SONG LIST(For those that play the recommended music with the fanfic)
-"..." [Fire Emblem Awakening OST]
-Raphtalia [The Rising of the Shield Hero OST]
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
Ylisstol, Ylisse ~ Royal Palace
October 23, Age 2609 (5:54 A.M.)
Fluffy blankets... warm fluffy blankets was the first thing Lucina felt as she began to wake up. Second thing she felt was the incredible softness of the mattress below her—oh how she had missed the palace beds she grew up with! Finally was the warmth of another body pressed firmly against hers...
Wait...
Lucina's eyes fluttered open slowly. As her sight returned to her, she felt her heart leap out of her chest as she was greeted by the sight of another person lying with her...
...a MAN lying with her...
...a MAN named Walter Dornez.
Lucina was frozen completely as the events of the night beforehand came rushing back to her.
She was in HIS room...
...lying in HIS bed...
...sharing HIS blankets...
...and up against HIS body.
My gods, what have I done!? Lucina panicked in her head, careful not to move a single inch.
I slept with- she blinked several times to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Indeed, no matter how many times she blinked, she was greeted by the still sleeping face of Walter Dornez.
He's my best friend! Why would I do this!? Wait, we shared a blanket on our way back from Plegia? No, that's completely different!
What exactly made it different? The fact that she was wearing nothing more than a pair of short shorts, and a dark blue tank top—VERY revealing clothing in all honesty. Here she was, clinging to a man that was physically her junior by at least three years!
Wait, he's actually sixty-nine... Lucina recalled. The woman was slightly worried, as this didn't bother her as much as it probably should've...
Lucina had to take a deep breath—deep quiet breaths—as she regained control of herself. She had to compose herself, she was Lucina of Ylisse, heir to the throne. She would not act like some teenage girl just entering her formative years. She was an adult—just shy of twenty-one years old—and she would handle this situation like an adult.
Naga... this is actually happening... I actually... Lucina blushed, recalling just how much she nuzzled the butler.
As she calmed down, she realized just how 'okay' she was in this position. Lucina was a woman that enjoyed the simplicities of life—when one went through hell like she did, you learned to appreciate them—but this...
...she never thought she'd get to experience something as... divine... as this.
Suddenly, she found herself cuddling closer to Walter, almost instinctively. She wanted to be closer to him; closer to the person that had been making her happy for the past few days—no, the man that had been making her happy ever since she MET him.
Your mission, don't forget your mission. She thought. Lucina chose to ignore it; it may have been what she needed to do, but it wasn't what she wanted at the moment. Right now, she just wanted to fall back asleep in Walter's arms.
Pulling the blankets over the two of them, Lucina snuggled the teenaged butler. The future's problems would be dealt with by the future her; present her would simply rest for the time being.
"Are you done panicking?"
Lucina stiffened as Walter's arms—which were already wrapped around her—tightened.
"Wha...?" Lucina's mouth opened slightly as she was face-to-face with a VERY MUCH AWAKE Walter. The butler's eyes were half-open, and he had the most smug smirk on his face.
"Good morning, Luce." he greeted jovially, his usage of her nickname throwing the princess 'off balance'.
"I- er- good morning, Walter." she managed to reply, voice reduced to a shy whisper. "H- how long were you awake?" Walter chuckled mischievously.
"Oh, a good twenty odd minutes—give or take." Walter revealed, still grinning. Lucina felt her cheeks burning hot red from embarrassment.
"I couldn't bear to wake you up, so I simply stared at the ceiling for awhile." the butler continued. "Honestly, it was a very productive twenty minutes; sorted out a couple of my thoughts, and planned out my day."
"O- oh..." Lucina felt like a child. Walter was awake before her... so he knew that she panicked upon waking up in his arms.
"Lucina..." Walter began, his voice growing slightly serious in tone. "Did you sleep well?" he asked earnestly. Lucina felt her heart skip a beat.
"Y- yes, very much so." she replied truthfully. "I think this is the best nights sleep I've had in... Naga knows how long..." Walter hummed at the response.
"No nightmares?" he inquired in the same sincere tone.
"None." Lucina smiled a tiny smile. She was touched by his concern; then again it wasn't exactly a rarity that he treat her so well. Still, that did little to change just how much he seemed to care for her.
"Good..." Walter breathed a sigh of relief.
Much to Lucina's slight dismay, Walter began to unravel himself from the blankets. The butler stood up from the bed slowly, sounding slightly strained as he did. Standing, he stretched a bit, the sound of his bones creaking barely audible.
"Feel free to sleep in for a bit." Walter said as he maneuvered to his dresser; his clothing was lying folded atop it.
"I've got to get an early start today; preparations for the march next week must be made." Walter commented as he stripped down to his small clothes, causing Lucina to blush.
"Oh..." Lucina muttered as she avoided staring at the butler, who was currently slipping into his normal attire. "Here I was hoping that we could perhaps..."
"Perhaps what?" Walter seemed to perk up—maybe unwittingly. Lucina scratched her arm anxiously as she replied.
"I was hoping that we could... maybe... spend some time together?"
Walter stared at her. He was frozen, arms half-way into his dress shirt's sleeve.
"Well—if you want—you can accompany me for the day..." he replied, uncharacteristically meek. "I didn't see you very much yesterday anyway, and it felt odd not having you around—we did spend a good few days in each other's company after all."
"Yes..." Lucina nodded in agreement. Truth be told, she had spent the majority of yesterday simply wandering the streets of Ylisstol. It was nostalgic, but immensely daunting in its own strange way. It had been the first time she'd explored the city by herself—she was always accompanied as a child, and was especially guarded after Grima's initial strike.
