The next day Lucina faced her opponent in the heart of the arena. Her sword glimmering in the bright desert light as she dashed at speeds that the Plegian swordsman could not keep up with. In a country filled with magic users, swordsmanship was not one of their strengths, but their champion did have the support of his home country rooting for him. He was their last hope in what seemed to be a poor tournament showing that included three of their four fighters getting knocked out in the first round. Although, one of them had the unfortunate luck of facing the 'man who stormed a hurricane.'
Robin found it difficult to believe, but rumors circulated that one of the competitors from Valm was caught up in the hurricane that beset the coast a few days ago. Not only did he charge face first into the hurricane, but he tamed it with his bare hands. Of course, rumors were always exaggerated, and this one seemed to be no different.
The only thing that was certain was Lucina dashing the hopes of her competitor. Within two minutes her foe fell to the floor, the graceful princess ending a heavily lopsided battle before it really began. It wasn't for a lack of strength or training on her opponent's part. The Plegian could easily hold his own against Grima's finest Risen. The problem was that he was predictable, and Robin had him figured out a long time ago. All Lucina had to do was exploit his weaknesses, and the match would end itself quickly.
…
*Huff Huff* "Need. More. Water." Morgan cried faintly, her voice drowned out by the dryness in her mouth.
After the fight, Lucina suggested they try one of the local restaurants. While unaccustomed to food that had more spices in it, they each found something that suited them. Robin and Lucina picked a few exotic fruits and a steak with a mild array of flavoring. Morgan on the other hand was more daring as she added hot sauce or extra spice to everything in reach. Her face turning progressively more red with each passing bite. At one point she had to stop because the intense heat in her mouth made her eyes waters.
No matter how much she drank, it was not enough to tame the raging fire from the intense burning aftertaste. "For future reference Morgan, when there's a picture of a volcano on the side of the bottle then it probably means you shouldn't pour the entire thing on your plate."
"No *huff* I like it. It give an extra zing to the flavor." Morgan gave a faint smile while panting in an attempt to cool off her tongue.
He shook his head and said, "If you were any redder you would be breathing fire."
"I j-just need more water is all." She stressed gripping her empty glass tightly.
"You've already gone through three glasses. I doubt anymore will help."
Lucina agreed and said, "I believe you need something stronger like milk."
"Only one problem." The tactician added. "There's not exactly a lot of cows roaming the desert."
"True." The blue princess thought it over for a moment before saying, "Either way, I'm sure the restaurant has a remedy for this. Morgan can't be only one to over estimate her boundaries."
...
A few harrowing minutes later a waitress came with a greenish blue tonic. It smelled terrible, but Morgan was not one to complain at this point. She drank the contents of the glass in one gulp. The result making her feel a little woozy. Not to mention, the mixture of heat and ice made her tongue seem rubbery and numb as she extinguished the flame.
"Feeling better?" Lucina asked seeing her daughter hunched over in her chair.
She took a deep breath and said, "Yeah, much better. Although I think I lost my appetite."
"I can't imagine why." Robin joked back.
Morgan gave a faint smile as she eased herself in her chair. Moments later, she closed her eyes and tried forget the strange numbness running through her mouth. "So mom, what happened next?"
"Hmm?" She asked wondering what was running through her daughter's mind now.
"You know, with the story. You must have felt awful not knowing where dad was."
Lucina sighed and said, "Indeed. I was a nervous wreck. When we landed, I-"
"Actually." Robin interrupted with a sly grin on his face, "I believe it is my turn to tell the story."
...
"Chrom, we have to do SOMETHING." A nasally voice cried out.
"What do you propose we do?"
"I... I dunno…"
"Augh." I groaned disoriented. The sun was in my eyes and I felt like I was hit on the head with a hammer. The familiar voices provided me with even less comfort as I recognized them immediately.
"Heh, I see you're awake now."
"Hey there." Lissa smiled while peering over me.
"There are better places to take a nap then on the ground, you know." Chrom snickered while offering his hand. He pulled me up almost effortlessly and I soon found myself standing back on solid ground. Chrom then smiled with a wide grin as I slowly regained my senses. "Welcome back."
