SONG LIST(For those that play the recommended music with the fanfic)

-Shenlong Makes His Appearance [Dragon Ball Z Battle of Gods OST]

-Divine Child, White Sage/ Sacred Child of God, White Sage [Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem OST]

-"..." [Fire Emblem: Awakening OST] (If you're having trouble finding this song, look up either "MasterEnex fire emblem awakening" or "Fire Emblem Awakening Ost extended" on YouTube. You'll find a playlist with the song extended to an hour)


DISCLAIMER: HELLSING IS OWNED BY KOUTA HIRANO. I DO NOT ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.

FIRE EMBLEM IS OWNED BY NINTENDO. I DON'T OWN IT'S CHARACTERS EITHER.

ITALICS=THOUGHTS, WRITING, AND SOUNDS

BOLD= DATES, PLACES, ECT.

BOLD ITALICS=WRITER


Central Plegia ~ Plegian Capital(Catacombs[Resistance Base - War Room)

October 16, Age 2609 (5:10 A.M.)

"I'm glad to see those men's sacrifices were not in vain…"

Lucina felt a pang of guilt as she sat around a small round table alongside Mustafa and Erin. Walter was also present—sitting right beside her—his ruined clothing replaced with a pair of baggy white pants tucked into some leather boots, and a tan shirt under a black coat with purple and gold Grimleal imagery embroidered in.

Lucina admittedly found the clothing familiar, but she couldn't place her finger on where she had seen it before. All she could say was that it didn't suit Walter at all…

"Sacrifices that needn't have been made…" Walter replied to Mustafa. Lucina cringed—his derisive reply was certainly not what she'd wanted to hear from him.

"Your willingness to waste resources on the minuscule chance that I was alive was foolhardy, and one that I myself would never make." Walter continued. "The fact that you placed all your hopes on a gamble was moronic…" his tone softened." …though I do appreciate the fact that you did…" he conceded.

"Forgive, Walter." Lucina spoke up. "If it makes you feel any better, he certainly voiced his displeasure towards me when I arrived to rescue him."

The expression on Mustafa's face showed he wasn't at all amused.

"When you said you'd be freeing the "Guardian Angel of Ylisse", the last thing I expected was a child…" Mustafa frowned. "Many men were killed during the raid, and many of our insiders were compromised, Erin included."

Lucina felt guilty—according to Erin—since she was spotted escaping with Walter in tow, he was immediately branded a criminal due to being the one that brought her into the palace in the first place. He lost his place in Gangrel's inner circle, and was now being hunted down.

"It was a risk we knew we'd have to take, Mustafa." Erin countered. "Could you have really sat idly by while this young lady was violated by Gangrel?" Mustafa only sighed, shaking his head in response.

"You have my gratitude for that, at the very least." Walter leaned back in his chair, feet on the table. "I apologize for my disrespectful disposition; I'm still getting used to this body…" Mustafa stared at Walter, while Erin only gave him a slow nod; neither understanding what the hell he meant.

"Getting to business." Lucina spoke up before anyone could start another tangent. "We are eternally grateful for your aid, and we will ensure that the resistance is repaid in full for their efforts. As of now, however we must return to Ylisse."

"Indeed, Ylisse will need me if they want to win this war." Walter added. "Hopefully, once I've arrived there, I'll be able to plan an attack that will bring a swift and decisive end to this entire farce."

"Do you really think that you'll be capable of turning the tide?" Mustafa inquired. "Gangrel's army has pushed well passed the border between Ylisse and Plegia, and he's slowly making his way towards your capital. His forces number in the millions now, and no fighting force alive can handle the undead creatures that constitute his ranks."

"Indeed…" Erin joined in. "Even if his numbers weren't so immense, do you think anyone alive can defeat Gangrel as he is now?"

Lucina glanced over to Walter, who looked contemplative. She wanted his reassurance that he would handle Gangrel when the time came, but his silence only served to paint just how grim the situation had become.

"As unlikely as it seems, I may be able to defeat Gangrel." Walter finally replied after a few minutes. "Now that I know what his capabilities are, I can prepare something that will eliminate him."

"Are you certain?" Mustafa pressed. "Any attempts on his life have all been in vain; the monster simply regenerates from whatever killing blow has been dealt him."

"I am certain I can." the butler declared. "As unbelievable as it is, his abilities have their limits. He can only regenerate from life ending attacks as many times equivalent to the number of people he's devoured."

"What?" Erin raised a brow. Walter sighed as he lowered his feet from the table and leaned forward.

"What you view as regeneration is simply the bastard redirecting the damage, something I doubt even he knows." the teenager began. "Blood is the currency of the soul—the life essence of a living creature. By forcibly taking it from another—by ingesting it—a vampire takes a person's very life and adds it to their own; a stockpile to use a term." Realization dawned upon Lucina.

"So wait, doesn't that mean that ghouls…"

"Ghouls are what's left of a person." Walter answered her. "Soulless and subservient to the vampire that took their life, these deflowered humans are nothing but empty husks. Killing them is the only mercy that they can be given."

At Walter's explanation, the room grew eerily silent. Lucina had heard something that made her sick to her stomach. Recalling her encounter with the ghouls in Plegia Castle's dungeon, she recalled the children amongst the undead creatures.

"So non-virgins are turned into…"

"Yes…" Walter sighed. The butler glanced over to Lucina, who was processing the information; her expression a mix of shock and horror. Certainly she could now see why he was so visibly disgusted by them, doubly so because of the implications.

"Than what are…"

"We're getting off topic." Mustafa interrupted Lucina. "All I want is reassurance that you'll be able to deal with Gangrel when the time comes."

"When I face him on the other side of the battlefield…" Walter nodded. "...yes, I'll deal with him."

Satisfied, Mustafa and Erin moved onto a different topic. As per their request, Lucina and Walter were to be transported back to Ylisse later that day. They were leaving in the middle of the day, so as to not be conspicuous. Utilizing what little insiders they had left, the Resistance were going to plant guards at one of the city entrances. This would allow them to bypass any searches that could occur. It was a several day journey from capital to capital, and—though she wasn't a fan of long trips—Lucina was eager to get as far away from Plegia as possible.

As she and Walter left the war room, Lucina couldn't help but recall the last time she had sat around a round table like that…


Border Pass

April 23, Age 2630

After a full-days rest, Lucina was once again up and about. According to Owain, aerial support arrived just as she had fallen. Gerome and Cynthia managed to draw the enemy mages fire, distracting them long enough for the infantry units to move in on the ranged enemies. The rest of the battle devolved into a war of attrition, until Severa arrived with their reinforcements. Afterwards, they managed to sweep the battlefield, earning them a swift—albeit harrowing—victory.

With Severa, Laurent, Gerome, and Cynthia joined with their main force once more, they set up camp and decided to hold out until the rest of Lucina's inner circle—the children of the Shepherds—regrouped with them. Lucina had sent them on a mission to locate the Fire Emblem's gemstones.

It had taken her years, but Lucina had finally located the gemstones; it had involved her perusing the ancient texts of the Grimleal. Grima could be defeated by a fully powered Falchion, blessed by Naga herself. However in order to summon Naga to bless the Falchion, one had perform the Awakening at Mount Prism with all five gemstones embedded within the Fire Emblem.

Entering a tent pitched up specifically for her and her allies, she was glad to see all of them returned safe and sound. The children of the Shepherds—her closest allies and inner circle—were all present and accounted for.

"Good tidings, friends." Lucina greeted them politely. When they all stood at attention, she quickly motioned them to sit. Owain and Cynthia sat at her side, naturally, while the rest filled in spots until they were in a circle.

"I am glad to see you all arrived safely. The tasks I sent you all to complete were quite hefty. I apologize for forcing you all into-"

"Don't apologize, Lucina." Kjelle interrupted. Kjelle was one of the strongest of their armored units, surpassing even herself in Lucina's opinion. She was also fiercely loyal, though that could be said about all of her friends.

