Robin had been briefed during the quick layover in Ylisstol. The Empire of Valm had decided to turn its attention to their lands, and had devastated Port Ferox when Chrom and the khans had engaged. They managed to repel the force, but it was just a taste of what was to come.

Robin had looked over all the documents Chrom had sent regarding the conflict, and, well, it was not good. They made Plegia under Gangrel look like common brigands. They were armed to the teeth, had a penchant for cavalry, and their regular forces were well trained too. A land battle was to be avoided if at all possible.

Once he arrived at the port and saw the damage first hand, he was even more convinced of that. The only problem was that engaging them at sea was not exactly feasible for Ylisse or Ferox given their lack of navies. Plegia, though, had quite a few ships.

Convincing Chrom took some work, but he was willing to agree to at least meet with Plegia's new king. However, through all of it, Robin was distracted. The only thing that kept him from eventually going AWOL at the capital was the message that Lucina had also been picked up by one of the pegasus knights. How she escaped, he did not know, nor did he care, he just wanted to see her again once they met up at Carrison Isle.

For some reason, Robin was yet again dragged into another meeting when they arrived. He honestly had no desire for a political meeting, but Chrom noted it would be good for them to meet the man behind the war effort. A reminder of Robin's position that he did not enjoy, but he saw the logic.

The outpost was dressed up in a quickly thrown together manner to prepare for royal guests. It had not seen much use in years prior, that much was obvious. Though, through it all, Robin was anxious to leave, and not just because Aversa was there.

"Ah, here is my lord now."

The new king apparent of Plegia walked in. He was tall, but in a lanky sort of way. His limbs appeared a bit too long, and his torso almost appeared stretched. His neck was just a little too tall, and his eyes seemed an unnatural hue. Oh yes, and Chrom had stuck a sword in him about two years prior.

"That…can't be him, can it?" Chrom whispered to Robin.

"It was dark, but…he casts a very unique silhouette."

"Already so much whispering," This new king smiled, and it looked like the kind of smile a predator toying with its prey might give, "We haven't even started the negotiations."

"Please excuse me, your highness. As our missive stated, we are here about the Valmese threat."

"Yes, it seems they have finally turned their sights on us. We are fortunately prepared to help with your naval endeavors."

Aversa took a step forward next, "We can offer 400 warships and 200 transports. Additionally, it would be our honor to fund the campaign milord."

"We literally could not ask for better terms," Frederick noted with some shock. Robin was also a bit suspicious of this immense "generosity," "You offer most all your military assets."

"This threat looms over us all," King Validar smiled, "With the war and the treaty afflicting our army, I hope this aid will be enough to show our good intentions. Though, I do plan to send an emissary with a battalion. They serve you at his discretion."

"Thank you, King Validar. With this we have a chance. We should go prepare for the invasion now."

"Oh? Going so soon? But I had one more introduction to make." Robin did not like how his smile widened or his eyes fixated on himself.

Chrom stopped mid turn and faced the king again, "Yes? And who would that be?"

Aversa ushered a cloaked figure into the chamber. Their face was shrouded, but that cloak was definitely familiar. Robin could not shake the sinister aura that was nearly intoxicating.

"This is the hierophant. The highest of the order in all the Grimleal."

"So," Robin eyed the mysterious figure and its cloak. Those symbols Lucina detested. Robin hoped to learn more, silencing Frederick before he could protest a lack of etiquette, "You are Grimleal?"

Much to their delegation's surprise, the hierophant started laughing, "Yes. You could say that."

"Er, I see," Robin cleared his throat. Despite seeing no eyes, Robin felt like a rabbit that caught the eyes of a hawk, "I, ngh!" Robin clutched his head, and the hierophant flinched slightly.

"You're one of us, Robin!"

"Would you really be so utterly alone?"

"This isn't over!"

"Thanks to you, we carried the day."

"This isn't…your fault…please…go…"

"Mwhahahahahahahaha!"

