Chapter Text
The young woman in bed shot up with a start, placing her hand over her chest in a hopeful attempt to slow her rapidly beating heart. Rain drummed steadily outside, drawing her attention to the window. Her long, flowing pink hair swayed gently with the movement, the glowing pale white azeleas in her hair casting a pale light over her reflection as she gazed into the haunted eyes of the copy of her reflecting in the window. The memories of her dream clung stubbornly to her mind.
That’s right.. Robyn thought It rained on that night too.. just like this..
Two months earlier..
Leafa.. where are you?! her frantic mind cried as she shot across the forest floor, leaves crunching loudly under her feet.
What felt like just mere moments before, she’d somehow wished her beloved sister back to life, agreeing to accept her whatever price it took as a result of her actions. When she came to, she was lying in an unknown forest. Pure glowing white azeleas has bloomed in her hair, and a black rapier with glowing green vines had appeared at her side. But she had no desire to dwell on this, and took off tearing through the forest in search of both her sister and her cousin Kiyoshi. Her pace slowed at the sound of voices up ahead.
“I told you, Alfonse! I did summon someone. They’re nearby, I can feel it!”
Maybe they can help me..?
The speaker, a woman with red hair tied up in a ponytail started as Robyn burst out of the trees.
“Another one?” the man with short blue hair growled, raising his sword.
“Wait!” the woman grabbed his hand to stop him, and Robyn tensed up as she approached.
“Are you-“
”Please.. my sister.” Robyn interrupted, unable to keep the note of desperation out of her voice. “I have to find her.”
”Your sister isn’t here.” the woman replied, her eyes soft with sympathy as she rested a hand on her shoulder. “My name is Commander Anna, and this is prince Alfonse of Askr. We summoned you here with this.”
She held up an oddly shaped golden and white object.
”This is the Breidablik. It’s a legendary relic from our kingdom, rumored to be able to summon heroes, but no one has yet to unlock its true powers yet. It’s said a legendary hero from another world would arrive here and become the great Summoner of Heroes: now that I’ve brought you here, it’s yours.”
Struggling to process what was happening, Robyn hesitantly accepted the relic. The moment her fingertips wrapped around its handle, the Breidablik began to emit a strange, warm glow, earning a gasp from the trio as it slowly transformed into a deep purple book with clasps on the side and a faintly shimmering floral design.
“She was right.. you are the chosen one.” Alfonse breathed, looking impressed. “What’s your name?”
”..Robyn.”
The response came out on a faint whisper as she stared at the book in her hand. Just touching it filled her hand with a strange warmth, and she could feel it humming softly with a new power. Perhaps this was the price she’d paid? Her eyes turned to the prince, hoping for answers.
“..I see. Well Robyn, again I am truly sorry for dragging you here unexpectedly, but we are in desperate need of your help against the Empire of Embla. We’ll need you to use the Briedablik to summon heroes to assist us.”
”But.. I don’t know how to do that.”
Bewildered, Robyn gazed again at the book she’d just received.
“I’m sure there’ll be time to learn-“ Alfonse broke off as rapid footsteps sounded through the trees, and Anna’s eyes narrowed as she readied her axe.
“Hey, get Robyn out of here while I hold them off.” she barked, and the prince nodded.
But Robyn stayed in place as she felt a strange warmth resonating in her pocket. Reaching, she frowned as she pulled out a multicolored orb that wasn’t here before. Without pausing to think about what she was doing, she changed the Briedablik back into its gun-like shape, the purple colors still remaining as she loaded the orb and picked a random color from the circle aimed at a circle that rested on the middle of a stone and fired.
“What are you-“ Alfonse began, stopping when Anna put her hand on his arm.
“Shh!” she hissed, eyes burning with intense curiosity.
The footsteps were nearly upon them as a brilliant pale blue flash filled the ruins, so bright they had to shield their eyes. When it cleared, a young boy with reddish brown hair dressed in blue robe and a mage’s hat stood before them.
“A kid..? Really?” Commander Anna muttered, looking disappointed.
“Hey, I’m not a kid I’m a man!” the boy protested hotly, brandishing a tome. “What kind of greeting is that anyways?!”
”Sorry, we didn’t mean to offend you.” Alfonse amended quickly, stepping forward. “I’m Alfonse, and this is our Commander Anna, and our new Summoner, Robyn. I wish I had more time to explain, but we’re in the middle of a war right now and we need your help.”