"We knew what we were getting into when you sent us to find the gemstones." Kjelle continued. "We also knew that this was our only chance of ever defeating Grima."

"Indeed, this was a risk that we needed to take." Laurent was the next to speak up. He was a studious mage, probably inheriting that trait from his mother, that was considered the tactician of their faux militia.

"These gemstones are the only option we have left, if we don't perform the awakening than all hope is truly lost." Laurent finished. The others nodded in agreement, grim as it was.

"Then let us not waste anymore time." Lucina motioned for Owain to hand her something. Reverent whispers were uttered as Owain carefully handed Lucina a thickly veiled shield-like object—though the cloth covering it was worn down, the Brand of Exalt was still visible; ornately woven into the royal blue fabric. With gentle hands, Lucina carefully unwrapped the object from its covering before folding the fabric neatly. She ran a hand over the emblem, its golden surface shining bright in spite of the harsh times.

"The Fire Emblem." Lucina held out the artifact for all to see. The ancient shield as divine as the Falchion was laid on the folded cloth that it was wrapped in just moments ago. Three of the five slots across its surface were empty. One socket was occupied by the only gemstone that had been in Ylisse's possession during Grima's initial onslaught: Argent. The other was obtained during the Ylisse's campaign in Valm, retrieved from the corpse of Khan Basilio shortly after his demise.

"Present the gemstones." Lucina continued to stare at the golden surface of the Emblem. Kjelle was first to approach, alongside Noire and Nah, her gemstone in hand. Noire shivered behind Kjelle, the hexed talisman left to her by her mother held tightly in her hands. The nervous archer seemed meek when compared to Kjelle, but she was far more skilled as an archer than most would give her credit to; of course the fact that she seemed to be afflicted with a split personality of sorts—one that was many times more volatile than her typical persona—surprisingly saved more lives than could be believed.

Nah was barely up to Kjelle and Noire's chin, making her look even more harmless than Noire. However, her appearance was not an accurate reflection of her battle prowess. The red haired twin braided girl was a manakete, so she was naturally a force on the battlefield. The fact that she was one of the last—if not the absolute last—of the manaketes made her invaluable. Just the fact that she was present provided some amount of comfort to their soldiers.

Kjelle presented her gemstone to Lucina: Azure. It's location was fairly vague, and the very last thing they wanted was it to be in Valm; luckily they managed to track it down.

"I pray that locating Azure wasn't too difficult?" Lucina asked concernedly after carefully placing the gemstone in its slot on the Fire Emblem.

"No… not at all actually," meekly Noire answered. "Although… we did have a close call…"

"A close call?" Lucina's eyes widened slightly.

"Yeah," replied Nah. "Risen managed to corner us at one point, and very nearly took us out. Thankfully we escaped with the gemstone with some quick thinking on Kjelle's part."

"Then it is a good thing I sent you three as a unit." Lucina smiled, masking the terror she felt at the very thought of losing her friends. "Please be seated."

After a short bow, the trio made way for the next group to present their gemstone. Severa and Laurent stood before the princess, Vert in hand.

"So sending you ahead bore fruit after all." Lucina was handed the gemstone, a small smile on her face as it was. The location of Vert was actually not revealed to Lucina until shortly after they had begun marching their troops; awhile after sending the other two groups to locate Azure and Sable respectively. As such, she sent Laurent and Severa to do two things: obtain Vert, and rally the reinforcements. Thankfully, it seemed that both were accomplished without much trouble.

"Duh... not like it was difficult…" Severa brazenly replied.

"Severa, please refrain from any impertinent remarks." Laurent chided the golden haired mercenary. "Lucina is our leader, we ought to hold her at higher regard."

"Gawds! You want me to get down on my knees and kiss her feet?" Severa huffed before sitting back down, Laurent letting out a sigh before following. Everyone simply chose to shrug and ignore Severa's outburst; it was typical and nothing worth getting worked up over.

Lucina could only smile at the sight of the near completed Fire Emblem, the only slot on its surface not filled reserved for the final gemstone: Sable. The duo sent to locate Sable were Inigo and Yarne. Tracing the location of Sable was problematic—the gemstone having last been in the possession of Plegia. Still, Lucina had faith that the pair could track it down.

"Inigo, Yarne," the princess addressed the two. Both shifted uncomfortably in their seats, raising some concern from the others. The two exchanged some nervous looks before Inigo stood up.

"Lucina…" Inigo hung his head in shame. "We scoured all of Plegia—even raided as many of the Grimleal's bases as we could—but we couldn't locate Sable." A pause followed the reveal; stunned silence filling the room. Like glass falling to the ground, all hope that Lucina had was shattered.

"You what!?" Kjelle bolted upright, causing Inigo to flinch. "You have some guts standing there empty handed! The rest of us would've bled to death before even thinking about coming back without the gemstone!"

"I'm sorry, there's nothing more neither I—or Yarne—could've done." Inigo raised his hands as he stepped back from the angered knight. "We combed all of Plegia! Why do you think we were the last to arrive!?"

"H- he's right!" Yarne stood beside Inigo, albeit VERY very hesitantly. "We knew just how much this meant—not just to Lucina—but to the whole world! L- look, I tried my best—we tried our best! Even if I weren't the last of my kind, and we had a whole bunch of taguel searching, that gemstone still wouldn't be found!"

Kjelle glared daggers at the taguel, who immediately relented and retreated behind Inigo.

"Oh, well after I'm done with you two, that gemstone won't be the only thing that's not found." Kjelle growled as she made to lunge at the two. However, a pair of strong arms stopped her.

"Enough…" Gerome held onto the knight tightly, so as not to allow her even a chance to break free. "We're shorthanded as it is, we can't afford to be lashing out at one another; even if your anger towards them is justified." Kjelle clicked her teeth before relaxing a little.

"Fine…" she huffed. Gerome, satisfied, let the girl go. Kjelle shot one final venomous glare towards Inigo and Yarne before taking her seat. Yarne and Inigo—both slightly nervous—warily sat back down as well; though they kept their heads down to avoid the look of soul crushing disappointment in the others faces.

"Lucina," Gerome addressed their leader, who had been blankly staring down at the Fire Emblem for the last few seconds. Lucina was snapped out of her trance like stupor and looked towards Gerome.

"We're one gemstone short." The wyvern rider declared. "What do we do now?"

That was the question that needed answering. They failed to collect the gemstones, and that was their last chance at defeating Grima. What exactly were they to do now? Was all hope lost?

"No…" Lucina muttered, though she was just loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Lucy?" Cynthia called concernedly. The elder sibling didn't acknowledge her. Lucina clenched her fist tightly as she stood up.

"We march to Mount Prism tomorrow morning." Lucina declared.

"What?" Owain flinched at the declaration. "Dear cousin 'O mine, you realize that-"

"Yes, I do." Lucina stopped him from continuing. "I am well aware that the awakening cannot be performed without all five gemstones; I'm certain of that much. However…" Lucina looked down at the Emblem once more. "...I refuse to believe that Naga will abandon us in our time of need. We must at least try and see what can be done. With any luck we may be granted something that can aid us against Grima."

Though there were mixed reactions to her declaration, Lucina didn't care. She held fast to her hope, like a small babe to their mother. Hope that something could be done was all she had left. The princess that had lost nearly everything she held dear was not about to lose her faith as well.


Central Plegia ~ Plegian Capital

October 16, Age 2609 (7:10 A.M.)

Lucina was many things. She was a sword maiden, a princess, a leader, and an orphan, but chief among them was the fact that she was a dreamer. She held fast to her beliefs, and often tried to keep her chin held high. Even in this time period, she had not changed. She still placed great faith in the things that she believed in, and she believed no one right now more than she did Walter.

