DiSCLaImER: FIrE EMBLeM AND ITS CHaRACTERS BElONG TO NINTENDO.
Naga's Voice 2
"We retreat," Robin muttered.
The the others looked on in shock as Robin stared lifelessly into the distance. They had been surprised that the famed Tactician would find himself backing out of a fight. Although filled with frustration, they knew that war was no game. Despite countless hours of planning, just the slightest of things is enough to turn any plan on its head.
Robin headed towards their forces to alert them of their retreat. "Everyone, as of right now, this mission is a failure." A chorus of gasps and questioning mutters filled the area. "This was all a trap... One that I led us into. We need to escape and rethink our strategy. I'm sorry..."
Chrom walked up to his sullen friend. "Alright, we'll pull back. Robin? Don't be too hard on yourself."
"How can I not be hard on myself? I'm your Tactician, yet I've led us into a slaughter!"
"Easy there, boy. No harm done here. There's no shame in turning back when you've got no ground left to walk on." Flavia said in consolation.
"No harm done? How many of our men have died on our way to the tree?!"
Basilio grabbed Robin by the shoulders. "None. I'd say we were lucky that they seemed to be holding back. Not a single one of my men has died in this march just yet." He turned over to Flavia who nodded, indicating no lives were lost under her as well. "And if we want to keep it that way, you need to pull your ass together." he said firmly.
"Yeah, Bubbles, lighten up."
"Even Ol'Teach has got his bad days."
"TO A HERO, DEFEAT IS NOTHING MORE THAN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SET UP A COUNTER ATTACK!"
"Nothing in this world is certain. No plan is fool proof. Life's filled with countless ever changing variables, and even for someone such as yourself, to think any plan can accommodate all those variables is simply absurd. No one's perfect, Robin."
"N-no one got hurt! That's a-all that matters!"
Robin shook his head. A part of him wanted to wallow in defeat, to accept the fact that he failed in his role. But how could he now? Despite the glaring failure in his plan, they all still placed their faith in him. He had no time to waste pitying himself. He had to make sure his friends were safe. No, Basilio was right. This wasn't defeat. The fight's just begun. The enemy was getting smarter, and so would he. His blood began to boil. He guiltily admitted to himself that he felt a small wave of excitement pass over him. Was it the fact that his comrades still believed in him? Or was it the prospect of him overcoming the Valmese's strategy despite the disastrous turn of events? To defeat whoever it was that saw right through his plans? Robin smirked inwardly, fiddling his fingers at his sides. "Let's pull back for now. We can kick their asses another day."
Laughter spread amongst the troops, everyone nodding in agreement.
"Let's make for the mountains to the west. I've reason to believe that another Valmese force is marching from the south."
The Ylisseans gave one last look at the mighty Mila Tree, vowing they would return for Lady Tiki, before setting off in retreat.
"Hoho, seems like your scheme wasn't so perfect after all." Cervantes chuckled towards a presence looming around the tree top.
A round figure once again materialized before the Valmese General. "Tch, who's side are you on?"
"Oh? I'm just glad they halted their attack on our position. It almost seems like you want them to attack us. Who's side are you on?"
The round man stomped a foot into the floor. "Shut up! Shut up you damned fool! Argh... those Ylissean dastards..."
Cervantes stroked his facial hail, smoothing it into long strands. "Hmm, it doesn't matter. They backed off and Lady Tiki is still under our subjugation. I'd say this victory was as good as any."
"To a lazy moron who'd rather groom himself, perhaps this would be enough. Have you no drive for greatness? Do you not long for glory, respect, fame?!"
"Not at all. It's not as if I'm... compensating for anything..." Cervantes finished slyly before breaking out into laughter.
The round man stayed silent before vanishing.
Cervantes stopped laughing and gripped the Tomahawk at his side.
With a flash, the round man appeared once again on the other side of Cervantes. The man raised a red tome into the air, the grimoire brimming with magical energy. Before it's charging could reach its paek, an object cut through the air straight and cleaved the tome in two.
A Tomahawk was embedded into a branch behind the man.
Cervantes glared at the man. "I've no time for your antics, Excellus. If you want attention, get your ass to the front lines. You may be our Tactician, but I am the General of this Army's division and you're standing within my fortress. I could kill you right now on the grounds of treason, for the attempted murder of one of Walhart's Generals."
The round man, Excellus, grit his teeth. He knew nothing more could be done for the moment. He vanished once again, this time for good.
The Ylisseans trekked through the rugged terrain of the western mountains. Luckily, they avoided making any contact with the suspected enemy troops advancing from the south.
Lucina marched alongside her mother, who had been on her pegasus. She stared at Robin. He appeared to be in deep thought, the guilt that momentarily overcame him upon the announcement of retreat was nowhere to be found. He had a strange look upon him. A look one would find on the face of one who was playing chess, that was desperately, yet calmly trying to figure out how to turn around a checkmate. If the situation caused Robin to take a blow to his ego, no one be able to tell now.
"You should go talk to him, dear." Sumia said with a soft smile.
