Author's Notes:

Welcome to the next installment to Altered Fates! This update didn't take nearly as long, mostly because I already had this chapter done when I posted the Prologue. I'm about a third of the way done with the next chapter, so it should be posted some time next week!

I'm really glad you guys like it so far! Admittedly I didn't care much for the prologue, I felt I coulda done much better with it. I'm much more pleased with this chapter. The plot doesn't really advance per say but there will be many character interactions as Robin steps up to the plate and rallies the Shepherds. There'll be some fluff, some angst, all of the good stuff.

And a big thanks to my followers, favoriters, and reviewers Mzr90, Greywolfian and TheWerdna! You're questions about Robin stepping up and the position of the Exalt will be answered in this chapter!

Without further ado, here's Chapter 1: The End is Never the End

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or its characters nor do I own the cover art for my story.

Chapter 1 - The End is Never the End

The Shepherds were lost. Robin could feel it before he even set foot in camp.

It had been nearly a day since he had been rescued, and the tactician had spent the entire trip back fretting for the well-being of his troops.

As Robin predicted, the loss of Chrom left the usually boisterous group in a cloud of despair. It didn't take a genius to figure out that much. Responsibilities were being ignored, eyes were downcast and meals were completely forgotten. Robin knew the feeling better than anyone. He still held a great sadness and regret over the death of Emmeryn, his other failure to the Exalt bloodline.

Well, Robin thought. At least they moved the camp into a safer position.

He knew deep down he had to reel the Shepherds back in. And quickly. It was his duty as Chrom's tactician to be the head of this army with Chrom gone, and gods knew how badly the Shepherds needed some leadership right about now. He'd die before he let the Shepherds fail after they've come so far, self-doubt be damned.

Robin came to a stop at the outskirts of camp, holding his hands behind his back in a very Frederick-esque pose

"Sumia."

"Yes Robin?"

"Round up the Shepherds," Robin ordered. "We're having a meeting in the mess tent in twenty minutes tops."

"Alright," Sumia bobbed her head and sped off with Cynthia in tow. Robin frowned as he noticed that the usual bounce in their step was missing.

Robin sighed. I should really speak to Lucina as well. Naga knows how she's handling this.

Robin had worried for Lucina on an almost daily basis. Out of all the Shepherds, she was easily the most vigilant and to a fault. She would constantly forgo eating and sleeping to do chores around camp or to keep a watch on her father and mother. The bags under her eyes and pale skin were beginning to become a part of her everyday outfit.

There was also the issue of her trusting almost no one save Robin, the other children and her family. Even then it was nothing sort of a miracle and months of talking to her for her to open up to Robin. Though he was concerned with her near anti-social behavior, he couldn't really blame her. If he had come from a tormented future where the prospect of living another day was just wishful thinking, who knows how he'd turn out. Plus with Chrom's death, he knew she'd be blaming herself. No doubt she was probably planning to leave camp in the dead or night or try and get revenge on the assassins that murdered her father. Robin would simply have to nip that in the bud. Living for revenge, or even worse, living in constant misery, was no way to live.

Having a good idea on where she'd be, Robin set out to find the cerulean princess.

Lucina sighed as she sat down on her father's bed, running her fingers across the navy blue fabric. The tent still smelled very much of her deceased father, that of freshly cut grass and an undertone of pine needles. Lucina loved the smell. It reminded her of the day she confessed to being her father's daughter, finally regaining what she had once lost: a family.

The past few days had been some of the most difficult ones of Lucina's troubled life, and that was saying something for the young twenty year old.

When she had heard from Naga that she was going to the past, Lucina vowed that she'd save her parents from their grim demise. She kept a constant vigil on the two, always scanning for any hidden dangers. So much so that Robin often questioned if she was actually Frederick's daughter. The thought seemed to amuse the tactician to no end.

Lucina cursed herself. The one day she let up in her guard and the unthinkable happened.

How could I have fallen asleep that night? I should have stayed awake watching Mother and Father's tent. I should have been stronger.

She chewed on her lip and looked up at the tent's ceiling.

