Robin watched as Lucia ran off to her room as fast as her little legs could carry her. He smiled and thought about the older version of her for a moment before he turned his attention back to his own daughter. It had been awhile since he last saw her running around so he decided to get up from the green bench and look around for her.
About five minutes later he found Morgan resting next to a tree while gasping for breath. Her face was a bright red and she was staring off in the distance in a sense of desperation.
"Hey." Robin waved his hand and approached Morgan as she breathed heavily. Morgan struggled to turn her neck and tried to say something but she slouched back on the tree like a rag doll.
Robin laughed and said, "What lap are you on?"
"fah-f-fifteen." She panted.
"Nice, just five more laps to go to get your ice cream."
"I-Ice *pant* cah-cream." Morgan gasped and looked up to Robin in desperation.
Robin smiled and grabbed a small canteen from his belt within his cloak. "I don't suppose you would care for some water?"
Morgan sighed and called upon the last of her strength to raise her hand. She pulled the canteen from Robin's hand and looked at it in wonder. She clutched the leather container with her hand and desperately brought it to her mouth.
Robin laughed as Morgan chugged the water in one gulp. When the canteen was empty her hand came crashing back to the ground with gravity holding her muscles captive. She remained lifeless as she tried to recover from her marathon of running.
"Are you tired?" Robin asked as he knelt down in front of her.
"N-no."
Robin smiled and looked at Morgan's weary and exhausted face. "It's looks like someone drained all of your energy from you."
"I-I'm fuh-f-ffffine."
"Haha, you don't appear to be." Robin remarked. "But even if that is the case, you still have a lot of energy left inside of you. You just don't know it yet." Robin smiled.
"Huh?" Morgan moaned too tired to understand.
"You see, I wanted you to understand your limits. As a tactician or soldier it is important to know when you are halfway from completely collapsing. That is why I told you to run today."
"Halfway?" Morgan asked quietly in confusion as a raspy feeling in her chest continued to bother her every time she breathed in.
Robin smiled and grabbed Morgan's hand with his own. "You may feel like dying from exhaustion right now, but I assure you that you have only used half of your strength in your legs and even less in your arms. You could run another fifteen laps if it was important enough to you."
"Another fifteen?!" Morgan asked with wide eyes as she tried to move from her spot but didn't have the energy to do so. "I can't move as it is."
"Yes, but let me put it this way. "Let's say someone was to attack me at this moment and try to kill me. I am unable to defend myself because of the surprise attack and would need help to stop the villain. So this begs the question, would you jump into action and try to save me?"
"Of course." Morgan replied "I would fight until my last breath to help you."
Robin grinned and said, "But where did that new energy come from that allowed you to fight back? Why does my situation give you new strength when you can't even move a muscle at the moment?"
"Because I wouldn't let anyone ever hurt you or mother." Morgan rose her arm in the air ever so slightly. She had a fierce look in her eyes and almost rose up from the ground before realizing what she had done. She quickly fell back to the ground when her muscle started aching again, but for a moment it didn't matter to her.
"Nor would I let anyone hurt you either, and it is that will power to protect each other that keeps you going through difficult times. The stronger your will power, the longer you can control your body.
"So this exercise was to see how long I can fight in a battle?" Morgan asked as she forced herself to speak between her deep breaths.
"Well that is important too." Robin looked down at Morgan and placed his hand on her shoulder, "But as a tactician it is important to understand that people under your command have this ability to. They can go much further than they realize. This gives you more pieces to work with in the worst situations. It can be a very powerful tool if used correctly.
"I see, I've never thought of it that way before."
"However, it is also something you must try to avoid if possible. It can be a very draining process on everyone. It has left me collapsed unconscious in my tent more than once before."
"Maybe you just didn't have enough will power to stay awake." Morgan teased.
"Says the person who cannot lift her arms in the air." Robin laughed.
"Ennnng." Morgan groaned and tried to raise her hands without success.
