(Revan's AN): A lot of people hoping for that Esdeath X Tatsumi pair. Makes me happy that they're wanting the best girl to be with our Young Wolf. Anyways in a quick recap, we learned that Tatsumi's father hates his guts with a burning passion and that Tatsumi is trying so hard to get his father's love. Man what a one-sided love kind of reminds me of a certain couple in AGK that never got to sail. If I remember correctly it was a beautiful general and a simple blacksmith. Well, I could go on, but I think I've talked enough, and you all didn't come here to see me. You came for the story, with that said let's get started.

Full Summary: Tatsumi, the second son of the late Northern King, wasn't like his brother. He wasn't taught how to rule a nation, nor was he taught how to deal with politics. He was taught in the arts of war and being a soldier. With war being declared onto the Imperial Empire, Tatsumi must take command of the Northern forces and defend his homeland from the imperial invaders.

Non-canon, single-pairing, OOC Characters.


"Flashbacks" - Thinking

"Flashbacks" - Talking

[Flashbacks] - Letters or Reports.

Theme Song: Kate Metz- Eternity

Main Writer: Revan's Wraith

Co-Writer: LoveRayX


Making his way to the throne room cladded in King's Guard armor was none other than the fourteen-year-old Tatsumi. Marching behind him were twelve members of the King's Guard all of whom had their helmets removed as well, and were being carried in their left hands like him.

Written on Tatsumi's face was a small grin that you could barely notice. Years of long and hard training of learning how to fight, as well as how to command troops into battle have finally paid off for Tatsumi was returning from his first mission. He had been tasked with eliminating some bandits that were camping outside of the capital, and now that the task was completed it was time for him to report to his father and Lord Commander.

"What's with that small grin on your face? Shouldn't you be smiling like an idiot?" Ieyasu quipped as he moved to Tatsumi's side. Ieyasu could barely contain the excitement in his voice. He had joined the King's Guard before Tatsumi and had to spend most of his days doing mundane tasks, like protecting the princes or patrolling the castle, but finally, he was able to do something he always dreamed of.

"Some of us have to act a little more professional than others." Tatsumi coolly replied with his grin getting slightly bigger. He, however, wasn't exactly wrong. Due to him being a prince and one of the first princes to be a King's Guard member it was kind of expected of him to have a manner of professionalism.

"Uh-huh." Was all Ieyasu responded with as he rubbed his chin with his free hand. However, Ieyasu couldn't help from forming a toothy grin as he said, "Are you sure it's not because you're trying to impress Lady Aishela?"

At this Tatsumi's cheeks became red as he started to stammer. "Pfft! Wha-What? Me no-no! I'm no-not trying to impress- I mean I am trying, but I'm not trying, trying you know? Like I mean I guess a little."

As he continued trying to defend himself several members of their group couldn't help from snickering at their prince. It was no secret that Tatsumi was a little head over heels for the young Lady Aishela, and it was obvious that the prince was trying to impress her to some degree.

"You worry about this type of stuff too much, my prince." Said one of the men accompanying him. "You should just tell her how you feel, I'm sure she would accept your feelings if you told her."

"I agree." Said another one. "You need to just come out and say it instead of being a coward."

Tatsumi scowled a little upon hearing that word. He was by no means a coward. In fact, if anything he would like to consider himself one of the bravest soldiers of the Northern Kingdom. He was the one to lead the charge on the bandit group, and he would have no problem being on the front lines of an actual battle.

But this was different in his mind. This wasn't like commanding troops, or strategizing, or even combat. This was a whole another thing in his mind and the reason why was because he knew nothing about girls. He didn't know how to talk to them really or function without becoming a stuttering mess. It was like they weren't even human.

"Ease up on the prince," Ieyasu said in a teasing manner. "He had spent most of his life learning how to wield a sword, that he never learned how to wield his own sword." At this, the group started laughing loudly ignoring the tic mark appearing on Tatsumi's forehead.

"Oi!" Tatsumi started causing them all to fall silent. "We're about to enter the throne room, so enough jokes. You all can make jokes about my failing love life later but for now, it's time to act seriously."

"Understood, my prince." Was the response he got from them as their faces all serious ones.

