Something soft and fuzzy landed onto Lucina's face, ticking her nose, which caused the poor girl to abruptly wake up. She quickly swatted the unknown object away and got to her feet. Lucina instinctively reached for her side which held her most treasured possession, a replica of her father's blade. However, all she could grab was empty air as the blade's scabbard was not at her side.

Panic flooded through her as she looked frantically for her sword in the dark. It was comforting to know that her blade was always by her side… there was no way she would be so careless and lose it! Her anxiety filled hunt froze as she noticed a blueish light brightened up the tree that she had been resting next too. Lucina looked nervously over her shoulder and looked for the source of the light. The glow appeared to be coming from behind the oak tree.

Lucina began taking some deep breaths, trying hard to calm herself. She didn't like the idea of confronting this mysterious thing, especially without her sword. But she felt as though she had no choice as there was something… enchanting about the glow. Taking one final breath, Lucina steeled her nerves and approached the tree and saw the source of the light.

Her face dropped when she noticed the thing was nothing more… than a pack of butterflies. A countless amount of purple butterflies were resting on the tree, softly flapping their wings. Lucina felt annoyed with herself for getting scared of something so peaceful looking.

Something brushed against her hair as another butterfly floated past her. The translucent glow from its wings reflected onto Lucina's face. Again, there was something mesmerizing about the light.

Without warning, the pack of butterflies left the tree and soared towards Lucina. She raised her hands and braced herself for impact. Instead of colliding with her, the swarm flew past her towards the plains.

The wind picked up as Lucina watched the butterflies made their way over the dark grass. Were they trying to lead her somewhere? The luminous light was certainly appearing against the mundane landscape. Forgetting all about her lost blade, Lucina took a step forward and chased about the butterflies.

She blindly followed the swarm of butterflies for several minutes. The swarm was now picking up pace and her anticipation rising. The pack seemed to become agitated as the light emitting from their wings were no longer blue and instead a murky shade of violet. Were they getting closer to their destination? Lucina was so caught up with her thoughts that she failed to realize that she was slowing down.

The insects were getting farther from her and once this thought crossed her mind, she realized that she was waist deep in water. She quickly backtracked and returned to the shoreline. Lucina groaned as she felt her wet clothes. She momentarily forgot about the butterflies as she imagined her mother's face if she came home with ruined clothes.

Once she snapped backed to reality, she turned quickly and faced the butterflies. The swarm seemed to stop moving as though it was waiting for her to continue following them. Lucina hesitated. She wanted nothing more than to continue following, but she didn't have the strength to move forward.

She placed her hand on her chest. Why couldn't she keep going? The swarm appeared to grow impatient and flew off towards the horizon, lighting up the murky water beneath them. The purple light faded from around Lucina watched the butterflies until they vanished from her view. Now alone in the dark, she lowered her hands and decided that she should make her way back home. She turned around…

Without warning, a massive headache pierced her skull and she dropped to her knees in agony. She grabbed her head with both her hands, but it was doing nothing to stop the pounding pain. It was a tortured pain that she tried to fight as she struggled back to her feet. That's when she heard it.

A booming laugh surrounded her, echoing from around the horizon. A laugh that Lucian had never heard before. It was as though it radiated pure madness. The roaring laughing slowed and became a menacing chuckle as a deep voice whispered in her. "It begins…"

Two words. Those two words were enough to send a chill down Lucina's spine. The laughing picked up again as Lucina struggled to keep her eyes open. She feared that she didn't have the power to withstand this pain.

As fast as the laughing started, it abrupt ended. Before Lucina could process this, something large and white pierced through the darkness and reached for her…

"Princess! Please wake up!"

Lucina woke up with a start, staring at the familiar black gloves that rested atop her desk. It appeared she had indeed fallen asleep during another of her professor's grand lectures. "My apologies Professor," Lucina quickly said as she straightened herself in her seat.

Her blue haired professor looked down at her with his usual unreadable face. After a moment of silence, he sighed. "I only wish you would take these lessons as seriously as you do with your swordplay," Professor Byleth muttered.

"I do!" Lucina began to say as Byleth returned to the front of the classroom. Taking advantage of the Professor's turned back, she glanced down and saw her sword was laying next to the table. It was just a weird dream, and she hadn't lost her blade after all…

"What was the last thing I said before you nodded off?" Byleth asked as he turned to face Lucina upon reaching his desk.

"Er… something about your sword," Lucina said sheepishly. Byleth pinched his forehead in frustration.

