Lucina was sent flying once more, soaring through the air before violently colliding against a wall and dropping to the floor. She was distracted and had left herself wide open to be hit, again. It wasn’t the first time it happened, not by a long shot, but she picked herself up and stood on her feet.

“It will not happen again.”

She meant that vow, but deep down she knew it was a flimsy excuse. She had promised herself not to be distracted nor caught off guard time and again, but she always ended biting the dust before her opponent. And that was something that bothered her, irk even, as she knew she was capable of much more. Her opponent attacked again, but she saw it coming and defended herself. Locking her position and with hands steady on the handle, she tensed her body. The satisfying sound of weapons clashing against her sword allowed her to counterattack, her foe unable to defend herself as she delivered a powerful ascending blow. Her sword traced a beautiful arc as she landed her hit, sending the adversary tumbling backwards.

“Close in and finish it!”

She lunged forward, quickly closing the distance and delivering a flurry of attacks that allowed her to gain more and more ground. She was slowly making it towards the edge of the platform, chaining one attack after the other, but her confidence betrayed her. Just like she had done, her foe managed to counter her attack, her body immobile as she recoiled from it. The vibrations went through the sword and into her arm, but that was nothing compared to the whack that the staff delivered to her face. With a grunt, she was sent stumbling backwards, disoriented and dazed. She was back at the receiving end, as two massive wings hit her followed by an explosion that elevated her skyward.

- Ugh!

But the worst was yet to come, as her opponent swung the staff dexterously, delivering a barrage of attacks that never seemed to end. One after another, and another, and another.

She fell to the ground, body aching and struggling to stand up. She looked up at her opponent, her heart skipping a beat for a moment. She was a tall and young woman, regal and elegant. Her fair skin complemented perfectly her long and flowing green hair and her emerald-like eyes. She wore a white layered and flowing dress, which parted at the sides to reveal her sock covered left leg and footwear. She also had plenty of golden accessories all over her, a laurel crown, fibula and armbands along a golden armour that covered her left arm. An image of power and beauty that was completed by a red mirror shield in her left arm and a gold and blue staff on the right one, a weapon she had gotten rather intimate with during the fight.

She was looking down at her, her lips curling in a smirk as she let go of her staff. The weapon simply levitated next to her as she brushed her long and flowing green mane to the side, a luminous crest appearing over her head.

- Ready when you are.

She had grabbed her staff again, never taking her eyes off Lucina. Great, just great, taunts. Exactly what she needed. And as if she could read her thoughts, her smile widened, she giggled. Having the staff stand next to her, she held to it while arching her body backwards and stretching one leg forward. Twirling around it as the audience roared and chanted her name. And how she couldn’t blame them. Her flowing long green hair, along with her dress made for an image to remember, and the curves of her body being teased underneath drove the point further home. She really was quite the sight, so maybe it wasn’t that strange that she was infatuated with her, having a never-ending stream of thoughts involving the goddess crossing her mind.

However, all that vanished when she noticed with quickly growing worry the multicolour aura that surrounded her. Energy cracked around her figure as it went from red to purple, then to blue and green, followed by yellow and orange. The very light of the battleground seemed to dim as the pupils of the goddess lit up with the same light. The luminous emblem appeared again behind her head as she swung the staff.

- Watch this!

The staff swirled in the air with a fluid and graceful move, unleashing the devastating final smash. Lucina found herself flung into the air, trapped in a vortex of black and purple that spun her around wildly and without control, like a ragdoll at the mercy of a violent storm.

- Black hole… AND MEGA LASER!

She was hit by a massive beam of energy, helpless to stop it or defend herself. She wasn’t even able to dodge, or try to, as the black hole held her spinning in place, and the cracking torrent of purple energy that was the mega laser laid waste to her. It wasn’t the first time she was on the receiving end, but she had been caught in the vortex, which made it much worse. It was a horrible beatdown, and the energy seemed to consume her, cracking violently around and through her body, a violent torrent that threatened to rip her to shreds or disintegrate her into nothingness. But it died down, although she didn’t notice much. As her body became numb and her vision faded to black, she could only make the shape of the battleground in the distance and the whistling of the wind as she soared through the skies. And everything faded to black.

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- Where… where am I?