Gods if I wasn't so caught up in worrying over who would kill Father, would he still be here? Would I have seen this coming and prevented it?

She cursed herself again.

I SHOULD have seen a possibility like this. Father was the Exalt. Of COURSE people would want him dead.

To make matters worse, Robin had gone missing during the attack. His tent had been ransacked, and he himself nowhere to be found. No one had a clue if he was still alive or dead.

Lucina shuddered. She didn't even want to consider the latter.

If Lon'qu and Gaius hadn't been able to pick up the assassins's trail, the Shepherds may have never known the fate of their friend. The already frail Shepherds couldn't withstand the deaths of both their leaders in such a short time period.

To make matters even MORE worse for the princess, Lucina had been the one that found her father's body, followed closely by her mother and her sister. She could still see his lifeless face whenever she closed her eyes, his dark blue hair had been a mess and he had still been in his small clothes. Lucina gathered that he was most likely asleep when the assassins came. There had been a frown adorning his face when he passed.

Lucina prayed that it was at least painless.

Picturing her Father's face, Lucina couldn't hold back the tears any longer as fierce sobs began to rack her body. The dam had finally broke as the guilt, sadness and shame of the past three days poured through her system all at once.

"Gods why him!?" Lucina shouted desperately punching her father's mattress, "It-it isn't fair!"

Unbeknownst to her, Robin had been standing outside at the tent's entrance, contemplating how best to proceed when the heart wrenching sounds of the princess's sobs broke him from his reverie.

Lucina yelped as a hand rested on her shoulder, jumping up and spinning around to see Robin giving her a pitying look. His eyes, usually bright and cheerful, seemed gray and dead now. The usual mischievous smile he wore was replaced with a sad and pained one.

"R-Robin," Lucina sniffled. She straightened up, bringing a hand to her face to wipe away the remainder of her tears with her tunic cuff.

Robin stepped closer, taking a hold of her hand as he used his own thumb to wipe her tears away. They stood in silence for a few moments as Robin kept a firm grip on her hand, gently rubbing circles on the back of it.

Robin sighed tilting his head downward. He could hardly take it. The guilt and sadness he felt was eating him. He had promised her and Cynthia that their family would be safe this time around, and he had already failed.

Robin shook his head. This isn't about me right now.

With new resolve, Robin looked back up and stared into the blue eyes of the princess. Robin had to swallow a gasp. He didn't notice just how crappy she really looked till now.

Her hard eyes that once shone with determination were now bloodshot and glassy, the bags under them much, much worse. Even her skin seemed paler and her hair looked as if it hadn't been brushed or cleaned in days. On a closer inspection it appeared that Lucina had lost a frightening amount of weight. Her blue tunic was much larger on her than it normally was, and her hands were shaking probably from the low blood sugar.

Robin softened his gaze as he stared deep into her eyes. Poor girl.

"It's not your fault."

Lucina flinched. She was expecting this conversation.

"I know you blame yourself for what happened. I blame myself too. Hell, if anyone is to be blamed it's me."

Lucina ground her teeth and glared at Robin indignantly.

"But you weren't even there! I was! I should have done something! Anything!"

Lucina looked away as she chewed on the bottom of her lip, tears beginning to well in her eyes once more as her thoughts remained self-deprecating.

How can I call myself a princess of Ylisse when I failed her so? How can I call myself my parents' daughter now?

Robin scoffed. "Yeah the Shepherd's master tactician, The so called Grandmaster of Ylisse, the genius tactician that couldn't even predict an attempt on your father's life! Even a mentally challenged wyvern could have prepared for this! And where was I when this all happened? Captured. Held captive by some group of sorry Plegians."

Robin kicked at the ground and exhaled.

"But this isn't about that. You know Chrom wouldn't want you to feel guilty about his death. He, more than anyone, wanted you to live a peaceful life full of happiness and love. He wanted nothing more than to give that to you. If you live out the rest of your life in guilt and despair you'll only be sullying that."

Robin let go of her hand, moving it over to her shoulder to give it a comforting squeeze.

