Chapter 10
Lucina-The Traitor
It was her worse memory.
Her home burning and her people slaughtered in their very homes.
It all began to fall apart after her father left them for some urgent matter in Plegia, taking with him most of the Shepards. None of them would ever return.
A few weeks after their departure the skies darkened and worrying reports began to surface from the outskirts of attacks of some unknown enemy. The foe seemed to come from Plegia, but they bore no banners, nor behaved as any army anyone had ever encountered. They did not speak except from the occasional pained moaning, nor did they ever place any camps or rest as they slowly moved towards Ylisstol.
For they were undead. Corpses that had been bid to rise once more in service of a creature long though dormant; The Fell Dragon Grima, who once again had awoken to wage war against the followers of Naga.
None could stand before them, peasant, or warrior, for their foe was unending in numbers. Before long Ylisstol itself was besieged and overwhelmed. Robbed of their best, all the army of Ylisse could do was delay the inevitable, buying time for the civilians to hide or flee through whatever gab in the encirclement they could find.
As all seemed lost, Lucina and most of the household of the castle fled through a secret passage, while the enemy were hammering at their gates. Her mother had assured her that she would be right behind them with the last of the castle guards, but she like her father never returned.
Lucina had demanded that they kept the passage open, but captain Sully, one of the few remaining Shepards, ordered it closed as sounds of battle grew nearer. The older woman had tried to restrain the princess as the passage slowly closed, but Lucina manged to tear herself from the captain's grip and squeezed herself through the increasingly narrow passage before it sealed off completely.
She then ran through the now empty hallways of the castle, desperately shouting for her mother, but all she could hear was the sound of steel and the haunting screams of the dying. Thinking that her mother might be somewhere fighting, she foolishly ran towards the sound of battle. And surely enough she would find her in the middle of it.
The queen of Ylisse had once again donned her armour and was desperately trying to rally the few remaining soldiers to hold back the tide of death. Her mother had tried to make her final stand in the main entrance, and while the Ylisseans still managed to keep the enemy from continuing through the main hall, they were unable to prevent smaller groups from entering the castle itself by the side passages. It would not be long before the ordered lines of Ylisse would disintegrate, and battle would devolve into an unorganised brawl.
Lucina for her part picked up a discarded sword on the ground and tried to get as close to her mother as possible, none of the combatants seemed to take notice of the young teen that was running through the battle.
''Mom!''
Lucina called out, and her mother turned towards her. Her expression quickly filled with horror as she realized who had called out for her.
''LUCINA?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! GET OUT OF HERE!''
Her mother seemed to want to say something more but was interrupted. An axe wielding creature had broken through and with an animalistic howl went straight towards the queen. Her mother however was no mere novice, and with a quick thrust with her spear she manged to stop the creature in its tracks as her spear went through its neck.
''NO! Not before you come with me!''
Lucina called out as her mother pulled her spear from the impaled creature. It fell on the ground and did not rise again, but Lucina noted that it was still twitching and moaning.
It was not dead.
''This is no place for a child like you! GO! I'll hold them back as long as I ca-…''
Suddenly a blast erupted throughout the room, brutally sweeping any remaining resistance away, Lucina and her mother included. They were cast up in the air and flew a few dozen feet away before landing and losing consciousness.
Lucina did not know how long she was out, but she awoke to the sounds of mother pleading with someone.
''…Please if you hold any love for us…spare her! I know you're in there…please!''
The young princess tried to open her eyes, but found her vision blurred. It was hard to see anything with any clarity.
It was however clear that they were still in the entrance of the castle although it was in a very poor and damaged state. Bodies littered the ground, and a few of those creatures was walking around and finishing off the wounded that laid helplessly on the ground. Yet they seemed to ignore her completely, Lucina tried to move but discovered that someone had bound her hands and feet. Furthermore, she was tied up to a nearby pillar, making it impossible for her to either flee or offer any resistance if anyone of those creatures decided to end her life.
As her vision began to clear, she could vaguely make out her mother laying on the ground across the room. She was wounded, half her face was covered in blood and her armour was dented in several places. Her mother made several attempts to rise but could barely lift her upper body.
The figure her mother was talking to was clad in armour that was covered in a robe not unsimilar to her uncle Robin.
''He is gone little queen, and so is this pathetic excuse of what you call a kingdom! Oh, how I longed for this day…''
It was her uncle's voice, but it could not be…
''LEAVE MY MOTHER ALONE!''
The figure turned towards her; a familiar face stared back at her.
''Ah…The little princess has finally awoken from her little nap!''
