A/N: Chapter five. Let's see how Lyn copes with Lucas' exodus… as well as some other revelations.
Chapter 5: Mission
To Lyn:
By the time you receive this note, I will be gone. I understand that it must break your heart for me to leave unannounced like this, and I am so terribly sorry for it, but I believe it is necessary. I know you're trying to help me as much as you can and I am very grateful, but I have to confess that your inability to stop me has shaken my trust in you. But it also helped me realize that while everyone is trying to help me, the problem is mine. It's my mind, and I must be the one to repair it. Shadow was right when he said I used you as an emotional crutch, and whether you mind it or not, it needs to stop. I don't ever want to lose control like that again, I have to be strong enough to stop it on my own. I wish you could come with me, but I do not want to endanger you, so please do not pursue me. I hope that once my mind is sound and I am back to my old self, that we will meet again someday. Until then, stay well.
Your best friend forever,
Lucas
It's been half an hour since I awoke, and for that half hour I've done nothing but read this letter over and over again. Reading it over and over again and crying.
I guess I… don't know how to feel. The whirlwind of emotion must be so intense that Paula would have to hold a full therapy session to unravel it all. I feel lonely because he's gone. I feel sorrow because he's lost his trust in me. I feel angry because he didn't tell me this to my face. And yet at the same time, I feel happy that he's finally realizing the nature of the problem and taking steps to combat it.
I just wish it didn't mean he had to leave! Right after I found him, no less!
I think most of all, I'm afraid. Afraid for Lucas... I'm certain he would've convinced me that this was for the best after knocking the point into my stubborn head, because from what I can see there's no fault in his logic. But why now? Why did this have to happen now, when the Gods are hunting us? And what of his current state of mind, how will he cope with being alone with no one to help him in his struggle? I only hope he understands the risks he's taking on. The danger he could be facing, the pain he could be feeling... to imagine it is more than I can bare...
Even then, I can't help but wonder the sorrow he felt when he wrote this letter I hold in my hand now. The water that stains the blank bottom of the page... teardrops. I only know this because my own tears have joined them... I can only hope that this isn't eating away at him like it is me...
Please be safe, Lucas... for the sake of us both...
I hear the echoing of footsteps in the room... several footsteps. I slowly look up from the letter to see who has entered the room: Grandfather, flanked on either side by Kent and Sain, at least until forced to move in single file when they have to navigate around the beds. "Oh no..." the Marquess says, everyone's pace quickening when they realize the bed I'm leaning on is vacant. Crowded around me at either side, I don't need to be psychic to know that everyone is deeply concerned. "Lyndis, are you alright? Where is Lucas?" he asks me, hand on my shoulder and looking at me worriedly.
I'm unable to answer him verbally, too distraught to do anything but lower my head and sob. I feel him tug on the letter in my hand, and I simply let go so he can see; I'm in no mood to explain. I hear the three of them pass the letter amongst each other.
"Would either of you care to explain how this child escaped a castle full of armed guards without being so much as seen?" Grandfather questions the two knights, undoubtedly angry. They give no answer. "Sain, Kent, check the logs on the transportation system. If he hasn't left this world, organize scouting parties; I want every square inch of Caelin searched as soon as possible."
"Yes, Milord!" They reply in unison, promptly jogging out of the hospital wing as quickly as they can.
Grandfather addresses me next, kneeling at my side with a hand squeezing my shoulder. "My Granddaughter... are you going to be alright?"
I look at him, my eyes itchy and cheeks flushed from crying for the last little while. His expression is solemn, pitying. "I... I don't know, Grandfather... I really... don't know..."
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It wasn't long before all of Castle Caelin was in an uproar. I don't know whether it's the potential threat he poses to our homeland, the fact that he's a friend of the Marquess' daughter or if it was just the Marquess' order, but it hadn't taken longer than twenty minutes before every guard in the castle was scouring its walls for any sign Lucas. But if I know him as well as I think I do, then he's no longer anywhere near here. As far as I know he can't ride a horse, and he never would've been able to leave Caelin without someone noticing. The only thing he could've done is leave this world through the transportation system, a case I plead to Grandfather, but he insisted on searching all the same just to be sure. Never fully admitting anything until proven... both an aspect of a ruler and an aspect of his personality that I can't help but admire, even when I disagree with him.
Many had argued that I should be resting now with everything that's happened to me physically and emotionally in the last few days, but I stubbornly refused to do so. I'm physically fine, and if I were to just lay around all day, I'm sure all I'd do is worry and cry. Lucas wouldn't want me to be so sad, and frankly neither do I. I have to stay strong, just like he's trying to, no matter how hard it is.
