It's quite nice being the spectator for once, Lon'qu muses, leaning against the railing of the arena. Marth fights quite skillfully, though his supporting army is quickly and effectively decimated by the ruthless strategies of the Ylissean strategist. And additionally, Marth seems to lack the same ardor that he had fought Lon'qu with.

Now that he is no longer focused on staying alive, Lon'qu has more time to observe the twin Falchions – Marth's, and Chrom's. By appearances, they're completely identical. He notes this observation with detached interest and refocuses his attention towards the battle.

The Ylissean army presses forward relentlessly, and Marth surrenders. Too easy, Lon'qu thinks. Why had Marth been so keen on defeating him and not the Ylissean League? It's curious, but he cannot come up with a logical explanation at the moment.

The next day, Basilio delivers the news of Lon'qu's reassignment. "I've promised you to the Ylissean cause," he says. "Just as a show of the West Khan's support. Marth will stay and act as my champion, so I can spare you. I think it's high time you went out and saw the world."

He nods curtly. "I'll do whatever is asked of me."

Basilio laughs. "I know you will, Lon'qu. Just do me a favor, okay? Try to lighten up a bit."

"Hmph," Lon'qu grunts noncommittally. "No promises."

Shrugging resignedly, Basilio continues. "The rest of the army's resting up in their quarters, so you've got the whole night to pack up before they leave. You don't need to bring everything – I'm sure you'll come back alive and well so I'll keep your room here for you."

Lon'qu nods. Basilio's complete confidence in his abilities is quite reassuring, if anything else. "I'll see you when it's all over, then," he replies.

That night, he sits on a grassy knoll, alone with his thoughts. The stars twinkle down on him, and his mind drifts to her, as it so often does. If Ke'ri were still here, what would she be doing?

Would she have been captured by Walhart's forces? Or would she have joined the resistance that Say'ri started? He stares off into the boundless sky, lost in his thoughts of what could have been.

Just then, a star flashes brilliantly and streaks towards the far reaches of the night. Soon, its brothers join its race towards the edges of the heavens. Lon'qu wonders why they rush to plunge towards their deaths. There's a bittersweet taste in his mouth, and though his eyes prickle with unshed tears, they remain dry.

Then, out of nowhere, her last words ring true in his head. "Lon'qu, I promise to love you always."

For some reason, leaving Regna Ferox feels as though he is leaving her behind. A chapter of his life closes, and a new one begins.

He shuts his eyes, and for the first time since her death, the tears finally come.

A/N: Recently got a concussion, which is why this update is so late :P It's been a long and crazy ride, and I want to thank everybody who's stuck with this fic and reviewed it these past couple of years :) A special shoutout to Dreams In Azure, PlegianAlterCake, and LaceKyoko for your lovely reviews that keep me going!