Interviews with a Tactician

by Scourge of Infinis

In which Robin decides to conduct interviews with existing and potential Shepherds to ensure their loyalty and commitment to the cause (and some other details). What could possibly go wrong?

37. Brady

I thought I'd get this out a lot sooner than I did...

But out of the shadows of a long period of inactivity, I bring you an update!

So...yes. The usual apologies for the longer than usual delay, but to anyone still out there, I reiterate my promise to stick with this thing until the very end! It'll just...take a while, judging by how things are going. But it will get done!

Once again, thank you all for your patience. I just hope I can continue to match your expectations. Your continued readership is much appreciated!

---

Robin was a man who had seen his fair share of strange events during his life. In fact, one could say that his life was, in a way, a series of strange events. Actually, Robin could confidently bet that his life contained more strange events than was found on average. In fact, strange events seemed to seek Robin out, rather than the other way around. From little girls who turned out to really be dragons, and time travelling children from the future, Robin thought he'd seen it all.

"Owain Dark stalks his prey, sticking to the shadows and taking his time to scout out his target. He may be deep in enemy territory and outnumbered ten, nay, twenty to one, but Owain Dark always beats the odds."

Of course, some higher power out there always seemed to make it a goal to prove Robin wrong.

"Having spotted his target, Owain Dark slowly sneaks closer to dispense righteous justice! No evildoers shall escape the long arm of Justice that is Owain Dark! Slowly…slowly…HA!"

And as Robin watched Owain narrate while training (at least, that's what Robin assumed he was doing, with all the whacking of training dummies), he…well, all he felt was bewilderment and confusion.

"Suddenly, evil henchmen appear from the shadows and surround our righteous hero as he attempts to escape! Owain Dark has no choice but to channel his inner demon and unleash the forbidden power that lies within! Grrrr…Radiant Daaaaaaawn!"

"It's…really something, isn't it?" Chrom commented, standing beside Robin and watching his nephew hit the training dummies around him.

"To think that this kid survived a hellish future apocalypse like…this…" Robin paused. "…Do you think he shouted his actions and moves while fighting Risen in the future?"

"You know, I want to say he didn't, but I'm actually not sure that would be true."

"At least he doesn't do it now. Shouting attacks and whatnot when fighting Risen is one thing, but doing so while you're fighting actual human beings is a great way to get stabbed."

"Yeah. He seems to have kept enough sense to do this stuff only during training, so…I guess it's a win…?"

"Argh! Having sustained multiple injuries, Owain Dark is on his last legs! Vision…going dark…but wait, what's this?! Power…overflowing…! It can't be…! But it is! It's the fabled Avenger Mode! ARRAAAAAAAAAAUGH!"

Robin and Chrom watched in fascinated bemusement as Owain jumped around and slashed dummies while shouting and generally being loud.

"…Your family is really weird, man."

"Hey, they're not—!" Chrom began, before remembering who they were watching. "I assure you Owain is an exception."

"Yeah, maybe. But then look at your son."

Chrom and Robin both shifted their gazes from Owain to where Inigo was chatting up Kjelle.

"I don't see anything wrong with two friends talki—"

"Madam, you wound me! A chaste cup of tea was all I had in mind. Perhaps some cake. Eating sweets is a proven pick-me-up and…"

Chrom frowned.

"Sounds like he's hitting on her," Robin observed. "Or at least trying to."

"N-not necessarily. Asking for a cup of tea is innocent eno—"

"Oh, come on! It'll be a blast! I'll even let you pick out the cake. My favorite is lemon with chocolate frosting, but…"

"He seems really persistent. Considering Kjelle's Sully's kid, I'd say there's a good chance that she'd clock him if he doesn't back off soon," Robin said.

"I…" Chrom was really running out of excuses for his son.

Meanwhile, Kjelle was getting visibly angry.

"Go. Away. Now."

"Fine. Fiiiiiine! I'll just go eat cake by myself, then. But I'll be back tomorrow! Just you wait!" Inigo sighed dramatically and then waltzed away.

"Huh. He got away unharmed. Must be his lucky day. I'd given him a fifty-fifty chance of getting clocked right across the jaw."

"Well. At least he's a good fighter…?" was all Chrom could say.

"He somehow managed to survive the hellish future along with his weird cousin, so I guess that gives him points," Robin remarked. "Although my point still stands: your family is really weird, man."

"Hey—"

"Okay, maybe not your whole family. Lucina seems normal and has a good head on her shoulders. Oh, and I guess you're okay too."

"Gee, thanks," Chrom said sarcastically. "Although you calling anyone weird is akin to the pot calling the kettle black."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I am nothing but a normal, well-adjusted individual that does not hit on everything in a skirt and does not make a dramatic narration of like, drinking a glass of water."

"Maybe not, but you do a lot of other things. And this isn't even mentioning the quirks of your family."

"Chrom, you know as well as I do that you guys are basically the only family I have, given the amnesia and all."

"I meant your more immediate family."

"…What?"

Instead of answering, Chrom nodded to where Lucina and Morgan were standing.

"Okay, Morgan, you must adopt the proper stance if you wish to improve your swordsmanship," Lucina said. "Now, please show me—"

"When can I start doing backflips and stabbing guys all stylish like you do?" Morgan asked.

"Morgan, I do not do backflips nor do I 'stab guys all stylish.' I simply—"

"Sure you do! Dad said he's seen you during your arena duel way back when."

"I…admit that I may have…been somewhat flashy then. However, that was simply for visual—"

"And it sounds so cool! I hear you were all…" Morgan ran around and did some jumps and spins. "From the sounds of it, you were really cool!"

"I didn't think it was anything in particular…"

"Well Dad was certainly impressed! Which means it was something really cool-looking. Think you can give me a few pointers?"

"I can give you a few tips if you want to improve your swordsmanship on the battlefield," Lucina said patiently. "As for anything beyond that and 'being all stylish,' I will have to decline."

"Aw, why?"

"Firstly, because it is impractical. Secondly, I have no idea what you are capable of and must assume that you have little experience in melee fighting. To put it in other terms, you cannot simply jump to learning to cast Arcthunder without covering the basics. Do you understand?"

"…Yeah, I guess you're right…"

"And the basics of swordsmanship are—"

"Can you teach me to stab bad guys really fast, then?"

Robin chuckled watching the scene. "Energetic as ever, I see."

"Indeed," Chrom said, amused.

"Well at least Lucina seems to be taking it in stride," Robin remarked, watching Lucina's exasperated yet amused expression in the face of Morgan's antics.

"Quite. I also have to say that she certainly seems a lot less gloomy when around Morgan."

"Well Morgan generally has that effect on people. She's like a ray of sunshine that can illuminate even the most desolate of places…and people, for that matter. I know I definitely feel a lot better when she's around."

"She has as much charisma as she does energy," Chrom admitted. "I think your daughter spending time with my daughter does my daughter some good."

"Oh?"

"I know I don't need to tell you that Lucina can be a bit…"

"Austere? Serious? Rigid? Kind of a bummer with how she never seems to smile and always thinks of ways things can go wrong?"

"Yes, thank you," Chrom said dryly. "Understandable, given the circumstances."

Robin nodded.

"Naturally she can't really change her entire outlook or personality, but Olivia and I were hoping that we could maybe make it a little easier for her now that…you know."

"Everyone she knew and loved isn't dead and the world isn't a hellish nightmare crawling with Risen?"

"Pretty much."

"If it makes you feel any better, I had a talk with her about this whole thing."

"Oh gods. Do I want to know?"

"Hey, relax! All I said was that she should lighten up a bit and maybe try looking on the bright side of things for a change sometimes."

"Is that all you said?"

"Well, that and that her demeanor would have a huge boost to morale if she smiled more often and things of that nature."

"That…that sounds like something very sensible, Robin."

"Well don't sound too surprised. I say sensible things all the time but you people choose to ignore me for whatever reason!"

"There is only a certain amount of sensible things us mortals can handle," Chrom quipped. "But thank you for your concern, Robin."

"You're welco—"

"And thank you for not saying anything inappropriate to her."

"Yes, Chrom. Because after my emotional and heartfelt conversation about me caring for your daughter's wellbeing, I'm going to hit on her," Robin said, rolling his eyes. "What do you take me for, Virion?"

"Trust me, Robin, Virion and I would be having a very serious conversation if he hit on Lucina."

"Huh. So…I'm free to hit on her, then?"

"Yes, Robin, I hereby give you, my best friend, consent to hit on my daughter from the future," Chrom said sarcastically.

"Thank you, future-father-in-law."

"…I'm starting to regret the direction of this conversation…" Chrom muttered.

"Right, sorry about that," Robin apologized. "You were saying?"

Chrom cleared his throat. "I was just saying that I feel Lucina has gotten an opportunity to experience what it's like being normal. Well, as normal she can feel in the middle of an army with her parents from the past fighting a war on another continent."

"Well hey, compared to her future, I'm sure this whole Valm thing is just peachy for her."

"Heh, yeah. I want to say that she's had an opportunity to loosen up, if ever so slightly."

"Really?"

Chrom nodded. "She seems to frown less, spends her time doing things other than training, and is even getting to know others around camp. Doing all this normal stuff, not worrying about the future or who'll die next, I think it all of this gives her the chance to relax, enjoy life and just…try to be happy."

"We're all better off if Lucina is happy," Robin said sagely. "Don't take this the wrong way, Chrom, but Lucina is lovely when she smiles."

"You think so?"

"Given how her default expression seems to be always be a frown of some sort, it's always a special occasion when she smiles. This goes double for laughter, rare as that is. I know I feel my spirits lifting when I see her happy."

"I'm glad Olivia and I aren't the only ones, although we assumed that was just our natural parental instincts," Chrom remarked jokingly.

"Then I'm happy to report that, no, you aren't the only ones. I'm sure this true for the rest of the camp. Lucina is an inspiration to us all, Chrom. But more important than being a symbol of hope and a reminder of what we're fighting for, Lucina is human. I think that fact helps us, as it reminds us she's just like us and not some sort of untouchable goddess beyond the reach of us mortals. Lucina still breathes, laughs and cries like everyone else. Strange as it may sound, you tend to forget that Lucina is human, given how much effort she puts in everything she does and how she tries to be everywhere at once. But in the end of the day, she's one of us and I think it does everyone some good when she shows some emotion and reveals a softer side of herself, one that isn't all about her duty and stuff."

"Robin…" Chrom stared at his friend. "Are you okay? You're saying some very deep things and insightful things. Did you wake up on the right side of the bed today or something?"

"Why do I even bother…?" Robin sighed. "You know, it must be a family thing."

"What?"

"The effect your family members have on people. I mean, you have some sort of aura that attracts people of all kinds to you, Olivia manages to dance and revitalize even the most tired of people, and Lucina radiates hope and inspiration to those around her."

"Huh. I never really thought of it like that."

"Yep. It's just one of my many astute observations. I'm guessing it must be something in your blood. Hell, even Inigo manages to impress and entertain by showing me the many ways one can fail at hitting on women. Gets me every time."

"…I really hope there are reasons you like my son other than the fact that he manages to make you laugh with his failed attempts at flirting with women."

"There probably are some out there. I mean, he's your son, so he has to have some non-comic relief merits, right? He probably fights really well or something. Which reminds me, I really should assess his skill…"

"You haven't even sparred with him yet?" Chrom asked incredulously.

"Well hey, every time the thought crosses my mind, something else more important demands my attention!" Robin said defensively. "And training with your philanderer son comes low on the list of priorities when I have war things to take care of."

"Point taken."

"How about you, huh? He's your son. You probably know more about him than I do. Anything to share?"

"Well, I…" Chrom scratched the back of his head. "He's…enthusiastic?"

"A glowing endorsement of a father that's very confident in his son's abilities," Robin remarked dryly.

"Okay, but in my defense, I didn't get to spend as much time with him as I did with Lucina because we're busy with the war. With Lucina, I at least had time on the ships and while we were trailing through Ferox. Now we're marching through enemy territory and have maybe a hundred things that need my attention at any one moment. I mean, yes, of course I did spend some time with him and got to know him better, but…!"

"You don't have to explain it to me, Chrom. I know how busy we all are now."

"Although I really should try to spend more time with him. Would be easier if he wasn't darting around hitting on every girl he finds…"

Robin narrowed his eyes. "He was what."

"Nothing, nothing!" Chrom said quickly. He then tried to change the subject. "Thank you for this conversation, Robin. And for looking out for our and Lucina's well-being. I feel talking with you helped ease my concerns somewhat."

"It's what I'm here for."

"And I appreciate it." Chrom looked at his friend gratefully, before adding, "Although I suppose I should also be thanking Morgan."

"Oh?"

"With them spending time together and given Morgan's exuberant personality, well, let's just say that I think she does a lot to help brighten Lucina's day."

"That's just Morgan's secret special power. She can raise anyone's mood and put a smile on anyone's face, even Lucina's."

"And I thank the gods for that."

Both men watched as Morgan made some wild hand gestures, jumped back, tripped on her coat and fell flat on her face. Before Lucina could help her, Morgan got up and kept talking as if nothing happened.

"Do you ever wonder where she gets all that energy from?" Chrom asked jokingly. "Is it something in her diet?"

When no response came, Chrom turned to see Robin with a very thoughtful expression on his face."

"Robin? What're you thinking about?"

"…I miss this," said the grandmaster wistfully.

"What's 'this'?"

"You know, spending time together, hanging out and and talking about serious things and stuff."

"What're you talking about, we still do that stuff all the time." Chrom paused. "…Okay, maybe not all the time, given the war and all, but we still hang out."

"Not like we used to. Remember? You and me used to be inseparable. Now it's like…things are different."

"Well I am married now…"

"And I'm really happy for you, really," Robin said quickly. "I just really miss us hanging out like old times."

"But we still do hang out."

"Yeah, but it's different. Like, when was the last time we played poker with the other guys? Or went out and got really drunk and did something stupid?"

"When you put it that way…"

"And when was the last time we got up in the middle of the night to have those long talks about our feelings and the future?"

Chrom stared at his friend blankly. "Not once have we done that."

Robin opened his mouth to respond when a set of voices entered the conversation.

"Robin!"

"Heya Robin and Chrom!"

"Tharja, Henry," Robin greeted before seeing who they were towing behind them. "…Virion. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Well, Tharja just found out some unsettling news and was just about to totally waste Virion in the most awesomely gruesome way possible before I intervened," Henry informed cheerfully. "Naturally I wanted to see her go through with it because yay, blood! Buuuut I thought it'd be better if we'd come and tell you about it since doing it on the sly would probably make you a wee bit upset."

"Killing one of our friends and coworkers would make me a little bit more than just a 'wee' bit upset!" Robin snapped. "Now then, Tharja, why do you want to gruesomely kill Virion? He hitting on you again?"

"Nya ha ha! That's a good one, Robin!" Henry laughed. "If Virion hit on Tharja, then I'd be the one gruesomely killing him and we wouldn't even be here!"

"Please. I, Virion, know that there are limits when courting the fairer sex and thus would never woo a woman that was wed to another!" Virion paused before adding, "…That I know of."

"Quiet, you!" Tharja hissed and turned to Robin. "This philandering lout has the nerve to come and try his 'skills' with my daughter. Moreover, he had the gall to suggest that he had your blessing to do so. The only reason he still lives is due to Henry's timely intervention, but I assume now I have your permission to end his miserable, philandering life now that you know the full details?"

