Chapter 48 - Mistrust

Robin hated having to think on his feet.

Not that he wasn't good at it. He'd always had a knack for coming up with strategies on the fly, adapting to whatever new wrinkles the ever changing flow of combat threw at him. But just being good at something wasn't a reason to like it. No, he always preferred to have a plan going, even if he'd need to modify it later. It gave him something to work off of.

Unfortunately this was one of those times where he didn't have that luxury. With all his focus on figuring a way to get the whole damn army to the capital in time, Robin hadn't had much of a chance to iron out what they'd do once they got there.

Worse still Robin could only guess the chaos that had unfolded within the city. Smoke billowed from numerous points throughout, indicating the fires had already been started. Now as they drew nearer, Robin could also tell that the sounds of battle seemed to be coming from multiple places as well, likely from disparate defenders who'd been caught completely unaware by the enemy appearing from within. The fact the gates remained open only added further credence to that fact. Even with enemies already within, ensuring no reinforcements could enter from without was still paramount. The fact either no one had given that order, or that it hadn't been received yet wasn't a good sign.

Some silver lining could be drawn from that last point, at least. With the gates wide open, he could cross 'how to get inside' off his 'what to plan for' list. With only mere minutes left before they'd reach those self-same gates, well, he could certainly use that list being as short as possible.

Alright, Robin, think. Right now we have two priorities. Find a way to stop the Invisible Soldiers from continuing to enter the city, and convince the Hoshidan soldiers that an army bunch of Nohrians busting down their doors are here to help them this time. How do we solve both of those? He frowned, doing his best to drown out the rhythmic throb of his breathing and beating of his boots as he ran. The second of the two was certainly the easiest to accomplish, so long as they could get either Hinoka or Sakura to talk to their people. And with the former still far away with the main Nohrian army...

"Marc, Soleil, you'll be group A. Once we're inside, make for the eastern watchtower. From what Morgan said she focused the nexus points of the wards beneath the towers," Robin ordered, turning to his son. He paused for a moment, considering this instruction before adding, "On second thought, best to bring Hana with you as well. Best to have someone to convince any soldiers left defending the tower, you know, not to shoot you."

"Got it!" Marc nodded.

"Yessss, I haven't had a chance to team up with uncle Marc since I got here," Soleil grinned happily, if taking the situation far less seriously

"Meanwhile, Inigo, you will take Owain and Subaki as group B. Make for the northernmost tower so Owain can disable the wards there as well. Like with group A, Subakis job is to talk down any Hoshidans there," Robin said, turning to them next, "Disrupting two points should weaken the wards enough to let Morgan teleport herself, Corrin, and Sakura here. We'll certainly need the latter to convince the main Hoshidan forces we are on our side sooner or later".

"Hold on, why say something so mundane like 'Group A' and 'Group B'?" Owain questioned, clearly not enjoying the simple name used. "We each bear a critical role in this expanded plan of yours, so a fitting moniker to bestow upon us would serve to better raise our spirits, and-"

"Now is not the time, Owain! We're sticking with Group A and B, and that's final," Robin said, firmly. Owain silenced himself immediately before muttering a quick apology.

There has to be something else we can use. Something to exploit the enemy's weaknesses. Either something about their nature, or with their commanders' judgement. Something like-

Robin's eyes shot wide. If he hadn't been sprinting his butt off, he probably would have smacked his own forehead at the obviousness of the idea. In nearly every single major encounter with the Invisible Soldiers, there had always been one thing in common!

It was Corrin, or rather, how the enemy had always targeted him personally, the enemy commanders themselves, more often than not. Ha! Anankos, your obsession with going after your son might just be the opening we need here, shame I didn't think to exploit this sooner. Though perhaps not, since I doubt you'd fall for this bait more than once…

Robin grinned all the wider, remembering something else. Something Corrin had told him on their way to Hoshido. About the unique defense Hoshido had possessed while Corrin's mother was still alive. While no longer active, the source of that magic was still there. So with the right adjustments…

It would be a gamble for sure. There was a chance the whole thing could completely blow up in their faces if anything went wrong. But even with that risk, they'd have to try. A conventional victory wasn't on the table with their current numbers This would have to be the best they got.

