Hey guys, it's been a little while again, but here's the next chapter. Thanks to all of you readers for your patience and reviews. It really makes my day, and hopefully I'm improving. This one is a long one, followed by another long one on the way! Once again, questions, comments, and criticism is really appreciated.
The Grand Prize
Robin and Anna were standing in an elevator. The lighting created a harsh, sterile environment around the two, as Robin shifted uncomfortably.
"So I'm guessing this was what was bothering you earlier?" Robin said hesitantly. Anna didn't acknowledge his statement, focusing on the blank white walls of the elevator. "Or we could just stand here in awkward silence. That works."
Anna pursed her lips disapprovingly. "First of all, I'm a member of this board, so I can't fully disclose why we're meeting you." The elevator doors slid open, revealing a small hallway with flat, bright light illuminating it. Anna entered the hallway, turning left. Robin followed. "Second of all, I'm mad at you for wasting a perfectly good tome."
"Wasting the tome? It was what won us our fight!"
Anna rolled her eyes. "Robin," She said, "I have no doubt that you could've thought up several plans that didn't involve destroying a 150 gold piece book. That is, if you weren't so distracted yourself."
Robin frowned. This wasn't the Anna he had grown accustomed to. She sighed.
"I'm sorry, Robin," She said softly, "Master Hand has been insistent in seeing you, and I'm just worried."
"Don't worry about me," Robin joked, "I'm a hot commodity now. I doubt he'd do too much to me." Anna chuckled at that.
" … I'm still upset about the tome, though."
"I'll buy a new one off of you."
Anna reached a set of metal double doors. "Alright, here we are." She took a small card from a pouch around her belt. "This little number is so only us board members can get in." She explained, swiping the card through a small slot on the side of one of the doors. There was a harsh buzzing sound, and Anna opened the door, motioning for Robin to follow.
A long black table was centered in the room, with a raised table perpendicular at the other side of it. Seated at this taller table were many people that Robin was somewhat familiar with. There was the raccoon that he had met on his second day, he believed his name was Tom Nook; and there was a black haired girl that he knew he had seen at some point. Perhaps in passing at Dedede's party. There were also several other figures, all of whom looked at Robin solumnly. Anna began to move towards the larger table, and Robin motioned to follow.
"If you please, the board would prefer you sit at the head of the table, yes yes!" Tom Nook grinned at Robin. Robin slowly sat down, as Anna continued. She finally sat, next to what looked like an toddler.
"Sir Robin." The black-haired girl announced. Her voice was a little too enthusiastic. "Master Hand wished that you join us in this meeting."
Robin looked around. There were 7 people at the table. "The board is rather small. I would have assumed that a large group of smashers would require a large group of handlers." Robin could see Anna's lips tighten. Apologies would have to wait.
"Actually, the board was originally 4 members strong, but it has grown as we've needed it." Tom Nook expalined. "While we have met, I don't think we've been properly introduced."
"I've read personnel listings," Robin stated, "I remember you're Tom Nook, proprietor of Nook Properties and Homes."
"Yes yes, that is who I am." Nook already seemed bored with what was occurring. Robin sneaked a look at the clock on the wall. He had around 15 minutes before Lucina would face Samus.
"If it's no trouble, I'd like to get to the purpose of this meeting." The board all looked amongst each other, as if waiting for approval from an unseen source. "Well? I'd like to go watch the next match, if it's no trouble."
"I'll be honest, Robin," the black-haired girl answered, "This meeting was called this morning. Frankly, we don't know why."
Robin frowned. "So nobody here knows why I've been summoned? At all?"
"I asked the board to get together and I asked Anna to bring you," a disembodied voice sliced through the silence, "I have no obligations to explain anything." The tactician turned around. The floating glove had made it's way around the table, approaching the board members. Robin sneered at Master Hand.
"I hope you have a good reason for keeping everyone in the dark," He said, "Or do you just enjoy leading people on?"
"My reasons are my reasons," the Hand replied, "You don't need to know anything else."
"Uh-huh." Robin muttered to himself.
