Author's note: Elfcollaborator is featuring this story in his own work, Lucina Reacts, starting at chapter 41. If you are interested in seeing an embarrassed, quirky, and denial ridden Robin and Lucina react to their own story, then you might want to give it a look.
Also, this is my 50th chapter (Wow!) and it the longest one yet. As a warning, it can get a bit emotional, so brace yourselves.
...
Morgan carefully twirled her wooden spoon in her fingers as she looked down at the orange-colored bowl in front of her with uncertainty. "What is this?" The young tactician asked as she dipped her spoon inside the bowl and watched as the heat from the bottom rose up to form steam.
"It's stew." Lucina said as she placed a glass of juice at her night stand. "It has carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, green beans, and some chunks of meat."
"Did you make this?" She asked as the contents of the steaming bowl swished around in the orange liquid.
"Technically I did, but it's my mother's recipe and she showed me how to make it." Lucina informed her daughter. "I hope it tastes okay, I still haven't mastered cooking yet."
"You're a thousand times better than us." Robin said remembering how poorly Morgan and he did last time they tried to make something. "Without you we would have starved by now."
"We live in a castle dear, I am sure you could have asked one of the chefs."
"True, but it's more special when it comes from you." He added cheerfully.
Lucina smiled back with some pride, "Yes, well, your tone might change when we have dinner tonight. Naga knows that I can't cook chicken correctly no matter what I do."
"I'm sure you'll do fine. Fourth time is a charm right?"
"I hope so." Lucina nodded as she remembered how she accidentally under cooked it last time which made it taste like rubber. Although, she guessed it was better than charring it to a black crisp like Robin had a habit of doing.
"Ah!" Morgan dropped her spoon as she felt a burning sensation running through her mouth.
"Careful Morgan, it's still hot."
"Now you tell me." She grumbled and picked her spoon back out of the orange-colored stew. A moment later she gave the stew another try, but not before she softly blew on it to remove some of the steam rising from top of the spoon. "Hmm …. Not bad mom!" She said as the combination of vegetables and meat was surprisingly good.
"You think so?" Lucina said surprised.
"Yeah! It tastes great."
The princess gave a small smirk and said, "I'll be sure to tell mother. I'm sure she will be glad to hear you like the dish."
"Mhm." Morgan nodded and quickly went to take another spoonful of the stuff. However, she forgot to blow on it again and the steaming orange liquid threatened to set fire to her mouth as it burned inside. Trying not to spit it out, she gulped it all down at once and soon felt a roaring flame pass down her chest and into her stomach. With her body ready to catch fire from the inside out, she quickly reached for her drink to put out the inferno, and thankfully, the feeling passed.
"Careful Morgan, it's hot." Robin replied with a smug grin.
The girl muttered a few threats at her father as she looked back at him in spite, but that only made him happier as he saw the life return to her. It appeared that she was recovering at a far faster rate than Tiki predicted. "Just for that comment I demand you tell me another part of the story." She glared back trying her best to look angry.
...
There was silence as the couple looked back at each other uneasy while they shared the same thought. It had always bothered Lucina, and while she had learned to put it past her, it still left that awkward feeling every once in a while. She had never experienced such an extreme mixture of two opposite feelings before. Meanwhile, Robin tried to whisper something to comfort her, but she shook it off and whispered back, "It's okay dear. She deserves to know."
"Mom?" She asked as she noticed the sudden change in their mood.
"Listen Morgan." Robin spoke for her and said, "There are some things in our pasts that we are not particularly proud of. I know I carry a few regrets." He shrugged back. "Not to mention everything else looks worse with hindsight. So I hope you wouldn't think of us any differently because of it."
"Of course not." She replied earnestly. "But what happened?"
Lucina closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
It all started two days after we returned home. Frederick came to us with a letter stating how Validar intended to give us Sable, the final gemstone. Neither Robin or my father liked the idea of Plegia's sudden generosity, and it was clear that there were more treacherous motives involved. Still, despite knowing it was a trap, we chose to go anyway because we needed to get that gemstone.
…
"Be careful Lucina. We are almost at the palace." Robin murmured while constantly shifting his head to scan his surroundings. We were in a sea of sand and we had to shield our eyes when the wind picked up.
"Do you think this meeting is an excuse for another assassination attempt?" I asked worried.
"It wouldn't surprise me, but that is not my biggest fear. Their army stayed behind while we lost countless men in Valm."
I lowered my head and said, "So they could go to war with us while we are weary from our battles."
