My response to the reviews:

Guest (April 4): Wow, thanks for the praise. I have to admit, there is indeed an allure to certain kinds of stories or premises. And don't worry, I've got a lot more to look forward to.

steel35: There is a lot of untapped potential with Fire Emblem crossovers, especially with Fate/ stay night. I'm happy it made you glad.

Kayen1024: Thanks for the review. There's a lot of things I can't tell, only show. So here's the next chapter.

Guest (April 5): Does this new chapter count as more bait then? Jokes aside, I'm grateful for the review.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/ stay night and Fire Emblem: Awakening. It's that simple.

Kintsugi no Fusei

Book 1: On Fields of Fate

Chapter 2: Where the broken stand

The minutes went by as Shirou continued to give the woman the comfort she needed. Eventually, the sobs had passed, and in its wake were steady breaths, drying trails of tears, and a soaked shoulder.

He didn't mind what became of his shoulder, only the fact that the woman was slumped on that same shoulder. That needed to be remedied. It wouldn't be proper to just leave her head on something wet now would it?

Carefully so he wouldn't disturb her slumber, he gingerly moved her to his dry left shoulder with his left hand and supported her with that arm. With the other, he scooped her legs from underneath. His hold secure, he walked.

Grass and soil alike easily crumbled under Shirou's feet. Each step was careful but far reaching thanks to powerful long legs clad in strapped black pants and black metal-plated boots.

Though the redhead knew that this was a good thing for her, he was keenly aware that this would not be so easily solved. Even now, she sought comfort as her head was placed close to his heart, its steady rhythm a tether to reality. There was no telling what she would do by the time she would wake but he hoped that she would do so with clear bearings. Until then however, it was important that he take her to safety. And that meant he must find a good source of food and water. Perhaps, a river would suffice.

Shirou stopped walking and took a deep breath, an act done for two reasons. One was for the simple novelty of inhaling the crisp, clean country air, its freshness undeniable. As for the other reason?

A crack of thunder as lightning hit a blazing core. An oath, an unforgettable sign. Twenty-seven pathways, greater than ever.

Azure pathways of magic triggered, lit first from the depths of his soul before it was imposed on his body. So rich was the mana in the air that he hardly needed to use his own reserves, not to mention the prodigious amounts his new arm was capable of. Several of these magical pathways converged around and a few were even merged with his eyes, a shortcut he took advantage of as the magical energy reinforced both of his orbs.

His sight was magnified. No, not just magnified. It was made better in every way possible to its utmost limit. The proof being that he now saw each and every minute detail of a tree from a four kilometer distance. What more could he see?

In the sky above Shirou saw a bird of prey, magnificent and sharp, its intelligent gaze meeting his. It was a predator, an uncrowned king of the skies, from its beak a scream of acknowledgement.

Taka. Hawk. He thought as a silhouette of a tired man that taught him the creature's name came to mind.

The redhead blinked. The fragment of a memory was gone, lost again. He shook his head, resolved to think of this for another time and went back to search with his Hawkeyes. Hm, that actually sounds appropriate. He thought, the corners of his lips twitched upwards. Hawkeyes it is then.

With his new ability, Shirou finally found what he was looking for east of where he was and set out, not quite running but not quite walking either. After all, he did not want to wake Robin just yet. However, he could not ignore the fact that wearing white under the near noon sun was arguably worse than wearing black and an easy way to get an unwanted tan, which would have been worse had they woken in a desert.

How he knew that tidbit, he didn't care, only that it was useful information nonetheless. Just like why he somehow knew that he could probably go faster by leaps and bounds in the literal sense.

Perhaps a test of my capabilities wouldn't hurt. He thought before his powerful legs sent him rocketing towards the air, unknowingly breaking world records from where he had come from. As he neared the ground after an impressive airtime, he prepared himself and bent his legs a bit. Not to roll over and bleed momentum since he had a passenger, but to propel himself in the air again, which he was able to do with ease.

Again and again, Shirou repeated the motion. Each step made the grass sway and had Robin's white hair not been tucked in the cloak's hood, it was most certain it would have been flying everywhere.

Not even a minute later– after several superhuman leaps he didn't bother to count upon being satisfied with his pace– the redhead came upon what he'd seen with his Hawkeyes. Near a few trees that would prove useful for shade and fire for later, as well as some shrubs that bore edible fruits, was a running river. Clean, healthy with plant life, fishes, and other freshwater animals. Perfect. Now which of these would be good for a quick lunch…

Of course, Shirou was well aware that he wouldn't be able to prepare one without letting go of his passenger. Thus, he made his way to the raised ground a few meters away from the river, where a flowering Weeping Willow tree stood, drooping branches gently swaying with the breeze.

