Marth ran through the forest as fast as she could, tears streaming down her face. Seeing all of them again…seeing him again, it broke her. She continued to run, ignoring the searing pain in her legs. She managed to reach a small clearing in the trees. In the clearing was a small pond that held crystal clear water, a sight that she hasn't seen in years.
Marth had reached her limits. She collapsed on her knees, sobbing. She held her face in her hands and screamed as loud as she could. All those years of keeping her emotions bottled inside of her began to surface. She continued to sob and scream, which startled nearby birds, causing them to fly off.
Marth's voice began to grow hoarse, and Marth's tears began to run dry, but she still continued to sob. She then curled up into a small ball, and she squeezed her eyes shut, wishing everything around her would just disappear.
Slowly, Marth calmed down a bit, and she stopped crying. She slowly sat up and decided to wash her face. She shakily walked over to the small pond, and dropped to her knees beside it. It was still dark, but the moon gave off enough light for Marth to see her reflection.
She gazed into it. Gazing back at her was a masked woman with no expression.
Marth tentatively reached up to remove her mask. She looked back at her reflection, and saw a broken girl.
This girl's short blue hair was disheveled and her eyes were red and puffy. There were tear stains on her cheeks, a look that Marth rarely had.
Marth couldn't bear to look at herself anymore. She hit the water as hard as she could, disrupting the water and creating ripples that blurred her image.
Marth quickly splashed water on her face, washing off the tears. She then put her mask back on.
"It's not fair." She murmured, "Why must I bare this all on my own? Why me? Why?!"
Marth bawled her fists into a tight ball. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine having her friends and family by her side right now. She imagined their smiling faces. She imagined herself laughing with them. She imagined her sister and herself getting scolded by their father, then them running off to go cause more trouble. She imagined her best friend, and how he never gave up on her, even when she did. She imagined her parents, both of them smiling with loving affection towards her. She imagined her uncle, and all the stories he told her when she was younger.
Marth sighed, and opened her eyes. She didn't have anyone to give her reassurance, so she settled on telling herself.
"They're the reason I'm here. They're the reason I'm still fighting. Don't forget that, Lucina."
With that, Lucina strongly got up, and began to walk out of the clearing.
"Next stop, Regna Ferox."
Robin and the others were currently making their way back to Ylisstol. Frederick walked far ahead. Robin couldn't tell what he was doing, but Frederick seemed to be picking things up off the road and tossing them to the side. 'I don't think I'm ever going to understand this man,' Robin thought as he watched the man in disbelief.
Chrom and Lissa were walking in front of Robin, and they were chatting about the halidom, none of which Robin understood. So, Robin was left to his thoughts.
There were a lot of things going on inside Robin's head right now. One, his memories. The main thing he was thinking about was why he lost them in the first place. Did he do something? Was this like some sort of punishment from the gods? Robin wasn't sure, but it concerned him all the same.
The next thing on his mind was the masked woman. She and those creatures seemed to be connected somehow. Robin was frustrated that she decided to leave. He, and he was sure the other's, had so many questions.
But, something told Robin that he could trust this woman, no matter how many secrets she has…at least he hoped so. She seemed to be a step ahead of them all as well.
Robin smiled, "Well, two can play at that game," he muttered to himself.
"You say something Robin?" Chrom said, turning to walk backwards to face Robin.
"Hm? Oh, uh, just talking to myself." Chrom raised an eyebrow. "Oh come on! I'm not crazy, I swear! Well, maybe I'm a little crazy-but that's NOT the point! I'm just trying to make sense of everything is all." Robin said frantically.
Chrom laughed, "Peace Robin. I'm just messing with you. Honestly, I think anyone would be a little crazy after today's and yesterday's events.'
Lissa laughed, "Big brother, you were crazy before this!" Chrom shot his sister a glare.
Lissa just giggled, then started to twirl her hair, "Say Robin. You think we'll see that masked man again?"
Robin smirked, and Chrom laughed, "Oh? Does my little sister have a little crush now?"
