The corpses keep piling up in the squarish hole, thrown away by the hands of the living. The collective grave attracts hundreds, who pray in silence at the dead mass beneath their feet.
The clouds block the sun from coming out and touching his land, leaving the air in a grey haze not unlike the dust accumulated in an abandoned building. It reminds me of the time when Finados came along and the world turned grey to respect those who died.
I gaze at the events from afar, looking down at my bandaged hand at the same time. I let out a sigh. I haven't become another part of the statistics yet, but the moment will come when I am the one who is sent to the grave. Memento mori.
I turn my back to the funeral. My spine is cold, the pit in my stomach a bottomless void as if the ghosts of the dead surround me, asking me to pay my dues to them. You can't pay dues to the dead if you don't know them, right?
I stop walking away from the event. I don't even know the people who died there, why follow the ritual? I gaze around. No one sees me, but even then, what if they know that I didn't come and didn't see this event? Is this paranoia even justified? Foolish foreigner and his cursed mind…
I turn around and face the grave again, looking at the bodies. Is this what they call bile fascination? But in the end, I will be joining this pile soon. It's better to confront this reality and accept it, rather than delay ad infinitum, considering my own past failures. I cross from the top of the hill to the vale where the people pray. I gulp once I reach those mourning.
Sobbing comes out from the crowds, some crying or screaming or both. The atmosphere makes me want to go back. Death affects us all in the end, but grief isn't pleasant.
Entering the crowd, I face the abyss in all its details. Some bodies are rotting away, the rotten smell spreading into my nostril. The pit chips away at my inwards, making me swallow my own saliva while I glance at the faces of the dead.
The future is coming, time is ticking, every second burns away and the moment comes ever closer, as we march steadily towards our own death and toward the biggest unknown of our lives. Isn't this the same future destined for all of us?
A priest comes from behind us, the people quieting their cries and falling to their knees as he comes closer to the mass grave. I don't drop to my knees, instead, I move away from the group, getting away from the crouched people. He turns his body around to face us. The voice gags, his face crumbling like a downtrodden building dismantled by his own tears, the priest spells out words that disappear the moment they touch my ears.
On the other side,subdued chants fill the air. The mission is over for the dead soldiers, now it's up to us to carry it on. The messianic drop wine and ash on their part of the dead.
For the end has come.
Ashes results in the rest
Ephemere being we are
Peace may bless us
Agrima
Reduced to chants, this is this the only action we can take amidst all of this? Just another process of mourning what are the husk remains? Death always comes in the end, to think otherwise is foolishness.
All different processes and yet the same objective: mourning those who left us behind. I sigh, knowing that when my moment comes, there will be no one to mourn me, but this is for the better. It's better to be forgotten, although I wonder to myself will I prefer non-existence or existence?
Reflet passes through the crowd, taking up center stage. She stares at the dead with an empty smile that can only deceive. She notices me and a grin comes to grace her face and she moves her finger in an inviting manner.
I frown and look away from her. This isn't the time for games, and besides it would bring way too much attention to myself right now.
I look back, only to see Reflet pouting at me. I blink at her in confusion. Does she think this is the proper place to have a conversation with her?
Validar emerges from the crowd behind her, touching her on the shoulder. She suppresses her emotion, turning into an empty face once again. Her voice breaks the silence.
"We have won today. Despite our losses, we have advanced in destroying the Ylisseans, while ensuring they are never going back to this city back in their hands . We have secured our position for the downfall of the Halidom. The day is coming near, it's only a matter of time until we get to the capital and exterminate them.
"Sadly, these casualties were steps towards this greater future. Painful ones, but necessary ones to our progress. For today we mourn those who fell during the battle, but tomorrow our enemies will pay. For the broken sun, for the sun. Agrima!"
Speeches? We already had way too many of them at this point.
