I'm back! Whew, I'm having an itty-bitty rough patch at the moment, so sorry if this chapter is late. IMPORTANT: The poll is still up! You all have plenty of time to vote – the other children haven't even appeared yet. As of right now, there is a TIE (it's 3 to 3)! Help me decide! You won't see the FINAL outcome until the end of this entire fic, so there's time.
/
Lucina lost count of how long they had been at sea. Every day, she would emerge from her quarters below deck and gaze out at the endless expanse of salty azure laid out before her. Instead of the cracked, desolate ground of Plegia, a seemingly infinite supply of water was the barrier to her goal.
Her wounds had healed up nicely thanks to Aunt Lissa's treatments. Lucina sometimes envied the magical abilities of her mother, brother, and aunt. She had tried to use a Fire tome once, and only a measly spark fizzled from her fingertips. It had elicited some stifled laughter from her parents and brother, but they meant well. Father had patted her on the back and told her she was like him.
Whenever Lucina had free time, she often asked her parents to spar with her. If they were occupied, she trained with Kjelle, who seemed all too eager to pummel her into the deck. It was almost like old times. The biggest difference was, their matches were no longer play fighting, but real combat.
As much as there was peace while on the sea, Lucina was anxious to touch land and settle things in Valm. They would need to finish up quickly and get back to their home continent in a timely fashion.
/
"Mother?" Lucina poked her head into the largest cabin on the flagship. A large map was splayed across the table, her mother poring over it, lost in thought. Her mother was often cooped up in the strategy room, despite advice from others to rest.
With a start, Mother looked up and smiled when she saw who was visiting. "What can I do for you?" An empty, abandoned bowl from breakfast proved how long she had been planning.
"There was something I had to ask you – I heard Khan Flavia refer to you as her sister. Is this true?" Lucina wanted to know, partly out of curiosity, partly out of wanting to know what to call the Feroxi leader.
Mother chuckled to herself. "I was adopted into Flavia's family. After some misunderstandings, I accepted. It wasn't a purely political move – I was also being selfish. It's nice having a family I can remember." She said wistfully. At that, Lucina felt a pang of guilt. It was wonderful having a sibling.
"Misunderstandings?" How was it possible to misunderstand an offer of sisterhood?
"Don't ask." Mother seemed flustered as her hands smoothed out the map, which was already quite flat.
"Right," Lucina would not disrespect whatever Mother wanted to keep secret… no matter how tempting it was. "So would it be appropriate if I called her Aunt Flavia?"
"Of course! I think she would be happy to have a niece like you."
"Well, I'm not so sure I would say that," Lucina laughed weakly. Her eyes drifted over the map. "Where are we going to dock?"
Amusement danced on Mother's expression. "You're interested in the next plan? Come, we can figure it out together."
Like a giddy schoolgirl, Lucina took a seat at the table. Mother moved a finger around the Valmese continent until finding the desired spot, marked in black ink.
"This is where we want to enter the region. When we left home, there was word that this town had not been invaded yet. Our mission is to free Rosanne, well, all of Valm I suppose, by defeating whoever this 'Wallhart the Conqueror' is." Mother explained simply, but her brow furrowed. "The only problem is we have no way of knowing if conditions have changed while we're at sea."
"I see. Our harbor may not be safe anymore."
"Precisely. We really haven't got another option because going farther north would mean an even longer march to get to the same destination. I hope you're prepared to fight right off the boat."
Lucina nodded, not taking her eyes off the map. "I am."
/
"Land ho!" Sir Henry clapped gleefully from the crow's nest. "Ooh, looks like there's gonna be blood!" His smile was wide enough to see from the deck.
Sure enough, Lucina could make out soldiers storming the harbor and beach. As far as she could tell, there was no resistance. The Conqueror's army had been prepared for their arrival.
Mother emerged from below deck, ready for battle. "Everyone! Change your armor and weapons now!" At that, everyone surged into a mob, waiting for the wax-sealed crates to be brought up, filled with new, oiled plate armor and blades. A great deal of the army's metallic objects had been corroded by the salt air.
No sooner than the gangplank was lowered, Father gave the command to advance. Eager to stretch their legs from their long journey, the Shepherds stormed off the ships accompanied by Feroxi troops. Lucina tried to stay at the head of the formation to keep an eye on her brazen father.
Killing humans was no longer an issue for Lucina. She had accepted the cost of saving the present world. If she was not ready to take a life for her cause, then someone would definitely takes hers for his own. It was an idea she had always detested, even though Mother had taught it to her over and over. She let Falchion slice through the air, singing a metallic tune until it found home in a body.
The force that had been sent to the harbor was small, compared to the rumored one million soldiers that the Conqueror supposedly amassed. As it turned out, they weren't after the Shepherds so much as they were after a swordswoman from Chon'sin.
