The Dark Magician Girl Read online

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  As another day passes, Ike shows me so many places. A lot of them are secret places he found and likes to go to for practice and quiet. I became fond of exploring with Ike. "I really like quiet places, those would be great for me to meditate in," He is telling me about one of his good friends Roy, the prince of Lycia. He reveals, "Lycia is the neighboring kingdom and our ally, that is how I met him,"

  "Lycia is our ally as well back in my time, I only know Roy because my father and King Eliwood held a meeting at our castle one day. Father called me into the room to meet them. I do not know what they were talking about, I was too young to understand,"

  A little while later, we enter a small clearing and the feeling in the air feels like it changed. "I feel like I am being watched…"

  A group of guards jump out from the other side of the forest, abruptly. They are all staring right at me. Some of them point their lances and swords in my direction. "You, you are dangerous, why are you here?" I hear a couple of others mumble to each other saying something like, she has dark magic, she must be captured, she is dangerous. "Ike, what's happening?"

  "Stay behind me, I am calling Roy right now. I do not know why they are being so hostile. This is strange," A few moments later, after spending time dodging the guard's attempts to grab me, Prince Roy arrives on the scene and meets up with Ike. Another person came with him. She is a swordsman, must be Princess Lucina that Ike told me about. I do not know what they did. I was too busy dodging a very fast guard who had tricks up his sleeve. Somehow Roy and Lucina make the guards retreat and leave the scene. Most of them were wounded, they must have fought them. I was trying my best not to use any magic, I did not feel comfortable in this situation. I was using all my focus compressing my emotions and keeping them under control. Roy and Lucina approach me.

  "Thank you," Roy smiles. Roy has short ruffled red hair, a blue bandana wrapped around his forehead just like Ike has, blue eyes, a red cape, wearing similar armor Ike’s and is holding a large sword with a yellow handle and a yellow stripe going half way up the center of the blade.

  "You must be Star, I am Prince Roy of Lycia, this is Princess Lucina of Ylisse," I look over to her. Lucina has long blue hair, blue eyes, a blue cape, a blue outfit with knee-high boots and some blue armor on her chest. "Hello Star," I notice what sword she is holding. It is father's sword. I reach back and feel father's sword I have tucked away hidden in my cape.

  Lucina turns towards Ike and Roy, "Are you sure we can trust her Ike. I mean, those guards attacked her for a reason. They mentioned she has some kind of dark magic or something," My stomach drops and I tense up.

  Maybe the guards saw me levitating right before I entered the clearing. But I am not dangerous, or hostile, why would they think that?

  Lucina turns back towards me. "She looks different, hiding her face. She seems too, mysterious,"

  Ike approaches her. "Please, Lucina, you can trust her. I do not understand why those guards attacked her, she was not doing anything hostile,"

  Lucina angrily places her sword into her sheath. "Awe, come on Ike! How do you know she's not a spy or something? I mean, look at her, she looks nothing like anyone else here. She must be from another land. She's obviously not from here,"

  I knew this would happen, I knew I would not be trusted. Something is wrong, I cannot stay here, I must go.

  "I'm sorry," I say quietly. I pull my cape around me, and disappear from the scene using my magic. I go to one of the secret places within the forest Ike had shown me earlier.

  I do not feel welcome. I feel exposed and uncomfortable here, I must find a way back home.

  I sit down in the middle of the dark, quiet place and begin to meditate. I must calm my emotions or something bad might happen.

  I meditated for maybe 10 minutes or so and Ike appears through the entrance. I stand up, ready to dash out. "No, wait Star,"

  "You came alone, right," I say quickly without looking at him. Ike nods, so I turn to face away from him. "I knew this would happen. They do not trust me. I do not know what to do,"

  Ike approaches me, slightly. "Star, look. I will speak to Roy. You can trust him. He has good intentions. I am sure he will help you,"

  I spin around quickly. "Ike, why do you trust me," I whisper to just myself. I pause for a moment, then look up at him. "Okay, I trust you, Ike. I will wait here. Once you speak to them, come get me,"

  Ike smiles. "Thank you, Star,"

  Two

  It has been about an hour since Ike left to speak to Roy and Lucina. I continue meditating, waiting for Ike to return. I doubt Ike can get Lucina to trust me, however, I hope he can though.

  I did not mean any harm entering this world. I hope I get home soon, I really miss Myst, my mother and father. I want my life back.

  I unexpectedly hear a noise, right outside the secret entrance. I stand up and peek outside.

  "Star!" Myst was rushing towards me.

  My eyes widen. "Myst?" I walk towards her and she gives me a big hug when she reaches me.

  "Myst? What are you doing here? How did you get here? It is too dangerous here!" She looks up at me and smiles, laughing at the sudden rush of worry spilling from my lips.

  "I'm really happy to see you Star. I really missed you," I still have a confused look for a moment, then finally softens up and I smile back at her. Looking at her gives me a rushing feeling of home. "I missed you too, Myst," Then I notice her brother following her.

  "Oh, you did not come alone, good girl," Myst laughs.

  "Of course not Star! Your father would not send me here alone!" My mouth falls open from the sudden words that flowed from her lips as my face went back to surprised once again.

  "Wait, my father sent you? Myst, what is going on? Did you come to send me back?" Myst's happy expression on her face fades away and she shakes her head no.

  "Sorry Star, your father told me to tell you that you still cannot come home," Myst gives me another hug. "But I do wish he would let you come back though. Home has not been normal since you left..."

  Another noise cuts off Myst's words. It sounds like the same noise I heard before Myst appeared. I turn and see my father looking back at me through a fuzzy image floating in the air. My eyes widen and I rush closer to him.

  "Oh, father!" Chrom lifts up his hand, so I stop speaking.

  "Star, dear, I am so sorry for what I have done my child. I cannot hide the truth from you no longer. I had no choice but to banish you here, please believe me, it is not because I do not want you or anything. I did it to save you," My expression saddens as I look into my father's eyes.

  "Save me? Father, I only wish to help, what is wrong?" I step closer to my father's image in front of me.

  "Star, my child, something, dark, has corrupted your mother, she said it was the only way to keep you safe,"

  "What...corruption...?"

  "If she did not send you here, whatever gotten her would have went straight after you. She is gone, her soul has been taken over by some...demon...or something. It speaks as though it is still Queen Angelica but she has lost control...or something. She had said to me before it took her was that I must send her away before it...comes. Soon after I sent you away, it did come. It took her. Star, dear, I must give chase. That...demon...left here a while ago...said it is going to look for...the dark child...the child of Queen Angelica...will complete me. You are safe here if you stay, please believe me,"

  A demon? A demon took my mother from me? And now it is looking for me?