His voice carried an alien mocking tone if not for his appearance, she wouldn't have thought that this was her uncle at all. All this did not make any sense for Lucina, was her uncle there to save them? Why did he speak to her mother with such a hostile and mocking tone?
''Uncle Robin…? What's happening? Where is my father? Why aren't you helping my mother?''
He laughed; it sounded unnatural, and it twisted her uncle's usual kind features into a cruel and frightening mask.
''Foolish girl, you were always slow to grasp the simplest of concepts. I! Is what is happening! I'm the one that has come to burn this hut you call home down! I'm the one that has come to devour everything that you pathetic worshippers of Naga hold dear!''
Lucina refused to believe this creature was the same as the kind man she knew as her uncle.
''You…You're not him! My uncle would never do that! You're an imposter!''
The creature spat on the ground.
''Am I not? I know you; I remember the day you fell down that little tree, I remember your habit of taking sweets from the kitchen and so many more annoying little details. All those years that I had to suffer your company…You cannot imagine how long I have waited to do this. To finally be able to cast this shell off. You have all been deceived.''
He began to take a few steps towards her.
''Your father is dead little one. I killed him myself before dealing with the rest of his little band of glorified sheep herders.''
Lucina felt her heart sank. It was impossible, her father was the strongest person she knew, he would never just let himself be killed so easily.
''YOU LIE!''
''Oh? You want proof?''
It was clear that the man found her denial amusing, and with a lazy movement he pulled his robe aside, revealing her father's sword Falchion.
''Annoying little toothpick…More durable than that fool ever was.''
With some difficulty he pulled the sword off its scabbard. He regarded it with clear disgust before casually dropping it to the bloodstained ground.
''YOU MONSTER!''
Once again, the traitor before her turned towards the queen with a gaze that was not unsimilar to man who might regarded an insect.
''Monster? I'm merely exterminating some vermin. How is that monstrous? You humans are an infestation in this world that once belonged to the ancients, and I will make it right.''
He then made a quick wave with his one hand, and one of the creatures approached him and gave him a spear, while two others began to close in on the trapped princess.
''STAY AWAY FROM HER! STAY AWAY!''
Her mother shouted; her voice filled with a desperation that only parent fearing for their child could have. The traitor in turn gave her mother a sick smile; he enjoyed her despair.
''Fear not little queen, for I shall grant you and your daughter mercy this one time…A small chance of life.''
One of the creatures restrained the struggling princess, while another undid the rope that bound her to the pillar. But she would not be allowed to go free completely, instead a leather cord was wrapped around her neck which was then secured to the pillar, her hands and feet remained bound.
When this was done, the traitor before them approached the queen on the ground and with a swift motion impaled her by the abdomen.
Her mother seemed to scream but no sound came out except a small whimper, any effort of rising left her and she collapsed completely to the ground.
Lucina screamed in horror and rage.
''MOTHER!''
The man, who she once considered a part of her family, once again laughed.
''Feel free to save your mother if you can little princess, I'll even leave your father's sword here, so that you may cut yourself free. Enjoy whatever time of life you may have left.''
With that he left them, the creatures around them slowly followed suit leaving the two members of the royal line of Ylisse alone in that desolate hall.
Lucina desperately tried to crawl towards her father's sword before her mother would bleed out but found it next to impossible with the cord around her neck restraining her. She tried to free herself from the cord but could not find the strength nor get a proper grip to do it.
''It's useless dear…He never intended to let us live…Save your strength, someone will come for you…''
Her mother's voice was weak and fading. Lucina could see her mother grow pale as she steadily lost blood. Despite her mother's words, the young princess didn't stop struggling against her bounds even as she felt the cord tightening around her neck.
''NO! I'll get to you! I'll save you mother! I-I j-just need to get this off me!''
At this her mother chuckled, but it was a sound devoid of any joy.
''Oh, my brave Lucina…So much like your father…How I'm blessed to have you…Take…care of your sister…you…you're the Exalt now…P-protect you people…where…. wherever they may be…May N-Naga always g-guide your path…''
The effort of speaking made her mother cough blood.
''DON'T SAY THAT! FATHER IS NOT DEAD! P-please mother! Don't talk…I'll get to you! I'll get to you! I…I…''
No matter how much she begged and cried for mother to cling to life, the young Exalt could only watch as her mother Queen Sumia of Ylisse slowly closed her eyes and with that left this world to join her husband.
As for Lucina herself, she would remain trapped in the ruins of her home for several days before she would be found and freed by the few survivors that had managed to stay hidden during the destruction of their home.
Even close to death Lucina never took her eyes off her mother.
The image of her mother dying and her inability to save her would haunt her for the rest of her life.
''You're sure that it was nothing else?''