After securing the town, yet another war meeting was held to account for the information the swordswoman had to offer. Again, Lucina was given the privilege of sitting in on the council. It was, as always, despairingly depressing. The whole of Valm was about to kneel under the Conqueror's boot. Though the situation was dire to any rational onlooker, the swordswoman, Lady Say'ri, spoke with a burning passion that would convince any cynic. All she needed, she'd said, was the aid of the Shepherds and their allies.
And Mother and Father were ready to offer that aid. Lucina admired that they would throw in their lot with the losing side, knowing full well that their numbers were insignificant compared to the opposing army. Of course…the plan from the start was to take down the dictator. But, Lucina reasoned, other, lesser leaders, might have switched sides once they saw how downright dismal the situation was.
If Lucina thought her journey in her home continent had been long and hard, she was completely and utterly mistaken.
/
The road from the harbor town was clear of any other signs of the Conqueror's army. It wouldn't be long before whole legions of soldiers would come demanding loyalty, though. In the far distance, black smoke billowed into the air; no doubt from some poor city that thought it could resist the massive army.
"Are you dueling unpleasant thoughts, Lucina?" Father's warm voice interrupted her introspection.
She blinked, focusing in on reality. "Oh. Yes, actually." Lucina was not surprised that her father was able to discern what she was thinking. Often times in her past, he had always deduced what she was going to do.
"Care to share? We have some time." He gestured towards two supply crates.
Ever appreciative of a patient ear, Lucina sat down and she felt the weariness from the battle they had just come out of.
"I'm afraid that the events and outcomes I know to be true are no longer helpful."
Father chuckled and shook his head, his short blue hair reminiscent of her brother. "That's good, in my opinion. It means that things aren't the same."
"Yes, but then what use am I?"
At that, Father's smile faded. "Don't you dare sell yourself short. You are a valuable soldier, Lucina. I was overjoyed when you decided to join the Shepherds. You don't need to worry about saving us anymore. It's our turn to protect you now. I promise on Falchion – on my honor – that we'll stop this mess from happening." His eyes were alight with determination; not the hardened resignation Lucina had seen in her time. Still, his oath to her sounded uncannily parallel to the vow she had made to her friends. It was a promise that was very difficult to keep.
Not wanting to dampen her father's courage, Lucina swallowed down her own thought on the matter. "Thank you."
"Aw, come now, I think you need a hug," Father pulled her into an embrace. "Just watch, we'll put a stop to that overgrown lizard right after we're done here." It was as if he was transferring his hope to her, because Lucina was reminded that she did have a promise to fulfill, even if it was not from her world. Her friends were out there somewhere, expecting her to make good on her word. And she would do just that. She was of no use to anyone if she gave in to the despair of her own predicament.
"I think you're right." She muttered.
Father broke away, grinning. "I'm glad you understood all of that. I was never as good a speaker as your mother, and I'm still not." He paused. "Oh, and don't forget: you can't possibly do all of this on your own. I thought that I could take down Gangrel and save my sister on my own. I had forgotten that I had all of my comrades who cared for Emm just as much as I did. Because of my stubbornness, Emm paid the price." His posture slumped a fraction. The loss of Aunt Emmeryn still haunted him.
Before Lucina could offer her sympathies, there was an uproar from camp.
"Duty calls." Father rose, stretching his legs. "If you need some time to think, go ahead – just get back to camp before sundown." He said with an understanding smile.
"I will." She promised. As Father walked away, Lucina took the time to digest the conversation she just had. He'd told her not to worry, that they would keep her safe. Lucina shook her head. The entire reason she was there was to protect all of them, especially her father. Then again…she watched the way they adjusted to her information, yet each formation incorporated her, but at the same time kept her a distance away. It came to Lucina, then.
It was no longer about her.
Essentially, Lucina was dead in her world, unless Naga was able to send her back. She had come to warn her parents, fight alongside them, even, but even so, the war was not hers. Lucina had lost her chance the moment she had been born – without the last gemstone, she hadn't had the chance to perform the Awakening rite. Now, she had given an advantage to the Shepherds. No matter how she looked at it, she would not be the one who would stop Grima. She supposed being showered with love from her family had spoiled her, made her think that everything she did was crucial when in reality, the pressure was evenly spread among her parents' generation.
Regardless, she resolved to make the biggest impact she could. There was no way Lucina would be content to stand by and watch her parents fight for the safety of the entire world. It was time to grow up; just because she was with her parents once more was no reason to act like a silly child, no matter how tempting it could be.
/
The first days in Valm were quiet, for the most part. After all, there was little concern for an ambush from such a large army. Lucina's hand often hovered over Falchion's hilt. To her dismay, her rapier was out of commission until they could find someone who would be able to salvage the badly corroded blade.
While their march as a whole was generally peaceful, Lucina found that Lady Cherche's wyvern seemed to find her interesting. The small dragon (in relation to say, Grima or Naga) would follow her and sniff her clothes. In her time, when Minerva had come into Gerome's hands, he made sure that the wyvern knew who was an ally. Lucina had been relatively comfortable, then; now, though, she couldn't tell if the serpent wanted to take a nibble or otherwise.
