"Well?" Chrom stood there with his eyebrow raised, expecting an answer from his best friend.
"Chrom I—" Robin glanced at Tiki and Morgan, both of them looked away in defeat, I guess there's no choice, he thought, it was nice to have shared those moments with you, Tiki. "I'm sorry, Chrom, but I-I've fallen in love with Tiki a-and—"
"—And the feeling is mutual. I am Morgan and Mark's mother." the manakete finished his sentence. If she could aid Robin in any possible way to lessen his punishment, now was the time to do so.
"That's it?" The Exalt kept a straight face, not displaying a single emotion.
"Y-yeah..." Robin he looked at the floor, trying to steel himself for any sort of retribution. He looked up in surprise when he heard Chrom explode into laughter. Even Lucina, Tiki and Morgan were taken aback by the Exalt's reaction."What's so funny?" the tactician asked, half worried/half annoyed.
"You—" Chrom huffed, still trying to compose himself, "have—the absolute worst—in-law of all time!" he burst out laughing again.
"Wha...?" Robin's jaw opened.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm kinda mad you didn't tell me about this sooner, I am your best friend you know," the Exalt placed a hand on Robin's shoulder, "but I'm glad you found someone to settle down with. Heh, and to think Sumia was actually beginning to think that you were—"
"I pour out my biggest, most nerve racking and potential life-ruining secret and you just... laugh!?" the tactician shrugged off Chrom's hand. "You bastard!"
"Whoa there, I'm sorry for laughing, but—" the Exalt started to crack up a bit, fueling Robin's anger. "—you do probably have the worst mother-in-law. You break Tiki's heart, and I think Grima will be the last of your worries."
"So you're not gonna hurt my Father?" Morgan chimed in.
"Why would I?" Chrom shrugged, "I'm just glad that Sumia can finally sleep now that I know who your mother is."
"That's the main problem," Tiki said still somewhat surprised at Chrom's response, "we do not know how the rest of the Shepherds will react."
"Well aside from y'know, Gerome, I don't think they'll disapprove." The Exalt shrugged, "If you want me to keep it a secret, though, I will."
"As will I" Lucina gave them an assuring nod.
"Really?" the manakete's eyes lit up with gratitude.
"Of course, milady."
Robin had stopped sulking, "Chrom... Lucina... Thank you, but I think I'm done with keeping this a secret from the rest of the Shepherds."
"Father, a-are you sure about that?" Morgan nervously asked. "You could endanger my existence you know..." she added quietly.
"I'm sure, but I won't go against your mother's wishes," he faced Tiki, "what do you say?"
The Voice hesitated for a moment, but her face was soon filled with determination. "Yes, let's do it. I think it is time to tell them the truth."
At this hour most of the Shepherds could be found in the mess tent, each member happily munching away at their breakfast. No one noticed when Robin, Tiki, Morgan, Chrom and Lucina entered and assembled in the center. The tactician held the manakete's hand, they both nodded in unison "Everyone! There's something I have to say."
The militia stopped their eating, now curious at their commander's outburst. Some eyebrows were raised at the sight of his and the Voice's intertwined hands. After taking a deep breath, Robin continued, "Tiki and I are engaged."
A deafening silence filled the room. That was, until Lissa stood up, "HA! I was right! Pay up, guys!"
Chrom's wife and a few other Shepherds had a disappointed scowl as Sumia produced a small bag and tossed it to her sister-in-law. A few other people were also muttering a collective "Dammit."
"I'll expect the rest in my tent!" Lissa smirked.
The whole tent burst into laughter at the royal's antics. Many cheers began to be made in Robin and Tiki's honor, after some time the commotion settled down, and the tent was restored back to it's original state.
The tactician's eye twitched, "Seriously, what did I miss?" he asked as he pulled out a seat from a table and sat on the same table with the Ylissean Royal family.
"Look at the bright side," Tiki smiled while doing the same, "at least they're not trying to kill you."
"Yeah, but—Lissa!"
The cleric tensely turned to face him, "Yes, R-Robin?"
"What was that bet you had in place?"
"Uh... Well, you know how it appeared—and that's the key word here—that you were never really interested in women?" Lissa stammered, "A few of us made a pool to, er, 'determine' whether or not you were... y'know... swinging for the other team...? Not that there's anything wrong with that!" She began to nervously laugh.
Morgan, however, began to all out cackle. "How come I didn't get in on this?"