"Despite your callous behavior, you do deserve praise," he continued, "It takes a good mind to drag Ganondorf through several battles, but it takes a brilliant mind to convince a man like him to listen and follow."
"You flatter me," Robin replied, taken slightly aback, "but I'm afraid that doesn't explain why I'm -" Master Hand moved his whole being in a waving motion. The air pushed through Robin's messy hair, catching the hood of his cloak. He grabbed the table, preventing himself from spilling onto the floor.
"I'm getting there." Master Hand replied brusquely, "Don't push me." The board members looked at each other again, nervously. "As you know, there are monetary rewards for where you finish, and you're now one of the final eight smashers remaining, I thought it appropriate to show you the other prize."
"Other prize?" Robin asked, his voice betraying his nervousness.
"Yes," the hand snapped his fingers, revealing a hologram. This … thing was red and white, and seemed to be both organic and inorganic somehow. "Kirby was so generous as to offer this as a grand prize. It's called the Dragoon, and is capable of extremely fast flight and travel."
Robin looked over the strange creature. "It's certainly interesting," he remarked, "though it's purpose is lost to me."
"The Dragoon can move at such speeds that it is invulnerable." Robin looked up. A young blonde boy had spoken, adjusting his glasses. "The more interesting thing is that, with the appropriate power supply attached to it, it would be able to briefly peek into other worlds."
"That doesn't seem much different from what you have here at the mansion." Robin remarked.
"Exactly," the boy admitted, "But for a creature to be capable of this is astounding. Unprecedented and-" Master Hand waved again, and the boy barely caught hold of his glasses.
"Thank you Jeffrey, that's enough." The hand moved towards Robin, looming over the tactician. "It takes a lot of power to allow the Dragoon to look through the dimensional walls, but several here have that power."
"Ganondorf." Robin answered, not looking for confirmation. "Still treating him like a criminal, I see."
"After you two beat both Palutena and Rosalina, he was the only being left with that magnitude of ability residing inside him," Master Hand explained, "This isn't a matter of him doing something wrong, this is a matter of insurance."
Robin could feel himself bubbling over in frustration. "And what, pray tell," he hissed, "do you expect me to do about that?"
Master Hand sighed, his hand heaving in grotesque imitation. "Robin, I know that you trust your teammate, but you really have no idea of what someone like him could do. It doesn't take much for a man like him to revert back to his old ways."
"Then why invite him into your games?"
"Everyone likes have a villain to hate." was Master Hand's simple response. A small device appeared on the table. "A villain this close to the final might be entertaining, but I'm not taking chances." Robin picked up the device. It was elegant and simple in design, with only one button.
"What am I meant to do with this?"
"Hopefully nothing," Master Hand answered, "but, if things take a turn for the worst, that'll make Ganondorf's triforce unstable." Robin turned, staring at the board. "That should make him weak enough for us to seal him." Robin let those words sink in.
"Wait, you've been building this underneath our noses?" Robin asked, furious.
"Yes, haven't you seen what some of these smashers are capable of?" Master Hand said emotionlessly.
"Then why did you invite them?!" Robin roared. "Why make a prize something as powerful as that-" he motioned through the hologram, "if you thought someone could abuse it's power? Didn't any of you think about that?!" Robin started walking towards the door. "You do understand that you people have probably been the ones driving Zelda crazy, right?" He asked, facing away from the board. "I applaud your ability to ignore safety for a quick piece of gold." Robin finally exited the room. The silence inside the room was physically oppressing.
"I think he took that rather well." Master Hand finally said, pleased with himself. "Meeting's adjourned." There was a flash of red hair that exited the room a little faster than the rest.
Robin stood in the elevator as it made a slow journey back up to the mansion. He felt the left side of his cloak, where he had placed it. The fact that this Master Hand had been plotting behind his back made him feel apprehensive. You hypocrite, he chided himself, if he hadn't been right, you wouldn't have grabbed that device. As the elevator opened, Robin checked one of the clocks on the wall. The fight had technically already started, but just barely. Maybe he could sneak into the arena and not cause too much of a fuss. It took him only a few moments to reach the teleporters, and he was off.