"Exactly." He grimaced and said, "Or they could be trying to steal the Fire Emblem again. Which is another reason we need to protect Chrom."
"Either way it doesn't look good." I sighed and gripped Falchion ready to use it at any moment.
"Whatever it is, we will get through it." Robin spoke confidently as he smiled to say. "The only person that Chrom needs to worry about killing him is Sumia."
"... I heard she has made his life very difficult lately." I trailed off as I looked up ahead to see my father be lectured by my mother again.
"More like impossible." He laughed. "Trust me Lucina, you were not the only one upset about what happened to me. Even Cordelia is doing a number to Frederick. Which is why I have no reason to retaliate."
"I suppose." I shrugged still unsure. "I just don't understand why you were so quick to forgive him."
The tactician smirked and said, "Mainly because of what he said before he tortured me."
"Hmm?" I asked curious since he had not mentioned anything about that before.
"He approves of us being in a relationship." Robin hummed happily. "He might have his reservations, but he supports us as long as I can protect you. Granted, since you are the better swordsman, the best I can do is offer advice and guard your back, but I'll make sure he gets his wish no matter what."
I stuttered in disbelief, unsure if he was joking or not. "That can't be right. He wouldn't hurt you if he approved."
"Heh, he made it clear that he could make my life a living hell if I ever crossed you. I would expect no less from any father who loves his daughter."
"He still didn't need to be so cruel." I pouted back.
"Maybe not, but that is how things go sometimes. No sense in holding a grudge about it when I know
I probably deserved it anyways."
"So that is it? You've forgiven him despite what he did?" I asked wondering what went through his head sometimes.
"Yep. Next to you, he is my best friend, and the best thing I can do is laugh it off. Life is too serious as it is. No sense in making it any more serious. Especially not among close friends"
"I don't know." I shook my head. "I've always been a very serious person."
"It's different with you Lucina." He smiled warmly and leaned in to kiss me on the cheek which caused me to blush.
"I don't see how." I rubbed my face trying to get rid of the red hue.
"Because it's one thing to smile oblivious to the world and its cruelties. It's another thing to curse the world for being so evil and rotten. However, what I truly find remarkable is your ability to smile despite knowing that this world is filled with terrible things. We both know that life can be cruel and unforgiving. It's not fair and there are many terrible things that never should have happened … But, to acknowledge that those things exists, and still be able to find happiness makes it seem all the more special to rejoice about the good things.
He paused for a moment and said, "I do not fully understand why such terrible things occur in the first place, or why Validar could ever justify raising Grima from the grave. However, I will fight to the death to save this world because I want to be happy on it. There have been times when the world has made me waver and doubt, but my goal has always been to be happy, and despite the world we live in, I truly believe it is possible to find joy. It's a tough road that has many trials, but that makes me only want to seek it out even more. Because the harder it is to find true happiness, the more I want it, and the more I will work towards that goal."
"... I think that is what we all want." I whispered in deep thought. "To be happy."
"And we all have different ways of searching for it."
"So how do you look for it?" I asked as he stood tall and with what seemed like a wave of confidence.
"There are many things I do, and it helps when you learn to laugh at life even when it spits at you in the face. Although, the person besides me helps a lot too." He reached over to my hand and smiled proudly.
I was at a loss for words as I smiled with a stupid grin in my face. All I could do was nod as we pressed forward.
"Ha, I'm sure I sound like a babbling lunatic." He laughed and closed his eyes with his smile still cemented on his face. "But that is just who I am, and it's what I believe in. I don't like being depressed, and I'll be damned if I let the world laugh at me. So I'll just laugh at it instead, and I'll do it with others who wish to laugh with me. That is how I choose to live life."
"... I guess that makes me a babbling lunatic too." I squeezed his hand tighter and felt my stomach stir.
"Haha good. Then we can be crazy together." He laughed heartily and said, "So let's get this day over with. We have one last gemstone to collect."
I nodded and said very determined "Right!"
…
"He should be up ahead." Robin whispered in a low tone to Chrom as we reached the grand plaza. The area was wide open with ominous bronze statues of mages on both sides of us wearing what appeared to be cult attire.
"Yeah, but I don't like how quiet it is." He whispered back.
"Something is wrong, that is for sure. Do you see the eyes peaking at us from the shadows?"
"I've felt their stares since we got here." Chrom shuddered. "Watch your step out here Lucina. There could be traps everywhere.
"You too father." I nodded back. "The moment we get the gemstone we should leave before they have a chance to act."