"Robin, what will the rest of us be doing?" Lucina asked. She was peering at him intently, a small smile on her lips. She knew him well enough to know when he had a plan.

"I have a plan for how we deal with the enemy forces, but I'll need a few things before it can work. In the meantime we need to focus on protecting as many civilians as we can. We cut our way straight towards the Castle Shirasagi, opening a way for people to flee towards the outer walls. It will be safer there," he said, looking at the others now. "Once the wards are down, groups A and B will regroup with the rest of us outside the castle. We'll need everyone for the final stage to work."

It wasn't a perfect plan, but for now that was the best they could do. They simply lacked the numbers to fight off the entire army themselves. But he'd promised Corrin he'd do everything he could to save these people, and he would be damned if he broke that trust now. He just had to hope 'what he could' was 'enough'.

Just sometimes it never felt like it was.

The castle walls loomed over them now, the great wooden gates swung wide. He could hear shouts coming from the battlements, but no missiles came their way. It wasn't clear if the defenders there had even noticed them, their attention on the chaos that was now unfolding within.

"Alright, everyone has their role. Let's move," Robin said, drawing his sword. With that they charged into the fires and smoke consuming the city. Into the hell of war that had been unleashed.

. . . . .

"Elwind!"

Slashing wind caught the nearest soldier in the chest as it turned to face them, smoke spewing from it's split armor as it fell. That got the others' attention, drawing them away from the fleeing group of civilians they'd been pursuing.

And right into the arms of pincer move Robin had caught them in.

Spells tore through the left flank as part of the coordinated barrage from Ophelia and Elise. At the same instant Lucina and the other melee combatants charged out from a narrow alley between two buildings, having slipped around between them while Robin had gotten the soldiers' attention. Caught between a volley of destructive magic on one side and blades on the other, even foes as devoid of fear as the Invisible Soldiers swiftly broke under the onslaught.

That just left Robin to cut off their escape. "Arcfire!" He slashed his hand downward, engulfing the space between the fleeing civilians and the Invisible Soldiers in a raging inferno. One hapless foe was caught in the flames, consumed in a blink of an eye. The others were fortunate enough to escape that fate, though perhaps fortunate wasn't the best word. Afterall, they were vanquished all the same.

Robin felt no pity for them, of course. They'd come across too many bodies already to feel any sympathy for the invaders. They aren't even alive anymore. They are no better than the Risen.

As the last Invisible Soldier fell, pierced through the chest by Falchion, Robin spared himself a brief glance to the people they'd just saved. He wished he could do more, but with so many other lives still in peril, he knew they couldn't spare time to check on everyone they came across. They had to keep moving.

Motioning with a hand, the group set out again once more, moving as quickly as they could towards the heart of the city. The path they were taking wasn't direct by any means, instead turning away to either side to come to the aid of anyone still left within the city nearby. Even so… there was only so much they could do. What they really needed was to link up with the surviving Hoshidan army and coordinate a proper defense. But other than two small groups they'd rescued and directed to begin evacuating the denizens of the capital, they'd yet to encounter any substantial friendly force. Which was why he'd-

Robin caught a blur of movement out of his periphery. He spun, going for his sword, then stopped as he saw who it was. Right on cue.

"Robin, I've located a large group of Hoshidan soldiers at a market to the south-west of here,," Kaze announced, hopping down from the rooftop as the others came to stop as well. "I didn't get close enough to tell for sure, but they seemed to be better coordinated than the others we've encountered. More likely than not they had Hoshido's royal tactician or one of the other commanders with them."

Robin nodded, encouraged by this small bit of good news. This was exactly what he'd hoped for when he'd sent the ninja to scout ahead. With his talents with stealth, he had of course been best suited to slip ahead quickly and quietly while the rest of them were bogged down fighting every enemy that crossed their path.