"Please. I don't want this destroying you. Don't let this eat you alive, please promise me that. If not for me, then for Chrom."

Lucina peered into Robin's green eyes, that grey, bleak look that was once there was replaced by a look of fiery compassion.

She closed her eyes and gave a soft nod. She doubted she could really give Robin the promise he wanted. No. This guilt would stick with her for a long while. But he was right, like he usually was, she wouldn't let this destroy her.

A genuine smile spread across Robin's face. At least all was not lost.

Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into a gentle embrace. Lucina stood still at first, keeping her shoulders stiff before finally melting into it, clutching at his back desperately as the tears sprung from her eyes once more. Robin did his best to try comfort her, holding her head to his chest as he whispered comforting words into her hair.

Damn when is the last time she ate? I'm basically hugging air here. He kicked himself mentally for thinking such a thing about his grieving friend.

A few moments later Lucina pulled away from Robin, breaking him from his trance.

She dipped her head and glanced up at Robin through her now cascading hair, giving him a small smile. The first smile that had crossed her face in days.

"It warms my heart to see you safe Robin," Lucina sniffed, wiping her nose with her sleeve in a very unladylike manner. "When we saw you were gone..." Lucina shoulders trembled as she trailed off. "I didn't...I just don't...I don't know what I would have done if...if..."

"Hey, hey, hey," Robin said soothingly as he pulled her back into another hug. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here. I swear it."

Lucina nodded into his chest. It was amazing to her how calming this man's presence was. While the pain of her father's death was still gnawing at her heart, Robin's presence at least made it bearable.

"Thank you Robin."

Robin kissed the top of her head. "Anytime Lucina."

Speaking of princesses, there's another blonde one I should really, really check up on.

"Alright then, I should go. There's much to do."

Lucina nodded and pulled away from Robin once again, however not before noticing his bandaged chest underneath his Grandmaster robe for the first time.

"R-Robin! Gods I can't believe I didn't notice you were injured! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Lucina blushed in embarrassment, burying her face in her hands.

Robin laughed as he removed the hands from her face.

"What these old things?" Robin said straightened his back, rapping his knuckles on his chest. "Just a couple of scratches my princess! I've had worse paper cuts!"

His bravado (even if it was fake) was able to draw out yet another "Lucina Smile" as Robin was beginning to call it. He thought it would be appropriate to name it since it occurred so rarely, sort of like an eclipse.

She shook her head but the soft smile she wore stayed on her face.

"If you say so."

"Alright I really should be going now. There's going to be a meeting in the mess tent in twenty minutes by the way," Robin paused in thought. "However, you can skip it if you want," He said eyeing her hopefully. "Maybe catch up on some sleep? Some meals? I can fill you in later you know."

"No," Lucina said waving her hand dismissively. "I should be there. Maybe afterwards."

Robin scoffed, muttering a 'yeah right' under his breath.

Lucina narrowed her eyes dangerously at him. "What was that Robin?"

"Ahem," Robin coughed into his hand. "Nothing."

With that Robin turned away and walked back to the tent flap, but not before turning around to look at the princess one last time.

"Oh and Lucina?" She perked her head up and raised an eyebrow.

"When you do decide to avenge your father's death take me with you."

The princess gaped at Robin.

"How-"

Robin rose a hand to silence her.

"Please. I think I know you pretty well by now."

His once friendly face turned serious as he glared at her.

"Just know this. Don't go through with this for revenge. Do it for justice. Do it because it's right."

Satisfied that he got his point across, he excused himself from her tent, setting off with a brisk pace as he checked his time piece.

Damn. Robin frowned. I'm going to have to talk to Lissa after the meeting. Hopefully Lon'qu was able comfort her.

Robin almost stopped to ponder how that would work, but he still had a lot to do and little time to do it.

But first he should really find a shirt.

Five minutes later, Robin was standing at the entrance of the mess tent waiting to greet each Shepherd individually. He knew they had all worried for him greatly, so he reasoned that this course of action would be for the best.

Unsurprisingly, the first to show up was Lucina. Robin rolled his eyes. What a surprise.