"Eep!" A warm, scaly snout nudged her shoulder. Lucina looked up tentatively. Sure enough, Minerva stood another head or two taller than her. The beast made some snuffling noises as she prodded Lucina further.
"Oh, Minerva!" Lady Cherche wriggled through the mass of people to where her faithful mount was. "What did I say about wandering off without me?" She chastised Minerva like a mother would a child.
The wyvern gave out a piercing cry. Lady Cherche was unfazed and merely nodded in response.
Lucina knew that Gerome and his mother had a deep connection to Minerva, and could understand what her intentions were. She hoped that Minerva was not hankering to have a bite of her. "May I ask what she said?"
"Hm? You didn't catch that?"
"No, milady, I can't speak wyvern."
The pinkette frowned, like it was a pity that not everyone could communicate so easily with animals. "She finds you very interesting. I've no idea why – you must smell nice." Lucina flushed. Why would Minerva find her scent interesting? She had bathed and her clothes were relatively clean…
"Does she mean to eat me?" Lucina asked a tad nervously.
Lady Cherche laughed. "No, no; I think what she smells is a scent you cannot wash off. You know, she also showed interest in your parents, but she seems to like you the best. I do hope you'll be friends with her. The pegasi always shy away, and other humans are irrationally afraid of her." Irrationally afraid? Lucina thought it was a very rational fear to think that the sharp-toothed, fire-breathing lesser dragon before her was terrifying.
Minerva made a soft noise, similar to a pigeon's coo. She lowered her scaly head.
"Go on, give her a pat."
Quelling her shaking hand, she reached out and touched the wyvern's snout. It was warm and a little bumpy under her fingers. Minerva pushed her head into the touch, sort of like a cat, Lucina supposed.
"See? My darling Minerva is harmless! Isn't that right?"
Another screech shattered the steady sounds of feet and hooves treading at a set pace. Once again, Lucina's vision spun wildly from the noise.
"Yes, completely harmless," She replied numbly.
Lady Cherche smiled and patted the beast's neck. "Come, Minerva, it's time for your snack. You can visit your new friend later." She turned to Lucina. "Thank you for befriending her, dear." The Wyvern Lord (or was it Lady?) led her mount away, all the while starting a conversation no one else would understand.
As Lucina watched the pair retreat, she saw just how tightly invisible bonds held the two together. A human had bonded with a wyvern enough that they could communicate in separate languages but still understand each other. She drew the idea back to her parents, who had no enemies in the Shepherds. Those ties of friendship had been passed down to their children – Lucina's friends…and to Lucina herself. They were bonds that had transcended time and space.
Was what Mother said true, then? That fate had not destined Lucina to join her parents on campaign, but rather Lucina's bond with her family drew her inexorably to them? She had her own amendment to her mother's seemingly whimsical statement: people were only pawns of a scripted fate if they did not rise up to change it. With a smile, Lucina kept marching, taking comfort in her new philosophy.
/
The sheer number of the Valmese army was a sight to behold. They had come across multiple cohorts and legions of the enemy as they made headway into the continent. Sometimes Mother's battle plans did not include her, so Lucina did get some rest here and there. Each morning started with body aches from a previous battle; any time off her feet was heavenly.
There would come a time – soon – where every able-bodied person would be needed, when they approached the Conqueror's castle. For now, though, their destination was not the impenetrable fortress. Instead, they had set course for the Mila Tree.
Lucina's stomach tightened when she thought of it. How would she face Naga's Voice? Lady Tiki was Naga's daughter – while those with Exalted blood were merely infused with the divine dragon's blood. Would Lady Tiki know that Lucina was a trespasser in time? Would she send her back?
First of all, what kind of person was Lady Tiki?
/
A mix of fury and awe pumped through Lucina's veins. After half a month of traveling and fighting, they reached the base of the sacred tree, only to find that a segment of the enemy army had been preparing to destroy it.
The art of battle had transformed into an unconscious effort by this time. Lucina's body fought soldiers while her mind tried to comprehend the expanse of tangled roots that comprised a pathway to the trunk of the Mila Tree. In the gaps between the roots, formerly clear water flowed. The bodies of fallen warriors polluted it with their blood and entrails.
Soon enough, the enemy commander was defeated – not slain – as he had been rescued by magical means. This was a defeat the Valmese would hold against them.
Regardless of any incoming retribution, they climbed the Mila Tree to ensure that Lady Tiki's sanctuary had remained unharmed.
The climb was long, but the fact there was a staircase to lead the way made it so much easier. Upon reaching the top, Lucina joined her parents at the head of the party.
