A large plume of smoke filled the air as the Shepherds began their trek near a volcano dubbed the "Demon's Ingle". The choice to fight on such an odd terrain, not to mention it was something akin to a fool's idea, was the only way that Yen'fay and Walhart's armies could be separated. This whole plan was suicide, Lucina wanted to admit. She failed to keep another person safe. Despite her protest, the Khans went to confront Walhart, and both Robin and her father were in agreement with this endeavor.
…Still, knowing this, it was of upmost importance to remember that every man and woman fighting in this war was willing to lay down their lives in exchange for peace. Casualties were to be expected. This was part of the fear that still laid in some soldiers' hearts. At any moment one needed to be prepared to strike or be on the move, and that a life could easily be snatched by the hands of death.
Robin stated. "If we are destined to clash blades, then it is imperative that we fight far from Walhart's troops. That will further the distance between the two squadrons, thus lessening the chance of a sneak attack from the Valmese."
"…And that's why we're climbing up a volcano, correct?" Chrom asked, as he sweated like a pig.
"Precisely. I know my brother is foolish is enough to follow us…his pride would not allow him to do otherwise." Sayri confirmed.
Today was the day.
Say'ri had to kill him. Her brother – General Yen'fay of the Valmese army, needed to fall at the hands of her blade…for if not, then Khan Basilio's sacrifice would have been in vain.
"Yen'fay, countless times I wondered why you betrayed Chon'sin…, why you never stopped those fiends from scorching our land and cutting down our people. I fear that the only answer you will give me is the clashing of our blades." Say'ri said as she glared at Yen'fay.
"Say'ri…you need not know my reasons. You wish to face my blade, do you not? I want to witness your strength one last time."
It was only with Yen'fay's dying breath did Say'ri realize why her brother kept his secrets so dear to his heart. As Yen'fay's blade, Amatsu, fell onto the molten rock of the Demon's Ingle, her brother seemed to be at peace.
She knew that he didn't fight with all his strength. He let his guard down on purpose, and it was only with his death that his reasons for siding with the agressors would come to light.
Everything he did…was to keep Say'ri safe.
And she did nothing but resent him for the wrong reasons.
"I should have spoken up prior to this…now Yen'fay shall lay in the dark." Say'ri weeped as the Shepherds walked back to the camp.
She held Amatsu tightly, her tears staining the sword from its guard to its blade point.
Hearing all this, this torn relationship of Yen'fay and Say'ri's, Lucina was reminded of a certain younger brother who she had yet to make amends to.
Inigo was predictable, to say the least. If he wasn't in his tent during the late hours of the day, he was most likely to be found practicing his dance moves "in secret".
"Inigo." Lucina said, after finding her brother in the depths of a forest.
Her brother flinched at the sudden sound of her voice, and stopped his routine.
"Luci, what a surprise. Actually, this time. You spooked me!" Inigo answered back.
He's…not angry?
The two sat on the grass before continuing their conversation.
"Sooo…what can I do for you, Luci?" Inigo asked, in his usual chipper tone.
"I wish to apologize for my outburst the other day." Lucina stated plainly.
She felt as if running away and refusing to speak with Inigo was childish and uncalled for. She shouldn't have to hide from her brother…she wanted to be honest with him. If she learned anything from her experience with Robin the other day, it was that she needed to be honest about her feelings.
"Lucina, you don't have to apologize. I understand…sometimes people get so caught up in shielding their emotions that sometimes those emotions can come out all at once in ways that they don't desire."
That's right. She never considered Inigo's emotions. She knew that his smile was a façade at times. Inigo wanted to keep everyone happy. He went through a similar thing with hiding emotions; Inigo kept his sadness hidden through his smile, and Lucina kept her's hidden through a literal and figurative mask.
She started to tear up.
"Inigo, I'm so s-sorry…forgive me. In truth…I was frustrated with myself, and the anger was directed at the wrong person."
"It's okay, Luci." He said as he hugged her. "Whatever was on your mind, know that I will never judge you for how you feel."
"I will tell you my reasons soon, I promise." She said. She wasn't comfortable telling him just yet. Even though Inigo had assured Lucina that he would never judge her, she couldn't do it just yet.
"Now then." Inigo said. "I suppose that now that you're here, would you like to participate in a dance with me?"
They danced throughout the night, laughing without a care in the world. Unknowing of what was going to happen the next day.
Woah, it's almost time for Chapter 20 already! Thank you everyone who's read this story and has been continuing to read this. And as usual, see you all next chapter!