Sunlight was reflected off a freshly shined and polished vambrace. The gray-colored metal almost looked silver as it was polished and cleaned. Soon, the vambrace was set aside onto a towel once it was done, being placed next to a pair of leg guards and a chest plate even Breaker had a nice clean shine to it.

  'Maybe they're right. Maybe I should stop working myself to the bone every morning and just enjoy it. When was the last time I just sat back and enjoyed the sunrise? All I can remember is Maryan forcing me to kiss the dirt each morning. Hell I've dragged most of my family out of bed most mornings, and even when no one wanted to get up, I still found ways to push myself.'

  Light laughter joined the squeaking of the metal.

  'How many mornings have I missed or spent just pushing myself? I've made progress... right?'

  The rag stopped moving, letting the vambrace shine in the sunlight.

  "Just about done."

  Stretching out his arms, a low stretching groan escaped when he set it down. Reaching back for the vambrace's twin, Red damped the rag in the polisher and went back to work.

  "Do you ever sleep?"

  Turning around he could only find his blond-haired guest approaching him. "Oh, hey Lucina."

  Taking a seat on the patio, her azure, blue gaze locked onto his armor before shifting back to him. "You've been at this for a while; doesn't it get tiring?"

  Still, focusing on rubbing the damp towel against his armor, he answered. "Yeah, it does. But I have to keep my gear maintained, no one will do that for me."

  "I guess that makes sense."

  "Plus, it's better I have these look presentable before the summit."

  He could feel her scowl at him. "Why bother even trying to impress those jerks."

  "What even Morgen?" He couldn't hide his laughter the moment realization hit Lucina.

  "Wait no, Morgen was nice and—

  "Don't worry about it, I can mess around too ya know." Hitting his elbow against her as he kept polishing. "But I get what you mean."

  "Then why do you even bother going or even join that gauntlet whatcha call it? It looks like they use it just to beat on you."

  "Aha," The light laughter caught her off guard. "Yeah, it's just a part of keeping up those connections. You think my parents get along with the others all the time? The number of times Mom or even Lady Astrea have threatened Thorin for trying to sneak my Dad and Siguard into a dungeon is laughable."

  "I see, but do you even enjoy going?"

  The shining stopped. "Honestly... no I don't. The only time I've ever enjoyed it was when it was held in Eldora. At least there Morgen would take me into Lyenoya Forest so I could explore, but after a while it... it just gets tiring seeing the same spot every time. Every time my family or even the others like Thorin would talk about the things they did at my age, it makes me a little jealous of them."

  He grew quiet while the cleaning continued once again.

  A silence between them didn't last. "Then this time it will be my job to make sure you have a good time at the summit."

  This time it was his turn to be caught off guard, the look in her eyes showed the pride in her claim. "And how do you plan to do that?"

  With a slightly smug grin, she shot to her feet. "Because Morgen invited me to attend the one at Lyenoya Castle, so I'll make sure ."

  "Alright, just don't go launching another fireball at anyone this time. I don't think anyone else will take kindly to that like Morgen or Maryan did."

  There was a hit of nervous laughter before they both grew quiet. Red just continued to polish and clean the last bit of his armor, while Lucina simply played with a blue flame.

  Time just seemed to pass slowly for them until the vambrace shined like its twin before it was set to the side.

  "So it looks like you two are wide-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning."

  "Morning Mom."

  "Monining Mis Lyndis."

  Looking back they saw Lyn was dressed in black pants and shoes with a white shirt, that had one long sleeve and the other that exposed her other arm freely, and golden flame markings. "How about you two come with me, I have something I need to do today and I'd like a little company."

  Red and Lucina, looked at each other before turning back to Lyn and they got up.

  –

  As Lyn walked down the street, her gaze was locked forward leading Red and Lucina to her planned destination.

  Watching that a simple friendly wave of a hand and a greeting, came from the scarlet haired royal with each person they passed. She practically stole the attention of everyone she passed by. Many stopped to stare at her as they walked by, some of the men and even a few women got distracted, captivated by her beauty. For some, it took a strike from their partners or even another bystander to return to their senses. Others simply returned her wave.

  "Mis. Lyndis sure is popular."

  "Well, I mean she is Queen, but a lot of it comes from goodwill."

