Title: Sanity Among Chaos

Author: Schwann

Disclaimer: Don't own Tales of Graces f.

Summary: There's always more than one solution. You can let the Valkines blow up. A man can lose his life. Or someone can remain calm.


"The Valkines! It's gonna explode!" Pascal squeaked out in horror.

White noise filled Hubert's ears after that, although whether it was the hum of Forbrannir producing too much Eleth or the dizzying sensation of panic, losing after coming this far, he couldn't tell. Surely he was missing some conversation – but he couldn't miss the explosion of motion right in front of him.

In a flash, Hubert grabbed an arm that was running towards the Valkines. Jerking his arm away, Kurtz' face was twisted in anger and desperation, but Hubert was already on him in a second – this time, he didn't play nice, going straight for the hair. Hubert snagged a fistful on the far side of the head, bringing it down in a twisting motion that made the older man let out a hoarse cry.

"If you're quite done trying to kill yourself," Hubert told the man, "You don't have to end your life in a pitifully inane manner."

Bang-Bang!

All the others in the cavern turned to stare at Hubert's other arm, outstretched towards the machine. Hubert merely eyed the electricity sparking from the pipes, before discharging his pistol once more, "And three should do it." He announced.

He was still gripping Kurtz hair, and everyone but Sophie was still gaping. She had to speak up, "Hubert…. You're amazing."

Hubert let go of the man's hair to sniff haughtily, pushing his glasses up. "I know."


Notes: This scene has literally been in my head since my first play through. I hadn't written it though because my head also had this ton of background details, like why isn't Hubert arrested on sight in his uniform when he doesn't get a second outfit (outside of psn) in game for another ten ours of gameplay. And Kurtz reaction, because he'd totally be all over Hubert after this. But my headfic got too big, I put it aside, and finally just doing this ONE SCENE said enough!

Needless to say though, by this time I've forgotten what they heck they're saying, and all vids online are in Japanese. So, no reference, just a little bit of general Pascalness that seems to fit. When I get back to another playthrough, I'll probably rewrite this, add to it and stuff. And maybe find out if that machine would've needed to be grounded...

Any critique or thoughts welcome!
Schwann