So I finally completed my dissertation and I was well on my way with this chapter, I got most of it done. Unfortunately, life took a turn for the worst for me in many ways so it took longer to finish this. It's ok though, things will get moving in the story now as the battle of the eagle and lion looms...
"You can see me?"
"You can see her?" Byleth's hands slackened enough for Robin to push them away, then she kneed him in the stomach and ran.
"Get back here!" Sothis demanded but she soon saw Robin had no intention of doing so. Tsking, she turned round to see Byleth kneeling on the floor, winded. "She's getting away!"
He coughed roughly and furiously looked up at Robin's disappearing figure. Seeing this look on his face, Sothis knew Robin had got him mad, he soon got up and began giving chase.
Robin was in no mood to run, not that she rarely was. She knew she was a slow runner and had no doubt someone like Byleth could catch up to her. She also knew not to look back at what was pursuing her but she couldn't help herself. She immediately regretted it when the look on Byleth's face told her he was pissed and gaining fast.
Shit shit shit shitshitshitshit.
Her mind ran through the map she had memorised earlier, if she remembered correctly, she was heading to the north of the courtyard, perhaps there'll be people there or ample opportunity to brush him off, but it was getting late, most people would probably be getting dinner. She rummaged around in her pockets for the right tome.
"Hold still!"
She didn't need to look behind her this time to know Byleth was seconds away from grabbing her.
"Elwind!"
Before Byleth could react, he was pushed away by a huge gust of wind and slammed into the opposite wall. Robin froze when he didn't move but Sothis was already frantically trying to wake him up. He groaned and held his head but didn't seem in any rush to move. Robin took this as her queue to continue her fleeing. She didn't stop until she was north of the students classrooms. She eventually slowed down and leaned against a wall for support and to catch her breaths.
As she was calming her breaths, she took time to feel the cool breeze on her skin. The night had creeped in and though it was lonely with only the moon for company it was peaceful. She took a few more breaths and calmed her thoughts. What did Byleth think he was doing, grabbing her like that? And who was that girl with him? Why was she floating and why were they both surprised Robin could see her? Robin went through the memory carefully to gain any details she may have missed. She took a sharp intake when she remembered the girl had pointed ears, coupled that with the green hair, and she looked a lot like Tiki did.
Tiki…
She had grown fond of Tiki during their time together. She'd love to hear her stories about the Hero King, Marth. Tiki was a natural born storyteller when she wasn't dozing off. Robin felt a small pang in her heart at these memories, as they tugged on her like a small child trying to get her to notice them. It was hard to ignore them but she couldn't tell when she could next see her friends again. Wiping her face dry, she left her spot, wishing she was with the students having their dinners instead.
A noise to her right made her spin round, pointing her green tome.
"Who's there!" She yelled.
"AH! Please don't hurt me!" Came a soft voice.
Robin realised she sounded panicked and tried calming down. She lowered her tome but didn't put it away.
"I'm sorry," she squinted in the dark to get a better look, "I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you a student?"
"Oh, I know you!" Said the voice. They walked closer and Robin could finally make out a small red headed girl in student clothing. They giggled, "It seems I frightened you too."
"Ah," Robin placed the tome back in her pocket, "please forgive me."
The red head smiled, "It's ok professor Robin. The darkness can play tricks on our minds, right?"
The hair on the back of Robin's neck stood up and she wished she hadn't placed her tome away.
"You know me?" She queried, trying to ignore the feeling, "I'm afraid I don't know you. Which house are you in?"
"My name is Monica." She giggled and placed her arms behind her back, never taking her eyes off Robin. "I'm in the Black Eagle house."
Robin couldn't help but be unsettled by this giggling. "Yes, I remember hearing about you. You and Flayn were rescued by professor Byleth and his students."
Monica nodded. Robin couldn't help but notice how odd this girl looked in the faint moonlight.
"I would suggest you head to bed soon, curfew will soon be upon us." Robin tried her best to sound light and cheery but she desperately wanted to cut this conversation short to the point she wasn't bothered with wanting to know why Monica was out.
"Of course, professor." Monica bowed and began to leave, "have a good night."
