Hope will never die : a Fire Emblem Awakening quest

[ScalesLikeCinder]

She'd been sucker punched before.

She was training to fight, of course she had been sucker punched before. Caught off guard in a way that leaves you in a breathless shock knowing that their very well might be a knife or sword coming for you and you couldn't do anything.

They had only knocked her out, but the lesson had stuck.

This felt like that, but many times worse.

War.

War with an insane King leading a nation howling for their blood. A King who had threatened her family personally. Had threatened her mother with something she only vaguely understood, but knew was horrible. Had threatened her sister. She wasn't too worried about Dad, beyond him being angrier than she was and his injury anyway. He could take care of himself very easily.

She wasn't really worried about herself either. She'd be ready for the next assassin with sword and spell in hand. And if she wasn't she would have Marth nearby. Hopefully.

But that wasn't the worst of it.

She was tired.

Sleeping brought nightmares. It wasn't a sword hanging over her neck, it was a claw. No, A Claw. A Claw that wrapped around her neck so gently and still bit into her skin.
HATERAGEDEATHDIEDIEDIE
Cloying, black fog in her lungs carrying HATE, and RAGE, and DEATH for everything. But especially her.
Warm air on the back of her neck, a breath of HATERAGEDEATH in her lungs.
It was laughing at her. Whatever it was, it hated. Old, Deep, Black Hatred that burned at her. But it was laughing at her. At her struggles. At her fear.
"Run," HATERAGEDEATH, "Run and let me take all of that which you love from you. One. By. One."
It was too big.
It looked at her.
How do you fight something like that?
She was smaller than it's blazing, red eye
And a pulse of Light always answered.

Sometimes from her pocket where Marth resided.
With Faith
Other times it was a a calming Light from the back of her mind.
With Hope
Most often though, it was from her sister sleeping with her.

And Lucina would chant her mantra to herself, "With Faith, and Hope, and Friends and Family beside you."


It took some time, but she made progress.

Fear, real fear, was an old friend of her's. Shock and anger had let it turn into something that wasn't her friend, another knife in the back to be aimed at her.

But she made progress. Shock faded in time, although most of it just became more anger and fear.

That was okay though. She knew how to handle the latter. How to focus it and in turn let it focus her, not let it rule her.

The anger was new though, and that was more difficult.

They played off of each other as well, one feeding into the other in the worst way.

But she made progress.

Anger was a lot like fear. It blinded her in different ways than her old friend, but it focused her in different ways as well.

It was hard though. Holding both in check like she was, and keeping her fear from feeding her anger or the opposite.

And it was far too easy to fall into tunnel vision as well. So easy to focus too hard on one thing an miss the world around her.

Sometimes she just stopped, breathed in, and let the world fade out of focus for a moment. It was all still there, and it would rush back after a that single heart-beat of a moment, but it centered her, brought everything into focus for one moment after.

And she was needing it less and less.

She was making progress. Fear, an old friend, and now anger, a new one maybe.

And as she swung her sword with the a sharp finality to it, anger and fear guiding her strike more true than before on the dummy before her, as she felt the encroaching tunnel vision, she knew they would.

And then she pushed it back, keeping all her senses open to the world around her, it just needed some effort.

And, as she laid in bed, wrapped around her sleeping sister, and smiling at her, she knew she would succeed in controlling them. And keeping them controlled.

Afterall, she had Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside her. And she would not lose to herself for them.

And as anger and fear tried to crawl into her mind then, she shushed them and shooed them away. There was a time for fear and anger, but it was not here. Not with her sister sleeping so soundly beside her. Not with the love she held for her sister laying warm in her heart.

Lucina slept well that night and many after it.

Click to shrink...

I feel like I should thank you, because that's exactly the kind of heartwarming read I needed right now. I, admittedly, never grow tired of those. So... Thanks!

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

I feel like I should thank you, because that's exactly the kind of heartwarming read I needed right now. I, admittedly, never grow tired of those. So... Thanks!

Click to shrink...

*Heartwarming* *First half has her in a frothing rage with Grima being a creepy stalker , until Naga gets out the restraining orders* *Second half has her accepting Fear and Anger into her heart*

Lolwut. I mean, I can see why you say that, but I still find it funny that you would.