Lucina asked after listening intently to Henry, as he gave her his daily rapport with his usual carefree attitude.
''Nope! That was all! He left his tent before the first light had hit the camp! Ate in mess hall when the sun had risen! Went out the back door before the scary lady went in the front! And spoke to bluey before…''
''Yes, yes…you already told me about that. No need to repeat it all again. Thank you, Henry…''
The dark mage's smile widened at this and like an excited child began to make a few small jumps.
''Oh, it's been my pleasure! My pleasure little princess! Anything for you! You cut so cleanly! So efficient with spreading death that my crows never lack for food! Oh, how they love you so! You should meet them! I'm sure you would be great friends!''
As always, the dark mage never failed to make Lucina uncomfortable with his strange behaviour. He always seemed happy and far too eager to talk about death and maiming. And then it was the fact that his eyes were constantly closed; How was that man even able to see anything?
However, Henry was one of the few Shepards that was willing to interact with her, and his rapports were accurate down to the minute. For that Lucina was more than happy to overlook his more unique personality. Although his rapports still failed to present anything that she might use.
''Hey hey princess! Do you ever dream on how you would die? Cut to pieces? Old age? Hmm…No that one is boring, how about killed by your own hand! Oh, I like that one! It would be so dramatic! Poetic even!''
A disturbing man indeed, while Lucina could accept many of his quirks, she still could not understand how one could be so obsessed with the concept of death. But then again maybe it was just his way of being friendly? Lucina had never been good with these social interactions.
''Can't say I have Henry. But pardon me for changing the subject, I understand that you would be unavailable the next few days?''
It had been her father that had told her about it, which had worried the princess, as it might mean that Henry would be unable to further watch the false tactician. And his absence would happen during a crucial time too, they were about to approach the Mila Tree, and Lucina feared that the traitor might try something.
''Oh, worry not princess. I'm just being sent away on a simple scouting mission. Can't have those Valm people attack us while bluey is occupied in that little tree. My crows can cover a much larger area then any of us little two legged fleshlings.''
A reasonable action, but Lucina had no doubt that the traitor was also sending the dark mage away to weaken the watch. Her father had grown lax, he clearly hadn't protested when this had been set in motion, he barely even attended her meetings with Henry anymore.
Henry for his part seemed to have read her misgivings.
''Ah, worry not princess! If you're worried about my little spying job of our dear tactician, I'm going to leave a pair of my birds in the camp just for you! They'll keep watching our little tactician, but it will still go a few days before I can make my rapport to you. Unless you happen to speak crow language?''
''Can't say I have Henry but thank you.''
Lucina waited till the smiling mage had left her tent before Lucina made a heavy sigh. Another day had gone with nothing.
Sometimes she wondered why she even bothered, but she was desperate to find anything that might implicate the tactician's true nature.
He is a cunning snake, but he must slip at some point.
His cat's pawns on the other hand were at least a bit easier to deal with. In the last few days as they moved towards the Mila tree, she and her companions had managed to identify and eliminate few dozens of potential spies in their camp. It was simple matter of having her friends observe her while she moved around the camp; subtly notating whoever seemed to take too much of an interest in her movements. After which Laurent would covertly see to it that these people were assigned the most dangerous positions or at least being inadequately supplied before a battle. It was then just a matter of time before the dangers of war would naturally take those individuals out without anyone suspecting foul play.
Curiously, most of the identified spies had some kind of Plegian link. While it could not be directly tied to the tactician, it could be used against the Plegian representative Aversa. No doubt that she was in cahoots with that traitor, but she was still unable to catch him interacting with Aversa outside of their strategic meetings.
It was something she would have to investigate another time, but it might be unnecessary in the short run. They would soon seek the guidance of the Voice, only herself, her family, a few Shepards and most importantly that traitor would be present for the audience with the Voice.
Surely the Voice of Naga could vouch for her accusation, and then in the heart of Naga's domain, he would have nowhere to hide.
But then again…
Surely that snake would know this too, but so far, he had not made any attempts to excuse himself from the meeting. When told about their destination and the expectation that he would be attending, he had simply reacted with a seemingly indifferent attitude.
And that got Lucina worried. Which was the reason that she still took such an interest in shadowing his every move.
What was his plan?
Coming to the Mila tree had not been an easy matter, since the Valmanese had stationed an army around it's base. It was a close battle, the Valmanese had hidden some troops behind the Ylissean army as they engaged the army stationed at the root of the gigantic Mila tree. However, the Ylisseans were able to keep a good order even as they suddenly found themselves encircled, and expertly turned around to deal with the attack on their rear before reorganising to finish their opponent on their front.