A gentle warmth had brought Lucina out of her slumber, the woman blinking slowly as she sat on the bed. Despite her grogginess and disorientation, her mind was clear enough to know that she wasn’t on any familiar grounds. A series of floating islands dotted the clear blue sky while a sea of clouds that mixed gold and sandy colour remained beneath them, forming a small aerial archipelago that sat between the shining sun and everything below. Leaving the soft and comfortable bed behind, she stood up and made her way to the nearest window, where she could have a better view of the surroundings.

The islands were connected by a plethora of bridges, allowing anyone to easily walk from one to the other. Green of grass and trees could be seen in many, one of them having a massive lake that gave birth to a waterfall that fell into the clouds below. It wasn’t the only one, as there were smaller ones that could be seen with a second look, but it was the most eye-catching one. On the other hand, works of architecture were everywhere, with few islands not having some sort of building. Built using a golden coloured stone of some sort, temples of different forms and shapes took centre stage. Small circular ones, with barely half a dozen columns holding their dome roofs stood next to massive rectangular ones, buildings that took entire islands for them. But the two landmarks that caught her eye the most were the arena that could be seen in the distance, a massive circular building that reminded her of the one in Regna Ferox, where she fought long ago; and a massive statue of the goddess herself standing tall and majestic, staff and shield in hand with two massive wings behind her, overseeing all below.

“Rather fitting for her. And it does capture her beauty…”

She shook her head, only to rub her forehead with a hand trying to focus. Those thoughts again. It wasn’t anything new, since they had been around for some time already, but it was starting to become a… rather persistent nuisance. And it frustrated her. The scars of the past had left their mark, and she could be somewhat paranoid, which made relations… complicated. Sure, she could lead in a battlefield and got along with plenty of comrades, but doubt always remained with her. And now these thoughts about the Goddess of light came in. She had thought about many approaches. Maybe ask the angel boy that served her for advice. She considered talking about it with her father, once he entered the tournament. She had prayed to Naga for advice when she was sure no one was looking. But nothing ever came out of it. The boy was too loyal and innocent for the question she wanted to ask, Naga didn’t give a clear answer, and her father… she honestly didn’t have the courage. She could face an army of enemies and not bat an eye, she could fight against a dragon whose shadow covered entire kingdoms, but the thought of disappointing her father was enough to have her shiver in her shoes. But now that she was here… maybe…

- Good to see you are awake.

Her heart skipped a beat as she immediately turned around. Palutena, goddess of light and ruler of the realm, stood by the door. She was as beautiful and radiant as before, even though she was lacking her golden armoured sleeve. Her white dress and what golden garments she wore blended perfectly with the surroundings, showing where she clearly belonged. Her eyes carried warmth and care, and her smile… Lucina could have sworn that the sight of her made her spirits rise and worries melt away.

- I wasn’t sure whether to change your clothes while you were out cold, since your outfit is… well, it has seen better days. A chiton would fit you perfectly, but I don’t think your usual clothes will be salvageable…

The goddess’ tone was jovial and friendly, like an older sister talking to her younger sibling, and she wasn’t wrong. Her clothes were torn apart in several places, her skin laid bare. She closed the distance and had Lucina sit on the bed, looking at her with her emerald eyes into the swordswoman’s own. It was a serious gaze, but she didn’t care, as long as she could continue staring into those eyes.

- I didn’t expect you to receive such a beating during the fight… - the goddess sat next to her, making her heart flutter - You seemed distracted. Is there anything in your mind?

- …

- Lucina?

- …Yes, there is. -She sighed.

- Would you mind sharing?

She might never have another chance to tell her. Well, that may have been too extreme of a thought, but she wouldn’t have a better chance than the current one. So why not take it while she could?

- Things get… strange whenever I’m around you. Or that was at the beginning at least.

- At the beginning?

- Yes. Now… you saw me. I space out completely when looking at you. My dreams revolve around you, the mere sight of you is enough to have me lose track of… well, everything around me. -She confessed. – I have tried talking with the angel boy-

- Pit? Or Pittoo?

- Pittoo?

- Oh, Dark Pit. It’s… a long story.

- I see…

- But, back on track. You talked to Pit?

- I… tried. But he was too… innocent.

- Uh-huh. -Smiled Palutena, mixing smug and playfulness.

- Then I tried praying to the goddess of my world, but her answer was… not too clear.

- Yeah… -sighed the goddess- it is a recurrent predicament between deities. Anyone else you tried talking with?

- I thought about talking with my father but… I fear I will disappoint him.

- Your father is…

- The exalt, the leader of Ylisse.

