Chapter 12: Partners in Thyme

It took the group ten minutes to find each other. By the time they reached the tram, four people had grown into thirteen. Robin and his family had been joined by Lucina and her family, Samus, Zelda, Link, Bayonetta, Cloud, Anna, Corrin, and Marth and his wife Caeda. Everyone was engaged in their own conversations, with Robin speaking in whispers with Cordelia.

"So how's working with Yuffie?"

The group looked up from their separate conversations in the tram. Cloud was looking at Anna, interest permeating his features. Anna shrugged.

"She's the only interesting one in the board, to be honest." She answered. "I feel like we're the only two that ever come up with the exciting propositions." Anna's eyes flashed with excitement.

"I know that face." Chrom noted ominously. "What are you up to?"

Anna put her hands up in mock offense. "I have no clue what you're talking about, Chrom!" She said innocently. "I was just saying that Yuffie and I really think alike. Yuffie's a bit more … hand's on, but she's got moxie!"

Cloud smirked. "Sounds like Yuffie, alright. I haven't gotten the chance to see her yet." He said. "I'm sure she'll carry that over my head for the next couple of weeks." He spoke in a higher pitched voice. "'Oh Cloud! I thought we were friends! You didn't even bring any Materia as an apology for not talking to me as soon as you got in!'" Robin chuckled. Cloud was very different from his initial impression. It almost made the interview funnier.

"Well, maybe you should show some consideration for the hard-working girls behind the scenes!" Anna said, crossing her arms and pouting. "It's a thankless job, sweetie."

Zelda rolled her eyes. "No offense, Ms. Anna, but considering the other members of the board, I doubt that you're getting nothing for your work." Zelda huffed, obviously something about the board really bothered her.

Link spoke up. "Your highness, Malo is rough, but he's a good businessman."

"He's an infant. Infants do not run businesses." Zelda retorted. "And he is ill-mannered."

"An infant?!" Anna interjected. "I thought he was cursed or something!"

"... Do I understand this correctly?"

Everyone turned to the raven-haired witch. Bayonetta looked as though she were investigating an interesting speck inbetween her fingers. "... Are you saying that one of the people paying our paychecks isn't old enough to be out of diapers?" She had a small frown. "I feel like that's a rather large oversight."

"The guy acts like a middle-aged man, to be fair." Anna replied. "He's absolutely boring!" Link shifted uncomfortably.

"How about we change the subject?" Marth suggested. He turned to Bayonetta. "I do not believe we have had the pleasure. I'm Marth, and this is my wife, Caeda." Bayonetta bowed respectfully to the two. "How have things been for you newcomers? I'm interested to hear what you have to say."

Bayonetta was the first to speak. "I must say, the weather here is marvelous! And I am looking forward to … engaging with the other smashers." She grinned as the others looked at each other nervously. "There are some rare specimens I intend to battle, you know."

"I see." Marth responded, looking at his wife with some distress. "How about you, Corrin?"

The manakete smiled. "I've been really surprised, to be honest." She replied. "I didn't expect things to be so inviting." Cloud nodded his head in agreement.

"It's much cleaner here than in Midgar, and everyone seems to be in good spirits." He commented.

"I think the way that the veterans have helped everyone has really helped us get comfortable." Lucina noted. "I'm not the most … sociable person." Several people raised their voices in protest. "It's true, and I know all of you know that." She spoke bluntly. "But … I feel accepted here, and loved, even though few of you know me."

Bayonetta chuckled. "Darling, you could become a politician!" She exclaimed. "Even when you are blunt, you speak with such elegance."

Lucina let out a subconscious giggle, putting her hand over her mouth instinctively. The others stared at her in shock. Severa looked up at the raven-haired witch.

"You really do know witchcraft." She stated in awe. "Lucy hasn't giggled like that in years." Lucina was now blushing and stammering. "It's like the full wheel of emotions!" Severa exclaimed. Bayonetta smiled and shrugged.