"I agree." My father spoke softly.
...
"Prince Chrom! Welcome." Validar enthusiastically greeted us in an unnatural tone.
My father hesitated not expecting such a welcome greeting and said, " ...I was told you had something you wished to give me."
"My my! No time for courtesy, milord? Such impatience... Do you really want it that badly? This concerns me. The Gemstones and the Fire Emblem can be...treacherous artifacts. A fact Plegia and the Grimleal sadly know all too well..."
"Sadly? You speak ill of when the first exalt used them against the fell dragon?" I asked horrified at such a remark.
"Of course I do intruder."
"...Intruder?" I asked in dismay.
"Bah-ahaha. Don't play stupid with me bitch. We both know you are not supposed to be here, and you've corrupted my boy with your nonsense. You must be destroyed before you can do any more harm.
My father was about to yell at the top of his lungs, but Robin beat him to it and yelled ferociously with extreme anger. "How dare you! You miserable little-"
"Now, now." Validar interrupted him and smiled wickedly. "That's no way to talk to your father. Especially when we are in the middle of negotiations."
Chrom tightly held his fists tightly and said in spite, "What do you want?"
"Not much. Just the Fire Emblem. In exchange I'll spare your sad and pathetic lives."
"I'd much rather you go to Hell." Robin barked angrily.
Validar glared back in disgust, "Such insolence, I see you never learned any respect. But no matter, I shall teach it to you."
"Oh yeah? And how do you plan on … Enghh!" Robin clutched his head and his face was overwhelmed in what looked like excruciating pain.
"Robin!" I cried out in fear.
"Now! Seize the Emblem and bring it to me. Your father commands it."
"Huh, what is he saying?" I asked in horror.
"Robin... Are you alright?!" Chrom asked as out tactician hobbled over to him and reached for the Emblem. Chrom didn't even have a chance to fight him off as he mumbled something inaudible and backed away with the shield in his hands.
Both my father and I stood frozen solid in disbelief as he threw the shield towards Validar. Neither of us could comprehend what we were seeing and the world seemed like it came crashing down on me. I watched in dread as Validar placed the final gemstone inside of it. The Fire Emblem was fully restored, but in the clutches of an evil cultist.
His evil grin only grew as he said, "Well done my child. At last, the Fire Emblem belongs to me, and with my Gemstone, it is complete! Now, to set the Table and perform the rite... Guards! Kill the intruders and place their heads on pikes! We have no use for them anymore. But make sure my son lives. He still has a destiny to fulfill."
…
"Shit." Chrom muttered and picked up Robin who had collapsed on the floor. "Lucina! We need to get out of here now!"
"B-but the Fire emblem. We can't let him-!"
"We will worry about it later." Chrom shouted as our tactician slowly regained his sense. "Robin, are you still with us?"
"Augh! Nngh … What have I...done?!" He whispered as he clutched his head in pain.
"Never mind that. We have to get out of here!" Chrom yelled and slapped him on the back. "There are guards surrounding us."
"Erg right … The escape route." He whispered still holding his head.
"Most of the shepherds are already fighting to clear the path." Chrom told him as my world continued to collapse on itself. I couldn't move, let alone fight. Everything that just took place was beyond belief and it had to be a nightmare. There was no other explanation.
"Lucina!" He shouted loudly.
"R-right." I muttered trying to focus and join the battle. My father was helping Robin get up, so I paired with my mother and we went ahead to fight our way to safety.
However, my mind was far from the skirmish. While my sword effortlessly cut through two thugs, I tried to process the situation before me. "It can't be. Robin would never-." I whispered as I jammed Falchion through another spearman. "It just couldn't be him." I yelled desperately as I fought back the urge to collapse.
"Don't worry Lucina, we will get back at Validar for this." My mother cried as she fought without her rider. Her pegasus was outside and while she was not used to fighting dismounted, she certainly was able to hold her own. However, her words barely even registered as I was lost in my tormenting thoughts.
"I don't understand. Why did Robin ... Has he been tricking us this entire time?"
"Incoming!" Someone shouted as magic and arrows rained down. I hardly even noticed them as my body dodged each projectile like it had a mind of its own. So many other things we running through my head that my fighting skills were left solely to reflexes and instinct.
Suddenly my eyes widened in horror as a realization hit me like a brick wall. "His best friend." I gripped my sword tightly and slashed a nearby mage. "My father was killed by his best friend."