  "Oh father, I need to look for her. I could help you save her, please father! I cannot just stay here while my home is like this. I am the princess after all! What if the only thing that can stop dark magic is more dark magic, father?" My father shakes his head. He sheds a single tear while I hold them back myself. He quickly glances behind him then back at me. "Please, Star, stay there. Sorry, I must go...I love you,"

  As my father's image vanishes from view, I turn to notice Myst and her brother are gone, and th
ey were replaced by Lucina and Roy. My stomach drops and my sad expression becomes more visible. Lucina had angrily approaches me as I notice her.

  No, Lucina, she does not trust me. I hope I can gain back her trust. I hope Roy will trust me.

  "Star," I jerk my head up and find Lucina's gaze when she sharply says my name.

  I cannot stay here. I feel like I will do nothing but make things worse.

  "How can you be the daughter of Chrom, he's my father, I do not have a sister!" Lucina sharply said the word 'my' just then. I notice Roy standing behind her.

  He looks as though he is in deep thought. I hope Ike was able to get through to him, but it seems Lucina is very skeptical still.

  I pull my cape around me and hold the sides of my arms.

  I really need Ike to either calm Lucina or I have to leave.

  Then I spot Ike rushing over to us. "Lucina, please," Lucina sharply spins around with a flash of anger in her eye. "Awe come on Ike, she is not from here. She claims Chrom is her father, but he is my father, I do not have a sister. She is obviously hiding something and she has a high chance that she is a spy. And furthermore—”

  Ike approaches her closer and cuts her off. "Lucina, I told you everything I know and I asked you to trust me..."

  I notice Roy looks as though he wants to speak but I could not take anymore. Before Ike could continue, I whisper, "I'm sorry," and pull my cape around me and disappear. I feel as though my emotions are becoming out of control.

  I had to get out.

  Three

  I went back to the spot on top of the hill Ike showed me once before, the spot that was perfect for watching sunsets. It is becoming evening, and I use the time I now have to meditate and calm my emotion.

  It seems I must not stay here in this time or I might become too emotionally attached. It takes so much effort to make and keep friends. I wonder why Ike still trusts me...I wonder if...

  I shake my head and break my meditation. I realize I should not think of such things. I do not require friendship. I just need to find a way home.

  At that moment, I hear someone behind me. I stand up and turn around. Ike is standing before me. We look at each other for a moment.

  How did he know where I was? Well, I guess I could, maybe try once more. Maybe this is meant to be this way.

  Ike had smiles at me. "Hello again, Ike," I put on a small fake smile. "How did you know I was here?" I pause for a moment, "Why are you here...?" I say while averting my eyes down low to the ground.

  I notice I said that last part rather sharply. I turn and look back at the sunset as I sit back down.

  "I thought I would find you here, Star," Ike approaches me and sits next to me. "I just, you know, had a feeling that you were here. Are you alright? I know it has been rough for you...I'm sorry," I continue staring at the reddening sun falling below the horizon, saying nothing.

  "I have been discussing with Roy...and Lucina. Lucina...she has a thick head, but she isn't so ruthless once she begins to be trusting. She is just trying to protect. However, Roy has different views. He tells me he needs to speak to you. He wanted me to find you, and bring you to him," Ike's gaze was on me, as I continue looking forward.

  Why is he doing this.

  I look down, at the forest below the hill. "Ike, I am afraid, okay!" The sun's rays fall behind the forest trees, casting a more darkened shadow on my face. "I am afraid of being rejected! Of not being trusted! I know Roy and Lucina heard the things my father had to say to me...It makes me uncomfortable!" I pause for a moment.

  "I feel as though I should not stay here…" Ike places a hand on my left shoulder.

  "Star, listen. As much as it is worth, I want you to know I trust you. I always will. You can trust Roy too. He has good intentions. He told me there are some things he wishes to tell you, that will help you," I keep looking down at the trees below us.

  "Ike, I am confused about something. Why do you trust me? Why? It just does not make sense to me! It makes me feel uncomfortable and exposed! Did you not hear what my father said?" I could feel Ike's gaze still on me.

  "Well, I just have this feeling, that I can trust you, Star. You have not given me or shown me a reason not to," I say nothing, confused.

  But... Why...?

  I am having a difficult time reading my compressed emotions. I have always compressed them, never really did anything else with them before. "I do not understand the consequences of dark magic going corrupt, I am afraid. It was the demon that attacked Roy's kingdom, it forced my mother to do it. I do not feel dark magic is all evil, but I do not really know. I try to use it the best I can for good, but if I lose control..." I pause.

  "Lycia and Ylisse were allies before this happened. I hope they help us, and don't turn their backs," I finally turn my eyes to look at Ike. "Even after hearing this, you still trust me? Knowing I might have an evil demon inside of me? That could force me to turn evil at any moment?" Ike removes his hand from my shoulder and stands up. I keep my eyes on him.

  If he does not trust me, I understand.

  He holds out his hand to me and says, "Do you trust me?"

  Oh, I guess I do...

  I reach out and he grasps my hand in his. Ike pulls me up to my feet. "Yes. Yes of course, always," I say. He smiles at me. So I give another fake smile. "Let's go speak to Roy,"

  Ike leads me back through the forest, back to where we were when I was confronted by my father. We find Roy awaiting us there. Roy smiles and approaches me when he sees me.

  "Star, sorry about all of the things we have put you through. I do have some things I wish to tell you, though. But don't worry, they are not meant to be bad. Regarding the things your father said to you, the things he mentioned about the kingdoms still apply here. Lycia and Ylisse are allies here, and if what you speak is true and that you are the princess of Ylisse, then I am pleased to assist you. I listened to the things Ike told me about you and I do reveal that I do not distrust you and I do believe the things you have said,"

  I smile weakly. "Yes, that makes sense then to my theory about how dimensions must work. There are not many differences from this time to mine. I believe these places in particular are connected somehow with the same timelines which is why they are so similar,"

  Roy listens carefully, then after a moment nods in understanding. "Alright, but I also recall that you were sent here by your father. If that is true, then how was it that it was your father who sent you here? In this time, he does not have magic."

  I reply, "Oh, well it actually was my mother who created the path that my father used to send me here. It is my mother, Queen Angelica, who holds the dark magic from which mine came from. In this time, Angelica must not have the dark magic so in this timeline it is less present and these kingdoms must not have heard of it existing,"

  Roy nods in understanding after a moment. "Yes, I do confirm that I have not heard of such magic,"

  "I learned how to fight from my mother. She taught me the basic spells and how to control the emotions which were the basis of dark magic and how it works. Dark magic is connected to your emotion, and runs off of them. It does not work if you do not connect it to your emotion, so for example, if I just raised my hand to try to lift an object with the magic, if I did not feel the magic or know how to focus on the object then it would not work. My father did not teach me much because he did not know how to, I did not learn how to handle a sword, but I do have one. Father gave me one,"

  I reach behind me inside my cape and pull out my sword. Once Roy’s eyes move to it, he realizes what it is was.

