C-Support

Chrom: You're open!

Link: ...HYAAAAH!

Chrom: Gah! ...Damn.

Link: ...Got you.

Chrom: Phew... My pride isn't taking this very well. That's the fourth win in a row for you.

Link: Yeah... but don't sell yourself short. You're... strong... and quick... I learn a lot sparring with you.

Chrom: Heh. Well, I don't feel very strong when we spar. Things always start off pretty even between us until... I don't know what it is, but... your movements become so precise and calculated. Once I feel that lack of hesitation coming from you, it just spirals out of control...

Link: I think... that's just my instincts taking over.

Chrom: Hmm... Could you elaborate more on that?

Link: Well... we've both been training with the sword from a young age, right?

Chrom: Yes, my father began teaching me swordplay before I started learning to read and write.

Link: And how much experience do you have against opponents in real, life-or-death situations?

Chrom: Over the last few years, I've fought in a number of skirmishes against the groups of brigands that had threatened Ylisse's borders. Compared to the time spent in practice bouts and training, though, it isn't much.

Link: I believe... that this is the reason for our gap in skill.

Chrom: You're saying that you have a great deal of experience in real battles, then?

Link ...Unfortunately. I was still only a child, but, once I was called upon to save my homeland, I quickly learned that if I don't kill my foes, then... they'll kill me.

Chrom: That's a terrible lesson to have to learn at a young age...

Link: The heightened focus and perception that takes over when you narrowly dodge a fatal strike... The rush of adrenaline that you feel when you're wounded and on your last leg... Knowing that if I fall, my world is doomed... I shouldn't have had to go through all of that, but there's no doubt in my mind; those experiences are what make me the warrior I am today.

Chrom: I can certainly attest to that. Now that you've explained it, it only makes sense why you're such a difficult opponent for me.

Link: Anyway... Let's spar again sometime, Chrom... Oh... uh...

Chrom: Hmm? What is it?

Link: I think... there's a hole in that wall...

Chrom: Ugh, damn it! I'm sure Vaike will hold this one over me for a few weeks...

Link: This... happens often?

Chrom: Look, let's not get into it... It's embarrassing enough already.

Link: Ah, well... It's not exactly the same, but... I also have a... an issue... with this type of thing.

Chrom: Really? You? You've always struck me as the controlled and careful type.

Link: it's just... Do you ever get that urge to... break open every jar you come across?

Chrom: Break open jars? In frustration?

Link: No, I... throw them against a wall or another hard surface. Then, I collect any helpful items stored inside.

Chrom: Where are you finding these jars full of... 'helpful items'?

Link: Well... almost everywhere, really. Mostly in caves and inside people's houses.

Chrom: Hold on! You enter people's houses, break open their jars and steal their belongings that they've hidden away!? Link, in Ylisse, you could face jail time for that sort of behavior!

Link: ...Really? That seems a bit... extreme. No one's ever told me not to...

Chrom: You honestly see nothing wrong with that, do you?... Well... regardless, in this world, If you enter someone's house and destroy their property, you will be charged as a criminal. I beg you, please rid yourself of this habit.

Link: Hmm... I can try. It's just... every time I see a jar, I have to break it open and see what's inside. I feel as if I'm being controlled by an evil spirit or something. It's... pretty strange...

Chrom: ...What?

Link: Hey, just... forget I mentioned this, okay? I thought we might have the same problem, but... I don't know anymore. I think something's wrong with me. I'll... see you...

Chrom: Seriously... What?

B-Support

Chrom: I have to say, Link, when we first met, even I had my doubts about you. I certainly wasn't as outspoken as 'Frederick the Wary', but there wasn't a thing about you that didn't raise a red flag or two.

Link: You were both in the right to doubt. I would've thought the same.

Chrom: Sometimes, I think about how poorly your situation could've turned out. There was a handful of stubborn, Ylissian nobles that wanted you and Robin put behind bars the moment you arrived. Look at the two of you now! Robin is a natural as our tactician, and you're practically a one-man army!

Link: C'mon, Chrom. I've been committed to your cause from the moment I was brought to Ylisse... There's no need to flatter me.

Chrom: ...Do you really not see how much of an impact you make on the battlefield? I mean it when I say that you're an incredible addition to the Shepherds. You're well-versed in swordplay and archery, you're a natural on a mount and with a shield, and I've even seen you use a few magic spells that looked well beyond the beginner level. It makes me wonder what you can't do!