"While my own weapon is remarkable as a spoil of war… no. I was not talking about it. Could someone else inform our princess what we were discussing?"

This gesture seemed unnecessary as there was only one other student beside Lucina. "We were talking about the four nations of this country," a tired voice answered from the desk next to Lucina.

Lucina looked over and saw her best friend, Corrin. The silver haired girl also looked as though she was awoken from a peaceful nap as well. Corrin noticed Lucina staring at her and gave a playful wink.

"Correct. Thank you, Miss Corrin."

Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Lucina grabbed her pencil in preparation of the Professor's talk.

"As you both know, this country that we live on does not have a universally accepted name. This is because the four regions that this country is divided up into have been independent. The four regions of this country are…"

The Professor paused as he pointed out the map that was pinned to the board behind him. "The northern most region that is hidden within the mountains is known as Hyrule. The region in the west is the Mushroom Kingdom, obviously named after its abundance of fungi. To the east is the largest region of Corneria. And the southern most region and the most important is…"

"The kingdom of Altea," Lucina muttered. "The region we call home."

"Correct. And do you know what we call the untamed lands that lie separate each region?"

It was Corrin who answered this time. "The Wilds."

"Right. It is thanks to the harsh landscape of the Wilds that help protect our borders from invaders."

"You've been out exploring the Wilds during your time in the army right sir?" Corrin asked. "What did you see?"

For the first time since waking up, Lucina stared fixedly at the Professor. Hearing about anything beyond Altea's borders intrigued her as she never had set foot beyond her hometown.

The Professor appeared to notice Lucina's rising interest as he cleared his throat. "Like our humble Altea… just more uncivilized. But let us return discussing the four regions. Specifically, the history of Altea."

He faltered as Lucina raised her hand. "Excuse me sir," She began. "May we continue discussing the other regions instead?"

Byleth sighed and pinched his forehead in irritation. "I'm sorry Princess. I do not know much about the other regions outside of their names and locations. Besides… you will be the ruler of Altea someday. It would be most wise for you to learn all you can about the land you will inherit."

"But if we take this time to try to learn about the others…"

"Enough," Byleth replied in a tone of finality. "The Exalt has ordered me to help prepare you for leading this region. And that is what I shall do!"

Lucina opened her mouth to respond when the classroom door swung open! The Professor and his two students both turned and stared at the newcomer. A cheery looking soldier stepped into the classroom and gave Professor Byleth a salute. "Greetings Professor!" The soldier cheerfully remarked. "I have something to report."

"Yes, what is it?"

"I came inform you that the Exalt wishes to talk with his daughter."

"Very well. Princess you are dismissed." There was no reply. He turned to face Lucina and was greeted with an empty desk. He glanced over at Corrin who replied with a simply shrug. "Oh, for heaven's sake. That girl…"

Lucina walked quickly down the castle's hallway, making her way towards the throne room. Her path forward was barely lit as most of the light was blocked by ancient curtains. That was the best way to describe the castle… ancient. The floors and walls were cracked in several places often creating a tripping hazard unless you knew where to avoid stepping.

This was not an issue for Lucina who lived in this castle her entire life. She could have found her way around the castle with her eyes closed if she really wanted too. Not that she would do that as the castle servants would force themselves to assist her if it looked like she was having trouble walking…

Sure enough, as she turned a sharp left, she passed by some maids who quickly bowed as she passed by. She had given up years ago of convincing them that there was no need to do that, but they still would bow anyway.

She rounded another corner and stood before the entrance to the throne room. The large brown door loomed over her. Lucina took a deep breath and opened the door.

Compared to the rest of the castle, he throne room was far grander and more interesting. Old murals decorated the wall, depicting the legends of previous rulers. The former Exalts, were lined up in the back of the room depicted as bronze statues in all of their glory. A bright red carpet lead the way towards a pair of golden thrones, one of which was occupied.

Lucina walked forward and got a closer look at the person sitting at the throne. Her heart sank a little as it was her mother. The white-haired woman watched Lucina as she approached the throne. "Hello dear," Her mother softly said. "Your father will be joining us shortly."

Lucina nodded while moving to stand to the side, casting a wary eye at her mother. Now, Lucina loved her mother very much… but it was hard for her to find any thing that they had in common. Lucina's mother, Robin, is regarded as the most skilled mage in the region. Lucina never had a knack for magic (not that she really took a stab at learning it) and was more interested in learning the way of the sword from her father and uncle. Robin disapproved of Lucina's fascination with swordplay but allowed it in the end.