I felt like such a fool in that moment. I knew it all along, and I always had my suspicions of him. It was so painfully obvious that I wanted to slit my throat. I had tried to deny it for so long. I tried so desperately to pretend it wasn't him. He seemed too nice, too kind to do such a thing, and damn if I didn't want to believe it. I came up with a thousand different reasons that proved he was innocent because I wasn't willing to accept it. "He was always so charming that I didn't …"
A hollow feeling sunk in my heart that nearly sent me crashing to the ground. After meeting him a few times, I was almost sure Robin was the traitor, and he must have known this. So he played the charmer to get me off of his back. He did anything and everything to make me believe him to be a decent person. He even lied and said he loved me because he knew I couldn't hurt him if I thought he meant it.
"Damn him! He was laughing behind my back this whole time." An overwhelming feeling of hurt and anger poured through my body as the spearman in front of me took the full force of my fury. I plunged my sword into his shoulder and it didn't stop until it reached his heart. "Everything was a lie." Another rush of emotions surged and by the time I gathered my senses another three soldiers were down with deep wounds.
… I love you.
"Damn it, damn it all!" I swore a hundred different ways as those words weighed so heavy on me. It hurt so much to hear them, so why did my stupid head think of them? The sincerity in his eyes, the warm and comforting peace. They were all just lies. Lies to ensure his facade would hold, and I fell for them. I was charged to save this world, but I let my stupid emotions get in the way. How could I ever look Tiki or Naga in the eyes again knowing that I failed because of such childish emotions.
...
The sun blinded my eyes as we escaped the palace and reached the desert. Only a few stragglers were left to fight us, and one dared get in my way. His death was swift, but brutal enough that anyone else that caught my eye instantly dropped their weapon and fled with their life.
"Hurry everyone! We need to get a few miles distance from this place before more reinforcements show up." Chrom shouted as he carried a weary and fatigued tactician. Once our fliers came into view, my parents helped strap our tactician to Sumia's pegasus and she flew up in the air to serve as a scout.
However, just looking at Robin made me sick to my stomach. Only a few a lingering thoughts entered my head wondering why he did not run with Validar now that he had the Emblem, or why he even bothered to come up with an escape plan. We never would have made it out of the castle if they knew how to prepare for us. Yet, these thoughts were quickly overshadowed by my confusion and fear.
Another twenty minutes went by in agony as a hundred different feelings fought for my attention. The only solace I had was the constant running and shouting from other shepherds to drown out my own thoughts as we distanced ourselves from the castle. However, even this refuge was destroyed as we reached a safe gap to start walking at a calmer pace. That is when I noticed most of my friends were already gathered around me, which was strange because I didn't remember being around anyone for the last twenty minutes.
"I knew we never should've trusted him." Gerome said in disgust. "He deserves to die for what he did."
"How dare he call himself a Shepherd." Severa joined in and crossed her arms. "I never liked him from the start."
I didn't know why, but it stung just as bad to hear them insult him. In fact, I think it felt worse. Just like how Robin lashed out at Validar for insulting me … But if it was all just a lie, then why did he care about me?
"Come on guys!" Owain tried to stay cheerful. "He is our grand contriver and master swordsman. He has bestowed upon us the strength and wisdom to conqueror any foe that dared challenged us. This is no time to desert our powerful companion.
"He plays deception games and arrogantly thinks he can lead all of us." Gerome countered with daggers in his words. "He would lie to his mother if he knew who she was. Assuming he hasn't killed her already."
"That is enough Gerome!" I shouted without thinking as I balled my hands into a fist.
"Lucina is right!" Owain declared adamantly. "It was that foul and notorious cur that invaded Robin's psyche. He is the one responsible for tampering with our great tactical hero of the Justice Cabal.
That's right. It wasn't Robin, it was Validar." I whispered with my hands trembling and a fleeting feeling of hope return to my heart. "Robin would never willingly abandon us. He said so before."
"Even if that was the case, then how do we know he is not brainwashed now?" Severa huffed. "The moment he wakes up he could try to kill Chrom. Or worse, he could be controlled at anytime Validar felt like it. He is a danger to all of us now. Including you."
"Preposterous! The vermin merely caught him off guard by insulting our fair leader. Surely next time Robin will harden his head and guard his heart. Our magnificent contriver will not be defeated by any mortal man."
"Yeah!" Cynthia exclaimed. "What Owain said."