"Okay." Walter smirked as he finally did up the final button to his leather waistcoat. "Well, I'll go and grab your clothing from the guest suite, and bring it over here; you look like you wish to enjoy the concession that is a warm bed for just a bit longer..." he chuckled.
"Yes, that would be much appreciated." Lucina smiled awkwardly as the butler nodded before leaving to grab her stuff.
As soon as he left, the princess let out a sigh of relief. Who knew that talking to a 'friend' could be so nerve wracking? Then again, for some baffling reason, it's started to become progressively more and more difficult to speak to the butler. It wasn't due to anything on Walter's end either, but rather something within herself. More and more, the woman found herself wanting to spend time with the butler; more and more she dreaded accidentally ruining their relationship. Honestly, she hadn't felt this way about anyone since...
...Gerome.
Lucina let out a dejected sigh. The Wyvern rider had become so... closed as the years passed by, yet she had always harbored some hope that he'd open up at some point. It wasn't until that fateful night after she revealed that she intended to go back to the past did she lose all hope for it. It was certainly heartbreaking—she truly treasured her and Gerome's relationship—but nothing could change the fact that he had made such cruel accusations towards her. He may have helped her out in the end, and even returned to the past with her and the others, but nothing could repair the bridge that the man had burned.
With a sigh, Lucina turned towards the window. The moon was falling behind the horizon, and sunrise was just around the corner.
She had a good feeling about today...
Ylisstol, Ylisse ~ The Church of the Divine Dragon Naga
October 23, Age 2609 (8:15 A.M.)
When Walter had suggested she accompany him for the day, Lucina had known that she'd end up helping him with his 'errands'. She didn't know what he had meant at the time, but she knew that it was something that would help Ylisse prepare for the oncoming battle against Plegia. However...
...she didn't expect to be witness to an argument between a priest and a nun of the Divine Dragon, and Walter.
"We need to move the flame from the altar." Walter argued, referring to the Sacred Torch that was alight with a fire from Mount Prism.
"I'm sorry, Sir Dornez, but that just cannot be done." one of the priests heatedly claimed; Lucina could see that the man was holding back all his rage against the butler. "This is the Sacred Fire that the First Exalt took from Mount Pris-"
"Yes, I already know that; that's why it's imperative that you move the fire from here to the palace for a short period of time." Walter reiterated his request. "The Exalt requires that-"
"Her excellency has not formally recognized your request—at least from what the church has heard." a nun beside the priest turned her nose upwards. "Without Exalt Emmeryn, you've no authority to do as you please."
Lucina could tell what the nun had really meant: the church does not formally recognize Walter C. Dornez as a figure of authority, much less above themselves. It was odd, considering that she could've sworn that Walter's name had become rather well known since his arrival; especially after his retrieval plan for Emmeryn became public knowledge. How the church did not see him as an authority figure was beyond the princess.
"It would be a vast waste of all our time if I had to file a formal request to Lady Emmeryn." Walter rolled his eyes. "Milady is inundated with work at the moment—I don't know if you've noticed—because we're in the middle of a war. So you MUST realize that she ought not have to waste time placing a stamp of approval on a request so trivial."
"So you admit the request is trivial..." the priest he was arguing against seemed to laugh. "Then we don't really need to accommodate your request then."
"No, it would be trivial if I made the request in the first place, you blithering idiot." Walter growled. "Unless you consider the fate of the country trivial, I suggest you get your head out of your ass, and just follow my instructions!"
Silence...
Lucina doubted that anyone—in the history of Ylisse—had ever told a priest from the church of Naga that they were a 'blithering idiot', or that they had their 'head up their ass'. If it weren't so shocking, Lucina might've found it kinda funny.
"Brother Leo, Sister Aquarius: is there something the matter?"
Lucina and Walter looked toward the entrance to see Libra. Lucina breathed a silent sigh of relief; Libra was a part of the Shepherds, and would probably back Walter up.
"Brother Libra..." Leo addressed his fellow follower of Naga respectfully. "This man—this infidel—has suggested that we move the Sacred Fire to the palace." he sneered as he pointed to Walter. In contrast Libra looked to Walter with a serene smile.
"Oh, Sir Dornez, it's a pleasure to see you again." Libra lowered his head as a sign of respect to the butler.
"Likewise—I believe it was Libra, correct? You can just call me Walter." Walter repaid Libra with a cordial smile.
Lucina resisted the urge to laugh at the soured expressions of both Leo and Aquarius. They looked as if Libra had grown horns and turned purple; their faces contorted into a simmering rage.
"What is the business you have here, Walter?" Libra inquired. "If you require anything, I'll be sure to aid you in that pursuit; you have done this country, and the church, a great favor." The war monk was obviously referring to the 'Exalt Rescue Mission' that the butler had planned.
"Well..." a sly grin formed on the butler's face. "I require the Sacred Fire to be moved to the Royal Palace for a short period of time; in the range of a week at most. You see, I've contacted many blacksmiths to report to the palace tomorrow; they will be aiding me in the creation of 'blessed weapons'. These will be utilized to combat Gangrel's undead army, and possibly Gangrel himself." Water revealed. Libra's eyes seemed to light up at the clarification.
"If that is so, then it is imperative that the torch be moved immediately, is it not?" Libra looked to Leo and Aquarius, both of whom looked absolutely scandalized.
"But Libra, we haven't even received permission from the Elders, let alone the Exalt!" Aquarius argued.
"Leave me to speak to the Elders, they will most certainly understand the direness of the situation." Libra replied serenely. "As for the Exalt, I feel it an understatement to simply say that she would trust Sir Dornez with her life; I've no doubt that she would approve his request in a heartbeat."
