Disclaimer: Fire Emblem and Kid Icarus do not belong to us. They belong to Nintendo.
Chapter 2: A Prima Vista
"I swear to you, Commander, that what I saw last night was no fabrication-"
"Peace Cordelia. I believe you."
Cordelia flounders for a moment, before closing her mouth and waiting for the Commander to continue. Commander Philia brushes a hand against the strange weapon on her desk, staring at it intently.
"Even if you had not brought our mystery "creature" to the castle, last night's tremors caused much uproar. You are not the only one to bring reports of the "risen undead"."
"Truly?" Cordelia breaths, not wanting to imagine more of those creatures roaming around.
"The western squadron sent word of encountering similar creatures. As did the Shepherds during their visit to the south. Which gives credence to your theory that the boy you met is not related to these monsters."
"I believe that is the case," Cordelia repeats. The still nameless boy hadn't answered any of her questions through their flight, remaining silent up until they had reached Ylisstol. He had certainly been displeased with being told to wait in a secluded room of the castle, though whether that was because Cordelia had taken his weapon or because his wing was still injured, she didn't know. After warning the guards about his strength, she had made her way to the infirmary as fast as she could, ensuring that a healer would be sent. Only then had she gone to Commander Philia to report, making haste and running through the halls as the sun rose.
Her legs ache and a fuzzy weariness has settled into her bones. She yearns for a nap and knows that she doesn't have that luxury.
"Tell me, do you know how this weapon functions?" the Commander asks, breaking Cordelia out of her thoughts.
"I'm afraid I haven't tried to learn. Based on how he used it, it seems almost like an offensive staff rather than a healing staff."
"An offensive staff," the Commander shakes her head, "Never have I heard of such a thing…"
Cordelia waits a moment as the Commander thought to herself. It was clear that the Commander has had a busy night as well, brow furrowed and shadows under her eyes.
"Is there anything else to be done?" Cordelia asks. The Commander looks up from the staff, and shakes her head.
"No, that will be all for now. You are dismissed for the day, Cordelia. I'll hand your dawn patrol routes over to another, and assign you to the evening."
"That is kind of you Commander," despite her words, Cordelia feels unease prickle under her skin. She never likes having her jobs given to others. She knows better than to argue though. In her current state she's near useless on a patrol.
"With last night's omens, we need every solider in top shape."
"I won't disappoint you, Commander."
Cordelia bows, and as she leaves Commander Philia's office she sees the Commander turn her attention back to the weapon. The after dawn light shines through the castle's windows, lighting up the halls. It is like any other day, except for the atmosphere of unease that hangs around the servants as they work. It only serves to worsen Cordelia's unease, and she catalogs a list of things she needed to do later. Tend to her mount, procure a new spear, catch up on the latest news…
Before any of that, however, she has a mysterious child to see.
The first warning sign is when the guards see her and visibly sag with relief. Cordelia tries to keep her expression neutral, but picks up her pace.
"Has something happened?"
The guard she asks fidgets under her gaze before answering.
"Not exactly, ma'am..."
"Then? Has the healer arrived yet?"
"Well-"
From the room came the muffled sound of something hitting the floor, and the unmistakable sounds of the boy's ire. In seconds the door is slammed open and Cordelia marches in, the guards behind her exchanging wide eyed looks.
'Pi-' and the healer look at her. 'Pi-' is seated on a chair backwards, leaning forward against the back of the chair. The healer is sat down in a separate chair next to him.
Immediately 'Pi-''s face contorts into a sneer.
"Oh great. It's you."
"What happened?" she asks, ignoring him and turning to the healer.
Cordelia's first thought is 'wow'. She was be no means vain, but she'd always thought that her hair was one of her better qualities. It's why she'd kept it long even as a Pegasus Knight. But the cleric's hair put hers to shame, long locks of dark gold that were obviously well taken care of. The cleric herself is similarly beautiful, with honey brown eyes and gentle features, dressed in the white and gold uniform of the clergy.
The cleric smiles, and Cordelia notes that the eyes, while friendly, don't smile along.
