Chapter 2: A Sense of Worth

It's a week before the tournament begins. One week. One week to prepare for the greatest moment of my life.

I was in the Training Room, practicing with Lucas. I was surprised he'd agreed to train with me. Most of my fellow Smashers had decided to relax. "It's the perfect time to lay loose before working hard," Mario explained to me and Robin. "There's no need to stress yourself out."

Robin decided to get to know the other Smashers better; Chrom was out talking with Princess Zelda. Apparently she wants to have a formal visit to Ylisse once the tournament's over. Even in the situation we're preparing for, Father wants to handle diplomatic business. I'm sure Emmeryn would love chatting and drinking tea with Zelda – she's one of the few people I've talked to ever since I'd arrived, and she's a very kind woman.

"Lucy, do you want to continue?" Lucas asked. I nodded, getting into a battle stance. Lucas smiled before charging at me. A small fire formed in his hands as he yelled, "PK Fire!"

I deflected the attack with Falchion, keeping my eyes on him. Lucas was fast – faster than his friend, Ness. He quickly reacted with PK Freeze. I rolled of out the way, only to see a bright string of blue electricity coming directly at me. I ducked, quickly running towards him before he could direct the attack at me again. Once I'd gotten close enough, I tripped him. I grabbed him by the front of his shirt collar, and then pointed Falchion at his chest.

Lucas looked at me with wide, blue eyes. I could tell he surrendered. I let go of him, accidently dropping him. I laughed as he said "oof" and rubbed his backside, giving me a mock scowl.

"Ah…remind me not to train with you ever again," he said.

"Sorry," I replied. "Looks like I've gotten a little carried away, didn't I?"

Lucas shook his head. "Of course not. You can't get carried away in a tournament like this." The blonde looked away, as if complementing whether he should say more. "Well, people do get carried away, but I know you won't," he added quietly.

I kneeled down, grabbing Lucas' hand. "Lucas, are you okay?"

Lucas quickly looked at me, grinning. "Yes, I fine. Just wondering how you beat me so easily."

"I wouldn't say that was easy. You almost had me there. It's weird, you know?"

"How so?"

"I've went against so many enemies in the past. There have been so many close encounters, and during those times, I thought I could beat anyone with relative ease. Father has taught me well, after all. But once I'd got here, seeing a whole new cast of characters, it made me realized that…"

"That everyone's not the same," Lucas finished. I nodded.

"That's what I thought when I'd first got here, too. I was so, so timid, Lucy, seeing all of these people I knew were stronger than me. Knowing how hard it'll be, and not knowing their strengths and weaknesses. When I met Ness and Red, however, everything changed. I've became more confident. I'm still a little scared, but now that I have you here, Lucy, I feel as though I can become as fearless as you."

I looked at Lucas, surprised and touched by his words. I wouldn't admit this to him, but I was scared as well. Scared of what I was going against. Scared that I'm in the presence of a legend, knowing that no matter how hard I practice, I'll never be as strong as him.

My goal. The goal I promised myself that I will achieve. How exactly am I supposed to achieve that? Chrom, Robin, me – we are all considered as legends of Ylisse, but it couldn't compare to what the Hero-King has done. Here I am, doubting myself, yet I'm supposed to be fearless.

"Lucas," I said, standing up and washing away all negative thoughts, "let's continue training. We only have a week before the tournament."

I helped Lucas get up. He dusted himself off. "Man, at the rate you're training, I'm sure Peach will have trouble going against you!"

I simply nodded, remembering that my very first match was against the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach Toadstool. I've seen her fight before – Ike had, yet again, pulled another surprise attack. I noticed her fighting skills were…unconventional, but I won't be underestimating anyone here.

I got into another battle stance. Lucas did as well, until I noticed he was grinning widely. I stared at him, confused, and told him to stop trying to make me laugh. His response was to point to something behind me. I turned, and I saw Chrom leaning against the doorway with his arms folded.

"Lucas, could you do me a favor and allow me to have a little chat with my daughter?"

Chrom had a certain look on his face – a look he only gives when he wants to discuss something serious. I looked at Lucas; he shrugged his shoulders.

"Of course, Mr. Chrom! See ya later, Lucy. Don't worry, I'll come back to help out with your training!" He waved to me, then to my father.

"See ya, Mr. Chrom!" Lucas ran past Chrom and out the door. I heard him call for Ness. Chrom chuckled, complimenting Lucas' politeness.

