I took forever to do this set, so I'm like... two sets behind already. DX But yeah, I hope you like them! Oh and Thank you to Racok, and Angulus Candida for reviewing last chapter!

And yeah, to those who have noticed, I added Fates in here so... I'll add a little label if it relates to Awakening, my story: Defying Fate (DF), or Fates. To be honest, most of them are relating to Defying Fate. DX

Hope (DF)

I was getting worried. The war between Valm was beginning to push not only Chrom's limit, but my sister's as well. It made me doubt for a moment that we would get through this, but I had to crush the thought. Ravina was strong enough to go through all of that pressure.

...Even so, it was hard to keep it off my face.

I hated waiting. Especially when Cordelia had the damn gall to tell me to stay in the castle while my own wife was half-way across the world fighting a whole new war. Heck, she nearly drugged me with a cup of tea laced with a sleeping draught if I refused to stay here.

Still, I just hated waiting. It always brought up unpleasant thoughts of 'what if's and terrible doubts... Even worse, blaming myself for not being strong enough, for being a burden.

If anything, I was the unofficial babysitter for all of the Shepherd's children, not that I was complaining. They were complete blessings, leaving out the trouble they cause the castle staff.

Yet, I felt that there was absolutely nothing I could do. I couldn't be there to see how things played out. I wouldn't be able to snap Ravina out of any stump or hesitation she would fall into... but then again, that was what Chrom was for, right?

I sighed. I didn't know how many times I've done that for the past hour, but sitting up against the headboard of my bed in my shared room and lamenting over how one could be so useless did that to a person.

I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth against the ache in my side. Just another reminder of why both Ravina and Cordelia forced me to stay. Of course, Chrom gave me a bit of his own mind, too. I would admit right now, I have been on the receiving end of it more times than I could keep track of.

Seriously, I understood why they didn't want to lose me, but why didn't they think about me for once? About what I wanted? About how I hate being left behind? About how it stresses me out when I'm by myself (well, without the kids bothering me for a few hours)?

...About being downright scared.

Yeah, I'll admit it. I was scared. I didn't want them to go. I didn't want to be left behind while they fought and I did nothing.

I was scared... Of losing them. All of the Shepherds were my entire family. I didn't remember mother, and I definitely didn't recall ever having a father in the first place. I couldn't lose Ravina. I couldn't afford to lose Ravina, not again. And if something were to happen to her, then-

"Daddy?"

Two pairs of small hands covered my own, thin hands, quickly bring me back to reality. I opened my eyes to see my dearest little Morgan and my ever so daring Severa staring right at me from their seats on the edge of the bed. Morgan's soft brown eyes were filled with concern and worry with a small frown on her lips. Severa was giving me a narrowed glare; a look I've seen on her mother's face way too many times to count when I did something she didn't like.

"Daddy, you're making that face again," she said, tugging at my hand, "Mommy said that you're hurting when you do that."

"Should I go get Yuriel, daddy?" Morgan cut in, tugging my other hand. I blinked for a moment, reminding myself that these two were not Ravina and Cordelia... despite my daughters acting like them sometimes.

I pulled a soft smile and held their small hands in mine. "That's alright, dear. Daddy's alright."

Severa still had that frown on her face. I already knew that she was going to say.

"Liar." she deadpanned.

...quite bluntly I might add. My smile became a little forced. I had to stop again and remind myself that even though Severa was only eight, she was smarter than she looked.

"..." I didn't know what to really say to them. Usually I did have something but, just for now, I didn't.

My daughters shared a look before Morgan beamed a smile at me. "Don't worry, Daddy! I'm sure Mommy will be okay! Besides, she made a promise with Uncle Chrom and Auntie Ravina!"

Severa nodded. "Yeah, Mommy promised that she'll come home with everyone."

Once again, I was a bit taken aback by their words. I blinked once, then twice when I realized that those two... were smarta- I mean, being the smart children I raised them to be. I couldn't help the low laugh that left me, leaning forward to bring little Morgan a little closer to my side. She easily caught on, leaning against my side with a large smile, while Severa pulled herself on to the bed to settle right next to me, hugging my other arm. I ran a hand through Morgan's hair and rested my cheek on top of Severa's snowy hair.

