Robin only now realized how big of a mistake it was to train with Lon'qu. Going into training, the tactician complimented the combat warriors in Regna Ferox before asking to be trained. While the warrior stated it would be better to continue learning from the Knights of Ylisse, he agreed to help Robin. Yet, Lon'qu did not plan on teaching and told the tactician he would have to learn through a very painful sparring match.

During their fight, Robin realized just how skilled Lon'qu was. The tactician raised his training sword to block the incoming attack aimed at his shoulder. As quickly as the blades connected, Lon'qu swung his wooden sword to his uninjured side. He groaned in pain, fortunate enough that the warrior was not striking his healing injuries, before charging in for an attack. Lon'qu parried the blade with ease followed by swinging his blade towards Robin's head. The tactician backed away from the blunt weapon only to be kicked down onto his back by his opponent.

Lon'qu backed off from Robin, taking up his combat stance while keeping an eye on his opponent. Ever since they started, their match had been mostly one-sided. Robin could not stand against Lon'qu's offense and had yet to land a single blow on his opponent. Yet, battling that Plegian commander, the tactician could not give up at honing his martial skill. Gritting his teeth in pain, he slowly stood back up, assuming his own combat stance.

"This is the fourth time you've fallen, yet you still continue," Lon'qu stated without a hint of emotion.

"Well, I can't give up now, not when I have more to learn from you," Robin told the warrior. "Besides, if I ever get into a real fight, my enemy would go for the finish instead of giving me time to recover."

"Well said," Lon'qu nodded, smirking.

Suddenly, Lon'qu was off the ground, swinging his blade down upon his opponent. Robin sidestepped the blow, the wooden sword spreading dirt as it strikes the ground instead. The tactician jabbed his practice blade against the warrior only for him to block it while crouching down. Lon'qu swung again, his blade striking the tactician's knee. Robin let out a yelp of pain, swinging his blade down upon his opponent. Lon'qu backed away with ease, standing up straight.

The warrior went on the offensive again, unleashing an onslaught of slashes and stabs upon the injured tactician. Robin tried his best to keep up with Lon'qu's speed, parrying a blow aimed at his chest before blocking another aimed at his neck. He blocked another swing down on his shoulder before Lon'qu kicked at his injured knee. Robin knelt down, looking back at his opponent to see his next attack. He raised his blade to protect his injured side, the wooden swords connecting. Yet, Lon'qu ended the fight with a quick strike to Robin's head, connecting with the side of his chin. The tactician fell back down, groaning in pain.

"You're improving," Lon'qu told him. "That was the longest you've lasted against me."

"Well, thanks," Robin groaned. "Give me a moment. I can go for another round."

"Actually, Robin, we're done training for today," Chrom walked forward, extending a hand to his friend.

` Exhausted, he reached up, grasping Chrom's hand. The prince then pulled the tactician back onto his feet. Robin took a quick look around, seeing Gaius walking behind Chrom, breathing deeply. Given their conditions, the tactician could only assume that the prince managed to best the thief. It was no surprise, given Chrom's skill with a blade, although he now wondered how his friend would fare in a duel against Lon'qu after his recent sparring match.

"So, onto business," Chrom started. "While we were sparring, Gaius had a smart idea."

"And what's that?" Robin asked, curious.

"Well, we're going to be sending our fliers out after Frederick," Chrom answered. "That way, if there's any trouble on the way, the main force can be warned ahead of time."

"You know, that actually is a good idea," Robin complimented.

"Well, thanks, but it gets better, Bubbles," Gaius replied, grinning.

"Robin, you'll be leading the scouting party consisting of Sumia, Gaius and Cordelia," Chrom told his friend. "If there is an enemy force, you can have a strategy in mind for the rest of us when we arrive."

The dots started to connect in Robin's head, realizing Gaius' intentions. The thief did not care about the strategical importance of his idea. Rather, he was more interested in making sure he spends time with Cordelia. It seemed to contradict what he had said earlier in the morning about how she was not interested though. The tactician could not help but wonder what else Gaius had planned.

