"It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you've got to have is faith and discipline when you're not yet a winner"- Vince Lombardi

"Dearly beloved, we are all gathered here today…" The priest began, his job starting as he was. I envied him. His job was to offer condolences to those in grief, not to experience it. He didn't have to brave the pounding rain, hard as if it were hail. He didn't have to hold the hands of the confused and bawling young. He didn't have an entire country on his shoulders.

Her sobs were still coming, face pressed into my side and dampening it. I didn't mind, I only placed my chin on her head and softly shushed her, not knowing what to say. I couldn't tell her it was okay or that it was ever going to be okay, because I knew it wasn't. There was nothing I could say to comfort her, all I could do was be there for her; all I could do was be her family.

I couldn't afford to cry. Not in front of the people who needed someone strong. Not in front of my little sister who needed me more than ever. Not in front of the staff who looked lost. Not in front of Frederick who would take away practice to give me time to cope which I would vehemently protest. ...Not in front of the council of nobles who would pressure me into being a leader.

All I had to do was stay strong, but it was hard, by God was it hard. My body was trembling and no matter what, I couldn't stop the silent tears from flowing. Hopefully it would be played off as Cynthia's shaky sobs and the cold, hard rain.

This was all my fault. The funeral shouldn't have even happened. It shouldn't have been needed. If I did more then she wouldn't have died. She wouldn't have gone out to the field and died. Her death was all on me, I killed her. I should have done something, I could have found a way to stop it. In fact, I should have done something for Uncle Lon'qu, for Donnel, for Stahl, for Vaike... There was something I could have done for all of them, and I knew it.

The funeral pressed on for what seemed to be a painstakingly long time. I didn't even bother to pay attention to anything other than Cynthia and the empty coffin slowly being covered with flowers and soggy dirt. All the words being spoken just seemed to jumble altogether to the point I felt as if I was hearing a foreign language. It was hard to distinguish the voices offering their vain apologies and the more apologies Cynthia and I received, the more irritated I became. Sorry couldn't bring her back, sorry couldn't do anything. Sorry was only a word that held no power. She died a soldier? She died for a noble cause? She was so much more. They had no idea who they were even talking about. They were talking about my mother.

I was relieved when it all came to a close and all I had to worry about was saying my last, private goodbyes with Cynthia.

"Hey Mom," I started, already feeling my throat tighten. "I-I don't know what to say... There's nothing to really say I guess... I don't think me saying anything will do any good but, I hope you know I'll always love you. I just-I really need you right now," I couldn't cry anymore, all the tears were gone. "I don't know what to do! How did you do this? I-I just can't, it's too much." I wrapped my arms around myself, hoping I could at least pretend to feel her holding me one last time. A humourless laugh escaped my mouth. "...Heh, what am I doing? You can't talk back no matter how much I want you to, huh? That's how death works, right? Once it's gone it never comes back, all that crap?" She wasn't even in there, so could she-her spirit or whatever-even hear me? "Right, well, thanks for everything... I don't want to say it but... Goodbye..." I let my hands trail the tombstone one last time and let Cynthia to her piece.

I placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling it shake a bit.

"H-hi Mommy," She sniffed, rain flowing down her face making it hard to distinguish what were her tears and actual raindrops. I handed her a handkerchief nonetheless. "I really, re-ally miss you," Her breath hitched, "um, me and Lucy are really sad you're gone, and, uh, I'm gonna take real good care of Orchid! I promise! I hope you're gonna be okay where you are, but don't worry about us! Lucy'll train really hard so she can help! I'm gonna do that too, I'll be the greatest pegasus knight ever! So, um, yeah! I love you so much and leave everything to me!" Cynthia still had more to say, she was just getting choked up and couldn't continue.

We stood there for a while, and I was about to suggest getting inside from the freezing rain when I felt it stop above me. Looking up, I saw the priest from earlier holding an umbrella. He smiled warmly, contrasting my frown very well. Cynthia looked up, surprised as well and began to fully take in his appearance.

He was an odd looking priest, what with his seemingly informal, loose black robes. His hair was blond and long, bangs framing his face, and his eyes were a mint green, and had surprisingly long lashes.

I looked back down at the headstone. I didn't want to talk to him. He'd go on about how he was sorry for our loss and completely disregard the fact I-we wanted to be by ourselves.

He didn't say anything at first and I could feel his eyes pitying us. I wanted to yell and scream, just push him away because I didn't have anymore patience for anyone other than Cynthia.

"I worked with your mother," He spoke wistfully, breaking the tense silence at last.

I mumbled out an, "Oh, really?" unenthusiastically, not interested in what he had to say.

"What was she like?" Cynthia asked meekly. She played with the ring on her right ring finger. She only had it for a few weeks now and she was already developing a habit. She did it whenever she got concerned or embarrassed.