We were sitting down to breakfast now in the dining hall, which is what you would expect any royal dining hall to look like: a wide corridor of a room with an almost absurdly-long table running along its center, draperies of the royal symbol hung from the ceiling and artworks of various past rulers of Caelin hung up on the walls. The room is illuminated by skylights on the ceiling and some windows to one side. We are all crowded at one end of the table, and by "we" I mean Grandfather, Marquess Eliwood, Ninian, General Murdock and Prince Zephiel. I'd wager that if this were any other time, I'd enjoy a feast amongst the rulers of three different lands. But sadly, it was terrorism that brought us together... the after-effects of the carnage of that despicable man. I was very curious to know how their discussions on how to address this problem went...
"Unfortunately, we couldn't come to any specific agreement..." Eliwood informs me with disdain when I ask. Truthfully, I'm not the least bit surprised. "Alas, how can we defeat an enemy that's incapable of death?"
"I wish we knew more about our mutual foe..." Murdock says with a sigh. "We don't know the limits of his power. We don't know the size of his forces, if any. We don't even know where he is." Indeed, the highest-ranking General of Bern made three good points. Even with all of the military power our three nations have combined, we have none of the important information needed to plan any kind of assault.
"What about this 'Giygas' person that Shadow is aligned with?" Ninian interjects. "I recall Paula mentioning that may have an entire army under his command..." As Eliwood's wife mentions Paula, I realize that she isn't in the dining hall with us. She must not be awake yet... is she a heavy sleeper, I wonder? No, she doesn't seem like the type... I hardly know anything about her, now that I think about it.
"'May' have." Murdock counters. "I for one never saw any such thing while Prince Zephiel and I were in captivity. I suspect the creature is acting on his own."
Eliwood groans with discontent. "Just like yesterday, we're arguing in circles..." He sighs, one hand pressed to his forehead. "Lyn, is there anything you know about them? Something that we haven't already thought about?"
My sudden involvement in the conversation caught me off guard, and it takes me a moment to get thinking. What might I know that they don't already? Shadow has access to technology beyond our comprehension, part of his plans involved Lucas in some way, Giygas was involved somehow... "...Truth be told, I don't know much either..." I reply, disappointed in myself. "Shadow only gave us his motives for what he does, but he's been quite good about hiding the means. None of the pawns he's brought into this knew any in-depth details either..."
"Pawns?" Eliwood quotes with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes... Lucas and I had seen cases of Shadow using villains from other worlds to further his plans for him." I inform him. I haven't yet forgotten our encounter with that "Eggman Nega" person and that Sorcerer, and then there's that "resurrected demon" that he apparently made to possess his Mother... and reportedly Lucas had to deal with two other such people before we touched base. "I wonder... maybe Giygas himself is just another pawn in all of this?"
That had given everyone pause for thought, including myself. What if Giygas was only being used by Shadow in some way? Just another liability like the rest? "Hmm... whether or not that's true, it doesn't change our current situation." Grandfather says. "Do you know how many of these 'otherworldly villains' Shadow has at his command? Who they are?"
I shake my head in reply and say, "None other than who we've already brought in... I'm sorry I can't be of more help..."
The dining hall becomes quiet. There's really nothing more that needs to be said. The simple fact of the matter was that we know virtually nothing about Shadow other than that he's a despicable, vile man that can't die, and we haven't the faintest idea what to do about it. "You all know what the real problem is by now, surely." Prince Zephiel breaks the silence, speaking for the first time since I can remember today since everyone arrived. All eyes were on him now, wondering what he might have to say. "We simply have no experience dealing with an enemy from another world."
Laboured sighs were grunted out by everyone. "Prince Zephiel is correct." Murdock states, unsurprisingly the first to take his side, but sounding discouraged all the same. "Wherever this 'Shadow' comes from, he possesses power and technology far beyond anything we could ever dream of. We simply aren't prepared to deal with such a threat."
No one wants to admit that there is some sense in their words, but I'm sure they all agree. Our power and technology is archaic and crude in comparison to his, and even if it weren't, we can't counter what we neither know nor understand. "Which is why I suggest we hire people who do have experience with this." Prince Zephiel continues. "We must find the Super Smash Brothers Organization."