  The pair still followed her until the houses started to become fewer until only one or two could be seen here or there as the road opened up to a field and a narrow, running river, where ducks and frogs were just floating along opened up.

  "So Mom, where are we going?"

  Still pressing forward, Lyn turned back to her son with a warm smile. "Do I need a reason to want to take my son and a student of mine, for a walk?"

  "Oh, then why didn't we bring Roy or Dad?"

  "Yeah, where is Roy anyway? I didn't see him this morning."

  "Well, he's still in bed trying to rest off a stomach ache. He decided to have a midnight snack and bit off more than he could chew. Or would it be digest?" She couldn't help but wonder what would be the more accurate turn of phrase. "As for your father, this task isn't his forte."

  "So then, where are we going Mom?"

  "If you must know, I was asked to help give a magic lesson. So I figure, why not take the both of you with me."

  "Wait, Mis. Lyndis, does this mean you're going to show me a new spell?"

  With a slight tease, she responded. "Possibly."

  Lucina looked to Lyn and Red, her eyes had a warm glow to them, and before either one of them had a chance to realize. Lucina took off down the dirt road kicking up a cloud of dirt as she ran. Her face lit up and an excited laughter followed her each step.

  "LUCINA WAIT UP!" Red could only call out in a failed attempt to stop her. Lyn only laughed at the sight on both ends.

  She couldn't help but hold her side, laughing at the sight. "You know maybe you two are more similar than I thought. This reminds me of when I took you to Gran Library for your birthday when you were five."

  His voice was silenced at the memory.

  "Oh, you were so small back then." Her hand rose, cupping her cheek, fawning at those long-distance memories. "I remember how bright your eyes were when we stepped in, you ran through each shelf. Coming back with so many different books I lost count, yelling "Mommy can you read me this one?" "Mommy can I get this one?" your cheeks were so rosy, I swore it was impossible to say no to you."

  She watched his cheeks turn that same shade of rosy red but for a different reason than that day.

  "Mom... could you not say that in public."

  "What was the other book you wanted me to get..." With a smug teasing look she eyed her son. "...something to do with elven fairy tales?"

  He didn't stay in place for much longer and quickly ran in the same direction as Lucina, leaving his own dirt cloud behind.

  "Hehah, maybe I took it a little too far." It didn't take long for him to catch up with her. "I better get moving, wouldn't want them to get too far ahead of me."

  —

  A massive building made of stone with white marble pillars. The size of the structure dwarfed the Riser home. White and green banners with a yellow star in the center hung from the roof and windows. Connected to the building a brick fence led to the back of the building, and a tower could be seen behind the building, likely in the backyard.

  Lucina's azure blue eyes fell to the marble pillars that held up the front roof as they traveled up the white marble steps to a pair of dark wooden doors that were engraved with ruins.

  "Whoa... this is, just wow."

  Starting at the front, it gave Red and Lyn the moment they needed to catch up to her.

  "Lucina dear, while I do enjoy your enthusiasm. It might be for the best you wait for me. After all, I was the one with the invitation and you are my guest."

  "Hehe, Sorry Mis. Lyndis. Guess I just got excited."

  "That's all well and good but try not to go running off once we get inside."

  With a simple nod, ignoring Red snicker at her, they followed Lyn up the steps. Despite the sheer size of the doors, Lyn just pushed against the doors, opening them with ease.

  The inside was even more impressive than its outer shell. Gray titles made up the floor and dark wooden pillars held up the roof. Looking past the three separate directions. The paths to the right and left simply lead to hallways that had multiple doors.

  'Maybe those are classrooms?'

  She didn't linger on that thought for long because her attention turned back to the central hallway, walking down the corridor it opened up to a massive two-floor library. The center opened to the second level and above that there was a skylight that bathed the first and second floor in light.

  Watching as people from humans to elves to draconians, people of all kinds made their between the shelves. Others sat at tables looking through book after book taking in as much information as they could. The area was filled with the sounds of moving steps, turning pages, and tapping pens.

  Her mesmerized expression was something for Lyn to smile at while she approached the repressions.

  "It's impressive, isn't it Lucina?" Turning to Red when he arrived to her side. "This is Saint Solivra's magic school."

  "Saint Solivra." Looking closer she followed his finger as it pointed towards the skylight. It wasn't just a skylight, it was stained glass.

