Chapter Text
(Regna Ferox Arena)
Marth: ...
Robin: Stranger. We meet again.
Chrom: Marth! One question, before we begin?
Marth: ...No.
Chrom: ...Fine, then. Our swords can speak for us!
Marth: *Draws Falchion*
Chrom: Where did you get that? There's... no way.
Robin: Hmmm...
*Clash!!*
Chrom: Tell me— Who taught you to fight like that?
Marth: My FATHER! Rrrah!
*Chrom is pushed back*
Chrom: Gah! He's good... and fast!
Robin: Chrom.
Chrom: What's up?
Robin: ...His blade is smaller. It's lighter too. You're stronger, but that sword is different.
Chrom: ...I see. The falchion *does* change to meet the body of its wielder... This will be difficult.
Robin: Yes. He knows your style too. Read you like a book. But... he seems hesitant to take full advantage of his speed and strike you down.
Chrom: You mean he's holding back?
Robin: Yes... He's not intent on killing you, despite this being a fight to the death...
Marth: Let us fight with honor. May the best soldier win!
Chrom: ...Ideas, Robin?
Robin: Two. Either I fight with magic, or you overpower him with heavy strikes, and I'll try to empower you from afar while you take advantage of his style. It's... very much like yours, so strike to your own weaknesses.
Chrom: You can... empower me?
Robin: Erm... I hope so. Might give you just a hint of speed and strength.
Chrom: ...I trust you. Let me have another go at him, and if he knocks me down, it's up to you.
Robin: By your side, partner.
Chrom: Marth! Who is your father?
Marth: I've said enough for one day, sir.
Chrom: Hmph. Is that how it is? Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you.
Marth: Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance... We shall see who shames who!
*Clash!!*
Chrom: GAH!
Marth: Yield. You are bested.
Robin: Hyah!
Marth: !!
Robin: But *I'm* not. Raise your sword.
Marth: ...So be it.
Chrom: You've got this, Robin!
Robin: Grah!
Marth: *Dodge... dodge...* Such wanton strikes will get you nowhere!
Robin: Heheh... You sure about that?
Marth: Certain! Hya!
Robin: *Blocks, but the sword is charged with electricity*
Marth: GAAAAAHHH!!
*Marth goes flying back*
Marth: Ughh... Wh-what?
Chrom: It's over.
Marth: ...It is. I yield.
Robin: Are you unharmed?
Marth: ...I've... been better... Excuse me.
(Regna Ferox - Barrack)
Chrom: Well done, Robin. Clever trick electrifying your sword.
Robin: I told you I've got your back, didn't I? If you can't beat them honorably, then what chance do I have without a little strategy?
Chrom: Heh. Don't worry about it, Robin. Honor means different things to different people. You were simply the more tactical fighter, that's all. You could have hit him harder, I've seen your true strength. *Feroxi* honor would have been to knock his teeth out, Plegian honor would have been to kill him.
Robin: And Ylissean honor?
Chrom: I dunno. Go ask Frederick...
Robin: Ha!
Chrom: But you know, asking a foreign fighter if "they're alright" after attacking them is more honorable than most Ylisseans anyways. You're a big softie, you are.
Robin: A softie?! I'm a... a cold-blooded killer!
Chrom: Heh. You're a jester. Makes me laugh with lines like that. Ha. Ha. ...Ha.
Robin: H-hey! A jester?! Perhaps we can settle for a... warm-blooded killer?
Chrom: Sure buddy...
Robin: ...You don't sound very afraid.
Chrom: You're a kindergarten teacher moonlighting as a military officer.
Robin: H-hey! I am not!
Chrom: Did I *say* I have a problem with the way you are?
Robin: Er... No?
Chrom: Ha! Embrace your inner kindergarten teacher. I've got plenty of muscle in my side, buddy. I don't need a thug or a cold-hearted killer: I need heart, brain, and compassion. I've *got* the muscle, and you've got the rest of it: a teacher's care, smarts, and willingness to keep those who have plenty of energy safe from themselves and others... including me.
Robin: Heheh... I suppose I can be content when you put it that way.
Chrom: ...Heh... Your best kindergarten teacher line was when you shouted "I'll teach you a lesson you won't soon forget!" Then you proceeded to teach him into the next life with thunder magic. Pure poetry.
Robin: Ugh... I need to work on my lines... Maybe "it's time to tip the scales!"
Chrom: Ah yes. Then you can be a merchant. With your scales.
Robin: A merchant?! No no no... the scales of *justice*!
Chrom: A judge, then. But a fair judge wouldn't tip the scales, would they?