"It's a gift, darling. It's a gift."

"What on earth is a 'special blend of spices?'" Link looked through his menu. The restaurant they chose was at Sumia's request. The smells of earthy French food wafted through the building. Samus and Zelda looked at each other. Despite being part of the old guard, they had never been here before. Samus felt suddenly poorly dressed, in jeans and an orange blouse. Apparently Marth had taken Caeda multiple times, but they were both engaged in conversation with Chrom, Sumia, Robin, and Cordelia, so Samus couldn't really confirm that.

"I think things like Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme." Lucina offered. Link snorted.

"Pssh. You can't cook with Time." He stated, laughing. Lucina looked at Link, perplexed; Zelda rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, Link. Sometimes I think you're daft intentionally." Zelda said with exasperation.

Samus laughed, a group like this was a rarity. Cloud and Bayonetta were being peppered with questions from both the younger sisters and Corrin. The bounty hunter actually envied Morgan and Cynthia. Having that much energy would be a lovely change of pace. Lucina was attempting to explain spices to Link while Zelda and Anna switched between conversations. Of course, with the married couples talking to each other, that left …

"Figures the three married couples would spend their time together, huh?" Samus turned to her right. Severa was sitting across from Lucina, and next to Link. However, she had spent the whole time making snide remarks about her parents. Lucina had been the one talking to her, but now this was clearly aimed at Samus.

"Tell me, kid." Samus finally responded. "Do you dislike your parents?" She figured she already knew the answer.

Severa blushed. "N-no." She admitted. "It's just … they're so perfect, even when they don't see each other after a year." She grumbled. "They manage to be perfectly romantic. Mother even sobs perfectly, and father is perfect in being awkward sometimes."

Samus looked at the young swordswoman. "No offense, but your dad is kinda … well, a nerd." Severa spluttered in surprise. She glared at Samus. "I do like your mom, though, but I know there's no way she's perfect."

"Yeah? Well, I'm glad you didn't have to deal with expectations from your parents." She shot out.

"My parents were murdered by pirates when I was young." Samus stated before sipping her iced tea. Severa covered her mouth in shock. By this point, Lucina had started listening as well.

"Gods, I'm so sorry." Severa managed to say. "I didn't know … "

Samus winked back. "Aw, don't upset yourself. I've learned to live with it." She responded. "It's not like I had no family. I was raised by the Chozo, which made my power armor."

"Chozo? May I ask who they are?" Lucina asked.

"Ancient race of bipedal bird-like creatures." Samus said, almost as if she were reading a textbook. "Pretty decent parents, if I say so myself. The food was never good though."

"Why's that?" Severa asked.

Samus grimaced. "Did I mention that were bird-like?" She asked. Severa and Lucina made faces as well when they understood what Samus meant.

"Samus!" Zelda scolded the bounty hunter. "Be disgusting after we eat, not before!"

"Lucy!" Cynthia called out. "What did you pick to eat?"

Lucina looked at her sister, confusion etched on her face. "Why do you want to know, Cynthia?" She asked.

"I'm trying to decide if I should copy you, or take the more heroic route of getting something different and trying some of your food." She answered. Lucina showed a rare disapproving look.

"I don't think 'heroic' is the right word, Cynthia." She said.

"Yeah, more like thieve-y or something!" Morgan added.

"Devious might be a better word." Bayonetta spoke, trying to be helpful. Cynthia pouted.

"Little sisters can't be devious, we're too cute." She said.

The food was just as good as Sumia had insisted it would be. Marth insisted on paying the bill for the group. Anna and Samus both immediately ordered drinks after he offered to pay.

"It would be rude to not take advan-" Samus stopped herself. "- graciously accept your kindness." She finished.

Caeda laughed. "It looks like you just cannot catch a break, dear." She gave Marth a quick peck to the cheek.

Anna laughed. "Looks like I have a kindred spirit here!" She pointed to Samus with glee.