Lissa turned beet red, "W-what? No I DO NOT! I was just curious! Geez, can't a girl ask a simple question?"
With that, Lissa huffed and stalked over to go walk with Frederick. Robin couldn't help but laugh. He could only imagine Lissa's reaction to Marth's gender. Chrom looked at Robin curiously, but decided not to question it.
The group started to walk up a small hill.
"Ylisse is just over this hill," Chrom said to Robin.
"So…is Ylisse like a kingdom? Like castles and knights and such?" Robin asked.
Chrom just laughed, "In a sense, yeah."
Robin nodded. The group finally made it to the top of the hill. On the other side, Robin's eyes widened. Before him was a huge kingdom, complete with dozens of buildings, stores and homes. To complete the look, right in the center was a huge castle. Though Robin had never seen an actual castle before, or at least not one he can remember, he knew exactly what the building was.
The group walked up to the entrance gates of the halidom. To Robin's surprise, the gates just opened without anyone questioning them.
The group walked through the gates, and they slowly shut behind them. Robin was greeted with a very lively street full of dozens of people. The first thing that Robin noticed was that everyone seemed so happy. There were kids playing and laughing in the streets. Merchants happily selling items to happy customers.
"Wow! This is the capital? I don't think I've ever seen so many people at once." Robin said, trying to soak in every detail.
"Neat isn't it?" Lissa said excitedly, practically skipping as they walked.
"It appears the capitol was spared from the chaos we encountered, thank the gods," Frederick said, relieved.
"Look, it's the exalt!" A man yelled. People started to clump together, trying to get a view of the exalt.
"Exalt? That's your ruler, yes?" Robin asked.
Frederick nodded with pride,"Yes. Her name is Lady Emmeryn."
Robin caught a small glimpse of the exalt. He couldn't really see her face, but she was indeed walking around openly with the villagers.
"Is it safe for her to walk among commoners like this?" Robin asked.
"The exalt is the symbol of peace-Ylisses's most prized quality. Long ago, at the dawn of our age, the fell dragon tried to destroy our world. But the first exalt joined forces with the divine dragon and laid the beast low. Exalt Emmeryn reminds us all of the peace we fought for then." Frederick explained…without the death glare! 'I think that's the nicest Fredrick has been to me yet! We're making progress!' Robin thought happily.
"With Plegia poking at our borders trying to start a war," Chrom said angrily, his voice full of venom. He quickly calmed himself though,"The people NEED her. She's the calming presence that keeps everyone at ease. While others would just want to start a war, she does everything she can to maintain the peace." Chrom spoke.
However, the way Chrom spoke, Robin got the sense that he didn't entirely agree with her. Robin made a mental note to ask him about it later.
Lissa beamed, "She's also the BEST big sister anyone could ask for!" She said, her eyes practically sparkling.
Robin laughed, "Heh, yeah, I would imagine she would be."
Frederick scowled, and Chrom and Lissa laughed at Robin's obliviousness.
"W-what? What did I say? I just said…and you said…and…so that means…" Robin's voice trailed off as the realization dunk in.
"Oh crap! That makes you and Chrom the PRINCESS and PRINCE of Ylisse!" He yelled.
Frederick had a look of amusement in his eye as he watched Robin have like 10 different emotions flit across his face all at once.
"Honestly, you're a tactician, yet you couldn't figure that fact out? Heh, some tactician." He smirked, causing Robin to go red from irritation.
"H-hey! That's NOT fair! You said you were SHEPHERDS!" Robin emphasized the last word, "You never said that you were royalty! I thought you literally tended to SHEEP! As in, FLUFFY MAMMALS!"
Robin turned to Chrom, panicking,"Please Chrom…I-I mean prince Chrom! Milord! Er, sire! Please! Forgive my dreadful manners!"
Chrom just laughed, "Peace Robin, it's no big deal. You're one of us now! Oh and, just Chrom is fine. Heh, I've never been much for formalities." Chrom said to Robin, giving him a warm small.