"You too."
Robin watched her leave until she couldn't see her anymore and let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. Should she head back to her dorm knowing Byleth's room was just next door? She shivered in the cool air and placed her hood up. This academy was full of too many creepy people. She huffed when the image of that librarian came into her mind, sure he was kind to other people but for some reason he acted curt around her and she couldn't figure out why.
Perhaps she could lay down some traps in her room in case a certain blue haired creep came sneaking in. Panne taught her some good ones and she could now make them look inconspicuous no matter where she put them. How was Byleth going to explain sneaking into a woman's room? She smirked at the thought. She finally got to her front door and sighed in relief, as she was looking for her dorm key in her pocket she felt a force hit her over her head and stunned her. Still reeling from the force she felt an arm make its way around her waist and she felt herself get lifted up.
"Get off me!"
Before she could reach for her pockets she was shoved into her neighbours dorm room and she fell onto the floor. The door slammed shut and it became pitch black.
Robin tried scrambling to her feet but a girl's voice demanded she stay down. Panting, she removed her hood and watched Byleth as he turned on a light. She couldn't help but gulp a little once his eyes landed on her.
"Ok, now time to start talking! Tell us everything you know!" Sothis got right up into Robin's face, "and don't try to pull anything sneaky!"
Robin looked the girl dead in the eyes, "you've never interrogated anyone before, have you?"
Byleth snorted and took out a vulnerary he had spare on his desk before sitting on his bed.
"Hey! You're supposed to be helping me here!" Sothis turned to him. She and Robin both just watched as he rubbed the potion into his shoulder.
"Did it hurt that much?" Robin's eyes narrowed, and she couldn't help but feel a twang of guilt.
His eye twitched as he looked at Robin, "next time you pull something like that I won't be letting you off so easy."
"Hello? Did you forget the plan?" The green haired girl demanded. She sighed heavily and sat on the floor, inches away from Robin.
"What have I done that caused this much trouble?" Robin asked.
"Oh, don't play so innocent! You practically blew your cover when you asked about the sword." Sothis huffed.
"The sword?" Robin blinked. "What's that got to do with all this?"
"Why you-"
"Ok, stop." Byleth finally spoke. "She's confused."
"C-confused?" Sothis got back up.
"I've been a mercenary for a while, I know when people are lying and I've watched my father interrogate enough people to know when they've said all they know. She's genuinely confused, her body language speaks volumes."
Robin could tell the green haired girl was just as confused as she was, so she cleared her throat.
"Why don't we start again? Is this sword a powerful artefact, and is that why you don't want it falling into the wrong hands?"
Sothis turned to her, her eyes still bright with annoyance, "yeah, something like that."
"Ah, then I apologise, my intentions are not with the sword. I merely wanted to see if it was all the talk the students put into it so I could see what me and my students are up against in the coming battle."
Sothis turned to Byleth who sighed and nodded in a sign that he believed Robin. Fuming, she turned back to Robin.
"Ok, fine! Then why don't you explain that aura coming off of you?"
Robin paled, "m-my what?"
"You have incredibly dark powers attached to you, and I for one am incredibly interested as to why you're here working at the monastery! What are you planning?"
Robin's head was spinning. She had a dark aura? Does this crazy girl mean what she thinks she means, was the dark beast not really gone..?
"I am talking to you!" Sothis demanded when Robin fell silent. She got closer to Robin, too close for comfort.
The next thing Robin knew was she was back on two feet and a loud growl had escaped her throat.
She growled.
She brought her hand up to her mouth in disbelief. She didn't even remember standing back up. Looking at the other two, she saw the small girl was already behind Byleth for safety, while he had his hand on his sword by his hip, his eyes wide. She almost didn't believe she was capable of making such a savage sound. She rubbed the side of her head since it became incredibly painful, for a minute it became so bad she couldn't see straight. When it subsided she continued to hold her head but looked at Byleth with wide eyes.
"Um, are you ok?" Byleth asked after a long pause.
Robin didn't know how to answer that. Was this somehow related to the Fell Dragon? She still had the Brand, so that meant possibly it was not yet dead. A thought that made her stomach churn.