As the group left the resaurant, they talked amongst themselves about what to do next.

"We could always watch a movie." Samus suggested. Zelda immediately shut that down.

"We can do that at the mansion for free." She said dismissively. "What we don't have is the shopping center!"

"We do that all the time as well." Marth interjected. "What we don't do very often is go to -"

"NO." Zelda yelled forcefully. "We will not do that. We will not go there."

Link smiled. "C'mon, Princess." He leaned against a light pole. "We're entertaining guests! Why shouldn't we go to-"

"I said no." Zelda was firm. "You remember what happened the last time we all indulged …"

"It was fun!" Samus insisted. Zelda gave Samus a withering look. "You're just worried that you can't handle your alcohol!"

"I-I can handle myself!" Zelda practically shouted. "But a place like that is no place for other royalty!" She motioned to Chrom.

Chrom nervously looked at the ground. "I don't think I'm exactly as proper as you would like to believe, your grace." He continued. "A tavern sounds like a fun time." Samus slapped his back.

"Zel, come on! It's always a party! I'll even call up the Double F's!" Zelda closed her eyes in frustration. Samus was only making things worse.

"Fine." She finally relented. "But if someone goes to the hospital, it's on your head." She pointed at Samus threateningly.

Cloud finally spoke up, clearly frustrated. "Where on earth are we going?" Link slowly turned towards the other swordsman, grinning malevolently.

"Saffron Street."

Saffron Street, in of itself, was not superb or massively impressive. However, due to major contributions and backing from several major cities in Pikachu's world, there were many interesting bars, shops, and forms of entertainment.

"'Silph Co. prides itself in promoting harmony amongst cultures.'" Cordelia read a sign aloud. "What do they mean by that?"

"It means they make more money because they have something for everybody." Zelda said flatly. Samus smirked.

"Ignore her." She said, referring to the grouchy princess. "She's still upset about last year's party."

"I am NOT." Zelda retorted.

"Right, you're not upset about causing a bar fight and spending the next week in self-imposed 'exile'?"

"It was so unladylike." She finally admitted.

"Eh, second time's the charm." Samus said as the group walked into a tavern. The interior was pseudo-luxurious, with interesting art decorating the walls, and strange tile patterns on the floor. Loud music echoed throughout the establishment, and several people were on a stage, singing into a microphone. Samus smile somehow grew in size.

"Zel! It's Karaoke night! It's like a dream come true!" Samus said with glee.

"not karaoke night …" Zelda muttered. "Nothing good ever happens on Karaoke night."

The night was happening just as expected. After a few drinks, Zelda had dragged Samus onto the stage. They were wailing some strange dance song that Samus had called 'classic'. Robin took another sip of his drink. He didn't know what a Russian was, but the drink was certainly good. He sat with Cordelia, Cloud, and Anna, waiting for a turn at one of the billiards tables. The four daughters had joined up with Corrin and were dancing near the stage, and Chrom and Sumia had spent much of the evening talking to Marth, Caeda, and Bayonetta. Another sip.

"So, what did you whisper to Anna and Sumia earlier today?" He asked casually. Cordelia almost spit out her drink.

"W-what, dear?" She sputtered.

"When I was posing, you said something. I didn't quite catch it." Cordelia blushed.

"That's a secret." Anna interjected. "And not appropriate at this time." Robin pouted.

"Party pooper." He muttered. Cordelia, still blushing, whispered something in Anna's ear. Both women excused themselves from the table. Robin frowned. Had he been too forward? As he grew lost in thought, he heard a small whistle. Cloud was smiling to himself.

"Robin, you are interesting." Cloud began. "You remind me of some of my friends back home."

"I'm not exactly a guilt-tossing thief, you know."

"That's one friend, and Anna already acts like her, thank you." Cloud retorted. "It's just, you always have a plan, but sometimes, you're really oblivious." Robin frowned again. "No offense meant, man."