  "That sword, it is the same one that Lucina wields,"

  I nod, "Yes, we share the same father remember, but they are from different timelines. However, these blades are one and the same. There is only one blade like this. This is the blade of legend. It chooses who wields it. In my time, I am his only daughter, but here Lucina is his only daughter,"

  Roy focuses on the sword for another moment then nods in understanding. "Yes, I
have heard of this legendary blade, Star. Interesting, but it does make sense, I believe you,"

  I smile once again. I Glance over and find Ike's gaze. He smiles back at me. I sheath my blade. "Come, I will lead you to Lucina. There are a few things she needs to understand," Roy turns and starts walking further into the forest. Ike and I follow.

  Once Lucina sees us approaching, she turns towards us. She is watching me until I stop getting closer and turns her focus to Roy who was in front of her.

  "Hello, Roy. So, are you coming to tell me that Star's father is not mine and that she is a liar?" Roy holds up one hand, signaling her to let him speak. She grows a small bit impatient, with a flash of anger in her eye.

  "Star, reveal your sword, please," I glance to Roy then quickly does what he asks. As the sword comes into view, Lucina's eyes widen.

  "What! How did you get that sword?" Lucina looks down at her own, then averts her gaze to the side and is silent for a moment. Then Lucina turns her eyes back up and finds my eyes, "So, you are telling the truth, Chrom is your father," She goes silent once again for a moment.

  "Yes Lucina, I do not wish to fight. I have not come to upset you," She does not respond or look up from where she is focusing.

  Then Lucina finds my eyes once again, "However, I do not see how you could possibly save your mother here in this time. I still do not trust you, I do not understand that so called dark magic you claim to hold. I did not know it even exists and my guards say not to trust you. I have my reasoning to believe them, because my father told them. I will always trust my father,"

  Ike steps forward, "Come on Lucina,"

  "No, Ike, as the princess of Ylisse, I follow orders given to me by my father. Besides, remember Star what your father told you, not to mess with this timeline," I turn away, trying my hardest to stop the tear from falling.

  I step back and softly say, "I'm sorry, I must find a way back to my time. Sorry to bother you. I must help my father," I look to Ike with my saddened dark eyes and find his gaze. I pull my cape around me and then I vanish.

  Four

  I had found a hidden place I never seen before. It is a nice and peaceful little alcove within the forest, surrounded by low hanging weeping willow trees. I need some time to meditate and be alone for a while. I spent an entire day meditating and digging deep within my unconscious, looking for something, anything, that would help me get back home. During that entire day, nothing came to me, no matter how long I meditated and no matter what I found within my thoughts.

  How would I even get back to my time? Mother never taught me a spell to open a rift within time to travel to other places. I am not skilled enough like this.

  I look up at the dark evening sky and my hood falls on my shoulders so my hair falls out. My deep purple eyes focus on the full moon and I listen to the breezes of the night.

  I will require assistance, from another skilled mage, but...

  I look back down, at my hands. I pull out a little bit of my magic, and try to figure out how to focus it into a path back to my time. The only thing I manage to do is agitate my emotions and stress them out. I look back down at my hands.

  I can't...I can't do this alone. But there is not anyone here who can help me though? Roy told me that he has not heard of such magic before, so it is likely there is not any here.

  I look back up at the moon, trying not to fluster my emotion and trying not to shed any tears.

  Then how would I get help here...I am an outcast. Nobody trusts me, it's terrible. I feel lonely. I cannot do anything on my own here. I do not know anywhere I could go. I do not have any information about this place.

  After thinking those evil and non-helpful thoughts for a while, the only thing that appears in my mind is Ike. He would not get out of my random thoughts. However, I do have to admit to myself that...never mind. I need his help. That is what I was going to say...

  Later that night, much time past midnight, I decide to search around, alone, within the shadows of the castle and around the forest. Before I depart, I pull my hood back over my head. The castle I see most resembles Ylisse castle in this time and the forest that resembles the forest I played in as a child right around the castle. I stand around the castle for a while, watching it and studying it.

  I study the castle for maybe an hour and study how the castle is laid out. I find an area that most resembles the window of my room. I climb a tree nearby trying to stay hidden. I peer through the window and see an empty bedroom but it is nothing like my room though. I jump down, I near the wall and place my hand on the stone. I use my magic to embrace my hand and press through the wall. I disappear inside the walls and peer inside. I duck back outside and continue exploring around the outside walls. I find an outside courtyard around the back. I do not see many people around the castle, but that is better for me because that means I am less likely to be discovered.

  My search came up short. The only thing I managed to accomplish was to explore a little, but I soon realize that I would not get anything done on my own here. I spin around and dart my eyes about.

  I thought I saw something, but maybe not.

  I find a small opening within the forest and sit down for a bit. I decide I need to do some more meditation before I lay down for a rest. However, before I get into my session of meditation, I hear light footsteps approaching me. My eyes snap open and I quickly stand. I see a tall and thin figure approaching. Once it gets closer, I see Lucina appear into view. I hide myself inside my cape and levitate slightly about the ground and make sure to watch her every move.

  "Star, I have been searching for you,"

  "Why? What do you want?" I ask sharply and quietly, trying to hide the annoyance in my voice. "I...no, Ike sent me Star, relax..." Lucina's voice was calm. I have never heard her sound this calm before.

  "Okay, I'm listening," Lucina lets out a slight sigh.

  "I have been following you. Ike asked me to find you and keep close watch over you,"

  My expression did not look pleased. "Oh? Why did he send you? Why did he not come himself?"

  Lucina puts up her arms in defeat. "Listen Star, I did not come to fight...I'm sorry okay? Ike asked me to. Ike explained to me why I should trust you. He wants to help you and said sorry to have pushed you to leave like that. I'm sorry okay, I wish to start over. He wants me to bring you back,"

  I keep looking into her gaze. She looks quite serious. After a moment, I let out a sigh. I drop to my feet, close my eyes for a moment then open them again.

  "Okay, Lucina take me to him,"

  Once Ike sees me, his face lights up slightly and looks relived. I approach him and Roy, and exchange expressions with Roy as I pass him by going to greet Ike.

  "Greetings, Roy,"

  He nods. "Hello, Star,"

  I turn to Ike and let out a smile without realizing. He is smiling back and gives me a short hug.

  "Hey, Star,"

  Oh, he just gave me a hug...and I just realized I am smiling.

  "Hello, Ike," I say, then I drop the smile.

  "I was hoping Lucina would find you. Listen, I wish to help you, Star," Ike pauses for a moment and exchanges glances with Roy like he was telling Ike to say what he was really thinking.

  "And I would feel better if you stayed with us," I look between Ike and Roy, then to Lucina then back to Ike.

  "Honestly, the only thing I found out while exploring around here is I need your help Ike. I realized I would get nowhere alone,"

  I can't stay here though...I can't get attached...

  A sad look sparks on my face and I could not hide that one. Ike finds my gaze and asks, "What is it, Star?"

