Hey everyone! K here with the old version of the first chapter of An Unusual Twist. By popular request, people have asked me to put the old story back onto the site so that comparison could be done between the old version of the story and the new one.
Something that my old readers will notice, is that this first chapter isn't quite the exact same as the one that was originally posted, this is due to the fact that I had started to rewrite this chapter and add in some more details. After my long hiatus however, I decided I wanted to restart the story from the very beginning and rewrite many of the chapters completely.
Another chapter that will be different from the original is Chapter 16 when Morgan walks around the camp and has the conversation and sword fight with Chrom. The reason for this being that when I noticed I wouldn't be able to write as much I moved all of my chapters to Google Docs to save them for when I could write again. However, in all of the new doc creation I lost Chapter 16 and by the time I noticed the drafts on this site had long expired and I had already taken the old story down. So that chapter has been rewritten to the best of my memory as to what it contained.
Hope all of my readers will continue to support the story and read the rewrite as it comes out!
Disclaimer! I don't own Fire Emblem, Nintendo does. I just use the characters in my own creative story.
Chapter One
~Chrom~
There was a quiet lull over the Shepherd's camp as everyone relaxed after a hard fought battle on the edge of a canyon. The Hierarch's betrayal had stunned the entire group and none of the Shepherds were pleased with Emmeryn's decision to return to the capital. Chrom had tried every argument, every little reason that he could think of, but nothing was able to convince Emmeryn to go to the Eastern Palace.
'Aargh...She is so stubborn sometimes...I know why Emm is doing this...but still...it's not just the people that need her, Lissa and I need her too... and I worry for her safety...I can be stubborn sometimes too but...'
Chrom was completely lost in his thoughts as he continued his walk through the quiet camp. Even if it may be futile, most of the Shepherds were trying to get some rest because the group had to march to Regna Ferox for reinforcements in the morning. Try as he might, the young prince could not get to sleep and settled with a night walk to clear his head.
As Chrom wandered through camp, candle light caught his eye and he looked over to the tent that Sumia and Robin shared. The young prince sighed as he realized that Robin was still hard at work.
'She needs to relax at some point...'
He lifted the flap of her tent and he found her reading something from a large, heavy, dusty book. Robin was absorbed in her reading so she hadn't noticed him yet. Instead of trying to get her attention, Chrom found himself staring at her soft-looking purple hair. His gaze combed her body and his heart started beating quickly.
'What is this warm feeling in my chest? My head feels slightly warm.'
Chrom shook his head to get rid of his strange thoughts and then cleared his throat to get Robin's attention.
"Finished training for today, Robin?" he asked.
~Robin~
"Finished training for today, Robin?" a voice asked.
Robin looked up from her tome in surprise when she heard that deep, beautiful voice speak. The young tactician would've recognized that voice from anywhere as her commander and friend, Prince Chrom.
'The silly prince though...I could never forget when I first found out he was a prince and I apologized profusely...after that he told me that for some reason he despises titles so he is just Chrom to me and the rest of the Shepherds.'
The young woman felt indebted to Chrom because he took her in when she had no memory and nowhere else to go. He created her first new memories and was literally one of the first faces that she saw when she woke up in that field.
~Flashback~
"Brother, we have to do SOMETHING." a loud, high female voice said.
"What do you propose we do?"
'That voice is so deep...and almost beautiful...'
"I... I dunno..."
That's a female voice...who are these people...'
Robin's eyes slowly opened and took in the scene above her. There was a blue haired man and a blonde girl staring down at her. Robin blinked a few times to get used to the light.
"I see, you're awake now," the blue haired man said.
'It's the man from that dream...is his name, Chrom? Wait, how do I know that?
"Hey there!" the blonde girl said, kindly.
"There are better places to take a nap than on the ground, you know," Chrom said. "Give me your hand."
Robin placed her hand in Chrom's and she was shocked to see the purple six-eyed tattoo on her right hand. Chrom pulled her up onto her feet and her face ended up being really close to his.
'Wow...he's really handsome...'