"Anyways, I don't suppose you will be moving from that spot anytime time soon. So what would you like to do while we wait for your body to recover."
Morgan's eyes lit up and see said without thinking, "Can I hear more of the story?"
Robin laughed and said "I had a feeling you might say that."
…
Robin then began repeating the story he told to little Lucia earlier in the morning. It was easier for Robin to tell this part a second time around and he didn't even have to think about it half of the time. He was able to recall a bit more about the scenery and explain his thoughts better, though the dialogue remained the same. Once Morgan was caught up, Robin paused and looked back down to see her still in her helpless state. So he continued on and said,
After the discussion with Lucina, a couple of days passed marching to our next target. Fort Steiger, a Valmese stronghold. We decided that is was our best option of attack after we left the Mila Tree with Tiki so we set up to rendezvous with Basilio, and Flavia with the main army to began the seize. Though, we arrived earlier than the khans which allowed us some time to plan our strategy in the war tent.
…
"Our forces should arrive in half a day's time and we should be able to lay seize on the fortress tomorrow morning." Frederick mentioned as he moved three blue wooden figurines to the middle of the map. All of us were standing at the sides of the square map in the center of the tent as we debated what to do.
"With the resistance on our side this should strike a big blow to their numbers." Chrom said with great enthusiasm.
"Aye, the castle houses a large cache of weapons and supplies. It is critical to resupply their army for a campaign." Say'ri nodded and added, "With the resistance on our side we should have no trouble storming the castle."
"It's getting out of the castle that I am worried about." I murmured as I stared intently at the map. "Walhart and Yen'fay should be closing in on us soon. We have to make this quick before we get caught in their net."
"Yeah, I am not in the mood to fight off a million soldiers." Chrom remarked.
"Perhaps we should avoid this fight than." Lucina said a little nervous.
"We don't have much of a choice. Fort Steiger is the center of all information and logistics." I turned to her and said, "Forget the weapons and supplies. Destroying their documents and communication network is essential to collapsing their vast military might. If we don't attack it, then it is only a matter of time before they trap us for good."
"Heh, even then I imagine you have some plan to get us out of it." Chrom smiled and jabbed his arm into my side.
I shook my head and punched him back in the arm "There are limits to what I can do against a million soldiers you know."
"Then I guess I'll just have to fight a little harder to make up for your mistakes."
"Coming from the royal king that relies on his wife to save him from his own recklessness."
Chrom scowled and said,"I don't know what you are talking about."
"Then perhaps we should ask Sumia to share a few stories about your failed negotiations back in Regna.
"Oh really? And what about the time when you nearly got me killed when you told Sumia that I ate two sides of dessert?"
"Ha, that was your own fault. You were warned three times by her before-"
*Ahem* Frederick cleared his throat and glared at both of us. "Perhaps we should focus on discussing our strategy for when we storm the castle first."
"Er, Right." I nodded and quickly pointed my hand at the entrance of the castle. Once we breach the gates the plan is very straight forward. There is three corridors that can be used to advance our way to the castle. It is just like the Mila tree, which why I propose using the same strategy."
"The same strategy?" Lucina said in shock. "Won't they see that coming?"
"They shouldn't. And even if they did, I doubt the royal guard could disrupt our ranks. Their leader is a routine and very chivalric commander. They will probably fight under honorable terms which makes the fight easier to win. Though we will have to devote most of our men to the main hall. I doubt it will be lightly guarded.
"Aye, and the resistance should be able to enter underneath the castle from the right corridor. They can help us eliminate the rest of the garrison from there." Say'ri added
"Good, then I will lead the attack on the left side while-"
"Whoa! hold on a second. You are not fighting in this battle Robin." Chrom interrupted me and said with concern. "Lissa said it will take another week for your leg to heal properly.
"I'll be fine. I tested it earlier today and I was able to put all of my weight on it without any trouble." I smiled and tapped my leg with my open hand to make the lie more convincing.