"I'm afraid I'm at fault," her voice is as gentle as her demeanor, "I should have been more gentle while inspecting the wound."
"I'm telling you I don't need your help!"
"That arrow must've damaged your primaries, and definitely your secondary remiges," Cordelia says, thinking about what would've been injured had 'Pi-' been a pegasus.
"Excuse me?" 'Pi-' scowls at her, "In normal words, please?"
"Your flight feathers," when his expression doesn't clear, Cordelia holds her arms out as if it were a wing and gestures, "The feathers at the edges of your wings, here and here."
"Well why didn't you say that in the first place?" 'Pi-' mutters.
"I did."
"You know a lot about wings, Dame Cordelia," the cleric interrupts. Cordelia blinks, quickly putting down her still outstretched arm. She was a Pegasus Knight, of course, but very few people used the title.
"Oh, well...You have to know these sort of things, as a Pegasus Knight."
"I see. In that case, may I ask for your help?"
"Whatever for?"
"I'm afraid I don't know much about treating wings," the cleric gives a self depreciating chuckle, "I don't want to exacerbate the injury."
"Oh," Cordelia glances at 'Pi-'. The winged boy is sitting at the edge of his seat, curling up on himself with a scowl. His expression only grows angrier when he notices her.
"I'm afraid I don't know how much I could help…"
"You are more familiar with wings than I am," the cleric says gently, "Any help you could mean the difference between it properly healing and not."
"I-"
"Or," 'Pi-' interjects, "You could just leave me alone. It'll heal on its own, y'know?"
"Any permanent damage to the flight feathers could mean that you won't be able to fly," Cordelia says sharply. This catches 'Pi-''s attention. He sits up straighter, wings automatically flaring out before he winces and stops.
"What?" he growls. Cordelia can see a spark of fear behind the bravado.
"Its unlikely," Cordelia continues, keeping eye contact, "But its better to make sure the feathers heal properly."
"...Fine," 'Pi-' huffs, looking away. He immediately snaps back towards her, glowering.
"If you make it worse, both of you are finished."
"I'll keep that in mind."
'Pi-' turns his head away as Cordelia walks up to him. Grabbing the wing, gentle though she was, causes him the flinch, and she takes care as she stretches the wing out. The arrow had been lucky - or, perhaps, unlucky - hitting the portion of the ulna farthest from the body. Remarkably, the wound had healed to a tremendous degree. There seemed to be no fresh blood in sight, though she couldn't be sure. The dried blood - rust red, like a human's - and the bruising obscured most of the wound, blending in with the feathers. This close up Cordelia realizes that the black feathers have hues of dark blue and iridescent violet in them. What is clear is that several of the secondary flight feathers had broken off due to the arrow, two more barely hanging on.
"Well?" 'Pi-' demands, still looking away. Aware that the cleric is watching her over her shoulder, Cordelia keeps her tone clinical as she points out the injuries.
"The bone here, the ulna, might be damaged, so you should look at that."
"The ulna?" the cleric asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, uh...Underneath all the feathers, flesh, and skin, wings are a lot like arms," she explains.
"I see. So in a way this injury is much like an arrow hitting someone near the wrist?"
"Yes, in a way."
"Great, can you fix it?" 'Pi-' grouches.
"I believe so. But that's not the only thing wrong, is it?"
Cordelia sighs, aware that 'Pi-' will in no way shape or form enjoy the news.
"Several of the secondaries have been snapped off, and these two have to be removed."
'Pi-''s wings quiver under her fingers.
"So?" he begins, "They'll just grow back."
"Correct...In a few months."
"What!?"
Cordelia jerks back, almost falling were it not for the cleric catching her, as 'Pi-''s wings snap close as he turns around. The expression he shoots her as he gets up to his feet is nothing short of furious.
"You're joking!"
"New ones will have to grow," she stands up, noting that the cleric had more strength than she'd expected, "It'll be a few months, maybe more depending on how long its been since you last molted."
"Excuse me?"
