Robin: Tactician, Gentleman, and Match Maker

Chapter 8: Robin, I AM your father!

It was so strange. That hierophant had the same face as Robin, the same name in fact. What was more queer was what he'd said to Robin.

… the heart still sleeps, but the blood flows through it. And the blood is strong...

Robin just couldn't sleep since he'd met that man and Validar. Robin was the Shepherds tactician, the Grandmaster of Ylisse, and straight up hardcore ladies man so he could easily pick up on signals. Both Aversa and Validar were adamant about talking to him and emphasizing the fact that the Shepherds and that hierophant would meet again soon. What was more disturbing was that Robin recognized the patterns on Validar's clothing because it was the same design that was on his trademark cloak, but more importantly, the mark on his arm. Now Robin was extremely unsettled by the fact that in his past life he may have been a Grimleal and if that hierophant was important to that religion and was possibly related to Robin himself, Robin may have been high ranking in their system as well. All of this was terrorizing Robin to the point that he wouldn't make romance plans because he wasn't sure if he was doing of his own volition or if he was a sleeper cell and the Grimleal wanted those specific Shepherds together for some devious reason that would eventually lead to the downfall of the Shepherds and...

Robin. Robin my boy, come to me...

Robin immediately rose from his cot, tome in one hand and other hand resting on the hilt of his sword. To be honest, he'd been expecting one of the three Plegians to come for him and now they were making their move. Or so he thought. He looked around his tent, listening for anything abnormal, but he was met with nothing.

Robin, heed my call...

There it was again. Only this time Robin had been waiting for it and he now realized that it was in his head. More importantly, his arm was now agitated once again and was glowing slightly. Robin didn't really have a choice, if he stayed in his tent he'd go insane so he decided to take a quick walk in hopes of the voice in his head going away. He stepped into an open field to think and maybe get back on track with his plans. Cordelia had somehow gotten Lon'qu to tutor her in fencing which did not look that special to him. Panne and Kellam sparred a little more often, with Kellam being crushed like a can. Miriel and Ricken were now completely consumed with their experiments when they weren't in battle and strangely enough Frederick was teaching Lissa the ax so she could become a War Cleric and she was teaching him to slack off. Sully and Gregor might not work after all since Sully had it out for Gregor since he'd bested her in a spar. It was fairly obvious that Nowi had eyes for Gaius and although he tried to act like she was nothing more than an annoyance, Robin could see that he enjoyed the time that Nowi spent with him, despite the conversation usually looping back to the vote of the prettiest lady Shepherd. Vaike always seemed to be talking to Tharja even though she never looked happy about it, then again when did she look happy. Cherche and Donnel were almost a complete project, the latest news being that Cherche gave him a ride on Minerva and Robin had cleverly hidden himself in the wyvern stall, this time no where NEAR any feces. When they got back it was an awkward festival of small talk of furious blushing with little to no eye contact. Safe to say, it was going good. What really surprised Robin was that rumor had it Virion was giving Olivia dance lessons and since that started, Virion's proposal rate per day had decreased by what Robin figured to be about 75%. It was nice since Olivia was such a sweet woman, despite what Maribelle said about her jokes.

Maribelle... Robin didn't know what to do with that woman. He actually didn't have any plans for her before since she showed no interest in any person besides Lissa and obviously Robin wasn't going to try his hand at the love that dare not speak its name. The only person she actually said she'd been interested in was Robin himself, but that was a professional thing since he was an amnesiac tactician and she was curious. That and Robin was good friends with Lissa so it seemed reasonable that Maribelle would want to be friends with him as well. Maybe he'd have to try and get some information on that during his next Aristocrat lesson or their next tea time. Speaking of tea, she said that she had a delightful new flavor for them to try and Robin had to say that she was spoiling him rotten and he loved it. Robin would have to try hard to get her hitched as he had come to like her a lot recently and she was truly a nice lady...

Why do you reject his calling Robin? Why do you close your heart to him?

A spectral image of Validar appeared before him.

"Validar?"

Have you truly forgotten?