"It's that vile power inside you, do not deny it!" Sothis grabbed Byleth's shoulder, "we should kill her now!"
"What!?" He and Robin shouted at the same time.
"This power is rancid! It's corrosive and I can feel it clawing at me." Sothis' eyes landed on Robin who did not think such a powerful gaze could come out of someone so small.
"W-wait." Robin whimpered. The headache was more like a pulse now, and it made thinking somewhat difficult. Was Grima's power affecting her? And why now?
"Byleth, this girl hides something sinister. Whether or not you can sense it, we cannot allow it to harm the students!"
Byleth unsheathed his sword but did not advance. Robin tried to focus on her breathing.
"Stop, I-I can explain." She wanted nothing more than for the headache to cease but if she didn't know any better, she'd say it was reacting to the strange green haired girl. Grima had never affected her like this, not even when possessed future Robin was around, or even towards the holy dragon Naga.
"Byleth!" Sothis' voice was getting hysterical. "She's losing control, if whatever is inside her comes out it will be too late!"
Robin could only watch as he approached her. His face back to normal, and that scared her, he was about to show no remorse in killing her. She fell backwards, hitting the wall behind her, the only thing she could think to do was cover her face.
Purple began to fill in the edges of her vision...she had seen this once before. Long ago in the company of an old friend. Who were they again? Consciousness started to slip and the last thing she saw was the Sword of the Creator standing above her poised to strike.
"Robin!"
She blinked.
"Over here, silly!"
"Lucina?"
Lucina giggled and twirled around, "do you like my new outfit?" She asked Robin.
"It-it suits you very well, Lucina. And it's in your favourite colour." Robin smiled at the young girl who beamed up at her.
Lucina grabbed her hand and started pulling Robin along.
"Come on! Or we'll be late!"
"Late?" Robin's mind was unusually blank.
"Yeah! Father is meeting us in the flower field!"
"O-oh." Robin tried rubbing her head but it remained stubbornly hazy. But she let Lucina lead her further into the field they were in. Eventually, she let go of Robin's hand and began to run in front, cartwheeling and laughing. Robin felt at ease watching the small girl have fun.
But you've never seen her this age.
"W-what?" Robin stopped walking and clutched her head.
Lucina turned to look at Robin.
"Come on, come on! Father's just up ahead!" She yelled.
Robin watched as she skipped over flowers, in the distance the castle of Ylisse loomed. Seeing something so familiar put Robin back at ease and she completely forgot about the voice.
She soon caught up with Lucina who was now in the arms of a much larger man, and was laughing with her. His appearance was somewhat familiar, and older, wearing a long blue robe and a diadem sat on his head. Robin couldn't help but smile, the scene was too beautiful, almost like a painting.
"Robin, you're here!" The man spoke. Her footsteps almost staggered, how could she forget that this was Chrom? He walked closer to her but she stepped back, panic struck her face.
"What's wrong?" He was smiling but there was something off about that smile.
Think! Try to remember! This is not right.
She realised the voice was her own thoughts. Looking at Chrom, she finally noticed how fuzzy he looked around the edges. Shrieking, she fell backwards.
"Come on Robin!" Lucina stood next to her father, "why won't you play with us?"
"L-Lucina, I…" Robin couldn't finish. The colours in the field became harsher before turning darker. Panicking, she instinctively felt in her pockets for some weapons but found them empty.
"Why did you leave us?" Chrom's face suddenly became very dark. There were no traces of his earlier joy.
"W-what?"
"You abandoned us," Lucina pointed at her.
"No, that's not true!" But somehow she couldn't remember what happened. Clutching her head, she yelled at them to leave her alone.
She left them behind as she ran through the field, trampling flowers under her feet. As she glanced back she became horrified. Lucina and Chrom did not appear to get smaller, but stood in place, their faces no longer normal, only hollowed out versions.
"What's happening?" Tears started rolling down her face. Her knees gave way and she tumbled hard into the ground. As she tried getting up, a rotting hand shot up out of the ground and grabbed her wrist.
Screaming, she tried pulling herself free. Risen began forming around her, their gaunt faces locked onto her. She tried stifling a cry when she saw that Chrom and Lucina had also been replaced by the dead.
