10 years prior to the destruction of Ylisse

It was a beautiful day in the city of Ylisse. The sun was shining, covering the city in a cozy blanket of warmth. The townspeople were going about their daily lives, enjoying the nice day. Some were at the market, while others were just walk-in around enjoying the nice day. There was food, clothes, toys, animals, jewelry and an endless number of other goods being sold. Children were in the streets, playing and giggling as they bumped into random towns folks, which earned a few grumbles from few, but most of them just smiled, remembering the times when they were kids.

Despite the bustling people outside, the Ylissean palace was quite quiet, for this was the day off for most of the staff. The royle family decided to take time off to enjoy their day as well, to get away from all the needless stress that running an entire kingdom could give.

Outside, in the castle courtyard, the exalt (king) and his daughter were playing knights. The king was always so busy, he rarely got the chance to play with his 7 year old daughter, Lucina. Of course, the rare moments when they could spend time together, the princess always wants to play war games.

The girl giggled, and pointed her stick at her father. "I'm gonna get ya this time, daddy!" She giggled, then ran at her father, waving her stick around carelessly in the air.

Her father chuckled, knowing that one: his daughter could never beat him in a fight at this age, and two: the fact that the stick she chose just wobbled around in the air, and would most likely miss him, even if the exalt stood still.

Despite this fact, the daughter still giggled as her father pretended to fight back with his own stick.

The small princess ran at her father, and thrust her stick towards the man. Her father easily pairied her attack, however, he stayed only on defense. He didn't want to accidentally hurt his daughter, and she seemed to have fun "attacking" her father anyway.

They continued their game for what felt like hours. The exalt and princess stopped to take a break, both of them quite sweaty from the heat. The bubbly princess dropped her stick and tackled her dad in a tight hug and giggled.

"I love you so so so so much, daddy! Thanks so much for playing with me!" Her father was speechless for a second, then he tenderly returned the embrace, and kissed his daughter on the top of her head.

"I love you too, Lucina. Naga truly has blessed me with such a wonderful daughter." He smiled in pride as he said those words.

The princess giggled, then said,"What about Cynthia, daddy? You love her, too, right?" The exalt looked at her, then smiled.

"Haha yes, Lucina, I love you sister very much, too, and I am blessed to have her as a daughter as well. But, you know she takes after your mother more. I'm proud of who you are, and I know that Naga has big plans for you someday." Her father said, smiling with pride towards his daughter.

He looked at his daughter again, and saw that she seemed a little lost. 'I guess she's still a little too young to understand deep stuff like that. Heh, I guess Robin got to me with his words of wisdom.' He rolled his eyes, thinking about all the times his best friend had said something so deep, it was almost cheesy.

Lucina was quiet. She didn't quite know what her father meant exactly, but she knew it was important since he mentioned their god in it, Naga. She was going to ask him to simplify that, when a familiar voice called out.

"Heh, Sumia told me you'd be out here. Can't say I'm surprised that this is how you use your free time, old man." Lucina quickly spun around to see a man in a big cloak and snowy white hair.

"Uncle Robin!" Lucina squealed, and quickly ran over to tackle Robin in a big hug.

"Woah there," Robin laughed, "Missed you too, princess." The exalt made his way over to the pair, as Lucina slowly let go of Robin, and put a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"It's been a while, old friend. Are those wrinkles I see?" The exalt said and pointed over his friend's face. Robin just crossed his arms and put on a mock disapproving face.

"I'm hardly old you oaf. And I will say, I do look good for my age, unlike some old farts I know." Robin laughed, making a pointed face at his friend.

The exalt laughed, too. "Hey now, at least my hair isn't totally grey yet, unlike some people I know." Lucina giggled at her father's joke. Robin looked quite taken aback at first, then he too started to laugh.

Once the trio could catch their breath, Robin spoke up. "I was sent here to fetch you two by yours truly," Robin winked, then continued, "And I think she'll be a little mad if we're late to supper."

