Bitter Honey

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fire Emblem

Chapter 2- Inept For A Promise

"Are you sure this is fine? Don't you need to practice for your play?" He asks though his cry of worry is soothed by hands delicate than silk, cradling his face from behind as they move his head to face eye to eye with emerald irises radiating serenity he's known for so long.

"My performance is important, yes. But as the eldest sister, my siblings' well-being comes first, starting with you, Chrome." Her grin carried the same radiance throughout her demeanor, moving his head back up as she began combing through his hair, picking out any knots hidden beneath while straightening it in preparation.

Picking up her silver scissors nearby, she began cutting away snippets at a leisurely pace, humming to herself as Chrome kept silent, his mind lured by the siren's song that knew how to strung strings close to heart. His eyes couldn't help but close for just a moment, dimmed down to a pitched vision that drew an unknown and nervous aura. Yet the minstrel's song paved a road taken for those who sought a path of peace, one not too far from theirs.

"To choose your birthright, is a conquest one must take to find your fate. Nice name isn't it?"

"Oh really?" He chuckles, "Bit long for a title don't you think? Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue to be honest."

A spray of cold water splashes his neck as Chrome nearly jumps in his seat, "Your honesty is unheard of I daresay."

"Alright, alright, you convinced me! It's a great name!" Laughter spills out like lightning breath as the minstrel stands in front of Chrome, closing his eyes yet again when she begins clipping away the rest of his uncut hair.

"It's also part of the lyrics. I haven't written the end yet but I do have in mind how I'd like to end it." Brushing off any hair left on his face, Chrome sighs in response, catching the minstrel's attention as she finishes off cleaning his hair.

"Something to say, perhaps?" Silence fills the room, an unnatural reply yet patience served as her foundation, continuing onward until she draped a towel over his head to dry off.

"Will it be a happy ending like always, Emmeryn?" She hums in response though the tone felt more ambiguous than he would've liked.

"I can't exactly spoil the song. But to give you a hint: There is a revelation." With that she takes off the cloth hanging on Chrome, dusting off her own hands as she cleans herself up while gently pushing him off his seat.

Standing up and turning to face the wall mirror, he runs a hand through his new haircut, satisfied with the outcome as he turns back to his sister who's finished cleaning her image, "Well, what do you think? I know you like it simple and clean."

"It's great."

"The hairdo or the song?" Grinning again from head to toe, Chrome lets out a sigh of relief as he locks navy with emerald eyes.

"The hairdo to be honest. But your song... As long as it makes you happy, know that I'll always support you through and through. Never be afraid to ask for a helping hand."

Taking her few steps forward towards Chrome, Emmeryn gleams brightly with a smile as bright as dawn rising above the horizon, falling into an embrace so warm and loving that by instinct Chrome hugs back, "A bond that gives us strength… Oh how I wish."

Confused by the meaning of her words, Chrome looks down to comfort her, yet holding her up became a struggle. The floor beneath her, crumbling into an endless void, as she began to slip through his grip and inch ever closer to her demise.

"Wait! Emmeryn! Just hold on!" His words were either falling on deaf ears or the minstrel pulled down by an unforeseen force accepted her fate as her expression never changed, holding onto the smile she was known for. By then, Chrome was laid out on the floor holding onto her, hand in hand, and with no strength to draw on, his grip truly began to diminish.

"Chrome, I know what I must do. So please, carry on the torch, both of you." The world around him slowly diverges into darkness, his senses becoming numb as his vision starts to blurry with each passing second. His fingers curled around hers until the inevitable was near.

"Promise me, Chrome..."

With a cry of agony and pain in his voice, he diverted the last remaining energy in what little words he could strewn before the end, before his awakening.

"Chrome, watch out!" The blink of his eyes, the wrench in his body, all falling down back to reality when he realizes the motions in place and with his wits intact he ducks under a swinging board nearly missing him by inches. A few workers shout back at each other, throwing slurs across the room to instigate a confrontation yet the conversation ends abruptly when superiors watching nearby call them out, demanding silence as the workers resume their work with gestures of grudges and grunts trailing behind.