  Looking up at the glasswork only to see a woman with light golden brown hair, dressed in a white robe with a lavender-colored sash.

  She was surrounded by blue and white from above that represented the sky and clouds. From below the green made up the grass.

  "She traveled the land helping those harmed by the Crimson Blaze Dragon. Healing those who suffered injuries and curing the illness."

  While he spoke Lucina just looked closer at the portrait of the woman. Watching the light pass through the window, the glass changed the light's color bathing the floor in the same colors from above.

  "You know Red, I think you're forgetting a few details." Turning to Lyn as she joined them, her eyes locked onto the stained glass. "Saint Solivra wasn't just a healer, many say she was one of the greatest mages of her time. Some accounts said she could cast multiple continuous spells at once and heal a whole village with a single chant."

  Lucina looked back and forth between the glass while Lyn she continued.

  "But one of the biggest reasons why she was honored in this way was because she helped Roland's wife Enia deliver their first child."

  "So she had more impact on Phrea other than just being a saint?"

  "I guess you could say that, but that's a story for another day. Now come on, let's not leave those kids waiting."

  Leading the pair through the library section of the building their steps seemed to echo in the building, Lyn naturally stole the attention of those who happened to even get a glimpse of her. Lucina watched as she simply ignored their gaze.

  "So Mis. Lyndis, who's the stronger mage you or Saint Solivra?"

  The question rang out across the library's walls. Several students shot back into the middle of the bookshelves, they wanted to part of the up-and-coming discussion. There were a few who happily started to debate the question. It quickly became heated and their shouts quickly reached the trio, causing the elf to flinch while the redhead laughed.

  "Now that is quite the question. Who is stronger between us?" Lyn pondered, her gaze shifted to the stained-glass portrait while she picked her brain. "Honestly is hard to tell. Compared to the records I've read, when it comes to pure destructive power, I like to think I'm stronger."

  Her words had an echo that carried them into the ears of those debaters.

  "But when it came to healing magic, I know when I'm out classed." She added more fuel to the fire, kindling that those who were in Saint Solivra corner. "So it would likey come down to a combination of combat experience and skill with continuous magic."

  While she spoke, they approached another massive set of wooden doors. Despite their size, Red and Lucina watched Lyn push them open with ease, reveling a massive field that made up the school's more hands-on area.

  And by some stroke of luck, the first thing to greet the trio other than the green grass and blue sky was the sound of an explosion, followed by a black dust cloud as a young man was sent sliding. Stopping right infront of Lyn, halting her path.

  "Are you alright?"

  When he opened his eyes only to see that he was blocking Lyn's path, he shot up like a bullet before bowing and dashing back to where he was just blasted from. "I'M SORRY LADY LYNDIS!"

  "Just be careful!" Lyn couldn't help but laugh while she waved him off.

  Watching the scene happened, Lucina nudged her elbow against Red. "So does that happen a lot around here?"

  "What some guy getting sent flying or someone trying to not make a fool of themselves in front of my Mom? Either way, both happen more often than you think."

  They didn't have much of a chance to take the next step as someone called out.

  "Lady Lyndis!"

  Turning to see an older woman, matching Hellia in age, with black hair and eyes approached, with a small mass of a dozen children that all looked to be around the same age as Roy right behind her.

  The pair watched them approach and Lyn took steps in their direction with a greeting smile, only to be swarmed on all sides by the young children.

  "So you must be the class that requested my presence, is this correct?"

  She was met with a round of excited, "Yes ma'am." as the older woman caught up to the group.

  "And you must be their teacher, correct?"

  "Yes, My Lady and you have my deepest thank for accepting my humble request."

  "Pay no mind. Honestly, this is a rather nice change of pace, but I hope you don't mind that I brought along a few guests of my own. Kids say hello to my son Red and a student of mine, Lucina."

  Red and Lucina soon found themselves the center of the group's gaze. When some had their gaze fall on him, Red felt them flinch, a small few even took a step back. But when others looked at Lucina, quiet murmurs started to form.

  "I see no issue. Now My Lady, if you'd be so kind as to follow me to the range. I did what I could to arrange an open space."

  With a simple nod, they followed the woman's lead.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  –

  When they arrived at the range, their teacher's face gave way to disappointment.

  "Good grief," she groaned, starting at the empty range. "Apologies Lady Lyndis, it seems like my request to have targets set up for today was forgotten. I'll go see what I can gather."