"It's best if you don't try to fly till they grow back," she continues, "Otherwise you might fall and further exacerbate the damage."
With every word, she can see 'Pi-''s temper pile and pile, till it flares.
"Screw that! Besides, what do you know anyway?"
"I am a Pegasus Knight."
"Yeah? Do I look like a horse to you?"
"There are many differences between pegasi and horse-"
"Looks like a horse, acts like a horse, hey, guess what? It's a horse with extra bits!"
"You are being a brat!"
Before 'Pi-' can yell or do something else, the cleric clears her throat.
"There might be truth to your words, young one. Your feathers could grow faster than Dame Cordelia's prediction."
'Pi-' shoots her a smug look.
"However, it could also be the case that you might be, ah, grounded, for some time. I will do whatever I can to make sure you heal properly," the cleric frowns, "And Dame Cordelia saved you. You should do well to remember that, little one."
Cordelia resists the urge to smirk at him. 'Pi-' has no such compulsion, grinding his teeth before turning his back on her.
'How childish!' she sighed. 'Then again, he is a child.'
As she makes to leave, 'Pi-' speaks up.
"Thanks," he says gruffly, so fast that she almost misses it. The cleric sends a smile towards him, sending 'Pi-' into further grumbles, and Cordelia feels a smile tug at her own lips.
"You are welcome."
"And you're welcome for the assist, last night."
"I have to go now," she sighs, standing up and turning towards the cleric, "If you need any more help, miss, just say the wo-"
"I'm a man."
The cleric - priest she realizes with a start - says this with such a long suffering tone that she feels heat flood her cheeks.
"O-Oh, beg pardo-"
"It's fine," the priest gives another not quite smile, "Many have made the mistake before."
'Pi-' starts to cackle, and Cordelia is certain that her face is as red as her hair as she stutters apologies, making her escape.
"You know, if you stopped wearing that dress people would probably stop thinking you're a girl."
The man - Libra, he'd said his name was - blinks at him. He is holding a staff that looks suspiciously like an Orb Staff, with its large green gem at the end. But instead of whacking him over the head with it, Libra is using it to heal him. Libra has already dulled the fiery ache in his wing to a dull throb, something Dark Pit was more than thankful for. Not that he'll ever admit it, seeing as how they'd just barred him from the sky.
A small voice in his head that irritatingly sounded like a certain Goddess of Light points out that the humans had done nothing but help him, and that it was his own damn fault. How had he missed that archer?
No matter. What's done is done. He'll just have to prove them all wrong, and grow those second whatevers back as soon as he could. Maybe there'd be some sort of magic or something to do so?
Before he can ask Libra about that, he begins to speak.
"I'm not wearing a dress."
Dark Pit stares at the human's outfit for a while, before raising an eyebrow.
"Sure looks like one."
"These are the vestments to the church of Naga," Libra explains, "It can be thought of as a uniform for people of the cloth."
"Can't think of any decent people who are against cloth," Dark Pit remarks.
"Ah, you are mistaken. The phrase refers to priests and clerics. People who give their lives in service to the gods."
Oh great, one of those types of humans. Dark Pit hasn't had much to do with devout humans, or humans in general, but he certainly doesn't want to start now. Naga's not a name he recognizes though…
"So what, you're a priest?"
"I am."
"What's a priest doing playing nurse?"
"In Ylisse, it is common for priests and clerics to learn white magic," Libra closes his eyes. As he speaks, the jewel at the end of his staff lights up. "Here, white magic is considered part of Naga's domain. To give life to another, just as she did to the world."
Alright, so this Naga was a healing deity. Still wasn't ringing any bells.
As the gentle light form the staff washes over Dark Pit, he feels the dull throb of pain in his wing fade away. At the same time something under his skin itches madly, a burning sensation like what he feels when using the Power of Flight.
"There we go," Libra says, stopping the magic. Dark Pit flexes the wing, noting that though the pain is mostly gone, the wing is still stiff and itchy. That and he's missing the feathers that he apparently needed to fly.
"So what, we done here?"
