A/N: Hey guys, it's been a while coming for this story, eh? Be ready for a roller coaster of emotions, because we're going to see how three certain Shepherds react to the problem of how to deal with Robin after Validar's influence over him has been revealed.
As a quick note to the matter of my temper last chapter... I stand by what I've said. As ericwinter said so well, 'Blood runs thicker than water or honor'. this comment in particular, amongst several others has warmed my heart with the knowledge that I am not alone in my stance towards the vindictiveness of others. And for those of you that showed concern for me in regards to my spiritual life, I do appreciate it, but I will not waver in my resolve. If that's not a good enough reason, check this out- C. S. Lewis, one of the greatest literary producers of all time (whether you're a Christian or not) did precisely what I did last chapter in several instances of his Space Trilogy.
So the life lesson to be had here? Don't piss of writers. We have very creative means of therapy.
'Nuff said, let's get back to what really matters- Robin's crisis!
Trust Betrayed
It was a grim mood that hovered over the camp of the Shepherds. As soon as they felt that they were a safe distance from Plegia's capital, Chrom ordered that they break for camp so that the soldiers could rest while he and the other leaders figured out a new plan.
The group consisted only of Chrom, Robin, and Kirito, with no one being allowed in to interrupt, not even Sumia and Lucina. Apparently whatever they were discussing was too sensitive to let out, even among the other Shepherds.
So it was that Lucina found herself sitting beside a river about a mile outside the campground, wrestling with her inner turmoil. As much as I can't believe it… she thought with a shudder. There is no other explanation. Robin… he was my father's killer in the past.
It made perfect sense. Validar would have been able to force Robin to do the deed when they confronted him in her timeline, and with fewer Shepherds to stand in his way, it would have been all too easy to pull it off, especially since Chrom trusted Robin like family.
The fact that he must have had no free will in the matter was of little comfort to Lucina. If Robin ends up killing Father again, Grima's rise will be inevitable, and history shall yet again repeat itself…
Her next thought nearly made her throw up from self-loathing, but it manifested anyways. If Robin were to die before the next confrontation with Validar… he wouldn't be able to kill my father.
She began to shiver, rocking back and forth as she contemplated what she was beginning to plan. He's the love of my life, the father of our children… she thought as tears sprung to her eyes, hot and bitter. He's the leader of the greatest group of heroes in history… He's my father's best friend… But he destroyed the world.
"So you realized it, too?" Mataras' voice startled the princess so badly that she let out a small yelp as she fell over backwards. Looking up from where she lay, she saw the Black Spirit gazing down at her with a blank expression.
"I'm…" she sniffed as she wiped at her eyes and got to her feet. "I'm sorry, I… I didn't hear you coming."
"No need for an apology," he said quietly, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "You must be dealing with a lot right now."
"Yes, I…" She sagged as she spoke, almost as if the weight of her thoughts was physically crushing her.
"I suppose we know who betrayed Chrom now," Mataras said after a long stretch of silence. Lucina could only nod in response. The other young warrior gazed at her for another few moments before he said, "I know what my Lucina would be thinking right now, and I can only assume that your own thoughts would match hers."
"What would that be?" the future princess asked, her voice hardening.
"Duty comes before desire," he replied. "So no matter how much you love him, the needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the few."
"So you do know…" she said, her voice lowering to a whisper. "I just-"
"So don't do it," the boy said abruptly, cutting her off.
"But if he-"
"I didn't say to let him live," Mataras said as he raised a hand to forestall her. "I just know that you would never be able to live with yourself if you did the deed. So allow me to act in your stead."
Lucina's eyes widened as her gaze snapped up to meet Mataras'. Her mouth worked itself up and down a few times before she said, "You…?"
"I truly have no desire to end the man's life," Mataras admitted. "He has earned my respect, so I will feel sincere regret when he dies by my hand, something that doesn't happen all too often, as I'm sure you've all noticed."
"But…" Lucina tried to protest, but her voice ceased to work.
"If you're going to make some argument about how it should be done by someone that loves him or some other brand of nonsense, save it," Mataras growled, the hard light coming back into his eyes. "Do you really think that the last thing he wants to see is the face of his beloved holding the sword that killed him?"
Lucina collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. His words had broken her.
Mataras hesitated for a moment before kneeling beside her as he said, "It's better this way, Lucina. No one will be too surprised when they find my handiwork, and you won't have to live with the memory of taking the life of the one you wanted to save more than anybody."