"What was the situation like? We're they holding their own?" Robin asked.

"For now, yes. But they were beset on all sides. They are too few to hold out forever," Kaze answered.

It took only an instant for Robin to consider their options. On one hand they needed to focus on ending this siege as soon as they could and turning away now could waste precious time. Resolving it quickly enough would save them as well. On the other hand, helping those soldiers would certainly save more of the city's population. As well, they still needed Corrin before he could put his plan into motion. Besides, getting on the Hoshidans' good side now would certainly help them for what came after the battle.

In the end it wasn't much of a choice.

"You heard him. Let's hurry," Robin said, turning to the others just long enough to make sure they had, indeed, heard his brief exchange with Kaze. Then he looked back at the ninja, "We'll need to head straight for Castle Shirasagi after this," Robin told them, deciding to keep the added thought of "provided the others get those damn wards down by then' to himself. "If you can get us intel on the situation there-"

"On it," Kaze said, darting off into the shadows cast by a nearby structure before Robin could even finish. Not wasting any time, I see.

"Will he be alright? That is where the enemy is coming from, is it not?" Lucina asked.

"The pools of water below it, but yeah," Robin confirmed. "We just have to trust him to do his job and make it undetected while we do ours'"

Without further debate they group hurried in the direction Kaze has indicated, moving with redoubled pace now.

It was then that Robin felt, rather than heard, a faint buzzing sensation that seemed to come from within his head. It took only a moment to recognize it as someone attempting to communicate with him using the same spell they'd used before. He hesitated, then cautiously lowered his mental walls enough to listen.

"Father, I've just disabled the ward at our tower. Heading south now," Marc announced. "We should be- no, I- Dammit will you just- Not now I'm- I'm not going to tell him you 'said hi';, we're- Gods dammit, Soleil stop interrupti-"

The last of the jumbled thoughts that had overtaken Marc's message fell away, ending with one last mental cry. Specifically a cry of the purest and most complete frustration Robin had heard. Or felt, rather, since technically he hadn't heard anything as it was all… nevermind, it's not important. The point was, even someone as usually unflappable as Marc had failed to keep his focus on the spell in the face of the constant pestering of Soleil.

You know, a part of me almost feels bad for abandoning him and Subaki to deal with her alone, Robin thought, allowing himself a small smile as he continued to run. Both in regards to the good news, and the humor of his son's predicament.

Soon the roar of pitched combat could be heard in the distance: a symphony of steel against steel punctuated by the screams of the dead and dying. The surrounding buildings had too begun to change, residences giving way to shops and other structures for commercial use. They had entered the main marketplace for the city, and dead ahead should be the plaza where at its the Hoshidans were holed up.

Raising a hand to silently gesture for the others to slow, Robin creeped forward now, wanting to observe the situation before the enemy spotted them. No sense charging in without knowing what they were getting into. Slipping around the corner. Robin entered a wide street, ruined market stalls molding along its edge. The street sloped downward towards the far end, the buildings gave way to the open marketplace they were searching for. From his vantage point he could see that all but one of the entrances to the plaza had been barricaded up with carts, stalls, and just about anything else close at hand. A reasonable plan, keeping just one way open to funnel the enemies into the defensible location.

Packed to one end of the plaza he could see the Hoshidan soldiers, most wielding polearms along with a handful of archers and swordsmen, forming several lines as they desperately tried to beat back the seemingly endless onslaught of ghostly warriors spilling through the choke point. From the bodies of the slain, it looks like they'd tried to hold the choke point directly at some point, but had since been beaten back. Now it only served to slow enemy reinforcements, not stem the tide.

In the back of the Hoshidan lines was a man riding a curious steed: a colorful wooden puppet from atop which he barked orders to the defenders. This must be the Hoshidan tactician Hinoka and Sakura had mentioned before, Yukimura.