All was quiet as they waited for a kneeling figure stationed at an altar to acknowledge them. The altar was made of smooth gray stone and clear crystal, which caught the sunlight and reflected it back tenfold. An aura of calmness radiated from the whole area. At the same time, though, Lucina felt uneasy and a bit sick. It was like a fever was lingering in her skin. She did her best to push the feeling away.
Lady Say'ri broke the silence. "My lady, we,"
The person, or rather, manakete, rose and faced them. She was beautiful. Grass green hair, pointed features with her ears being sharply tipped, and an ageless appearance. Naga's Voice regarded them with half-lidded eyes, as if she had just woken up from a deep slumber.
Now that Lucina thought about it, it seemed like there was some moisture on the corner of the manakete's mouth…
"Lady Tiki," Lucina began, not knowing if it was exactly proper for her to address her before her parents. There were so many questions, though!
"Mar-Mar, is that you?" The woman bounded forward with energy not expected from someone who had recently stirred from her sleep.
Lucina took a generous step back, befuddled. Mar-Mar? Who was that? "Er, pardon?"
"Marth? 'Tis I, Tiki."
Marth? As in…King Marth? "My name is Lucina, milady. I took my ancestor's name for a time, though." Lucina saw the hopefulness drain from the Voice's expression. There were tales of how the hero-king had befriended Lady Tiki when she was a mere child – over two millennia ago.
"Forgive me. You look so much like him…" Lady Tiki said wistfully. Then, she narrowed her eyes, examining her. "You and your father are of Exalted blood." It wasn't a question.
Father answered for the both of them. "Yes, milady."
From there, the conversation turned to the Fire Emblem and the five gemstones that were to be nested in it. Lucina was all too familiar with the details of what was to be done when all the needed parts were assembled. She had been a horse in a tournament whose legs had been broken before the race started.
"Thank you for your wisdom," Mother said, bowing her head. She had been very quiet throughout the discussion, Lucina noticed. That was odd, since she had garnered that Mother would be asking all sorts of questions. However, Mother, looked a bit queasy and clammy.
Lady Tiki trained her gaze on Mother. "You – you've got it."
"Got what?" Mother looked taken aback.
"A power, like mine."
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand." Mother replied weakly. Something was wrong.
Lady Tiki shook her head. "No, I apologize. My words come faster than my thoughts at the moment. I would very much like to rest now. When I have gathered my strength, I shall join you."
"Of course, milady." Lady Say'ri said, and she began ushering everyone back down the massive staircase. Lucina was reluctant to leave. None of her questions had been answered yet!
She had no choice but to follow the crowd back. As she retreated from the sacred place, the coil of illness disappeared from her body like nothing ever happened. It only left her with more inquiries.
/
There was no quarter for anyone – the Shepherds' next mission was to take over Fort Steiger. It was only two day's march from the Mila Tree. Lucina wanted to speak with her parents about the events that had just unfolded, about why Lady Tiki thought that Mother had some sort of power akin to her own. Wasn't Father supposed to be more closely related to the Divine Dragon?
These sorts of thoughts had to be suppressed through the battle. Lucina could not rely only on her instincts within the fort, as there were magic users in abundance. Her resistance to magic was shamefully low. Mother had been in the process of instructing her in magical defenses on the sea voyage, but the only way to test her understanding was in actual combat.
Thankfully, Lucina was surrounded by her extended family. Yes, she had used the techniques Mother had taught her, but it was exhausting, summoning up what little magical energy she possessed to weaken or dissipate a spell.
Father had been right – Lucina couldn't fight every battle on her own. She could become an extremely proficient warrior, but even the indomitable Fort Steiger fell with the combined effort of Ylissean and Feroxi muscle.
In retrospect, they had all but crushed one ant in an entire colony. Worse yet, word of the Valmese defeat had reached the Conqueror's ears and he had declared he would come and crush them himself.
/
Lucina sat in on another war council meeting. The khans of Regna Ferox were itching for battle.
"We have to do something!" Khan Flavia – Aunt Flavia slammed her fist on the table, sending cracks through the poor, flimsy piece of furniture.
"For once I agree with the hag." Khan Basilio said gruffly.
Mother's expression remained neutral. "I know. And we will do something – but our numbers are already stretched thin as it is. The rebels have been coerced into switching sides – Say'ri's allies are no longer an option."
"Walhart is coming this moment to kill us, and Yen'fay is closing us in from the south." Aunt Flavia pushed the topic further.
All this talk sounded so very similar to something Lucina had heard a long time ago. She wanted to speak, but there was no room to consider a feeling – she needed to be sure.
"I'll face Walhart." Father said. Everyone's eyes went to him. "I'm the one he wants."
Mother's eyes narrowed. "Chrom, no. If you go, then there's no telling what might happen."
"Don't you see? Splitting up is the only way to handle this." He countered, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes, I know…but the tangent that goes to battle Walhart is,"
"Bait." Khan Basilio finished the sentence. He rose to his full height, puffing his muscled chest out. "And you're gonna need some real muscle to stall the brute while you wrap things up with Yen'fay."
