Chapter 7


The morning felt a mix of energy and anxiety for Lucina. She was glad that the date with Palutena happened but was interrupted by an angel with white wings. Her nervousness grew stronger because Palutena was supposed to tell her if she would like to continue dating or not. As a result, she planned to alleviate her nerves by training for the Smash Tour after breakfast. Dressed in her battle attire, she was on her way to the training complex. The thought of the goddess vividly recurred in her mind. She wasn't quite sure if her crush would date her again after the outburst of anger against Pit. Then again, the dinner portion and the very beginning of bowling of the date were positive attributes that could possibly give some hope.

Inside the facility, Lucina scoped around the area hoping that Palutena wasn't be here. Luckily, she wasn't there, so the bluenette let out a sigh of relief. She mostly spent her time in the virtual training room. After a couple of runs, she managed to win nearly all of them. Her fighting abilities have gotten better with combos that were potentially strong enough for a KO. After completing her final run, she decided to take a break and drank some water from her bottle. As she was resting for a short stint, someone walked in. Lucina grinned because it was a blue hedgehog that entered.

"Oh, what's up, Lucina?" Sonic asked with a smile.

"Hello, Sonic the Hedgehog" greeted formally by the swordswoman. "I was just resting after some Smash runs."

"Cool, I'm assuming you're improving a lot."

"Yes, are you here to utilize the virtual room?"

"Looks like it" Sonic placed his bag neat the door before the simulation area. He turned around and had a curious expression. "So, how did your date go with Palutena?"

"Oh," she replied with a negative connotation. "I don't think it turned out well."

"Man, that sucks" said the blue hedgehog who felt sympathetic for Lucina. "Was the entire date bad?"

"Actually, the dinner portion was fine. We got to know about each other well and had a few laughs."

"Then what was the bad part?" He seemed confused because he thought that Lucina didn't make any sense with what she was saying.

"After dinner, Palutena suggested to go bowling and we did. We proceeded to rent a lane and shoes. She taught me how to bowl since I never played the sport before. If you must know, I was at medicore level. Once both of us finished the first frame," she paused for a moment as she attempted to restrain her anger. Her efforts failed as she released her resentment towards the white angel. "Pit 'coincidently' arrived with Mario and some other people. He practically begged Palutena that he and his group should hang out with us. I was dumb for saying we should let them join us. After that little event, I released my anger while Palutena was there with me. She luckily understood my problem, and we ended our date there."

"Man, that's horrible. I wish I was there because I could have stopped him from doing so."

"No, Sonic, it's not your fault. It was I who should have refused to hang out with Pit."

"Sorry to hear that happened, though."

"It's alright."

"Well, are you two going to continue dating?"

"I asked her if she wanted to, and she replied she wasn't sure because she was exhausted yesterday night, so she will think about it and tell me today."

"Cool" Sonic grinned and gave Lucina a thumb up. "Hopefully things will work out."

"I hope so" the swordswoman sighed and closed her eyes simultaneously. "Thank you for your support."

"Hey, no problem" he paused for moment since Lucina may continue using the virtual room. "So, are you still using this room?"

"I still am occupying this room" she opened her eyes and looked at the hedgehog. "You are welcome to join me if you like."

"Awesome, I like that."

Lucina was finished with her resting period, and Sonic was prepared to train with her. The first three simulations had only the swordswoman and the blue hedgehog fighting against each other with the stages being selected at random. Although Lucina put up a good fight, Sonic emerged victorious for all three. He won each match by his smash attack, his roundhouse kick, and his back-throw, which was one of Sonic's most reliable moves for KO, respectively. Those three were the game-winning hit. After their one-on-one matches, they proceeded into the 8-player Smash with a two-stock battle. Lucina had to adapt a bit differently since the last time she was here, she usually protected Palutena for most of the match. There was no one else she protected but only to herself. In the end, she did manage to pull off one victory on the second simulation while the hedgehog won the other simulations.

"Well, Lucina, you're getting better" Sonic initiated a conversation with the bluenette. He grabbed his water bottle from his bag and took a drink.

"Thanks, but whenever I have a chance to defeat you, you somehow get away and beat me" replied Lucina who was glad to train with the hedgehog but a bit upset that she lost to him many times.

"Looks like I'm just too fast for you."

"Considering that you are the fastest fighter here."

"You know I was making a joke, right?"