"NO!" She ripped her arm out of its death grip, "NOT THEM!"
They were supposed to live! She gave up her own life so they could live on. Her tears began to blot out her vision but she could make out the outlines of the Risen encircling her. The thought that their lives were forfeited regardless made her seethe. Memories of her past with them and the Shepherds returned and she screamed.
A purple shield formed over her body and exploded away from her, sending waves through the Risen.
She looked up in time to watch them collapse and turn back into smoke. Chrom's form was the last to disappear. He groaned and his fall brought her pain like no other. Crouching into a fetal position, she cried into the grass. Unaware of how long she had been laying there, eventually she felt footfall, and it was approaching. The issue was she no longer had the energy to care.
The footfall eventually ceased and she felt something sit down next to her.
"So, the great tactician of Ylisse is crying into the ground because of a vision?"
Sniffing, Robin finally decided to look at whoever this was. Hoping to find a familiar face, she was sadly disappointed. Whoever they were, wore a large hood, just like hers, only in white. This wasn't anyone she immediately knew, yet there was a familiarity to them…
"Do I - do I know you?" She asked.
Snorting, the figure didn't offer any clues. Their head was covered but Robin could feel their eyes boring into her. Kneeling, she wiped the last bit of tears from her face.
"You said that was a vision?" She asked.
"A powerful one, created by yours truly." A smile appeared on their lips.
Robin felt heated, "You! How could you? What was that about?" She went to punch them but they blocked it with one hand and held her there. It was the one with her Brand on and it began burning.
"Now, now let's not get overwhelmed. This is our first meeting face to face after all."
"Answer me!" Robin struggled against their grip but it was unwavering.
"Fine."
Before she knew it, she was thrown back on the ground with such force, she almost became dazed. They towered over her, now at their full height.
"I did it because I don't like you." They simply stated.
Robin rolled to her right and stood up too. Something about this person seemed awfully off. They snickered at her frazzled state and lowered their hood, finally revealing their face.
Robin felt her blood freeze. Before her was a man with the darkest red eyes she ever saw, and two smaller eyes in painted purple below both. The smile on his face widened when they saw her shock.
"Are you Grimleal?" As soon as the question left her mouth, they lunged forward and grabbed her before she could react.
"I am the one they worshipped."
"No!" She struggled in their grip. Their face looked down at her with wide pupils and a sneer showing most of their teeth.
"Yes," they said in a low voice, "now we can be together." They brought Robin closer, a person from afar would have thought they were bringing Robin into a hug.
"Stop it! You're supposed to be dead!"
"I'm supposed to be a lot of things," he sneered, "and a god is one of them."
Without thinking, she headbutted him and it seemed to be enough for him to loosen his grip on her. Tearing away, she almost tore the fabric of his sleeve off.
"Watch it! An old acquaintance let me borrow this before he died." She could have swore she heard a note of sorrow in his voice.
"Don't give me that!" She spat, "how is this possible? You don't have a human form!"
"You don't know that," he sneered.
He laughed darkly and ruffled a hand through his purplish-white hair, "not bad, huh?"
"Shut up!" Robin lunged at him, "I'm not afraid to kill you twice!"
"So full of fire," he threw her off him, "that's part of what made you the perfect vessel."
"I won't do it so don't even go there." Robin picked her hair off her face.
His demeanor darkened, "no, you were incorruptible even when your future self tried their best at it."
There was something strange about him, she dared not to think it but he seemed...tamer in human form. She remembered what Tiki and even to an extent what Nowi told her, that dragons' minds deteriorate and to slow down this process, they opted to become manaketes. She didn't let her guard down however, but she knew if he was to attack her there was not much she could do without her tomes or sword.
"Grima." She tried not to look away when his eyes met hers, "what are you doing here?"
"I was going to ask you that question."
"What!?"
"Well, my plan was to corrupt you and then take over this land you've found yourself in."
"I'll kill you."
"I know, I know." He waved his hand dismissively.
