Robin: Tactician, Gentlemen, and Match Maker

Author's Note: Hey I'm not sure if you guys find flashbacks annoying, but for some reason I always find myself writing one in my story so if you feel it's a bad thing just drop that in the reviews so I can try to adjust the story. On a different note I was writing to say that I might start another story of FE Awakening where it's a bit darker like the story's "Et tu My Love" or "A moving on Relationship" if you haven't read those than do it because they are better than this story. If not that I was thinking of a Naruto story based on Dragon6's Mizukage story because I love that one and I thought I'd write my piece since many have stories based on it. Sorry for the long author's note.

Chapter 3: Bonds forged through loss

The rain fell down in a torrent of shame and guilt on the tactician as he and his comrades fought viciously to escape the grasp of the Plegians. More they fought viciously whereas he put up what most would consider fearsome enough to put on their bathrobe and run in fear. He felt as if the world itself was against him, for when he tried to raise his sword his arm only trembled giving the impression that he was nothing but a weakling filled with fear. He had failed miserably in his attempt to save the Exalt and now being the craven he was, he fought to save his own pathetic life along with the other Shepherds. He wondered on more than one occasion if 'accidentally' being impaled would be the right thing to do as he felt like this was all on him. His failure and his failure alone led to the fateful moment when Emmeryn stepped over the edge to save Chrom the heartache of choosing his sister or the Fire Emblem. If Robin had a better strategy things may never have been so dire in the first place. Maybe he should have sent a detachment of Shepherds with Emmeryn when they parted ways in Ylisse and-

"Sorry friend!"

A brusque voice quickly threw out these words and soon Robin's 'accident' finally came to be. One of Plegia's patented axemen made a slash for Robin's torso only to have his attack hit home. So absorbed in his thoughts was the tactician that he failed to see or to evade the attack and soon had a fairly large gash across his chest. Now the fight was less a memory of what Robin would forever remember as his greatest failure and more a surreal blur of Plegians, a large burly man only identified as Mustafa, and a pink haired woman smuggling the Shepherds out of the bone yard. One thing Robin did remember was his promise to Chrom and Lissa, and by extension all of the Shepherds as well...

FLASHBACK

The young Prince paced furiously throughout the room. The reason for this was fairly obvious, as soon as they had arrived in Regna Ferox the former Khan Basilio had informed Chrom, Robin, Lissa, and Frederick of the events that transpired in Ylisstol while they were on their way here. Apparently the capital had been put under siege and now the Mad King had Emmeryn captive, to be executed soon as well. The intel only gave the Shepherds a good three days to move on the Plegian capital and save the Exalt. What's worse was that all of this solely depended on Robin's plan as to whether or not Emm would survive or not. His confidence was not so high, as the pressure of this endeavor put the entire halidom into the mix as well as anyone close to Emmeryn. The four soon broke the news to the rest of the Shepherds as well and their reaction was to be expected. Sully and surprisingly Donnel were gung ho about charging straight into Plegia right at that moment to crack some craniums to save the Exalt. Others like Virion were more sensible about the severity of the situation, but the prevailing opinion of what had to be done was to go to Plegia, preferably within the next day or so, and take the Plegians by storm for their transgressions. Although most were adamant about destroying the Plegians where they stood some were too shaken to take notice to the conversation.

"Lissa darling, it is most unbecoming for someone of your station to cry like this. Do not worry, I have no doubts that Chrom and that tactician of his will save dear Emmeryn and see the day through."

Most Shepherds took notice to Lissa's display of tears as she was a shining beacon of hope in the Shepherds. She was the little sister of just about all the Shepherds as her smile and upbeat attitude were for any and all who were down on their luck. To see her like this dampened the bloodlust of most soldiers and further depressed any off the Shepherds who were already feeling the pressure of Emmeryn's situation.

Robin was one of those who couldn't stand seeing her like this, even though her pranks were most bothersome he was very fond of the young Princess. Suddenly his resolve had taken form and he was most determined to do just as Maribelle had said, to not only bring Emmeryn back, but also see that all of the Shepherds say the day through. With his new found bravery he approached Lissa and rested on one knee next to the chair she was in, put a hand on her shoulder, and looked her in the eyes with a serious look that could put a Hyuga to shame.

"Maribelle is right Lissa. You have absolutely nothing to worry about, not only will Chrom do his best, but everyone worthy of the title Shepherd will fight to the bitter end to save Emm. Not only that, I too will fight tooth and nail to save her and I'll devise a strategy that would make Mark the tactician think twice about crossing paths with me!"

With this Robin took both hands and cupped her cheeks to emphasize his point.

"I Promise. I would sooner die than let Gangrel execute Emmeryn. You have my word."

"Yeah little lady, you can bet your little lordling butt that the Vaike will die to take the glory before I let Robin or Emmeryn go down!"