"You, get out of my head!"

With this Robin had his Elfire tome raised and ready only to have his head and hand lurch in pain.

Such arrogance. You'd take that kind of tone... with your own father?

Suddenly a malicious smile crept across Validar's face like he'd just let out a silent fart and everyone could smell it, but no one knew it was him.

You are of my flesh, but of sacred blood. You are to serve a glorious purpose.

"HEY ROBIN!"

Suddenly Chrom's voice tore him from his conversation.

Why do you help the servants of Naga? ...no matter, in time you will see the truth. Give yourself to Grima my son. Remember your purpose...

"Robin what in the seven hells is going on?"

"...I saw Validar. He said I was his son. Chrom, listen I don't think you can trust me anymore."

"Yes just like I can no longer ask Sumia to bake me pies just because we're married and she let go of herself. Seriously Robin do you hear yourself?"

"Listen to me! The mark on my arm, the design on my cloak, and even that hierophant! It seems obvious that I'm of Plegian descent and I think I'm some vital cog in their design..."

Suddenly Frederick approaches from nearby, sprinting with his armor on and spear in hand.

"Lord Chrom, Sir Robin, there are Risen closing on us and fast. We need to hurry and set up some kind of defense, these Risen are organized and it seems highly unnatural given their past behavior. I think that those Plegians set this up especially after all of their obvious remarks of 'danger' on these high roads."

"Kill...Exalted...One"

"...We'll talk about this later Chrom, Frederick. For now I'll devise a quick strategy while you gather the rest of the Shepherds."

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Right before the battle started the Shepherds recruited a Silver haired PLEGIAN dark mage named Henry. He was a strange one that loved death, blood, and forest animals. This meant he was no longer on the suitor list for Maribelle. Then it was discovered that Chrom had run off with 'Marth' after she had saved Chrom. Sumia and Robin followed them only to find them embracing with Marth crying. Sumia was furiously tearing petals off of flowers with tears welling up in her eyes. THEN after a good crying session from Sumia, it was revealed that Marth was actually their daughter Lucina from the future. Robin had a feeling that something like this was the explanation behind 'Marth' and her knowledge of future events, but could never really act on it since she always disappeared. After all of this there was one last thing that topped off the list of odd things to happen that night. Robin had found Cordelia and she seemed to be looking for someone...

"Oh Cordelia, looking for something?"

"More someone than something. I need to make sure he's alright especially after this last fight."

Robin sighed internally as he figured she cared only for Chrom and his well being above even her own.

"Don't worry Cordelia, Chrom is just fine and he's on his way back to camp right now. You can give him your report then if you like."

Then came the part that scared the hell out of him.

"What? No I'm not talking about Chrom, I need to make sure Lon'qu is alright. I was looking for him before the fight broke out so we could team up, but I couldn't find him. Tell me, is he alright? Have you seen him?"

Robin was now supremely confused. Usually Cordelia would go to Chrom after every battle to give a 'report' so that she could talk to him. Now she completely blew Chrom off, instead focusing on Lon'qu. Maybe that talk with Validar had Robin's head spinning so he wasn't hearing this right.

"Sigh, I hope Lon'qu is alright. I don't know what I'd do if he died on me now."

She said the word sigh again although in conjunction with Lon'qu and his well being instead of Chrom. This was by far the most queer thing to happen all night, the night that Robin talked to Validar, learned of his heritage, recruited a blood fetish mage, and met Chrom's daughter from the future. Robin felt that Cordelia having eyes for someone that wasn't Chrom definitely took the number one slot for the weirdest thing to happen.

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Despite the attack in Plegia, Validar had given Ylisse and Regna Ferox the ships needed to head over to Valm and take the fight to them. Now the Shepherds were marching back to Port Ferox and today was just another average day in the Shepherds.

"Oy Sullykins."

Robin fell flat on his face after hearing that. He figured that Sully would put the beat down on Gregor, especially after the rumor going around about their spars.

"...stop calling me that."

