Hey guys. Following some advice given to me by fellow writers I have decided that I have made some mistakes in the past by uploading chapters too fast. The majority of chapters are already written, it's just I have to edit some mistakes and fix a few things when I copy-n-paste each chapter in the Doc Manager. I have decided that from here on out I will upload 1-2 chapters each week. I won't choose a day on which I upload but just know that Tactician Magician is not finished. Many chapters are written but it is not finished.
Shoutout for this chapter goes out to metallover, known famously for the fics Invisible Ties and A Very Invisibly-Tied Christmas.
I have also noticed that I am basically making Robin out to be some sort of superstar and that some shepherds as well as Chrom haven't had their chance in the spotlight. I am not oblivious that I am giving Robin a lot of star power and for good reason too. Chrom is leader, we all know this but he does more or less what Robin says because of his skill with strategy. I have always planned show off not just Robin's abilities but also Chrom's as well if you've seen their fight against Gangrel, there's gonna be more teamwork between the two of them. However, just like any best friends who get along, best friends also clash, and there will be some major clashing between Robin and Chrom. Robin's activities in finding more of the future children without informing him will also be a factor in a clash between these two. You'll just have to wait and see.
I understand that the dialogue is just too much. At this point it's alot of talking and less fighting but there will be more fighting in the next few chapters so bear with me please.
I deeply apologize for taking this chapter down. There were some things I needed to edit but it's okay now.
Without further ado, enjoy the 21st chapter.
"Has anyone seen Robin? Anyone?" Chrom asked and the rest of the shepherds shook their heads. Apparently Robin hadn't returned to the inn that the shepherds were staying in or the ship. Where could the tactician have gone? Chrom called for the shepherds to gather in the city tavern to ask if anyone knows where the grandmaster could've gone too.
Lucina had been wondering the same thing. Could Robin be in danger? Where could he have gone?
"Milord!" Frederick walked in.
"Any news Frederick?" Chrom asked.
"I've been asking around, apparently Robin was seen leaving town along with a girl with purple hair and pointy ears."
"Whats he doing with some girl?"
"A girl?! Ohhhhhhhh!" Vaike gasped out loud.
"Well now." Virion chuckled. "It appears our tactician more suave with the ladies than he cares to admit."
"Oh please, this is Robin we're talking about here." Lissa retored with everyone nodding. They knew that Robin wasn't that type of person to go around having flings.
The traits that Frederick had described kept repeating itself in Lucina's head. Pointy ears and purple hair. Just then something clicked in Lucina's head. He was with Nah! He had to be. Does that mean he's looking for her friends like he promised he would?
"Lucina? Are you alright?" Chrom asked as he took notice that her eyes had widened and her mouth was agape.
"Father I know who Robin was traveling with. Her name is Nah, she is one of those who came from the future with me."
"Is that so?" Chrom smirked. "That dastard, he's looking for your friends isn't he."
"That would seem the be the case."
"So who are Nah's parents?" Lissa asked.
"That would be Nowi and Donnel." Lucina replied. Since they're married it's only right to tell them about their daughter.
"Nowi's a mama?! YAAAY!" Nowi jumped for joy.
"Yee-haw! I ave a daughter?! I'm so happy I could dance a jig!" Donnel chipped in.
The couple seemed happy beyond belief that they have a daughter in the future. Although, now this could lead to trouble. Robin was the only person she told about her friends from the future, now that it is known that she had friends with her who were likely children of the shepherds, it was only a matter of time before she was bombarded with questions on who has a child or not.
"Everyone! did you hear! The Tactician Magician killed Ezra's slavers and rescued his slaves!" A man yelled as he barged in past Frederick. "He's returned! Let's go greet him!"
Just then every patron in the tavern stood up and rushed out the door, leaving the shepherds bewildered at what was going on.
"What did he do this time?" Chrom wondered.
"Milord, I think it would best to see if Robin has indeed returned. That gentlement mentioned him by his renowned nickname."
"Yeah. Let's go Shepherds!"
Each shepherd got up from their seat and followed their leader out the door. As they made their way out of the tavern they saw their tactician being surrounded by Sage's Hamlet civilians asking him questions.
