Mm, the final chapter of my entire "-less" series. A short one. I hope it won't disappoint; I rather liked it. I don't know what the heck I'm going to do now that it's done, though, but I'm sure I'll think of something (as soon as I stop playing Wind Waker!).
Many many MANY thanks to my gracious reviewers.
The Flame Panther – See? All that killing works out in the end!
Thais – LoL, maybe you better lay off the chocolate. Thanks for all the reviews!
Ron – Graci for your review, man. Hope to see you around, more. Oh, and that last time you talked to me, I think you were really talking to Deej. But whatever.
Morias – Speaking of not being able to read fics in a while, I haven't looked at yours in way too long! So sorry! But that review you gave sure did boost my battered ego. Thanks for all your support!
And on with my final chapter.
Cerulean brows drew down over closed eyes as consciousness roused Marth's brain. He opened his eyes and found himself sleepily staring at the canopy of a large bed. He was shrouded by sheer curtains and wrapped up in silky white sheets, his head resting on a feathery pillow. A gentle breeze blew in through the room's only open window, softly tousling his choppy bangs.
Marth felt something soft and moist touching his lips. His eyes instinctively turned in that direction. At his bedside, his fiery friend sat, quietly tending him. Roy no longer wore his armor but his gold tunic hung loosely on his body and the matching bandanna held back his unruly hair. He was dabbing Marth's dry lips with a cool cloth, nursing the last of his cuts: his split lip. His touch was feather-light and soothing and it made Marth close his eyes again. "Sorry to wake you," Roy whispered, retracting his hand to set the cloth aside.
It was the sound of his voice that jolted Marth awake. He sat straight up in bed, shock registering in his dilated eyes, and he yelped out in fear. "What!? Where am I? Why am I here!!?" Marth was frantic, panting as he turned toward his friend. "How come… I don't feel any pain?" Roy calmly smiled at his friend, moving from his chair to sit on the bed. Marth stared at him in disbelief for quite a while before he reached out to touch his chest. There was no sign of the mortal wound that had once been inflicted there. The warrior didn't even wince at the touch.
Roy softly chuckled and took his friend's right hand. "It's all right, Marth, we're home now. We're all home. We're safe and we have nothing to worry about." He moved in to wrap his arms around Marth's body, embracing him in a loving hug. Marth returned the gesture, a bit stunned. "But Roy," he whispered, "where is home?" Roy hushed him, reaching up to stroke through his soft hair as he kissed his cheek. "There's no need to worry about that now, my love," he crooned. "The gods forgive those who are truly sorry."
Marth didn't know what on Earth Roy meant. He sat in silence for a long while, hugging Roy about his strong shoulders. Something felt strange to him, though, and curiosity made him extend his right arm. Wondrous blue eyes stared at the perfectly-crafted hand that extended beyond his wrist. He spread his fingers and turned his hand around to inspect it. Tears welled in his eyes as the truth sunk in; Marth was whole again.
Roy was very right. He and Marth were finally home.
THE END