"But, Khan Basilio," Mother protested, but was cut off by the West khan's paw of a hand.
"Don't you worry about ol' Basilio. I bet this Walhart is a pansy." He guffawed. "He'll meet my axe one way or another."
Khan Basilio, facing Walhart? Lucina suddenly leaped out of her seat. "No!"
Now, the attention was on her.
"What I mean to say is," Lucina cleared her throat. "That if you do this, you will not come out of it alive. I remember this from my future – your defeat led to Valm's demise and later to the fall of the world."
The West khan regarded her with his good eye. "I don't give a rat's ass about my fate, lass. If your mother and the boy need time, I'll be damned if I can't help. Anyways, if I was the one who went in your time, then it damn well should be me now. Besides, that Walhart won't be able to handle my sweet, brown Feroxi arse."
"Hey, don't you dare leave me out of this." Aunt Flavia stood, punching her counterpart's arm. "I won't let the oaf die, no matter how stupid and worthless he is."
Lucina did not feel comforted in the least. If both Feroxi leaders went down, who knows what their successors may decide? The alliance between Ylisse and Ferox was one of mutual interest and friendship between leaders. The friendship bit only lasted as long as the leaders did.
"It's settled then." Said Father. He didn't look pleased about the khans' decision either.
"Well? Let's rally the troops!" The East khan was already walking out of the tent.
"Oi! Woman! You may be the regent khan, but I'm in charge of this suicide mission!" Khan Basilio rushed out as well.
Lucina faced her parents. "Why did you let them go?"
Father seemed at a loss for words.
"Sometimes we need to make sacrifices. You know this as well as we do." Mother said gently, running a hand through her long hair.
"But I came here so that no one would have to make such a sacrifice!"
"Khan Basilio was given a possible outcome, and he chose to go through with the plan despite the risks." Her mother replied simply, as if the West khan's decision hadn't bothered her. However, the guilt was evident in her eyes.
It was too late. Whatever happened next was unforeseeable to anyone.
/
Lucina considered her mother to be one of the greatest tacticians in history. The great Robin had led the Shepherds to victory even when the odds were stacked mountainously high against them.
Marching an army through a mountain of molten rock and poisonous gas? That was a plan Lucina had thought only mad men would devise. Apparently, her mother fell into that group of frenetic thinkers. Yes, they were in a bind, and yes they were dangerously outnumbered.
But why in the gods' names was it necessary?
Nevertheless, their little army had been small enough so that they had been able to maneuver around vents of noxious fumes and pools of magma. The opposing side, however, suffered many casualties. Lucina had watched countless people die in grotesque manners from burning to death or from inhaling hot, deadly air.
By the time they defeated the enemy commander, Lucina was drenched in sweat and gasping for clean, cool air. Many of the soldiers had collapsed from the heat because their armor was so heavy. Luckily, no one died – which was very serendipitous.
When everyone had been evaluated, the Shepherds set off again as if nothing happened.
/
Valm was definitely a foreign country.
They came across a massive canyon – the river that carved it looked a strip of thin blue ribbon from their vantage point. The only way across appeared to be a latticework of ancient-looking bridges. Luckily, they weren't going across – they were merely walking along the edge. Still, there was a foul smell in the air, akin to the breath of Risen; though they were not as abundant in Valm.
A ripple of agitation ran through the ranks. Lucina patiently let those in front lead the way until she came upon a horrific sight.
About two dozen wyverns and their riders lay dead. They had died recently – for their bodies were still stiff and flies were only beginning to heed the scented call of the deceased.
"Hold! We've got a live one!" Uncle Frederick was kneeling down some distance away. Aunt Lissa ran to the wounded person. Curiosity drove Lucina to follow suit, weaving around onlookers in her way.
The fallen rider was a young man with dark hair and armor. Lucina couldn't see the upper half of his face because he wore a mask…He'd definitely grown, but it was still him.
"Gerome?" The name slipped out of Lucina's mouth before she could fully ascertain it was indeed her friend.
Aunt Lissa waved her staff over him, muttering incantations all the while. It seemed that the only time the War Cleric was serious was when she was healing others. With a relieved sigh, she gave her judgment. "He'll be hurting for a while, but I've mended most of his injuries. I'm guessing you know him, Lucina?"
Lucina nodded. "He's Gerome, Lady Cherche's,"
"Oh, my! That poor, adorable wyvern is hurt!" As if on cue, Lady Cherche appeared and started examining Gerome's wyvern…that happened to be the very same Minerva who was currently with the Shepherds.
Gerome let out a groan as he stirred into reality. "Minerva, where are," he cut himself off, "Lucina?"
With a smile, she offered a hand to him. He did not accept it, instead getting up of his own (wobbly) accord. Lucina didn't take offense, though. She had known Gerome long enough to anticipate his reaction, but it was still the right thing to offer help to someone sprawled on the ground.