  "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just...I can't stay here. It's not because I dislike it here...I just have to find a way home. Once I find a way home, I must go right away,"

  Ike studies my face for a moment, then nods. "Okay,"

  "But I have decided...I will stay with you," I pause for a moment. "Thank you for everything you have done for me. I do not feel I deser
ve this, so I appreciate it," I turn away.

  I almost said too much. I must compress my emotions again soon. I keep telling them I cannot stay so I do not get attached. I tried to do this on my own keep my mind set on my goal....to not get sidetracked...and nothing more!

  I realize I had gotten myself worked up enough to be expressing myself all over my face. I quickly hid my face and turn before anyone gets to say anything.

  "Let's go, I need to meditate soon,"

  It stays silent for a few moments. Then Ike breaks it, "Look, Star, Roy was speaking to me about a place he knows that might be able to help you. We wish to escort you there,"

  I slowly nod, without looking towards them and still hides my face. "Okay... Thank you,"

  I suddenly hear many angry footsteps coming from all directions around me. I let lose my magic without thinking and the see-through black orbs appear around my hands and my eyes turn dark like a black light was shining through them. I quickly throw a see-through black magic shield around me and I cross my arms across my chest.

  I hear Ike behind me begin to ask if I was alright, then see the guards appear, surrounding me. Some of the guards mumble similar things the previous guards had said. They say things like, they must capture the girl with dark magic, and the word dangerous was thrown about.

  Is dark magic an evil thing in this land? Are Ike, Roy and Lucina hiding things from me? Those guards act as though they feel threatened when I am in their presence and I do not have to do a thing.

  The guards slowly approach me, as though they are taking caution, watching my every move. They act as though they do not see Ike, Roy or Lucina at all.

  How strange...

  Some of the guards' attempt to attack me, weaken me so they may have a change to capture me. One attack manages to strike my shield but it does nothing and I do not flinch at all. Then Ike appears between me and them, intercepting the attack, Roy was on the other side of me. The guards halt in their tracks once they see them, like they are surprised they were there. I drop my shield, however I keep my orbs out and my eyes are still darkened. I keep my eyes on them, watching for any sudden movements. I then look at Ike, standing in front of me.

  He did not even hesitate to protect me at all...

  "What is the meaning of this," Ike asks the guards, keeping a stern look on their gazes. Then Lucina appears in front of me. She places a hand on Ike's shoulder and he allows her to pass. The guards see her and appear stunned.

  "Princess Lucina," the guards kneel in her presence.

  She speaks, "What is the meaning of all this?" Repeating Ike's question, insisting they give her an answer. The bravest guard answers, "There is this dangerous female, with dark magic, milady,"

  Ike does not hesitate at all and replies quietly, "She is not dangerous..."

  The guard does not look over at him, keeping his gaze on Lucina and me. He mumbles he was ordered to capture this female. The guards charge past Lucina and Ike, right towards me.

  Don't these guards belong to Lucina's castle? If they take orders from her father, then shouldn't they also obey Lucina? Well...then again my guards back home do not take orders from me...but I was much younger then when I realized that.

  Before the guards get anywhere near me, I had already tossed my shield around me once again.

  Lucina quickly spins around and yells towards them in frustration, "You must obey me at once!"

  The guards do not obey and strike my shield several times. I do not flinch or show any signs of dropping the shield. Ike, Roy and Lucina jump into action, striking the guards and forcing them to retreat or fall where they stand.

  I just realize…

  Wait, if Lucina is forcing her guards, who must be ordered by her father, to disobey him and do as she wishes, isn't that...like...a bad thing? Why are they doing all of this for me? I must be a rebel in this land and they could easily send me away...but they do not...

  The guards finally retreat, deciding they do not wish to fight the princess, I guess. Once they all have left the scene, I feel all eyes on me...

  I drop my concentration and my shield drops. I lower my arms then, dropping my magic back to rest. My eyes go back to purple and the orbs disappear. I keep my arms across my chest though, holding the sides of my arms. I land back on my feet, then I find Ike's gaze on mine. My hood has covered my eyes again, shadowing them. I let my cape fall around me, covering my body and hiding my arms.

  "I'm sorry...I cannot stay here. I should not. I might harm someone or someone might harm someone else if I stay. I do not wish to take that risk. Everyone here believes I am dangerous, so I should leave,"

  Ike steps forward. "Star, please, stay with us. We will protect you as we escort you. We will do our best to keep you on the low side and keep you hidden,"

  I look at Roy, then Lucina. Roy and Lucina both nod to me. "I will lead you to my land, Star. I have someone who can assist you. I agree with Ike, you should travel with us,"

  "Come on Star, Ike and Roy are right. Stay with us,"

  After a moment, I nod, surrendering to the discussion. I find Ike's gaze once more and say quietly, "Okay, I just do not like the feeling I feel while I'm here. I dislike it. I do not feel welcome,"

  Except you guys...you guys seem to be the only ones that trust me...

  I turn and begin to follow Roy, down the darkened path towards Lycia.

  Five

  As nightfall approaches, Roy leads us down a small well-hidden path to the side of the main road. A small hideout slowly emerges into view. It looks like a cozy treehouse, but is not up in the trees; it is nestled around the bases of the surrounding trees instead.

  "This was where I spent a lot of my time when I was younger," Roy explains, as we follow him closer to the front door. "This should do for a good resting place tonight,"

  Roy opens the front door, motions us inside, and shuts the door behind us. The main room is wide open, with a fireplace to one side and a circular table in the center. The walls have couches lining them and there are two doors in the back. A single hallway branches off to the left of the left most door leading to two more doors. Each door is slightly open, so I can see inside them. The two doors off of the main room are bedrooms. The rooms off of the hallway have a washroom on the left and another bedroom on the right. I wander around the place for a bit, "Nice place," I call out from the back room. "Isn't it though?" Roy calls back from the main room, and I hear a little chuckle from Ike to the side. A small smile etches itself onto my face as I continue looking around.

  A little while later, I find myself sitting in silence in the main room next to the fireplace. I am looking down towards the floor, contemplating about something in my own little world. I focus on the floor, studying the patterns as I find myself in deep thought.

  This place seems okay. I hope nothing bad happens soon. It seems like they trust me, but what if I am forced to fight? I do not wish to...

  "Hey, Star. You uh, alright?" I jerk my gaze upwards and find Ike standing there, right above where I was staring, for who knows how long. I glance around for a moment.

  "Ah, yeah. Just, uh, thinking. That's all," I nervously sit back and lean against the backing of the couch, covering myself up under my cape and keeping my hood shadowing my face. I pull my legs up against my chest and look back up at him. "I have something to ask you, Star," Ike sits down across from me on the couch against the opposite wall.

  "Yes?" Ike has a strange expression plastered across his face, like he was thinking about something.

  "So, before when we were ambushed those couple of times. Sorry, I do not wish to make you nervous. But, I am curious, you did not really fight during either and I want you to know that it is okay and you do not need to fear anything. I want you to be prepared to fight if you have to, alright?"

  Ah, I know but...