The pregnant silence takes hold after the speech, as not even the chants return. The priest blinks at Reflet, and the people standing before the priest look away from her. She looks at them indifferently, turning her back and disappearing within the crowd.
After Reflet leaves, people toss dirt unto the dead until there isn't any body left in sight. The priest declares, "May they find peace with Grima," while the other side chants in their own mournful cacophony.
People disperse after that and return to wherever they came from. The side I'm on goes back to camp, while Reflet's side heads for the fortress. Until there is only one person left amidst it all by the end: the raven haired mage.
We stare at each other in the emptiest of silences. The ones where there is no solution but to just stare at each other like statues. I try to not twitch, stopping myself from frowning at her. It isn't the time to complain about stuff. She frowns back but tries to conceal it by lowering her head. When I look away from her, she walks off.
My options are laid out before me. I should probably be returning once again to rest, accepting death and hating Tharja has made me already plenty tired. I wish the things in my mind were weightless.
Since they aren't that far away, I'm able to catch up with the procession, but even then, I stay behind, never fully catching reaching them. Minutes pass by without much of a sound beyond the steps from the procession and me. The tents come into our sight.
"Is that what we need? More of this stupid war and following these maniacs who believe in their stupid reincarnation of an outdated idea?" one says, trying to whisper but it comes out as more of a shout, breaking the silence.
A man nods. "I agree with you, but we aren't in the best position to argue. The mad king only listens to whatever stupidity comes out of their mouths, and you know what he is like."
"We are stuck. Is there any hope for things to get better? Damn those bastards stuck in their own asses!" the man explodes in fury.
"For now, nothing, but you never know," he replies "Remember the last war: even if they had cemented themselves, they failed. It's a matter of time, a messianic will always fall no matter what."
"May Grima listen to your words. Or else we are screwed."
Hmmm… perhaps I can get something out of this moment.
"Are there any rumors swirling around with them?" I ask, while gagging with my words, the accent thicker than oatmeal. Sweat covers my face, my hands trembling with my cold belly. How can I stop this? I can't even speak with a stranger properly!
They look at each other, shrugging. Although their furrowed brows make me question if this was a good idea.
"There was one that said they were planning on what to do next after such close victory."
"Do you have any idea where they plan to do that?" I ask while gritting my teeth.
"I don't have much of an idea beyond that it's going to be today and somewhere in the palace we deservedly destroyed."
Dammit! There is no time left! I sigh
"Today! Truly they are mad! First, they disrespect the dead, now they plan to get us all killed?!"
I ignore them, stopping in my tracks. This is not time for pointless discussion. I turn away from them, although I can't help but notice what they say next
"This cursed foreigner. What does he believe he is doing?" one snickers.
"I wouldn't care that much, just add another one to the pile."
I jolt away from them, my reputation and my death not really mattering to me compared to what I can do for Reflet.
I break off from the procession and run toward the palace.
Once I reach the location, I survey the area. At the top there aren't archers and at the bottom the gate is protected only by two guards. Focusing my sight on them, I notice them bantering with each other, faces turned to one another and none of them coming my way. Phew.
As I walk toward them, they notice my presence. At first,they point their lances at me, but once they notice my clothing they cease their aggression. I raise my hands and show I don't have any weapons.
"Sorry to interrupt. I have come because I have some matters to deal with the higher ups," I say. They don't immediately answer, and instead roll their eyes.
"We aren't allowed to let anyone enter this place," they reply. It seems this will be just like the stairways.
"Look, you are guarding a city, right? Do you know the Fatimids? I'm bringing very special items to them."
They glare at me. "Are you sure about that? If you were one of them, you would be inside by this point."
I gulp. I must do something else then. Putting my hands down, I place my backpack at my front and grab a bag of coins. I open it, revealing some golden and silver coins, and sigh. It's this or not being able to speak with Reflet.
Grabbing all of them, I put them in their sight. They open their mouths, and one of the lances of the guards falls. Is this amount that much money in this place? The other tries to grab them but I pull them away from their fingers.