Robin couldn't fight the blush that rose to her face and she looked down at the ground in embarrassment.
~Flashback end~
After Chrom had found her, they had saved Southtown from some bandits and she earned Chrom's trust and respect. Somehow she became the Shepherd's tactician and had been securing victory for the group ever since.
In the early months after Chrom had found her, Robin thought of Chrom as her friend and her commander. However, now that Robin had gotten to know the young Prince, she couldn't deny that she was slowly falling in love with him. Prince Chrom, he could be a little dense sometimes, but he was honest, loyal, dependable and incredibly handsome.
Robin had quickly figured out that most of the women in the Shepherds had also fallen for the prince's charms and the only person who didn't realize this, was Chrom himself.
Robin knew she didn't stand a chance at getting Chrom to notice her, compared to all the other women in the Shepherds. Besides she had battle strategies to focus on if she was going to help Chrom win this war with Plegia.
Robin snapped out of her thoughts and returned her attention back to the prince while closed the book that she had been reading from.
"With combat practice, yes. But I thought I might review a few battle strategies," Robin said to the prince, gesturing to the heavy book in front of her.
~Chrom~
Chrom blinked for a few seconds before chuckling. "Haha, Robin, you are always working so hard. You should relax a bit. Put your feet up. Experienced soldiers rest when they can. On a campaign like this, you never know when the next battle might break out."
"Heh, so I've noticed. With all that's happened recently, we've barely had time to even eat." Robin sighed.
"It's been a tough road to be sure. And it's only going to get harder." Chrom admitted.
"I do try and rest when I can, though. A lady needs her beauty sleep, after all." Robin agreed.
"Er..." Chrom stuttered.
"What? Did I say something?" Robin asked confused.
"Er, no... No it's nothing. It's just that... Well I just didn't consider you the type to care after beauty and such... I supposed I've never really thought of you as a lady." Chrom confessed.
"Excuse me?!" Robin exclaimed.
Chrom tried to explain, "No! I mean - I didn't mean - not like that! That is to say, a "lady," per se... Er... You know, how you fight and strategize, and... Not to say a lady can't fight, but... gods, this is coming out all wrong."
Robin sighed and said, "My goodness, Chrom. You're the scion of a noble family, aren't you? Didn't they teach you manners at your fancy schools growing up?"
Chrom paled and said, "Oh, gods, yes. Of course they did. We spent a whole term on etiquette."
"Perhaps you could use another term, this time on how to talk with a lady."
"It's just my image of a lady is someone prim and proper...perfumed, and pretty...Nothing like you at all! When I look at you, I just don't see a "lady."
'You are extremely beautiful in a different way Robin...your strategies...your battle skills...your beautiful eyes...wait what?! What am I thinking...Stop! Robin is your friend...'
"Does that-... Er, Robin? What... What are you doing with that rock?"
"I'm thinking a sharp blow to the head might help fix your eyesight," the tactician said with menacing eyes.
"N-no, wait! It was just a joke! Ha ha...ha? ...Gotta go?!" With that Chrom ran out of Robin's tent as fast as he could.
~Robin~
"I don't believe it. The little craven actually ran away! What kind of manners... Sheesh... Oh, well. Perhaps it's only fair. It's not like I think of him as a gentleman, let alone some fancy noble. Ugh! But he is so infuriating! First he says I'm not a lady just because I can fight...Just because I'm not prim and proper like Maribelle or conscious about my clothes like Lissa doesn't mean I'm not a lady..."
Robin continued to grumble to herself as she paced back and forth in her tent.
"I can't believe him!" Robin finally shouted flopping down onto her cot.
"Um...Robin? Are you okay?" a voice asked.
Robin sat up and saw Sumia standing at the door to their tent. "Oh, hi Sumia!" Robin said, immediately cheerful again.
"Is anything wrong?" Sumia asked worriedly. "You were grumbling to yourself and then you shouted something."
"No, everything's fine. Just some guy troubles." Robin said with a sigh.