Robin sighed. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention and reining in your wife, Henry."

"Nya ha ha, no problem! Although…" Henry's smile turned crooked. "I really didn't know why she was so upset when I decided to bring her over to you. Now that I know the full details, I gotta say that I'm probably regretting that decision just a liiiittle bit. I mean, if I knew Virion was hitting on Noire, he'd probably be a bloody stain on the ground right now! And no one would know…"

"Does no one believe me when I say I was not hitting on Noire?!" Virion protested.

"I have just the curse for you…" Tharja said ominously. "I just need your permission, Robin."

"For the last time, no killing your fellow team members!" snapped the grandmaster. "That was the first thing I told everyone at orientation. Was no one listening?!"

Silence.

"So…we can't curse him to death?" Henry ventured. "Not even a little bit?"

Robin rubbed his temples. "No, Henry."

"Aw…"

"Surely you can't allow his actions with Noire to go unpunished," Tharja insisted. "What would you do if he tried to pull that stunt on Morgan?"

"Okay, first of all, that's just disgusting. Second, I've made it repeatedly clear to Virion that he is not to hit on anyone here. If he must get his rocks off, he must do it when we're resting at some village. Third, I did not give him permission to hit on anyone, Noire or otherwise."

"Then why was he—"

"What I did do was request that he train Noire so that she could become a better archer. And with Virion being admittedly the best archer we have, I thought it'd do Noire some good to learn from the best."

"You flatter me with your praise, Robin, even if it is all warranted." Virion bowed.

Tharja looked at Robin in disbelief while Henry's smile became a bit strained.

"However," continued the grandmaster, "I did stipulate that Virion was to be strictly professional when training Noire and that being his usual philandering self would be strictly prohibited and would result in severe consequences. Oh, and that I'd defer to you, his parents, when it came to said consequences."

"Does that mean—?"

"No killing your fellow team members!" Robin repeated angrily.

"Okay, how about—"

"No maiming either."

Henry opened his mouth.

"And no dismemberment or anything gross that can impair his ability to fight."

"Aw, then what's left?"

"Anything else you see fit."

"I suppose that still leaves a lot of room to maneuver despite the restrictions…" Tharja mumbled, thinking.

"But only if Virion acts out of line when training Noire," Robin warned. "And you won't do that, will you, Virion?"

"I swear on my honor as a noble and an archer that I shall be nothing but courteous and professional," Virion swore.

"Good." Robin nodded, satisfied. "That solves that problem to everyone's satisfaction, yes?"

"Aw, no trying out new death curses…" Henry sighed. "I had some really good ones to try out."

Tharja just shrugged and then turned to Virion. "I'll be watching you. If you so much as look at Noire wrong…"

"Then I will accept any and all punishment that you will throw at me, as I would have broken my vow to you, to Robin, and to myself," Virion said.

Henry laughed. "Bold words. Let's see if they stick!"

"Okay. Problem solved, crisis averted, etc. Virion, I'm expecting a report on Noire's progress. Tharja, Henry, feel free to keep an eye out on him and punish him if he misbehaves. Now off you all go to train and/or do whatever else it is you people do." Robin waved them away.

"I shall find and train Noire post haste!" Virion declared before heading off.

Tharja nodded to Henry. "Come. We must ensure he doesn't do something he'll regret."

"Ooh, fun!"

The dark mages then stalked off after their prey.

Robin watched them leave and shook his head. "Why is it that I always get stuck dealing with this sort of crap? Why can't I handle normal army problems like supply shortages or logistical problems…?"

"Do you really want to have those types of problems again, Robin?" Chrom asked. "Those same problems you dealt with when you just joined us and were constantly complaining about?"

"…Okay, maybe not the supply shortages…" Robin shivered. "Gods, fighting a war with a shortage of suitable weapons and the money to replace said weapons was possibly the hardest thing I've had to deal with during my entire career as a tactician."

"So now that those aren't problems, you get this," Chrom said, amused.

"But why me? Can't people come to you with their petty interpersonal problems?"

"They could, but I'm not the one who makes layers upon layers of rules governing people's behavior and how they should act and react with one another."

"Okay, first off, it's not 'layers upon layers' of rules. It's just really simple things like 'no killing each other' and 'no romance!' and 'no curses and/or hexing our friends and allies'…oh, and 'no hitting on or philandering between teammates' even if that last one was made only for Virion. Well, I suppose Inigo too, but his philandering has so few chances of actually succeeding that it's pure entertainment at this point…" Robin trailed off.

"Maybe there's just something about you that attracts people when they have some silly problems they need help with."

"Great. You're a magnet for all sorts of weirdos and I'm stuck dealing with them and their petty problems after you let them in without any rhyme or reason or proper consultation!"

"May I remind you that you'd be the first to fall in that category of 'weirdos' since you're the first person I literally picked up off the ground in the middle of some field. Without any rhyme, reason, or consultation, I may add."

"Chrom, our entire meeting and subsequent friendship is one insane, unbelievable story. If I was there, I'd have done all I could to talk you out of picking some schmuck off the ground, let alone making him head of your little gang."

"Then it's a good thing you weren't there. Besides, I'd probably ignore your advice even if you were."

"…I didn't know it was possible to feel both grateful and infuriated at the same time and at one person."

"I love you too, Robin."

As the two men talked and laughed, Say'ri approached with several people in tow.

"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to those who would help us fight against the empire."

Say'ri stepped aside to reveal a woman with violet eyes and green(ish…?) hair, a man with blond hair that Robin thought could really use a comb, and a dark-skinned man.

"May I present Lady Eizengard, Lord Demetrius, and Lord Clyde. These three are the rulers of realms bordering Chon'sin and Rosanne. They have pledged their resources and forces to the cause."

"A pleasure," Chrom said, shaking their hands. "I am Chrom, Exalt of Ylisse. This is Robin, my second-in-command and tactician of our forces."

"Greetings."

"It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance," Eizengard said. "Tales of your exploits have spread far and wide."

"Indeed." Clyde nodded in agreement. "A band of foreigners arriving in Valm and then quickly progressing their way across the continent despite the empire's vast strength and manpower? You've made quite an impression."

"Let us be the first to thank you for aiding us in our struggle," Demetrius said. "Before we were too disorganized and too few in number to do any real damage to the empire. But with your aid, perhaps…"

"Please, think nothing of it. I'm convinced it was the right thing to do," Chrom said.

Robin rolled his eyes. "You and your 'right thing.' I swear one of these days…"

The three foreign lords looked at Robin in confusion. Chrom too, turned to his friend.

"Robin? I think it's time you do that thing we agreed that you'd do now."

"What? Oh. Right. Fiiiine. My Lords, it's been a pleasure meeting you. I shall now take my leave." Robin bowed and turned to walk.

"Er, is anything the matter?" Eizengard asked uncertainly. "…Was it something we said?"

"Nothing you said, milady, but more what I didn't say."

"I…do not understand."

"According to my friend here, I'm 'a diplomatic incident waiting to happen' for reasons not entirely clear to me. So I shall leave the diplomatic niceties to my more capable friend here while I take my leave to attend to our military matters. Good day."

With that, Robin left the group.

Eizengard blinked in confusion and turned to Chrom for an explanation.

"It's, uh…"

Say'ri chose that moment to help bail Chrom out.

"Sir Robin's strengths lie in strategy and military matters. I fear that in the field of diplomacy, he lacks all subtlety and finesse."

"Ah, I see." Demetrius nodded in understanding. "It is quite rare to find an individual who excels in both fields. I suppose that is the natural balance of things in life. One either has a delicate touch to carry out complex negotiations or a sharp mind to lead armies to victory, but never both."

"Y-yes! Exactly that," Chrom said, looking to Say'ri gratefully. "Speaking of which, let us move to the command tent so that we may discuss military matters and what we're dealing with. If you would follow me, I—"

Chrom was interrupted when he heard screaming nearby.

"That sounded like Inigo and Lucina!" Chrom quickly turned to Say'ri. "Say'ri, can you—"

"I will escort our guests to the command tent."

"Thank you." Chrom nodded and ran in the direction of where he heard his children's screams, Falchion at the ready. He then barged into a tent.

The first thing he noticed was Lucina, Falchion gripped with both hands, eyes full of determination, and Inigo cowering behind her.

"Inigo! Lucina! What's wrong?!"

"Father!"

"F-father!"

His children looked up to him with fear and relief.

"It's okay, I'm here now." Chrom's eyes scanned for signs of the enemy. His body relaxed when he didn't see anything. "What's wrong, you two? Are you okay? Why were you screaming?"

"F-father, I…"

Chrom took a few steps forward when he heard a crunch under his boot.

"Father, you did it!" Inigo exclaimed.

"I…did? What did I do?"

"You squashed the hellish flying bug that was tormenting us!"

"So, wait…" Chrom stood motionless, trying to process his son's words. "All that commotion…was over an insect?"

While Inigo looked relieved, Lucina looked down in shame.

"Honestly, you two…" Chrom sighed and rubbed his foot on the ground to get the bug off his boot. "With all the yelling you did, I thought you were being attacked!"

"We were being attacked, Father! Attacked by a huge, horrid nightmare, with repulsive, hairy legs..." Inigo shivered. "It was terrible!"

"I…I must apologize for the worry we've caused you, Father," Lucina mumbled, not meeting her father's eyes. "It was unwarranted and silly and a complete overreaction."

Chrom stood there, trying to process how his two grown-up children who survived in an apocalyptic future on the brink of ruin, were cowering and freaking out…over some bug.

The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed. And yet, there was also something so endearing about his children acting like, well, children.

Becoming aware that they were still waiting for him to respond, Chrom suppressed the urge to laugh and instead cleared his throat.

"Yes, well then. You two gave me quite a scare, there. All this commotion over an insect?"

"We're sorry…" Inigo and Lucina said in unison.

Chrom was about to make some kind of witty remark when he noticed that they were in the supply tent. More importantly, he noticed the state of disarray the tent was in.

"Are you two the reason this whole tent is in such a mess?"

"W-well, to be fair, it was pretty messy in the first place and I was just about to clean it up!" Inigo said quickly. "But then the giant bug attacked and Lucina and I got a bit distracted trying to kill it and…well…"

"Now it's a bigger mess than when you came in," Chrom finished.

Inigo and Lucina nodded guiltily.

"Okay. At least there wasn't any harm or damage done. Now let's quickly clean this place up."

"Father?"

"Let's just say that a certain someone likes to keep things organized to his very specific instructions and will probably not take it very well that the supply tent is in such a state."

"That sounds like—"

"I'm here, I'm here!" Robin rushed into the tent, Levin Sword at the ready. "What's going on? Are we under attack?! Are…"

"Oh gods…" Chrom facepalmed. Of course, of course the person he was referring to and the last one he wanted to see this mess had to come rushing in!

Robin tensed up as his eyes stopped scanning for enemies and instead fell on the state of the tent.

"What in the world…?"

"Robin, before you say anything, let me try to explain—"

"What in Naga's name happened here?!" Robin exclaimed. "My nice, clean, orderly tent looks like it's been hit by a hurricane! All of the equipment I meticulously and painstakingly put in place to ensure ease of access in case of emergency…! This is…I can't…!"

"Robin, calm down and breathe."

"Who's responsible for this outrage?!"

"Robin—"

"I swear, when I find out who did this…!" Robin suddenly stopped and darted to one end of the tent.

"Robin, where are you going?"

"To see the vials. If I find out that the concoctions got mixed up with the elixirs and vulneraries, I am going to be very upset!"

Chrom sighed.

Inigo looked confused.

Lucina looked ashamed.

As this was going on, Say'ri and her guests were watching the scene unfolding in front on them.

"This sure is an…interesting army…" Eizengard commented.

"Seems like a very entertaining place to be," said Clyde. "I feel it's refreshing."

"Of course you would think that…" scoffed Demetrius. "To think that the forces that arrived to help liberate us from the yoke of the empire would be so casual and informal with each other. They seem to lack all professionalism. Based on what I have witnessed, I'm starting to have serious doubts as to the truthfulness of the stories behind their victories and their effectiveness in battle."

"I assure you that the Ylissean League are warriors without peer," Say'ri assured. "On the battlefield, they fight with nothing but skill and discipline."

"Really?" Demetrius said, unconvinced.

Say'ri was about to say more when Vaike ran past her.

"Why me, why me, why me?! I didn't even do anything!"

As Vaike ran by, he was pursued by a big, angry-looking horse.

Demetrius raised a brow.

"WOOOO!"

Everyone looked up to see a yellow dragon fly by with a girl riding on top.

"Faster, Nowi, faster!"

"Okay! Just hold on, Morgan! Weee!"

"Oh gods, I'm on fire!"

The four rulers turned to see a burning suit of armor running past them, followed by a mage with a notepad.

"Kellam, I have assured you time and time again that the fire poses no threat to your person aside from possible discomfort from the heat. I must insist that you stand still so that I may be able to note any—Kellam? Your erratic movements are making it very difficult to record my observations…!"

"A-ack!"

A yelp and a crashing sound next caught the group's attention.

"Are you okay, Sumia?" Cordelia asked, helping her friend up.

"Y-yeah…" Sumia rubbed her face as she got up. "Thanks for helping me with these crates, Cordelia."

"Hey, no problem. I just can't believe you wanted to carry all these. I'll bet even Chrom would have trouble lifting them by himself!"

"I just thought I could do this simple task all by myself and maybe save myself the trouble of making another journey if I carried the crates all in one go." Sumia laughed sheepishly. "Should've known better, especially given my record of tripping over thin air…"

"There's no shame in asking for help from others…or making more than one trip," Cordelia said jokingly. "Are you okay to keep going?"

"Yeah." Sumia grunted as she lifted her crates and almost lost her balance.

Having witnessed these scenes, Demetrius again looked at Say'ri with a raised brow, only now with double the skepticism.

"…They really are different once in battle," Say'ri insisted. "Please, follow me to the command tent. Perhaps discussing strategy will help ease your minds somewhat."

---

"I've spent so long organizing the tent to my liking, finally got everything where I wanted it to be…!"

Lucina looked away guiltily.

Chrom elbowed his friend lightly. "Robin, now is not the time."

"Okay, okay…" Robin cleared his throat, laying various papers out on the table. "Here is our target: Fort Steiger, major garrison point and command and control center of every Valmese force in the region. From what I understand, this is where they direct all Valmese forces, patrols, and otherwise in this part of the continent."

"It is also the most heavily defended location on this side of Valm," Eizengard said.

"Even with our combined forces, to attack the fortress head-on would be akin to suicide," Demetrius added. "Not only does Fort Steiger contain hordes of Valmese, but it is also equipped to withstand a protracted siege, not to mention well connected enough to call for aid from both the northern and southern portions of the Valmese forces. The Valmese would be upon us in seconds, and that is assuming our forces wouldn't be decimated by the Steiger garrison."

"All very good points, sire," Robin said patiently. "And all points I have accounted for."

"Explain yourself."

"Gladly. You are right in that this fort is the most heavily defended thing on this side of Valm. You are also correct in that it can easily withstand a siege and send word to the other forces for reinforcements. It is for this reason that Say'ri and I have been coordinating with the other Resistance forces throughout Valm in order to distract imperial forces from our true objective."

"How so?"

