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Hello everyone I just recently got back on Gaia and figured I'd post some of my fan fictions from my fanfiction.net account here to see how it does.
If you prefer to read fan fiction on a normal web page here is a link to the story:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9838125/1/Swords-and-Daggers

Chapter one: Figs and Tarts

song suggestion:kings and lionhearts by of monsters and men

Disclaimer: I own nothing at all all rights to there proper owner.
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Out in the forest of Ylisse in the tent community of the Sheppards slept the army's tactician. Well atleast she was asleep until now.

"Robin!" called the gruff voice of the chef as she stomped over to her tent causing robin to flail as she fell out of her cot. Robin groaned as the chef walked in and threw a familiar thief into the tent as well. "Robin he's at it again. If I catch him one more time."

"Hey watch it!" The carrot top thief stated as he fixed his footing so he wouldn't fall.

"What did you catch him stealing?" Robin asked flatly as she got up and dusted off her uniform that she had fallen asleep in.

"Well I didn't catch him per say," the cook grumbled quietly as she looked away. "But the food was missing and he was in the tent!"

"Oh? So how do you know it was him? Could it not have been taken before he was in the tent?" Robin pointed out causing Gaius to smirk as he looked at the chef.

"You," The chef pointed at Gaius. "I will catch you one day and when I do."

"I would thank you to not threaten soldiers that keep you safe and give you a job." Robin pointed out sternly since she was still very unhappy about being woken up so early in the morning. The cook let out a humph of disapproval before storming out of the tent.

"Thanks for saving my bacon bubbles." Gaius stated with a smirking smile as Robin sat down on her cot so she could hold her head in her hand while resting her elbow on her knee.

"What did you take this time?" Robin asked bluntly as she looked to the thief.

"Just a few fruit tarts… that where most likely for Chrom."Gaius stated before pulling out one of the small treats and popping it into his mouth causing Robin to sigh.

"Gaius you can't keep doing this. If you get caught then you're gonna get kicked out. No more consistent pay and no more free food." Robin pointed out honestly.

"Got it bubbles. I'll just be sneakier."Gaius replied before popping another tiny tart in his mouth and then offering another to her. With a half hearted smile Robin accepted the tart and ate it.

"Now get outta here before everyone else wakes up. I don't feel like having to explain that you got caught sneaking munchies again." Robin stated in a friendly ton to which Gaius just shrugged and walked out through the back of her tent and disappeared. Robin yawned as she stepped out of her tent and looked around. "Great the sun's barely up." Robin thought sarcastically before turning back around to face her tent while stretching.

"Robin!" Robin heard her blue haired leader call from not too far away causing her to look in his general direction. Chrom lightly jogged over to Robin who smiled despite her lack of sleep."Good to see that you're awake as well. I was hoping to go over our strategy for moving Emmeryn to the western castle." Chrom stated a Robin opened her tent for him.

"I was actually hopping to go over that today my lord." Robin stated causing Chrom to give her a strange look.

"Come now, there's no need to be formal around me. We're friends right?" Chrom asked with a laugh as Robin smile and retrieved the map of the local area from her quickly growing collection of papers.

"Right. Sorry it just seems strange to call you by your name when everyone else that works for you calls you their lord." Robin admitted as she splayed the map on her small wooden desk.

"So what plan have you come up with?"Chrom asked curiously as Robin started putting little wooden figures of her comrades onto the board.

"It's hard to say. For the first section of our travel we've had it easy with all the wooded forests to cover our trails but now that we have to go into the open it's presenting some difficulties." Robin explained as she took her seat at her desk. "Our best bet is a full march through the mountain pass. It will be tough if we find an enemy there but it's the quickest route through the clearing."

"I see." Chrom stated softly as he looked over her shoulder and examined the map. "I can't think of a better plan either. Well move in three days. That should give enough time to pack up camp." Chrom stated as he picked up Emmeryn's piece and put it on the western castle. "We'll have her there safely in no time." Chrom added with a smile and turned to leave the tent.

"There's one other thing I was hoping to go over." Robin added as she got up and walked over to a crate beside her bed and pulled out a chained box causing Chrom to flinch a bit once he saw it. "I've managed to find another of these horrid things. I can't help admit that they are a good training tool though. Shall I use it or burn it?" Robin asked curiously.

"Have Fredrick take it and train the newer recruits." Chrom replied diplomatically before leaving.

"Right." Robin thought before putting the reeking box back into the crate from before. "And so I shall sleep a little longer before doing so." Robin thought before plopping onto her cot once more and allowing it to lull her to sleep.

"Woman," said a quiet voice far away from her. "Woman." The voice stated in a gruffer and louder ton. Robin grumbled and shifted on her cot before half heartedly opening her eyes and propping herself up to find the Feroxi Lon'qu standing outside of her tent.

"Hm? How can I help you?" Robin asked groggily as she got up and rubbed her eyes a bit before walking towards him. Lon'qu took a step back as she approached with a pained expressions causing Robin to stop. "Right. Sorry." Robin stated quietly as she remembered his fear.

"Fredrick wishes to see you. Something about training." Lon'qu stated before walking away causing Robin to look for the sun.

"Geesh I over slept. It's must be at least 10 o clock." Robin thought in a panic before hurrying back into the tent to grab the Reeking box the hurrying back out to start her attempt to find Fredrick, making sure to greet everyone that she passed. The army life was strange, especially being one of the few females in the camp, but it was the only life she knew since she had no other memories. "Ah Fredrick there you are!" Robin called happily as she hurried over to his side. "Has Chrom asked if you'd be willing to train the newer recruits?" Robin asked hoping that Chrom had done so.

"He has yes. I assume you've brought the cursed box with you." Fredrick asked eyeing the box in Robin's arms wearily. They had worked together for a few months now but Fredrick still didn't trust her.

"Yep. Hopefully this is the last of them. I don't like that the merchants are starting to pawn these things off to civilians." Robin stated as she offered the box to Fredrick. "My suggestion is to take the healers, our weaker fighter and a few of the strong to even it out and help in case the box proves to be a challenge."

"Agreed. I'll take Maribelle, Lisa, Meriel, Stahl, Panne, Sumia, and Ricken to the far field. It should be far enough from camp." Fredrick stated after accepting the box.

"If you could take virion as well I think he could stand to gain from it." Robin suggested only to have Fredrick nod in response before starting to walk away.

"If you could train with the others in my absence it would be… appreciated." Fredrick stated hesitantly before continuing to walk away to find the soldiers that needed the training. Robin smiled at his small gesture of kindness before heading off to do what she was told. By high noon Robin had finally managed to gather the last of the stronger crew to train. Namely herself, Chrom, Sully, Vaike, Kellam, and Lon'Qu.

"Ok so after consideration of the last battle these will be the new sparing pairs for now. Kellam practice with Vaike. You need to work on taking Axe blows better." Robin stated being in her complete tactical mode. "Sully, Chrom you're both doing well but Chrom you could stand for some extra practice against lances." Robin added before heading over to the last sparing square with Lon'qu. "That leave use to practice together." Robin stated as the other groups had already started their practice.

"And what do I need to work on?" Lon'qu asked annoyed by the fact that the woman may have found any sort of flaw in his fighting.

"Nothing. I just need to work on my sword fighting." Robin stated honestly as she entered the square. "Although you could stand to work on your fear of women. It could end up getting you killed one day." Robin added bluntly causing Lon'qu to glare at her. Robin shifted her weight from fear of Lon'qu's daggered glare before speaking again. "You'll go easy on me, won't you? I am still learning." Robin asked politely only to receive a 'humph' in response as Lon'qu looked away. "Was that a Yes or a no?" Robin thought before tightening her grip on her practice sword. "Ok well, let's just get started then." Robin stated in fair warning before taking her first strike at Lon'qu which he easily dodge by taking a step back then taking a jump back so that he was the proper distance from Robin so that he wouldn't be afraid of her. "heh, you are good." Robin stated with a light laugh as she tried to think of what to do next.

"Thank you." Lon'qu finally spoke, although he felt uneasy under Robin's stare.

"Shouldn't you use a sword thought? It comes off a bit arrogant." Robin pointed out. "This is bad. He won't even draw his sword around a woman? This really is going to get him killed. I've got to figure out something." Robin thought trying to devise a plan. After receiving no reply for some time Robin sighed and walked to a small table by the sparing square which supplied fruit and water.

"Swordplay is a man's pursuit." Lon'qu stated which just pissed off Robin as she choked on her water from the sudden insult. "What does a woman know of" Lon'qu continued only to have Robin cut him off as she threw a whole fruit at him from the table letting out a small battle cry as she threw it. "What the!" Lon'qu stated as he dodge the fruit easily only to have it splat against the wall causing an idea to pop up in Robin's head as she picked up the bowl of figs and continued to throw them. "What in the blazes are you doing?" Lon'qu asked as he dodged her barrage.

"If I can't get close enough to fight you then I'll fight you from here." Robin stated without stopping her fruity assault. "It's basic tactic surely you've heard of them warrior." Robin stated causing Lon'qu to scoff.

"It's not like you'll ever manage to hit me with one anyways." Lon'qu stated under his breath only to have Robin hurtle one at him even harder than before which made a resounding splat on the wall.

"That sounds like a challenge to me. Ok then fancy feet, try dodging this one!" Robin replied with one throw after another causing Lon'qu to back up as she pressed forward.

