I probably don't have to put this, but I'm putting it anyway: this story will contain some references to Fire Emblem Awakening, some of which may be spoilers if you haven't played the game. Just a little warning. Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Meeting You

I can't believe it. We're finally here. The idea of being a participant of such a prestigious tournament…gods, it's hard to contain my excitement!

"Geez, Lucy, I haven't seen you this happy since we'd defeated Grima," Robin said, patting me on the back.

"Or when she and Inigo got married," my father, Chrom, remarked. I gave him a glare, only to roll my eyes at his laughter. It's not my fault for being overjoyed. When Robin and I first received the invitations to the fourth Super Smash Bros. Tournament, I was surprised. I remember jumping into Inigo's arms and yelling and laughing. I had that sweet, childlike happiness like my sister, Cynthia, does, and I still do.

We looked in awe at the vast amount of people. I couldn't help but wonder what homelands they came from, what their backstories are like, how long they have been participating in the tournaments. It was a blend of the strongest, the bravest. I could feel my heart slam against my chest. Finally, all of the training with Father will be put to good use.

"Um, excuse me, you are the newcomers, correct?" My thoughts were interrupted when Robin elbowed me in my side. I was prepared to draw Falchion when he pointed to a short, mustachioed man standing in front of Chrom. I recognized him instantly as the one the called Mario, as evident by the big red "M" on his cap. Honestly, I'd believed he would be, oh, I don't know, a little taller and muscular.

"Yes, we are," Chrom replied, extending his hand. Mario reached up and took it, giving three friendly handshakes.

"Excellent!" Mario exclaimed. I was told by Severa that he had some "extremely thick and lame accent. GAWDS!" I recognized the accent as Italian, and he wasn't laying it on as thick as Severa implied it would. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mario Mario, the self-proclaimed plumber and member of the Original Twelve."

Robin and I gasped. While traveling here, we did plenty of research on the tournaments in order to better prepare ourselves. The Original Twelve were the first participants in the Smash Bros. Tournament, before it became such a spectacular event. The group consists of: Mario; Luigi; Link; Fox; Samus; Kirby; Yoshi; Pikachu; Jigglypuff; Ness; Captain Falcon, and Donkey Kong. Twelve of the greatest fighters, and I have a chance to go against them.

I couldn't help but grin, earning myself another elbow in the side. "Stop looking like a weirdo. Mario's explaining what's happening."

I mouthed my apology and focused my attention to Mario. "I have been asked by Master and Crazy Hand to escort you three on a tour of the Smash Mansion. If you don't mind, come along with me and we'll head to the dining room."

Mario walked off, and we followed. We walked down a brightly-lit corridor, beautiful paintings lining the walls. We said our hellos to our newfound fellow Smashers. One young blonde-haired boy that went by the name of Lucas engaged me in conversation, providing me with helpful tips before Mario shooed him away.

"I'll talk to you later, Lucina!" I waved, smiling. I had already made a new friend here. Mario motioned me towards a room that was separated by two, large gray doors. Robin and Chrom stood there, telling me to hurry.

"This, gentlemen and my fair lady, is the dining room."

Mario pushed open the doors, revealing us to a breath-taking sight. A large table that could hold fifty – no, possibly sixty – people. It was covered in the finest of silk – silk that I immediately recognized as being imported from Ylisse. The chandelier hung above the dining table; you could easily see the intricate designs that must've been painstakingly carved into. The walls were absolutely exquisite, and the carpet had the tournament's logo stiches into it. Around it had the names of all the participants; Robin's, Chrom's, and my name seemed to have been recently added in an absolutely gorgeous color of royal blue. I was reminded of home, of Ylisse. Gods, Emmeryn and Mother would've loved how beautiful everything was.

"This is where we obviously eat," Mario stated, letting us walk around. "We all take turns cooking. Whilegroups of us prepare food, other people are here, setting the table, chatting, making sure everything is perfect. As newcomers come along, we make adjustments as to who cooks, who sets the table, and who cleans." Mario stopped, making a gesture towards Robin.