Robin let go of the breath that he didn't realize he was holding. 'Oh my gosh! I thought I was about to be hanged for a royal offense.'
He sighed in relief, "A-alright, if that's what you want sir…I-I mean Chrom."
Chrom just laughed, and Lissa giggled, "Geez Robin, I don't think I've ever seen anyone get so flustered so fast! Hehe, if only you could've seen your face!" Lissa said, laughing really hard.
Robin resisted the urge to roll his eyes,"Well, that explains why Frederick tolerates all the teasing," Robin said, trying to bring the topic off himself.
Frederick sighed, and muttered to himself, "Oh the sacrifices I make for the good of the realm…"
Chrom smiled. He looked back to where his sister was standing, and noticed that she was already heading back to the palace. He turned back to Robin.
"It looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her, Robin?"
Robin's eyes widened. 'Man, this day just got EVEN crazier!' He thought.
"I would be honored, "Robin said, and the group started to make their way towards the palace.
Robin was amazed. He thought that Ylisse itself was incredible, but the palace itself was somehow even more impressive than the actual city. The exterior of the palace gave off a strong sense of strength and security, but the interior was warm and peaceful, welcoming even. It gave off a strong sense of comfort to Robin, and it felt like home to him. 'Odd, why does a castle like this feel like home to me?' Robin thought. Maybe the idea of a home gave off a strong desirable sense for the palace, but Robin still felt that something was off.
Chrom led the group through big doors that led to the main entrance of the castle. The floor of the castle was lined with a thick, soft red carpet. Robin just wanted to lay down and fall asleep. It was definitely more comfortable than the dirt, that's for sure, but Robin resisted the urge to.
The castle was very bright, but not in an obnoxious way. It gave off a very cheerful sensation, and it made Robin feel happy.
At the end of the entrance, a woman in a green dress was standing, talking to someone who appeared to work at the castle…a maid? Robin wasn't entirely sure though.
Chrom made his way to the woman, so Robin and the rest followed him. The woman just finished her conversation with the worker when Chrom cleared his throat, getting the woman's attention.
The woman turned around, already wearing a warm smile, but that smile somehow grew warmer when she saw the group.
"Chrom! Lissa! Welcome home!" She said, then ran to give Chrom and Lissa each a small hug.
Robin realized that this woman must be the exalt, as well as Chrom and Lissa's older sister. Meaning that: she was also royalty. Robin didn't know what to say.
Her being extremely attractive was not helping matters either. 'Seriously Robin? This is CHROM and LISSA'S sister for crying out loud! Control your thoughts and get a hold of yourself!' Robin thought to himself.
Robin was standing silently next to Frederick. Chrom was just giving Emmeryn the rundown on the bandit issues, though Robin and the other strange events were not brought up yet. Robin caught Emmeryn giving him a curious glance, but she didn't say anything yet.
A woman, in what Robin thought was a Pegasus uniform, walked up next to Emmeryn. Chrom was just finished explaining the bandit issue when she piped up, "My apologies Milord, my Pegasus knight's should've intercepted them." She wore an expression of shame as she trained her eyes to the ground.
Chrom just shook his head, "No Phila, your duty was here with the exalt."
Lissa nodded her head, and was practically jumping up and down as she said excitedly, "Yeah, Chrom's right! Besides, we had plenty of extra help!" Lissa pointed dramatically at Robin, making Emmeryn smile.
Chrom nodded, "Yes, Lissa's right. This is Robin. He fought bravely by our side against the brigands, and saved my life. He's a good fighter, and he has a knack for tactics, which we are currently lacking. So, I've decided to make him a shepherd," Chrom said confidently.
Emmeryn grinned,"Well, it sounds like my brother and Ylisse owe you a great debt of gratitude, Robin."
Robin was taken aback by the compliment, "O-oh no, not at all Milady!"