"Stop that!" Lon'qu demanded as he realized how close she was getting to him "Don't Come any closer!" Lon'qu yelled when he felt his back hit the wall. "Please stop." Lon'qu demanded once more as he continued to dodge the figs.

"We have to be close if we're going to train properly." Robin stated bluntly as the fear in Lon'qu's eye change from fearful to dangerous and hostile. "Just a bit closer" Robin thought to herself. If she could take just a few more step she'd be able to just reach out and touch him with the fig rather than throwing it. As Robin got closer Lon'qu just got more and more fidgety.

"I won't stand for this! I'm leaving." Lon'qu announced before hurrying for the nearest exit.

"Hey get back here and fight!" Robin stated ready to run after him when she realized that he had left his blade in the training area by mistake. "Huh, that's not like him to forget this." Robin thought as she picked up the sheathed blade. "I guess I should apologize and return this to him." Robin thought then looked to her other hand that still had a fig in it. "After I finally hit him." Robin added to her thought in amusement. Robin Kept that sword by her side for a week and could tell that it bothered Lon'qu. A lot. Even when she was discussing battle plans with Chrom and Fredrick he could be found glaring at her from afar since the sword was tied to her back. He didn't even notice the attention he was receiving from the newest member of the group, Cordelia the Pegasus knight. When nighttime finally came allowing dinner around the fire to come and pass, after a good meal the sore and now well fed warriors went to their tents for some well deserved sleep. Robin stayed up as usual studying maps by candle light waiting for the time when she knew that everyone else would be asleep before leaving her candle lit in the middle of her tent and sneaking out the back. "Ok so if I just take a short cut through the weapons tent here then I'll be right across from Lon'qu's tent." Robin thought happily as she adjusted the sword on her back so she could pull a sling shot out of her oversized coat's pocket along with one of the few figs she brought with. "Huh, I wonder who left the light on. I'll have to turn that out while I'm in here." Robin thought before sauntering into what she thought was the weapons tent only to find herself in the men's bathing tent. Any other day before now that would have been fine but she had forgotten that there were new recruits that she didn't know the sleeping schedule of yet and happened to walk in on one of them.

"What the? Bubbles? What are you doing in here?!" Gaius exclaimed quietly so to not wake the others in the tents around them. Robin just stared for a few seconds before turning around and exiting the way that she came from, her face redder then a cherry tomato. "Bubbles wait" Gaius called out as he quickly slipped his pants and shirt back on and exited the tent after the mortified girl only to find her waiting outside, her eyes wide like a frightened deer.

"Gaius I am so sorry. I didn't mean to walk in on you like that I just." Robin started only to be cut off by Gaius.

"It's no problem bubbles. At least I still had my small clothes on." Gaius stated with a light laugh "and for a cup cake or two from your friend the cook I might be willing to give you another show." Giaus added with a wink before his face soured a bit. "Although I did want to mention that I'm usually in better shape than this. This war's really been bringing out the worst in my sweet tooth so I've been eating a little more than usual."

"Right I'll" Robin started only to have Gaius cut her off.

"I'm sure you got an eye full so I just wanted to let you know that usually I'm a real piece of eye candy." Gaius continued.

"Actually I" Robin tried once more to no avail.

"You know, belly like a washboard, glutes like a lumberjack" Gaius listed only this time it was he who was cut off.

"Ok! That's enough with the details. I'm sure you're usually very nice." Robin stated trying to regain control of the conversation only to result in an awkward silence between the two. "Er, I do have to admit I did see something that… has me worried." Robin stated honestly causing Gaius to shift uncomfortably.

"You saw that? Geesh that's a bit embarrassing. It's just some poison oak I got into I swear." Gaius started again only to have Robin cut him off.

"No not that. Though you should get Lissa to look at it for you." Robin stated causing Gaius to smirk. "What?"

"Someone's got lingering eyes. You know I'm serious about the cupcake offer." Gaius stated causing Robin to stomp on his foot.

"Let's just talk about that tattoo on your arm shall we?"Robin stated annoyed by how side tracked he was getting. "That's the one that is used to mark convicted criminals isn't it?" Robin asked, her concern starting to return.

"Oh you mean that." Gaius started as if he had forgotten about the condemning marking that plagued him. "I got caught doing a favor for a friend once." Gaius replied closing his eyes while shrugging. "I'd appreciate it if you kept that under your hat though bubbles." Gaius added as he opened one of his eyes so he could look at Robin.

"Right, I won't tell" Robin started only to be cut off.

"You'll tell everyone you say?" Gaius stated causing Robins shoulder to slump from disbelief. "so you're gonna black mail me huh?"

"No that's not what I said" Robin tried to clarify. "Heavens he's deaf I swear!" Robin thought annoyed. Not only was he a horrible listener but he was wasting her precious little time to finally get back at Lon'qu.

"Fine I understand that whole heartedly. You can have my portion of dinner tomorrow fair?" Gaius bribed a little louder then Robin would have liked.

"Will you hush. I'm not black mailing you." Robin hissed quietly.

"You drive a hard bargain." Gaius stated unamused. "How about a custard pie then? I've been saving if for a special occasion but I can manage to part with it."

"Gaius are you even"

"Look I don't have any money but now that I think about it I do have some honey cakes and those are gold in color at least." Gaius continued as he held his chin while pondering.

"How did I get myself into this mess?" Robin mentally cried. "Look I'll keep your blasted secret now if you don't mind I have." Robin was about ready to snap as Gaius cut her off again.

Whoa calm down bubbles here have some chocolate I heard that helps girls when they're moody." Gaius stated as s he offered her a piece of chocolate. Robin sighed and accepted the chocolate.

"Look can I just take a short cut through this tent?" Robin asked curiously causing Gaius's eyes to light up.

"Sure and then we're even?" Gaius asked.

"We can't be even if I was never trying to black mail you in the first place." Robin stated as she walked through the tent only to hear Gaius's frustrated growl from behind her.

"I swear he has the IQ of dirt." Robin thought as she peeped through the other side of the tent to see the chef skipping off with her pail of water. "Huh, she's running a bit late." Robin thought as she waited for the chef to disappear before exiting the tent and crawling the rest of the way to Lon'qu's tent. "There it is. You know for one being so afraid of women you think he'd close up his tent better. This isn't even a challenge." Robin giggled to herself as she let her fig fly only to have it fly straight through his tent into the woods. Robin winced as she heard the pained squawking of a chicken, which caused Lon'qu to sit up straight from his cot. "Excellent, a better target." Robin thought happily as she fired another fig this time to enjoy the gratifying thump of it hitting Lon'qu. "Take that you scary sexist pig."Robin thought triumphantly as she got up and entered the tent. "Gotcha" Robin whispered causing Lon'qu to fly back from is cot and hit his tent wall, which happened to also bump into Fredrick as well. Oopsy.

"Huh, what the?" Fredrick thought confused and tired from his sudden awakening.

"Heavens woman what are you doing in her so late. What if someone catches you?" Fredrick over heard Lon'qu his which slightly peaked his interest as his checks stained a bit.

"No, bad Fredrick. I don't hear anything. LALALALALALALA!" Fredrick thought as he plugged his ears with his fingers.

"Look I was just trying to prove a point that I can fight too." Robin admitted sheepishly "That and I figured you'd want this back." Robin stated as she offered the sheathed sword to Lon'qu Who quickly swiped it away from her.

"Maybe I was just hearing things?" Fredrick though and unplugged his ears for a second only to hear Lon'qu sigh.

"You've gotten what you came for now leave before you get caught." Lon'qu stated bluntly as he held his forehead in his hand.

"Nope. Lalalalalala."Fredrick continued his mental blockade.

"Fine." Robin whispered with a shrug before stealthily leaving the tent.

Chapter 3: Slips and Falling

well I've sure been busy on this one. i'm pretty sure this is the fastest I've ever updated a fanfiction consecutively. be prepared for some interesting cuteness and a little bit of heart string tugging.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Song suggestion: Pompeii by Bastille
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"Emm!" Chrom cried out in horror as he ran faster and faster towards his falling sister who he had risked everything for to save.

"No!" Lissa screamed as she cried and looked away from Emmeryn's falling form as everyone else reminded silent in horror and in honor of what she was doing until a resounding thud caused Chrom to stop in his tracks and fall to his knees as he wept. Though she never got to really know Emmeryn Robin felt like a part of the world had been lost to her. Even with the feeling of this tearing void it was still up to her to get everyone out safely.

"We have to move now!" Robin commanded to the units to retreat as she ran after Chrom. "Chrom we have to go."

"No! Not without her! We have to retrieve her body." Chrom contradicted as Robin did her best to lead him away.

"Chrom I'm not having the blood of two exalted on my hands. We need to leave." Robin continued to do her best to get him to leave but fail to drag him away from the coming onslaught of the Risen when Fredrick finally road up.

"Fredrick, take Chrom." Robin ordered as she sent a lightning strike towards the nearest risen soldier. Fredrick was hesitant followed ordered but pulled Chrom onto his horse before riding off with Robin running after them as fast as she could, taking down any enemy that was getting too close. For a while it seemed like Robin was doing a fair job keeping up until she slowly started to lose sight of Fredrick as he joined the mass that was the growing army of the sheppards. Robin let he self look to the group with a hopeful smile that she would make it to them in time only to have her foot her stuck in a sand trap causing her fall and dislocate her leg. Robin let out a howl of pain as she cursed herself for not focusing on the uneven terrain. Robin tried to pushed herself to get up only to hear the Gargled moans of the Risen running closer and closer to her. Robin looked over her shoulder and sure enough there they were at least 3 Risen running straight for her in a contest to see who could get their first and kill her. Panicking Robin looked around for the tomb she was carrying only to find that it had falling a short way away from her, if she had be able to walk that is. For one who could not that stretch would take at least half a minute to crawl in peak condition. None the less Robin did her best to crawl through the shifting sand that threatened to bury her alive only to have a blur run past her.

