Robin Dunbar was an average kid. Despite his parents early deaths and his knack for all things knowledgeable, the young 16 year old boy was average in personality and taste.

It was a beautiful Monday in April, where the skies were blue and the sun shined it's rays vigorously upon the residents of the fair land of New Jersey. Robin was an average kid. Sure, he had scored nearly perfect scores on his ACT and SATs, but it wasn't anything exceptionally remarkable. Perfect A's and compliments from teachers were something that always came naturally to him. He accredited his studious nature to fate. A junior in high school, he didn't think it really his responsibility to determine such things.

But similar to any creature of higher intelligence, Robin was curious.

They say curiosity killed the cat, but Robin would disagree. He'd tell you that curiosity was the predecessor to innovation; a human necessity to find things we didn't understand and develop solutions accordingly. But as far as intelligence carried you, experience was a fair rival, and Robin discovered that every saying as a fair bit of truth of which it stems from.

His school was a decent enough place. Wrought with the criminally inclined and those more akin to solving problems with violence, Robin had a made a decent enough friend group to stay out of trouble. Loved by the teachers and generally envied by the student populace, he had found himself the center of attention for many awards and numerous titles that he thought would be much better suited to someone else. Even so, a high school is a high school, where future geniuses brush shoulders with future inmates. A fate unbecoming for any open minded individual.

In fact, Robin heard rumors. He heard rumors that the school's funding were inexplicably controlled by a few elite; that the sons and daughters of such people would recieve full marks no matter how hard they worked. Robin heard rumors that it was connected to several companies, that the only reason such a nice school existed in such an urban zone was due to the generosity of a few wealthy individuals. But those were merely rumors.

Robin walked home everyday, usually without much trouble. When his parents passed away, his mother had left him a coat. He made it a point to wear it everyday, though he had to admit at times it looked a bit ridiculous, especially in 90 degree heat. Even so, it brought him comfort. He didn't have many memories of his parents; the coat was something concrete that he could always look at and remember that they were real; they existed. Nevertheless, it had earned him even more attention from his ill-mannered peers, and Robin soon found himself the subject of ridicule. It didn't really bother him. Every so often, though, when Robin was alone on the weekends, he noted Chrom's sorrowful expression. Robin knew Chrom knew what was going on. That was the only thing that bothered the young boy.

As Robin climbed through the ranks, he found the resentment towards him growing more severe. It wasn't unlikely Robin would be confronted physically one way or another. He found it tiresome. He found it all tiresome. Tiredness led to carelessness, which would ironically lead Robin on a path that would lead him to a new journey.

He hadn't meant to touch the book. It was after school, and as Robin exited the school through a long archway that led to his neighborhood, he had noticed a backpack with spilled contents on the sidewalk. Curious, he knelt down to examine the book, touching a peculiar looking book halfway out the unzipped bag.

He touched it, and, slowly revealing the golden frame, was stopped by a hand on his wrist.

Looking up, he was met with the sight of the obese and lecherous Derrick Solomon, sneering down ruefully as he hoisted Robin up. His pack of cronies jeered from behind him.

"Didn't your parents tell you not to touch other people's property?"

Robin grimaced. For a sophomore, Derrick's social standing was remarkably impressive. His mouth went dry as he thought about it. Derrick's parents were rich, and he acted like an ass in class- something immensely popular with lower classmen.

Robin didn't know if their actions were driven by envy, or sheer anger- but out of reflex, he yanked his hand out of Derrick's. Derrick didn't take well to this, his expression darkening significantly.

"Oh," Derrick snorted. "So you think you're innocent. You touch my property and then yank your hand out of mine like you have some kind of right to my stuff." Derrick stated, turning back to his cronies.

Robin noticed the change in tone. He noticed it, because he'd seen Derrick pull this routine many times before. So instead of waiting for the next time, he did what he thought was the best thing to do. He bum rushed Derrick, shoulder shrugging him hard, and tore through his pack of cronies, breaking into a full sprint on the sidewalk that would lead him home.

The white haired boy's neighborhood was a simple one- suburbs constructed neatly close together. One story buildings that offered little to no privacy, and generally housed the poor middle class.