It was quiet for a second, then Lucina spoke up, "Uncle Robin, are you staying for dinner?!" Robin grinned, then nodded. This made Lucina respond by jumping up and down, pumping her fist into the air, and repeatedly yelling 'yay'. Her eyes practically had sparkles in them.

The king looked to his friend, and playfully punched him in the shoulder, "Well it looks like someone is excited. Can't say I share her enthusiasm, but for what it's worth, I'm glad your staying"

Robin just rolled his eyes at his friend, who in turn just laughed. Robin just shook his head, grinning from ear to ear.

2 hours later

The dining hall was quiet as everyone in the dining hall was scarfing down the delicious food. Lucina especially was eating fast, mostly because she wanted to continue to play outside with what little daylight she had left. Lucina sat at the end of a very long table, along with her father, mother, little sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and Robin. Though Robin wasn't really Lucina's uncle, she thought of him as one, just as her father thought of him as a brother in all but blood.

Lucina was on her last bite of roast beef. When she finished, mouth full of food, she said,"Alr dom. May I pweash be excushed?"

Lucina's mother sighed, "Lucina, remember to swallow before you talk. It's rude to talk with a mouth full of food, dear." Her mother scolded.

This earned a chuckle from a few others, and Lucina quickly swallowed and said bashfully, "Sorry, mama. Can I go play now," She paused,"Please?"

Her mother smiled,"Yes dear, go have fun now. But please be inside before dark." Lucina nodded, got up, then ran out of the dining room.

Meanwhile, in the dining hall, Lucina's aunt and uncle bid the rest of the family goodnight, as they went to take their son to bed. Lucina's mother decided that she should take Lucina's younger sister, Cynthia, off to bed as well, so she, too, bid everyone goodnight before leaving the dining hall. This left the two brotherly friends alone together.

Robin remembered watching Lucina as she left the dining hall, and frowned as he sighed with longing. His friend noticed this, "A frown doesn't suit you, my friend. What's up?"

Robin looked back at his friend, and sighed again. "I've just been thinking about my life, that's all." When Robin noticed his friend seemed a little confused, he internally sighed, and decided to elaborate. "What I mean is, I've been thinking about my personal life. Like, what I actually want to do with my life. I mean, I can't just sit in a library all day, can I?"

The exalt sighed. He and Robin have been discussing this for some time now, and each time it was brought up, Robin seemed more upset about it. The exalt knew what Robin was really thinking about: a family.

Robin continued, "I've just been thinking about settling down, ya know? I mean, the war is finally over, right? So there's no need for me in the army anymore, ya know, with the battle tactics and all that. You and Sumia look so happy with your two beautiful children. I know that Lissa is, too. I know it's selfish, but I want that kind of happiness too in my life. I just…" Robin's voice trailed off, and he sighed again.

The exalt looked at his friend, his heart just aching for his friend, "Robin, if anyone deserves happiness, it's you. Everything that you've done for me, for the shepherds, heck, for my daughter, is more than I can ask for. You'll find someone, someone special, and you'll start a beautiful family of your own one day, too. I know you will, brother."

The exalt then smirked, "Besides, I guess you're too dense to notice, but pretty much all the still single female Shepard's are practically swooning over you. Even the staff, too." The king tried to lighten the mood, and it worked a little, but Robin still seemed a little upset.

"Heh, I guess you're right. But I don't think any of them are the right person for me. It's okay, I know you're trying to help, but I guess I'm just not ready for that kind of stuff yet, and I'll be okay with that. I think I just need time to think about it, that's all." Robin forced a small smile, and got up. The exalt, too, got up, looking dissatisfied.

"I think I'm going to go to bed. Do you mind if I stay here for the night?" Robin asked.

The exalt grinned. "Sure friend. You can choose any of the guest rooms. There is, of course, your old room, too." Now it was Robin's turn to grin.

