She could never quite get quite used to the void they were in until they came back to the battlefield. It was a cold and barren place, where one floated in place, unable to see even its own body. No matter how hard she tried, she was not able to see her own hands touching her nose, despite feeling them. Luckily, the question came back to her, which would help her distract the mind from the gaping abyss.
It had been the hero; she was certain of it. It had happened before plenty of times, and his steel had a unique feeling to it, as strange as it could sound. Almost like an energy covered the blade not to hurt her too much or leave wounds that were too grave. The sword itself was rather unique, despite not being as physically eye-catching as other blades she fought against. A blade with three triangles near the cross guard, and a golden decoration embedded on it, visibly contrasting with the purple colour. In fact, this purple was only interrupted by the marks in the grip.
And then there was the princess, a powerful fighter despite her amicable and almost harmless look. It could fool a novice fighter, but she knew better. Using her magic abilities, she was able to teleport from one place to another, harness powerful energies in the fray, and cast devastating spells. Perhaps the fireball was the flashiest one, and quite effective too, as it was devastating if the blast radius was close enough. But the one that was most unique was the summoning of the suit of armour, a massive and hulking behemoth of metal that wielded its own sword and shield.
It took her some time to cast the spell to fully assemble the spectre, but once she did it was a powerful attack not to underestimate. And she was also able to launch it unfinished, the blade being one of the first parts to summon and always being present. A massive blade that lunged forward to deliver a devastating blow unless avoided or countered somehow. And now that she thought of swords, the thought came back.
“Falchion…”
It had been shattered. She didn’t want to believe it, but she knew what she had seen. The sword that had fought against the fallen dragon, that had travelled to the past to save the future, the legacy entrusted by her father; broken. Not once had it happened before, the sword immune to the most powerful blows and holding without cracking. In fact, it was easier that one of her arms was dislocated or broken than the sword’s blade to chip. And yet, here she was. What would happen when she came back to the battlefield? Would the sword be reassembled? Would she be unarmed?
“Time to find out.”
The void lit up, as a white light started to swallow her whole. She could feel herself coming back, her body reforming as she readied herself to re-join the fray. However, there was something… odd, something that felt different. She felt… calm, unable to describe it any other way. Power surged through her, spreading all over her body as it left a tingling feeling behind. But she did not worry, the calm feeling enveloping her like a warm embrace while also feeling lighter.
Her body felt light and lean, able to move and contort like it had never done before. And yet, she felt powerful, durable, able to withstand any attack that was thrown against her, physical or otherwise. As the tingling spread and intensified, she could only think about how light she felt, able to move and speed around like the wind itself. She would be able to dodge attacks with ease, moving with precision and grace, like a dancer on a stage that knew well.
Her legs in particular felt tingly and full of energy, ready to carry her wherever she needed to go, wherever she was ordered to go. But, should the need arise, she would easily deliver powerful kicks against any foe that stood before her, before her master.
“Master? Master… that who wields the sword.”
The tingling in her legs became more intense, as she felt the legs morph and change to fit her duties. Long and slender, able to move gracefully, but strong and resistant, to aid in battle should the need arise. The tingling also became particularly notorious in two places. First were her arms, as they felt weaker, unable to do much. Maybe if she used her cape… yes, her arms and her cape would be useful, a resilient mantle to protect the wilder of the sword.
The second spot the tingling had intensified on was her rear. She felt it become shapelier, bubbly even. It also became a source of unexpected pleasure, as the faintest and smallest stimuli was enough to have her shiver. Although, whether these were real or imagined, she was unable to tell. But it was of little importance, as the pleasure was most welcomed as it contributed to her calm feeling.
Her mind also focused, gaining clarity among her turbulent thoughts. Her blade was lost, that was correct, but instead she had gained… knowledge. She knew everything about it, the smallest detail and the information that had been lost to the annals of history, becoming myth and legend. Her mind was filled with information and new ways to think. She would not only defend her wielder, but also give advice, analysing the battlefield and the foes, offering ways to tackle the situations and tasks at hand. Although, it would ultimately be the choice of the wielder, and she would dutifully comply with its will.