She had believed that he could save Emmeryn, which he did. She believed that he wasn't killed by Gangrel, which he wasn't. Now she believed that he would stand up to the Mad King, and defeat him. Time and time again he'd proven himself to be the most reliable man she'd ever met, and she'd no reason to doubt that he'd do so again.

Sitting in the back of a wagon driven by Matthew once more—this time Walter accompanying her—she sat beside the butler.

"So, you're going to defeat Gangrel?" Lucina asked. Walter shot her a glance and shrugged, much to her bewilderment.

"I'm not really certain in all honesty."

Lucina blanched. He wasn't certain? How could he not be certain?

"But you told Mustafa and Erin that-"

"I lied…" Walter admitted nonchalantly. Lucina frowned.

"You lied?" she gasped. The very idea that he would do such a thing was appalling.

"Yes…" the butler lay back in an attempt to get comfortable for the long journey ahead of them. "It was the only way we were going to secure passage back home." Lucina crossed her arms and shot him look of disappointment.

"How can you doubt their hospitality?" the bluenette asked angrily. "They helped me save you; they sacrificed so much for YOUR sake, and you doubted them?"

"Yes, I did." Walter sat up, meeting her glare with his own. "The look on Mustafa's face said it all; he doesn't think your rescue was worth gambling on—not after seeing me as I am now at the very least."

"Perhaps your derisive comments on the fact they were willing to make the sacrifices didn't help the overall mood, Walter." Lucina argued.

"That was a ploy, I wanted to get a better grasp on those two." the butler clicked his teeth. "Seeing how they'd react to my derision was a quick method of getting an idea of how they felt about me, and also of how much more they were willing to risk for us. Mustafa wasn't going to waste anymore resources, not if I didn't feed him the lie that I was certain I could do something about Gangrel."

"Perhaps, but Erin certainly would've allowed us to leave without your manipulation." Lucina shot back. Walter shook his head in response.

"That may be so, but I doubt his opinion would've overruled Mustafa's." he sighed. "Mustafa is a man of his soldiers—a General that leads by example and prefers that his men not be subjected to any unneeded risk. The fact that he lost so many men for the sake of rescuing someone he views as a child is… heart wrenching to say the least. He wasn't going to let us go if I didn't assure him that their sacrifices weren't in vain."

"Well were they in vain?" Lucina demanded a reply. Walter ran a stressed hand through his greasy locks of hair.

"I don't have anything planned right now. As of this moment, I have my doubts as to what I'd be able to do against Gangrel."

Lucina shrunk back. He was unsure… that was certainly sobering. Once more, she recalled her past when her faith was tested. At the time, it seemed like all hope was lost, but she very quickly learned that there was always another way. Exhaling, Lucina scooted closer to Walter, who flinched as she leaned against his shoulder. Resting her head on him, she relaxed.

"I know you'll think of something, Walter…" she whispered as she closed her eyes tranquilly. "I believe in you..."

Walter glanced at the girl resting against him. With a sigh he carefully sat back—hoping not to disturb the tired princess—and closed his eyes.

"I'll think of something eventually…"


Ylisse ~ Mount Prism

April 26, Age 2630

They began marching that morning, and arrived at Mount Prism after several days of marching. Moving across Ylisse—from the border pass to the far coast of the east—the destruction wrought by the endless struggle against Grima was vividly painted in blood. They had seen the destruction many times throughout their lives, but none of the second generation Shepherds could ever get used to the grim imagery. Entire villages reduced to rubble, and skeletal remains littered the ground—stripped clean of their flesh by the dark forces of Grima. Their march to Mount Prism was solemn, for no one truly had any faith that Naga would aid them; not a single one held fast to their hope. The only one that believed was Lucina.

The Fire Emblem was strapped to her arm, just as her father carried it over a decade ago; the gleam of the four gemstones on its surface lighting Lucina's path forward. As they ascended Mount Prism and steadily made their way to its summit. Lucina stood at the front, leading her allies and her soldiers up to the peak. Not even the sacred mountain where Naga was said to reside was safe from Grima, as the lush green that covered the mountain was reduced to a dry brown—a sign of the land's decay. There was some doubt that the temple was even still standing; that Grima toppled his rival's ancient monument. However, those doubts were laid to rest as they surmounted the final slope, reaching the peak.

"Here we are…" Lucina gazed at the weathered temple—while still standing, was most certainly hit by Grima's fell winds. The entrance beckoned the princess, as if it called to her enter.

"Lucina…" Owain placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Are you sure that-"

"Yes," Lucina said sternly. "Naga will come, I know it…" Owain exhaled before a melancholy smile formed on his face. Lucina knew, not even her cousin believed.

"I will go alone." Lucina turned away from Owain, who visibly flinched at her declaration.

"Lucina, I don't think-"

"Tell everyone to stand guard outside…" Lucina ignored Owain's protest and entered. Though the cousin of Lucina was unsure, the glimmer of Falchion's hilt at her side reassured him. With a weary smile, Owain stepped back as Lucina disappeared into the temple.

Though the outside was worn, the inside of the building seemed untouched, almost as if Naga herself had stopped all of Grima's influence from entering. The blue walls were lit green by the fire above the ornate altar at the end of the hall. Tall pillars ran parallel with the walkway, the ground a polished marble that was so clean that Lucina could see her own reflection. Approaching the altar, she saw a great statue of a dragon. Though her experience with Grima had made her distasteful of the massive beasts, this statue seemed to radiate a serene air—a divine calmness.

Standing before the altar, Lucina knew what had to be done. Unstrapping the Fire Emblem from her arm, she gleaned over its surface once more. Part of her had hoped that the empty slot for Sable would've been magically filled, but she knew that was impossible. With a small sigh, Lucina held the incomplete Fire Emblem aloft.

"Hear me, Naga!" Lucina cried out, reciting the ancient summoning. "I bear proof of our sacred covenant! In the name of the exalted blood, I ask for the divine dragon's power! Baptize me in fire, that I may become your true daughter!"

Finishing the incantation, her voice echoed throughout the empty hall for a short while. It continued ringing until it eventually faded.

Silence followed for several seconds, the pregnant pause causing Lucina's heart to race. Just as the silence became maddening, the sound of a light hum began to emanate from the Fire Emblem. The four gemstones across it's surface began to glow their heavenly colors. The golden shield was soon bathed in a divine light as the turquoise flames of the altar crackled and surged with power.

(Play song ~ Shenlong Makes His Appearance [Dragon Ball Z Battle of Gods OST])

Lucina felt her body freeze in place, unable to move no matter what she commanded. The flames burst forth, rising into the air above Lucina, it's beauty hypnotizing the young princess. However, awe turned to fear as the flames suddenly dove at her. Her instincts told her to run, but her legs would not move. So, with terror in her eyes, Lucina was engulfed in the divine flames; eyes shut as they impacted. Shockingly, she was not met with the searing pain of flames licking her body, but a soothing coolness akin to a spring breeze.

"Welcome, Awakener…"

(Song ends here)

(Play song ~ Divine Child, White Sage/ Sacred Child of God, White Sage [Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem OST])

Lucina's eyes shot open as a beautiful melodious voice addressed her. Her voice was caught in her throat as she looked up towards the altar once more. Standing amongst the flames was a beautiful woman, hair greener than the fields and trees. She shone as bright as the stars—denoting her power and majesty–yet her expression was as tranquil as a clear lake.

Lucina knew, yes she was sure; this was Naga.

"Your heart has been tested, and deemed worthy." Naga spoke once more, her harmonious voice bringing peace to Lucina. "Cleansed in my fire, your desire has been proven to burn the stronger."

Joy filled Lucina's heart. She had been successful, she had summoned Naga! Despite not attaining Sable, she was still successful!