The tactician slumped forward on the table, he tried to cover his reddening face, "Really?"
"Hey in my defense," Sumia chimed in, "you do spend a lot of time with Chrom, gods only know what you two are up to when I'm not around." The rest of the Shepherds began to laugh at the tactician's expense, even Tiki gave a few chortles.
At least they're not trying to kill me. Robin kept repeating that phrase in his mind. And for that, I couldn't be happier.
As the Exalt began to head off to his tent to pack the last of his items, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Chrom, I need you to assemble the War Council before we leave," Robin had a serious expression, "there's something that's been bothering me about Mark."
"Listen if this is about us bringing him back to normal, we don't—"
"It's not that," Robin sighed, "it's about how he got here. I'll tell you more at the meeting" he headed off to Naga's shrine.
Chrom shrugged and played along.
"Naga? Are you in here?" Robin's voice echoed through the walls of the shrine. The giant statue of the Divine Dragon towered over him, as he went in closer to inspect it, the eyes began to glow.
"Forgive me, fellblood, I was unable to repel Mark from entering." The ghostly formed materialized, filled with regret.
"That's... what I wanted to know. How did he get in?"
"I do not know, but I assume that thou believe that Morgan is not safe here anymore?"
"Don't take it the wrong way, I—"
"No. I understand, thou need to put thy family first"
"Does it have to do with the fact that they have divine blood?"
"That could be true, but I am not certain. However, thou have seen what he can do, Morgan is safer with thee than she is with me."
"Right. Safety in numbers." Robin headed for the exit, "And Naga, I just wanted to say thank you. For everything you've done for and Morgan."
"You are welcome, but before thou leave, Robin, be sure to tell Chrom that I can hear him," Naga snickered, "he should be wise to not anger me. Though he isn't wrong about what will happen if I ever find Tiki heartbroken."
A chill went down Robin's spine, "W-will do Na—er, mila—no wait! Uh, goodbye!" he sped off in the direction of the Council's tent.
"Alright, get to the point, boy, whaddya call us in for?" Basilio sat impatiently near the table, he was quickly tapping his fingers along the surface. "We have to haul ass to Origin Peak and we're still here, on the other side of the continent."
"He's right you know," Flavia deadpanned, "we can't afford to lose any more time."
Robin sighed, "It's about Mor—"
"I'm out." Basilio groaned, "Listen, it's cute that you love her and all, but she's a liability."
"Wait! Chrom, you were there, tell them what happened."
"Mark attacked Morgan and Tiki." The Exalt said, he could already see where Robin was going with this.
"Fie! Let me guess, you want her to come with us don't you, Sir Robin?" Say'ri scolded.
"In short, yes. Even Naga admits that she's safer with us."
"That still doesn't change the fact that she could easily turn against us."
"She will if she stays!" Robin cried, "I hate to say it, but Morgan isn't as safe as we thought! Would you rather deal with two Grima possessed children?"
"He has a point, Say'ri," Chrom sighed, "we know that Mark is basically untouchable, were it not for Falchion. I'd rather run the risk of Morgan being possessed, rather than being guaranteed to face her."
"I hope you have some sort of plan if she does turn, boy." Basilio grunted.
"I do," the Exalt turned to Robin, "listen, I know you won't like to hear this, but if she shows any sign of being possessed, I'll be forced to... use Falchion."
"...I understand," Robin replied solemnly "I'll go tell her." He left the tent in order to tell his daughter the good news, but someone exited her tent.
Morgan sat inside of her tent, trying to figure out how Mark could have entered. She could vaguely, hear footsteps getting closer, but was too enraptured in her little investigation.
"Morgan? Can I come in?" Robin's voice asked.
"Y-yeah, Dad."
"I've got good news, kiddo, you're coming with us!"
"R-really? Th-that's... great."
Robin sighed, "I saw Gerome leave her a few seconds ago. What did he tell you?"
Morgan looked away and began to recite what he told her.
"This doesn't change anything." Gerome was at the tent's entrance, glaring at her behind his mask. "Just because you're the Voice's daughter doesn't make you any less of a threat. You are still a fellblood."