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

*Heartwarming* *First half has her in a frothing rage with Grima being a creepy stalker * *Second half has her accepting Fear and Anger into her heart*

Lolwut. I mean, I can see why you say that, but I still find it funny that you would.

Click to shrink...

But the darkness before it is exactly what makes the ending so sweet in my opinion. The idea that one can grow beyond his personal failings, spurred mainly by the love for family and friends... I'm afraid my mind refuses to see your omake as anything else but heartwarming.

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

But the darkness before it is exactly what makes the ending so sweet in my opinion. The idea that one can grow beyond his personal failings, spurred mainly by the love for family and friends... I'm afraid my mind refuses to see your omake as anything else but heartwarming.

Click to shrink...

*Hisses at optimism* ... *Cries over lost chances with Grandpa Grima... or would that be Mama Grima?* *Is confused now*

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

*Hisses at optimism* ... *Cries over lost chances with Grandpa Grima... or would that be Mama Grima?* *Is confused now*

Click to shrink...

Yeah... Just think of all the adorable picnics we could have had together!

No really, just look at them

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

Yeah... Just think of all the adorable picnics we could have had together!

No really, just look at them

Click to shrink...

... That looks less like Mama Grima and Daughter and more like LucinaXGrima OTP.

*Cries over this quest not being on QQ*

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

... That looks less like Mama Grima and Daughter and more like LucinaXGrima OTP.

Click to shrink...

Look, I was just Searching for a cute pic and the GrimaXLucina anything is rather limited I would thin- Ah, can't even finish that phrase. This is the internet after all.

*Cries over this quest not being on QQ*

Click to shrink...

Thanks again, now for the mental image. Searching for a spoon with which to remove my eyeballs ASAP

Edit: Also in the absence of an Horrified rating, get a Funny.

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

Look, I was just Searching for a cute pic and the GrimaXLucina anything is rather limited I would thin- Ah, can't even finish that phrase. This is the internet after all.

Thanks again, now for the mental image. Searching for a spoon with which to remove my eyeballs ASAP

Edit: Also in the absence of an Horrified rating, get a Funny.

Click to shrink...

I would totally write that omake. I really don't know if I'm joking or not.

Also some of us were throwing around RobinXLucina-

Nah: #WhatTheFuckLucina!

-for when we go to the past and someone said they were going to do an omake for it, but it never happened and now I'm sad.

Lucina: #CallMeMomInsteadOfBestFriend/BigSis?

 

[Macros]

*Cries over this quest not being on QQ*

Click to shrink...

I would probably be terrible at writing there, if it's any consolation.

That being said, the current discussion remind me that I have been considering starting another quest with a "Lucina raised by Grima" premise. Though right now,, one quest is probably enough work.

Well, get bonuses instead, @ShadowAngelBeta . One choice among:

A blade of cold anger: your instructors always made sure to warn you about the dangers of letting rage guide your hand, of letting it control you. For a long time, you tried to push it back, to simply ignore it. But now, you realize that you don't have to. Like your fear, this is something that you have to master, not reject. Anger sharpens your senses, guides your blade. And your tranquil fury is far more terrifying than the red-hot rage people are used to... or at least, that's your sister's opinion. (Lucina receives the trait Cold Fury, granting her immunity to any penalty caused by anger. When in that state, her characteristics benefit from a slight increase, and her ability to intimidate someone becomes tied to her sword or diplomatic skills, depending of the context)

I am not alone: everyone seems to have repeated this lesson to you again and again. Yet only now are you beginning to get it. More importantly, you realize your loved ones can help you just by being there. Would you have managed to survive this long against a trained assassin without the overpowering need to protect your sister? Perhaps not. Fighting for others... feels right. As long as they are beside you, you will take on any challenge. (Lucina receives the trait Devoted Fighter. Her martial skills benefit from a slight increase when fighting with someone she holds dear in the vicinity. Fighting beside someone will also reinforce her bonds with that person faster)

Even in darkness, a light: it would be easy to give up in the face of the coming darkness. But it is in these moments that you know you must remain steady. No matter what the world throws at you, you'll remain strong; for if you do not, who will? (Lucina receives the trait Exalted Will. She can continue to function normally even when struggling with despair, and by her example, inspire others to do the same.)



