A/N:Hey guys and welcome to chapter 2 of "Fortunes of A Grandmaster"! I want to thank everyone for such a positive and awesome response to chapter 1 and I'm so glad you all enjoyed it! This chapter will have the reunion with Sumia, Morgan and Cynthia and also just some general family fluff, enjoy!
Oh Wait before I head off I want to address something that was messaged to me, I had someone(Not Going to say who) ask me about the Fates characters and keeping with the cannon, which I want to give my answer for all to hear. Unlike Awakening I do NOT know all of the cannon and backstory of Fates, which wouldn't be a problem except this person wanted to call me out on something.
You see when I had Severa come in chapter 1 with Asugi from the Fates world this person pointed out that in Severa's supports with Subaki in Fates, she mentions Cordellia has passed away(Or rather her mother) and this person was questioning why she isn't dead.
The truth is I haven't finished all of Fates to know a lot about the characters so I want to say right now that I will NOT be taking Fates Cannon into consideration, and for anyone complaining please remember this is a AWAKENING story not a Fates one. I do plan on having some Fates cameos, but their mostly to add depth to the characters and nothing else.
I apologize for the rant, it just bothered me that someone was getting onto me because of what is said in a support conversation in another game, I hope you all forgive me for the rant and enjoy the chapter :)
Daybreak broke at Southtown as the trio were set to head out to the capital, the journey would more than likely take all day so they all made sure to restock in town. Robin decided to stay back in the hotel though and let Chrom and Lissa do the shopping for supplies as Robin didn't want anyone to know he had return…yet….
When Chrom and Lissa departed for the local market, Robin leaned back in his chair and laughed, Fate was so weird in how he went from tumbling in darkness to sitting in a Inn Room. Robin looked around the room and tried to see if he could spot any books, to his dismay the book shelf only held one book.
Figuring one book is better than none, Robin leapt up and grabbed the lone book. He looked at the title and read it aloud "The War of Fates". From the title alone, Robin inferred the book was about the legendary battle between the fable kingdoms of Hoshido and Nohr. This brought memories back to Robin of his encounter with the town watch earlier in the day, but soon after a knock was heard on the door.
Robin raised a eyebrow before setting the book down and drawing his sword and carefully walking over to the door, he slowly opened it to see who was on the other side and was relieved to see it was just Severa. "Oh Severa, How are you?"
"Good…Can I come in?" Robin nodded before opening the door and motioning her in, he also put his sword away as well. Severa just silently walked over and sat down on the bed "…I figure you have a lot of questions for me, but please hear me out first…"
Before Severa could continue Robin held up his hand cutting her off, she looked at him curiously but he just smiled "No need to explain your actions, you have your reasons for hanging out with people from another world."
Severa just looked down and sighed, of course Robin would say something like that, but despite his words she needed to still say what she knew "I figured you would give me a response like that, unfortunately I must still relay information to you…and you only…"
It was now Robin's turn to give Severa a curious look, but when he saw how serious her eyes were he just nodded before sitting down and giving her his full attention. "I'm listening then…"
"I can't give the full details on why I am hanging out with them but I can say this, the story finally reached it's climax with the two fable kingdom's coming together to fight the enemy…I was involved in said war and I learned that being away from your family was heartbreaking for me."
Robin kept his full attention on Severa and just nodded at her words, Robin noticed how much she had changed though. She wasn't being rude at all and seemed to be opening up to Robin, something he thought he would never see.
"The reason I mention my family is because I know you have been away for three years and I bet it's going to be hard to talk to your family…At Least initially and I was wondering if we could help each other?"
Robin raised a eyebrow at Severa "Help each other how?"
"I was getting to that! Oh I mean…sorry…Um it's been a while since I've seen Mom and Dad and in that time I was away I got married and had a beautiful daughter by the name of Caeldori and…"
"I see so that's what you need help with…" Severa looked up and gave Robin a questioning look "You need help with telling Cordellia and Frederick that you are now married and even have a daughter correct?"
"W-Well that's almost it…It's hard to explain but Caeldori is almost the same age as me…And no she didn't time travel, she was in a place called the DeepRealms where-" Robin again raised his hand to cut her off.
"I read about the Deep Realms and how time travels much faster there, so you don't need to explain to me. Now explaining to Frederick and Cordellia can be tricky but I'm sure the two of us can work something out…Although now that I think about it, are your husband and daughter going to meet them?"
