Dall Ar Saol

Part I: White Clouds

An Inevitable Encounter

@dallarsaol​

The sound of metal clashing had been something that has accompanied Yuichiro since he could recall; he was born in war and raised into war.

He had been training since he was even too small to hold a sword, his wooden katana was too heavy between his childish fingers and yet despite all the blisters on his young hands, the physical strain he had to go through and all the blood he had spilled with his katana, it had become almost part of his own being, natural like the act of breathing to him.

He was born naturally talented, determined and stubborn under the guide and hard training of his father Guren who brought him along in all of his missions across Fódlan as the leader of his mercenary company until a fated encounter had changed both of their lives completely.

Or at least Yuu thought so, as apparently the old man never told him to be a living legend and the most powerful Knight around who once served the Church of Seiros before he had started his mercenary career. 

With a sharp hiss cutting the air the sword moved in front of him in a fast sequence; his mind was blank, eyes closed and breath perfectly under control, there was no unnecessary movement of his arms, his body was moving instinctively following every single teaching from his father that had been engraved in his own very soul.

He had woken up particularly early that morning to find himself in a bed he was still getting used to and a room he had still to feel as his own in that different environment (not like he had ever owned a room or a house anyways before that), troubled by a recurring dream he still could not seem to translate in his memories; war and blood appeared in that dimension, but it was no war he could remember. 

Was that a woman…? There was hatred, so much anger raising he could almost feel it crashing his bones. And that throne… Who the hell was that child with long beautiful purple hair…? He still could not tell if it was a girl or a boy…

For now he could only keep on training, the sword was the only thing he knew he could not do wrong. 

“I need to get ready for this new class thing I guess huh..” the blade struck the air on the side, a few drops of sweat rolling down the young male’s temple. 

The air was clear and filled with the sound of the cathedral bells that called the first of the morning hours. The night’s chill still lingered on the edge of his breath but Dimitri was undeterred by the last vestiges of winter that held onto the edges of the Great Tree Moon. The temperatures here were nothing like he was used to in Faerghus. If anything the brisk air reminded him of home. 

He was far from the capital of Fhirdiad here at Gareg Mach but his attendance to the military academy had never been a question. Dimitri didn’t truly mind it; he still lacked in strength in far too many ways and he knew the studying here would help bridge many of the gaps. That much went without saying.

Perhaps what he found truly astounding was the identity of their newest professor. Though introductions had not yet been made to all of his classmates, as house leader he’d been informed who it was to be. The sudden appearance of Yu and Guren at the monastery had everyone in a flutter; that someone as young as Yu was to be appointed as a professor nearly as shocking as Guren’s return from the dead. Dimitri was certain a few of his classmates would be skeptical but... 

The sword all but sang as it swung through the air, its telltale song lingering in Dimitri’s ears and pulling his attention upwards. Early morning training had brought his paces here on instinct, though he might be served better preparing for class than swinging a lance, yet somehow he found himself more at ease here. If he began the day with training, he could will his mind to focus on the remainder of the day. He hadn’t expected company. 

The swordplay was mesmerizing; even Dimitri who knew nothing of the style could tell the form was flawless. Power and speed melded and shorn of the battlefield Dimitri could better appreciate the skill that had saved them earlier. Their new professor was incredibly strong and if he could teach Dimitri some of that strength, the Faerghus heir would do whatever he had to. Dimitri was certain it wouldn’t take long for the others to see it as well. 

A gift? 

The very notion was enough to immediately pick at his guard. Gifts so freely given in Krakenburg were either meant to curry favour or to incite one’s demise, and it was hardly uncommon for it to be both in the same token. Though Askr far from Nohr’s borders, Leo doubted politics truly so changed as that. It wasn’t the first time Roy had offered him something, and Leo could not deduce the reason for the other’s persistence. 

What could he possibly stand to gain by it? 

“While I appreciate the gesture, I cannot help but wonder why you would part with something so treasured.” A family heirloom was not something to be handed out lightly, particularly when it had been guarded for so long. 

A growl rose from Isaac as that man pressed down more firmly. If he didn’t act soon the bandit would be dead. Couldn’t one life be spared? Was their act, their sin, so much that it demanded death? If so, then there wasn’t a prayer to be had for Isaac’s…

“I said get off him!” He snapped, but the man insisted on his line of questioning. “I hesitate so I can find another way!” Like now. He could snap and throw out attacks to get this man away from the bandit, but that could lead to both the bandit’s and Isaac’s death. That man was strong. His sword’s reach was farther than Isaac’s. Even if they had the same skill level the advantage was not Isaac’s.