  I look down slightly. "I just..." I pause for a moment. "I just do not like violence,"

  A small smile appears on Ike's face. Roy was sitting against the othe
r couch to my left, I did not notice he was there until now. A small shiver ran down my spine for some reason.

  "I also dislike violence Star, we are more similar than you might think," I turn to look at Roy, he also has a small smile on his face while gazing towards me.

  "However, if I had to, then I would. To protect you," Roy continues. Another shiver ran down my spine. I try to hide the fact I shuttered that time and kept my gaze slightly to the floor.

  "I agree with you Ike; we all will fight together here. That is the truth," Ike glances to Roy and nods. The room falls silent for just a moment. I hear shuffling in the background; Lucina is in the back room messing around.

  "Agreed, Roy, I'm in on this too," Lucina calls from the back. Another moment of silence fills the room, until Ike breaks it this time. "Hey. I feel like we should get you some armor, Star,"

  What? Armor, for me? I never really thought about using any...never wanted to fight anyone...

  I do not look up from the pattern on the floor I have found myself focusing on once again. "You guys, don't have to, uh, do all of this for me you know," I finally said quietly. I waited a moment and let out a deep breath. "Thank you,"

  Slightly louder shuffling noises come from the back room. Footsteps appear and gradually become louder until Lucina emerges from the faded-out hallway. "So, Star. Question for you. May I see that sword of yours again?" Lucina says as she walks up to me and stands next to the edge of the couch. I look up at her, nod and reach for the sword. I stand up once I have a hold of the handle and pull it out. The shining blade, with the golden handle shimmers in the faded lights from the fireplace. I gently place the blade in Lucina's palms she has opened and held out in front of me.

  "I already know it is the same sword as mine, I just want to ask you if you knew how to fight with it,"

  Oh, of course. I knew one of them would ask me eventually.

  I let out a sigh. "Alright, I knew one of you would ask me. Here goes," I pause for a moment, collecting my thoughts. "Yes, Lucina, I do know how to fight with a sword. However, I can only do so with my magic spells. I only really know how to fight with magic alone, though," A skeptical look splashes itself onto Lucina's face as she glances over my darkened face.

  "Alright then, show me,"

  Oh, here goes nothing. You asked for it, Lucina.

  I calm my mind and look around the room for something small and simple to manipulate. I find a small rusty lock laying on the table in the back of the room.

  Perfect.

  I lift my left hand slowly into view from underneath my cape. I could feel the eyes glued onto me as I focus onto the lock several feet away from me. The room feels like it fazes in and out as I focus more onto the object. The black orb appears around my hand and my eyes turn to that darkened black color. After a moment, the lock becomes surrounded by the darkened black light and I lift the lock once I was completely focused on moving it over to me. I push all other emotions into the back of my mind, completely forgetting about everything but the lock.

  The only thing then on my mind is the rusty lock and my hand. I bring the lock right next to me onto the floor at my feet and it rests there. I follow the direction of the lock with my arm while not moving my body position at all. I break my concentration once it softly clanks, revealing it landed onto the floor and is no longer hovering. Once I break my concentration, all the black magic disappears from sight at once. I keep looking at the lock and I do not move the position my hand is in, "Dark magic is highly difficult to understand. I have to concentrate fully on the task, or the spell will not work,"

  I go back to concentrating onto the lock at my feet, raising my second hand up into the air next to my left one. The black magic surrounds my hands and the lock once again, encompassing my eyes with their black light. Once the room around me appears fuzzy, I am fully concentrated onto the lock and I can prepare to push force onto it.

  I feel a jolt of energy shoot through my arms to the tips of my fingers then the black magic surrounding the lock flashes slightly. I feel the magic begin to slip from my grasp.

  I have to end this now. It’s slipping.

  I stop myself from panicking and luckily the lock immediately breaks into pieces right at my feet, without me moving anything at all. I break concentration and lower my hands quickly while all dark magic fades away from sight. I step back a little, still looking towards the lock on the floor.

  "Whoa," I jerk my gaze up towards Lucina. The expression on her face tells me she is impressed. Obviously she has never seen magic before, especially the dark magic kind. I glance around. Ike and Roy are watching us intently, interested in the things I am going to do next.

  "I'm surprised you broke that lock so easily, Star,"

  Huh, only surprised? Come on Lucina, the look you gave had impressed written all over it.

  I watch Lucina change expressions several times, like she was thinking a million thoughts at once.

  Her gaze falls to my eyes and she smiles slightly. "So, hey. Star, I have never seen your hood down before. Care to show us? Or are you hiding something?"

  I nervously glance towards Ike. "I do not look that much different from you, Lucina. I do not need to drop my hood," I watch the curiosity increase on her face.

  "Come on Star, you can show me. You do not have any reason to be shy about this or hide yourself from us," I let out a hefty sigh. I lift my hands up and grasp the edges of my hood, then pull it back onto my shoulders. My darkened red hair drops out of it and lands softly onto the middle of my back and my bangs slide out and hug around the curves on my face. My dark purple eyes are revealed and no longer shadowed, probably glittering from the faint light the fireplace was giving off. My mother and father always told me they really like my eyes when they are not shadowed under my hood. They said they sparkle even though the color is a bit dark.

  I look up into Lucina's gaze. "See, I do not look much different from you, Lucina," I stand up straighter, trying to look confident in myself, trying to hide the fact of how nervous I feel for exposing myself like this. Ike chuckles from where he was watching.

  Yeah, yeah Ike. I know what you're about to say...

  "That may be true but that does not define and make you the same. Everyone is different in their own way,"

  I know, Ike, I just...

  I lower my gaze to the floor as I hear Roy follow up, "I agree. Try not to think that everyone will be so judging of you, Star," A small smile etches itself onto my face, but I slide it away once I realize it is there, then find Lucina's gaze once again. She is looking at my eyes, my face, my hair, my clothing, everything. A smile grew onto her face as she then meets my gaze.

  "I really like your choice in style, Star. I have never seen anything like it before," I glance around to Ike and Roy as I said, "My mother also wore this, but in a different color. She wore dark purple," My expression fades into a small frown. "Which makes me just like her...why do you all still trust me..." I could feel Lucina's gaze sharpening onto me as I gaze down to the floor again.

  "Awe, come on Star. That does not make you the same at all," I glance back up at her. Lucina says that as she glances around to Ike, Roy then back to me. A bone chilling silence fills the room. Once I notice, I mutter a silent, "Thank you," I slowly raise myself up off of the floor, hovering. I glide past everyone, give a glance to Ike, seeing his small smile as I pass by, pulling my hood back over my head. I disappear into the right door in the back of the room.

  I prepare to meditate, by sitting in the center of the floor. I cross my legs and close my eyes. Once I am ready, I begin to mutter softly the phrase my mother taught to me and begin hovering above the floor, falling into concentration. The world slowly disappears from my mind as I focus onto the darkness inside my mind. I see nothing. I hear nothing. I feel nothing.