"Of course they are! I mean yes they are, I just wanted to break the news to Mom and Dad before…That's all." Severa got up and walked over and gave Robin a hug "Thanks…I always liked you more than the others Uncle Robin…"
Robin smiled as he hugged Severa back, she had certainly grown he remembered how much she refused to call him uncle, it brought a small tear to his face "You were always one of my favorite nieces Sev"
"Liar, I've heard you say the same to Lucy…" Severa looked up and stuck her tongue out at Robin who just laughed causing Severa to laugh as well, she finally stopped hugging Robin and looked at the door "I should be heading out now…I'll see you at the castle."
"Same to you, take care Sev."
"Same to you Uncle." Severa waved before departing out the door, Robin gave a small sigh before walking over and picking the book he had intended to read back up.
Ylisse
"Morgan! Cynthia!" Sumia called out her window for her two daughters who had run off with the other children from their time, when Robin first sacrificed himself the trio had practically shunned the outside world but over time they gradually came back into the public eye and soon were able to get on with their lives, although the scars were still there.
Sumia called again for her daughters and gave a sigh when she still got no response, something she was getting quite used to. "Milady I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Sumia turned and smiled when she saw Frederick had visited her "Oh no it's perfectly fine Frederick you're always welcome here!"
"I thank you, I hope you're not busy because I was wondering if you could assist me with something." Sumia gave him a smile and a nod signaling for Frederick to continue "I'm afraid to admit I'm having some trouble with my own daughter…"
"Hm? Sevy's only two how much trouble can she be?" Sumia playfully stuck her tongue out but Frederick kept his serious expression on.
"I'm afraid she isn't the one I'm having trouble with, it's actually Severa…I got a letter from her announcing that she's paying us a visit and…She apparently has some kind of big announcement to make."
"Oh I see, well do you have any ideal on what her announcement could be?"
"I…Don't know for sure, I'm worried that she's decided to try to return to her own time or she has found a boy or worse what if she is pregnant?"
Sumia gave a small smile before walking over and placing a hand on Frederick's shoulder "Well I doubt she has any plans to return to the future, but there is a good chance she has found a husband, she is old enough after all."
"I…I know that but…"
"But nothing Frederick, she's old enough to make her own choices regardless of what you say. We also have to remember she wouldn't be the first one to get married since Gerome and Noire got married last year. We should also remember how hard her life was once, she deserves happiness don't you think?"
Frederick opened his mouth to say something but immediately it closed with his eyes as well, he gave a deep sigh before opening his eyes and giving a smile to Sumia "You…Are right, she is a young woman and I should respect her choices…I'm sorry to bother you with this."
"Oh it's no problem! Not only do I know the struggle of being a parent but I've read plenty of books dealing with situations like yours! So I'm always prepared when a boy tries to court either Cynthia or Morgan!"
As if the mention of their name finally worked, Morgan and Cynthia came running into the house and right into the back of Frederick "Ow…Oh Sorry Uncle Frederick!"
The girls yelled in unison which just caused Frederick to smile and wave it off, Sumia however wasn't as pleased "Girls! I called for you earlier! Now our breakfast is most likely cold!"
The girls looked down in guilt with Morgan speaking up "Sorry mother, we had a little too much fun with Lucina and Lucy…I'm sorry…."
Cynthia looked up and gave a small laugh "Well…At Least we weren't late for lunch…Hehe…"
Sumia glared at her before giving a sigh and ordering the girls "Just go and get ready for Breakfast…"
"Yes Mother!" The girls again yelled in unison before getting up and running off towards the kitchen.
Frederick merely laughed at the whole scene "It looks like I'm not the only one with children issues."
Sumia gave a sigh before smiling "The life of a parent is a hard one…Yet one worth living.."
Southtown
Robin had gotten about halfway through the book when Lissa and Chrom returned from shopping with supplies and other miscellaneous items, Robin smiled at them and sat his book down "Have everything I suppose?"
"Well everything that we needed and then some, I blame it on Lissa's shopping though…At Least she isn't as bad as Lucina." Chrom joked.
"What do you mean by that? I think Lucina has fantastic shopping tastes! That's why I always take her with me!" Lissa chirped in.
"Well that explains a lot…Anyway Robin did anyone stop by while we were gone?"
Robin was tempted to tell them about Severa but decided to keep it to himself…For now "Nope I've just been here the entire time reading."
Chrom laughed "Like I said, haven't changed a bit have you?"
"I suppose not, well are we ready to begin the journey home?"