"How well will you die?" The figure asked the Risen rhetorically as they proceeded to slice through the Risen's body, allowing Robin enough time to reach her tomb and take out the second of the three risen as she was hoisted onto a horse.

"Honestly how do you plan on leading us if you can't even walk?" Maribelle asked as her horse trotted back over to the retreating group. Robin just ignored her comment and looked back to find Lon'qu fighting the last Risen in her place, easily surprising her. Pushing through the shock Robin fired a lightning attack at the last risen causing it to dissipate in to dark blackish purple smog allowing Lon'qu to rejoin the group as well, so that the group could escape despite the odds.

After three days of straight marching the disheartened group made it back to Regna Ferox where the soldiers tiredly step up camp with broken spirits while Flavia, Bastilio, and Robin stood emptily stood around the great hall, not sure of what to do now.

"Well now what?" Bastilio asked as he rubbed his hand over his bald head.

"We regroup and rest. Then we strike again." Robin announced with a fire in her eye. Lissa had managed to fix her leg and after three days of resting it on horseback it was starting to regain its strength.

"That's suicide. They'll ripe us limb from limb." Flavia pointed out not exactly excited to head back into what she knew to be a death trap.

"I don't think that we'll meet as much resistance as you think." Robin replied as she looked over the map that Flavia had let her borrow.

"Ok kid. What are you scheming. I always like it when you have that smile." Flavia replied as Robin flattened the map on the war table.

"There is a small island here with only two bridges and 3 small forts. It's close enough to the capital that if we can over take it, the king might come out to fight us himself." Robin explained as she pointed out her plan since she didn't have her wooden figures with her.

"Now why the heck would we want that? He's their leader he's bound to be twice as strong as any army that he throws at us." Bastilio reasoned as he walked over to the table.

"Not exactly. Not every country's leader is as strong as the leaders of Ferox." Robin stated earning her a strong slap on the back from Bastilio.

"Flattery gets you nowhere kid." He said even though his face showed he was indeed happy with the complement.

"If we fight him and win we'll cut the head off of the snake. There won't be a threat anymore. The war will end in this one battle if we can pull this off." Robin explained as her heart sank. "Emmeryn…. She would have wanted this resolved with as little blood as possible."

"Let's do this then." Flavia stated with a nod as she slammed her fist onto the map. "He'll pay with his own life." Robin let out a weak smile before turning to leave the court. As she walked through the halls Robin walked past the room of her hurting leader only to stop a few steps later to turn back and stand in front of his door.

"He should know what's going on." Robin thought as she looked down before looking back at the door and knocking on it.

"Who's there?" Chrom replied his voice sounding notable weak.

"It's Robin. I was hoping we could talk?" Robin requested only to hear the sound of scurried motion before the door opened shortly after.

"Robin, of course come in." Chrom greeted after opening the door though Robin could tell he had been crying recently despite his best effort to not. Robin walked in and could tell that Chrom had definitely been battling with himself if not an unseen person considering at the cuts in the stone walls. " What can I do for you? Can I offer you a seat?" Chrom asked after closing the door and walking over to the room's simple table set.

"No thank you, I prefer to stand." Robin replied as she walked to his side. "I figured you might want to know that we have a plan." Robin added causing Chrom to let out a short half hearted chuckle.

"You always do. What have you thought of?" Chrom stated gentle before looking at her with sad eyes that Robin couldn't help but felt guilty when she saw them. Who was she to continue choosing what the Sheppards do, she had just failed him in the worst way possible resulting in the death of his sister. Robin drew as small simple map on a scrap piece of paper for Chrom and explained her plan again but with less gusto then she had with Flavia and Basitlio.

"When do we march?" Chrom asked quietly though revenge was blazing in his eyes.

"I was going to suggest waiting for at least 4 days. Our getaway was rough on everyone." Robin replied quietly even though she knew this wasn't an answer that the prince would want to hear.

"Give them a week." Chrom countered surprising robin.

"A week is quite a while Chrom." Robin started then stopped. "But if that is what you want it shall be done." Silence ensued causing Robin to shift awkwardly a little. "Hey Chrom?" Robin asked quietly to see if he was still mentally in the room.

"Yes Robin." Chrom replied just as quietly though his eyes didn't move from the map on the table.

"I-I'm sorry. I've failed you."Robin hesitated as she expressed her condolences for her failure to his expectation of her. "I swear it that I won't fail you again." Robin adding only to see Chrom prop himself up against the table with one arm while he held his bowed head with his other hand as tears plunked against the tables hard wood.

"Chrom," Robin Thought as he heart sank as she moved to put her hand on his shoulder on support. "Oh to heck with that." Robin thought as she hugged the hurting young man which surprised him at first. Once he recovered from the initial shock Chrom returned the hug as he held on to her tight and cried openly.

"Everything is," Robin started but decided to change her wording. "Everything will be ok." Robin Whispered causing a small memory returned to her. It wasn't much just her crying into the arms of a woman whose face she couldn't see. Robin remembered how calm she felt as the woman sat her down and let Robin rest her head on her lap as she stroked Robin's hair. "W-why am I such a monster mama?" little Robin asked the woman.

"Eh-hm." Gaius cleared his throat causing the two to look at him. "So it's turning into chaos down there. But, um. Should I come back later?" Gaius asked curiously with a twitching mischievous smile.

"I'll be down shortly. Thank you for looking for me." Robin stated with a nod before Gaius left whistling. Robin turned back to Chrom. "I," Robin started only to get cut off.

"You don't have to leave." Chrom stated quietly, effectively shocking Robin.

"My place is working with the others for victory. I can't think to stay in here longer then necessary while the others sleep in the cold on mats." Robin explained before walking to the door only to stop in front of it. "I'll try and stop by when I can though." Robin tacked on before heading out, closing the door behind her. Chrom just weakly smiled as he looked away from the door.

"She would make a fair queen." Chrom thought before turning to start putting the room back in order.

Robin hurried down to the outer field where the Sheppards were all anxiously waiting to know what was going to happen next. Robin walked to the middle of camp silently as everyone she walked passed followed and gathered. "Ok everyone listen up 'cause I'm only saying this once." Robin announced causing a few last minute clanking sounds of armor and hushes. "We have suffered a great loss." Robin started causing a few soldiers to hang their heads as they remembered what they had seen. "We have lost our beloved Exalted at the hands of one man. I think a little payback is in order." Robin added causing the group to give a quick cheer. "I know that a lot of you have risked everything for Ylisse many times over now. It is not fair for me to ask you to do more but i'm afraid I must." Robin continued her speak and looked around to make sure she still had everyone's attention. "In seven days we will march to the capital and face Gangrel head on. There we will end this war, there we will fight," Robin declared and looked around to see that everyone seemed just as fired up to go as she was. Robin then drew her sword and hoisted it in the air. "For Emmeryn, and for peace!" Robin cheered earning a loud cheering response. Robin sheathed her sword and waited patiently for everyone to settle back down. "Until then rest, you are all needed to make this a success." Robin concluded then went to her tent. Robin barely sat down before her first visitor came in.

"Permission to address the chief tactician?" Gaius asked jokingly as he walked in.

"Permission granted." Robin replied only half joking as she pulled a book from a nearby stack and opened it.

"That's quiet the monolog you gave back there. You sure you're not one of the rich bloods?" Gaius asked as he sat down on her cot.

"I'm sure." Robin stated simply with a smile as she went back to the memory that resurfaced earlier.

"Hm, how are you so sure?" Gaius asked surprised by Robin's confidence with her answer. Robin closed the book and got up walking to the book shelf by her cot so she could put the book in it's proper place.

"Because I remembered my mother today. Well, not her specifically, but I remembered being with her I remember her stroking my hair when I was sad." Robin explained though she was not sure why she was telling him anything. "The house we were in was very small and had a dirt floor so I don't think that's a castle." Robin explained her voice seemed distracted as she looked down to the grass floor at her feet while she tried to go back to the memory even though it was sad.

"That's not much of a memory." Gaius stated honestly which caused Robin to deadpan.

"Well sorry it's not that impressive. I might have remembered more if you didn't break the memory." Robin accused and effectively made Gaius feel guilty.

"Oops." Gaius stated with a shrug causing Robin to sigh as she turned her attention back to organizing her books. "Hey bubbles?" Gaius asked causing Robin to look over only to see him motion for her to come over to him. Cautiously Robin to a few steps over so she was standing in front of him.

"What's up Gaius?" Robin asked only to get the response of him patting the cot signing for Robin to sit with him. Robin rolled her eyes before obliging his strange game. Gaius wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gently applied pressure so that she'd lean over and have her head rest on his leg. "Gaius what the heck are you doing?" Robin asked unamused until Gaius started running his fingers through her hair in a soft repetitive motion causing her to very quickly relax.

"This is what you're mother would do right?" Gaius asked as he looked away towards the back of the tent.

"Yeah." Robin replied quietly and enjoyed the peaceful feeling that came over her… until someone else entered the tent about 5 minute later.