Lucina gave Robin a curt nod as she stopped to stand beside him. Robin rose an eyebrow at that, but decided to pay it no mind.

The next to show had been Gaius, Maribelle and their son Brady, with Sumia and Cynthia following shortly behind. He had already had a brief reunion with three of them, so he gave Gauis a brief handshake and the two women a quick hug, Sumia and Cynthia gave another hug to Lucina before the two entered the tent.

Maribelle and Brady however surprised Robin with quite the bear hug, sandwiching him in-between the two.

"H-hey guys it's good to see you." Robin squeaked out.

Brady sniffled and tightened his vice grip. "It's good to see ya too Robin."

Robin exhaled in relief when they finally separated, trying his best to hide his pain with a smile. Of course it had to be a bear hug. And of course it had to be my injured back and chest.

Brady gave Robin a friendly pat on the shoulder and made his way over to Lucina to give her his condolences.

"I'm very pleased to see you're alright Robin," Maribelle began as Robin turned his attention back to the troubadour.

"Even if you are a peasant." She added with an evil smile.

Robin shook his head and chuckled.

"Theeeere she is."

Maribelle rolled her eyes and gave him a quick swat with her parasol, then entered the mess tent with Brady scampering in after her.

The next to show was Frederick with his daughter Severa.

"Milord. I'm glad to see you are well."

Frederick's is posture was slumped and his hair resembled that of a bird's nest. He wasn't even wearing his armor, going for the outfit he usually wore underneath it. It was a vast improvement from the Frederick they had seen the other day. That Frederick had been a ghost of the man he had known.

Robin couldn't have thought it imaginable, but the knight seemed to have lost his usual demeanor. His posture was slumped and his hair resembled that of a bird's nest. Even more astounding, he wasn't even wearing his armor, going for the outfit underneath it. Robin guessed it made sense given the circumstances.

"It's good to see you Frederick. You too Severa." Robin greeted, nodding at both of them.

"Gawds I would certainly hope so!"

Robin grinned shaking his head. At least Severa hasn't lost her usual sassy charm.

Frederick sighed."Severa..."

Severa's usual glare softened as she peeked at her father out of the corner of her eye. "Sorry Daddy," she looked back to Robin and gave him a small smile. "It's good to see you too Robin..."

Robin snickered and tousled Severa's brown hair. "Thank you very much Sevy!"

With a humph Severa smacked Robin's hand away and straightened her hair out. Robin could swear he saw the beginning of a blush rise to her cheeks as she mumbled something about "stupid tacticians." With one last deadly glare for good measure, she stomped over to Lucina and gave her a quick hug before walking into the mess tent.

Frederick gave another nod to Robin and Lucina a squeeze on the shoulder before he followed in after his daughter.

Robin peeked at Lucina, gauging how she was holding up.

"You know you really don't have to stay out here greeting everyone if you'd rather head inside."

Lucina turned to Robin and shook her head. "No. They should see that I'm here."

Robin nodded. He knew what it was like to put on a fake smile to keep others from worrying. She and Lissa of all people didn't deserve this. If only those two and the rest of the children would go back to rest in the palace.

Robin sighed and shook his head. It'd be easier to convince Walhart to become a vegetarian than to convince them to go back to Ylisstol.

The next to arrive had been Lon'qu and his son Owain. Robin couldn't help but notice a sizable absence as he made his way over to the two. Robin threw a glance at Lon'qu who shook his head to his unasked question.

Robin grimaced. Damn. I'm really going to have to check up on her.

"Ah It is great to see the prodigal son returneth! I see no mere thugs could get the best of the Guardian of Ylisse!" Owain shouted with his usual bravado as he strode up to the pair.

Robin winced internally. Ever since discovering the young man, Owain had insisted on calling Robin the "Guardian of Ylisse." Every time they greeted each other Owain would spout it with his usual theatrics, making sure anyone in the general vicinity could hear his every word. Chrom, Naga bless the man, eventually caught wind of it, and with his enthusiastic endorsement all of the Shepherds were calling him that within the week. Hell even Walhart's forces were beginning to call him that. Robin would never admit it to anyone, but he actually had grown quite fond of his new title. It's nice to be recognized for your hard work once and while.