"Naga, hear my plea!" Lucina cried out. "The world has been plagued by Grima for a decade now! Humanity, no, all life has been threatened by the Fell Dragon! I ask of you, Divine Dragon Naga: please bestow upon me the power to defeat Grima!"

Naga looked down at the princess, the descendant of the First Exalt whom she had first made a covenant with. Lucina felt tension build as she waited for Naga's answer. The divine dragon closed her eyes.

"That cannot be done, young Awakener." Instantly, Lucina felt her heart sink. "To lay Grima low once more, the five gemstones must be gathered and placed in the Fire Emblem. Though you have collected four, Sable is absent. I grant you a portion of the weapon's true strength, however I cannot awaken Falchion's true power without the final gemstone."

"But Sable is lost! There is nothing that can be done!" Lucina clenched her fist, her ire sparked and directed towards Naga. "You would send me away, despite deeming me worthy!?"

"No, young Awakener." Naga cooed. "I am aware that Sable is lost, never to be found. Grima's cunning gave him foresight to hide away the gemstone where it can never be found by human or dragon, knowing that the loss of one would forever prevent the Falchion from being awakened."

"Then what hope is there?!" Lucina exclaimed, despair beginning to claim her. "If the power of Falchion cannot be awakened, then what can be done!?"

Naga was silent for a moment. Humming a soothing tone, she laid her eyes upon Lucina once more. Her serene calm dimmed Lucina's anguish.

"You've one last option, Awakener." Naga spoke again. "I see the anguish in your heart; you've pure intentions. You would sacrifice everything for the world; I understand, for I too feel sorrow at allowing Grima to wreak havoc on mankind. That is why I will use what power I have to send you back to a time before Grima rose."

Back to a time before Grima rose? Lucina blinked.

"Send me… back in time?" Lucina asked for clarification.

"You and your allies." Naga replied serenely. "This is a power that is to be used only in the most dire of circumstances; when all other hope is lost."

Lucina breathed heavily, shock washing over her. If she were to be sent back, then that would mean…

Father and mother… Images of her kind and benevolent father and her loving and beautiful mother flashed through her mind. Her intentions became clouded, and what she wanted was the only thing clear to her. The love of her father, the safety that he gave her; to experience it once again was…

No… I must remain detached. Lucina's hand caressed Falchion's hilt. I must put the world before myself, regardless of how much it hurts.

"Very well." Lucina was stern. "Will you send my allies and I now?"

"No," Naga shook her head. "It will take me time to build my power. In three days, young Awakener, the gate to the past shall be opened at this spot. Return here then, and you will be sent to the time before Grima's awakening."

"If that is so, than I shall tell my allies." Lucina replied stoically. "When the time comes, I shall return here and go to the past." Naga smiled serenely.

"Be safe, Awakener. You are the last hope for this world; you and your allies…" Naga's voice began to fade, and her image became distorted in the flames. The light she brought dimmed, and the turquoise fire shrank down once more. Lucina stared at the crackling light as it returned to as it was before she arrived. With a heavy heart, Lucina stepped away from the altar. The Fire Emblem stayed at the altar, destined to forever be incomplete.

(Song ends here)

Though Lucina felt dejected, she felt a thrum of power at her hip: the Falchion. Lucina did not need to unsheath the weapon to know that it had been strengthened, as Naga said it would. Though she was saddened that it couldn't be fully awakened, Lucina was still thankful for the partial powering of the weapon.

Exiting the temple, Lucina was immediately met by Cynthia. Her bubbly younger sister shot her a smile, one that Lucina reciprocated in full. The younger sibling then approached the elder.

"So, how'd it go?" Cynthia prodded. Lucina sighed, shaking her head.

"I was unsuccessful in awakening the Falchion, however I was able to commune with Naga." Lucina recounted. Cynthia's eyes widened in awe.

"Really!? You spoke to the Divine Dragon!?" she exclaimed. "What did she say!?"

"Cynthia." Lucina raised her hand to silence her. "Please, I will explain when we return Ylisstol. I've a lot on my mind, and I must be alone for the duration of the trip; I need this time to think."

Cynthia, though dejected, nodded understandingly. The amateur Pegasus Knight knew Lucina inside-and-out—she was her sister after all. If her elder sister needed time alone, than there truly was something important on her mind. Whatever it was, Cynthia knew that she'd tell her, and everyone else, eventually.

"Okie dokie then!" Cynthia saluted in her usual bubbly persona. "I'll go on ahead and tell everyone to start getting ready to march!"

True to her word, Cynthia immediately bolted ahead of Lucina. The bluenette couldn't help but smile at her sister's antics. Grim as it was, her younger sister always found the time to lighten the mood. That was something she greatly appreciated, and one thing she'd miss if she were to go to the past without her,

Yes… Lucina looked down the slope of the mountain to see her allies getting their gear ready for the days march back to Ylisstol. I would truly miss them…


Eastern Plegia

October 16, Age 2609 (11:45 A.M.)

"Still going at it alone, I see."

Lucina furrowed her brow at Walter's statement. They had stopped for a moment to enjoy a quick lunch break. There was a small oasis present on their route where they had set up. Both Lucina and Walter relaxed underneath a group of shady palm trees.

"Yes, I certainly can't trust anyone enough to bring them with me." Lucina took a bite from the jerky she had been given. Walter seemed unconvinced.

"Really?" he leaned toward her. "No one at all? I'm certain you'd have been able to convince a few of the Shepherds to join you on this definite "suicide" mission."

"Walter, you know why I can't have done that…" Lucina deadpanned.

"Yes yes, timeline and possible paradoxes and what not…" Walter chuckled to himself. "If the Shepherds are out of the question, why not an ally from your time?" the butler inquired. Lucina sighed as she took another bite of jerky.

"I woul' ih I coul' fine them." she muttered, mouthful of jerky. Walter rolled his eyes as he handed her a canteen of water.

"Don't talk with your mouth full." he chided, an amused grin on his face. Lucina blushed as she meekly drank the water.

"...sorry…" the bluenette shrank in embarrassment.

"It's fine, just please try not to do it again." Walter kept smiling. "Anyway, have you tried locating your allies?" Lucina shook her head.

"Really?" the butler raised his brow. "Why's that?" Lucina sighed as she lay back in the patch of grass they sat on.

"No time…" she stared up at the blue sky above. "I've been so busy traveling all through Ylisse and Plegia these past months, that I've honestly not given any thought to where they could've ended up." Walter hummed as he lay beside her, head resting on his arms.

"Do you miss them?"

"Yes… very much…" Lucina sighed. "My sister and cousin especially…"

"You have a sister and cousin?" Walter perked up.

"Yup, Cynthia and Owain." Lucina smiled just mentioning them.

"So is Owain—who I assume is your cousin—Emmeryn or Lissa's child?" the butler asked.

"He's Aunt Lissa's." the bluenette replied simply. "Emmeryn had been dead long before he was born."

"Ah…" Walter shifted uncomfortably. "You never know, I just thought he could've been born before she was… killed in your timeline…" Lucina let out a mirthless laugh.

"It would've been nice to have an older cousin, but I scarce imagine the pains a child of Emmeryn's would have gone through in my timeline…" she sighed. Walter could only hum in agreement.

"So you certainly trust your allies—your family at the very least." Walter began again. "Yet, here you are with a man—turned teenager—that you only met just two months ago. I still personally question why you went through all the pain to get me, when it might've been far easier to search for these friends of yours."

"Stop that…" Lucina frowned. "I came to you because I trust you. You are not just an ally, but a close friend that I can trust, Walter. I truly could not stand living if you had perished in that dungeon, and I had not at least made an attempt to save you."

"Really?" Walter breathed a heavy breath. "Are you certain your friends would agree with your choice?" Lucina hesitated.

She didn't reply, knowing full well that there were some that would've probably rioted if they knew what she had done. If it were dictated by the committee that her allies could be at times, she would've most definitely never been allowed to have gone. After all…

...they didn't always unanimously agree on everything.