She was focused and prepared, both in body and mind and shortly after the light vanished, lowering her on a platform to the battlefield. It was a small device, only allowing one user at the time, but it was of no concern, as she could easily travel in the sword to ease the trouble of her wielder. She jumped off the platform, falling gently and landed with ease and grace. It was only then when she noticed that all fighting had stopped, her father, the two swordswomen and the hylian pair looking at her; all of them with looks that shared confusion, surprise, bewilderment, amazement and… concern?
- Lucina?
- Yes, master?
- Maste- what happened?!
- What do you mean, Master?
- Lucina! I’m your father, not your master!
- …father… - She repeated quietly.
Yes, that did sound familiar. It explained why she was so eager to obey his command, while also providing a satisfactory explanation to why she felt so attached to him. He was not only his master and wielder; she was bound to him due to familial ties. She would do as he ordered, protecting him and offering him advice. But why was he so concerned then?
And he wasn’t the only one. Looking at the two swordswomen, the blonde with white outfit and her redhead partner, the two of them had shocked looks on their faces, eyes wide and mouths agape. Her eyes set then on the other two fighters, a young man in a blue tunic, sword and shield in hand, and a princess in pink and white robes. The first one had a dumbfounded look on his face, looking at her and at his blade, then back to her again, trying to make sense of something in his mind. The princess had her hands over her mouth, eyes wide open while looking at her.
She felt lighter and lighter, exhaustion overtaking her mind and body all of a sudden. She began to emit a gentle glow, as the world started to fade to white as she closed her eyes. Master, father was in no danger, so she could rest for now. She would come out the moment she sensed danger, or that something was amiss.
- Father…
The world completely faded to white, feeling her body move on its own as she entered a calm slumber. And in her sleep, she dreamed. She saw a realm, prosperous and vibrant. She saw Father, both in and out of battle. She saw a woman, familiar and warm, most likely Mother. But all was darkened by a colossal shadow, massive enough to darken the sun and cast its shadow over the continents nearby.
It made her anxious. It advanced unstoppable, swallowing everything on its path, living and inert, cities and hamlets, dry deserts and verdant grasslands. Its greed was never ending, seeking destruction without end. And then she saw Master. He fought It, and the army it had risen to do its bidding. A valiant effort, that nonetheless proved futile as Master fought against one of the most relevant puppets of the monster. The situation was dire, Master needed assistance immediately. He swung the blade, brave and true, but before he could deliver the killing blow, a bolt of energy pierced his body, making him fall to his knees. A feeling of urgency took root, making its way through her mind. She had to help him, she had to protect him. Now. But she was powerless, only able to watch the demise of the fighter as he received the fatal blow.
“FATHER!”
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It had been three full days since it had happened. The fight had been cancelled immediately, the rest of the fighters rushing to offer assistance or simply take a closer look at what had happened. For what this was it mattered little to Chrom, as his mind was focused completely on the sword on the altar before him. By suggestion of the hylians, he had accompanied them to a sacred temple. He had actually seen the place in some of their fights, but it was the first time seeing it up close and in its full magnificence.
It was a massive temple, one of great importance to them, and the moment they had arrived the princess had gotten to work, channelling her energies to try and bring Lucina back. He shook her head, as the image of her returning to the battlefield would not fade for… one knew how long. And yet, he was starting to worry for her. She had gone on for three whole days without rest or respite, but she was under the watchful eye of Link, hero of the realm.
Falchion had been glowing for some time, a gentle blinking glow that faded and illuminated gently and never slowing down. In light of this, the hero had brought out his own sword, allowing the spirit that dwelled within to come out and assist in any possible way.
It- she was quite the sight. A rather petite and delicate looking spirit, almost statue-like. In fact, she wouldn’t be out of place in a temple if she remained as still as she did. Most of Fi’s body was covered by her cloak, but the tunic she wore could be easily seen, as well as her legs. Adding her statue-like face and her solid hair, the resemblance between Lucina and her was rather… worrying. But all of those thoughts were set aside as Falchion engulfed the room in light for a moment, Lucina standing on her own the moment it faded.
- …Lucina? – Called Chrom.
- Father.
- Yes, it’s m-
- Father! – She cried as she embraced him, throwing her cape around him. – Father! Father!