"To mask our approach and assault on Fort Steiger, Say'ri had her allies in both the north and the south make obvious, visible movements. I'm sure the northern and southern Valmese armies had reports of our forces being conspicuous and openly moving around. More reports from them than us here in central Valm, I'd wager."

"Ah, so by giving the impression that our forces are moving in those areas, you bring attention away from us and our main target…" Eizengard caught on.

"Precisely. And more importantly, I keep the main imperial forces distracted from coming to Steiger's aid in case of siege."

"A clever ruse, I'll give you that," Demetrius conceded. "However, it still does not solve the problem of how we are to take the fortress with fewer forces and equipment."

"That, sire, we do by using these," Robin said, pointing to a few lines he highlighted on his sketch of the fortress. "Our sources say that the fort has some abandoned and forgotten tunnels that are unguarded from the outside and lead directly into the fort itself."

"What do you intend to do, then? Take our entire army through these tunnels, one at a time?" Demetrius asked sarcastically. "We'd be spotted by the sentries long before we would be even close enough to use the tunnels."

"With all due respect, my lord, if that is where you think this is going, you would make a very poor tactician."

Demetrius' eye twitched.

Eizengard and Clyde snickered.

"No, my plan calls for a distraction that will, uh, distract all the sentries in the fort and direct their attention away from their patrol routes, thus allowing our elite forces to sneak in and surgically strike at their leadership."

"Am I to assume that this distraction will be the bulk of your forces assaulting the fortress?"

"Assaulting, sieging, drawing the soldiers out, anything, really," Robin said dismissively. "Whatever takes their attention off their patrol routes and spotting people approaching the fort."

Demetrius crossed his arms. "And how do plan on taking the fortress with an even smaller force than what we have now?"

"Oh no, we're not taking the fortress. Gods, holding that thing would be a nightmare, not to mention the fact that the other Valmese armies would eventually make their way over here and lay siege to it, by which point it becomes a battle of attrition, one I'm afraid we're not going to win. No, my plan is to get in, take out their leadership, raid the fortress for any sensitive intel, and get out before reinforcements can arrive. That way we disrupt their chain of command, supplies, as well as hit their morale by succeeding in this daring raid on one of their most fortified positions. Word will spread of our exploits and dent the empire's invincible reputation, not to mention leave their forces here in disarray and scrambling to fix this mess. In turn, that should concentrate their forces here, leaving other areas of the empire more exposed for us and our allies."

"A very daring and risky strategy," Clyde remarked, smiling. "You have courage, Tactician, I'll give you that."

Robin shrugged. "Can't afford to be traditional with my strategy, given the odds. Being bold and unorthodox is all I got. You know what they say, high-risk, high-reward and all that."

"Although risky and unconventional, Robin's strategies have never let us down before," Chrom said.

"Ain't that the truth." Basilio laughed. "The only thing crazier than Robin's plans is the fact that he manages to pull them off!"

"You've made it this far, so I suppose there is merit to your strategic planning," Eizengard commented.

"Either that or an incredible amount of luck," Clyde added.

"So now that we are informed of your plans, what are our roles?" asked Demetrius.

"From what I understand, you three have contributed your own forces to the cause, correct?"

The three lords nodded.

"Good. I'll need to run an examination of their numbers and skills, but you will be contributing to the siege of the fortress."

"Are we not to help you infiltrate it?"

"Well, you could if you really wanted to, but the majority of our forces are going to be busy assaulting the fortress, your forces included. I figure it would be more prudent to keep your lordships with your forces for better coordination and cohesion."

Robin conveniently left out the part where he already had his strategies planned out and was not really in the mood to alter them. That, and the fact that he never worked with these people before and didn't know how well they would listen to him.

"Okay, so now that we've had a quick overview for our new friends, why don't we move on to troop numbers. Say'ri tells me that…

---

"Cordelia, what can I do for you?"

"Robin, I…"

"More bad news from Ferox."

"It seems each day more and more Valmese come flooding in…"

"…I-I w-want you t-to be ha-happy, Robin…"

"Sumia, please don't cry…"

"But how can I possibly…"

"Robin, we need to help Ferox!"

"Chom, no! Our forces are simply not ready for another war!"

"But the Valmese are slowly overrunning Ferox! It'll only be a matter of time before they turn on Ylisse!"

"What do you want me to do, Chrom? Throw troops at experienced Valmese soldiers? They'll get slaughtered!"

"But we can't sit back and do nothing!"

"Hmph. Ferox was prepared to stand by and watch Plegia burn Ylisse to the ground. I don't see why…"

"R-Robin…"

"Cordelia, no, gods, no! Stay with me!"

"I…I did all I could…"

"Cordelia, stay with me! You can't die! Not after Sumia…! You can't…!"

"Robin…I…"

"Hang in there! Healer! I need a damn healer over here!"

"Promise me…take care of…"

"Cordelia, look at me! No! CORDELIA!"

"Robin! The Plegians are being pushed back! We have to press our advantage before they close the gate!"

Why do you keep on giving so much to a man who has everything?

"Chrom…Cordelia, she…she's…"

You, who has suffered so much pain, so much loss, and are left with nothing.

"Robin, I'm so sorry, but we can't…"

To him, who knows nothing of grief.

"That's the end of him. Thanks to you we carried the day."

Why must his family know happiness while yours knows only loss?

"We can rest easy now. At long last..."

He doesn't deserve any of it! He already has everything while you're left with nothing! It should be you who should be coming back home to a happy home and loving children! You who should be living the rest of your life in contentment! You who should know peace!

"Robin?"

HE deserves to have nothing! HE should know loss! HE should know sorrow! HE should pay for everything you've been through! Make him pay! Make him suffer!

"I…I'm not…"

Kill him! Kill him and everything he holds dear!

"Let's take you to a healer and—argh!"

This is only the beginning of your revenge.

"This is not your…your fault. P-promise me you'll escape from this place... Please, go..."

Now go claim your birthright and show the world true suffering!

---

"Gah!"

Robin woke up with a start, breathing heavily and his heart racing. It took him a few seconds to realize that we was in his tent.

"Gods…"

Clutching his head, Robin tried to make out what the hell he was dreaming about.

Dreaming about familiar voices and blurry images talking about…whatever it was they talked about, was not terribly out of the ordinary. Robin was pretty sure he had those dreams every so often. What was out of the ordinary was having some very sinister sounding voices telling him to murder people. And these people sound awfully like…

Robin shook his head.

Well. Sinister voices telling him to murder people was never a good sign. And this dream was especially important today, as today was the day that they would execute his plans to assault Fort Steiger after days of meticulous planning. And if dreams meant anything, then that dream was his subconscious telling him to keep a sharp eye out as something may go wrong on this very important day. That, or that he ate way too much during dinner. And given that Robin didn't eat so much that he felt sick afterward, it was probably the first thing.

Realizing that the sun was rising and that he wasn't going to get anymore sleep, Robin grunted, pulled on his coat, and prepared himself for…something unexpected. Something bad.

But! He tried to limit this something bad by going to someone who could hopefully change his fortunes and cancel out the bad luck from his dreams. Cancel it out with good future fortune in a totally and completely scientifically proven way.

---

"Sumia? Sumia!"

"Ah, Robin. You're up early." Sumia smiled, looking up from where she was feeding Daisy. "What can I do for you?"

"Sumia, I have a very urgent problem I need your help with," Robin said gravely as he ran up to her in the stables.

"Goodness, you look very serious. I hope this doesn't relate to the battle we're supposed to have today."

"I'm afraid that it does."

"Oh my." Sumia looked worried but then put on a brave face. "If you think I can help, then I'll do my best!"

"That's just what I like to hear! Now, Sumia. I need you…"

"Yes?"

"…I need you to give me a flower fortune reading."

Sumia blinked. "…What?"

"A good one," Robin clarified.

"I…" Sumia stared blankly. "…What?"

"Sumia, let's just say that I may or may not have dreamt of some bad things. And you know what bad dreams before a major battle signal?"

"I…"

"That something will go horribly, horribly wrong! It's an ill omen, Sumia, and I don't like it one bit. So I need you to either counter or minimize that ill omen with a good one by giving me a flower fortune that'll say everything will be fine…or something to that effect."

Finally understanding what Robin was saying, Sumia couldn't help but giggle.

"This isn't funny, Sumia! This is serious!"

"I'm sorry, Robin, you're right. I just never realized you were so superstitious."

"Sumia, please," Robin scoffed. "Superstition is a bunch of nonsense made up to fool the naïve and the weak-minded."

"But you—"

"Are a man of logic and facts. However, I also like to be prepared for all circumstances and have my bases covered. Besides, not like it costs me anything to counter potential bad fortune with potential good fortune. So are you going to help me or not?"

Sumia giggled again. "Okay, Robin. Since you make such a convincing argument…"

They both walked outside and Sumia picked a flower.

"Something bad will happen, something bad won't happen, something bad will happen…"

Robin watched nervously as the petals of the flower slowly dwindled.

"…won't happen, will happen, won't happen," Sumia said, plucking the last petal. "And there we have it! My patented flower fortune practically guarantees good luck!"

To emphasize her point, Sumia threw the petals over Robin's head and waved her hands as if casting a spell.

"There we are. One good luck forecast for the next battle."

"Heh, I feel better already. Thanks, Sumia." Robin went for a quick hug.

"You're most welcome, Robin," Sumia returned the hug and smiled. "Anything to help you get us the upper hand."

Seeing Sumia with such a bright smile made Robin's heart skip a beat.

"Right. So I'm going to go off and prepare for the battle ahead. You be careful, yeah?"

"You too, Robin. Good luck out there!"

---

The initial assault went as planned.

Flavia, Basilio, Say'ri's friends, as well as Frederick and Cordelia led their soldiers on a frontal attack of the fortress.

The plan was to send a small force to the fortress and hopefully lure out the bigger Valmese army, thereby avoiding a prolonged and bloody siege for which they had not enough time or resources. At least out in the open, his forces could deploy some of the strategies he came up with, including calling up reinforcements that were stationed around, hidden from the Valmese. By drawing out the Valmese garrison, Robin increased their chances of winning…or at least distracting the Valmese long enough for his group to do what had to be done.

Luckily for everyone involved, the Valmese fell for the ruse. Seeing that the approaching enemy army was just a fraction of the garrisoned forces in the fortress, their leaders probably decided that they could just walk their soldiers out and overwhelm this insignificant army instead of going through the trouble of a siege.

That suited Robin just fine, since soldiers being pulled outside to engage the enemy meant that fewer soldiers to spot them sneaking in.

Now it was just a matter of drawing the Valmese away from the fortress…

Robin watched the forces assemble from his hiding spot. Although their army was much smaller than the Valmese one, all they needed to do was play hit-and-run long enough to draw the Valmese away to where the Resistance reinforcements were waiting.

"…Okay, I think we've waited long enough." Robin turned to his squad. "Everyone ready?"

The group nodded.

"Good." Robin then turned to Morgan. "Morgan, are you sure you want to—"

"Dad, come on. We've been through this already! I've watched you enough times to know what I'm doing. Heck, I've even led the Shepherds a few times!"

"Yeah, I know, but I can't really stop worrying about leaving you alone."

"But I won't be alone."

"Morgan is right, Robin," Lucina said beside her. "We will all be there to keep Morgan safe. You must have faith."

Robin sighed. "Right, right…"

"Fear not, O Fabled Tactician of Legend! Your young apprentice is under the protection of Owain Dark! As long as my body draws breath and my sword hand has a weapon, no nefarious forces shall lay a finger on your daughter!" Owain declared.

"You can count on us to keep Morgan safe," Inigo said, putting on his most charming smile.

Robin looked at the two men dubiously before tuning to Lucina. "Right, so I'm counting on you to keep Morgan safe, Lucina…"

"I won't let you down," the princess said, amused.

"You guys remember the plan?"

"Split up, infiltrate the fortress and meet up in the main hallway before fighting our way through to where their commander is," Morgan recited.

"Good. Remember to use Gaius to scout out corners and hallways ahead of you. Although these tunnels should be empty, you never know. This is doubly important when you actually get into the fortress."

"You can count on me," Gaius said, popping a lollipop into his mouth. "Didn't survive this long being a thief without learning a few tricks to avoid getting caught."

"Right. Scouting is important." Morgan nodded seriously.

Robin reached out and ruffled Morgan's hair affectionately. "Good luck, kiddo. Remember everything I've taught you."

"Come on, Dad. We'll be fine! See you on the other side."

---

"Sure is dark in here…" Robin muttered, conjuring a small fireball in his hand.

"You didn't really expect an abandoned tunnel to be well maintained and lit, did you?" Chrom asked pointedly.

"Well, no, but I did expect at least some light down here. Makes reading this map I drew hard…" Robin squinted as he brought his hand closer to the map he was holding.

"Robin, watch—"

"Argh!"

Robin pulled his hand (with the flame) away and frantically waved his map in the air to prevent it from burning. Of course this resulted in him losing concentration and putting out the flame in his hand, plunging the entire group into darkness.

"Hey, why am I the only one here making the light?"

"I got you," Ricken said, conjuring up his own flame.

"Thank you."

"You want another one? I got a spell that'll light these tunnels up brighter than the sun!" Henry offered.

"No, thank you. We're trying to sneak in unnoticed, not announce our presence," Robin said dryly. "Anyway, let's see where we need to go here…"

"Hey, what do you suppose these tunnels were used for?" Ricken asked, looking around.

"Don't know, don't care. As long as they're not being used anymore," Robin answered absentmindedly, looking at his map.

"Well, if the books we read are any indication, the most common use for old abandoned tunnels are for sewa—"

"Olivia, I'm begging you not to finish that sentence!" Robin cried.

"Huh? Why?"

"Because it is literally all of my willpower not to think about why this these tunnels were abandoned and what I may be walking on with each step I take down here."

Ricken looked down, horrified. "So you're telling me that all this time we've been walking on—"

"Don't say it! Don't even think it!"

"I think I'm gonna be sick…"

"Ricken, keep the light steady!"

"Surely the uses of this tunnel are the least of your concerns, given the mission at hand?" Say'ri commented.

"Hey, I just want to make sure I'm not stepping on anything gross here in the darkness, okay? I mean, there could be rats here! Or rat droppings or something!" Robin shivered.

"Sir Robin, with all due respect…" Say'ri began patiently before Chrom intervened.

"Have you figured out where we need to go, Robin? We're kind of in a rush…"

"Right. We have to take a left and walk straight for a bit, then turn right. That should lead us past…whatever this room here is. And that's our ticket in."

"Okay, lead the way."

---

Gaius slowly lifted the trap door and peeked through. Not hearing or seeing anyone, he deemed it safe to emerge and pull the others up.

"Wow, that was easier than expected," Morgan commented, dusting off her coat. "We didn't even see rats down there. Guess abandoned tunnels really are abandoned."

"It's for the best. Fighting down there wouldn't have been the most ideal thing," Inigo said as he came up.

"For you, maybe, but not for Owain Dark! Once I've unleashed my full power, not even confined space will—!"

"Quiet, mister!" Lissa used her staff to hit Owain on the head. "We're in enemy territory now. Use your indoor voice."

"Ow!" Owain rubbed her head. "Mother, you could really hurt someone with your staff if you hit them hard enough…"

Morgan snickered.

"The infiltration was a success," Lon'qu grunted. "Where to now?"

