"Good evening, Prince Chrom."

"How have you been?"

"Princess Lissa, the ballroom is beautiful!"

"You must tell me..."

Robin gripped Chrom's sleeve, trying to stay close without getting swept away by the number of nobles and people that crowded the ballroom floor. She was spoken to a couple of times and was mostly ignored when others approached Chrom. She felt out of her element as she traversed the slick, polished terrain. It was so much more different and difficult than battling in sand or snow.

"How are you doing?" Chrom whispered, turning them towards the sidelines. "Shall I get us some refreshments?"

A sign that asked if she wanted to get away from the crowd and nobles that ignored her in between.

"Please." Robin grumbled. "The amount of bodies that close in between us is suffocating."

"I think I know what you mean." Chrom chuckled and guided her to some open chairs. He left her near the chairs and hurried over to the table with punch and liquor. Unfortunately, he was instantly swarmed by nobles as he reached the table. As soon as Robin reached the chair, she unceremoniously sat down and groaned in agony. Her head was throbbing from all the noise in the room, and she could feel the blood running up her legs from her feet from standing too long. They were already two hours into the ball and she couldn't already wait for it to be over.

"Robin!" She looked over to see Morgan waving at her from behind a wall of people. She waved back and watched the young girl struggle to make her way over. Robin patted the open seat next to her as she watched the small girl catch her breath. Robin surveyed the room again. It did seem a bit more crowded than earlier, but Robin could only assume that it was because the dancing was about to start.

"I'm glad I could find you," Morgan finally spoke, smoothing the creases of her skirt. "I wanted to let you know that the guards are changing positions and have begun to open up more rooms for the guests."

"Thank you, have you informed Lady Emmeryn and the other knights as well?"

"Of course! They were the first ones told." Morgan smiled proudly at her work. Robin had let her take over some of her duties as Morgan was already familiar with the knights and the palace itself.

"Well done. I think we should be able to relax for the rest of the night." Robin slumped back on her chair. "Phew, I never thought it would be so tiresome to just walk around a room."

"Just wait till the dancing begins," Morgan laughed. "I hear Chrom's atrocious at the waltz!"

"We'll see how it goes." Robin smiled and grabbed the girl from underneath the arm and tickled her, earning a screech of laughter. "Come, let me see your attire."

Morgan hopped up from the chair and slowly spun around for Robin, posing every so often. Morgan didn't attend with anyone and opted to go for the head tactician's wear, a fashionable coat instead of a dress. Robin was glad to see that she dressed in the Royal Tactician attire, instead of a dress; it went with her exciting personality. Ylisse's tactician coat sported its countries colors and underneath wore a simple long sleeve with a skirt and heels. It was fashionable, but also smart to choose for an occasion like this. Robin loved the design and how comfortable it looked; she almost wished she wore it instead. She smiled and smoothed out any crease she saw on Morgan.

"You look lovely." Robin said softly, thinking about Morgan's father. She wonders what he would say if he saw her like this. "I couldn't imagine it any other way."

Morgan stopped in front of her and grabbed her hands, a big smile plastered on her face. "I could say the same thing about you. I loooove your dress! Where did you get it?"

The two girls talked about their clothes and who made them, giggling like schoolgirls. Chrom returned with two drinks in hand, surprised to see Morgan in the seat next to Robin.

"What did I miss?" Chrom handed Robin her cup, a sweet-smelling fragrance met her nose, and she took a test sip to see how she liked it. The cooling sensation of lemon and strawberries washed over her tongue, but in a split second a sharp bitterness stung her throat. Robin coughed once and made sure to breathe again before taking another sip.

"I have reported to Robin that the guards had changed positions and opened the rooms for the guests." Morgan stood up and quickly saluted him, before eyeing the drink in his hand. "Where's my drink, huh?"

"You're too young to drink this stuff," Chrom frowned and patted Morgan's arm. "The non-alcoholic beverages are on the other side of the room."

Morgan pouted, but it was quickly replaced by a smile as the sound of warm brass and strings filled the air. "It's going to start soon! I'll be checking in from time to time, but I'll mostly be near Aunt Emm for the rest of the night. Have fun!"

And with that, Morgan skipped away into the crowd. Robin was taken aback by Morgan's choice of words.