He waited. And waited. Waited a little more. Robin then came to the conclusion that Validar must have transported him to an alternate dimension where everyone's personalities were reversed, where Cordelia was obsessed with Lon'qu and Sully took crap from other people.

"Ho ho! You no like name Sullykins? But name suits you. Very ladylike."

"There's nothing ladylike about it, you flea ridden old goat!"

Never mind, it appears that Sully was waiting for a more opportune time to insult Gregor. Robin could only wonder what their sparring sessions could have resulted in if Gregor could call Sully Sullykins and she doesn't kill him.

"We are friends are we not. There is no need to make with the blushings."

...Now Robin was back to the alternate dimension theory since he was sure that Sully could out drink every Shepherd, kick all of their asses, and she didn't blush.

"I'm not.. blushing."

Seriously does it never end? First Cordelia and now this?

"You know real reason, yes Sullykins?"

Great now Robin had missed some of the conversation.

"Sully secretly in love with Gregor!"

"You say that again and I'll shove my sword so-"

That sounded like Sully, but it didn't look like it since she had a face that was redder than her hair. This entire situation was just weird. Weirder than that time Robin saw Donnel without his pot on.

"You have insulted me and my honor for the last damn time!"

"And if Sully loses? Then what?"

"Then that life and honor are yours to do with what you will."

...That could be taken the wrong way in so many ways. Of course this was interesting in the fact that Sully didn't show that much disdain for Gregor, more a healthy rivalry mixed with that blushing that had Robin very hopeful.

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As Robin was taking a walk, he saw Donnie in the distance with a large metal ring. It looked like it could fit on a wyvern. Suddenly Robin knew he had to tail Donnie to see what was transpiring. Thankfully, Cherche and Minerva had come across Donnie not much later than Robin did. Robin was seriously hoping that all that blushing and nervous small talk was because he was nervous around Cherche, but that giant ring had Robin thinking otherwise. Donnie wouldn't actually get close to the wyvern rider so he could get close to the Wyvern itself right? RIGHT?!

"Did you say that was a present for Minerva?"

"I'm givin' it to her as a symbol of the friendship that growed between us!"

That better be the only thing you're givin' to the wyvern.

"Donnel, this is a bit upsetting... Minerva gets a present, but I don't?"

"Actually I got one for you too... Ain't quite as big obviously."

Robin let out a large sigh as he had finally completed yet another marriage in the Shepherds. He simply watched this proposal play out. He took careful notes so he could record this in his journal and as he got up to go he heard them say something a little disturbing.

"Hey look its Minerva. Now I can give her the ring."

"Minerva dear, what's wrong? You seem upset."

Suddenly the mark on his arm was hurting again and he knew what was coming next.

"AHH MINERVA NOOOOOOOO"

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"Robin Darling, you really should have others accompany you when you go to... relieve yourself in the woods. You've been attacked by these Risen riding wolves yet again."

Robin was back in the Medical tent with his friend Maribelle patching him up after who knows how many wyvern assaults, attacks by angry horses, or misfires from Nowi's fire breath.

"Well regardless of that, thank you again for fixing me up Maribelle. I really appreciate it."

"It's my pleasure darling. Will you be joining me for tea and lessons again today."

"Mmmm well I actually need to go and talk to Olivia about something. I might be able to join you later though."

Robin felt like to holes were being bored into his head and soon saw that the source of it was an angry looking Maribelle.

"Oh you prefer Olivia's company to mine?"

"Uh no, but I need to talk to her about something very important, yeah."

"I assume it has something to do with a strategy or some such business, correct?"

Robin was a little baffled by her strange behavior after the mention of Olivia.

"Er no, it's just ah, personal business."

"Something too intimate to share with your friend?"

Obviously Robin wasn't going to divulge his whole marry off the Shepherds plan, especially since Maribelle was friends with Lissa and if she ever found out, everyone would find out.

"Well yeah I guess it is. Don't worry though, it's nothing that really concerns you so it's nothing to worry about."

Robin was sure that would set her mind at ease. Instead he was met with a strange looking stare and Maribelle simply left in a bit of a hurry.