Despite their victory they could not afford to linger for long as rapports were coming in that at least two more armies were closing in on their position. Each of them bigger than the one they had just faced.
The ascent to the top was difficult even with the help of pegasuses, yet Lucina found it worth it.
At the top of the Mila tree was a small clearing with a single simple shrine. That it was a domain of Naga was instantly felt. Everyone presents voiced a feeling of peace and content as they walked towards the shrine. Everyone except one; The so-called tactician expressed a clear discomfort as they approached the shrine. For Lucina this was clear proof of his black soul. Holy places like this one were an anathema for creatures like him.
They found the Voice of Naga in deep slumber, undisturbed by the troubles of the world. She had taken her original form; that of a huge dragon. Her seize made it that she could easily swallow a man whole if she so chooses.
Yet Lucina felt no fear while she beheld the Voice's true form. For she was not unfamiliar with the Voice in her timeline.
Lucina knew and had once the privilege to refer her by her true name: Tiki.
They had gotten along well enough back in her own timeline and Lucina even considered her a friend and not only as a conduit for Naga herself. She would have loved to rekindle that friendship, but duty required her to focus on her task at hand.
Being a member of the same race as Naga back when she wandered the earth, Tiki alone could tap into the realm beyond the mortal planes and commune with Naga herself. Naga had set her on this path, surely Naga would dispel any doubts about the tactician's allegiance?
The Voice's connection to Naga had also made her a target for the non-believing Valmanese that shunned all forms of worship of Gods. For this reason, they were not only there to seek her guidance but also to escort her to safety.
But then again given her current form, it would have been foolish of the Valmanese to anger her. They seemed to have realized this themselves, which might explain why they were content to merely block the way towards the top of the Mila tree.
It could be dangerous to merely force the Voice out of her sleep while she was in her dragon form; There was no telling how she would react for being disturbed. Waiting for her to wake up herself was not an option either, as being an Manakete as ancient as her, she could sleep for hundred of years at a time.
Fortunately, Lady Say'ri knew the right rituals to speed up the Voice's awakening without risking her wrath, but it would require her to force the Voice to temporarily take a humanoid form, not unsimilar to Lucina's companion Nah.
Given the situation, it was best to go with Lady Say'ri's solution.
It proved wise, as Tiki was not a very good morning person. She was dazed and confused and would surely accidently have burned someone if she had been in her dragon form. It would also take them some time to introduce themselves to her, as she kept confusing them with several different individuals from her past.
She was however quite friendly as soon as she had shaken off her initial drowsiness and spoke to them in a casual manner. It was comforting for Lucina to see that Tiki was still the same person as in her timeline.
Lucina then steeled herself in order to ask the Voice to commune with Naga. It was time to end this little game of cat and mouse.
''Your holiness, forgive us for disturbing your rest, but we require your mother's guidance on a quest she had set me to fulfil. I have been sent back in time to prevent a ruinous future, and I know for a fact that one of us here is a traitor and the catalyst for the time to come.''
The Voice regarded her with a serious look. Before looking at each individual assembled at her shrine. Lucina did the same and saw how many looks of disapproval stared back at her. All except her family, who all had an awkward look about them, it was clear that they would rather be done with this quickly.
But Lucina didn't care, her attention was solely focussed on the tactician. There he stood, refusing to meet her eyes or Tiki's as if he tried to hide from their gaze.
I got you now. You should have fled when you had the chance. Now before Naga's gaze you can't hide your treachery.
The Voice quickly caught on who she was accusing.
''Although your tale seems outlandish, I can feel that you speak the truth. You don't belong in this timeline; I can feel my mother's blessing around you. But this is a serious accusation, are you sure of your charge?''
Never in her life had she felt surer about something.
Before anyone could react, she drew her Falchion and pointed it at the traitor. The other Shepards were quick to stand between her and their tactician, but Lucina was ready to finally execute him as soon as the Voice confirmed her accusation.
''I AM! AND I KNOW IT TO BE HIM! HE IS THE TRAITOR! A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING! A BLACK SOUL!''
Tiki went quiet and closed her eyes as if entering into a deep though before speaking the words that would tear the time displaced princess world asunder.
''Neither me nor my mother can sense anything. If nothing else his soul is pure as your father's…''
I'm back baby! Sorry for the long delay but got caught up in doing some drawing commissions and a lot of other real-life obligations. Wish I could say that I have a clean schedule in the future, but that is sadly not so -.-
If anyone is still reading this, thank you so much for sticking around, and I hope that you still find this story entertaining.
As always thank you all for commenting and reading ^^
NOTE: Don't know what is happening but having a great deal of difficulty uploading this chapter. Forgive me if it's a bit strange in the format, will try to fix it later.