"Still, a formal request still ought be made!" Leo glared at Libra. "There are rules that we must follow that-"
"I understand that, but we stand on the brink of destruction." Libra interrupted, his tone firm. "Ylisse is at war with Plegia, and Exalt Emmeryn is preoccupied with ensuring that we suffer as little casualties as possible; bothering her with something as trivial as moving the Sacred Fire from the church altar to the palace would be a waste of time. If you disagree, feel free to speak to Elder Mark about it; we'll defer to his judgement as to whom is correct in this situation."
Lucina saw Leo step backwards. Whoever this Elder Mark was, Leo was apparently certain that he'd be judged against.
"Very well..." Leo lowered his head. "I'll summon some fellow brothers and sisters to help move the torch..."
Libra nodded as he turned to Walter.
"Thank you for the help." Walter smiled with appreciation.
"No thanks needed." Libra returned the smile.
With a bow, Walter began to take his leave. Following beside him, Lucina kept with his stride. The two exited the church, completely aware of the glares that both Leo and Aquarius were giving them.
"Those two will probably become a problem in the future..." Walter commented as they moved away from the church.
"Truly? Do you actually think that?" Lucina raised a brow. She had her doubts, but she could hardly deny that there was something twisted about the two.
"Yes, I do." Walter replied. "Religion attracts people of varying mindsets—some good, and some bad. Eventually, once a religion gets too big, a schism occurs; usually over some disagreement of sorts." he explained to the princess.
"Those two seemed the sort to stir up trouble. I would not be surprised if they started a splinter faction of the church sometime after the war ends..." Walter finished.
Lucina thought about for a moment. It made sense—even small groups of people were bound to disagree over something. The many view points that every individual has is part of being human, after all.
Ylisstol Ylisse ~ Nightshade Hound Tavern
October 23, Age 2609 (1:20 P.M.)
After lunch, Lucina followed Walter to some strange bar at a far corner of the lower district of Ylisstol. It was nearly just as dingy as the 'Grounded Wyvern' in Plegia, but Lucina assumed that to be typical of places often frequented by reprobates. Still—even among degenerates—there was always the proverbial diamond in the rough.
"Matthew." Walter greeted the plegian smuggler with a smile. "You've no idea how difficult it was to track you down..." Matthew raised a brow.
"It's almost like I'm a smuggler." the older man chuckled. "What can I do for you? If you want me to smuggle you BACK into Plegia, that'll cost you twice my usual fee."
"No no, nothing of that sort..." Walter laughed, before leaning forward. "However, I do need you to deliver something to General Mustafa." he whispered just loud enough for only Matthew and Lucina to hear.
Lucina was slightly curious. She'd no idea what the butler was planning—he always seemed to be several steps ahead of everyone else—and that only made the princess admire him more. He always had a plan, and it was quite impressive.
"Is that so?" Matthew replied quietly. "Do tell..."
Walter, glancing around to check that no one was watching them, pulled out an envelope. It bore the wax seal of the Ylissean Royal Family—the Brand of the Exalt.
"I've encoded it in case you're caught on the way to the Resistance." Walter stated. "Mustafa will understand it, but I'm certain no one else will."
Matthew considered the enclosed letter for a moment before taking it. The smuggler pocketed the envelope discreetly.
"I'll be sure to give this as soon as I get back. I leave tomorrow..." Matthew said simply.
Walter nodded at the man as thanks before turning to leave. Lucina moved to follow.
"Lass." Matthew called to her. Glancing back to the smuggler, she raised a brow.
"Yes?"
Matthew hummed quietly as he gestured towards Walter, who was exiting the pub.
"He hasn't done anything to hurt you, right?" the smuggler inquired cryptically. Lucina shook her head, slightly baffled by the question.
"No." she replied. "Why would he hurt me?" Matthew shrugged as he turned away from her.
"You never know... just felt like chekin'..." he muttered.
Although she was confused, Lucina didn't press for more information. Instead, the princess simply shrugged as she strode out of the tavern; catching up to the butler. She didn't know what on earth Matthew was talking about.
Why would Walter ever hurt me?
Ylisstol, Ylisse ~ Shepherds' Garrison(Training Hall)
October 23, Age 2609 (4:50 P.M.)
"Readable!"
Lucina flinched slightly a she watched Walter easily parry an attack from Donnel before smacking him with the training sword in his hand. While not true weapons, Lucina knew just how much the wooden dummy swords would bruise and blister if hit continuously by them.
After the debacle at the church, Lucina followed Walter into the Shepherds' Garrison. It had actually been her first time setting foot inside the garrison —in this time at least—and she was slightly amazed at how... messy it was. Indeed, the place seemed a bit disorganized for a militia's base. Walter seemed to have come to the same conclusion, as the butler had immediately got to work tidying the place up. Amidst the butler's muttering—much of which was cursing—Lucina could make out that he had left the place spotless when he left a little over a month ago. Afterwards, the butler collected a young Donnel from his quarters for 'training'.
In truth, she'd not heard much of the tinpot wearing farmer turned soldier; only that he had much more potential than most would give him credit for. Lucina was aware that the farmer had been among the first casualties of Grima, so she never got to see the boy in action.
"You're letting me control the fight!" Walter's commanding(?) tone snapped Lucina out of her thoughts, causing her to focus on the match once more. Donnel was currently chasing the teenaged butler around the ring, or so it seemed.
"Whatcha talkin' about?! Yer the one steppin' back!" Donnel argued through grit teeth; swinging his dummy sword towards Walter once more.
