"Lucina, you haven't spoken a word all night."

Lucina stayed quiet as the two siblings continued their dance routine. The night was cool, and the air was crisp. No sounds were to be heard but the hooting of owls and the light breeze of the wind. The forest provided a nice scenery and cover from any people that might want to spy on them.

Left and right the duo stepped; Inigo hummed a little tune to keep their choreography in sync.

"..I happen to have a lot on my mind." Lucina said.

"Dancing is a good medium to let out all your emotions and for relieving stress, you know." Inigo chuckled.

It had been a long time since Inigo and Lucina danced together. They had both learned from their mother, Olivia, but it was clear that Inigo was the more graceful and dedicated dancer than his sister.

She smiled. "I suppose. Although, I have forgotten what this particular dance is for."

With a slight spin and a bow, Inigo posed and extended his right arm up towards the sky.

"Have you forgotten so soon? We did this all the time. This is a dance to thank Naga for keeping us safe."

As if there was something to grasp, his fingers grabbed at the air and his slightly clenched fist had soon relaxed. Lucina mimicked her brother's movements, and finished the dance with the final step of bringing the palms of their hands together.

They sat on the grass and stared at the stars.

"Inigo. Do you believe the others are safe?" Lucina wondered.

"Of course!" He reassured her. "I know that people like Brady, Laurent, and even Owain are responsible people. If not, Kjelle can keep them in check."

"...That is assuming that they have all met up at this point." Lucina muttered.

Inigo had forgotten that his sister's point of view wasn't as optimistic as he would have liked. Perhaps it was the effect of being isolated for that period of time and realising that their chance of success was fragile.

"Okay, I'll bite. What's really bothering you?"

Lucina rolled to her side, and avoided her brother's eye contact. "I am afraid of having any wrong doings."

Inigo giggled a little. "Luci, c'mon. As cheesy as it sounds, everyone makes mistakes. Whether it's because you brought the wrong weapon into battle, or because you got robbed on a date, they're still experiences to learn from. And look on the bright side: now we have our family and friends with us this time!"

She still had a worried expression on her face.

"Imagine a world after this war is over; our past selves will live a life without all this fighting...and one day, little Lucina will become Exalt. And this time, it won't be because of an awful dragon." Inigo said.

Lucina unsheathed Falchion and gripped it firmly. Am I truly strong enough?

"I cannot allow this mission to be compromised by my own selfish needs...but I do not think that I will ever be befitting of an Exalt." She blurted out. Lucina got up and started to walk back towards the camp, leaving her brother behind.

"Selfish needs?...Hey, wait Luci!" He called behind her.

I am a coward.

I am not strong.

Again, I have run from my fears.

I am not a leader.

I am not the woman that I need to be.

I am weak.

I can fight, but I cannot truly be strong.

I cannot guide others if I cannot guide myself to a desired path.

I am sorry, Inigo.

I am sorry to be so blinded, so fragile...so emotional; I needn't be.

When you came back, I was happy...but I cannot describe why I feel so...

Alone.

"Lucina!" Inigo shouted. "What did I do?"

She continued to run and ignored her brother's words.

Inigo...when you see how these years have changed me, will you still love me?

Will you still be my younger brother?

Or will you choose not to acknowledge me?

"...Lucina's never been like this." Inigo said. "We haven't spoken since the night we were reunited."

Chrom was puzzled at his son's statement. "That seems unlike her."

"...Shh...!" Robin whispered. "Can the family matters be on hold right now?"

Their army had to be stealthy. There was no way that the Shepherds could take down both Yen'fay and Walhart; the best that they could do was to lure one army and distract the other. Chrom just didn't know that the plan would end up involving sneaking up against the walls of Fort Steiger.

"Sorry." Inigo mouthed.

The fort was huge; there was no doubt that there were dozens of soldiers inside.

"Robin, this is a death trap!" Chrom whispered.

"To win a war, you gotta think about the unexpected, boy!" Basilio said.

Robin glanced over at the fort's gates. In a few more moments, they would strike.

1,

2,

3...

Before she could signal "charge", a hand tapped her shoulder.

"Robin, let's pair up." Lucina said. Inigo nearly jumped when his sister broke her silence.

"Cripes, I totally forgot you were here, Luci. You were almost lifeless." Inigo said.

I am sorry, Inigo...

I wish that I don't disappoint you,

for I want the ability to be able to cherish my time with...

Robin.

"I would like nothing less." Robin said.

You will be Exalt, Inigo.

And I will stand down, for I do not deserve the position

anymore.

Wait, what's this, an update?

Yup, I actually updated since August! (Yikes, I didn't realize it was that long ago)

I promise the next chapter won't take five months, I actually hope to get the next one up (at the latest) by early March.

*I'm not abandoning "The Girl behind the name Marth"*

Thank you all for being patient, and I will see you next chapter!