Other than letting Lucina practice swordplay, Robin was the stricter parent compared to her father. Lucina learned early on to tread lightly around her mother and never disobey her or she would get punished.

The doors swung open again and Lucina smiled as her father entered the throne room. The Exalt, Chrom, returned her smile as he approached the pair. Lucina had inherited his blue hair and skills with a sword (and thankfully not his scruffy beard). "How was your lesson, Lucina?" Chrom asked.

"It was… rather dull," Lucina admitted. "Important but dull."

Chrom grinned. "I see old Byleth's still hasn't learned how to make learning interesting. How about we do something more exciting." As he finished, he drew his blade, the Falchion.

Excitement flared up in Lucina's eyes as she too drew her replica of the Falchion. "I've been practicing Uncle's technique! I think this time I'll be able to break through your defense!"

Chrom let out a chuckle. "Someone certainly is confidant! Well, come at me!"

He raised his blade into a defensive position, but before Lucina could take a step forward…

"Really Chrom." Robin had placed herself between the two, looking sternly at her husband. "You summoned Lucina from her important lessons… to spar?"

"I figured she could use a break," Chrom replied while attempting a small smile.

Robin was not amused.

"We agreed that these lesson are important to prepare Lucina to lead this region."

"They are important but…" Chrom feebly said but went silent as Robin's eyes narrowed.

"Lucina," Robin said now turning to face her daughter with the same serious look. "I know now these history lessons may seem… dull… but everything we do is for your benefit."

"I…I know Mother," Lucina said submissively, lowering her head. "It's just that…" She mumbled.

"What was that dear? Speak up please."

"It's just," Lucina started to say much clearer, but…

"Exalt Chrom!" A Soldier came rushing into the room, holding a sealed scroll. She raced towards the throne and knelt before Chrom. "This scroll came from the border guard. A wounded Pegasus Knight arrived, and she told us to bring the scroll to you before she passed out from her injuries."

"Injuries?" Robin sharply asked as Chrom removed the seal and start to read the scroll. "Where is the Pegasus Knight now?"

"She had several stab wounds and is being treated at the infirmary."

"Unknown females were spotted gathering just north of the border," Chrom read aloud. "Clearly they aren't friendly if they attacked our people." He turned to face the soldier. "Go find the General and bring him to here."

The soldier saluted Chrom and sprinted out of the throne room. The sound of her clanking armor faded into the distance as Chrom slumped into his throne. "Why does this have to happen now of all times?" He sighed, his head in his hands.

"Father," Lucina asked cautiously. She had never seen her father look so unraveled before.

"It looks like one of our neighboring regions are getting ready to invade our border. I really wish this day hadn't come but if we don't drive them back…"

He faltered as the thought of a potential lethal conflict crossed his mind. "I'll have to send as many soldiers as necessary to secure the border."

"I agree dear," Robin said.

Lucina saw an opening and decided to take it. She cleared her throat and both of her parents turned to face her. "Er… if its fine with you… like I said I've been practicing Uncle's technique and…"

She was stumbling on her words as her confidence was fading fast. Robin narrowed her eyes, clearly knowing where the conversation was heading. Trying to avoid her mother's look, Lucina stared at her father, her last chance to get her wish.

"I think I would… would be able to assist in protecting the border," She finished.

It was an uncomfortable silence that followed Lucina's last word. "So can I?"

Robin opened her mouth and…

"No."

It was not Robin who spoke, but Chrom. He rose and walked up to his daughter. He placed a sturdy hand on her shoulder and looked seriously at her. "You aren't ready yet Lucina," He gravely said. "I'm not going to throw my only daughter directly into the line of fire. You'll be safe as long as you remain here."

Lucina took a step back from her father. "Fine!" She snapped, turning her back on her parents. "I'll go and stay trapped here forever!"

"Come back here this instant," Robin yelled at her retreating daughter, but Lucina had already stormed out of the throne room.

She started to follow her daughter, but Chrom said, "Let her calm down, Robin. We will talk with her after we talk with the General and the border."

Robin turned and saw Chrom walk over towards the statues of the previous Exalts. "I think its time for my brother to return home… can you send a message with a carrier falcon to him?"

"Of course, dear," Robin replied, and she too left the throne room.

Chrom walked amongst the statues and paused, looking up at a female one. This statue was the newest one and Chrom looked up at the statue's soothing face. "Why did you choose me instead of my brother to be the next Exalt, Emmeryn?" He asked the statue, which did not reply.