  "There's no need, this works out better for what I have planned." With a smile, she turned to them all. "So why do you all want to learn magic?"

  She was met with dozens of similar answers ranging from, "I want to be an adventurer." To "I wanna become a super strong and cool mage." But while they all gave answers Lyn noticed that an elf with blond hair that turned a light green toward the tips of her hair remained quiet.

  "Good, good, those are all good reasons to want to learn. So, can any of you tell me how we classify magic?"

  A hand shot up faster than the rest, a young girl didn't even wait to be called on. "We classify it by what the primary element is."

  "That's a good answer but not the one I'm looking for, anyone else have a guess?"

  This time it took a few extra moments before another hand rose, this time it was a dragonian. "Well if it isn't that, then could it be attack spells and support spells like healing and enhancements?"

  "That's another good answer, but sadly not the answer I'm looking for." It hurt slightly to watch as the boy's face slowly took on a disappointed look. "Anyone else wants to take a shot?"

  It took a few moments before for the group to think, watching as hands slowly rose only to be pulled back down. However, there was at least one that didn't move.

  "How about you dear, do you have a guess?" Her attention was directed at the elf girl. "And could I please get your name?"

  "It's Lyrion." She was slow to speak up, but once she did, her voice had a soft monotone sound to it. "One of the ways we classify magic is quick spells that require a single word and spells that require a chant."

  "That's correct." Both a smile and a flame-covered hand rose towards the sky, a single word was spoken.

  "Firebolt."

  A blast of flame was launched into the air. "When it comes to quick spells, they often only need a single word for them to function, but once you attain the same level of skill I have, sometimes you don't even need to speak it."

  "As for chants..." She turned away from the group, her following words were calm but held a hidden force behind her.

  "With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky, I call on thee to light the path to victory."

  Lucina's eyes were glued to Lyn, watching carefully while she quietly mouthed out each word the Queen spoke.

  "No matter what odds stand in my way, these flames shall light the way forward. Each flame gives light to a star that will reduce those obstacles to ash."

  "Flare Storm."

  As she finished, dozens of bonfire-sized flames appeared behind her. Taking the place of where the targets were, she turned back to them. "As you can see the difference between the two. Quick spells or single word spells as you called them and chants both have their strengths and weaknesses. One has speed and reliability, the other has power and versatility. Now what you do with this information is a decision you'll have to make for yourself."

  The group was mesmerized by her, Lucina was no exception, growing infatuated with each word.

  "Now everyone go ahead, pick a flame, and let loose whichever spell you feel confident using."

  They began to cheer, save for the young elf who had a more controlled smile, as they ran to claim a spot as ready to try and hit the bonfire flames that became their targets.

  Watching them run off, her gaze quickly turned back to both her students. "That includes the both of you as well, now go practice."

  "Wait, Mom are you sure I—

  "Come on Red let's go!" Lucina didn't give him the chance to finish, dragging him to a pair of unoccupied flames, leaving Lyn to laugh at the scene.

  Running by, watching as the students let fired small blasts of magic, ranging from wind, earth, water, fire, and lighting were all sent at the bonfires. Even a whirling orb of green light was launched at the flames.

  Lucina brought him to the end where two flames were available. "Let's do this Red, you'll get it today I'm sure of it."

  "I'm not so sure I—

  A light chop to the head silenced him. "Do I need to give you another reminder or should I keep true to my word and act upon the promise I made?"

  Despite the veiled threat and the finger in his face, Lucina's face told a more supportive story.

  "Now come on, you can do this." Her hand shot out, covered in blue flame. "It's just like you keep saying. Make that spark, feel the heat, and let it go. Firebolt!"

  Letting loose a blue flame that raced towards the flames Lyn provided. The two flames met, blue was taken in and absorbed by the larger flame. A display that didn't go unnoticed.

  "Now it's your turn."

  He felt her gaze on him, letting loose a breath of defeat, he smiled. "Alright."

  As he turned to the flame, his hand frilled his wrist, as a calm breath escaped. Watching his hand caught flame, Lucina watched Red continue to feed the flame and small sparks sparked off the flame.

  'Come on Red you got this.'

  His eyes shot open and calmly spoke.

  "Firebolt."

  The flame left his hand, traveling to Lyn's flame target. Only to burn out when it got close.