"Hey Robin are we still sparing partners?" Lon'qu as he asked while walking in, looking around trying to figure out why she wasn't instantly visible. "Oh." Was all Lon'qu said after finally seeing Robin then quickly did a 180 and walked out of the tent.

"I swear I wish there was a way for people to knock on a tent." Robin stated as she held her face as she sat up causing Gaius to laugh.

"That would make life easier it seems." Gaius replied as he stood up. "So are we even yet?"

"What?" Robin asked as her face went from calm and peaceful to unamused and pissed off. "Gaius you Dastard. How dare you use my emotions to try and fix your imagined slight!" Robin hissed ready to whittle him away to nothing. Gaius's eye bulged as he took a step back from the angry female, holding his hands up in defense.

"Hey look in my walk of life there is no such thing as a free dinner. The one that says they'll do anything for you for free is gonna be the first that wants to stab you in the back." Gaius tried to reason which just caused Robin to look away from him as she crossed her arms then sighed.

"I didn't want to have to do this." Robin stated honestly as she looked back to Gaius with a determined expression which just made him all the more nervous as she started to walk towards him. "I have something to tell you."

"And what's that bubbles?" Gaius asked, the nervousness starting to show in his ton as Robin got closer and closer. Robin stopped in front of him and leaned in on her tiptoes so she could whisper into his ear. At first gaius's face was contorted a bit from his nerves as a blush lightly crossed his face, that slowly changed as his face relaxed allowing him to smile as he started shaking from trying to hold in laughter as Robin told him how she was trying to sneak attack Lon'qu but accidentally hit a chicken then thumped him so hard with a fig that he had a bruise for two weeks. When Robin finished Gaius couldn't hold in his laughter any longer and bursted out in a howling laugh.

"You're kidding? And the Chicken? Oh that's rich." Gaius asked through his laughs which Robin only nodded in response.

"That a secret I haven't told anyone. If you don't tell my secret then I won't tell yours." Robin reasoned which caused Gaius to Gawk at Robin as he realized what she had done.

"Ok then, deal. Thanks for doing that bubbles. I appreciate it." Gaius said as he gave Robin a soft and genuine smile.

"It's no problem. Now stop trying to bribe me. You don't have to." Robin stated as she grabbed her sword and walked towards the front exit of her tent.

"Got it." Gaius agreed and followed Robin out of the tent then went his separate while Robin went looking for Lon'qu. After looking around for a while and asking several people she finally found him practicing by himself by a frozen lake that wasn't too far from the camp.

"Lon'qu" Robin called to announce her presence to the concentrating swordsman causing him to turn and face her with an unamused glance. "Sorry about earlier, Gaius was just trying to help me remember my mother." Robin explained her honest assessment of the situation that he had found her in.

"You do not need to explain yourself to me. It is no concern of mine." Lon'qu replied as he faced her. "Shall we practice?"

"Yeah." Robin replied with a nod before unsheathing her sword and getting into a ready stance. The two practiced for around an hour before Robin's injured leg gave out causing her to slip and fall on the icy, muddy slush that had once been a peaceful blanket of snow.

"Perhaps it would be a good idea to stop." Lon'qu suggested as he helped Robin prop herself up so that she was now just sitting on the ground rather than lying on her side in pain from the sting of hitting the ground.

"That sounds like a good idea." Robin stated as she poked her leg then winced from the sting.

"Not like practice was getting anywhere anyways. " Lon'qu pointed out in annoyance.

"What do you mean? I think I'm getting pretty good at recognizing when to strike." Robin countered only to see that Lon'qu was still annoyed.

"Yes yet you openly mock our practice by making silly faces and poking me in the ribs when you find the opening. " Lon'qu argued which to his dismay only caused Robin to smile.

"Well yeah, but haven't you also noticed that you're more relaxed during practice? Look you're not even sweating even though you're so close to me." Robin pointed out which just caused Lon'qu's eyes to bulge as he realized the truth in her words. There he was the man who was afraid of women, at easy sitting on one knee right next to one and on top of that his hand was still on her back from when he helped prop her up. Lon'qu's face turned beet red as he flew back so he could be a safe distance from Robin.

"By the heavens, you're right? What sort of witchcraft is this?!" Lon'qu demanded which caused Robin to laugh with a smile.

"No magic at all. It's called being friends." Robin explained "I realized that you felt more at ease when you were distracted so I figured if I acted strange it would be so distracting that you'd forget that I was female and you'd be able to train better." Robin elaborated which caused Lon'qu to smirk.

"You are a con artist of the highest order." Lon'qu said as he pushed himself up from the ground and walked back over to Robin, only to slip on the same slick spot that caused Robin to fall earlier, causing him to land on top of her and bonk heads.

"Ouch." Robin grumbled as she held her head in pain as Lon'qu propped himself up on his arms so he could shake the pain away. Robin was the first to open her eyes as she let her hand fall to the side her face turned bright red as she looked up at Lon'qu. Once Lon'qu finally opened his eyes he froze in fear as he realized that he was so close to Robin causing his face to got beet red once more. "Um" Robin started quietly as if she was trying to reach out to a deer. "Hi."

"Hello." Lon'qu choked out just as quietly as he tried to figure out what to do, completely overlooking the fact that he could just roll to his left or right in his panic.

"Nice weather we're having." Robin said as she looked away slightly trying to act as if nothing was wrong causing Lon'qu to chuckle a little. "I got you to laugh again." Robin stated excited as her blush deepened slightly from happiness and slightly from the cold wind blowing across her face. Lon'qu's brain started working again and reminded him if he didn't feel comfortable then he should move and so he did. Ignoring what Robin had said Lon'qu got up then hurried away.

"What on earth is wrong with me?" Lon'qu mutter to himself as he walked back to his tent. For the rest of their time in Ferox Lon'qu did his best to make sure that he avoided Robin at all cost. On the final day of the stay Fredrick came to visit Lon'qu.

"Fredrick." Lon'qu greeted simply as he worked on packing up his tent.

"Robin has assigned new sparing partners to everyone." Fredrick announced as if it was suppose to be even remotely important to him.

"About time she did too." Lon'qu replied gruffly as he started folding up his cot.

"You're new partner will be Stahl." Fredrick stated only receiving a nod in response. "Right then." Fredrick said as he walked back out of the tent.

"Good she understands." Lon'qu whispered to himself before he went back to work. "What is this strange tightness in my chest?" Lon'qu thought as he turned to start dismantling the tent though he was still inside of it. "Am I feeling... Sad?" Lon'qu questioned as he stopped what he was doing once more then shook his head. "No. I don't have feelings. That's stupid." Lon'qu reminded himself forcing himself to focus on the task at hand. That only lasted for a good three minutes as the feeling did not leave frustrating him further. Lon'qu stood from untying one of the corners of the tent as he frustrate rubbed his head. "Get out of my head!" Lon'qu mentally argued with his subconscious before taking out his anger on the pole in the center of his tent by kicking it. Normally this would have been fine, he'd done that several time before but this time the tent was weak and only half put together so naturally it all collapsed on top of him. He sighed as he managed to worm his way out of the fallen tent. "Perhaps I should just talk to her after the coming battle." Lon'qu thought as he held his head trying to figure out what he had done to deserve this.

The next 5 days were spent marching towards the capital and luckily for them they met little to no resistance the whole way there, until the dreaded time came. The two armies stared each other down for a good 10 minutes before Robin gave her first orders.

"Everyone into formation!" Robin cried out as she and Chrom lead the group in a race against the Plegian army for the strong hold of the island in the middle of the dessert. "Double speed! Come on, we need to get there first!" Robin commanded as she ran faster to match the pace that she wanted. "Fredrick, Meriel, pair up and guard the far entrance to the Island! Panne, Stahl, Libra guard the forts and take out the Plegians inside! Chrom fall back with me to cover the rear!" Robin continued to shout her plan to the others as she ushered everyone on to the island. They had made it there first. The battle was long and painful as they fought at three to one odds against the Plegians. Through team work, and countless hours of struggling all that was left was to take out Gangrel who had very few left to use as a meat shield. "We march together!" Robin cried as she sent a blast of fire into the air signaling for everyone to regroup. In her hurry for victory Robin failed to notice a few stray Risen archers enter the battle field all aim their arrows to take out the problem at its source. Her.

"Rejected!" Gaius announced as he pushed Robin out of the way with a smirk effectively keeping her from looking like a pin cushion.

"Thanks Gaius." Robin stated gratefully before continuing the march and working with him through the rest of the battle. Once the group finally cornered the mad king, Robin looked to Chrom. "He's all yours." Robin stated quietly. Everyone watched intently as the two fought even though the battle didn't last long. Chrom would run in for a close attack which Gangrel would usually avoid for the most part before jumping back and summoning lighting with his levian sword.

"Your end has come!" Chrom yelled to Gangrel who just laughed as Chrom charged at him this time hitting the mad king with the full brunt of his attack sending the king flying causing him to hit the ground with a large thud. The sheppards cheered as Chrom returned to the group with a large weight now off of his shoulders.

"Well would you look at that. Your plan worked flawlessly bubbles." Gaius complemented as he gave Robin a quick side hug and a peck on the side of her head causing her to blush.

"It wouldn't have been a success if I had been the only one here. Everyone is to thank." Bubble replied humbly as she took a step back and scratched the back of her head.