"Ooooh, you know we must have a girl talk. What happened? Tell me! Do I need to punch someone?" Sumia exclaimed.
"Um...no it's not really that big of a deal," Robin said with a shrug, talking about this stuff wasn't really her thing.
"It can't be nothing if that sigh from earlier was any indication," Sumia said.
'She's being really persistent...but I already know that she is head over heels for Chrom...figured it out as soon as I saw her reactions to Chrom that first day in the barracks...so I can't very well tell her I might be falling in love with Chrom...liking the same guy...that might ruin our friendship...maybe I can change the subject...'
"What about you? Anything going on with your love life lately?" Robin said, hoping that the brunette would answer the question.
"Well I've been practicing making a pie in the mess tent," Sumia said. "I...want to...be able to...make a pie...thatChromwouldlike!" Sumia said, hesitating at first before speaking really quickly.
'I knew it...Sumia likes Chrom...'
"I'm sure Chrom would like anything you make," Robin said, to reassure Sumia.
"Do you really think so?" Sumia asked.
Robin nodded her head. "Yeah, he's been working so much lately, I think it would be a kind gesture for you to make him something."
"Oh, I really do hope so," Sumia said. "But are you sure there's nothing going on with you? I saw you talking to Stahl earlier."
"No, I'm positive there's nothing," Robin insisted. "There seems to be love among the other Shepherds though."
"I know, I've noticed that Lissa has been trying to talk to Lon'qu more," Sumia gushed.
"He was assigned to be Lissa's bodyguard," Robin said, smiling a little bit. "Although, I think he stays at least ten feet away from her at all times."
Sumia laughed and said, "Is he able to guard someone like that?"
"That's exactly what Lissa told me, she asked him," Robin said, laughing as well.
The two continued to talk late into the night about other couples that might be forming in the Shepards. Once the focus turned away from her, Robin was a lot more comfortable and had a great time bonding and laughing with Sumia late into the night.
~Chrom~
Chrom slowed his pace down to a walk and cringed when he remembered all the stupid things he had just said to Robin.
'Great going...First you told her she wasn't a lady and you even told her she wasn't pretty. Perfect. Just perfect. You are an idiot, Chrom!.'
Chrom sighed to himself and decided to turn in early for the evening to clear his head.
~The next morning~Robin~
Robin and Sumia headed to breakfast. After a satisfying breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast, Robin went to look for Chrom for their strategy meeting. However, she couldn't find him anywhere so she asked Sumia to help her look for the elusive prince. She sighed as she continued to search and hoped that the prince wasn't still mad at her for yesterday.
~Chrom~
Chrom woke up with a sinking feeling in his head as he realized he had a strategy meeting with Robin soon. He didn't want to get knocked on the head with a rock so he walked around camp, trying to stall for as long as possible.
"Oh there you are!" a voice called out to him.
Chrom turned around and recognized the face immediately. "Hello, Sumia. Did you need something?"
"Um, no. Robin is just looking for you." Sumia stated.
'Oh crap...I really don't want to go to that strategy meeting...ugh sound like I just remembered.'
"Oh, right. The strategy meeting. Poor Robin does love to... AAAARGH!" Chrom shouted as he tripped suddenly.
"Chrom? Are you alright?!" Sumia exclaimed.
"Y-yes, I'm fine. I just tripped on a pebble. Gods, how embarrassing." Chrom said bashfully.
"It's because you're so exhausted! You've been working too hard lately."
"I'm fine, Sumia. And besides, we're all tired. Such endless fighting wears on everyone."
~Sumia~
"Chrom, you've no need to don a brave face for my sake." Sumia said, while shaking her head. 'Although I wish you would. I wish everything you did was for my sake. Argh! Sumia! Focus. Your captain needs encouragement.' "You carry twice the burden of anyone. It's only natural you're exhausted." Sumia continued.
"Heh. You're kind to say so." Chrom said. "But in truth, everyone looks to their commander for inspiration and strength. An army is only as stalwart as its leader. The instant I show weakness, we're through."