"Did she say, 'Aunt Emm'?" Robin placed her now empty cup on the chair Morgan occupied next to her. Chrom settled down on the opposite chair beside her.

"Morgan has taken a liking to Emm, seeing her as an adoptive aunt." Chrom smiled at the direction Morgan had gone. "I believe Emm has taken to her as well. I can say that for the rest of us as well."

"It is relieving to know that Morgan is beginning to grow out of her shell more." Robin smiled, looking off wistfully at the young girl who once avoided her. "I was afraid she would have stayed distant forever, but she seems to be growing more vibrant everyday. She shows great promise in becoming a great tactician. I'm excited to see who she'll become."

"I as well."

Robin leaned against Chrom's side, a melancholy feeling washing over her. She could feel her neck heat up, but she blamed that on the alcohol. Dreamily, she imagined this was her life everyday. Her body pressed against Chrom's, making remarks on the people in the room and then running off into the night to do what lovers do–But not that far!

Robin had to fake a cough to try and distract herself from the thought, taking one last swig of her drink to compose herself. With the first dance starting soon, the two made it over to the throne where Frederick and Emmeryn were. It was customary that the Exalt dance in the first bout, then dance at the last. Chrom said he wanted to dance with Emm at least once during the night and Robin couldn't have agreed more.

"Milord, Robin," Frederick bowed to the pair. "We were just discussing the first dance."

"Yes, I planned to take the first dance with Emmeryn."

"Oh, but then who will my partner be?"

The pair turned to see King Validar smiling at them. Robin felt Chrom's arm tense up and she released a calculated smile, thinking out loud.

"If your majesty doesn't mind," She directed his attention towards her. "I would be honored to dance with you first."

This surprised the group, and she could see a mix of different emotions on each face. She tried giving a concealed, pointed look at the Ylissean group. She didn't want to start a brawl or any political repercussions when they have come so far. And over a dance? She would rather not.

"Do you mind, Your Grace?" Validar turned towards Emmeryn, a curious look on his face.

"Of course not," Emmeryn smiled, nodding her head slowly. "I shall dance with you at the very end of the night."

"It would be my pleasure." Validar bowed and continued in idle chit-chat with her.

"Robin," Chrom turned her away and whispered close to her ear so no one would be listening. "Are you sure? We both know how you feel about him."

"I'll be alright." She mumbled, trying her best to smile as they whispered quietly. "This could be a good chance to speak to him about politics and Valm."

A symphony of strings filled the room, signaling the first dance. A wave of people hurried to the dance floor, most clearing the way for the dancers. Validar extended his hand to Robin for her to take, which she complied. Chrom seemed reluctant in letting her go, but she squeezed his arm before she left to reassure him.

Validar led her to an open space and placed his hands ready for the song. Robin shifted her weight and also remained still to wait for the song to begin. She noticed in the corner of her eye that Chrom and Emmeryn were placed next to them. Within a moment, the music swung into a waltz and Robin steeled herself for the dizzying dance.

"I must apologize for my attitude towards you this week." Validar suddenly spoke. "I have been under immense pressure with my council and with the countries' leaders as well. I must have frightened you when I spoke about how similar you look towards your family."

"Think nothing of it, your highness." Robin gave him a small smile. "The war has put a strain on the mind and body. We are all trying to seek peace in these times."

"Thank you for your understanding. I truly appreciate it. I hear that you have been the Exalt's most helpful hand. You came up with the idea to house and board both my people and refugees of the war on our border, correct?"

"I cannot take all the credit. My assistant helped draft most of the plan as well. We all used our collective ideas in order to help anyone in need."

"I must say, it is quite impressive. I hope to be in touch with you both when we both visit each other. During these trying times, we need to stick together."

"I couldn't agree more."

The song came to an end and the pair bowed to each other, clapping at the musicians who provided the music. Validar led her back to where Chrom and Emmeryn waited.

"I take my leave from you here," Validar smiled once more at her. "I hope we get to know each other more, Robin."

"I as well, King Validar." Robin bowed once more at him. As she retracted her hand from his, she felt a shot of cold energy go down her head and spine, making her stagger.

"Are you alright?" Validar gripped her arm with such force that Robin could feel his cold, sharp fingers seeping into her own bones.

