A/N: Standard disclaimer apply. I don't own anything except my stories... and Innes, since he's my husband. Wait, that sounds wrong. Okay, I don't own Fire Emblem, the only ones I own are my stories and my wedding ring with Innes... alright, I'm crazy, so again, I don't own Fire Emblem. Period! xD
Also, I listened to Cancion del Mariachi when writing this. It just felt okay... don't kill me.
Chapter 1: Ambush
"... You would want to WHAT?" his eyes widened as he heard his father spoke. He rushed to the floor above his own the moment he got a message asking for him to come upstairs. His father didn't say anything about this. He was only requested to meet him in his office.
Innes Frelia sat with a terrified look on his face. Loosening his tie like he was about to choke, he glanced at his father who seemed to be indifferent upon his getting such reaction from the son. "But."
"But? You graduated with a summa cum laude and the smartest reply you could compose is a but?" Hayden Frelia, his father, frowned.
"And it's not a valid sentence, Dear Brother," his sister who sat on the velvet sofa in the room added.
"Out," Innes glared at her.
"Awww, Dad," Tana Frelia made an expression of a fainted penguin.
"Listen, Innes. This party is important," Hayden replied in time before Innes wrestled with Tana. "The moment is perfect. We will be celebrating the birth of this company in less than four months. Imagine, 35 years, my children," Innes swore he saw a raging wave behind his father as he spoke—the spirit of a terrifying old man. "The sailing is not always smooth, but here we are, claiming our rightful place as one of the prominent business empires in the city. We have to be thankful for the success!"
"Sounds like that's because you want to show people who's the boss," Innes responded with a feral smile. His father smirked.
"That's a side effect—but I'm glad you see that too. Wicked, no? We will have deals and tenders with other big companies, and they will be invited to celebrate our victory. Win or lose, this party will still be held, but I think I agree that it's better to party in victory. Innes?"
"Let's say we have three months," Innes hissed. "And suddenly you want me to deal with all the wuss. Meeting idiots, making foolish planning, like a polka dot butterfly... you don't have someone else to be sacrificed?"
"There is a polka dot butterfly?" Tana's eyes widened.
"Why is that thing even here?" Innes glared at Tana.
"Don't dare talking like that to your precious sister! Care for her you brat, she's the gem of the family..." Hayden rose to his feet.
"... Not all gems bright," there was a victorious tone in his voice as he mercilessly killed Tana's dignity. "So, what all this have to do with Tana?"
"Helping you," Hayden replied on behalf of his daughter. "I brought you an ally, okay? See, reinforcement. A good commander should know how to turn a disadvantaged situation to a victory. How am I going to trust you with the company later?"
"Maybe. But a fine commander knows how not to get in trouble," Innes replied sarcastically. "You want me to prepare a party, stage a good performance for our rivals to see. Securing deals with other prominent business kingdoms... fine! I'll do it, but I'll do it my way."
"A fine commander won't drag the entire platoon with him to doom," Hayden warned. "Or if that's your way to rebel like a manchild..."
"A commander chooses the men he wishes to go to a war with," Innes muttered under his breath. "After all I'm the son of Frelia Family, okay? I am also a part of our business as well... I'll do it, Father, gosh."
"I still can't let you be like that," Hayden uttered his disbelieving the son frankly. "Sure you'll report to me, step by step?" without waiting for a reply, he continued, "Of course you will! Alright, everyone, get back to work. And Tana, let Innes drive you home! I'm sure we'll need some... chemistry in order for this to work out."
Innes hated his father's big grin that day.