With a soft smile, I allowed my shoulders to relax, "Yes, Mommy did say that. They'll be home soon."

Glass (DF)

Cordelia was a bit of a loss of what to do. She was a pegasus knight, a brave one at that. She knew her way in a battle when the time came, but... being a mother was something different. When she first had Severa, she began to wonder if she was really fit to be a mother. No matter how hard she tried, her oldest daughter was a little difficult to be around. She didn't know the first thing a mother should encourage her daughter to do.

Especially now when she finally met her daughter from the future.

The Severa that stood before her now was nothing like she imagined. Her long hair was tied into two ponytails, her eyes were sharp, yet kind. Cordelia was proud. Her daughter had grown into a strong, beautiful lady. And Robin, of course, couldn't disagree. He was more than happy to find out that their daughter never inherited any signs of his illness, relieving the stress that the two of them had about the little Severa back at the castle.

It was hard, though, trying to interact with her suddenly grown up daughter. Severa was a bit cold to her and bit snappy. It was only then that she realized that Severa was not as strong as she previously thought. From what Cordelia gathered, the future was absolutely horrible for her. They died, leaving her all alone.

It was then that both Cordelia and Robin began to worry for her daughter, taking the time to fawn over her when they could. Though it was a rough start, the two gave as much love and protection they could possibly give their only daughter. Severa had tried to push them away at first, but soon began to interact with them more, yet kept a distance. Of course, Cordelia tried to figure out why Severa did, but Robin had assured her several times that Severa would tell them one day.

That day just so happened to be the day they discovered Morgan and Marc.

Cordelia was shocked. Morgan and Marc were practically twins, yet they vehemently denied the fact. She couldn't believe that Morgan was her daughter. Yet, as she stood by Robin, she found herself believing it with the sight before her.

"Mor...gan?" Severa breathed, her eyes widening at the sight of the said tactician. Morgan turned around to freeze suddenly. Several different emotions flashed across her face as she stared at Severa for a moment.

"Big... sister?" She whispered, hardly audible over the joyous cries of Marc behind her. Severa took one hesitant step toward Morgan, then another. Cordelia could tell, even from a distance that her oldest daughter was doing her best to hold the tears back.

"You're alive!" Morgan suddenly exclaimed, practically throwing herself into her waiting sister's arms. Severa caught her, wrapping her arms around her and slowly fell to her knees.

"Gods, don't you even disappear on me again!" Severa scolded, still keeping her composure while Morgan buried her face in her shoulder.

The two sisters held each other close, silently reminding Cordelia that Severa wasn't as strong as she thought. In fact, she was like a sheet of glass, ready to protect, yet easy to break. With one shared look Robin gave her, she steeled her resolve. She'll do everything in her power to never let her daughters shatter again.

Framed (DF)

"It wasn't me!" I said for the umpteenth time. Chrom sighed and rubbed his face with a tired hand.

"Robin, half the garrison was destroyed from a tome-a powerful one at that." he said. I crossed my arms and glared at him.

"And I'm telling you, I didn't do it!" I argued. I jabbed a thumb to the window, showcasing a badly burned, horribly broken garrison a few meters away. "I don't even live at the garrison!"

"You're the only person who could use powerful tomes like that..." Chrom said.

"Chrom, shut up and listen to me, damn it." I snapped, sending him the best glare I could muster. He immediately clammed up and clamped his mouth shut. I placed an impudent hand on my hip. "First off, I'm not the only one who can use powerful tomes. Ricken and Miriel are just about as good as I am. Secondly, I use personal tomes. The tome I found in in the training area near the garrison was a normal thunder tome. And last but not least, I wasn't even there at the time."

"R-Right... Sorry... It's just that Miriel told me that the 'magic in the air' or something felt like your magic. Well, however that goes. I don't know much about sages and mages." Chrom said, backing away from me. I blinked.

