Distant birds were singing sweetly and the sun was rising far over the horizon, making all of the pink leaves appear as if they were glowing. Lon'qu's eyes opened and he jumped. Where was he? He looked around as memories set in. Had he and Florina fallen asleep out in the cherry blossom orchard?

He got up and looked around for Florina, but once again she was missing. Lon'qu started back to the inn, but Hannah the innkeeper informed him she had not returned. He thanked her again for the unused room and left again, wondering where he should look. He walked back to the orchard, but there were only those pink trees. Their leaves were falling like petals throughout the field.

Lon'qu's mind wandered to Florina's words from the night before. When the leaves of the sakura trees fall, that's when I would go home. No, he thought to himself. She couldn't have gone home already. She wouldn't have just left him. Would she?

A wave of disappointment washed over his features. Florina had been the first person who's company he had not only tolerated, but enjoyed, in a long while. She was strong and bold and filled with so much potential. She was... Yes, she was a friend. And yet, before he even had the chance to say goodbye, she was gone.

There was no use moping about it. Lon'qu shook his head and started for the dock. After all this time, he could finally go home.

At the dock, he was greeted by a smiling seaman. The storm had been weaker than anticipated, and all things were set to sail out. Lon'qu was just boarding the ship when a voice called behind him. "Hey!" He turned, and suddenly he was gazing into familiar blue eyes.

Florina approached him at a jog, boarding the ship herself. She was panting. "Were you going to leave me?" she asked, her voice sounding panicked.

Lon'qu shook his head. "I thought you had already left," he told her. "You were gone."

Florina held up a bag, smiling. "I got us some supplies, in case," she told him. "People are very nice here. Someone gave me three apples, in case we get hungry. Another person gave me a vulnerary. I hope, if the need arises, you will actually take this medicine."

Lon'qu looked away, embarrassed. He had thrown out a perfectly good elixir, hadn't he? Why had he been so foolish?

Florina took a seat across from Lon'qu and shifted uncomfortably. "You really thought I would leave you?"

Lon'qu looked up at her, then shrugged. "I thought Naga would have taken you home," he told her.

"I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye," Florina assured. "What kind of friend would I be?" She paused, watched his reaction. "Can I... Can I call you that?"

Lon'qu smiled lightly. "I think that is fitting," he replied. Friend. He had gone from completely loathing her to considering her a friend in only two days. How quickly things did change. Being alone with her on the island, fighting for their survival, had certainly changed things. Lon'qu didn't mind, though. He was glad to have taken this trip. It brought him closer to a brave and amazing woman, whom he could respect so much more.

The long ride back was filled with conversing. Though Florina still seemed shy, Lon'qu still seemed reserved, they were able to chat with each other. They swapped tales of their pasts, of Lady Lyndis and Lord Chrom, of Fiora and Farina, of Basilio and Flavia. The ride hardly seemed long, and pretty soon, they were both watching Port Ferox come into view. "Is that it?" Florina asked, standing on the tips of her toes to see it. "Is that where we're going?"

"Yes," Lon'qu replied, and he let out a sigh of relief. "Just beyond that port is the place I call my home."

"And from there we can return to Ylisse?" Florina asked. "I'd like to thank Lord Chrom and Lady Lissa for everything."

The two of them proceeded to dock, and each thanked the captain in turn. Afterwards, they set off for Regna Ferox. Upon arrival, they were greeted by an overjoyed Basilio. "My boy!" he said, clapping him over the shoulder. "We sure missed you around here! Flavia was starting to get worried, but I knew you'd make it back to us."

"That old oaf is full of it," Flavia called as she entered the room. "Good to see you back. And it was Florina, right?" Florina nodded very slowly. "The Ylisseans were worried about you guys. I'll send for Chrom right away. Why don't the two of you take the rest of the day off?"

Later that day, Florina was watching Lon'qu practice with his sword outside. The skilled swordmaster, she'd seen him in battle before, and had noted then how elegant he looked. An idea forming, Florina rose and cleared her throat. "Do you think we could, um, parry?"

At this Lon'qu stopped. "You wish to test me?" he asked.

"No," she said. "Well. I wish to test myself. Besides surviving, I need to know how to fight, too. So I'd like to fight with you."

Lon'qu lowered his sword and considered the request. It was in the name of Florina improving her skill; how could he say no to that? "Very well," he said. "Do you have a spear?"

"Actually," she said, shifting. "Do you think you could teach me how to use a sword? I know it's not a normal weapon for a pegasus knight, but I think it might be... fun. And if I were good with a sword, I'd be able to help Lyn train better, too."

"Very well," Lon'qu repeated. "I do warn you, I am no teacher." He walked over to her and handed her his own killing edge.

Florina looked up at him, surprised. "Your own blade?" she murmured. In the days she'd known him, she'd seen him clutch his sword as if it were his only friend. He'd seemed protective of the weapon, and yet... She took up his sword and smiled brightly at him. "Oh, thank you. Thank you so much."

Some time later, a guardsman came out and saw them practicing together. "Sir," he said with a salute. "Sir Basilio was looking for you. He expects you at supper."

Lon'qu stopped and turned to face the guardsman, then nodded and sent him off. He turned his attention back to Florina. Had they been practicing so long? Sweat beaded down their foreheads, and their breaths came in ragged pants. They had been practicing long. Lon'qu had gathered a second sword, and though Florina was only a novice, she had proven to be a steadfast fighter. What she lacked in sword experience, she certainly made up for in enthusiasm. Now, both swords fell to the floor with a clank. "You have done well," Lon'qu told her earnestly. "I think Lyndis will appreciate all of this."

"She'll appreciate you!" Florina beamed. "Thanks a lot. I don't know how this whole time travel thing works, but I think it's possible that, by you teaching me how to improve Lyn's skills, you'll lead to her improving, and then her becoming the legend she is today."

Lon'qu hadn't thought of that. His own skills may somehow be reflected in an ancient hero's, one he had admired... "I am glad my teaching can help you and your friend," he told her. "Please do send her my best."

"I will," Florina promised. "I think I might see her soon. Those sakura trees were really shedding their leaves. I think I might be headed back as soon as tomorrow."

Tomorrow. They had only one day left together. Lon'qu tried not to show his disappointment at that. Florina had become his friend, a close friend with whom he'd fought for survival, shared conversations, even trained. And yet, she was leaving so soon. As they headed off for supper, Florina was oblivious to Lon'qu's expression. Tomorrow, Chrom, Lissa, and the others would be coming to Ferox for Florina. It would be Florina's last day in this world. Lon'qu vowed to make it her best.