"Robin…! The gemstones! Please…"

"Pardon the interruption," The figure stood straight up again, and Robin realized it had only been a second. Those voices. The images that felt so real yet he had never experienced anything like them.

"Are you perhaps sensitive to dark magic? Careful you don't get queasy now," The words may have sounded concerned, but Robin felt malice and frustration in them.

"Milord," Frederick finally got his opening, "In Ylisse it is courtesy to remove one's cow in the presence of royalty."

A tinge of annoyance hit the figure, "You are a long way from Ylisse…but very well."

The Ylissean delegation quickly recoiled in varying levels of shock. Chrom was the first to speak, "What manner of dark magic is this?"

"Hmm, it seems there is some similarity." The hierophant looked at Robin's hand, "I see you have taken a bride. Tell me, do you love her?"

"More than anything." Robin replied without a moment's hesitation, and the opposing figure merely smiled. Needless to say, he did not like this one bit.

"Well, with that all taken care of, we'll let you tend to your plans. I'm sure the war is in good hands with your tactician there."

Chrom narrowed his eyes, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Please," Aversa cooed, "We've kept you long enough. There is a war to be won."

Chrom grit his teeth, but on Robin's prodding, he dropped it, "Of course. We'll keep you updated when we can."

"My thanks," Validar bowed as they left. Once they were gone, he turned to his master, "Is he ready?"

"Not yet," Grima continued to smile, "But soon enough."

"To think he would go and tarnish all the Grimleal's hard work by marrying that wench," Aversa clicked her tongue, "But…you did not seem upset about it."

"Why would I be upset?" Grima laughed, "This is perfect. The Robin of my world was a bit of a sad sack. So depressed that he was single. So…malleable, but even then he was not fully broken it seems. This, this is an opportunity. What better way to utterly break him?

"Validar. Send your troops like you planned, but aim for the girl. Any others are secondary, but I want her to bleed out in his arms when she finally dies."

"As you say, my master."

"Now then," Grima turned to leave, "It seems I still have a pest to deal with."

Robin tapped his foot as he took a break from his pacing. He had actually been kicked out of the clearing where Lucina should have been arriving due to his incessant pacing. She had been found while he was in Ylisstol and had arrived in the port after they left, and was now finally supposed to meet up with their company.

He had never felt such horror as when she had been taken. He knew that logically, he needed help to track them down, but it still weighed on him that he could not save her. He was glad she was safe, but he felt like he had failed her.

"Look at you, pacing around like some rat in a cage."

"Ngh," Robin clutched his head as it felt like someone was stabbing through his temple, "What…who's there?"

"You shouldn't be wasting your time with these doomed worms," Robin winced as he saw Validar appear before him and the pain in his head intensified.

"You? Why…are you here?"

"Is that any way to talk with your father?" The man smirked, "And after you didn't introduce me to my daughter-in-law."

"Stay away from her!" Robin shouted, his hands curled into fists.

"Believe me, I have no desire to get close other than to wring the life out of her. I don't see how you could sully all our hard work by breeding with such a mongrel."

"Shut up!" Robin glared, forgetting the pain. Vaildar's smirk widened into a smile.

"My, my, perhaps this will be even easier than I thought." The king then looked to the side as footsteps approached, "Bah, it seems our reunion is at an end. Stay safe, my son." With a laugh, the man disappeared.

Shortly after, Chrom emerged from the thicket, "Robin? You alright? I heard shouting."

"I'm…fine," Robin glared at where Validar had been standing a moment longer before turning to face Chrom. "Did you need something?"

"I came to let you know Lucina arrived. I thought you'd want to know," The prince folded his arms, "Considering you're married."

"Oh…right. We were going to tell you."

"I'd hope so," Chrom unfolded his arms and walked alongside his friend, "I'm a bit hurt after I had you be my best man."

"We were going to have a proper ceremony, but…we didn't want to wait any longer."

"I guess Sumia was right then," Chrom rubbed his chin.

"Right about what?"

"Er, nevermind that."

Saving Chrom, Frederick ran up to meet them looking concerned.