For several minutes, the only sounds that echoed through the clearing were the tears of the princess, and the running brook beside them. Finally though, Lucina said something unintelligible.
"What was that?" Mataras asked as he leaned down closer to hear her better.
"Just… don't let him suffer," she sniffled.
Mataras nodded as he stood and said, "You have my word that he will pass on painlessly by my hand." She didn't respond, she just curled even tighter in the little ball that she had found herself in, trying to control her sobs.
The Black Spirit turned away and said over his shoulder, "I doubt that we will ever speak again, so let me say… It was an honor to fight beside you once more, dear Exalt. Tell my family that I am truly sorry." Then he was gone, the faint sound of his wings beating the only indication of his departure to the defeated girl.
He found Robin in the opposite direction that Lucina had gone, gazing at the grasslands with a bleak expression. Wasting no time, Mataras landed ten paces behind him without a word, waiting for Robin to speak first.
It wasn't long in coming. "Mataras," the blond tactician said dully as he turned around to face the Black Spirit.
"Robin," the boy replied evenly.
"I can guess why you're here," Robin said as he reached into his jacket. Mataras' sword came out faster than the eye could follow to level at Robin's chest, ready to move at the slightest provocation. The only thing that the older man did in response was raise an eyebrow and toss aside the tome that he had been reaching for.
"I won't fight you," he said quietly. "I put the pieces together myself. I must have killed Chrom in the futures that you children came from, yes?"
"It would seem so," Mataras nodded, lowering his blade a fraction. Pausing for a second, he said, "This gives me no pleasure, Robin."
"I know, otherwise I would have defended myself," the blond man said heavily. "I know that you are doing what you feel is right, and after today's events, I cannot argue against your reasoning. With Chrom's death in each timeline, my actions pave the way to Grima's resurrection. And we all know how that turns out."
"I am sorry," Mataras said, his sword coming back up. "Do you have any last words to give to your family?"
"Tell Morgan that I'll be watching over the finest Ylissean tactician in all of history," he replied with the hint of a smile. "To Marth, tell him that he's in charge of protecting the family now, and that should he someday wed Sachi, it is with my blessing. To Noire, send her my undying love."
"What about Lucina?" Mataras asked. "Have you no words for your wife?"
Robin's smile grew a little bit, but it was a sad expression. "It is because she is my wife that I know nothing more needs to be said. She knows how much I love her."
"You have made peace, then?" Mataras asked, his legs preparing to launch his body forward.
"I have one last thing to say," Robin said as he locked eyes with Mataras. "I hope that someday you find someone that can heal your broken spirit, Son of Kirito. After the hell that you have been through, and the burden that you will now carry for the rest of your life… My final prayer is that someone will be able to soothe your wounds, just as Lucina has done mine."
"You are kind," Mataras said a trifle sadly. "But who would ever accept a monster like me?"
"I have made my peace," Robin said in resignation. "Do what you must, Mataras."
"Farewell, Robin," the boy said, his hands beginning to tremble. "I promise that this will be painless." Robin lowered his head and closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.
Mataras' wings flapped even as his legs propelled him forward, his sword aimed to pierce Robin's heart. The blade was just thin enough to slip in between his ribs, Mataras knew. The shock from the wound would render the man senseless so that he would pass out before the actual wound claimed his life.
CLANG!
Something shot in between Mataras and his target, deflecting his sword from its intended course. The next thing he knew, a solid boot had been lodged in his solar plexus, knocking him flat on his back, and driving the wind from his lungs.
What the hell?! He thought as he got on his hands and knees, trying to get a look at whoever had interfered. His eyes widened as he saw Marth standing in front of his father, looking furious, his Falchion in hand.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted," the young man snarled, advancing on the downed Spriggan.
"Marth, stop!" Robin commanded.
"He just tried to kill you, Father!" Marth said, incredulous. "I know that forgiveness is in your nature, but this is-"
"I wanted him to!" Robin said as he grabbed onto his son's shoulder. "He's only trying to set things right!"
"By ending your life?!" Marth demanded. Unseen by him, Mataras was already getting to his feet, moving slowly to retrieve his sword from where he had dropped it. "What sort of madness is that?!"
"One that could save the world, prevent the future that your mother came from!" Robin replied, his face red. "Like it or not, Validar had full control of me back there! Now we know how your grandfather was betrayed in the future! I killed him!" There was an ugly pause as father and son stared each other down. Eventually, Robin sighed heavily and said, "I'm sorry, Marth. But this is the right thing to do- it's what I want. I couldn't bear the thought of killing my best friend, my brother in all but blood. He gave me a home when I had none- now I must protect that home with my dying breath."