  Suddenly, I hear what sounds like a loud sword clanging against another. I jerk away from my concentration, let out a little scream, crash onto the floor from my hovering state with a thud, and releases a
sound of surprise from my lips. Ike materializes at the door with Roy and Lucina right behind him, with shocked looks on their faces.

  "Are you alright Star?" Ike asks me, with a flicker of worry in his eye. "What happened?" I quickly pick myself up from the floor and raise my hand, palm facing them. "I am okay, Ike. I just had a small hiccup in my meditation, that's all," I look up at them and smile for just a second. "Thank you for checking on me. I did not expect that to happen or I would have been prepared for it," I glance around nervously. "Um, something must have made a noise that I did not expect... or something. And it startled me in my calm state of mind," I sit back down in the center of the floor, close my eyes and cross my legs once again. Without opening my eyes, I say, "I must get back to meditating,"

  Once I get back into full concentration, when the room around me fades away completely once again, I focus on what that noise must have been.

  Where did I hear that noise before?

  Then I remember when I would watch my father practice out in the courtyard from my bedroom window. I would watch how he swung the sword. You must swing the sword properly or the sword will be your downfall.

  "Swords are similar to emotions...they must be used properly or you lose control, they consume your strength," This is what my father always told me.

  Once the room around me begins to enter my conscious once again, I complete my meditation session. I glance up and catch a glimpse of Ike watching from the main room. I feel a smile creep up onto my face as I stand up and enter the main room. As I wander past Ike to sit down at the chair next to him at the table, he says, "You look calmer,"

  Yeah, I do feel better now.

  I sat down in the chair and lazily gaze to Ike's direction. "Meditation is what keeps me sane," A smile appears onto Ike's face and a short silence creeps into the room for a moment.

  "I watched you for a while in there," He pauses, changing expressions as if he was reflecting on what he saw. "It was interesting. I felt like I could tell when you were really focused and when you were not,"

  "The more focused I am, the more control I have," I reply right as he finishes his sentence, like it was second nature for me. I did not have to think about what I said at all. "My father always told me, that swords are like emotions, when referring to my emotions being connected to my dark magic. What he meant by that was, they both require to be used properly or you lose control," I pause, reflecting on this statement once again. I feel a small shiver go down my spine at the thought then continue, "Then they consume you...they consume your strength," I find myself looking out the window behind Ike as I said this. I see Ike pondering what I had just said for a moment, his expression changes after a while.

  "Your father is a smart man," He finally says, breaking the silence he has created. "But, I remember you telling me your father did not teach you how to fight," I force my gaze from the night sky outside and find Ike's gaze on me. "Yes, that is true, he did not. However, I did watch him practice from my window of my room. I learned how to do some things from watching him. However, I was not good at handling a sword. I always have had to use my magic to power up the sword and use it properly," I pause for only a second. "I had learned how to fight with magic from my mother. She mostly taught me how to control and balance my emotions," I focus on Ike's gaze.

  I have to admit I enjoy chatting with you. It is your lucky day; I will tell you more. I am not the type for chatting my secrets away to just anyone, you know...but with you, I feel like I can.

  Ike looks like he is quite interested in what I have to say, so I decide to continue. "One time, I tried using father's sword. Without any of my magic, without nothing. After a couple of swings, my emotions started raining over me, feeling after feeling. These emotions were difficult to compress. I normally did not have any problem compressing them. But that time...was different. Those were aggressive emotions, anger...power. I soon realized I had lost control over those emotions then. My magic deep inside me had escaped and took control over the blade," A shiver falls down my spine as I recall what had happened that day. "I instantly dropped the blade. It fell to the ground and clattered, creating a loud jolting noise. I was young then, so I started to cry after that,"

  I shrug.

  Did I just...reveal that secret just now?

  My expression goes to shock as I stare into Ike's gaze. I mumble softly to him, "I’m sorry…," I feel my expression grow weaker as I keep my gaze onto Ike's. His expression changes once again, “Sorry for what?”

  I just lowered my guard. I never expected that would happen...I never expected I would reveal THAT secret in particular...

  “I—I did not mean to… tell anyone that…,” I say to him softly.

  The room fills with silence for what feels like forever. Our gazes stay locked onto each other's however. Ike breaks the silence, finally, "I hope to see you fight sometime. Your magic is very impressive. I was impressed when you showed us earlier this evening, the things you can do," I realize he was talking about the lock I broke earlier. I feel a small smile etch across my face and I could not hide that one. I mutter, "Thanks," Then my smile fades.

  I must help my father...I should not stay here...

  I quickly stand up, building up my guard once again. I compress my emotions back into the back of my mind. My eyes disappear within the darkness of my hood. Without looking back, I mutter, "I should get to bed," I quickly hover into the back room once again and shut the door.

  Six

  I wake to sunlight splashed across my face beaming from the window above the bed on the left wall. It is bright and I have to cover my eyes before I can focus on the room around me. I scan the room and it is all the same until I lay my eyes on the bedside table to my right.

  Armor.

  There is a nice set of armor sitting there, shiny black with red trim.

  Where did Ike find this? It looks like it will fit me just right. Is it his sister's? It looks made fit for a young girl.

  There are shoulder pieces, a chest plate with small indentations for the female chest frame, arm pieces with extensions for the back of the hands, thigh pieces, shin pieces and boot covers. I stand up, pick up piece by piece and firmly place the pieces of armor over my outfit and skin and fasten the straps underneath. Once each piece is properly secured, I look at myself in the small mirror and slowly walk around while lifting and lowering my arms. I feel heavier, but that will help me increase my strength. I feel better while wearing these. I don't know why but I just do.

  I slowly open the bedroom door, walk through the main room and then through the open front door. Ike is waiting for me, watching down the dirt path with a stern look. He is standing with his arms crossed. He turns to my direction when I clear the door and we lock eye contact. A smile flashes across his face when he sees me wearing the armor.

  "I like the new look," I tell him once I approach him.

  "Agreed," He replies and lets out a short chuckle. Then his expression fades more serious, which is strange for him. "Roy and Lucina went out scouting earlier," He glances back down the dirt path.

  “Is that where they are?” I look up at the morning sunlight, which is lighting up the forest around us.

  “Yeah,” He replies bluntly.

  I walk forward, closer to the edge of the road, which lines a slope downwards towards the rest of the forest below. I watch the trees below and feel for my father's sword.

  I probably have to prepare to fight soon.

  My expression becomes more serious. Even though I do not want to. But I must.

  I pull out my blade, feeling the design across the handle. I lift the sword with my left hand and point the tip upright towards the sky. My eyes glow with the deep, dark black light. My hands and the sword began to glow the same. I raise my right hand and center it along the blade, hovering next to it. A small flame begins to grow between my hand and the blade, slowly growing into a small fireball also surrounded with the dark black light.