"Father." Lucina hesitated before speaking. "I saw Robin limping on his way over here."
Chrom looked at me with a hint of disgust as he said. "We can survive one fight without you Robin. The last thing we need is to start carrying you around if your wound reopens."
"It won't."
Chrom shook his head and sighed. "As the Exalt, I am ordering you to stay away from the battle."
I paused and looked down at the map one more time before looking Chrom straight in the eye and saying, "Milord, as your faithful servant. I am humbly and respectfully telling you to go to hell."
The man in navy blue hair sighed and put his hand on his forehead and showed signs of a sever migraine. I also caught a glance at Lucina as she stared in horror at me. "What am I going to do with you." Chrom muttered under his breath
"Sir." Frederick cut the tension and said, "Perhaps if Robin fought on the right side then we will not need to worry. Once their group rendezvous with the Resistance troops then that section of the castle would be secured."
"Indeed, the Resistance holds some of the finest warriors in Valm." Say'ri stated proudly. "Once they are united nothing can break their will."
Chrom hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Alright. But if you get yourself killed than I am going to ask Tiki to send you to the worst place imaginable."
"I thought I was already in that position the last time you lectured me."
The royal king grabbed his head again and said, "What am I ever going to do with you?"
…
…
Chrom dismissed the meeting about fifteen minutes later after going over some minor details. Frederick went to go grab some medication for Chrom while the lord himself retired to his tent for a nap. Say'ri also rushed over to Tiki's side to serve as her bodyguard.
Meanwhile I remained in the war tent and adjusted my strategy. Even the slightest change in plans had great repercussions if not accounted for. So I need to make sure the plan was still sound with my absence on the left flank.
"Let's see, if their vanguard send soldiers here ... No, they probably would move them here in that case." I said out loud and mused the idea of trying a new tactic.
"Robin?"
"Huh?" I rose my head back up as I heard Lucina call my name. It surprised me because I assumed she left with everyone else considering she was always the most focused on preparing for a mission.
Lucina bit her lip before saying, "Robin, you are very careful with your battle plans right?"
I laughed at the absurd question and said, "Of course. There is nothing I take more serious than the fate of my friends."
Lucina looked down at my leg and said, "So if you were not able to fight effectively, would you take the risk of participating in a battle?" She asked carefully.
I sighed and took a deep breath before replying, "I would be the first to remove myself from the battle. If I fought injured, I not only risk my own life. But the lives of those around me.
"I see... Then I shall trust your words that you will be able to fight." She said warmly
"Good. I suppose that saves me the trouble of another lecture about being 'reckless.'"
Lucina grimaced before closing her eyes and sighing. "I am sorry Robin. If I had-"
I raised my hand in the air and stopped her. "Lucina, there is no sense in regretting the past. You can only learn from it and prevent it from happening again."
"But still, I owe you an apology." She said sorrowfully. "I was so blinded by my fear of my father getting injured that it caused others to be hurt.
"It's okay. I understand your reasons, but you should know it would take a lot more than an army of Valmese soldiers to stop your father."
She frowned and placed her right hand on the table. She looked at me with regret in her eyes and said, "I know, though it always worries me when I see him get hurt. Back when we were landing on the beaches, Chrom said he was grazed in the knee by a dark knight. I suppose I am always afraid that next time it will be his heart or head.
"Grazed in the knee?" I scrunched my eyes and tried to remember the attack on the port. "Heh, was it is left knee?" I asked trying to hide a smile.
Lucina's eyes widened in surprises and she said, "Yes. He was bleeding near a cut in his pants."
Heh...haha...Hahaha! … That stubborn fool... Hahaha!"
"What's so funny?" Lucina asked horrified and bewildered
"Haha, your father didn't get hit by a soldier in that fight." I laughed and covered my mouth, "He tripped over a pebble and fell into a sharp object on the ground.
"He...what?" Lucina asked in an absolute daze.
