Note: Initially, I intended to end this work with the fifth chapter, but I felt compelled to write what you'll read below. The sixth chapter will be the final one for this work. When I post it, I'll also post the seventh(read:sixth) chapter for my other work Everybody Hurts Here.
To the Guest Reviewer who commented about that work, I greatly appreciate it. It's nice to know people are interested in reading this weird stuff I'm typing. It'll be another long chapter when it's posted.
Listened to the track 'Fisherman's Horizon from the Final Fantasy VIII OST while writing this. Great mood setter.
Imperial Year 1180. Day 30 of the Red Wolf Moon. After the happenings in Remire village, I thought it was time for a much needed break from work for the both of us. I requested a couple days off duty from Rhea for both me and the kid. Figured we could get away for a bit; go camping, fishing, all without worrying about the crap that's been going on here.
Went to tell Byleth and who do I find holed up in the corner of the kid's room but that little princess student of hers. I don't know what they were up to, but I'm not looking to be on the Empire's shit list anytime soon, so we'll need to have a talk while we're away. Kid was reluctant to leave the girl at that. Girl even tried to invite herself along with us. I'm sure I could have put up with it if I really had to, but I'm glad Byleth picked up on my mood and dismissed that notion. It'll be just the two of us how I planned.
Scratch that. Alois caught word of our little trip and wants to tag along. Guess I can throw the boy a bone considering it'll be his birthday.
Imperial Year 1180. Day 1 of the Ethereal Moon. Happy Birthday, Alois. You never shut up and your jokes are abysmal, but I'm glad you're here. Makes me feel a little strange when you say it, but I have to agree you make a fine older brother. From day one, you've always been sure to make sure Byleth was acclimating to everything when I couldn't. Kid seems to like you just fine too. Makes me wonder what it would have been like to have you around when Byleth was smaller.
The three of us are headed southwest along the Airmid river. Been a while since we've last been there, but there should be a clearing not far from a stream branched off from the river. Just a few more hours until we get there.
Camping spot secured. Alois busied himself with setting up the tents and acquiring good firewood while Byleth and I caught dinner. Without a doubt he'd have frightened off all the fish if he came along. The quiet time to the two of us was appreciated too. We got to talking about the events of late, and the kid seems to have no end of stories to share about all those students. I have to say, it's amazing the way Byleth's face lights up when talking about them. I loved seeing that. But most of those stories seemed to revolve around that imperial brat. I knew something was up. Apparently the kid is seriously considering taking off to Enbarr with her after this class's graduation. I brought up my concerns and mentioned the current state of the Empire, but that only seemed to reinforce the idea. Conversation got a little heated after that. Said some things that probably were better left unsaid.
Since going back to Garreg Mach, I've had to spend long stretches of time away from Byleth. Not that that hasn't happened on occasion in the past, but the kid never really socialized with anyone else back then. Now there are a plethora of new faces and personalities that the kid has taken to. And now same for Byleth-there are a plethora of new faces and a personality on the kid I've never seen before. Byleth's changed and at an alarming rate. I haven't been around to see most of that change, and it's scary to think we may soon be even farther apart. I don't think it ever occurred to me the kid would ever actually want to leave me.
Today's entry is quite long already. Didn't think I'd have so much to write for a simple camping trip. We talked again and I explained myself. Apologized for what was said. I
Do you know what happened today, Sitri? For the first time ever two things happened. Byleth hugged me. Hugged me and said she loved me. That's never happened before. I can't even remember the last time I held the kid. Said the same thing myself. It's been far too long. It was a shame how I reacted. Or maybe not. I don't think I've ever cried in front of the kid before.
I've gotta say. That makes it all worth it. I'm glad we came out here. I'm glad we wound up back at the monastery. I'm glad we came back to you.