"Felt like mine? How is that even possi-" I began, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. We both turned to see Frederick carrying someone under his arm... And that someone... was my sister. She seemed to have given up struggling under Frederick's strong grip and settled to let her legs fall limply. Her arm was against Frederick's arm, using it as a support to keep her upper body up. She had a sheepish smile as he waved with her free hand.

"Ahahaha... Hi?" she greeted, her laugh sounding more nervous than happy. I blinked at her while Chrom looked to Frederick.

"Frederick? What's the meaning of this?" Chrom asked, confusion spreading on his face.

His knight cleared his throat as he tossed a hardened glare at Ravina. "Milord, I found the culpr-"

"Icanexplain!" Ravina rushed out, smile dropping and guilt showing on her face. "S-S-Since we found out that Robin and I are siblings, I couldn't help but wonder if I could use magic too! So I-" she paused to look out the window, dread clear in her eyes. "T-tried it out. Sorry!"

Frederick promptly dropped her to the floor. Ravina didn't bother to catch herself as she plopped on the ground. "There you have it, Milord."

"YOU WHAT?!" Chrom cried, throwing his hands above his head. "Oh Naga above!"

I stared at Ravina in shock. If she was able to blow up half of the Shepherd's Garrison from the training grounds... It suddenly clicked.

I spluttered, trying to stop myself from laughing, but failed. I burst out in laughter, clutching my stomach and bending over. It was all too funny to even-Ahahaha!

"Robin! This isn't the time to be laughing!" Chrom said, trying and failing to stop himself from snorting in amusement. It wasn't long before he joined me in my hysterics. Heck, even Ravina couldn't help but give a nervous laughter. Frederick was just standing there with his stoic face and waited for us to calm down. I walked over to Ravina and dropped to the floor to take a seat. I patted her back.

"Ravina," I began, grinning like a maniac. "You're never, ever going to touch a tome again."

My sister looked at me with wide eyes. "R-right...Am... Am I off the hook?"

She didn't get an answer as a crash filled the air a second later. We all turned our heads to see the remaining half of the garrison collapsed to the ground with Vaike standing right in front of the still standing doorframe of the entrance. He slowly turned around with wide eyes and surrendered hands. "Uhm... Ah... I, ah... went to get my axe and...Uh..."

We ended up banning Ravina from ever touching a tome and rebuilt the entire building from scratch after that. It was great.

Hallucinate (Fates)

The halls were cold as he traversed the halls of the Hoshidan Castle. His bare feet tapped the polished, wooden floors with each step, echoing off the walls. His light, soft blue kimono with little silver koi swimming in the fabric shuffled silently as he moved. His silver grey hair swayed lightly against his back, flowing freely without his normal ponytail. All was quiet, even as he passed the inner gardens where the sun was nearly above the horizon and the sky above slowly brightening. And yet, not once had he found it odd. Instead, he found it comforting.

He didn't feel neglected here, nor did he feel any hint of anger, just peace. There was a calming, almost serene feeling that held him, and not once did he question it.

He slowly came to a stop, placing a hand on the support pillar leading to the gardens. He stared at it for a moment, admiring the sakura trees that bloomed silently.

There was something missing, and he knew it. But he didn't feel the urge to act upon it. He was just there, like how he was in the background with his siblings, yet he was the only one here.

He blinked, feeling a sudden presence beside him. He turned, eyes widening in slight recognition. There, standing beside him, was a woman with long, black hair and a gentle smile on her face.

"...Mother." he said, with a hint of slight surprise. She stood there as she stared at the garden before them.

"...It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked, still keeping her eyes forward. He blinked once more, turning to the garden. All of a sudden, he could hear. The leaves rustled softly as a breeze blew by. The sounds of birds filled the silence with their sweet little songs. Then he breathed, feeling the refreshing air fill his lungs. It was almost as if he was breathing for the first time in so long. As he exhaled, he felt himself relax further, muscles no longer tense. He took one look before him once more and took it all in.