There was a familiar scent of wood, oil, and steel that reached Robin's nose. He took a deep breath, relaxing himself. It was definitely unfair that Lucina had gotten two matches at home, but Robin supposed it couldn't be helped. As he walked into the stadium, the roar of the crowd once again filled his ears. There's a lot of people here, I guess I should try to find a seat. Robin looked around the crowd until something caught his eye. White hair, set in pigtails, with a familiar frown on her face. He looked over towards the match occurring below them. He couldn't see Marth or Samus, but Lucina was locked in a fierce battle with a rather sizable dragon. Robin raised an eyebrow. Corrin hadn't revealedthat little secret yet.
"Come on, Lucy, your technique is miserable!" Robin turned to face Severa, who had stood up and was now shouting. The crowd continued chanting Lucina's name over and over, but several fans around Robin's daughter shifted away. He got closer to Severa, who was now grumbling to herself. There was a bell, before both fighters were moved away from each other. There was a robotic voice that Robin recognized.
"As per regulations, 10 minutes have passed, and fighting will be paused before a round 2 commences." Robin raised an eyebrow. I guess our fights never made it that long. He thought to himself. He once again heard Severa yelling encouragement towards Lucina. Robin decided to approach her.
"I doubt Lucina can hear you, sweetie." Robin said, amusedly. Severa whipped around, her eyes gleaming. Robin felt arms wrap around him, almost forcing him to the ground.
"Daddy!" Severa squealed in delight. She paused after a few seconds, before pushing Robin away and sitting back down. "Um, why are you here?" She asked, hiding her embarrassment. Robin took a seat next to her.
"Well, I did come to spend time with my precious daughter, but I could just go to the royal box and watch with Chrom." Severa scrunched her face is faux-disgust.
"Don't lie to me, dad," She accused, still blushing, "You were hoping to spend time with mom and Morgan, not the grumpy one."
Robin gave Severa a small hug. "Mom and Morgan are important to me, too. However, I don't see them around, so you get to be the sole focus of my attention and care." He ruffled Severa's hair, which solicited a growl of protest and small grin. Robin then looked around. "Where … are they anyways?" He asked, causing Severa to scowl. She turned to her father, purposely flipping her hair like a whip.
"Mom wanted to take care of little Lucy and I while the royal family went to see the fight," she explained, "and Morgan wanted to spend some time with mother."
Robin nodded. Morgan had spent most of the time with the Shepherds in his shadow, learning and bonding with the only person she was really familiar with. Robin knew that it weighed heavily on Cordelia's mind. For weeks, she was convinced that her poor parenting was the reason that Morgan had forgotten her. Robin looked at Severa. Truth be told, their relationship was … inconsistent at best. He knew that Severa cared about both of her parents a lot, but he didn't really get to spend as much time with her in particular before the fight with Grima.
"Well, maybe that's for the best," He said nonchalantly, earning a look of confusion, "I mean, we didn't spend a lot of time together, just father and daughter. So would you be okay with some daddy-daughter time?"
Severa huffed, but turned a little red. "Yeah, I think that might be okay." She said begrudgingly. She paused for a moment, before speaking again. "Wait, that might be a little hard right now." Robin looked at Severa, intrigued.
"Oh? Why would that be, may I ask?" He asked, "Didn't you come with Chrom and Sumia?"
"Well, they weren't the only ones," she admitted, "I didn't know you'd be by, so …" Robin smiled.
"I understand. It doesn't mean we can't spend some time together, though." He said. Severa smiled again, clearly pleased with the attention. "Who did you go wi-"
"Um … I think that's me." came the reply from behind the tactician. Robin and Severa turned around. An emerald-clad girl was standing next to them, carrying some snacks. She was tall, pale, and thin, but somehow made herself look pretty small. She gave Severa an unsure look. "H-hi, Mr. Robin." Severa frowned.