Questions burned in Lucina's throat. She wanted to know why there were dead people and wyverns strewn about, and how Gerome had gotten caught up in whatever unfolded.
"You, woman," Gerome turned to his mother. "Don't you know not to touch unfamiliar wyverns?" His tone was sharp and cold. That was…peculiar. Gerome was generally softhearted when he was with his mother.
Lady Cherche turned. Her smile seemed stretched, and her eyebrow twitched. Aunt Lissa and Uncle Frederick took a step back. If there was one person they never wanted to anger, it was Lady Cherche. "Young man, your companion is hurt and I do not see you doing a single thing about it. Furthermore, did your mother not teach you any manners? You need to learn some respect."
Gerome's mask hid his flinch well, but not to Lucina. She knew he felt ashamed. Still, she gave him credit for keeping his mouth in a hard line. "What my mother taught me is none of your business, and neither is the condition of my wyvern. If you will excuse me,"
Lucina stepped forward and put a firm hand on Gerome's shoulder. "Gerome, come with us."
He spoke without looking at her. "Nothing good comes from meddling with the past."
"That may be, but it's the only way. Besides, it would be better if the twelve of us are together."
There was a tense silence between them. "Fine."
/
Gerome had insisted that he walk instead of riding on the cart reserved for the wounded – he wanted to let his Minerva recover on it. He limped along with a neutral face (at least, that's what the mask gave the guise of). Lucina just shook her head at her friend's stubbornness. Kjelle had joined them; wanting to hear about the battles Gerome had taken part in.
At one point, Gerome seemed to relax a fraction. "Lucina, where's Morgan?"
Kjelle gave him a glare. "He probably got separated too, stupid."
All at once, the guilt and pain of losing her brother stabbed at Lucina's heart. "He never went through the portal."
"What?" Kjelle blurted out. She could be boorish at times…
With a wince, Lucina opened her mouth to explain.
"You don't need to say anything," Gerome said suddenly. "Don't make yourself vulnerable to us. It's not what a leader does."
Lucina was both grateful and offended. "I'm not your leader anymore. My father is. And I would greatly appreciate it if you did not talk to me like that." She met his masked gaze defiantly until he turned his head in submission.
Kjelle snickered to herself for some odd reason or another. "Lucina, you're going to be our leader until you follow through on your word."
"I suppose that's fair, but I would prefer that you think of me as an equal."
"Yeah, after all this is over, maybe." Kjelle said.
"Yes, after this is over." But when would that be?
/
Camp was eerily quiet after dinner, when everyone who did not have the first watch retired to his or her tents. It was Lucina's turn to be lookout for a few hours. She made her rounds around the encampment, each time passing Sir Gaius, who would give her a wink each time – like there was some sort of secret between them. It was frightening, at times, since he walked so silently. But she knew he was a man of good humor. Come to think of it, Sir Gaius was one of Father's good friends.
And one of Father's friends would be the end of him.
The thought tumbled and swirled in Lucina's head. She did her best to take the fact that Cynthia's father was a thief out of her speculation. Sneaky though he was, Sir Gaius had honor – a thief's honor, but he was loyal to the Shepherds. He would never betray a comrade…
By the time Lady Cordelia came to relieve her, Lucina's head hurt from her internal debate. In order to assuage her tense mind, she told herself that as long as they were in Valm, Father wouldn't die yet.
Right?
/
They followed whispers about a peaceful village full of sages not far from Wyvern Valley. Like hounds tracking a scent trail, the army found the community in relative obscurity. Verdant grass rippled with the gentle breeze. Wildflowers of all colors were scattered everywhere, their scent soothing Lucina's – or rather, everyone's, frayed nerves. Small, yet cozy homes stood here and there. It was like the last settlement that hadn't kneeled to the Conqueror's iron will.
She'd forgotten what peace was like.
Since it seemed like a neutral, if not resistant area, the combined army lowered their arms and made contact with the residents, who were eager to offer medical aid as well as much-needed supplies.
Lucina walked through the small market, a small pouch of gold coins tied to her sword belt. She could but whatever she liked, her parents had said. While Lucina wanted to shop with her family, she counted her blessings. She would have wanted Gerome and Kjelle to come along as well, but Kjelle was challenging anyone and everyone to a battle, and Gerome…well he'd gotten into some trouble with his mother and was "getting a lesson in etiquette". What that meant, Lucina didn't know and she most certainly did not want to find out.
"Halt!" A voice commanded. Lucina froze in her place, prepared to draw Falchion if need be. Although…the voice was oddly familiar.
She turned very slowly, to see who was addressing her.
"At last, my Exalted cousin has appeared! Can you hear it? Our shared blood sings, drawing us together!" Owain stood a short distance away. As per his custom, he was moving and gesturing in a theatrical manner. He looked like he'd grown a little. After looking in all directions, he leapt forward to tackle her in a hug.