Well, he at least thought it was a Weeping Willow…till he found that it wasn't as messy as expected and that its scent, oddly enough, reminded him of apples. Though it was strange, he chalked it up to be the strange world he was now in, where mana's readily available.

Carefully, Robin was placed with her back to the tree and thankfully enough, her slumber wasn't disturbed. Still, Shirou's lips was set into a worried frown as he assessed the visible damage on her person.

Her scarred thin limbs spoke of long term confinement by chained shackles that allowed her little movement and let atrophy set in, thankfully it was in its early stages still. The hint of ribs from the exposed portion of her chest and her frighteningly pale complexion told him that she was deprived of proper nutrition or worse, was given little to no food at all.

Then there's no telling of the damage done to her psyche. His fists tightened at the thought as he clenched his teeth. What the hell were all those fools thinking?

Shirou knew that he wouldn't get any answers from the persons involved, not right now with Robin's recovery as his priority. There was also the fact that bar her physical condition, she was now more or less a dragon capable of wielding a power that had wounded Naga. Finally, there was that anomaly that had made this possible, one that he had to find eventually.

So many things to do–

The sleeping woman, let out a moan, eyebrows slightly tense. He reached for her left hand and gave it a gentle squeeze with his right hand, to let her know that he was still there. She relaxed, eyebrows lose, and he felt confident that she would not immediately wake if he would let go now.

He let out a sigh.

–but those were problems that could be dealt with at another time. Right now, he had to get started on making some much needed lunch. And that meant making a few tools to gather, prepare, and cook the necessary ingredients for a nutritious, fulfilling meal.

Hand released from Robin's grasp, Shirou turned his gaze back to the river as he removed the red cloth wrapped around his left arm's wrist and firmly tied it around his head to get his hair out of the way. With that, he was ready. It was time to work.

He made his way to the river, unaware of a pair of sharp eyes watching him curiously from up above.

Robin woke to find herself underneath the shade of a willow tree, a rare Mila's Willow to be precise. Nearby her was the pleasant aroma of fish cooking by the fire, a scent that she had not had the pleasure of experiencing again since her imprisonment. It was delightful really, like a dream come true.

But is this actually real? Or am I just dreaming? She couldn't help but think.

She hadn't seen this particular kind of tree since the days of her (forgotten) youth. Of simpler days spent in the company of her mother. An often longed for dream.

Dream… She did not have dreams as pleasant as this was in that dark place. Only nightmares and memories that tormented her, of her being forced to kill a friend and a betrayal of those she thought were allies, family.

Copper eyes widened underneath a pair of red-rimmed glasses, it's owner's face paling as crimson liquid dribbled out her mouth.

No. That actually was reality, her reality. She really had killed a friend even if it was under the control of another. Not just a friend, an entire timeline's worth of lives had all been brought to ruin because she couldn't fight back.

And because she couldn't fight back, allowed herself to get outwitted, wasn't she complicit to the atrocities that Grima committed? Didn't that mean the Shepherds were in their right to betray her?

Lucina and the rest of the Future Children, the ones that survived, seemed to think that was certainly the case. Their hatred knew no bounds, some for the loss of not only their parents in their Future Past where their childhood was cut short…but that of the present where they might no longer exist.

…

Why, why am I allowed to dream? The pale woman thought, her purple eyes downcast. Like that day, months ago, she was without answers again.

The sound of heavy boots on soil and grass rang out, but Robin paid it no heed as she drew her knees to her chest. It stopped nearby her, yet she didn't care. This was a dream wasn't it? It would fade eventually, fade to darkness, return her to terror.

Return her existence to what a traitor like her deserves.

"If you think you're dreaming, then I'm here to disappoint you." The voice was deep, blunt, but more importantly, different.

The tactician blinked. It spoke. No, he, that was wrong.

She turned her gaze towards the speaker and found him an unfamiliar figure. An anomaly…

Suddenly, it all came rushing back to her. The events that happened between her and Grima in the void, the mind-meld she had shared with her counterpart, how she found herself in the verdant field with her body as it was during her imprisonment with the Fell Dragon's power coursing through her, the light that suddenly flashed to existence, and…

This man, who willingly suppressed his own power as he raised his hands in surrender when her own power emanated fiercely. He who gave her his cloak to shield her from the wind's chill with no hesitation… And comforted her, a stranger with his arms wrapped around her emaciated frame.

It's not a dream? Robin's head swirled with confusion and doubt. It must have shown on her face as the man went near her, his hand outstretched, an unspoken invitation.