Good, they're holding for now. We should try to circle around, flank the way we can both cut off their reinforcements and trap the others between us, Robin thought. Then we can-

Thud.

Thud, Thud,

Thud,

The ground trembled with each growing thump, the sound rising over the battle unfolding. For a moment the melee fell silent, Hoshidans hesitating at whatever fresh horror was being heralded by the sound.

Then a mighty roar filled the air. One of the barricades exploded outward, sending ruined market stalls clattering against the pavement in splinters. Through the gap charged a colossal Faceless, easily twice the size of it's already hulking brethren. In its hand it held a long iron chain, on which dangled a chunck of stone.

Then it roared yet again, the sound drowning out the world in an echoing blast that filled the entire marketplace. With speed that betrayed its size and bulk it whipped it's chain around, the chunk of stone crashing into a group of Hoshidan soldiers, their mangled bodies sent flying to lay in crumpled heaps . Another swing a second later obliterated another group of soldiers. Then a third, even catching several Invisible Soldiers in each attack so brazen the assault. Yet the ghostly figures paid it no mind, not caring how many of their own fell to friendly fire so long as more Hoshidans perished than they.

Then came the others, countless Faceless of normal stature thundered through the gap, throwing themselves at the beleaguered defenders.

"Fall back, fall back," a cry came from somewhere within the center of the Hoshidan forces. "Fall back to the keep, we cannot-"

The rest of what was said was drowned out in the roars of the Facelessas they crashed into the Hoshidan lines, their cries soon joined by the terrified screams of the dying.

At once Robin knew the call to retreat was a doomed one. Even if they had time to escape, where even was there to flee to? The rest of the city was damn near overrun, and would only carry the Hoshidans from one peril to another.

No, they would have to hold their ground. They could only do that if he and the others acted now.

"Ophelia, Elise, covering fire now! Everyone else, with me!" Robin ordered, drawing his sword. Not waiting for an acknowledgement, he charged. In an instant he was at the barricade, his hant thrust outward. A blast of wind struck the ramshackle defense with the force of a gale, clearing the way while simultaneously launching a hail of splintered woods that shredded the nearest Faceless, reducing the undead creature to a heap of blubbery flesh and oily congealed blood.

Spells whizzed past, splashing into the groups of Invisible Soldiers that had now pulled back to allow the hunking undead tear through the Hoshidan forces. Fire and bolts of lightning burst in flashes of brilliance. Few of the ghostly warriors perished however, the two spellcasters prioritizing fast, weaker spells to simply keep them pinned and thus unable to surround Robin and everyone else as they engaged the undead horde.

One of the Faceless turned to face him, swinging an arm towards his head. Robin went low, blade flashing twice as he severed the creature's tendons. As it toppled he whirled around, skidding to a stop and slashing his free hand downard. "Arcfire!" Flames engulfed the undead monster, consuming it as it struggled to stand.

Letting the fire do it's work, Robin was already on his next foe. He'd certainly come a long way from their first encounter with the creatures back in those woods on his world, knowing well enough now that due to their surprising resilience it was best to simply disable them and return to properly finish them off later. He dropped another Faceless, this time slashing wind severing a leg at the knee and a burst of flame to the mask blinding it. The third he simply knocked over with a concussive blast of air, trusting the others behind him to finish it off before it could recover.

All around him the world dissolved away into the frantic chaos of battle, the others joining in battle with the Faceless around him. In the confusion inherent in the melee he could no longer see how the Hoshidan forces were responding. He could only hope the intervention had bought the time they needed to reform ranks and counter… and that the Hoshidan tactician was smart enough to realize falling back was no longer the best action.

Another roar blasted out, nearly deafening Robin with it's closeness. He spun just in time to see the colossal Faceless pulverize another group of nearby Hoshidans. Then another.. Even with the other faceless focusing on Robin and his allies, it was clear that monstrosity was far more than these soldiers could handle. It needed to be dealt with, now.