After Vaike's little outburst the rest of the Shepherds were up in arms about saving the Exalt with a will of Iron. Thankfully Lissa let a small smile creep onto her face as she wrapped her arms around Robin's neck.

"Thank you Robin. I know you'll do your best. Thank you s-s-soo MUUUCH, WAHHHH"

In yet another display of tears, Lissa was wailing although for joy thankfully. When Robin looked up to turn to the rest of the Shepherds he briefly locked eyes with Maribelle who had a softened look to her face as opposed to the harsh words and less than friendly looks he received after the hoops for hair incident. He gave a small nod to her as she simply offered a weak smile and she returned to her friends side. With that out of the way Robin addressed the rest of the Shepherds.

"I promise you as well, we will save Emmeryn, but whats more we will all walk home to Ylisstol as the heroes who defeated the Mad King's pathetic attempt to break our spirits. Who of you will walk with me on this journey to save our halidom!"

Thankfully Robin was met with thunderous applause and cheers as he was very concerned about his speech that had been made up on the spot.

Sighing with relief, Chrom grabbed his shoulder and simply offered a thank you for his service and his soon to be successful rescue of his sister.

Chrom never realized how wrong he was.

END FLASHBACK

Having defeated the Plegians, the Shepherds make haste for Regna Ferox with a critically injured tactician in tow. Having acquired a grievous wound he can barely make out the details of what is going on and loses consciousness.

"I Promise. I would sooner die than let Gangrel execute Emmeryn. You have my word."

His face took a distressed look.

"I would sooner die than let Gangrel execute Emmeryn"

His breathing became labored and he was visibly in pain.

"You have my word"

Robin awoke and was sitting straight up. He looked around at the design of the room, coming to the conclusion that he was in Regna Ferox. Immediately he hoped that his crushing failure had been a simple nightmare and turned to the person that had been sitting next to him. When his eyes met Maribelle's he saw exactly what he needed in order to know that his nightmare was a reality. She could barely meet his gaze and when she did, the sorrow that filled them was enough to let Robin know that he had been unable to keep his promise to the Shepherds. All he could do was close his eyes and try his best not to cry, as he had failed the few friends that he had, he had let each and every one of them down even after his promise, and he had failed them all as a whole since he was their trusted tactician, and finally he failed his best friend Chrom.

He found a hand on his chest and came to realize that it was Maribelle's. She lightly patted his chest as she continued to comfort him with words.

"It is most unbecoming of the Prince's Tactician to sit in a dark room crying to himself. The loss of the Exalt was most definitely a tragic loss, but nonetheless it was not your fault. Your plan was flawless and you could not foresee Aversa's witch craft. Please you must not blame yourself for this-"

Before she could finish Robin simply rolled over and began to stifle his sobs as he gripped his head with both hands. Having failed to raise his spirits, the Noble woman rose to leave the room. Standing in the doorway to take one final look at the driveling mess that was Robin, Maribelle simply looked upon his form. If Robin had been looking at her as she stood there he would have seen a sorrow in her eyes that was not meant for the Exalt's death or her friend Lissa's current loss. Instead it was a feeling meant for Ylisse's master tactician who appeared to be taking the brunt of self imposed blame for Emmeryn's death. Despite their relationship, if it could even be called that, she could only feel the pain of another Shepherd as he continued to berate himself. She quickly left so as not to give passing soldiers the idea that she relished other people's anguish.

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Robin stood as Chrom himself had began to doubt his own abilities in front of all of the Shepherds. He felt that he was not worthy of the mantle Exalt or to take on the ideals of Emmeryn. But after a heartfelt promise from Robin that they would take on the challenge of ruling Ylisse and becoming worthy of Emm's ideals together the other Shepherds heartily agreed that they too would support Chrom. With Chrom's renewed confidence it was agreed that eventually they would descend upon Plegia with a fury that would rival a certain woman's assault on the tactician with a parasol.

With that Robin quickly ducked out of the room as to indulge in his self pity. Unfortunately he missed the site of Sumia approaching Chrom with another pie to comfort and encourage him with the future endeavor of taking Gangrel down. Not only that, but Chrom happily agreed to talk to her as he wanted nothing more than to share a meal with a trusted ally, quickly forgetting his idea to avoid her.

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A strange day indeed for Robin as he had not thought of a couple he would like to see together in the army he commanded. Usually he'd be concocting strategies while also incorporating two man formations with two people he'd like to see together. Lately he'd thought of how interesting and challenging it would be to see if the swordsman Lon'qu with his fear of women would be able to court Cordelia out of her obsession of Chrom. Or maybe what it would be like to get Sully into a relationship with a man. He had been in the early stages of getting Panne a suitor as well until his latest escapade in Plegia.