Running along the sidewalk, Robin didn't have enough energy and stamina to outrun his pursuers. They were gaining on him. In a desperate last ditch effort, he turned the corner right before his street. He had hoped the bullies would somehow fail to notice this and run forward, thinking he'd be running straight home.

The effort was futile. One of the bullies had called his name. Robin was out of stamina, and out of options. He turned around, panting heavily, before the bullies surrounded him.

Robin knew he was outnumbered. He knew it was hopeless. He was afraid, but and looked for any kind of exit as they circled him.

"You gave us quite the chase, Dunbar," Derrick stated raspily. The boy was clad in a white T-shirt and black cargo shorts, the layers of his skin red and wet with preserpriation. Robin would've laughed had he not been in the situation he was in.

"Aren't you supposed to be a junior? Why run instead of fight?" One of the cronies taunted, his voice high and nasally. The most embarrassing parts about the situation was that he was surrounded by a pack of freshmen and sophomores. Robin said nothing again, attempting to hide his shaking hands by putting them in his coat pockets. Sadly, the act didn't go unnoticed.

"He's scared!" One of the cronies taunted. This gave them the bravado to step forward and shove him. The small push easily caused Robin to fall to the floor as the fear made his blood run cold. He berated himself for being a coward. He wouldn't even attempt to defend himself, even with no other options left.

"Oh, I get it." Derrick said. He wiped the sweat from his brow and glanced forward. Nodding his head, two of Derrick's friends hoisted Robin up from under his arms.

Am I about to be beaten?

Robbed?

What's going to happen to me?

Derrick chuckled. "I see all those thoughts swirling around in your head, Robin," Derrick said. His voice was eerily calm. "But don't worry. I just want to know one thing. Did you see the book?" Derrick made eye contact.

An attempt an intimidation.

"N-no…" Robin stated. Derrick laughed again, prompting all of his friends to chuckle. Robin struggled, but the grip on him was too tight.

Derrick approached Robin and latch his hand around his throat. Leaning in, he whispered, "If you saw anything, you'd best forget it now," he said, "And here's this for good measure."

Instantly, Derrick's knee connected with Robin's abdomen, and the blow was so staggering it brought Robin to his knees. As he fell, Derrick wound up for a haymaker, but a sharp voice rang:

"Stop, or I'm calling the cops!"

Derrick stopped. Robin, on the floor, searched for the voice of his savior, but couldn't see anything through the feet of his assailants.

Derrick snorted and spat. "Let's get out of here," He said rapidly, and just as quickly as they came, the group of boys dispersed.

Robin coughed as he collected his breath.

Crazy people.

Robin had nearly gotten jumped, but now that the threat was gone, the only thing he felt was relief and gratitude. He decided to collect himself as quickly as possible to show proper thanks to his savior.

Readjusting his backpack, he looked up, and noted the girl who stood outside her home. It was painted yellow, with a roof made out of clay stone and a sharp driveway. It looked modest, with a screen door leading to a real door,a small porch, a 2 car driveway, and a 2004 Toyota and what appeared to be a large moving van parked in the driveway.

The girl herself looked young. Blue hair flowed radiantly down her slender frame. She wore a red T shirt, with simple jeans, and a pair of sneakers. Her eyes were blue as well, Robin noted, as she searched him with a wary eye. In her right hand was a cell phone. Robin chuckled, but stopped as he noticed the feeling of pain in his stomach.

What a brave woman.

She seemed to have waited until the coast was clear before approaching the boy. Noting that he was doubled over, she stood a fair distance away.

"Are you okay?" She asked. Her voice was smooth, and low, Robin noted.

"I'm fine. Just a bit of trouble. Thank you for saving me," He looked up. Robin fancied himself an introvert, but contrary to popular belief, that didn't come with the inherent distaste of meeting others. Especially under circumstances like this. She was obviously a nice lady.

"What's your name?" Robin asked politely. The girl looked at him again, before replying, "It's Lucina. Lucina Maxium," she began, but trailed off as she made eye contact. "Are you sure you don't want to call the police? Those boys seemed quite intent on pestering you."

Robin liked the way Lucina talked, he decided. He smiled good naturedly. "Ah, please. No use getting the police involved over a little bullying. Besides, we've got people like you, Lucina. How can I repay you?" Robin didn't know where this was coming from, but he gave credit to his older brother, Chrom. The guy was just inherently nice, always looking to give someone a helping hand. It must've been rubbing off on him, he mused to himself.

