My response to the reviews:

Guest (April 4): Wow, thanks for the praise. I have to admit, there is indeed an allure to certain kinds of stories or premises. And don't worry, I've got a lot more to look forward to.

steel35: There is a lot of untapped potential with Fire Emblem crossovers, especially with Fate/ stay night. I'm happy it made you glad.

Kayen1024: Thanks for the review. There's a lot of things I can't tell, only show. So here's the next chapter.

Guest (April 5): Does this new chapter count as more bait then? Jokes aside, I'm grateful for the review.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/ stay night and Fire Emblem: Awakening.

Beta Reader: RedRat8

Kintsugi no Fusei

Book 1: On Fields of Fate

Chapter 2: Where the broken stand

The sun above continued its journey across the noon sky and shined brightly as ever. As the heavenly body began its slow descent to the horizon on the west, two figures directly below its gaze had not yet moved. With no cloud to shield them from its rays, only the cool wind that swept over the plains gave them mercy.

While aware that several minutes had now come and gone, Shirou continued to give the woman in his arms, Robin, the comfort she needed. Eventually, the pained sobs had passed, and in its wake were steady breaths, drying trails of tears, and a soaked shoulder.

The redhead didn't mind what became of his shoulder really, only the fact that the albino was slumped on that same shoulder finally registered in his thoughts. And that was something that needed to be remedied. It wouldn't be proper to just leave her head on something wet now would it?

Carefully so he wouldn't disturb her slumber, he gingerly moved her to his dry left shoulder with his left hand and supported her with that arm. With the other, he scooped her legs from underneath. His hold secure, he stood up and started to walk.

Grass and soil alike easily crumbled under Shirou's feet. Each step that he took was careful for Robin's sake but far reaching thanks to powerful legs. Legs that he now noted were clad in strapped black pants and black metal-plated boots, clothes that he didn't remember he was clothed in before last he checked. Did Naga do this for me?

That had to be the reason. The redhead was well aware that like his body before Naga's blood and fire healed him, it was not in the best of shape. If anything, he was honestly surprised that something managed to remain out of it to keep him decent enough while in the presence of the Divine Dragon. Speaking of decency…

His eyes were drawn back to the albino in his arms, wrapped in the cloak he gave. Though her tears had dried, and that was a good thing as she looked almost peaceful, he was keenly aware that this would not be so easily solved.

Even now as it gave her warmth, she still sought comfort as her head unconsciously moved closer to his heart, its steady rhythm a tether to reality. With what she had almost done earlier and was capable of, there was no telling of what she would do by the time she would wake. He could only hope that she would do so with clear bearings.

Until then however, it was important that he take her to safety, give her shelter. And that meant he must find one with a good source of food and water nearby to make things easier. Perhaps a river would suffice. His head thought thinking of the potential.

Shirou suddenly stopped walking as he took a deep breath. The undeniable freshness of crisp, clean country air filled his lungs like a simple yet rich novelty. But now that he did so, it felt lacking somehow and there was something else familiar in the air. It was as if there was a deeper meaning to it, something close by that he could grasp. If only he had–!

…An Image.

The redhead gasped as his mind was reminded of that moment in the void with the dying green-haired goddess. The sight, the sound, the feeling of her divine lightning as it hit the blazing core. Sparks of metal and fire before his eyes. Crackles of thunder and heat that rang in his ears. Waves of energy– of Magic that reverberated through him, to his Soul.

Suddenly, two words came to him, unbidden. He knew not of their origin, but now he knew of their purpose and what the memory was for. To serve as his trigger. To use Magic. "Trace…On." He said, and for some reason, it felt perfectly right.

Azure lines of magic, all twenty-seven of them, lit first from the depths of his Soul before it was imposed on his body. The amount was immense and it came as a shock to him before he finally acclimated. Several of these magical pathways converged around and a few were even connected with his eyes, a shortcut that he now took advantage of as he directed the magical energy and Reinforced both of his orbs.

His sight was magnified. No…not just magnified. It was made better in every way possible to its utmost limit. The proof being that he now saw each and every minute detail of a tree from a four kilometer distance. What more can I see? He thought excitedly.

