Wow, it's been forever...! Sorry about the lack of updates (is anyone still wanting more of these?) And the title is terrible...

Ahem, I'll just get straight to the story, kay?

Important Info:

1) Meta Knight is based on the anime Hoshi no Kaabii, where he's more of a father figure to Kirby

2) Lucario is female and Greninja is male

Disclaimer: Yeah, even after that long absence nothing's changed. I have not magically obtained the rights to any of the characters.

Blessing

Sum: Marth gets an unexpected request.

~ ~ ~ Us ~ ~ ~

From his seat on the sidelines he watched as the vanguard dodged the attack only to retaliate and punch Cloud in the shoulder.

Meta Knight was closer to the duo, watching with keen eyes as they traded attacks, dodges, and counter attacks.

Marth was still surprised to see the Ex-Solider interacting with anyone. He still wondered how Ike got him to accept his invitation to spar. He'd heard from others Cloud had rejected their offers of training and general hanging out. Yet, here he was.

The emperor winced at a particularly hard hit from Ike that connected with the Buster wielder's side.

The blond swordsman went with the blow, rolling into a kneeling position. He then took a more defensive role as the vanguard chased him with another vertical attack.

"Marth?"

The voice startled him. "Oh!" The Emperor of Akaneia blinked at the Smasher, surprised to see the male tactician. "Hello Robin. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I would like to ask something of you." The tactician motioned to the empty seat. "May I sit?"

"Of course."

Marth looked at the other, noting he was nervous. "Robin, is everything alright?"

"Ah, yes." the white haired duel wielder replied, offering the barest smile. "It's nothing of…critical importance."

"Very well...then what is it you wish ask?"

He watched with some amusement as Robin took a few deep breathes, prepping himself. He turned to face the emperor and said, "I want your blessing to court Lucina."

Marth blinked at him, processing the words.

Robin had correctly predicted the Emperor of Akaneia would need time to wrap his mind around the request. So he waited, letting his eyes wander on the practice match hoping it would occupy him while waiting.

Courting.

He and Shiida had a very abnormal courtship, nothing like what his and Elice's mother shared of her courtship with their father. There wasn't time for courting during war.

A few shared long glances, quite nights in each other's company by the fire, hands held when possible, little things to show each other they cared. Gifts and outings weren't possible, with battles, marches, and strategy meetings to attend to.

Unless you counted supplying her with vulenaries and weapons as gifts. Marth recalled during the first months of their marriage he showered her with presents; dresses, jewelry, the finest saddle for her peagsus, to list a few. Shiida had taken them in stride before gently telling him he didn't need to do this. There was nothing to make up for. Having him as her husband was more than enough.

Marth smiled at the memory. Then glanced at the tactician. "You wish to court Lucina..."

"That's correct."

The emperor shook his head, confused at the request. "Why are you asking for my blessing? I'm not Lucina's father."

"Yes, I know. However, you're important to her." The tactician replied. "You've obtained a similar status as her father, who she cares deeply for. So, I plan on asking the two people she honors and holds above all else for their blessings."

Their blessings. "So you are going to ask for Chrom's as well…"

"Of course." The white haired magic user affirmed. "I concluded it would be quicker to first ask for yours before sending word to Chrom."

The Emperor of Akaneia thought back on his own proposal; how nervous he'd been when asking for King Mostyn's blessing. And how he briefly thought that he would deny it or worse she would say 'No' to his proposal. "Am I correct in assuming you wish to marry her?"

The tactician flushed, with a blissful smile on his face. "Yes, you are correct."

"What would you do if either I or Chrom denied you our blessing? What would you do if she says 'No' to your proposal? What will be your response?"

"Those are not fair questions."

"No, they're not." Marth agreed. "However, they are questions that needs an answer. The possibility, no matter your opinion or mindset, is there. You can't know what the future may bring."

The tactician leaned forward, laced his fingers, and rested his chin on them. He watched the Ex-Solider land a solid hit on Ike, processing the questions. Yes, the possibility that Marth or Chrom or both could refuse to bless their courtship and the possibility of Lucina rejecting marriage had crossed his mind. At the time, Robin had shoved it to the back of his mind, but with Marth bringing it up brought it straight to the front of his thoughts.

What would he do?

Ike attacked with an overhead swing. Cloud brought his replica blade up to meet it.

Marth and Chrom were influential people in her life. If they would not give their blessing, how would Lucina handle it? Would she still go through with a courtship?

They struggled against one another, a battle of strength.

It was hard to say. Lucina was a strong woman, but also trusted in her father's judgement. Should he deny his blessing but she wish for their relationship would cause a great strain on her.

It was the Ex-Solider who won, using the other's momentum against him. He shifted his balance and letting Ike fall to the ground.

He could never do that to her. Make her choice between him or her family.

Cloud twisted so he was standing above the vanguard and placed the blade against Ike's chest.

"I wouldn't pursue a relationship with her."

The Emperor of Akaneia softly grinned. "I see."

The Buster wielder held out a hand for Ike. At this point, the Star Warrior approached the two ready to deliver his critique.

"Very well. You have my blessing."

He laughed, seeing Robin breath a sigh of relief.

"Thank you Marth. It means a lot."

The emperor nodded, eyes turning back to his friends. "Your welcome."

Meta Knight was talking to the two swordsmen, cape wrapped around him. The vanguard raked a hand through his hair where as Cloud raised an eyebrow.

Marth gave a small smile. "I know you will take care of Lucina whatever may come from the courtship. And most importantly you'll respect her."

Sorry about this one being relatively short. It's been a while since I've written anything, so I'm pretty rusty. Life's been interesting...anyway...

Okay, if you recall from "One, Two, Three, One, Two, Three" I stated I don't care for Robin/Lucina. I also stated I'm not going to bash it just because it's not my 'OTP'. By all rights, I suppose the two could end up together due to their shared history and being in close proximity during the Smash Tournament.

I have an idea of where I want to take this sort of subplot or Robin/Lucina but again, Romance is not the main point of this collection of oneshots so most likely things will happen in the background or mentioned in passing.

To be honest, the only reason I'm addressing it is because I believe Robin would take the steps to try to do it 'right' with her and ask for Marth and Chrom's blessing for their courtship.

And if you Robin/Lucina shippers are dying for more of that ship, go look into the Fire Emblem category. Seriously there's like…a bunch there. Knock yourselves out.

Alright, that's enough outta me.

Have a good one, ya'll!

ZeroGravityDog out!