Robin: ...Damn it, you're right. I stink at this.
Chrom: Haha! Never change, buddy. Never change...
___
(Ylisstol Castle Garden)
Chrom: *Sigh...*
Robin: Hey there, handsome. Come here often?
Chrom: Heh. Yeah... Where'd you pick that one up?
Robin: Mmm... I think a book I read. Sumia's got me hooked on those romance books.
Chrom: Did it work in the book?
Robin: Haha! Noooo... Got any good ones?
Chrom: I ...Alright, you got me. I don't have a good response to that one.
Robin: Uh oh. You *know* it's serious when you're too burdened to pick the low-hanging fruit that is educating me on flirting or teasing me.
Chrom: ...Sadly, you are correct.
Robin: ...Here.
Chrom: Hm?
Robin: Bit of wine to ease the mind?
Chrom: You don't drink. Why do you have this?
Robin: ...For you.
Chrom: Heh. Big softie. *Swig.* Mmm... Damn, that's good.
Robin: It's from Southtown.
Chrom: It's great. Thanks... Tomorrow we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers. But there's something you should know first. ...Not everything Gangrel said was a lie.
Robin: So I understand...
Chrom: You know, the last exalt, my father, waged war on Plegia for many years. The violence... The horror... It was a brutal and bloody campaign, ending only with his death 15 years ago thanks to a lucky illness.
Robin: ...
Chrom: Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering, but his war was no kinder to his own people. As the fighting dragged on, our army became more and more diminished. Farmers who could barely wield a pitchfork were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon there was no food at all, and the kingdom began to collapse.
Robin: Gods...
Chrom: I was young, but I remember those dark times. ...I know how they affected Emmeryn.
Robin: That poor woman.
Chrom: Indeed. When our father died before her 10th year, he left her quite the legacy... Plegia's desire for vengeance... Our own people's unbridled rage... My sister became a target for blame from all sides. Her own subjects began to hurl insults—and stones. She still bears the scar from one... But she never let them see her pain. Only Lissa and I understood.
Robin: ...Now I regret not buying her those flowers the other day.
Chrom: Heheh... You should have... Why would you have done that?
Robin: W-well, eh... She's... she's beautiful, and... I can sense this air of... sadness about her.
Chrom: You have my consent to try to court her... gods knows she could use a friend or a smile... I cannot claim to know how she does it, buddy. I could never greet such hostility with warmth and patience...
Robin: Hm...
Chrom: While our people mocked and vilified her, she reached out and healed them. She brought soldiers home to their families. She ended the war. And when Ylisse's spirit was mended and the people "forgave" her? ...She never resented them for it. She represents the best of the halidom—the part most worth protecting. She IS peace. But... some men would take advantage of that. Men like King Gangrel. The day he understands peace will be the day death gives it to him. ...So perhaps I must be death's agent. Emmeryn would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to, but...
Robin: Sometimes, you just need to put a mad dog down.
Marth: Well spoken, sir.
Robin: ...
Chrom: Ah. Evening Marth. Mysterious as always...
Marth: Good evening to you.
Chrom: So nice of you to join me in my heavily guarded private garden. Mind sharing how you got in here? I may need to fire some guards.
Marth: The cleft in the castle wall, behind the maple grove.
Chrom: ...*Sigh*...
Robin: You know the place?
Chrom: Yes... I bashed in part of the wall while training the Shepherds. It's only a small hole, and I'd thought it well concealed, but...
Robin: ...The... the several feet thick stone wall?
Chrom: Yeah, that one.
Robin: ...Gods...
Marth: Your secret is safe with me. I come here only to warn you.
Robin: Warn us...?
Marth: The exalt's life is in danger.
Chrom: We're well aware. That's why she's guarded day and night.
Marth: What if... What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where Emmeryn is killed. Here. Tonight.
Robin: ...?!
Chrom: Seen the future? Did Robin's magic fry your brains?
Marth: Yes, I expected you wouldn't believe me. So allow me to prove it.
*Marth draws his sword*
*Chrom draws his sword*
*Robin's hands crackle with electricity at his side*
Marth: ...I'm about to save your life. ...From him.
Assassin: Hrah!
Robin: Gods!
Marth: Grrrah!
Assassin: ACK!
Marth: I trust this proof will suffice.
Robin: ...There's another one.
Marth: Huh?!
*Another assassin rises from the bushes which caught Marth off guard. Marth slipped on the sword that the first assassin dropped and the second assassin's sword slashed across Marth's face, letting loose Marth's long hair and revealing Marth's feminine face, and leaving a deep, bloody cut. Chrom sped past Marth and took care of the assassin.*
Marth: Aaaaagh!
