There is no force in the entire world, stronger than faith. That is what she had been taught. Faith in her family, faith in her friends, faith in a superior being, faith in herself…
As long as one had faith, hope would also never leave. The impossible could become possible and the end could become a new beginning. Her parents and teachers drilled this information in her head. As such, her companions became her strength, because she believed in them. Trusted them with her life… had faith in them.
But today, that faith was shaken. And she was entirely not too pleased with the notion.
Lucina, daughter of Chrom and Robin, sister of Morgan and, allegedly, princess of Ylisse, was a tolerant young woman, she would say. She was kind and open minded, always willing to listen before judging, who would rather offer her hand rather than her sword. But there were two things that she despised. Two things that she was unwilling to forgive.
Lies… and treachery.
And today, she learned that one of the people she trusted the most had dirtied himself with both of those sins. And in typical warrior fashion, which she was, she seeked instant confrontation.
Her friends from the future, being familiar with her mannerisms, let her through without fuss. The Shepards from the present timeline stumbled their way out of her path. Her parents, bless them, tried to stop her to ask what was wrong, but she gently shoved them aside. She'll apologize later.
Finally, she reached the small shrine close to the barracks where the Shepards resided. It was a contained structure, with little more than an altar and a couple of statues of Naga. Nothing too costly or ostentatious, but it got the job done. And also the place where a certain someone she thought she knew spent all of his time.
A peek inside revealed that her target was alone, his signature dark tunic with hood drawn being the damning evidence. He was lighting the candles around, likely preparing himself for prayers. He was alone as well. Good, she doubted that Libra would be happy to see his apprentice being dragged outside and beaten to a bloody pulp. In the best scenario, of course.
"Good evening Lucina. I did not expect to see you around these parts. Are you in need of anything?"
And of course, he heard her arrive likely before she even peeked inside. People like him were hard to catch by surprise. Not impossible, as she had already seen, but difficult.
Direct approach it is then.
"Cut the chatter, Assassin. I know who you are. And I know what you have done!"
His hands stop for a second, before resuming their previous activities.
"She told you, I take it? I suppose I should have expected it. You have always been a tight knit group…"
Lucina looked like she had swallowed something sour.
"Yes. We are. Keeping secrets is not something that we do… you should know".
The man before her finished lighting the candles, blowing on the flame that he used to put it out.
"Perhaps. But it was a calculated risk. I had hoped to have more time before you discovered everything…"
She clenched her hands. His calm demeanor was pissing her off. She used to appreciate it, back when he was her friend, it used to bring her peace of mind having him around to cool everyone's heads… but now that she knew, it only made her angry. Did this bastard even care…?
"You are wrathful…"
He stated it like he was talking about the weather, while he lowered himself on his knees in front of the statue of Naga.
"Do you wish to kill me? If that is so, I would at the very least request that you allow me to finish my duties. Do not worry, master Libra will not be back for a long time… and I shall not resist. It is what I deserve, after all".
Lucina gritted her teeth, her hand curling around the hilt of Falchion… before letting out a sigh. She should kill him. She definitely should. And, as he said, he would deserve it…
But she couldn't. Not until she knew…
So, she walked up to him and kneeled down beside him, staring at Naga.
"Start from the beginning, Assassin. Tell me… what happened? And why?"
He hummed, joining his hands for his prayer.
"It is a long story. And not a pretty one. Are you certain?"
Was she? To be perfectly honest, not really. She shuddered to think what actions and circumstances could cause him to act the way that he did. To do the things that he did. But she had to know, no matter what.
"I am. Cease your hesitations… they are unlike you".
He chuckled under his breath, his face completely covered by the thick cloth that allowed him to melt into the shadows.
"Very well then… as the princess of Ylisse demands. Everything started six years ago…"
Hello?! Is this thing on?! It is?! Noice.
Welcome, dudes and gentleladies, to the teaser of Leap of Faith (LOF for short), the show where the inspiration for the OC is as plain as day.
Really, I couldn't have made it more obvious if I tried. As you can see, the meat of the story will be constituted by a long flashback. I still have to decide whether I should keep it third person or switch to first during this section, I'll have to see what comes natural. I have no idea when I'll publish this story (it currently is the 25th of October 2023 while writing this). Maybe right after I finish one of my stories, maybe even later, who knows. I just know that, when the time will come, this little story will manage to attract some attention.
Whenever I manage to get this out, note that it will probably take some time before any updates comes, depending on how many stories I have or haven't finished by then. I'll just be getting out here to see if it could be worthwhile and if people are interested.
That's all folks! Ta-ta for now!