He could hear heavy footsteps approaching him and he turned to face his General.

Lucina stubbornly hacked and slashed at a practice dummy. She needed to clear her head and the arena was the place she felt most comfortable at. And with a swift twirl, she boldly sliced off the right arm of the dummy. She was breathing deeply and all though she was impressed with her swordplay… she didn't feel any better. Well better than the dummy at least.

"Wow. What did that dummy ever do to you?" Lucina turned around and saw Corrin standing behind her. "So, I take it your summoning didn't go over too well?"

"It didn't," Lucina bluntly said, turning back to face the dummy and began hacking away. "I finally had the courage to ask if I could leave this town and was shot down."

"What's wrong with Ylisstol?"

"It's not the town's fault. I love it here. It's just… it feels like my life is on a one-way road and I have no control over it." She gave one final horizontal swing and decapitated the practice dummy. Its wooden head fell with a loud thump to the hard stone floor. "I just wish I could get the chance to experience life… that's all."

Lucina stared blankly at the headless dummy realizing that her deepest wish was just said out loud. She looked over her shoulder at her friend and saw something she didn't expect. Corrin was smiling, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"I don't get what big fuss is about," Corrin simply said, taking Lucina's hand. "We're both 16. And I think it's time that you get to enjoy yourself." She led Lucina out of the arena and into the town.

"Where are we going?" Lucina asked as she winced at Corrin's surprising hold she had on her hand.

"It's a surprise." Corrin happily replied as they trekked down a gravel road.

It was the smell that Lucina registered first before she realized that they were approaching the stable. Lucina freed herself from her friend's grip and pinched her nose. "The stables," she said in a croaked voice.

"That's right." Corrin swiftly walked over and opened the stable door. In front of them was a majestic snow-white Pegasus. It regarded them with curiosity, as though they might have brought it a treat.

"My older sister is a Pegasus Knight you know," Corrin explained as she grabbed the Pegasus' saddle and attached it gently onto the creature. "She offered me riding lessons years ago… and well I think I remember the basics…"

"No way," Lucina quickly said, backing away from Corrin and the Pegasus, knocking over a bucket in the process. "I will not go for a flight out of town! I am not going to disobey my parent's orders!"

Corrin huffed as she lead the Pegasus past Lucina and outside. The creature was thrilled to get some fresh air and unfurled its magnificent wings. "You were just complaining about not being free! So, I say we borrow this Pegasus and do a sweep around the region. Maybe even take a quick glance at the Wilds?" Corrin leapt onto the saddle and looked down at Lucina. "Come on Luci! We would be back before anyone knew we were gone!"

It certainly was tempting. The thought of being able to see beyond the region she called home had its appeal. Lucina eyed the creature, which looked like it was eager to take flight. Lucina thought about her parents, and it was recalling her father's words that solidified her choice. She approached the Pegasus, ready to hop on.

"Go Luci!" Corrin cheered as she offered Lucina a hand. Lucina took the hand and helped herself to sit behind Corrin. "We better take off… and I forgot how to…"

What she forgot she didn't get to say as the Pegasus unexpectedly took off. Lucina had to grab hold of Corrin's waist to avoid getting thrown off as they soared skyward. The Pegasus was certainly a lot faster than she was expecting. Soon Ylisstol was just a blur on the horizon as the group flew northward.

After the initial shock of what she was doing wore off, Lucina was thrilled. Flying gracefully above the trees and the lakes was satisfying. Minutes past as they flew over a forest and Corrin pointed towards a group of buildings just beyond the forest. "There's Hoshido! That's were my family lives and just beyond there is the border."

Lucina looked over and saw couldn't believe that she was seeing Hoshido with her own eyes. Sure, she knew where it was thanks to Byleth's maps. But here she was… experiencing something new.

"I think we have some time for a look at the Wilds," Lucina called out to be heard over the wind.

Corrin grinned. "You wish is my command Princess," She teased, which resulted in a playful punch in the shoulder from Lucina.

She pulled on the reins and steered the Pegasus towards the border. Before Lucina knew it, they had arrived. She didn't know what to expect upon seeing the Wilds, but the differences were like night and day. Altea looked lush with its warm grass and plant life. The Wilds looked withered and decayed. The stones looked jagged and disheveled. An ominous fog seemed to be blocking most of their view.

"On second thought… maybe we should turn back," Corrin nervously said.

Lucina's conscience agreed with her friend, but Lucina had already come this far. "Were here. I say we press on."