"Milord, Risen have been sighted near the perimeter. It seems they snuck past our sentries."

"That's new," Chrom scowled as he drew Falchion which was notably not stolen. Which begged the question as to what…

"Indeed. Either they are learning, or someone is directing them."

"Validar," Robin glared, "I know it."

"I know he was shady, but…" Chrom trailed off.

"I can explain later, but for now, let's put this down."

"I concur," Frederick nodded, "They seem to be focusing on the clearing at the mouth of the valley."

"Why wouldn't they…" Robin stopped mid sentence. The clearing. Where fliers would land. In a moment, Robin ran off leaving the other two men behind though they followed in short order.

Running through the brush, Robin quickly found himself in the clearing where the Risen were focusing their attack. Sure enough, in the center, Lucina was helping the others fight off the horde with a borrowed silver sword.

Without hesitation, Robin jumped into the fray to help fend off the opponents. It was as he feared. They were targeting Lucina. For whatever reason Validar wanted her dead specifically. Was it really because he was his father? He had heard of disapproving fathers, but this was a bit much.

Fortunately, the Shepherds proved more than enough for this force. Still, it worried Robin. Both because of the target and because he was well and truly compromised as a tactician. How could he make the hard calls when he cared so much about one of his soldiers?

"I think that's it," Chrom sighed, sheathing Falchion, "Sorry for the rough welcome, Lucina."

"Oh, um, it is fine," The bluenette responded stiffly, making Chrom and Sumia look at one another.

"Lucina," Robin ran up, "I'm so glad you're safe. I'm so glad you're safe! I wanted to…but…I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

As the self-depreciating yet relieved husband went in for a hug, Lucina stiffened and backed up slightly. Chrom and Sumia could have sworn they heard his heart shattering at which point Sumia made an excuse to leave.

"Lucina?"

"I'm sorry. I…have a lot to think about. Please, just…let me have some space."

"Is this…because I couldn't save you? I tried to save you, but they got away and I lost the trail. I was found before I could find you, but the invasion made it hard to get help. I'm sorry."

"No," Lucina shook her head, "I just…I'm sorry, but I have to think." Not waiting to hear his response, Lucina walked, borderline ran away. Tears threatened to fall, but she kept them in. Robin was not so fortunate.

The march back was tense. Everyone heard about the little spat between their tactician and Lucina. They also knew they slept in different tents despite apparently being married now.

Chrom was doing his best to cheer Robin up, but it was having no effect. Robin was too busy beating himself up and trying to figure out what had gone wrong. Sumia had no luck getting Lucina to talk either. In general, Lucina was withdrawn and quiet. When she was on march, she walked silently clutching some bag.

While the return to the port was uneventful. The same could not be said of when they arrived. Almost immediately, Robin pulled his blade, ready to fight. Chrom had rarely seen such rage from him.

"Robin?" Chrom looked in confusion between his tactician and the group of strangers that had greeted them.

"It's them!" Robin growled, pointing his tactician's blade at them, "They attacked us and kidnapped Lucina!"

This got Chrom to draw as well, "We don't take kindly to kidnappers. Especially against our own."

This set the other group on edge as the Shepherds drew arms, but the tension was cut by Lucina who stood between the groups.

"Stop!"

"Lucina?" Robin's arm faltered, "They kidnapped you."

"It was a misunderstanding," Lucina looked to the other group, "Wasn't it?"

Taking the hope she seemed to remember, Owain put his hands up followed by the others, though some were more reluctant than others, "Indeed. We…may have acted presumptuously."

"They mean you no harm," Lucina addressed Chrom, "They could be powerful allies."

"Work with them?" Robin growled, but Chrom put a hand on his shoulder.

"Let's hear them out at least. They didn't hurt her after all."

Robin did not want to, but he lowered his sword. He looked at Lucina, but she did not meet his gaze. How…how could she protect them?

A/N: So, yes, Robin is not having a great week. So, now that there is some more divergence, maybe it'll be more interesting. I do still plan to include Morgan, but not for a while yet.