Upon getting to the throne room the two King's Guard members that stood vigilant at the door opened the massive double doors allowing the thirteen men to enter the room.

As they passed through the doorway Tatsumi's darted across the room scanning it for any signs of possible danger. He doubted someone would try anything since the room was the one that was usually heavily guarded alongside the King's bedroom but still. It's always better to play it safe than to be sorry.

His eyes fell on multiple Lords and Ladies and he had to fend off the urge of rolling his eyes. Politics in his eyes were always so tiresome, and he was kind of glad that he didn't have to learn really much about it. He just wanted to hunt and fight really, not really worry about pleasing these nobles.

Tatsumi's eyes eventually landed on the throne in front of him, and he couldn't help from smiling a little as he looked at his father. He also took notice of the Lord Commander standing next to his father smiling at him as well.

His eyes then landed on Numa who sat in one of the prince's chairs that was right next to the throne. A beaming smile was plastered onto Numa's face as he eyed his brother.

Kneeling before his father Tatsumi said, "Father, I have returned from my mission. The bandits that have been terrorizing our people are no more."

"Hmm." Hummed his father as he stared at him. "Thank you, now you may leave us. I have urgent business to deal with."

Tatsumi clenched his jaw after hearing this. That was it? That was all he received after he and his men dealt with these outlaws? No praise, no nothing? Just a simple thank you?

Looking up at his father, Tatsumi was met by the sight of a disinterested king, and a somewhat shocked Lord Commander.

"Your grace, isn't there something else you're forgetting?" Takeo questioned as he looked at Tatsumi.

"No?" Tatsumi's father said as he directed his gaze to the man standing beside him.

"I think he is asking, aren't you glad that Tatsumi returned safely?" Numa commented in hopes of his father getting the memo.

"It was just some rabble of criminals, I doubt he needs me to say that." Their father said rather curtly as he looks back at Tatsumi. "As I said, you may leave us now Tatsumi."

"But I-"

"I have given you a command Tatsumi!" His father shouted while slamming his fist onto the throne's arm. "Are you telling me that you're refusing this command?"

"No!" Tatsumi shouted in response as he dropped his gaze from his father's ignoring the whispers going on between the crowd of nobles. "I was just wondering if you wanted me to report what happened-"

"What is there to report?" His father interrupted with a tone full of annoyance. "You slew some peasants who decided to break the law. Tell me what is there to report?"

"Father, don't you think you're being too harsh on him? He had just experienced combat for the first time-"

"I wasn't talking to you Numa! Now be quiet!" Beowulf roared as he glanced over at his heir. Numa in response simply complied with his father's wishes.

"Not-Nothing dad. I have nothing to report." Tatsumi said with a sigh, this wasn't what he was expecting at all, nor had he ever seen his father act like this before. He was just wanting to hear that his father was proud of him and glad that he returned home safely.

"Exactly, you're all trying to make this a big deal when-" His father suddenly started to cough violently, which caused Tatsumi to look up once again and watch as his father had a coughing fit.

"Father?" "Dad?" Both princes asked with concern.

"My king, are you okay?" The Lord Commander asked as he bent down a little.

"I'm-I'm fine, it's-it's noth-nothing!" Beowulf said in between coughs causing Tatsumi to stand, and Numa to rise from his chair.

However, to everyone's horror blood started coming out of their king's eyes as well as his mouth.

"The king has been poisoned!" Takeo shouted in surprise as Tatsumi and Numa dashed to their father's side.

Beowulf then began to slump forward causing him to fall off of the throne, but before he could touch the ground he was in the arms of his youngest son.

"Dad! Nonono! Someone get help!" Tatsumi cried aloud as he turned his gaze to see everyone standing around like a bunch of morons.

"I'll go fetch a doctor!" Ieyasu shouted in response. "Men lock down this room! No one is leaving here until we find the assassin!"

Complying with the orders the members of the King's Guard blocked the exits of the throne room ignoring the cries of multiple nobles who were saying that they couldn't be locked up in here.

"Stay with me dad! Everything is going to be okay, I-I promise you'll be okay." Tatsumi whispered as he held onto his father, not even noticing or caring that this was the first time he had hugged his father.


"How is he?" Takeo asked the doctor who exited the king's bedroom. Accompanying the Lord Commander were both princes along with his son.