And now,back to that update...

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

I would totally write that omake. I really don't know if I'm joking or not.

Also some of us were throwing around RobinXLucina-

Nah: #WhatTheFuckLucina!

-for when we go to the past and someone said they were going to do an omake for it, but it never happened and now I'm sad.

Lucina: #CallMeMomInsteadOfBestFriend?

Click to shrink...

If we end up in that situation I don't even know if I would be that much against it really. I mean, the whole thing it's just so wrong it turns back around to being right.

About the omake, I'm halfway being thrilled and terrified just thinking of the possible bonuses we would've got from it. There could've been so much dangerous yet funny potential in them... Maybe it's better that it never got to see the light of day though, now it will end up being the Pandora's Box of the Quest. Just a matter of time before someone ends up opening it this way~

Edit:

I am not alone: everyone seems to have repeated this lesson to you again and again. Yet only now are you beginning to get it. More importantly, you realize your loved ones can help you just by being there. Would you have managed to survive this long against a trained assassin without the overpowering need to protect your sister? Perhaps not. Fighting for others... feels right. As long as they are beside you, you will take on any challenge. (Lucina receives the trait Devoted Fighter. Her martial skills benefit from a slight increase when fighting with someone she holds dear in the vicinity. Fighting beside someone will also reinforce her bonds with that person faster)

Click to shrink...

I know I'm not voting for this but I'm curious nonetheless. Would Cu count as someone Lucina holds dear fighting alongside her?

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

A blade of cold anger: your instructors always made sure to warn you about the dangers of letting rage guide your hand, of letting it control you. For a long time, you tried to push it back, to simply ignore it. But now, you realize that you don't have to. Like your fear, this is something that you have to master, not reject. Anger sharpens your senses, guides your blade. And your tranquil fury is far more terrifying than the red-hot rage people are used to... or at least, that's your sister's opinion. (Lucina receives the trait Cold Fury, granting her immunity to any penalty caused by anger. When in that state, her characteristics benefit from a slight increase, and her ability to intimidate someone becomes tied to her sword or diplomatic skills, depending of the context)

I am not alone: everyone seems to have repeated this lesson to you again and again. Yet only now are you beginning to get it. More importantly, you realize your loved ones can help you just by being there. Would you have managed to survive this long against a trained assassin without the overpowering need to protect your sister? Perhaps not. Fighting for others... feels right. As long as they are beside you, you will take on any challenge. (Lucina receives the trait Devoted Fighter. Her martial skills benefit from a slight increase when fighting with someone she holds dear in the vicinity. Fighting beside someone will also reinforce her bonds with that person faster)

Even in darkness, a light: it would be easy to give up in the face of the coming darkness. But it is in these moments that you know you must remain steady. No matter what the world throws at you, you'll remain strong; for if you do not, who will? (Lucina receives the trait Exalted Will. She can continue to function normally even when struggling with despair, and by her example, inspire others to do the same.)

Click to shrink...

#MakingMeChooseAgain

... God, but I really want A Blade of Cold Anger and Even in Darkness, a Light. I adore realistic optimists. Characters that can look at how horrible the world is and still hope and believe.

How often would Cold Fury be active? Is it like, we can call on memories that enrage us to turn it on or is it the kind of thing where we need to see a friend grievously injured in front of us to activate it.

 

[Macros]

How often would Cold Fury be active? Is it like, we can call on memories that enrage us to turn it on or is it the kind of thing where we need to see a friend grievously injured in front of us to activate it.

Click to shrink...

It is hard to answer. Something between those two extremes, I think. It would be hard to turn it on at will, but there's no necessity for someone to be on the brink of death for it to activate either. However, I think it would probably be a bit closer from the second option than the first.

I know I'm not voting for this but I'm curious nonetheless. Would Cu count as someone Lucina holds dear fighting alongside her?

Click to shrink...

Hmm, as much as it might seem heartless, probably not. Or at least it would be circumstantial.

