Heya guys!
The story is going back to the Fire Emblem Awakening Plot in this story, with a little bit of fluff at the end! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
I do not own Fire Emblem Awakening
On the outside, Robin was acting cool and collected, despite the fact that her co-drum major was currently ignoring her and that her friends were uneasy about the entire endeavor.
On the inside, she felt like puking. For the first time since she remembered her name, Robin's brain began to feel fuzzy with unfamiliar hintings at memories. The drive to Plegia Academy wasn't long, but the entire trip in left her with an oddly itchy feel picking it's way at her brain.
She shuddered, praying that the people who kidnapped Maribelle weren't friends from her past. She liked to think that she was the same person that she was now, but no matter how hard she tried, Robin couldn't prove it. Then again, there was the question of how she lost her memories in the first place, and why it was connected with her fading bruises.
To make matters worst, she couldn't talk to it with anyone. The only people she was close to in the group was Sumia, Lissa, and Chrom, and one of the three was currently pretending she didn't exist. She could discuss the odd feelings of remembering something to the two girls, but she couldn't go into detail with it because they didn't know that she was hurt before she lost her memories.
To top it all off, Robin had taken leadership and was now leading a group of eight people to try and retrieve their fellow band members without a single hit to the other side. It did help that she knew very little about Gangrel, because that meant she had an impartial opinion towards him and would be more willing to make a deal. What didn't help was that she had no idea who he was and what his motives were.
Gah, why did life have to be so complicated?
While Chrom, Lissa, Sumia, and Kellam, who decided to tag along last minute, rode in Stahl's car, Robin and Lon'qu rode with Sully. The redhead had her headphones in while she drive, obviously trying to tune out whatever boring conversation the newbies would have with each other. Ironically, though, the two of them had opted to focus all of their energy on watching the scenery pass by.
The group finally reached their destination; the abandoned obstacle course the Plegia Academy tried to cover up. Robin had heard someone briefly talk about how the school used to be a military school, but she didn't believe it until now. The entire course was surrounded with a tall fence, save a small hole on the wall facing away from the main building. There was a large wall with a balcony on top to over see everything in the far corner. Nearby it was a large pile of mud that had formed into more of a swamp over the years. A threatening floor of barbed wire stuck out near it with rusted wire and spikes. Everything else was covered by the knee-length grass.
At the top of the fort was a boy with unruly red hair and unbelievably tan skin. Next to him stood a girl, probably a year younger than him, dressed in scandalous black clothing with white hair. There were signs of other Plegian students hiding in the tall grass, but no hint at where Maribelle could be. It unnerved Robin greatly.
The boy automatically recognized Chrom and smirked," Well look who it is; Prince Chrom in all of his elegance."
Said boy snarled," I'm not hear to play, Gangrel. Where's Maribelle?"
"Ooh, someone's frisky," The redhead, presumably Gangrel, responded. His eyes flickered over to Robin," Whose this?"
This was it; this was the moment where Robin would try her very best to solve the problem with little to no conflict. She took a deep breath and stepped forward," I'm Robin Doe, the new co-drum major of Ylisse High. I assume your name is Gangrel, but who is your friend?"
The girl leered," You may call me Aversa."
There it was again; the spike of the possibility of remembering something, but it was gone as soon as it came. Robin swore under her breath and unconsciously rubbed her head, trying to coax the thought back. Gangrel rose his eyebrow with an overly pleased grin on his face," What was that, darling? I couldn't hear you."
Realizing her actions, Robin straightened back up," Nothing important-"
"It was obviously important enough for you to express yourself upon," Aversa joined in, enjoyed the game as much as her partner.
She didn't like the direction this conversation was headed; Robin needed to get back on track so that they could leave as soon as possible," Is Maribelle unharmed?" She asked, trying to hide the shakiness in her voice.
Thankfully, Gangrel didn't notice her tone and nonchalantly began to brush off something on his shoulder," Who? Oh yes, that little blonde brat," He snapped his fingers, and a huge figure stepped out from behind the fort, holding a familiar blonde piccoloist.
Maribelle tried to shimmy her way out of the brute's grasp," Unhand me, you gutter-born troglodyte!"