Ylisstol, Ylisse

April 26, Age 2630

They arrived at Ylisstol later that evening, marching at full-speed as to not waste anytime. The skies had dimmed into their pitch black, the moon not even visible through thick gray overcast sky. Ylisstol, the Halidom of Ylisse, still stood tall as a symbol of the last great stronghold against Grima. Though it was not as glorious as it was in past decades—the stone walls eroded and the streets crowded with the impoverished—it was still a testament to humankind and their tenacity.

Wandering through the dimly lit streets of Ylisstol, Lucina and her entourage were greeted by the citizens with warm thanks and adoration. It brought happiness to the princess to see the genuine gratitude from the people she swore to protect. She made sure to greet every single man, woman, and child that came to her—practically everyone—and did so with a loving smile.

"Milady!" Lucina turned to see a single sentinel guard saluting her.

"What is it, soldier?" she asked, slipping right into her leader tone.

"We've great food shortage, as those assigned to gather food were…" the pained expression on sentinel's face told Lucina everything she needed to hear. Turning to

Yarne, Lucina immediately addressed the taguel.

"Yarne, run ahead to the palace in your beast form. Tell them to distribute the food the food we have to the citizens." Lucina ordered. Yarne nodded and immediately rushed to the castle, transforming into his large rabbit form mid-sprint.

"Lucina," Owain tapped his cousin on the shoulder. "Last I checked, we've barely any food in reserve left. To feed the city, you'll have to cut into the soldiers—as well as our—rations."

"Than so be it, if some of the rations are to be distributed amongst our people, than I will give up the rations reserved for me." the princess was stern in her declaration. "If feeding the people of Ylisstol means that I starve for several days, then I will happily accept hunger." Owain scratched the back of his head, a smile on his face.

"Oh dear and noblest cousin! If you will starve for the people, who am I to not follow suit!?" Owain declared aloud. "I am sure that the others will agree to do the same!"

Lucina giggled at her cousin's boisterousness. She was thankful that him—as well as all of her allies—were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people. These were hard times, and hard times tended to bring out the worst in people. Yet, instead of bringing out the worst, it brought out the best in her friends. It was that fact that she was truly grateful for.

Lucina—as well as the rest of second generation Shepherds—shifted uncomfortably in their seats; stomachs growling from the lack of food. As Owain said, the others did agree to follow the example set by their leader. Some took more convincing than others, ultimately however they all decided that it was for the people, and were all willing to go a day or two without food. Besides, it wasn't like this was the first time they've all went for a period of time without food; though Lucina hoped that this would be the last time.

Gathering in the war room of the palace, the children of the heroic Shepherds sat around a round table. Lucina, as always, sat at the head of the table; Owain and Cynthia seated at her right and left respectively.

"Okay, are you gonna keep us in suspense, or are you gonna tell us what the hell happened at Mount Prism?" Brady was first to speak up. The room was filled with murmurs of agreement with the priest's question; they all wanted answers, and they wanted them now. Lucina raised a hand to silence them.

"I would not even think of never relaying what occured to you, my friends." she assured. "I just felt that this information would best shared here in the secrecy of this room. I cannot risk this being leaked; being brought before Grima." Lucina explained.

"Well, that explains why you waited until we arrived back in Ylisstol." Kjelle spoke in her usual disciplined tone. "So what? Was the Awakening successful, even without Sable?" the knight asked, noticeably sending a glare across the table towards Inigo and Yarne.

"I… no, I am sorry." the princess replied truthfully. "Though I had hoped it would be possible even without the last gemstone, the full-power of the Falchion can only be summoned forth with all five. Naga was only able to awaken a fraction of Falchion's power."

"So you were able to commune with the Divine Dragon?" inquired Gerome. Lucina nodded, a small smile on her face.

"Yes, the Divine Dragon saw me worthy of her power—though she could not awaken it—and granted me an audience." Awestruck whispers were uttered; Lucina had actually spoke to their deity figure.

"What did Naga say!?" Nah was the most exuberant of the group, perhaps due to her manakete heritage. "Surely she granted you something that could defeat Grima, even if she could not empower the Falchion."

"Therein lies the reason why I could not confide in you earlier." Lucina began. "When asked to awaken Falchion's full-power, Naga stated that it could not be done without all of the gemstones. She then confirmed that Sable is truly lost—the foresight of Grima contributing to it's loss—with not even a divine dragon being able to locate the lost gemstone." The other's shifted uncomfortably in their seats at that development. The idea that not even Naga could locate Sable was troubling news.

"Then all hope is lost?" Laurent asked, and though he was stoic it could not hide the clear distress he was holding back.

"No." Lucina shook her head, surprising the rest of them. "Naga informed me that there is still hope, however what must be done to ensure peace is… unbelievable." The princess sat up straight as she began.

"As a last resort, Naga has the ability to send us back into the past; to the time before Grima rose."

Shock was not an adequate description of everyone's reactions. They all were completely speechless; some sputtering in confusion, and others simply staring at Lucina with their mouths hung open. It was to be expected: being told that their only hope was time travel was a hard pill to swallow.

"Wholly improbable, the concept of traveling through time itself—into the distant past—is entirely fantastical." Laurent stated as a matter of fact.

"Have some faith, Laurent!" Cynthia practically jumped to of her seat to point a finger at the mage. "You think that a DIVINE DRAGON of all things is limited by logic!?"

"You're also speaking of the same being that couldn't unlock Falchion's full-power…" Gerome argued.

"Hey!" Nah frowned. "What're you trying to say about Naga, huh!?"

"He's saying that the idea that Naga could send us all to the past—yet couldn't awaken Falchion's power—is ridiculous." Kjelle replied for the stalwart Wyvern Rider.

"Enough!" Lucina's voice eclipsed everyone else's, putting a swift end to all the arguing. "Whether you believe Naga or not is irrelevant. This is our last option; there are no others. I for one am prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure Grima is defeated; even if it means going to the past and preventing his rise from ever occurring."

Silence filled the air after her declaration. Lucina noted the the differing expressions around the table. Some were people were more readable than others—Lucina could always tell what her sister and cousin were thinking even when it wasn't obvious to others—but the vast majority were stone-faced. Lucina shifted in her seat nervously.

"I'm staying," Gerome suddenly spoke up.

"What?" Lucina blanched.

"With all due respect, I see no point in returning to the past," replied Gerome. "Returning to the time before Grima's rise to power would do little to nothing to sway fate. Why fight against the events that has already happened; it was Grima's destiny to rise a decade ago. Fighting in the present is all we can do."

"Crazy talk!" Cynthia declared. "All that fate stuff is boloney! I don't know about you, but whatever Lucina does, I'll follow!"

"As will I!" Owain seconded. "Doeth what my exalted cousin feeleth right! Lucina has done little to garner distrust, why you doubt her judgement now is inconceivable."

Gerome went silent. Lucina could tell that he was conflicted; probably digging for a response, but not finding one that was adequate.

"We've got no place interfering with the past…" Brady said solemnly. "While I don't believe in crap like "fate", it just seems… wrong. I dunno how to explain it…"

"I understand…" Lucina lowered her head. "Going to the past doesn't just entail being in a world without Grima… but being in a world where…" she paused hesitantly as she gathered her voice. "...our parents are still alive."

A somber feeling clung to the group. They all knew what going to the past would entail—it was obvious—but Lucina vocalizing it didn't help. The very thought of seeing their parents—their long dead parents—was… enticing, yet there were still reservations amongst the young Shepherds.

"I don't really care much for my parents…" Severa declared, though it was clear that she was hiding her real feelings behind a facade. "Still… I think that we should go to the past. Let's face it, there's not much we can do in the present; Naga even said it herself."