"Oof!" Lucina staggered, but held her stance. She had been too surprised to cry tears of joy.
"Lucina, my sword hand quivers at our reunion! It yearns for a duel more than a decade in reckoning!"
"Hey! Owain, what gives?" A gust of air blew Lucina's hair back. "Heroes don't leave other heroes behind!" Looking up, a pegasus circled them in the air.
"Cynthia!" Lucina grinned and waited for her friend to land and dismount. Her face was getting sore from all her smiling, but she was so happy to have come across her friends.
The other girl fell off her ride in a tumble that Lucina knew would break bones in a normal person. Somehow, and she never knew why or how, Cynthia could trip and always get back up relatively unharmed.
"Ouch! That's gonna bruise." Cynthia muttered as she got up. Like all of them, the Pegasus Knight had matured in appearance, just a fraction. "Good thing I didn't fall on my lance." She leaned the weapon on a nearby tree and joined the group embrace.
After they broke away from each other, Lucina was bombarded with a quick tale of both Cynthia and Owain's journeys in the past years. She was a tad worried about Cynthia, who had mistakenly joined a group of bandits on an island off the coast of Valm. Apparently, the two had met up some time ago and worked as "guardians" of the sage's hamlet, as the sages themselves were pacifists.
"What're you doing out here? Where's everybody else?" Cynthia looked around.
Owain put a hand to his chin. "Indeed, O Exalted one. Prithee, where is Morgan? Our eternal rivalry has fated us to cross blades once again!"
Again, she was asked about Morgan's whereabouts. With a resigned sigh, she gave a hasty recollection of what had happened so long before. Both of the others looked devastated.
"Maybe he'll come later?" The young Pegasus Knight suggested. There was denial in her voice.
"Yes! The Justice Cabal always succeeds! Together, we shall thwart fate's cruel designs!" Owain professed, shaking a fist in the air.
Lucina let them hope. She had crushed Morgan's spirits before, and that had led to his desperation on the battlefield. She wasn't about to make the same mistake again.
After a moment of quiet awkwardness, Cynthia poked her shoulder. "What are you looking for?"
"Oh! Er, something for my parents. They gave me some spending money, so I should buy something useful." Lucina said quickly.
Owain nodded. "Ah, yes! Only the finest weapons for the rulers of Ylisse! Come, we shall scour the village for the blades of legend!"
Cynthia made a noise. "That's silly! Chrom already has Falchion. I don't know if Robin would want a magic sword. Besides, a gift shouldn't be what they need. It should be something Lucina likes – because they'll think of her when they see it."
"The blades of legend aren't 'magical swords'!" Lucina's cousin broke character for a second. "They are weapons forged of mystical steel, tempered by hellfire and blessed by heaven! A single stroke is enough to level a battlefield!"
Both Cynthia and Lucina stared at him.
"Okay, so maybe we won't find those in this village," Owain conceded. "But mark my words, we'll come across one soon!"
"Right. Anyway, Lucina, we'll help you find something." Cynthia chirped, already skipping off to browse around.
The sage's hamlet had plenty of healing staffs and salves, but Lucina had a feeling Aunt Lissa would stock up on those on her own. There weren't very many things she thought Father would like. He liked simple items that were practical yet sturdy. Maybe some boots?
"Owain, Cynthia, what do you think about this?" Lucina held up a heavy tome full of historic information. "Do you think my mother would enjoy it?"
Cynthia snorted derisively. "That's so boring! Try something with more style."
"Owain Dark agrees," Owain nodded. "You must let the objects call to you! The right gift will present itself to you."
"Er, I don't think that's possible."
"Anything is possible!" Cynthia whined. "Look at us."
Reluctantly, Lucina set the book down and kept looking until she came upon a stall with all manners of clothing. Silken tunics, cotton vests, lace nightclothes – the finest materials fit for nobles were spread out before her.
Cynthia bolted ahead. "Yes! Now we're talking!"
Owain looked mildly interested. "Mayhap they have a raiment fit for a hero like me."
They spent a few minutes digging around. Lucina was about to give up when she saw a marvelous dress. It was made of gold silk with lace trimming, and it had an octopus pattern sewn in scarlet. It was perfect! She scooped it up to see its full size.
"Lucina?" Mother's voice snapped her out of her sudden discovery.
Startled, Lucina nearly dropped the garment. "Mother, I was just going to get this for you." She turned to see both her parents standing next to each other. If it wasn't for the armor and weapons, they might have looked like a normal couple, just like Lucina and her friends might have looked like a bunch of rascal children.
Mother stared at the dress for a moment. "I think it's…nice. What made you choose it?"
"You like octopi – at least, that's what I remember." Lucina explained a bit awkwardly. Why should she need to tell her mother her own preferences? She put the dress down dejectedly. Maybe it wasn't the right gift after all. And there was a matching men's sash near it, too…
Father nudged Mother while trying not to laugh. "I didn't know you liked those." He was interrupted by a blur of color latching onto him and Mother.
