Hi guys, I am SO SORRY it took me forever to get this chapter out. I had to get a new laptop as my old one unintentionally drank my coffee. But enough of my excuses. You're here for the continuation of this story, which I am happy to announce is right here. So without any further ado, I present: Chapter 9!
Disclaimer: The author does not own any of the characters from the Fire Emblem franchise. That privilege belongs to Nintendo.
To say Chrom's evening didn't go so well was an understatement. After Robin had left for his date the Exalt decided that a nice dinner with his wife would be a great finish to his day. As he made his way to the kitchens to ask Lorraine to arrange it, he was stopped by a figure who seemed to appear out of thin air. His hand went instinctively towards Falchion until he recognized the symbol on the figure's cloak.
"Milord, a hawk came bearing a message from Plegia." The spymaster spoke quietly from his kneeled position.
Chrom's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
"A women named Aversa has been spotted around the city. The source says she was last seen making her way towards the Ylissean Border."
Chrom gritted his teeth. "That witch." Looking at the kneeling spymaster he gave a quick order. "Send out hawks to all Outposts. By Order of the Exalt, the Witch known as Aversa must be detained at all costs."
The Spymaster saluted. "Yes, Milord!" With that the figure turned and disappeared down the corridor.
After the wars had ended, Robin had established a network of spies across Ylisse, Plegia, and Valm. The goal was to keep an ear out for any possibility of conflict outside of the occasional bandit attacks. Spymasters were trained in the art of combat by Frederick, the art of stealth by Gaius, and how to gather and report information by Miriel. Their symbol was an open book with an eye in the middle, signifying there were no secrets that the Grandmaster didn't know. The hawks were the best way to relay messages, with outposts scattered across the continent. They were tested by Robin, who designed different scenarios to test their mental and emotional tolerance. A spymaster's loyalty to the Grandmaster and to Ylisse was absolute, and Chrom once again realized how much of a central figure Robin had become in the Halidom.
Chrom continued on his way to the kitchens, deep in thought when he accidentally bumped into someone rather hard. Chrom felt a searing pain as he landed on his rear with an "oof!"
The poor maid looked up, ready to scold the person who could be so clumsy, only to turn pale as a ghost when she saw who she had bumped into.
Chrom groaned as he saw what had caused the pain. a tray of spilled food laid across his feet, and a once-filled bowl of piping hot soup landed in his lap. Before he could say anything the maid started apologizing and had grabbed a towel to start drying his pants off. Unfortunately that was when Vaike, Lon'Qu, and Stahl chose to round the corner to see their leader on the floor with a maid fiercely rubbing his pants with a towel as he wa trying to get her to stop. He looked up in horror as they started smirking. Vaike slowly slid his eyelid down to wink and with that the three of them turned around and walked the way they had just came.
Once he was able to get the maid to calm down, she told him that it was a meal for the Queen, as she had retired early for the night due to an exhausting training session with the new Pegasus Knight recruits.
Once he reassured the maid that no harm was done, she quickly went to the kitchens to acquire more food. Once he was by himself he sighed. It definitely was not going to plan for him. He decided to change pants and then go to the training grounds to vent some steam. Once he had on a fresh pair of trousers he made his way to the training grounds. As he passed by a group of nobles, one of them spoke.
"Lord Chrom, thank you for being able to take care of those budget proposals! We were late in handing them in to Sir Robin but the note on his door said you were willing to do them."
Chrom could only stare dumbfounded and nod as the nobles walked away. Dreading the sight of his desk as he opened the door, Chrom felt his eye twitch as he saw how much paper was on his large desk. Marching down the hall to Robin's office he saw the note stuck on the door. Sure enough, the dastard had set him up to do his paperwork. Opening the office Chrom saw a folded piece of paper that was addressed to him. Opening it he read:
"Chrom, I know what you're going to complain about, but you did say that you would take care of my paperwork. And before you say anything about how much there is just remember, I planned your wedding. All of it, from all of Sumia's requests to the attendance roster. Remember how nice and smooth everything went? The music, the atmosphere, the food? Remember who did the orders for the flower arrangements and your dress uniform? So please, just knuckle down and get that proposal done. It needs to be approved by you tomorrow anyways so really you would have had to look at it sooner or later. Anyways, thanks old friend. I can always count on you. - Robin"
Vaike was laughing with Lon'qu and Stahl, enjoying a good meal in the mess hall when he felt an iron grip on his shoulder. Turning around he saw Chrom and couldn't resist a jab at their leader.
"So Sumia's not enough to satisfy you, eh?"
Chrom grinned, although Lon'Qu and Stahl saw that it didn't quite reach his eyes. Smartly keeping any jokes to themselves, they turned around as Chrom suggested a friendly sparring session with Vaike, who accepted eagerly.
"What's wrong with Vaike?" Robin asked, sitting himself down next to Chrom, breakfast in hand.
"Training session got a little heated" came the reply.
"Hopefully those bruises heal up soon. Looks like he was just tied to a post and was used as a training dummy." Robin took a large gulp of water. "Anyways, thank you for getting that budget proposal done."
