Robin found himself in Lissa's clinic sitting on her examination table once again. He was only there for a check up, but he was over three hours late because he slept in.
"How are you feeling today Robin?"
"Well, I haven't coughed since yesterday morning, but I have been really tired ever since."
Lissa placed her staff over Robin's lungs and looked at them through her orb. "Have you felt sleepy or more of a headache kind of tired?"
"Just sleepy." Robin yawned to emphasize his point.
"Great!" She said delighted and grabbed her syringe filled with the blue liquid.
"What is great?"
"The medicine, it is working!"
"Really? How can you tell?"
"One of the side effects is drowsiness."
Robin was relieved to hear that, but it made him skeptical. "Are there any other side effects?"
"Not anything else that you would need to worry about."
Robin thought it over and calmed down. "Still, I liked it better when you just waved your staff and my wounds mended."
Lissa laughed, "That only works for cuts and when the flesh is pierced. This is an internal problem and I can't cement this one together."
Robin nodded and flinched remembering his trips to the infirmary, "Well, thanks Lissa. I owe you a favor for your help."
Lissa frowned and her voice died down, "I think we are the ones that owe you a favor Robin."
He waved it off and smiled. "It was nothing..." Robin jumped down from the table and looked at the door. "But I better get back to work. I need to-"
Lissa grabbed his arm and spun him around. "Oh no you don't. Your not working today."
"What?" Robin asked confused.
"By decree of my brother. You are to take a week vacation and you are forbidden from entering your office."
"What?!" Robins mouth flung open in disbelief." No, I can't do that! there is so much to do and the-"
"Frederick will take care of the paper work, and Chrom will deal with the other problem."
"Huh? You know about that?"
Lissa chuckled and laugh with a giant snort. "Chrom can never keep secrets from his cute little sister. "
Robin paused and thought it over, but he still wasn't happy. "But-"
"No buts Robin. You need a break and some time off might help you recover faster."
"..."
"Spend time with your family, get some fresh air, and enjoy yourself Robin. That is my prescription for you."
He sighed and looked up at the smiling princess. "...Okay."
…
Robin talked over his clinic meeting with Lucina and Morgan and they were both relieved to hear the medicine was working. When Robin mentioned the vacation Morgan started jumping for joy and immediately started packing her things for travel. However, she would have to leave her luxurious stuff behind because the trio agreed to go camping. Lissa recommended fresh air for Robin and the woods were not far from the castle. If they hurried, they could make it before dusk.
Robin dusted off his old tent resting in the closet and smiled looking at a much smaller tent next to it for Morgan. He grabbed a couple of other things and some tools while Lucina helped Morgan get ready. This was the first time they could sleep in the outdoors without the worry of someone tying to kill them. However they did bring their weapons just in case.
...
"How long is the march?" Morgan asked as she adjusted her backpack and shifted the weight on her shoulders.
"Ha, we don't need to march." Robin answered and looked at his map to answer her question. "We can walk like normal people and reach the forest within three hours. Just in time to make it before the sun sets."
"Three hours? Ung." Morgan groaned.
Lucina put her hand on Morgan's shoulder and smiled at her. "It will go by quicker than you know sweetie. Besides, I am sure Robin knows a way to help you pass the time." She looked over to Robin and he nodded while clearing his throat.
...
After a few days trudging through the desert, we returned to Ylisse, and a day later, Ylisstol. The streets were filled with people celebrating our safe return and a quick end to the war.
The first thing we did when we returned was bury Emmeryn's body in the royal shrine dedicated to the exalts line. She rested in the same grounds as the exalts before her. It was the hardest thing for us to say goodbye and many tears were shed on that day. Life carried on though, and we found ways to live it in happiness rather than sorrow.
Ylisstol dedicated a week to remember her and her sacrifice before Chrom officially took her place. Though he refused to accept the title as a way to honor his sister; he still bore the responsibilities of the position.
As for me, I settled into my new home in the castle with little trouble. My wounds healed and I had full use of my body again. Lissa and Chrom were also kind enough to provide me furniture and a bed for my new room. It was a very spacious and pleasant quarters. Though it did take some time to feel normal since I was not used to sleeping in anything other than a tent .
Of course, there were problems that Chrom and I had to deal with in our new positions, but we managed to handle them. However, the world forever changed just two weeks after our return. I was in my room reading one of the books from Plegia when a guard knocked on my door. He told me that I was to report to the throne room immediately for an import meeting.
...
"Milord, you requested my presence?" He winced and his companion next to him held her hand at her mouth to cover her laugh.