Marth glared at his father, then back at Mataras, whereupon he said, "Try that again, and I'll carve my name in your entrails." The venom in his voice surprised the Spriggan enough that he froze in place. It wasn't something that he expected Robin's son to say- it sounded like something he would say!
Turning back to Robin, Marth growled, "Forgive me if I speak out of my place, but that choice is not yours to make. It can't be just about what you want, Father."
"I don't want this!" Robin protested. "I want to keep on living, but the world- the literal, entire world- is at stake here! My needs have to come second to that!"
"You are a father, and a husband!" Marth roared. "You have a family, and I'll be damned before I see you shirk that duty!" His face was red, and he was panting heavily as he spoke, but his resolve and stance were unrelenting. "Those are your first duties, Father. Not to mention how much you are underestimating yourself. You've defied fate once before- Aunt Emmeryn lives, despite the dictations of fate, because of the differences you and Mother made."
This gave both Robin and Mataras pause. Sensing their hesitations, Marth pressed on, saying, "You've done the impossible before, so we all expect you to do it again. Perhaps that's unfair, but you're our only hope now. Without your resolve to straighten our backs, and your cunning to sharpen our skills, we will be lost."
"You ask too much of one man," Mataras scowled.
"I ask it because I know that he is capable," Marth snapped. "He just needs someone to remind him of that instead of trying to take a blade to his heart the first time he failed."
Mataras stayed stock-still for a moment before his sword began to lower slowly. "Say we allow things to run as Chrom and Kirito likely want them to," he said. "We go back and attack Castle Plegia before they use the Fire Emblem to revive Grima, right?" When Robin nodded once, the boy continued, "What do we do to prevent Robin's involuntary betrayal?"
"We kill Validar before he can brainwash my father," Marth said flatly. "Honestly, it's not that hard."
"We've tried that before," Robin frowned. "It didn't work out very well- he just came back even stronger."
"Then we kill him as many times as it takes," Marth snapped. "We have fairies that can cast an arsenal of spells, not to mention their capabilities with weapons. Send them to deal with Validar while the rest of us take on whatever defenses that they can muster."
"You make it sound easy," Robin said flatly. "It won't be."
"Rule number three of your tactics, Father," Marth tossed back. "Do a few simple things really well instead of risking the fumbling of an elaborate scheme."
"This plan carries too much risk," Robin argued.
"War is filled with risks," Marth retorted. "In a war like this, the biggest risks are what we may need to tip the balance in our favor."
Mataras and Robin exchanged a look before returning their gazes to the young azure-haired prince. "You will not relent?" Mataras asked.
"I'll retaliate," Marth growled. "Abandon this idiocy now, and I'll make no mention of it to anyone. I doubt that even you would want this to get out, Black Spirit."
"If we agree to this, you will not hold any ill will towards him?" Robin asked. "He did so only with my approval."
"I will be civil with him, as I have always been," Marth muttered. "But under no circumstance will you two converse in private. Do so, and I'll kill him on sight."
"Is my own son grounding me?" Robin asked with a trace of mockery.
"Mock me if you must, but I am quite serious," Marth said flatly. "Do you agree to my terms or not?"
"It's your call," Mataras said as he looked back at Robin. "This is your life we're talking about."
Robin put his chin between his thumb and forefinger, deep in thought for several tense minutes, neither of the boys moving while he did. Then in a stern tone, he said, "I will keep my life for now. But if the time comes, and it seems that our plans have failed, Mataras must strike me down. And you will not interfere, Marth."
"Then you had better make sure that you don't fail," Marth said with a cold smile as he sheathed Falchion. "Because if you die by his hand, he will die by mine." With that, he turned on his heel and began walking back to camp. He only paused to say over his shoulder, "I expect Mataras to be ahead of me within the next minute, lest I make good on my threat."
"That boy takes after his mother," Robin sighed heavily. "Not a bad thing really…" Turning to Mataras, he said, "But you'll do as I have asked?"
"Even if it costs me my own life, I shall," Mataras nodded as he rose up on his shining black wings. "You have my word."
"Then I am content," Robin nodded. "Go on, and let this be the last we speak of this."
"Agreed," Mataras said before taking off. As he flew over the Shepherds camp, he noticed that Lucina was right where he had left her. Now to explain all of this to her… he thought with a heavy sigh.