"Is that so?" Walter suddenly swung upward, forcing Donnel to block his head. However—with his weapon raised high—this left him open to a swift leg sweep. The mud-haired farmer let out a yelp as he landed on his behind with a loud 'thud'. Looking down on the teen, Walter narrowed his eyes.
"Were you forcing me back, or were you simply following where I stepped?" he asked knowingly. Donnel turned away, knowing the answer.
"I was followin' yer movements, sir..." he admitted in embarrassment.
"Exactly." Walter smirked with satisfaction. "Fighting is like a game of chess, except every move places your opponent in check. At the end of the day, it doesn't simply come down to who's faster, or who's stronger, but who can turn that 'check' into a 'checkmate'. Letting an opponent lead you around is exactly what will PREVENT you from achieving victory; after all, if you DON'T control the terrain, you DON'T control the battle. You've got to leverage every advantage you have in order to achieve victory; if you can't use your brain to come up with a plan mid-fight, you'll likely die young."
"Easy fer you to say..." Donnel grumbled. "Yer the best in the Shepherds..."
Walter's eyes narrowed again. Donnel, realizing his mistake, lowered his head in shame.
"Marth?"
Lucina flinched at the calling of her alias; Walter hadn't called her that in awhile, so she wasn't accustomed to hearing it from his mouth.
"Yes?" she perked up
"Little over two months ago, you fought Lon'qu for the spot as Khan Basilio's champion, correct?" Walter inquired. Lucina nodded.
"Yes, it was a difficult fight, but I prevailed nonetheless."
"Indeed..." Walter smiled. "Now—I mean no offense by this—do you admit that Lon'qu is the better swordsman?" Lucina's brows furrowed.
"In honesty, yes..." she admitted. "When we fought, he outclassed me in all but speed." Lucina hadn't had a chance to tell anyone about what had occurred during her fight against Lon'qu.
"If that is the case, how did you achieve victory against him?" Walter asked. Lucina blushed slightly.
"Er... it wasn't the most... graceful victory..."
Walter grinned, Lucina swearing he already had an idea of how SHE had beaten Lon'qu.
"It was because he subconsciously knew you were a woman, wasn't it?" Walter let out a chuckle. Lucina's blush deepened.
"His hand brushed against my chest during our match..." she admitted.
Walter's chuckle turned into uproarious laughter, and Donnel simply stared at her in shock. Lucina shrunk from embarrassment.
"Wait, yer sayin' that Mr. Lon'qu lost because he done got nervous fightin' a woman?" Donnel's jaw shifted. Lucina nodded awkwardly.
"Do you see what I mean, Donnel?" Walter asked rhetorically after finally gaining his composure, and ceasing his laughter. "Despite the fact that Lu- Marth was outclassed by Lon'qu, she still achieved victory. You must learn to utilize the unorthodox to tip the scales in your favor." Donnel, reinvigorated, stood up and held his weapon at the ready.
"Right!" Donnel replied, determined. Walter smirked as he held his weapon at a low guard.
"Hit me if you can!"
Lucina flinched as she watched Donnel charge Walter again. She noted that Donnel was moving far more erratically—lesser swordsman would call it amateurish—but she recognized the merit in unpredictability. Donnel was coming at Walter at many different angles, forcing him to adjust his footing, and move to effectively dodge and block attacks. She noticed the faintest trace of a smirk on the butler's face; Walter was enjoying himself.
"Good, but you've still not landed a blow!" Walter commented as he parried a strike. He redirected the slash, and moved to attack the farmboy's cheek. Shockingly, Walter didn't hit his mark, as Donnel ducked; the boy emulating Walter's leg sweep from earlier. Unfortunately for Donnel, Walter suddenly somersaulted over him, and smacked his behind with the flat end of his dummy sword.
"Yeowch!" Donnel rubbed his butt in pain. "Dang it! I nearly had ya!"
"Indeed..." Walter chuckled. "If I had been anyone else—save perhaps Lon'qu, or Chrom—that sweep probably would've gotten me..." he smirked.
"Still, you're skill is notable, and you'll likely surpass me in no time; probably become one of the bests swordsmen in the country, given time." Walter finished.
"I'm flattered by the praise, sir, but I don't think a farm boy like me will ever get that far..." Donnel scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Still, I'll do my best to make you proud, sir!"
Walter smiled at the boy's declaration. Patting him on the back, Walter sent the younger man away; telling him to take a short ffifteen minute break. Leaving, Donnel left Walter and Lucina by themselves.
Approaching Walter, Lucina moved to the butler's side.
"I heard stories of Sir Donnel's innate talent, but it's amazing to see it in person..." she muttered to the butler. "He certainly was considered one of the best in my time, but he fell in one of the initial confrontations against Grima..."
"Really...?" Walter didn't look at Lucina, only staring at the spot where Donnel had just stood.
"Accounts say that it took at least fifteen Risen to defeat him... even then, he didn't fall until AFTER he had killed each one; succumbing to his wounds afterwards." Lucina lowered her head. Walter sighed beside her.
"That won't happen, this time..." he said resolutely. Lucina nodded in agreement.
For a few seconds, the two stood at the center of the ring silently. Neither moved an inch, and—save for their hushed breathing—neither made a noise. It wasn't so much awkward, as it was strange; neither really knew what to do now.
Do I start a conversation?
Lucina thought to herself. What do I talk to him about? What he does with his spare time? It suddenly dawned upon Lucina how very little she actually knew about the butler's personal life. She knew that he had apparently came from an Outrealm of sorts—where there was a country named 'England'—and that he had a master before her father; a master whom he had apparently 'betrayed'. She knew he was sixty-nine, but didn't know his birthday, and that he had been raised to be a super-soldier of sorts—though he acted as a butler.
"Lucina?"