In the sky above Shirou saw a bird of prey, magnificent and sharp, its intelligent gaze meeting his. It was a predator, an uncrowned king of the skies, from its beak a scream of acknowledgement.

Taka. Hawk. He thought as a static and unclear silhouette of a tired man that taught him the creature's name came to mind.

The redhead blinked. The fragment of a memory was gone, lost again like the one he had before. He shook his head briefly, resolved to think of this for another time and went back to search with his Hawk Eyes. Hm, that actually sounds appropriate. He thought as the corners of his lips twitched upwards. Hawk Eyes it is then.

With his new ability, Shirou finally found what he was looking for east of where he was and set out, not quite running but not quite walking either. After all, he did not want to wake Robin just yet. However, he could not ignore the fact that wearing white under the near noon sun was arguably worse than wearing black and an easy way to get an unwanted tan, which would have been worse had they woken in a desert.

How he knew that tidbit, he didn't care, only that it was useful information nonetheless. Just like why he somehow knew that he could probably go faster by leaps and bounds in the literal sense as the magical energy continued to course through him.

Perhaps a test of my capabilities wouldn't hurt. He thought as the flow went to his powerful legs before it sent him towards the air, unknowingly breaking world records from where he had come from. As he neared the ground after an impressive airtime, he prepared himself and bent his legs a bit. Not to roll over and bleed momentum since he had a passenger, but to propel himself in the air again, which he was able to do with ease.

Again and again, Shirou repeated the motion. Each step made the grass sway and had Robin's white hair not been tucked in the cloak's hood, it was most certain it would have been flying everywhere.

Not even a minute later– after several superhuman leaps he didn't bother to count upon being satisfied with his pace– the redhead came upon what he'd seen with his Hawk Eyes. Near a few trees that would prove useful for shade and fire for later, as well as some shrubs that bore edible fruits, was a running river. Clean, healthy with plant life, fishes, and other freshwater animals. Perfect. Now which of these would be good for a quick lunch…

Of course, he was well aware that he wouldn't be able to prepare one without letting go of his passenger. Thus, he made his way to the raised ground a few meters away from the river, where a flowering Weeping Willow tree stood, drooping branches gently swaying with the breeze.

Well, Shirou at least thought it was a Weeping Willow…till he found that it wasn't as messy as expected and that its scent, oddly enough, reminded him of apples. Though it was strange, he chalked it up to be the strange world he was now in, where he now realized that the familiar scent in its air was magical energy.

The redhead entered through a large gap in the flowery curtains and approached its trunk. Carefully, he kneeled before it to place Robin there. However, he soon found it to be difficult as any attempt he made caused her to whimper and weakly burrow his face further to his chest.

Having realized his mistake, he turned around instead and put his back to the tree as he sat. He stopped trying to let go of her, not wanting to disturb her slumber. Still, his lips were set into a worried frown as he assessed the visible damage on her person.

Her scarred thin limbs spoke of long term confinement by chained shackles that allowed her little movement and let atrophy set in, thankfully it was in its early stages still. The hint of ribs from the exposed portion of her chest and her frighteningly pale complexion told him that she was deprived of proper nutrition or worse, was given little to no food at all.

Then there's no telling of the damage done to her psyche. Shirou grimaced as he remembered how she reacted to his presence, how her power instinctively lashed out as her eyes clouded, and the all-consuming guilt when clarity returned. His fists nearly tightened at the thought. He didn't want to accidentally hurt her with her in his arms so he clenched his teeth instead. Just what the hell were all those fools thinking?

The redhead knew that he wouldn't get any answers from the persons who were involved, not right now. The albino's recovery would be his priority. There was also the fact that bar her physical condition, she was now more or less a dragon capable of wielding a power that had wounded Naga. Finally, there was that anomaly that had made this possible, the one that he had to find eventually.

So many things to do–

The sleeping woman, let out a moan, eyebrows slightly tense. He reached for her left hand and gave it a gentle squeeze with his right hand, to let her know that he was still there. She relaxed, eyebrows lose, and he felt confident that she would not immediately wake if he would let go now.

He let out a sigh.

–but those were problems that could be dealt with at another time. And he would, one problem at a time. Like preparing dinner for later.

Right now however, he would let Robin rest for as long as she would like. She certainly deserved as much.