  "You're getting there Red, just give it another go." She didn't even give him a moment to let him dwell on the outcome. "Let's get going and show these kids how it's done."

  Turning back to him a competitive smile grew on them both at her challenge. Taking their places they both turned to the flames Lyn provided.

  Calling out the spell once again, only the blue flame continued to reach its target. The display slowly started to become the main focus of the children.

  Watching two flames raced from the pair, drove a few of them to try and match their efforts.

  As time went on, the group started to slow down. One after another a student would stop as they grew tired, but still Red and Lucina continued to force on.

  Blue flames continued to assault the burning target as a small number of regular flames finally started to connect.

  'That getting better, but still... they aren't as strong as mine, let alone Mis. Lyndis. Maybe I could take it easy and dial it back a bit... No, I can't do that, it would just be an insult to him. Wait we could try a convergence.'

  "Humm excuse me." The sudden arrival of a new voice broke her away from her thoughts, only to find the young elf from earlier at her side. "I was wondering if you were the elf that fought the Pearl Mantis the other day."

  "Ah well yeah, I guess I was. But it was nothing, I just did what was right."

  'Why does it feel so odd getting praise for that?' Watching the elf, rather calmly, reached behind her and pulled out a notepad and pen.

  "I was wondering if I could get an autograph? It's for a friend who saw you fight it."

  "Sure, I don't mind. You said your name was Lyrion right?"

  A nod was her answer. "But can you make it out to Argo. He said he's never seen anything like that before. He wanted to ask for an autograph from you, but you were gone before he got the chance to ask."

  "I see, well I hope this pleases him. I've never had fans before so this is kinda new for me."

  Lucina's laughter was cut short whena small number of the kids made their way to her. Shoving their way past Lyrion who tried to avoid making contact with them.

  "So it is true, you are the one who fought the mantis."

  "I told you so, my dad told me he saw a girl with blue flames kill it with a single strike."

  "No it wasn't one it was multiple, she was just so fast it only looked like one. At least that's what my mom told me."

  They went from arguing with each other to returning their attention to Lucina so fast it made her head spin "We wanna see you do something cool."

  "Yeah show us a massive blue flame!"

  Their demand gave her a slight shock at their bluntness. 'They want to see something cool? But why are these kids so demanding?'

  Looking to Red, only to find him holding back a snicker, she turned back to them. "Ok, fine. I'll show"

  Her hand shot forward, and the blue flame she held grew.

  'They said they wanted to massive flame, so let's make this even bigger.'

  Doing just that the flame in her hand slowly grew, gaining the attention of the rest of the children, even Lyn and their teacher looked at her. But one of them smirked.

  It only took a few moments for the flame to grow, sparking embers and small electrical jolts flew off it. Her breathing became slightly heavier.

  'Come one, put more into it, you know you can push further, you can burn brighter.'

  Her gaze looked to the flame before her, it was almost the size of the flaming targets that were provided to them. But when she looked back, the one her gaze fell on wasn't the children or even Lyndis.

  'Watch Red. This is what I can fully do at the moment. I want you to help me reach even further.'

  Her gaze snapped back to the flaming target.

  Her body was so hot that then when a drop of sweat formed it sizzled away.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  The massive blue flame nearly forced her back when it was launched. Scorching the ground as it raced towards the target.

  But there was a smirk and a flick of a finger and suddenly all the flames merged into one. Dwarfing the blue projectile.

  Once they collided, just like before except on a larger scale. The blue flame was simply absorbed into the flaming mass just like before.

  "What the... How... did that?"

  Lucina wasn't the only one confused at what happened, the kids and even their teacher were shocked. The only ones who weren't shocked was their special guest and her son.

  "And that kids, is one of the prime examples of quick spells vs chanted spells." Everyone turned to see a smiling Lyn, and with a snap of her fingers, the flames disappeared. "As you can all see both from your practice and also Lucina's display, quick spells like Firebolt can be strong on their own and can be quickly powered up. But as you can see when it comes to chants and continuous spells like Flare Storm, they are outclassed when it comes to power and versatility."

  Everyone was quiet for a moment before they started to swarm her with questions. She could only watch their teacher try to calm them down.

  The sudden change in attention, gave Lucina the moment she needed, taking a set on the ground.