Robin bristled. How dare this vile being act so cordial around her? This shit brought ruin to her future, forcing her to kill Chrom, destroying Lucina's and the other children's lives, all while possessing her, and forcing her to do it. Well, that hadn't happened in her future, she made sure it was rewritten.
"Which Grima are you?"
"Hm?"
"Which Grima?" She said as her patience ran out, "the one from the future?"
"The one from your time. Think about it, we both survived the event hence why your Brand is still there." He pointed to her hand.
She unconsciously rubbed the back of it.
"I sensed another great being around you," he continued, "one I regretfully admit I'm unfamiliar with."
"That must be the girl I growled at."
"Yes, her. She's far more ancient than I am and I am guessing from a different continent to us."
"Stop it."
"Excuse me?"
"Stop this!" Robin yelled, "you're talking to me like a normal person! Don't act like you haven't committed heinous atrocities."
"Robin, my dear," he smiled, "I haven't committed them yet. You're thinking of the future."
"You're Grima!"
"I haven't even started yet!" His voice pushed Robin back and she grimaced.
"I fell before I even got the chance to rise when that so-called Hero King Alm pushed my ascension back. I will get my chance." His gaze held hunger as he stared at her. Robin did her best not to look perturbed.
"This is nonsense. I still don't know where I am." Her insides were twisting with anxiety.
"Somewhere outside of space and time, I suppose." Grima had calmed down considerably in a short amount of time.
"How do I get back?"
"When you're ready." He said simply.
"You're not coming with me."
"I will always be with you, you have the heart and blood of Grima."
"Oh, shut up."
"That boy you were with." He continued as if he had not heard her.
"What of him?"
"He shares a similar connection to that girl, like we do. Keep an eye on them."
"Don't tell me what to do."
"I am telling you because I sensed he was borrowing her powers."
"How?" Robin couldn't help her curiosity.
Grima shook his head, "I'm not sure, I have my theories but for them to be proven we need to play a waiting game. However, I have a proposition."
Robin's eyes narrowed, "I don't like where this is going, Fell Dragon."
He laughed dryly but continued, "she is lending him her seemingly Divine powers. It repulses me. Therefore I am willing to lend you mine should you need them."
Robin almost fell to the floor.
"WHAT?"
"I think you will need them, considering where you will find yourself."
"You-you," she stammered. "You want to GIVE me these powers for what? That doesn't make any sense coming from you. What's the catch?"
"You will feel the power that is Grima, that should surely be enough to corrupt you."
"Ha!" She laughed dryly. "I think not, demon."
"Hm, do please keep it in mind anyway, my dear, it seems you are close to waking up."
"No, wait! I have more questions!"
"As do I. Now be a good girl and keep what I said in mind, hm?"
"Wait!" Robin's vision began to shift and blur, "Grima, you bastard, get back here!"
The last thing she saw was his laughing figure.
"Try slapping her!"
"I'm not about to do that, don't be absurd. I'll fetch some water."
"Hm, I guess that method works too."
When Byleth came back he had a small pail of water he then proceeded to splash onto Robin's sleeping figure.
She stuttered and spit out the water in her mouth, looking frantically around her.
"Wh-what, where?"
"Finally, I was beginning to think you would not wake up!"
Robin wiped her face and found the person who spoke. The green haired girl was standing with arms crossed looking down on Robin.
"Muh?" Robin could only manage.
Wiping her hair from her face, she flinched when Byleth knelt down beside her. He showed both hands to prove he wasn't going to hurt her.
"You-you didn't kill me?" Robin remembered what happened before she fell unconscious. Not that she was ungrateful they didn't follow through.
Byleth and Sothis looked at each other before answering Robin.
"Once you fell unconscious the aura around you disappeared. When I told Byleth about it, he said he wasn't going to strike you."
"What?" She looked at Byleth who merely nodded.
"This doesn't change my opinion of you, however." Sothis seethed.
Now Robin took a good look at her. Her features were uncannily similar to Tiki and even Naga's. The green hair and the pointed ears? It's surely no coincidence.
"You're a dragon."
"Excuse me?" The girl watched Robin with wide eyes.
"You look just like a manakete." Robin explained.
"I-I have no idea what that is." Sothis stammered.