"No," Lucina looked confused as if she didn't see the connection between Sonic's joke and his speed. She looked at the clock and saw her training hours were up. "Oh, I'm sorry, Sonic, but I must leave now."

"Alright, I guess I'll see you some other time then. See ya!" Sonic waved a goodbye to the swordswoman.

"I'll see you later, too" she replied with a smile and waved a goodbye.


Earlier that day, after Lucina departed to train, a goddess entered the dining hall and ate breakfast late. She was that tired from yesterday. There wasn't anyone in the dining hall except for her, so this was a good time for silence and some thinking. She began musing over her Lucina's request for another date. As soon as she did, she spaced out as if she was in her own world. Because of that error, she spilled a part of her food on her clothes creating multiple stains. She grabbed a napkin and cleaned herself. "Oh, great."

"Lost your ability to eat, huh?" Dark Pit said jokingly as he sat next to his goddess. He stopped by to get a snack but went through the dining hall to obtain it.

"No, I was just zoned out as all" Palutena replied as she finished the last touch of wiping food off her outfit.

"Sure, I'll believe that" he said playfully. "So, how did your date go?"

"It was mostly great. The dinner was interesting and fun until we went to bowl" the goddess replied with a neutral expression.

"Why? Was your date terrible at bowling?"

"She wasn't exactly horrible; she never played the sport before, but with my assistance she improved."

"Then what was the problem?"

"Pit was the problem."

"I knew it!" He hollered in a way that he's angry but content because Palutena appeared enraged to Pit. "I'm telling you he has a problem! I see him with you all the time. Even on your date, he bugs you and ruins it. There's something wrong with him."

"It's only that, Pittoo" Palutena defending her white angel. "I'll settle his issue when I talk to him."

"You better damn do it as soon as possible" he angrily responded before calming down. "So what's next for you and Lucina?" He calmly asked.

"It's tough because she asked me if I want to continue dating her" the goddess then placed her hand on her chin, contemplating if she actually would date her again. She thought of the entire date through Lucina's personality and behavior. Those qualities were exceptional since the bluenette was nice to her whenever she was with her. Palutena then thought of her interests and activities to do, and they were not as good as she had hoped. Lucina frequently enjoyed training and spending time with people she knew from her own world. However, swordfighters from other worlds were some who Lucina associate with, but it was never social. Palutena enjoyed meeting people and socialize while Lucina wasn't as much. She considered all factors and made a decision.

"Are you still going to date her?"

"I think…I might not date her anymore" Palutena's words were slow as the latter of her statement took longer time to finish.

"Well, that's not good to hear" Dark Pit's attitude changed to a more serious tone. "She was always nice to you."

"I know, but-"

"But what? Why don't you want to date Lucina? Is it because it's a lesbian relationship?"

"Oh heavens no" Palutena disagreed with Pittoo. "It's not that it's a lesbian relationship; it's just that I don't think things will work out."

"I seriously don't understand that" The dark angel became confused and a bit upset since he thought Palutena's reason made no sense. "If you two got along, why would things not work out?"

"I mean I like to continue dating, but I feel like Pit would get in the way, so every date may end up him ruining it. Even if I tell him to not interrupt me whenever I'm with someone else, he'll find his way to end up hanging out with me."

"I see" Pittoo closed his eyes for a short moment. It appeared if Pit was part of a reason of anyone's dissatisfaction then he was fine with it. "I'm guessing you didn't tell him that you and Lucina are dating." He opened his eyes and asked.

"Yeah, I haven't" the greenette sighed nervously and was a bit agitated from the thought of telling Pit and his reaction about dating a swordswoman. "I'm fearful that Pit will not tolerate this."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"I can't. He dislikes Lucina, so if I tell her that we won't date anymore, Pit doesn't know and everything will be normal again."

"With Lucina heartbroken."

"Yeah, but isn't for the best?"

"I don't know. If you want make Pit happy, then do it. However, if you want to pursue a possible long-term relationship with Lucina, then keep dating."

"Thank you, Pittoo" she hugged the black angel, which made him uncomfortable.

"Please, don't call me that."

"Sorry, I just like that name."


A huge explosion occurred, causing an extremely loud noise. No heard it because a sound barrier was placed in order to prevent any possible concerns. The people who were causing the explosion were protected from any injury because of a protective layer that surrounded them. When the blast happened, many large circular, red objects and mini circular, green objects were destroyed in the process. Both round things were stripped with white to make it as a target. A white-winged angel, two plumbers, an anthropomorphic fox and bird, and an elf with a green tunic were playing a game called "Target Blast." It was a new game that Master Hand created for a new target smashing experience. Mario just finished his second try and managed to knock off eight red targets and many green targets.