"Uncle Chrom, Aunt Robin!" Owain broke away, regaining his composure. "Sorry, that wasn't very heroic."
Father looked perplexed, his gaze meeting Lucina's eyes in a silent question. "Are you Lissa's child by any chance?"
Owain cleared his throat. "I am Owain Dark, the scion of heroes and possessor of Exalted blood!" He drew his sword, which shone like it had been polished meticulously. "I have been issued a sacred mission to save this world from inexorable destruction!"
"You're very enthusiastic, Owain." Mother said with a pleasant smile. "I suppose you take after your mother."
"Yeah, he's so unlike Frederick." Cynthia rolled her eyes.
"And who might you be?" Father asked.
Cynthia grinned as she reached for something on her hips. She dug into a pouch and tossed a bunch of flower petals into the air. "I am Cynthia, the wings of justice! Evildoers quiver in fear before me! Oh, and I'm Sumia and Gaius' daughter."
"Then you'll be wanting to meet them now, am I right?" Father looked between them.
Cynthia's eyes went wide. "Yes! I totally forgot all about that bit! Daddy, your pega-pony princess is coming!"
"Owain Dark needs no parents!" Owain started, "But he shan't forsake his family…"
Lucina smiled to herself and shook her head. It was clear that she wouldn't find gifts this day. Besides, she thought, she shouldn't waste the Shepherds' coin on frivolous objects. If anything, it would be a gift if she could find an item that would benefit the entire army. Her parents would appreciate that, she knew.
/
The night was spent celebrating the happy reunion of friends and family. The Shepherds had a hearty meal for a change, which boosted morale and almost made them forget about the war raging on around them. For the first time in ages, Lucina was given fresh, buttered bread that seemed to melt in her mouth and fill her with warmth. Everyone was in a noticeably amiable mood after some ale was passed around. Uncle Frederick even found Lucina a tent of her own. At least if she had any more nightmares, Mother wouldn't fret over her. She would put her tent closer to Father's – just in case an assassin snuck into camp.
The festive atmosphere was shattered when only one khan returned with a handful of soldiers. At once, Lucina's parents were stone-faced and anxious for news.
"What happened? Lucina, send for a healer!" Father demanded; it was a rhetorical question – anyone could deduce what had happened on the very aptly named suicide mission.
Before Lucina could act, Aunt Flavia snapped, "I'm fine! That oaf! Basilio – he shoved me away to face Walhart himself. Damn that selfish bastard!" The East khan choked between ragged breaths. She was hurt, but able to stand. "He did give me this, though." Aunt Flavia produced a tiny sack and opened it, letting a pearl-sized sphere drop into her palm. It was Gules – the vibrantly red gemstone. Lucina could feel its power resonating in her bones, calling to her. "Afterwards, my men told me Walhart returned to his fortress. The damned coward." She hissed.
Father accepted the gem and worked it into its place on the Fire Emblem, which he wore on his left forearm. With four of the five stones now united with the shield, it looked exactly like the Fire Emblem Lucina had been left with in her world. Memories shot to the surface of her mind – Plegia, hot and barren, the bleached bones of the Shepherds, and the abandoned Fire Emblem lying in the rubble.
"I'll kill Walhart with my own two hands!" The khaness seethed. "I swear by the gods I'll,"
"No, Flavia." Mother cut in, her eyes dark with unrecognizable emotions. "No good will come from an immediate counterattack. We've done it before and it resulted in the death of an Exalt. You need to rest."
Father nodded in agreement. "I promise we will avenge Basilio when the time is right. You have my word as Exalt."
The Feroxi leader glanced between her allies and grunted her consent. "I'm holding you to that vow."
"Why did I let him go without a fight?" Lucina thought aloud, regretting it instantly afterwards.
Aunt Flavia turned her attention to Lucina, her expression weary. "Nothing you could have said would have swayed him. The oaf was always like that and he wasn't about to change." The East khan straightened up and addressed Lucina's parents. "We don't have time for regrets! We have an empire to crush!"
"Friends! Comrades! We're moving out!" Father shouted. At once, everyone shoved the last morsels of food into his or her mouth and scrambled to pack up camp.
Lucina was suddenly burning with righteous fury. She may not have been able to change Khan Basilio's future, but he had given them the time they needed. This time, she would ensure that the Conqueror's empire fell. This time would be different; Lucina would make it so. By the gods she would make things right.
Walhart the Conqueror would not stand in the way of Lucina's mission. He had better stay in his fortress if he wanted to avoid defeat.
/
And that's chapter 10! I know I condensed lots of the Valmese chapters into one, but this is the plot through Lucina's eyes, and I feel she didn't care so much for the Valmese part than what comes after it. So please vote on the poll and review and blah blah blah. Till next time!