"It must be so hard for you..." Sumia said softly. 'Really Sumia? That's the best that you can do?'
"I'll...be fine. And please, don't speak of this conversation to anyone. All right?" Chrom pleaded.
"N-no! Of course not! I would never-" Sumia stuttered.
"Ha ha! At ease, Sumia. And stop worrying so much! It'll take more than a few battles to bring this soldier to his knees." Chrom promised.
"I know! You're the greatest warrior that I've ever..." 'And I love you. Meep! Don't say that aloud.' "Huh. I just realized something." Sumia said.
"What is it?" Chrom asked.
"You trusted me with a secret! It's our first secret together!" Sumia exclaimed. 'And the first step to our love story...'
"Um...yes, I suppose it is." Chrom said with a smile.
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed tighter than a bear trap." Sumia promised and then smiled sneakily. "...So long as you promise to take a nap before the strategy meeting!"
"...What?" Chrom asked.
"I'll just tell Robin that you've been delayed." Sumia said.
"And if I don't agree to your terms?" Chrom asked.
"Then I'll tell everyone the mighty Chrom was bested by a mere pebble!" Sumia declared.
"That sounds like blackmail...Still, I suppose a short nap couldn't hurt." Chrom agreed reluctantly.
"Ooh, it's so thrilling to be able to help out like this!" Sumia exclaimed. "Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Sweet dreams!"
~Chrom~
Chrom shook his head as he watched the brunette walk away from him.
"That girl has a strange knack for getting her way..." he said aloud to himself.
'Although this is the perfect excuse to delay the strategy meeting. I can prepare my apology to Robin and keep Sumia's promise. It works out perfectly.' The prince became lost in his thoughts as he drifted off to sleep.
~Robin~
Robin wandered around camp, looking for Chrom for two reasons. They had a strategy meeting planned and she wanted to apologize for attempting to hit her commander with a rock. She smiled sheepishly to herself as she recalled that conversation.
She heard Chrom shout in alarm around the corner and she instantly ran around the corner with her spell book open. She expected to see Chrom being attacked by a clever Risen that got past the sentries but instead she saw something she would've rather not seen. She saw Sumia helping Chrom up from the ground where he must have tripped over something.
Robin nodded at first, remembering she had asked her best friend to tell Chrom she was looking for him. Then as the two continued to talk, Robin felt a strange twinge of jealousy in her heart. Robin quickly turned away and walked back to her tent to stop her racing heart. She wouldn't mind delaying the strategy meeting because if she were to talk to Chrom right now, her walls would collapse.
~Chrom~
Chrom woke up feeling very refreshed and very grateful to Sumia for making him take that nap. Now that he was completely relaxed and awake, he started around camp to ask for Robin's whereabouts. He quickly found Robin and discussed the route they would be taking to the Coliseum in Regna Ferox.
They marched very quickly because Chrom set a harsh pace. He was very worried about his sister, Emmeryn and wanted to get reinforcements as soon as possible. They ran into a lot of Risen in the road but Chrom had no patience for them at all.
Robin tried to start a strategy and have the Shepherds surround and conquer the pesky Risen but Chrom just charged forward and swung Falchion madly at all the Risen. He killed them all single handedly while the rest of the Shepherds looked on worriedly.
Later, Chrom, Lissa, Sumia, and Robin stood in the center of the arena waiting patiently for the Khan to come to them for news. Although Chrom looked like he was spacing out and Robin was starting to worry about him.
"B-but she's safe inside the castle, right? Phila, and the others will protect her!" Lissa said worriedly. "And Khan Flavia is assembling her best troops as we speak. We'll make it back home in time. I know we will."
Chrom remained silent, staring off into space.
"Chrom! Say something! Say, 'Yes, of course we will!'" Lissa pleaded.
"...I'm sorry, Lissa. What?" Chrom asked, confused.
"Ugh, fine! Never mind! Let me know when you get out of your own head for a second!" Lissa grumbled.
Chrom sighed and didn't say anything so Sumia walked over to him. She stared at him for a second before yelling, "Snap out of it, Captain!"