  "Nice job Lucina." Looking back to find that Red joined her on the ground. "You've blown me out of the water again."

  "Sorry Red, I didn't mean to show you up it was well–

  "Don't worry about it, after all, we're rivals, right? It just means I have to work harder, the last thing I want to worry about is getting hit in the head again."

  His slight verbal jab gave her the ok to relax. "That's better, I was afraid I might end up breaking my hand trying to get that message through that head of yours."

  The two shared a laugh for a moment, but they started to quiet down.

  "I'm glad that you both seem to be having fun with this."

  Their attention quickly turned to Lyn as she approached them. Seeing that she was alone, in the distance the class waved their goodbyes as they were led back inside.

  "So Mom, I assume that it?"

  "Yeah, it was just a simple lesson." Smiling she turned her attention to Lucina. "Thanks for coming Lucina, you helped make my plan for their lesson flow a lot smoother."

  A weak, almost embarrassed smile appeared on her. "Happy to help, I just kinda wish I knew what was going to happen."

  Squatting down, Lyn joined her two students in the grass "Oh but where's the fun in that? After all, you claim to be my son's rival so you should be ready to expect the unexpected."

  "I guess you're right."

  "As for you Red." Her attention changed to her son. "Just keep working at it, if there is one thing I know for sure it's that you'll get it. After all, you are my son." With a smile her hand found a place on his head, running her hand through his hair.

  "So now that they're gone, does that mean you're going to teach me a new spell, Mis. Lyndis?"

  The look in her eyes, the way she hopped back up to her feet. The idea of learning something new almost seemed to remove any sight of fatigue as she looked at Lyn.

  "Ahh, alright." While a smile she moved to her side and her hand went forward. "I assume you can recall the chant I spoke earlier."

  Nodding, mirroring Lyn, Lucina eagerly shot her hand forward as they both started to speak.

  "Now let's start simple, we are only going to be making two flames. Just imagine Firebolt, but rather than focusing the heat into your hands, imagine them appearing at your side."

  The heat that radiated off Lucina gave her something to smile at. "Good, now follow my lead.

  ""With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky, I call on thee to light the path to victory.""

  As Lucina followed her lead, she struggled to recall the words and maintain the heat. "Come on Lucina you can do this, don't try to force it. Just focus on the words and the flames." Still, Lyn guided.

  ""No matter what odds stand in my way, these flames shall light the way forward. Each flame gives light to a star that will reduce those obstacles to ash.""

  ""Flare Storm.""

  Once they finished two massive flames instantly appeared beside Lyn, while Lucina still struggled to conjure the same amount.

  From her side, two embers started to spark, only for them to burst into flames. Her heavy breathing started to become calmer, more regular.

  "That's good, maintain those two." Watching two flames flickered, growing to a stable size, slowly watching as they started to match the size of hers.

  Looking at her blue flames, a smile grew. "Ahh, I did it." Her eyes went wide, looking back

  "Good, very good. Now try and make a third."

  "I'm not sure I can."

  "Go for it, Lucina," Red spoke up. "You got this."

  Looking between the two, her focus grew. Above her another flame started to spark before another burning blue orb took shape above her.

  Her hands fell to her knees and her eyes were about to close.

  "NO! Lucina, stay focused." Her attention was shot back to Lyn. "If you break concentration now, the spell will break."

  Her attention was driven back to the spell.

  "Good, now I want you to try and hit my flames." Once her words ended, the flames she summoned left her side becoming targets once again.

  Watching those flames settle in place and feeling their paired gaze on her, Lucina looked at the flames.

  Her hand shot forward and–

  A sudden low grumble echoed, cutting off her focus, black and blue eyes turned back to red.

  "Well, I guess I did skip breakfast this morning." Trying to break the silence with a nervous laugh, Lyn and Lucina both looked at each other before returning to him.

  "You know Red, you have a bad habit of making me worry about you. Makes me wonder if I'm doing a good job as your mother if you keep forgetting to feed yourself."

  "Wait I didn't mean—

  He was silenced when a finger was pressed against his lips.

  "Nope, I will not no back talk. So since you... well, your stomach has made the decision for us we're going to go get something to eat. Is that clear young man?"

  Still unable to talk, Red could only nod.

  Lucina couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

  Happy with the answer she got, Lyn removed her finger as she got back on her feet. "Well then, let's go. We aren't too far from the plaza."