"Yeah but I need to talk to you in private, Lissa could you excuse us for a moment?" Chrom asked his little sister.
"Ugh fine! But don't take to long!" Lissa stuck her tongue out before turning around and leaving.
"Well that was unexpected, what do you need Chrom?" Robin turned around in his chair and faced Chrom directly.
"Robin…What do you plan on doing when we get home? Go directly to your family?"
"Well of course, why do you ask?" Chrom bit his lower lips before sighing.
"I was afraid of that…I think it might be good to announce to everyone at once that you have returned that away word doesn't get out before I can announce it myself."
Robin narrowed his eyes at Chrom before slowly reaching inside his cloak "That's an interesting request Chrom…Do you have any others?"
"I do actually, I think we should take a detour to the capital that away rumors won't be floating around before we get back there, surely you understand?"
Robin kept his look trained on Chrom before slowly getting out of his chair and slowly walking behind Chrom "I understand what your intentions are, if that's what you mean."
"My intentions? You make it sound like I'm plotting something against you."
"Why make it sound any different, that is the truth after all." Chrom gave a look of confusion then distressed when Robin reached the door and he heard a lock sound. "Now then, you have ten seconds to tell me who you really are."
"Who I really am? Come on Robin, it's me Chrom, your best friend? You know Exalt of the land?"
"Ten…"
"Robin come on you know who I am, no need to play games."
"Five…"
"Dammit Robin It's me Chrom! Husband to Sully and ruler of the land!?"
"Thank you that's all I needed to know."
"Well I'm glad yo- Argh!" Before Chrom could finish, a sword lunged through his body penetrating his heart "Arg…Robin…?!"
Chrom fell back and crashed through the table where Robin's book was located at, Robin kept his serious look as he watched "I thought something was weird when Lissa said she loves shopping with Lucina considering not only does Lissa hate shopping but at the same she also hates Lucina's style of clothing."
"And that's enough justification for you to stab me?"
"No…What you said afterward, first off you didn't want me to visit my family when we got to the 'capital' and second of all you wanted to take a detour, something you never done before." Robin walked over to 'Chrom' and stuck his boot right under his 'Chrom's' neck. "But the thing that really showed me who you are is when you mentioned your marriage to Sully."
"Ho-How can that prove anything!?"
"Considering that Sully is married to Virion and we see our problem, especially considering the real Chrom is married Maribelle." The now Fake-Chrom went wide eyed "So who are you really?"
The Fake Chrom just smiled and laughed before closing his eyes "…Hail Grima…"
The figure suddenly vanished in a pit of purple flames leaving only Robins boot and book at his place, before Robin could clean up the mess a knock was heard at the door along with Chrom and Lissa's voices.
Robin let them in and after determining they were the real deal, explained to them what had happened. The trio decided to go ahead and set out for the capital so they could research on what just happened in more detail.
North of Southtown
The trip for most of the day was uneventful, Robin and Chrom mostly talked about how Ylissa had been doing since Robin sacrificed himself, while Lissa hummed to herself and complained to Robin about walking.
When the sun began to set, the trio decided to find a place to sleep for the night, they finally set up camp a bit into the forest off the road. "Huh, this reminds me of my first trip to the capital with you Chrom, I think this is pretty close to where we set up camp for the first time."
"Indeed it does bring back memories, and I have to agree this is pretty close to where we first laid camp at…Let's just hope no Risen decided to come crashing down from the sky!" Robin and Chrom shared a laugh while Lissa was complaining in the background about being hungry.
"Indeed, now all we need is some bear meat." Robin gave a sly smirk to Lissa who instantly shut up about being hungry and just pouted "Now then, I would like to ask if there has been any Risen in the area since I sacrificed myself."
"Nope, after you saved the world all the Risen vanished…Of course Grima's followers are still present in many areas of the land, which I believe is who tried to trick you earlier."
"Indeed it seemed like it, although It's interesting that he knew I was back…And his shapeshifting is spot on too, he must be a high ranking mage…"
"Was a high ranking mage! From the sound of it, seems like you killed him!" Chrom gave a small laugh but Robin kept his serious look, which made Chrom stop "Anyway…I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."
"Yeah…"
"Come on old friend, you and Lissa get some sleep! I'll stand guard."
"No it's ok I'll stand watch, I'm not really tired at the moment anyway…"
"Well…Alright then, but if you feel like you're about to pass out just wake me up alright?" Robin just nodded in response, after which Chrom and Lissa made themselves small beds to sleep on and eventually the two of them passed out leaving Robin alone to his thoughts.