"I remember when you used to play here with all your siblings." his mother began, gesturing to the sakura tree. "You would climb the tree with Kamui by your side, while Hinoka and Ryoma watched you both. Sakura was just a little baby then."

He was silent, tilting his head in slight confusion.

"Do you remember, Takumi?" his mother asked.

He stared at the tree once more, trying to imagine himself climbing the tree with another person with him. He couldn't remember the face or the voice, but he could remember the warmth that his older brother had when they climbed that tree. An images of four children suddenly appeared before him. A small boy with somewhat long silver-grey hair was climbing up the tree with his big brother - Kamui, his mind supplied - helped him from branch to branch. He saw a young boy and a girl with red hair staring up at them, watching with amusement on their faces.

"Come on, Takumi! You're almost there!" the girl - Hinoka - said, placing a hand on her hip. Their oldest brother - Ryoma - took a step closer to the tree.

"Don't drop your brother Kamui." Ryoma said. Kamui held to the small boy's hand as he pulled him up.

"Ahaha! Don't worry! Takumi is safe with me!"

He blinked, the image of the children suddenly disappeared, leaving an empty sakura tree. Those names sounded familiar. He was sure he personally knew them. Yes, he did. They were his siblings. Although, they were different from the children he saw before him. Those children were carefree. They had no burden on their shoulders, no war to be fought, no fear of anyone dying.

"Those times were peaceful." his mother said, stepping out to the garden. Takumi watched for a moment, flinching as a memory washed over him.

"You're... you're not really here," he said slowly, frowning slightly, "Are you, mother."

It wasn't a question. His mother smiled at him as she turned a little.

"No," she answered honestly.

"...Where am I?" Takumi asked, finally stepping away from the support and into the garden. The peace that he felt was slowly beginning to fade when memories were slowly flooding into him. He remembered Kamui getting kidnapped, and Ryoma and Hinoka so focused on getting Kamui back. Takumi himself could do nothing but watch. He thought he had a chance when Kamui came back, but it was crushed the moment Kamui chose to side with Nohr. The hatred and the resentment he felt toward Kamui used to be underneath all of the loneliness and sadness that plagued him.

It was then he remembered. He was in the middle of fighting a war between Hoshido and Nohr; fighting against Kamui... and he was raising his bow against his brother in the throne room.

"Have you finally realized it?" his mother asked. Takumi looked at her for a long moment.

"...Yes." he said, closing his eyes and clenching his fists. His mother smiled.

"Then go. Wake up. I'll be here, waiting for your return, my dear Takumi."

Takumi opened his eyes once more, now filled with determination. He was no longer standing in the garden with his mother. Instead, he was standing in the throne room once more, bow lifted with an arrow aimed for his older brother. Even if he couldn't smite the darkness that held him, he could at least try. One more time. Kamui stood there, eyes wide as he pleaded Takumi to stop.

The youngest Prince of Hoshido could feel the darkness fighting him to get back into control. So, he looked to Kamui with his own eyes.

"Take care of my siblings for me." he mouthed, forcing his own energy into the arrow, turning it from the dark purple to a glorious shade of blue. Then, without a second's hesitation, Takumi dispelled the bowstring. He grabbed the arrow, twisting it in his hand to face the tip at himself and his world disappeared once more.

Reflection (Awakening)

Again. It happened again.

The early morning sunlight had begun to touch the tip of his tent from the outside, and his candle was nearly burnt out on his desk. The tactician of the Shepherds was already up, sitting a stool with a maps and strategy books opened around him. He only stopped for a moment to look at his candle. With a little frown, he blew it out, causing his tent to darken considerably. It was then that he realized that morning had finally came. He didn't know how much sleep he managed to get last night.

Three? Two?

Heck, he didn't know. All he remembered was bits and pieces of the night; waking up and stifling a scream that threatened to escape, then somehow ended up looking over tactics an hour later. With the dream he had, he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep after... after that.