"It would be best for me to check up on it tomorrow, to ensure that the bone is healing properly. And you mustn't strain yourself," Libra stares directly as him as he says this. Dark Pit rolls his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah."
"I mean it, young man."
"I get it!" he snaps.
"As long as you understand," Libra seems to have an endless store of patience. It's kind of annoying.
Before Dark Pit can say anything else - maybe suggest that Libra get a haircut - the door to the room opens.
Two women enter. The first is dressed in armor similar to Cordelia's, though the uniform she wore underneath is baggier and blue. The woman wears her pale blue hair in a short bun, her features otherwise stony. Red eyes, more muted in colour than his, stare at Dark Pit, clearly sizing him up, and he frowns at her. The other woman couldn't have been any more different She is taller, and willowier. Her hair, a pale yellow colour, reaches down to her chest in two big braids framing either side of her face. She's dressed in green and gold garments, that look similar to Libra's own clothing. What catches Dark Pit's eye is the gold ornament that sits behind her head like a halo, and the mark upon her forehead. A teardrop outlined by what looks like an upside down omega.
Judging by the way the guards have fixed their postures, and the general air around the blonde woman, she was important.
"Your Grace," Libra says, bowing low towards the woman. Dark Pit continues to slouch in the chair.
"You must be the stranger Cordelia brought in," the woman's voice is soft and warm, and she smiles down at Dark Pit.
"That's me," he drawls. A smile tugs at his lips as he sees the blue haired knight's expression turn slightly more dour. Were all knights as easy to rile up as Pit-stain?
"What, come to gawk?" he asked, waving a hand.
The woman's smile slips for a moment and the blue haired knight steps forward.
"Mind your manners. You stand before Her Grace, Lady Emmeryn. Exalt of Ylisse."
"Yeah those words mean nothing to me."
The blue haired knight scowls, and he can see where that Cordelia gets it from. But before she can say anything Emmeryn holds out a hand.
"Peace, Philia," Emmeryn turns towards him, "You are not from these lands, are you?"
"Whatever gave it away?" he asks, twitching his wings. To his confusion rather than frowning, Emmeryn smiles and laughs. It is a warm, gentle sound, and he can't help but scowl.
"Something funny?"
"Very few people dare talk to me with such a dry tone, is all," she says.
"What, you want me to get on my knees and bow? Tough luck. I ain't your servant. I am nobody's servant."
"Young man-" Philia begins, leveling him a truly impressive glare.
"May I ask for your name?" Emmeryn asks.
"..."
"I'll take that as a no," Emmeryn is still smiling and its starting to confuse him, "Tell me, what brings you to our Halidom?"
"None of your business," Dark Pit scoffs, "Besides, don't get too worried. Soon as I'm healed, I'll get out of your hair."
"And where do you intend to go?"
"Wherever I want," Dark Pit smirks at her, "These wings take me wherever I want to go."
"Indeed? That sounds nice," Emmeryn's tone is soothing and its having the opposite effect on him. He scowls at her.
"So, what are you here for anyway? I doubt a bigshot like you takes time out of her busy day to visit nobodies."
"I don't believe that anyone is a nobody," Emmeryn's expression turns more serious, "Tell me young man, do you know anything about those creatures that you and Cordelia fought last night?"
Shambling corpses, unlike any Underworld baddie he'd ever seen before. They had a similar feeling though, and it wasn't like they could be anything else. Strange that Hades hadn't pestered him at all last night though…
"I've never seen anything like them," he admits, "Whatever they are, they're wrong."
"I see…" Emmeryn seems troubled now. He doesn't blame her. Underworld goons or not, those monsters were bad news.
"Tell me young man," it was the knight, Philia, who spoke this time, "Does the name Plegia mean anything to you?"
"Nope."
"I see. And what about Regna Ferox? Archanea? Valm?"
"What is this, twenty questions? Save it. I don't know anything about you humans. Now are we done here?"
"One last thing-" Dark Pit groans as Emmeryn speaks, which only makes her smile, "-I must thank you for helping Cordelia protect my people, last night."