Frederick pursed his lips, lForgive me your grace, but I must speak. Robin here has claimed to have forgotten all his memories. But it is only that: a claim. However, he for whatever reason carried a tome and a sword when we found him. We can't ignore the fact that he could be a potential threat to you, or anyone else in Ylisse," he said, then shooting yet another glare at Robin. 'Welp, so much for nice Frederick. Back to square one,' Robin thought, internally rolling his eyes.
"Frederick!" Lissa and Chrom said in disdain, and Phila looked at Robin wearily. However, Emmeryn still held her peaceful demeanor, and kept a small smile.
Emmeryn looked at Chrom, "Yet, you let him into the castle, Chrom. If what you say is true, then we owe Robin a great deal. Does this man have your trust?"
Chrom looked at Emmeryn, and spoke every single word with the utmost confidence, "He risked his life for me, Lissa, Frederick and our people. That's good enough for me."
Emmeryn's smile grew bigger, and she looked to Robin, "Well then Robin, it seems that you have earned Chrom's trust, so you will have mine as well."
Robin grinned at that, and to Robin's surprise, Emmeryn's smile somehow grew even bigger and radiant, and Robin's breath caught a little at the sight.
Emmeryn then turned to Frederick, "But thank you Frederick, for your weariness as always. Chrom and Lissa are lucky to have you. I hope they remember to express gratitude to you from time to time," Emmeryn said, looking at both Chrom and Lissa, who both appeared to be stifling a laugh.
Frederick sighed, "They occasionally express something, er, similar to…gratitude, but that is neither here nor there. Your Grace, Phila, I'm sure you've heard of the deathly creatures we encountered, yes?"
"Yes, sir Frederick. My knights have spotted them all across Ylisse," Phila said stiffly.
Frederick nodded. Emmeryn looked back to Chrom, her smile slightly faded, "Chrom, we are about to hold a council. I was hoping you could join us."
Chrom's posture sagged a little, and he looked disappointed," Of course," Was all he said.
Emmeryn giggled at her brother's reaction, "Come now Chrom. You're going to be a king someday, so you need to do the boring political stuff. Royalty isn't just all play, Chrom."
Chrom just rolled his eyes and mumbled, "fine."
Lissa nudged Robin's arm.
"I think that's our cue," She whispered to him.
She grabbed his arm, and began to pull him away. Chrom gave a dejected wave goodby to Robin and Lissa as they made their way out of the castle entrance.
Robin gently shook off Lissa's hand around his arm. For some reason, that made him really uncomfortable, but he wasn't so sure why.
"…So, where are we going?"
Lissa giggled, "What's the point of a surprise if you already know what it is?"
Robin just shook his head, "Oh gods, I'm scared now."
Lissa laughed, and the pair continued to take turns around the palace.
Lucina was walking through brush and trees. The sun was starting to set, so she decided that it would be a good time to settle down and make camp. She wasn't used to so many animals wandering around and about, and she was exceptionally pleased to have encountered her favorite type of game: bear. She had a fire going, and was cooking some of the bear meat above it.
Lucina sat next to the fire, hugging her knees while she waited for her food. Her mask lay next to her on the ground as she stared into the flame absentmindedly.
Lucina has a lot going through her head right now. Where were her friends? We're they okay? Was her sister and cousin okay? What about her best friend? She thought about the people she saved today. Are they okay? Is he okay? Probably.
She already knows what happens to them next, but will her being here change that? 'After I get to Regna Ferox, I'll need to stay close to them, just in case something happens.' Lucina thought.
Slowly Lucina's thoughts began to trail back to the beginning of all this. Her last moments with her friends and family…
(flashback)
"This is it! Is everyone ready?" Lucina asked.
She was greeted with murmurs of confirmation from her friends. Lucina and her group were standing on top of a mountain, overlooking the burning Ylissean kingdom. Lucina tried her best to ignore the sight. It brought up too many painful memories.
Lucina didn't want to show any forms of weakness, not in front of the people looking to her for strength…for hope. A burden that only she has to bear, alone…
"Any minute now, the portal will open," Lucina said, breaking away from her thoughts. She looked back to her friends, "May we meet again…just in the, uh, past."