"Not good. My best guess is that he has a week or two before he passes on." The doctor answered with a sad smile as he removed his mask that covered his mouth and nose.

"But can't you cure this!? You must know what kind of poison was used right?" Tatsumi questioned causing the doctor to avert his gaze towards him. Tatsumi was trying his best to keep his emotions in check but it was really hard for him to do that right now.

"I do know what poison was used but the problem is that it's in its final stages. Death's Kiss is a slow and agonizing poison, you don't see symptoms until the final stages of it and once then it is already too late." The doctor answered.

Hearing this Tatsumi frowned. "So what you're saying is that he wasn't poisoned recently? That this has been in his body for-"

"3 months." The doctor finished. Tatsumi clenched his fists hearing this, that meant whoever poisoned him did it a long time ago and that they would never find his father's killer.

"Surely there must be some type of way to cure him, right?" Numa question hopefully, as much as he disliked his father for treating Tatsumi he didn't want him to die. He wanted his father to see how they've grown up and finally snap out of his stubbornness and admit that he was proud of Tatsumi.

"Sadly there isn't a way for me to save him. The only thing we can do really is ease his suffering." The doctor said in an apologizing manner. "I will leave it to you two to decide since he is your father, but if you love him then I suggest you end it tonight otherwise these halls will be filled with his screams."

With that said the doctor leaving the four of them to consider their options.

"I'm going to go have the King's Guard release the nobles from the throne room. No point keeping them all sealed inside of there." Ieyasu declared after a couple seconds of silence.

"Go ahead, and tell them the fate of our king, no point in keeping it a secret," Takeo said as he glanced over at his son, who in response gave him a salute.

"Numa I'm leaving this decision to you. You were his favorite son, and it was no lie that he loved you more than me, so I'm leaving you to this." Tatsumi said as he turned around and began marching towards his chambers.

"Wait!" Numa said as he grabbed a hold of his brother's shoulder. "He is your father too, don't you want to see-"

"No, I don't want to see him. I just want to be left alone." Tatsumi curtly affirmed as he shrugged off his brother's hand. Numa didn't see this, but tears were starting to roll down Tatsumi's eyes.


Tatsumi slammed the door shut behind him upon entering his bedroom. He had fended off the urge to scream and shout, but he couldn't stop the tears from coming out of his eyes.

He felt at this moment so... Useless. This was the first time ever in his life he had felt useless. His father was dying and there was nothing he could do about it, he had joined the King's Guard in hopes of impressing him and one day possibly saving his father from an assassination attempt like one of his ancestors did for their brother yet he had failed.

Releasing a whimper he began removing his armor. In his eyes, he believed he wasn't worthy of wearing this armor. He didn't deserve to call himself a member of the King's Guard at all, nor did he deserve to be called a prince. He didn't deserve any of this in his eyes.

He started with his vambraces, then his cloak, and then his cuirass. Eventually, he had stripped himself of every piece except his sword. With great reluctance, Tatsumi unbuckled his belt and removed his sword.

Not even caring that he made a mess in his room, Tatsumi made his way to his bed. He didn't want to do anything anymore, he just wanted to lay in his bed and cry himself to sleep and then do it again as soon as he woke up.

He was done, the only thing he really wanted in life was his father's love and now he couldn't achieve that. He couldn't achieve that because he wasn't strong enough... He wasn't worthy of his love like Numa.


Numa released a sigh as he entered his father's bedroom, he didn't really know what to think of these recent events that had just occurred. One moment he was glad that his brother returned safely, the next he was embarrassed of his father and his actions. Now he was going to speak to his father for possibly the last time.

"Father are you awake?" Numa asked as he closed the door behind him.

To Numa's surprise, he got a moan in response. He doubted that his father would be awake due to him falling unconscious earlier in Tatsumi's arms.

"I just wanted to talk to you about your condition, and see if you needed anything." Numa continued as he made his way to the side of his father's bed.

Numa's face became one of disgust and horror when he saw his father once full of life be paler than snow and have dry blood covering most of his face.

"Numa..." His father said in a tone that was barely comprehensible.

"Father." Was all Numa said in response as he knelt down and firmly grasped his father's limp hand.

"My son... I'm... I'm sorry." Numa's father said weakly while looking up at Numa.