He would have been horrified the moment he noticed she was lacking arms of her own, instead using the cape as them, but having her crying on her shoulder set all those thoughts aside. He quickly embraced her, allowing her to vent out while his eyes shot a severe glare at the blue spirit next to the hero. He held her and soothed her, while she rambled on and on about the images she had seen, including his demise. He stood with her, until she let it all out, calming down and eventually letting go. She did stand next to him however, and he would gladly let her do so.
- Apologies for… the outburst.
- It’s fine Lucina, no need to apologize.
- This remains between us, understood?
- Most wise decision. -Agreed Fi.
- Good. – Sighed Chrom, receiving a nod from Link. – Any explanation to how this happened.
- I do. -Said Zelda. – During the clash of swords, Link’s blow might have broken Lucina’s, and with the confluence of different energies… well…
- Sound hypothesis, Your Grace. – Said Fi. – If I’m allowed to elaborate, the presence of the same sword twice might have added more variables to it than first expected. The sword that broke might have not broken if it wasn’t hers.
- So, since she came from the future and both Falchion were present, that weakened hers?
- That is correct.
- And what would have happened if it was me in her place?
- …unknown.
A heavy silence set in, plunging the temple in a complete lack of sound had it not been for the chirping birds outside.
- Is… is there any way to undo the changes? – Asked Chrom.
- I… I don’t think so.
- Her Grace is most likely correct. Her transformation has bound her to the sword, the original Falchion. Changes are probably irreversible.
Chrom inhaled and sighed. He was angry, and he was frustrated at his inability to help his daughter. Maybe some of the shepherds could lend a helping hand, those more versed in magic… although, his hopes weren’t exactly up given that this was magic and arcana not of a different country or continent, but another world entirely.
- Father?
He turned his head, looking at his daughter. She was… quite stunning to look at he had to admit. All of her was a dark blue colour, the same she previously wore on her clothes. Her legs were armoured, sleek and elegant pieces of metal going all the way up to her waist, while her body was covered by a form-fitting tunic that seemed like a cross between a ceremonial tunic and one of chainmail, metal sheets going all the way up to her arms. Or where they had formerly been her arms.
Her chest had a blue tear-shaped gem, surrounded by a golden crescent moon that looked upwards and had three spikes elongated at the sides and at the bottom. It was Naga’s mark, and the brand of the Exalt, the mark of his family. From here, her cape covered her body, a mantle of dark blue on the outside and dark red on the inside, that mimicked the form of butterfly wings when she moved them.
Her head was similar to that of the spirit. A statuesque face, that seemed made of polished dark blue metal; a colour that extended to her long hair, now a single piece of detailed sculptural work and metallic in its looks too. And yet, her blank eyes held warmth and care to them, looking at him the way her daughter had always done, mixing affection and admiration.
- Father, I… wish to remain like this.
- What?!
- When I slumbered, I… saw things. A horrible future. Now I can remain by your side, and by the side of our family, making sure they are safe.
- That’s no way to live Lucina.
- I… know. But I wish to do so regardless. I faced an uncertain future once I returned home, unsure where to go or what to do. Now I will be by your side father, and our family, always. – She said solemnly.
Silence again, as the weight of her words sunk in Chrom’s. He did not like the thought of his daughter being a sword. She was more than Falchion, but… he did respect her. And if this was her choice, he would stand by her, whether he fully agreed or not.
- Hm… if that’s what you want… fine. – He said. – Besides, you will be able to train and guide future users. But! You will have to stop referring to your user as master, is that understood?
- Yes father!
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Another day, another battle. Chrom stumbled back, trying not to yield to the attacks of the crown-wearing crocodile that launched punch after punch to him. He had already avoided the crown he had thrown him twice, and now he was cornered while trying to stand his ground. However, that was part of the plan.
The enemy delivered a powerful punch, one that might have been able to cause enough damage to put him in serious trouble, but he smirked the moment he took a defensive stance, Lucina’s silhouette using her cape to absorb the damage before delivering a powerful kick that made the massive crocodile tumble. She had left him wide open.
- Let’s do this, Lucina! As one!
- Yes father!
With her daughter floating next to him, he delivered a powerful slash, connecting with the foe and sending it rocketing through the air, leaving a trail of smoke behind. He was certain that the future was not set in stone, and, when they went home, what Lucina had seen would never come to pass. They fought as one, and she would make sure of it. But for now, they had a fight to win, as he barrelled towards an enemy with Lucina next to him.