"None taken." Robin responded. "But how am I oblivious?"

Cloud stifled a laugh. "Man, your wife has been trying to get you alone ever since we entered this bar."

Robin grimaced. That would explain...

"Robin, let's go up to the balcony." Cordelia had said. "I know the view must be wonderful."

"Good thinking, darling." Robin agreed. "Maybe Chrom and Sumia would like to see it as well."

"I don't-"

"SUMIA! CHROM!" Robin yelled over the music. "Would you like to go up to the balcony?"

Cordelia sighed to herself.

"It sure is a lovely evening."

"Yes, it is. And I'm so glad I'm spending it with you." Robin lifted his glass up towards Cordelia. She blushed in response.

"... We should take a walk." She finally said. "I think it would be fun." She insisted.

Robin looked unsure. "I … don't think we should leave our children out in a place like this." He responded.

"Don't be too overprotective!" Cordelia spoke out. "They can handle themselves!"

"But what if they get hurt? What if they meet a weird guy? What if …" Robin's nightmare scenarios continued, and Cordelia frowned again.

"Oh gods." Robin muttered. "I feel like a moron." Cordelia had even 'slipped' into his arms when she got Robin his drink. That should've been a dead giveaway. "What is wrong with me?"

Cloud rolled his eyes. "I think you enjoy feeling guilty. Robin, she's your wife. I'm certain she's dealt with worse." He tried to sound reassuring. "She's clearly in love with you, just pay more attention to what she does, man!"

Robin nodded his head. "Alright, but now what do I do?" Just then, the two women returned. Cordelia was now wearing a beautiful white dress with orange highlights. The dress itself was elegant, but showed a lot more skin than Robin was anticipating. She gave Robin a slightly naughty smile. Robin began to stammer. "Um C-Cordy! Y-you look great! Beaut-beautiful!"

Robin barely heard Cloud ask Anna to play him in a round of billiards. As the other two left, Cordelia sat on Robin's lap.

"Thank you, Robin." She whispered in his ear. "I bought it for you."

"I'm flattered." Robin managed to say. "But it looks better on you than me."

Cordelia laughed. Robin felt like he was melting. Come on, Robin. Get it together! He thought. You can't lose it every time you see your wife! Robin mentally cursed to himself as he looked at the empty glasses around him. Did they really drink that much? Cordelia grabbed his head and brought him into a deep kiss. It didn't last half as long as Robin would've liked. He saw Cordelia glare at Anna, who had made some sort of remark.

"You know, drinking tends to lead to impaired … thoughts." Robin tried to speak articulately.

Cordelia giggled. "I'm not drunk, dear!" She insisted. "I'm very buzzed! There's a big difference."

"What did you say to Anna and Sumia?"

"Hmm?" Cordelia looked up at her husband. "Oh. They said to try the dangerously smart look, and I thought that …" She blushed. "Well, that's how you are in other activities." Robin's face grew crimson.

Cordelia moved closer. "Listen," She whispered. "I was thinking we could … maybe enjoy a nice walk." Robin could feel her breathing on him. "And then maybe we could … retire for the night?"

Robin couldn't have carried his wife out of the tavern fast enough.

"Ugh, dad and mom are so embarrassing."

Severa was trying desperately to hide her blush from Lucina. Lucina looked at her friend. Maybe it was the amount of alcohol she drank, but Severa was cute when she blushed. "What did Robin and -hic- Cordelia do?" She somehow managed to say.

Severa looked at Lucina in shock. "Did you not see the display they just pulled?!" She shouted. Lucina just giggled. "Lucy? Are you … drunk?" Severa asked.

Lucina paused. She had never been drunk before, so she honestly wasn't sure. "I … think so?" She slurred out. "It's not an unpleasant, if I am." Lucina felt herself stumble into Severa's arms.

"Hey! A-a-are you okay?" Severa stammered. "I don't think you've ever been drunk." Lucina looked up at Severa, her eyes were unfocused. "Like, seriously. I think we should sit down."