The blue-haired princess flinched as she was snapped out of her thoughts.
"Yes?" she glanced over to him. The butler bent over to pick up the dummy weapon that Donnel had left behind.
"How about a match?" Walter offered her the weapon. Lucina hesitated for a moment, but she was curious about something.
"Perhaps we'all find out who's the better with the sword?" she smiled a small smile as she took the wooden sword from Walter. The butler only nodded as he wandered over to the other end of the ring. Lucina moved to the opposite side.
Lucina held her weapon at the ready—hilt held beside her head and tipped downward—as she watched Walter enter his stance. The butler kept his blade at a low guard, only gripping it with one hand. Neither moved for a moment, waiting for an opportune moment to attack.
Breaking the tension, Lucina charged forward. Walter smirked as he easily parried the strike aimed at his head, countering with a slash at her side. Lucina stepped out of the way of the strike, and launched her own. Her dummy weapon blurred as she moved to strike his left. Walter met her attack, and blocked it with ease; Lucina immediately went for his right side, Walter blocking that attack as well. The princess followed this up by moving to strike his head, legs, and then right once more; each blow met with Walter's steadfast defense. She was briefly open when her strike to his right whiffed, leading to Walter aiming to strike her head. The attack was parried in the nick of time, and Lucina immediately backed away to gain distance.
"Impressive..." Walter complimented, pointing his dummy weapon towards her. "I'd expect nothing less from you."
"Well, I've not even warmed up yet..." Lucina retorted, a playful smile on her face. Walter only raised an eyebrow—the corner of his lips turning upward—as he went on the offensive.
Lucina was taken off-guard as Walter began unleashing a flurry of jabs at her. She kept her weapon close, as she redirected each jab as minimally as possible; exerting as little stamina as whe could. Walter seemed to be doing the same, as his movements were calculated, and precise; she recognized the style he was using, it was a fencer's style. She'd never fought anyone that utilized it, and that immediately put her at a disadvantage—knowing was half the battle, after all. While it was customary for princes and princesses to learn fencing, she never had the chance—as Chrom had died before she was old enough.
"Don't lose your focus!"
Lucina gasped as Walter went to jab her. The girl barely had time to move, her cheek getting nicked by the the jab. Retaliating, Lucina moved to strike the butler. Walter—ever the unpredictable—jumped over the slash. Lucina had no time to correct herself, and was smacked in the arm by Walter. She yelped as she was hit, gripping the struck arm.
"You okay?" Walter furrowed his brow as he lowered his weapon. "I didn't hit you too hard?"
Lucina lowered her head, not looking the butler in the eyes, hand still wrapped around the arm that was smacked. Walter approached her—slightly concerned that he DID hit her a little too hard.
"Gotcha!" Lucina laughed as she leapt at the butler.
"Wait, wha-" Walter wasn't able to move out of the way, as Lucina tackled him to the ground.
The petite princess landed on top of the slightly taller teenaged butler, who fell on his back with a grunt. Lucina stared down at her defeated opponent with a triumphant smile, straddling his gut.
"Even though I couldn't keep up with your swordplay, I still won." she giggled. Walter stared up at her, at first shocked, but then in annoyance.
"Is that so?" Walter suddenly turned the tables on her, as he suddenly sat forward—hands darting to Lucina's wrists—and pushed her to the ground.
Lucina's eyes widened as she stared up at Walter, who had his usual confident smirk.
"You forgot to pin my arms..." he chuckled, as he hovered over her. Lucina blushed.
"It seems I did..." she giggled, smiling up at him.
She felt heat well up in her cheeks as she realized the position they were in. They were just inches apart from each other. His dull-gray eyes were locked onto her midnight-blue ones. His playful smirk began to fade slowly, as did Lucina's.
"Lucina..." he muttered quietly—if anyone else were present in the room, only she would hear him.
"Y-yes?" the princess replied, equally as hushed.
Walter didn't continue, as he slowly began to descend upon her—his movement hesitant. Lucina felt her heartbeat quicken, but time seemingly moving slower. The butler had removed his hands from her wrists, giving her the chance to slowly wrap them around him; gently pulling him closer. It was instinct... no, more than that...
...it was desire.
"Walter..." she murmured breathlessly as their lips came to be millimeters apart.
"Hey Walter, sir!"
Both she and Walter's eyes widened as they looked towards the entrance to the training hall. They could hear the patter of feet running towards the entrance. Without a second thought, Lucina and Walter got to their feet—dusting themselves off quickly—as Donnel returned.
"Walter, sir!" Donnel was practically jumping up and down with excitement.
"What is it, Donnel?" Walter inquired, acting as if he HADN'T just interrupted the two of them.
"I think I've got an idea on how to hit you!" the farm boy grinned determinedly. Walter only raised an eyebrow as he gestured for him to pick up one of the discarded dummy weapons.
Lucina could only watch as training between the two resumed as if nothing had occurred. She felt... annoyed to say the least; the girl was SLIGHTLY ashamed that she was feeling that way towards Donnel. Still, her annoyance was overshadowed by her disappointment. As both Walter and Donnel moved over to their respective sides of the ring, the butler glanced at her for the briefest seconds.
"Walter..." she muttered loud enough that only he could hear. The butler looked away, turning his attention back towards Donnel.
Lucina's shoulders slumped slightly as dejection overtook her...
...seems like she wasn't quite getting what she wanted.
Ylisstol, Ylisse ~ Royal Palace
October 23, Age 2609 (8:54 P.M.)
Walter and Donnel spent the next few hours before dinner training, Lucina continuing to spectate. Even as the hours ticked by, even as they ate their dinner, the princess could not get what had occurred—or very nearly occurred—at the training hall out of her mind. It was impossible for her to stop thinking about it; suddenly she found herself unable to focus on anything else.