Despite her reasonable hesitation, she made her decision and took his hand in her grasp.

Warm. His hand was larger than hers, her paleness a contrast against the splotches of tan that decorated his exposed right arm, as if he had been patched together. It reminded Robin of her scars.

Firm. Though weak, her fingers traced a path from his fingers to his palm, and she felt the callouses that told her of his profession. Blades, bows, and the mundane, an interesting discovery that amusingly evoked an image of a mother, however faint it was.

Real. She reached his wrist and felt the blood that coursed through his veins. His pulse was a steady rhythm. She recalled the time she visited a forge, the swings of a hammer on metal.

"Who are you?" Robin turned her head to meet his gaze. Mismatched eyes remained unflinching, without pity or a smidge of fear, as if made of steel. But therein existed a fire in that metal, a gentle one that told her he cared not of the flaws and that she'd receive aid, compassion. "Why help?"

"My name is Shirou." The white-streaked redhead answered. His name was foreign, and that ruled out any kingdom from Ylisse, perhaps he was from Chon'sin? "As for your other question…"

Shirou scratched the back of his head before his lips lifted to a smile. "It's not wrong to help someone."

The sheer conviction in his words struck a chord in Robin's heart, further helped by the ambience of light that peeked from the drooping branches of Mila's Willow. It was a beautiful sight; one she did not want to forget. The image of a man who honestly wanted to help.

"Thank you…Shirou." There were only so few words she could say in gratitude of his kindness, but perhaps a proper introduction would suffice. "I'm Robin."

"Nice to meet you." The redhead nodded and made a gesture with his head to the source of the mouthwatering aroma outside, past the shade of the tall tree. "Would you like some food? I've got several Ayu skewers cooking by a fire and I'm steeping some blueberries I've found nearby for tea. Just tell me if you've had any adverse reactions to it beforehand so I can go find something else. If not, I still do have to warn you not to drink too much of it. Might upset your stomach if not moderated."

The mention of food got her attention, and so did her stomach as it chose that moment to growl loudly. So loud it was that it silenced her before she could even voice her answer, and made him widen his eyes just a bit. It was as if he expected it but was surprised nonetheless

"…I'll take that as a yes." Red-faced, Robin could only nod. She didn't even mind the fact that he picked her up in his arms (again) to take her outside.

Once they got out of the willow's confines and its apple smell, the scent of his cooking hit her full force. There, in the distance between the tree and the river, was a campfire that he must've prepared whilst she was asleep. Impaled on the stone and sand ring around it were two fishes, Ayu as he called them, skewered on carved sticks in a way that made them look like they were still swimming. Approximately a foot long each and magnificently plump, its skin now crisp and golden brown. And beside the campfire was a covered stone pot from which she could smell steeping blueberries in boiling hot water.

Her stomach growled yet again, fiercely like a dragon that found something worthy to hoard. The pale woman was grateful that the redhead remained quiet as she was seated on a nearby log so he could tend to the fish.

Robin watched him as he did so, only now truly getting a good look at Shirou. He was tall, perhaps just a little bit above six feet, and had broad shoulders on his muscular frame to match it. Though a good portion of his skin was tan, it was patch worked with a much lighter skin tone, as if he had been splashed with the former color at odd angles. His silver-trimmed armor was made of a strange black material she could not identify. Then there was that armor which covered his left arm.

Silver metal with an odd azure finish under it that seemed to glow, she noticed two key details on it, one of which sent a pulse of apprehension in her heart. The first was a symbol at the back of his hand that in a certain view, resembled a sword. The second however was the source of her current discomfort. On his bicep (like Ch–no, him) was a familiar glowing symbol, a brand, with a tear drop shape between a spiked horseshoe-like shape. She had encountered four individuals who bore that symbol. It was the Mark of the Sacred King, Naga, or as it was more famously known nowadays, the Brand of the Exalt.

But that brand was unique to the Ylissean Royal bloodline…

H-how could Shirou have the brand? Robin thought, barely able to take her mind off of thinking the worst case scenario, an easy line of thinking to fall into. She knew that she was currently vulnerable, an easy prey, Fell Dragon powers be damned. So why didn't he kill her?

Where part of her mind tried to assume the worst, the other would remind her of what he had said earlier, the belief he had and the kindness he'd given her. W-what do I do?

Lost in her warring thoughts, the albino felt all alone.

Unknown to her, Shirou was able to notice the change in her demeanor and followed her line of sight earlier. What he found was the mark on his bicep, one he believed to be from Naga. So why the apprehension?

