Our First Meeting

This takes place after the battle with “Marth.”

I listen to their conversations quietly. 

Until… this guy… comes into my view. (I can’t… take my eyes off of him...)

(Who is this guy…?)

(Former champion…)

(He’s better than Marth no doubt.)

(Oh how I would have loved to see his tournaments… the things I could have—)

Lissa voice cuts off my inner thoughts.

(Big… and strong…?)

(His voice…)

(Would he react the same way towards me…?)

(Things are happening so fast…)

(Just like that…?)

(He really did just accept it!!) 

(Wait… that means he will join this team…)

(How do I approach him?!)

Thoughts race in my mind… Trying to piece together of what I’ve heard earlier.

(Tournaments are probably held probably every 3-4 years…? )(And Basilio has been in power for a long time… right?)

(So, even if he… was only in 2 tournaments… he’s been here for at least 6-8 years being champion…?) 

(Just how much power does this guy possess…?)

I find myself staring at his face as I think… absentmindedly and our eyes meet….

(Huh…?) 

Lon’qu: “…” Just as quickly though as our meeting eyes lock for like 1 second, he looks away.

Laura: “…” (What was that about…?) 

I don’t even notice the rapid beat of my heart… just replaying the fleeting stare in my mind and the fact that I cannot look away…

That evening when we reach back to camp, I am determined to find both Robin.

Laura: “Robin!! For the next mission, can you pair me up with Lon’qu? Please.” 

Robin (male): “You never approached me before… Pair up with Lon’qu huh? I'll work out the details, but count me in for making this work.”

Laura: “Thank you! All of them okay! Whatever he’s on, I want to be his partner!”

He laughs. 

Robin (male): “I'll make sure you two stick together whenever it makes sense for the battle.”

(Don’t underestimate me. I will be his partner regardless!)

Laura: “Don’t worry if even if you don’t pair me up with him, I will fight by his side.”

I walk off to find the other tactician, not bothering to hear his reply. 

Robin male chuckles. “Her dedication to fighting alongside Lon'qu is quite noted.”

Robin (female) sees me approaching her.

Robin (female): “What’s wrong, Laura? You never come in contact with anyone really.”

Laura: “I do… if I need to, but that’s not the point! I need you to pair me up with Lon’qu. Please.”

Robin (female): “Oh? You want to pair up with Lon'qu? Your war cleric skills, healing to keep him steady and axes to hold the line, would pair nicely with his lightning fast sword strikes. I'm all for it! It’s a smart combination.”

Laura: “Thank you! All of them okay?”

She laughs.

Robin (female): “I'll make sure you two are teamed up whenever it fits the plan.”

Laura: “I’m letting you know that I will work so much harder when Lon’qu is around.”

Robin (female): “I hear you loud and clear. I'll prioritize pairing you with Lon'qu whenever it suits the battle plan, I promise.”

I thank her again and make my way back to my tent.

I lay on my makeshift bed and smile to myself. (He won’t even know why both our tacticians will keep pairing me up with him for missions.) 

That thought makes me laugh quietly to myself. (He’ll try to avoid me, but he can’t avoid me forever...) 

(How do I learn more about… Lon’qu…?)

Looking forward to my first mission with him possibly even tomorrow, I eventually drift off to sleep.