"Cordelia has eyes for Lon'qu, Donnel almost marries a Wyvern, and now Maribelle acts all weird when I go to see other women. Curiouser and curiouser."

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Robin had just left the mess tent and he was going to turn in a little early since the day before they were attacked in the middle of the night by those Risen. As he made his way to his tent he saw that Lissa was standing on the men's side of the camp. More importantly, she set herself in motion when she saw him.

"Hey Robin whatcha doin?"

He was leaning back with his arms stretched forward to prevent any monkey business.

"I was just heading to my tent to turn in after all that business yesterday. Why do you ask Lissa?"

"Well I heard some rumors that you were seeing someone and I thought I'd get your story before I go spreading it around."

She smiled at this with her little giggle since she knew that if she didn't like the story, she'd just change it to make it sound better for everyone.

Robin just blinked with no words coming to mind. He wasn't sure how anyone could think that he was seeing a woman since all of his time was spent making strategies, reading strategies, doing 'research', spying of conversations, and spending time with Maribelle. Oh now he understood.

"You mean Maribelle right? I guess I understand that since I spend so much time with her and all, but I seriously doubt she'd go for that. I guess you can go ahead and squish that rumor."

"You know, that wasn't who I was talking about."

Robin could only raise an eyebrow to this.

"You see Maribelle came to me wondering if there were any rumors of you and some lady going around camp so I assumed that you told her something during one of your many talks. I asked her about it and she finally came around, telling me that she doesn't want some strumpet taking advantage of her friend."

She let out that friend part with a sing song voice so he assumed that it meant Maribelle didn't think of him as a friend or something. EGADS! She WAS poisoning his tea!

"You make it sound like she doesn't see me as a friend oooooor... something."

"Heehee. No Robin I don't think she wants to be your friend. I think she wants something a little more. I'm sure that she thinks you were talking to Olivia about intimate things and it made her jealooooous."

Wait, what?

Robin found himself staring into his journal with all of his records of his fellow Shepherds and their romantic interactions. He also found that in this book there was no entry with himself or Maribelle. He'd never stopped to think about his future after this war or marriage or anything really. Hearing that Maribelle was jealous of him talking to another woman made him think. Chrom had a daughter in this timeline and one from the future as well. Robin wanted that as well. He now realized that he wanted that life, to be a father, to have a wife, to feel her embrace each night, to see Maribelle on their wedding day. Wait, Maribelle?

Maybe, maybe that was it. He'd been playing match maker for sometime and he'd never put any thought into his own love life. And after his little daydream about parenthood and marriage, it became vividly clear who he wanted to be with. Despite all of the shenanigans they'd been through they still had a working friendship. Even though she used to think he was a lowborn brute, he had made up the 'hoops for hair' name, she was there for him after Emm's death, he saw her naked in the springs, she was the one to usually patch him up after his research went wrong, and she had confessed some of her innermost feelings to him. Now she was jealous at the thought of him talking to other women and he had daydreams of his children, with her as his wife.

This was it. Robin had finally come to his senses. Not only would he help his fellow Shepherds find love, Robin himself would have his day as well. He was going to take life by the horns and get his woman.

Robin was excited at his new revelation and he decided, why wait? He was going to find Maribelle and propose now, hell he'd do it without the ring!

He ran full speed through camp until he found himself outside of her tent. He was going to go in there and sweep his woman off of her feet and maybe even show her a night to never forget.

With a goofy grin plastered to his face, he went to enter her tent when all of a sudden he found that he couldn't do it. What if she says no? What should he even say? What if she would have said yes if he had a ring, but now she would say that he WAS a lowborn brute for even thinking of proposing without a ring?

He stood wide eyed in front of her tent when he finally saw why Chrom, Donnel, Sumia, Cordelia, and just about every other person in history had problems confessing love to others. He was afraid of the unknown and now our tactician was on his way to becoming a man. Not only had he fallen in love, he now understood the fear and joy that comes with that feeling. Of course, now he had to find a way to confess or risk losing her. Ah yes, the joys of youth and love. Validar would be so proud of his son right now...