He was scared. He didn't want to see himself stab Chrom again, and again, and again for the millionth time. It almost unbearable to look at Chrom in the eye in the day. And Emmeryn... Gods, Emmeryn.

Sighing heavily, Robin slowly pushed himself up, his muscles aching from sitting in that uncomfortable stool all night. He wobbled for a moment, before shaking his head to get a grip. He needed to keep himself together, just how he had always done before.

In the corner of his tent sat a mirror the size of his tome, one he used every single day. Begrudgingly, he dragged himself over and straightened himself up. He nearly flinched at the sight of himself in the mirror. His snowy white hair had grown past his chin and strands stuck out everywhere. His skin was a bit too pale even though he was under the sun regularly. His eyes were sullen and dark bags were very visible. He frowned, noting how his coat seemed to be nearly two sizes too small. Bluntly, he looked like crap. Sighing, he grabbed a tome and skimmed through it, stopping at a single spell that he had Tharja researched for him.

He muttered the words under his breath, feeling a wave of magic flow over him. He stopped, completing the spell, and looked at the mirror once more.

There, staring right back at him, was a white haired man with lightly tanned skin, and bright eyes full of energy. He forced a smile, seeing the man in the mirror smile effortlessly. He ran his hands through his hair to make it presentable and looked once again. Then he was ready.

For the sake of winning the war, he had to remind himself over and over again. He was their tactician, their anchor, their beacon of hope.

Yet, as he walked out of his tent, he still felt exhausted, still felt the stress of his dreams heavy on his shoulders, still strained by the crushing burden of keeping everyone alive, still frightened to see Chrom. He doubted that he would last long. Maybe if he could just-

"Good morning, Robin." came a voice behind him. Robin blinked, startled out of his thoughts to see Frederick standing before him. But, without a miss of a beat, Robin gave a gentle (struggling) smile, walked with (forced) certainty, and spoke with (feigned) warmth.

"Ahaha! Good morning to you, too, Frederick!"

Trapped (DF)

"MORGAN!" Severa cried as she shot up from her fall. She had just finished her late afternoon training away from the camp and just somehow failed to remember that her little sister was digging a hole around that general area that morning. Gods, how did she forget about it! It was simply ridiculous that she even fell into one in the first place.

"Daddy! Come here! I have something to show you!" came the faint voice of her sister. Severa blinked and looked up, hearing two sets of feet heading her way.

"Alright, alright, Morgan. You don't have to pull me." came her father's soft voice. She was surprised that she was able to catch what he said considering the soft tones he usually spoke in.

"It's right over-here..." Morgan's voice was extremely close now. Severa placed her hands on her hip as she put on her best glare, knowing that someone was going to peek their head over any second now. "uh-oh..."

Just as she predicted, Morgan's red head popped over the edge of the lead of the hole several feet above her. Her green eyes wide in pure shock. "Daddy! I caught a Severa!"

"What." came their suddenly flat father's voice. Robin promptly appeared next to his second daughter and stared at Severa in shock. "What the-How'd you-Why're you-Gods, you're a mess!"

"I-I-I know that! Just get me out of here!" Severa snapped, turning her head away to hide the embarrassment on her face.

"Morgan! Grab a rope or some-" Robin cut himself off as they heard the ground shift for a second. A split second later, Severa found herself flattened by her father's body. Morgan let out a strangled cry as she practically face planted the earthy floor with a loud plop.

"Oooowwww..." Robin drawled as he slowly pushed himself off his own daughter.

"Ugh... I'm definitely going to feel this in the morning." Severa muttered as she sat up.

"My face hurts. A lot." Morgan said, covering her face with her hands.

"Damn it, it's too cramped..." Robin said as he tried to find a way to get up. It was hard, considering the tiny space of the floor of the hole, so the three of them ended up sitting with their backs against the wall and their knees pulled up to their chests. There was an awkward silence that filled the air before Robin broke it.

"Morgan," he began, rubbing his temples. "What do you say to your sister."

"I'm sorry, Severa..." Morgan muttered, gently rubbing her red nose. Severa only glared in response, causing her father to sigh.