Lucina saw the tactician standing by not just Nah like she thought he was, but also Owain, Inigo, Noire, and Brady. The grandmaster held up his hands in an effort to calm everyone down.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Civilians of Sage's Hemlet! For a long time you and your loved ones have been harassed by slavers and bandits! I'm here to tell you that that time is over!" He announced which granted him cheers. "The slavers of Kidnappers Keep are dead along with the bandits that were harassing your homes, shops, and nearby villages. But that would not have been possible without the support of my new friends Nah, Noire, Brady, Inigo and Owain! Remember their names for this success would not have been possible without them! And remember, The Shepherds are to help anyone in need! That is all."
The citizens cheered for Robin and his five companions before going back to their business. The grandmaster looked over at the Hack and Slash store to see Jore himself leaning against the door. He must've listened to the whole speech. Robin threw him a thumbs up and a warm smile, likely as a thank you for the information. Jorge did the same thing before going back inside his store. The grandmaster then turned to his companions to see how they thought his speech went.
"I'm surprised you included Inigo. He didn't even do anything." Nah mentioned.
"I figured he could use a break. It seems like he's had a rough day."
"Man, first we get back and we're celebrities. Way to give a speech boss." Brady added.
"Thanks, I learned it from Chrom. He could do a much better job but I'll take what I can get."
"Everyone's looking at us like we're heroes." Noire smiled but the nervousness could be seen on her face.
"You guys deserve the credit."
Just then, the grandmaster heard clapping and turned around to find the source. He saw the Prince clapping his hands with a smirk on his face as he approached Robin and the group.
"You fool." He laughed. "You always have to go off and be the hero."
"All I cared about was making sure these people were safe. I wasn't trying to be anything." Robin folded his arms.
"Of course, your modesty won't allow it." Chrom sighed. "But seriously Robin, if there was trouble going on around here you should tell me."
"I would've, but I didn't want you to stop spending time with your family just to help me. Besides I didn't do it alone." He gestured over to his companions. "Chrom, meet Nah, Noire, Owain, Brady, and Inigo, warriors of the future. Guys meet Chrom, leader of the Shepherds."
"It's good to meet you Lord Chrom." Nah gave a polite bow.
"L-Lord Chrom. G-Greetings to you." Noire did the same.
"It's good the meet the rest of you. If Robin vouched for you than you future children will be most welcomed into the shepherds."
"Children?! We ain't kids old timer!" Brady scoffed.
"Uh... sorry?" Chrom was taken aback by the outburst.
"UNCLE CHROM!" Owain yelled.
"Uncle?" The Prince said wondering why this young man just yelled at him. Then he noticed his clothes and made an assumption. "You're Lissa and Lon'qu's son aren't you?"
"By the crown of Celica, you could sense it couldn't you! You could sense the bond the bounds us together uncle. You could sense the…"
"It was your clothes." He interrupted. "They're the clothes of a feroxi myrmidon."
"Oh." Owain seemed saddened by the interruption but he let it go as his eyes saw his cousin. "LUCINA!"
"Owain!" Lucina cried out as she went to hug her cousin.
"I thought I'd never see you again." Owain said as he hugged his cousin tightly.
"Don't hog him Lucy!" Cynthia cried out.
"CYNTHIA!" He yelled as he wrapped one arm around Cynthia and brought his two cousins into a group hug.
"We're back together again." Lucina cried.
"Makes quite a sight doesn't it?" Chrom asked who was happy that Lucina and Cynthia was reunited with their cousin.
"I suppose." Robin shrugged. "So, what happened when I was gone?"
"Well we visited the stands and shops this island has to offer. Oh and you were reported missing." He gave his friend the stink eye.
"And?"
"And?! Do you know how worried I was?"
"Not really but I'm sure you're going to tell me anyway." Robin rolled his eyes.
"Even if I did, would you even listen."
"What do you think Chrom?"
Lucina who was still in a group hug, she could hear her father and Robin bickering, likely about where he had been lately. It seems like a friendly spat but she hoped her father would lay off the poor grandmaster. He was only trying to help her friends.
"Going into haunted houses, dismantling slavers, and more bandit attacks? Robin that's the kind of thing you should inform me about."