Chrom: Damn, that's deep... Robin?
Robin: On it. Come here.
Marth: ...?
Robin: ...
Marth: ...!
Robin: There. All better.
Marth: You... saved me. I didn't know you could heal, and... without a staff...?
Chrom: He's full of surprises... And... apparently you're a woman...?
Marth: Yes... And quite the actress, too. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't figure it out until just now.
Robin: ...No!
**BOOOOM!**
*The three rush off to the castle*
Chrom: So THAT'S what you meant when you said the Exalt's life is in danger...!
Robin: The blackguards will scatter if we slay their leader! Chrom, we---
Chrom: I'm going to Emmeryn! You lead the Shepherds.
Marth: I---
Chrom: You stay with me. Now, go!!
___
(Castle Gardens, after the battle)
Robin: ...Halt.
Marth: Oh. It's you.
Robin: ...I do not mean to detain you, but... will you at least remain here with me until Chrom comes?
Marth: ...I can tell you refuse to accept the alternative.
Robin: Quite right.
Chrom: Hey!
Robin: There you are...
Chrom: Ah, you kept her from leaving. Good job, buddy. You, miss, have a bad habit of leaving without saying good-bye, you know.
Marth: Yes, I'm afraid I have a few bad habits.
Robin: Heh. Don't we all...
Chrom: You've some good ones as well—you saved my life as well as both of my sisters. Is there a way I can repay you? Some favor I can grant?
Robin: My services are yours as well, should you ever need them, Miss.
Marth: Hearing you offer is reward enough. And my thanks to you as well, Robin.
Chrom: Come now... there must be *something*.
Robin: I sense you truly are satisfied, and yet...
Marth: I am satisfied. I already have what I came for: history has been rewritten.
Chrom: And what future averted?
Marth: After the exalt's untimely assassination, the Fire Emblem would be stolen. This, in turn, would lead to a great war, and soon to the end of mankind itself. ...But I'm sure that sounds like madness to you.
Chrom: ...Robin?
Robin: ...She's telling the truth.
Marth: Hm? I... did not know you possessed this power...
Chrom: He's a useful man with a heart of gold. He can pick out somebody on a battlefield who doesn't want to be there with just magic senses alone. I believed you already, but it's always nice to get a second opinion. Especially... you know.. when one claims to have knowledge of the future.
Marth: I see... Your safety is assured in the company of one such as he.
Chrom: Yours could be too... if you want to.
Marth: I beg your pardon?
Robin: He's offering to let you join the Shepherds. You've done your job, so why not stick around?
Chrom: Yes... I'll honor your privacy, if you like. Keep your secrets to yourself, and we'll provide room and board, decent pay...
Robin: And we'd be delighted to have you, and... forgive me if I'm overstepping, but you seem lonely. You'll find no finer company of friends and allies than the Shepherds.
Marth: ...Your invitation is... welcomed and appreciated, but I'm afraid I have other affairs to attend to.
Chrom: ...Alright. Hm... actually... Robin do you still have that seraph robe?
Robin: I do.
Chrom: Fetch it, won't you?
Marth: That won't be...
Chrom: Heh. He's a fast runner, don't worry. You'll be on your way in no time.
Robin: *Pant... pant...* Here you... go...
Chrom: Here.
Marth: Thank you... this is most kind of you.
Chrom: It's chilly out, and you're underdressed. Plus, you pull up the hood, and nobody will pay you a second look.
Robin: Plus, it's... enchanted. *Pant...*
Marth: ...Thank you. I will accept this.
Chrom: Good.
Robin: It suits you.
Chrom: Be safe, Marth. Until we meet again.
___
(Plegia, a few years later...)
Chrom: Damn it!
Marth: Father, no!
Robin: Thoron!
Risen: BLA! Hisss...
Chrom: ...
Robin: Sorry, buddy. Should have sensed that one.
Chrom: ...He warped in. You did fine... Erm... take care of things here will you? Marth and I have something to... discuss.
Robin: Oh. Marth is here. Yes, I will do so.
...
Sumia: Robin!
Robin: Heya Sumie. What's up?
Sumia: Where's Chrom?
Robin: Good question! Let's go find him, shall we? Everything looks under control here.
Sumia: Is he hurt?!
Robin: Huh? No, he's fine. Just talking with Marth.
Sumia: Marth?!
Robin: Oh look. There they are.
Lucina: ...Father! Heh heh...