"Right. Uh…" Morgan checked her map. "The info our informants gave wasn't very specific when it came to the inside of the fortress, but apparently there's a main hall with a stairway that leads to the top. We're supposed to meet the others there."

"Does Morgan have any idea where to we are going?" Gregor inquired.

"Of course I do! We're going to the main hall with the stairway. But since our info is not too clear, we're gonna have to scout a bit." Morgan turned to Gaius. "And that's where you come in!"

"What do you need me to do?"

"Since we're inside the fort, I'm guessing we're gonna come across more traffic than in the tunnels. I'm gonna need you to scout ahead and see if there's anyone in our way, signal if it's safe for us to move, and that sorta stuff. Oh, also if you see a big hall with a stairway and if we can all hide around there somewhere."

"Sounds easy enough. Leave it to me."

With that, Gaius quietly opened the door that led out of their room, looked around, and slipped out.

---

"I never knew that sneaking around would be more stressful than actual, full-on fighting," Robin panted as he closed the door to the room they just ran into.

"This whole 'sneak around carefully and don't get caught' thing really does a number on your nerves," Ricken remarked.

"It just requires enough practice before one becomes a master of avoiding detection," Say'ri said.

"Yeah. This ain't the Vaike's style. Why can't we just come up and whack all these guys with our weapons?"

"Because it's mostly servants down here and I'd like to avoid being discovered until we at least make it to the upper levels of the fortress where the soldiers mostly are," Robin explained.

"A worthy goal," Chrom said. "But how do you manage to know when to move and when to hide?"

"I'm surprised you haven't noticed."

"What?"

Just then, the door behind them seemed to open and close by itself.

"…What was that?"

"Just our best spy," Robin said nonchalantly. "Kellam, report."

"Kellam?" Chrom squinted and almost jumped back when the knight seemed to materialize right beside him. "…How long has he been here?"

"All this time, I'd bet. And your reaction is exactly the reason I took him."

"You're sure no one will see him wandering around with his big, bulky armor?" Chrom asked dubiously.

Instead of answering, Robin turned to Miriel.

"After extensive observation, I have come to the conclusion that Kellam's ability to withdraw from people's consciousness and senses is true for both friend and foe alike."

"So…not even the servants outside will be able to notice him?" Chrom inquired curiously.

"So long as there is not an active combat situation where an individual is actively scanning his surroundings for hostile forces, no."

"Which makes him the perfect man to scout out the surrounding area!" Robin said triumphantly. "So, Kellam, what news?"

"It's getting busier," Kellam reported. "Servants going in and out ahead. I don't think there's any way we can go unseen."

Robin frowned.

"Is it time to curse everyone in the area?" Tharja asked hopefully.

"Yay!" Henry cheered.

"No cursing the servants!" Robin snapped.

The dark mages deflated.

"We just need a distraction…" Robin glanced over to the various bags and crates lying in the corner and got an idea. "Kellam, keep an eye out. Tell us the moment it's all clear to move out."

"Okay."

"Robin?" Chrom looked at his friend.

"Get ready to get the hell out of here," Robin said, smiling deviously and conjuring up a fireball.

---

"Okay, so I think we should be getting closer now," Morgan said.

"How can you tell?" Lucina asked.

"Just a feeling. And Dad always said to trust my feelings," Morgan answered matter-of-factly.

"Well, can your 'feelings' get us past all those people up ahead?" Gaius spoke up, returning to the room they were in. "There's a lot of them up ahead. Don't think there's any way we're getting past 'em without being seen."

"Well that's not good…" Morgan frowned. "We're just gonna have to clear them all out. Or at least get them out of our way. I wanna say Dad taught me how to conjure some fog or something. Gimme a minute to remember…"

As Morgan stood there thinking, there was a sudden commotion outside.

"…That doesn't sound good…" Lissa remarked.

"Oy. Is sounding like outside is under attack!" Gregor said.

"There is a commotion of some sort. Panic and chaos…" Panne explained, putting her ear to the ground. "The man-spawn are running around in confusion."

Gaius managed to crack the door open a little bit and peek outside.

"Lots of panicky-looking people out there rushing in one direction."

"Lucky us! Looks like all we have to do is wait until they run to whatever it is that's freaking them out and we can sneak by unseen," Morgan said cheerfully.

Gaius opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted when someone rushed into the room (and hit him in the face with the door).

"Hey, what're you all doing here when we have a fire spreading outside?!" exclaimed the man. He then paused and looked at the assembled Shepherds. "You don't look like you belong here. Who are you?"

"Urgh, damn it! You slammed that door right in my face!" Gaius cried. "I think you broke my nose…"

The assembled Shepherds looked to each other as they were at a loss about what do to. Some (like Lon'qu) were about seconds away from unsheathing their weapons and cutting the man down.

"Oh hey, you. You work here, right?"

Luckily for everyone involved, Morgan took the initiative.

"Yes, why?" the man asked suspiciously.

"Because this bag of gold here says that you didn't see anything," Morgan replied, tossing the man a pouch of coins.

The man caught the pouch and his eyes widened when he looked inside. He then looked at Morgan, who smiled innocently.

"Argh, gods! The fire's spreading!" came a voice from outside. "Hey, Marcus, did you find any buckets in that room?"

The man looked back, at the pouch in his hands, and at the Shepherds (and the weapons at their sides).

"…Nothing of use in this room. Move on!" the man named Marcus shouted before closing the door.

"Well that takes care of that," Morgan declared. "Although I gotta talk to Dad about reclaimable expenses…"

"Expenses?" Lissa questioned.

"Well yeah. Paying that guy to ignore all of us suspicious people who also happen to be armed to the teeth wasn't cheap. It cost me like, a month's worth of allowance! Luckily that counts as a 'reclaimable expense' since it was an expense during the course of a mission and means Dad will reimburse me. Good thing, too. If I had to pay off people to look the other way when we sneak into their fortified base using my own money, I'd be broke!"

"I really hope you don't make this a habit…" Lucina said disapprovingly.

"Eh." Morgan shrugged. "It was either that or just stabbing that guy. And given the fact that he was a noncombatant and offing him would attract a lot of unnecessary attention and cause more trouble that it was worth, I figured this would be the most effective course of action."

"You would consider killing an innocent civilian for the mission?" Lucina asked, horrified.

"Hard to say. It really depends on a lot of different factors. Anyway, that's over and done with. Now we have to wait for the right opportunity to sneak by," Morgan said, before adding, "Oh, and someone may want to fix up Gaius before he starts whining."

"Hey, did you see how fast the door swung in my face?!"

Lissa rolled her eyes. "Hush, you baby. Now stay still while I get a look at you…"

---

"Heh, just goes to show that any problem in life can be solved by starting a little fire," Robin quipped as they made their way to the main hallway.

Chrom looked at the smoke behind them. "Robin, the fire you started is more than just 'little.'"

"Okay, so maybe a big one. The concept is still the same. Besides, I'm sure those Valmese folks back there will have the thing under control eventually." Robin paused. "Well, that or it'll burn the entire fortress down. Either way, we'll be long gone before then! Anyway, look! Here we are."

And it was true. The group walked out of the corridor they were in and right into the main hall.

"Ha ha! Even when armed with nothing but this rudimentary map and my wits, I still manage to get us to our destination. Sometimes I'm so good I impress even myself."

"Yes, well don't get too ahead of yourself. Remember we still have to wait for the others," Chrom reminded. "And then comes the fight to their commander."

"Come on, Chrom, the second group is led by Morgan! She's basically a smaller, cuter version of myself. You can bet your gold that she—"

Robin was interrupted as a door opened near them. He was halfway to casting a spell when a head with a familiar shade of orange peeked out.

"Coast's all clear," Gaius announced. "Looks like the fire really took the heat and attention off us."

"Heh, 'Heat.' That's pretty good," came a familiar voice behind them.

"See? Right on schedule," Robin said to Chrom before turning and getting the other group's attention. "Hey! You're late!"

"Nuh-uh!" Morgan's head popped up from the doorway. "Your imaginary watch is fast."

"A quick riposte. Well done." Robin nodded approvingly. Once everyone was gathered, he asked, "Anyway, brief recap, go!"

"The mission was successful. Nothing of interest to report. No issues or enemies encountered," Morgan recited automatically. "Oh, but some expenses were incurred. Will go into more detail after."

"…Expenses?" Robin looked at Morgan quizzically. "You were on a stealthy sneaking mission! What kind of expenses could you possibly have—"

"What is the meaning of this commotion?!"

The Shepherds all turned to see a group of Valmese soldiers rushing down.

"Hey, you don't look like you are supposed to be here. Identify yourselves!" barked the lead soldier.

"I, uh, don't suppose you'll believe that we're here to fix the leak on the third floor?" Robin ventured hopefully.

"Intruders have infiltrated the fortress! Men, to arms!"

"It was worth a shot…" Robin unsheathed his sword. "Morgan, to me. Everyone, ready up!"

---

"Men, fall back!" Frederick shouted.

While he and his soldiers held off the Valmese, the rest of the army slowly retreated back toward the valley.

Watching his forces fall back, Frederick failed to see the Valmese soldier running up to him. He only had enough time to turn his head and see the soldier being impaled by a javelin.

"I think it's about time you fell back with your soldiers, Knight-Commander," Cordelia observed, landing her pegasus beside Frederick. "Robin's plans called for a convincing show of retreat in order to draw the Valmese into our trap, but I doubt he meant convincing enough to lose one of our most senior commanders."

"Duly noted, Sky-Commander." Frederick nodded and signaled the remaining forces fighting to fall back. "Let us hope Robin's plans see us to victory."

"He's never let us down before."

"That is true, although the odds don't seem particularly good at present."

"If Robin were here, I'm sure he'd tell you to never tell him the odds," Cordelia quipped. "Well, that or the fact that his expertise lies in situations that are generally less than ideal."

"Two things I can very well imagine him saying. Take caution, Sky-Commander. You've spent so much time around our resident tactician that you're beginning to sound like him."

"There are worse people to takes cues from."

"True, although you are constantly serious and well-trained when it comes to your duties. I would hate to lose that in the face of Robin's...work ethic."

"Being a bit dramatic, aren't we?"

"It looks like the last of our soldiers are falling back," Frederick observed. "I believe it's time we followed their lead and hope the Valmese don't realize what they will be walking into."

Cordelia nodded. "My squadron will cover your retreat. Good luck!"

"And you."

---

"Dear gods, I thought all the soldiers were supposed to be out there fighting. How are there still so many left behind here?!" Robin exclaimed as he dodged a sword swing and shot a bolt of lighting at a Valmese soldier, knocking him back against a wall.

"Ragh!" Chrom pulled his sword from a Valmese knight. "This is a huge fortress and their commander is still holed up here. Of course there'd be a significant contingent of troops here. You didn't really think it'd be so easy as sneaking in with no one inside, did you?"

"Well, not exactly no one, but surely not this!" Robin pointed to the trail of Valmese soldiers lining the hallway. "Gods, it's not even their entire force over here and we've already been fighting for several floors! This intel I got better be right or we're going to be in very serious trouble if we don't find the commander…"

"The information is reliable," Say'ri said firmly. "We have spent too much time and resources infiltrating this fortress for anything less."

"Well, your intel is the only lead we got so far, so it's too late to change course now. According to this, we should be on the right floor, which would explain the stiff resistance we've faced at this point. Now, we should…"

A door suddenly opened nearby, startling the Shepherds.

"Ah, it looks like we've made it just in time," came a merry voice.

"L-lord Clyde?" Say'ri was clearly caught off-guard at his appearance.

"At your service."

"This is…how did you…what are…?" Say'ri was so stunned she struggled to find words.

"I figured you could use some help taking out the Valmese general," Clyde said breezily. "To that end, I've brought a few friends with me."

He then stepped out to reveal a whole group of soldiers behind him.

"A most welcome development indeed," Chrom said. "But how did you all manage to sneak past the Valmese undetected?"

"It was nothing with the distraction of the battle," Demetrius said, coming into view. "We managed to use the same entry points and find our way up here to meet with your forces and offer our aid for the assault on the enemy commander."

As the allied soldiers were forming up, Robin observed the scene, his mind taking in everything that happened and suspicion increasing with every minute.

"Psst, Dad?" Morgan pulled at his coat. "Weren't these guys supposed to be out there fighting the Valmese?"

"They were," Robin replied sternly.

"And only we have the secret infiltration maps, right?"

"We do."

"And as far as we know, those little scribbly maps we have are the only maps of the fortress that we have, right?"

"They are."

"So…how did these guys all manage to not only find their way up here without any guidance, but also sneak all these soldiers past the Valmese without them or us noticing?"

"There are a few scenarios…" Robin frowned. "None of them reassuring."

"Dad?"

"Keep your guard up, Morgan. I have a bad feeling about this…"

"—nderstood. Your assistance is greatly appreciated," Say'ri said politely to the other lords. "Sir Chrom, a word, if I may?"

Say'ri then led Chrom to where Robin and Morgan were standing.

"My friends, I fear something is amiss."

"There is no way our other forces could infiltrate the fortress so quickly after us," Robin stated bluntly.

Say'ri nodded. "Aye."

"What does this mean?" Chrom asked.

"Probably nothing good," Morgan commented.

"We must be wary," Robin finished. "Chrom, casually tell the others to keep their guard up. Right now, these people are still ostensibly our allies and we must treat them as such, but…"

"Some things don't add up and it's probably gonna be bad news when they do, so we gotta be prepared for anything!" Morgan finished

Robin couldn't help but grin. "Well put, Morgan. So get the word out, yeah? I don't like what's going on and I have a feeling it's only going to get worse…"

---

"Form up, men!" Frederick shouted to the knights. "Remember the plan and let the Valmese come to you!"

The "defeated" soldiers all lined up to form a defensive line and prepared to engage the pursuing Valmese.

"Archers, fire at will!"

A hail of arrows flew at the approaching Valmese.

Frederick then saw the pegasi flying overhead and nodded.

Cordelia, seeing the signal, blew a horn she was carrying.

"So, we finally letting the others join the fight?" Kjelle asked.

"We are," Frederick confirmed. "The enemy is far enough from the fortress and hopefully overconfident given our constant and disorganized 'retreat.' They shouldn't be expecting all of our reinforcements to come in from the valleys surrounding them."

"Heh, good. Finally an end to all this running backward. Now the fight can start for real!"

Frederick had to admit that Sully and Vaike's daughter sure was…eager. Hopefully that would help them in the battle ahead…

---

"This should be the commander's office," Robin said, looking between his map and the door in front of him.

"I would hope so. I mean, look at that door!" Morgan exclaimed. "It's so big and fancy. Way more so than all the other doors. If I had to bet, I'd say that was either the commander's office or a treasure vault."

"How cliché," Robin scoffed. "You'd think that the commander would want to make his office inconspicuous instead of advertising it to the entire world by having a big, fancy door."

"Yes, clearly. Not like, say, someone buying some of the finest dark wood for his door, with elaborate gold trimmings and designs, along with some very extravagant doorknobs," Chrom remarked.

"That's not…! I mean…!" Robin cleared his throat. "Is everyone ready to engage?"

The Shepherds snickered and nodded. Meanwhile, the other Resistance soldiers watched the scene and wondered how this seemingly amateurish force could have possibly gotten this far.

"Okay, everyone, prepare to—"

"Going loud!"