"Ah Owain! It's great to see you," with a softer voice Robin added "or hear you."

Lucina nudged his ribs with her elbow, giving him a glare that would prove fearful if not for the small smile tugging at her lips.

Robin held back his gasp of pain, opting for a soft smile instead. Anything that would keep them smiling and happy was good enough for him.

Owain gave him a toothy grin and pulled Robin into a giant hug, hammering his back like an anvil.

"Haha! We must hear your heroic tale later!"

"Err...yes of course... super heroic," Robin mumbled as he rubbed his poor ears.

Releasing Robin, the young man strode over to Lucina. Robin grimaced as Owain administered another one of his trademark "hammer hugs" that had become nearly as worse as Basillo's. Robin shook his head and turned back to Lon'qu, giving the man a clasp on the shoulder.

"Lon'qu."

"Robin."

And with that the father and son duo headed into the mess tent. Lucina rose a skeptical eyebrow at Robin.

"That's all?"

Robin shrugged, waving her off.

"Men stuff."

Lucina narrowed her eyes at that but Robin pretended not to notice.

Numerous rib shattering hugs and over the top tearful reunions later, Robin was finally ready to deliver his hastily prepared speech to the Shepherds.

Robin entered the tent with an air of gusto as Lucina followed in close behind. The mess tent was unusually quiet, the usually rowdy and raucous Shepherds were all sitting quietly, staring intently as Robin strode to a vacant table in the middle of the tent. With a grunt, Robin climbed atop the table so that he could be seen easily among the Shepherds. He looked out across the tent, a sea of lowered heads and sullen eyes staring back at him.

"Shepherds," Robin started as he cleared his throat. "I know this has been a very trying time for us. Chrom held a special place in all of our hearts, and with him gone there's a gaping hole where his presence once was."

"Chrom was a great man. I know a lot of us wouldn't even be here if he hadn't found and reached out to each and every one of us." All of the Shepherds nodded at that, it was in fact Chrom that recruited everyone. Robin had to hand it to him. Chrom had a way with words.

"I know a lot of you feel lost, not sure where we'll go from here."

Robin paused, meeting each and every one of the Shepherds attentive gazes.

"Well I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to keep true to Chrom and Emmeryn's ideals. I'm going to end this war and spread peace throughout the realm, even if I have to shove it down Walhart's damned gullet myself." A few of the Shepherds chuckled at that. Robin was growing more and more passionate with each passing word, a fire had sparked in his green eyes that refused to be snuffed out.

"And by Naga, WE will let EVERY nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price for peace and prosperity! We will bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe as long as we assure the survival and success of liberty and peace!"

"Chrom's Shepherds WILL bring peace to this world, Walhart and Grima will not stop us, no one can break the bonds we have formed today. Now I ask the finest soldiers I've ever had the courtesy of knowing," Robin eyed each of the Shepherds, a fire beginning to rekindle in their eyes.

"Who's with me!?"

The Shepherds erupted from their seats, fists pumping, shouting in unison.

Robin smiled proudly at the men and women in front of him. "FOR CHROM! FOR YLISSE!"

The Shepherds repeated his shout with the ferocity of a lion, their determination ringing true.

"YOU'RE DAMNED RIGHT!" Robin shouted. "STAHL AND GAUIS FRONT AND CENTER!"

"Yes sir?"

Robin smirked. "I was thinking we should have a feast in remembrance of the man that brought us here, what do you guys think?" Robin said as he eyed the crowd behind the two.

The Shepherds responded with a unanimous "hell yes!" and scuttled off to prepare the mess tent. With the speech out of the way, Robin began commanding the Shepherds as he would on the battlefield.

"Alright Stahl! Get started on cooking the meal! Take whoever you think is the next best cook to help you. Gaius! Sumia! Noire! Make some of your best desserts!"

"Brady! Inigo! Olivia! Get ready to perform!"

"Oh and Vaike, Gregor?" Robin questioned with a devious smile. "Bring out the good ale!"