Sumia then punched Chrom in the face just as Khan Flavia entered the arena.
"OW!" Chrom shouted. "...What the hell was that for?!"
"Oh no! ...Did I do it wrong?" Sumia asked worriedly. "Captain Phila said sometimes a good slap will break someone out of their doldrums."
Lissa sighed and said, "Sumia, when you slap someone, you do it with an open palm. You just punched Chrom in the face!"
"Um... it's the thought that counts?" Sumia asked hopefully.
"Gods, that seriously hurt..." Chrom said.
"Ha ha! What's wrong, my dear prince? Sometimes love hurts!" Khan Flavia said, while laughing. "You're lucky to have strong women like these, and not just dainty flowers about. In any case, I bring good news. The Feroxi army has finally mobilized. Every last man is itching to fight. I must say, I'm looking forward to savoring a skirmish or two myself."
"...Wait. You're coming along?" Chrom asked, confused.
"Of course! A khan must have her fun. I'm even bringing my insignificant other." Khan Flavia stated.
"Your who?" Robin asked.
"Basilio." Khan Flavia stated as if it was common knowledge. "The oaf isn't good for much, but he might stop a few stray arrows."
The group exited the Coliseum and headed over to Basilio's palace to discuss their plan for marching to Ylisstol. Chrom sighed to himself as he rubbed his sore cheek which was still red from Sumia's punch. He heard a soft giggle and he looked over to find Robin, who was trying to stop laughing at him.
"Ha ha. So funny Robin. Your commander just got punched in the face and all you can do is laugh." Chrom said sarcastically.
Robin burst into giggles. "I-I'm s-sorry Chrom but that was r-really f-funny. I didn't expect Sumia to punch you in the face." Robin managed to say around her giggles. Robin and Chrom continued to play fight until they finally reached Basilio's palace.
"Chrom! Good gods, I've been looking for you everywhere!" Basilio shouted as soon as the group came into view.
"Is something wrong?" Chorm asked with a confused look on his face.
"Our scouts have reported back...Dark news, I'm afraid..." Basilio said grimly. "Ylisstol...has fallen."
"What?!" Chrom shouted.
"The Plegians captured your exalt and retreated back across their lines." Basilio reported. "Gangrel has declared she's to be publicly executed within the moon."
"E-executed?!" Chrom exclaimed in disbelief. Lissa fainted and Robin instantly reached out to catch her before she fell.
"Lissa? Lissa!" Robin asked.
Flavia sighed and said, "The dastard's not even trying to be subtle anymore."
"I agree. It's an obvious trap." Robin said.
"The Mad King knew our scouts would relay this information back." Basilio said. "It's clearly a provocation - a hot brand to the buttocks! We should consider our options carefully before jumping to any-"
"Shepards! We march to Plegia!" Chrom shouted.
"*Ahem* Well, that would be ONE option, yes..." Basilio agreed. "But perhaps we've seen enough royalty waltzing into traps for one war already, eh?"
"I don't care if it's a trap, Basilio. He's going to murder my sister!" Chrom shouted with anger.
"Peace, Chrom. Breathe a moment." Flavia said. "No one's suggesting we don't act. We're simply saying we should act WISELY. We'll need guts AND wits in equal measure if we're to save your sister."
"The khans are right. I'll think of something, Chrom. I promise." Robin said.
"...All right, Robin. I leave it to you to formulate our strategy." Chrom reluctantly agreed.
"Are you certain you're up to the task, Robin? It won't be easy." Flavia warned. "You hold the exalt's life in one hand, and all of ours in the other."
"A responsibility I do not take lightly. But I am equal to the challenge." Robin promised with a fire in her eyes.
"Ha ha! You've got stones, at least. I like that!" Flavia said.
"No hesitation, no mincing words... She's either a genius or a fool!" Basilio exclaimed. "I suppose we'll find out once we march! Hold on to your tassets, Ylisseans. We've an exalt to save!"
AN: And there's the slightly revised version of chapter 1 of the original An Unusual Twist.