Shirou closed his eyes as he ended the connection from the pathways of his being and allowed himself to rest. Doing so left him unaware of a pair of sharp eyes who had followed him from up above, its gaze still curiously trained on the tree that they were in.

The sun was near the end of its journey as it set on the west. Its gentle rays peaked through the shade of the willow as the breeze sifted through its swaying branches. There a familiar figure groaned as the rustle of leaves and light made her sleepy eyes open.

Robin woke to find herself underneath the shade of a willow tree, a rare Mila Willow to be precise. Nearby her was the pleasant aroma of fish cooking by the fire, a scent that she had not had the pleasure of experiencing again since her imprisonment. The folded red cloth underneath her head also felt nice, the closest thing she'd had for a cushion in months. It was delightful really, like a dream come true.

But is this actually real? Or am I just dreaming? The albino couldn't help but think as she turned her eyes and lay there quietly. She hadn't seen this particular kind of tree since the days of her (forgotten) youth. Of simpler days spent in the company of her mother. An often longed for dream.

Dream… She did not have dreams as pleasant as this was in that dark place. Only Nightmares and Memories that tormented her, of her being forced to kill a friend and a betrayal of those she thought were allies, family.

Copper eyes widened underneath a pair of red-rimmed glasses, its owner's face paling as crimson liquid dribbled out her mouth.

No. That actually was reality, her reality. She really had killed a friend even if it was under the control of another. Not just a friend, an entire timeline's worth of lives had all been brought to ruin because she couldn't fight back.

And because she couldn't fight back, allowed herself to get outwitted, wasn't she complicit to the atrocities that Grima committed? Didn't that mean the Shepherds were in their right to betray her?

Lucina and the rest of the Future Children, the ones that survived, seemed to think that was certainly the case. Their hatred knew no bounds, some for the loss of not only their parents in their Future Past where their childhood was cut short…but that of the present where they might no longer exist.

…

Why, why am I allowed to dream? The pale woman thought miserably, her purple eyes glazed. Like that day, months ago, she was without answers again.

The sound of heavy boots on soil and grass rang out, but Robin paid it no heed as she drew her knees to her chest. It stopped nearby her, yet she didn't care. This was a dream wasn't it? It would fade eventually, fade to darkness, return her to terror.

Return her existence to what a traitor like her deserves.

The painful grip in her heart grew ever tighter and breathing now became a struggle. All her scars itched and burned, as if something beneath it had been biding its time to bubble to the surface. Somebody end this. Please! She begged in her mind.

"If you think you're dreaming, then I'm sorry to disappoint you." The voice was deep, blunt, but more importantly, different.

The tactician blinked. It spoke. No, he, that was wrong.

She turned her gaze towards the speaker and found him an unfamiliar figure. An Anomaly…

Suddenly, it all came rushing back to her. The events that happened between her and Grima in the void, the mind-meld she had shared with her counterpart, how she found herself in the verdant field with her body as it was during her imprisonment with the Fell Dragon's power coursing through her, the light that suddenly flashed to existence, and…

This man, who willingly suppressed his own power as he tried to raise his hands in surrender when her own power emanated fiercely and lashed out. He who still approached her after his impromptu retreat, despite the threat that was herself. He who gave her his cloak to shield her from the wind's chill with no hesitation… And comforted her, a stranger with his arms wrapped around her emaciated frame.

T-this is not a dream? Robin's head thought in shock as it swirled with confusion and doubt. It must have shown on her face as the man went near her, his hand outstretched, an unspoken invitation.

Did he not fear her? Even now, the power still coursed within her, prepared for ruin. Surely, he knew that and yet…he still held his hand out patiently, no trembling to be found in him.

Despite her reasonable hesitation, her fears and doubts, the albino made her decision and took his hand in her grasp.

Warm. That was the first thought she had when she took it. His hand was larger than hers, her paleness a contrast against the splotches of tan that decorated his exposed right arm. It was as if he had been patched together. Robin was reminded of her own scars. What happened to him? And how could he still be so warm?

Firm. Though weak, her fingers traced a path from his fingers to his palm, and she felt the callouses that told her of his profession. Blades, bows, and the mundane, an interesting discovery that amusingly evoked an image of a mother, however faint it was. Yet beneath all of that, something told her he was the type to never give up, and his actions from before and now proved it.