If the Shepherds weren't excited before they sure as hell were now.

Robin sat down with a contented sigh. Even if it was just for one night he might be able to get these people to unwind and remember Chrom fondly instead of sitting around moping. Although Robin couldn't help but feel like he was forgetting something. He rubbed his chin as he pondered what it possibly could be.

Something...important...

"You alright?" Lucina asked as she sat down next to him.

"Yeah," Robin replied, "I just feel like I'm forgetting something."

Lucina hummed in reply and looked around.

"Hey where's Aunt Lissa? I thought she'd be here."

Robin shot up and slapped his forehead.

"SHIT! I can't believe I almost forgot Lissa! Be right back!"

Lucina shook her head as she watched him dash out of the tent like a mad man.

Robin stood outside of Lissa's tent taking a deep breath, steeling himself for what would be, no doubt, a taxing conversation.

"Lissa? Are you there? I want to talk."

Robin rested his ear on the tent flap hoping to pick up any sort of sound from inside.

"...no I'm not here."

Robin gave an exasperated sigh."Nice try I'm coming in anyways."

Robin glanced around as he entered. The tent was rather dim, Robin guessed the candles haven't been lit in days. An extravagant desk was sitting in the far corner of the tent with Lon'qu's two regal swords leaning against it, Robin assumed that's all the desk was really used for. To the side of the desk was the couple's decently sized dresser, which likely held their clothes and other possessions. In the middle of the tent floor laid a fancy blue rug with a white Brand of the Exalt resting in the center of it.

Lissa was lying down on the couple's bed at the other side of the tent, her head hiding underneath the covers. With a sigh, Robin plopped down next to Lissa's resting form. Neither one said anything at first, Robin just sat next to her and rubbed comforting circles on her back while she remained perfectly still.

Robin was the first to break the silence.

"Lissa...I won't pretend to know what you're going through," Robin began softly. "Just know that I'm so sorry, and that I'll always be here for you if you need anything."

Seeing no response he continued.

"I've always thought of you and Chrom as my siblings, even if we're not technically related. You were both there for me when I was lost. A man without anything, not even a memory to call his own."

"I could never repay that kindness," Robin paused holding back tears. "But I'll always try. If you ever need anything, a friend to talk to, someone to joke with, or hell just someone to throw a toad at, I'll be there before you could even ask."

Robin could hear the soft sounds of Lissa sniffling. Damn maybe I didn't really help all that much. Can't say I'm surprised, she's been through more than most people have in a life time.

He was about to get up and leave when Lissa threw the covers off and locked Robin in a tight embrace, sobbing loudly. Robin quickly reciprocated and gave her head some soft pats.

"There, there..."

She buried herself further into Robin's shoulder, drenching his coat with tears as she mumbled incoherently. They stayed like that for several minutes, Robin rocking her back and forth, rubbing her back soothingly as she clawed at his coat in hysterics.

After composing herself a tiny bit with several deep breaths, Lissa was finally able to form some coherent sentences.

"Oh Robin," she began, sniffling. "Chrom and Emm were my whole world! It was just the three of us for so long! And now...and now they're both...both..."

"I know...I know." Robin put a finger to her lips shushing her. "But hey, you still have Lon'qu, who's a great guy and cares a whole lot for you. So much so that he would overcome his phobia of women just to be near you. And then there's Owain, who's quite an amazing young man. If Owain was any indication on how you turn out in the future, I'd say you do just fine."

Gah, stupid time travel...

"Thanks Robin," Lissa whispered softly as she pulled away, rubbing her eyes with the backs of her wrists. They were quiet for a few moments until a thought struck Lissa.

"B-but Robin I don't even know how to be an Exalt!" Lissa cried as she looked at Robin frantically. "What if I fail!? What if I let Ylisse down!? What if they don't like me!? There's no way I can be Exalt! I'll never be as good as Chrom or Emm!"

Lissa threw herself on the bedspread, hammering her fists into the pillows and flailing her legs as she wailed loudly. Robin frowned. Lissa always had a bit of an inferiority complex when it came to her brother and sister, Robin thought that it was most likely caused by the fact that her own Brand never surfaced.