"Gawds, Noire, it's just my dad," she said, "It's not like he doesn't know you."
Noire grinned weakly, but moved to sit next to her friend. She looked at Robin. The tactician smiled back.
"How are you, Noire?" He asked kindly. Noire smiled again. Truth be told, Robin found Noire's friendship with Severa to be strange. Noire always seemed so meek, and Severa was a strong personality, to say the least. However, the two always had each others' backs, despite Severa's roughness around her. Noire handed Severa a small basket of fresh pastries, to which Severa gave a wordless thanks.
"I'm d-doing well, sir!" She exclaimed, pausing to eat one of the pastries she had gotten. "I'm just getting used to living with mom and dad now, which is … nice." She looked content.
"How … are your father and mother?" Robin asked.
"I think we're doing fine." An almost seductive voice whispered from behind him. Robin stiffened up, as he felt a dark aura gather around him. Severa turned to face the origin of the voice, while Noire dug herself deeper into her food.
"H-hello Tharja." Robin said meekly. Truth be told, even though Tharja was a good friend, Robin still had moments of uneasiness around her. It wasn't a secret that she had harbored feelings for the tactician, and only gave up after challenging Cordelia to something that others infamously called 'The Gauntlet of Love'. Robin shuddered at the thought. Cordelia hadn't spoken to the sorceress since. Even years later, it took a lot of convincing from Severa herself to let Tharja be the newborn's godmother. And that was only after Sumia had decided to be Morgan's godmother and Cherche had politely declined. And even though Lon'qu and Tharja had a strong relationship, Robin was still nervous around her. "How have things been?"
"Oh," she replied, "just watching over my precious daughter and my favorite goddaughter." She smiled at the two girls, which prompted a smile from Severa and Noire, the latter hiding behind her friend. "If I had known you'd be here, I could've prepared a more … appropriate greeting." She gave Robin a hug, which was met with a groan from Noire and a raised eyebrow from Severa.
Robin laughed nervously, "Ah, well," he said, "I didn't expect to be here, myself."
"Yet, here you are." Tharja replied, giggling to herself. She stood up. "I must get back to the royal seats. I imagine that those two Khans might be getting a little too comfortable without my presence." She ruffled Severa's hair and gave Noire a small kiss on the cheek. Noire blushed furiously.
"Mother ..." She whined half-heartedly. Tharja just smiled and moved back into the crowd. A few silence filled seconds passed, allowing Robin to regain his composure. As people began filling the seats again, Lucina and Corrin came back into view. Both of them looked healed up and ready for more. However, Robin noticed something subtle about Lucina's movements.
She kept looking back, towards where he was sitting. Robin turned to face his daughter and her friend.
"Noire, Severa," he began, "Has Lucina been looking at you two the whole match?" He caught Severa stiffening up before Noire answered.
"I suppose so, but the royal box is just above us, so maybe …"
Robin grinned. It might not be daddy-daughter time, like Severa wanted; but teasing was acceptable in small doses around Severa. "No, I think she's focused over here." Severa was blushing furiously now. "Maybe Lucina is hoping she can put on a good show for her best friends, don't you think?"
"Dad …" Severa muttered, "Gawds, you're embarrassing me!" Robin smiled.
"Just giving my daughter some long-awaited teasing!" He said jovially. He saw Noire smile awkwardly as well while Severa tried to stifle a grin. "Now, I'd like you two to tell me what you see as she fights." Severa pushed him while hiding her face.
"Daddy! You're just trying to use us so you can beat her later!" She said in a huff.
"Not completely true!" Robin said, "Though the thought crossed my mind. I just think it could be a fun game!"
As the three began to talk amongst each other again, the robotic voice began counting back down to the start of the next round.
It had only been one round, but Lucina was already feeling worn down. Watching Samus and Marth literally take each other over the edge of the arena was shocking enough, but facing down Corrin, who was turning into a dragon constantly, was unnerving as well.
Also, the fact that everytime she faced the royal box, she caught a glimpse of snow-white hair, which could only belong to four people. She had just taken a good look, and the number of people with that hair had doubled. She could also see Robin's face, which left no doubt as to who else was watching her.