I really wished and prayed that was the case, but the two voices inside my head were telling me so many different things, and I didn't know what to believe anymore. "... I don't know Owain. We both heard the stories growing up. If Validar controls him again, the Fire Emblem wouldn't be the only thing he would be willing to take from my father. His life would be next."
"Something must be done immediately. The fate of the entire world depends on it." Gerome said adamantly. "Even if he is innocent, then surely he recognizes that the sacrifice of one life is necessary to protect millions."
"Agreed." Severa nodded. "If we set him free then Validar can capture him, and heaven knows Chrom would be gullible enough to trust a homicidal-zombie-ridden Robin.
"So that is it?" I cried in alarm. "We are the ones that get to decide who lives and who dies?"
"We were sent back in time for that very reason." Gerome muttered and raised his hand on my shoulder. It felt repulsive to the touch after everything he said, but he wouldn't let go. "I know he is your boyfriend and all, but if you truly care for him, then it is best that we kill him. It is the only way to end this madness and redeem him for his crimes.
I still couldn't find it in my heart to agree and I said, "Brady, Noire, Laurent. What do you think?"
"Death is the only resolution I can foresee." Laurent frowned in sorrow.
"I... Well ...I don't know." Noire spoke timidly.
Brady scratched his head and said, "Danged if I'd know. I don't like the idea of killen anyone."
I covered my eyes in doubt and said, "What if we kill an innocent man?!"
Gerome let go of me and looked disappointed at my comment, "What if we let him live and kill the world in the process? It's a chance we cannot afford to take. If he is innocent then Naga forgive us all, but we cannot allow him to live. Surely even he would recognize this if his motives were actually pure."
…
I closed my eyes and sighed for the ten-thousandth time that day. The sun was starting to set and my thoughts and duties constantly battled with each other. We stopped to rest an hour ago at an oasis, and it was a painful one deciding what to do. By accident, I overheard that Robin decided to clear his head by a nearby stream, but I still didn't know what to do as I approached the place I thought he would be at. I wanted Robin, Chrom, and the world to be safe from Validar intentions. Was that really too much to ask for?"
"R-Robin." I gulped as I saw him hunched over staring blankly at the slow moving current of water in front of him. It appeared I was not the only one in deep thought about what happened today as he looked very indecisive as well. "I beg your pardon, but might I have a word?"
"Huh? Oh." He frowned seeing me and hesitantly said, "No, not at all. What is it?"
"... It's about my father." I lowered my head and looked back at my sword with deep regret. "I've told you the stories about how he took care of me when I was little, and how I always wanted to know him better. It was some of the happier moments of my life."
"I'm sorry there weren't more." He whispered in regret.
My legs were trembling and I felt a lump in my throat as I said, "He was courageous, and kind, and everyone spoke fondly of him. People say he was brave right up until the very end, but he was taken from me ... Killed by his best friend."
"I know. It was my fault." Robin bit his lip and said, "Given the circumstances, I'd understand if you never wanted to see me again. I was just hoping it was a rumor or a lie so I could spend time with you. To be honest, I didn't understand how it was possible until now."
"Robin." I fought back the tears and gripped my sword tightly. "I … Please forgive me." I unsheathed Falchion and pointed it at him with the tip being less than five feet away.
"Lucina?" His eyes widened as he stared at the edge of my blade in shock.
"S-stay where you are!" I pleaded as my body shook in fear. "I have no choice … I-I …. I must kill you." I whimpered faintly as I tried desperately to brace myself. I couldn't do it if I wavered and I had to stay strong. I had to.
"Lucina …" He shook his head and muttered something under his breath before looking me back in the eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"W-what?" I asked not expecting him to say such a thing. He knew how hard this was for me. How agonizing this decision was and how I desperately didn't want to do it. So why was he making it harder?
"Do you trust me?" He restated with an open palm and a calming tone.
"O-of course I trust you." I choked out with water forming around my eyes. "But how do I know you will not be controlled by your father again?" I said as my voice cracked a thousand times over.
He grimaced and said, "Do you believe I am under his control now?"
"Robin ... I" My blade lowered slightly and it took every ounce of control to gather the strength to reply. "No … I don't."
"Then please, give me a chance to redeem myself. If you are not satisfied then I will take my own life to save you the trouble, but there is something you don't know." He said sincerely with a plea for me to stop.
"But Chrom will..." My hands shook uncontrollably and the first tear fell from my eye and splashed the ground below. "I have to do this!" I shouted disheartened and in immense pain.
