Robin remembered the hordes of soldiers that were the Resistance. Er, that was, the former Resistance. The cunning tactician of Walhart's, Excellus, had turned the Resistance into the Shepherds' enemy. Robin could not blame them however. Some say that in war, men become fighters or men become cowards...but when a man has no choice but to take up arms for the enemy side for the sake of his loved ones, is he really a coward? Nay. Robin didn't resent any of those troops who turned to the Valmese, and she knew that deep down, Say'ri didn't either. Even with Chon'sin plunged in despair from the Valmese, this war's outcome needed to be peaceful.
Everyone, regardless of their homeland, wanted peace in some way. The irony was that the only way to achieve peace was through bloodshed. Negotiation didn't work; the only methods of "peace" that ever arose ended with a ruler with blood at his/her hands.
Even with such a powerful artifact in the Shepherds' possession, the Fire Emblem, blood was shed over it too. War is nothing but a vicious cycle that repeats, no matter what mankind thinks. Ideals will always clash, and the greed of man will never simmer from the hot inferno that is the desire to conquer a nation. Only war can ever turn the bloodstained wheels of time, unfortunately.
The Shepherds couldn't just run at this point, but deep down, Robin wanted to.
"Argh!" She shouted in frustration.
She knew she was such an important part of the Shepherds, and one who made some of the most pivotal decisions...but it certainly was taking a toll on her. The Shepherds now had to face both General Yen'fay and the Conqueror, Walhart. Robin hoped that Khan Basilio would buy them some time before Chrom would lead his team towards the Chon'sin Dynast's army.
"Robin, don't over exert yourself." Lucina said.
Recently, Lucina and Robin became quite close. Ever since their talk after the Valmese battle at sea, they became each other's support and confidant. They certainly enjoyed each other's company, and it seemed that Robin's wildest dreams had a possibility of coming true. She certainly pondered if Lucina felt the same way, and small touches on the hand and arm helped to solidify that. Either that, or Lucina was extremely touchy, which didn't seem to be a characteristic of her.
"I can't take a break from this war, Lucina. Time is of essence." Robin said. "I do appreciate your concern, however."
"I do realise that there is a burden on your shoulders, Robin. We all feel it to some extent. All of our fellow soldiers, my father, my mother... " Lucina started. Robin turned to face Lucina when she realised that the princess started inching closer towards her. "...but that is why we are all here; to support each other, to offer our morale to continue fighting...and I hope to ease that burden for you as well."
Robin felt her face burning as Lucina finished her words.
Robin, now is the time.
It's now or never...do you want your suspicions confirmed?
N-no...what if my fears are realised?
She gulped. She quickly embraced Lucina, and shut her eyes so she wouldn't have to look the princess in the eyes.
"Y-you've done more than enough." Robin stammered out.
"I only think to make you happy, Robin. Seeing you in such...distress saddens me."
Robin hugged her tighter.
"You do make me happy, Lucina. I..."
I love you.
"I..."
Robin felt Lucina squeeze her hand gently.
"I only hope to make you happier." Lucina said. "I feel...selfish, but that is what I want."
"I want the same for you." Robin admitted.
Say it.
Say it.
SAY IT.
"I want something else, too." Lucina said.
SAY IT, ROBIN.
Lucina's other hand reached to caress Robin's cheek, and Robin could see the swordswoman very flustered.
Okay, this is not a platonic situation right now, at all!
Robin could see Lucina struggling to maintain eye contact with her, but given the situation, she couldn't blame her.
"Robin...if you do not like this, I-I can-"
"I love you."
Shit.
"Robin." Lucina said after some silence. She was clearly having trouble keeping her composure.
"Know that my mission here, was first and foremost, to save this world from Grima's clutches...I never wanted this journey to be some quest for romance. I've tried...really, to keep myself focused on my primary objective."
Robin gulped. "I-I see..."
Robin's expression saddened, and now it was her turn to avert the princess's gaze.
"...However, that has changed."
Lucina pulled Robin closer. Robin could feel Lucina holding her tightly, as their heart palpitations increased.
"...now my focus is you."
The brand on Lucina's left eye was the last thing Robin saw before she quickly closed her eyes.
"I cannot lose her again." Lucina thought as she pressed her lips on Robin's.
Most people would have said that this kiss was nothing special; it wasn't anything like some magical fairytale kiss. It was sloppy and inexperienced, but it got the message across.
Their lips lingered for a moment until Robin pulled away first.
Robin chuckled lightly after she noticed Lucina's face was red as a tomato.
She's laughing?!
Oh no, did I do it wrong? Gods... she must think me a fool!
She continued to laugh for a while, making Lucina very nervous.
"Man, Chrom's going to hate me for enjoying that!"
"You were worried about my father?" Lucina was flabbergasted.
And then the most important thing that Robin said clicked in to Lucina's mind: She enjoyed it.
"Lucina, I'm really glad that this happened, nonetheless." Robin said, before she placed a kiss on Lucina's forehead.
So this is what love feels like.
This warmth welling up from the bottom of one's heart that instils a bit of fear, yet, a happiness all the same.
The biggest grin formed on Lucina's face, before she asked Robin another question.
"Er, you said that you enjoyed it, did you not? Perhaps -"
Lucina didn't even get the chance to finish before Robin closed the gap between them again.
"Shepherds, we have to move once again." Chrom commanded, signalling Robin to come to his side.
Chrom's right eyebrow rose when he saw a very stupid grin on his tactician's face. She was clearly in some sort of trance.
"Robin, you haven't been drinking again, have you?" He was afraid to ask.
"I just spent the last half hour making out with your daughter." she wanted to say proudly.
"No. I am just glad that no matter what happens, we will have our allies by our side."
...And there we go, folks: the chapter that we've all been waiting for. They're finally together.
As always, see you next chapter!