Lissa gasped," Maribelle!"
"Lissa? Darling, is that you?" The girl frantically scanned the area until her eyes fell on her fellow Shepards. Robin could see her shoulders slump in relief from there.
Aversa rolled her eyes at the exchange," This girl intruded into Plegia Academy without our consent. And what's more... She wounded the brave Plegian students who sought only to escort her safely home."
"LIES! You speak nothing but lies, hag!" Maribelle spat," Did they not teach the meaning of the word "truth" in wretched-crone school?!"
Aversa tutted," ...You see? No manners at all. Such a nasty little bird simply had to be caged."
Robin didn't like the sound of that at all," You need to return her to us-"
"We don't need to do anything," Gangrel replied smoothly," After all, she invaded our school. You're lucky we didn't call the police-"
"That's because it is a faulty reason for arrest!" Robin cried," Just tell us what you want, because it's obvious you won't tell us the truth."
The red-haired drum major tilted his head cockily," I'm more interested to see what you want, dear Robin."
"What? Why would you ask something like that?"
"You come here, claiming to fight for Ylisse, yet you're wearing a vintage Plegian Academy sweatshirt," He answered cooly," Why is that?"
Robin's heart stopped; her sweatshirt was Plegian. Raimi was right. She could feel the Shepards staring holes into the back of her head, desperately waiting for an explanation of any kind to reassure them. The white haired girl, on the other hand, was terrified. There was now a large possibility that she attended Plegia Academy, but that also meant that there was a high probability that someone from the area had also been the one to attack her and wipe her memories. What if they were on the opposite side, waiting to finish the job? What if this wasn't a lure for the Shepard, but a lure for her instead? Even though the hot summer sun pounded on the back of her sweatshirt, Robin shook like she was in the middle of a blizzard.
She was yanked out of her thoughts when someone set a comforting hand on her shoulder," It's alright, Robin," A familiar voice cooed.
The drum major flipped around, both shocked and mortified," E-Emmeryn?"
The blonde woman nodded warmly," I've come to settle this-"
"-Do you think I'm from Plegia?" Robin blurted, trying very hard to conceal her worries.
The principal's eyes widened slightly," I cannot say I know the answer to that," She changed her tone to a whisper," But I do know that you're scared of the answer for some reason. Why?"
The girl anxiously turned to Frederick, who had come in company of Emmeryn and was now talking to Gangrel, and shook her head," I don't want to talk about it."
Emmeryn only nodded," That's alright. Now, while I do appreciate your approach on the situation, I believe that it is my turn to retrieve my student," She patted the girl's shoulder supportively before stepping in place by Frederick," Mr. Trikker, I believe?"
Gangrel opened his mouth in mock awe," What's this, then? The principal herself, in all her radiance? I fear I must shield my eyes!" He cried as he over-dramatically pretended to block his sight.
"I've come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between us," She replied seriously, unwilling to take part in any of his games.
"If I may speak the truth," Aversa started," That blonde twit was found intruding on school property, so we captured her and contacted you instead of the police-"
"You lying buffoon!" Maribelle shrieked.
Gangrel snickered at her feeble attempt to escape," Such a violent temper speaks to her guilt. This will call for a weighty punishment. And if she were to later confess to being an Ylissean spy? My goodness! It would take an act of CONSIDERABLE good faith to repair our relations."
"I have done nothing wrong! It is they who should confess! They are the ones who invaded Ylisse High! They were trying to vandalize someone's car! When I attempted to intervene, they took me and dragged me into the car and to their school!"
The Plegian drum major rolled his eyes," That would only prove Ylisse has a problem with criminals—something I hear oft of late...I think it has something to do with burnt band music and drill," Gangrel grinned when he was Robin, Chrom, and Frederick tense up," But indeed, tonight I shall weep salty tears into my pillow for forfeited band season-"
"We haven't given up yet," Chrom yelled, unable to keep quiet any longer," Thanks to Robin, we have an entirely new season planned."
Robin's heart swelled when he acknowledged her for the first time in two hours," Save your tears for when you lose!" Although it was obvious her friend was still making an effort to ignore her, he couldn't keep the proud smirk off his face.