"Sumia is not the only one that has trouble maintaining her balance." I chuckled. "I once thought Frederick's collection of pebbles was eccentric until I found his hobby was necessary for keeping the love birds from falling over each other.
"...My father...tripped … and accidentally hurt himself?"
"Yep. Sumia can testify for me."
"But? Why would my father lie to me about how he got hurt?" She said confused
"Probably because he didn't want his daughter who immortalized him to think he was a klutz with two left feet."
"So... My father was never in any danger at the port." She asked blankly as she stared off in deep thought.
"Ha, well I wouldn't say that. He is a danger to himself sometimes." I laughed.
"...I see." She looked down to the ground and closed her eyes again. She grimaced and covered her face with her hand in misery.
"Hey cheer up." I said a bit concerned and added. "He seems to be just fine when he is in battle. Sometimes I think Chrom and Sumia have better control on their balance than Lon'qu when the conditions require it."
"...That's the problem." Lucina said depressed.
"Hmm?"
"All of this time I've been worried about something that didn't even happen. I even risked people's lives because of it... ...I-I really didn't trust my parents after all."
I remained silent for a while and let her collect her thoughts. She looked devastated and you could see a great amount of guilt pouring out of her while her face reddened to the color of a cherry.
…
"Chrom and Sumia are very lucky indeed." I smiled warmly.
"Huh?" She looked at me in shock while still stuck in her trance.
"I have never seen anyone in my life who gave such love and care for their parents. It's heart warming to say the least.
"They gave so much for me … ..." She trailed off.
"I know they did. But to be honest, I am really envious. I have this feeling that even if I did reclaim my memories, I would not want to remember my parents that much. " I shook my head and decided it was better not to think about it. "Anyways, at least one good thing came out of your worry."
"... ...What do you mean?"
I scratched the back of my head and said, "I suppose you were right to some extent about me being reckless. I've tried to dodge the question about who would take command in my absence. Frederick is capable, but too conventional. I need to find a replacement for me in case the worst does happen."
"Robin, you shouldn't think that way." She said concerned.
"It would be even worse to pretend that I am immortal." I said and looked back down to my injury. "I need someone close enough to Chrom with a level head who can protect him in dangerous situations."
"Perhaps Flavia?" Lucina responded trying to think of a better solution.
"No, she has too much of an ego … but … Lucina … how many battle have you fought in your lifetime?"
"Far too many." She said gravely.
"Which means you have a general understanding of tactics and strategy correct?"
Lucina's eyes widened and she said, "Robin, you can't possibly suggest-
"I know it sounds crazy. But perhaps if I was to teach you what I have learned than maybe you would change your mind. At the very least, you would be able to use this information to help keep troops in line while I am busy fighting an enemy or stopping Henry from destroying the area into dust... ..."
...
"What do you think?"
...
...
Before Robin could continue, he was interrupted by the clanking sounds of a knight in blue armor who came marching up to Robin. The knight immediately stopped once he saw Robin and stood rigidly still with his hands behind his back.
"Frederick? What brings you here?"
"I was sent to look for you about ten minutes ago."
"Ten minutes ago? How did you find me so fast in this garden? I don't normally come here in the morning"
"I've tracked your movements for four years without fail. It has become a hobby of mine of finding you quickly."
"Er...right. Lucina and I learned that the hard way..."
"I do apologize about that day. But it was Milord's orders to follow you."
"Huh, what day?" Morgan asked and looked up to her father.
"It's not important." Robin blushed a little and looked away from her. "Anyways, why were you looking for me?"
Frederick glanced up at the sky and closed his eyes to remember what to say with elegant precision. "I have an urgent message to deliver to you. With the utmost haste, you are to report to the castle gates.
"The gates?" Robin repeated confused. "How come?"
"I do not know. Milord relayed the message to me and has the castle guard searching for you as we speak."
Robin looked back to Morgan in surprise and turn back to Frederick to say, "It must be an emergency if he has the guard chasing after me. I'll head over right away."