"How dare you!" Kjelle bolted from her seat, the knight's temper flared. "Aren't you all forgetting something—have you all forgotten the reason we fight in the first place!?" Kjelle slammed her gauntlet into the table, cracking it slightly.

"Are you—are we—just going to abandon our people!?" she glared at Lucina. "You… you call yourself our leader; Ylisse's crown princess! Yet here you are, giving up all hope and running away to the past like a coward!"

"Kjelle!" Inigo stood up, the fear he had of Kjelle fading as he stared her down without hesitation. "You dare call Lucina a coward; she's sacrificed and lost just as much—if not more—as the rest of us! If she's a coward, than I think we're all nothing more than scared children compared to her!"

"Enough! Enough, all of you! Quiet!" Lucina unsheathed Falchion and rammed it straight through the table, splitting it down the middle; note this table was large enough to accommodate all of the Shepherds. The uncharacteristic anger—the usual level-headed princess—took everyone truly off guard. She was seething with rage, but everyone knew that the rage wasn't directed at anyone in particular, not even Kjelle. No, it was directed at herself.

"Kjelle is correct… perhaps my determination to retreat to the past is more indicative of my own cowardice; the fact that I am not capable of leading you all, let alone the whole of Ylisse." Lucina breathed deeply. "Perhaps if I were better, we'd not be in this situation; bickering amongst ourselves like schoolchildren." She said somberly.

"I will not force any of you to return to the past with me—in spite of my wishes—however I myself have made my decision; I will return to the past and none of you will dissuade me from doing so. You have three days to ponder over whether you will join me or not."

Having had enough of the ceaseless arguments, Lucina sheathed Falchion and stepped out of the room.


Eastern Plegia

October 16, Age 2609 (10:15 P.M.)

They had spent another several hours traveling before setting up camp in the ruins of an abandoned town in eastern Plegia. They were just a days journey from the Ylisse-Plegian border, and were set to arrive there late tomorrow night.

Lucina and Walter had settled in a moderately stable house. Walter had made sure that the building wasn't liable to come crashing down upon them. Giving the building a quick dusting, Walter carefully placed his and her sleeping mats on the floor. Lucina watched the butler working, probably doing all of this instinctively if she had to guess, and found herself admiring his work ethic. She'd scarcely found men so dedicated to what they did that it was fascinating to see one.

Watching him, she unconsciously began comparing him with Gerome. The Wyvern rider from her future that she trusted and admired for the longest time; she could scarce imagine him doing something so mundane as cleaning. Yes, he was a man of action—someone who'd spent days of his life training to become stronger than he was the day before. She'd watch as he'd practice fighting with his lance, twirling and attacking with such ceaseless power and energy; observing how he could gracefully fly through the sky on the back of his Wyvern, plowing through enemies like an unstoppable force.

Wasn't Walter the same in that regard though? Despite his appearance, he too was a man of action. Every movement he made was calculated, wasting as little energy as possible while dealing its maximum potential. She could not recall a time she'd ever seen him training, but she could tell that he'd spent years perfecting his technique. It was easy to recall watching him twirling, flipping, and flying through enemies; come through a hail of arrows, lightning, wind, and fire without so much as a scratch.

Yes, there was much to admire about both him and Gerome...

"Are you going to come over here and lie down, or are you going to keep staring at me blankly?"

Lucina flinched as she realized that she was completely engrossed in her thoughts. She blushed when she realized that she was indeed just staring blankly at Walter, who had an amused smile on his face. Laughing sheepishly, she walked over to the butler and settled on the sleeping mat he had so graciously set up. Kicking off her boots, carefully removing her cape and tunic, and gently placing her tiara next to her—Lucina proceeded to lie down. To her surprise, Walter threw a blanket over her; tucking her in like a parent would a child. Her face flushed ever so slightly.

"I'm not a child, Walter…" she muttered, flustered by him.

"Well, comparatively, you are one to me." Walter quipped nonchalantly. Lucina looked at him and pouted playfully.

"I could say the same about you, you know…" she grinned. Walter frowned.

"Just because I've the body of a teenager, does not change the fact I'm several times your senior." he argued. Lucina giggled.

"Yes, but it's hard to keep that in mind when you barely reach my height." she playfully remarked. Walter huffed in response.

"I was a late bloomer…" the butler grumbled just loud enough for her to hear. "I never took you as one to tease."

"I never took you as someone that was bothered by their height."

"I'm not!" Walter exclaimed, much to Lucina's amusement. "At least… not when I was fully grown…"

Lucina laughed, a purely joyful smile on her face. Walter eyed her, and couldn't help but smile himself. The two of them than spent the next several minutes just in silence. It wasn't awkward, but oddly natural. Lucina felt like she could stay here in this moment forever; just her and Walter enjoying each other's company. With him, it didn't feel like there was a war, it didn't feel like the fate of the world was on their shoulders. It felt like they were two people that were just enjoying each other's company.

Glancing over again, Lucina realized that Walter didn't have a blanket. She raised a concerned brow as she turned fully towards him.

"Where's your blanket?" she asked. Walter shrugged.

"I gave you the only blanket we have. Our smuggler friend didn't pack any more." he replied.

Suddenly, Lucina felt guilty. Did he give her the blanket out of obligation to her? Desert nights were cold, harsh enough that even indoors was not much of a shield against it.

"You didn't need to give me the blanket." Lucina sat up. "I can sleep without-" she was taken aback when Walter placed a hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her back down.

"No, that's exactly why I gave it to you." Walter smiled kindly. "I think you've been through enough cold nights without even a blanket; this need not be one of them."

Lucina grimaced sadly, she didn't want him to be cold for her sake. She quickly recognized that there was a way that would keep both of them warm. She blushed, before quickly mentally reprimanding herself; it wasn't wrong, nor something that need be awkward.

"We could share the blanket…" she suggested out loud. Walter blinked.

"Share the blanket?" he raised a brow. Lucina nodded.

"Just pull your sleeping mat up next to mine."

She watched Walter intently. The bluenette examined him, waiting for an expression of absolute disgust to grace his face. An inclination that suggested he found the idea to be deplorable.

To her surprise, the butler stood up and did as she had suggested. He slid his mat beside hers, sat on it, and kicked his boots off. He than lay down facing her.

"Are you going to share the blanket, or were you just kidding?" Walter asked. Lucina nodded as she threw the blanket over the two of them.

She recalled their escape from the guards in Plegia Castle's dungeon. They had been close, hiding underneath the corpses of ghouls. Lucina's heart was racing at the time—fear of being caught at the forefront of her mind—however, feeling Walter so close had kept her calm. His presence was… soothing.

Without thinking, she found herself lying closer to the butler. She snuggled up next to him, Walter not seeming visibly or physically uncomfortable with her being so close. Lucina curled up slightly and buried her face into his chest again. She could feel and hear his heartbeat, a deep rhythm that was soothing.

Much to her brief shock, she felt the butler wrap his arms around her, just as he did before. Being held, Lucina nuzzled closer. She felt her eyelids grow heavy, and her weariness increase. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to rest and forget all her troubles.

"Today…" she muttered drowsily. Lucina let the events of the day replay in her head. As weird as it was, it…

"...was fun…"

Drifting into sleep, she compared Walter to Gerome once more. Thinking back, she realized that there was one fundamental difference between the two...


Ylisstol, Ylisse ~ Royal Palace

April 26, Age 2630

Running a stressed hand through her cobalt locks, Lucina sat in the castle courtyard. Lucina let out a sigh as the events of the day ran through her head on repeat.

"Lucina…"

"Gerome…" the princess needn't turn her head to know who it was. His voice was one she'd be able to pick up on even in the cacophony of battle; she'd done it before in fact.