Lucina was startled, having been caught staring. "Oh... he seems to be taking it rather well. I think he's fine..." she said, half lying.
"Well he does look okay. Even so, I think he'd appreciate having a friend to talk about it with for a little."
Lucina thought about it. "Maybe I should. Err, just in case." she said as she strode over to the Tactician.
"Even when we were moments away from a lethal pincer attack... You're unbelievable." Cordelia said dryly, her pegasus catching up to Sumia's.
"Heh, well I am a bit worried about him though. This is the first time he had to completely drop one of his plans."
"You're right." Cordelia thought for a moment on how their Tactician had just been bested for the first time.
Lucina walked beside Robin. He appeared to have been in too deep a thought to have noticed her presence.
"Robin."
"..."
"Roobiin."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Robin felt a pinch on his cheek. He turned his head to find Lucina with the look of a dejected child.
"What?"
"I've been calling for you a while."
"Huh? Oh, sorry, Lucina. Did you need something?"
"I just came to check up on you."
"...Why?"
"Because... well... because what happened..."
"It's fine, you can say it. I admit it, my plan was poorly thought out. It was an embarrassment that could've cost our lives."
"...You don't seem too bothered by it."
"Well I was at first, but why should I?"
Lucina was a bit startled at the words coming from him. This was the man who cried for the enemy forces once, yet now felt nothing at the thought that they could've been wiped out. "Robin, if something's bothering you, please, tell me." she said with concern.
Robin raised a brow. "Nothing's bothering me. I told you, I got over it."
"Got... over it?"
Robin nodded. "I felt like I was about to crumble when I finally figured out the situation. I thought that I failed. I got us killed. But then I realized something. What good was thinking like that going to do? We hadn't lost just yet, and none of us died. They said they needed me to pull myself together, and I did. So don't worry, I'm not about to go sulking in the corner over this. Like I said, we'll get them back later."
Lucina looked at Robin, still unsure of his rebound. "Okay... But if there's anything at all, I'm here for you."
Robin chuckled. "Hah, you know, you can be real cute when you try." he said, patting her head.
Lucina flushed. "Wh-what do you mean when I try? And why are you patting my head again?" she stammered, grabbing his hand.
"You were the one pinching me." Robin said, pinching Lucina's cheek with his free hand.
"H-hey!" Lucina pinched Robin's cheek yet again.
Not too long later, the two had both their hands upon one another's face, tugging forcefully.
"Robin, we'r..." Lissa stopped to find her niece and Robin in the midst of a heated physical confrontation.
The two momentarily halted their struggle, turning towards Lissa. "What!?" they asked in unison.
Lissa put her hands in front of her, trying to ward off the annoyed stares piercing her. "S-sorry! Am I interrupting something?" she asked.
Robin and Lucina looked at one another, releasing their hold on the other's face.
"No..." "I guess not..." they said in embarrassment.
Lissa laughed. "The heck? When did you guys get so chummy?"
"Nevermind that, did you need something?" Robin asked.
Lissa waved her hand. "No, it was nothing important. Libra was just going around handing some bread."
"Oh, I'm fine for the moment. Lucina?" Robin asked.
Lucina shook her head. "I'm okay as well."
Lissa stared between the two. "Hehe, okay then! So what were you two doing?"
They looked at each other once more. "We don't know," they said in sync.
Lissa snorted. "You two are adorable together."
Lucina's face tinged red. "Aunt Lissa!"
Robin merely raised his brows.
"I'm sorry, it's just that you two look so... so comfortable around one another."
"Do we, now?" Robin asked quizzically.
"*ahem* Surely you're merely overthinking things, Aunt Lissa."
"Find me another person in this army that can get our princess and our tactician engaged in a pinching match, then tell me I'm overthinking things." Lissa said, sticking her tongue out.
Lucina shook her head.
Robin chuckled. "Don't be silly, I'm pretty much her uncle."
The words rung in Lucina's ears. 'Robin...Uncle...' It didn't sound right. She might have gone as far as to say that it sounded disgusting. Not because she still had any ill will towards him, but for some other reason. A reason that seemed to escape her at this point. Lucina found herself frowning slightly.
Lissa laughed. "Yeah right. Come on Robin, you're telling me you don't find Lucy attractive?"
Whatever redness faded from Lucina's face from Lissa's previous comment came rushing right back. She looked down, peeking towards Robin from beneath her bangs, listening for how he would reply.
Robin on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the jokes. "What? Of course I do. I mean, Lucina's quite beautiful if you ask me," he said with a shrug.
Lissa laughed behind her hand, staring playfully at Lucina, whom she noticed had gotten quite silent.
Lucina kept walking, head down.
Robin took note of her sluggish posture. "Ah, sorry, Lucina." he said sheepishly, hoping their conversation hadn't offended her in anyway.
On the contrary, Lucina was in near panic. The whole situation was extremely awkward for her. Her face felt hot and her heart had been thumping loudly. The feeling had her very anxious. She passed it off as a case of extreme annoyance, continuing her march without speaking.
"Geez Robin, you've got no tact." Lissa said shaking her head.
"What do you mean?" Robin asked in confusion.