"But only me and Byleth can see you? Is that why you were shocked someone like me could? And how could you not know what a manakete is?"
"Enough with the questions!" Sothis exploded, "I do not know! I have very little memory of my past."
Seeing her small face become twisted with a mixture of anger, confusion and sadness was enough for Robin to pause the questioning.
"It's ok," Robin decided to disclose private information, "I don't remember my past either."
Both Byleth and the girl looked at her. Only Byleth's face was devoid of any emotion, as per usual.
"Actually, you never told me your name." Robin realised.
"Sothis."
"Sothis? As in -"
A loud knock pounded on Byleth's door.
"Professor? I'm here to return that book on lance techniques before I turn in for the night"
"Sounds like Dimitri." Byleth stood up and answered.
"Good evening, professor! I do hope I am not interrupting anything?" He peeked in and saw Robin at the back.
"No, we were just about done here." Byleth nodded towards Robin and opened the door wider for her to leave.
"This isn't over." Sothis huffed as Robin crossed the room. She highly doubted it was over, she was leaving with more questions after all.
"Good night, both of you." She bowed to Byleth and the prince.
"Good night, professor." Dimitri gave a warm smile, but with some confusion showing in his eyes at her wet face. Byleth simply gave her a blank stare. If there was ever a thought going on in that man's head, she'd never know.
Flinging her coat onto the end of her bed, she simply threw herself into the covers and shut her eyes, hoping sleep would come quickly.
Robin had spent most of her morning the next day fishing by the docks. There was a fishing tournament that she wanted to check out. Shamir had told her she could participate if she wanted, not that she cared. But she nicely told Robin some good fishing spots, in exchange for a large fish, of course. Robin had a small casket of fish sitting next to her, ready to be smoked and cooked. She was enjoying the chilly air and the soft skies above her, humming to herself.
"Oh, my. I don't believe I've heard that tune before!"
Robin turned around and saw a small girl with dark green hair smiling at her.
"Good morning," Robin smiled back, "are you here for the fishing tournament?"
The small girl nodded, "fish is my favourite food! How many do you have?"
"Let's see," Robin looked in her casket, "just three small ones so far."
The small girl peeked into the casket, "well the days not over yet, professor. Mind if I join you?"
"I could use the company." Robin scooched over and the small girl sat next to her.
"I'm Flayn, by the way. Nice to meet your acquaintance."
"Nice to meet you, Flayn. I'm glad that you are safe."
Flayn flushed a little, "yes, thank you."
"Got a favourite fish? If I can catch it, it's yours."
"Oh, really?" Flayn perked up, "that would be teutates herrings!"
Robin nodded, "I'm no pro at this, but I'll see what I can do."
Herrings were a species back in Ylisse, she remembered. A similar type must have ended up in Fódlan. They were tasty when grilled, and were especially enjoyable when sharing stories around a campfire with the Shepherds. Many in their flock would tell stories of their past, sometimes they were hilarious, others could end in tragedy. She remembered not speaking much during these times because she could not recall any tales from her own past, at the time it had deeply saddened her. While it was still a sore point for her now, she didn't feel as depressed about it.
"You came out here to think, didn't you?" Flayn's voice brought her back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You're deep in thought," Flayn giggled, "I can see it in your face. When I watch people fish, they do so sometimes for the tranquility it can bring as they search for peace of mind."
"Wow, that's-that's very profound, Flayn." Robin rubbed the back of her head. "I can't say you're wrong, however."
Flayn hummed and watched some students on the other end of the dock try their hands at fishing.
"It's ok to not want to divulge though, Seteth says some people do not wish to discuss certain things."
Robin nodded, "some things are better left unsaid."
She found the small girl's presence calming and they proceeded to make small talk. Flayn was apparently excited to begin in professor Byleth's classes. She had heard from the other students what an amazing teacher he is, Robin tried her best not to scoff at that.
"Oh, but professor, if you were teaching classes, I'd surely love to join!" Flayn clasped her hands together.
"I will shortly be lecturing in seminars, please do consider coming to them." Robin tugged on the line when she felt a bite.