Emmeryn held her hand up to silence the two and pressed on," Mr. Trikker, I request that you release this woman at once. There is no need for hostages in terms of negotiation, especially while we're living in the 21st century."
"Without so much as an apology?" Gangrel spat," Why should I even bother with negotiation? I'm within my rights to have her head this instant and be home in time for supper."
Chrom clenched his fists," You black-hearted devil!"
"Control your dog, my dear, before he gets someone hurt," Gangrel demanded smugly. Emmeryn frowned at the comparison, but sent her brother a pleading look. The blue haired boy broke underneath her gaze and stepped back.
The redhead beamed like a child on Christmas morning," Now then, Your Graceliness. Perhaps we can arrange a trade? You give me the Fire Emblem, and I return Mari Contrary here in one piece."
A gasp rose from the Shepards, leaving Robin confused. What is the Fire Emblem? Emmeryn narrowed her eyebrows," You would ask for the Exalt Family's royal treasure? But why?"
Gangrel rubbed his hands together greedily," Because I know the legend! The Fire Emblem is the key to having defeating your main enemy. I have desired it for years. YEARS! ...Yet my birthday comes and goes each year, and nothing from my dear, rich friends. Heheh..."
"The Emblem's power is meant for a single purpose, Mr. Trikker: to save the city and its people at their hour of most desperate need. It is not meant to be used as some child's play toy or sold as a priceless jewel."
"What if I tell you I won't sell it? I have a noble wish that is much more important than saving this stupid city from a fake threat," Gangrel said through his unbearable smirk," I want what every Plegian wants—a grisly end for every last Exalt! What could be more noble than that?"
Emmeryn's eyes widened in horror, and she instinctively stepped in front of her siblings," What?"
Gangrel snorted at her sisterly act," Surely you have not forgotten what the father did to my parents and the families of many other Plegians? He named us heathens! His "crusade" across our city butchered countless people! He murdered my parents right in front of me, and tried to finish me off as well! Surely you remember that?!"
This time, the Shepards' attention was directed at either Chrom, Lissa, or Emmeryn. The sisters did their best to ignore it, but Chrom's focus was solely on one person; Robin. Unlike everyone else, her eyes were on the ground. The oldest Exalt frowned,"...I have never denied father's past wrongdoings," She started slowly," But I have sworn to never repeat those mistakes. Our family is now one that embraces peace and sincerity towards others."
"Yours is now a haven of hypocrisy!" He barked," Now give me the Fire Emblem!"
Maribelle shook her head furiously," No, Your Grace! I'd sooner die than act as a bargaining chip for this filthy reprobate!"
Emmeryn's face fell," No, Maribelle..."
Gangrel groaned and leaned against the railing of her perch," Ugh... Taaaaaalk talk-talk-talk-talk. It's time to speak louder than words! This negotiation is over, Your Luminosity! I shall have the Emblem if I have to pry it from your shiny dead hands! Get one of them; I don't care which it is!"
His lackey's shared a knowing look before sprinting towards Emmeryn. Chrom growled and sucker punched the closest one, keeping them as far away from his older sister as he possibly could," Stay back! Or you'll all suffer the same fate!"
Gangrel chuckled," Now that's a declaration of war if I've ever heard one... A big, messy war that will bleed you Ylisseans dry. ATTACK!"
Aversa, unimpressed with her drum major's boring actions, left her post and approached Maribelle as the two band groups began to fight each other p," Poor, stupid girl... Are you really worth fighting a war over? Years from now, you'll be remembered only as she who destroyed Ylisse's band program."
For a split second, Maribelle dropped her proper attitude and started stammering. How could this happen? She was only trying to help," No...That's not...Oh, Lissa...Please, no..."
Before the evil teenager could do anything, something sharp hit the back of her head. Aversa yelped angrily and turned around, trying to figure out who the culprit behind her attack was. Suddenly, a large cracking sound could be heard from behind her," Maribelle! Go! You're free!"
Maribelle pulled away from the brute her savior had just released her from and gasped," RICKEN?! What are you doing here?"
Ricken, with his slingshot in hand, waved it off," Just run! We can talk about it later!"
Aversa glanced down at the freshman and snorted at the rescue attempt," Oh, is this your little boyfriend? Isn't he just precious."
