A/N:
Yeah, yeah. I suck at consistent updates. I'm sorry, everyone, I'm just under a lot of stress right now and all. But :P
Anyways, writing to Life Returns from PoR is quite calming, and it helped me chug through this one. So there may not be much actiony stuff here, but I can't do that every chapter. Every story has its peaks and valleys, but that doesn't make this unimportant to the plot. Besides, I'm trying to avoid too much filler with this story, as opposed to LH. Anyway, this one might remind you of a certain support conversation. So, with all that, sit back, R&R, and most importantly, enjoy! :D
Chapter 8: Test
Lucina waited out at the training grounds early in the morning. The sun had not yet risen, though it would not be far off. The hood of what was once her mother's old coat was concealing her face. Her eyes scanned around for signs of her brother, or even Naga's Voice. Mist hung in the air, a cool morning, the horizon already showing signs of a rising sun.
The princess soon heard the squish of boots upon the muddy ground. It seemed someone was approaching. A scent carried along with it. Lucina could already identify this as Tiki, a manakete who was quite unmistakable. The princess turned, watching the manakete as she approached, giving a small nod as the dragon came to a stop by her side. "Lady Tiki." She acknowledged. "You certainly smell nice this evening."
The manakete looked over to the princess after that last comment, her eyebrow raised. "Have you eaten, Lucina?"
"I ate with you all yesterday." The princess answered, not really sure of what the other was getting at.
"Yes, but have you fed?" The manakete restated.
Lucina finally got what Tiki was referring to. When was her last true meal? "A few days ago… I think."
"Before the battle then…" Tiki muttered. "Lucina, I know you must feel terrible for doing so, but you need to feed regularly."
Lucina shook her head at the thought, that man in the medical tent, the rodents her brother had been fetching for her. "I… I can't."
The dragon's head fell forward, her eyes closed. "I knew others before you. This curse of yours… You are dead, Lucina. Just as Grima's undead servants, your situation… You must feed, Lucina. To keep your strength, your appearance, and your own self."
The princess nodded, the manakete's words finding their way through to her. "I…"
"Sorry I'm late!"
The two turned around to find Morgan rushing up to them. His hair was disheveled and one of his boots wasn't even properly adjusted. His coat seemed to have been left behind, and with that, the prince was shivering slightly due to the cool morning air.
"It's about time." Lucina thought aloud.
"Heh… yeah, well… I kinda had a late night." Morgan tried to explain, a hand reaching up to scratch the back of his head. A nervous habit he seemed to have picked up from their father. "So I slept in a little. Uh… Have Falchion with you? We can't get this test thingy underway without it!"
"Of course. But I…" She started as she unclasped the ancient sword from her side with her bandaged hands. "I just hope it finds you worthy." She said, holding out the legendary blade, in its sheath, for her brother.
The prince took the legendary blade, still in awe, unwilling to draw it from its sheath. "Yeah. I hope so too. So, what's this test?"
Lucina walked over to a log she had set up earlier, standing by its side as she faced her brother. "Strike at this log here. Should Falchion find you worthy, the log shall be cleft cleanly in two. Should it not, then you will scarce knock the bark off the target." After explaining this, the princess could see how nervous her brother now was. He could get through this, she knew it. Lucina backed away from the target and carefully led her brother over. "Ready?"
Morgan's breath was forced, his eyes widened. As he drew Falchion, his hands shook. "Y-Yeah…"
"Don't be nervous, Little Brother."
"I know you are worthy." Tiki added, drawing a smile forth from the boy, seeming to calm him down quite a bit.
With one more calming breath, Morgan's expression hardened. He looked more determined now. He set off and swung the blade forth with a great shout.
"You missed!" Lucina exclaimed before the others could even register what the result was.
"Wh-?" Morgan started, heading over to the target to take a look at it. "How could you even tell?"
I was watching, of course. Though, it still amazed Lucina how well could keep track of the blade. "I'm sorry, Morgan. Just… you don't have to be so nervous, alright? Now, try again."
"Alright." The young prince adjusted himself. Once more, he took a deep breath, and once more swung at the log. Unbeknownst to Morgan, a smile crept across his sister's face. "Did… Did it work?" He asked, looking over to his two spectators.
"Yes." Tiki answered as she led the boy over to the target, and as she nudged the log, it fell apart to reveal the clean cut Falchion made right through it.
"Haha!" Morgan cheered as he leapt up in victory. He then turned to Lucina, dropping Falchion as he raced over to her. He seemed to jump into her as he went for his hug, knocking her hood back, and burying his face in her hair as he did so. "Thanks, sis."
Lucina smiled as she embraced her brother. "I told you, didn't I? Congrats, Little Brother." Though, the longer she held Morgan there, the more it seemed his scent was overwhelming her. She pushed him away, looking over to Tiki as she did so. "Uh… let's get breakfast then?"
"Oh yeah." Morgan chirped as he retrieved their family's blade from the Voice. "I might just have Uncle Stahl's appetite right now! Let's go!" He added, leaping off in the direction of the mess tent.
Lucina looked back over to Tiki after her brother left their sight. "I… don't think I realized how hungry I was until you brought it up."
The manakete nodded. "Indeed. Though, I hear there's a bounty of rabbits around camp." She added, looking out towards the woods. "You'd best be off then."
"Aye." Lucina headed off towards the forest, quite thankful that Tiki was helping her through this. After all, what better source of advice than from one who's known others of this curse? Lucina just hoped she'd be able to keep this hunger under control.
A/N:
Nobody tell Panne or Yarne where Lucina went! Haha. Better than squirrels though ;) (And better than being yelled at for clearing out a stash of bagels)
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. Be sure to follow/favorite, if you like the story. Leaving a review would be nice too.
Have a good day, all! :D