"Tch, talk about idiots these days. That's the fourth time they swung boards like a battleaxe near us." The man says, climbing down the ladder Chrome was holding steady until a few moments ago as he takes off his bandana cap, wiping off any sweat or grime smeared on his face. Chrome was still kneeling on the floor, his face was pale yet he wasn't sick, instead a burden had reawakened inside, processing what little he remembered from the vision.

"Y'all right Chrome? You look like you've seen a ghost or something." He says, lending his arm out with a laugh that didn't exactly lift Chrome worries, though seeing someone optimistic brought his own confidence back, accepting the gesture with glee.

"Sorry, Vaike. Didn't mean to scare you. At least it didn't end horribly like I thought it would." The fighter grunts in distaste, tying back his bandana as he leans closer towards Chrome than he would've expected. Something about him made Chrome nervous, sending a chill through his body. His demeanor itself felt like he knew more about the world around him, a bestiary not to be judged by it's cover yet if only they knew.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He says scavenging for nails with a stern expression as Chrome looks away anxious in his eyes.

"Well, I.. Uh? Y-You know what I mean." Vaike crosses his arms, scoffing at his response.

"Huh?! You're not making any sense Chrome. Spit it out." Chrome almost flinches at the words, regretting opening his mouth. But straightening his posture and composing himself, Chrome thought about his next words carefully, rummaging out any worries lingering in his head as he picked up nails left open on a table and handed them out towards Vaike.

"Let's just say, your confrontations usually don't go well and someone ends up getting in trouble." Taking the nail out of Chrome's hands, Vaike climbs onto the ladder, stopping at his destination as he readies his hammer and nail onto a board.

"So what you're saying is-" Chrome glances up, checking for his expression is all it takes to understand the brawler's views, finally hammering the nail as he holds onto the ladder, gripping with tension.

"The Vaike's gotta knock 'em out in one go. Not an easy task but rest assured, Vaike here will get the job done."

"Yes, exactly! That's what- wait…" Vaike's laughter bawled throughout the workshop, earning a few glares from the other workers before resuming their work.

"Heh! The Vaike just got a lot Vaiker! Of course, not without the help of my rival!" His grin really told Chrome everything he needed to know, fueling a fire he'd had to walk through.

"Speaking of help, how goes the box? Teach can lend a hand anytime you ask, just say the word."

Remembering the blueprint Chrome sketched aside, the strongbox was surprisingly going along well and he knew something like this was direly needed by his sister. Though he wished he could offer more than just a measly container, jewelry or even fancy clothing was unnecessary in her current lifestyle. She even started showing modesty, similar to that of her sister, "Thanks, I appreciate the offer but I got it taken care of. Besides, you know you're not good at making these kinds of things.

"No worries, the Vaike will prevail! Mark my words." He says, garnering a few chuckles from Chrome at his imitation of a knight; nonetheless, it brought some optimism to his work.

With a few more exchanges involving schemes and nails, the two worked in tandem before eventually going their separate ways with the announcement from the foreman, "Workers in Block C! Proceed to the front lobby and await further instructions."

"Remember Chrome, a helping hand is within arms reach. Teach's here if you need him." With an appreciative nod and a farewell handshake, Vaike signs off as Chrome packs up the last of the equipment, carrying his tool-box back to his station.

Without any reason, Chrome lifted his head and turned to his side, catching a glimpse of an array of orange tinge reflecting off the slumbering sunset. It was the first time in awhile he had the chance to see dusk with his own eyes as moonlight became his silent tutelage on most occasions. A change of scenery certainly caught his attention, if not for the mirage that appeared in his visions; one day similar to this but occurred inside a chapel long forgotten along with the flowers.

His thoughts began to clutter again, whisking his consciousness back onto the yellow brick road. But the mentioning of his name caught wind, now looking up to meet his caller, the worker clasped onto his shoulder, greeting with a stern look, "Hey Chrome, don't know if you heard yet but apparently your lil sis is here. She's up near the balcony, strange how she got up there and not at the front door."

With a sudden urgency, Chrome hastened his climb towards the balcony, even ignoring the rest of his colleague's words. The feeling of regret swelled inside his chest, heaving at the memory he had no recollection and yet it was a mirage that felt too good to be true. But no matter what, he had to be the pillar to their bridge, a promise is a promise. As that thought quickly passed by him, he halts in his tracks, slowing down to a walk when he recognizes the signature ponytails protruding from a familiar blonde, "Lissa, is that you?"