If he hadn't suggested it, I probably would have very shortly. Who do we know that has readily-available access to other worlds and an obligation to fight against Shadow? Other than the Smashers, only the Gods themselves, who Shadow himself said were afraid of him. A being that not even the Gods can smite... the only people bold enough – or if you prefer, crazy enough – to take on the potentially impossible task that actually have the means to try would be the Smashers. "But do we even know where they are...?" I ask more to myself than the rest, but loud enough for them to hear, looking away from them in shame and down to my barely-eaten breakfast of eggs and bacon. It seems I've been so subconsciously depressed that I haven't been able to eat... "Paula said that they never returned from that place where we last encountered Shadow..."
Indeed... where could they be now, if they hadn't returned to San Miguel? Did they stay there in that other world to try and fight against Shadow? Or have the Gods already hunted them down...? I can't think of any remotely good reasons for their not returning. All I can do is hope is that what really happened is better than what I'm hypothesizing... they could be our only hope now...
"Marquess Caelin!" shouts a new voice from across the room. I look to see a Caelin soldier rushing into the dining hall, panting heavily.
"Hm? What is it?" Grandfather addresses the soldier. "Did you find the boy?" At his question I grow expectant, not sure whether to feel excitement or rage. Lucas specifically said he didn't want to be found...
"What? N-no, I bring news of something else!" the soldier replies, leaving me in even more indecision... "Just now... someone came through the machine!"
"Pardon?" Grandfather's voice is one of surprise, and everyone else in the room looks just as shocked. The "machine" was the term the common soldiers used for the transportation system. So someone came through it? Why? "Who is it?"
"A little girl, Milord!" A... girl? What? "She claimed to be an acquaintance of Lady Lyndis! She's been gravely injured!"
An acquaintance of... mine! Grandfather takes one quick look at me before ordering, "Bring her to the medical wing immediately!"
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Leaving my barely-touched meal behind, Grandfather and I are already on our way to the medical wing, leaving the emissaries from the other two kingdoms behind. Normally I would be running, but Grandfather is... well, not as young as he used to be, shall we say. He tries to ask me who this injured girl could possibly be, but I can't give him a definitive answer. I've been to so many worlds and met so many people; "little girl" is much too broad of a term. And what could someone from another world even want from me to begin with?
Well, I guess I'm going to find out whether I want to or not...
"Try not to move. It's hard for me to heal something that's moving too much." I hear as I enter the room. So this is where Paula is... I was starting to wonder. The reply comes in the form of a groan... I have to admit that the voice is vaguely familiar.
As I look around I see a woman dressed in a white lab coat standing over a bed, obviously the nurse, and Paula on the other side of it tending to someone laying down on the bed. The moment we walk in, the nurse spins around. "Marquess Caelin, Lady Lyndis." she greets us with a quick bow, which we both return. "My apologies Marquess, but the patient isn't decent right now. Could you please excuse us?"
My eyes widen; the extent of the girl's injuries were so bad that she had to have her clothes taken off? That's... unfortunate, and awkward. There was no more convincing needed on Grandfather's part. "Ah... say no more." he says simply, turning around and heading right back out the exit.
I move around the bed and see the person who had requested my presence, and I recognize her face. It's Lita... Django's friend from San Miguel. The nurse said that she wasn't decent because she wasn't wearing anything, but the same could be said for how the little girl looks like she's been through hell and back. Her stomach looks like it's been burned in three separate places, her right arm that Paula is currently tending too with her healing powers is bent in a terrible angle – most likely broken – and she looks like she was bleeding out from the forehead and the left side of her waist. Her right eye is swollen and starting to blacken, and both eyes have tears profusely flowing out of them. "By Father Sky..." I say, putting a hand to my mouth in horror at the sight. Such damage to someone so young...!
"She was worse off before we found her if you can believe it." Paula tells me, before whispering to Lita, "I have to warn you, this is going to hurt."
"O-okay..." Lita stutters, before Paula has to forcibly pop her arm back into the position nature intended. The pain is evident as her face scrunches up and she seethes and gasps... but much to my amazement, she doesn't scream. She must be stronger than she looks.
"Good girl..." Paula tells her, continuing her psychokinetic healing methods.
"Is... Lyn here...?" Lita asks.
I move to Paula's side, beside Lita's head so she can see me. "I'm right here, Lita..." I tell her as soothingly as I can. "What on Earth happened to you?"
"Unh... Lucas'... twin..." she murmurs.
Oh Gods no.
Paula's healing abruptly stops. "Claus... Claus woke up!" she shrieks.