"Er…You are Robin, correct?" Robin nodded. "Good, because you are the first newcomer to be on cooking duty!"

Robin's mouth dropped. "B-b-but I just got here! Can't I clean or something? I've never been much of a cook…"

Mario chuckled, patting Robin on the back despite the obvious height difference. "Trust me, Robin, cooking's better than cleaning up the remains. Besides, Link, Sonic, and Zelda will also be on cooking duty, so it's a great opportunity to meet them."

Robin continued to stutter, with Mario trying to explain that everyone could always smother the food with spices if it comes out to be a disaster ("It's what we do when Wolf cooks."). I couldn't help but laugh at Robin, causing him to give me a deathly glare. I felt so at home here. I'm sure Mother and Cynthia misses me. Inigo too. Only the gods know how hard I tried to bring that boy along, but he just kept claiming that his dances would be of no use here, though I personally believe he knows I will murder him if caught him staring at another woman.

"Well, well, well. It's the newbies and Sir Fat Plumber."

I turned around to find three people standing behind us. I could only recognize one: Captain Falcon. One person stood on his right, a disgusting little smirk on his face. He was of an incredible short stature, just slightly shorter than Mario. In matter of fact, everything about him reminded me of Mario, though it was all so…disgusting, for lack of better words. He wore yellow shirt and purple overalls, which had stains on it. Maribelle would throw him into the nearest river with some soap if she could. When he looked at me, he gave me a wink and whistled at me, although it sounded less like a whistle and more like a breathless man attempting to blow air into a balloon. I looked away, choosing to focus on the person that stood behind him. I wasn't sure exactly what he was. He reminded of the penguins I would see in Laurent's nature books.

Mario pulled me and Robin to the side. We both kneeled to hear what he was trying to tell us. "The fat, smelly one is Wario," he explained, occasionally giving cold stares to the trio. "The one that looks like a penguin is King Dedede, and I'm sure you both know who Captain Falcon is. They usually hang around each other, and I strongly urge you try your best to stay as far away from them as you can."

Robin and I looked at each other. He wore the same expression I held: confusion. Surely these people had to be of a respectable nature? One of them is a legend; the other a ruler, for the gods' sake! Then again, I've met my fair share of so-called "rulers."

Mario continued, ending our speechlessness. "Trust me, they are such idiots. No, not even that can describe them. You two won't like the impression they're gonna leave."

"I doubt they'll be too much trouble," I said. "I've a low tolerance for stupidity."

"Good. I can tell your father does, as well."

I looked up to see that Chrom was in midst of an argument with Captain Falcon. I haven't seen him this angry in quite the while, and it was frustrating to see Falcon and his little "friends" have such smug expressions on their faces. I stood, placing my hand on Falchion's hit, preparing myself to defend Father at a moment's notice. Robin grabbed my cape, causing me to nearly trip. I responded to his action with an evil look, demanding why he would so such a thing.

"Lucina, you know I would never do such a thing unless I was asking for a death wish, but I'm not. Let Chrom handle this one; I'm sure he can put those three idiots in their place." I nodded reluctantly, kneeling back down and watching the heated exchange continue.

"Listen up, blueberry. I don't want you or your daughter getting all high and mighty because you're related to him."

Chrom narrowed his eyes. I could see the fury burning brightly in his blue eyes. "Just because we're of a certain royal lineage does not mean we'll act like conceited jackasses, a trait that you have seemed to master quite well. You'd think the royalty present here would've shown you dastards wrong."

Falcon laughed, Wario and Dedede following suit. He stepped closer to Chrom, trying to provoke him. I looked at Robin, expressing my worry. He shook his head, telling me to just stay quiet. I could feel the anger rising, reaching the edge ever-so quickly. How dare they laugh in such a rude manner? If they know of our lineage, then they should surely know that my father isn't a force to be reckoned with, and neither am I.