"And Severa, what do you say to your sister." he grunted out.

"It's okay, Morgan..." she said through gritted teeth. Her father groaned as he dropped his hands away from his head.

"Well, that's close enough... I guess." he looked up. "Anyone got any ideas on how to get out of here?"

"Uhm..."

"...No."

Her father sighed once more. "Alright, then. Who's up for a game of a three-way mental chess?"

"Mental chess?" Severa asked, blinking in surprise.

"You got any better ideas?" her father countered, giving her a deadpanned stare.

"Sounds like a great idea!" Morgan said, perking up at the thought.

Severa sighed, but smiled slightly. "Well, I haven't done that in a while."

"I'll take white! I'm going to beat you this time, Severa!" Morgan assured.

"Hah! In your dreams! I'm red. " Severa said, amusement clear in her voice.

Their father laughed. "Ahahaha, we'll see about that. I'll go first. Black Pawn to E4."

Sword (DF)

The sounds of steel hitting steel made itself known as Ravina effortlessly clashed against Lucina's Falchion. Her movements were fluid, graceful like a deadly flower. Her strikes were true and her gaze was sharp with focus. Her daughter, Lucina, was just about the same. She moved with fluency, and struck with certainty. She was more direct than her mother, who preferred to easily slip around her opponent.

As far as Lucina knew, her mother was the most remarkable woman tactician the Shepherds had. She was known for her outstanding skill with any blade; from a sword to an axe, and an axe to a lance, absolutely anything. Name one and Ravina probably already mastered it. That said, she was amazingly good at it.

*Clang!*

Their blades suddenly locked with one well-timed strike. Ravina's bright green eyes caught Lucina's dark blue. "Come on, is that all you got, Luci?"

"I am going up against the best of the best." Lucina said, not letting up.

"Aw, you flatter me, dear, but it's not going to get you anywhere!" Ravina said, a grin wide on her face. The two swordswomen pushed against each other, taking a quick jump back. Their swords sang from the friction as they took two steps back. Ravina twirled her silver sword once and held it to the ready with her casual stance. It was completely misleading with the easy smile on her face and the relaxed shoulders she seemed to have, but Lucina knew better. Her mother was the deadliest woman of them all with Robin's own wife right behind her.

"I wasn't trying to flatter you, Mother." Lucina said with a slight smile. She kept her sword at a readied stance, a position she had seen her father use so many times. "I was simply stating the truth."

"Ahahaha, I wouldn't say that exactly, but I'll gladly beat you into next week if I must. No enemy waits for their opponent." Ravina said, smiling her deceiving battle smile. It was a jest. A really horrible one, but Lucina knew that already. Her mother wasn't one to be polite when fighting. She was pretty brutal, if anything. Lucina felt a rush of excitement at her mother's words, smirking in anticipation. It was a while since she had trained with her mother. The last time she remembered doing so was when she was only a little girl getting her rear thrown to the ground more than a hundred times in a single three hour training session with Ravina.

Of course, she was older now. She had several battles of experience under her belt, but Lucina knew that it still didn't match up to her mother's.

"We'll see about that, Mother!" she challenged. Ravina nodded in approval, launching herself toward her daughter not a second later.

"Then come and try to kick my arse, Luci!"

Tears (DF)

"No, no, no, no, no!" Ravina muttered as she rushed out of the throne room. Her mind was in a frenzy as the news they had just received finally registered in her head. Her eyes were wide with disbelief as she raced down the wide halls of the Ylissean Castle. Faintly, she could hear Chrom and Cordelia running after her, calling after her.

"Ravina!"

"Please! Ravina!"

She didn't bother to slow as she skidded around the corner and practically threw herself up the stairs. Her mouth quivered as her mutter the same thing over and over again, "This can't be happening! He's not! He's not!"

Then she spotted it. The door to her brother's shared room with Cordelia was still closed and she practically burst right through it, nearly breaking it off its hinges. "Robin!"