She continued to accompany Walter around, neither exchanging anymore words as the rest of the day passed by. It was maddening really; one moment they were best friends, the next moment they're on the floor about to kiss, and now they weren't even talking to one another. Did she make a mistake?
Lucina wanted curl up and scream into a pillow. This was the sort of melodrama that was reserved for a hormonal teenager; not the princess from a post-apocalyptic time. Then again... Walter was aged down into his teenage years...
No... that's not it... probably not...
Time ticked by at snails pace until the two finally returned to the palace. Wandering down the halls, Lucina fell behind Walter—whose stride seemed off. He seemed to hasten his steps, as if he were attempting to evade her. Brows furrowed, Lucina looked around to make sure no one else was present. When she was certain, she found the courage to break the silence.
"Walter..." she said; the butler did not stop, nor acknowledge her.
"Walter." Lucina repeated, this time a bit more forceful; the result the same.
Coming to his room, the butler swiftly entered his quarters. Lucina attempted to follow, but the butler tried to close the door on her.
"Walter!" Lucina screamed desperately, her hand darting to catch the door; hissing as her hand was crushed by the heavy oaken door. She gripped her now injured hand in seething pain, curling down onto the floor.
"Lucina!" Walter—realizing what had occurred—propped the door open, and knelt beside her.
Smack!
Lucina glared at the man turned teenager, her uninjured hand swiftly slapping the butler's cheek. The butler looked down at her in dull shock, hand raised to the cheek she struck.
"What is wrong with you?!" Lucina seethed. "One moment you- you're about to kiss me, the next you ignore me like I don't exist!" she shook with rage.
"Lucina, I'm sorry..." Walter muttered dumbly. "I didn't mean to make you think... make you presume that I... wanted that..."
"Didn't want me to presume!?" Lucina looked at him, mouth hanging open. "So you were about to kiss me for NO reason whatsoever!?" she raised her hands in confusion.
"No... I..." Walter sighed. "I don't want to hurt you..."
"So you decide to ignore me instead?!" the princess growled.
"I know this seems bad, but this is for the best..." the butler said resolutely. "You and I... as much as either of us may want it... we can't..."
Lucina was about to retort when his words hit her.
"As much as either of us may want it...?" she parroted, her voice barely above a whisper. The implications of his words were clear...
Walter—realizing his mistake—stood up. He turned away from Lucina, and re-entered his room.
"Yes... as much as either of us may want it..." he repeated, this time melancholy.
Just as he was about to close the door, Lucina placed her hand at the door frame to stop it from closing once more; still curled up on the floor with her head lowered towards the ground. Walter stopped the oaken door short of her hand—not wishing for her to be harmed further.
"Walter..." Lucina muttered.
"Yes?" Walter replied quietly.
Lucina, lifting her head to him—eyes watering—opened her mouth to ask him the most important question.
"Do you love me?"
Walter looked down at her. He was silent. He was silent for several seconds. He was silent for what felt like minutes. To Lucina, the silence seemed to last for hours.
Her heart was pounding, pounding harder than it ever had before. She was scared. It wasn't fear like when she faced Grima, nor fear when she was trapped by Gangrel. No, this was fear of what the butler might say.
She didn't understand why she felt the way she did. She wouldn't try to figure it out either. Even if she did, the answer would be obvious. He'd been there for her. He held her close when she was scared. He assured her when she was unsure. He fought hard when she couldn't.
He'd done so much for her.
However...
...most of all...
...Walter made her feel normal...
...and that...
...that is why...
"Yes..." Walter finally replied.
...why she loved him.
"...I love you."
Tears began to well up in Lucina's eyes at the butler's response. Walter knelt down to her, and placed his hand upon her cheek.
"I love you..." Walter repeated softly. "...and that's why I can't let you love me."
(Play song ~ "..." [Fire Emblem Awakening OST])
Lucina felt her heart break slightly, but she'd not give up there.
"Why?" she asked, holding back her anguish. "Why can't I love you?" Walter's eyes glanced downward.
"You can't know..." he muttered. "It'll only hurt you more to know..." Lucina shook her head slightly, a bittersweet smile on her face.
"You're hurting me as is..." she replied weakly. Walter sighed.
"All the more reason to save you anymore pain..." the butler argued, very little conviction in his tone—standing up once more.
"Walter... don't do this..." Lucina begged. "Please don't..."
Walter only considered her for one more moment before he entered his room one final time. Without another word, Walter closed the door on her; the princess not having the strength to stop it anymore.
Lucina sat at his door, silent. She stared up at the spot where he once stood.
Never—not since she was a child before the graves of her parents—did she feel so anguished. Her heart was shattering. He loved her, but he didn't want her? She didn't know what to do.
Is it because I come from the future? she asked herself. Is it because of who I am?
She began to quiver uncontrollably. The tears in her eyes began to stream down her cheeks. There was a stabbing sensation running through her heart. It was too much...
...so she broke.
Sobbing she sat in front of Walter's room, not knowing what she did wrong. She didn't know how, or why this had happened. She sobbed quietly. No matter how hard she tried to stop crying, she couldn't. Her crying wasn't over the top—it was subdued. She was neither screaming, nor flailing emotionally; she simply quivered as she let out tiny whimpers.
"Walter..." she muttered as she leaned her head against the door. "I... I don't k-know what I d-did wrong..." she stuttered through her involuntary whimpers.
"I'm sorry... j-just please tell me..." Lucina shivered against the oaken door. "Please tell me w-what I did wro-wrong... I promise y-you that I won't d-do it again..."