"Thank you, milord." She felt Chrom's hands around her waist and relaxed. "I think the drinks are finally setting in."

Robin forced out a laugh to humor him, but it sounded more drunk and giggly than needed. He didn't seem to notice and chuckled as well.

"It seems like they must have been that refreshing! I'll have to try them for myself." He bowed his head at Emmeryn and then turned to leave.

"Robin, are you sure you're alright?" Chrom bore his eyes into her head, making her feel a little warm. "If everything becomes too much, you must tell me."

"Thank you Chrom." She smiled, but then turned away, feeling embarrassed. "Truth be told, it is getting to be a little warm. Should we step outside for a bit?"

"I think that would be a good idea." Chrom pushed his hand around her waist a little more. Robin felt her face heat up more and she pushed down the urge to giggle more. "We shall return, Emm."

The pair bowed to Emmeryn once more and then made their way up the stairs to one of the private balconies. Chrom guided her the whole way, easily maneuvering around the crowded areas. As they stepped out into the chilly air, another waltz began. The warm brass filled the hall and quietly made its way outside.

Robin leaned against the railing, pressing a hand against her temple. What was that? She was sure she felt magic coursing through her hand. Except she recognized that feeling. It was Dark magic. She remembered the feeling from trying to conjure Ruin. She felt sick to her stomach and the drink didn't help her head at all either. She could feel another migraine coming on and her right hand began to feel itchy.

"..Robin? You don't look alright," Chrom's voice drifted into her ear softly. "What's wrong? Didn't we talk about how there would be no secrets between us?"

Robin pressed her lips together in a tight line. He was right. When she was caught visiting Cina, Chrom had demanded where she was going so late in the night. Robin had no choice but to tell him that she was visiting 'Marth'. This warranted a barrage of questions and a quick 'shoo' off to bed. Since then, Chrom had promised that she could visit 'Marth' anytime she wanted and that no secret can be kept between them as they were…close friends. Robin hadn't thought anything of it when it happened, but after the date they both shared, Robin would never stop thinking about it.

"...serry," Robin could hear her words become slurred. Her energy was being sapped and her mind grew foggy. "I think some mmajick haz been cast on me."

She felt Chrom's hand tighten around hers (when did he grab her hand?) and then muttered that he would be right back. He really meant that he would be right back as he came back with Morgan, Lissa, and Lon'qu in tow. She stared at all four of them and giggled like crazy. She felt like she was going crazy or worse mad!

"What the heck? That was fast!"

"See what I'm saying?" Lissa put her hands on her hips, eyeing Chrom. "She just drank too much!"

Morgan stepped in, took Robin's right hand with one of her own then placed her other on Robin's neck. She seemed to hold Robin in place for a moment then turned to the others, her face serious.

"There's dark magic imbued on her."

Robin nuzzled into Morgan's hand. "Aah..Morgan, your hand is sooo cool."

Lissa got to work as she pulled a tome out of Chrom's convoy pouches. Robin remembered that she held her own tome in her dress as well and waved Chrom over as Lissa led her to a bench to sit down.

"Psst, Chrom come 'ere." Robin waved him close and grabbed him so he wouldn't move. "I have my tome with me too. Weeee're matchiinnng!"

Morgan grabbed at Robin's dress folds and found her book sitting in the pocket with a Reduce Gravity spell. Robin pulled away from Chrom and grabbed Morgan's cheeks, squishing them together.

"Hey~!" Robin protested. "That was Chrom and I's secret! That was cheating!"

Lissa finished her spell and concentrated on subduing the dark magic slowly. Robin felt sleepy and her head was becoming clearer. She groaned and rubbed her head, trying to ease the pain.

"Ok, I put a warding spell on her that should hold for the rest of the night." Lissa wiped her brow with Chrom's handkerchief. "The dark magic should be expelled by the morning, but the feeling of drunkenness will be on and off throughout the night."

"Maybe we should retire for the night." Chrom growled, his demeanor suddenly shifting. His brows furrowed worriedly. "What if Validar or another country had tried something?"

"If you do, that might say things that we don't want to hear." Lissa put her tome back in Chrom's convoy and crossed her arms. "The other nobles are just waiting for something to happen and you know how nasty they can get."