"You didn't do anything with my stuff, right?" Robin asked, half jokingly, but mostly serious.

The exalt just shook his head, smiling,"You and your stuff Robin," he said shaking his head, then added,"And no, I didn't touch any of it. Your room is just as messy as you left it."

Robin chuckled, and the two bid each other goodnight. Robin went to find his old room, while the king went to find his daughter. The king assumed that she was in the courtyard, so that was the first place he checked. To his surprise, Lucina wasn't there.

"Lucina?" He called. No reply. The king started to wander around the castle corridors, asking anyone he passed if they saw his daughter. No one knew. At this point, the king started to panic. He made his way to her room. When he poked his head in, the room was empty and undisturbed. He began to move at a quicker pace. He was really starting to get worried, now.

"Oh gods, where is she?"

Once Lucina was out of the dining hall, she immediately ran to the courtyard to play. Though, this time she was playing by herself. Lucina has lots of friends, and all of them, with the exception of a couple, were younger than her by at least a year. But, all of them were with their families right now, so Lucina was alone.

That didn't spoil her fun though. She was a kid after all with a big imagination, so she could come up with something.

The sun was about to set below the horizon. Lucina looked up at the colorful sky. She saw so many beautiful colors such as orange, pink, purple and yellow. Lucina's attention drew away from the sky when something small and moving in the distance caught her eye.

Lucina squinted to try and get a better view of what it was. Then, Lucina realized that the small moving thing was a butterfly. Lucina grew giddy with excitement, and carefully made her way to the beautiful creature.

The butterfly was a beautiful and delicate creature. Lucina's mother taught her all about how to handle animals properly, so knew that she had to be extra careful, and try not to injure the animal's pretty blue wings.

The butterfly was currently sitting on a rose, so Lucina carefully crept up to the creature, and slowly held out a finger for the butterfly to crawl on.

The butterfly seemed drawn to Lucina, and it slowly made its way on top of Lucina's outstretched finger.

Lucina was surprised at first, then she smiled, and slowly brought the butterfly closer to her face. Lucina looked at it in awe, for Lucina had never seen a butterfly like this one. The wings of this creature were magnificent. They were a shimmery blue color, with an intricate black design.

"You're so pretty, and you match me!" Lucina whispered to the butterfly, "I can't wait to show you to my mommy and daddy. Uncle Robin would like you, too."

Softy, the butterfly flew off of Lucina's hand, and it fluttered away. Lucina wasn't ready to let it go, not before she got to show her family, so she chased after it.

The sky was getting darker, and Lucina forgot that she was supposed to come inside. As she ran, she was getting further away from the castle, and nearing the armory and soldiers barracks.

At this point, it was too dark, and Lucina lost sight of the butterfly. Lucina sighed sadly to herself. She looked back up at the sky, expecting to see pretty colors, but was instead greeted with the night sky.

'Oh no' she thought to herself, 'Mommy told me to be inside before dark.' Lucina was about to turn around to go back, as she should, but something glinted. Lucina whipped around quickly to see where the light was coming from. As she got closer, she soon found herself standing at the entrance of the armory, full of all sorts of weapons.

Lucina's curiosity got the better of her. She had never touched a weapon before, not even her fathers, and especially not Robin's tome, much to Lucina's dismay. He told her that disaster is sure to strike if she touches it.

Lucina slowly walked into the armory. There were a few candles lit in the back of the armory, meaning Lucina wasn't alone. She saw a shadow of a person reflect against the armory wall, and she could see that they were doing something with a weapon.

The person however, was obscured by some crates. Slowly, she walked to see who it was, and was trying to be careful to not make much noise.

Unfortunately, there was a stray arrow on the ground that Lucina didn't see, and she accidentally kicked it, making a loud noise in the silent room. Lucina mutters ''crap,'' which her mother says she shouldn't say, so she says it quietly to herself.

