spring

#1 is Laios' Izutsumi:

extra detail on her cat parts

more monster-y traits present

outfit mistake

#2 is Marcille's Izutsumi:

influenced by their time in the Golden Country

a little more chill than the others

softer hair

#3 is Senshi's Izutsumi:

details of puffed up fur

this izutsumi is skinnier than the others (ribs showing)

^^ senshi must take care of the child

#4 is Chilchuck's Izutsumi:

rounded ears like marcille's

eyes kinda look like his kids puckpatti and flertom

―

Retrace the Path of Glory

It was a beautiful sunny day.

On a gentle hill with a stunning view of the outskirts of town, a man stood all by himself. He knelt respectfully, and set down a white bouquet. His hands were careful, as if he worried about damaging the delicate flowers. Though it showed signs of age, the gravestone before him was well taken care of, and the sight alone filled him with nostalgia.

He closed his eyes, thinking back to his old mentor—only to feel a presence behind him, causing him to turn around.

"…Oh dear, looks like someone is already here. I'm not interrupting, am I?"

Standing there was a figure resembling a grim reaper—smiling at him, their glossy, jet-black hair dancing in the wind.

―

"Do you actually come here every year?"

"Yes. Although, there have been years where my duties didn't allow me to."

As Ky Kiske rose to his feet, the grim reaper stepped forward to stand beside him.

With genuine admiration, they muttered:

"How considerate of you. Being king, I imagine you must have many responsibilities, and yet, you still go out of your way to visit."

"I can tell you frequently come here, as well."

"Yes, sometimes… When I find myself recalling the past, and feel like talking about it."

Ky thought using the word "sometimes" seemed slightly disingenuous, considering the pristine state of the gravestone before them, but he wasn't so tactless as to point it out.

"Coming here always brings back all sorts of old memories, doesn't it?"

"Heheh, so it's the same for you?"

"I do owe so much to Sir Kliff. I know he treated me favorably, despite how narrow-minded and stubborn I was back then… The fact that the man right next to me was an utterly unlikeable, foul-mouthed rube might've had something to do with it, too."

A smirk spread across Ky's face, like a little boy who got caught being naughty. Testament was quietly astounded to see such an expression coming from him, of all people.

"I wouldn't wonder. That's just the kind of person he was. Straightforward when confronting others, appearing self-centered, yet always putting everyone else first. A man of the pure ideals which the Crusades gave rise to."

Without pause, the grim reaper continued on, as if reciting a poem.

"Whoever they were, whether they disagreed with him or not, it didn't matter, everyone was captivated by him.

Just as he was loved by all, he was the one to lead them all.

And that's why I wanted to live up to his expectations, to do right by him, no matter what… Of course, that didn't work out in the end."

The grim reaper smiled bitterly as they reflected on their past.

There was a brief silence.

Until it was broken with a quiet soliloquy by the former Commander of the Holy Order.

"I'm sure you're well aware, but he possessed… overwhelming strength. One that no one could rival."

"Of course. Anyone could tell you that."

"The power that would allow mankind to stand up against the Gears. The pride of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights. However, during the Crusades, those things could only be found in the heat of battle.

Sometimes, when we were resting in our tents, enjoying moments of leisure before we'd head to sleep, or when we stood in the wreckage after a battle had come to an end…

He would just get that look in his eyes, like he'd given up on finding something he was desperately searching for-

Like a string being stretched to the breaking point had finally snapped."

"…"

A sudden gust of wind blew past them, obscuring the grim reaper's face from Ky Kiske's view.

In turn, his own expression was invisible to them, as well.

"I didn't pry about it, either.

But, after the Second Holy Order Selection Tournament…

I learned about you and Sir Kliff."

"…I see."

A monotonous response. Ky continued, slowly, yet determined.

"I won't presume to know whatever words and feelings the two of you might have shared in the past. Still, even as I succeeded him as Commander of the Holy Order… Even as I slew countless vicious Gears…

I could tell there was something the Commander- something Sir Kliff longed for, that I could never give him."

"He cared deeply for you, huh?"

"Yes. As a fellow member of the Order, as a comrade-in-arms, as a subordinate. I was so happy back then."

Ky fell silent. The grim reaper decided to give him a moment.

They had a hunch that they would most likely be the only person to ever hear this supposedly infallible man make his confession.

"It's not right for me to feel like I was simply a replacement for someone else. A hero of the Crusades should know better."

Ky uttered the words with his usual composure, as if it was just an offhand remark.

"Heheh. It's clear you've chosen your idol."

They couldn't help but chuckle. Even Kliff himself probably would've never expected him to come out and say any of these things.

Still, they didn't think it was too late for it now.

And it was only natural that Kliff Undersn would have had such a significant impact during the Crusades.

"Well, to be perfectly honest…" Ky continued, "If you were to ask me if I ever envied you—I wouldn't know how to answer."

"I understand. Had I been in your position, I probably would have felt the same."

"Right. That's why I visit his grave every year to express my filial devotion, if only for a short moment. He may not have been my father, but he was like a father to me."

They both looked down to the bouquet of flowers he placed before Kliff's grave.

White lilies, wrapped up prim and proper.

Not too few and not too many, and the packaging was fashionably simple and beautiful. Why did Ky Kiske always have to behave like a perfect model citizen?

Almost at a loss for words, Testament held onto the brim of their hat and lowered their gaze.

"…For crying out loud. Did you even think about how saying that would make me feel? Now I look like a fool for showing up empty-handed."

"I could arrange something for you, if you'd like. It would take a little time, but there is a store close to-"

"No, thanks. If I were to pawn this one off on you, I really couldn't sink any lower."

Their comment was meant more as a joke, but given how serious that man was, they knew it might fly over his head.

"But…"

"I will pick some from around here. I've taken an interest in the language of flowers lately. And most importantly…"

"Yes?"

"I want to think about which ones to choose myself. Reminiscing about the past is another one of life's pleasures, is it not?"

"…My apologies. I will be taking my leave, then.

See you again. Perhaps next year, or some other time."

No sooner than he had said those words, Ky walked away resolutely, without another look back.

"…What a truly delightful man. I can't stand it."

The grim reaper was left to take in the hill's scenic view alone.

―

"Alright, here we are. I said I've taken an interest in this, but I still don't know that much about it.

I suppose I could arrange them a bit more the way I would prefer. There's no harm in treating myself a little, right?

Forgive me, Father."

A mismatched bundle of wildflowers was gently placed next to the pure white bouquet. Colorful petals swayed in the wind, bidding the grim reaper a silent farewell.

"I'll be back. Always.

Next time, let's talk about the future."

#lol