Iggy here! While thinking of ideas for my dandy high school AU 'The Rise and Fall of Marth Lowell', I decided to have my own fun and attempt an one shot. Also for those who are reading/read TR&F, there's a poll on my profile about a next story idea. I suggest voting right away if you already haven't.
I'm going to admit, I did get teary eyed writing some of it.
I hope you guys enjoy this!
EDIT: Taking a glimpse at this story now, I decided to look back and re-edit some errors as it is almost going to be two years old. Also, I realized how it might relate in with the latest SSB(not an AU one) story I'm planning, as it possibly ties in(this will be the past) with A Nightmare or Perhaps a vision. I recommend reading that one as well if you haven't, even more so if you're a fan of Dark Pit x Lucina. Speaking of re-editing, I plan on doing that with the first chapters of The Bake Off seeing how those are a year old as well before I continue on with it.
Rain heavily poured down, crying its tears of melancholy on the world's surface. Roy sat near the window in his room, observing the drops of rain as it'd softly greet him, striking the aperture. For a rainy day, it was awfully quiet at the Smash Mansion. Usually the younger brawlers were either causing a ruckus or someone managed to engross themselves into an argument on who was the better fighter. The flamed haired youth glanced out at the window, a soft smile forming upon his face. He usually enjoyed lazy days like this as it allowed him bask within his own thoughts. Something about the rain was soothing to him, almost as if were trying to reach out to the general, relaying a message from across various lands. Roy knew his time at the mansion was coming to an end, especially with the new tournament taking place in about two weeks.
Rumor going around has it that some of the fighters were getting the boot this year, the Pheraen lord being one of them. Roy figured he might as well enjoy his last days in relaxation and of course, spending all of the time he can with his new found friends as he especially knew he will never see them again. The teen began to reminisce all of the fond memories he had, realizing out of all the fighters he engaged with, he would miss Marth the most. During his years at the mansion, the two swordsmen grew very close with one another as they formed a special bond.
Each of them knew and experienced that pain that was war at firsthand. They both knew the hardships; from the losses to the strong bonds with your comrades. As much Roy hated to admit it, war did bring people together. It created tight bonds, only to be broken after the war as allies vanish, never to be seen or heard from. Roy sighed deeply, being thankful that his father supported his decision to partake in the tournament. The fiery redhead constantly protested but the older man insisted that he should go on, telling his child that there would never be another opportunity like this again.
Looking back on that memory, Roy was really glad that his father made him go and even more at himself for caving in. He made a lot of new friends, met someone who understood him and best of all, he actually got a challenge. The general forgot how it felt to spar for fun rather than having to be on the brink of life and death. As he began getting weary of gazing at the murky weather, Roy managed to get up from his chair, making his way towards the room's entrance as he slowly opened the door and began to head out. If he remembered correctly, today was the day when the new Smashers arrived. Even though his time was up soon, the fifteen year old was still eager to meet them, wondering if they had either good or bad intentions.
Meanwhile, the Postman swiftly scurried into the mansion and headed over to Master Hand's office. The man began digging through his large satchel, taking out a huge stack of letters, placing them on his desk. Afterwards, he made his way out of the manor, heading back out in the rain presume his brave task of deliver more letters during a possible storm. Master Hand begin sorting through the letters, separating them into individual piles based on which fighter it was for.
"Two for Link, three for Mario, three for Ness," mumbled the giant hand. Eventually, he would get to the very bottom of the pile only to be stopped by the fine print, freezing for a slight moment.
"Hmm, it seems that Roy got a letter but unfortunately, it isn't from his father. How peculiar." Curiosity got the best of him, trying to resist every urge to take a small peek, however, Master Hand couldn't help himself. The hand began to use powers, pointing his massive finger at the letter as a pale, white-yellowish beam emerged from it. As he began reading the letter, he slowly let it fall back on its own pace as it gently sat down seated itself on his desk.
"Oh dear…" he muttered. A knock was heard as someone asked to come in. He ushered them in, noticing it was Link.
"Oh hello Link, what do you want?"
"Well…" exclaimed the Hylian. "I was wondering, which refreshment would go better for the party, fruit punch or lemonade?"
"How about both?" suggested Master Hand.
"I didn't think of that at all! Thanks." Before the Hylian walked out, Master Hand quickly stopped him.
"Link! Before you go, I have a request. Please deliver this letter to Roy as soon as possible."
The dirty blond Hylian male glanced at it, nodding in response.
Link began storming through the hallways, making his way towards Roy's room, only to see the redhead step out. He sighed of relief, approaching the shorter male while handing him the letter.