"Who goes there," a familiar yet gruff voice said.

"It's just me," Lucina said meekly, stepping out from behind the crate.

In front of her was a man with brown hair, and covered in armor, neck and below. The man, who usually wore a scowl on his face, softened his expression as he saw the small princess.

"Ah, milady, what are you doing up? It's dark, and you shouldn't be here at this time of night. It could be dangerous." He said softly, as he stood up and made his way over to the young princess.

Lucina sighed."I'm sorry sir Frederick." She told him about the butterfly, and how it fluttered to the armory, then how she got distracted and lost track of time.

The knight chuckled, "Heh, you really do take after your father. So, you were curious about the weapons, I presume?" Lucina nodded. Frederick just sighed.

"Well, milady, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think you're old enough to touch these, yet. Weapons are dangerous, and can easily hurt you if you're not careful." He shuddered, remembering the countless injuries he sustained through battles.

Lucina crossed her arms and huffed, "I am too, old enough! I'm seven whole years old, and that's practically almost an adult! And I promise to be extra careful! Please sir Frederick! Please! Please! Please!" Lucina begged.

Frederick just shook his head and smiled at her persistence, "I think that's a decision for your parents to make, milady. Come, let me escort you back to the palace. Your parents must be worried sick." He then walked over to the princess, and held out his hand.

Lucina realized how worried her parents must be by now. She took Frederick's outstretched hand.

Still, she felt longing to get her hands on a real sword.

The pair then left the armory, and made their way back to the palace.

The king had alerted his wife of their daughter's disappearance, and the two frantically searched all over the palace. They had pretty much all the staff members searching the palace, and the king and queen were close to making Lucina's disappearance public.

They have been searching for at least 45 minutes. The queen was close to tears, for she was terrified of losing her child.

They had almost sent out a search party throughout the city, when a female knight with short, red hair ran up to the king.

"Milord," she said ,"We've found her. She's with Frederick right now. He's bringing her up to her room as we speak." She said roughly.

The king sighed in relief. "Thank you Sully, I'll be right up there. Can you please alert my wife to the news." The knight quickly nodded, and ran off.

The king quickly made his way to his daughter's bedroom. Sure enough, the door was closed, and underneath the king could see a faint light.

He slowly opened her door, and was relieved to see her sitting on her bed. She had a picture book on her lap, and she was quietly reading.

"Lucina." Her father said.

She closed her book, and looked up. Lucina stayed quiet and waited for her father to scold her. He was feeling very conflicted at the moment. He was mad that she didn't obey, but happy to see his daughter safe. He slowly made her way over to her bed, and quietly sat down.

"I'm sorry daddy," Lucina said, then sniffled. The exalt looked at his daughter, and saw that tears were streaming down her face, and she just let them fall. Lucina looked down out of shame.

The king felt himself go numb at the sight of his daughter. He was never very good with situations involving strong emotions, especially tears, but this was his daughter, he had to do something. He silently wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Don't you ever run off like that again, you hear me?" He could feel her nod against his chest, so he continued, "Lucina, I don't think I've ever gotten as scared as I did just now. The thought of losing my precious daughter is just...heart wrenching." He sighed before saying, "I've already lost enough in my life. I can't lose you, too." Lucina stayed quiet.

Still wrapped in her fathers arms, Lucina wriggled her way so she could look her father in the eyes, her eyes still red from the tears she shed.

"I won't ever leave you, daddy. Not in a million years." She hugged him really tight and whispered, "I promise."

The king tenderly stroked his daughter's hair, and smiled sadly. The father and daughter sat there, and continued embracing for a while, but not too long after, Lucina fell asleep. The king gently tucked his daughter in bed, and kissed her forehead.

"I know you won't ever leave me, but I'm worried that I may have to leave you." He whispered sadly as his daughter slept.

With that, he gently blew out the candle lighting her room, and quietly left her room, softly closing the door behind him.