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

I'll go with option three and hope I get a chance for option one in the future. I have a feeling the next few turns might give me some more material/inspiration to work with.

I'll probably get one out of Daddy dying as well.

 

[Macros]

Spoiler: Winning vote

-[X] Final lesson
-[X] Wartime plans
-[X] To be king
-[X] Magical princess Lucina!
-[X] Two hearts beating as one
-[X] Magic of the card
-[X] Special - slack off: Etiquette lessons

Very well, war was coming. Your parents were going to fight, leaving you behind. So be it. You managed to endure it once, and now you were older, and stronger. You'll wait for them to come back, and won't let anything happen to Cynthia while they were away. But before that... well, you might as well enjoy the time you have left together.

[X] History, Laws and Politics of Ylisse (LOCKED)
[X] Special - slack off: Diplomacy lessons
[X] Diplomacy lessons (LOCKED)
[X] Studies on the state of the Realm (LOCKED)

And in order to do that, you decide for the first time to skip some of your lessons. Not all of them, of course! But considering the circumstances, some of them begin to appear as rather futile. After all, diplomacy didn't seem to help a lot with Plegia this time around. Though you have to admit, you can't help but feel dread the first time you have to face Lady Maribelle after missing one of her lessons. After all, prophecies of dark futures and potential assassins in the dark are scary, but the noblewoman's wrath is a lot more concrete right now. Surprisingly enough, though, she doesn't comment on it, in an uncharacteristic display of leniency. You suppose she must be worried too. Nonetheless, she makes sure you make up for it by working you to the bone during your other studies. In fact, at this point, you're beginning to wonder if having to study Ylisse's code of law in-depth shouldn't count as torture. When done under Maribelle's supervision, it certainly feels that way.

Spoiler: Results

Skill: Law raised to C
Skill: Politics raised to C-
Skill: History raised to C-
+1 action this turn

[X] Sword training (Ylissean royal style) (LOCKED)

You decide to make the most out of your last training sessions with your father. Now that your are back at full strength, you can finally engage in proper sparring, and while you get the distinct impression that Father is still holding back somewhat, you also get the feeling he now has to work up a sweat to fend you off, a fact that fills you with pride. He definitely feels pleased with your progress, at the very least. It also seems that your lessons together last longer, with him staying up with you while you recuperate; you guess you're not the only one fearing the upcoming separation. Those moments of the two of you sitting together, finding comfort in each other's presence, are something you know you'll carry on with you for the rest of your days.

"Excellent work today, Lucina, as always." he says to you one day, as both of you are simply sitting on a bench, with you trying to find your breath. "It seems I'll have to be careful, at this rate. Can you imagine what people would say if they saw their Exalt beaten up by his little girl during practice?"

You can't help but giggle at the suggested image. "I still have a long way to go, Father. And also, I'm not that little anymore." you finish with a fake pout, which earns you a great laugh from Chrom.

"That's true, isn't it? Gods, you're growing up so fast. You and Cynthia. As for your training... Heh, not that long a way to go, if I'm any judge. You really have improved tremendously."

You only answer with a shy nod, feeling his warm hand on your shoulder. This sensation that nothing bad can happen when he's around... It is something you wish would never end. As he watches you, his expression becomes sightly concerned.

"But I admit, sometimes I wonder... Why are you pushing yourself so hard? I know you enjoy learning to fight, but is it just that? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

[] How do you respond?

Spoiler: Results

Skill: Ylissean royal style raised to C+

[X] Final lesson

Father is not the only one you wish to train with before the beginning of the campaign. Lon'qu also will be gone, and with him maybe the only master of Chon'sin swordsmanship of this country. So this might be your last chance to learn before you all go on your separate ways. With that in mind, you go find the Feroxi swordmaster, who only let out an approving grunt at your sight. Once again, the two of you settle in your usual training routine. While the lack of sparring is a bit annoying - the two of you have tried a few times, but the experience was just frustrating for both parties - you make progress nonetheless. It isn't easy to express the full range of motions the style possess with a straight blade, but Lon'qu seems pleased with your progress nonetheless.