"Do I have to repeat myself? You were spending time with your family. It was nothing I couldn't handle."
"Look, just be careful next time okay? Can you promise me that at least."
"Yes Chrom, I promise. Can I go now, I'm tired."
"Here." The Prince handed his friend a key. "Bought you a room when you were gone. Room 401."
"Thanks." The grandmaster said taking his leave
"Hey Robin, hold up." The Prince said halting his tracks. "Do you want to go for drinks tomorrow?"
"Drinks?" Robin didn't really like alcohol, but he could tell that Chrom just wanted to hang out with him. "Sure, sounds good."
"Alright then, have a good night." Chrom bid his friend a farewell.
Before Robin could leave though, he wanted to talk to Lucina before heading to his room. He saw that she was staring in his direction, likely listening in on the conversation he was having with her father. She broke her hug with her sister and cousin as the grandmaster walked up to her.
"Hey." He greeted.
"AH! Robin!" Cynthia smiled at him with glee. "Where have you been! I missed you!"
"Can you please not yell Cynthia. You're going to break my eardrum."
"Hehehe sorry." She giggle innocently.
He gave her a nod and accepted her apology. Owain gave him a simple smile and a pat on the shoulder. He then turned his attention to Lucina who seemed to have something to say to him.
"Was this what you been doing for the last 2 days?" Lucina asked.
"Pretty much. Only Laurent, Severa, Yarne, Kjelle, And Gerome left. If they are indeed here on this island."
"Robin, I can't believe you did all this." She smiled before pouting. "But still you should've taken me with you."
"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to interrupt your family time."
"I know, but still I think you should've told me. We're partners after all remember?"
"Of course." The grandmaster laughed.
"Why Lucina, I'm so glad to see you again." Inigo interjected. "You're looking as beautiful as ever."
"Hello Inigo." The future princess rolled her eyes. "It's good to see you're alive."
"Oh, but of course. Anything to see your lovely face again."
Robin couldn't help but frown and feel a little agitated by Inigo's flirting. Lucina was right. This guy is a philanderer and the fact he flirted with a girl back in the village freely makes it seem like he doesn't care about people's feelings. Lucina deserved more respect than that so he decided that was enough.
"Hey Inigo, don't you think you should give me back my coat?" Robin smirked.
"Oh Robin! I… well…"
"I was wondering? Why are you wearing Robin's coat Inigo?" The future princess wondered.
"Well, Lucina… I…"
"Oh, thats right. You had all of your clothes stolen by some girl didn't you Inigo?" The grandmaster crossed his arms.
"Well… I…" Inigo was blushing, embarrassed.
"Your clothes got stolen? Wait… does that mean…!" She gasped.
"Yes Lucina. I mean ALL of his clothes." The grandmaster continued to add which cause Inigo's face to grow red.
"STOP! STOP!" The philander commanded. "Please just get me some clothes."
"Yes of course." Robin handed Inigo a blanket to cover himself in which he received his coat back. Then he gave Inigo a bag of coins "Go buy some new armor and a new weapon while you're at it."
"Yeah, thanks." Inigo said, glaring at him for making him look bad as he took his leave. "I'll see you later my darling Lucina." He let out one last flirty line before heading to a nearby clothing store.
"Why he never gives up, I'll never know."
"Can't you tell Lucina?"
"Huh?"
"I can tell that even through that smile, he's bearing a lot of pain. He tries to remain optimistic because without it, he would lose himself." He did his best to explain.
"How do you know?"
"Because he reminds me of his father. I knew Henry's smile was fake from the moment I met him. He may not show it but he was and still is bearing a lot of pain from his past. But Olivia showed him what a true smile was. I it's the same for Inigo, he continues to fake it so that one day he can smile a true smile."
"I never knew that." Lucina said. "But then again, it seems like you have an answer for everything."
"I wouldn't say that. I just say what I feel." Robin said. "I'm going to turn in. Goodnight Lucina."
"Goodnight Robin."