  Not even giving them a chance to answer, she started to walk away, leaving the pair of rivals to look at one another before following her.

  —

  Under the light of the sun, a satisfying crunch filled the air as Red bit into a sandwich as people walked by. Lyn simply chose a chicken salad, and Lucina mimicked her choice. Each had a glass of lemonade.

  Another crunch was created when he bit into it. Pulling back cheese, lettuce, and hashbrowns could be seen alongside a ribeye hidden between toasted bread.

  "So I assume the sandwich is good Red." Lyn watched him swallow and take a drink.

  "Yeah, it's good."

  Simply nodding, she turned to Lucina. "How's the salad Lucina, if I knew you were going to order the same as me I would have picked something with a little more flavor to it."

  "No, it's fine. I wasn't too hungry, so this is more than enough."

  "I see."

  As they continued to eat, Lucina couldn't help but listen to those to passed by.

  "So this is Phrea." She heard one man say.

  "Yeah, I hear we're close to Durandaul's shire. Want to go check it out?"

  "I'm game, maybe one of us will be the lucky ones to pull it out."

  The pair didn't stay long before they took off running towards the shrine.

  'Durandal huh, people sure do like to try their luck.'

  Continuing to eat in silence watching Red and Lyn talk, her mind continued to wander.

  'I mean I get it. The idea of calming the sword and its history.' Looking back at the Riser pair. 'I wonder.'

  "By the way Lucina, good work." Leaving her thoughts, her attention was moved solely to Lyn. "While you may not think what you did was very impressive, that was around the same level when I first attempted that spell."

  "Really? It felt like a struggle just to make the third one, I don't think I could have launched them the same way you did."

  "Well Flare Storm is a continuous spell, so that's about what I expected. But maybe you could have gone a little further had you remembered to make breakfast this morning."

  A playful glare was sent to her son, causing the two to laugh as he tried to hold back his embarrassment by taking another bite.

  Returning to their meal, watching as people went along with their day. Some stood out easier than others. People in traveling groups, had weapons on their backs boasting about their travels. Many laughed with each remark made as they moved about the city.

  "There sure a lot of people here aren't there."

  "A lot of adventures from all over Ielois to visit Phera."

  "Yep, when I was your age, I would see hundreds of adventuring groups come by daily." Suddenly she started giggling, drawing their attention that quickly broke loose into wild laughter.

  "What's so funny Mom?"

  "Oh, nothing." But that did little to sway their interest. "Ok fine, I'll tell you."

  The pair grew closer waiting for her to speak.

  "You see one night when we first started dating, your father and I decided to go and visit one of the pubs." the moment she started Red turned... well he turned red. "It was late into the night and we were more the a couple of drinks deep and went to a few different spots when this bear zoophian tried hitting on me. He didn't know who I was at the time. But before I could even turn him down, the next thing I knew, the poor guy was given a bloody nose and was sent flying out of the bar door when Achilles decked him. It led to a fistfight between them rather quickly."

  "They both traded blow for blow. With the alcohol flowing through their systems, I don't think either one held back. It got so bad that once others joined them outside they started betting on who would win."

  The embarrassment on Red only grew as he tried to keep quiet, just trying to enjoy the rest of his sandwich.".

  "That sounds a little wrong, placing bets on two drunk people fighting."

  "I understand that, but I did end up with a little pocket change afterwards."

  "Mis. Lyndis... that's awful."

  "What, you think I'd bet money on anyone other than my Achilles?" Still, the stares she received did little to change her. "But the part that stuck with me was when I was trying to help get him home afterward he told me, "I'm sorry miss you seem nice, but I can't go home with you. I'm already committed to someone." Simply recalling the memory, caused her smiling face to have a rosy tint on her cheeks

  "Aw, that's sweet. Do you have any other stores like that Mis. Lyndis?"

  "Can we please talk about something else?"

  The boy's mother gave him a sly glance. "Oh, alright."

  Watching the mother teased her son, Lucina went back to eating. That's until the same thought entered her mind.

  "Hey Red, did you ever hear voices when you tried to pull out Durandal?"

  The look on his face went from embarrassed to quiet. "Sorry, I've never gotten to hear those voices."

  "WHAT?" Her hands slammed into the table as she shot up. "Are you saying I'm the first one the sword spoke to?"