Robin slowly walked towards me and placed his hand on the top of my sword. The weight of his hand felt like an anvil as it forced Falchion's blade to drop to the ground. He then reached over to me and held me in a tight hug as I tried unsuccessfully to shake him off. "It's going to be okay Lucina." He whispered in my ear and kissed me on my cheek. "I have something I need to show you. So please, follow me."
…
Robin guided me with his hand as I followed behind him. Neither of us spoke as we walked toward the middle of camp, and more than a dozen shepherds, including my friends, saw us together and how I was nervous wreck. My face was bright red, and I never felt so weak before in my life. It was like everything in me was dead inside except for the warmth circulating around my hand.
After a short while, we reached the war tent which was guarded by Frederick and Cordelia. There were also multiple blankets hanging across the tent to cancel out any noise from leaving the room.
"Cordelia, can I borrow your husband for a moment?" Robin asked sincerely as the red-haired knight stood with her spear at the ready to intercept any intruders.
"Don't keep him too long." She replied stoically and looked over to see my sorry state before returning to her scan of the area.
"I won't." Robin nodded and soon called out to the entrance of the war tent. "Chrom! It's me. Can I come in?"
"Who is me?" He replied back.
"The opposite of we."
There was a short silence before Chrom said, "But is it truly thee?"
Robin rolled his eyes and said, "Yes, I decree it is me. Nary shall I flee for I swear by the sea that it is indeed me. Neither he nor she will disagree, and I will kill whoever thought rhyming passwords would be a good idea.
"Come in." My father called out and soon Robin invited me with his hand to enter first.
When I ducked my head and entered the tent, Chrom seemed surprised to see me, and even more concerned when he saw how bad my face was.
"Lucina!" He said horrified.
"...Hello father" I replied weakly as I wiped my face trying to look more presentable.
"What happened?!" He quickly looked towards Robin for an explanation.
"I'll tell you later. However, can we sit down first?"
"Er, yes, of course. What is this about?" He asked as the four of us took seats around a small brown table.
Robin still had not let go of my hand as we sat next to each other, and he seemed very determined to keep it that way as he closed his eyes and said "I believe she has a right to know about the Fire Emblem and Basilio."
"Basilio?" I whispered in dismay.
"... Are you sure?" Chrom asked hesitant as he looked back at me in concern.
Robin nodded and turned to Frederick with a firm stare. "Frederick, I trust you still have them."
"I would sooner die than risk losing them." Frederick scoffed and pulled out a bag from underneath his armor. He spilled its contents on the top of the table and four objects came out. Nonetheless, they left me in such shock that I could hardly believe what I saw. They were four different colored orbs rolling around the table like marbles as Frederick rounded them up and placed them in front of me. By now they seemed far closer to an illusion than a real thing, and I still struggled to believe it as I pinched my fingers around one of them and felt the power it gave off.
"These are." I marveled in wonder.
Robin squeezed my hand and said, "Four of the five gemstones that are required to power the Fire Emblem."
I shook my head in disbelief and said in sheer astonishment, "How?! I saw them on the Emblem when Validar took it."
The tactician grimaced and lowered his head, so Chrom spoke up for him by saying, "You saw him take a Fire Emblem with four fake marbles made from glass. The only real gemstone on that shield is the one that Validar has."
"I-I don't understand."
Frederick cleared his throat and said, "It was clear from the start that today's mission was a trap. So the Fire Emblem was in serious danger to start with, but it would've also been risky to leave it at home. Therefore, we agreed that the best possible way to protect it was to split it up. Thus, Chrom carried the shield with fake stones, and I harbored the real ones during the fight."
Robin chimed in and said, "You see, it always puzzled me why Gangrel and Validar wanted the Emblem so badly. At first I thought it was to prevent Chrom from performing the ritual, but it doesn't make any sense when you think about it. Especially because they already have a gemstone to prevent us from performing the Awakening. So I believe they need the Fire Emblem to resurrect Grima. That is why they haven't awoken him yet these past few years, and why they are so desperate to have it."
"But the Fire Emblem was used to seal him away. Why would they need it to break the seal?"
"Because the only thing that can cut a diamond is another diamond. As long as they do not possess a completed Emblem, then they cannot raise Grima back to life."
...
"... So it is not over." I said in a state between joy and tears, "We still have a chance."
"And a good one at that." My father spoke confidently. "Because Validar thinks he has a completed Emblem, he will let his guard down and perform the ritual without success. This is a perfect opportunity for us to strike back once he is stunned and confused."