As the grandmaster walked to the inn he looked at his fellow companions from the future talking to their parents with the exception of Inigo. It's presumed that seeing as Henry and Olivia only recently got together and their relationship isn't cemented, Inigo is keeping his distance until the two know they truly love each other or until they get engaged. There's no evidence to support that claim but it's a sound theory which is probably true as he remembered Lucina's hesitance in giving him the names of their parents so she only gave him their mother's names. He saw as Nah embraced both Nowi and Donnel, trying her best not to cry. The poor kid had been through so much and still she remains strong. Nah then looked towards Robin's direction and mouthed "Thank you" to him. Robin was glad that his was not only reuniting Lucina's friends with their parents but also forming friendships with them. It's only a matter of time before they're all found and the shepherds will be stronger than ever.
Robin arrived at his room at the inn but not before being reminded by Nah and Brady to let them accompany him the next time he goes out to look for the other time travelers or to find the other ancient tomes. Robin set up a ritual to transfer the power from Katarina's Bolt to his Book of Naga as it would be a lot better than carrying around two tome. Henry had taught him a dark magic ritual in which one can transfer spells from one tome into another. It's one of the reasons why The dark mage have been able to use basic magic spells in his dark magic tome.
I wonder if this is how Aversa created her tome.
Of course Robin had asked Henry after drawing a sketch of what Aversa's tome looked like but according to him he had never seen a tome like that in his life. But that wasn't important right now. According to Henry, the ritual is very difficult and naturally impossible for those who aren't skilled at dark magic but it was later revealed that Robin could perform dark magic despite not being a dark mage. Despite Robin's dislike of dark magic, this ritual could be of great use for him.
"All right. Let's get started." Robin placed the two tomes in front of him, closed his eyes and muttered an incantation, just like he had practiced. "Refsnart lleps otni emot won!"
Just then Robin's Book of Naga began to glow and shake violently. He could feel the ritual causing a strain on his body as he could feel blood dripping from his nose. After a few minutes the Book of Naga had stopped glowing and shaking and Katarina's Bolt had instantly disintegrated.
"Whoa!" Robin was not expecting that. Did the ritual work? Robin turned the pages of his tome and found the incantations of Katatrina's bolt on one of the pages. He then poured it's power into his hand and smiled at the blue lighting forming in his palm. "One down, two to go."
*Knock* *Knock*
Robin was startled when he heard someone knocking on the door. Who could be up at this time?
"Who is it?"
"It's Lucina. May I come in?" Lucina's voice was heard from beyond the door.
"Okay, hold on." Was there something wrong? Why was she here at this time? Robin wiped the blood from his nose and opened the door to let her in. "Lucina? What brings you…" His words were instantly stopped as he took notice at what she was wearing.
"Surprised?" Lucina giggled at making Robin speechless.
"Um…" Robin took notice of the dress she was wearing. It was a dress with polka dots of each color with a picture of Emmeryn in every single dot. "It looks… nice Lucina."
What in the hell am I looking at. It's hideous! Where did she come across such an abomination?
"I knew you would like it!" She smiled. "I wanted to show you before I went to bed."
"Well it's… quite colorful and bright and… definitely not something I'm use seeing you in."
"Well if it makes you speechless than I chose the right dress. " She laughed. Oh, how wrong she was.
"Well... *ahem* it's good to see you taking a break. After that fearsome battle with the Valmese, you deserve it."
"So do you." She muttered. "And then you go off and face danger again." She looked at him with a bit of anger. "Do you know how worried I was?"
"I'm sorry Lucina. I just wanted to help you reunite with your friends."
"And that justifies it? You could've gotten hurt or worse. Do you not trust in your friends? In my father? In me?
"Lucina..." He tried to find the right words to explain so that she wouldn't be so mad. "I'm not like you father, Lucina. I can't just sit around and have fun when other people still need me."
"Robin, I'm not saying that what you're doing is wrong. I'm saying your being reckless. I know that I am the last person to be saying that because I'm probably as reckless as my father but I thought you were more careful than just going off on your own. And don't sit there and tell me you have the Einherjar because the Robin I became friends with would ask help from his friends before he relies on magical cards."
"*Sigh* you're as stubborn as your father you know that. Not to mention equally as annoying."
"Robin..." She seemed saddened that Robin had called her that. She was just trying to help him and here he was pushing her away. "I'll just go."