Robin interrupted whatever motivational speech Chrom had by dramatically kicking the door open.

"I guess that's one way to go…"

The group entered into a large room and saw a woman sitting behind a table, surrounded by soldiers.

"Hmph. Certainly took you long enough," the woman said.

"You were expecting us," Robin replied.

"Please. You were talking outside my door and didn't even bother to lower your voices. The only way you could have been more obvious is if you announced yourselves beforehand. Regardless, allow me to introduce myself." The woman stood up. "I am General Pheros, commander of the Central Army and overseer of Fort Steiger's garrison."

"Wow. She's being quite civil," Morgan commented. "Usually the bad guys don't introduce themselves and go straight for the stabbing."

Before anyone could say anything further, a bright light covered the room.

"Argh!" Blinking away the spots in his eyes, Robin saw that there was one more person on Pheros' side that definitely wasn't there before.

"Oooh, it appears I'm just in time for the Rebellion reunion! Delicious..." said the man (although Robin wasn't too sure about that. He looked less like a man and more like an overgrown toad or something, with bulging eyes and fat lips). "Please, do give your 'friends' your warmest welcome. Just remember your promise...or you can be sure I will remember mine."

Say'ri growled. "What do you speak of, snake?!"

"Why don't you let your friends show you?" the man sneered.

Say'ri's eyes caught movement at the corner of her eyes. Turning, she was shocked to see the other Resistance soldiers pointing their weapons at her.

"W-what…?"

"I'm sorry," Clyde muttered.

"Lord Clyde, Lord Demetrius? What is the meaning of this?!"

"Circumstances have forced us into this position," Demetrius said grimly.

"Why—!"

While everyone was expressing shock and indignation at the turn of events, Robin was quickly forming a plan of action.

He subtly elbowed Morgan. When she looked up, Robin tilted his head to the soldiers to her left.

Catching on, Morgan nodded and clasped her hands together, hiding them under her robe's long sleeves while she prepared a spell. Likewise, Robin crossed his arms and began readying his own spell.

"Oooh, it seems we've touched a nerve! I do so enjoy inappropriate touching..." the man cackled. "Now be good little servants and scrub the stronghold of these Ylissean filth."

The Resistance lords grimaced.

"What is this meddling, Excellus?!" Pheros demanded.

"'Meddling'? Why, General Pheros, one might almost mistake you for ungrateful. This 'meddling' is going to save your post, and quite possibly your life."

"We've no need of your parlor tricks here, schemer!" Pheros spat. "I can handle this myself."

Excellus rolled his eyes. "Why yes, of course you can, General! I can see you're doing SO well already. You're obviously just...waiting to crush the Ylisseans? Toying with them, like a cat! I only brought these rebels so they might learn from your shining example! They were so anxious to join the cause..."

Pheros narrowed her eyes. "Because you threatened them? Tortured them? Or perhaps their families? Their villages?"

"Well, I would not wish to burden you with such mundane details, good General. You have more important matters to deal with..." Excellus cleared his throat. "But rest assured they are QUITE motivated. Feel free to thank me some other time!"

And with that, Excellus disappeared with another flash of light.

"Odious freak. He has no honor. Just the sight of him makes me sick. He is the worm, yet I'm the one left squirming..." Pheros shivered. "True, his interference may seal our victory...but he'll never hear me say it. Ylisseans! You are surrounded and outnumbered! Lay down your weapons and surrender and some of you may yet make it out alive."

"Surrender to you imperial dogs? I would sooner die than face such a disgrace!" Say'ri snarled.

"Surely you see that you have no other option," Pheros said patiently. "I give you one last chance."

Chrom looked over to Robin, who grinned and nodded in return.

"My friends, what is our next course of action?" Say'ri asked urgently.

"I think I'll let my friend here do the talking," Chrom said loudly, gesturing to Robin.

"And who might you be?" Pheros questioned.

"Me? My dear General, I am but a simple—NOW!"

On his mark, both Robin and Morgan unleashed their chain lightning spells at the soldiers nearest to them. Their spells shocked the initial target before jumping to others within the immediate vicinity, catching the traitorous soldiers unprepared and giving the Shepherds an opening.

"Chrom, take whoever you need and take out the general! We'll give you some breathing room!" Robin shouted.

"Thanks, Robin!"

"Father, I'm coming with you!"

Chrom nodded and, with Lucina in tow, shot straight to where Pheros and her guards were.

"The rest of you, show these traitorous dastards what happens when you double-cross the Shepherds!"

---

"Ha, look at those Valmese run!" Basilio laughed. "We sure showed them!"

"Don't get overconfident, oaf. They put up one hell of a fight. The only reason we won is due to Robin's strategy and our flier advantage," Flavia said.

"Bah! Whatever the means, the outcome is still the same," Basilio replied dismissively. "This here was the biggest garrison on this part of Valm and we just sent them scattering with their tails between their legs! I'd say that's worth celebrating."

"You do realize that it wasn't the entire fortress army, right? Although I suppose this victory is worth celebrating."

"We would have to hope that the others have been as successful in their mission as we were with ours," Frederick said, standing beside the khans.

"I'd say they'll be fine. With Chrom and Robin leading, there's no way it'd go sideways," Basilio predicted.

"Of course it's important to remember that we didn't win this on our own," Sumia reminded. "This victory belongs to everyone who united to stand against the empire."

"Of course." Flavia turned to a group of Valmese lords. "Thanks for your help. With your troops, we really have a chance to win this thing."

"Please, it was…" Eizengard looked uncomfortable.

"Is something the matter?" Cordelia inquired.

"I…please know we take no pleasure in what we are about to do."

Before anyone could ask any more questions, the allied rebel soldiers suddenly surrounded the Shepherds.

"What the—?!"

"What is the meaning of this?!" Flavia yelled angrily. "Have you dastards been working for Walhart this entire time?!"

"N-not…exactly…"

"Then why did you help us fight the Valmese?" Cordelia asked. "Surely if you wanted us dead, your best chance would have been to during our battle."

"Know that my fellow lords and I take no pleasure in betraying you so," Eizengard said apologetically. "And even though we are forced to carry out the empire's orders, that does not mean we do so willingly and don't wish to see it crumble."

"But then why—?"

"Who cares why? The fact of the matter is that these backstabbing dogs have decided to turn on us now that we've outlasted our usefulness!" Basilio exclaimed.

"I understand this situation is not ideal, but—"

Flavia scoffed.

"I…" Eizengard struggled for words, understanding she couldn't come out of this situation looking good. "…We have been tasked with securing your surrender…or otherwise. Please, come peacefully and I promise you no one will be harmed."

"Surrender? To the likes of you? Ha! Surrender isn't a word in the Feroxi dictionary!"

"Please, you are surrounded! Surely you see there is no point in trying to fight your way out!" Eizengard pleaded.

"Then you dastards shall see how many of you traitorous cowards it takes to bring down some angry Feroxi! Isn't that right, boys?!" Basilio shouted to his men, to affirmative cries.

Eizengard turned to Frederick, hoping he could talk the hot-headed khans down, but the knight returned her gaze coldly.

"We knights swore to lay down our lives in service to the Haildom and to the exalted line. To shirk our duties and surrender would be the ultimate betrayal and dishonor. So—"

"So that means if you expected us to just roll over, you're either stupid or deluded," Sully said crudely. "You may have us outnumbered, but we sure as hell aren't going down without putting up a serious fight!"

The Ylisseans all cheered in agreement and adopted battle stances.

"So come at us, you damn scum!" Sully dared.

There was a tense moment as the other rebel soldiers looked uncertainly at each other and their commanders, seeing the ferocity in the eyes of the Feroxi and the Ylisseans and how they were ready to take down as many enemies as they could despite being outnumbered and surrounded.

"…Men, lay down your weapons."

Everyone looked to a woman with long, teal hair coming over.

"Lady Erica? What are you—?" Eizengard began.

"I am telling my countrymen to lay down their weapons," the woman known as Erica explained calmly.

"Are you sure that is wise?"

"Am I sure that it is wise to spare the lives of my countrymen rather than throwing them away on a pointless battle and a cause I neither believe nor wish to pursue? Yes, I think it is." Erica then turned to her soldiers. "Stand down."

Some soldiers wearing the colors of whatever country Erica was from sheathed their weapons.

"I understand there may be consequences," Erica said, pre-empting questioning from Eizengard. "But the battlefield is a chaotic place where anything can happen, including letting the foreigners slip by us while our soldiers were engaged in battle. I can't help it if factors out of my control prevented me from carrying out my 'orders.' There has been enough violence this day and I do not want to further stain the fields with blood."

Eizengard looked thoughtfully at Erica, before turning her gaze to her men, and the Shepherds.

"…Men, let them pass."

The soldiers surrounding the Ylisseans and Feroxi slowly put their weapons away and stepped aside until there was a clear path back to the fortress.

"Go," Eizengard said. "Although we do not wish to pursue this further, some of the other lords are more opportunistic."

"Wait, what? Do you think you can—" Basilio began before he was interrupted by Cordelia.

"With all due respect, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth, shall we? We're being offered a way to get out of this situation and reunite with the others. I say we take it and ask questions later."

"Red's right," Flavia said. "As much as I don't like what just happened, we need to take this opportunity while it's hot. Let's go, people! Move it!"

Thus the Ylisseans and Feroxi made their way past the rebel soldiers toward the fortress, with some throwing suspicious looks at the rebels as they passed.

"That was a brave decision you made," Eizengard remarked.

"It was the right one," Erica replied. "This day has seen too much death already."

"Your brother may pay the price, you know."

"I am aware, although that will only happen if our enemy discovers it was I who let the foreigners go." Erica looked at Eizengard pointedly.

Eizengard smiled.

"They will not."

---

"Nngh..." Pheros collapsed against the wall, clutching her stomach. "Well done... I may not live...to see Walhart unify all mankind...with my own eyes... But I have seen it...in my dreams... And that is enough..."

As the general's eyes closed for the last time, Chrom panted heavily, using Falchion to help himself stand up.

"Gods, she was tough. I hate fighting mages…"

"Her and her henchmen both," Say'ri agreed beside him. "But we managed to emerge victorious."

"After some very vicious fighting…" Lucina gazed at the blood covering her Falchion.

"Indeed. Gods, I really hope that—"

"USELESS!"

Chrom, Say'ri, and Lucina all looked back at the sudden exclamation to see Robin pull his sword out of a rebel soldier's chest and carelessly shove him aside. He then walked to where the three were standing, expression dark.

"What…was that?" Chrom asked slowly.

"That was me trying to pry where their blasted leaders ran off to during all the fighting. They turn coat on us but flee when things go badly for them. Not only are they traitors, they're also cowards," Robin said with disgust. "That guy either refused to talk or didn't know. He's a dirty traitor either way and got what he deserved."

"Sir Robin, I must profusely apologize for…all of this," Say'ri said. "Words cannot express my shame. My...regret... Finally, I succeed in uniting the disparate lords of the realm, but only against us! I—"

"It's not your fault Say'ri, don't apologize," Robin interrupted. "It's not like you knew they were all planning to betray us when we needed them most. However, once we make it out of here, I want the names of every single person who came to 'help' us today. I want their names, their countries, where they live, who serves them, everything."

"Very well, but may I ask why?"

"Because I need to show them what happens when you betray me…" Robin muttered ominously.

Lucina looked worriedly at Robin's dark expression.

"As much as we may want to get back at the others, let's first focus on the task at hand and what we came here for, shall we?" Chrom suggested.

"Right. So, we're in—" Robin's eyes suddenly widened as he realized something.

"Robin? Something wrong?"

Instead of answering, the grandmaster called out for his daughter.

"Morgan!"

"Dad?" Morgan quickly rushed to her father's side.

"Morgan, I need you to take the others and quickly make your way to the front of the fortress."

"What? Why?"

"Because my plan called for the others to distract the Valmese by luring them outside and getting help from the other rebel lords."

"And if they're working for the bad guys like the ones we just beat are, then the others are in real trouble," Morgan concluded quickly.

"That is exactly why I need to know what's happening out there. Worst case scenario is that everyone else is…" Robin trailed off before shaking his head. "I need to know, even if it's bad news."

"You can count on me!"

"I know I can, dear." Robin smiled. "But remember that there are still Valmese forces out there. Be careful when you make your way to the front."

Morgan nodded resolutely.

After giving the other Shepherds a quick briefing, they all set off.

"The others…" Chrom mumbled.

So focused was he on their current predicament, he failed to consider that the reinforcements that were supposed to help their main forces could also betray them.

Chrom and Lucina were silent as the possibility dawned on them, while the guilt and shame threatened to overwhelm Say'ri.

"Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. We don't know what the situation is outside until the others come back. Right now, we have to sift through everything here and grab whatever papers we can," Robin said, gesturing to the desk in the room.

The others nodded and tried to push their thoughts to the back of their minds in order to focus on finding anything useful. Luckily for them, there was a lot to sift through and keep their thoughts occupied.

Robin was glad that his coat had so many pockets. The next time someone doubted his coat's magical abilities of keeping things, Robin would cite this instance before going into a long lecture on the virtues of pockets and having as many of them as possible.

He was busy stuffing various maps and other documents into his coat pockets when Morgan rushed back in.

"Wow. That was fast," Robin commented. "What news?"

"Better than you were expecting, probably," Morgan replied. "Behold!"

And as she stepped aside, Robin was relieved to see Basilio, Flavia, Frederick and everyone else from the other group unharmed.

"Hey, you guys are all alive! Does that mean…?"

"Those blasted rebels turned coat on us once the Valmese were dealt with!" Basilio exclaimed angrily.

"…Oh." Robin deflated. "But how'd you guys all manage to make it back to us alive and unharmed?"

"Those damn cowards backed off as soon as we told them what they can expect if they try to take us in, that's how! Traitors though they may be, they're at least not stupid, not that it helps us any…" Flavia shook her head in disgust.

"Well, I'm glad you all at least made it back here safely," Robin said.

"As much as I hate to interrupt this reunion, I have to remind you all that our former allies are in the empire's employ and are moving to surround the fortress," Frederick informed.

"Always the bearer of bad news, aren't we, Frederick?"

Just then a soldier rushed into the room.

"Milords! Dire news! Our forces to the north and south have been decimated by Walhart and Yen'fay! What's worse, most of the survivors have turned their coats for the empire!"

Robin's eye twitched at the news.

"B-but our troops numbered in the hundreds of thousands!" Say'ri exclaimed.

Basilio grunted. "The empire must have had more."

"Or perhaps have been better trained and equipped..." Flavia grumbled.

"Blast! Walhart and my brother—where are their armies now?" Say'ri demanded.

"Marching toward this fortress, milady. It's only a matter of time."

"Bah! So much for fortune favoring the bold. This war was lost before it even began," Basilio said.

Chrom sighed in frustration. "All our struggles until now, and we've yet to so much as dent the empire..."

"This can't be how it ends. There must be a way!" Lucina insisted.

Everyone turned to Robin expectantly.

"…Well the way I see it, our first order of business should be to get the hell out of here. Right now."

"And just how are we supposed to do that when we're surrounded?" asked Flavia.

"We're almost surrounded," Robin corrected. "When the other armies arrive, then we'll be trapped for sure. If we intend to escape, now is our best chance."