"... Chrom? Lissa? Is that really you?" I asked in disbelief while I gathered myself.
"Hehe, who else would it be silly?" Lissa laughed happily.
"Eh, sorry." I sighed covering my head, "I have to make sure I'm not repeating this."
"Don't worry Robin. Grima won't be darkening our door again." He nodded back. "So how are you feeling?
"Ennng, pretty lousy actually. I have a massive headache, and the last thing I remember was feeling really light-headed while Lucina was looking over me. She- Lucina!" My eyes widened in alarm. "Chrom, where is Lucina?!" I cried out hurriedly with my mind racing a hundred different ways. "Is she safe? Is she unharmed? Wait! How long have I been out of it?! Have I kept her waiting long?! Gods, I have to get back to her as soon as possible! I have to-
Chrom's grin widened even further. Instead of answering my questions he backed away so I could see someone else come into view from behind. She was about twenty feet away and her hands were clasped together against her lips. Her eyes gazed wonder as they were permanently fixed on me. She did not blink or move from her spot. She could only hold her breath not knowing whether to believe what she was seeing was real or not.
"Lucina ..." I whispered suddenly losing all nerve to speak. My knees became weak as her wondrous gaze froze me solid like a statue. I was not the only one, because she genuinely look scared. She shared my doubt that what I was seeing was only an illusion.
She inched towards me unsure of herself. The bewilderment and uncertainty in her eyes increased as her feet crossed the barrier of grass that kept us apart. It felt like ages as I stared at her. If it was possible, she was even more beautiful now than the last time I saw here, yet my feet would not move. I could only stare in awe as she walked towards me until we were face-to-face.
Seeing her up close made my heart race uncontrollably. I wanted to tell her it was over and that we won, but I couldn't find the words. Like my legs, my mouth didn't seem to be working anymore. "Lucina I-"
Holding her breath again, she rose her hand so it was near my face. She then took one finger and poked it against my cheek. The tip of her finger pressed down until it pushed inwards. However, she was the most surprised when her finger met resistance. She was expecting it to pass through, but instead it stopped against my face.
Lucina paused, once again unsure. Her eyes glimmering with a new found hope that was restrained earlier. Meanwhile, her hand brushed against my cheek with great care. She felt the round shape of my features and lowered her hand so it touched my chin. Leaning forward, she used her other hand to stroke away some hair that was scattered on my forehead. All the while her gaze intensified with a deep and loving stare.
"R-Robin." Her voice cracked as she teared up. "W-what is my favorite bird?"
"Fav...orite, bird?" I whispered back puzzled.
"Y-yes." She gulped having a difficult time speaking. "The one that filled me with hope when I was a child. H-how I wished I could fly away to safer land like them."
"... You mean, the penguins I need to teach how to fly for you?" I whispered with a faint smile.
With that response, any left over doubts in her mind were wiped away. Next thing I knew, she tackled me to the ground with her arms around me tightly. Unable to hold it any longer, tears fell down her cheeks as she smothered me with her embrace. She then pressed her lips against mine and kissed me in way that words could not express. There was power, grace, and love in her movements that made it feel like heaven, while the sheer ferocity of our kiss was unlike any we exchanged before.
I could feel the tears dripping down from her eyes to my face. The tight grip of her hands as she turned her head to be in a better position. Our moment was only to be halted for a brief second as we caught our breath before pushing our lips together again. The feeling only growing stronger with more time instead of fading.
…
*Ahem* Chrom cleared his throat. He was clearly unsettled by the display as his face turned pale. It was only then I realized that we were far from alone. Through the corner of my eye I could see Sumia literally jumping for joy. Lissa was also giggling seeing the uncomfortable look on her brother's face. Frederick, as usual remained silent without telling his thoughts on the matter. Although for some reason he wasn't wearing any armor with confused me. Finally, there was Cordelia, smirking in a way that made me a little uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Lucina reopened her eyes as she noticed my sudden hesitation to continue. Unsure what the problem was, she look worried until she noticed the direction I was glancing at. That was all she needed to realize what was going on and immediately hoped off of me. Her cheeks turning a deep crimson red as she sheepishly looked back at the group of shepherds. However, one thing remained, and that was her warm and tender hand still holding mine. Despite both of us being heavily embarrassed for forgetting our surroundings, she was unwillingly to let go completely.