"Y-yes..." Lita replies, trying her best to nod. "He went... completely berserk... destroyed... half of San Miguel... I... tried to stop him..."
It takes a while for my mind to fully realize the implications of what she's telling us. Claus woke up... but Claus isn't the one in control. The Dragon of Darkness, Lucas and Claus' own God bent on the destruction of the Super Smash Brothers Organization, is in control. And the Dragon seeks the destruction of anyone who knows of the God's existence... and it went so far as to brutalize this little girl! Do the Gods have any mercy whatsoever!
"Doesn't look like it ended well..." Paula says sadly as she resumes her work.
If what she said about Lita being worse off before was true, then that was a definite understatement. Now the Dragon's unwilling vessel was awake again... I fear what this might lead to. "Lita..." I address her, hesitant to ask, but I must know. "What happened to him...?"
"Unh... he... asked where Lucas was... I told him... I didn't know, and... then he just vanished... that's why I came here..."
If I had no reason to be afraid, I definitely do now, and I know I'm afraid because I can feel the cold sweat staring to run down my cheek as I stare at my boots, and I think my body is quaking. Her answer was exactly what I hadn't wanted to hear. This can't be happening... "Lyn... you're worried about him, aren't you?" I can't bring my head up to look at her, I can only nod in reply. Of course I'm worried... I was already worried sick before. I'd have to be a fool not to be worried about Lucas. But now, all of his worst enemies were awake and out for his blood... and now I can't do anything to protect him.
"I... I need to be alone for a while..." I say to both of the girls, barely loud enough for them to hear. "Please take care of her, Paula..."
"Of course." she replies as I leisurely leave the medical wing... I don't think my spirits could possibly be lower than they are now...
Grandfather waits for me outside, looking down at me with sorrowful eyes, probably having heard the entire conversation. But he says nothing. What can he say? If I were in such danger, he would try to be the first to rush to my aid, to comfort me. But I'm not the one in danger. My friend is the one in danger. What do you say to that?
"Grandfather... may I borrow a horse?" I ask him tentatively.
"For what purpose?"
I look at him, trying not to let the tears fall. At least not yet. My answer is simple. "I need to pray."
He regains his solemn, stoic expression and nods to me, understanding. "Very well... just be back before sunset."
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A year and a half... so long ago. Has it really been a year and a half since I last stepped on these hallowed grounds, where my adventures began? It was at this old, moss and vine-laden church that everything started. It is where my old tribespeople, the Sacaens, would come to pray when they felt that they had lost their way and needed guidance from our Gods. It was here that my sacred sword, the Mani Katti, used to rest. To this day, it still baffles me why the sacred Katana of the Moon would choose me as its rightful owner, the only one able to draw it from its scabbard. Especially after the moment of weakness that caused my death also caused me to lose the sword...
It makes me so disgusted with myself, to come back to this place after that. But I don't know what else to do, or where else to go now... I tie my horse's reigns to a nearby rock in the ground and enter the sacred place. The church is vacant today... I don't see anyone here. Perhaps it's for the better. I'd rather not be seen like this by the tenants of this church, much less the elder that had enough faith in me to take the Mani Katti. The steps of my boots echo through the empty sermon hall as I walk up to the main altar, where an elongated stone stand with two prongs on either side of it sits. The former resting place of my sword. I am unable to keep going when I reach it, and fall to my knees, bowing my head in shame. Just seeing it empty... everything I has been through with that sword, all my attempts to protect Lucas with it... and I had nothing to show for it.
I can no longer stop the tears I'd held back for the entire horseback ride here, quietly sobbing as I clap my hands together and start to pray...
"I don't know exactly who these prayers will reach... but if anyone is listening... please..." I begin. I truthfully don't know who I'm supposed to be praying to... aren't all of the Gods our enemies now? Or perhaps I'm praying to the sword that no longer sits on this altar... I don't know, but I don't know what else to do, either... "I don't know why I was chosen as the Mani Katti's owner... I'm weak... so, so weak... I couldn't even use the sacred sword to protect anyone... not even the one I care for most..."
I can feel my body shaking from the crying. I must look so pathetic right now...
"I don't know what to do anymore..." I continue. "I want to save him. I want to save him from this nightmare, from all of these demons that are hunting him... but he wants to find his own strength..." My forehead touches the dirty ground. I can feel my head starting to ache from the crying. "And now, I can't find my own strength... I'm not strong enough to help him anymore...!" I can hear my strained voice echoing off of the walls of the empty hall. "Please... I need guidance... if anyone can hear my prayers... please... tell me what I have do... please...!"