"Well you better go calm her down. If you hurt my niece, Robin, remember that my Staff isn't just for healing." Lissa said with a sweet smile.
"I have no idea... You know what? Whatever." Robin said, waving off Lissa on his way to Lucina.
Lucina still had her down, walking forward mechanically.
"Lucina? Hey, you're not mad are you? What's wrong?"
"I don't know, I just felt a little anxious earlier..."
"Huh? You? Anxious?" Robin asked with disbelief.
She nodded softly.
"Is it because what happened at the tree? Gods... I'm sorry." he said apologetically.
"No, no. I... don't think it was that. Maybe it's just the war. I've been training nonstop, so maybe all the stress is just catching up with me."
"Well likewise. If you ever need anything, I've got your back."
Lucina started to feel a little better, trying to calm her nerves. Deciding to steer the conversation away, she spoke up. "So what do you have planned?"
Robin sighed. "I haven't gotten into any planning yet. I've just been going over every advantage the Valmese have on us. When that's done, I'll start working from there."
Lucina put a hand to her chin, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Well I believe we're not pressed for time. The Valmese are aware of our presence, and perhaps they may even know what we're after."
"That's true. Despite the situation, that takes the edge off a little on devising a strategy. We can think long and hard about how we're going to get up there. No doubt they're only going to bolster their defenses after this."
"I can see the tree itself being a problem. They'll be on the look out. Whenever we do come back, they'll see us from miles away."
"Another good point. You make a pretty good strategist." he said with praise.
Lucina giggled. "Well I was leading my friends for quite some time. With our numbers in comparison to theirs, we couldn't afford to be sloppy with our movements."
"Hm, your situation with the Risen seems awful like ours with the Valmese. In terms of being outnumbered that is. Do you have any ideas?"
Lucina smiled softly. She felt pride swell up within her, having their esteemed Tactician asking her for advice. "Well... I'll think about it. I must warn you though. Unlike the Risen, the Valmese are alive. They can think. What strategies I have made to deal with the Risen might not apply to the fight at hand."
"I guess."
"Well, at least we can rule out another surprise attack."
"...Why do you say that?"
"Huh? We've just established that the Valmese are expecting us. I doubt there's anyway we can catch them off guard now."
"Hah, maybe that's why planning yet another surprise attack sounds so enticing to me."
"I'm not following..."
"Think about it. In most situations, it's only logical that after a surprise attack fails, you either pull back or keep fighting. Either way, the real failure was not being able to capitalize on the enemy's unawareness."
"Logically. We've already lost the element of surprise. What good will sneaking up on them do if they know we're coming?"
"You see? I'd wager that's exactly what they think we're thinking."
"Oh? And what if that was what they thought we were thinking about what they were thinking about us?"
Robin took one glance at her smug face. "Shut up."
Lucina stuck her tongue out.
'There it is. Yep, looks like she's got a bit of Lissa in her too...' he thought.
"Hehe, I'm sorry, Robin. Do go on."
"Like I was saying, that's probably exactly what they're thinking we'd do. They believe after our plan failed, we'd just rely on force. For that reason, it may be even more effective to take them by surprise yet again. Yes, they're expecting us, but how about we give them something else?"
"...So you have a plan?"
"Nope. But now I've got something to work with." he said, flashing her a grin.
"You're welcome." Lucina said jokingly, folding her arms in false conceit.
Robin chuckled, mockingly bowing down to her once again.
Lucina lifted her Falchion, still in its scabbard, and tapped Robin's shoulder. "I hereby dub you, Sir Robin of Ylisse."
Robin straightened up, putting a hand to his chest. "I vow to stay beside you for eternity, making everyday a living hell."
Lucina gave him a funny look, then broke out into laughter.
Robin began to laugh as well. It was the first time he'd heard her laugh this much. He decided to hold off on any teasing and just enjoy the moment.
Lucina wiped a tear from her eye. "Promise me you won't actually say anything like that when the occasion arises. Taking you being wed for example." She began giggling at the thought of Robin on a church's steps, vowing to make his beloved's life hell.
Robin laughed again. "Well I'm just being honest. If I spend the rest of my life with her, it's best she knows what she's getting herself into."
"Gods have mercy on whatever poor girl that may be."
The Ylisseans continued their march in unusually high spirits. Their most recent confrontation had been both a failure, and a potential opportunity for an even more fearsome counter attack.
A/N: Those idiots. Those clueless idiots. Yes, I'm looking at you Robin and Lucina!
Seems like Sumia has got yet another partner in crime. I wonder what other two people will join Sumia's evil syndicate? I bet you would never guess who. *rolls eyes*
Robin bounces back quite quickly. I'm not really a fan of characters that tend to be whiny and mopey at every bad thing that happens. Don't get me wrong, there will be more angsty Robin later, but that's when more stuff happens.
Excellus is being a douche again, but Cervantes puts him/her in his/her place. If the whole 'compensation' joke Cervantes made flew over your head, it's because Excellus is apparently a eunuch (Look it up. Please. You'll probably regret it... Dream about it.)
Well, see ya next time!