"Wait..." He called out, grabbing her arm before she left the room. "This is the only time you'll hear this from me. I will never say it again, you understand?"
"Robin?"
"When you told me that I never got married in the future and I said I didn't care, I lied. The truth is... I was jealous of all the other shepherds. I kept telling myself that this is what I wanted, that a girlfriend or a wife would be nothing more than a waste of my time almost to the point of actually believing it. The truth is, I didn't believe it, but I was too stubborn to admit it. I'm not going to pretend I understand what love is, I've never felt it before with anyone, nor will I pretend that I have any interest in any of the women in our army that's beyond the borders of friendship. But still... The fact that you told me that I never had a family left a scar that can never be healed. Chrom can tell me all he wants that the shepherds are my family but that stupid loser doesn't understand a damn thing! Always telling me to 'relax' to be 'selfish' when he knows nothing!" He began to cry. "I do see Chrom as a brother! He gave me everything! I see Cordelia as a sister because of how well we got along! But even so it isn't the same! How can I call them that when I've never felt the bond of a brother or sister. I have no family! My father's a grimleal fanatic and my mother is probably no better! I'm..." He tried to find the right words to describe how he was feeling. How he was truly feeling. "I'm all...alone."
"Robin... I..."
"That's why I do the things I do. I want to let other people who are just like me to know they're not alone. I don't want them to feel what I feel. I want to form bonds with them, protect them, and improve their lives. If I can make anyone's day just a little bit happier, than I can sleep better at night knowing they're safe and sound. And if I get hurt or scarred in the process, so be it. I'll endure the pain. Anything... for the people I care for."
"I..." She never knew that about him. All this time he was in so much pain that he kept it bottled in with a cool and collected personality. "I'm so sorry Robin." She pulled him into a hug and allowed him to cry softly on his shoulder.
"Thank you for being here Lucina. I always enjoy talking to you."
"Really?"
"Yes." He pulled back a little and looked her in the eye. "I don't know what it is about you. But you're... different from the others."
"...huh?"
"When I'm around you I feel... at peace. I don't need to hold back around you. I can just let out how I truly feel and you won't judge. I've always liked that about you. And... you're really important to me."
"Shhh…" Losing all of her will power, she lost her composure and begun to cry along with him and pulled him back into a hug. Seeing her friend who had given her so much trust and kindness in pain like this was too much. She vowed to be there for him the way he had always been there for her. He, who gave her, her very first birthday present. He, who had always been there to talk with her about things she didn't understand. He, who went off into dangerous territory and found some of her friends from the future. It was unbearable to see him suffer. "I completely understand how you feel Robin. For a time, I wanted nothing more than to jump into my fathers arms and cry like a little girl. I couldn't then because I felt like if I were involved it might cause disruptions to the timeline. But that's over now. I'm with my family again and I have a friend whom I can trust to see the good and bad sides of me. The sides I always wanted to keep hidden from everyone, including my family."
"Lucina I..."
"You talk about how you want other people to know that they're never alone. But what about you? I think someone needs to tell you that you're not alone either. And for all the times you've helped me, allow me to help you. You're not alone Robin. You have never been alone. You are my trusted friend and..." She blushed a little as she tried to find the words. "I also... think you're important to me too."
"Th-thanks." He had no idea what to do, but all he could do was hold onto her and never let go. Lucina was always a person of interest to Robin. Because of her previous mysterious nature and because of the many responsibilities she faces, Lucina had always caught his interest. Whenever he was around her, he never felt alone like he usually would. He felt happy and content and seeing this side of her was definitely something else. He had no what else to feel, but this moment made his heart was race and it wouldn't stop. But these feelings were new and he didn't understand them.
What is happening to me? What is... this feeling? He had no idea what to say, what to think, anymore. However he did come to one conclusion even though he didn't understand it: Whenever he was around her... he liked it.
OHHHHHHH! Robin and Lucina had their very first moment? Not really all that romantic but a moment nonetheless. No, the romance doesn't start here and won't happen until much later. This scene actually goes to show just how much trust Robin has placed in Lucina as he was able to tell her how he truly feels. The romance hasn't started yet.
Til next time.