“Yes!” Finally he couldn’t stand seeing the bandit suffer a moment longer. “Healer!” He cast in a second, closing the wound on the bandit. The spell had been used by him so often he could fire it off in the blink of an eye these days. “Every life is valuable. There is nothing that can weigh the same as taking a life. How can you live while taking lives so carelessly?!”

“And you believe this path of yours is the right one? How far then will you go to defend it?” How strong was his commitment, his drive? How much would he bear before he faltered under the weight of such lofty ideals? 

Gaius can sense the build of the arte, was prepared to fend it off when it heals the bandit instead. He wonders which act was ultimately the more foolish one. This boy was just that, a boy; still so naive about the world and its ways, given to the appeal of ideals that the world could not sustain. 

“And when this bandit attacks another caravan, will you be there to defend it? And when he kills the merchant for his coin, are you prepared to say the same to his widow?” Gaius does not move an inch, healed or not the bandit remains pinned beneath his weight and at the tip of his blade. 

She sure saw what the prince is talking about. Anyone with minimal bare of brain faculty could tell people are faking it towards the royal siblings–well, not all, that’s a relief. This whole hostile atmosphere was something that caused her a lot of concern since it is radically opposite to what she or her father sought to create. It baffles her how the army is in unity despite this…’disdain’ he spoke of. Perhaps, fear? Who knows. For now, she is to assess bring peace to this realm so she can bring back her friends home. They made it crystal clear that they are not leaving this world until they do what they promised Anakos with. Plus, the promise Anakos made it for them kind of piqued Lucina’s interest–saving their own world, even if a little bit, she is willing to take this new risk to see that happen. Her friends and family may not be revived but if the world for who left there could be saved then…as the Exalt of that world, she has to ensure her duty is met with utmost dedication. 

The reasoning behind his question was honestly, justifiable. As he mentioned a minute ago, people not only feel somewhat contempt to the royal siblings, but it was obvious whoever faked loyalty was after something. Lucina, even after Leo’s reassurance, felt the need to prove that she is there for him, not just by words. Her right hand rest on her chest, eyes catching the prince’s and stared right into them. She had always spoken with everyone directly so it might make the prince how a retainer could have this ‘courage’ to speak on almost equal terms with their lord. 

“Sir, there are different reasons for my appearance here and joining your cause but know that whatever they may, my sword is yours, my strength is yours. Lord Xander, Lady Camilla, and Lady Elize are fine and wonderful individuals on their own no doubt about it, as well as you, my lord. I have to be honest with you that choosing you was because of a um, a duel between Odin and the others. Luck may have chosen me to be of your assets but my convictions are real.” it may have been wise not to disclose that little childish play to get to her to join one of the royal siblings but Lucina valued being honest and upfront (even though it was just most of the time her nature to speak her mind.) 

A duel? 

Leo was brought to a standstill, blinked for a few long moments as he processed that information. He brought to mind the sight of Odin some time ago, battered as though he’d been in a scuffle. When Leo had asked the only reply he earned for his trouble was something about ‘conquering the great forces that would steal the great light from his grasp’. Leo hadn’t pried, he’d learned long ago all that would earn him was a headache. Suddenly it made a great deal more sense.  So Lucina had chosen to serve him because Odin had challenged the others? 

A chuckle.  Then another.  Soon Leo’s laughter echoed a cadence against the stone walls. 

“Is that so?” Amusement danced in his expression, joined by what looks like relief. The mystery of the motive to her allegiance had weighed heavily on his mind. Leo had pondered the reason, had come up with near a dozen possibilities yet that the true answer was such a simple one... 

“Well then, it would seem that I owe Odin for his efforts.” Leo answered. Lucina had quickly demonstrated her ability as the unwavering nature of her convictions. he could hear it now in the words she spoke with such sincerity. People like her were a rare thing in Nohr, and that he could count on her sword was something he would not take for granted. 

“Do not worry, I’ve seen no reason to question your convictions.” As for her own goals, though Leo would much like to know what they might be, he would trust in that Odin prepared to vouch for her. Like as not their familiarity with each other suggested their goals not dissimilar. He never had gotten a straight answer from Odin about his past. 

