LUCINA'S POV

You know, after today's exchange, I am wondering what Thomas is doing right about now. I doubt he's working honestly in an inn somewhere. More likely he's living off of stolen goods. I admit I partially blame myself- he did leave after I said some pretty harsh things.

I wonder if any of the others knew about him. Then again, if I asked, I would probably be carelessly lied to in order to 'protect me'. I mean, I appreciate the thought but I'm not a porcelain doll that shatters if a strong gust of wind blows my way.

Anyway, back to reality.

A day's march away from our next battle, we can already see the battlefield. A gigantic tree loomed above the horizon line, challenging anyone who dared to approach it silently, not a single monstrous branch moving despite the strong wind. The Divine Mila Tree. Home to Tiki, 'The Voice' of the Divine Dragon Naga, a Manakete of the highest caliber, and a close friend.

On a different note, I was starting to get worried. Although none of the Shepherds had fallen, the casualty rate among the Ylisseans and Feroxi was increasing dramatically with each battle. I don't mean to sound selfish, but I worry for my family, considering Chrom, Lissa, Christian, Morgan, Cynthia, and Robin were all in the thick of things.

However, it happens. War is war and there is nothing I can do about it.

The Mila Tree was bigger than I could have possibly imagined. It stretched about three times higher than Castle Ylisse's tallest tower. The worst thing? We had to climb this monstrosity. My legs were aching just thinking about it.

The Valmese were already waiting for us, scattered around the 'roots' to the staircase. Chrom, who was heading the party, turned to face us. "Alright Shepherds, the Mila Tree's Liberation has been entrusted to us. We need to free the Voice and rally the Renegades of Valm!" He yelled, unsheathing Falchion, and rushing headfirst into the enemy. The others charged after him, all bows blazing.

I charged in after them, naturally. An axe-wielding soldier saw me approaching him and swung his axe in an arc of death. Or, so he thought. With a metallic sound that rang throughout the area, Falchion met the axe midair. The soldier's eyes widened, but he didn't hesitate as he brought the axe back and tried to jab it under my guard. With a skill Kjelle helped me to master, I swung Falchion at a speed almost too fast to comprehend, and severed the axe blade by slicing the axe in two.

He looked at me, evidently flabbergasted. I glared at him forcefully. He started to back away, and then gasped, and fell to his knees. At first it looked like a javelin had pierced him through the stomach, but upon closer examination it was a 'bolt' of pure lightning. From an adjacent root, Robin grinned at me and shut his Thoron tome.

One eyeroll later I found a new target. A black-haired swordsman with a jet-black coat that rippled, although no wind was blowing. For some strange reason, he was wielding two swords. Of course, I ran at him. He dropped into a defensive position and allowed me to advance.

I slashed horizontally, hoping to hit his exposed stomach. In an incredible motion, he twisted his wrist and the sword in his right hand caught Falchion. Laying his other sword across in an X, he pushed outwards and sent me stumbling. I steadied myself, panting slightly. So far, none of the Valmese had even come close to this man in terms of skill. Could he be the commander?

He left me no time to think as this time he ran right at me, his swords trailing almost lazily behind him. He leapt an inhuman distance into the air. I looked up only to be blinded by the sun. This swordsman knew what he was doing. I raised Falchion, and both swords collided with the blade with the shriek of metal on metal.

In the split second he remained aloft, I drew Falchion back and sliced his across the chest. He stumbled back, his shirt ripped, and I realized he wore no armor. How cocky can you be? He only allowed himself a short few breaths before charging in again, screaming ferociously.

However, this time I was ready. I dashed towards him, yelling just as powerfully. He faltered for a split second before starting up again. We both leapt into the air at practically the same time, blades drawn back. There was a sharp tearing sound, and both of us landed on our knees, duel style. We both knew the battle was over, but only one question remained: who was the victor?

I stayed kneeling, regaining my breath, aware that I was susceptible to attack from any other enemy, and waited. There were twin gashes in my breastplate, but neither was able to pierce the armor. Slowly, carefully, I glanced behind me. There he was, lying spread-eagled on the ground. I could not see it but I knew the wound I left on his chest had been fatal.

Slowly, I got to my feet and looked for Lissa.

Jack's Corner

Guys I'm really, really sorry for the inactivity. I'm a bit stressed right now. I had a huge 'Exam Week' the past week and it really drained me. Sorry for the short chapter. Kudos if you get the reference. Prompts may not be up until Mid-April. For those interested the three prompts accepted (To be brief) were a DiamondxPlatinum fic, a Sword Art Online fic about just how Lisbeth and Silica let Kirito and Asuna off the hook for a whole month with their relationship, (Its my favorite of the three) and a prompt I'm turning into my next long-term fic. I haven't found a snappy name for it, but basically I have to make a 'Season Two' of SAO while I still have the creative liscence (A.K.A. before it comes out in August) Honestly it was an incredible idea and I oh-so-love Sword Art Online. But, technically, since it wasn't a one-shot, I will be allowing another prompt. However! It will only be for FAIRY TAIL! I just started watching it recently so I want to know how well I can write it. Preferably, but not limited to, NatsuxLucy. Ciao!