"Robin," Chrom called as he hurried over. "The Plegian have official surrendered." He announced as he stopped in front of her.

"That great." Robin replied happily as Chrom noticed that Gaius was still standing nearby and made a light gesture with his hand for Gaius to shoo. Gaius raised an eye brow before turning his back which Chrom took to mean that he was leaving and turned his focus back to Robin. "What's wrong Chrom? You look so serious." Robin asked curiously.

"I think I owe you an apology. This wasn't your war to fight."Chrom replied peaking Gaius's interest causing him to stop walking away and turn back around to see what was going on.

"Chrom, I chose to fight it." Robin replied confused by Chrom's random apology.

"All I've been thinking about is stopping Gangrel no matter what. Even if I would have had to die it would not have been too high a cost to pay." Chrom continued causing Robin to stare at him with concern.

"Chrom don't talk like that, you're life is much too valuable. Think of your people." Robin chided Chrom which just caused him to smile softly at her.

"I've learned that and I've been thinking a lot lately about everything that's happened." Chrom said then hesitated to continue. "And about you as well."

"Huh?" Robin asked and stared at Chrom even more confused than before.

Gaius's jaw dropped upon hearing this. "Sure I knew the two were chummy but I didn't think that I might have fallen for the prince's girl. Geesh how stupid am I?" Gaius thought only to shake his head and question what he had just thought. "Wait, I what?" Gaius thought now confused about his own emotions for the army's tactician. Gaius felt a strong pair of eyes looking in his general direction to find Lon'Qu and Tharja not far behind him, also watching the Prince and Robin.

"In many ways, you're one of the best fighters I've ever known, and the best friend." Chrom explained causing Robin to smile back at him. "You are a special sort of woman and I" Chrom paused as he choked on his words causing Robin to be concerned once more. In a quick moment of bravery Chrom grabbed Robin by the waist and pulled her close before pressing his lips against hers passionately.

"Woooah things just escalated quickly." Gaius thought as his heart dropped out of his chest for reasons unknown to him at this time. Hearing a familiar 'humph' from behind him, Gaius turned around to find Lon'qu walking away.

"I was wondering if you think of me as more than your leader?" Chrom asked after the two parted.

"I think of you as a great man and one that is important to me." Robin replied still in a daze and only truly able to process half of what was happening.

" Well there go my chances. It's not hard to choose between the prince and that pauper." Gaius subconsciously thought as he looked away, ready to start walking again.

"Back in Ferox, I wished to never let you go. Does that make me selfish?" Chrom asked hoping for an honest answer.

"Oh boy this is gonna be really awkward." Robin thought as she looked away and down at the ground as she blushed feverously which caused her to notice Gaius walking away with a somewhat sad expression.

"Robin?" Chrom asked as he gently turned her face to look at him.

"Yes Chrom?" Robin asked in response praying that he wasn't going to ask her what she thought he was.

"I know we met under unusual circumstances, But lives have been made from much less." Chrom drew on causing Robin to mentally Wince. "My sister always followed her heart, so now I'm going to follow mine."

"Oooh here it come, please don't ask me." Robin thought to herself embarrassed.

"What I want to ask you. Well what I mean to say is." Chrom stuttered as he tried to figure out how to phrase the ever popular question.

"Oh please just spit it out so I can get this over with." Robin thought as she looked to the ground once more even though Chrom still held her face. "How does one reject royalty politely? How does one do it at all for that matter?" Robin mentally worried.

"Will you marry me?" Chrom asked sincerely causing Robin to blush more then she thought was ever possible.

"And there it is. There's the guilty kick in the stomach of not being on the same page. Here we go." Robin thought.

Gaius walked past Tharja only to hear her light laugh. "What so funny?" Gaius asked in honest curiosity as he turned to Tharja.

"It seems the young prince is going to be rejected by his first love." Tharja stated in a creepy almost gleeful ton which caused Gaius to turn and look back at the two, straining his ears to hear.

"I am a lucky woman to have met you and luckier still to have become close to you Chrom." Robin replied causing him to smile. "But, I'm afraid I cannot say I return your feelings." Robin finished causing a pained expression to take over the Prince's face as he looked away and let go of her.

"Heavens, did she really did just turn down the Prince?" Gaius thought completely befuddled as he tried to figure out what was going on.

"I understand." Chrom replied as he ran his hand through his hair. "With your permission, May I try asking you again when you do return my feelings?" Chrom asked with a small shard of hope in his eyes.

"I could not tell you when that would be." Robin stated honestly. "Or if it would ever be for that matter." Robin added, though she felt it was harsh she also felt that it was important to be truthful to Chrom.

"It would be worth the wait." Chrom replied suprising Robin and Gaius alike. "My people are not unaccustomed to their leader not having a spouse."

"Then you have my permission to ask again later." Robin agreed though she felt that she would indeed never return his feelings.
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(I figured I should add that I used the second possible proposal scene between Robin and Chrom during this chapter. The only difference is in the game Robin says yes. It is only obtainable in chapter 11 of the game when you have Chrom's support points for Robin higher then Chrom's support points for Sumia, Maribelle, Sully or Olivia and you have not accessed the S class support scene. I accidentally stumbled into it [which really pissed me off because I was going to have my Robin marry Lon'qu in the next chapter of the game because I wanted to see his reaction to Morgan. but no I can't have nice things.] and figured it would be fun to include it.)

Chapter 5: Veils and Oranges

Warning Notice: Not everything is as it seems. If you get half way through and think you know how this chapter is going to end. You most likely are wrong, keep reading please. Having said that on to the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Song suggestion: Demons by Imagine Dragons
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The next few days of travel were hard but the group finally made it to the last village before they'd have to move forward without civilization until they found Naga's tear.

"I'd suggest we wait and rest here for a few days. We need the time to resupply and rest if we are to find the Ruins." Lon'qu advised earning a nod of approval from Fredrick.

"He makes a fair point." Fredrick stated looking to Robin for her say on the matter.

"I think we can manage a few days of rest." Robin replied with a smile. It had been at least three weeks since the group left Ylisse and they had yet to take any sort of break. Gaius happily took this to mean that he could do what ever he wanted now and quickly took off to find the nearest bakery while tharja went to look for a tombs merchant and Fredrick took the chance to hurry off to the armory.

"Great. I guess that leaves me to go and take care of finding us a place to stay." Robin thought as she sighed before realizing that Lon'qu hadn't left. "Are you planning on visiting anywhere special?" Robin asked curiously grabbing his attention enough to get him to look at her.

"No. It's better to stay in a group. The others will take all day to find as it is." Lon'qu explained with a sigh as he held his head. "That and this town seems plagued more so then the others we've been to." Lon'qu added as he looked away slightly embarrassed which caused Robin to realize that this town did indeed seem to have a larger female population. "Women are impossible. They see a man who is unattached an instantly flock like a murder of hungry crows." Lon'qu added causing Robin to chuckle.

"So I'm to be the meat shield then hm?" Robin asked sarcastically even though she didn't mind helping him out.

"If that is how you wish to see it." Lon'qu replied as he scratched the back of his head. It didn't take long for Robin and Lon'qu to find an Inn that would put up the 5 travelers for the next few nights, one could even say that they were quite eager to accept the half payment that Robin offered upfront. After Robin finished chatting with the inn keeper Robin walked back over to Lon'qu with a smile and handed him a key. "There, you don't have to go outside now if you don't want to. I still have a bit of shopping to do for today so I won't be able to accompany you if you do decide to go out." Robin explained receiving a nod from Lon'qu.

"I'll walk with you for a little longer." He stated simply before putting the key into his pocket. The rest of the day the two walked around the shopping district as Robin tried to find supplies that the group would need. After picking up food, exilars and some warm clothes for Tharja since they couldn't find any in the last three villages they stopped in, Robin happily exited the last store she needed to visit for the day before realizing that her shadow wasn't following her anymore.

"Where on earth is he?" Robin thought as she looked around only to find a small gathering of women not too far away. "Oh please no." Robin thought as she quickly shuffled her bags so she'd be able to move freely before squishing her way through the crowd to find her very unhappy shadow in the center, arms crossed and eyes shut as he did his best to ignore them all. "Oh boy." Robin thought as the group of girls continued to move which started to jostle her around a bit.

"What's your name?"

"How old are you?"

"Are you single?"

"You're really cute."

"Heck now I see why he hates women. We're complete pains in the" Robin started to think only to have the arm of one of the girls knock into her and cause her to lose her balance and squeak as she regained her footing but still managed to bump into Lon'qu. He opened his eyes which immediately showed shock before changing to unamusement as he looked to the crowd that had grown since he mentally barricaded himself.

"Women." Lon'qu muttered quietly causing Robin to chuckle a bit.

"Sorry ladies this shadow is mine." Robin stated simple as she gently grabbed his sleeve and lead him pass the group that had gathered. It was quiet true that he was hers, since he technically worked for her under order of the Exalted. Robin had lead Lon'qu a ways away from the group before thinking to let go of him. "So where did you run off to?" Robin asked curiously. "If you wanted to go somewhere all you had to do was ask." Robin added with a smile as the two continued to just walk casually around the village.

"I just had something I needed to take care of." Lon'qu replied cryptic as usual.

"Right." Robin said as she looked around the town. "You know it is weird how many women there are out and about. Maybe they're all just out buying holiday gifts while the men are at home?" She suggested as she tried to figure out a logical explanation.