"Robin is right," Cordelia agreed. "The others outside didn't seem too enthused about following the empire's orders. It seems they betray us not out of any sense of loyalty to the empire, but out of pressure or fear. They pretty much let us walk back to the fortress. I'll bet they'll only put up token resistance without their masters watching."

"But we can't keep running forever. How do we hope to turn the tide?" Chrom asked.

"By striking at either Walhart or Yen'fay before they join strength," Robin said plainly.

Chrom frowned. "Either one seems a death sentence."

"One general would be upon us before we could finish with the other," Say'ri added.

"Which is why we attack both."

Everyone stared at Robin incredulously.

"Our army lies in tatters, yet you would divide it by half?!" Flavia cried.

"...I didn't say by half. Chrom would lead our strongest troops against Yen'fay. Meanwhile, a smaller force could attack Walhart."

Basilio snorted. "A SMALLER force? We couldn't defeat him with double our entire number."

"Then it's a good thing the main objective will be to stall."

Basilio paused to think. "Hmm... Spend some lives to buy the other team time..."

"This smaller force would face our most dangerous mission yet. It would need a leader of unparalleled skill, reckless bravery..." Chrom said gravely.

Basilio laughed. "All right, Chrom, please—you're embarrassing me! I'll do it already—just stop with all the compliments!"

"Hey, Lucina? Doesn't this remind you of the stories we heard in the future?" Inigo whispered to his sister, "About how Basilio died during the Valmese invasion?"

"—am being serious. I'll lead the squad, though I prefer my steaks well done..."

"Yeah, I think I remember that too," Owain whispered. "Didn't we hear that Basilio died during a prolonged and epic battle with Walhart himself?"

Lucina's eyes widened in horror as she remembered.

"Then it's settled. I'll make preparations and be off. The rest of you stay with Chrom and keep him safe," Basilio said as he prepared to set off.

"Wait!"

Everyone turned and looked at Lucina, surprised at her outburst.

"Stop! I cannot allow you to go, Khan Basilio. You will die in this battle. I know it for truth!"

"…You know, lass, you have a strange way of saying good-bye," Basilio joked. "All right, then. Who is it? Who kills me? Is it Walhart himself? ...Please say yes. It'd make a poor song to die at the end of some farmer's pitchfork."

Lucina nodded. "...Yes, it was Walhart. Or so goes the story I heard. We must change our plans so fate cannot take this course!"

Basilio smirked. "All I needed to know. Thank you much, lass. ...I'll be careful."

"Y-you're still going? But I just told you—"

"Aye, I heard you just fine," Basilio interrupted, "But someone still has to stall his division from advancing. If he's the one that kills me, well then, I'll just avoid confronting him. You don't grow this old and handsome without knowing how to avoid trouble.

Lucina shook her head vigorously. "N-no! It's never that simple."

"Don't worry, love, he'll be fine," Flavia said, approaching the two. "He'll have me to keep an eye on him."

"You aren't coming, woman!" Basilio said emphatically. "You're the reigning khan!"

"I thought you intended to survive this, oaf. Regna Ferox has two khans, and now you're responsible for both. I dare you to die now!"

Basilio remained silent before bursting into laughter. "All right, all right. You can come. ...Hope that's all right, Chrom."

"Just look after each other."

"Ha! I'll bring this big ox back on a leash if it comes to that."

"Luck and more be with you all. We'll meet again soon," Basilio promised.

"But please, your future! You must—" Lucina tried desperately to prevent Basilio from going.

"'Please,' yourself! Not another word. I fully intend to outlive all you sprogs—just see if I don't. And as for your 'future,' it can kiss my big brown Feroxi arse!"

"Lucina, I know you're worried, but you have to have faith," Chrom said, putting his hands on Lucina's shoulders. "Just because Basilio is heading out to face Walhart doesn't mean that things will be as they were in your future."

"But—"

"For one, we have you to warn us of things to come so we can take steps to avoid them. Basilio also has Flavia to look after him this time. Did the stories mention that in your future?"

"N…no…" Lucina admitted reluctantly.

"Then things are already different than in your time. You just have to have faith, Lucina. After all, didn't you say that fate can be changed?"

Lucina nodded.

"Trust in Basilio, dear," Olivia added soothingly. "Everything will work out in the end."

Lucina closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"…Very well. I will put my faith and hope that things will turn out differently. Thank you, Mother, Father."

"Yes, having faith is nice and all, but now that we've decided on a course of action, every minute we spend not getting the hell out of here is a minute the Valmese draw closer to completely encircling us," Robin interjected. "So let's work on getting out of here before we worry about the future, shall we?"

---

Robin hated planning on a tight deadline. Robin liked to go over his plans and perfect them over days and weeks to account for all possibilities and minimize casualties. Tight deadlines meant he could do neither and had to haphazardly form a plan that simply achieved whatever was their more pressing goal at the time. And due to his occupation, planning on tight deadlines was a depressingly common occurrence.

So after quickly splitting their forces, trading maps, and hammering out a basic attack plan, the two groups split up and headed into separate directions.

Fortunately for all, Cordelia's assessment proved correct as the traitorous Resistance soldiers and their superiors didn't seem all that interested in dying for the empire. Although it helped that the Shepherds used the underground tunnel network to make their escape, the soldiers they encountered outside let all of them pass without incident.

Given the urgency of the situation, Robin decided that the most pressing issue right now was to put as much distance between themselves and the fortress as possible so that they could win some breathing room before properly hammering out their next move.

And in pursuit of this objective, he pushed the Shepherds to their limits by having them march non-stop until Robin felt they were a relatively safe distance between themselves and the fortress.

It was after hours of marching that the Shepherds, ragged and exhausted, came upon some very impressive ruins.

"D-dad? Can we take a break now?" Morgan asked, panting heavily. "I don't think I can feel my legs…"

Robin looked at his daughter and then to his friends, assessing their conditions.

"If you think we still need to move, we move," Chrom said, determined. "We can keep it up for as long as you need us to."

"I think we need a break at this point. Any more walking and we won't be in any condition to do anything for the next few days," Robin observed. "Besides, this looks far and out of the way enough to make camp for the night."

"Hail, travelers!"

Robin's hand instinctively shot to his sword when he saw an old man approaching.

"Who are you?"

"I am but a simple curator for these holy grounds. Have you come to pay your respects to the Earth Mother?"

"Uh…"

"My! You certainly are in some condition! Feels like you've seen quite some misfortune on your way here, it does. Please, let our healers look you over while you rest and offer prayers to the Earth Mother."

Morgan's head shot up at the word "rest."

Noticing this, Robin chuckled and accepted the elder's invitation.

Apparently, the Shepherds had stumbled upon some Mila shrine ruins and that a group of priests and clerics had made it their base. The elder proceeded to explain the history and significance of the area for the surrounding villages, but Robin tuned those out as it was only now that he began to realize how tired he was.

"Gods…!" Robin sighed once he finally managed to sit down. "Running for your lives really takes it out of you…"

"And here I thought infiltrating the fortress and taking out their commander was the hard part…" Morgan plopped down on the cot next to him. "I'm pooped."

"Well you can rest easy now, Morgan. It looks like we won some breathing room."

"I'm sooooo glad…"

"Heh, looks like you're not the only one," Robin commented, looking around the makeshift medical room where the kindly healers were looking over the Shepherds, with some really looking out of it.

Just as Robin was starting to relax, a man ran frantically in the room.

"R-run for your lives! There's a group of bandits coming!"

The healers and curators of the ruins understandably started freaking out.

"But we have nothing of value!"

"How can we defend ourselves? We are but simple healers!"

"They can't do their foul business here. They wouldn't! This is sacred ground!"

And while they were freaking out, Robin put his hands over his face and cursed his luck.

"Robin."

"I know what you're going to say, Chrom."

"Then I think you agree that fighting off these bandits and protecting these innocents is also in our best interest since they've taken us in and taken care of us."

"…Dad? Are we gonna fight some more? Because I don't think I have it in me for another prolonged engagement…"

"You're not the only one, Morgan. Fortunately for all of us who don't have Chrom/Frederick levels of stamina and endurance, I have a solution," Robin said, before shouting, "Gaius!"

"Yo." The thief casually walked up. "What's up, Bubbles?"

"We have a situation that calls for drastic measures. You still have the stash?"

"Yeah…" Gaius confirmed uncertainly. "How much you looking to take out?"

"As much as it'll take to get everyone fighting."

"But that's pretty much the entire thing!"

"And that's exactly why I'm paying you to keep that thing fully stocked." Robin narrowed his eyes. "You did keep that thing fully stocked, right? Because so help me Naga—!"

"Well, I might have taken a few bits here and there, but!" Gaius added quickly, "There's still plenty to go around!"

"Then start right now. Give."

Chrom took in the exchange between the two.

"…What in Naga's name are you talking about?"

"Being prepared for everything and me generally being an amazing tactician," Robin said blithely. "So long story short: I've foreseen that maybe we'd have instances when we need to fight when we're dead tired and have come up with an ingenious solution."

"…Involving Gaius?"

"As someone who devours ungodly amounts of candy and sugar, I figured he'd be the perfect one to go to. Besides, he's apparently also an amazing cook."

Chrom gave Robin a quizzical look.

"I know! I was surprised too!"

"And this is related how…?"

"With my accidental help, Gaius came up with some magical recipe for a special type of candy."

"Candy?"

"Candy that gives you an incredible, temporary boost of energy that's perfect when you need to work overnight, do a day's worth of chores, or fight for your life."

"So your solution…is candy?" Chrom asked in disbelief.

"You doubt me now, but here." Robin handed Chrom a piece of candy. "He calls it 'Gaius' Confect.'"

"Huge bursts of energy guaranteed in every bite," Gaius said rather proudly.

Chrom looked at the candy dubiously, before taking it and putting it in his mouth.

"Oh gods, this is so sweet!"

Gaius nodded with satisfaction. "I know. Awesome, isn't it?"

"How much sugar is in this thing?!"

"A whole lot. I mean, where are you going to get enough energy to sustain yourself if not with copious amounts of sugar?"

"Copious amounts of coffee?" Morgan ventured.

"Now that is an idea! Bubbles, your kid here is a genius."

"Naturally. After all, she is my daughter."

"Okay, gods…" Chrom groaned and finally swallowed. "I never had something so sweet in my life…"

"Good. Expect a drastic tiredness reduction in…about five minutes. Gaius, make sure you give out that stuff to everyone who needs it. Actually, to everyone, even if they don't."

"You got it." Gaius made sure to hand a piece to both Robin and Morgan before heading off to the other Shepherds.

"Whoa. This is sweet!" Morgan paused. "And kinda chewy. I like it."

"Good, because you'll have to ready up for battle soon."

"Can I have another?"

"No. This stuff takes a while to make and packs enough of a punch to kick-start a sleeping wyvern. Besides, the crash that comes after the sugar and adrenaline wear off can be harsh. So for those reasons I've decided only to dip into Gaius' stash for emergency situations."

"Aw…"

"Don't worry, Morgan, I'm sure there'll be plenty more opportunities for you taste this stuff again. Now come on, you should feel the full effects in a few minutes, so let's get ready."

---

Ordering Gaius to stash a bunch of his new candies turned out to be one of the best ideas Robin had (and he had a lot of good ideas). Given the state of the Shepherds after the day's events, only a handful of them were in any position to fight (and a bunch of them were not in any condition to do anything). But with the magical sugary properties of Gaius' Confects, they got just the boost they needed to forget their fatigue and defend themselves (and the shrine and the shrine's occupiers) from the bandits.

A slight hiccup occurred when Robin discovered that these "bandits" were actually ex-Valmese soldiers who decided to pillage instead of fight for Walhart. Given that the average Valmese soldier was leagues above your average bandit, the fighting was much fiercer than Robin had anticipated.

Still, the Shepherds had the advantage. The bandits all rushed for the ruins, funneling themselves to the few entry points. That made Robin's job easy as all he had to do was stonewall them while having his archers and mages pick off soldiers from the back. And given that the likes of Kjelle and Frederick were basically walls with armor, Robin had full confidence that they would win.

And after some very fierce fighting, they did win. And everyone cheered and the bad guys were dead and the civilians were saved. So a happy ending all around! Just in time, too, as the effects of Gaius' Confect were wearing off just around the time the fighting was over.

And some of the Shepherds handled the crash poorly.

The mages, most of whom were already exhausted from their trip, pretty much collapsed on the ground and had to be carried to some makeshift rooms in the ruins (of which there were surprisingly many. Just how big was this place?!). Even Morgan, usually so enthusiastic and full of energy, sat down and fell asleep almost immediately, requiring Robin to pick her up and carry her to a free bedroom.

And as tired as Robin was, his sense of duty prevented him from resting until he made the rounds and ensured that everyone was well. Or rather, well enough in the circumstances.

Sighing, Robin prepared himself for a long night and walked off to find the others.

---

"Milady, I assure you that I am—"

"Sir Frederick, you are most certainly not fine. Don't think I haven't seen how many injuries you have sustained, these on top of the ones from your earlier engagements."

"They were simply—"

"Not another word," Cherche said sternly, pushing Frederick down. "You are injured, Sir Knight, and need treatment. Put too much strain on your body now and you will have injuries that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Rest, please."

Fredrick opened his mouth to protest.

"I insist," Cherche added, in a way that left no room for argument.

Seeing that there was no way he was going to get out of this, Frederick acquiesced and lay back down.

"Thank you." Cherche proceeded to tend to his wounds.

Frederick watched her hover around him silently. After a few minutes, he came to a decision.

"Lady Cherche?"

"Yes?"

"A question, if I may?"

"By all means."

"Ever since you have accompanied Virion to Ylisse and joined with the Shepherds, I cannot help but notice that you have spent a disproportionate amount of time around me."

"I believe I have spent my time equally among all the Shepherds. It's important to know the people you'll be fighting alongside with, is it not?" Cherche said. "Besides, I daresay it was you who approached me first and have ever since, no?"

"That…could be the case, yes," Frederick conceded, purposefully omitting the fact that it was Robin who basically ordered him to spend time with Cherche for some ridiculous reason that Frederick couldn't recall at the moment. "Yet it seems – at least to me – that even after getting acquainted with everyone in this army, you seem intent on spending your free time with me."

"Is it so wrong to spend time with someone whose company you enjoy?"

"It is not. However, I must note that you only seem to want me to join you when you go to Robin's book discussion sessions. On that note, you train mainly with myself, join me when I do my duties around camp, as well as paying particular attention to my personal wellbeing on and off the battlefield."

"As friends and fellow soldiers tend to do, do they not?"

"They do indeed, although I suspect there is more."

"My, this is much more than just 'one question,'" Cherche remarked playfully.

"Then allow me one more: why?"

Cherche stopped whatever she was doing and slowly stood up.

"There are several answers to that question. Why do I spend my free time around you, Frederick? Why do I try to get you and Minerva to get along? Why do I worry about what enemies you're facing on the battlefield? Why do I feel a cold sense of dread in my heart every time I see you injured? Why do I wish to take care of you and keep you safe? Why…do I enjoy being around you?"

Cherche looked directly into Frederick's eyes.

"Why indeed, Sir Frederick?"

Frederick felt his pulse quicken.

"…I think you may have an idea. At least, I hope. I certainly can't be much more obvious…"

Frederick remained silent. Then he tried to get up, but grunted as pain exploded at his side.

Cherche was at his side in a flash. "Forgetting our injuries again?"