"Ugh, how many times have I told you to call me Chrom since we returned?"
"37 times Milord Chrom." I grinned and extravagantly bowed in front of him. "How may I be of service?"
Chrom glared at me and raised his voice "Well first you can-" He was cut off by Sumia bumping her elbow into his side. He immediately calmed down and stole a quick glance at her. *Ahem* "Robin, we've been through a lot in these past two months, and I've come to think of you as a really good friend. You were always there when we needed you."
"You flatter me sire, but I am just a humble servant to my liege."
Chrom tensed up again and fought the urge to lash out at me. "However, I must ask one more thing from you."
"Oh? What do you need your high-" Chrom looked at me ready to kill if I called him by his title again. "Er, just tell me what you need and I'll set to work on it immediately."
"Actually, we don't need you to do anything. At least not yet." He glimpsed back to Sumia and she nodded with a giant smile on her face.
"Hmm?"
"Robin, what I am trying to say is..." Chrom hesitated and Sumia nearly died from the anticipation. She couldn't take it anymore and cut in for him.
"What he is trying to say is, will you be our best man?"
"Best man? For wha-" I paused while my brain connected the dots. "...You two are getting married?"
Chrom started shaking while Sumia held out her hand to show her ring and beamed in excitement.
"Congratulations!" I said ecstatic. "When did this happen?"
"Last night." Chrom muttered like he had a frog in his throat.
"Chrom escorted me outside after dinner and proposed under the moonlight." Sumia joyfully said and held Chrom's hand.
"Ha, I didn't know you had a romantic bone in your body Chrom."
Chrom glared at me again but shrugged it off. "So will you be my best man?"
"Of course! I am honored to do the job."
Sumia cried out in joy and ran over to hug me. "Thank you Robin."
"Don't mention it. I am thrilled to know you too are getting together. Chrom is a very lucky man." She squeezed me tighter and I struggled to breathe. Eventually she let go of me and I bent forward gasping for breath. "I have a few questions though."
"What's that?" She asked as I recollected myself.
"What does a best man do?" Chrom laughed at me but his expression changed when he realized I was serious.
"Have you never been to a wedding before Robin?"
"If I have then I don't remember."
"...Oh right, your amnesia. Well, you are responsible for planning the bachelor party. Which is basically celebrating my last night as a single person. You hold the rings at the wedding. ...And um." Chrom thought it over unsure of the rest.
"You also stand next to the groom at the ceremony and make sure he doesn't try to run away." Sumia laughed and Chrom looked at her in shock.
"I would never-"
Sumia ignored him and continued, "There are some minor things you need to do too, but it is just to help Chrom so he doesn't get overwhelmed."
"Ah, I see. thanks Sumia." I turned to Chrom and added, "How come you didn't ask Frederick? Isn't he more qualified for this job?"
He cringed at the thought. "Frederick would go overboard trying to make sure everything was perfect. He is eccentric enough as it is... Besides, Sumia tells me that you helped bring us together."
"Yeah, back in the desert I was able to spend time with Chrom because of your help."
I shook my head to disagree, "No, I merely gave you some encouragement Sumia. That is all. The way the two of you look at each other. It didn't matter if I existed or not; you were destined to marry each other."
She blushed and Chrom walked over to pat me on the shoulder "Still, you are a true friend Robin."
I smiled and felt a wave of pride surge through me. "So when is the wedding?"
"In three weeks." Sumia said happily and gazed at the ring on her finger. "We have a lot of things to plan and so little time, but I want to be married as quickly as possible!" She boasted in excitement and I was thrilled for them.
During the war, I always found myself spending my time talking or laughing with them, and although we did not know each other for very long. I knew that the three of us would always be there for each other. Even in the darkest times we could still make each other smile. I didn't need my memories to know that they were, and always would be, my best friends.
"I know you two will be very happy together." Sumia's face glowed in pure bliss and Chrom held a large smile on his face as well.
"Well, I better leave you two alone. I need to plan the bachelors party, and I have an idea of what to do. I overheard some soldiers back in Plegia mentioned their friend's party and what it was like, but don't worry Sumia, I'll make sure it is more, appropriate, than theirs."
She nodded in approval and Chrom raised an eye brow not understanding what I was talking about.
"Good day your majesty." I bowed and Chrom twitched hearing the title. I turned to Sumia and bowed again. "Congratulations milady, my liege is very lucky to marry a beautiful woman like you." She blushed a profuse red while I stood up and walked towards the door. I closed it behind me, but I could still hear them on the other side.