"Gods, I'm going to have gray hair before I even reach 25." Chrom covered his face not being able to delete what he saw from his memory.
"Oh, ignore him you two." Sumia smiled happily. "It's to be expected that you would be happy to see each other. After all, it's the first time you've been away from each other for a full week."
"... A week?" I asked confused.
Lucina turned towards me and said, "It's been about seven days since you … disappeared." She lowered her head and said hesitantly, "At first we waited for you where Grima fell, but my father believed we might find you here since you are so closely tied to our country. We flew over here by Pegasus, and it turns out he my father right." She gave an awkward smile back with mixed emotions.
"I see." I frowned knowing she probably worried herself during the time it took to get here. Unconsciously, I knew it was strange that we were back in Ylisse, but this was the first time I actually had time to process it. Which explained why there was so few shepherds around. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting for so long Lucina. "
"Huh?!" Lucina said alarmed. "Oh, no Robin. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you are safe. That is what matters most to me."
Chrom begrudgingly said, "And for what it is worth, I'm glad you are back as well."
...
The day passed quicker then I cared for, but one thing was different from the last time we made the trip home. Since we didn't have to battle bandits or encounter Risen in the forest, we managed to make it to the capital by nightfall. The signs of our home being a welcome relief from the constant campaigning on the open terrain. So when the next morning came, instead of waking up to Chrom and Lissa leering over me, or giant rocks of fire hurling from the sky, I found myself waking up by the light shining through the window of the room.
It was hard to believe, but when I settled down for the night I found my room identical to the way I left it. There were books messily stacked up against the back wall, the shattered butterfly mask of a certain princess hanging next to some framed pictures. A desk stacked with various nick knacks and gifts from friends. A closest where I stored most of my clothes, a changing room, and some empty space that I never used. However, now that this room held an extra person, it was becoming clear that we were going to need a bigger room eventually. Although, I was disappointed to find the other side of my bed was missing it's most lovely feature.
"I wonder where she ran off to." I mumbled as I rubbed my eyes to wake up. Normally, the moment I woke up meant I had a long list of things to do. I needed to make sure our army was ready to move, there was enough water and food to last behind enemy lines, I would check on the group to make sure everyone was ready, and if there was enough time afterwards, spend a few moments with Lucina.
However, it still hadn't fully registered that there was no mission today. It would take the shepherds some time to return, and even then there would only be training and celebrating to do. We worked so hard to get back to this peaceful lifestyle, but I wasn't sure what to do with it now. It felt strange to sleep in a real bed where the walls were thicker than a patch of cloth.
…
Before I could wander off in my thoughts any further, the door slowly pressed open as Lucina peeked her head inside. Seeing that I was awake, she smiled and opened the door while carrying a tray filled to the brim with food.
"Good morning love." Lucina chimed. "I hope you slept well."
"Good morning to you too, but what is all this?" I asked referring to the large tray she was carrying that held a mountain of pancakes.
"This?" She asked looking down at the tray. "I'm afraid it isn't much, but I've prepared pancakes, bacon strips, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns, warm bread, and there is orange juice hiding in here somewhere."
"Are we feeding the castle?" I asked confused as there was enough food there to feed at least three people.
"Huh?" She looked at me oddly before returning the smile to her face. "No, this is all for you Robin. I wanted to make a big breakfast for you since you've gone a few days without a full meal."
"It looks delicious Lucina, but I don't think I can eat all of this in three days time." I replied amazed by how much effort she put into making the meal.
"Don't worry." Lucina said while placing the tray on the night stand next to me. "Eat what you can and I will find something to do with the rest. What's important is you enjoy it."
"Still, it must have taken you a while to prepare all of this."
"Please Robin." She stressed with a determined look in her eyes. "Just relax and enjoy yourself. I don't want you to lift a finger today."
Hesitantly, I resigned and sat up in the bed so my back was against the wall. Lucina then moved the tray so it was on my lap. Embarrassingly, she even insisted on tying a napkin around my neck so nothing would spill on me.