She was met with a deathly silent room with a single candle lit by the bedside. She heart nearly skipped a beat when she caught sight of Morgan sitting on the window ledge, staring right at her. The small little girl was holding the bunched up coat of her father in her small arms with the moonlight on her.

"Auntie Ravina?" Morgan began with her normal, soft voice, "Where's big sister?"

Ravina suddenly couldn't move from the doorway, even as Cordelia and Chrom finally caught up to her.

"Auntie where are they?" Morgan asked, not getting up from her seat at the window ledge. "They were just here. Auntie, where are they? They were just here."

The innocent curiosity in Morgan's voice was pure, unaware of the events that just took place. Robin and Severa were literally just there one moment; on their way back to their quarters. Yet, the next, they were gone, taken by an unknown force. Cordelia had only caught a glimpse, before she panicked and ran for Chrom and Ravina. She was only four, only now learning about the fundamentals of the world.

Ravina couldn't take it anymore. She took a few steps into the room before running over to Morgan, sweeping her niece into a desperate hug. Morgan nearly dropped her father's coat in surprise, just sitting still in her place. Ravina held her close, trying not to shake in fear.

"Auntie? Auntie, are you okay?" Morgan continued, "Daddy said that he was gonna be back by now, right Mommy?"

Ravina gritted her teeth, trying so hard not to cry as a flood of tears hit her hard. Just when everything was starting to calm down, her brother - her dearest, fragile brother - disappeared. She couldn't handle it. Robin was her anchor, her guide, and now that he was literally gone, she was at a loss of what do to. She didn't look up as Cordelia's voice sounded near. "That's enough now, Morgan."

Cordelia didn't continue as she took Morgan's outstretched hand underneath Ravina's arm.

Ravina felt a warm hand on her upper back, no doubt that it was Chrom.

"We'll find them. I swear it, Ravina. We'll find them."

She couldn't stop the tears any longer.

Bested (Fates)

"Ugh, again?" Kamui said as he allowed his shoulders drop. The game on the chess board was horribly one sided, black completely obliterating the white. Leon kept a straight face as he reset the board. "That's the fifth time in half an hour."

"Big Brother, your defenses were weak." he said bluntly. Kamui ruffled his own hair and placed his hand on his knees, leaning forward.

"You're just as good as Takumi is at Shogi!" he claimed, ignoring Leon's confused look. "I swear, you two would get along if you guys weren't always at each other's throats."

Leon froze for a second before scowling with a heated glare. "I'll never get along with that Hoshidan brat."

"But you guys are so alike." Kamui admitted, leaning back with a small smirk on his face.

"How dare you compare me with that ignorant brat! We're nothing alike!" Leon growled. His older brother laughed.

"Ahahaha, we'll see about that!"

"Ugh, I'm going to the library." Leon said, getting up from his seat and stalked out of the room, leaving Kamui to his laughing spree.

"Oh this is too damn good." Kamui laughed.

._._._._._.

"... Damnit." Kamui muttered as he hung his head in defeat. The game of Shogi was - again - completely one sided. "That's the fifth time in half an hour... again."

Takumi had a slight smirk on his face as he reset the board. "Kamui-nii, you're defenses weren't the best."

Kamui paused for a moment, staring at his Hoshidan brother in slight shock. "Uhm... yeah."

"Hm? Something wrong, nii-san?" Takumi asked, giving a raised eyebrow. Kamui suddenly had a dawn of realization. Immediately, he came up with a plan and placed it in action. He leaned forward and placed his hands on his knees once again.

"You know, you're just as good as Leon is at chess!" he said, rephrasing what he said the day before. Takumi had a confused expression on his face for a moment, but didn't have a chance to say anything as Kamui continued on, "I swear, you two would get along if you guys aren't always at each other's throats."

Just like Leon, Takumi froze for a moment before crossing his arms and glaring at Kamui. "I'll never get along with that Nohrian Scum!"

Kamui didn't hold back a smirk. "But you guys are so alike."

"How dare you compare me with that Nohrian Scum! We're nothing alike!" Takumi exclaimed. Kamui snorted before breaking out into a full on laughing fit.