Hearing his voice, Lissa had been watching the same scenery go by in silence only to pull her attentiveness away. Taking her few steps forward toward Chrome, Lissa gleamed brightly with a smile as bright as dawn rising above the horizon, falling into an embrace so warm and loving that by déjà vu, Chrome hugs back.

With a tart in each hand, the two ate together in silence, lounging on top of hand-crafted chairs placed outside whilst accompanied with the clockwork footsteps of workers nearby. Chrome had taken a few worried glances towards his sister, noticing her waning interests in finishing her tart, instead coveting it in her hands as if memorized by its design.

"Lissa?" Chrome called out, snapping out of her daydream before looking over towards his side with a smile that felt jovial, something he never saw radiant this much from her but yearned for secretly.

"Chrome, do you believe in soulmates?" Gulping the last of his tart, Chrome pondered the idea for a second, remembering a line sung in harmony resonating in his train of thought.

"Yeah, you could say that. Mind if I ask why?" With a heavy sigh, Lissa turns to face forward, watching the workers go by back and forth as her mind whisks to the wizard's encounter. Everything about him burned inside her head, his clothing, his hair and even his mannerisms; the details seemed so magnified compared to the likes of baking bread or even Fredricks' lecture for that matter.

"It was a feeling I've never felt before. Or something I longed for." Lissa sighed once more, thinking of what words to describe her intentions clearly for her brother, "It was… something sis said to me. That one day, there'd be someone, who's aura would catch my attention. My efforts wouldn't go unnoticed as long as they were there and that our meeting was surely fate."

It was truly like listening to a voice echo back from the past, some would find it disturbing yet Chrome didn't. He saw the genuine faith of a young girl manifest into her own dream, and possibly even her own destiny, "You've found a muse, am I right?"

Lissa turned to her brother, surprised that he would remember and yet felt glad he did so as she looked away with a slight grin this time, kicking up her feet in anxiousness, "Emmeryn would say that a lot about us, being her muse and all. I didn't think much about it at the time but now-."

Halting her own thoughts, she wanted to reveal who her muse was, but the idea of it being a wizard was by far one of her crazier idols in life. With the news of sorcery spreading throughout the city, it has left a stigma for those hearing one using magic. But seeing Chrome so open and supporting her, it's hard not to be honest with him; nevertheless, this was a secret she'll have to keep to herself.

"-All I can say is, I'm a bit more motivated. Maybe I'll finish before your birthday comes as a surprise."

"Not really a surprise if you're telling me it's going to be one." Lissa lightly punches his shoulder, playing alongside with his antics.

"Yeah, yeah, you get what I mean." Lissa then finishes her tart, brushing off any crumbs left on her hands, before a burly man emerges from a doorway inside, leaning out towards their direction.

"Chrome! Block A is being called, hop to it."

"Yes sir, I'll be there in a bit." The man descends back inside as Lissa stands up, carrying her now unwrapped box.

"Guess our time is up then." The blonde says half-heartedly, staring at Chrome as he stands alongside her. Their height difference may have not changed but at the very least, a bond had reconnected once more as Chrome wraps his arms around Lissa, closing it in for a hug as Lissa reciprocates the gesture back, stuffing her face into his chest as tightly as she could.

"Hey, I know I've been absent for awhile. Job got me busy all of a sudden but I promise, I'll try visiting you more often, maybe even help you with your music."

Lissa smiles back, letting go of him as he walks her back to the main street, "I'm holding you to that promise Chrome. Well, maybe not the music part but that's fine."

"Hmm, I thought I heard an insult? Maybe a good noggin will get that head of yours to think otherwise." Chrome leers at Lissa, positioning himself behind her as he ruffles up her hair.

"Hey, not the hair! O-ouh and the head too!" Though it may have ended with a scuffle, to them, it was nothing more but sibling love, as they both wave goodbye to each other, knowing that they haven't lost a bond they formed as strong as steel.

Though a smile from afar says otherwise, disappearing into the shadows.

The walk back was eerie but quiet for once, even the crowd that had formed around the crime scene was dead in silence, saved for the tape and chalk now restricting the area from passersby. Now the crimson sun slowly descends behind the horizon, vanishing all natural light from sight as the sparks of lamp posts strewn across the streets begin igniting, illuminating a dark city into a path of guidance.