"Thanks again Lucina. I really do appreciate this." I nodded looking at my super sized meal.
"It's no trouble." She said deflecting the compliment. "However, can I get you anything else? Would you like the window open, or perhaps your pillow fluffed? I can even give you a massage if you'd like, or-"
"It's okay dear. You've done more than enough already." I replied grateful.
"Are you sure?" She asked hurriedly. "Because I can do anything you would like. All you have to do is ask and I will not hesitate to get it for you. What's important is that enjoy yourself."
"No, no. It's fine dear. Really, I couldn't ask for more."
"Very well." She replied a little disappointed before quickly shaking off her somber expression. "However, should you feel like you need anything then please let me know. I am at your beckoning call."
"... Okay Lucina, what's wrong?"
"Wrong? What do you mean?" She asked worried.
I sighed and said. "I appreciate what you are doing Lucina. I really do, but you can't expect me to take advantage of you like this. If there is something bothering me than you can tell me. You don't have to do all this to make up for something."
She bit her lip and said. "...No Robin. You are mistaken. Nothing is wrong anymore. That is what is so wonderful about today. There is no one trying to destroy it. Thanks to you, we never have to worry about Grima again, or Walhart, or even Validar. Everything is finally the way it is supposed to be. So allow me to do my small part and thank you. It's the least I could do."
"It's unfair for me to take all the credit, you know. You had a bigger part in saving the world than I did. Not to mention neither of us would have made it this far without our friends."
"I ... I know, but I just wanted to do something special for you." She lowered her head disappointed in herself.
Seeing her down like this hurt me inside, and I had to figure a way to snap her out of this. "Hey Lucina, could you do me a favor?"
Her focus immediately returned and she clasped her hands together ready to help. "Of course Robin! Name anything and I will get it for you."
I gently looked back at her and said, "Could you come back to bed, please? I like having you by my side."
"... Are you sure you wouldn't like something more special?" She asked not wanting to rest.
"You said I could have anything, right? Well, I would like to have you next to me."
Hesitantly, she nodded and walked over to her side of the bed. She then carefully sat down at the very edge while resting her back on the wall. Just from her stare it looked like she wanted to get closer, but she told herself not to.
"Come here." I reached out to wrap my arm around her waist, and Lucina's eyes widened in surprise as I pulled her towards me. A red hue emerging from her cheeks as I pulled her in close. "That's much better." I replied cheerfully as I held her tight.
However, Lucina seemed conflicted as she sat there. On one hand she was over eager to help and didn't want to lie down, but on the other I could tell she wanted to stay like this.
"Now, care to tell me what's troubling you? I can't have my princess worry herself to death."
"I'm sorry Robin." She sighed and said. "I'm afraid I'm still new to this, but if you give me some time I will learn and get better. I know that I'm still lacking some important traits, but one day I will be a good wife to you.
I cringed at her words and said, "Lucina, we went over this a long time ago. You don't need to-
"No Robin." She cried adamantly refusing to accept what I was going to say. "Please, let me speak for a moment." She paused while holding a hand over her heart. "I don't think you understand how important what you did was. In my time-line, many valiant people fell so I could have a chance to keep fighting. They placed their faith in me so I promised them that I would not let their lives die in vain. I would repay them the best I could for what they did, and stop Grima before he could ever hurt any one else. But-"
She looked up to me and said with a tender gaze. "But, what you did. You made it so he can never come back. I no longer have to live with the burden that so many people are relying on me to succeed. We've allowed them to rest with comfort knowing their lives were worth it, and that the future will be a bright one." Her voice cracked again as she said, "A-and you, you came back to me. Despite everything, you kept your promise. I can hold you and love you, and finally put you above all else. It pained me that I couldn't do it before, but now I can finally put you first. So please, allow me to do my part. I want to make you happy because I cannot begin to repay you for what you've done."
"Lucina." I whispered while stroking her hair. "When we got married, the deal was that we would see each other equally. So, neither of us owe each other anything. Besides, there is only one thing I ask from you, and that is for you to always share this bed with me. I do not care about the rest. It may not seem like a lot to you, but to me, I could not ask for more."