  I begin to deeply focus on my blad
e, preparing to power it up with my dark magic. The surrounding world begins to fade out and the only things I am focusing on are the blade, my hand and the fireball. Once I feel the fireball is ready, I touch the blade to the fire magic and the sword begins glowing with the darkened red light. The sword then bursts into flame a few moments after that, slowly becoming empowered by my emotions. I deepen my focus, concentrating on pushing my emotions into the blade.

  Once I feel ready, I quickly swing the blade horizontally in front of me with my emotion, releasing my hold onto it allowing it to hover next to me closely awaiting my commands. I quickly swing it some more, the same movements that I remember my father practicing that day. I slowly lower my hands to my sides and focus the blade to lower to my left in the ready stance my father kept it in between swings. I could feel the blade resonating with my emotions as it is connected to me now as long as I keep my focus on it. All I have to do is think to do something or move and the blade will follow with no hesitation. The world around me begins to fade back in when I hear Ike's deep voice behind me.

  "Star, prepare to fight," Ike's voice trails off, sounding alert. I quickly turn and meet his eyes for a moment. He looks impressed with my display but his gaze quickly turns serious. "Roy summons us, follow me,"

  This is it, I must do this. But I must stay cautious. I cannot lose control again.

  A knot in my stomach lets me know how nervous I am. Ike begins a sprint down the dirt path to the right. I lift myself up into the air and quickly follow close behind him with my arms lifted to my sides encompassed with my dark magic. My sword hovers near me in standby also surrounded with my dark magic aura.

  As we continue down the path, Ike updates me on what Roy had told him, "Roy and Lucina found a group of guards surrounding the path we need to use to continue," Ike pauses, "Roy says they are mumbling about a young female wearing white and describing her as 'dangerous' with 'dark magic'," He emphasizes dangerous and dark magic, forcing the knot in my stomach to increase intensely.

  I knew it, the royal guard is after me. Why? Why do so many here believe I am evil? Have I done something bad?

  My thoughts are broken as Ike abruptly stops in front of me. Roy and Lucina emerge in front of us across the bridge over the river hidden behind an outcropping of boulders overlooking the field below. We cross the bridge and approach Roy who turns to us. He glances quickly over me then meets Ike's gaze on him.

  "The path leading up to the observatory I was taking Star is being patrolled by a large group of guards summoned by the king," Roy turns to face me. His expression is extremely sharp and serious. "Star, if those guards attack you, show no mercy. This group is dangerous and has been trained to kill," The knot in my stomach drops once Roy emphasizes the words 'dangerous' and 'kill'. I quickly nod, remembering I did not respond to the news Roy brought to my attention.

  If I must fight, then I shall. If it is the only way to get back home to help my father, then it is my duty.

  I glace across the large open field below where we are hidden. Many guards are scattered across the field, patrolling, walking up and down in a path, scanning around and doing other drills to cover the area. They seem strangely blank minded. I do not know why but they do not look like normal guardsmen to me. I then realize Lucina is not with us anymore, but I then notice her behind the outcropping down the path to our right, watching for an opening. "It will be my job to shield everyone. It is highly unlikely a sword can break a dark magic shield,"

  Before Roy or Ike could respond, we hear shouting aimed to our direction. The shouting consists of random words describing the young female is nearby or something like that. Several guards closest to our position are running up the hill to our location, shouting. I could hear their heavy boots stomping the ground as they approach. I hear heavy armor clanking as they quickly move closer and closer. I begin to focus my emotions into my blade, ignoring how nervous I am. It grows every step I hear those guards make towards me.

  I can do it. I will not lose control. Just focus on the blade. Focus my emotions, don't let them control me.

  "Go, focus the leaders," I hear Roy shout amongst my thoughts. His harsh voice echoes inside my mind, bouncing off of my thoughts racing through my head. He said it so loud he almost broke my focus, making sure Lucina heard him too. Before I lose track of him, I lift my right hand and shoot a quick burst of my emotion into a shield his way to block the first strike shoved at him as he disappears instantly into the fray.

  Before I trail off, I quickly shove my emotions back onto my blade and my hands. I feel the blade instantly connecting to me again. With every thought I make, the blade responds with no hesitation. I look up and shoot myself into the air, hearing small gasps from below me as the guards grew near. If I had taken any longer to collect my emotions, they surely would have gotten to me.

  I quickly lift my right hand, keeping my left hand ready to command my blade, feeling my emotions shoot into it and I begin to chant those words my mother taught me while mumbling louder and louder. After I complete the nonsense chant, a small group of rocks become surrounded with dark magic and rise into the air nearby right in front of me, waiting for my command. I forcefully focus my emotion into the rocks as I throw my right hand upwards towards the sky. The rocks fly upwards into a clustered group, each one leaving a short trail of blackened light as they gather. I quickly throw my hand down towards the guards below me. The rocks fall towards the guards at super high speed, all at once, swishing past me. I don't even flinch. As the rocks make contact, smacking sounds fill the air as the guards all fall to the ground with thuds while yelping.

  Several other guards are making their way closer during this attack and have surrounded me trying for a counter attack. I quickly throw my emotion into a shield fully surrounding me, blocking several sword swings as they clank against it. I cross my arms across my chest and bend my legs up close. The shield gives no signs of giving while it brightly flashes white at the areas the swords hit, then white pulsates through the darkened black shield like small water waves.

  When I feel ready, I throw my arms and legs outwards, throwing my emotions through them forcing the shield to burst apart. The force shoves every guard surrounding me backwards and they fall onto their backs causing some of them to roll down the hill behind them and release grunt noises. I slowly lower myself close to the ground’s surface and turn to the single guard facing me. I lift my left hand and command my sword to rise and point towards the guard. The guard does the same, tightening his grip on his blade's handle. A small grin flashing across his darkened face under his helmet. “You are evil. You must be banished,” I hear him mumble so that I can hear him.

  My darkened face shows no change, as I am completely focused. All my emotion is shoved into my blade. I feel my heart thumping harder as I prepare myself. I quickly raise my right hand. I focus my thoughts onto the guard's sword. It glows dark black and I yank the sword from the guard's grip, lift it up behind his head and thrust a single blow to the back of his head with the handle, completing the movement with my right hand.

  “Evil witch!” I hear him sputter.

  I feel my emotion rage within me as I quickly drop the sword and command my blade by shoving my emotion straight into my left hand and swings it horizontally across the guard's chest, doing the movement with my arm. I feel my magic slipping from my control and my blade slightly flickers.

  Calm down, Star. Don’t let them get to you.

  He lets out a grunt, falls backwards and lands flatly onto his back from the force of the contact of my blade.