"Not bad, bro" said positively by Mario's taller but younger brother Luigi.

"Ehh" Mario disagreed as he slightly crunched the right side of his face. "It kinda sucks."

"Didn't even beat my high score, plumber" commented arrogantly by Falco who smirked while closing his eyes and crossing his arms.

"Shut up" Mario replied a bit harshly.

"I'm next" Luigi said who appeared exuberant to play target blast. He stepped up and started with the small bomb first.

"The bowling night was fun" Fox began the conversation as Luigi did his Target Blast run.

"It was" Pit paused before revealing something he didn't like. "Until that Lucina had to be there with my Lady Palutena."

"Come on, Pit" Link interrupted in Fox's place. "There's some reason why she was with Palutena."

"Yeah, softening Lady Palutena up before killing her" Pit couldn't hold his anger and clenched his fists.

"Lucina had no intention killing Palutena" Fox said in support of Lucina. "They may just hang out as friends in order to make up the accident."

"I don't like that. I think Lady Palutena hanging out with that clone is just awful. She should stop hanging out with her."

"You shouldn't control how your goddess lives her life" Mario came into the conversation unexpected.

"I just don't like her, alright. Can we change the topic?" Pit felt like he wanted to leave and find his goddess.

"I guess so" Mario responded softly. He spoke up, "So what should we talk about?"

"Let's talk about Lucina's hot friend" Falco immediately said with another smirk.

"Falco, we're not going to talk about someone's 'hot' friend" Fox refuted against his teammate.

"Why not? It's not like it is wrong to talk about it."

"We're not going to talk about a person's 'hot' friend, okay?!"

"Whose friend is hot?" Luigi interrupted as he completed his one Target Blast run. He looked content with his result as he beat his brother's score.

"It's my turn. I don't want to be part of this" Link felt uncomfortable with Falco's topic, so he rushed to the stage.

"What's with Link?" Luigi was obviously unaware and confused about the specific topic.

"It's about Lucina's friend" Mario said awkwardly since Luigi was not part of the conversation earlier.

"Avatar?" Everyone shook their heads in rejection. "Robin?" Luigi guessed again.

"Yeah" Falco confirmed with another grin.

"Why are you guys talking about Robin? Do any of you guys like her or something?"

"Falco doesn't stop talking about her ever since Palutena's incident" Fox responded to Luigi's questions. He realized that he mentioned Palutena's incident with Lucina to the captain of the goddess's army and tapped his head sheepishly. "Sorry Pit for saying that."

"It's fine just don't continue with the topic" Pit made a gesture to Falco to proceed with his topic of discussion.

"I'm glad you did that, Pit" Falco was prepared to talk about Robin whether good or bad. "Let's talk about that hot, sexy Robin."

"I'm kinda uncomfortable about this" Luigi stretched his shirt collar. Sweat almost came out of his forehead that could pour down his neck. "But why do describe her like that?"

"It's obvious because of the way she talks back at me. The anger from that tactician brings out her sexiness with the long, grey or white hair waving like the ocean. That's the kind the girl I like, a woman who speaks her mind anytime. Because of that, I finally get the chance to be with her since she's the one lady who gave me the spark."

"The only one?" Asked the green plumber curiously.

"Yeah," Falco was prepared to hear Mario being upset and possibly Link as long he can hear the conversation. "Peach is annoying as hell. I never had seen someone with the stereotypical sweet, sassy princess. It's unrealistic. Zelda is boring because she talks too soft and always talks about the history of Hyrule. No one gives a shit about that!"

"Excuse me?" Mario replied upsettingly, disliking Falco's description of his girlfriend.

"You heard me, plumber" Falco tapped his chest hard as a way of being the dominant one of the group.

"You want to go?" Mario held his fists together, preparing for a fight.

"Bring it, chubby" Falco motioned the plumber to come to him.

"Falco, just stop" Fox had to spew the feeling he felt whenever his teammate talked about the female tactician. Both men ceased their altercation and shook hands to apologize. "You know Robin doesn't like you. You'll never get her to be your girlfriend."

"She never said she disliked me, so I'm going for it. Just watch me."