  She became the center of attention for those who passed by, stopping to look at her before going back to their business. Lyn laughed as the elf returned to her seat.

  "What my son means to say is that he hasn't attempted yet."

  Realizing that he had become the center of attention, trying to ignore her gaze with food. "I... well—

  "When he was still a kid, his grandfather gave him the idea that he should prove himself worthy before trying. As for the voices, I know exactly what you mean. So can I assume that you saw someone close to you?"

  Her speaking wasn't what drew Red's attention. It was the fact she was slow to answer and that her voice was oddly reserved. "Well, it was someone close to me."

  "Well, when I made my attempt, I saw Achilles and he saw me. Dad likes to think that when you try to claim the blade, you get questioned or judged by the blade."

  "Oh, I see..."

  "So Lucina, what did it ask you?"

  "I don't remember. It caught me off guard, so I kinda forgot what even happened."

  "I see."

  The rest of their meal was rather quiet as the day carried on.

  —

  A heavy set of footsteps came to a halt as a front paw scratched at its feline face. Golden fur fell to the floor below, giving way to golden-brown scales.

  Approaching a tree it did the same thing to its sides, loose fur came off as it scratched itself against the tree. Once it was done with one side it repeated the action on its other side. A low, satisfied growl escaped from the beast.

  It went from its side to facing the tree, grinding its gold horn against the bark.

  Changing sides with each motion, sharpening the crown it wore.

  With a yawn that flashed its fangs to the world, a low groan was made.

  Looking around, the beast continued on its way.

  Traveling under the shade of the trees, their shadows painted both the floor and its body.

  Still even after the sun left its peak, beginning its journey to make the day's end, it continued to walk.

  A low grumble came from its stomach, looking around, raising its head, sniffing the air. Sniffing in each director.

  Straight ahead.

  No.

  To the left.

  No.

  To the right.

  Prey.

  Following the smell it got closer, the smell became more potent, the softer its footsteps became. Marching along it left the forest following the smell.

  It was almost like a ghost; it vanished into the tall grass. Its movements became slower, more throughout.

  It was like a different forest, but rather than trees providing shade from the sun, it was grass.

  The sun became lower as the smell came closer. When it reached the smell's origin, licking its lips, seeing the reward for its journey. It found its quarry.

  Goblin, group small.

  It was indeed a small group of goblins, no larger than four. Of the four, three of them didn't even register as targets. Bood-red eyes had already marked its target.

  Leader.

  It stood taller than the others and it had a more pronounced gut, barking order at its underlings with its own grunts, groans, and laughs.

  Still obvious to its prescience, LigerHorn simply waited.

  And waited,

  And waited.

  Watching as the small group slowly became more relaxed, lowering itself further down. It grew ready to pounce.

  The wind blew towards the goblins, snapping to the wind.

  It was too late.

  It pounced.

  Landing on one of the smaller goblins, its claws on its back. LigerHorn wasted no time in crushing its green head under its paw before turning to the remaining four.

  But still, its target remained their leader.

  In a panic, it screamed at its minions to attack their hunter. But none were given the chance. The moment one went for a spear, the beast's paw slammed into its head, launching it off its body into the field.

  The third tried to run, only for the LigerHorn to grip its neck in its jaws. Before it even had a chance to scream, like a bear trap, its jaws snapped shut, breaking its neck.

  Their leader watched its body fall to the floor as bloody eyes turned to it.

  Big prey must feed.

  It tried to run, only for a tail to slam into it and once it hit the ground, the beast's paw slammed into its chest. The sound of ribs breaking prevented it from screaming, its throat was ripped out.

  Time to feed.

  And so it did. The sound of flesh being ripped apart and breaking bones echoed in the field. The more it ate, the more it wanted.

  A rainbow-colored stone was soon revealed, another bite claimed it and the surrounding meat and with a crunch, the stone was consumed. Finishing its main meal, lucking its lips it turned to the other bodies.

  More food.

  Stepping towards the rest of its meals ready to satiate this hunger.

  "So how much money do you think we made today?"

  Its ears perked up.

  "I'd say we made enough to for to a nice restaurant."

  "Sweet let's go I'm sure that if we hurry to Lyeonya we can get a reservation."

  The voices of two adventures caught his attention.

  More food.

  And just like the goblins before it's followed them, wait for a time to strike.