"... All of this. … This was all according to plan." I lowered my head and felt a deep wave of sorrow for not trusting Robin and sticking by him.
"I wish I could say that." Robin gritted his teeth, "The plan was to kill Validar and take the stone. However, I was not expecting him to try to control me. He almost succeed too."
"Almost?" I whispered confused.
Chrom smiled and said, "This dastard over here told me to trust him as he stole the shield from my coat.
I suddenly remembered him saying something inaudible as he reached inside my father's clothing and took the Fire Emblem. I couldn't have imagined it was this.
Robin covered his head with a deep migraine and said, "I had a gut instinct, and I acted on it. But, don't think that the whole show was an act. I felt a deep urge to tell Validar about everything, and it took every ounce of my strength not to reveal our plans. I'm afraid if he would've persisted any longer then I may have doomed us all."
"Don't be silly. He never would have got a word out of you." Chrom said and patted him on the back. "You're far stronger than you give yourself credit for."
"Still, it would be wise to keep me a safe distance away as we fight him. Perhaps I shouldn't take part in anymore battles just to be safe."
"Nonsense!" Chrom argued back. "I trust you completely, and if he shows his face again then I will have no worries that you can beat him."
"We can talk about that later." He said unsure and turned back to me, "But there is something else you should know Lucina. It's about Basilio."
"... I heard you mention his name earlier." I remarked still trying to absorb everything.
"He lives." Chrom answered me and said with a laugh, "The old dastard survived his wounds and came back to warn us about the Plegia spies watching us. He happened to run across one on his way back, and ever since we've been very careful how information travels."
"Basilio truly lives? Y-you can't be serious!" I yelled back not willing to believe it.
"It is true Lucina, and he has helped us a great deal lately." Frederick replied matter-of-factly
Although Robin looked very tired, he shook it off and said, "We have spies watching us at all times of the day. I'm sure there was even someone watching us in that field." Robin informed me as he exhaled deeply. "So we have to be careful on how we exchange information. That is where Basilio comes in. Since everyone thinks he is dead, there is no use spying on a ghost. As long as he remains a secret then he can provide us with materials like glass marbles or information that we could not get otherwise."
"His secrecy is essential to our plans, which, unfortunately, is why we couldn't tell you." Chrom said sorrowfully. "Any risk of someone overhearing us talk about him is a big concern."
"Is this … really true?" I whispered not wanting to wake up from my dream.
Robin nodded his head and said, "Validar is not going to resurrect Grima anytime soon. Not without these four gemstones. Of course, none of this would've been possible if Basilio died. We owe you a great debt for saving him, and with your help we will make it through this. I swear that to you Lucina."
"Robin I ..." Tears formed around my eyes again as the image of me pointing my sword returned. "...I was going to-."
"Lucina? Are you alright?" My father cried out alarmed.
"Father, I threatened Robin. I was going to-"
Robin tapped my shoulder to stop me and said "Chrom, Frederick, could you give us a moment?"
Hesitantly, my father agreed, and Frederick carefully placed the four stones back in his bag before storing it back in his armor again. In another second they were gone, and it was just Robin and I in the tent with the second tear leaving my eye and dropping on the table in front of me.
...
Robin, I was going to... I was going to hurt you." I yelled in misery. "How could I be so foolish? ..How could I have not trusted you?!" I cried as my face was soaked with more and more tears falling down.
"Shhhh it's alright. You don't have to-"
*Sniff* "No it's not okay! Don't you understand?!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. "I was going to kill you! After all we've been through I didn't trust you. Dear gods, p-please forgive me Robin. I am so incredibly sorry." I wept like a dying puppy. "Just please don't hate me."
Robin winced in pain and said, "Lucina, I could never hate you."
"But you should!" I shook my head and felt tears splatter on my hands. "By the gods, I didn't even give you a chance to defend yourself."
"Lucina." He whispered and wrapped his arms around me. I did so in return and held him so tightly that I risked breaking a few of his bones. "How could I ever hate the woman I love?"
"Don't say that!" I whined as I burrowed my face into his chest. "Please don't say that!"
He placed his hand so it was at the arch of my back and whispered. "I know you did what you thought was best. It's because I wasn't strong enough to fight him off in your time that this all happened. It brings me great pain knowing I was the one that failed everyone, but I won't let it happen again." He declared with a determined and burning flame in his voice. "I will not be defeated a second time!"
There was nothing I could do as my voice cracked so terribly that I could not mutter a word. All I could do was hold on to him as tightly as possible while he stroked me hair.