To think that I'm begging for help from those who could potentially be my enemy... a show of such weakness would be so deeply frowned upon by the tribes of Sacae. And what if the wrong beings hear my prayers? What will become of me then...? I don't know... I don't know what to do anymore... It doesn't surprise me that all I get in return for my plight is silence for a good few moments...
"That is not true."
My eyes snap open as I hear a clatter up above me on the altar. I look upwards tentatively, to see that a sword now rests on the stand... my sword! As if to spite time, space and fate, the Mani Katti has suddenly... appeared on the altar, pristine as it always was! My sacred sword returned to me... but... how! I stand up, having to feel the hilt of the katana and run a careful hand along its blade to make sure I'm not hallucinating, and sure enough, it is real... still glowing an ethereal blue... I lift it out of the stand and into my hands, feeling like I've just found a long lost friend...
"This sword would choose you as its wielder, and only you. Not even a God may touch it without consequence. To choose mortality over divinity, the Mani Katti believes you are strong. As do I, regardless of what you may think of yourself."
I'm not entirely over my shock as I search for the source of that voice... female, and so resonating of power that it echoes throughout the entire hall without effort. Only now do I become aware of a bright, yellow light shining above the altar. A light with no source, just... shining out of thin air like a large star in the night sky. Amazingly, it doesn't hurt my eyes at all. In fact, it feels kind of... pleasant. Warm. Like all of my loneliness, all of my despair just... vanished...
"Tell me, young one. The journey you wish to undertake will contain obstacles that would normally be insurmountable, a journey that would push one's body, mind and soul to their absolute limits and beyond. An ordinary being would perish long before the end was even in sight. Knowing this, are you still willing to venture forth? Think carefully before you answer."
Was I willing to venture forth...? Who was this being? Was it... a God? Someone seeking to answer my prayers after all? Wanting to know if I wanted to keep going after everything that had happened, warning me that it would only get worse from here... I didn't even need to think about my answer. "I am." I reply, thinking of Lucas for a moment. "I have too much to lose... too many things to fight for. No matter how difficult the path ahead of me is, I never back away from it. I always finish what I start."
"I see."
There is a long silence afterwards. What is this being of light contemplating, I wonder...?
"My name is Palutena, the Goddess of Light."
Palutena...!
"If you are willing, then I ask that you gather whatever forces that are willing to join you, and only those whom you yourself believe are strong enough. Surely you understand why. Bring whatever weapons and belongings you deem necessary as well, for the journey will be long. Take as much time as you need, but try not to be long. I shall await you in my world."
"What? Wait!" I call out to the light, reaching out to it... only vaguely aware that I don't know why. But as I try, the light fades in but a second, and the warmth I felt was gone... leaving me feeling lonely again.
What had just happened... it could only be classed as surreal. Had I really just been... contacted by a God? I look down at the Mani Katti, the physical proof that this really did just happen gripped firmly in my right hand. And it wasn't just any God, but Palutena, the Goddess of Light who had saved me from death back in that wretched cave... she was requesting my presence, and the presence of any who wished to help me on this quest...
I have to find out what this all means. I waste no time running out of the altar and getting back to my horse.
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"The Goddess contacted you herself? In person!"
I showed them all the proof that was the Mani Katti. "Well, not really in person, but... it couldn't have been anyone else. She was the only conscious person at the cave, so she was the only one who could have this." It was no surprise that everyone in the room was flabbergasted, namely Grandfather. The moment I returned, I called a meeting with all of those who were involved. The extras in this case were Paula and Grandfather, both stubbornly refusing to be left out of important conversation. I hadn't yet informed them of anything that would endanger their lives; Palutena was known to the Smashers, so I don't think there was any problem in discussing her. I just hoped they wouldn't ask any questions that I won't be able to answer...
"Incredible..." Eliwood commented. "But... why?"
"She wants to meet with me, personally." I reply, and the room erupts in another chorus of shocked gasps and "what's." "And... anyone who is willing to come with me." I add. "But I have to warn you all: she made it very clear that once we leave, not only will we not be returning for a long time, but whatever quest she has for us will be much, much harder than anything we've ever faced before." The room was silent. "I can't guarantee anyone's safety if they want to join me, so... I'm going to leave the choice up to you. Think about it, carefully. She said to take as much time as we need to prepare, but to try not to be long."