His last lesson is about what he calls the "quick-draw sword technique". In his experience, a battle can often be won or lost the second the blade is drawn. By training yourself to make lightning quick attacks from an unassuming position, you can end a confrontation in one strike, if you're fast and precise enough. This training is rather fastidious, with the same movement repeated over and over and over, yet just as strenuous as your usual practice, if not more. Making the same muscles work again and again makes you rather stiff, and your hand is all sore when this is all over. Yet the end result is "adequate", in your teacher's words. Given his silent nature, you choose to take that as a noteworthy praise.

Spoiler: Results

Skill: Chon'sin style raised to C-

[X] Wartime plans

You decide to take the tactician upon his offer to attend to the preliminary strategy meetings. By now, your presence in official reunions has become a familiar sight, and even earns you a few approving nods from the gathered nobles. Seeing the heir to the Exalted Throne so diligent in her duties is probably a reassuring sight for many. From there on, the discussions begin on the upcoming campaign, led by Robin under the supervision of your father. From what you can tell, the plan is pretty straightforward. A general offensive when spring comes, with the army crossing the Isen and splitting up in a two-prongued attack, a push through Dagmar's Valley to disrupt the enemies' reserves... All in all, the Grandmaster believes that reaching the Dragon's Table, where Validar is apparently holed in, should only take a couple of months. Yet you can't help but think there's something wrong with that picture... One of the senior noblemen - Themis, you believe his name to be - is the one to voice your uneasiness.

"Lord Robin, if I may ask a question?"

Your godsfather exchange a wary look with Chrom, before nodding.

"For several meetings, you have devised a general strategy that has our common approval. We have every reason to put our trust in your tactics. The reports concerning the enemy army are unanimous: we outnumber them greatly, their morale is poor and their organization deficient. Even without the support of Regna Ferox, the outcome of this war seems already written. Yet I can't help but notice your uneasiness. Is there something you're not telling us?"

The whole room seems to wait for the tactician's answer, as he considers his next words.

"No, everything you said is perfectly correct, lord Themis. I have no more information than you on the enemy's forces. By all account, this campaign can only end in Ylisse's complete victory. That's why I'm worried."
"I'm afraid I don't follow."
"Think about this." By now, Robin is drumming his fingers on the displayed map, clearly agitated. "Ylisse might have been weakened by the two last wars, but Plegia was mauled. Even the Valmese campaign didn't give them enough time to rebuild their army. The most generous estimations give them little more than eight thousand soldiers, when we can field twice that number and still protect our borders effectively. Most of the officers serving under Gangrel are dead, and have yet to be replaced, while their rank and file are for the most part green recruits when the core of our forces are veterans from Valm."

Everyone is nodding in assent to the Grandmaster's words. Those facts had been established early, and gave them every reason to believe in a positive outcome.

"Yet Validar deliberately provoked us. Even better, instead of attempting a surprise attack to try to get the better of us, he sends us a letter that could only lead to war, at a time where offensive actions are about to be restrained by the coming of winter, giving us ample time to muster and prepare our army. This... this is stupid. Even a third rate amateur could see that Plegia's position is untenable, and yet he seems intent on wasting what little advantage he could have hold."

A hand on his mouth, Robin couldn't help but shake his head.

"He must know something we don't. But for the love of Naga, I have no idea what it might be."

Lord Themis looked rather dubious.

"Are you sure you're not overthinking this? The man is a fanatic, I'm sure he believes his god will give him victory on a silver platter."

Strangely enough, those words made Robin stiffen, though you had no idea why. It is Chrom who eventually breaks the silence.

"Whatever the truth is, we have to act. And if your intuition is right, Robin, well it's a good thing we have you with us. You proved you could think on your feet rather well time and again, I'd say. The Shepherds will pick up the slack if needs be."

As usual, his smile seems enough to lift his friend's spirit, who manage to return a weak grin.

"Heh. You're giving me far too much credit, Chrom, as usual. It might really get you killed, one of these days."

Your father only answers with a laugh, as the atmosphere in the room brightens. And yet you can't help but wonder...

Spoiler: Results

Skill: tactics raised to C-
Skill: logistics raised to C-
Skill: geography raised to D

Random event: for... great justice?