Chrom: Haha! That will take some getting used to.
Sumia: *Sniff...!*
Robin: Uh oh. Hey, it's okay... It's probably just a misunderstanding, Sumie... Let's go see.
Sumia: O-okay...
Robin: Hey Chrom.
Chrom: Oh, Robin.
Robin: How... are things?
Chrom: Great.
Robin: Mmm... Just, erm... wondering... you're out here hugging a crying woman in a field. Just, erm... looking after your reputation.
Chrom: Ah. Thanks, buddy, but there's nothing... Sumia? Why in the gods' names are you shredding those poor flowers?
Sumia: You brought... HER! *sniff...*
Chrom: Can we tell her, Lucina?
Lucina: Of course.
Robin: Uhh... Should I leave?
Chrom: You better not. This is your niece.
Robin: ...What...?
Sumia: Wait, Lucina?! But wait, that's...
Lucina: It's true, Sumia. I'm your daughter. Look closely and see for yourself.
Sumia: Y-your eye! It has the Brand!
Chrom: Just like little Lucina.
Sumia: CHROM! This doesn't make any sense! ...Wait. Is my Lucina all right?! What did you do to her?!
Chrom: Whoh, I---
Lucina: Your baby is right where you left her, and perfectly safe. I am her from another time. From a time that is yet to be.
Robin: ...That explains a lot.
Sumia: The... future?
Lucina: Yes, more than 10 years hence. After history takes a dark and most destructive turn...
Robin: But why? What happens in the future?!
Lucina: The fell dragon, Grima, is resurrected. His roar is a death knell for man, a scream that silences all hope... Death everywhere...
Robin: ...No... Chrom? ...Our whole company? All of us? Dead?!
Lucina: ...Yes.
Robin: ...I... I don't know what to say. (You damned failure...! You've got to be better than this!!)
Chrom: A tale that beggars belief, and yet the truth of it stands before us. She carries Falchion, my same sword. And the same sword the first exalt used to defeat Grima long ago.
Lucina: Your blade and mine are one, Father. It was... It was all I had left of you.
Robin: ...(Robin, you're a damn fool. You have ONE job, and you failed...!) How... did you get here? Time traversal is the magic of the gods.
Lucina: Naga, the divine dragon, feared mankind would face Grima again. In preparation for that day, she devised a ritual. It allows one to return to the past and alter events already written. I made the journey together with others, but... we became separated.
Chrom: Don't worry. We'll help find them. Just describe them to Robin, and he'll use his network to find them in no time.
Lucina: Is that so? Thank you, Robin!
Robin: ...Yes... of course...
Chrom: ...
___
(Camp, that night)
Chrom: Robin?
Robin: ...
Chrom: Damn... you smell that self pity? Crack a window, buddy.
Robin: ...I'm... I couldn't keep you safe in that time... I let everybody die.
Chrom: Against a literal dark god? Come on, man...
Robin: ...
Chrom: Get your head out of your hands and get off your ass. Now.
Robin: Huh?
Chrom: Look at me.
Robin: ...
Chrom: ...
Robin: ...You're right.
Chrom: You're damn right I'm right. Don't even need to say a word, you know what I'm going to say.
Robin: We'll beat him. We've got advance notice this time.
Chrom: Trust in the power of our bond, and your bonds with this army. You'll be able to keep them safe. You haven't come up short yet, and just because somebody with your name in Lucina's timeline messed up doesn't mean you will. Fate's a bunch of hogwash anyways: you write your future.
Robin: Thanks, buddy... Sorry for... getting down.
Chrom: What else are brothers for? Now come on. Let's go swing our swords to unwind. I've got your zweihander out there ready for you.
Robin: Thank you. So... you think today I'll finally get the win?
Chrom: Maybe... but you're Robin the Jester if you think I'll let you embarrass me in front of my daughter.
Robin: Ha! Maybe a pretty girl's just the motivation I need to notch that win.
Chrom: Ha! Hitting on your niece from the future in front of her dad, eh? They don't call you Robin the Ladykiller for nothing. Bold as brass!
Robin: ...It does sound weird when you put it like that...
Chrom: Yeah... Maybe best to let "Little Lucy Lou" be the little one in the castle, and let this one be a new relationship.
Robin: Right...
Chrom: ...Although... I am curious to see if she'd enjoy being thrown in the air and sung to by you like Lucy does...
Robin: Hahaha! *No...* I think I'll pass...
Chrom: Well if you decide to risk your life doing so, make sure I'm around to laugh when she hands you your ass.
Robin: Haha! Will do.