the tactician slurred and closed his eyes. He still had an hour or so before the camp began to pack up for the march.

"Sir Robin?"

Robin's eyes shot back open and he jumped out of his seat, only to instantly regret it when his back and neck popped simultaneously and loudly.

He winced and gently massaged the nape of his neck as he turned to face his guest, but he already knew fair well who it was. There was only two people among the Shepherds that would think to add a "sir" to the front of his name, and the voice was too girly to be Donnel.

Sure enough, the newest addition to their little group was standing at the entrance of the tent, her eyes wondering around the interior and purposefully avoiding him. Of all the people to walk in on him after one of his all-nighters… Robin would have preferred Chrom to be quite honest. Even Frederick would have been fine.

The sight of her caused his heart to skip a beat, but Robin pushed that feeling aside.

Gods, I better not be blushing. Damn you Chrom! This is all your fault!

"Good morning, Lucina," Robin gave the princess a pained smile as he twisted his back, resulting in a few satisfying cracking noises. No point in hiding his bad habit now. "What can I do for you?"

"Father said I should come check in with you before we set out," Lucina replied, her eyes briefly landing on Robin.

Robin blinked a few times as he wondered what she meant, but then he remembered his little tradition of interviewing all new recruits to the Shepherds. It was something he had started after their journey to Regna Ferox, back when the group got new recruits nearly every battle. It eventually grew to encompass even the older Shepherds that he hadn't become acquainted with at the time. It just seemed smart to get to know the men and women you would instruct in battle. He had vowed to himself that he would never use those under his command as simple chess pieces, and this little practice helped prevent that.

"Oh, right," Robin yawned and leaned against the table. "Normally I sit down with new recruits and have a chat with them to get to know them better. You know, stuff like likes and dislikes, dreams and aspirations. That sort of thing."

"And that helps you?"

"More than you know," Robin grinned. "But, I don't think it's necessary here. We've already fought together a handful of times."

Robin's grin turned slightly mischievous.

"And crossed swords one other."

"Right," Lucina sighed softly and turned away. "My apologies."

"Its water under the bridge," Robin waved her off. "I know you had your reasons."

"Thank you for your understanding, Sir-"

"No, no, no," Robin cut her off. "None of that 'sir' crap. Here in the Shepherds we're all equals, so 'Robin' will do just fine."

"If you insist," the princess hesitated slightly before finishing. "…Robin."

"There you go! You're a natural."

Instead of laughing like Robin had hoped, Lucina only tilted her head slightly to the side and stared at him questioningly. A swing and a miss.

"A-anyway, we'll be setting out within the hour," Robin hurriedly changed subjects. "Make sure you grab a bite to eat before we go."

"Understood," Lucina bowed before turning to leave.

Robin rolled his eyes. He knew it would have been too much to expect her to drop all formalities.

Lucina paused at the tent flap, having lifted it to exit, but was hesitating to do so. There appeared to be something else she had wanted to say.

"Is there something else you needed?" Robin inquired as he began to gather his supplies.

"Yes, actually," Lucina answered and turned back around. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about… and only you.

Robin set down his maps.

"That sounds a bit ominous."

"Specifically, it's about the future that I come from," she elaborated with slight hand movements. "I know you've already heard my tale, but I want you more than anyone else to understand its importance."

"I see," Robin hummed and pulled two chairs out, motioning for Lucina to sit. "Then please, continue."

Lucina nodded and sat down, as it would have been rude to deny such an invitation. She sat perfectly straight with her palms on her knees, taking a few deep breaths before continuing.

"In the future, nowhere is safe. There is no corner left for humanity to hide in. The Risen prowled the lands. The people could only cower in terror, helpless and afraid."

"I can hardly imagine such a place. That sounds like hell on earth."

Lucina's face paled as she recalled all of the terrible memories. She was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood now, and her nails were digging so far into her knees that it could have torn the fabric.

Robin's eyes softened as he watched the troubled girl struggle with her demons. How did she keep going like this? What gave her strength? If he were in her situation, Robin wondered if he would have the mental and emotional strength to continue on like this. Not only did she experience Grima's return once, but there was a strong possibility she might have to experience it again. How the hell do you psyche yourself up for that? If he had been in her shoes, he probably would have just laid down and accepted it, as pathetic as that might sound. If all of the other Shepherds really did die, Robin already knew full well that's he would do. His friends and family gave him strength. Without them, he would be nothing.

And yet, Lucina was here before him today because she did have that strength to continue fighting. Robin admired that greatly.

"It was hell on earth," Lucina continued shakily. "That is why we cannot – must not – lose this war."

"Which is why you want me to understand its importance," Robin deducted and leaned back in his chair.

"That's correct," Lucina replied and met Robin's eyes. "You must assure that Chrom and the others avert this catastrophe."

Robin closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. She didn't say much, but that was a hell of a picture Lucina painted. A hell on earth where none were safe. An existence where Risen were the apex predator while mankind had to retreat into the shadows. After the battles and bloodshed Robin had seen, he could hardly imagine a world where humanity had fallen. However, like Chrom had said earlier, the proof was sitting right before him.

Then, if they failed here, would Lucina's future come to pass? As long as he was Grandmaster of Ylisse, he would use all of his power to prevent that question from ever being answered. As of now, the Shepherds still lived. His family still walked this earth. Robin couldn't say for sure what he would do in Lucina's situation, but he sure as hell knew what he was going to do here.

Robin leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, summoning the bravest face he could muster.

"I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening, Lucina. As long as I breathe, I will never stop fighting for you, and Chrom, and everyone else in the world. You have my word."

Lucina narrowed her eyes slightly and stared into Robin's as if she were testing the validity of his statement. Robin assumed that was the case. He doubted the princess fully trusted him yet, but as to why he was not sure.

"…That is what I wanted to hear," she smiled, albeit a very small one. "Thank you, Robin."

"Of course," Robin said and came to his feet. "And if you ever need to talk more, you know where to find me."

Lucina nodded and stood as well, giving the tactician another bow before turning to leave. Robin had half a mind to say something more, but instead he opted to just stand there and watch as she paced out of the tent. He still remained motionless long after she had departed.

Once he was sure he was good and alone, Robin let out a long, raspy sigh and dropped his fist on the table.

"…Damn it."

Thanks for reading guys!

Don't let some of the darker tones in this chapter fool you. While there will be serious parts later on, I don't plan on making this fic a total dark edge fest, even if the subject matter is pretty gruesome. As you can see, I do like to add some comedy and lightheartedness here and there.

Also, the cover picture is from the artist yazwo! Just google the name and you can find his pixiv.

That about wraps it up! See you all next time!