Chrom just grunted tiredly. "How was your evening?"
When a reply didn't come, Chrom looked at his tactician to see him messing with his fork. Raising an eyebrow Chrom tapped him on the shoulder.
"Robin, you okay? It went well, right?"
Robin snapped back to to face his friend he couldn't help but smile. "Yes Chrom, it went very well."
"Save it for when we meet up with everyone later. I'm sure they're dying to know what happened." Chrom turned back to his meal. "Besides, there is something one of your spies informed me of last night."
"Was this before or after your little taste of debauchery?" Robin asked innocently.
Chrom's gaze narrowed as he faced his friend. "Lon'Qu or Stahl?"
"Vaike was able to make semi-coherent words when I checked up on him earlier. He was muttering something about you and a maid."
Chrom's face went into his hands. "Does anyone else know?"
"Only me," Robin assured him. "I guess being Exalt does have it's advantages."
"Hiring a new Grandmaster is one of them, you know." Chrom reminded him.
"Then I suppose it's a great thing we're best friends that don't judge each other's actions and completely understand when accidents occur."
"Yes," Chrom grinned at his verbal victory. "I suppose it is."
"Olivia, darling, if you were glowing anymore you would blind us all," Maribelle chided as she sipped her tea.
Some of the women had gathered in the lounge to enjoy morning tea, all eager to hear Olivia's tale. The shy dancer was all smiles as she took a seat and poured herself a cup of relaxing liquid.
"Sorry, Maribelle," Olivia chirped. "Today is just a beautiful day that it's hard not to smile."
Lissa giggled as she finished off her pastry. "I agree, but we've had so many beautiful days so I really don't see what's so special about today. Last night was probably better, eh Olivia?"
The dancer blushed as she nodded. "Yes, last night was simply wonderful."
"Well, don't keep us waiting," Sully playfully slapped Olivia's shoulder. "Tell us he wowed you."
Olivia looked at the eager eyes of her comrades. She took a deep breath and spoke about her magical night. She talked about how she saw him in the woods at her secret spot, the picnic, the amazing night sky with the moon magnified. She also talked about her doubt and his reassurance. When she got to the kiss, she turned an amazing shade of red, but continued her tale excitedly.
All of the ladies present grinned as Olivia described the kiss from how soft his lips were to how passionate he was.
"So did you slip in your tongue?" Chrom asked as the two friends were finishing paperwork.
Without looking up Robin replied, "Only after she after she did."
"Nice"
The ladies continued to listen to Olivia's tale as she spoke about how they returned the basket to the kitchens then took a walk down to the tavern to get a couple drinks. There they enjoyed some good company with the citizens and danced to a couple songs. Afterwards they strolled to the Theatre where they enjoyed a silent dance in each other's company. Her tale winded down as she approached the part where they went back to her room. They were exhausted and it was starting to rain heavily. Not wanting Robin to get sick, she suggested he just stay at the barracks.
Sully smiled devilishly. "So on your first date you manage to get him to sleep with you, eh?"
"Did you guys, you know?" Lissa asked breathlessly, all the women leaning forward to hear the answer.
"O-of course not!" Olivia blushed harder. "We just shared a bed!"
"But you tried, right?"
"N-no!"
"Not even anymore kissing?"
"Maybe just a little?"
Did you wake up in his arms?" "Yes…"
Did you have clothes on?"
"Err… sort of"
All of the ladies laughed in delight. The shy dancer looked into her cup until she felt a pair of eyes staring at her. Looking up she saw Maribelle's eyes digging into her. "U-umm, Maribelle?"
"So what's your next move, Olivia?" the noblewoman put down her teacup and folded her hands. "After your magical night do you plan on pursuing your affections?"
The lounge had gone quiet, all of the ladies watching the two of them.
Olivia suddenly remembered she wasn't the only one interested in Robin. Looking at the noblewoman she realized the gap between the two of them. Olivia wasn't deaf, she heard many of the compliments people had given her, and how many men tried to approach her. Maribelle was in a whole different class. She was a confident, proud woman of noble standing whereas Olivia herself was a shy flower of a woman, barely able to look anyone in the eye. Her swordplay was decent enough during the war, however during the times of peace she focused solely more on her dancing.
Then, Robin's words of encouragement drifted through her mind. Straightening her back she met the noblewoman's gaze.
"Yes, I do."
Maribelle was surprised to see a new fire in her friend's eyes. Smiling, she nodded and stood up.
"Well then I guess that makes us rivals for the same man, now doesn't it?"
Olivia was shocked to see Maribelle's easy acceptance. "A-aren't you upset?"
"I won't deny I'm vexed that you managed to spend a night wrapped in his arms, however I am also aware that since there is no formal relationship between us I cannot claim Robin as mine."
"Does that mean we're still friends?"
Maribelle raised an eyebrow. "Let's not be naive about this situation, darling. We are two grown women who have interests in the same man. I will try to win Robin's affections, that I can promise you."
The dancer looked down, frowning. "However," Olivia looked up at Maribelle who was holding out her hand, smiling.
"I would hate to lose a precious friend in the process of finding love."
