#moongradvius

Even Sojiro noticed how often this kid came to his diner. He was always polite, mind you; he’d enjoy his coffee and quietly sit in his booth, usually with a book or two. He was the studious, hard-working type, the kind of kid that all parents pined for. Yet he also had this look in his eyes. Not a mischievous one, of course, but the sort of moony-eyed look you’d find described in storybooks.

Sojiro knew where those kinds of stories went. So, one day, he lingered for an extra minute in Aflonse’s booth and whispered something.

“Look, kid, you can just tell me you’re in love with him.”

“Prince Alfonse ... a pleasure.”

Akechi flashes the prince a seemingly kind smile. In truth, it hid the threat of his wrath. It was the forced kind of smile that one performed when paired with someone they despised.

“I have you to thank for the fact that I’m in this world, yes? Do I have that correct?”

And, oh, how he already hated it here. It was bright, filled with the false promises of greedy bastards in power. Worse still, he could not call upon Loki’s power here. His abilities were restrained by whatever powers presided over this world, and the notion of it sickened him. Already he was playing by someone else’s terms. He wanted to scream. To scream and lash out with his anger, destroying whatever or whoever was in his way. 

Meme II Accepting!

"You're rebuking me?"

It wasn't often that the Nohrian king found cause to laugh. But his daughter's latest bout of foolishness was certainly one of those times. Upon hearing her protests — her! The war machine that he'd raised — he nearly doubles over in his throne, spewing spittle from laughter.

"You, my little general .... you think you know better than your king?” Garon says, his barking laughter reaching a crescendo. “You think you can advise him when your opinion has not been asked?”

As Garon laughs, his gaze falls upon Xander. Xander is careful to keep his face neutral, but, inwardly, he panicked. He didn’t like where this was going. He knew that his father’s temper was stoked, and whatever happened next would be influenced by it. 

Indeed, Garon’s next edict fills him with dread: “My son, why don’t we show what happens to fools who forget their place? Draw your sword.”

Xander didn’t even think of defying him. He gives a curt nod and obliges his father, drawing Siegfried from its sheath. As ever, the blade is pristine, and it hums with energy. 

“Now, fight her,” Garon commands. He issues the order as though it’s a simple task. For Xander, it’s anything but. He doesn’t want to hurt his sister, but his duty to his king demands that he fulfill the order. Reluctantly, he raises Siegfried high, and its power responds to his will. A line of blood-red light tore from the blade, but it meets neither flesh nor armor; it misses Manali completely, instead striking a wall behind her. 

“Father,” Xander says, making certain to keep his voice quiet and reverent. “It was by your will and blessing that I, not her, was granted Siegfried. Is that not demonstration enough of where she stands?”

Garon was unmoved. His eyes narrowed. Quickly, before he could scream another edict, Xander continues: “She is tired, Father, and has forgotten herself. We should dismiss our general and let her rest. By your leave, I will take a different adjutant with me.”

Garon’s expression was unchanged. For one deadly moment, an ominous silence hung between them. Then, in the next, the king relents. “Very well, Xander. Take Hans with you. Do not fail me.”

Xander bows, ever graceful, and takes Manali’s hand, practically dragging her out of the chamber with him. Once they’re far enough from Garon, he lets her hand go and gives her a death glare. 

Meme II Accepting!

Veronica nodded as he spoke. He was right, of course. The war between their realms had truly and finally ended, but the repartition efforts on both sides would be anything but simple. That sort of difficulty, however, was most welcome, since its price was peace. Veronica knew she would have to prove herself as a ruler, for she was the only royal left; Bruno and Sissy were lost to her.

But her brother had given his life so that her mind would be cleared of Embla's haze. Even though he was gone, she would always be thankful for what he'd accomplished. Her thoughts were solely hers. That lust for Askrian blood, which she'd spent her entire life fearing, was gone.

Now, she could meet Alfonse's gaze without fear. After all, she was safe; she'd never again be possessed by Embla's wrath and anger.

"You're right, King Alfonse."

“T-this soul ...”

“Brother ... how could this be ...!?”

Thrasir had forgotten herself. She was meant to guide this soul, and be impartial. 

He’s sensing an opportunity, and, by the gods, he WILL take advantage of it.

“I know you’re in denial, Leo.”

“We went through a lot of couples therapy. It was hard. But it’s fine. I meant what I said back then ... that we need to see other people, and that you have to get out more.”