Lucina's sister, Cynthia, ran over to her and gave her a big hug.
"We'll be together on the other side, right?" Cynthia asked. She tried to keep her cheerful demeanor, but even Cynthia couldn't mask the fear in her voice.
Lucina tightly hugged her sister, "I don't know what will happen to us once we enter this portal…but everything will work out in the end…I promise," Lucina said as confidently as she could muster.
Cynthia looked back at her sister, and smiled, then ran off to go say farewell to the rest of her friends.
A man, dressed in all black and wearing a black mask, approached Lucina.
"I think it will be best if you wear one of these," He said, holding out a small variety of masks. Lucina gave the man a confused face, not understanding what the masks were for.
The man sighed, then elaborated. "If Kalabhiti, or any other Grimleal, somehow manages to follow us back, he'll be looking for you first. You'll need to keep your identity as concealed as possible."
Lucina nodded, "Right, um, how about…this one," She said, picking out a vibrant and colorful mask.
Behind her, a girl gasped.
"Lucina! Are you blind?! Why the heck would you choose THIS mask?" Severa in disdain, then turned to the man, glaring pointedly through his own mask, "And Gerome, why the heck would you even offer her that mask?!"
Lucina chuckled, and Gerome just scowled at the ground.
"Okay Sev, what mask would you have me pick, then?"
Severa walked over to Gerome, and shot one last glare at him, then looked at the masks.
"Oooh, this one is perfect for you Lucy! It matches you perfectly!" Severa said, pulling out a blue butterfly mask.
Lucina smiled, then took the mask. "Well, I guess if I'm trying to hide my identity, what if I try to hide my gender, too?"
Behind her, a man chuckled, "Heh, I don't that'll work, Lu. I mean, have you even looked at yourself? You totally resemble a woman. An above average one, too, if I do say so myself," a man with orange hair said as he walked towards Lucina, smirking.
Lucina rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Seriously Inigo? It's the end of the world, yet you're still flirting with me. Do you honestly have nothing better to do?"
Inigo shrugged, "Hey, I read in a book somewhere that 'persistence is key'. So if I keep trying, maybe something will happen. You never know-agh!" He was cut off by a priest who hit him in the head with his staff.
"Can it Inigo! Did'n Lu already give ya an answer? Like two years ago?" The priest snapped.
"Ow, geez Brady! There was no need for that! And yeah, uh, she did…but she can still change her mind, right?" Inigo said, rubbing his head.
"Yeah, I wouldn't get your hopes up," Griffin said, crossing his arms and glared at Inigo with annoyance.
Lucina just ignored the group, and began to tuck up her hair, making it appear shorter.
"Well, it's better than nothing, right? It could help to draw less attention to myself."
"Yeah, or you draw MORE attention to yourself. Don't you think that people are going to talk about the "mysterious masked man"?" Severa said, rolling her eyes.
Lucina was about to retort, when a meek archer piped up, "Y-you know, Lucina? I-I think it's a g-great idea! The mask will cover your brand. You j-just may gain attention in a w-whole other way, like Sev said." The meek archer said, pointing to Lucina's left eye and clutching her bow tightly to her chest, sort of like a stuffed animal.
Lucina smiled, "That's actually a really good point Noire! Who knows, if I run into my, um…father, well, I wouldn't want him to see my brand. That could possibly alter the timeline more than it should."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The ground slowly began to vibrate, causing dust to pick up.
Lucina turned to the spot where the portal was supposed to open.
"Any minute now, we'll be traveling to the past, and rewrite history," Lucina whispered to herself.
Cynthia made her way closer to her sister, and clutched her arm. Lucina has never seen her sister so scared, and the look in Cynthia's eyes made Lucina's heart ache.
Lucina was about to say something to reassure her sister when a shimmery image of a woman appeared in front of the group. This woman had long green hair, and a shimmering dress.
"Mother Naga," Lucina said, taking a knee. Everyone else around her did the same.