Without hesitation Robin leapt forward, a blast of wind propelling himself over one of the lumbering undead barreling towards him. Landing in a roll, he came out of it in a dead sprint, charging right at the massive undead. Lightning crackled around his fingertips as he drew his hand back, taking aim as the colossal creature.

"Thoron!" The blast of lightning caught the massive Faceless in the side of the head, engulfing it in a blinding flash and a billowing burst of dust and smoke. For an instant nothing could be seen through the ashy cloud of debris. A dark shape resolved itself through the smoke, revealing only a dented and blackened helmet, and some singed, burnt skin on it's arms and shoulders for Robin's trouble. The creature turned to face him now, the pinpoints of red light within it's helmet burning with rage as they fixed upon the tactician.

The Faceless bellowed, lashing out with it's improvised flail before he could so much as react

As the chunk of stone flew towards Robin, he had just enough time to think to himself: You know, for someone who sure does love to plan things, you really didn't think this one through, huh?

"Robin!" A weight crashed into him, taking him to the ground just as the stone barreled through the space he'd occupied an instant before. He hit the ground hard, Lucina landing on top of him. Not that he had time to complain, nor if he had, would've. Afterall, a bit of bruising was well worth it if it had just saved his life.

Swinging the chain around, the undead creature brought it back down in an overhead arch. Robin and Lucina untangled themselves just in time, rolling to either side as stone crashed down between them.

Two things happened in quick succession as both leapt into action. First, Lucina dove on top of the chain, Falchion stabbing darkward. The blade slipped between one of the links, Lucina driving her full weight down to bury Falchion into the ground, locking the Faceless' weapon in place. At the same instant Robin whirled around, firing off a bolt of lighting straight for the eyeholes of the creature's mask. The faceless howled in rage as it reeled back, smoke curling from within it's mask.

There was a sudden sound of wrenching steel, the Faceless yanking on the chain with all it's considerable might. Falchion was wrenched free with enough force to fling Lucina back and rip the blade from her grip. Yet her actions had not been all for naught, as when the chain had wrenched against Falchion's edge the holy blade cut clean through the link, sending the now stone-less length whipping wildly to one side.

Robin dove for safety an instant too late, the chain clipping him with enough force to knock him to the floor. Pain shot up his arm, the armor of his pauldron dented. He flexed his arm, wincing at the lance of pain even as he found the limb still responding to his commands. The bone was certainly fractured in a few places, but not completely broken. Still, it could have been worse. Had the chain swung any higher, it would have snapped his neck.

The ground trembled, joining the rage-filled bellow as the massive faceless charge. Lucina recovered first, snatching up the naginata of a fallen Hoshidan as she'd lept forward instead of going for Falchion. In an instant she had the weapon up, digging the haft into the ground to meet the charge. It's own momentum carried the faceless straight into the blade, sinking it deep into it's blubbery flesh. The haft flexed as the blade drove deeper until it reached the breaking point, snapping as the wood splintered. Lucina however was ready for this, having already released the weapon and gotten clear, lest she be bowled over.

Robin went for Falchion then, scooping up the divine blade from the ground and whirling around. "Lucina!"

Turning as she came out of her roll, Lucina deftly plucked the weapon from mid air as Robin tossed it to her, using the motion to meet the Faceless as it came back around for another attack. She dodged a fist, Fashion scoring two quick cuts that split the thing's skin like an overripe fruit, spilling tary black blood.

Yet as gastly as the injuries looked, both he and Lucina knew full well they wouldn't stop even a normal Faceless, let alone one of that size.

Then Robin eyed the broken haft of the naginata, the blade still embedded in the creature's chest. He smiled as a crazy idea occurred to him. That just might be exactly what he needed to take that thing down.

"Lucina, keep it occupied! I need to get close!" Robin shouted.

"I'm- doing- my- best!" Lucina affirmed, narrowly avoiding several counterattacks and scoring a few more shallow cuts in return.