"Lissa's right, Chrom." Robin hid her face from the four, embarrassed by her previous actions. "If we leave now, that could look like a big slap in the face. Emmeryn would have to deal with many things that should be left to us. And try not to talk about such things against the other countries, they could see that as a declaration of another war."

"But-"

"I'm fine." Robin got up from the bench and looked Chrom in the eye, never wavering her gaze on his. "I can get through this. Both of us can."

The look that they both gave each other was warm and Robin could feel the other three staring at them. She felt her cheeks flush again and she turned to check if her tome was still there. It still was, thankfully. She knew none of them would have taken it from her, but she just felt safer with checking.

"Alright," Robin smoothed out her dress and tried to shake off any feeling of drunkenness. "Let's get back out there and do our best! Ladies, we'll go in first to show that we were separated from the men. Chrom, Lon'qu–you'll follow us after we go. If we go into pairs, it might look suspicious."

They all followed the plan as the guests saw them, trying to catch a glimpse of anything to spin gossip. Lissa was first to notice and rushed over to talk to a well-known duchess and her gossip group. Lon'qu broke off from the group and followed her, standing behind her the entire time she talked. If Robin didn't know any better, she could've sworn she saw his hand hovering behind the small of her back.

"Chrom, Robin," Emmeryn gestured them over. "I'm glad you're back. Tiki has just arrived. Chrom, you've spoken and met Tiki earlier as you know. Tiki, this is our Head Tactician, Robin. She oversaw battle plans and helped the Shepherds carve the path to victory."

"It's finally a pleasure to meet you." Robin bowed her head and did her best to curtsy low. "I hear great things about you and I've seen how you handle diplomatic matters. It's an honor."

"Thank you for your praise, Lady Robin." Tiki smiled softly. "I fear that I do not deserve it as I have abandoned the closest thing to family I have during the war, but I am glad that I could witness peace and alliance between people of every nation."

"You've done everything you could, Tiki." Emm smiled. "We're just glad you're here now."

"Yeah, Emm's right!" Lissa chirped, sidling beside Emmeryn with Lon'qu in tow. "Now we can catch up and get to know each other again."

"Thank you Lissa. I hope to as well."

Another swell of music interrupted the conversation. Chrom let out another sigh, a complacent smile showing through.

"Here we go again," He slid his arm out from Robin's and bowed. "I'm off to dance with the youngest princess of Ylisse, but I'll be back to dance with you once and for all."

"Off you go then," Robin laughed. "You don't want to keep her waiting."

She watched the two siblings retreat to the dance floor. Lissa loudly complained to be careful of her toes and she couldn't help but laugh more. As the music started, she watched the dancers begin stepping to the rhythm.

"You seem to be close to the Prince…Chrom, was it?"

Robin looked at Tiki, puzzled by her words. She had to remember that this Divine Dragon was asleep for a long period of time and her memory must be fuzzy.

"Of course," She smiled. "We're partners in crime when it comes to war, diplomacy, and everything in between. I try my best when I help him with almost anything."

"How strange…" Tiki's eyes looked far off and glassy as she spoke. "It's almost as if…they…"

Robin stared at Tiki, waiting for her to continue her sentence. "...are you alright? You look unwell."

Tiki slowly turned towards her, reaching out to play with the ribbon that hung from her hair.

"...you have power like mine."

Robin could only stare at her as she watched Tiki's melancholy face. She felt a shiver run down her spine and her body felt lighter and cooler, as if a breeze blew right at her.

"I do?" Robin mustered the words out of her mouth, the sound barely coming above a soft whisper.

In a flash, the divine dragon's demeanor changed. The light came back to her eyes and grew into saucers; her lips parted into an 'o' shape and she brought back her arm to her own head. It almost seemed like she was suddenly shocked.

"I... Ah... Forgive me…" She stammered, closing her eyes to regain herself. "I am still groggy from my slumber. My words outpace my thoughts."

"It's quite alright," Robin reached out to help her, her hands brushing up against lace and silk. "Do you need anything? Can I help-"

"I am fine," Tiki's voice seemed to snap for a moment, but she softened her tone. "Just very tired. Forgive me, I didn't mean to shout."

"No need to apologize, my lady." Robin looked around to see an open seat. "May I escort you to a chair? Please, allow me to help."