On the way to yet another sword training session, you hear a loud and familiar voice calling for you.

"Cousin!"

Sure enough, you find yourself facing Owain, closely followed by Cynthia. As you wait for them to come closer, you can't help but notice your cousin's grin, which you know too well. It usually spells trouble for you. Yet you can't help but be curious; exhausting as he might be, Owain is, at the very least, never boring.

"Once again, the winds of destiny call, and we must answer! Today a once in a lifetime opportunity is offered to you, Lucina, if you are bold enough to seize it!"
"Ah, so you want to ask me something?"

Your satisfaction at having correctly interpreted his words is contrasted by the way your words seem to have deflated him.

"Lucinaaaa! Did you really have to put it like that?"
"Um, sorry?"
"I told you, just tell her normally!"

Your cousin glowers at your sister's admonishment, before clearing his throat and straightening up once more.

"Ahem. Okay. Lucina! Me and Cynthia want to formally invite you to be a member of the Justice Cabal!"

There is only one word that can answer that.

"What."
"Awww come on! Sure, you're a bit stiff, but you're certainly heroic enough! I'm sure you'd make a great addition!"
"Yeah sis! Well, maybe we'll have to work on your sense of drama, but you're a natural, I just know it!"

You hold up a hand to ward off the oncoming tirades. This was definitely not something you expected this day.

"Okay, what IS that justice cabal you're talking about? Who's in it?"

Owain and Cynthia exchange a glance before your cousin answer.

"Well, me and Cynthia, obviously. We also have Gerome."
"Wait, Gerome? But how..."
"Oh, we wrote to him, he accepted. Right now, he's our official representative in Valm, tasked to bring Justice to the entire continent."

You're still trying to make sense of that information (wait, they wrote to him? Why did you never think of that?) when Cynthia continues.

"We also enrolled Morgan!"
"... How?"
"Well, we didn't exactly, you know, ask her. We just figured, Nah was rather like Robin, all serious and stuff, yes? So Morgan should be like Nowi when growing up! That'd make perfect sense! So of course she'll accept when we ask! We just... anticipated a bit."

The way she says that, it almost makes sense. Which you find worrying, because you're pretty sure it shouldn't. And they still haven't told what that 'cabal' was exactly.

"Anyway! What says you, Lucina?"

[] What do you tell Owain?

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

On the one hand, I can see why she would join, why she would want to join anyway, but on the other hand she's kind of... More mature than that?

Or maybe, it's like her Faith/Hope/Justice/Light or whatever you want to call it is a different flavor than their's?

I can see her liking it, but I can't see her being into it.

I'm just not sure how to turn them down.

[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.

... I can't help it. I like that tagline. Little Lucina with one of those calm, benevolent, hopeful smiles on her face. Or in other words, All Will Be Well. Or would it be All Will Be Well, in this universe?

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

Can't write much at the moment but I kinda think we can benefit quite a bit from Owain's idea. We just need to offer some of our own conditions if they really want us to join...

First of all, training. We're gonna give them the Frederick Treatment and they are going to like it, we're so gonna make worthy allies of Justice out of them. Second, monthly sparring. We're kinda getting old enough that we don't need (and won't have) the costant presence of our teachers to help us improve our fighting style, and sparring with friends is the second best thing I can think of beside learning from Marth. Also, it will help strenghten our bond with them and we will need close friends no matter what happens in the next months.

Obviously, that would mean spending at least one action each three-monthly voting session. I personally think it would be worth it, do you?

Edit:
[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.

 

[ShadowAngelBeta]

First of all, training. We're gonna give them the Frederick Treatment and they are going to like it, we're so gonna make worthy allies of Justice out of them. Second, monthly sparring. We're kinda getting old enough that we don't need (and won't have) the costant presence of our teachers to help us improve our fighting style, and sparring with friends is the second best thing I can think of beside learning from Marth. Also, it will help strenghten our bond with them and we will need close friends no matter what happens in the next months.

Obviously, that would mean spending at least one action each three-monthly voting session. I personally think it would be worth it, do you?

Click to shrink...