Dark Pit frowns, hunching on himself a bit.
"She left her lance behind like an idiot. I was just returning it," he grumbles, "And I didn't do it to help the humans. Buncha ingrates. I just saw Underworld monsters and put them down."
"Even still, who knows what might've happened if you hadn't been there," Emmeryn inclines her head, "For your help, I invite you as a guest to the castle. You may stay for as long as it takes for your wing to heal."
Dark Pit holds the initial urge to throw her charity back at her face. If he was grounded for a few days, he might as well have a warm place to stay. It beat roughing it out, certainly.
"Fine," he grumbles.
"I'll send some robes later," for the first time, Emmeryn hesitates, "It may be best for you to hide your wings."
"Why's that? Afraid your people will get spooked?" he sneers, flaring out his wings. It isn't the first he's heard the standard. Black wings, unlucky as can be. Demon, monster, oh he's heard plenty of it.
"It is for the best if not many people know about it," Emmeryn says, frowning, "I mean no offense-"
"Fine," he snaps, turning his back to her. He can feel the guards and Philia, and even Libra, bristle behind him. He glances at Emmeryn over his shoulder. "We done here?"
"I will leave you in peace," Emmeryn says, still frowning, "And, young man, I am thankful for your help last night. Please, enjoy your stay here."
Dark Pit doesn't say anything, waiting till the Exalt and her knight leave. Just as he expects, Libra makes his displeasure known. What Dark Pit doesn't expect is the priest lightly bonking him over the head with the staff.
"What was that for!?"
"It would not kill you to be polite, young man."
"You aren't the boss of me."
Libra sighs, lips twitching.
"No, I suppose I am not. I'll be back again tomorrow, to ensure that your wing is healing properly. Please don't do anything reckless," the priest reaches out and ruffles his hair, and before Dark Pit can do anything Libra is gone.
Dark Pit fumes for a while after Libra leaves. After making sure his laurel crown isn't askew, he marches up to the doors and kicks them open. The guards flinch.
"Uh-" one begins.
"Ain't I a guest? I'm going for a walk," without stopping for an answer, Dark Pit walks away. The guards don't stop him and he slows down after a moment.
'Now, first things first,' he cracks his knuckles, "Time to find out where that human took my staff.'
Cordelia is on the ramparts of Ylisstol's castle, watching the procession in the streets down below, when 'Pi-' finds her.
"There you are!"
Cordelia bites back a yelp, backing away from the section of the parapet she'd been leaning on. When she turns her head, 'Pi-' is staring at her with the dullest face possible.
"What are you doing up here?" she breathes, trying to calm her heart. 'Pi-' crosses his arms and frowns.
"I could ask you the same. Sure doesn't look like you were on guard duty."
"I was watching the capital," she says, a touch defensive. 'Pi-' turns to look down the ramparts, and to her alarm hops onto one of the merlons.
"Get down from there!" she hisses. 'Pi-', frustratingly, ignores her as he squats on the merlon. He looks so much like a bird in that moment, wings adjusting minutely against the wind, that Cordelia is afraid he'll try to fly.
"You can't fly, remember?" she warns.
"How could I forget?" he grumbles, "Any way, what's with all the commotion down there?"
"...Her Grace is holding a procession in the streets below, to give the people a sense of safety after last night's earthquakes."
"How's walking around surrounded by guards supposed to calm them down?"
"Lady Emmeryn is a symbol of peace for Ylisse," Cordelia explains, "Seeing her healthy and at peace will put the citizens at ease."
"That's dumb. Whatever makes you humans happy, I guess."
"...May I ask what you are?" she asks, hoping the question isn't too rude. 'Pi-' glances back at her, eyebrow raised.
"I'm an angel. Duh."
"An angel? I've never heard of such creatures, before."
To her relief, 'Pi-' stopped perching, turning around and dangling his legs over the rampart walkway. The expression on his face is one of honest to goodness surprise.
"Really? What, have you been living under a rock?"
