Snapshot Twenty-Five: Familiarity Breeds…Love?

Game: Fates - Revelation

Spoilers: Minor SPOILERS FOR FE FATES REVELATION

Summary: You'd think two countries who have been at war for ages would not get along. And you'd be right. Sort of. And yet...

Notes: Here's one of my favorite pairings in all of Fates, available only in Revelation. Also, I'm going to assume that people are still playing the games? Just a thought...

Also, Happy Easter for those who celebrate it!

Anyway, Enjoy the TAKUMILLA!

"So, you don't have any idea what we're really fighting?" Xander asked as he and Ryoma headed to the armories in one corner of the astral plane fort. Their sister had told them of the fantastic combination of Nohrian and Hoshidan weapons, and the two wanted to see the marvel for themselves and discuss strategy.

Ryoma shook his head. "I don't. But I trust Kiryoku. She wouldn't lie about something like this."

"I agree. She never has been one to lie."

They heard raised voices of an argument, and found the source to be Leo and Hinoka, fighting over strategy. "I'm telling you, rushing off into battle like you do will only cause more harm than help!" Leo was protesting.

Hinoka looked furious. Before she could retaliate, Ryoma stepped in between them. "Calm down, both of you." His sister huffed, while Leo glared and opened his mouth to retort.

"Brother, drop it," Xander ordered.

Leo turned and marched away.

"Scum," Hinoka muttered.

Ryoma pinched the bridge of his nose. "Try to get along? For Kiryoku's sake?"

"Ugh, fine." Hinoka turned to tend to her pegasus, and the older brothers moved on.

"This is going to be harder than anticipated," Xander sighed. "How can two nations who have been at each other's throats for decades get along?"

Ryoma nodded. "A true challenge, indeed."

They rounded the corner of the Hoshidan rod store, and stopped, staring in disbelief. It wasn't the interesting display of mixed weaponry - yumi displayed next to axes, lances with scrolls - but at an unexpected sight that contradicted the argument between Hinoka and Leo. The sight was enough that Ryoma's mouth fell open in shock and Xander went red in the face. For there, by an isolated display of naginata, were Camilla and Takumi, locked not only in an embrace, but in a passionate kiss. Xander cleared his throat. All he could manage was an undignified, "Um..."

The two split apart, both blushing. Takumi took another step away from Camilla. "It's... It's not what it looks like..."

"Then what...?"

"Oh, don't listen to him," Camilla said, pulling Takumi back to her side. His face, if possible, went even redder, and a small smile graced his lips. "He's just embarrassed to be caught 'fraternizing with the enemy.'" Camilla used her free hand to draw air-quotes.

"C-camilla!" Takumi protested. "You're not the enemy. Far from it, actually."

"Aww, so sweet of you to say that."

"So, you two are...?" Xander asked, unable to gather his wits or words quite yet. Ryoma, however, seemed to be recovering, and closed his gaping mouth with an audible click.

Camilla smiled widely, and Takumi mimicked the expression. "Why, dear brother, we're engaged to be married!"

"That's right," Takumi agreed. As if to further provide proof, he laced his fingers with Camilla's. For a moment, neither Xander nor Ryoma could respond. Then the high prince of Hoshido burst out laughing. He doubled over, arms around his middle. "Oh, gods! To think...to think we were worried! Ha!"

"Worried about what?" Takumi asked, more than a little miffed at his brother's reaction.

"Hoshido and-and Nohr getting along!" Weak from laughter, Ryoma fell to his knees.

Xander let himself smile. "Congratulations, sister. I can tell you both are very happy. However..." The Nohrian prince walked forward, one hand on Siegfried's hilt. He scowled at Takumi, who reached for the hunting knife at his belt. Tension skyrocketed to the point where Ryoma stopped laughing, stood, and readied to defend his brother. "If you hurt her, I will not hesitate to introduce you to the business end of Siegfried. Clear?"

"Come now, Xander, don't threaten my betrothed," Camilla complained before Takumi could answer.

"I just want to make sure he's serious."

"Of course I'm serious! Why would I want to hurt the woman I love? But I understand what you're saying, Prince Xander, and respect it." He shrugged. "Isn't that what big brothers are for, anyway?"

Xander grinned. "Very true."

"Don't worry, Camilla's happiness is my top priority. You have my word."

"Good. Shall we tell Kiryoku? I'm sure she'll want to celebrate."

"And hug us so tightly we can't breathe," Takumi added.

Ryoma walked forward and slung a brotherly arm over his shoulders. "But she's Kiryoku. She is part dragon after all." Ryoma led the way back towards the center of camp, still laughing, overjoyed, at the thought that Nohr and Hoshido could get along after all.

Published 3/28/2016