As he began to exit the tent, Morgan held him back, an action that surprised even her. "Gerome, I'm sorry about all the pain I've caused you, especially about Minerva." She looked down, "I know that I don't deserve it, but I hope one day you'll be able to for—"
The wyvern rider shook off her hand and scoffed, "Do you really believe that? After everything you've done, almost killing your father and Lucina twice, crippling my wyvern, and betraying the Shepherds, do you really think I'd forgive you?" Gerome leaned in closer, "No, you're beyond forgiveness at this point, fellblood. I should've made sure you were actually dead when I stabbed you."
Robin was seething with anger, "I see. Pack your things, and be ready to move out. I'll be sure to talk with Gerome."
The tactician left the tent, in search of the wyvern rider. He found him outside the temple, near the location where they had their first encounter. "You have some nerve," he growled, "you know damn well that you aren't supposed to be anywhere near Morgan."
"Or near you," Gerome scowled, "honestly this punishment has been somewhat of a blessing, not seeing you around has really improved my mood. Though it would certainly improve my life when I wake up in a world without the two of you fellbloods in it."
The tactician grabbed Gerome by his collar, "How about if I remove you from my life? I think Morgan will also agree that she doesn't need you as well."
"Just try it, fellblood" he spat, shaking himself free for his opponent's grasp.
"That's enough!" Chrom stood in between them, he faced the wyvern rider first, "Unless you want to be permanently discharged from the Shepherds, I suggest that you get out of here."
Gerome gave one final glare before taking his leave.
The Exalt then faced Robin, but the tactician spoke first before he could. "In my defense—"
"You should know better. I know he pisses you off, but I can't have you assaulting other Shepherds. If you want to piss him off though, just ignore him. He knows that you're the only person able to keep him alive," Chrom headed back to his tent in order to finish packing his belongings.
It was dusk when the militia had made their way down the mountain. Chrom had already given the order to set up camp near the base.
As Robin finished building his tent Tiki silently approached behind him, "Robin? Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Since most of the Shepherds approved of our union and we no longer have to worry about getting caught... c-can we, um..."
"Can we what?" he smirked, Robin knew what she was going to ask, but he played dumb just to see the result.
Tiki had gone entirely red-faced, "You know... sl-sleep in the s-same... bed? L-like a normal couple?"
"D'aww, could you repeat that?" Robin snickered, "I couldn't hear you over how red your ears are."
The Voice shrieked, and covered her ears. She began to pout once Robin doubled over with laughter.
"Sorry, it's just that you're so cute when flustered, but yes, it would be nice to finally share the same bed." He took her hand and gently pulled her inside.
Robin woke up surrounded by the color black. He bolted to his feet, checking on his extremities, wanting to ensure that he had not gone blind. Where am I? He thought his mind was racing, I just fell asleep and I wake up in here?
"Relax, Father," a calm voice spoke from the void, "you're just in your own head." Mark slowly fazed in front of the tactician.
Robin instinctively went for the sword attached to his belt, his eyes widened when he felt nothing. Reaching for his backup weapon, an Arcthunder tome, he also felt nothing. The tactician narrowed his eyes, keeping himself ready for any attack. "What do you want?"
"Listen, I know that I'm probably the last person you want to see," Mark raised his arms in surrender, "but I'm not the person who tried to kill my mother. That was the other me, the Mark who's currently under Grima's control."
"How can I trust you?"
"First off, you can't touch me, I'm not really here. Secondly, if I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead, considering that you're unarmed. Third, does it look like I'm possessed? I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure that I'd have those awesome purple flames and red eyes if I were."
Robin slowly approached his son. I guess he's telling the truth, he doesn't appear to be using Ignis right now. "Fine. I believe you."
Mark let out a sigh of relief.
"So, what do you want?"
"I actually came here to just say 'hi', but on my journey here I... discovered a few things."
"What sort of things?"
"Memories," Mark replied with some hesitation, "but, they aren't exactly... yours."
"What do you mean?"
"When Fa—Grima, first tried to merge with you, your previous memories were all wiped out, but as a result, the old Robin's memories were now transferred to you."
"C-can I see them? I need to know why the other Robin would let Grima..." Robin trailed off once he saw his son wince.
"Y-yeah, let me just—" Mark slowly got closer to his father, and touched his forehead. The void began to shift into the palace in Ylisstol.
"Ah, milady, it is very nice to see you," an older Chrom bowed in front of Tiki as she entered through the palace's grand door. "Please, make yourself at home."
Robin stood next to the Exalt, he reverently lowered his head. "Hello, Lady Tiki, how was your journey? It has been what, two months since your last visit to Ylisstol?"