"I am going to kill him the next time he mentions my position"
"Ah, but he is so sweet and it is too cute to watch you tense up like that. The look on your face as you grimace is priceless.
"There is nothing cute about it."
"Yes it is. You are doing it right now and it's adorable!"
"No it is not cute."
"Yes. It is"
"Is not."
"Is too"
"Is not"
"Is too."
I chuckled listening to their bickering and walked away to let them enjoy each others company.
...
A few days passed and I spent them planning the party or taking care of my other duties as the tactician. Chrom had officially announced his engagement and the town was bustling with excitement. This made it harder to navigate across the packed town and I was constantly bumped into by the crowd. I had to check my pockets over a dozen times to make sure no one stole something from me before I finally made my way to the shop I was looking for.
"Hello is anyone there?" I asked and approached the counter.
"Just one second valued customer." A feminine voice cried out from a room behind the counter. I looked around the shop while I waited and noticed a beautiful silver sword hanging on the wall. It made my steel sword look like rubbish, but there was no possible way I could afford such a thing.
Just then a women with long a deep red hair emerged from the room and gave me a gigantic smile. "How can I help you?"
"I am looking for a gift for-"
"For Chrom's wedding right?"
"Yes, but how did you-"
"Know? That's my job silly. So what's your budget Robin?"
"...How do you-"
"Know your name? I am a merchant. I hear all kinds of things, and speaking of gold. How much are you willing to spend?"
"Well, I have-"
"Ah! This is perfect for the royal couple." The red haired vixen brought out an expensive gilded box and opened it. The box started playing music and I was fascinated on how it accomplished that.
"How-"
"Much? Weelllll, I like you and this IS for Chrom and his fiancé soooo, I'll cut you a great deal! How about 1500 gold?
"1500?!" I nearly fell down backwards from the shock. "I can't even begin to afford that!"
"Hmm? Do they not pay or something? Well, no matter, how about this." She grabbed something under the counter and raised it up to show me. "This bottle of wine is over 20 years old. A fine gift for a wedding."
"And a predictable one." I sighed and turned my head away from the counter. That is when something caught my eye. "What about that?"
The clerk immediately frowned and tried to dissuade me. "No, no that is too cheap for a gift. Think big Robin! Chrom will only have one wedding."
"I don't know. I think it is perfect."
"B-b-but its only worth 75 gold."
"Sold." I smiled, grabbed a pouch in my pocket, and handed her the money. The red haired merchant pouted as I collected my gift and concealed it in my cloak.
…
After fighting the crowds again, I returned to the castle and I happened to pass by Frederick who was training outside.
"Hello Frederick."
"Good day best man." Frederick said without any emotion in his voice.
"Er, you heard about that..."
Frederick raised his hand and stopped me. "Relax Robin, while I am envious, it is not my place to question Milord's decisions." He said bitterly and tried to hide his disappointment.
"Still, I am truly sorry Frederick, but perhaps you could help me with my duties. " I gestured with my hand and faked a warm smile.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, maybe you could be my, um... assistant best man! And... help me out with...things." I tried to search for anything to say to make it sound prestigious. " More importantly, you would help make sure Chrom's wedding is the best ceremony in the history of the world!
"You would honor me with this title?"
"Erm, of course!" I said enthusiastically. I hope Frederick doesn't take this too seriously.
"Very well, tell me what you need and I shall get started on it right after I finish my exercises."
"Oh, I don't need anything done now. But maybe..." I hesitated.
"Yes Robin?"
"But maybe I could join you." I scratched the back of my head unsure of how he would respond.
"You wish to accompany me on my training routine?"
"Yeah, if that is not too much trouble. I regret to say that I am probably one of the weakest shepherds in the army. I guess I spent too much time reading books instead of training with my sword in my old life." I flexed my arm which only had a small sign of any muscle hidden within. "I want to be an asset to this army not just its adviser."
"I believe your knowledge in tactics is why we consider you an asset to this army Robin."
"I know, but I still want to be able to help on the field too. Hopefully we will never need to fight again, but if we do, then I would like to be able to lend my sword and defend my friends."
Frederick nodded, "A noble goal. Very well, meet me here tomorrow at five in the morning. We shall begin your training.
"Five in the...morning?! I er *gulp* Sounds good. T-thanks Frederick" Looks like I wont be sleeping in tomorrow.
"Happy to assist you Robin. Perhaps we shall grow closer as the days go by."
"As the days go by? ...Frederick how often will we be training together?"
"Every day of course."