"There is nothing to be sorry for-"

"There is... There is everything to be... Sorry for." His father interrupted. "I-I have wronged you... And your-your brother."

Numa didn't say anything in response nor did he want to say anything. Instead, he opted to remain quiet and listen to his father.

"Tatsumi... Tatsumi never deserved... Someone like me... He deserved someone better."

"You can still make it right. You can still make it right with him." Numa said after a couple of seconds but was met by a head shaking side to side.

"It's too late... I know I'm dying." His father stated.

"I can go get him and tell him that you want to speak-"

"No." His father stated firmly causing himself to enter a coughing fit.

Numa clenched his teeth hearing this, he was glad that his father admitted his wrongs, but what was the point of admitting them if he wasn't going to fix them? Tatsumi had been doing nearly everything he could to please their father and now that there was a chance for Tatsumi to hear the thing he had always wanted to hear his father decided not to do it?

"Why? Why can't you for once just throw away this high horse crap and say you're sorry to him? Why do you have to continue hurting my baby brother and your son?"

"Because I'm... Stubborn an-and afraid." His father answered causing Numa's eyes to widen slightly.

"I'm afraid of-of what he... He would think of m-me." His father continued as he looks into Numa's eyes. "I'm afraid... I'm afraid of hi-him rejecting me. So-So I ha-have stayed on... On this course."

"You're lying..." Numa muttered softly as his eyes dropped. "You never cared for Tatsumi or his opinion, and I know that you don't care for him now. People don't suddenly change especially people like you."

"You're right... I don't care for him." Numa's father started as he looked away. "Maybe to a small degree... But compared to-to you? No. To you he is nothing-mmfghrgh?"

His father's word became muffled and incoherent due to Numa placing both hands over his mouth.

"If you truly did care for him and loved him then you would have wanted to speak to him," Numa stated as he covered his father's nose preventing him from getting any oxygen. "But you didn't all of this about pride and stubbornness is a lie. Everything you've said right now has been a lie."

"Mmmm! Mrghph!" Came his father's muffled response as he tried to pry Numa's hands from his mouth.

"You have done nothing to Tatsumi, but caused him pain. I for a second thought you were being serious, but I was wrong. You don't want to make it right for him, and you don't want to help your son in his time of need. You just want to destroy his happiness."

Numa watched as his father's struggling became weaker and weaker by the second. He was wanting to stop this why he still could, but he just couldn't for some reason. For some odd reason, his conscience was telling him to keep going.

"I do love you father, but I love my brother more. He had always been your son, but you just couldn't see that. You just couldn't see that because you were blinded by your hatred." Numa continued as he saw his father cease his struggling completely and his eyes become lifeless.

"Rest now, and know that I will try to fix what you have broken." Numa said with tears rolling down his eyes. He didn't want to kill his father, at least not in this way. He knew his father was a dead man, but he just wished that it would be different and not like this.


Tatsumi was pulled out of his dreamless sleep by the sound of a knock on the door. However, he didn't bother getting up and checking, nor did he even make an attempt to look at the door.

He just shouted, "Go away! I don't want to see anyone!"

"My prince, It's me Aishela." The person on the other side of the door said causing Tatsumi to snap out of his brooding faze and look at the door.

Tatsumi didn't know really how to respond to this. A number of thoughts had passed through his mind. Did she see him earlier today in the throne room? Why is she coming to his chambers? What did she want?

"Lady Aishela? Wha-What do you want?" He questioned as he sat up and continued to stare at the door. He was also curious about where the guards to his door were, but then he remembered dismissing them upon reaching his chambers.

"I-I was just wondering if we could, you know talk?" She replied a little hesitantly.

Tatsumi bit his lip as he contemplated his answer. He was half tempted to let her in, but he wasn't sure. He wasn't really in the mood to talk to anyone, but then again this was the girl he had a crush on.

"Come in then, and sorry if the room is a little bit of a mess." He finally said, he didn't care if she saw him in a terrible state. He had the right to look like this, his father was going to be dying and he can't do a damn thing about it.

Watching the door open, Tatsumi was greeted by the sight of a beautiful young lady with red ruby eyes, long purple that went all the way down to her lower back, and pale white skin that enhanced her features. She wore a very beautiful red dress that seemed to amplify her curves.