Can I truly say that I killed him? It seemed like he just vanished into thin air…Although I suppose that's illogical…Then again so are time traveling kids…Well I shouldn't think too much about it, I should worry about what I'll say to Sumia and the girls when I finally see them again.
A few hours later….
Robin drifted in and out of sleep as he laid back against a tree next to Chrom and Lissa who were fully asleep, Robin cursed himself for not being able to stay up late into the night without difficulties. "Well…A suppose a small cat nap never killed anyone…"
Robin closed his eyes and drifted into sleep…
…Robin…
Robin could hear his name being called out, but from where?
Robin why…?
Why? Why what?
Robin…Why did you kill me…?
Kill? Robin had never killed anyone who wasn't an enemy.
Robin why…?
"Who…Who is speaking to me?"
…Your Mother…
Robin opened his eyes wide as the bright sun beat down on him, Robin could feel himself shaking and looked down to his palms which had sweat rolling down them. Robin could also feel sweat running down his forehead as well.
Robin looked over at Chrom and Lissa and noticed they were still asleep, Robin gave a sigh before cleaning himself up and waking Chrom and lissa up.
When the two were fully awake Chrom questioned Robin's uneasiness to which Robin just chalked it up to no sleep.
Ylisse
"Well…It's been a while…" Robin whispered to Chrom as they walked through the gates into the capital, Robin had pulled his hood over covering his face while also tying it up like he did in Southtown.
"Well maybe for you but I was here just a few days ago." Robin playfully pushed Chrom who just laughed, Lissa had run along to do a little shopping and told Chrom and Robin she would see them at the castle.
Chrom had also put on a cloak and tied it up like Robin did so not to attract attention, the duo walked down the streets past all the people on their way to the castle "It seems the economy is doing quite well."
"I have you to thank for that my friend, with all those economy plans you proposed and passed Ylisse has never been better when it comes to wealth."
"Well I'm glad to hear, I suppose all war debts have also been completed as well?"
"Yep they were easily paid off thanks to again your plans and Plegia's booming economy as well, which it should be mentioned Plegia overthrew the monarchy."
"Did they?"
"Yeah, after another devastating war the people apparently had enough and killed all royal family members and political advisors, they elected their own leaders and the new leaders have done a excellent job of re-establishing relations and fixing the economy."
"Well that's good to hear, Perhaps we won't ever have to worry about a war with them again…" The duo continued to talk when they reached the gate to the castle "Well I suppose this is where we depart for now…I suppose Sumia and the girls still live in my house?"
"Yeah, and don't worry your house is still where it was when I had it built for you so no worries."
"Alright thanks Chrom, I'll see you later."
"You too my friend." From a distance Severa watched the duo before setting off to Robin's house.
Robins House
"Cynthia! Morgan!" Sumia again called in vain for her daughters and again gave up and sighed, she went over to her chair and sat down in it. She picked up the book she had been reading when a picture fell out from it.
She picked it up and smiled at it, it was when Robin had taking everyone to the beach for a little vacation, which it was thanks to that vacation that Ylisse learned about picture tombs that Anna had found in another world.
Sumia smiled at the memories that were made there, such as when they went for a swim together, when Robin gave her the most amazing massage ever and also when Robin pointed his sword at Vaike for flirting with Morgan.
While the memory was happy, Sumia still had a tear of sadness roll down her cheek. Things were never the same once Robin sacrificed himself, she still remembered how miserable she was when it first happened, if it wasn't for her friends she may have never recovered along with her daughters. Sumia gave a smile while looking at the picture "…I wish you were still here, I bet you would be so proud of your daughters…"
Before Sumia could put the picture back down a knock was heard at her door, she wondered who could be here this early before putting the book and picture down and answering the door. When she opened the door, she noticed a figure dropped in cloak standing in front of her "Y-Yes…?"
The figure, who was really Robin, had to restrain himself from jumping forward and hugging Sumia, he wanted to know if she still loved him first "Y-Yes Milady…I'm a new assistant to Lord Chrom and was going around speaking to all the shepherds…May I come in?"
Sumia didn't fully trust the cloaked figure but allowed him to come in "I'm afraid I didn't know about any new advisor, and I certainly wasn't expecting any guests so I apologize for the mess."
"Oh no it's um…fine…"
"You can sit down if you like." Robin naturally walked over to his old chair and was about sit down when Sumia spoke up "Oh! Can you not there please? That was my late husbands chair!"