Lucina looked flustered. "Well, I, uh…" she trailed off. "I-I don't want to intrude. I mean it's just expected, you don't need to do anything…"

Robin smiled again. "Please. I've got spare time. Name it." Lucina looked indecisive again, but pocketed her cell phone. She cleared her throat in what seemed to be an attempt at being forward.

"Well, you see, I've just moved in…" She glanced back at the truck. Robin took the hint.

"Well then. Let's begin."

XXX

The moving didn't take long. Unexpectedly to Robin, Lucina's possessions were almost slim to none, and she didn't even have any particular heavy items like couches or fully framed beds within her van. Robin completed most of the work within 30 minutes, and he categorized himself as the all around average young male.

Lucina seemed oblivious to the fact, however, and invited him for a snack break out on the porch. The two sat across from each other, and it then dawned on Robin how strange the situation was. Attempting to remedy the situation, he thought the best course of action would be to strike up small talk.

"So, Lucina, where are you coming from?"

"Virginia. My dad sent me here to attend college." This surprised Robin. That was fairly surprising news.

"College? How old are you?" He asked inquisitively.

"I'm 20." She responded again. Robin almost dropped the coffee cake he was about to shove into his mouth, graciously served by the young woman across from her.

"Which college?" He asked again.

"Just a community college. Living's cheaper here," she mentioned, gesturing to the things around her. Robin nodded his head in agreement. Pressed for cash after his parent's death, Chrom sought the nearest nearby low income housing. It allowed him to save up. Chrom swore to Robin up and down they'd get out of here someday. But even then, it wasn't a ghetto by any standards. Just could use a little cleaning up.

"Have you thought about college, Robin?" She asked.

"I have." He responded confidently. Lucina noticed this and commented further.

"You seem to have put thought into it. What college?" Lucina questioned.

"Harvard." Responded Robin. Lucina snorted, but noticed Robin's expression hadn't changed. Instead, a look of fierce determination fell upon his features, and Lucina could find herself believing this boy really could go to Harvard. In the sunlight, she noticed his eyes were a shade of amber.

Nobody has believed in me yet except Chrom. The thought brought a smile to his face, grateful for his brother supporting him.

He coughed. "Well, I live up the street from here, so if there's ever anything you need, just let me know." Robin offered graciously. He got up and turned back into the house. Before turning around, he saw her expression, and Lucina seemed quite surprised at this offer. Before his hand touched the sliding glass door back into the home, she spoke to him.

"Robin, what time do you get out of school?" The voice was light; almost fearful.

He turned around with a curious expression on his face. "2:05. Why?" He asked. Robin could almost hear a swallow.

"Well, I….I get off of work around that time, and I pass the school, so…"

"So?" Robin continued.

"How about I just pick you up?" Lucina asked. It came out quiet. Robin almost missed it. He looked at her again.

The sun was fading. It casted a slight shadow on her eyes as she looked down.

"Why…?" Robin asked again.

Lucina looked up, meeting his gaze. Her voice was determined.

"I don't want those boys messing with you again. You're a very nice person, Robin. I'm sorry if you think it's a little strange. I've never really been good with social things…"

Robin chuckled. What would be the harm? He stopped himself. There were a few inherent risks, of course. He decided discussing it with Chrom would be the best option.

"I'll have to discuss it with my brother." Robin let Lucina know. She looked confused about his answer, but Robin began to notice the sun was going down.

Uh-oh.

"Sorry, Lucina, I've got to go! I'll finish the rest tomorrow!" Robin broke out into a sprint, exiting her home through the porch door. Lucina was befuddled, but watched his back as he ran away. She didn't call out anything, she didn't say farewell. She just listened to his footsteps and the smell of grass and the sight of the white haired boy frantically sprinting down the street with the fading sun kissing his cheek.

She looked at him, and laughed at herself. It was her first day here. She didn't know if she could call the boy a friend. But she saved him, and suddenly, admiring his intelligence, found herself wanting to do more.

Twilight gave way to night, and Lucina undressed and went to sleep, relishing in the fact that he was kind enough to help her.

A-N

So it begins. Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed, please rate or review. Or even if you didn't. Especially if you didn't.

Here we go.