"Ahahahah! Leon said the same thing! Ahahah!"

"We're nothing alike!" Takumi yelled, getting up from his seat and headed to the door.

"Hey, wait! Where are you going?" Kamui asked, watching him go.

"The library!" Takumi snapped, stomping out of the room. Kamui stared after him for a moment before laughing a little more.

"Ahahaha! Oh, I can't wait for the day they'll be friends."

King (DF)

"You know, I won't be able to latch this on correctly if you keep moving like that." I said honestly as I fixed Chrom's cape on his shoulders. He was frowning as he looked at anything but me.

"Sorry, just a bit..." he trailed off, trying to find words.

"Nervous?" I supplied. He hummed slightly in affirmation. I tried not to frown as I clipped the sapphire brooch, fastening the ends of Chrom's white a blue cape. "I can't blame you. You're about to become the most powerful man in the country."

I took a step back, observing him at a better distance. Chrom had been dressed in his Great Lord armor with a shoulder plate missing. Of course, that was to be expected since he had always never worn any armor or sleeve to cover the Mark of Naga. Chrom only allowed the sleeve of his dark colored shirt under the armor to cover the Mark. When I looked up at his face, he was frowning.

"I never thought I would have to take the crown." he answered honestly. He trailed his gaze downward. "I was so certain that I wouldn't even be in this position... yet Emm..."

I stared at him for a moment before holding my elbows. "Emm did what she thought was best; for Ylisse, for Plegia, Lissa, you... and even me. It's your turn to take up what she started and finish it."

"But, what if I can't? What if I'm not worthy of her ideals, Robin?" Chrom asked, hints of desperation in his voice. I dropped my arms and took a few steps up to him. Without warning, I gave him a hand chop on his forehead since he was too tall for me. It wasn't hard or anything, is was just a slightly heavy tap on the head. Even so, he flinched, his eyes flickering to mine.

"Does it matter? You and Emm have similar ideals. Peace between Plegia. That is something we have achieved, did we not?" I asked, my voice sounding a little scratchy.

"Yes, but-" Chrom started, but I silenced him.

"-But it's only the beginning. Yes, we defeated the Plegians, but now, we need to gain trust. Besides, you're Chrom. You sure as hell can't be everything like Emm. Similar, but not the same." I said, not lifting my hand from his head to make a point. "Despite you not being as patient and gentle as her, you're still kind and eager take the necessary risks. There's still hope for you, Chrom."

Chrom paused for a moment, blinking at me before sighing. "Dammit, Robin. Do you always have to be so blunt?"

I gave him a slight grin as I finally dropped my hand. "If I'm not, then who will?"

Chrom was about to say something, but the knock on the door stopped him. He looked over to the door, "Come in!"

I took a step back, out of Chrom's way as the door opened, revealing Frederick dressed in his full armor. I mentally sighed. I was half hoping to see him without the heavy metal, but then again, it was Frederick.

"Milord, the preparations are complete. We are ready to commence the Coronation Ceremony on time. If you're ready, of course," he quickly added. I looked to Chrom to see him tense up for a moment, before taking a deep breath to gather himself. A few seconds later, Chrom nodded his head in determination.

"Right. Let's go." he said, making his way to the door. I trailed after him at my own pace, making sure to use the least amount of energy needed so I could make it through the day. Once we were in the hall, Ravina joined us. She gave Chrom a bright smile of encouragement and stayed glued to my side, lending me her arm for support.

As we walked to the throne room, I leaned a little closer to Ravina, "You think he's gonna be okay?"

Ravina was silent for a moment as she watched Chrom walk before him. He walked with an air of certainty and determination, one fit for a king. Ravina smiled. "Yes. Yes, I know he will."

And done! So tell me which one you liked best! I Kinda like Bested simply because Kamui was fun. XD I Hope you liked this set! Next Set: Rare, Kermits, Blanket, Zealous, Silence, Tome, Nightmare, Time, Pillow, and Restless.

Later~!

~CloudyLightning