"You may rise, children of fate," Spoke Naga. Her voice echoed a strange way, and it sounded as though it was multiple voices talking instead of only one.
Slowly, all the children rose, all of them staring in awe at the woman. This woman was supposedly the goddess that they worship, Naga, so they weren't sure what to say and do in her presence.
The woman continued, "Like I explained earlier, I will be granting you the chance to travel back in time and alter fate. Where and what time you are taken to will be determined by your courage and strength, and your will to fight."
There were murmurs that went around the group, mostly out of concern, but Lucina was pretty sure she heard Inigo mutter how hot the goddess was, much to her amusement.
Lucina knew she had to say something, so she just said, "Thank you Milady. We won't fail you."
Naga smiled, "I know you won't, child. Now, we must hurry! Darkness is already pursuing you, and it will be here in a matter of minutes. I can't fight it while I hold the portal open, so a couple of you must be willing to stay back a little while longer and fight as the others go through."
Lucina nodded in confirmation, "I'll stay."
This earned many protests, but Lucina held up a hand, silencing them all. "You are my people. I made a promise to protect you all no matter the costs. And you needn't worry, I'll be right behind you all once you go through."
Everyone remained quiet, looks of terror, remorse, even guilt filled their faces. Griffin stepped up,"If Lucina is staying, so will I."
Lucina looked at Griffin, and gave him a sad smile.
"Thank you," She said, and felt a lump forming in her throat as tears filled her eyes. Griffin nodded in response.
There was a loud roar in the distance, followed by loud moans and snarls.
"They're here," Gerome said plainly.
There was a faint glow, and Lucina turned to see an orb-like light forming atop the hill. The portal was beginning to form.
Everyone gathered their weapons, preparing to fight.
"Hehehe, going so soon children? We were all just getting to know each other, and I must say, you are quite enjoyable to be around." A voice said from behind Lucina.
Lucina's veins turned to ice, and she felt a chill go down her spine.
"Kalabhiti," She said in fear.
The voice chuckled, "The one and only."
Slowly, Lucina turned to see a man about 6.5 feet tall. His skin was a grey, almost a purplish color, to go with his eggplant colored hair. He didn't wear much clothing, in fact, he didn't even wear a shirt. He did however wear baggy pants, with tall metal boots. The only form of protection was this large animal-like rib cage that was wrapped around his back all the way to his abs. He had purple striped tattoos on his arms, as well as the mark of Grima on his shoulder. The thing that made him the most terrifying was his monstrous face. He had horns coming out of his head, and his eyes were a glowing, crimson red color. He was holding a giant sword that seemed to be made of human bones. The tip of his sword was stained red from his victims.
He looked at Lucina with a psychotic grin, and licked his lips, "See, you're so adorable when you do that face."
Lucina drew her sword, "Lady Naga, please tell me the portal is almost open!" She shouted over her shoulder.
There was a loud hum, then a bright flash of light. Now, instead of a small orb, there was a large circle of…nothingness. The portal looked as though it were a gate to space itself.
"The rite is now finished. One at a time, you may now be able to travel through time," Naga spoke breathlessly. Even a god could get exhausted.
Kalabhiti scoffed, "Ha! Did you just think I'd let you walk away, princess? I would kill you now, but Grima wants you alive."
Kalabhiti sneered, and he began to make his way towards Lucina, along with an army of risen behind him.
"Everyone,ngo through the portal! Right now!" Again, Lucina was greeted with protests. "That's an order!" She yelled afterwards.
Kalabhiti charged at Lucina with incredible speed, but she managed to dodge his attack. They began to fight, and the risen then began to attack as well. The children began to fight back. Lucina, noticing that none of them had left yet, began to bark orders at them.
They were her family after all, and she was sure as hell not gonna lose any of them. One by one, the children were forced to make their way through the portal. First a mage with a tall hat and glasses, then a small girl with green hair and pointed ears, then a muscular man with rabbit ears.