"I believe so," the Voice gave them a small smile, "it is always a pleasure to come and see the Shepherds."
"Yes, and I'm sure they're just as thrilled to see you again. Though I'm afraid we will have to catch up later, Lady Tiki. I have to meet with various courts," Chrom placed a hand on Robin's shoulder, "I'm sure that Robin can lead you to where you'll be staying."
"It would be my pleasure" the tactician smiled.
Chrom nodded and left for his meeting, the two of them began to walk towards Tiki's quarters in silence. Once they had reached their destination, both of them checked their immediate surroundings. When Robin and Tiki had made sure the area was clear, they entered the room, quickly embracing each other.
"Gods, I missed you so much!"
"As did I, Robin."
They stood there for what seemed like hours, simply enjoying each other's warmth. Tiki slowly broke away, a hesitant look on her face. She took a deep breath in an effort to steel her nerves. "Robin... there's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?" he replied, upon seeing how distraught she was, Robin gave her a comforting smile. "Take your time, you know I can wait."
"I... I'm pregnant."
In a second his blood turned to ice. Horror and excitement were battling for dominance inside his mind. He began to form words, "That's... that's..." Tiki looked at him with a pleading expression on her face. Finally, one emotion had won the internal struggle, he leaned closer to her, "Wonderful!" Robin planted a kiss on his wife's lips.
She joined him in their small moment of happiness, returning the kiss. However, she once again broke away as her tone soon shifted into one of fear. "What are we going to do? Robin, you know we cannot tell anyone about this... How are we supposed to raise the baby?"
"I'll figure it out, don't worry" he tightened his embrace, feeling as if she would disappear if he let go. "I'll find a way for all of us to be together, you, me, and our little girl."
Tiki began to giggle, "How do you know it'll be a girl?"
"I dunno, just a hunch."
"I think it'll be a boy."
"Heh, fine. I promise I'll find a way for all of us to be together as a family." Robin placed his left hand on her belly, "No matter what."
Robin guided a blindfolded Tiki through a secluded path in the woods, located south the Ylissean-Feroxi border. He was assigned on a diplomatic mission to Regna Ferox, the perfect time to show his secret lover the house where they could be a family, away from any intruders. "We're almost there, Tiki, just a little longer."
"I do hope so," she responded, a slight huff escaped her lips. It had been a few weeks since her revelation. Thankfully, her pregnancy had not become apparent yet, though Tiki was more easily exhausted. "Please tell me what this is about."
"You can take it off now," the manakete heard him say, she quickly followed suit. Tiki gasped at the sight of a cabin situated in a small clearing, a small hill situated behind it at a distance. He grabbed the manakete's hand and led her inside.
To Tiki's surprise, the cabin was already stocked with furniture, Robin took her on a tour throughout the house. She couldn't help but giggle at her husband's level of excitement, every time he mentioned their unborn child, his eyes would light up even more. "Robin, have you thought about a name for the baby?"
He blinked in surprise, "I... haven't really decided yet. I was thinking about 'Morgan', a fitting name for our girl."
"I like it, but Morgan is a unisex name" she gave him a warm smile, "it would suit him well."
"You still think it's a boy?"
"Who's the person carrying the baby?" Tiki retorted with a smirk. "Call it intuition, but I believe I have the advantage here."
"Point taken" Robin rolled his eyes. "So how do you like it? The house in which we'll raise our child" the tactician said with a proud smile on his face, "where we'll be a family."
The manakete looked away, "Robin... this is very sweet, and I'm happy that you've found a home for the baby, but..." Tiki sighed, "I can't stay here, I have to go back to the Mila Tree."
"What? Why?"
"I am the Voice of Naga, Robin. I cannot simply leave my post on the Mila Tree, otherwise people will suspect..."
"...And they don't now?"
"No. Not yet." Tiki cracked a small, smug smile, "The followers believe that I am currently sleeping, they won't disturb me in my 'slumber'."
He grabbed her shoulders, "Tiki, please think about the baby. I don't want her to grow up without a mother."
She looked away, "I'm sorry. Believe me, I don't want our child to feel abandoned, but you know that what we have is forbidden."
"Tiki..."
"I promise that I will visit as often as possible."
"But what about, um, when you..." Robin awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, "when, uh, it's... you know..."
"When the baby is due?"
"Y-yeah. That." He stiffly said, "What are we gonna do then?"