They continued like this for a while, Robin happy to have a distraction from what Grima had told her last night. She had many questions regarding their unusual appearance and why they chose to appear when they did. The most intriguing if not disturbing thing she took from their encounter was the fact they were willing to share their dark powers with her. It worried her to no end, but if anything, it was a sign she needed to find a way home sooner rather than later.
By early afternoon, she and Flayn made their way to the food hall. She gave Flayn her biggest catch, which she was proud that it was indeed a Teutes Herring, for her to eat later.
Robin caught sight of a woman in knights armour staring at her, and asked Flayn who that was.
"That's Catherine, professor. She is a knight of Seiros. Also known as Thunder Catherine"
Robin watched as this knight approached them, not taking her scowling eyes off Robin.
"Good afternoon, Catherine." Flayn smiled.
"Good afternoon," Catherine did not return the smile, "Seteth wishes to see you, Flayn."
"Oh!" Flayn turned to Robin, "I hope to see you later, professor. Have a good day."
"Have a good day, Flayn." They bowed to each other and Flayn ran off.
Now she was left under the uncomfortable stare of this woman.
"I don't believe we've met before, I'm-"
"Trouble." Catherine cut off.
"Excuse me?" Robin blinked.
"I can tell you're going to be trouble," Catherine looked Robin up and down. "Hm, that's strange…"
"Uh, what is?"
"I can tell who carries a Crest, and who doesn't." Catherine took a step closer to Robin, who gulped.
"And I can't tell if you have one or not." Catherine looked her dead in the eyes.
"Ah, well I already took Hanneman's test, and I don't have one, I'm afraid," Robin laughed weakly. She couldn't help but be intimidated by this woman.
"If you cause trouble for Lady Rhea, I'll strike you down where you stand."
"U-Understood." Robin backed away.
"I'll be keeping an eye on you." Catherine gave her the side eye as she walked away out of the food hall.
Robin rubbed the sweat off her forehead and sighed. Weirdos. Weirdos everywhere in this academy. She'd barely been working here a full week and she's already got her hands full with students and creepy people who won't take their eyes off her. Grima was the cherry on top. Finally collecting herself, she decided to relax in the library.
Concerning Wyverns and their Aviation Patterns:
Chapter one. A brief summary of Wyverns:
Wyverns are proud creatures and it takes riders many years to gain their trust. They do not warm up to anyone they find untrustworthy. Unlike Pegasi, they tend to be more dangerous to care for, however almost anyone can bond with one as long as they put forth their intentions to the Wyvern.
Wyverns can live in the harshest environments, but most are found in high mountain regions and sometimes near volcanoes. They are particularly protective of -
*THUMP*
Robin's head jerked up and looked to the source of the sound, it appeared to be behind the bookshelf she was sitting next to…
Nothing. Breathing through her nose she returned to her book.
They are particularly protective of their home and have been known to go on rampages that can raze villages if disturbed. They are also extremely difficult to kill, let alone wound. They use their spiked tails, sharp teeth and fire breath to attack enemies. The proudest and most powerful of Wyvern is the Barbarossa.
The Wyvern was one part of a proud tribe of dragons, taking up residence in -
*THUMP*
"Ouch!"
This time Robin got up and peeked over the bookshelf. She watched as Claude rubbed his toes, a large rather heavy looking book laying next to his feet.
"Are you ok?" She asked.
He let out a small yelp and almost stumbled backwards.
"Ah! Oh, Teach, it's you." He rubbed the back of his head. "Didn't see you there."
"Not hurt, are you?"
"Oh, no, I'm fine. I just have butter fingers today, it seems." He laughed and picked up the book. Robin only caught a glimpse of it before he stuffed it back on the shelf, almost too hastily.
"You mentioned yesterday about going to the library. Do you love reading books too?" Robin smiled. She had been somewhat on the lookout for someone who was interested in books as much as her.
"Of course! Who doesn't love to settle down with a good book?" He smiled but Robin didn't catch where it didn't reach his eyes.
"Why don't you show me what you were reading? Is it interesting?"
"Ah, no. I was looking for some potion books, I've got new recipes in mind."