"Master Hand told me to deliver this to you right away." With those words, the Hylian scurried off, making his way towards the dining hall to help finish setting up for the welcome party. Roy glanced at it, being rather surprised that the letter wasn't from his father. The general opened it and began to read it right away.
Dear Roy,
How are things going at the Smash Mansion? I'm sure you're having an grand ol'time with your new friends, however I'm afraid I've bear some devastating news about Marquess Pherae. Recently, your father passed away peacefully in his sleep. Marquess Pherae's illness grew worse ever since the day you've left for Super Smash Brothers Melee. In addition to this letter, I've attached his final words to you. Marcus is on his way to pick you up immediately so you can return home and takeover your father's duties as marquess. I know this happened so suddenly, but the townspeople need you back at Pherae. I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Merlinus
Roy felt sick to his stomach as he began becoming overwhelmed with various thoughts and feelings. He decided to peek at the attachment that came with Merlinus' letter, reading his father's final thoughts.
Roy,
I knew from the start that I didn't have much time left in me. The reason why I convinced you to fight in the tournament was so that you can ease up and take your mind off things. On the day you've returned, I've happened to notice you looked awfully stressed, especially after the massive war with Bern. I know that this request is to much, even more ambushing you so suddenly, but I need you to take over the Kingdom of Lycia in my place as it will be for the best. Wolt and Lilina terribly miss you and Lycia needs their general. Before I go off to join your mother, I just want to tell you for the final time I love you, even when I'm gone. You were the best son any father could ask for as I've seen you grow up for the past fifteen years. So remember Roy, when I'm gone, please try your best to be strong for everyone.
Love always,
Eliwood
Tears began pouring down on the general's face as he sniffled. Dropping the letter, the teenager dashed through the corridor as he needed some time along. The news was all too sudden for him as it felt like only yesterday when he parted ways with Eliwood. As Roy frantically ran, the redhead bumped into someone, trembling down from the force in the process.
"Hey! Watch where you're going next time!"
The young general perked up, noticing an unfamiliar face. The figure happened to be another male who had dark, indigo blue hair and bore an jungle-green bandanna. From his own observation, Roy was able to gather information that the boy turned out a mercenary, an extremely strong one too. The mercenary noticed Roy's swollen eyes right away and sighed softly, lending his hand to help up the younger teenager.
"Is something wrong?" he asked. Roy swiftly looked away for a moment. The boy happened to be engrossed by his own thoughts, wondering if he should even pour his heart out to someone he barely even knew. Realizing that it would not only be easier on him, but also soothe his heartbreaking pain, he glanced back at the mercenary, both of their azure eyes meeting with one another.
"My father… he just recently passed away." Sadness could be heard from his voice as the shorter boy whimpered a bit, trying his best not to break down once more. The mercenary paused for a moment, taking a minute or two to think of the right words to say.
"I see. I understand what you're going through as I've lost my father not too long ago." He tried his best to make the noble who stood before him feel better, even if it was only for a short period of time. Trying to make navigate the conversation in a lighter direction, the indigo haired teen decided to ask for Roy's name. "Say, what your name is anyways? I'm Ike."
"Roy…"
The general recognized the name right away as he heard it before. It turned out, his replacement was here. Roy smiled weakly, looking at Ike. "Hey Ike… I'm not going to be here much longer. I have a favor I'd like to ask of you."
"And that is?"
The redhead ushered the mercenary, beckoning him to follow closely. The two swordsmen made their way into his room as Roy began starting the finishing touches of his suitcase, packing up the rest of his belongings. Roy opened a drawer next to the bed, grabbing a picture before handing it over to the mercenary. Ike managed to take a excellent glimpse of the photo.
"Who's this?"
"That is Marth, the prince of Altea. Out of everyone in the manor, he's my best friend. If I'm not mistaken, you and him will definitely have no problems getting along with one another. Anyways, my request for you is to please watch over him while I'm gone. It may sound like too much, but it's all I ask for." Roy grabbed his bags, Ike deciding to aid the general as he held the heavier load.
"Sounds simple enough."
The two boys made their way outside the mansion, being greeted by an older paladin Roy recognized to be none other than Marcus. Alan and Lance happened to be with the older man as well as the two knights grabbed Roy's belongings, attaching it to their horses.
"Master Roy, are you ready to go?" asked the paladin. The flame haired general nodded in response before facing the mercenary, knowing this would be the last time they will engage in conversation. Ike wished Roy the best of luck as he turned around, making his way back inside the mansion to get himself acquainted with the others. The redhead hopped on the horse with Marcus, sitting behind him. As the Pheraen teen realized he didn't get to say his final farewells to his comrades the boy deeply sighed at first however, he knew it was for the best.
As they rode off, Roy turned his head around, taking one last glimpse of the manor for the final time.