Still, there was no denying that they would have to go through with this plan, Robin realized. A four man team was the right size to send and the right people were chosen for the job. One of the pegasus riders can leave to warn the rest of the Shepherds while the other could keep guard. Gaius would be able to find out how much of the enemy there was for Robin to calculate a plan. The tactician tried to think of a replacement for the thief but could only come up with three names: Kellam, Virion, and Lon'qu. He probably would not be able to find Kellam, Virion had just finished recovering and Lon'qu would never willingly ride with a woman. So, he would have to settle with Gaius.

"Very well," Robin finally said, nodding. "I suppose we shall leave at once, then?"

"That's right," Chrom answered, walking off. "Be sure to pack any supplies you'll need before meeting up with Sumia and Cordelia, the both of you."

And with that, the prince walked off. Lon'qu silently grabbed the remaining practice swords before following after Chrom. Gaius remained, still grinning at his success. Robin was not sure how to respond to the thief. On one hand, his idea was sound and would prove to aid the Shepards if there was trouble waiting on the road. On the other hand, Gaius seemed to suggested it for his own, personal reasons while not caring of the strategical value.

"So, I'll ride with Stumbles," Gaius broke the silence. "Oh, and Bubbles, you're welcome."

"You're welcome?" Robin repeated.

"She may not be interested in you right now, but with me as your wingman, I'm going to fix that." Gaius told him, avoiding the question.

"Gaius, I don't need your help as a wingman," Robin replied.

"Well, who're you going to turn to instead?" Gaius asked. "Blue's too oblivious so he won't be any help and Q-"

"Q?" Robin interrupted, confused.

"He spent most of the morning hitting you with a wooden sword," Gaius explained. "Q: Simple and straight to the point."

"That's actually not that bad of a nickname," Robin mused before getting back on topic. "Look, what I'm trying to say is that, I'm not interested in Cordelia like that. We just met yesterday."

"Don't lie to a thief, Bubbles," Gaius told him. "I can hear the truth in your voice. Oh, and your face being red as her hair also helps."

"Wait, what?" Robin asked, surprised as he realized he is blushing.

"Now, if you excuse me, I'll need to pack up some sweets for the trip," Gaius announced. "You want some now? You might be able to share-"

"Gaius!"

"Guess not," Gaius held in a laugh.

The thief ran off, audible laughter escaping from his lips. Robin let out a frustrated sigh, putting a hand to cover his red cheeks. The tactician was not sure if Gaius had in mind. While it seemed with his actions that he was interested in helping despite the obvious actions. Yet, his behavior convinced Robin that the thief was only in it to get a good laugh out of it. If Cordelia was not interested in him romantically, then Gaius was manipulating him to embarrass himself.

Of course, if she did hold some feelings for him…

Robin quickly pushed that thought aside, knowing that it possibly could not be true. The tactician supposed that if anyone was good at seeing what people wanted, it would be Gaius. If the thief said that Cordelia was interested in Chrom and not him, it might be the truth. Yet, if Robin took that into account, then he must acknowledge that he did have feelings of some form for her.

The tactician shook his head at that idea. When he was not busy with his duties, he was almost always reading. He remembered that one of the books he read, a suggestion from Sumia, was about a young squire who fell in love upon seeing a noblewoman for the first time. Yet, the concept of love at first sight was just something found in fiction. There was no possibility that it was happening to him now.

Robin sighed, realizing that he had just wasted several minutes having a mental debate in his head. He could not afford to be distracted now, not when he had work to take care of. With this in mind, the tactician set out quickly, needing to gather a few supplies before he could leave with the scouting party.

A/N: Well, life came at me with sicknesses and trips, but here's another update. A little bit short, but again, I plan on taking my time with this and not rush through. As for next week's update, I will be away on a trip for Spring Break.

RenegadeReviewer/Warrior of Six Blades: Gaius had always been one of my favorite characters in Awakening, especially when he gets higher up in level. Writing this story, I knew I needed someone who helps Robin out, and given the situation, I couldn't go with Chrom. So, really, Gaius was the best option to go with from that point. With his personality and contrast with Robin, I feel like he will make an excellent supporting character to this story.

Pkmn2112: I've thought that most of the Shepards are amazing characters. Even though some of them will have minor roles in this story, I do plan on at least mentioning them every once in a while as well as including them in battles.

Until next time.