After his monumental failure he just couldn't bring himself to do anything worthwhile besides devise a strategy to eventually take on Gangrel and his deteriorating army. Even then his strategy had holes and had to be shored up by Chrom and Frederick. He was failing his one and only job and soon the Shepherds might let him go so as to not be led into battle only to be impaled because their "tactician" was too incompetent to lead them.

Robin was interrupted from his self abuse when Chrom came into the darkened room. Thankfully it was dark or Chrom would have seen the unshaven, disheveled lump that Robin had become. Chrom brought in a lamp to illuminate the room as he sat down.

"Robin I have something I wish to discuss with you."

This was it. He failed to save Emmeryn and now he was going to pay the price. He could hear the strain in Chrom's voice as he forced those words out. Robin doubted that they would kill him, but he knew that sending him out of the Shepherds was a definite. Maybe they'd abandon him in Plegia since he had recently acquired a bounty from Gangrel himself. Yes then he'd be brutally tortured and cut to pieces and displayed like the rotten piece of shi-

"I have to say friend, you look very bad. Are feeling unwell?"

"Of course not Chrom I uh, just forgot to shave today."

Robin had a fake smile so that he didn't alert Chrom to his current plight. Robin had already plotted five escape plans and was working on another when Chrom decided to interject.

"Like I said I really need to discuss something. Well more two things now. All of the Shepherds have taken note of your recent behavior Robin and it is very concerning to us all."

"..."

Robin was at a loss for words as he wasn't sure how to come at this situation. Usually he'd masterfully manipulate words to throw off his scent, but he couldn't even bring himself to do that.

"I'm sorry Chrom. I just- I tried my best, but..."

"Robin concern yourself with this no more-"

Here it is, you're fired or you let my sister die so you too will suffer the same fate you stupid idiot or-

"- none of this is your fault and you will not blame yourself for any longer."

With this Robin was confused as he was expecting something more... violent.

"I know you think that you failed in saving Emmeryn, but your plan brought us closer to saving her than anyone could have hoped and the fact that our enemy summoned other worldly forces is something far beyond your control."

"But it is my fault, I should have been more aware of their abilities or-"

"Robin stop this nonsense! No one blames you and you shouldn't either! We all did our best and Emm would have been more than proud of our efforts. We need our tactician to finish off Gangrel and more importantly I need my friend so that I might have some advice in proposing to Sumia."

Robin simply sighed and sat in deep thought. He hoped that no one blamed him, but he just couldn't get over what he had failed to do. In retrospect, he couldn't have truly foreseen the risen archers and if no one blamed him, well then he'd do his darndest to make them proud by finding a way to beat Gangrel and-

"Eh?"

"What is it Robin?"

"Propose to who?"

Chrom simply grinned.

"Ah good to see you actually heard that bit. That's what I originally came to talk about before I decided to get you out of your funk."

"Yeah Yeah just get to the part about defeating Sumia and proposing to Gangrel or uh wait..."

Chrom just laughed at his tactician's blunder and continued on.

"Well I decided that after officially defeating Gangrel I want to propose to the woman I love. After all those pies I couldn't help but think what my life would be like without Sumia around. She is so caring and I never realized how beautiful her light pink hair is when it is blowing in the wind until I rode atop her Pegasus when she saved me in Regna Ferox. Er back to the point, I'd like to know what you think since you're the one who unknowingly put us together."

Yes unknowingly put them together. Robin completely forgot about Plegia as he was now indulging in his self satisfaction. He had successfully gotten Chrom to acknowledge Sumia and now he wanted to propose. Yes Robin was indeed the love doctor and now his confidence was so abundant, he might start referring to himself as 'The Robin' just like Vaike did.

"Heh heh Chrom I think that is wonderful. I wish you the best of luck with your proposal because I don't have any real advice. I'm sure you proposing to her is enough to make her happy friend."

"I guess so, but don't you think she'd want something more... special?"

"No now get out I need to redo the plan to defeat Gangrel and work on some personal plans."

And so our dimwit tactician had returned to normal as he forced a confused Chrom out of his quarters and then revised his plan to defeat the Mad King. Not only that, with Chrom's success in romance, Robin's confidence in pairing up Shepherds was renewed as well.

"Now then if I remember correctly we are to confront Gangrel on this field outside the Plegian capital here. Now then I think I'll send Lon'qu with Cordelia here as this is the optimum place for a swordsmen. Aaaaand here I'm sure that cavalry will be waiting to charge our lines so I'll send Panne and... Oh how about that armored fellow Kellam? Here I could use Sully to break the enemy lines with... hmmm? Who should I send with Sully? Let's see, she wields lances and swords, independent woman, and red hair. How about Gregor? Yes he has red hair as well so that should work well..."