"My prince," She said as she did a curtsy, before walking in and closing the door behind her. Tatsumi didn't say anything, but his throat suddenly became dry. Seeing her and like this made him think of... Things.

"Lady Aishela, of House Gremory." He managed to croak without a voice crack or any stammering.

Aishela simply smiled in response, she knew he had a thing for her and wouldn't lie she did find him to be rather cute. However, she wasn't so sure if she liked him that way, sure she had to marry someone of nobility but she just didn't know if Tatsumi was the one she wanted to be with.

She had rarely seen any emotions from the man except for his excitement for battle, and if she was being honest she didn't really want to marry a warrior. The reason why was simple, warriors die on the field of battle.

She didn't want to become a widow before turning 18, she wanted to have sons along with daughters and raise them with a father figure.

Today was the first time she had seen the prince actually be emotional. She had seen him cry and care for the man she had heard hated him along with many other emotions.

"I was just wondering how you're doing my prince-"

"Tatsumi. Just call me Tatsumi please." Tatsumi requested causing a flicker of shock to appear on her face before a smile replaced it.

"Tatsumi. I was just wondering how you're doing Tatsumi." She said this time with a more softer tone.

"I'm-I'm fine." He weakly said, he was trying to keep up a strong front but it was just hard. He had never really shown these types of emotions. At least not in a long time so it was difficult.

Aishela fended off the urge to roll her eyes in annoyance. She had come to see him, and this was what he was going to do? Try hiding his pain and suffering?

"Tatsumi, I know you're not fine. I know you're in pain." She started causing his gaze to drop to the bed. Holding off a sigh she moved to the bed and sat herself down next to him. He refused to look at her.

"I-I... You're right. I'm-I'm not fine." He confessed in between sniffles still not looking up at her. "The man who I wanted affection from... Is-Is dy-dying and I can't sa-save him."

Aishela was quiet hearing this. On one hand she wanted to say the rumors saying that his father hated him were true, but on the other hand, she wanted to say everything would be okay.

"Tatsumi, if you need someone to cry on... I'm okay with you crying on me." She stated nervously, she didn't really know what to say and she was somewhat scolding herself for this.

"Idiot! He isn't a fool! He's going to think that I'm trying to take advantage of the-"

She never got to finish her train of thought before feeling Tatsumi tackle her down to where she was laying on the bed. Her face immediately became red, she was going to tell him that she didn't mean literally but hearing his whimpers and muffled cries stopped that.

This was the first time a man had grabbed her like this, he wasn't exactly rough when he tackled her, but nor was he gentle. With a sigh, she adjusted herself into a more comfortable position and placed a hand on the back of his head.

"If I was my mother or sister, I would've used this to my advantage and had sex with him... But he is just a boy, and he deserves someone in his life that will actually love him, and not use him for their pleasure."


Tatsumi stood next to Lady Aishela cladded in his King's Guard armor and watched as his brother knelt down before the Lord Commander who held the crown to the Northern Kingdom.

A solemn expression was plastered on his face as he looked at Numa. He wanted to be a little mad at Numa for killing their father, but he did say that it was his choice to decide his father's final moments. So Numa chose to end it then instead of later, and from what Numa said his father went quiet and peacefully.

As Tatsumi listened to Lord Commander Takeo declare Numa King of the North, he made a vow to himself. He was going to protect his brother no matter what... His brother had been there all the time when he was younger, and he was going to repay that by serving him.

He was going to be the sword in the darkness, his shield. He was going to make sure his older brother lived a long life as King of the North.

Even if it cost him his own life.


(Revan's AN): So there we are with the latest chapter. I hoped you enjoyed because I sure as hell enjoyed writing it. I mean it probably could've been executed better, but hey overall I think it was a good chapter. I mean I thought I portrayed some characters pretty well. I think though the most difficult part was writing Aishela and Tatsumi's scene. The reason why was because I was mainly deciding if I wanted Aishela to take advantage of Tatsumi's situation or if I wanted her to be a good character. Anyways I think that is all, we'll probably do another chapter of a key moment in Tatsumi's life before ending the prologue arc. See ya guys later.

Link to Discord: discord .gg/ V4KnvtE