It was a solemn request; she truly had no idea how things had come to this. Now all she wanted was to fix it. She didn't want to lose Walter... not like this...
He was all she had left. He was her rock, her safety. When she was overwhelmed, he'd be there to push her forward. Even with the weight of the world on her shoulders, he was there to alleviate it from her. She wasn't willing to lose him.
She was willing to lose everyone else...
...but not Walter.
To her surprise, she felt—and heard—the door open. Looking up, she saw the door creaking open inward. Opening the door, Walter looked down at her, glossy eyed, but overall seeming far more composed than she did at the moment; though she could tell that he was holding back a flood of emotions by a thin string.
"Lucina..." Walter murmured softly. "Do you really wish to know the truth?"
Lucina nodded instantly.
"Yes." she sobbed. "I- I want to know what I did wro-"
"Don't you dare blame yourself." Walter interrupted, his tone firm. "This is all my fault... don't—not for one second—blame yourself. Promise me that, and I'll tell you everything."
Lucina nodded again.
"Okay..." Walter sighed, a mixture of fear and dejection in his voice. The butler entered his room again, this time leaving the door open.
"Make sure you lock the door behind you..." he said as he sat down at his bedside.
Lucina wiped her tears off on her sleeve before standing up. Shakily, she followed Walter into his quarters—closing and locking the oaken door as he requested. Her eyes were still watering, and she was uncontrollably sniffling, but she had regained SOME composure. Sitting beside Walter at his bedside, hands resting on her lap, she waited for him to begin his explanation.
"Lucina..." Walter swallowed. "I'm going to die..."
The princess was instantly floored. At the snap of a finger, she ceased sniveling, and her heart stopped for the briefest of moments.
"You're... you're going to die?" she asked quietly. Walter nodded.
"In about two or so weeks—probably after the last battle against Gangrel..." Walter further elaborated. Lucina shivered, looking at his downcast expression.
"How... why...?" Lucina's mouth ran dry. She was confused again. The princess STILL didn't understand what was happening.
"Same reason I'm de-aging..." Walter lifted his right hand to her, showcasing a strange sigil on the back. "I told you about the power in me... I told you about how it's de-aging me..."
"Yes..." Lucina replied quietly. "I-in the Plegia castle dungeons, y-you mentioned that..." Walter nodded again.
"At the time... I didn't tell you this..." he began once more. "My body has stopped de-aging... but has begun..." the butler hesitated for a moment.
"...degenerating."
Lucina stared at Walter, finally realizing why he was so afraid of...
"I'm a walking corpse..." Walter continued. "There may still be blood pumping through my veins, but... by my rough estimate... in... in little over two weeks time... my body will simply..." he paused and took a deep breath before finishing.
"...die."
Lucina shook her head in disbelief.
"No..." she whispered. "There has to be... there must be something that can be done?" Lucina bargained. Walter shook his head.
"I spoke to Tharja yesterday..." Walter admitted. "She said that she MIGHT be able to do something, but... she's uncertain. I myself have my doubts..."
"There must be another way." Lucina said, almost begging for a miracle. Walter only sigh as he lowered his head.
"There is... another possible way for me to... survive." he replied. "If I release the seal, and allow myself to use the power again... there's a chance—I reiterate, a chance—I might be stabilized. With the seal no longer draining away at me, and the... 'power' fully accessible, my body could heal."
"Then why don't you-"
"Because I'll become like Gangrel." Walter replied before Lucina could finish. The princess could only stare at Walter in numb shock.
"I'll become a vampire..." he said solemnly. "I'll lose what little humanity I have left... I'll become a monster once again..."
Lucina was quiet. She now understood why he refused to...
"Walter..." Lucina whispered softly, her composure more or less regained. "I don't think you'll be like Gangrel..." she placed her hand on top of his. His skin was warm to the touch. She recalled the feeling of Gangrel's hands as he attempted to violate her; they were cold and clammy like a corpse.
"Just because you and he use the same 'power', that doesn't make you two the same..." Lucina argued quietly. "So... I see no harm in releasing-"
"No..." Walter shook his head. "I won't risk it... not even for you..."
Lucina felt like she had been stabbed through the heart again, but she didn't let it bog her down. Instead, she gripped Walter's hand a little tighter.
"If that's so..." she began. "...we've two weeks to be together." Walter flinched at her declaration.
"Lucina..." Walter murmured. "I'm going to die... if you let yourself love me, you'll only be heartbroken." Lucina shook her head, a bittersweet smile on her face.
"Perhaps..." she admitted. "Still, isn't that the same for every other person alive? We don't know when our last day will be; you've only the curse of knowing a rough estimate of when it'll be."
"Lucina-"
"No." the princess was firm in her tone. "Even if you tell me I'll be heartbroken, it won't change anything: I love you." she tightened her hand around Walter's.
"I've never had the pleasure of feeling this way towards anyone else..." Lucina confessed. "You're the first person to treat me like I am: a normal woman. You've also done so much for me; I can confidently say that no man has ever done half as much as you have. That's why—even if it's temporary—I want to show you how much you mean to me..."
Walter was quiet. He seemed to be silently processing what he had just heard. Lucina was anxious, she wanted his response.
"Lucina..." Walter started. "After I die..." he swallowed.
"After I die, you'll find someone else to care for you, alright?"
Lucina scoffed.
"Maybe... I have my doubts..." Lucina confessed. "I may never love anyone else as I love you, but... I'm willing to take that risk..."
Walter, after staring at the ground for the duration of the conversation, finally looked at her. His usual dull-gray eyes had a twinkle to them.
"Are you sure?" he asked. Lucina nodded with a small smile.