Hoping the thing's attention was squarely on Lucina, Robin charged forwards with all possible speed. The Faceless spotted him, whipping it's chain at him as Robin was forced to duck under it. It started another swing up, only to turn away again as it was forced to focus on Lucina, whomst had managed to deliver a far more grievous wound when it had turned away.

Come on, focus on the pretty lady. Just another second. Just another- Robin's outstretched hand cracked with electricity, golden light dancing between his fingertips. He launched, touching the exposed metal of the naginata, discharging all of the summoned power into it. The metal glowed white hot, lightning arcing around it in a halo that began to sear the surrounding flesh of the faceless.

Then a hand swung out, catching him in his midsection. He was tossed back, landing with a dull thud that took the wind from him. His chest hurt and he tasted blood. He was certain he'd broken a rib. Or several.

"Robin!" Lucina cried out in alarm. She turned, about to rush to his aid, only to leap back, narrowly suffering the same fate as the creature resumed focusing on her now.

His head swimming, Robin pushed himself to his knees, ignoring the burning pain in his side. His chest ached with every breath, every moment a sharp pain in his side. Yeah, definitely broken ribs. He staggered upright, blocking out the pain and charged.

Ahead of him Lucina dodged the Faceless' chain, slashed at it's leg, then rolled back to avoid a slamming fist. Yet Robin could tell she was starting to tire, her movements were slower. It was now or nothing.

The naginata embedded in the creature's chest still arced with lightning, humming with power ready to burst. Opening his hand, Robin began to summon up his power, focusing a vortex of wind into his palm. He'd have one shot at this.

Just then Lucina cried out, a blow clipping her with enough force to knock her to the ground. The Faceless was on her then, pinning her with one hand and raising the other to crash down onto her,

"Elthunder!" The bolt smashed into the thing's face, drawing it's attention. It roared, fist sweeping out as Robin closed the last few gaps. He threw himself forward, sliding beneath the fist which sailed over his head. With a cry of his own he lunged, pressing his open palm into the end of the broken haft.

There was an explosion of wind, the burst propelling the naginata deep into the thing's flesh. There was a crackle, smoke spewing from the wound. And then-

The world exploded in a flash of light, all of the power Robin had transferred into the metal detonating within the faceless. Heat washed over him as he was thrown back, chunks of rotten flesh and oily blood spraying outward. He slammed into the ground, a sharp pain cracking through his skull as everything went white…

….the next thing Robin was aware of was the soft, warm feeling in his side. The aches of pain began to dull, as did the throb in the back of his head. He groaned, blinking his eyes open. Lucina loomed over him, her face wrought with worry. Next to her was Elise, the princess working a staff over him as she tended to his wounds.

"Did we win?" Robin coughed, still tasting blood.

"Yes. Sort of. The rest of the enemy seems to have pulled back at the present." Lucina gave a sound somewhere between a worried sigh and a relieved laugh. "Why do you keep doing this to me? You always worry me so."

"Sorry. I didn't-" Robin coughed again. No blood this time. " -didn't have much time to think of a better plan." He sat upright, clutching at his head as his vision spun. It took a few moments for the world to right itself. "Besides nearly killing myself, anything else I should worry about?" he asked

"Well… you are quite filthy," Lucina added, managing a small smile at this.

Robin looked down at himself. Oh… yeah, he certainly was. Turns out being at ground zero of an exploding Faceless wasn't exactly the most hygienic of places to be. He was practically covered inte the black tar-substance that served as the creature's blood.

Robin muttered a spell, the gore sifting off of clothes like water sliding down a pane of glass. There, much better. Would hate to get my favorite coat stained.

Especially considering it was his only coat.

"That said, Robin, there may be a problem," Lucina told him, glancing away.

"What? Did something… oh…" Following her gaze, Robin saw that the battle had all but finished once the colossal Faceless had been dealt with. The Invisible Soldiers seemed to have pulled back for the present, leaving the remaining Faceless to be swiftly cut down. Even now the Hoshidans had managed to regroup… which was the crux of the problem Lucina had referred to. For in that same time they'd formed ranks, standing in a half circle with weapons drawn…

Pointed squarely at himself and the others. They weren't surrounded, not yet anyways. But the Hoshidans looked just about poised for another fight.