“..My help?” Ricken’s eyebrows furrowed into a frown, then nodded when he spotted a group of cloaked mages carrying red and blue tomes hurtling towards them. “That makes sense, I’ll deal with them.”
”I’ll help you, kid!”
Anna brandished her axe, earning a scoff from their new companion.
“For the last time, I’m not-ugh, you know what? Whatever. Just watch this!”
Opening the sky blue tome, he pointed at their adversaries.
So he’s a magic user.. Robyn mused.
She was still shook up from the previous events, but her mind was starting to clear a bit.
“Elwind!” the boy shouted, and a bright blue blast shot from the tome.
The mages shouted in surprise as their bodies were lifted from the ground, and sent flying into the trees that clustered around them, their trunks groaning from the impact as the mages slid down them with a thump.
“Amazing!” Anna breathed.
“Now do you take me seriously?” the boy huffed as a group of cavilier sped towards them.
While Anna and Ricken fended off the soldiers with ease, Robyn felt a light tug on her sleeve and turned to see Alfonse gazing at her intently.
“Your appearance is rather.. unusual.” He gestured to the flowers in her hair. “I fear it may be drawing in the enemy. It might be wise to hide your appearance from others so you don’t gain any unwanted attention.”
”…”
Robyn accepted the garment she was offered.
“Ir was a gift from someone in town. Some prophet gave it to us.” the prince went on as she unfolded the trench coat. “She said the hood was magic and could hide anyone’s face no matter how bright the room.”
”Thank you.”
Her gratitude was sincere as she slipped the coat on and flicked up the hood, feeling instantly protected as her glowing azeleas were concealed. The fabric felt light, but durable. When they turned back to the others, Ricken and Anna had dispatched the soldiers and were deep in discussion about the war, and why he was summoned there.
“So let’s be clear, you need me to help you take down some bad guys from Embla, right? Sounds easy enough.” Ricken said casually, setting his tone into his bag and slinging it over his shoulder, almost taking out his mage hat in the process.
”It won’t be as easy as today.” Anna warned as the boy, grumbling, straightened his hat. “These were just basic soldiers. Veronica has the ability to invade other realms like yours and force other heroes to serve under her contract.”
”So that means they might be able to attack Ylisse and hurt Maribelle..” Ricken muttered darkly. “Well, you can count me in. I have family and friends who I want to keep safe.”
“That’s good.” Alfonse said as he sheathed his sword. “Let’s head back to the castle and get you both settled in. Welcome to the Order of Heroes!”
The door closed softly behind Robyn as she turned into her new room for the night, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to process the information she’d just gleaned. Leafa and Kiyoshi weren’t here, and she’d somehow ended up in another world. Alfonse and Anna had zero idea as to how to send her back, and when pressed for details about her world, she found her mind was oddly blank, except for today when everything went terribly wrong.
All my memories are gone.. she lamented silently. Why.. I wasn’t even injured.. so why can’t I remember?!
Her eyes stole to the mirror, Alfonse’s remark about her unusual appearance echoing in her mind. Hesitantly, she walked towards it, allowing the hood to fall back.
“Oh..”
Her breath hitched in her throat as her eyes met the girl’s who stood in front of her. Her long, straight hair was now wavy as it cascaded down her back. The glowing white azeleas shone like the moon, woven neatly in her hair, and when she pulled gently on one, it wouldn’t budge, the soft fragrant petals brushing against her fingertips like silk.
They’re real! she realized with a jolt.
Her hair was slightly braided at the top, her pale skin lit by the moonlight as it shone flawlessly beautiful. And when she looked deep into her eyes, she could see the five petaled azalea symbol reflecting in its depths, glinting faintly with hidden potential.
What happened to me? she wondered, touching her cheeks gently, the softness of her skin lingering on her fingertips, and the fragrant, but not overpowering scent of flowers wreathed around her.
She wasn’t unrecognizable, but the unspeakable beauty unnerved her. The unnatural perfection one could only dream of. The last words that she had heard echoed in her ears as she reached to unsheathe the long, black rapier with glowing green vines she’d managed to conceal at her sides. Gazing deep into the blade’s depths, she’d whispered the words out loud.
“You will forsake your name, your identity, and your past. Give up everything.. and accept your new fate.”
Two months later..
”Robyyyyyn! Slow downnnn! We’re not that late!” Ricken protested, trailing after the dark hooded woman ahead of him.