Lucina felt herself tear up. Why am I crying? She thought. "Yes, I think that would be bestsh." She said, slurring the last word. Severa carefully led her friend to a booth in the corner. Lucina leaned on her friend's shoulder. "Hey, Sev?" She squeaked out.

"What is it, Lucy?" Severa shifted uncomfortably. She didn't have a good history with drunk people.

"I'm really glad you're my besh friend."

"Someone needs to watch over you, apparently." Severa said, feigning annoyance. "Honestly, Lucy, I thought you'd be the last person to get drunk."

"Aw Sev, I've never been! Can't I be drunk jush thish once?" Lucina instinctively put her hand on Severa's lap. Severa attempted to brush it off. Lucina giggled.

"What's so funny?" Severa asked in an irritated voice. "Gawds, you're starting to act like my mother around … father." Severa looked at Lucina nervously. Lucina gave Severa a big smile.

"You're quite ravishing, Sev." Why not, maybe Mewtwo had a point. Lucina thought. "I mean, you're really really pretty, and when I'm drunk, I think I get your jokes."

Severa's face grew redder and redder. She again attempted to push Lucina off of her. Lucina leaned in, closing the gap between them.

"Whoo! Get it girl!"

Lucina shot up. Samus and Zelda were approaching them quickly. As Lucina took her hand off, Severa bolted from her seat.

"Sev, please …" Lucina pleaded with her friend, but Severa looked back, and Lucina could see the distress on her face.

"Why can't somebody flirt with me while they're sober?" She managed to hear Severa say, tears starting to flow from her eyes. With that, Severa ran out of the tavern.

"Should we follow her? Sammy, I think we screwed it up." Zelda sounded concerned, but Lucina was too shaken up to really notice.

Samus had grabbed Lucina and propped her up. "No, I think it's time we all got home." She said sadly. "Hopefully we can grab Severa on the way." Despite Lucina's mumbles of protest, Samus half-carried her out of the building.

"You're a pool shark."

"Please, that was just dumb luck." Anna responding lightly. Cloud didn't look so convinced.

"Two games? Maybe." He remarked. "But eleven? I highly doubt you're that lucky, Ms. Anna."

The duo had chosen to stay out several hours after the others had gone home. Cloud looked at his communicator. 1:24 AM blared on it's screen.

"Luck schmuck, at least we had fun." Anna dismissed. As the two entered the tram station, they found Severa sitting on a bench. Anna immediately ran to her. "Severa! I thought you had left with the others."

"Oh. Hello Ms. Anna." Severa replied glumly. "I chose to take an alternate route." She sneered a little bit, but it was quickly replaced by a deep frown. She had been crying for awhile, Anna noted.

"Sweetie, what happened?"

"Lucy … well, Lucy said some things." Severa began. "And I'm scared. I don't want to lose my best friend." She sniffed. "She's all I've had!" Severa began weeping.

As Anna comforted the young girl, Cloud sat down next to her. "Listen," He began. "I don't know Ms. Lucina very well. Well, at all, actually." He continued. "But she doesn't seem like the person to just arbitrarily hate someone."

"But I ran from her and I said some pretty terrible things."

"Eh, she probably won't remember, or she feels just as guilty." Cloud shrugged.

"Could you please take this seriously?" Severa demanded.

"I am. I just think that you're worried over nothing." Cloud retorted. The three boarded the tram, and headed home.

Peach had been having a rather rough week.

Talking to Rosalina had gone well, except for the fact that everything was topsy-turvy in her world. Her interview had gone well, but trying to train with her partner, Palutena, had ended up with her new dress becoming her back-up dress. And now, to top it all off, Zelda and Samus woke her up at midnight to make sympathy tea for a distraught Lucina. Okay, she would've done that anyways.