"Don't talk down to me, witch!" Without warning, he pulled a marble from his pouch and shot a stone right between her eyes," Come on, Maribelle!"
The blonde sophomore nodded, ripping herself out of her shock," Right!"
The two youngsters sped off in the opposite direction so that they could meet back up with the Shepards, leaving a furious Aversa behind," Wretched whelp! I should... No. We have them outnumbered. The brats will be gone long before they can reach their comrades."
Robin was the first to notice that Maribelle had escaped, and she came to the conclusion that she would need some help. The white haired girl ignored Emmeryn's call after her and tore off to find the blonde girl. She made it halfway through the course before being tackled to the ground. She managed to roll out from under him, but when she tried to get back up, her foot caught itself in the barbed wire. She pulled to try and get it out, but it only caused more pain on her end," Well, well, well, if it isn't our little band music savior?"
It was the same boy from the first day she woke up. The same one who had burned the band music, kicked her, and ran away without any explanation on who she might be. Robin narrowed her eyes at him," How's your nose doing?"
He shrugged," The same as yours will in about a week or so," Robin didn't even have time to blink before the boy kicked her nose, sending a shock of pain through her nerves. Her back hit the ground roughly, thankfully not landing in the barbed wire with her leg. She hissed, using her hands to apply pressure to her nose instead of trying to shimmy her foot out," Bastard."
The clicked his his tongue in disapproval," Now, now, there is no need who use such unladylike words-"
Before he could finish, someone rammed into him and knocked him onto the ground," Don't talk to her like that!"
Relief flooded through her entire body," Chrom?"
The blue haired boy seemed to have knocked out her opponent by tackling him, so he turned his attention to Robin," What the heck were you thinking, coming out here to fight by yourself?!"
She shrank," I don't-I was only trying to help," Robin whimpered and tried to pull her leg out," My foot's stuck."
Chrom's temper was automatically replaced by concern as he frantically began to fiddle with the barbed wire," It's a good thing I came when I did, then. Are you badly hurt?" She shook her head," Oh, thank the gods," He gently pulled her foot out and began applying pressure to the bleeding wounds," Can you walk?"
Robin nodded meekly and tried to get back onto her feet, leaning heavily on Chrom's shoulder. When she realized that putting pressure on her leg would only make things worse, she turned bright red and looked at the ground," Uh, can I...Uh...lean on you?"
He softened up and nodded, wrapping one of his arms around her lower back. He scanned the area until his eyes fell on someone in all pink in the distance," Maribelle!"
The blonde took notice immediately and made her way over," Chrom! Robin! What happened?"
"You need to help her," He pleaded," I would if I could, but the most help I'll be is in the fight. Please keep each other safe," With that, he situated them in a clump where the grass was taller than usual and took off back into the battle.
Maribelle pulled a first aid kit from her pocket and set to work," This is all my fault," She murmured softly.
Robin shook her head furiously," No, it's not! You were just caught in the crossfire."
"You cannot say that, especially because you were hurt on my behalf," The blonde snapped, her eyes already glossy with unshed tears. She angrily wiped her eyes and began to wrap Robin's ankle," L-Lissa is safe, right?"
The last time she saw the youngest Exalt, she was waiting in the back with Frederick protecting her," Yes, she's fine," This only seemed to help calm the sophomore slightly, so Robin pressed on," I'm glad you're safe."
Maribelle blinked in surprise," What? Why?"
Robin smiled gently," I know I haven't known either you or Lissa very long, but for some reason, she's like a younger sister to me. I appreciate that you look out for her," She paused," I know you're not especially fond of me in return, but it's a relief just the same."
A flustered expression creeped it's way onto Maribelle's face," Oh, it's not a question of fondness. I am simply protective of Lissa, as you've said. My treasure is very sensitive, and... Wait. Am I really justifying myself to you? Gods...," She cringed, but caught herself while doing so a planted a more pleasant look on," Yes, well, I do...apologize for being curt. And... And... And you have my thanks for your part in the rescue. There, I said it!" She nodded curtly," Oh, and I don't believe what Gangrel, says about you being Plegian. There is no way you could obtain such an old thing currently without inheriting it from one of your parents."