"Yes... I'm sure..." she replied. "So..." Lucina swallowed her fear.
"Walter, I'll ask you again..." the bluenette took a deep breath.
"Do you love me, too?"
(Song ends here)
Walter was motionless for a moment. As Lucina waited for his answer, she flashbacked to every moment they shared together.
Saving her from brigands.
Declaring he'd help her with her mission.
Comforting her after the assasination attempt on Emmeryn.
Giving her a chance to be normal for just a day.
He'd done much more than that, but those were the few that stood out to Lucina. Exiting her thoughts, and returning to reality, her eyes widened when she realized that she had zoned out for a moment longer than she thought...
(Play Song ~ Raphtalia [The Rising of the Shield Hero OST])
...because she now felt a pair of lips against her own...
...Walter's lips...
Lucina felt her heartbeat quicken, and her cheeks flush red. She stiffened...
...only to close her eyes and melt into the kiss just seconds later.
The kiss ended a minute too early for Lucina's tastes, but maybe that was because it was her first one.
"Yes..." Walter smiled after they parted, arms wrapped around her.
"I love you..."
Walter leaned forward and kissed her again, Lucina meeting him this time. Steadily, the two of them collapsed onto the bed—both in absolute bliss. Still, neither would go too far—not tonight at least. No, they'd save that moment for some other time. For now however, they'd go as far as they could.
Falling beneath Walter, Lucina allowed herself to forget about all else. There was no Gangrel, no war, no end times, and no Grima.
Just her and Walter...
...just like she wanted.
(Song ends here)
Writer's Notes
Well, that's that! Walter and Lucina are FINALLY together. After FOUR YEARS of writing, teasing, and 'denying' this out come, it's finally happened. Unfortunately for them—more Lucina than Walter—it'll be short-lived, as our protagonist approaches his end. Still, he won't release the seal out of fear of becoming a monster like Gangrel but, does anyone really think he'll be 'like' Gangrel?
Only time will tell what happens. Will Walter die or not? Will Tharja be able to save him? Will he release the seal?
Let the anticipation rise ten-billion percent! (Internet cookie to whoever gets the reference)
Behind the Keyboard
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From Lucina's perspective - I planned to write this chapter from Walter's perspective at first, but ultimately chose to write it from Lucina's perspective.
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Did they, or didn't they? - Just so we're clear, they didn't. I just want to make that completely transparent. However, how far they ended up going is left ambiguous. Again, I'll let you—the reader—decide for yourselves how Walter and Lucina's night went.
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Avoiding that dreaded 'M' rating - I had to get a bit clever to avoid it. Heaven knows that I'm gonna NEED to be clever in the future if I'm gonna keep avoiding the M rating. I mean, the start of the next chapter has... I'll leave it at that for now.
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Reviews
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BatCornMan - Firstly, your name makes me laugh. Secondly, I hope I can continue too. It really depends on how things are when I finish this arc. Also, I wanna be able to work on other projects too, y'know. This story is a passion project of mine, but I can't sustain myself on it—unfortunately. Still, only time will tell if I continue after this arc.
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mistersnx - If you're talking about Walter and Lucina, well... yeah... those two were being fairly intimate at the end of this chapter...
If you're talking about an actual ship on water, I haven't any idea what you're talking about...
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Touhoufanatic - Well, things have certainly 'heated up' for Lucina and Walter... hehehe... they didn't go 'all the way' mind you, but they're going pretty far...
We're nearing the endgame, and heaven knows what'll happen. Well—actually—I know what'll happen, but you and everyone else doesn't.
If you're talking about Walter and Lucina's hypothetical child, we MAY get there at some point... just as we MAY get to the future children. Still unsure how far I'll go, but I'll make sure it's interesting if we do get to that point.
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Dracus6 - If this is a request, then I'll have to politely decline. I don't think I'm the right person to pick up that story—mostly because I've never watched or read 'Akame ga Kill'. I can't—in good faith—make a crossover without knowledge of BOTH sources, because it'll come out as half-assed as half the stuff Disney makes nowadays(may offend SOMEONE with this comment). If you're requesting me to write it because you like the way I write, I'm flattered, but I won't take it up.
Now, if you're recommending a fanfic to me, then that's fine.
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Aergaia - Yeah, I thought someone may feel that way. I'm disappointed that I couldn't meet expectations on that regard, and I'm not gonna make excuses on why I couldn't. As a result, I'm gonna be adding one more chapter after this one to add a bit more interactions between Walter and someone other than Lucina. Thanks for being honest.
Tharja is a character that I've been split on for the longest time. I didn't know how I was gonna handle her until I started writing this chapter in particular. After thinking about it, I decided to retain that creepy obsessiveness—a bit more subdued—but add some intelligence to her. She's a dark mage, so she's likely dealt people with 'negative' auras; it just so happens that Walter's is a bit more... enticing than most. Still, hopefully I'll be able to handle Henry well; that is if I get that far.
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I mentioned it in my response to 'Aergaia', but I'll be moving back 'A Desperate Counterstrike' one more time for the sake making up for the lackluster reunion between Walter and the other Shepherds. It may be my last chance of adding characterization to these characters, and I intend to take it. Once again, I ask for your patience, and I thank you for your continued support. I hope you guys are enjoying October!
(Updating this just before I release this chapter: I got the damn glitch again! I lost two-thousand words while writing the next chapter! I'm just a bit disheartened, so that update may not be happening for awhile... hopefully I can veer this thing back on schedule...)
(Update January 9, 2020: Change of plan, the next chapter will be vastly different)
See you guys next chapter!
Next time on Walter Dornez of the Emblem!
On The Eve of Battle