- I’m going to need more details, dear.

- Similar colour of hair to me? Wields a sword himself?

- Um…

- Blue cape? With white?

- …

- He has the brand on his shoulder.

- Oh! Yes, I do recognize him. The tactician’s best friend, isn’t he?

- …yes.

- Lucina, he’s your father. It’s most likely that he will be more than willing to lend you a hand.

He might not agree with your decision, but for what little I know of him, he will respect it.

Both women remained in silence, sitting one next to the other. Lucina thought about the possible courses of action, trying to discern the actions she could go along with and foreseeing some of their consequences. Palutena, meanwhile, waited patiently as silent as the statue of her she had seen before.

“Since we are here, maybe I could… ask her for help? She seems to be the key to everything…”

She was hesitant, but what other choice did she have? She recalled her previous thoughts. She might have other chances in the future, but most likely none of them would be like this one. Besides she had shown gentle disposition and was willing to hear her out. She was so beautiful, a gorgeous display of ethereal and divine grace. She could stare at her for hours, or even longer. Her long and vibrant green hair, her emerald-like eyes, her beautiful body and enthralling face. She watched her move her head towards her, the goddess’ lips moving. Was she trying to tell her something? Was she calling for someone? The lips, they looked soft and warm, and the voice that came out of them was completely fitting for the image of the goddess, warm and caring, but making her enemies cower and tremble. They moved time and again, the goddess putting a hand in Lucina’s cheek.

“She’s so soft… she’s so warm… she’s so caring…she’s so beautiful…she’s…”

Unconsciously, she had closed the distance between them, leaning closer and closer. Without warning, she locked her lips with the goddess, who let out a muffled sound of surprise, but went along with the swordswoman’s antics. Lucina was correct. She was warm as she was soft, their lips interlocking as their tongues battled back and forth. Using the momentum, Lucina lunged forward, the goddess directing the charge and laying on the bed while the other woman remained on top of her. She was warm and caring, as she could feel her hands gently caress her long hair as they kissed. She wanted more! And the goddess could help her! She really was the key to her problems! The kissing carried on for a little longer, until they had to part ways to catch their breath. Palutena really was beautiful, laying in the bed among the sheets as her dress seemed to almost blend with them. And her long hair fanned behind her like a cascade of green… Only for Lucina to realize what she had done.

She immediately stood up, getting off from the top of their particular pose. She could feel the blush flare in her cheeks and face, trying to look anywhere but the goddess, who simply laid her eyes on her and didn’t say a word. Lucina had survived the Fell Dragon’s rampaging wrath, but she was certain she would not survive this.

- I-I-I… I apologize! I do not know what overcame me! I-

- No need for that Lucina.

- A-As I explained! I completely lost myself…

- Lucina.

Her voice was firm and severe, the blue haired woman shutting up immediately.

- Do not worry about that. Besides, I will be able to help you, if you so wish. Do you trust me?

- I do.

- Then follow my lead.

- Yes! I will!

As they stood before the other, Palutena’s crest came to life once more, brighter and more vibrant than ever before. Or at least that Lucina could remember. She closed the distance, holding Lucina’s chin up with her left hand closed into a fist, pressing her index and middle fingers against her forehead gently. The crest’s light became brighter and brighter, the goddess’ silhouette becoming darker and outlined as the world threatened to fade to white. Lucina remained immobile, waiting for the goddess to tell her to act.

- I will answer your yearning Lucina, now let yourself be purified.

Her voice was serious and calm, like a command waiting to be fulfilled, and Lucina couldn’t tell whether she should answer or not. This was irrelevant, as the light suddenly shifted, hurling towards her. Her body tensed, recalling the mega laser that the goddess had used to take her down in the fray, but she immediately relaxed. There were no hits nor ache in her body, quite the opposite in fact, as she felt… lighter. The soreness of the fight melted away as the light coursed through her body, cleansing her and purifying her. And without warning, the goddess leaned closer, locking their lips once again in a soft kiss. Lucina was caught by surprise, but quickly was swept along, letting the light and the warmth of the goddess’ kiss cleanse her. The image of Palutena was embedded in her mind, her grace and beauty, her benevolence and her radiance. Her past and her memories all faded away in the radiance of the goddess of light, a world in ruin, a life filled with suffering and strife, a broken family that had left her to fend for herself. Worries about wondering what would happen once her mission was accomplished refused to fully vanish.