Thus, he delved his mind for an answer, if there was a detail that he may have missed from what the Divine Dragon had said.

Robin even married the descendant of a warrior I exalted…

…betrayed and imprisoned by her own allies…

…spearheaded by her daughter with the Exalt…

…murdered by the man she loved.

Damn it. That's why! The redhead couldn't help but wince as he finally connected the dots. If this mark was hereditary from the warrior Naga exalted, it was not far to assume that both her former husband and daughter bore the marks as well. No wonder she was so distraught. It was yet another reminder of what she went through.

Okay, how do I fix this? This wasn't an easy task. Something told him that he couldn't be too apologetic, as he honestly didn't know about it until he had figured it out. He also figured that Robin had a sharp mind to notice this detail once she got out of her rut. Another told him that he couldn't be too harsh, as that was just rude and a recipe for trouble. The last thing he wanted now was for her to be angry. What can I do for her?

Shirou didn't have many options. But he could only hope that what option was available to him would work. Let's see how it goes then.

He removed the now-finished Ayu skewers and made his way to Robin. Her gaze was distant, unfocused. He stopped just right in front of her, gaining her attention, uncertainty clearly seen in those purple eyes.

"I'm sure you have questions Robin." The redhead began as he met her gaze with his own. "But trust me, it'll be a discussion done better after we've both eaten."

With that said, he raised one of the Ayu skewers to her level. "And I promise you, I'll answer them all as best as I can. If that's not enough, then let me say this."

Robin's focus was truly on him now, her lips trembling.

"I won't hurt you. I want to help you. Please, let me help Robin."

"…okay." She eventually managed to say even as her eyes became misty. "I-I'll trust you Shirou. Just, just don't…"

Betray me.

Even though she did not say it, he could tell that it was those two words.

I won't. I promise.

Far from the Mila's Willow tree by the river, there was a farmland where a quaint barn house stood. Connected to it by a courtyard was a barn that housed a few livestock as well as farming equipment and grain that was separated from it.

On that very courtyard a feminine figure dressed in black clothes stood, unbothered by the noon heat. Her eyes were closed, her aura serene, patiently waiting for something to arrive.

And arrive it did with wing beats and a mighty screech form its beak.

"KEE-EEEEE-ARR!"

The woman's white hair blew back as the hawk landed on her now outstretched. She opened her eyes and gave it a piece of meat she had ready on her other hand. "There you are. You're here earlier than expected. Did something happen on patrol?"

Its treat swallowed, the raptor proceeded to squawk at the purple-eyed albino woman, as if he could hold a conversation.

For her part, said woman's eyebrows scrunched. "Hold on. Care to repeat that again, Aigle?"

The bird of prey waved its wings around as it repeated each and every squawk it said…carefully. And. With. Emphasis.

"There are strangers near the Mila's Willow by the river and one of them looks like–" As she interpreted the last set of the hawk's thoughts, a gasp escaped her lips as she realized the implications. Could it be? "Aigle, guard my son. Do not let him out here or out of your sight."

The loyal predator raised a wing in salute before it stretched its wings and flew to the roof of the house, where it stood guard.

On the other hand, she removed her hawking gauntlet and made a shrill whistle. A second later, a horse came galloping out of the barn, with a saddle and her equipment strapped to its sides.

As it stopped before her, she placed the gauntlet in a pouch and checked the straps for her sword and tome before she got herself on the horse. It was a good thing she had prepared beforehand in case she needed to deal with some…nuisances.

But this, she knew not what to make of it.

With a flick of the bridle, her steed went forth swiftly yet steadily.

Emotions swirled in her eyes.

Rage, confusion, curiosity, and hope.

Hope that she could see for herself what her hawk had seen.

A parent could only want what's best for their child, a responsibility she'd failed before. Too late to act before the unforgivable was done. Tears fell from her cheeks as she set her on the path laid before her. Never again shall she hesitate.

Thus, fate set a collision course.

Author's Notes: *sips coffee, looks at audience* What? You thought the next chapter would take longer to make? So did I.

This chapter is shorter than the 1st one, but that's because I felt it appropriate to end it here rather than to force myself to insert stuff that just wouldn't feel right. Gotta make sure it flows than bloats and all.

So, we've got stuff happening and I've made hints of what I plan for the future, just gotta spot them in this chapter and the previous one. Ah, who am I kidding. I've got an outline for how this goes, y'all just have to go along for the ride,

Anyways, thank you all for showing the interest you have for this story with your favs, follows, and reviews. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts about it in a review, it would really help me out as we go.

Till next time, this is Will S. LaVi.