"Milad—Cherche," Fredrick corrected himself. "I…thank you for telling me. That was the last obstacle standing in the way."

"Obstacle?"

"Cherche, it would be a lie if I said that I did not start thinking more about you. When we first came to know each other, it was as fellow knights and comrades. But as we fought, the bonds of friendship drew us closer together. So close, in fact, that I find myself thinking about you night and day. At first I didn't put much thought into this development, but as time passed, I came to understand that my thoughts – and feelings – could only mean one thing. And now that I know you feel the same, I can proceed with full confidence." Frederick reached out and held Cherche's hand in his. "I have fallen in love with you, Cherche, and if you will have me, I promise you…"

---

Lucina smiled to herself as she stood outside and overheard the conversation.

Sure, she knew that Cherche and Frederick would eventually end up together, but it was good to actually have it confirmed right before her eyes (so to speak). That was another couple down…

Hearing footsteps approaching, Lucina turned, her hands instinctively going to Falchion.

"Ah, Robin. Good evening."

"Lucina?" The grandmaster looked startled. "What're you doing up? I thought you'd gone to bed like some of the others."

"I could say the same thing for you."

"I find your lack of faith disturbing. You know I can't let myself relax until I make the rounds and ensure that everyone is alive and well."

"A very admirable trait."

"I'm generally very admirable, yes," Robin said matter-of-factly. "Frederick's still in there, yeah?"

"Ye—" Lucina managed to stop herself just in time as she remembered what was happening in the room right beside her. "Or, rather…"

"Huh?"

"I…er…Sir Frederick is…"

"He is…?" Robin looked at her questioningly.

"Um…" Lucina cursed inwardly. She wasn't quick on her toes when it came to such situations. Fighting Risen or bandits? She had one of the fastest reflexes in the army. Making up lies or excuses on the spot? Hopeless.

"Also, still with the 'Sir' and 'Lady'?" Robin continued, "Come on, Lucina! It's been how long now? We're not your superiors or seniors anymore."

"I—"

"...Well, okay, I guess I technically am your superior, even giving Chrom and Lissa orders. Ironic, since I'm the only one you refer to without any formal title…" Robin thought before shaking his head. "Still. We're all friends and on a first name basis without any formalities between us."

"It…takes a little getting used to, I suppose," Lucina admitted.

"Well hey, come on. Try it out with the others! If I can be just 'Robin' to you, then everyone else can be just 'Cordelia' or 'Vaike' or 'Tharja'!"

"That's very—"

"Okay, maybe not Tharja. Maaaaybe still give her formalities. She's prickly. But my point stands for everyone else. Also, tell your friends. Having people refer to us with formal titles is weirding me out."

"I didn't know it was bothering you so much."

"Not bothering per se, just…"

"I understand, Robin. I will try and spread the word."

"Thank you. Now if you excuse me, I need to see how my good friend Frederick is doing."

"Th-that won't be necessary!" Lucina blurted out.

"Oh?"

"Yes. I've…checked up on him already. The healers already worked on him and he is all right, but asleep."

"Oh."

"Yes." Lucina nodded. "So there's no need for you to check up on Si—Frederick, Robin."

Robin smiled. "Nice one. See, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

"Feels somewhat strange to refer to him so casually. He was one of the more austere adults in my time."

"You said that about me and I'm still 'Robin' to you."

"Well, yes, but you were different. More approachable…after we looked past your serious exterior."

"I'm sure you kids would have a better time with the me of today."

"Of that I have no doubt," Lucina said, amused. "Oh, Robin. Do you have a minute?"

"I think I can spare a few for you. What's up?"

"I wish to introduce someone to you."

"Introduce?" Robin looked at Lucina quizzically. "Who's left to introduce? Wait, don't tell me we met another one of your friends."

"We have," Lucina said, smiling.

Robin was speechless.

"…We can always postpone the meeting until tomorrow…" Lucina offered.

"…No, that won't be necessary. I just can't believe we found one of your friends here of all places…" Robin cleared his throat. "Anyway, bring them over. I'm always curious to see how the kids turned out in the future. I'll be in my room."

"Thank you, Robin. I'll see you there."

As they both parted ways, Robin tried to wrap his head around the fact that they found yet another one of her friends. Here, in some abandoned ruins Naga knows where in Valm. Then again, Robin stopped thinking about the odds of things a long time ago. After all, it was his job to beat them, not dwell on how impossible or insurmountable they were.

It was still quite bewildering, though.

"Boy, you sure is lookin' all bewildered and such," said a voice.

"You have no idea," Robin replied, not paying attention to who was talking to him. "Just had a long day."

"Yeah, no kiddin'. It's been tough all right. Lots of folks need healin' and such."

"I can imagine."

"You one of 'em? Need me to take gander at ya and examine your noggin to see if everythin's all in one piece over there?"

"…You talk funny. Who—?" It was only then that Robin looked up to see who he was talking to. And when he did, he let out a startled yelp and immediately sprang to his feet. "Intruder!"

"What?! Where?!"

"What do you mean, 'where'?! Right here!"

"Right here where?!"

"Right in front of me!" Robin cried, opening his spellbook and readying a spell.

"Wait…" The intruder's eyes went wide and he pointed at himself. "I'm the intruder?!"

"Of course you are! How can you not be? Some unknown stranger skulking around here when we're all down? How can you not be anyone other than some no good bandit?"

"I ain't no bandit!" the bandit protested vehemently. "I'm just a healer! Part of the whole troupe here in these ruins!"

"A likely story…and one a bandit would have pre-prepared if he got caught!" Robin retorted.

"I'm tellin' ya the truth! Just look at me! Do I look like some bandit to you? I'm a healer! I ain't even got any weapons on me!"

"Not that I can see! Although the whole healer garb does make you somewhat convincing, anyone could just grab some robes and pretend to be a healer. For all I know, you probably have a bunch of daggers and stuff hidden underneath!"

"Do not!"

"And besides, your cover story would've been a lot more believable if you bothered to actually do something about that face."

"Wha—? You talkin' smack about my face now?"

"I mean, you have the face of a typical bandit. Take it and put it on some burly body and you'd have every bandit I've ever faced, ever."

"I'm not a bandit!"

"Yeah, right. And I'm not head tactician of the Shepherds."

"Wait, Shepherds?"

"That's right. And if you didn't notice, we were the group that kicked your friends all way back to whatever hole they crawled out of."

"For the last time, those cats who assaulted the ruins weren't my friends and I'm not a bandit!"

"Enough of your lies, bandit! You have until the count of five to run before I start throwing lighting bolts. One…"

"Wait a minute—"

"Two…"

"If you can give me a second to explain—!"

"Four…"

"Hey, you just skipped over—"

"Robin! What's the meaning of all this shouting?"

"Hey, Lucina!" Robin waved casually. "No big deal over here—just dealing with this one bandit who happened to foolishly walk into my room and announce himself."

"How many times do I gotta tells ya, I'm no bandit!"

"Quiet, you! I'd be busy zapping you if Lucina hadn't walked in! Speaking of…" Robin's fingers crackled with electricity. "Lucina, if you would kindly move a bit to the left, I can proceed."

"Luce, you gotta help me! This guy here's convinced I'm sorta bandit!"

"Wait, you know Lucina?" Robin looked between the two. "Wait, don't tell me…"

"Robin, please calm down and lower your hand. This is my friend that I wanted to introduce to you."

"This guy is your friend from the future?" Robin glanced over and back to Lucina. "…Really?"

"Yes, really," Lucina confirmed. "Robin, allow me to introduce Brady."

"A pleasure," Robin said, extending his other hand. "Sorry about the misunderstanding before, with everything going on and your fac…I mean…"

"It's just a good thing Lucina here came when she did! But I guess with that cleared up, it's all water under the bridge." Brady shook Robin's hand. "Tell you the truth, that's about the reaction I've gotten when people usually seen me. Well, minus the lightning bolts."

"Oh. Then my reaction was pretty much standard, then!"

"Really wish it wasn't…" Brady muttered. "So. Uh, you're Robin, huh?"

"That I am! Head Tactician of the Shepherds, Grandmaster of Ylisse, greatest tactician that's ever lived, etc, etc. I'm sure you've heard all about my exploits in the future," Robin said, walking to his desk.

"Uh, yeah. Guess you can say that…" Brady looked questioningly at Lucina.

"It's…a long story," the princess sighed. "I'll tell you all about it at a later time."

"I'd talk more about myself, but I think you pretty much know everything there is to know about me." Robin sat down at his desk and grabbed a glass of water. "So, tell me a bit about yourself, like who are your parents?"

"Ma and Pa? They're friends of yours, but I'm sure you already knew that. Some damned good fighters, from what I hear and remember. Real good at magic."

"Names would be helpful," Robin commented, taking a sip from his glass.

"Oh, yeah. Guess that's pretty important. Pa's name is Ricken and Ma's name is Maribelle."

"The—argh!" Robin started choking and coughing as soon as the words left Brady's mouth.

"Robin, are you okay? Breathe!" Lucina patted Robin's back.

"I…argh…gods…!" Robin coughed as he tried to regain his breath. "Th-thanks, Lucina. Gods, that was unexpected…"

"You good now, chief?"

"Yeah. Now." Robin grinned and cleared his throat. "And you two are very clever. Really got me good with that one."

The two future children looked at Robin questioningly.

"I mean, come on. The whole 'Ricken and Maribelle are my parents' thing? Great gag. Perfect timing and execution."

"Hey, this ain't no joke. They're seriously my parents!"

"Ha! Yeah, sure, okay. I'd maybe buy Ricken, but the joke falls apart when you say Maribelle's your mom."

"What's wrong with Ma?"

"She's a real uppity noble type. All about being 'prim' and 'proper' and 'refined' and all that annoying noble junk."

"Yep. That sounds like Ma."

"Exactly. She makes such a big deal about dressing and looking and talking like a 'noble' and stuff. And given how much crap she gives me for forgetting little things like which damn spoon I'm supposed to eat my dessert with, there's no way I'm going to believe that she can raise her own child to look and speak like, well, you."

Lucina faceplamed. "Robin…"

"Hey, there ain't nothin' wrong with the way I look, okay? I'm just…a little rough around the edges!"

"Yeah, that and more. You have the face of a thug, especially with that nasty-looking scar across your face. What'd you, get in a knife fight or something?"

"W-why you gotta say such things, man? This is just th-the way I was…I was…"

Robin watched in stunned silence as Brady's eyes watered.

"Are…are you crying?"

"Am not! You're the one who's…who's…"

"You're totally crying."

"Sh-shut up!" Brady turned his face away.

"Oh dear…" Lucina walked to Brady's side to comfort him. "You'll have to forgive Brady, Robin. Ever since he was a child, he was always a bit…sentimental."

"Okay…? But why is he suddenly crying?"

"He tends to feel very strongly about things and what people say."

"He-hey, I ain't no sap! I just…got somethin' in my eye!"

Robin shook his head. "…I am so lost."

"There, there, Brady. Do you need some time?" Lucina asked.

"I'm fine! J-just leave me alone!" Brady sniffed and blew his nose on a handkerchief.

"…Seriously, whose kid is he?"

"I assure you, Robin, Si—er, Ricken and Maribelle are truly Brady's parents," Lucina said.

"Gods." Robin had to sit down as his mind attempted to process the fact that this thuggish cry-baby was apparently Maribelle's kid. Maribelle's. Kid.

"Robin? Are you unwell? You suddenly have a very faraway look in your eyes…"

"What? Yeah, I'm…uh…" Robin tried to get his thoughts in order. "…So you're sure he's Maribelle's kid?"

"Yes, Robin," Lucina said patiently. "I know this for certain."

"…Wow. Guess Maribelle either dropped the ball or really let herself go in the standards department…"

"Hey! What's this I hear? Are you disrespectin' my Ma?!"

"…Okay, I have to know."

"Know what?"

"How did Maribelle, proper, noble, 'you have to walk with your back straight and properly enunciate each and every word' Maribelle, end up raising, well, you?"

"I dunno. I mean, I ain't all that different from what she preached, ya know?"

Robin stared at Brady incredulously.

"W-well fine, I'll admit that my talk ain't Ma's ideal, but she gave up tryin' to drill in her 'proper diction' malarkey a while ago."

"…Really? Maribelle giving up on drilling her noble crap into your skull?" Robin felt a tentative hope rising in his chest. "How long was it until she stopped nagging you about the way you talk?"

Brady shrugged. "She gave up after a decade or so."

Robin felt a part of him slowly die.

"Whoa, what'd I say? You looked like someone just kicked your dog or somethin'."

"An entire decade…" Now it was Robin who felt like crying.

"Er, Robin?" Lucina looked worried.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I'm…I'm…" The grandmaster tried to get himself together. "So, yeah. Um…nobility stuff, yeah?"

"What of it?"

"She gave up on all that other stuff too or what?"

"Nah. She may've given up on the proper talk but managed to drill all that other nonsense right deep in me. Classics, violin, chess, beat all that junk and more right into my skull."

"Gods, your childhood must've been fun…"

"Yeah, a real hoot. Was stuck between Ma's lessons in nobility and being stuck in bed with somethin' or other. Luckily Pa wasn't as obsessed with makin' me a 'proper' noble as Ma was, so that made it easier."

"Sounds like—wait a minute, what do you mean, 'stuck in bed with something or other'?"

"I dunno. All I remember is bein' real sick all the time when I was a kid. Always coughin' and feeling all weak and in bed with a fever or some such."

"Your childhood sounds remarkably similar to Noire's."

"Noire's here?!"

Robin was startled at Brady's sudden burst of energy.

"Yes, Noire and several others are indeed with us," Lucina said. "Forgive me for not mentioning that fact sooner, but given today's events…"

"Hey, don't sweat it, Lucina. I just got a bit excited since I know I'll be seein' at least some of ya. It's been so long all here by my lonesome with no friendly faces, a guy gets excited to see his friends, ya know?"

"I do," Lucina said, smiling.

"Whoa! Are my eyes wonky or did I just see ya smlin'?"

"Is it really so odd?"

"Well, yeah! I mean, I know we didn't really have much to smile about in the future, but it always felt like you were especially grim, get me? With the whole world on your shoulders and all? Cripes, you didn't even crack a smile when we had some good news, rare as that was. Most I remember, your face was always all frowny-like. I'd almost forgot what you liked like when not frownin' and here you are, smilin' right in my face!"

"O-oh. I apologize. Is it that strange?"

"No no no!" Brady said quickly. "It's just nice, is all. Argh, look at me running my mouth. Just ignore everythin' I just said, yeah? Just some crazy words from Brady!"

"Heh, see? Your smile is a weapon all in itself, capable of bringing hope and inspiration to all who witness it," Robin said, nodding.

"Y-yes, I think I've heard as much…" Lucina blushed in embarrassment.

"A smile and now a blush? Things must be lookin' real good if you've relaxed this much, Lucina!"

"I-I'm not…! That doesn't mean…!"

"Oh hey, wait," Robin said as a thought suddenly occurred, "You didn't know Noire was here? How long have you been here?"

"Not too long. Well, I've been here at this shrine helpin' the surroundin' areas for a while, but when you guys came and then the bandits, really didn't have that much time to do much talkin', ya know?"

"So you haven't met your parents?"

"Well, I've seen 'em from afar. Ran into Ma, too," Brady chuckled. "Still every bit as I remember her."