"No. Ferox doesn't celebrate a holiday around this time like Ylisse does." Lon'qu replied with a shrug effectively cutting Robins potential explanation to ribbons.

"Really? What does Ferox do then?" Robin asked curiously happy to be spending the time with him.

"Winters in Ferox are harsh and leave us with very little. Rather than waste what small amount of food we have stored, we wait to celebrate until spring when life has returned and crops have begun to grow again." He explained causing Robin to ponder on what he said.

"You know that makes a lot of sense. I love that about Ferox, they don't mince words and there's no nonsense." Robin stated happily as Lon'qu stopped walking causing Robin to stop walking so she could face him. "Is something wrong?"

"It's a tradition in Ylisse to give gifts during this season is it not?" Lon'qu asked curiously as he shifted his weight uncomfortable, making sure to avoid eye contact.

"Well I don't remember ever participating in it but yes I'm told that is our tradition." Robin replied her head slightly tilted from curiosity as Lon'qu produced a messily wrapped gift from his pocket.

"I figured since you are Ylissian that I could help you follow your customs for this season." He explained as he offered the small lumpy brown paper mass to Robin which she gently accepted after putting her bags on the ground.

"Thank you," Robin said gratefully as she looked at the small bundle curiously before opening it to find a new whittling knife. Robin looked over the knife's chrisp and sharp edges with a smile.

"If you need help… just let me know." Lon'qu offered as his checks turned a light pink before picking up some of Robin's bags and walking away.

"Huh, Hey wait up." Robin called as she picked up the rest of the bags and followed after him. The two went back to the Inn to drop off the supplies before heading out to find the others. Sadly Lon'qu was right, It took the rest of the evening for them to find the three that wondered away. Fredrick managed to enter a local arena tournament and earned himself some pretty good prizes as reward for surviving. Gaius had set up a vendor's booth not far from where Lon'qu and Robin had been earlier. Mean while Tharja never left the Tomb store that she found sending out hexes to bring Robin to her so she could pay for the tomb that Tharja wanted which Robin agreed to buy if Tharja promised to wear the winter clothes that Robin had purchased for her. Tharja was very happy with her new tomb even if it meant giving back Robin's coat.

That night after everyone retreated back to their rooms Robin hummed happily as she used her new knife for the first time. "Where on earth did he get this? It cuts through the wood like It's only butter." Robin thought as she looked at the cleaned chuck of wood trying to figure out what to make. Tharja let out an all knowing chuckle as she watched her flustered friend. "What's up?" Robin asked curiously and slightly concerned. While she was friends with Tharja she knew her laughing was rarely a good thing.

"Try making a dragonfly." Tharja suggested with a wicked smiled as she turned the page of her new tomb diving back into her reading.

"What does that even look like?" Robin asked curiously as the image of a dragon with the eyes and wings of a fly came to mind. Tharja sighed as she grabbed a piece of Robin's paper and started drawing which she finished an hour later and handed it to Robin. "Oh wow." Robin whispered as she looked at the fairly detailed image of a dragonfly sitting on a water lily. For the rest of the night Robin sat on her bed carving away at the wood bit by bit to make her gift for Lon'qu, only putting it down for the night once Robin considered it finished.

"Robin," Tharja stated quietly as she poked the sleeping leader. "Robin." Tharja called again as she poked robin in the face once more this time receiving a grumble as a response. "Let's spend the day together."

"O k."Robin mumbled though she made no movement to get up or even open her eyes. "5 more minutes." Tharja just smiled as she started cleaning up the room while waiting for Robin to wake up which wasn't for another half an hour.

"Ready to go?" Tharja asked after she finished changing into the winter clothes that Robin bought her which consisted of a long warm coat with a fur interior, some loose yet fitted winter pants, a thick wool sweater and snow boots.

"Yep." Robin replied as she grabbed her rucksack with the last of her bullions in it, in case she found anything useful while window shopping with Tharja. After walking around for an hour Tharja's eyes lit up as she found a store she wanted to check out and rather than saying anything she simply grabbed Robin's hand and dragging her into the nearby clothing store.

"Tharja what are we doing in here?"Robin asked curiously as she looked around all the different displays.

"You bought clothes for me now it's my turn to return the favor." Tharja stated with a mischievous smile as she started walking around looking.

"Tharja this stuff looks much too pricey. I can't accept a gift like that." Robin protested as she looked around at the formal Freoxi dresses.

"You let me use your coat for 3 weeks exposing yourself to the weather to keep me safe from it." Tharja retorted effectively ending and winning the argument. After doing nothing but looking at the dresses for two hour Robin started to get really bored.

"Tharja it's very sweet of you to want to buy me something but its ok if you can't find anything. It's the sentiment that mat." Robin started only to have Tharja cut her off as a gleam appeared in her eye.

"We'll take this one." Tharja announce as she lifted a white, off white, and dark blue dress from the rack causing the store clerk to shuffle over in his formal wear.

"T-Tharja how do you know it will fit? It look much to slim for me to wear." Robin mentally worried that her friend might be making a rash purchase.

"C-congratulations it seems as though this is our 1000th dress sold and as a promotion it's free." The store clerk stated with a stutter as he checked and double checked the tally book as Tharja smirked wickedly.

"I really have to have her teach me how to do that." Robin thought as she deadpanned from Tharja's good luck that she was sure Tharja brought about by using a hex or two.

"Now to take you and the dress back to the inn and dress you up." Tharja stated with a smile that Robin was strangely not fond of at the moment.

"Well if that's what you want to do." Robin replied as she scratched the back of her head. Who was she to complain? The dress was very nice and it couldn't hurt to at least try it on even if she'd likely never need it. The two entered the Inn to find Gaius and Fredick drinking together as Fredrick told tales of his recent victories in the arena while Lon'qu just sat there quietly sharpening his sword. Lon'qu looked up only vaguely interested in the fact that someone had entered the inn until he saw the dress causing his gazed to harden upon recognizing it.

"And what do you plan to do with that?" Lon'qu asked in an almost threatening tone.

"None of your business. She's still mine to play with for at least another hour. Right?" Tharja asked Robin as she grabbed her hand.

"Um, sure?" Robin replied hesitantly as Tharja lead Robin up the stairs and into their room.

"Let's get started then." Tharja stated happily as she slowly pulled the many layers of the Kimono like dress apart. The first layer was a long sleeved heavy white silk with a simple gold leave pattern embroidery on it that easily reached the floor. The layer had a high neckline that came down to a point at her clavicle once the layer was folded shut properly.

"This is so pretty on it's own. Does it really need all the other layers?" Robin thought as she felt the material while Tharja grabbed the next layer. "I guess I shouldn't really question it."

The next layer was a light semi-sheer off white material with dark blue silk edged without sleeves and crossed over Robins body in a similar fashion to the first layer only this layer's neckline rested against robin's lower neck and came to a point at Robin's mid bust and only reached down to her knees. This layer was followed by sheer layer of and even lighter material even though it was the same color as the second layer. It had branches embroidered on it in the same color as the material and a golden silk edging with golden swirls embroidered into the silk. The silk went around her neck at the same level as the second layer and stopped at her stomach and never made a point even though the sheer clothe was only a few inches shorter than the first layer. Tharja smiled at her handy work so far.

"I knew it would look good on you." Tharja commented happily as she grabbed a thick dark blue silk obi like sash with similar golden silk edged to the third layer from her bed and wrapped it around Robin's waist covering from the bottom of her chest to the beginning of her hips. The time that Tharja spent typing it allowed robin to notice that the upper edge of the sash made a small dip under her left breast were an intricate golden latch held a smooth white stone in its grasp.

"Phew only two more pieces. They look simple enough." Robin thought once Tharja finished tying the sash. Tharja retrieve the second to last piece from the bed, a thin belt made of the same golden material that lined the sash and third layer and had a matching clasp system to the one on the sash. Tharja aligned the two clasps which made it so the second strap that was attached to the belt swooped down across Robin's stomach and hugged her lower hip at its lowest point. An intricate golden talisman with 4 blue tassels with white beads, hung down at Robins mid thigh from the belt making a light jingling sound as Robin shifter her weight.

"And last but not least" Tharja started as she headed towards the last piece only to be cut off by an irritated knocking at the door.

"Gah, Hide, hide, gotta hide! I don't want anyone to see me in this." Robin thought as she panicked while looking around as Tharja answered the door irritated.

"You truly are insufferable aren't you?" Tharja asked expressing her irritation with the visitor continuing before they could speak. "I'll give you five minutes but she's mine for another hours." Tharja stated as if she was being generous before leaving in a huff. Lon'qu sighed as he walked in and closed the door behind him figuring he should take the time since it seemed as though he wouldn't be able to see Robin for the rest of the day.

"Geesh look what she's done to you." Lon'qu grumbled quietly as he walked over to Robin.

"Yeah I don't really feel like I should even be wearing this." Robin replied flustered.

"You shouldn't be." Lon'qu stated flatly causing Robin to flinch a bit.

"Well that's was a little harsh." Robin thought as she looked away causing Lon'qu to sigh again as he held his forehead.

"That's a Feroxi wedding dress." Lon'qu explained as he blushed and looked away from Robin, noticing discarded last piece that was still sitting on Tharja's bed.

"Oh." Was all Robin could say in response as her face began to heat up and turn a bright red while Lon'qu walked over to the final piece and picked it up.