No, because that's exactly my point. We've matured past them, imposing limits and conditions on them like that isn't fun and may make them resent us. They made the Justice Cabal to, I assume, have fun and not think about how much the world is about to go to shit. Dragging them back to that with our conditions is a horrible idea.

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

No, because that's exactly my point. We've matured past them, imposing limits and conditions on them like that isn't fun and may make them resent us. They made the Justice Cabal to, I assume, have fun and not think about how much the world is about to go to shit. Dragging them back to that with our conditions is a horrible idea.

Click to shrink...

Well, the sparring at least could have been all in good fun but I see what you're getting at. Problem is that I really can't see Lucina enjoying the idea in the long run if the valours she clearly holds dear are taken far too lightly by her friends. It might not even work as a stress reliever, let alone as a way to form a kinship with them.

Edit: Screw it, trying a more light-hearted version of my original offer. Owain loved sparring with us anyway, even if I already know Cynthia won't be as gung-ho as him about it. Still, she had been taking spear lessons recently so maybe there's some hope.

[X] [Owain] "... Sure? Can't say I'm against the idea really, and I would rather like some excuse to spar more often. Maybe we could make it a regular habit for who's interested, Owain?"

Also @Macros, geeze guy you're putting me out of work here, make grammar mistakes more often couldn't you? Here's the few I found:

feeling he now have to work

Click to shrink...

'Has'

Heh, not that long a way to go,

Click to shrink...

Feels more like a speech pattern from Marth than an error, so I don't even know why I'm putting it here. To fill space, I guess.

This sensation that nothing bad can happen when he's around... This is something you wish would never end.

Click to shrink...

'It is' would avoid the repetition.

you have devised a general strategy that have our common approval.

Click to shrink...

'Has' again

 

[Enshuu]

[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.

[X] [Owain]
I would be honored to join the Justice Cabal! I'm not sure if I can do the posing and speeches like you do... but in these troubled times, heroism and justice are needed more then ever.

We can be the strong and silent type hero, as a calming influence. We don't have to totally goof off or put them through Hell Training, we can maybe adjust their form once in a while and be a voice of reason. Also, limited application of Owain' and Cynthia's style is good for morale. We haven't done much public speaking, so we can learn some confidence.

 

[ScalesLikeCinder]

We don't have to totally goof off or put them through Hell Training, we can maybe adjust their form once in a while and be a voice of reason. Also, limited application of Owain' and Cynthia's style is good for morale.

Click to shrink...

Exactly what my vote ended up being. I honestly think that Owain will like the offer of sparring, so I don't see why we shouldn't make it right away.

 

[CyberNinja]

You saw nothing @ScalesLikeCinder
[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.
[X] [Owain] "... Sure? Can't say I'm against the idea really, and I would rather like some excuse to spar more often. Maybe we could make it a regular habit for who's interested, Owain?"

^Unless someone finds a way to kindly deny them, heres my vote.

 

[Aurakid]

[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.
[X] [Owain] "... Sure? Can't say I'm against the idea really, and I would rather like some excuse to spar more often. Maybe we could make it a regular habit for who's interested, Owain?"

 

[PrinceArjuna]

Just finished reading all the posts. Very excellent!

[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.
[X] [Owain] "... Sure? Can't say I'm against the idea really, and I would rather like some excuse to spar more often. Maybe we could make it a regular habit for who's interested, Owain?"

 

[Doomed Wombat]

[X] [Chrom] ... I'm afraid. Not about the war. Well, yes, about that to, but that's a new fear. ...I've been afraid for a long time. Something's coming, something worse than than this war by far. I'll be alright though, fear can't control you if you don't let it. And most importantly I have Faith, and Hope, and Family and Friends beside me.
[X] [Owain] "... Sure? Can't say I'm against the idea really, and I would rather like some excuse to spar more often. Maybe we could make it a regular habit for who's interested, Owain?"

 

[veekie]

[X] [Chrom] I love the sword, but I also need it to protect everyone I love. Something's coming, more than the war. And if I can't help right now, then I should strive to be able to help in the future.
[X] [Owain] I would be honored to join the Justice Cabal! I'm not sure if I can do the posing and speeches like you do... but in these troubled times, heroism and justice are needed more then ever.