Falcon continued his ignorant remarks. "Well, well, well, you've got backbone. I like that, but don't ya think it'll ruin your prissy little image? Be careful, you don't want that expensive silk cape of yours getting dirty. Same goes for the little chick over there. "

"Yeah, you royals aren't nothing more than lackluster bigots, too busy being sheltered away to learn about the big, bad world," Dedede added.

I couldn't take it anymore. I rose and, ignoring Robin's pleas, and walked over to where Father was, standing directly by his side. I eyed Dedede, deciding to release my unbridled rage on him first.

"How DARE you insult us in such a manner? Aren't you of royalty yourself, or are you someone who believes they have the power, the RESPECTED authority of a king, when in reality, you are nothing more than a disillusioned fool! You do not know the hardships that we have faced! We may be royalty, but we have fought harder and longer than any self-proclaimed warrior. We have faced more tragedies than one would care for! I am proud of both my lineage and my strength, and I know the same goes for my father! So don't you EVER talk about us in such a manner again! Do you understand me?"

They didn't respond. No one spoke a single word. I sighed heavily, knowing I could've held in my anger just a bit. I wanted to go off on the leader himself. I looked at my father, wondering his reaction. He smiled slightly, letting me know that he was proud of my little "inappropriate" reaction.

"My, my, my, that was quite a speech. I'm not even sure if I could replicate as eloquently as you did."

I turned to face the speaker, ready to call him out at on the possible sarcasm. Instead, I found myself unable to speak. My eyes widened in surprise. He looked different with new clothing, but I could recognize him from anywhere. That blue hair, the headband that mine's so closely resembled. It was hard to believe that he was standing before me, but I knew my eyes were not deceiving me.

It was truly him. The Hero-King himself, Marth.

"I apologize profusely for their extremely uncouth antics. They may be adequate fighters, but that doesn't excuse the things they have said."

"I consider myself more than an adequate fighter, Marth," Falcon said through gritted teeth. "In matter of fact, I'm superior to…certain people."

"To me, you are nothing more than an adequate fighter until you learn how to balance both strength and character."

Falcon was finally speechless. Wario and Dedede scoffed and gave glares towards Marth, though I can obviously see they were fazed by his words. I couldn't help but feel so amazed. He spoke firmly, showing no fear, just like I'd always imagined him to speak. However, he done so in few little words, getting his point across without the certain need for flair that I would see in people like Virion. It was absolutely stunning to see his heroic, dark blue eyes stare down his opponent. Gods, it's such a sight to see him standing before me, defending me and Father, like this.

Without saying another word, Falcon left, motioning for his little lackeys to come along. There was an obvious sign of shock on their face, but they said not a single word. They went after him, giving us one last look with their tongues out, acting as if they were nothing more than children. I will admit, I wanted to indulge in a bit of their childishness and return the gesture, but I knew Father wouldn't approve of such a thing.

Besides, I am in the presence of a true legend; I have to act accordingly.

"Thanks Marth. I swear I was going to use a Fire Flower on them if they stayed any longer," Mario said, chuckling.

"No problem, Mario. We wouldn't want to have violence before the tournament began, now would we?"

"You're right, though I'm sure I could've convinced the Hands it was nothing more than a little pre-tournament training."

Mario and Marth high-fived each other, though the action could be better compared to a young child trying to reach a piece of candy on the highest shelf. Knowing it was wrong, I laughed a bit too loudly, earning a stare from Chrom and a giggling Robin. I expected some type of reprimand, but instead Marth and Mario laughed along. I chuckled nervously before outright bursting into laughter.

"Hey Marth, shouldn't you give a proper introduction to our new friends?" Mario asked, gesturing towards us. "Best to start getting friendly with the newcomers in case we have that damn ally round again."

Marth laughed again. There was something special, unique even, about his laugh. It sounded like a soft combination of Chrom's laugh and my laugh. I smiled a little, making a mental note to ask Tiki if she remembers the Hero-King's laughter.