"Recipes?" Robin's head cocked to the side. "Do you cook?"
"Even better, I prepare things such as poisons before battles."
"Claude! That's awful!"
"Ah, wait, hear me out. I don't give anyone anything deadly, just maybe something to upset their stomach for a while, you know?"
Robin scratched her head. Was he thinking like a tactician?
"So, you're thinking strategy wise?"
He nodded.
Robin hung her head in thought, this was brilliant for a tactician. Under the right circumstances, it could be used on an enemy if their numbers heavily outway yours. It was a bit underhanded of course, but since when did war have to be fair?
"I can't stop you making these, Claude. But I do have to admit it's brilliant thinking for a tactician."
"Really?" He looked at her in surprise. "Ha, that's funny, professor Byleth never thought so."
"What does he know?" Robin brushed him off. "Will you teach me some of these potions one day?"
He stared at her, as if regarding what she just said. He smiled and laughed.
"Sure! We can start whenever, perhaps in time for the mock battle?"
"Claude, we will be sure to win that fight fair and square. Promise me you won't do anything to the other houses until then?"
Before he could answer, behind her, someone grumbled in a low voice and she sensed them make their way to her bookshelf. She knew exactly who it was. Grabbing Claude, she pushed him further into a corner that was covered by shadow.
Claude tried to say something but she placed a gloved hand over his mouth, shushing him quietly.
She waited until Tomas walked past them, hoping her and Claude's dark clothes would hide them well in this dimly lit corner. Tomas continued to grumble to himself until she couldn't hear him anymore. She sighed in relief.
"Teach!" Claude had grabbed her hand holding his mouth.
"Ah! Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Claude," she quickly let go and moved away from him, "He-he just gives me the creeps is all."
"I can see that." He readjusted his clothing, "I think there are better ways of telling me, though."
"I'm terribly sorry. Can I make it up to you?" She bowed in apology.
"Hmm."
She looked back up at him and saw that he was staring at her, one hand under his chin, a small smile dancing on his lips.
"Well, I mean if you truly want to make it up to me I have an idea."
"Yes?" Robin felt almost like she shouldn't ask.
"You have access to the restricted areas of this library, being a professor and all right? I want your access card."
"What!? Claude, I can't just give you my card! I'll be in trouble if you're caught, this is not a fair deal!"
"Oh… well that's too bad." Claude sighed dramatically and looked to the ceiling with both hands behind his head.
"W-why's it too bad?"
"Well, I'm sure Seteth would like to hear how you manhandled me just now." He looked at her and gave her what she thought was the cheekiest grin he could muster. "Not only that, but you pushed me into a secluded corner of the library where there were only the two of us, right? Who knows what your intentions were with me."
"Claude! You know it wasn't like that!" She flustered. She needed to stay here where there could be answers on how to get home! How could she do that if Seteth or Rhea kicked her out because they thought she was being dirty with one of the students?
"Claude don't do this!" She pushed him into the bookshelf behind him. "Please! Ok, you can have the access card!"
"Whoa, whoa ok calm down." He grabbed her hand to stop her. "I'm sorry, I was only teasing you."
He looked sincerely sorry and she felt herself calming down.
"R-really?" She found that she was crying softly.
"Ah, now I'm the asshole who made a woman cry." Claude wiped her face with his free hand and chuckled softly.
She sniffed and thanked him.
"I shouldn't have said that. I won't ask you for the card, I'll be more thoughtful next time."
"No, it's ok. I-I got worried because this place is all I have right now." She brought out her library card. "I don't have many studious students in my house, so I want to encourage any I can to read."
"Teach." Claude began.
"I'll come with you though, ok? That way we can talk our way out of it if we're caught. I think we're both good at that." She smiled up at him.
Claude studied her for a moment, his eyes not giving away any of his thoughts. But he smiled again and nodded.
Sighing in relief, she grabbed the books she was reading beforehand and they both walked to the restricted section together.
I decided to end it here, maybe we'll catch up with them in the restricted section next chapter. I have exams to study for, after all. Please let me know what you think! Also I deliberately left Grima's description ambiguous except they were male and had coloured hair, so the rest is up to you!