"How ignorant." Lon'qu muttered before walking back over and putting the sheer gold light material with dark blue silk edging over Robin's head causing it to drape over her reaching the edge of the first layers sleeves. Embarrassed Robin did her best to think of a change of topic when she remembered the small wooden dragonfly sitting on its Lily.

"Oh that's right." Robin started happily as she turned to grab the figure from her dresser and walked back slowly so she wouldn't trip, jingling the whole way there and back. "I know it's not a part of your culture but you gave me a gift so I figured I should give you one too." Robin finished as she offered the small dragonfly to the now highly surprised Lon'qu. He smiled as he accepted the small figure and looked it over before looking back at Robin with a smirk.

"You've never seen one of these before have you?" Lon'qu asked causing Robin to hang her head lightly.

"You got me. Was it that obvious?" Robin asked curiously only to get a light chuckle in response.

"I'll have to teach you how to catch some during the summer." Lon'qu stated as he pocketed the figure and a took a few steps closer to Robin so he could gently lift her chin. "Would you be ok with that?" Lon'qu asked quietly unaware that they were slowly getting closer to each other until he found himself softly kissing her through the veil. Lon'qu's hand naturally made its way to her waist as he move the veil with his other hand so it was over his head as well so he could kiss her rather than the veil then allowed his other hand to rest on her waist also.

Tharja came back the second his five minutes were up and cleared her throat causing the two to part both blushing and embarrassed but happy. "You know I have to Hex you know right?" Tharja whispered darkly as Lon'qu walked passed only receiving a glare as a response from him.

Once they were well rested the 5 paid off the Inn tab and packed their bags for the ruins of time. After searched and combing the area for 2 and a half consecutive weeks Robin finally came across the entrance to the ruins. Robin Shot a blast of fire magic into the air followed by as blast of air causing it to explode into dark black smoke above the tree line.

"I hope everyone can see that." Robin thought as she slowly and carefully made her way into the ruins that even after hundreds of years of decay still looked gorgeous. Robin looked around in wonder until she found a dark hooded figure standing off in the distance of the Ruins.

"Who else would be here?" Robin worried, ready to fight as she slowly moved closer as the others entered the ruins at the same time. Robin signaled for them to quietly join her and carefully continued to move forwards until she froze in fear as the figure turned to face her as they removed there hood to reveal as smiling Orange haired young boy no older the 15.

"Mother there you are! I've been looking for you everywhere." The orange haired boy exclaimed happily as he hurried over and hugged Robin.

"M-Mother?" Robin replied slightly mortified "um I think you have the wrong person."

"Mom come on it's me, Morgan. You know strapling young lad, love of your life and all that." Morgan replied with a familiar smirking smile.

"Ok, so um. Did you travel to the past with Marth?" Robin asked curiously causing Morgan's face to contort.

"Time travel is impossible. The air here is quite agreeable with you I'll admit. You look at least a decade younger but I'd know my mother through and through." Morgan stated as the rest of the group looked between the child that was hugging her and Gaius, completing the mental dot to dot puzzle at the same time as Robin. Gaius made the same connections as Robin blushed like a cherry causing him to smirk as he walked over and put his arm around Robin.

"You know I know I told you one or two cupcakes before, but I think I'm gonna have to ask for at least 6 if our future kid gonna be this good looking." Gaius stated smugly then looked back to Lon'qu with a glance that said 'eat your heart out.' As he thought "Point, game, and match for the Pauper ladies and gentleman."

"Oh wow Gaius is here too?" Morgan asked happily as he let go of Robin.

"You know who I am?" Gaius asked doing his best to hide his smug happiness.

"Of course I do. You're" Morgan stated happily as Gaius waited to hear him say father. "My Hero!"

Gaius dead panned since he just put on such a confident show. "Then who's your dad kid?" Gaius asked curiously. Surely she didn't marry someone else with orange hair.

"I donno, I can't remember." Morgan stated honestly as he crossed his arms and looked at the ground. "Any time I try and think of a memory of him it's just a big black spot. Even memories where mom is in them with him he's just a dark shadow."

"You and your kid need to work on that memory issue of yours." Fredrick stated as he scratched the back of his head as Tharja nodded in agreement.
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Surprised? hopefully be prepared for another shock. Nothing is set in stone yet. I'd wait a little longer on that celebration Gaius lovers. This could still got to any of the three men. Look forward to reading the final chapter soon.

Alternate ending 1: The Prince and The Pauper

Allow me to just say that I am so tempted to make this the official ending. I legit cried as I wrote parts of this as weird as that probably sounds. If you are like me and can handle or even enjoy listening the the same song on loop I recommend doing that with the suggested song and listening to it as you read. it just adds something. You guys are going to love this.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Song suggestion: The Other Side by Jason Derulo
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Finding Morgan in those ruins proved to be a blessing in disguise for Robin. At first she was skeptical about whether or not he was actually her son but as time passed and as they traveled home together she grew to love her son and wanted to take care of him while he was with her. It took a lot of scrapping and saving with her meager salary but after a year Robin had saved up enough to buy a small home in Ylisstol for her and Morgan to live in. Gaius did his best to make sure that he was a part of Morgan's life as well. He started taking on more heists and on the easier one even took Morgan with to help teach him the trade. Robin had never been happier then when the two would walk through with huge grins on their faces. Everything just felt right.

"Oh, blast this leaky roof." Robin muttered as she stood on a chair so she could shove a rag into the hole to keep the rain from coming into the house. "I'll have to ask Gaius for help with fixing that once they're back." Robin thought as she carefully jumped off the chair then carried it back down the stairs and put it next to the table set in her moderate size kitchen. Robin looked out the kitchen window that was behind the sink as she started to work on cleaning the dishes, humming as she enjoyed the sound of the gentle cleansing rain. "I hope that they're ok." Robin thought with a sigh as she looked up to the sky and said a silent prayer that everything would be OK. Robin dropped the plate she was holding causing it to shatter against the ground as she jumped from surprised from the sudden loud knocking at the door.

"Coming!" Robin called as she left the plate broken on the floor as she hurried to the door and opened it to find a soldier standing outside.

"May I come in?" asked a familiar voice causing Robin to stare at the soldier confused as she let them in, closing the door behind them before speaking.

"Chrom? What are you doing wearing a soldiers uniform?" Robin asked as she laughed amused by Chrom's charade while Chrom took off the helmet he was wearing and the uniform's head and neck wrap as he smiled.

"Making Maribelle my new advisor on public interactions was definitely an interesting mistake. I'm hardly ever allowed to leave the castle unless she ok's it. It's quite" Chrom paused as he tried to figure out the word he was looking for.

"Stiffling? Over bearing? Controlling?" Robin listed causing Chrom to laugh.

"I miss when you'd live in the castle and I could visit you more freely. Just being able to talk to you has put me in such high spirits." Chrom stated as he walked over to the nearby couch and sat down.

"Chrom I lived in the barracks not the castle." Robin replied with a chuckle as she sat with him.

"Still it was nice to be able to see you so often."Chrom said as he looked down at his hand while he interlaced his fingers.

"It was nice but I have Morgan to think about now. I have no idea how he'll get back to his time and I don't intend to just push him away." Robin explained even though she knew that chrom already understood.

"Where is Morgan by the way is he home?" Chrom asked curiously as he looked around to see if he could find the boy. While the fact that Morgan didn't share his hair color did bother Chrom, he couldn't help but respect Morgan for being as brilliant as his mother.

"Nah, He and Gaius are off." Robin stopped and caught herself from admitting there were out stealing. "Buying groceries, I ran out of carrots and milk for the stew I was planning on making." Robin lied making sure to look Chrom in the eyes so she wouldn't give off any signs that she was lying.

"He's a good boy." Chrom smiled softly, Impressed that Morgan would be disciplined and kind enough to go shopping for his mother even if she was his mothers past self.

"Yeah," Robin agreed trailing off as she started to mentally worry again about if they were safe.

"So I do have a reason for being here." Chrom stated with a chuckled, amused by the fact that he had gotten so sidetracked.

"What can I help you with then?" Robin asked as she folded her hand on her lap. It was strange to be around him out of uniform to say the least.

"Robin, I still love you and I want you to be my Queen." Chrom started only to be cut off as Robin stood up.

"I refuse." Robin stated bluntly taking a few steps away. "I can't marry you if I don't love you back Chrom. I can't do that to you. " Robin stated as she crossed her arms so she could hug herself with her back facing Chrom.

"I don't need you to love me. The fact that you care for me is enough. Just knowing that you're there and to have you near, gives me strength to keep moving forward. No matter the hardship. " Chrom replied as he stood behind her, wanting to reach out and grab her knowing that she was close enough to do so, yet it felt if he tried that he could never reach her. "With you by my side I know I could lead my people to a great time of peace and prosperity and I owe them that much at least." Robin sighed as her resolved weakened from Chrom's silver tongue.

" You don't mean that. My caring for you won't be enough one day and what then?" Robin replied as she turned slightly so she could look at him.

"If you can tell me that you're feelings for me have not grown since I first asked you to marry me a year and a half ago I will leave you be and never ask you again." Chrom offered his ultimatum though it was the hardest think he could ever agree to do.

"I could not." Robin replied honestly as she looked to the far wall of the room causing Chrom to smile wildly. "It is by a small amount but they have grown."

"Then with time I know you could learn to love me. I'm willing to wait as long as it takes so long as you are by my side forever." Chrom said eagerly hoping that maybe he could convince her to change her mind. "My feelings for you have never wavered."