Though her path was set, Lissa's journey was not over as her attention beamed back to the Shepherds Den. The lights were on with no one in sight within the reception and yet the shop was locked with no sign of entry. Unlocking the first door, the bell jingles, announcing her presence as she makes her way towards the front counter with a slight hesitation in her pace, peering behind the kitchen doors for clues of the absent-minded. Though the sight of delectable sugary appetizers sat right in front of her and with nothing else to push further her investigation, Lissa shrugged away her worries, deciding it was best to leave.

But before Lissa could turn the lights off, the bell jingles, announcing a presence unexpected at this hour nor of anyone she had known. Turning to face the stranger and distinguish their appearance from top to bottom: they wore a golden headpiece, clothed in a black inner transparent jumpsuit, a black cloak with a golden collar and shoulder pads, a bra presenting voluptuous pale cleavage pushed up by their arms from underneath, a waist belt with a crotch covering and golden rings wrapped on both wrists, thighs and ankles. If this wasn't what cabaret dancers wore then someone was obviously lying as the woman studied her surroundings before falling her eyes on the blonde.

"Hmph, no wonder this place is called the Shepherds Den. Not only is it unsavory but it reeks of sheeps. With you being the most sheep-headed I've seen yet."

Her callous remarks irritated the blonde, prompting Lissa to walk out of the counter and towards the front door, "If you came here just to insult us then I recommend leaving immediately."

Opening the front door, Lissa motioned the woman's leave, which only garnered another snickered grin creeping from her lips, "Act tough all you want, it won't do any good against the Witch of the Hex."

"Wait… W-witch of the-" Suddenly, her hand gripping the door handle glows violently, emanating a pentagram sigil that wraps around her limb as it freezes her in place, triggering the woman to pounce on Lissa and grab her face as the witch recites a hex of some sort under her breath. Seconds later, the witch lets go of Lissa, causing the sigil to disappear as she falls to the ground. Her entire body aching in pain, her head throbbing in agony as visions of something sinister flashes before her eyes. A voice calling from the deep, echoing throes of locution, beckoning her attention.

"Creation… Duration… Build it and realize…"

With what strength Lissa has left, her consciousness could only hold up for so long as the Witch of the Hex leans down to leer at her fallen state, licking her lips with a sultry gaze, "The best part of this hex is that you can't tell anyone about it. Think of this as punishment for crossing my path."

Walking over Lissa with spite in her step, the bakery door opens without hesitation only to stop mere inches from closing behind when the witch turns her head to the blonde one last time, "Oh, and send my regards to Merlin."

As the door closes shut and the light from inside blinks back to life, the pain reverberating in her chest fades away, the headache dissipates as if it never existed. Once she was able to hear herself breathe as well as feeling capable of standing up, Lissa pushed herself off of the floor, relying on her arms to lift her weight up as she brought her eyes to focus. Surveying the shop of the witch or any other foul play, a sigh of relief bellows out of her lips, pursed closed after taking a moment to reel in just what had happened to her.

Moving her right hand to swipe her face of sweat, brought her attention to the markings now printed intricately on her skin. One look at it reminded her of the visions that seared her mind, scarring her emotions to thrash and crawl away wildly at the sight before pushing herself against the glass counter, trying to calm herself down. After venting to herself about the situation, her mind wandered back to the mark again, bringing her hand near her face only to be surprised as the mark radiating from her hand is now gone, leaving her smooth skin to shine under the midnight glow.

So much had happened within a few moments and yet, it was real. Real enough to make her puke, but she couldn't and wouldn't want too either. Standing up weakly, Lissa knew she couldn't risk staying here any longer lest she became paranoid from her own delusions, quickly closing up shop and returning to her abode.

"The stage is set…A new era beckons…And so I'll give you my word…I'll be here…"

"EMMERYN!" Eyes shot wide open as Lissa sat up with speed, throwing her attention to her surroundings. Her window sill letting in the slight breeze blowing the curtains and the rising sun teetering past morning. For a moment, she thought she could reach for her, but her body wouldn't move. The dream crossed between the lines of a nightmare and yet a foreshadowing of something eerie.