Smiling Olivia shook the noblewoman's hand and embraced her. Lissa watched the exchange in amusement.
"So how is that going to work?" The princess asked.
Maribelle turned to her friend. "Simple. Outside of training sessions, meetings, and official functions, it's free game. We can try to win Robin's affection by any means necessary. However, let it be clear that we will NOT interfere with someone's attempts, or monopolize his attention. Does that sound fair, Olivia?"
The dancer nodded.
"Then good luck, and may the best woman win."
The women let out a cheer and resumed enjoying their tea and snacks. Outside of the room however, a dark figure let out a soft "tsk" and drifted away.
Later that evening The Oasis Spirit was once again filled with the Shepards as Robin recounted his date. Many wolf whistles and claps on the back were given out as he winded down the story.
"-And when I wake up she's laying on top of me!" He finished, leaving out the more intimate moments.
The men cheered as he finished, taking an offered tankard from Donnel. Once the noise died down a bit Chrom stood up.
"Congratulations to Robin who managed to complete his second date," Chrom paused as another cheer rang out. "How he can be so lucky is beyond me, however, he is not done yet!"
Gaius walked forward, bringing the remaining files and laying them out on the large table. Robin looked at the remaining nine files. He felt a hand on his shoulder and heard Virion's voice sound out.
"Nine lucky maidens left for you to woo with your charm, Robin! Now we leave it to fate to see which one will be lucky number three!"
Robin took a deep breath before reaching for a random file before opening it. It took a minute for the portrait to sink in before laughs rang out and wishes of good luck were made. Robin could only stare and wonder how it he going to approach this challenge. While Robin was thinking many of the shepards started retiring for the night. Gaius said his goodbyes and made his way to the barracks. Taking a stroll to the shop district he stopped by the closed sweet shop to replenish his stores. once his secret pouches were filled to the brim he melted into the shadows and proceeded towards his destination. Some instinct in him, born from years in the shadows, told him he was being watched. Hand drifting towards his knife he picked up his pace. Dodging through the back streets he shadowed by one of the spymasters. They were experts at blending in the shadows but Gaius was a natural who took that ability to a whole different level. It wasn't helping him as he felt something move in closer. Suddenly it vanished. Gaius continued at a faster pace, rounding the final corner before a wall of black, smoky tendrils leaped from the shadows and started draining his consciousness.
"Shit, not again…" He muttered. "Second time in a row… How embarrassing."
Gaius awoke chained to a chair. He changed his breathing to make it seem like he was still unconscious, however his mind was working overtime to pinpoint his location and try to understand what was happening.
"Oh sit up," a voice rang out. "I know you're awake, thief."
Sighing, Gaius looked up. Surprised, he grinned as he recognized the face. "Well, aren't you the kinky one?"
"Silence!" The figure walked over and cupped his face before leaning down to look at him. "Let's have a nice chat about Robin, shall we?"
"You've gotta be kidding me." Roy muttered to himself, gasping for breath. "Who was that guy?"
Lucina leaned on Falchion for support as she gasped for breath. The unconscious figures of Owain, Gerome, and Minerva lay behind her. The group had found the portal to the next outrealm, however it was in a shrine that according to local folk tales was recently guarded by a monster. Once they reached the Shrine they saw a lone figure sitting on a rock. Thinking he was a traveler they approached, only to have him jump up and warn them to back away. The figure was a boy who looked no older than they were. Trying to reason with him was out of the question as he saw them as intruders trying to steal from his family grave. When told to move aside, he simply stuck out his tongue and turned around.
Owain walked up to reason but the boy pushed him back with a hard shove. Gone was the boyish attitude. The young man before them warned again for them to turn back. When they refused he did the unexpected. Pulling out a stone the boy transformed. Before them towered a dragon, even bigger than Nah, it's glittering green scales caught the light of the dying sun, the glowing eyes burned with dragon fire, and it's long, lithe tail whipped back and forth dangerously. When the younger Shepards attacked he swept his whip-like tail at blinding speeds and shot dragon fire from his mouth to keep them from grouping and continued to take out the shepards one by one. Roy could see the intelligence in it's movements. For such a large creature it moved unbelievably fast. The remaining shepards grabbed their fallen comrades and retreated away from the beast. The son of Robin and Olivia looked around to see the groaning forms of his new comrades. He knew this wasn't a fight they could win at the moment. They had been caught unawares and the Manakete had used that momentary distraction to build up so much momentum they couldn't counter.
"That's one of dad's strategies…" Roy muttered. Suddenly realization dawned on him. "Oh Lucina is going to flip when she hears this."
So... Did you grin, smile, laugh, or possibly all three? If you did you just made my day.
Thank you to all of you who have submitted idea's for a Morgan character. I am sorting out the ones I like and trust me, it's tough.
Anyways I hope to publish another chapter soon and don't worry, I will finish this story because I know the pain of having a good story discontinued. So never fear, this story shall sail on!
As always a special thank you to all of my reviewers. You guys are the real MVP and I hope to keep up your expectations!
If you have questions, concerns, comments, or just want to chat you can always PM me!
-DaBlazinAsian