The priest smiled fondly as if he really knew her. "She was an outstanding pegasus knight, although I heard she was a novice when she first joined the Shepherds."

"You were part of Dad's militia?" I asked. If he was, he should have be in the Roster. I thought about his appearance again. I was better with names rather than faces though. Male, long blond hair, green eyes... "You're... Libra right? The feminine looking priest?" He had scabby knees too, I wasn't about to say that though. I didn't want him thinking I was an intrusive, stalking freak.

He chuckled like he was expecting me to think he was a woman, although I wouldn't be surprised if others made that mistake, I just happened to know better. "Yes, though I am surprised you knew I was a man. People tend to mistake me for a woman, which can lead to awkward encounters," He paused for dramatic effect. "very awkward."

"I bet…"

"Your father mistook me for a war cleric when he first met me, in fact." He hummed thoughtfully. "Both of your parents were incredible in their own rights. I'll always remember how your mother would go and pick flowers for reassurance or how your father always managed to break the sturdiest training equipment. They were joys to be around. May Naga give their souls peace..."

Suddenly, Cynthia took Libra's hand and I sent her a look, asking what she was doing. She didn't look back, only grabbed my hand so she was in between me and Libra. Her body started shaking with quiet hiccups escaping her mouth. I turned so I could wrap my free arm around her to calm her down, hopefully. She buried her face in the crook of my neck and shifted several times until she felt comfortable. I shifted my eyes towards Libra to see how he would react and he did nothing but smile empathetically in our direction and turn towards the rain that had no near sign of letting up. He stayed there for as long as Cynthia took comfort in me - in us.

We decided to go back to the church Libra worked at after he offered, and we didn't really worry about anything. We were both drained emotionally, I didn't think much could faze us in those times. Apparently, we looked like the dead and I winced at the comparison. The dead killed everybody, it seemed.

The church Libra worked at wasn't the fanciest - nothing like basilicas with beautiful stained glass windows - it was more of a small place that held an air of a cozy home. I used to think churches were intimidating considering the communities, but Libra and his small church felt warm and welcoming.

Cynthia and I were hesitant to fully trust Libra despite what happened at the graveyard. It wasn't that we believed he was bad or that he was a stranger. He used to be in the Shepherds, a fighter and a healer, so he definitely wasn't bad. Not to mention he was a priest of all things. But we didn't trust him fully because of the information he had on our parents. I knew Cynthia wanted to hear more about them, I did too, however Libra could have been like the other adults at the service, insensitive to our emotions and how we had to grieve.

"Would you like anything to eat or drink?" Libra asked. He was going through a small cupboard near the front right of the church and I briefly wondered for what reason he had anything edible on 'holy ground' of all places. Donations maybe?

I looked towards Cynthia who was sitting next to me in one of the pews. She looked back, pondered a moment, then shook her head. When I looked back up, Libra raised an eyebrow and smiled knowingly.

"Ah no, thank you," I responded for the both of us. I eyed Cynthia out of the corner of my eye. There was something disconcerting about her being so quiet, it was uncharacteristic. Hopefully, she would be back to herself once… everything was over. From experience, she was being a kid, justifiably so. If she was uncertain or insecure, she'd follow someone who would protect her, and with Mom gone, it fell to me.

Libra came to sit down in the pew Cynthia and I were in, a few feet from me. "Would you like to say anything on your minds? It will stay confidential." He assured.

Cynthia shook her head against my shoulder. Unsure of whether or not Libra spotted her, I replied a no for her. For myself though…

"You don't mind waiting here for a minute or two, do you?" I whispered to her. Usually I didn't like talking about my thoughts, mostly because I could never fully understand them, but I felt like I needed to vent. About what - well, I'd find out soon.

She shook her head again and took her head off my shoulder. "You can go," her voice was hoarse and I winced. "Don't take too long though, 'kay?" I smiled even though I knew it felt fake and she knew it too. It didn't feel right to leave Cynthia alone and it went against my gut entirely, either way, I put a hand on her head and followed Libra into the confessional room.

"What is troubling you, princess?" Libra inquired after closing the door and having us both take the two seats in the immediate space.

"Lucina, please." I picked at the black dress I was still wearing and let my eyes rest on my hands. "I'm not really sure what's bothering me the most right now honestly, well obviously being at the funeral for my mother is one of my biggest troubles…" I sighed.