     WELL, wasn’t he a boring one ? Spices did offer a sort of EXCITEMENT in life that no other flavours could but ah, so be it. It seemed like she couldn’t change his mind and besides, everyone had their own preferences so she wasn’t going to push for it anymore. She wouldn’t want to drive the prince away after all. ❛ Let me at least cook dinner for the both of us. I still hope to ASTOUND you with my cooking skills ! If not then … we’ll just enjoy our own meals together. ❜ Of course, she would keep his preferences in mind if she was granted the OPPORTUNITY to cook for him. She would rather develop TRUST between them as opposed to have him doubt her abilities or even her character because of her desire to mess around. She certainly learned that the hard way back in Ylisse. Although, it wouldn’t stop her from fooling around completely.

     ❛ Training as in … magic ? You need to relax a little. I understand that training is important but you should loosen up even if it’s just for a night. Enjoying a proper break every now and then is IMPORTANT, isn’t it ? ❜ Although, her enjoying breaks seemed to a rather COMMON occurrence but that was besides the point. ❛ But I suppose if you don’t have the energy for anything else then that too is understandable. And since I don’t have any plans for the rest of the night, I’d like to join you anyways. ❜

Leo still couldn’t quite grasp her fascination with him. He was hardly the most social of those that Corrin had adopted into their army. Where some reached out and sought to connect with near every soldier, Leo generally kept to himself beyond the war councils. His siblings, his retainers, of course, but he made no point to go out of his way to be social. This was a war, after all. He wasn’t here to make friends. 

That did not, however, mean that he would not show the due courtesy to those he encountered, which for the evening it would appear to be Celine. She was certainly determined to share his evening. 

“Very well.” It seemed easier to acquiesce than try to escape her. Perhaps she would discover he was hardly so interesting as she seemed to believe. 

He smiled fondly in response. With his friends he’d faced on the world. The Shepherd had his Prime Lord, Squires, and his Sub Lords. Alisha and Dezel had been there in spirit if not in person. “I don’t mean to forget about my friends that helped me on the Shepherd’s path. They were important. Every single one of them. Without Gramps I wouldn’t be alive and raised in the village.”

He wouldn’t change a thing. There’s people he wished he could have saved, but everything happened for a reason - or so he thought.

He smiled in happiness. Excitement brightened his features. “There’s a village with a great tree in the middle. I’ve wanted to see how its developed over the years. And Ladylake! It’s where I started my journey. But really I started when I found Alisha in the ruins here.”

Laphicet tried to picture the places Sorey described as he spoke of them. He’d watched the world grow and change from the time that he’d walked it with Velvet, had seen nations rise and fall, had watched the way people slowly forgot the truths of the past. It was sad sometimes, but he would always come across those that searched for the truth, those that didn’t give up on believing in the world he’d once dreamed of. 

People walked their paths freely, their own choices and will guiding their journeys. 

Now that he’d slept with Sorey for so long, and being clouded by malevolence before that, the world felt entirely new and fresh. So many things could have changed, or maybe none of them did. But the growing sense of adventure but a light in his eyes. 

She was quite nervous about this in general since she did know she wasn’t the best fighter but she really did want to prove something. Flora even had her idea of what she wanted in mind, even if asked she would be in denial. What made her more relaxed was that she wouldn’t be alone in this. Even if Odin was a bit… excited in his methods, they seemed to work.

“I will appreciate all the help that I can receive, even from yourself.” Something about that made her heart skip a beat but she dare didn’t show that on her face. Instead, she made her thoughts go elsewhere. “…What would happen if I fail?” She didn’t want to think about it and it did give her more will to succeed. 

“I have every reason to believe you are capable of succeeding.” Leo answered simply. He did not make a habit of asking of those who served them for things beyond their capacity to accomplish. Or rather, he did not do so when their task was what he intended to accomplish. He still recalled the series of impossible tasks he’d assigned to Odin in attempts to rid himself of the man. Instead the other had proven his worth beyond question by accomplishing them anyways. 

“I would not ask it of you if I thought you incapable of it.” A shake of the head. “But if you feel you’ve need of motivation, then should you prove incapable this time then you would needs remain behind while Niles, Odin and I accomplish the mission. Should you fail repeatedly then we would need to reconsider your appointment to one better suited to your level of ability.” 

After the Sixth Trumpet had been defeated a few days ago the sky had taken its original colour from what Yuu and everyone else who had survived the apocalypse could remember for the past years. Clouds scattered above their heads would stain the moon once in a while and yet, it was hard for Yuu to take its eyes off from the beauty that was displaying in front of his eyes. All those years trapped in Sanguinem everyone had dreamt of the outside world how they remembered it; sometimes Yuu had even feared he was going to forget what it meant to feel the summer breeze on his skin and what colours the sunset would reveal at the end of the day. Humans were never meant to be kept in a cage.