"But she doesn't know you're her son?"

"She's still in the dark."

Robin grinned. "Can I please be there when you tell her?"

"Eh? I mean, if you really wanna. Don't see why, though."

"No reason…" Robin's grin widened as he thought of Maribelle's possible reactions to learning that Brady was her son.

"Right…" Lucina cleared her throat. "Robin? Do you have any other questions for Brady?"

"…Do I?"

Lucina stared at him pointedly.

"I mean, of course I do!" Robin got out his ever-increasing roster book and a pen. "So…Brady."

"That's my name."

"Given your parentage, I have to assume you have some awesome magical potential like Noire, right?" Robin paused and looked at Brady suspiciously. "You're not an archer or some non-magical class, are you?"

"What kind of random question is that? Oh, I guess you mean Noire, huh? Nah. Ma and Pa weren't dark magic types, so I didn't have no restrictions like Noire."

"So you're an incredibly powerful mage? That's wonderful news!"

"W-well, not exactly…"

"A really powerful mage?"

"Er…"

"…A moderately powerful mage with an incredibly wide array of spells?"

"..."

"Brady is a healer," Lucina intervened on her friend's behalf.

"…Seriously?"

"H-hey, there ain't nothin' wrong with bein' a healer!" Brady said defensively. "We save lives and all that business!"

"Well, yeah. I'm not arguing that," Robin said. "But we've kind of got plenty of those here already. What's more, our healers fight. Your parents and others can toss fireballs like the best of 'em and Libra cuts down people with his axe when he isn't healing."

"Y-yeah?"

"Yeah. We kind of moved on from the days when it was just Lissa and Maribelle and when they couldn't fight and only heal. We're better than that now."

"Well…"

"Also, you said you got struck down with constant illnesses when you where a child, no doubt a result of a weak constitution. I assume that you got over that little liability as you got older, right?"

"Yeah, at least that much. Don't spend as much time bedridden as I used to. Fit as a fiddle I am, health wise."

"At least that much…" Robin muttered, making a few notes. "At least you're healthier than Noire. Although that still doesn't solve the problem of you not being able to actually hurt anyone in battle…"

"Hey now, come on. Different strokes for different folks, yeah? I mean, I ain't the sturdiest guy around, but then it ain't a healer's job to hurt people, right? We patch up our buddies so they do the hurtin' for us!"

"Yes, but having you be able hurt the bad guys while simultaneously being able to heal us would be so very helpful. After all, your parents do it all the time."

"Yeesh, you sure know how to kick a fella…"

"Robin, surely you can give Brady a chance to prove himself?" Lucina said. "He may not be able to fight as yet, but he's a very capable healer and very eager to learn."

"Yessir!" Brady nodded his head vigorously. "Although my main strength's healin', I'm a real eager beaver when it comes to tryin' new things and learnin' the ropes."

"Is that so?"

"You bet it is! Besides, there's always been a part of me that was wonderin' whether I inherited any of that awesome magical power that my parents had, you know? And I figured now that they're here, now's a good a time as ever to figure that stuff out."

"Now?" Robin raised a brow. "Not before in the future?"

"We didn't have much time to do anything other than run, fight, or scavenge," Lucina said quickly. "And with the constant fighting, Brady's healing abilities were constantly in demand."

"Yeah. Was pretty grim, it was. Folks gettin' banged up with all sortsa nasty injuries. Don't give a man much time to learn to fight when there's a dozen folks that need healin', ya know?"

"I see…" Robin nodded in understanding. "I suppose we can find some spare time for you to learn the ropes of magic and such. You're going to have to be quick, though. If you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a war here."

"You can bet your bottom gold coin that I'll get it done!" Brady said, face full of determination. "Give me the right materials and I'll be slingin' spells left and right just like my folks!"

"I'm sure you will. And given that you're actually one of Lucina's friends, I'm pretty much compelled to give you at least a chance to prove yourself. But before that, tell me: did your parents teach you anything? Secret arcane spells? Magic techniques? Some amazing healing magic we don't otherwise have access to now? Anything like that?"

"Nothin' I recall," Brady said, scratching his head.

"Oh." Robin sagged.

So much for that.

"Although I do remember Ma goin' on and on about somethin' called Galeforce and how important that was."

"Oh?" Robin immediately sprang to attention. "Go on…"

"Yeah, Galeforce. It was a, uh, a special move or whatsit. Ma said only a select few could pull it off and she'd be impartin' this secret move onto me."

"And did she teach you it?" Robin asked eagerly.

"I…think so? Didn't really have time to find out since Ma said it required me actually doin' some fightin'."

"…Well that can't do."

"Buh?"

"We have to get to the bottom of this as fast as we can. Your hypothetical ability to use Galeforce is what determines whether you'll be useful or useless."

"Wha—? Just like that? You judgin' my worth based one on skill I may've learned from my Ma?!"

"Robin, there must—" Lucina began to say.

"Well, that and other factors such as your magical potential, your magic skill level, what your father gave you, etc. But since you say you've got no combat experience whatsoever, this is what we have to work with! So here." Robin tossed a Master Seal book to Brady.

"Wh—oof!"

Brady was too slow to react and so the book ended up hitting him in the face.

"Ow! What're you doing tossin' books at me now?!"

"For your information, that there is a Master Seal book. It has all the information you'll need if you want to start learning the basics of offensive magic and slinging spells as well as your parents," Robin said. "So, off you go."

Brady looked between the book and Robin, dumbfounded.

"Well? Go!"

"What, now?"

"When else?"

"There's no way I can read this big dang book all in one night!" Brady cried.

"And I don't expect you to. What I do expect is you to at least get some reading done so you get a feel for what you can expect. Do some light reading before bed, get a general idea, sleep on it, and tomorrow we can start for real by introducing you to your parents!"

"I…"

"Hey, if you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a war! I need everyone under my command to be at their best, and your best is going to be learning offensive magic. After all, didn't you say you were eager to prove yourself? Or was that just a big, fat lie?"

"Nuh-uh! I may be many things, but I ain't no liar or a quitter! You want me to get some readin' done? Well I'll show you just how much readin' I can do! I'll be done readin' this book by sunup tomorrow!"

"Hell yeah! Make all proud, Brady!" Robin cheered. "Although I advise against staying up all night trying to read that thing since it's impossible and will impair your ability to get anything done tomorrow since you'll be too tired from all the reading."

"We'll just be seein' about that!"

"Uh, Brady? I'm serious. Did you see how thick that bo—"

But Brady already marched out of Robin's room.

Robin blinked then turned to Lucina. "…He isn't really going to spend the night trying to get through that entire thing, is he?"

"I'd wager he'd certainly try. Brady can be a bit stubborn when he sets his mind on something."

"So just like his mother, then. That's…good?"

Lucina hummed, glad that she found another one of her friends and that his introduction to Robin passed off without incident…relatively speaking. Although then she inevitably thought about the circumstances of their meeting and then to the events of the day.

"…Do you think we will win?" she asked after a moment of silence.

"What, the war?"

Lucina nodded.

"Of course we'll win! What kind of question is that?"

"You seem confident of this outcome."

"Well, yeah. For one, we won in your future, didn't we?"

"I don't think I'd look for precedents in the future to judge our current chances…" Lucina muttered.

"Okay, but we also have a not-so-secret weapon on our side that guarantees us victory."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Yours truly." Robin grinned. "And if that wasn't enough, we also have the lesser-than-mine-but-no-less-impressive tactical prowess of my daughter. That basically seals us the win!"

Lucina stared at Robin for a moment before laughing softly.

"Your ability to look toward the bright side never ceases to amaze me, Robin."

"It's one of my many talents."

"That it is."

"Hey, are you worrying about the future again? About today's events and what happened with Basilio?"

Lucina nodded silently.

"I…even after assurances from your parents today?"

"I want to believe my parents and hope that everything will be different with every fiber of my being, Robin, but I can't help remembering events that led up to the ruin in my time. And when I remember, I start wondering if things are truly any different and whether my actions truly have any impact."

Robin frowned. "And here I thought you were making progress on the 'looking at the bright side' part of things. Do I need to prescribe more time with my daughter for you?"

Lucina actually smiled at that. "Believe it or not, my spending time with Morgan has been very helpful. Her energy and general optimism helps me keep my mind off…more unpleasant memories."

"I'm glad. Look, Lucina…" Robin scratched the back of is head. "I…don't really know what to tell you since I'm not good on the whole 'motivational speech' thing. I usually leave that stuff to Chrom."

"Is that so? I hear quite differently from Lad—Sumia."

"Well, Sumia is an entirely different story altogether," Robin chuckled. "Listen, I can't really make a whole fancy inspirational speech about the present and hope and the future and stuff. The only thing I can do now is say that I know for certain that your actions definitely have changed the course of history from what I've seen and heard. Your coming back here is not for naught, it is not futile, and I will do everything in my power to avert the catastrophic events of your future. I know that my words may not mean much, but…"

"It is worth more than you think, Robin," Lucina said. "I apologize if I keep pestering you with this."

"You do not 'pester' me with your troubles and worries; I'm happy to offer advice or listen, if that's what you need, although I'm not sure what good it does. Again, your parents are probably better at the whole 'making you feel better' thing."

"You give yourself too little credit, Robin. You're better than you think."

"One can only hope. Now get some rest, Lucina. We've had a long day and it won't get any easier tomorrow."

"Ah, yes. It is getting quite late, isn't it? Forgive me for keeping you up." Lucina got up and walked to the door. Before leaving, she turned back and said, "Thank you again, Robin."

"Anytime. Good night, Lucina."

As the princess left, Robin yawned.

Certainly was a long day. He definitely needed some sleep now. He felt tired and sore and a whole lot of other things. Sleep sounded really nice right about now…

As he was preparing his bed, Robin heard a knock at his door.

Turning around, he saw Cordelia standing at the doorway.

"Cordelia? What're you still doing up?"

"Just delivering these to you," Cordelia replied, putting a stack of paper on Robin's desk.

"…What's this?"

"A full report and status update on the condition of the army, or what remains of it. I've taken the liberty of doing a headcount and stock check to pinpoint which of our soldiers and what equipment remains after today's events, as well as casualties and current condition of both soldiers and materiel."

Robin stared at Cordelia in disbelief.

"…Something wrong?"

"When did you find the time to do all of this?"

"I've made a mental note of a few things while we were making our way to the fortress and filled out the rest after the bandit attack."

"Did you get any rest today?"

"I planned to get some sleep after delivering these to you."

"You could've done so tomorrow, you know?"

"I could have, but doing it now means you have all the information first thing in the morning so you can plan the best course of action instead of having to wait around for all the variables."

Robin was speechless.

"I know how you like to have all the relevant information before you plan."

"…You are incredible, you know that?"

"I've worked with you long enough to know how you work and what you like," Cordelia said simply.

"And I thank the gods every day for sending you to me. I don't know what I'd do without you, Cordelia."

"Glad my efforts are so appreciated. If there's nothing else, I think I'll get some rest now."

"You certainly deserve it. Sleep well, Cordelia."

"You too, Robin."

As he watched Cordelia walk off, he noticed something: she wasn't wearing her armor. While that wasn't unusual in itself, what was unusual was that Robin just noticed how she looked in her uniform that she wore under her armor. For some reason, Robin never noticed how slim and form-fitting it was, hugging her body and highlighting her slender figure. Also, the cutoff point. Her uniform was long enough to cover all that it needed to yet also short as to leave something for the imagination. Robin could very realistically imagine that if Cordelia reached up to grab something or fell on her back, her uniform would hike up enough to expose her underga—

Robin shook his head.

That was a very strange and unwanted direction his thoughts were about to move into. He didn't know where they came from, but he definitely didn't want to follow where they were going.

Robin just brushed it off as him being tired. After all, it wasn't like he made a habit out of thinking what Cordelia wore underneath her clothes. He didn't look at her that way; he was a professional. Besides, he didn't need to think about what Cordelia wore underneath her clothes since he knew what she looked like thanks to that one drea—

"Argh! Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!"

Gods, he really did need sleep…

"Um, Robin?"

Happy to have someone take his mind off some very uncomfortable thoughts about one of his best friends, the grandmaster looked up and saw Sumia standing in the doorway with a tray in her hands.

"Sumia. Still up?"

"I thought I'd check up on you since, you know, a lot of stuff has happened today. And I thought I'd bring you some special tea."

"Special tea?"

"The clerics around said that this is a special blend designed to relax the body and ease tension. I figured you could use a cup after everything that's happened today, so here I am!"

"Heh, you're a sweetheart, Sumia, thinking about me so. Relaxing tea before bed sounds lovely…" Robin cleared his desk. "Join me?"

"If you don't mind…"

"Please, I insist. You know I always enjoy your company."

And so, Robin and Sumia spent some time together, chatting and drinking tea.

When Robin finally did go to sleep, he slept better than he could ever remember.

---

Two figures were walking across the land, one atop a pegasus and one on foot.

They made a very contrasting pair: the one on the pegasus happily humming her own theme song while the one on foot walked with an ill-tempered expression.

"Can you please stop that humming?" the one on foot asked irritably. "It's so annoying!"

"It's not annoying—it's heroic!" corrected the girl on the pegasus. "A heroic theme song worthy of a heroic heroine."

"A theme song? Really? What are you, five?"

"All the greatest heroes have theme songs! And as the daughter of one of the greatest heroes ever, I gotta have a really cool theme to match my parentage."

"Oh grow up. This isn't one of your storybooks with knights in shining armor and good and evil. We're in the real world, and the sooner you realize that, the better."

"…You're just jealous you don't have your own theme song."

The one on foot facepalmed.

"I can't believe I got stuck with you here. Of all the people I could've met, it had to be you."

"I know! Isn't it great? Now it'll be just like old times, you and me against the world! …Well, almost like old times. In the actual old times, it was usually me and Owain against you and Gerome and Kjelle."

"…Anyone. I would've taken literally anyone. Even Inigo!" The one on foot rubbed her temples. "Gods, I feel like I'm getting a headache…"

The one on the pegasus fell silent.

Not used to her friend being quiet, the one on foot looked up.

"…Hey, you…you don't really mean that…do you?" asked her friend quietly.

"Mean what?"

"That…that you'd rather be with anyone but me."

"Of course I…! I mean…"

The one on the pegasus looked down at her friend with big, puppy dog eyes.

"Whoa whoa whoa, wait! That's not fair! You can't use that face on me!"

"But…but you said you hated me…"

"I don't hate you, okay? I just…you…stop looking at me like that!"

The one of the pegasus quivered her lip.

"Gah! Okay, okay! I don't hate you, all right? And even though I may whine and complain, that's just me being a jerk."

"Really?"

"Yes, really! I'm actually glad that we're together since this gives me someone to talk to and the opportunity to keep you out of trouble. There, I said it, okay?! Now stop looking so sad!"

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes, yes! Listen, I'll probably never say this again, but you're like a kid sister to me. An annoying, manipulative, kid sister."

"But Sev, I—"

"Shut up! This is the most you're going to get out of me, so…stop looking at me like that!"

"I guess that'll do for now…" The one on the pegasus immediately perked up. "Now that we settled that, let's continue on our way! Maybe once I've finished my theme song, we can make one for you!"

The one on foot watched as her friend marched her pegasus forward.

"…I hate it when she pulls that on me."