Real. She reached his wrist and felt the blood that coursed through his veins. His pulse was a steady rhythm. She recalled the time she visited a forge, the swings of a hammer on metal.

She…could not doubt all of this anymore. This was reality.

"Who are you?" Robin asked as she struggled to sit upright and his hand helped pull her up gently, all so she could properly meet his gaze. Those mismatched eyes remained unflinching, without pity or a smidge of fear, as if made of steel. But therein existed a fire in that metal, a gentle one that told her he cared not of the flaws and that she'd receive aid, compassion.

It terrified her. "Why help?"

"My name is Shirou." The white-streaked redhead answered. His name was foreign, and that ruled out any kingdom from Ylisse, perhaps he was from Chon'sin? Only the right sleeve of his and the structure of his face hinted at it. "As for your other question…"

Shirou scratched the back of his head before his lips lifted to a smile. "It's not wrong to help someone."

The sheer Conviction in his words struck a chord in Robin's heart, further helped by the ambience of light that still peeked from the drooping branches of the Mila Willow. It was a Beautiful sight. One she did not want to forget. One she doubted she'd ever see again. The image of a man who honestly wanted to help her.

"Thank you…Shirou." There were only so few words she could say in gratitude of his kindness, even as her lingering fear was screaming at her to doubt the truth of this, but perhaps a proper introduction would suffice. "I-I'm Robin."

"Nice to meet you." The redhead nodded and made a gesture with his head to the source of the mouthwatering aroma outside, past the shade of the tall tree. "Would you like some food? I've got several Ayu skewers cooking by a fire and I'm steeping some blueberries I've found nearby for tea. Just tell me if you've had any adverse reactions to it beforehand so I can go find something else. If not, I still do have to warn you not to drink too much of it. Might upset your stomach if not moderated."

The mention of food got her attention, and so did her stomach as it chose that moment to growl loudly. So loud it was that it silenced her before she could even voice her answer, and made him widen his eyes just a bit. It was as if he expected it but was surprised nonetheless.

"…I'll take that as a yes." Red-faced, Robin could only nod. She didn't even mind the fact that he picked her up in his arms (again) to take her outside, only that yet again, he did so with no hesitation.

Once they got out of the willow's confines and its apple smell, the scent of his cooking hit her full force. There, in the distance between the tree and the river, was a campfire that he must've prepared whilst she was asleep. Impaled on the stone and sand ring around it were two fishes, Ayu as he called them, skewered on carved sticks in a way that made them look like they were still swimming. Approximately a foot long each and magnificently plump, its skin now crisp and golden brown. And beside the campfire was a covered stone pot from which she could smell steeping blueberries in boiling hot water.

Her stomach growled yet again, fiercely like a dragon that found something worthy to hoard. The pale woman was grateful that the redhead remained quiet as she was seated on a nearby log so he could tend to the fish.

Robin watched him as he did so, only now truly getting a good look at Shirou. He was tall, perhaps just a little bit above six feet, and had broad shoulders on his muscular frame to match it. Though a good portion of his skin was tan, it was patch worked with a much lighter skin tone, as if he had been splashed with the former color at odd angles. Then there was that armor which covered his left arm.

Silver metal with an odd azure finish under it that seemed to glow, she noticed a key detail on it, one that sent a pulse of apprehension in her heart. The longer she looked, the more it became her new source of her current discomfort. On his bicep (like Ch–no, him) was a familiar glowing symbol, a Brand, with a tear drop shape between a spiked horseshoe-like shape. She had encountered four individuals who bore that symbol. It was the Mark of the Sacred King, Naga, or as it was more famously known nowadays, the Brand of the Exalt.

But that brand was unique to the Ylissean Royal bloodline…

H-how could Shirou have the brand? Robin thought, barely able to take her mind off of thinking the worst case scenario, an easy line of thinking to fall into. She knew that she was currently vulnerable, an easy prey, Fell Dragon powers be damned. So why didn't he kill her?

Where part of her mind would assume the worst, the other tried to remind her of what he had said earlier, the belief he had and the kindness he'd given her. However, it was a trying battle, as she felt that dark power sizzle once more. W-what do I do?