Why is this bugging you now? She asked herself, as she heard the countdown. It's not like she's never seen you fight before.
But now it's not life and death. She heard a voice in her head reply, And if you don't win, won't Severa think you soft and weak?
Lucina shook herself out of it, just in time to see Corrin come over a small wooden fence, in a full sprint. Lucina swung her sword in a low arc, forcing Corrin to jump over her. She felt the air from a missed attack hiss across her back. Lucina was flung across the stage, as she felt a jet of water burst from behind her. Urng, forgot about that. She thought as she landed. Hard. She felt the grittiness of the dirt on her face as she struggled to get up. Corrin was about 10 meters from her, and was transforming again. Lucina groaned in frustration. Now was not a great time to get distracted. She deflected another jet of water away from her. Corrin had sliced the gap between them in half, and was transforming back into a human. Lucina blocked her sword, feeling the heat coming from it, and let loose several quick slashes and thrusts, hoping to at least get Corrin on the defensive.
"Lucy! What are you thinking?!" Severa shouted out. Noire flinched, while Robin grimaced internally. Severa was … passionate, to say the least.
"She's definitely off," Noire remarked, "I wonder if we really are distracting her."
"Gawds, Noire," she responded, "Even if that's the case, it doesn't excuse her poor planning."
Robin grinned a little bit. "Why is that, sweetie?" He asked, trying to hide his excitement.
Severa rolled her eyes. "Every time her opponent comes in close, she reverts back into a human. Everyone knows that a dragon can beat anybody in a fair fight."
Noire looked over at her friend. "B-but Falchion can really hurt dragons!" she said, "Maybe that's why she keeps transforming?"
Severa shook her head, "Maybe, but Lucy hasn't even tried to take advantage of that. She hasn't even tried to use some of the structures to gain a height advantage and force vertical fighting!" Severa's words were starting to blur together. She suddenly stopped, turning quickly to Robin. She blushed when she saw her father, almost in tears.
"What?" She asked. "Why are you looking at me like that, dad?"
"Oh, nothing," Robin responded, wiping his eyes, "I'm just … so proud."
Severa frowned a little, trying to hide her face. "Gawds, daddy. You don't have to cry about it." Robin noticed that his daughter seemed to be a little less frustrated, and more intent on looking at the battle.
Focus, Lucina. Internal criticism was important for growth, but right now wasn't the time for it. She felt Corrin's sword once again nick her, leaving a burning sensation in her midsection. Biting back a yelp of pain, Lucina swung again. Corrin's shout of surprise gave her satisfaction. Finally, a good swing. The sensation of water smashing into her side quickly took that away though.
Lucina felt something crack as she landed on a wooden platform. That was a rib. She confirmed to herself, slowly getting up. Searing pain was her only answer. Once again, Lucina saw that immense white dragon. There was a flash in her head, maybe something in the lighting; but Lucina swore she saw familiar red eyes. Her heart leapt into her throat, just as another jet of water missed her head. Just a vision, she kept repeating to herself, Get it together.
Corrin was now running up the platform, changing back into her human form. Lucina found that strange. Corrin was spending too much time as a human, considering how much damage her dragon form could cause. She rushed to parry another attack from the shapeshifter, the blow lacking the strength of previous attacks. Lucina groaned under the strain, but felt herself swinging again. Getting on the offensive was not just easier, but it could very well be the key to victory.
"Hmmm..." Robin was having a hard time focusing on the battle. Lucina looked like she finally had understood Corrin's habits, and was finally attacking. However, as interesting as the battle was, he kept looking at his daughter.
Severa was fiercely cheering on the princess, so was Noire. However, Robin had caught a look in her eyes. It was all too familiar.
After all, he was certain he had that look when he first met Cordelia.
Robin looked back, from Severa to the battle on hand. Inwardly, he cursed himself. Severa hadn't been just messing with him when she said she liked Lucina.