Tiki finally gave in and nodded, her face showing weariness and fatigue. Robin waved over Frederick and watched worriedly as Tiki was escorted away to another room. What did she mean, 'power like hers'? Robin couldn't shake those words from her thoughts, no matter how distracted she got.

"Excuse me, once again," A voice slithered into her ear. Robin barely contained herself to not jump in surprise. "Are you alright, Lady Robin? You seemed to be wandering from your chaperone."

Validar extended his arm towards the direction where she was just standing, Chrom looking around for her. She had made it 20 feet from her current location and was now standing next to Validar and a group of diplomats. They all looked at her curiously, their judging eyes sinking into her skin.

"Pardon me, my lord." Robin felt her body grow hot once more. "I seemed to have gotten lost in the crowd–I was just looking for...a friend. We got separated from the crowd."

"Ah, no worries, my dear. We will not keep you."

The whole group exchanged bows and nods, allowing Robin to dismiss herself from the group. She tried to call for Chrom, but the crowd and music kept her from getting any closer to him.

Frustrated, Robin started to make her way to the refreshment table, but something had caught her eye. Or someone. In the corner of the ballroom, stood a gentleman with stark white hair. His back was turned towards her, but something familiar was about him. Without even knowing, she had started her way towards him. It was almost as if she was in a trance. She couldn't stop moving her feet, but she was curious to know who this familiar stranger was.

"...Ro…bin.."

The sound around her became muffled, but she heard her name so clearly–as if it came from right beside her. She turned to see the girl she had met in town–Anthy, was it? She seemed to be standing in the middle of the crowd, unbothered by the laughing nobles and people around her.

"Anthy…?" Robin heard herself whisper.

The girl opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Robin tried to listen closely, but couldn't understand anything she was saying.

"..."

Another voice.

She turned towards the voice to find the white-haired stranger staring at her now. She couldn't move as she studied his face. It was like staring into a mirror. He looked exactly like her, but…sadder.

As the people flowed between the two of them, she began to see double–no, triple! Her male look-a-like changed to Anthy, then back again, then to a warrior-clad man. These persons would interchange as people passed through her vision, trying to talk and communicate with her. But she couldn't understand them.

She felt her breathing quicken, her vision becoming hazy, and her head began to throb. Balling her fists into her eyes, she pushed back the pain and tried to take another step towards them. But who she saw made no sense.

It was the thief she had slain when they were attacked by the stone golem.

He still had a crazy look in his eye, but was no longer dripping blood with a spear run through him. Instead, he looked dressed up for the ball. He gave her a smirk before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

"Hold it!" She shouted, finally moving her feet.

But before she could make it out of the crowd, she felt a hand grip her arm.

"Robin!"

Chrom burst forth from the people behind her, his hair slowly placing itself back into place. Whatever trance Robin was in broke and she suddenly felt all of her senses come back. Her breathing felt labored and she was suddenly very dizzy.

"I couldn't find you after the dance and the others said they saw you wander away." Chrom looked like he was sweating and was out of breath. "Are you alright? Robin, we should leave if you still don't feel good."

Robin felt her heart squeeze from his words, but her head told her to resist and break away. But she couldn't do that. How heartless was she? She slid her hand into his, guiding him away from the crowd that swallowed them. Her gaze flicked back to where she saw the thief and to her surprise, he still held form. He wasn't a hallucination like the last three people she saw.

He was speaking with someone, his back turned towards her. Robin pressed her lips into a fine line and turned her head back to Chrom.

"Let's talk outside, shall we?"

The couple made their ways to the public patio, where others seemed to be mingling as well. Robin scanned the area once more before letting out a breath.

"Alright Robin," Chrom's voice was soft, but stern as he turned to face her. "What's wrong? You've been distant halfway through the night. I'm concerned about you."

She clasped her hands together, rubbing the back of her right hand nervously. Should she tell Chrom what she saw? It wasn't impossible to explain, but the things she saw almost seemed like she was a crazy drunk. She should also tell Chrom about the thief–that she could do. She decided to start with that first.

"Do you remember when we fought the stone golem?" Robin parted her lips ever so slightly, almost whispering for their ears to hear.

Chrom nodded slowly.