…
The following morning I desperately climbed into my bed and fell down utterly exhausted. I collapsed and lay their motionless with all four of my limbs spread apart while I moaned in excruciating agony from the fatigue. The soles of my feet were raw and my entire body was aching from the soreness. I could not move a single muscle without suffering some form of torturous pain. I was completely helpless as I stared at the ceiling. The only thing I could do was pray to Naga that I would not cramp up.
"Ugh, and that dastard expects me to be able to train tomorrow?!" I groaned and cursed the day I was born.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Uhnnnn, What the hell now? Can't the world just leave me to die in peace?"
*Knock* *Knock*
I tried to look up at the door but my head felt like it weighed over 200 pounds. "There is no way I am going to be able to answer the door."
*Knock* *Knock*
"Come In." I yelled and hoped they could hear me. Sure enough, the door opened and someone called out.
"Robin can I talk to..." She stopped the second she saw me in my pathetic position and rushed over to the side of my bed. Unable to turn my head, I looked out of the corner of my eye to see red hair and guessed it was Cordelia. "Robin are you okay?!"
"No."
"What happened?!"
"I spent the morning exercising with Frederick."
"You what?"
Unnngh, first we did push ups...50 of them... and then we ran three miles. Followed by a swim in the frigid flippen lake, and then he had the nerve to tell me we were just warming up. My arms were already crying in pain, and yet the damned man kept going with more excruciating tasks for another TWO hours."
"My goodness, you must be exhausted!"
"Excellent deduction." I scoffed at her while trying to bring some life back in my limbs.
"Why didn't you stop him?"
"...Erg, I don't know. I want to get stronger and Frederick offered his help. I figured that each exercise would be the last one and I was painfully mistaken. Unnng, oh well, no pain no gain, right?
"But you're not suppose to kill yourself in the process! I mean look at you. Your as limp as a wet piece of paper."
"Once again, excellent observation Cordelia." I mocked at her, but even that action hurt me as my stomach growled in complaint. "Anyways what brings you to my humble abode?"
"Well I uh um...I need to talk to you about the" She froze and gagged as she tried to finish her sentence. "...wedding."
"Erm, what about it?" I asked nervously. Cordelia had an unhealthy obsession towards Chrom and she would be the one to take Chrom engagement the hardest.
"Well I, agreed to be the maid of honor." She lowered her head and looked away from me.
"You what?!" My jaw dropped astonished that Sumia wold even ask her given her history of stalking Chrom.
"I know, I know, it sounds odd, b-but Sumia is my best friend." She let out a large sigh and her voice cracked. "I have known her for over ten years and we did everything together. We went to the same academy for Pegasus training, we both love the same things, and we even shared the same room for years. She is like a sister to me and she has always been there for me during my hardest times. I could always count on her to be there for me and I...and I...and I need to be there for her." Her voice dropped to a low whimper and water formed around her eyes. "She would do the same for me and I ..I Wahhhhh!" She dropped down unto her knees and her head fell on my stomach. It took every shred of my will power not to yell in pain as my stomach protested the new weight.
She sobbed for over five minutes as I desperately breathed in and out to ignore the pain. "C-cordelia you don't have to do this. ...Sumia would understand if you are uncomfortable with this role."
*Sniff* "I know, she even said that I didn't have to accept before she asked me, but as her 'most cherished friend' she said that she would be honored if I was her maid of honor." She choked on her misery and tried to calm down. "It was so sweet how she asked me, and she knew how hard it was for me." She lifted her head from my stomach but the tears still dropped from her face. "I don't deserve a friend like her Robin. Even with Sumia bursting in joy about the...wedding, she is still concerned about my feelings."
"That is what friends are for right?"
"Yeah..." Cordelia wiped the tears from her bright red face with her arm and tried to compose herself. "Now I must return the favor to Sumia for everything she has done for me." She let out a tremendous sigh. "Even if that means I need to watch..." She lowered her head again and sniffled. "No, no more tears. I have a job to do."
"Er right, and what did you need from me again?"
"I need a place to store my gift. Sumia will find it if I hide it in the room we share and I was hoping to use your room until she ...moves out."
"Um, yeah of course, just put it in the closet." I tried to raise my head to see if she was carrying the gift, but my muscles screamed at me for trying. "Out of curiosity, what did you get them?"
Her voice faded as she walked over to my closet and put the item inside. "Oh, it's not much. Just a little box that plays music."
"What?! How could you afford such a thing?! I thought those things were 1500 gold!"