"I'm sorry. I could feel the pain you were in when you confronted me. I can scarce imagine how difficult things were for you after I passed out. I'm the one that should be apologizing."
"No! That's not right! I am the one that-"
"Tell me something Lucina. Do you love me back?" He asked sincerely.
"R-robin!" I yelled out in a panic. "... Of course I do. Which is why it hurts so much. I want nothing more than you to forgive me, and I want to do everything to earn your trust back. But I-I can't bear it when you say you're at fault. Please don't! I beg of you, please don't!"
"I see." He closed his eyes and smiled. "It was no one's fault then. Neither you or I are to blame for what happened today. That curse goes to Validar."
"But I tried to kill you!" I shouted as he refused to listen to me. "How can you – mmmphm!"
He caught me off guard as he kissed me deeply. Since I was near shambles, I desperately tried to peel away, but I couldn't. My body wouldn't let me and eventually I returned his kiss, and I returned it with vengeance. We were locked together for what seemed like an eternity, and I didn't even care that it was getting difficult to breathe. I just kept at it. When we both had to let go to gasp for air, I didn't give him more than a second to catch his breath before I went back at full force and placed my hand on his cheek to savor the moment.
…
*Huff* *Puff* Robin panted as we finally stopped a while later. Robin's grip on my back had loosened, but I was still holding him very tightly. "Let's do it." He gasped and caught his breath while visibly shaken. "Let's get married."
"...W-what?" I said stunned.
"I can buy a ring from Anna tomorrow and I'll buy the biggest and most expensive one I can afford. Hell, why wait? I'll buy one from her right now!"
"R-robin. You can't be serious!" I muttered desperately trying to cling to the remaining sanity I had left.
"I've never been more serious in my life." He cried out fiercely. "I want nothing more than to marry you. Please, do me the great honor of being my bride."
" I …" My body froze as my life flashed before my eyes. Everything, from my greatest fears to my happiest moments all collided at once. "I … can't" I whispered back as those words seemed to stab him in the stomach. "If today is any indication, I could never devote myself to you until this madness is over. What kind of wife would I be if I couldn't put you first?"
"A wonderful one." He replied back still determined. "I'm sorry, I cannot pledge to put you first yet either. I know stopping Grima takes priority over everything else. However, I will not let that stop me from committing my life to you. I love you, and the fire inside me has grown brighter each day."
"I love you too." I whispered overwhelmed, "But what I did was unforgivable. How could you-"
"Listen to me Lucina." He replied firmly, but not in an aggressive way. "I vow, right here and now, that I will do everything in my power to stop Grima and Validar. I will not rest until our shared goal is realized. However, I also swear to you that I love you beyond words. We've been through so much, and I know many trials still await us... But no matter what happened or is yet to come, my feelings cannot change! I love you, Lucina. With all my heart.
*Sniff* I wiped my eyes as a red blush returned to my face. "I feel the same way Robin, and if you can find someway to forgive me for what I've done, then yes. ...I would very much like to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side if that is possible."
His eyes rose in a sudden jolt of joy and he said, "Truly? Oh, those must be the sweetest words I've ever heard! Lucina, I promise you, no matter what, I will be here for you. Despite whatever Validar has in store for us, we will find a way to stop him.
"And we won't rest until we reach the end! Together!" I exclaimed as the tears dropped from my face the third time that day. Only, they were tears of joy. "No matter what the future holds, I will cherish every moment of it."
…
Robin and Lucina's blushes were stark red as they looked back at Morgan unsure how she would react. "And um, that is how we got engaged." Robin replied lowly.
"Wow." Morgan replied speechless.
Lucina covered her head and said "Gods, I was such a nervous wreck."
"I wasn't faring much better." He laughed halfheartedly. "But I meant what I said."
The princess smiled and said, "I know dear."
...
"However, let this be an important lesson to you Morgan." Lucina returned her attention to her daughter and said earnestly. "Despair is a terrible, terrible thing. It clouds your judgment and makes you think your greatest fears are real. When you fall into it, it's extremely hard to pull yourself out of, and it holds you in a very painful snare. That is what drove me to point a weapon at your father."
"Is that why you two always tell me to keep fighting and never give up?"
"Yes." Robin nodded. "Despair is what tells you are no good, or useless. It tries to convince you terrible things, which is why we refuse to listen to it anymore. Sometimes it takes someone else to show you the right path, but if you are willing to fight those feelings of desperation, then there is nothing that they can do to affect you.