On a late afternoon, Lucina and Robin returned to the mansion after spending their time in Smash City and enjoying friendly games of home-run contest. In the city, they had lunch together at a shopping center. Within the building, the two just looked around and had fun searching for clothes or items to purchase as souvenirs. Once they finished their time at the mall, they went to a vast stadium that seemed like an endless road. A sandbag was placed on a round, circular head with a large, thick leg that supported the base. Each took turns to see who can hit the sandbag the furthest. Traditional home-run contests start off with dealing damage to the sandbag as much as possible for ten seconds before taking a swing with a bat. So far both Lucina and Robin won a couple of runs, but the tactician's furthest distance was shorter than the bluenette's. Once they did the traditional style, the two decided to change things up by doing a no-bat and an all aerial home-run. Lucina won the majority of the no-bat while Robin easily won the all-aerial moves.

"Well, I'm beat from all those home-run games" Robin said as she stretched her arms outwards. She also yawned and was exhausted from hours of strenuous exercise. "I'm going to get some smoothies, want some?"

"I like a smoothie please, thank you very much" Lucina replied politely and smiled at her friend. "I, too, am exhausted from such exercise."

"I know, right?" The tactician slightly tightened her eyes as a way to be a little funny. "So, what kind of flavor would you like?"

"Any flavor is fine by me." Robin heard her friend's response and walked into the kitchen to make some fruit smoothies. Lucina found two bean bags that were facing a large television. The screen featured a table of "sports" analysts who assess the eight fighters and their fighting style before the final. Once they finish their analysis, they predict who had the advantage of winning. The swordswoman took a seat and watched the people on screen evaluate all Smashers. She expected them to say how Palutena may struggle during the match and had the lowest chance of victory, which did happen. As she viewed the television, Robin emerged out of the kitchen and took a seat next to Lucina with two smoothies on her hands. "A blue smoothie for a blue swordswoman" she emphasized the word blue to make a joke.

"Thank you" Lucina accepted the beverage and was completely oblivious to her friend's joke. "Hey, these analysts are assessing the finalists' battling styles" she pointed her left finger towards the large flat-screen TV on the wall.

"Oh, really" Robin reacted a bit surprised by it. She took a sip of her pink smoothie and loved the flavor. "Mmm, this smoothie is delicious! I knew I make a kick-ass drink."

Lucina took a sip of her smoothie and reacted positively. "My, this beverage is fantastic. How did you make it so well?"

"I'm just too good making beverages."

"Humorous" the bluenette seemed weirded out by her friend's behavior. "Who do you think will win the Smash tournament?" She asked.

"Hmm, that's tough." Robin placed her left hand on her chin and contemplated the topic. When she finished thinking, she responded, "I think it's between Bowwow, Samus, or Sonic."

"Bowwow?" Lucina seemed bewildered about that name. "I think you mean Bowser."

"I know because it's his nickname."

"Nickname?"

The female tactician nodded vertically as a sign of confirmation. "Yep, Bowser nicknamed himself that, and I like it because it's hilarious."

"That nickname is peculiar."

Robin chuckled and took another sip of her beverage. She placed it on a coaster at a table in front of her and Lucina. "So who do you think will win? It's pretty silly for me to ask but is obvious to me, though."

"I want Palutena to win" Lucina couldn't help but smile every time she says, sees, or thinks of the goddess.

"Which reminds me" the female tactician had to take another sip of her smoothie because it just tasted too good. "How did that date go?"

The bluenette froze a bit because she thought Robin expected an amazing night when it was most certainly not. She took a deep breath before talking about the first date. "It was a mix of good and bad."

"Oh," Robin replied, displeased to hear the news. "I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?"

"The dinner was great because we had a splendid time talking and learning about each other. We share some laughs, which made me feel more relaxed. Once we finished dinner, Palutena wanted to continue with the night by suggesting bowling. You know that I never played that sport before, but I went. We've been at the bowling alley for no more than ten minutes." Lucina stopped for a brief stint because her anger was about to burst. The memory of that event made her agitate. "Suddenly, Pit came with a group of friends and wanted to hang out with us."

"Talk about such inconvenience. What else happened?"

"He practically begged like a dog!" Lucina hollered. "He couldn't take no for an answer, and I regretfully told Palutena that we can socialize with Pit's group."

"Wow" the female tactician responded negatively. "That's just inconsiderate and rude. Does he not know that you two want to spend time alone?"

"Apparently not. I don't think Palutena told Pit that we're dating, or so we are."