Robin stopped himself before going over and sitting down on the couch instead "Apologies…I didn't know…"
"Oh it's alright, It's just that I can't see anyone but my husband sitting there so you know…"
Well she hasn't re-married it sounds like, that's good at least…"I'm sorry I don't know much about your husband, who was he?"
"I was married to Ylisse former Grandmaster, Robin was his name, he was such a amazing man it's a shame you can't meet him." Sumia went to the kitchen to grab something when she yelled "Would you like some pie!?"
"Oh um..Yes Please…I'm sorry to ask but was your husband a great man?"
"Oh he was the greatest man on the planet, he made me feel like myself and not some story book character."
"I see…Do you still love him?"
Sumia stopped in her tracks for a moment before giving a long sigh "…Yes I do…It's the most painful love I have for someone…"
"Would you like for him to come back someday?"
"Oh I would give anything for him to come back." Sumia didn't like discussing her husband with this stranger so she grabbed a pie and came back "Would you like to try some Ru-"
Sumia stopped her words and dropped the tray to the floor, Robin had gotten up and removed his hood showing who he really was and for Sumia time had stopped. "…You don't have to give anything…I'm back Sumia…"
Sumia could feel tears forming in her eyes as she just stood there staring at Robin, emotions were rushing through her faster than Chrom on Maribelle's birthday and she couldn't do anything but stand there and cry.
Robin took one step forward in which Sumia didn't react "…Sumy…?"
Sumia lost it when she heard her nickname and ran forward and punched Robin right on the face, Robin didn't retaliate instead he stood there and let his wife pound on his face. Eventually her punches turned into light slaps as she broke down and clung to Robin. "You…Stupid idiot!"
Robin wrapped her in his embrace and pulled her close, Sumia continued to ball onto his chest and Robin stayed quiet. When she finally was done and was just sniffing Robin lifted her chin up "Did I ever tell you that even when you're crying you look like a princess?"
Sumia blushed before plugging her face back onto Robin's chest "Please…Don't let this be a nightmare…I've..Had too many…"
Robin could feel the tears starting to form in his eyes in which he just placed a kiss on Sumia's head and whisper to her "No Sumy…This isn't a nightmare, this isn't a dream, this is reality and I plan on staying this time…"
Sumia again broke down and clung to Robin with her nails penetrating Robins cloak and skin drawing a bit of blood, but Robin didn't mind the pain from the punches and nails, they didn't even come close to what he had caused Sumia for three years.
Eventually Morgan came rushing in to tell Sumia something "Mother! I'm sorry I'm late! Cynthia washing some mud off and-…!"
Morgan fell silent from the scene in front of her, there was her mother balling her eyes out and embracing her…father…When Cynthia came rushing in she was the same as Morgan, Robin eventually raised his head and spoke "Hey girls…"
Cynthia and Morgan both broke down crying as they both ran forward and grabbed Robin in a bear hug refusing to let go, they cried onto his cloak while yelling out Daddy not caring about formalities at this point. Even though they were all crying, the three woman couldn't be more happier at that point, they all felt like they were dreaming.
And from a distance Severa smiled as she watched the scene from the window "Well Uncle Robin…Looks like you didn't wait for my help…Oh well, I'm just happy for you and Aunt Sumia…But don't expect not to help me with my parents as unlike you...I didn't have the luxury of forming bonds with them...
A/N:This chapter was a bit more serious than I would like but it's mostly to just set up a lot of future events, with that said I hope you all still enjoy it! Also welcome to the Author Response section! Whenever someone reviews, I'll be answering it in the next chapter! :) Also apologies if there are any mistakes in this chapter, my Beta reader has a lot going on so I apologize if I missed anything.
Xillax- I have finally found someone who thinks Chrom and Sumia supports are crap YES! Joking aside I agree Robin and Sumia needs more love(Hence the story) and I always thought the shared interest in books was a really nice touch of both personalities.
Guest- Didn't intend for Robin to come off as a prick, just that he had enough battle experience not to be intimidated by a "Town Watch" and as for the insult, it was more on the lines that Robin knew of how Saizo considered him a disappointment as a son during the early stages of their supports. As for Severa it again is more of the lines of Robin showing no weakness around anyone and not being pissed at Severa.
equach- OMG! I do! It was my first pairing in Awakening and Morgan as a Pegasus Knight and Gale Force from the start basically made her a one man army and it was amazing! Thanks for enjoying the story so far! Also glad that Robin came off as a badass, kinda was the point :)