"Nohrians! Was slaughtering our people not enough?! Now you come here, infiltrate our city while these phantoms torch it to the ground," spat the Hoshido Tactician, the archers at his flanks drawing back their bows to punctuate his words.

"Wait, just hold on a second," Robin said, scrambling to his feet. Lucina grabbed his hand, helping him up before he sprinted forward, putting himself between the representatives of the two warring nations. "We're here to help you, not to fight. Please, just hear me out and I'll-"

Yukimura's eyes narrowed as his gaze fixed on Robin. "You, identify yourself. You do not look like the other Nohrian dogs. Yet you ally with them. Who are you?"

"My name is Robin. I'm, well, not exactly from this world," Robin said, adding. "Actually, my daughter Morgan came here some time ago. You must certainly have spoken to her."

There was a glimmer of recognition, but the strategist's expression didn't soften. "I see then… I urged Lady Hinoka and Lady Sakura not to trust the outsider at her word, yet they still took her into their council and departed with her some weeks ago to seek guidance from the ruler of Izumo. We have received no word from them since then," There was a flash of anger in his eyes. "It seems my suspicions were well warranted. What have you and those beasts done with them? Taken them captive, have you? Plan to use them as hostages to take even more from us. Haven't you taken enough!?" he demanded.

Robin nearly recoiled at the naked fury displayed by the man. But… from what had happened, he supposed he couldn't blame him. Corrin had told the story of how, during the war, Yukimura had surrendered to Corrin's group under the promise of his soldiers being spared. He'd gotten those terms… only for the former Nohrian King to order their slaughter regardless. No wonder then, that he expected only further treachery from Nohr.

"Please, listen to my husband. Lady Hinoka and Lady Sakura are unharmed. They willingly agreed to ally with us to defeat the very enemies that now besiege you," Lucina argued, moving to stand alongside Robin. Falchion was in her hand, but she kept it low, wisely not taking an aggressive stance with so many weapons pointed their way.

"The Invisible Soldiers threaten Nohr just as they do Hoshido. We came here to help and seek allies," Robin added. "If we were really your enemies, why would we have helped you now? Isn't that proof enough."

"Or just as likely to be a Nohrian trick. I've seen what treating you with dogs results in. Treachery, as always," the royal tactician answered, unphased by the pleas.

"Listen to them," Kaze said, stepping forward as well. "By my word, I can assure you the princesses are unharmed. Lady Hinoka is with Lord Xander's forces, engaged with a larger enemy force a day's march from here. As for Lady Sakura, she is outside the city with both Lord Corrin and Morgan. Once they arrive here, I am certainly she can vouch for-"

"How am I supposed to trust the word of a turncoat such as yourself, Suzukaze, who abandoned his people to join the traitorous prince," Yukimura spat, Kaze blanching at the words. "But if by some unlikely chance you do speak the truth, then surrender yourselves. After the invaders are defeated, then maybe, we can see."

Maybe we should have brought one of Sakura's retainers with us after all, Robin thought to himself, at the moment very much regretting his choice. He'd been so focused on trying to ensure those he sent to disable the wards would be able to talk their way out of trouble, he hadn't thought to consider his group may need to do the same thing.

Even then, his anger… no matter how justified, I'm not sure we can convince him unless we can get Sakura to vouch for us. And even then, what's stopping him from believing she is being coerced somehow. Dammit all, this is the possible outcome I feared the most. How do we convince him?

Still, he had to try something. There had to be something, some argument, he could use to get the Hoshidans to see reason. The soldiers with Yukimura seemed no less distrustful, so trying to speak to them instead would do little good. What then? What was he supposed to do?