Robin appeared confused with Lucina's latter statement as her facial expression revealed bewilderment. "Lucy, what do you mean by 'so we are'?"

"Oh, it's nothing" Lucina replied, trying to deny her last words from her previous statement. She drank her smoothie mechanically and awkwardly.

"Yeah, it is. You seem uncertain about Palutena."

"Okay, you're right" the bluenette couldn't lie, so she revealed everything with all honesty. "You want to know what happened, am I right?"

"Yeah."

"Alright" the swordswoman took another deep breath. "After bowling, we called it a night. Before Palutena walked inside her room, I asked her if she wanted to date me again."

"What did she say?"

"She told me she was tired, so she couldn't respond to my question immediately. However, Palutena said she'll think about it and tell me today."

"Oh, no" was all Robin could say. She freaked out and walked back and forth in front of Lucina. Her hands were on her hair, which gave a negative vibe to the bluenette who didn't catch it. "No, no, no, no, no! This can't be happening, not to Lucy. No, no, no!"

"Robin, what's wrong with you?" She asked worriedly.

"This is a crisis, a crisis, Lucy!" Robin yelled as she carelessly messed up her hair.

"How is this a crisis?"

"Why is it?" The tactician sat down on her seat and laid back like when someone is exhausted from exercise or a long day at work. She let out a sigh that didn't sound good and stared at Lucina. "It's because you and Palutena aren't going to f-I mean date anymore."

"What?" Lucina replied with a saddening tone as her eyes were the same. She denied the allegation because that was not what Palutena meant. Or was it? The bluenette continued, "T-that's not true."

"Yes, it is" Robin said slowly, trying to not make her friend upset in any way.

"But Palutena told me she'll think about it and tell me today."

"You heard what she said, but you didn't listen to what she said."

"I did listen to her; I understood and gave her time to think about it. Why would you say she wouldn't date me anymore?"

"It's because it's a way of saying we're not going to continue dating."

"That is not an accurate statement."

"I'm sorry, Lucina, but I think in this situation it's going to happen."

"How?"

"It's because I've seen it and experienced before. Some guys went on one date with Peach in this world, and she replied that she'll think about it and tell them tomorrow. You know what happened next? She never told them the next day, and those guys got the message. Remember when I went out with that one guy in Smash?" Lucina confirmed with a nod. "Well, I told him the same. The reason is because my facial expression was the real message."

"Hold on, the words aren't the real meaning?"

"It's all about her nonverbal gesture. If it doesn't match her verbal message, then nothing is right" Robin paused for a bit before asking Lucina one more thing. "Do you remember Palutena's facial expression as she said those words?"

Lucina thought very hard as she closed her eyes. The image was not very clear at first, but as the conversation continued between her and the goddess, the image became vivid. As the greenette was responding to Lucina's request for a second date, the swordswoman clearly saw the goddess's facial expression. She noticed that Palutena smiled, but it was strange because there wasn't any actual muscle contraction around her eyes. When the bluenette realized it, she opened her eyes and became distraught. "No."

"What did you see?"

"Palutena's smile wasn't real. It was a fake smile" Lucina hid her face from Robin's as she became depressed.

"I'm so sorry to hear that Lucina" Robin comforted her friend by hugging her and patting her back.

"Why did you do this to me?" Lucina became upset at her friend for ruining her hopes. "I thought you were my friend."

"A friend, a real, good friend, has to tell the truth. One single lie can pervade and infect a bond between companions that can lead to a crisis. That's why I had to tell you everything I said from all honesty, otherwise, our friendship is in trouble."

"I understand" Lucina felt better about her friend as she was being absolutely honest. "I'm sorry for being mad at you."

"It's okay, but" Robin halted her statement as she let go of Lucina. The swordswoman looked at her friend's eyes, hoping she would be scrupulous. "Besides, you never know what's going to happen. Some outside factors can reverse Palutena's decision, so all hope is not lost. Remember what you always say about the future?"

"Yeah" the bluenette grinned as she saw honesty from the tactician's nonverbal gesture. "The future is not written."

"You can change the future, Lucina. I know you can because I'll support and believe in you as a friend." Robin's facial expression became serious but supportive. "One more thing, to change the future…" Robin waited for her friend to respond.

"You have to change the present" naturally responded by the swordswoman.

"Exactly. Always know that."

Lucina did and kept Robin's words. She knew that Palutena had to come and tell her if they should continue dating. However, Palutena never did.