One by one, the children began to go, and their numbers lessened. Inigo gave Lucina one last glance of concern, then went through the portal. Brady saw Lucina fighting Kalabhiti, and knew her chances of survival were slim.
He fought the tears, but there was nothing he could do to protect her. So then he too went through the portal. Gerome left, too, with his wyvern, and even though he wasn't too big into faith, he still silently prayed that Lucina would be okay. It would destroy him if he lost her, too. The only ones remaining now were Lucina, Griffin, Severa and Cynthia.
They were all busy fighting risen, and Lucina was still fighting with Kalabhiti. Kalabhiti had a big advantage, being much stronger, and in some ways, he was more agile than her, despite his size. Lucina had to rely on her dexterity in this battle.
"Severa! Go now!" Griffin yelled to his sister as he cut down another Risen. .
"I'm not leaving you, idiot!" She yelled back.
Lucina locked blades with Kalabhiti, then they both pushed off, causing them both to slide back. Lucina looked to Cynthia and Severa, and saw that they were beginning to tire. "Cynthia! Severa! Go now!" She yelled.
Cynthia and Lucina locked eyes before Cynthia nodded and pulled Severa towards the portal. She pulled back and screamed as she reached for her brother, but Cynthia pushed her into the portal before she made it out of her grasp. Cynthia looked back to her sister, and Lucina gave her a small smile. Cynthia nodded, then stepped into the portal herself.
Now it was just Lucina and Griffin. The children had managed to clear out most of the Risen, making it so it was only Lucina, Griffin and Kalabhiti.
Lucina and Griffin were panting heavily, both of them clutching their swords as they stared at their monster of an opponent.
Kalabhiti was standing about thirty feet away from them, and he seemed a little winded. Lucina had managed to nick his arm with her sword. Something about her sword didn't mix well with any of Grima's puppets, giving her a slight advantage over most of Risen, including Kalabhiti.
Griffin looked at Lucina as he watched her gasp for air, but then cough from breathing all that dust.
"Luce, I think you should go now," he said softly.
"W-what? No! I'm not leaving you!" She said forcefully.
Griffin gave her a small smile.
"Heh, you never change." He took Lucina's hand, and looked at her in the eyes, "But you are needed back there. We'll see each other again. I promise. Besides, when have I ever let you down?" He said, and forced a smile.
Lucina couldn't help but smile, "You've never," she said, then leaned towards him to give him a hug.
Griffin blushed slightly, then returned her embrace.
Meanwhile, Kalabhiti gained a little more of his strength, "Aw, how sweet. Now, I don't mean to ruin the moment, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to kill your boyfriend first, princess, since he's in my way. Then I'll take you to my master."
Griffin stood up straight, "You're not going to put a single finger on her!" Griffin yelled, then said, "Lucina, you need to go. NOW!"
Lucina nodded, then turned to the portal. She ran as fast as she could to it.
"NO!" Kalabhiti screamed. He then ran to Lucina, but was intercepted by Griffin.
"I don't think so,"said Griffin, holding his sword at his chest.
"Funny how you think a mortal like you can best me." Kalabhiti hissed, and glowered at Griffin.
Lucina continued to run, and didn't look back, afraid at what she would see. She sprinted, and felt the tears welling up in her eyes again. She stopped right in front of the portal, and slowly put her mask on. She took in a deep breath, then stepped into the portal, letting the world behind her fall apart.
Lucina was still gazing at the fire. She didn't realize she was crying until she felt something wet on her face, only to realize it was her own tears. She sighed. 'I wonder if he's okay. I wonder if they're all okay,' she thought hopelessly.
Lucina yawned. 'I should probably get some sleep. I have a big day tomorrow,' she thought.
She quickly finished her food, and began to make her sleeping area. As she drifted off, her thoughts of her past swirled in her head. The memories that still haunted her were painful. Lucina felt tears welling up in her, and she began to sob again.
She was finally able to cry herself to sleep, though the memories never left, so she continued to be haunted in her dreams.