.

"...I keep an eye out. ...to keep everyone safe."

.

"Cydus."

Glancing up from his post, the quiet young man stood at attention as Lucina approached him. His stiff greeting was waved off with a faint smile.

"There's no need for such formalities."

"Right..."

Falling silent, he glanced at the surrounding woods before refocusing his attention on the warrior he had marched behind for years after their parents' deaths. He asked with his intent gaze what it was she required.

"I simply wanted to speak with you - nothing of import, I promise." She considered how to phrase it. "Only... I suppose you could say I wanted to "catch up." There is rarely the chance for us to talk anymore."

He murmured an apology. Before, during, and after battles, he slid between the Shepherds, aiding and protecting without a word to anyone. His family could draw him out of his silence, but otherwise he stood separate from the others. Sometimes, he felt lonely. Mostly, he stood guard.

Understanding his behavior, the young lord took a position beside him to assist in the night watch. Silence stretched between them for a time, and he fancied they were two ghosts watching life move on without them.

Listening to Mama's folktales always makes me melancholy. Despite happy endings, they always left a bittersweet taste in his mouth.

The ghost girl turned to the ghost boy and whispered, "It's strange, isn't it? To be here?"

He nodded silently, lips in a thin line. I know what you mean.

"To see Father again..." Her voice was quiet with grief, but also joy. "To see Mother..."

Grip tightening on his sword, he muttered the most important fact of this time period: That they were...

"Alive."

"Yes." Catching his gaze, Lucina confessed, "I'm not entirely sure I'll have the capacity to leave, once our quest is through."

Leave. Yes, it was a breaking thought. To come back and see his family whole once more, only to put it behind him... It wasn't something he liked to think about, but it wasn't going to go away if he ignored it.

"Father..." Pausing, Lucina took a deep breath. "Father said I didn't have to go. He means well. But... how could I stay? His daughter... my younger self... is at the palace, waiting for him.

"How could I... steal him away from her? From myself?"

It was the very same thought tumbling about his mind, whenever he saw Mama and Papa smiling at each other. Eventually, they would have children... in a future with more hope and peace than the one the time-travelers had all escaped to prevent.

She turned away, as if searching for the answers to their problems in the dark forest. So far, he hadn't found them, but he didn't begrudge her the need to try.

He wasn't able to articulate all of his thoughts, but he knew he had to tell her one thing.

"Lucina..."

Startled by his voice, her attention returned to him.

"Yes?"

He had to fight his heavy tongue. What I wouldn't give for Mama's natural smile. "...Leave... or stay..." Fingers flexed at his sides, grasping for eloquence. "...they still... love you."

Her gaze was intent, but not uncomfortably so. The bluenette had always been easy to talk to; her respect meant everyone was free to speak as they wanted. For someone as quiet as Cydus, it made it easier for him to attempt cheering her up. She had done so much for everyone, after all.

It was simply another method of protection: Protection from despair.

Finally, the corners of Lucina's lips turned up. Giving her gratitude, she murmured, "As do yours, Cydus. We must never forget that."

He nodded, mouth twitching with relief. The thought was a cool cloth on his troubled brow.

Together, they made sure their parents survived another night.

.

I forgot to mention this before, but it's too hilarious not to share (even late). When I wrote the note explaining how my friend told me to write using Ricken as the father, he really got a kick out of it. He imagined picking up Ricken and tossing him like a bridal bouquet. It tickles me every time I think about it, too.

-Dragon