Perhaps it was thanks to his new growing strength but somehow, the billions of stars seemed to burn brighter than he could remember, peacefully watching over humanity and what was left of their world.

Can you see that Asuramaru? Damn it’s quite amazing huh. I’m sure one day we’ll get to see this side by side ya know, I’ll get you out of your chains soon.

“Huh is that so?” the green eyes finally focused back on the figure who standing next to him “Or perhaps you’re just extra good at sneaking in, like a ghost haha.” Yuu wiggled his fingers playfully.

Since they had betrayed the Japanese Imperial Demon Army everyone had struggled more than before to rest; Shinoa and the squad all had their nerves on the edge, every day was a bet and a plan, a hope to survive and a guess on what was the best next step to take. Since he was a kid and the day his parents had tried to kill him, Yuichiro had never really found peace at night so in a way he was pretty much used to the feeling, to the constant stress and fear to allow his eyes to close. The heaviness on his bones was a burden he could endure and the days he ended up spending in that tank underground, plus whatever drugs he was given it was enough of a rest to make him go for some time. 

It was one reason Yuu wouldn’t mind taking the night shift to patrol, everyone deserved some rest after the hard training with a full on berserk Seraph after all.

“Nothing really.” even in the darkness Mika’s eyes glimmered, a darker shade of red to what it was during the day. “Tomorrow I need to work harder into my training if I really want to use this power ya know, I can’t just keep turning into this monster and not being able to do what we need it to do.”

It was hard to not worry his family, Yuu was aware of it. Mika’s concern had always followed him, the way Kimizuki offered to complete tasks that Yuu should have done and how Mitsuba had made sure he would take breaks in between trainings. They were not stupid and for how much he did his very best to conceal the weary shadow creeping in his eyes, for how many times he would hide all his suffering with a smile, the burden on his shoulder would only get bigger and heavier day after day. 

He was so tired… How long was he going to be able to hide it?

He was clinging so hard to that tragic life of his, he was grasping so desperately to what he had left of it and yet it was so difficult to not get crashed by the weight of his failures. His own very existence was a failure,

a monster like him was never supposed to be alive.

How long before he’d lose whatever was left of his humanity? How much time was it left for his family before he’d transform completely into a vampire? Was he going to success into reviving Akane and the others? Get to free Asuramaru from his chains? Take away all the sins weighing on Guren’s back?

Yuichiro was only 16 but he had no other option but to success.

Losing Mika and everything he lived for was not an alternative for him.

“What’s on your mind?” with a smile Yuu redirected the question to Mika.

The wiggling fingers earn Yuu a raised brow and a skeptical look. Was that supposed to be a pun on the fact that vampires weren’t technically alive? Yuu wasn’t wrong in that sense. Mika hadn’t put any particular effort into concealing his presence, but he couldn’t deny that it was instinctual on some level. Part of the monster he was now. 

“If I’m a ghost then I’m going to be your personal poltergeist.”  

The stars spatters against the sky overhead, laying a blanket of silence over the world, enticing it with the lie of peacefulness as though one could believe for a fleeting moment that the world was normal. As though Mikaela’s only family wasn’t slowly destroying himself, wasn’t surrendering his heart and his humanity one piece at a time for a world that didn’t deserve it. 

“Nothing, huh? I find that hard to believe.” Mika plops himself down behind Yuu, leaning back just enough that his back presses against his family’s. He lets his head crane upwards. How many times had he watched the stars alone in those years, renewing his vow that he would save him? He had quietly promised these very stars he would rescue Yuu no matter what. 

They must be laughing at him now. He’d finally found his family again, yet he kept failing over and over again. All this time and he still hadn’t saved his family. It was enough for the air to catch in his chest. 

All this time, all his work, enduring being a vampire and he accomplished nothing.

Mikaela didn’t miss the way the question was reversed before Yuu had really given an answer and he turned the words over in his mind. The weight in the air around them is almost tangible, but its one with all his newfound strength, Mika isn’t sure he knows how to lift. 

“I was just thinking that my family is out here lost in thoughts that make him look ready to buckle, but he doesn’t want to tell me what’s bothering him.” Mika glances over his shoulder with an almost wry expression.