"I have not. Are your kind so common that it would be so strange to not know of them?" Surely if angels were common, she'd have at least heard a mention of them? She doesn't expect 'Pi-''s expression to turn pensive.
"I guess not…"
Now Cordelia grows concerned. Before she can ask further, 'Pi-' shakes his head.
"Still, I thought most humans knew about angels."
"It would appear that isn't the case," she hesitates, before deciding not to ask further about his family. Considering his reaction before...Instead she asks, "How did you get up here? The guards aren't supposed to let just anyone up here."
"Who says I asked the guards?" 'Pi-' smirks, "I climbed out a window and scaled my way up here."
"You-!" Cordelia takes a deep breath before sighing, "That was incredibly dangerous, young man. What if you had fell?"
"I'd have caught a ledge or something. Worst comes to worst, I could glide to safety," 'Pi-' shrugged. As he did, his wings flared with those violet flames once more.
"Pip!" she scolds. Her voice must've carried across the ramparts, and she doesn't stop even as 'Pip's' wings snap close, light gone, as he stares at her wide-eyed. "What part of "do not fly" do you not understand? This isn't some sort of joke! If you injure yourself again, it may never heal properly, and you won't ever be able to fly! Honestly-"
"What did you just call me?"
Cordelia hesitates, looking back on her tirade. When she realizes she's spoken aloud the nickname she'd given him, she blushes.
"Er-"
"You called me Pip," Pip's voice is dangerously low, and as he slides down the merlon onto the walkway his wings rise to tent over his head, "Why?"
"...You remind me of a peregrine falcon," specifically the slightly spoiled falcons kept in the castle, "With the speed of your flight."
"Oh," Pip looks away, and Cordelia clamps down on the urge to smile. It becomes difficult when she notices the splash of red growing across his cheeks. Pip whirls around, scowling as he blushes.
"Why Pip?! Why not something cool, like Falcon?"
"Pippen is a common shortening of peregrine," Cordelia explains. What she doesn't explain is that Pip also means "seed of a fruit", which seemed fitting for the young man. She has no doubt that he wouldn't appreciate the thought she'd put into it. "Plus, your name starts with 'Pi-', does it not?"
Pip glowers at her, face still red. Before she can say anything, he whirls around and marches away with a yell of "Don't call me that ever again!". Cordelia sighs as Pip storms into the castle, causing the guards considerable distress.
"Pip, huh?"
Cordelia stills as one of her fellow Pegasus Knights rises into view. Her visor blocks her eyes, but her grin is clear to see.
"That's a fitting name, little miss genius."
"...If I asked you not to tell anyone, you wouldn't listen," Cordelia states. Her fellow Pegasus Knight laughs.
"Nope!"
'The nerve of that human!'
Dark Pit seethes, storming though the halls with no destination in mind. 'Pip'? 'Pip'?! That's nearly as bad as Pittoo! If that idiot Pit or his precious Lady Palutena ever heard of it, they'd never let him live it down. 'Pi-'!
He slams into something. Or someone. Its hard to tell, seeing as how what he stumbles into seems to be mostly books.
"Watch it!"
"Oops! Beg pardon."
Dark Pit scowls. The human he's bumped into isn't like the other humans he's seen in this castle. For a start, she's darker, skin a light brown colour rather than the pale skin Dark Pit's seen so far. In stark contrast her hair, cut short and messy, is as white as fresh snow. The human only stands a few inches in height above Dark Pit, and she doesn't seem all that big. It's hard to tell with the thick black and violet coat that the human is wearing.
"I'm afraid I didn't see you there," the human's accent is different too, Dark Pit notices, as the human bends down to pick up the books they'd been holding, "My apologies…"
The human trails off as they finally notice Dark Pit's wings. Her eyes, a boring muddy brown, grow wide and Dark Pit crosses his arms.
"Yeah, I have wings. I'm an angel. Guess you've never heard of us?" he says that last part half sarcastically, and is surprised when the human shakes her head.
"I have not. Tell me, where do your people come from?"
Dark Pit fidgets under the human's earnest tone.