The wyvern rider sat beside the Lucina, leaning forward whilst resting his arms on his knees. She noted that his mask was absent, his brown—almost burgundy—eyes visible. Lucina couldn't remember the last time she'd seen him without it, though she was sure no one else could even remember a time when he wasn't wearing it; not in the last decade at minimum.

"Hey…" Lucina placed a hand on his shoulder. "Something the matter?" Gerome craned his head towards Lucina and eyed her.

"I should be asking you the same thing." his reply was gruff, but the princess could sense his concern. Lucina could only sigh as she leaned back in her spot and brought her hands up to her face.

Stressed, she was stressed. One would think that—given the state of the world—she'd have gotten used to the pressure placed on her shoulders, but now she was faced with a choice which she had no easy answer to: return the past and abandon the land she was charged with, or stay and fight a hopeless battle whilst remaining with her people.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to ram her fist into a wall. She wanted the burden she had to be someone else's problem. She wanted to be anywhere but where she was. Yet all she could do was sit down and simmer in frustrated silence.

"Lucina…" Gerome broke the quiet. "I scarce remember them, but… do you remember the days before Grima?"

Lucina was taken aback. She'd not been expecting such a question.

"Yes, of course I do." she replied simply. "I remember warm summer evenings playing with you, Severa, Cynthia, and Owain. Cozy winters where we'd all be huddled up by a fire, thick blankets wrapped around us while mother regaled us with tales from her personal library. Fresh springs when we'd all go out to pick the newly grown flowers in the fields…"

"I recall that I'd given much of what I found to you." Gerome casually remarked.

"Yes, you did, you and Inigo did." Lucina smiled. "As a result, I'd always end up with three to four times the amount of flowers that everyone else had."

"Severa was particularly grieved whenever that happened." Gerome added. "It's one of the many reasons she had been somewhat unkind to you during our youth."

"Indeed…" Lucina could hardly forget. Severa had always been brash, and kind of a diva. Though, after her parents deaths, her demeanor seemed to mellow; Lucina had seen her friend mope with a glassy eyed stare on more than several occasions.

"I remember when she pushed you over, and you scraped your knees." Gerome continued. "At the time, it seemed like such a monumental assault; one I admit my childhood self viewed as a capital offense."

"You carried me on your back, right?" Lucina grinned at the memory. "My knight in shining armor."

"Yes." Gerome chuckled quietly, in a way that made it seem like he hadn't laughed in years. "I didn't carry you on my back though, I carried you in my arms."

"R- really?" Lucina blushed. Gerome nodded in response.

"I carried you all the way to the healer."

The two friends shared a wistful laugh at the memory. It was one of the few good things they had left: their own memories. They were windows into the past that they had lost, a reminder of what they were fighting for.

"Do you remember the promise I made to you that day?" Gerome asked.

"Yes." Lucina replied. "How could I forget; you said you'd always be by side to protect me."

"Indeed…" Gerome muttered, his troubled tone briefly confusing Lucina.

"What is it?" Lucina asked again. "Don't dodge the question, this time; tell me what's wrong."

She was concerned, rightfully so. Gerome was one of her closest friends, she'd be remiss to not attempt to ease whatever was troubling him.

"Lucina, why are you abandoning that which we've fought tirelessly for?" Gerome didn't face her. "Instead of standing and fighting, you choose to cower and run away to the past. The sacrifices your people, people who were our friends, are you determined to render them meaningless?"

"No of course not! Why would you even think such a thing!?" Lucina bolted upright to her feet and looked down on Gerome. "Going to the past and preventing this catastrophe is the only way; Naga herself confirmed this!"

"Do you really believe that?" Gerome stood up, standing a head taller than the petite princess. "That you could actually go back and change history? What's been done? Face it, this is an excuse for you to see your father and mother again."

Smack!

Gerome was wide eyed, a sharp sting felt on his cheek. Lucina was glaring daggers at him, a plethora of emotions written on her face. She had slapped him.

"Don't you dare imply that I'm being selfish…" the bluenette seethed. "Have you any idea of the position I'm in currently? The choice I have to make?" Lucina was struggling to hold back the tears in her eyes.

"I have to choose between leaving my people—praying that I successfully circumvent fate—or I can stay here and fight a doomed fight! There is no right choice!" Lucina screamed, her hands balled into tight fists. "You of all people; I'd have thought you of all people would understand! That you'd be by my side! Instead, you criticize me for making the choice that you-"

"Enough!" Gerome met her voice with his own, silencing Lucina instantly. She'd never seen a look of rage so intense. A glare that was eclipsed only by Grima's. A fury that was currently turned on her.

"I said I would stand by your side no matter what, but this is foolishness…" Gerome composed himself, but the fury was still visible. "You can cower in the past, selfishly going to parents that were never truly yours; I will stay and fight…"

Without another word, Gerome turned away from Lucina. He carefully lifted his mask back onto his face, and left Lucina.

Lucina stood in place, frozen in dull shock. The tears that were threatening to pour from her eyes were just seconds away from being released. She closed her eyes tightly, and breathed deeply.

No, she thought to herself

Now was not the time for her to lose her resolve. Even if she had to do it alone, she would travel to the past. She would prevent Grima's rise. She would save her father.


Eastern Plegia

October 17, Age 2609 (1:45 A.M.)

(Play song ~ "..." [Fire Emblem: Awakening OST])

Walter's eyes fluttered open as he drifted back into consciousness. Sight adjusting to the darkness of the room, he was greeted by a sight that made his heart flutter. Lucina lie peacefully, a small smile on her pretty face. A tiny grin formed on the butler's face. His grin quickly faded as he unwrapped his arms from around the princess.

Carefully, making sure not to disturb her, Walter slowly sat up. Sliding his boots back on, he quietly made his way towards the house's exit. Glancing back towards the bluenette, he made sure that she was still sleeping peacefully. When he was sure that she was still fast asleep, he cautiously slipped outside.

The desert sky was a dark blue, countless stars hanging over his head illuminating the scenery alongside the moon. Making his way through the abandoned town, he shoved his hands in his pockets and considered the day. Lucina's final words before sleeping told him that he'd at least made it a good one. Still, he felt no less weight on his shoulders as he wandered the empty streets.

As he left the town, he was slightly taken aback when he saw the smuggler—Matthew he thinks his name was—sitting beside a dim campfire with a cigarette in his mouth. Making a conscious decision, he made his way towards him. The physically older man glanced at him, looking slightly shocked that he was up at such an hour.

"It's a bit late for a stroll." Matthew commented as Walter took a seat beside him.

"Seems a bit late for a smoke too." Walter replied as he stared at the burning cinders of the campfire.

"Never too late for a cigarette." Matthew chuckled half-heartedly as he exhaled a puff of smoke. Walter eyed him enviously.

"You have one for me too?" he asked. Matthew grimaced.

"Don't you think you're a bit young for-"

"I've probably smoked more than you have in honesty." Walter interrupted, admitting his addiction aloud. Matthew scrutinized the younger man for a moment.

"Okay… just don't go complaining to me…" he shrugged. Reaching into a pocket, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Feroxi Spirit it read.

Walter took one and lit it over the fire before placing it between his lips. Breathing deep, he relished the sensation of tobacco running through his addled body before exhaling.

"Not bad…" Walter chuckled half heartedly. "Not some cheap bullshit like those Americans… I may have to pick up a pack once I get to Ylisstol…" Matthew shot him a look of surprise.

"Naga, you weren't kidding…" he watched as the teenaged butler inhaled and exhaled another plume like he'd done millions of times before, almost as of it were second nature.

The two just sat in silence, enjoying their smokes as the night went on. The quiet was broken by Matthew when he got a look at Walter's expression.

"You look terrible…" he commented aloud.

"Thanks… not like I haven't been locked up in a shithole dungeon for the last month…" Walter replied sarcastically. Matthew shook his head as he exhaled a puff.

"Not what I meant." Matthew looked down at the fire. "You look like a man on death row or something; the expression of a person who's on their way to the chopping block." Walter shrugged.