"There was a thief who attacked Morgan and I. I thought I killed him, but he had a higher constitution than I thought. Someone else dealt the last blow on him and I thought he was dead. I thought I saw his ghost earlier and tried to follow it, but unfortunately, I can see him as clear as day and standing in the ballroom as we speak."

Chrom's brows furrowed instantly and he turned to make his way to where the thief might be. Robin knew he was going to act this way and laced her fingers into his. She tried to act as natural as possible; she moved closer to him and placed her other hand on top of his chest tenderly–as if a lover would do.

This surprised Chrom and she could see that he was becoming flustered. Robin gave him a look and pushed lightly against his chest. Don't do anything brash. Chrom took the sign and settled back by her side. She thought he would let go of her hand, but instead he gripped it tighter.

"What's our next move? We can't just let him loiter around our grounds." Chrom was back to muttering into her ear. It was a warm, pleasant feeling. She would have enjoyed it if she didn't feel a chill down her spine and a headache coming on. Her head was swarming with strategies, but she couldn't focus because of it.

"Let's flank him, then take him out." Robin decided. "You can come from above and I'll tail him from below. You have Falchion with you?"

"Not on my person." Chrom groaned. "Lissa caught me trying to strap it to my belt earlier and stored it in one of the drawing rooms. I think I know where it is, but I can grab it when I'm watching from the second floor."

The two of them concluded with the plan and broke off from each other. Robin felt Chrom squeeze her hand once more then made his way to the stairs. She felt a warmth in her hand and smiled softly. He was such a…

…such a what?

Robin felt her face flush again and made her way back to the spot where she saw the thief. He remained in the spot where she last saw him, but not for long. He and his companion started to move farther into the hallway. Robin tactfully made her way through the crowd, smiling at diplomats and making sure to avoid the ones that dislike her.

After following the couple, Robin realized that they had broken off from the crowd and had started to make their way to the barracks. What business could they have there?

Robin tried to spot Chrom in the crowd from below and saw that he had made his way free into a passageway, jogging after the couple in the shadows. Making haste, Robin took her shoes off, did her best to blend into the shadows, and followed them down to the training grounds. They stood out in the open as if the party followed them and talked nonchalantly between themselves.

Robin noticed one of the upstairs barracks windows was open and through it, she spied Chrom. He was discreetly looking for her while trying to make any sound and when he did, he motioned for him to jump down on top of them. She made a cut motion with her hand and then put a finger to her lips.

She wanted to get closer to hear their conversation. If he really is the thief that attacked her, then she should need proof if she were to attack him. Slinking closer to one of the stone pillars, she tried to listen in.

"...you sure? It just seems like we're-"

'A woman,' Robin clutched the pillar in front of her, trying to stand straighter against the stone.

"I assure you, this is the best spot." The thief cut her short, rubbing his hands nervously. He seemed to be looking around as he spoke. "Besides we have the best kidnapper in this whole dimension–nothing could go wrong at this point."

Kidnapper? Dimension? Robin felt her blood run cold and she slowly reached for her tome in her dress. Whoever they're about to take, it would spell disaster between the countries. A declaration of war, if anything.

"We best make this quick then," The woman flickered her wrist forward to look at it. Robin caught a glance at her silver bracelet before it was covered by her shawl. "We only have a limited amount of power left running back at the facility. You know how they get if we use it too often."

They were doing it–now!

In a flash, Robin whipped her tome open and raised her hand to summon Lightning, giving Chrom the signal to jump at them. Or at least, she tried to. As she felt the electricity surge through her arm, she felt a hand grab at her wrist and she was knocked forward into the opening.

The ground made a hard impact as they fell. Robin felt the air get knocked out of her lungs and she felt her arm twist behind her back. Flexing her fingers with her open hand, she grabbed onto whoever was on top of her.

"Elwind!"

Robin's body felt immensely lighter as the gust of sharp air knocked her attacker off of her. Getting up on one knee, she looked up to see the thief standing over her.

"Well, that was easier than I thought." He snickered, a sick smile on his face.

Robin snatched her tome from the ground and tried to use Elwind to jump back from him. Only to get caught by another attacker from behind. Their arms wrapped around Robin's arms and neck, trying to squeeze the air out of her. Gasping for breath, she flailed miserably and tried to do anything to harm the attacker: bite, kick, scratch. But nothing was working.