Corrin looked like she really didn't want to, but nonetheless she urged the Pegasus forward. As they flew over the border, Lucina thought it was strange that there were no border guard? Surely there would be someone watching over it. Unless…

The Pegasus bucked and cried out in pain. Lucina and Corrin looked mortified as four arrows were sticking out from the Pegasus's torso. The injured and panicking creature began to descend towards the ground, spiraling out of control. "Turn us around," Lucina cried out, as she noticed a tinge of red flowing from the creature's neck!

"I can't! The Pegasus…"

Corrin's words were cut off as a cliff, hidden from the fog, appeared in front of them. The Pegasus tried to turn at the last second and slammed its body against the cliff. The impact however was enough to shake both girls from the creature's back and all three fell downward.

Lucina landed painfully against the ground on her left arm. She cried out in agony, and she knew that collision had broken her arm.

Trying hard not to cry from the pain, she looked around. The deep fog had swallowed any signs of the warm sun that they had just come from. She couldn't see Corrin or the Pegasus. She winced as she pulled out her replica Falchion and used it to help get her back up on her feet. Despite feeling dazed from the crash, she knew she needed to find Corrin and get back home.

She slowly stumbled forward trying hard not to black out from the pain. It was a slow process but she eventual found the side of the cliff… and a trail of blood. Her already high amount of fear rose to a new height as she followed the blood.

She didn't make it too far as she tripped over an unseen object. Lucina groaned and could feel something wet on her hand. Glance down at her hand, she noticed she had fallen in a small pool of blood. Her fears escalating again, she turned around and saw that she tripped over the body of the Pegasus. It was dead.

Lucina stumbled away from the fallen creature in terror. She had only known this creature for a short while and yet her heart was crushed. She heard a scuttling noise from behind her and she turned around as quickly as she could manage.

Thanks to the fog, she couldn't see any immediate threat. She didn't lower her blade as she walked forward. After a minute of silence, she notice another body lying down in the fog. She knelt and saw that it was Corrin. There was a nasty bruise on Corrin's forehead, but Lucina could hear her friend breathing softly.

She sighed in relief. Corrin was very much alive, just unconscious from the fall. Just as Lucina was trying to decide what to do next, a sudden sting shot up her thigh. She fell and reached for her thigh. An arrow was sticking from her thigh.

Her vision was blurry, but she could just make out three figures emerging from the fog. They wore light armor, but Lucina guessed that they were female going by their body shape and red waist length ponytails. The middle one held a bow with an arrow notched pointing right at Lucina. The other two approached casually, each wielded two curved blades that Lucina had never seen before. "Relax child," came a feminine voice from the middle figure. "Just stay down. We only need one of you alive. Your friends about to die anyway so we might as well put her out of her misery."

A groan came from behind her. Lucina knew that it was her fault for getting them into this mess. She had convinced Corrin to keep flying forward even though Corrin wanted to leave. And now they were going to pay the price.

The threat stopped their approach as Lucina struggled to her feet. "You will have to go through me before you lay a finger on her!" Lucina roared with all the strength she had. She raised her blade and pointed it towards the enemies. "I will cut you all down!"

"A female warrior… risking her life for a comrade." The middle figure raised to bow again, aiming right at Lucina. "You have our deepest respect. We will make your death quick and painless."

Lucina shouted again as she took a step forward. Just as the arrow left the bow, a brilliant light engulfed the immediate area and Lucina's vision went black.

"Corrin." Lucina shot up and looked frantically around. She was no longer surrounded by fog. Instead, she appeared to be in bed. Could this be the Ylisstol infirmary?

Getting a better look, Lucina registered that it was far to clean and tidy to be the infirmary that she was used too.

Lucina left the bed and approached the window. Gazing out of it, she was stunned as she appeared to be looking down at the sky. She stumbled backwards and fell to the floor. Groaning, she rubbed her left arm and made another discovery. Her arm was no longer broken.

She looked down at her hands and clothes. There were no signs any blood on them which left Lucina more confused. Where was she?

"You can relax. You are safe now."

A mature calming voice spoke out from behind Lucina. Lucina spun around and reached for her sword, which was not at her side. There was an older green-haired woman seating in a comfortable looking chair, holding a staff. Strangest of all, is that light seemed to be radiating from this woman. How could Lucina not notice this woman when she woke up?

"Who are you?" Lucina demanded. "And where's my friend? Where's my sword? Where are we?"

She was silenced as the woman stood up. "I am Palutena. The Goddess of Light and protector of Skyworld. And I have a sense a great destiny about you Lucina!"