Robin blinked in surprise, trying not to wince as Maribelle rubbed some sort of cream on her swelling nose," Really? Well, that's a relief. I'm curious about how you know the origins of my sweatshirt, though? Did you have earlier suspicions?"
"Yes. I had hoped to learn more about you," Maribelle's stated.
"Me? Why me? I'm not that interesting, you know."
The blonde snorted uncharacteristically," Can you fault me for being curious about an amnesiac with a genius for strategy? You've also earned quite a bit of trust from my dear friend Lissa. It's only natural that I'd want to learn more about the stranger in our midst," She turned bashful again," I suppose you might simply say that I hoped we could become...friends. Unless you object, of course."
Robin scrunched her face in confusion," No, I don't object. But...weren't we already friends?"
The sophomore lit up like a star," Oh, I'm pleased to hear you say that, Robin! Now we can have sleepovers and paint each others nails-" She coughed awkwardly," Ah, don't mind me. I'm not used to having friends."
Robin giggled," Heh! You really can be sweet sometimes, Maribelle. I'd be happy to hang out with you! But, you did say you were curious about me, so ask away. If I know the answer, I'm happy to tell it."
"Really?"
"It's not like we can do much else during this time."
Maribelle shook her head in agreement and clapped her hands together," Oh, lovely! That's very kind. Well, then... Tell me about the quaint customs of the unwashed masses from whence you came? I'm especially interested in this "slang" of which you brutes seem so fond..."
Robin frowned,"...Ah..."
Ricken popped his head in before the conversation could go downhill," Hey guys, the Plegians retreated! Miss Exalt said that we should leave too."
The girls nodded and got to their feet. Thanks to Maribelle, Robin could walk without needing assistance from anyone and only a slightly limp. The Shepards had regrouped back by Sully and Stahl's cars, all exhausted from the experience. Lissa and Maribelle immediately jumped onto each other, and Sumia had surprised Robin by hugging her tightly as well," I was so worried! Don't do something like that ever again!"
The white haired girl chuckled," Hah, I don't think I want to. I mean, look where it got me."
"Ouch," Sumia winced," Does it hurt?"
"Not as badly, anymore."
Chrom, who had been eavesdropping on the girls' conversation, sighed in relief and turned to Emmeryn," Forgive me, Emm. I made a stupid decision, and now we have some weird sort of band war going on."
His older sister smiled supportively, not wishing to let her sibling take the blame," It's all right, Chrom. Gangrel is the one at fault here. You were only protecting me."
Frederick, however, crossed his arms in disappointment," Next time something as drastic as this happens, I suggest you tell one of us. Maribelle could've been seriously hurt if you hadn't threaded lightly. We wouldn't have come if Ricken didn't leave a note for Nowi, telling her where he was going. We put together the pieces and came to assist."
As much as Chrom wanted to be angry at Ricken, he couldn't bring himself to. He waved goodbye to his close friends before making his way to the freshman," You didn't listen to me-"
Ricken winced," Uh, I'm sorry, but-"
"You didn't let me finish," Chrom interjected," You didn't listen, but because of that, you saved Maribelle. You did what you thought was right and ended up helping more than even I could," He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly," And for that, I would like to apologize. I'm sorry that I always look down on you, Ricken. You are very talented and strong, and I should treat you with more respect than I already do."
Ricken looked like he had just won the lottery," Really? Thanks Captain, it means a lot!" The drum major simply ruffled the boy's hair, but before he could leave, he spoke back up," Are you mad at Robin?"
Chrom froze," Uh, why would you say that?"
"She thinks you are."
Of course she thought that. She was always smarter than him, so it was no surprise that she knew. He wasn't mad at her anymore, of course, but it made him feel guilty that she knew he was. Chrom glanced over at Robin, who was still trapped in a hug by Sumia, and smiled. He couldn't stay mad at her for too long for some reason. She deserved to know why he was angry," Thanks, Ricken. I'm going to talk to her-"
"No you're not," Frederick intervened," We need to take you, Lissa, and Emmeryn home before Gangrel comes back."
Chrom frowned," But I-"
The band teacher ignored his protests and dragged the Exalt child to his car," Come on, we need to head home."