Before he could say anything more, however, Lucina strode forward, raising her voice, as she stood between the two tacticians. "Of all times to concern yourself with past grievances, now is the most foolish. Your people die around them, and we must ally ourselves at this moment if there is to be any chance to save them," Lucina urged him, her voice having taken on a commanding tone, that of the leader she's that had always come both reluctantly and naturally to her.

Perhaps though, now Robin could detect something else in her voice. Almost sounding like, just the smallest bit, like a frustrated parent scolding an misbehaving child.

Lucina continued, Falchion before her, conveying strength with her grip on the blade but also peace by keeping it's tip pointed at the ground. "If you cannot bring yourself to work with the people who dealt such harm to your people in the past after this city is saved, that is by your choice. But for now, let us help not tarry, at least until you may speak to Princess Hinoka and Princess Sakura and hear them out. Taking us prisoner will not save more lives, not when we can provide aid to your cause."

For a long while the Hoshidan tactician said nothing, his expression firm as if made of stone. But Robin could see it in his eyes. Distrust. Anger. Uncertainty. Desperation. Doubt.

In the distance there was a rumbling boom, a new cloud of smoke billowing upwards from deeper in the city. The Invisible Soldiers must have brought in siege weapons, Robin realized. If they didn't act soon, the situation for the people here would only get worse.

"You must make your choice now, as only more will suffer the longer we delay," Lucina implored, half turning to gesture at the plume of smoke. "Please. On my honor as princess of another land, I swear it, we are not your enemy."

Yukimura looks towards the smoke, grimacing. His suspicion wavered, though did not fully fade. He slowly nodded. "It seems like I have no choice but to trust you for now. What would you have me do?"

"You have my thanks," Lucina said, bowing her head. Then she stepped aside half a step, the gesture one of invitation to let Robin take over from her.

Robin cleared his throat, doing his best to convey the same strength of purpose his wife had possessed. He really didn't want to disappoint too badly in comparison to her. "We have a plan to repel the invaders, but for it to work we need to reach the throne room. "

"But Castle Shirasagi is where the enemy is at its strongest," Yukimura protested, fresh suspicion flashing.

"We just need to get inside, not hold the position for long. We'll make for the front and take the worst of the fighting, we'll just need your help to keep the rest of the enemy from flanking up once we reach the outskirts of the castle.

This seemed to satisfy the royal tactician, who begrudgingly conceded to this plan. "I will prepare my men to follow as soon as they've finished catching their breath." He then rode off again, preparing to convey the new plan to them.

Right... Robin sighed in relief. Now we just need the last ward down and we can-

It was then that Robin felt a crackling pop, almost like the static discharge that often accompanied his lightning magic, the sensation harmlessly passing over him. It took only a split second for him to register what that meant.

"Is this thing on? Oh, I think I'm through. Okay," Owain chattered, seemingly to himself. "O Grandmaster of the Hopeful Stars, this servant of darkness reaches out to you to convey onto you the message of victory!"

Robin winced at the loudness of the message. How in the world did Owain manage to make a mental message hurt his ears? "Alright, meet at the castle as soon as you can. We are heading there now. Group A is already on their way as well."

Robin turned, looking towards the castle where it loomed high above the city, shrouded in ethereal mists. Let's just hope Corrin has had enough time to rest. We're going to need him for this plan to work.

I wonder how well he is going to take finding out he's the bait?

Author's Note: Once again I am really sorry for this taking so long. Lack of motivation was really hitting me bad. I have to ask, are people still interested in this story and is everyone still enjoying it. Sometimes I worry with my super slow updates that people stopped caring about it.

That said, I am going to try to get chapters out more frequently from here on. To do this I plan to set deadlines for myself for both weekly progress as well as for when I need to get a chapter done. Hopefully that will help me keep things moving a bit more quickly

Anyhow, that's all for now. Let me know what you guys thought. As always, please leave all your comments and criticism you have, as it's the only way I am going to improve as a writer. Besides, it always makes my day to hear your thoughts. Until the next one, have a wonderful day everyone!