"From the sky," he says at last. It's about as good an answer as the human is going to get. The human laughs softly, eyes twinkling.
"I suppose I asked for that, didn't I? My name is Robin."
Dark Pit tries to compare the small human to the little red birds he's familiar with, and finds that he really can't.
"So, you like the castle librarian or something?" Dark Pit asks, jerking his head towards the books Robin was holding.
"Hah, this? I thought I'd do some pleasure reading during my stay in Ylisstol."
"You aren't from around here?"
"No, I...I suppose you haven't heard any of the rumors."
"What, you some bigshot or something?" Dark Pit scowls.
"Heavens no!" Robin laughs, "Quiet the opposite! I'm more of a vagabond that the prince and princess brought to the castle."
So this place has a prince and princess too? Emmeryn didn't seem old enough to have kids, but maybe he guessed her age wrong.
"If you're a nobody, what makes you think I'd have heard of you?"
"Hmm...I suppose from the sky, the borders of kingdoms must be invisible."
"Can't say I ever noticed them. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving now."
"Oh, uh, have a nice day!" Robin calls out as Dark Pit walks away.
"Whatever!"
"What a strange child," Robin mutters, watching the angel stomp away. She'd be worried that she had insulted the angel if it weren't for the general prickly aura the boy gives off. A bit like a cactus, she thinks. She then spends a good long moment trying to remember what a cactus is, aside from prickly.
"There you are!"
Lissa nearly runs into her, almost sending her books falling back to the ground. The young princess frowns up at her.
"We couldn't find you where we left you!"
"Ah, Virion pointed me towards the library," Robin feels a bit bad about worrying Lissa and the others.
"What, couldn't be patient?" Despite her words Lissa is smiling, "Chrom's gonna be upset that he didn't get to show you the library."
"Yes, well," Robin feels her lips tug into a small smile, "Prince Chrom doesn't have to know that I've already been to the library."
"Ooh, sneaky! I didn't think you had that in you," Lissa laughs, before doing a double take. She squats down and picks up a black feather from the ground.
"Now what's this doing here?" Lissa wonder outloud, looking around as if to find the bird that had dropped it.
"I'm afraid you just missed him," Robin tells her. She's confused when Lissa gives her a strange look.
"Who?"
"The angel...You don't know what I'm talking about, do you?" she says as the confusion on Lissa's face doesn't fade away.
"Nope! But I'm willing to bet I have a pretty good guess. Does an angel look like a boy with wings?"
"Why yes," Robin tilts her head, "But how did you guess?"
"Hehe! A girl's gotta have her secrets!"
Robin cups her chin and thinks for a moment.
"Either Emmeryn or Chrom told you," she says after a moment.
"Correct! Apparently this guy was flying around east of Ylisstol, and he was spooking some villages so a Pegasus Knight was sent to find him. And last night, he saved the knight from some of those undead monster things but got hurt, so Emm's letting him stay here."
"So those monsters appeared there too?" Robin mutters. Just thinking about those...abominations makes her skin crawl. Lissa's expression falls a bit.
"Yeah...Emm's talking to Chrom about it," Lissa shakes her head, "Enough of that though, I wanna see this angel!"
"Oh, well good luck with thaaa-!"
Lissa has a surprising amount of strength for a cleric-in-training. The smaller girl drags her through castle, turning their search for the black winged angel into an impromptu tour. Robin appreciates it, though she'd bet she'd appreciate it more without trying to juggle books in her other hand. Or the glares certain guards send their way.
If Lissa notices them, she's doing her damnedest to ignore them.
"Not here either!" she groans. They're out in one of the courtyards, the sun starting its descent in the sky. There's a chill in the air and Robin wraps her coat around herself. Lissa stands before her, hands on her hips and frowning at the world in general.
"We've searched everywhere!"
"It is a big castle. Perhaps we've simply been walking circles around each other?"
"Searching for someone?"
"Chrom!"
The Prince of Ylisse smiles as he walks towards them, eyes sparkling.
"Cause I've spent the past half an hour searching for a certain someone," Chrom says, smile a bit wry. Robin feels the urge to lift her hood and hide her face rise.