"I'm sure they know who I am, and of course I know of the people I'm related to." Marth looked at me, then to Chrom.

"What about me?" Robin whined. We all laughed, watching him pout.

"Yes, I know of you too, Robin. How could I not know of Ylisse's greatest tact-"

"PREPARE YOURSELF!" The loud yell interrupted Marth and startled us all. A man appeared out of a nowhere behind Marth, a brightly-shining golden blade raised above his head. I recognized the weapon as Ragnell, though it looked nothing like it did in my land. I immediately drew my sword, ready to jump in and fight.

"Ike, you damn idiot!" Marth drew Falchion instantly, quicker and swifter than I drew my own. The way Falchion looked was of a simpler design than mine. I stared in awe as he gracefully spun on his heel and parried the attack. Marth managed to disarm Ike by slicing towards Ike's torso, only to quickly change direction and aim for Ike's hand, catching him off guard and making him drop Ragnell. Letting no time pass, he appeared behind Ike in a swift manner, as if he slid across the floor. One arm was wrapped around Ike's waist, and Falchion was held against his throat.

"To think he's some Hero-King, huh? Shouldn't you be, oh, I don't know, peaceful instead of violent?" Ike looked at my weapon, then up to me. "Oh, I hope you're not gonna kill me either. The name's Ike, but I'm sure you already knew that. Sorry for the circumstances in which we are meeting."

Marth pushed Ike away from him. The mercenary laughed, claiming Marth was only acting like this because we were in front of company. Marth countered, claiming he rudely interrupted his sentence. Indeed, I knew much about the Radiant Hero, thanks to Priam's non-stop talks about him, but I didn't expect him to look like this. He was the complete opposite of Marth: wild hair, a loud personality, and muscular. If you met him for the first time, you wouldn't believe he was the leader of the Greil Mercenaries.

"You know what?" Mario said. He had a tired expression, probably annoyed by all of the antics. "How about you guys go on and explore the mansion on your own? I…I need to rest." Mario shook each of our hands and left. Marth decided that he and Ike should be leaving as well. He wished us all a good time and, despite Ike's protests, left as well.

A silence formed until Robin said, "Well guys, I think we're gonna like it here."

"Yes," Chrom agreed, "it is certainly…lively here."

"I know it will be amazing here," I said. Chrom wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I nuzzled against him, letting Robin talk about the kinds of opponents we'll face. I stood there, listening absentmindedly. The battle between Ike and Marth replayed in my mind. It was short, quick, and it amazed me how quickly Marth won, even though it was just a friendly battle. The experience of witnessing just a snippet of his battle skill made me even more excited for the tournament. I could clearly see exactly why he was the Hero-King. That, coupled with what Tiki told me, ignited a whole new respect in me.

"So, Lucy, what is your goal?" Robin asked me, breaking my train of thought. "Huh?" I responded.

"What. Is. Your. Goal. Ya know, what is the one thing you want to have during this tournament? I just want to have so much fun at our time here. It's something the three of us deserve, right?"

"Right. Personally, I just want to cheer you two on." Chrom patted my head.

"Father!" I protested, squirming away from him. "That's…embarrassing."

"Don't worry, Lucina, it's only me and Robin here."

"Remind to tell the whole world about Daddy's Little Girl." I gave a death glare to Robin, who only gave a laugh in his response. "So, what is your goal?" he asked again.

I kept quiet. I hadn't really gave much thought to it. After all, I was under the assumption that everyone's goal was to win. But, after what I saw today, and what Robin and Father said to me, people had their own little individual goals to achieve here, and that includes me.

"My goal is," I started, trying to sound as calm and firm as Marth, "is to become as powerful as the man I'd once masqueraded as."

Well, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I tried to write to write the action scene as best as I could. Hopefully, this story will help me advance in my action scenes. Thanks for reading~!