Dawn's Destiny

A Standing Solider ~ Chapter 102

"Once a hero, always a hero, that's what the legends wrote," Chrom sighed as he the heroes walked together down the road. They felt the hot air surrounding them even though it was snowing. Flames were simply too much for the snowy weather to fight back.

Byleth ordered, "TOGETHER WE WILL FOREVER PRESS FORWARD TO A BETTER FUTURE OF OUR LAND!" The heroes all smiled in agreement as they walked in union. They felt like an army even though there were 8 of them. They were unstoppable and they weren't going to let someone like Magnus take them by surprise.

"We have what it takes to retake our lands and end this nasty war once and forever," Alear yelled. The heroes all smiled in agreement as they continued pressing down the path. Dawn was still the home they had to retake, no telling if anyone was breathing anything.

"Time... I declared myself as Time itself now. I can't stand down and let Magnus win..." Chrom explained. Time got excited and hugged him. Then they continued walking down the road. The heroes searched the area and then they came across a forest.

Byleth questioned, "Didn't Forest Earthfall used to be here?" Chrom walked in and noticed it was humming the medley, but it appeared to be playing in a monotone manner and slowed. He stood there staring around the forest. It felt like it was... ominous, no happiness.

"Huh... Forest Earthfall has the pond but the natural beauty of it is gone..." Chrom explained as he searched the area. He couldn't help but feel the sad aura that came from the skating rink. He got down to it and started to skate around. Remembering everything that had happened over the years. There was no more happiness in the forest, it was a reflection of the entire world itself.

What did Magnus do to the entire world? What was left behind after he dumped all his trash everywhere. There was still so much to think about but all he could think about was the beautiful Forest Earthfall was no more. It was... something else, something he no longer recognized as familiar. There was nothing recognizable anymore... it was just... silence.

Kirby sighed, "I miss Forest Earthfall. It was the only happy place on this planet and now it's nothing." Chrom nodded in agreement as he continued skating. Byleth and Alear joined him as they skated in union. All of them were quiet, enjoying the scenery and the sad monotone sounds. It really did fit the vibe.

Alear sighed, "I should've visited Forest Earthfall more. It's such a pretty place..." Chrom nodded in agreement as he felt himself spinning around in circles. He couldn't help but feel a little bit of joy. Even if that meant trying to close in all his emotions. Still he decided to persist through all the pain that he held deep within himself.

Byleth sighed, "Hm... the weather is super dry but that won't change the fun we're going to have in this forest." Chrom nodded in agreement as he continued skating. Soon everyone became blurred out, Chrom had him and his thoughts only. The sad hollow memory really shined through. He couldn't help but feel miserable.

His family was somewhere, but who knew if they were alive. Only Magnus could tell if they were alive. Magnus knew far too much and experienced the horror because he was the one responsible for it all. It didn't matter to Magnus at all who died. It didn't matter. But Chrom was worried, worried that Magnus did something to his children.

Chrom continued skating around over and over again. Thinking of the hollow memories. "Chrom..." He kept his eyes closed before hearing his name being called out again. Chrom looked over as he noticed Byleth was trying to gain his attention. He stopped skating and Byleth's face became unblurred.

Chrom replied, "Apologies, I was really lost in thought right there." He looked at him and smiled lightly. Byleth smiled back at him as he cleared his throat.

"That's quite alright, Mario wanted to talk to you,"

"Mario?"

"Mhm, he's waiting for you right now," Chrom walked over to Mario as he watched him. He waved at him as Mario waved back to Chrom. He stood up and got himself cleaned off as Chrom stood there in front of him.

Mario sighed, "I couldn't gain your attention so I got Byleth to get your attention. Hope you don't mind." Chrom nodded as he got his arms stretched for a bit.

"I don't mind one bit, what's troubling you?" Mario took a few deep breaths as he handed something to Chrom. "What's this?" He looked at it in confusion; it looked like a badge of some sort. He smiled at Mario as Mario got himself ready to explain everything.

Mario sighed, "Well... this is a special badge of some sort." Chrom's eyes lightened as he looked at it more.

"Ooh! What is the badge for?" He kept looking at it, this time he was filled with curiosity. Mario was fiddling for a moment before taking a long deep breath. He fixed himself and looked toward Chrom.

Mario replied, "I wanted you to command us through this." Chrom stared at the badge and then his eyes widened from shock. The others looked at him and nodded in agreement.

"C-Command you!?" He stood there in silence as he looked around at everyone in disbelief. "I... WHAT!?"