"Uh, my apologies Prince Chrom-"
"Please, we've been over this," Chrom frowns, "I don't want you calling me by titles, Robin."
"If you start calling me Princess, you'll regret it," Lissa chimes in, a touch ominous.
"Aha...Forgive me, then."
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Chrom says gently.
"Not even making you search the castle for me?" Robin can't help but prod. She's pleased when she gets a slight chuckle from Chrom.
"I'll admit, I'd been hoping to give you the tour of Castle Ylisstol."
"You snooze you loose, brother!" Lissa sing songs, before continuing her search. Chrom watches his younger sister for a moment, confused, before turning to Robin.
"What is it that you two are searching for, exactly?"
"An angel, it would seem."
"Angel?"
"That winged boy Emm was talking about!" Lissa explains. Chrom's face lights up with understanding.
"I see. Truth be told, I've been wanting to meet our mysterious guest as well. You met him, Robin?"
"I ran into him briefly."
"Indeed? What was he like?"
"Why don't you ask him yourself?"
The three of them whirl around towards the acid tones. The angel is lying on his belly, looking at them from the roof of the hall. He sneers down at them as he stands up.
"Or better yet, you can leave me alone."
Lissa and Chrom yelp as the angel falls from the roof. To Robin's relief, the angel lands perfectly on his feet, no worse for the wear. Aside from the seemingly perpetual scowl…
"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" Lissa asks. The angel narrows his eyes at her.
"Just cause your some sorta princess doesn't make you my boss," he snaps.
Lissa blinks, open mouthed. Then her brow furrows and she frowns.
"Well someone's being grouchy today."
"I am not grouchy," the angel snaps.
"Suuurrreee, whatever you say."
"You must be the one who saved Cordelia last night," Chrom says, trying to diffuse the growing tension between Lissa and the angel.
"No, it was some other angel," the angel scoffs.
"Er-"
This draws a slight snort from Lissa.
"He's got you there, Chrom!"
"What, you gonna thank me too?" the angel asks. The sarcasm that drips in his tone is only matched by the earnesty in Chrom's next words.
"I was. Cordelia is an exemplary knight of Ylisse, and a friend besides. You have my gratitude for saving her, and for protecting the people of Ylisse."
Robin notes that the angel seems to fidget under Chrom's words. The momentary show of any feeling that isn't 'annoyed' is done as the angel whirls around.
"Don't get the wrong idea. Like I keep saying, I saw some undead goons and put them down. That's all."
Before Chrom can say anything the angel storms back into the castle.
"Well wasn't he full of sunshine," Lissa drawls.
"I'm afraid I might've said something to upset the fellow," Chrom mutters.
"Don't be, Chrom," Robin shakes her head, "I think that is just his regular attitude."
"It needs an adjustment."
"Lissa," Chrom warns.
"What? It's true! Just cause he's a little cute doesn't mean he can be a jerk!"
"Er, cute?" Chrom says, looking flummoxed and a little worried.
"Yeah, he's got that dark mysterious thing going for him. Shame he ruins it when he opens his mouth."
"Uh…"
Lissa rolls her eyes.
"C'mon Chrom, I said he was a little cute," for emphasis Lissa brings her finger tips so close together that they nearly touch, "Don't go making a big deal about it."
"First Marth, now him? I didn't think you had a thing for "dark, mysterious" boys Lissa."
Robin doesn't regret the words, not even as Lissa screeches at her and promises retribution. Not with the way Chrom laughs, loud and warm. She might be a stranger in a strange land, but besides these two Robin feels content. It's a feeling she'll treasure for as long as they can remember.
Emmeryn, who practically raised Chrom and Lissa, faced with the irate ball of teenage nostalgia that is Dark Pit: Oh, this is quite nostalgic.
Pip is a name not only brought by clever wordplay, but also because we stared at a wall for a long moment muttering Dark Pit's name under our breath trying to figure out a nickname. Also Lord of the Rings.
Thank you for reading! Tune in next chapter!