"Robin!"

Once again, Robin was knocked to the ground as Chrom stepped in and swung at the attacker. Her throat burned from her throat being constricted and she could finally breathe again, coughing from the hold.

Gentle hands, familiar ones, held her close as she tried to get up once more. Chrom pulled her close to his chest and pointed Falchion right at the attacker, daring anyone to get any closer.

Robin took a look around them, trying to come up with a plan. There were only four of them: the thief and his woman along with a burly warrior and a hooded swordsman. Robin tried to use Insight, but failed when she could only see their weapons. Everything else looked like it was scratched out with ink. Her head began to buzz and her arm felt numb from when it was twisted behind her.

"Don't take another step towards…" Chrom stopped short, pointing his sword and glaring at the warrior. "Wait a moment, I know you. You attacked us on our way to Ferox!"

"An honor it is for you to remember me, milord." The warrior cracked his neck and both his hands as he spoke. "A shame you won't be killing me this time."

"You killed him?" Robin looked at Chrom then back to the warrior. "But h-he's…"

"A sound mistake," The thief stepped forward. "What he meant is that it's a shame that he won't have the chance to kill him. Ever."

"Nelson," the woman snapped, pulling her own tome out. "Let's get this over with."

"Ah, alright. Well then, say your goodbyes now." 'Nelson' turned his back on them, swaying on his feet.

Robin's head began to swell as the tension grew and anxiety began to sweep through her body. Picking up her tome, she looked at Chrom. He looked at her, his mouth set in a fine line, but she could tell he was just as nervous as her. She wonders how she looks to him right now.

Without speaking any words, the two of them paired up and got ready for battle. Chrom pulled a silver sword from his convoy belt and passed it to her as he made the first move. He attacked the warrior first, barely grazing their arm as he swung wide. The warrior quickly dodged the attack, but in turn swung his fists down to disarm the prince.

"Thunder!"

Robin threw a bolt of magic towards the warrior, before swinging her sword to block the hooded swordsman. She struggled to push back against the thin rapier as the swordsman began to overpower her. In one big-push, she broke the hold and threw a wind spell at them, pushing them back.

The hooded swordsman only moves so far and pulls a tome out from underneath their cloak. Robin stances herself to block or take the hit, but is taken off guard when they rush towards them and raises a hand, balling shining magic into the palm of their hand.

"Seraphim…" They barely whisper and Robin's vision goes white.

She covers her eyes, trying to recover her sight. She hears footsteps approach her and in a fit of panic, she unleashes a thunder spell.

"Ar-arcthunder!"

The ground beneath her quakes and voices around her shout in anger or panic. She hears Chrom call out for her, but he is cut-off by an attacker.

'Hopefully, someone realizes that there's a battle happening,' Robin wipes the dirt and tears out of her eyes as she tries to gain distance from the fight. 'Please, everyone, come quickly!'

"Goetia!" A voice shouts behind her. Black miasma began to surround Robin and the air grew thick with dark magic. It would be easy to dodge, but Robin's body froze up. Her hands began to shake and her vision became blurry. The miasma turned solid and her body became covered in the murky purple liquid, wriggling across her skin.

Robin feels like she's drowning in the substance and collapses to her knees as she fervently tries to get it off her. It begins to crawl up, aiming its focus on her face. Robin's breathing quickens and she hastens her progress with expelling the slimy magic off her.

As she claws her face, she feels her body go numb and the energy gets sapped from her. The miasma lightens and she could see Chrom being held by the warrior in a standing body lock. His eyes were wild and he seemed to be shouting, his attire covered in blood and torn in some places.

"Chr…om…" Robin tries to shout, but only a groan emerges from her lips and her arm twitches in his direction.

Her vision is turned away to look up towards the other three attackers that stand above her. The thief and woman talk to one another before the woman is illuminated in a soft blue light and disappears from sight. The hooded attacker draws their face closer to her and lifts the hood enough to reveal glowing eyes. Red eyes.

"An..thy…" Robin feels her lips move ever so slightly.

But Anthy doesn't respond. She only looks at her with pity and sadness, before putting Robin into a deep sleep.