"Heh… you aren't wrong…" the butler took another breath of smoke. "Death's coming for me…" Matthew's brow furrowed.

"What makes you so sure?"

Walter hummed, contemplating how much he could reveal. Deciding that it couldn't hurt to tell the truth, devoid of any details, he let out a sigh.

"In summation, I'm sick; I am very very sick…" he answered. "I've got only a few days left to live, perhaps a week; at most three." Matthew was silent.

"Even if I wasn't, the next time Gangrel and I meet on the battlefield…" Walter continued. "I'm bound to die trying to kill him…" he sighed, another puff of smoke exhaled.

"Does the young lass know?" Matthew inquired.

"No…" Walter answered truthfully.

"Why haven't you told her?" the smuggler frowned. "It's obvious that the two of you are close; she went through the trouble of going through hell to come and get you. Why are you keeping this from her?"

"What do I tell her?" Walter spat. "How do I tell her? She fought tooth and nail for my sake, and it'll be all for nought. I can't… I can't bear to put her through any more pain…" the butler recalled how Lucina had broken down before him.

"She's already lost so much… I don't want her to know that she's going to lose me…" Walter closed his eyes. "I want these last days—what will be her last memories of me—to be good. They can't be if she's aware…"

"You're setting her up for heartbreak." Matthew shook his head in disapproval. "No matter what you do, she'll have to watch you die. These "happy" memories are gonna become bittersweet when you're gone."

"I know…" Walter looked down. "At the very least… she can be happy for just a bit…"

Finished with his cigarette, Walter flicked it into the campfire.

"Thank you for the smoke, I needed it."

"Anytime." Matthew smirked. "Just…" he paused.

"Try not to hurt the girl too bad…"

Walter nodded solemnly as he got to his feet. Making his way back through town, his heart weighed him heavily. He was in such a hopeless situation.

Why God? Walter thought. Why couldn't it have been someone else you placed this burden on? Is this my destiny? To die?

Reaching the abandoned house that he and Lucina were staying in, he stopped before entering. He bowed his head.

God, just please let my death not be in vain if that is the case. He prayed. More importantly, please take care of Lucina…

Entering quietly, he was pleased to see that the princess had not woken. Tiptoeing across the room, Walter sat at his mat and kicked off his boots. Carefully, he slipped under the cover of the blanket.

"Hmm?" Lucina stirred. Eyes opening halfway, she stared at him groggily.

"Walter?" she muttered.

"Yes?" Walter smiled. Lucina yawned softly.

"Did you go somewhere?" she asked innocently. Walter nodded his head.

"Just got a breath of fresh air."

"Oh…" Lucina closed her eyes again. Much to Walter's brief surprise, she wrapped her arms around him and snuggled close; their faces just inches away from each other.

"Please don't leave me again…" Lucina muttered, half asleep. "I don't… wanna be… alone…" Walter smiled bittersweetly.

"I won't…" he lied. "You won't be alone. I'll be here for you as long as I can."

(Song ends here)
Writer's Notes

Back again for another week of daily updates! My goodness is this chapter long; just little over 13K words! It is the longest chapter so far, by a pretty decent margin too!

Anyway, this was more or less a breather chapter. After last chapter, I wanted to wind things down for a bit, give you something a bit less loaded and what not. Wrote this one with the intention of giving our two main characters some time to reestablish their equilibrium—get an idea of how the two will be interacting from this point forward. There's been a major shift, if you haven't noticed. Hopefully it comes off as heartwarming, because I certainly felt all fluffy inside after writing this!

Anyway, onto the "behind the keyboard" stuff!


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Tragedy of a Lost Time - Remeber how I said that I'd save a chapter titled this for another time? Well, I ended up integrating it into this chapter! All of the stuff taking place in Lucina's doomed world was stuff written for the "Tragedy of a Lost Time" chapter. After finding that it was taking too long, I stopped writing it and just released "Infiltration" instead. Well, I guess it all worked out in the end.

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Walter's outfit - Huh... sounds familiar, doesn't it?

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Taken from the CD - Apparently there's an audio CD that details the lead up to Lucina ending up in the past. Much of what I wrote pertaining to her past was taken from details from the CD, like the fact that she attempted the Awakening without all five gemstones, or the fact that one of the gemstones was lost in the first place. Even those that chose to stay and those that chose to follow was taken from the CD. I never listened to it, I just took the information and wrote something based off what I read. There were a few blanks that I had to fill in, but it all worked out in the end.

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Reviews

Aergaia - Yes, and hopefully another chapter next week too! With any luck, I'll be able to keep this up until the end of the Gangrel Arc.

Eh, sometimes I feel I write some characters a bit OOC, but I try to work with I've got. Honestly, Walter's the most difficult character to write for, because there's a lot less I have to work with in terms of source material. At the end of the day, I tend to write him with as a man with a sharp wit, overall pleasant demeanor, but weighed down by his own perceived faults.

In terms of making the vampire elements blend in with the story, rather than dampen it, I've learned that trying to stray too far from the source material tends to cause the opposite effect. Everything I write is somewhere in the realm of possibility for both stories. Walter's powering being suppressed for example: Alucard's power was suppressed to an extent too. Gangrel becoming a vampire by drink blood off the floor: that's how Alucard turned. I'll take some liberties here and there, but I large like to remain faithful to what's already there.

Walter X Lucina, huh? I can assure there's no evidence that the two will ever-

*looks at the above chapter

Hmm... maybe not as stupid and as wishful as you think... don't take that as confirmation though...

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kerrowe - In honesty, the first paragraph of the last chapter was some of my best work—in my opinion. Getting people to imagine just how hopeless Lucina felt in that room was the goal, and I hope I was successful. Keeping that suspense up was a real challenge. I'm mostly self-taught as a writer, so I was unsure that I could pull it off. Still, if you wanna make progress, you gotta try something new every now and then.

As for Walter not going to survive past Walhart, he's not got two to three years in him to survive to the start of the Valmese Campaign. He's barely got three weeks!

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Touhoufanatic - Eh, the nibble was probably the least of Lucina's worries when it came to Gangrel. As for vampire Lucina, I once considered it when I was starting out. Of course, my idea of good back then was more screwy, and I'd never consider it nowadays—mostly because I have NO idea how to implement it without it sounding stupid...

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Neema Amiry - How about next week? Can you not wait for next week too?

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Guest - Don't usually reply guest named guest, but I'll make the exception since you're the only one. Also, you made me laugh...

Beware Ylisse, Walter's gonna be S Ranking all his relationships now! No one is safe from the Harem! XD


Thus ends the "Lucina Quartet" Chapters. Next time, Walter takes the reigns back. Honestly, I'm both sad and glad that the Lucina centric chapters are done(at least for now). Sad, because Lucina is such a great character to write, and getting to give some insight into her wants, motivations, and backstory was fun. Glad, because CRIMINY CHRISTMAS WAS IT DIFFICULT!

Anyway, this won't be the last time she gets the spot light—hell no! She'll be back at center stage soon enough.

In other news, a few of the earlier chapters have been updated! I recommend you give them a re-read, because I've streamlined them so that they fit more properly into the story. It was mostly correcting much of my amateurish mistakes, so I didn't change too much. It won't hurt if you don't, but it will help if you do; so there is pretty much no reason for you not to!

Thank you all again for the encouragement, espescially those who leave reviews! You've no idea how great it was to get FIVE reviews in one day for last chapter. Seems like a miniscule number—espescially compared to some of the bigger fics—but I'm content with it. It's big to me, and I hope to continue to serve you lot excellent content!

Stories are for the readers enjoyment after all, NOT the writer's ego!

I hope you guys have a great week, and I'll see you guys next time!


Next time on Walter Dornez of the Emblem!

Gaining a Foothold