"But that is not fair." She replied disheartened. "How can I repay you if you wipe away my gratitude like it was nothing?"
"Don't forget. You've done a lot for me too. I also feel like I cannot repay your for your kindness. However, part of being married is that we share things together, right? So, we share debts. And since neither of us can hope to repay one another, I guess that means we will have to settle for loving each other instead."
"... It still doesn't seem fair." Lucina wavered unsure.
"Sometimes life isn't fair." I smiled while we were cuddled together. "However, you are stuck with me from now on."
"... You say that like it is a bad thing. However, I find myself to be very blessed."
"That makes two of us." I added warmly
"Hmph." Lucina closed her eyes and said, "Here I am worrying myself silly and you still say that so strongly. Forgive me, I wished I shared your incredible optimism, but I falter at times. I was afraid it was going to be a long time before you returned. That it could be years before I held you in my arms again. You mean so much to me that the thought alone terrified me to death. But I want you to know I never would have lost faith in you. No matter how long it took, I trusted you would come back to me."
"I know." I smiled lovingly. "But I would not allow that to happen. My heart is with you, and I would never want to keep you waiting long.
"Still." She stressed to make it clear. "I want you to know I would have waited. Time would not get in the way about how I feel towards you. I love you with all of my heart. Nothing will ever change that."
I kissed her on the cheek and said, "And I'm telling you that it makes no sense for me to be gone for so long. Where else in this world would I have gone? I would not sit idly by in some state of limbo if it meant you had to wait for me, and it is not like my body can last long without food. Magic or not, I would have to go somewhere, and the only place I call home is here with you."
She smiled while letting the weight fall from her shoulders. Not resisting anymore, she embraced with her arms around me. "Robin?"
"Yes love?" I asked gently.
"I do mean it." The princess called out sincerely. "I don't say it enough, but I love you more than anything else. I don't want you to ever think otherwise. Now that you are back, I'm going to hold you so tight that I fear I might suffocate you … I know you don't want me to worry, but really, if there is anything you'd like then please ask for it. It's important to me that you are well cared for. I want to see that you are happy, because you have given me more than I ever dreamed of."
"The same goes for you." I insisted. "I want to see that you get a chance to be selfish for once. So tell me, is there anything you'd like?"
She shook her head and said, "I have what I want next to me."
"Me too." I nodded back.
Lucina shifted in the bed careful not to tip over the tray of food. She then rested her head on my chest while curling up to use me as her pillow. Content the ways things were, she held on tight without saying a word. Instead, her eyes were fixed on something else. "...Your hand" She whispered in wonder.
"Hmm? What about it?"
"The tattoo. It is gone." The princess marveled as she ran her thumb back and forth against the spot where it used to be.
To my surprise, I also saw a normal hand that bore no resemblance to the mark of Grima. The purple tattoo, the one that always reminded me of the fate I was destined to lead, and followed me wherever I went. It was gone. "Funny, to think I've carried that mark my entire life and never really paid attention to it. I wasn't lucky enough to carry such a beautiful one like yours."
…
There was silence as her movements lessen. Soon, she was perfectly still as she kept her thumb on my hand and her arm around my waist. "Lucina?" I asked while my fingers ran through her smooth and silky hair.
"Mmmm." She hummed back. Her mind already fast asleep with a big grin showing on her face.
Meanwhile, I was left alone with one beautiful princess resting on me, and a big breakfast that still looked warm. Not one wanting to waste food or her hard work, I delicately used my free hand to grab a fork while deciding what I wanted to eat first. I also had to be careful not to spill anything over her so I decided to not use any syrup. Still, the first bite was heavenly.
She must have spent all morning preparing breakfast for me, and I doubt she slept before that. Knowing her, she would stay up all night making sure I was safe. Even worse, I doubt she got much sleep while I was gone. So no matter how long it took, I would stay by her as she got her well deserved sleep. For once, she would finally be able to sleep with true peace. A peace I hoped would be with her as long as the two of us remained together.
"Sweet dreams love, and don't worry. I will be right here when you wake up."
"Mnh."