"Lissa," Robin said, much like a father would when talking to a distraught child, "You know that's not true. And how could you, of all people, let Yilsse down? The people absolutely adore you. You can barely walk through the marketplace without getting accosted by every person in a five mile radius."

Robin grabbed her chin and tilted it upwards so that she was staring into his eyes.

"And you will never fail," Robin said, emphasizing each word. He had said it so firmly that even Lissa had to question her previous outburst.

"I'll be your advisor when you're Exalt. Not that you'll need one," Robin added with a warm smile. "I believe in you wholeheartedly."

Lissa bit her lip and twirled a finger in her blonde hair. Robin could tell she was still very hesitant on excepting the title of Exalt. Twirling her hair was a common nervous tick of hers.

Lissa glanced at Robin hopefully as another idea struck her.

"But what about Lucina? Or Sumia! She is the Queen after all!"

Robin shook his head. "Sumia isn't a descendant of the Naga bloodline, and Lucina wouldn't do it. She's dead set on letting the Lucina of this world take that honor."

Robin reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. "I know you can do this Lissa. I believe in you."

Lissa exhaled accepting her fate. "Thank you Robin..."

They hugged again for a few minutes before Robin broke away and got up to let himself out.

"We're having a feast tonight in remembrance of Chrom and we'd all love it if you could make it."

Lissa didn't say anything , only giving him a small nod.

The feast ended several hours later. Good food and strong ale were had and stories of Chrom were shared. Once Lissa had arrived she told some embarrassing stories from his childhood that ended up getting a laugh out of everyone, even the usually dark Tharja. Despite the past few days everyone seemed more wistful than downright depressed. And the best part of all was that no one left completely drunk; surprisingly it had been the rowdy Flavia that kept everyone in check.

Soon after the feast had ended, Robin found himself sitting on a log staring at the bonfire before him, watching the embers float into the air like fireflies as he became lost in the confines of his mind.

He missed Chrom greatly. If he were here right now, him and Robin would probably be sharing a story next to the campfire, or possibly joking with each other a mug of ale. On busier nights they might find themselves still in the war tent, plotting their next move.

Robin sighed. He had busied himself with so many tasks that he didn't even have time to think about Chrom. Now that he had some time to himself, his thoughts often drifted to the blue haired lord.

Robin was so distracted with his thoughts that he didn't notice Sumia and Lucina come striding up behind him.

"Good evening Robin," Lucina greeted as she sat down beside him.

Robin shrieked in a rather girly fashion as he jumped back in surprise. "Good gods Lucina! A little warning would be nice!"

Sumia giggled behind him. "Such attention from our master tactician, should I be worried?" She chided him playfully.

Robin gave a humph and waved her off.

"I'll remember that when I assign latrine duty Queen," He said, making sure to emphasize the queen part. Robin looked between the two, examining them closely. Sumia looked a hell of a lot better than the last time he saw her.

"So what are you two ladies still doing up?"

Lucina avoided eye contact with the tactician, staring intently at her feet as a blush rose to her cheeks.

"Mother convinced me to finally eat a full meal and clean myself up," Lucina muttered.

Sumia giggled, nodding proudly. "You bet I did! Nothing like a nice calming soak before bed!"

Robin rose an eyebrow at Sumia's rather childlike attitude, but decided to let it be. He wasn't going to tell her out to act after all.

It was then Robin finally noticed the smell of lavender that drifted from the two. Their hair seemed to still be quite wet, and the moon reflected of their damp skin, painting a rather dazzling portrait of the two. If Robin were a lesser man (or simply alone in his tent) he might have retreated into his thoughts with dirty fantasies.

"Well you both look lovely tonight if I do say so myself."

"Welp, I think I'm going to hit the hay," Sumia stated as she gave an exaggerated yawn. "Have fun you two. Good night Robin, Good night Lucina."

"G'night," they replied in unison.

Robin watched Sumia as she walked away. She stumbled once or twice (of course), but eventually she walked into Lucina's tent instead of her own. Robin eyes widened in horror as realized he had committed a huge oversight.