"Ha, it wasn't that expensive. I mean the lady tried to sell it to me for an outrageous price, but I haggled her down to 300 gold."
"You got the crazy merchant to lower the price?"
"Of course, only a fool would buy something from Anna at retail price."
"..."
"Well, I better get going. I have to help Sumia plan the... wedding." She sighed and I heard her open the door to my room.
"Oh! Cordelia!"
"Yes Robin?"
"Can you get someone to bring my lunch up here? I don't think I will be able to crawl down to the tables today."
"Sure."
The rest of the day I spent paralyzed in my bed. I only got up a couple times and fought back the pain so my muscles wouldn't cramp up on me, and even then I didn't move very far. Nonetheless, it was not long before the next day came by and Frederick knocked on my door. I don't know how, but I managed to gather the strength and the courage to open the door.
...
"22. 23, 24 ...25" Frederick called out and watched me struggle with the last sit up.
*Huff, huff* S-so tired *huff* I think I'm dying..."
...
"I believe that is enough for today Robin." Frederick extended his hand to help me up and his words were the sweetest things I ever heard in my life.
"W-we are done?" I asked praying he was not trying to torture me with hope.
"Yes, you are in no shape to continue for another hour."
"That didn't stop you yesterday." I coughed from a lack of oxygen and accepted his hand. He pulled me up too quickly and I instantly became dizzy. I could barely walk as it was, but now the ground was moving below me.
"I wanted to see how serious you were on your training Robin.
I stumbled over to a barrel next to the barracks and rested my weight on it. "So you tested my merits by trying to kill me?"
Frederick grew a small smile on his face. "I needed to be sure Robin. The fact that you are here today proves as much."
"Unng." Was all I could muster. I had a splitting headache and I had to close my eyes or else the ground would keep moving.
"But now that our training is over, we must return to our regular duties. By the way Robin, you never gave me an assignment yesterday as assistant best man."
"Huh? ...Oh right." I thought it over as the world around me swayed back and forth. There were three Fredericks in front of me and I didn't know which one to respond to. "I don't really have anything for you at the moment."
"There must be something I can do." He insisted
"I don't know...maybe you should see if anyone else needs help."
"Like?" The second Frederick asked.
"Someone who isn't me." I held my head unsteadily as the world slowly started to merge together again.
"Very well. I better be on my way then. I'll see you tomorrow Robin."
"Erg, don't remind me."
...
Frederick left me and went on his way while I struggled to see straight. Eventually, I mustered enough energy to stumble back to the castle. The barracks was not far from there, but it seemed like a mile away with the speed I was going. I decided to take a shortcut between the alley of the armory and the stables. My paced slowed even further as I shuffled through. It got so bad that my legs gave out on me and I toppled down to the ground.
I tried to push my self up, but my arms failed on me as well. I sighed and cursed at myself. I was in the middle of the alley and out of sight from the main courtyard. It was very dark in there because the buildings blocked the morning sun. Nevertheless, a small ray of light peered through the rooftops and casts its light on the ground directly in front of me. I tried to get up one last time, but my muscles whined in resistance. I was helpless lying there on the cold ground until I could regain my strength.
"Unnngh I am going to kill Frederick." I moaned as I tried to think of my options. At that moment I heard the faint noise of footsteps and they grew louder with each step. I went to look up but my neck would not go up that high and all I could see was the cobble road directly in front of me. "Hello is anyone there?"
...
The footsteps drew closer, but no one responded. It made me nervous and I started to worry that the person was not friendly. "...Hello?
Just then a pair of shoes crossed into my line of sight. I willed my body to shift a little so I could see whose legs those shoes belonged to. I glanced upwards and my eyes were engulfed by a blinding white light. I squinted my eyes to look at the person with long flowing hair, but the glistening light surrounded the figure in front of me and covered their face. Is that ... an angel?
The figure grabbed me underneath the shoulders and pulled me up. I winced in pain, but soon my feet were back on the ground and the person wrapped an arm behind my back to help keep me standing. I turned my neck to look at the figure and my eyes widen in shock.
"...Marth?"
...
"And?!" Morgan said impatiently.
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Robin pretend to be confused.
"Don't give me that! Tell me what happens next." She cried and raised her hand in the air.
Robin chuckled as the three continued walking down the road. "I have to save some of the story for tonight don't I?
Morgan looked at her father in horror and she saw her mother try to hold in a laugh. "No you don't!"
"Hmm, if I recall correctly, this story is only to put you to sleep. I shouldn't have even told you this part yet." Robin snickered.
"But, but, but DAD!"