Robin watched curiously as Frederick hauled Chrom into his vehicle," What do you think is going on with them?"
Sumia shrugged," I dunno, but I think that our victory calls for a celebration! Let's call Cordelia and have a girls night! I'm excited just thinking about it! Come on!"
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Although he didn't to show it, Lon'qu was exhausted. When Chief Basilio had suggested that he joined the band, he hadn't expected a kidnapping on the first day of school. He was conflicted in whether or not he should tell Basilio, because if the police got too involved...
He sighed and leaned his head in his hands as he rode the public bus to his apartment. As much as he hated to admit it, he actually liked being in Marching band. It was a relaxing change of pace from being a police apprentice, despite Nowi always pestering him to play house with her and Erick constantly dropping his sticks on purpose. Playing the snare drum helped him ease tension-
"E-Excuse me?" Lon'qu lazily rose his eyes, only to find himself facing a pink haired girl in a nothing but a leotard and tights on. She looked incredibly embarrassed and anxious," Uh, can I sit by you?"
What? A girl wearing skin tight clothing had the nerve to ask him if she could sit by him? Did she have any idea how much he was scar-how much he hated girls? He groaned and dropped his head back in his hands," No."
"W-What?" She stuttered," B-But I this bus is going downtown, and one of the d-dancers thought it would be funny to try and fl-flush my clothes," She looked to be on the brink of tears," I d-don't want to get r...r..."
Lon'qu sent her another bored look," And how do you know I'm not going to hurt you?"
The pink haired girl ribbed her arm," Uh, we're in band together. I'm the colorguard-ist, Olivia-"
"ARE YA' GONNA SIT DOWN OR WHAT?" The bus driver boomed, causing the dancer to squeak. She looked so pitiful, it was humiliating. With a grumble, Lon'qu scooted as close to the window as possible, discretely allowing her to sit next to him. Olivia, torn between making him upset and worrying about her safety, didn't get the choice to choose, because the bus jolted forward. She helped as she fell down onto the seat and Lon'qu's lap.
The apprentice cop's eyes widened in mortification," Get off, woman!"
The pink haired girl sat up as quickly as possible and hugged her knees to her chest, shaking from the shock she had just endured. The two of them were too shy to speak to each other, so most of the ride was spent in silence. It was only broken when curiosity got the better of Lon'qu," Did you get the wrong bus?"
"N-No," She answered meekly," I live over here."
"In the ghetto?" He dead-panned.
Olivia nodded shakily," Y-Yeah. You just don't see me ride the bus because I have dance practice."
That was a surprise; someone so reserved and flowery didn't look like she belonged on the bad side of town. It was especially shocking because she could afford dance lessons. Something didn't seem to add up. Before he could question her on it, she sprung to her feet," Th-This is my stop. Thank you for letting me sit by you."
He didn't like where this was going. A pretty girl in only a leotard was sure to at least get harassed in this area. What would Basilio do? Lon'qu knew and hated the answer, but got up and followed Olivia off the bus anyways," I'm walking you home."
She brightened in hope," Really? Are you sure? I d-don't want to inconv-"
"Just shut up and let me accompany you, woman."
Though his tone was sharp, Olivia could tell his intentions were good," Okay. Th-Thank you..."
"Lon'qu."
"Lon'qu," She repeated cheerily," It's nice to meet you."
It was the first time in a long time that she didn't stutter.
So, we've got some backstory coming up in the next chapter involving a certain blue haired boy (wink wink). I also added Chrom making up with Ricken, because without the note, they may have been screwed. I had some Olivia and Lon'qu fluff in there as well, with Maribelle/Robin friendship developement! The next chapter won't go off plot like the last few chapters have, so be prepared for a new character and an old one that's making a reappearance! One more thing; if you want to review but don't want me to respond to it on my chapters, you can tell me. Okay, it's Review response time!
Myra-is-a-tactician: That's so weird! Still, your friend sounds cool! I'm in colorguard as well. :)
Alright, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to put one more chapter up this week before it goes back to week by week posts. Views are loved, Comments are adored, and Follows are treasured! Thanks for reading guys!
-Uprisingdragon