Link: Chrom... Seriously, quit it. You... don't know me as well you think you do. My friends... the people from my home world... They say the same thing. They shower me with praise as if I can do no wrong. I'm 'amazing', I'm 'capable', I'm 'unstoppable'. They wouldn't say those things about me if they saw all the times that I failed... When I failed to save someone right in front of me...

Chrom: ...Hey, I didn't-

Link: They call me the 'Hero of Time', but the only purpose that title serves is as a reminder that I left them alone to fend for themselves for seven years. Sure, I saved Hyrule, but it was only after the damage had been done, and it was nearly too late.

Chrom: ...Link, I apologize. I didn't mean to suggest that you're a perfect person. No one is. And it's true, I don't know of the troubles that you faced in the past... but I do know that you're here, right now, risking your life for people that have no ties to you or the world you came from. No matter how you feel about this, you are a hero to the people that you've managed to save since joining the Shepherds.

Link: ...

Chrom: The people of Hyrule that you saved from a great evil? They think the same. The only reason you are here with us is because you are a hero. Naga, herself, sought out your aid based on your accomplishments alone. Is that not enough to convince you? You need to stop focusing on what you've failed to do and look at what you have done.

Link: ...Yeah... You're right. I'm sorry for... losing myself like that. Everyone can see that I prefer to... keep to myself most of the time, but... I know it isn't healthy for me to bottle my emotions up like I do. In all honesty... these thoughts have been on my mind a lot lately. Still, that's no excuse for taking them out on you, of all people.

Chrom: Think nothing of it. You had mentioned in the past that, for almost the entirety of your journey in Hyrule, you had no others fighting by your side. But now? You're a Shepherd, Link. When we fall, our allies help us back up. So, please, allow us to shoulder some of your burdens from time to time.

Link: ...Thanks, Chrom. It won't be easy, but... I'll try.

A-Support

Chrom: Gods... I'm such a fool...

Link: Hey... Chrom.

Chrom: How could I be so stupid!

Link: Can you... talk to me?

Chrom: *sigh* Honestly, Link, I would rather not.

Link: ...I'm not one to bother others about this sort of thing, but... you should tell me what happened... and why you're upset.

Chrom: Was it not obvious!? I left our formation completely exposed! I... I saw that enemy battalion approaching us from behind. Instead of calling out their position, as I should have done, I abandoned my spot and tried to cut them off myself... I should have had faith in my comrades to handle it.

Link: ...

Chrom: Thanks to my selfish impulses, I left Lissa, my own sister, unprotected, and... and that's how she received that wound. It's my fault. I would have been there to defend her! Imagine if she was killed from that attack! Her blood would be on my hands! T-There's no way... that I could live with myself if that reality had come to pass...

Link: Maybe not... but that isn't our reality. It's true, you made a mistake... but Lissa will be okay... and we'll be entering battle again soon. Your soldiers need your leadership... and you won't be able to lead them properly if you're fighting with yourself at the same time.

Chrom: But... what if-

Link: Yeah... you will make mistakes again. But an effective leader can't hesitate over 'what ifs'... right? You have to press on... despite what goes wrong.

Chrom: I agree... and maybe that is why I am not suited for this role.

Link: ...Do you remember when you told me... that it seems like there's nothing I can't do?

Chrom: What of it?

Link: Well... there's plenty I can't do. If you put me in your position as leader of this army... I'd fail terribly, no question.

Chrom: How do you figure?

Link: I can't inspire like you can... nor can I speak. It takes... time... for me to figure out what to say... and more time to figure out if I should even say it. So, I... keep to myself. I can confidently say that I'm not fit to lead, Chrom... but you are. The Shepherds... Have they ever voiced complaints about your leadership?

Chrom: ...I suppose they haven't, but-

Link: That's because they believe in your ability... and so do I. Do you really think that we're all wrong about this?... Think of Sully or Vaike... They're the kind of people who will let you know if you're a liability.

Chrom: ...Hah... You say you're no speaker, but you've got a way with words when the situation calls for it!

Link: ...I suppose.

Chrom: I know that it goes without saying at this point, but I'm very lucky to have met you, Link. Having a friend that will keep me grounded is, truly, a godsend in these times.

Link: ...Yeah... Same to you.

Chrom: *sigh* All right, I should look for Robin. As leader of the Shepherds, I've got to redouble my efforts. I'll never be the perfect commander that I desire to be, but I'll be damned if I don't learn from my mistakes! C'mon, friend, let's study some strategy before we start marching.

Link: ...That's what I like to hear.