"I'm surprised you let him call you Lucy. It's rare for Robin and Inigo to call you that, and you barely let your own parents call you that. What's special about Lucas?"

I'd placed Falchion back in its sheath. "Father, I know you did not come here to ask about my relationship with Lucas. What is this really about?"

Chrom grabbed my hand and pulled me to the side. "I guess I should cut to the chase, seeing as how I'm never good at phrasing these kind of things. You're familiar with Link right?"

"Yes," I replied, nodding, "Robin and I have talked to him before. Told us funny stories about these animals called Cuccos."

"Alright. Did you know at one point, he had noticed you training here at four in the morning - way before anyone else wakes up?"

"Yes…but I don't see the problem. Lucas wasn't awake that early, if that's what you're worried about."

Chrom sighed heavily. "Lucina, it's three o'clock. You've been doing this everyday since the day we've gotten here, and you've been doing it until it reached midnight."

"…And why is that of concern?"

Chrom placed a hand of my shoulder, giving me a serious, yet thoughtful, gaze. "Lucina, you're such a strong woman. I don't want you pushing yourself harder than you have to."

"I have to push myself harder, Father. I'm participating in a rigorous, demanding tournament. I'm aware of my strength, but…but that doesn't mean that there isn't someone who's stronger than me." I looked to the other side of the Training Room, watching the few other people that were training. Amongst them was Marth, who hadn't even broken a sweat.

"Look at them, Father. Those are the very best of the best. The ones who have proven their strength many times before. If I am to win against them, I need to push myself beyond my normal limits."

"Need I remind you that you've already proven yourself in Ylisse? You have saved me, Robin, and countless other people in the countless trials we have been through. Even in the bleakest of days, you have remained strong. You have remained brave. You have shown yourself that you are of the greatest warriors. Hell, you're stronger than me!"

I stayed quiet, unable to response. Chrom continued, his next words striking the chords of my heart.

"Think about Marth. Think about the name you've once taken. Think about the things Tiki had told you about the Hero-King. Now look at him, over there." I looked to where Father gestured. There Marth stood with Toon Link. The young Hylian sat on the floor, looking defeated. Marth kneeled down, flashing a genuine smile.

"You know that you're an excellent swordsman, right Toony?"

Toon Link shrugged. "I guess, but not as excellent as you. I can't believe I fell for that same trick you use on Link!"

"You may have lost, but you're quite the challenge to go against. I wasn't even sure if the technique would work against you because of your supreme agility! Toon Link, you're young, and therefore you have plenty of time to improve. You're going to be quite the experienced swordsman when you get older. More experienced than me, I'm sure."

Toon Link's expression quickly changed from disappointment to extreme happiness. "Wow, Marth, you know how to cheer someone up! C'mon, let's finish training!"

"Well, I guess I'm pretty well-versed in terms of lifting people's spirits. Yes, let us finish training, and once we're done, I believe we should have some ice cream!"

Toon Link's face brightened. He reminded of a young, excited child. "Oh Goddesses, yes! Let's hope Kirby hasn't eaten it all!"

Toon Link stood and drew his Master Sword. He and Marth laughed as they continued their training. Chrom continued. "Does he look worried, Lucy?"

I shook my head. "No, he doesn't, Father."

"Then you shouldn't be either. Now, will you rest for just a little while?"

I sighed, admitting defeat. I will admit that I can take a small break. I told Chrom that I will sit out and watch the others train. He smiled and gave me a hug before leaving to attend to other business.

I sat on a chair, looking around at my surroundings before focusing on Toon Link and Marth. The Hero-King moved with grace, something my father doesn't rely upon too much. I'd noticed that both men use their excellent speed to their advantage; however, Chrom always got close to his opponent. Marth gave himself distance. It was weird, knowing that despite their relation, they were so…different from each other. Both Marth and Chrom had their own unique way of fighting, something that I admire deeply.

It made me realize how different I was from both of them.

It made me realize how much more I have to achieve.

Sorry it took me awhile to post this chapter. I was kept editing the dialogue. Bleck, I still feel like I could've done better. I feel like I'd made Lucy seem like she's constantly doubting herself and her strength, something she really wouldn't do because she has people like Chrom and Robin encouraging her. Ugh, I don't know, I hope you guys liked this chapter. See ya next chapter!