Okay, so Lucina wasn't the worst person in the world to fall in love with, sure. But, he thought, looking at Severa, I haven't spent enough time with her to give her up. Also, there were issues with the line of ascension that Robin didn't even want to entertain at the moment. Severa noticed the almost pained expression on her father's face.
"Dad, what is it?" she asked, "Lucy's gonna win!" Robin shook himself from his own thoughts.
"It … it's nothing." He smiled, despite his conflicting emotions. "Maybe we can talk about it later. During daddy-daughter time?" Severa nodded in approval, before looking down on the stadium.
Lucina's strokes had become less and less precise with each swing. The only thing going for her was that Corrin was tiring as well. It was clear that neither of them could make it much longer. Another strike, metal on metal echoing through a booming arena. Lucina's arm felt like lead, and Corrin had a look in her eyes.
Lucina had seen that look in her younger sister's eyes. In her friends. In Severa.
Desperation.
Corrin's crimson eyes also reflected something else, though Lucina desperately tried to shake it away again. The dragon princess was starting to transform again, and shot off another jet of water. Except to Lucina, it wasn't water. It was black fire. It was like before. With a cry of anguish, she sliced at the flames. She was blown back from the impact, but there was a cry of pain, followed by the sound of steam. As Lucina lay there, stifling sobs, she heard the crowd cheering even harder. As she started to glow, and she felt the teleporter activate, she couldn't help but feel defeat.
Robin looked around at the crowd, joining them in cheering for their champion. He turned to Severa, only to pause. She wasn't cheering. In fact, her face was twisted in concern. Robin looked back down at the arena floor. Lucina hadn't moved, even when the teleporter took her away. Now there was only the wreckage of several wooden platforms and bare dirt. Lucina's final attack had deflected Corrin's attack right back at her, causing her to be flung into the abyss below.
"Just like her dad," Robin commented, "They could both use a lesson in holding back." Severa was still quiet, as was Noire beside her. "Something wrong? It's normal to be completely out of energy after one of these matches."
"I don't know," Noire admitted, "Something about Lucina seemed wrong; like me, but not from a curse."
"Calling Lucy cursed," Severa said quietly, "Good one, Noire." Robin shot his daughter a quizzical look, to which she purposely avoided eye contact.
Robin shrugged. "Everyone has moments of weakness, even someone as strong as Lucina," he bluntly stated, "That's why having the support of people like you two is important." Noire gave Robin a confused look. "Look," he said, crossing his arms, "Just be strong for her in times like this. Believe me, that's all she will need." With that, Robin rose from his seat, stretching his limbs. "Let's head for the exit." Robin started moving up the stairs, only pausing for a moment to confirm that Severa and Noire were following him. He could still see worry in their eyes, but they no longer had those grim expressions.
"Remember, dad," Severa warned, "You promised that we'd spend some time together after the match."
"Sweetie, do you really think that I of all people would forget spending time with my precious daughter?" Robin said, raising his voice in an dramatic tone. Severa rolled her eyes.
Noire excused herself from the duo, heading back upstairs to meet with her parents. Robin looked at his daughter. She looked nearly the same as she did when he had first met her, in those ruins in the south of Valm. However, she was wearing a nice red sundress that looked slightly familiar, and her aura seemed to have a more positive vibe to it.
"I didn't notice earlier, but that dress suits you." Robin remarked. Severa shot her father a look of amusement.
"I thought you might," she responded, "Mother lent it to me." Robin looked at Severa, eyebrows raised. "I might have borrowed it." she admitted.
"Now, why would you borrow something your mother wears?" He asked, grinning at his daughter. "Trying to impress someone?"
"Dad …"
"It wouldn't be Inigo, right?"
"Eww, dad!"
Robin laughed, "Just teasing, sweetie!" He said re-assuredly. They walked in silence for a minute, the din of the thinning crowd echoed throughout the arena. Robin spoke up again. "Severa, I don't want to pry..."
"Lying to your own daughter?"
