A Character's World

A Little Gift

(Tiki's POV)

 "That was certainly invigorating, even if I had to lean on you to start," I remarked. 

 "You did great! Just remember to do your weekly exercises," Caleb reiterated. 

 "I will. I want function in my legs as soon as possible."

 Katie had given me some exercises to do. She wanted me to walk a little bit each day until I went to see her again.

 I noticed Caleb was pulling into a carpark. "What are you doing?" I inquired.

 "I wanted to get you something to celebrate your first day of therapy," he replied. 

 "Oh, you don't have to get me anything," I protested, but he had already left.

 I looked out the window and saw we had parked at a post office. Caleb came back with a small parcel in his hands. "This is for you," he said. He handed me the neatly wrapped package. 

 I was unsure of what to do. "Should I wait until we get home?" I asked. 

 "Nah, open it now."

 I tentatively tore the wrapping paper. I couldn't believe what was inside. "You- you bought me Shadow Dragon?!" I exclaimed. 

 "I found it on sale online, so I bought it for you," he explained.

 I hugged him with all my strength. "Thank you so much!" 

 "Heh, don't mention it. You can play it on my 3DS at home."

 I suddenly became sad. "But I won't be able to bring Marth to this world," I realised with dismay. 

 Caleb wagged a finger. "Not so fast. I have a plan for that. You know the ray gun Avram used? Well, when the explosion happened and the characters flooded out, Sayori found it smoking on the ground brought it home. I think it only has one use left and I wanted to save it for Marth." 

 I stared at the game case and tried my hardest not to cry. My efforts were in vain. I sobbed in joy as I cradled the game to my chest. "Mar-Mar, I'm finally going to see you again!" I wailed happily. I sensed Caleb was smiling happily.

 When we arrived home, I had an idea. "I want to walk inside. I don't care if I'm leaning on you," I said defiantly. 

 "Fine by me. I'll just have to come back for the wheelchair," Caleb faked a sighed. I rested my weight on Caleb's shoulder, but I did walk with my own two legs.

 We entered the house to see the living room packed. "Ah! Lady Tiki arrives with her noble steed," Owain declared. 

 "I feel so pleased to be her noble steed," Caleb jokes.

 Chrom stood up and helped me to a chair. "It's good to see you walking again, Tiki," he smiled warmly. 

 "It feels good to be walking again, even if my legs feel like they could collapse at any moment," I replied wryly. 

 "It's a long road to recovery," Yuri nodded.

 "What did the therapist have you do?" Sayori asked eagerly. 

 "Yeah, tell us!" Lissa added with the same enthusiasm. 

 "Oh, just a few simple workouts. Walking around the room, walking without assistance, that kind of thing," I answered. 

 "How did you go on these workouts?" Robin queried. 

 "I can walk a short distance, but I need someone supporting me. I am unable to walk by myself for now." 

 "If you ever require aid, we can help you," Lucina offered. 

 "Thank you for the generous offer, but I think my housemates can fulfil my needs," I assured them.

 I saw Owain's eyes flicker down to the item in my hands. "Pray tell us what gift you have received. It's making my sword hand tingle in anticipation!" I smiled wide and held up the case for all to see. 

 "By the gods, is that..." 

 "Shadow Dragon? Yes. It means we can finally bring Marth to our world!" I answered Chrom. 

 "But I thought the device was destroyed?" Robin was puzzled.

 Caleb went and got the device in question from his room. "You mean, this device?" He held it up for everyone to see. It was charred and looked like it could break at any second, but it is the key to bringing Mar-Mar here. My precious Mar-Mar...

 Lissa was the first to speak. "We can finally meet the Hero-King!" she cheered. 

 Lucina was petrified. "We can finally meet him?! Oh no, what will he think of me when he finds out that I used his name!?" 

 Chrom pulled his daughter close. "You are just the hero that he is, Lucina. I'm sure he will think the same."

 I studied the case for what felt like the twentieth time. "I want to complete the game first, so you'll have some time to think what you want to say to him." 

 "We'll leave you to it, then." Lissa jumped up from her seat.

 "We should get going before it gets too late," Robin added. 

 "It was nice to see you," I nodded. 

 "Same to you," Lucina nodded politely. She was the last one out the door. "Morgan will probably come over in the next few days. Just so you're prepared for her, um..." She struggled to find the right word. 

 "Excitableness?" Caleb offered. 

 "I don't think that is a real word, but let's go with it." 

 I smiled. "I'll be ready." Lucina walked out the door.

 Robyn said something to Monika while Caleb went to collect my wheelchair. "Do you mind making dinner tonight? I have to finish my project with Henry." 

 The Doki smirked. "Sure. I'll let you be with your boyfriend." 

 "For the last time he's not my boyfriend!" Robyn blushed and locked herself in her room.

 "I still think he's a creep. I don't get what she sees in him," Natsuki said her piece. 

 "It's her first love, cut her some slack." Caleb re-entered the house. "Though I do agree with you about Henry. That guy is a weirdo."

 I chuckled. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you were talking about the Henry from my world." 

 "No, that guy is just morbid," Sayori remarked with a shudder. We laughed.

 I played Shadow Dragon for the rest of the day, only having a break to have my fill of Monika's wonderful dinner she had prepared.