"If this is what you want, then I will do it." Robin managed to choke out but instantly regretted it. "It is my duty to do what is best for this country that has so openly accepted me despite my not knowing who I am."

"Then with this ring I pledge my heart to you." Chrom stated as he slipped his birth ring onto Robin's finger then kissed her. "I must go and inform the court." Chrom said as he realized that he had a lot to do now before putting his disguise back on. "You won't regret this Robin I swear it. You'll be the happiest bride in all of Ylisse." Chrom added as he walked to the door and out to the streets, leaving Robin alone to think about what she had just agreed to.

"Oh Naga, what have I done? What have I done?" Robin mentally panicked as she began to shake from fear. She had just made the biggest mistake of her life and she couldn't undo it. The messenger had already left to make sure that everyone knew of it too. "I just need to get my mind off of it. I did what I had to. This is for the people of Ylisse. It's for the best." Robin reasoned as she started to cook dinner as usual making sure to clean up the broken plate before she started to make the stew she had mentioned earlier. After cooking for a good three hours Robin could easily say that getting her mind off of it, didn't work at all. She was still worried and still shaking. Robin carefully moved the pot to the table and put three settings of silverware onto the table before grabbing the plates. Robin was about to place the last plate when Morgan and Gaius walked in.

"Well hello there." Gaius said happily as he shifted the bag of stolen good so it wasn't hurting his arm causing Robin to look up and let go of the plate allowing it to shatter on the floor. Once she saw Gaius she realized that she would never be allowed to see him again.

"Wow that's some reaction bubbles. Is everything ok?" Gaius asked as he watched her with concern as she curse while cleaning up the plate then moved that shards over to the trash can.

"Hey mom, what's that on your hand?" Morgan asked noticing the ring first as she drop the shards into the trash can. "Is that… Grima… is that a engagement ring, mother?"Morgan asked as his eyes bulged causing Robin to laugh from pain before she turned to face them.

"Yes Morgan. It is." Robin stated sadly as her mouth trembled a bit. "The exalted stopped by today and asked me to marry him." Robin explained as she looked away feeling guilty under Gaius's gaze. "It was my duty to this country to accept." Robin added to try and ease her pain though it only made it worse. Gaius shook his head in disbelief and pain as the small round lump of gold in his pocket grew heavy reminding him that it had been there for the past few months.

"You, but I, what?" Gaius thought as he tried to register what Robin had just told him.

"Mom." Morgan said quietly in a tone that Robin mistook for disappointment causing her to openly weep into her hands.

"I didn't know what else to do." Robin managed to muffle through her sobs as Gaius walked over and held her in his arms while he ran his fingers through her hair trying to calm her even though he was in pretty bad shape as well. If only he had acted sooner this wouldn't have happened.

"It'll be ok bubbles." Gaius choked out thought he felt that it was a lie. "Could you…Would it be possible for you to tell the prince that you misspoke?" Gaius asked curiously using his last remaining shred of hope.

"No, he's already sent out the notices by now." Robin replied cursing herself for not holding her resolve. Gaius sighed as he held her tight, what else could he do beside that?

They days seemed to drag on for ever after that. Robin would rarely see hide or tail of Gaius and Morgan would usually just sit around at home practicing with his knives. Before Robin knew it she found herself being dressed in a white gown by some of the castle staff praying that something would cause the wedding the be canceled.

"Well, I guess this is it then." Robin thought as she was lead through the halls of the castle that would soon be her home. Upon Chrom's request she had sold the house that she worked so hard to buy, leaving the stack of large Bullions in her rucksack banished to the far corner so she wouldn't have to look at it and think of all the memories that the house had held. Quietly Robin walked to the large set of double doors that lead to the throne room and stood there trying to gather the strength that she was able to give to give to others to have the courage to move forward. Only to receive none as the doors opened for her exposing her to the crowd that had gathered just to see her and Chrom. "I can do this. I-I can do this." Robin thought walking down the Aisle with a since of confidence that she had been trying to find the past few months. Robin stayed quiet as the Cleric read the ceremony to the crowd until it came to near the end of the ceremony.

"Does anyone have any reason why these two should not be married?" The cleric looked around to the crowd that stayed quiet.

"I do." Range a voice through the hall that caused Robin's eyes to light up as she looked around trying to find them. Robin herd the thump of feet hitting the ground behind her causing her to turn around to find Gaius smirking at her.

"Hey bubbles. Mind if I cut in?" Gaius asked before quickly grabbing her around her waist and yanking on a rope that was next to him causing the two to be quickly hoisted up to through the ceiling to the room above.

"Thanks guys" Gaius stated once the two were safely on the stone floor before handing Robin one of his Knifes as Robin noticed that the room was full of Gaius's partners in crime. "You might need this if we're going to get away." Gaius offered causing Robin to smile as she stood and accepted the knife cutting the dress just above the knees so she could move freely. The other theifs whistled and howled as the cloth fell to the ground and Gaius offered Robin his hand. Robin happily accepted as the clattering of metal armor started to fill the halls. "And off we go." Gaius stated as the group ran out of the room and through the halls down to the lowest point of the Castle's outer walls. Gaius jumped from the wall with ease landing on his feet. "Come on bubbles." Gaius called causing Robin to smile, taking a few steps back before running at the walls edge and jumping off like Gaius had. Gaius did manage to catch Robin though the impact caused him to fall back with her still in his arms. Robin laughed from the adrenaline before kissing Gaius.

"I can believe that we're actually doing this." Robin stated as Gaius got up and put robin onto her feet. "I thought you hated me." Robin admitted as they continued to run through the streets of Ylisstol with the others following not far behind.

"Never." Gaius replied simple. The group quickly made it to the nearest exit where a wagon was waiting for them. Gaius picked up Robin as he nimbly hurried into the back of the wagon without missing a single step. Once everyone was in the wagon Gaius took the reins and hurried away from Ylisstol as fast as the horses could take them. After a few hours of riding in the back of the wagon in blissful silence the wagon came to a stop confusing Robin slightly. "Alright men, to your positions!" Gaius called out causing Robin to fear that they had run into trouble as everyone hurried from the wagon.

"Whats going on?" Robin thought curiously as she stood up, frightened to leave the Wagon in case Chrom had managed to catch them.

"Did you hear me Bubbles?" Gaius asked curiously with a laugh causing Robin to relax a bit. "Come on out. It's safe." Robin curiously jumped out of the back of the wagon only to gasp at what she saw. There in the middle of the forest was a large group of what she assumed to be Gaius's entire gang smiling at her as they made a path for her where Gaius was waiting at the end with Morgan and a Cleric. Robin smiled as she walked down the aisle so that she was standing across from Gaius and held his hands.

"Bubbles? Be mine forever."Gaius requested, looking down at her with soft happy eyes.

"Of course you silly fool." Robin said as she embraced him then kissed him causing the Cleric to laugh.

"I don't think we got to that part yet."The cleric pointed out amused. "Aw to heck with it. Ladies and gentlemen the Bride and groom." The Cleric stated with a smile causing the crowd to whoop and holler happily as the two parted. Morgan walked over holding a pillow with two rings and offered them to his parent's. Gaius removed Chrom's ring from Robin's hand, keeping her hand in his as put the ring in his pocket before looking to Morgan.

"Thanks Sprout." Gaius stated as he took the small gold ring that he made for Robin and gently put it on Robin's finger. Robin smiled softly at the new ring before taking Gaius ring from the pillow and placing it on his finger. After adjusting the ring a bit Gaius stroked Robin's check before giving her a strong and passionate kiss.

"Ewewew, still here guys. Come on I don't need to know how I was conceived" Morgan joked causing the two to laugh as they parted. Gaius walked over to one of the thieves that he knew he could trust and put Chrom's ring in his hand.

"We've been through a lot but please take this to the postal office in ylisstol and mail it back to the prince. He'll be missing it." Gaius requested. "you can have my half of our next heist." Gaius offered receiving a nod of approval from the thief before he ran off to take care of the mission Gaius gave him.

"Gaius what will we do now?" Robin asked as she realized that Chrom was most likely still looking for her.

"For now we relax and enjoy the company." Gaius stated sweetly before kissing her forehead. "Well find a small village to settle down in near the border of Plegia later." Gaius explained as he shrugged as if the fact that he was now wanted for stealing the future queen was no big deal, causing robin to laugh before leaning in so she could whisper.

"So, how are we gonna ditch Sprout for the night then hm?" Robin whispered into Gaius's ear causing him to blush before quickly walking over to Morgan.

"Hey Morgan have I ever introduced you to my good friend and mentor Volke?" Gaius asked causing Robin to laugh.

True to his word Gaius ended up finding a home for them near the border of Plegia. Gaius knew that Robin had sold her house and managed to have one of his friend grab the Rucksack of Bullions while he rescued Robin. Robin happily allowed Gaius to use that gold to pay for their new home. There he, Robin and Morgan lived happily. After three years Robin found that Morgan had disappeared only to find a note that said he was going home. Two days later Robin happily learned that she was pregnant so she and Gaius wouldn't have to be without Morgan for long.

Gaius took up Thieving full time to pay the bills since Robin no longer was the army's chief tactician, he was never happier to put in the extra hours since it meant he could be with the one he loved.
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;^; Gaius why you so cute! Gah I have no idea how I'm going to have Chrom's chapter stand up to this new standard of cute. I don't think I can do it. -dies- even so. I will try for the good of the Chrom lovers. (p.s. I think I succeeded)