“Mission… future…”

Why cling to those worries? She was being offered a brand-new start, one that would give her meaning and a new place to call home. And her goddess was right, the reason behind it would be fully accepted by her father. Why wouldn’t it be? She stopped with those thoughts, feeling something in her back. One, no, two points of pressure that tried their best to make their way through the tattered clothing. But she ignored that, instead fully giving herself to the woman that kissed her. Her lips were soft and smooth, their tongues fighting back and forth as the women shared a warm hug, the influence of the goddess making her whole and new. There was a sound of ripping and shredding, the pressure disappearing as the light subsided. Nevertheless, a warm feeling lingered, coursing through her as they broke the kiss, both panting as they looked at each other.

- Better?

Lucina simply smiled, finally noticing what had been the pressure on her back. It took her a moment to fully grasp the situation, as she had two wings of her very own. She touched them timidly, amazed when they twitched at her own touch, feeling the muscles of her body move as she did so. They had a beautiful dark plumage, mostly sharing colour with her hair while the tips of the feathers had a lighter shade of blue, more in line with her eye colour.

- You look incredible, Lucina. -Said the goddess as she walked behind her and gently caressed her wings.

- Thank you, Lady Palutena.

- No need to thank me. You trusted me and I did my best. -Said the green haired woman. – Now, follow me.

- Where are we going?

- First, for a revitalizing bath at the hot spring. Then, I’ll give you your own tunic, much fitting for your new self; and last, we will have something to eat.

- As you say, Lady Palutena.

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Everything had gone without a hitch. The woman had transformed without any problem, becoming an angelic beauty. Palutena had guided her to the hot spring, where they had remained for a while, both of them soaking their nude bodies in the warm water and steam. The bath had been absolutely heavenly, and being able to enjoy some company for herself during the bath had been a joy. She had then helped her clean her new wings, which she had grown fond of incredibly quickly. They were beautiful, and a nice middle ground between Pit’s white and Pittoo’s black. As a side effect, her hair now mimicked her wings, the dark blue mane having a lighter shade at the tips of it, while her eyes had taken a lighter shade of colour too. The goddess had also noticed that the woman kept the brand on her eye, a testament to her lineage and her past. She wouldn’t dare take it away from her, but it did make her wonder. According to what Lucina had told her in the bath, it was a connection to a divine dragon of her world. Now with her powers having imbued her new angelic body, how would she fare? Would they clash and collide? Or was she worrying for nothing?

“Regardless, better to keep an eye on that…”

Currently, the goddess had dressed herself, donning a new white dress, identical to the one she wore before. And was waiting for Lucina to come out dressed, but, if she went with how long it was taking her… She approached the changing room, where she could hear the new angel fight against her clothes. She managed to suppress a giggle, but it was endearing.

- Lucina? Need any help?

- N-No Lady Palutena, I’m almost- ugh!

- Coming in.

The divine woman entered the room, where she found her new angel trying to cover her chest with the chiton that had been prepared for her. A beautiful white tunic, much like Pit’s, but having a fret on the edge that combined the dark blue and red of her previous outfit. She had donned her new sandals, gold and bronze cuffs in her forearms, and her golden tiara, which had the shape of laurel leaves, but the main clothing piece was fighting tooth and nail to avoid being worn.

- I’m sorry Lady Palutena, it might take me some time to get used to it…

- Don’t worry. I’ll be glad to help.

Standing behind her, she held the upper part with her arms as Lucina adjusted the belt in her waist, allowing her goddess to move freely. She covered her chest, the shape of the angel’s curves still discernible among the silky cloth, and tied it to a golden necklace she had been given. She repeated the manoeuvre with the back, Lucina’s dark wings folding and opening to their full span as Palutena made sure she had plenty of room to move them. But the moment she tied the back to the necklace, it was finished.

- You look amazing.

- You really think so Lady Palutena?

- Positive.

- Thanks! I wasn’t too keen on fashion in the past… -Admitted the angel sheepishly.

- Do not worry about that. -Dismissed the goddess. – Now, let’s go do something to fill our stomachs.

- Yes, Lady Palutena.

The goddess started walking, the woman turned angel following happily behind her. Palutena gave her some playful looks over her shoulder, to which Lucina answered with a wide and honest smile. The goddess couldn’t wait to see her fly, and, if worse came to pass, she would be a formidable fighter against her foes and a valuable ally to Pit. Of that she was certain.