“Maybe not, but we’re late enough!” Robyn huffed, balancing the stack of books on her arms. “Don’t forget, Alfonse wants us to discuss entering the World of Binding. He said Embla’s forces were getting more and more aggressive.”
Because of her extraordinary gift for tactics, she was not only the Summoner for the army, but its tactician. Despite only being in the army for a couple of months, Askr was already gaining a reputation for its unpredictable strategies and battle prowess.
“We wouldn’t be so late if you hadn’t insisted on showing Lady Robyn your fish frying tricks!” Flora chided gently, falling into step beside the Summoner to alleviate some of her burden.
“What, fish frying is a genius idea!” Ricken huffed. “Besides.. they tasted better. Everyone in the army said so!”
“Good. You can help with the cooking tonight then.” Flora replied.
As they chatted, Robyn found her mind racing a mile a minute. It was early morning, and despite the sun having barely risen, the castle was bustling with life. First there was the morning meeting, then she had to organize and send off the groups at the training tower before heading to the Summoning Ruins to summon more heroes to their aid. Alfonse was already seated at the front as the trio filed in.
“Allow me to help with that.” Jakob asserted, accepting the rest of the books.
Robyn nodded her thanks. Both Jakob and Flora were from the Kingdom of Nohr, and Robyn found Flora especially fascinating. The air always got colder when the maid’s emotions got out of control, and she’d often wonder what lay hidden beneath her calm, ever present smile.
”Ah, Summoner Robyn! Fancy seeing you here!” Laslow drawled, sauntering up to them cheerfully.
“What do you want, creep? We’re busy right now.” Ricken grumbled, catching the army’s flirt off guard and earning a soft giggle from Robyn.
Alfonse had already warned her not to get too attached to any of the heroes, due to having lost a dear friend himself. The details were vague, but Robyn, still struggling to cope with the loss of her previous life, took it to heart. Laslow was indeed handsome and charming, but she knew better than to fall for his pretty words and wit.
“Hello, Laslow.” she replied simply. “Yes I am attending today’s meeting. I am the army’s tactician after all.”
”Ever busy with work I see.” He hesitated a moment, one hand behind his head as if he was debating his next words carefully. “Well you should take breaks after all. Why don’t you join me for tea after the meeting. My treat.”
”Sorry we’re busy with grown up stuff.” Ricken replied loftily. “Maybe some other girl will play with you.”
Robyn fought to keep her composure, and she could hear Niles snickering close by as Laslow opened and closed his mouth. Swiftly collecting himself, the grey-haired swordsman mumbled
“Right.. find some other girl to play with. Stuff for children.”
He shot a pointed glance at Ricken, who burst into laughter as soon as he walked away.
“Ha, that was awesome! Look how fast I got rid of him!”
”He’s not that bad.” Robyn scolded gently, playfully ruffling his hair.
“Yeah right!” Ricken scoffed, ducking away. “What kind of a weirdo jumps between girls like that anyways? I’d never do that to Maribelle!”
While they were talking, Flora had shut the door and Alfonse stepped forward, his eyes sweeping over the group.
“Let us begin.” he declared.
Note from the Authoress: Hello and welcome to Redemption! For those of you who haven’t seen my bio, I’m a former quotev writer who lost their account that they’ve had since 2015 due to a former friend who was harassing me. I’ve since moved here in hopes of rebuilding my lost fan base so hopefully you’ll all support me! For sentimental purposes I’ll be keeping the original authors notes. I’m hoping to be caught up on all the chapters by the end of Tuesday.. so don’t be surprised if there’s suddenly 20 something chapters in a couple days.
AN: And here we are, with the first chapter of Redemption! I’ve been wanting to write a story like this for a long time, but found the Fates storyline too restrictive and story driven. But when I started playing Fire Emblem Heroes, I was blown away by how they managed to keep the story detailed but also with enough wiggle room to be able to make your own story/details out of it. It’s been about a couple months and I’m addicted! I’m also a fan of both Awakening and Fates so the chance to be able to play around with both characters was too good to pass up. I chose the name Redemption for this story because while I personally don’t think Takumi needs to redeem himself, because of his struggles with his self-esteem and worth, the journey he and our lovely Summoner take can feel like that Redemption. Speaking of our lovely prickly pineapple prince.. he’ll be showing up the next chapter so stay tuned!