"... I don't want to pry much," He admitted, "But I would like to know why you keep looking at Lucina like you're equitably starstruck and annoyed." Severa's face and dress started to blend together as she purposely avoided her father's gaze. Robin furrowed his brow. Really? Like mother, like daughter, I guess. "Ah, well, I didn't mean to embarrass you, or anything..."
Severa shook her head. "It's fine, daddy. Really." They had made an entire round through the stadium, Robin noticed. "I'd rather not talk about it, if it's all the same."
"You could always talk to mom, you know." He remarked. Severa shook her head again, with more ferocity.
"You and I both know that talking to mom about these things is just asking for trouble." Robin noted Severa's slip, saying mom instead of mother, but he let it slide. "I've heard stories about how awkward you two were from Auntie Sumia."
"Ah," Robin responded, glumly, "I might need to have a chat with the queen sooner than later, then." They passed a bench, which was previously hidden by several crowds of people. "Let's sit and chat, I'm still sore from my fight." Severa nodded, as the two watched the sun peek around several pillars that supported the top of the arena. "I promise I won't tell a soul, if that's what you'd prefer." Robin finally said. Severa didn't speak, shrinking a little next to her father, who looked upon her with a little bit of pity. He also felt relief, though; for as fiercely independent as Severa was, it was nice to be there for her as a father.
"Daddy, nobody can know. No matter what." Severa finally said, meekly. Robin's lips tightened a little. "I'm not meant to be with someone like her, and it's … not right. Especially not with a member of royalty." She faced her toes towards each other and twiddled her thumbs, like Morgan would do when she would try to trick Robin with a pit trap. Robin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"I admit, even after living with people like Maribelle and Virion, some aspects of society are still lost to me," He admitted, "I suppose I've always tried to lead a life that made me happy without hurting others." Severa was close to tears. "How many people would you hurt if you tried to make yourself happy, sweetheart?"
"Lucina is the future Exalt, and she needs a husband, dad," Severa snapped, "A husband for an heir, dad! Does the whole nation of Ylisse count as people?"
"There are plenty of others capable of raising an heir for the throne, Severa." Robin said coolly, "Maybe I'm being selfish, but my daughters deserve happy endings as well." He felt his daughter wrap her arms around him. But he also felt a rhythmic breeze come from his right side.
"Robin." A deep voice said. Metaknight had landed close to the tactician, retracting his wings. His glowing eyes stood out under the setting sun.
"I didn't expect to see anyone else here." Robin commented.
"I enjoy attending matches from time to time," Metaknight replied, "Keeps me disciplined, lets me study in a natural state."
"Quite the student you are, Metaknight," Robin drawled out, "By the way, have you met my daughter Severa?" He motioned to his daughter, who was trying to hide her embarrassment at being interrupted.
"I believe we have met once before, thank you." Metaknight said shortly, before changing the subject. "I was wondering if you were still planning that get together tonight. You did say you had information of interest to report."
Robin rubbed his chin. "Yes, but I would like to spend a little more time with Severa first. Could we all meet a little later tonight? Say, in another two hours?"
Metaknight nodded, "I will notify the others." Robin nodded, and Metaknight begin to disappear.
"Be discreet, please!" Robin shouted at the moving shadow. He sighed to himself, before turning to his daughter.
"Well, we still have some time to kill." Robin said. "Anything you want to do?" Severa smiled a little bit.
"Well, I suppose we could always go shopping …" She said, standing up and walking towards the exit of the arena. Robin could already feel his wallet getting lighter. He paused. His robes did feel lighter. He felt around the inside. The small ball that housed the Mask that Rosalina gave him was gone. Instead there was a small note. The handwriting was unmistakably Tharja's.
I knew I felt some dark magic coming from your person, Robin.
I know I promised Cordelia never to touch you, but keeping dangerous things on your person is like saving you
so maybe she'll thank me later.
Don't worry, I'll let Henry and Miriel look into this as well.
You're welcome
~Tharja~
Robin was brought out of his reading by Severa's calling out to him. He sighed again. This was becoming a mess very quickly.
Once again, thank you all for reading! I hope you all enjoy it!