Maybe it was Robin. This whole week, he had been noisy at late hours. Watching film, typing away or jotting down notes. Pacing non-stop. It was enough to give a girl fits! And the one night that he's not supposed to be in, he comes back and makes more noise than before! Peach had the right to just barge in and read him his rights. Tea first, anger second. Peach reminded herself. She brought out a large teapot and four cups. Lucina was curled up in a blanket, red rings around her eyes. Samus and Zelda were attempting to cheer her up, but to no avail.

"Lucina, you were drunk." Zelda said. "I'm sure it meant nothing in particular."

"It felt like something, though." Lucina insisted. "And now my best friend is afraid of me!" Lucina started crying again.

Samus sighed. "Severa just needed to get some air and clear her head, Lucina." She stated. "You're overreacting."

Peach handed a cup of tea of Lucina, who murmured a small 'thanks' as she took a sip.

"Lucina, take it from a girl who knows." Peach began. "Sometimes people just need time. I needed time to deal with my love life, and maybe your friend needs some too." She got up. "Ladies, it's late for me, and I still need to yell at Robin, so I'll take my leave of you." Before she could leave, Samus grabbed her arm.

"I wouldn't recommend that, Peach." She said. "He and his wife are …" She paused, trying to find the words.

Peach's eyes went wide. "Oh! Oh." She said, realization creeping into her face. "Well, I suppose I can always wait until tomorrow..."

"I would think that's best." Zelda agreed. As she stifled a yawn, Lucina smiled.

"Please don't stay awake on my account." She said. "I'll be fine."

"Alright, Lucina. Peach, you'll have to tell me about your week sometime! Mario had mentioned it was a-" Zelda was cut off by Peach.

"-Tomorrow at lunch, dear. I'd rather not think about it right now."

Samus touched Lucina's shoulder. "We're partners now, Lucina. If you need anything-" She smiled at the young princess. "- just let me know." As Samus and Zelda went up the stairs, Lucina felt … serene. She still had to give Severa her gift, maybe they could patch things up that way.

An hour passed, and Lucina was sipping her fourth cup of tea. She didn't feel like getting any sleep, and her thoughts were too involved for her to truly relax. She heard a door open and close, and the voices of Anna and Cloud echo in the hall. Lucina didn't turn around, and they made no attempt to say hello to her.

"Lucy, what are you doing up?"

Lucina yelped in surprise. Severa had leapt over the couch and was now sitting beside her.

"I'm serious, you have a lot to do, you shouldn't spend your nights worrying about me." She was quiet, staring into Lucina's eyes.

"Sev, I'm so, so sorry." Lucina choked out. "I didn't mean to, I was just-"

"You were just drunk." Severa finished bluntly. "I noticed." She sighed and, as suddenly as she appeared, she embraced her friend. "Lucy, I don't know how sincere the drunk version of you is, but I was flattered." She smiled as Lucina returned the embrace and sobbed into her chest. "You're my best friend, Lucy. Always have been, always will be." As Lucina pulled away, she saw that Severa was crying as well. "I don't want you to think I'm mad at you. I just … I don't know."

Lucina giggled. "We're two foolish young women, aren't we?"

"Yep, two peas in the same nerdy pod." Severa said, wiping her eyes.

"Sev," Lucina began. "I have a gift for you."

Severa smiled. "We can wait, Lucy. You need rest." She helped her royal friend up from the couch. "And I'll pull up an extra bedroll so I can ensure that you got sleep." She huffed.

Lucina looked at Severa. "Just sleep in my bed." She replied. "It fits two people easily." Severa rolled her eyes.

"Only if you promise to keep your hands to yourself." She retorted, faking annoyance.

Lucina laughed. "Sev, I might be awkward, but I'll never be that awkward."

Sorry about the delay, everyone! It's been a rather hectic week for me! As always, thanks to everyone for their reviews! I'll be responding to some of them next chapter, I just didn't have time recently to read them all and really give them thought. I still really appreciate all of you readers and reviewers, it means a lot to me!

Next Chapter: Film Study