Naga how could I be so stupid!? Of course she was just putting on an act.

Robin knitted his brow as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. He still had a lot of work to do.

Lucina rested a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be okay. Cynthia and I will talk with her, you've done enough already."

Robin rose an eyebrow skeptically. He was impressed. Admittedly, Lucina wasn't the best at reading people but she picked up on Robin's conundrum rather quick.

"Thanks Lucina," Robin sighed as he placed his own hand on hers. "There's just been so much that's been going on..."

She nodded but didn't say anything, and Robin didn't press it. He wasn't that fond of sharing his personal feelings. He was a rather proud man and often tried to keep his own problems close to his chest. Why trouble someone with your own problems after all?

However it seemed different with Lucina. He didn't really mind seeming that weak in front of her as he knew she would understand. To Robin, they were kindred spirits, both doing their best to change a predetermined fate that seemed to mock them at every turn.

Robin stole another glance at the princess. Her eyes seemed weary as she stared off into space, her hands clenching her knees as she was no doubt "dueling with unpleasant thoughts," as Chrom would put it.

"You should really get some sleep. It's been a long day."

"I'm fine," Lucina replied curtly.

"Alright," Robin decided, "if you don't get up and march to your tent right now I'll have to make you."

Lucina eyed Robin doubtfully. "I'd like to see you try."

Robin smiled impishly as his eyes glinted in the moonlight. "Oh really? Well if you say so."

Robin took in a deep breath, preparing to enact his master plan. After all, the best way to get things back to normal, was to act normal.

"OH THARJA!"

"Shh! No shut up! I'll go to sleep gods damn it!" Lucina screeched shoving her hands over Robin's mouth. He eyed her mischievously as another idea crossed his mind.

Robin couldn't help but indulge the temptation to lick the hand Lucina used to cover his mouth, causing her to recoil in disgust. Robin tried to control himself, but he quickly failed as he fell off the log laughing at her, rolling around on the dirt floor clutching at his sides.

"Are you a child!?"

"Parts of me are yes," Robin replied breathlessly as he wiped the tears of mirth from his eyes.

Lucina did her best to appear cross, but ended up surrendering a small smile at the tactician's antics.

"Hmph. Sleep well Robin."

Robin shot her a roguish grin. "You too Lucina."

His eyes followed her as she walked away, her lithe figure silhouetted against the moonlight, her hair flowing angelically in the wind, hips swaying with each step.

Robin shook his head in disapproval at his wandering mind and pushed himself up from the log to retire to his tent.

Robin parted his tent flaps and entered slowly to analyze the damage done from his kidnapping. From what he could remember, his tent had been pretty roughed up from the assassins, yet everything was put in the exact spot he had left it in.

Papers and tactical manuals were scattered across the ornate desk he had in the corner of his tent, and the bookshelves in the other corner were just as unorganized as he left it. Multiple articles of clothing littered the tent floor, and Robin had to wonder if the assassins left it like that or if someone tried to recapture the ambiance of the tactician's messy tent by leaving it just as Robin had left it.

Robin walked to the middle of his tent and unceremoniously threw himself on his bed, burying his face into the pillow.

Only then did he allow himself to cry for the loss of his brother.

Author's Notes:

I had to think long and hard about the whole Exalt issue. I mean who would really be next in line? It's very confusing. Originally I was going to make Sumia be sort of like the stand-in exalt until baby Lucina grew up, but that wouldn't work. In the Fire Emblem world I think the Ylissean politicians wouldn't want Sumia leading the nation with Chrom out of the picture, plus she isn't a part of Naga's bloodline.

Then there's the adult Lucina. She'd be the perfect candidate for Exalt, but based on her character in the game, I highly doubt she'd strip her younger self of that privilege. One of her main goals is to give the Lucina of that timeline the peaceful life she never had. Chapter 6 of Dane Namor's The (Cruel) Mother's Gift and other Tales Through Time shows the dilemma perfectly. If you haven't read it you most definitely should.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to drop a review if you have any comments or suggestions!