"I never said that I had to leave now."
"So you're going to stay?"
"...Only until the baby is born. After that, I'm afraid that... I will have to head back to Valm."
"Tiki, please..."
"I'm sorry, Robin."
The voided faded back into existence, Robin remained silent.
"I also found this memory that I wanted to show Morgan, but I couldn't, so I'm entrusting you to tell her about what I'm going to show you next." Mark said.
"...Of course. What is it?"
His son repeated the same action. The empty space now shifting to a house.
Robin was placing the rug back in it's place, when he heard a knock. Slowly dragging his feet towards the door, he steeled himself to meet the person outside. Frederick would most likely have a message from Chrom, probably asking him to return to Ylisstol. The tactician opened the door, his eyes narrowing at the stalwart knight's visage.
"You are a hard man to find, Robin" Frederick stood outside with a firm posture and vigilant expression. He began rummaging inside a bag attached to the saddle of his horse. "I've come to give you this"
"I'd like to keep it that way" he opened the parcel, it contained a note and a journal from Chrom.
Robin,
We need you to return on the Shepherds as soon as you're able, it is a matter of the utmost urgency.
—Chrom
P.S. I also found your journal when you left the castle. I thought you might have wanted to keep it.
"What is this 'matter of utmost urgency'?" Robin scowled as he put both items on a nearby table.
"You know well what it is."
"So I guess King Validar has finally snapped then?"
Frederick nodded.
"What if I refuse?"
"Milord said that it was your decision to make. He will not force you to take up arms against your father."
"...He is not my father" he grunted
"Well then I guess you won't have any objections to joining us then."
"I—" Robin nearly blurted out his secret, but he redirected it "don't you have your families to worry about?"
"Yes, but the only way to ensure their safety is to prevent the Fell Dragon from rising. And though it pains me to say it, you are the only capable person of keeping us alive, Robin."
"I'm flattered with that compliment, Fredericson," Robin smirked, before frowning again, "...but can I have until tomorrow to tell you about my decision?"
"Keep in mind that lord Chrom needs an answer as soon as possible," he made his way to the door, "and I thought we agreed on you not calling me by that ridiculous name. I'll depart for Ylisstol tomorrow from the Longfort, I hope to see you there." Frederick left the house, took his horse by the reigns, and lead it down the path he came. Robin ensured the knight was completely out of sight before he opened the trapdoor to find his family. He pulled them out of the cellar, one by one, apologizing for the time spent there.
The manakete ushered the children to their room, wanting to talk alone with her husband. "Will you do it?"
"He has a point."
"I know that, but who will watch over the twins? You cannot leave them here."
"But I can't let the Shepherds face Validar alone."
"What if I took them to the Mila Tree?"
"I don't know about that..."
"What other option do you have? You know we have to keep them somewhere safe, away from anyone. The Mila Tree is the safest option we have, it's secluded and guarded by Naga's followers."
"And they won't suspect that Naga's Voice returned with two children?"
"There is more than one entrance you know," Tiki chuckled, "how do you think I got here?"
"Are you sure about this?"
"Robin, I want Mark and Morgan to be safe, to grow up in a world without fear for the Fell Dragon, a world where we won't have to fear about our marriage."
The tactician took a deep breath, "Okay then. When do we break it to them?"
"As soon as possible. We have to tell them to pack their belongings"
Mark had a solemn expression once the memory faded back into the regular nothingness of the void. "That was all I could uncover for now."
"You've shown me more than enough."
"Before I leave, you have to promise me that you won't tell Mother about this. I don't want her to think that she—"
"I promise."
Mark smiled, as he faded."Thank you, Father."
A/N
Done. You won't believe how much I struggled with this chapter, more because of: Should I write this from his point of view, or hers? But I'm happy with the result, and hey! I actually wrote fluff (I think).
One final (and I can't believe that I forgot about this) nitpick/issue with Fates: Apparently Firaxis helped Intelligent Systems, cuz we XCOM Boyz now. I swear I've never missed a 90% to hit anything in Awakening. Oh, but the enemy always hits me, AND gets a crit. WITH A 3% CHANCE TO DO SO.
Legal Disclaimer that at this point is turning into a running gag.
Also Wayw4rd, u wot m8? No items, F̶o̶x Marth only, Arena Ferox. 3DS FC 0130-1828-3755 Let the Waifu Wars commence!