Lost in her warring thoughts, the albino felt all alone once more.

Unknown to her, Shirou was able to notice the change in her demeanor and followed her line of sight earlier. What he found was the Mark on his bicep, one he believed to be from Naga. So why the apprehension? He thought curiously.

Thus, he delved his mind for an answer, if there was a detail that he may have missed from what the Divine Dragon had said.

Robin even married the descendant of a Warrior I Exalted…

…betrayed and imprisoned by her own allies…

…spearheaded by her Daughter with the Exalt…

…murdered by the Man she Loved.

Damn it. That's why! The redhead couldn't help but wince as he finally connected the dots and berated himself. If this Mark was hereditary from the Warrior that Naga exalted, it was not far to assume that both her former husband and daughter bore the Marks as well. No wonder she was so distraught. It was yet another reminder of what she went through.

How do I even begin to fix this? This wasn't an easy task. Something told him that he couldn't be too apologetic, as he honestly didn't know about it until he had figured it out. Though he figured that Robin had a sharp mind to notice this detail if she got out of her rut, that was still a big if. Should he choose to speak up, he couldn't be too harsh, as that was just rude and inevitably a recipe for trouble. The last thing he wanted now was for her to be angry and act on that emotion.

What can I do for her? Shirou thought worriedly as he tended to the Ayu skewers roasting by the fire. If he had the time, he would have come up with a plan or something but…he'd fallen asleep with her earlier. Though he did wake up an hour before now, he had chosen to catch, prepare, and cook their dinner instead of thinking anything else. For his only thought at the time was that she would be hungry and sorely needed the food to recover.

Though amnesiac, the redhead was well aware of a fact.

Food may be a solution. However, it was not a solution to everything.

And yet it was the only option he had alongside just being honest with her. Thus, he could only do both and hope that it would work. It has to. He thought desperately.

Shirou removed the now-finished Ayu skewers and made his way to Robin. Her gaze was distant, unfocused, but the sound of his footsteps took her attention. He stopped just right in front of her, the uncertainty clearly seen in those purple eyes that flickered red.

"I'm sure you have questions Robin." The redhead began as he kneeled before her once more, her gaze level with his own. "But trust me, it'll be a discussion done better after we've both eaten."

"And I promise you, I'll answer them all as best as I can." With that said, he raised one of the Ayu skewers to her, an invitation for her to take it. "If that's not enough, I'll stay away if you don't want me nearby."

Robin's focus was truly on him now and her lips began to tremble. Slowly, the albino reached for a skewer as her eyes remained purple. He waited patiently as she took the skewer from his hand and very nearly dropped it, but he did not move for her own sake, even when he wanted to.

Once it was firmly in her hands, Shirou decided that he'd give her some space. "I won't hurt you Robin. I'll say this again and again, even if you won't believe me. And you don't have to. It's your choice."

Without haste, the redhead stood up so he could back away from her, her eyes still on him. "I just want to help you Robin."

Having said that, he was about to turn around but was stopped when he felt her reach and grip his right hand with her own. It was a shaky grip, and he could feel that she was still full of fear, of hesitance.

"…okay." The albino eventually managed to say even as her eyes became misty. "I-I'll trust you Shirou. Just, just don't…"

Betray me.

Even though she did not say it, he could tell that it was those two words that were in her mind. Thus, he gently squeezed her trembling hand to assure her.

"I won't. I promise."

Author's Notes: *sips coffee and looks at audience* What? You thought the next chapter would take longer to make? So did I.

This chapter is shorter than the 1st one, but that's because I felt it appropriate to end it here rather than to force myself to insert stuff that just wouldn't feel right. Gotta make sure it flows than bloats and all.

So, we've got stuff happening and I've made hints of what I plan for the future, just gotta spot them in this chapter and the previous one. Ah, who am I kidding. I've got an outline for how this goes, y'all just have to go along for the ride,

Anyways, thank you all for showing the interest you have for this story with your favs, follows, and reviews. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts about it in a review, it would really help me out as we go.

Till next time, this is Will S. LaVi.

P.S. As of July 14, 2020 this chapter had been rewritten with help from RedRat8