Everyone in the room has wandering eyes, muttering words under their breath... very carefully contemplating what the best course of action was, I hope. "This wasn't what I had expected at all..." Grandfather spoke openly. "I thought we were going to be taking measures to combat Shadow using the armies of our three lands... now you're telling us that this... 'Goddess,' this Lady Palutena has formally requested a select few of us?"
I nod and reply, "That's my understanding."
His hand rose to his chin in thought, as he turned to the window. "Am I right in assuming that no matter what we decide, you will go?"
I knew Grandfather would ask that. "...Yes."
"...I see." This was one of those times I wished Lucas were at my side... I don't have his ability to see what other people are feeling. I can't even guess what is going through Grandfather's mind right now.
"Well, I'm not sure about the rest of you..." Eliwood finally said, "But I refuse to sit idly by while my closest friend fights the hardest battle of her life. I'm going with Lyn."
"Lord Eliwood...!" I gasp, so deeply touched. It was no surprise that he was the first to agree to join me, but nonetheless I am so glad. I only hope he understands just how dangerous this journey will be...
"If what was said about these beings we face are true, then... I don't want to leave Lord Eliwood's side." Ninian followed up. "I will accompany you too."
"I will also accept the Goddess' call. There is much for me to atone for." Murdock said, before looking down at his Prince. "And I doubt you want to return home without me, do you?" Zephiel curtly shook his head, smiling. So all of those who knew of the Gods were coming with me... this saved me a lot of worry. If they were left behind here, I don't know what would happen to them. At least this way, we're able to look after each other.
"Count me in too." Paula said, stepping forward. "The Smashers are some of my closest friends... if there was something I could do to help them, I'd never forgive myself if I didn't do it." At first I'm ecstatic about the psychic agreeing to join us, but then I remember just why I didn't want either her or my Grandfather in on this conversation in the first place, and I become filled with worry. I can see that same worry etched in the faces of everyone else as well. And so can she. "...Don't you dare say I'm too young."
"No, it's not that!" I quickly tell her. "It's just..." I curse inwardly. This completely caught me off-guard... I don't know how to explain it to her.
"...Paula, I'm going to be honest with you." Eliwood said before I could say anything else. Thank goodness he took the responsibility to explain this whole mess off of my shoulders. I just hope he does it without offending her... "We're not in doubt of your strength, far from it in fact. It's the implications of this journey that concern us..." I look quickly to Grandfather, who seems quite perplexed by the sudden tension in the room. "There was a reason why Lyn didn't want to bring neither you nor Grandfather into this meeting, and that's because us five have been directly affected by all of this. We know things... things that no normal person is supposed to know. Things that would put you in mortal peril but just knowing them. That's the kind of enemies we could be facing. You're not doomed to this like we are, so please think carefully about this."
"Lord Eliwood, I already have!" Paula immediately retorts, outraged. "So what if it's dangerous! I have friends in need of help! And besides, what good is my safety if everything gets wiped out anyway!"
That last part of her miniature rant gave me pause for thought. It was a very valid point... would I want to sit idly by when everything I held dear was going to be destroyed, when I knew there was something I could do to prevent it? No, of course not. It was no different than with her. "As long as you understand what you're getting into." Eliwood told her curtly, not letting Paula's outburst faze him.
Paula seemed to calm down a bit. "Don't worry... I won't be a burden. I can take care of myself."
The tension in the air disappeared, and I was very relieved. Paula had powers similar to Lucas, I know she'll be a great help. "Thank you, Paula..." I say to her, before turning to the rest. "Thank you all."
"...Well, since it's a unanimous agreement that you will all be going..." Grandfather interjected, "You may want to make arrangements with your own kingdoms, Lord Eliwood and Prince Zephiel, for what will be done in your absence."
That was something that had completely slipped my mind; who would rule while they were away? "Yes, you're right. Thanks for the reminder, Lord Hausen." Eliwood thanked him.
"How soon can it be done?" I ask.
"Neither of our kingdoms are far from here." Murdock replied. "It don't believe it will take more than a day for us to return."
"Then... we'll be leaving tomorrow morning then. That sounds fair." I said.
"Then we should use this time to prepare whatever necessities and weapons you will need." Grandfather said. "As Lyndis said, it will likely be a long journey."
A long journey indeed... but for the sake of all, I am more than willing to undertake it. And I'm happy that I won't be alone.
A/N: I'm sorry this chapter took so long to get out. I was stuck on it for a while and had no time to write due to a haphazard move and my college semester starting, but hopefully that will change in the future.
The next chapter will be from Lucas' POV. The journey has finally begun...