Lucina uncurled from the fetal position as she heard the sound of a breeze accompanied by footsteps, a sure sign of one of the fairies approaching. Wiping her eyes, she looked up- and was surprised to see Mataras standing there, his expression a grim one.
"D-Did…?" she asked hoarsely.
He shook his head once in a negative motion. "Go see your husband," he said simply. "He will live through this, thanks to your son."
She took off like an arrow from a bow, dashing the tears from her eyes while Mataras simply watched her go. Once she was in the camp, he turned around and gazed up at the setting sun, finally alone with his own thoughts.
Was this the right thing to do? He wondered. Then he sighed in resignation as he thought, No matter. We are committed now.
One week later, the Shepherds stood before the gates of Castle Plegia once more. This time though, they had a score to settle, and fate be blasted.
"Once we get in there, we're going to face heavy resistance," Robin said as he addressed the group of men and women. "But do not forget what is at stake, nor who we are. We fight for not only our lives, but the lives of those yet to come! We are the Shepherds of Ylisse, those that would defy fate itself!"
The Shepherds roared their approval, their shouts starting several of the sentries on the walls up ahead of them. Before they could sound the alarm, though, several of the Aincrad Fighters dropped from above and struck them down with minimal noise.
"He couldn't save the heroic speech until after the battle's won?" Mataras complained.
"Shut up and get moving," Lisbeth muttered. "We need to go open the gate before they get here.
"Fine," the Spriggan said sourly.
"We better move fast, then," Agil grunted as he slung his axe over his shoulder. "Ain't gonna be long before the other sentinels see that their buddies are taking a permanent nap."
"Then let's not keep them waiting," Sinon muttered. The others nodded and made for the nearest tower, ready to begin the final battle against the Grimleal.
"Heh heh…" a soft voice chuckled in a dark room, the only source of light the orb that he was gazing into. "Oh Robin, what am I going to do with you…?" His fingers tapped lightly on the chair he occupied as he said, "Even with these winged warriors, your fate is sealed…"
There was the sound of someone entering the room, so the hooded figure turned to squint at the light coming in through the doorway. "My lord, they have begun their attack, just as you foretold," said a sibilant voice. "Your orders?"
The first man tapped his chair a few more times before moving his hand to hover over a marble chess board. Purple light emanated from his hand, and the pieces began to rearrange themselves as he saw fit. "Send out the pawns first," he said. "But be sure to reinforce them with our queen."
"So soon, my lord?" the other man asked.
"Do you question me?" the hooded man hissed.
"N-No, my lord," the other stuttered, immediately lowering his head. "I shall do as you have ordered." With that, he exited the room and shut the door, leaving his commander in total darkness once again.
"Yes, you shall," the first man whispered. Looking back at the orb, which showed the first of the defenses crumbling before the might of the Shepherds, he grinned and said, "You shall all do as I say."
With a wave of his hand, the white knight advanced and knocked over the black queen piece, the white king piece following close behind. "Checkmate is upon you, old friend."
Robin: Okay, I've done some quick calculations, and it would seem that this chapter will end on the even number fifty.
Kirito: That'll be the most chapters Mataras has ever put into a story!
Mataras: Aye, and I'll be trying to speed up production- my goal is to finish this story before the beginning of August.
Sachi: Any particular reason why?
Mataras: I'll elaborate on that closer to the end of this story. For now, I'm simply informing everybody that while this story will be sped up, my stories Star Sword II and Inheritance of a Dragon Slayer will be slowed down a bit. However, unlike previous stories, this one will not have a successor/replacement.
Asuna: How come? Running out of ideas?
Mataras: Hardly. Don't worry, I have plenty of things cooking up in my head that will last us all for years to come. But I need to be able to focus properly on my stories without having to worry about playing catch-up with five active stories at a time. It's just too much.
Kirito: Why not put a full hiatus on the other stories?
Mataras: That just wouldn't be fair to my other readers. No, I'll honor my word and continue to work on each story to the best of my ability, but I just wanted to let everyone know what's happening.
Yui: I think everyone will understand. After all, I know that they prefer quality over quantity.
Mataras: True, but I don't want to neglect one of the other entirely.
Robin: Well, I think that's a wrap for now. Be sure to check out Mataras' livestream this Friday, April 28th at 7 p.m. Mountain Time for some important announcements and a chance for a live Q&A! Send in your questions to him early via the PM system if you want a better chance at him getting around to your question!
Kirito: You can find the link to his YouTube account on his profile, so be sure to subscribe so that you know exactly when he goes live with the rest of his crew!
Lucina: Next time- Strike Back