"People kept apologizing to Cynthia and me and praised her like they really knew her. I know they knew her but to what extent? She was a soldier, she was the former Exalt's wife, she was a temporary leader, but you know what they never told us? They never told us she was our mother, they kept talking like she wasn't and never took into account what we felt back there. We knew well enough what she was, what she used to be, but it never mattered to us. We never cared about what she was before being our mother. What they told us wasn't anything new. All of it was the same and nobody said anything different!" I buried my face in my hands, not wanting Libra to see me cry. "Who's to say they were really sorry then? And you know what? Now that Mom's gone all of her responsibilities have been pushed onto me! Th-they all expected me to be a special child at first, then an amazing soldier in training, and now-! Now they want me to be a leader! Now they expect me to somehow balance all of my studies and exercises so that I can be the next Exalt! A twelve year old! Can you believe it? They expect a twelve year old girl to be able to do all that!" I looked back up at him with pleading eyes. I desperately needed help. "I-I just can't do that… Please Libra, I-I need some sort of counsel…"

"Lucina," He spoke, laying a firm hand on my shoulder. I looked up albeit reluctantly. I still had tears in my eyes.

"What should I do?" I croaked.

Libra frowned, a serious expression coating his face. "It's not what I think you should do, you asked to be heard and I listened. You asked for counsel and I shall give it. You were irritated at those offering condolences because you believed they didn't know her as you did, as your mother. They knew her as a soldier yes, she did participate in war. They knew her as a leader, she had to be after the previous Exalt passed. They knew her as they saw her, of course you wouldn't be able to find anyone who said differently! You wanted them to say she was your mother yet you must realize, when people grieve they are too caught up in their own emotions to notice those of others. You are a prime example of this, do you know? You are wrapped up in grief,"

"B-but I know I'm not the only one who's suffering! Cynthia is too!" I protested, shocked Libra was accusing me of not noticing her. She was my family, how couldn't I?!

"Cynthia is the only one you notice," He pointed out. "When you were at the service, did you not see the others' sadness? You are not the only one mourning, you know."

I drew in a breath, ready to interrupt, but Libra continued speaking.

"Furthermore, I do understand your distress. You have been given huge amounts of responsibility, someone your age I wouldn't expect to uphold. You don't believe you can meet up to the expectations others have set up for you. You don't believe you can complete the roll as the Exalt. Did you know Lady Emmeryn was around your age when she was handed the daunting task of being the Exalt? The people prejudiced her, believing she would be alike to your grandfather; a ruthless war monger. The people didn't trust her, but there was no one else to take the throne. She would walk down the streets and the people would throw rocks at her because they were so blinded by their detestation of her father,"

"Why are you telling me this?" I was confused. While I did find it interesting talking about my late aunt Emmeryn, and her endeavours, I wanted advice for myself most of all. Not to mention the story he was sharing did nothing to quell my anxieties, they were only making it worse.

His frown slowly lifted up until he was amiably grinning. "but she had confidants, people she could talk to, people she knew she could depend on. She had a little brother and sister, she had nurses, maids, teachers, priests, knights! She had trustworthy companions. Do you understand?" He finished.

I nodded hesitantly and wiped away any excess tears. "I-I think so… You want me to get help from people I trust, right?"

Libra chuckled and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I don't want you to do anything. I'm merely advising you. Now, I think we've let your sister waiting for too long."

Libra opened the door and led us both out. I returned to the pew where Cynthia sat. She immediately leaned her head back onto my shoulder and I let my head drop on the top of her's, wrapping an arm around her.

"What'd you talk about?" She asked after a few moments of hugging.

I huffed a breath. I was glad she was still annoyingly curious. "Don't worry about it. We just talk about how I'm going to have to work really hard now... and I might need your help." I smiled against her head when I felt her breathing quicken a bit.

"You can count on me!"

"I know I can, kiddo."

We stayed there in the church for awhile, clinging to each other, still heartbroken but a little more enlightened. Somehow, I felt as if my load was lightened already.

There's something fun about starting a chapter with a funeral. I don't know what it is, but it's fun.

So, Libra is introduced and sets things straight for Lucina! I wanted to make Libra another adult character for Lucina to turn to, so here he is! Lucina is also feeling pressured in her decisions. She's stressed and needs help. Because of that, Cynthia, Frederick, Amice, Maven and Libra will have some roles to fill.

The next chapter will be a little more, 'political,' if you catch my drift. More OC's!

Also, Fire Emblem Fates! Have you guys heard about the clones from Awakening? There're soldiers that look like Tharja, Cordelia, Gaius, Inigo, Severa and Owain. Sound familiar? The exact same groups from the Summer Scramble and the Hot Spring Scramble DLC packs, save for Chrom and Lucina. I've heard people have been trying to connect Aqua (the dancer) from Fates too. Also, children characters are a thing. Inigo's clone has a daughter who looks like Olivia, and Owain's clone also has a daughter whose personality is like Lissa's. There are two characters, one male and one female, who you can have A+ supports with, the same sex character marriages too. I think it's neat! I might try them on multiple playthroughs.

Question: Have you ever needed to confide in someone?

My answer: I've never needed to so to speak. It's more like someone asked me something and it all just fell out, you know? Sad or happy, if someone wants to know something I'll say it unless I don't want to.

Reviews are love and motivation, so please leave one before you go!