  I take a deep breath and wait a moment allowing my emotion to calm back down. Then I take a glance around and notice most have fallen across the open field. I spot Ike battling a guard close by and I quickly shove myself into the air and fly towards him. I throw my emotion around Ike and a shield forms cross his backside. I toss my right arm outwards and forcefully bust the shield outwards in the direction I just swung my arm in, towards the guard lunging towards him.<
br />
  The final guard falls. The ones who manage to get back up flee back into the forest behind them. I approach Ike, Roy and Lucina, slowly powering down my blade and calm my rush of emotions flowing through my left hand into it. The blade is slowly extinguishing the flame, and slowly fades back into the shiny white metal finish. My dark magic slowly fades from view, finally revealing my dark purple eyes shadowed under my hood. Once the blade is calm, I quietly slide it back into the sheath inside my cape.

  I find Lucina's gaze on me. She throws me a thumbs up and a smile. "Great job back there, Star,"

  I nod as Roy pats my right shoulder. "You really handled yourself quite well. Thank you for not bringing too much harm to them,"

  I find Ike's gaze on me next. He flashes a smile, "We must keep moving," I nod once more and spin around to face behind me.

  A fuzzy portal with a black outline is hovering there.

  My father locks gazes with mine.

  Seven

  My eyes widen as I dash forwards hovering above the ground, towards what looks to be my father looking back at me. It feels like it has been years since I have last seen him.

  "Father!" I shout. Nothing but emotions fill my head. Everything that has happened to me floods my mind all at once.

  "Father, you have no idea what you and mother have done. By tossing me aside here, I have faced nothing but danger, nothing else. Remember how I told you that I believe these times are somehow connected? After mother became corrupt, she corrupted the people of Lycia. Now the ideas of dark magic have been shoved into the people's minds of Lycia as evil and horrible. These people here blame dark magic for turmoil, they blame me! All of the guards here have been hunting me, father, I must return back and stop my mother. I have to. I must. I have to..."

  I try holding back all of the emotion that is filling my mind as I think of these next words that slip my mouth. "If killing her is the only way to stop dark magic corruption..." I take another step forward and my voice changes. It changes without me controlling it. It became lower in pitch, like something deep inside me was bellowing.

  "Then so be it," Those words leave my lips slowly and each one was emphasized to make sure they were heard. As those words leave my lips, I feel everyone's eyes drill on me. I could feel they each had something to say. The presence of my father must have been the reason they keep quiet. I hide my own surprise to hearing myself say those words and keep the stern look in my eyes focused on my father, who did not flinch at all during my speech. In fact, he did not even show he was concerned at all about the things I just told him.

  Did he already know what has been happening here? Why is he appearing before me now if he is not allowing me to return? I have never seen him listen to me and not do anything at all like he is just now...What is he...wait...

  "Wait father...how did you..."

  I feel a rush of anger flush over me.

  He is not acting anything like I remember. He also cannot open portals by himself!

  I could not contain my emotion any further. I quickly focus my eyes on the fuzzy image which was imitating my father and raise my left hand, dark magic envelopes it. The blade by my side responds and raises up pointing forwards. Black light fades into my eyes once again, slight anger emerging from within them. I focus my emotion inside my blade and it responds once again, shimmering with energy and encompassed by dark magic.

  "You are NOT my father! Where is he?" I shout slowly, each word becoming more threatening as I focus my anger within my blade.

  Just focus on the blade, do not lose control.

  Suddenly the figure of my father inside the fuzzy image begins morphing into the figure of Eliwood, Roy's father. The figure laughs ominously.

  "Father?" I hear Roy mutter from behind me. I could feel his words, like he is confused to see him. I could then feel his eyes drilling into my backside, wondering what is going on, but some reason he still keeps quiet like the others.

  I quickly command my sword to slice through the image to show I do not fear it, but nothing happens. 

  NO! Stupid Star! Think before you act, will you? Now Roy is going to be peeved with me about that! I know it is not his father and I would never hurt him! Please, please believe me Roy...

  Before letting anything else happen and stopping myself from humiliating myself even further, I shout, "Mother! I know that is you! Stop hiding behind my friends and family and stop toying with my emotions! Show yourself! I know that is corruption that consumes you! I am no fool!"

  The imposter Eliwood laughs once more and then finally speaks. The voice echoes inside my mind, bouncing around, toying with my train of thought.

  "Oh, what a clever child," The imposter speaks as if he has underestimated me, like he is disappointed that I figured out his little game so soon. "I can no longer deceive you with my tricks. You have learned too much, unfortunately. However, I forbid you from returning. Your precious mother and father have fallen to my hands and I now rule this land," The imposter emphasizes the word fallen, forcing me to clinch my teeth and tightly clinch my fists.

  "What resides within you shall take control soon enough child. Do not fret, you will get your chance to join me soon and you will rule that land where you lie!" The imposter cackles loudly then the image begins to fade away.

  My heart drops out of my chest. "NO!" I force out and wildly commands my enflamed blade to slash away at the fuzzy image of the cackling imposter. As my blade swings through, the image distorts and withers away while the cackling echoes in my mind as it fades out of the air. I feel powerless at that moment as I drift out of the sky slowly, landing on my feet. My hands fall, my concentration breaks and my blade falls down to the ground with a soft thud, flipping around before becoming motionless.

  "That was not your father, Roy..." I begin, not turning back, "That was my mother,"

  Ike materializes next to me, "Star," I hear Ike mutter.

  "I'm alright..." I slowly turn to face him and the others.

  "Star, that was crazy," Lucina starts, "What WAS what? What just happened? I do not understand? How was that your mother? It clearly was NOT!"

  I hold up my hand asking to speak as I see Roy nodding in agreement with Lucina, his eyes give away how he feels.

  "Let me explain to you. Dark magic is a strange type of magic. It can do many things other magic cannot do. However, it also has consequences no other magic contains. Corruption can control it inside of you leaving you with nothing. That imposter was using my memories to try to manipulate me and get inside of my mind. You saw it, right Lucina? You saw it morph right in front of your eyes! That was not my father nor Roy's, it was using those memories to get to me. Besides, my father cannot open a portal, nor can Roy's father. You have to believe me," I somehow see the confusion cloud up within their eyes.

  At least they are trying to believe me...

  I turn slowly away from them. "Okay, Star," I hear Roy muster up the courage to say, "I believe you. Somehow, I see the truth within you. I trust you remember, you have not shown me any reason not to,"

  Thank you...Roy.

  "Thank you, for trusting me, still. I know I have put you through enough already. I cannot imagine how it must feel," Then I feel a hand on my shoulder.

  "As much crazy stuff I have seen, as crazy as you may seem to me, Star, I believe you. I was just, I don't know, flustered? Confused? Sorry for yelling at you," A small smile creeps up on me as Lucina speaks to me. Her words mean a lot to me.

  Wow, I kind of expected you felt that way about me, Lucina.

  "Thanks, Lucina. Let's go, I have work to do," The hand grips my shoulder tighter. "It's just, so much, whoa. Don't worry, Star. We will win this. We will stand behind you. We are the daughters of Chrom after all,"

  I chuckle. I look up to meet Lucina's gaze. She is smiling, and a flash of understanding appears in her eyes as she softly gazes into mine.

  I flash her a quick grin. "Let's do it,"

  Eight