"Wait a second. No coin grabbing without a deal."
They frown at me. "What is this deal then?"
"You can have the coin, for the small little price of allowing me to enter this. A great deal, if you ask me."
They shrug, although one laughs a bit at the condition. His buddy punches him and tells me, "Going in, don't tell anyone you have bribed us."
I reply by putting my finger above my lips.
I give them the coins, their eyes shining at the metal, gawking if it was the biggest treasure ever. Noticing my frown, they split away from each other, allowing me to enter the place finally.
With that done, I walk a little bit and notice one thing: there isn't anyone around in the streets, only my ghastly projection. I run towards the palace, my shoes beating against the ground, the only sounds in kilometers.
I gaze at the top, the grey clouds turning black, the afternoon turning into night. A few drops fall from them, touching my hand. The storm threatens to pour on me. I hasten the pace, wetted clothes aren't going to help me infiltrate anything.
Thankfully, the entrance is close. slowing down, the sound muffles and leaves me to gaze at the darkened gate. The place serves as an abyss, almost like a gateway to another dimension. There isn't a guard in the vicinity of the place. Do Gangrel or Validar trust the guards that much?
I enter inside the abyss, the lack of light blinding me as it envelops me in its terrifying nature. I gulp, my heart beating at one thousand. It's only the dark and nothing else, right!?
I support myself on the walls of the place, crouching to reduce the crackle between my shoes and the marble. I turn my head around, is someone in here? The sharp sensation prickles my legs, My arm tremble and the hair on my neck bristles. A thunder comes out, making me jump. Droga.
I gulp. I must continue the path no matter what.
I want to scream at myself and everyone else. Out of all places, this is where the feeling of running away has to take its hold. Um, dois, três. Don't panic, right? I hear a muffled sound coming in front of me. I freeze in place, waiting for it to stop. Are the guards coming? No other sound comes after that.
I continue the path, sounds getting closer and less muffled. I continue looking around, the dark still enveloping me. There is no place to escape right now, stuck in this while the storm still blares off from the outside. Um, dois, três. May this not be the end of my existence.
A few rays of light come out, the end of the tunnel approaching although the light blinds me. Whatever it may be, I can't get luck in the sun or in the moon it seems. The noises intensify with my footsteps. They were just conversations after all. My eyes get accustomed to the lightning, as I enter the central area of the palace.
The crowd blocks my view of the stairways, forcing me to make a quick jump to see if it is the correct place after all. The painting of the duke disappeared, with a makeshift eye of Grima etched in its place. The paintings on the ceiling are crossed out in black.
Back and forth conversations dominate the air. rumors upon rumor, although suffice to say they aren't the most positive. Something about Gangrel plotting the destruction of the Grimleal or cooperating with Ylisse or something. I shrug off, pull my hood up and turn to the blocked ground. I walk to and mingle into the crowd, giving only a brief gaze around myself. Thankfully no one really notices me and I sigh in relief.
Until I notice a raven haired woman standing amidst the crowd and my face contorts into a frown involuntary. Of course, she is here! But this isn't the time to complain, I shut my mouth before I can sigh. The silence stops once the steps cracking against the marble are heard. Shadows form before we can even see the two of them, covering almost all of the hallway.
"How could you let that stupid woman escape!?" The man bemoans, tapping his foot as he emerges from the corridor, his shadow getting smaller and his voice higher as he approaches. Of course it is Gangrel, who else would that be?
"We are investigating possibilities," Aversa calmly explains, while rolling her eyes. Her voice gets lower, but her shadow engulfs Gangrel's once she arrives. "But considering that they entered the castle, that should-"
"They entered the castle!? Why the fuck didn't you tell me that?" He looks at us and ignores us, returning his gaze to the dark-skinned woman, approaching her while flailing his arms around.
"Gangrel, could you quiet down a bit?" she says while holding Gangrel with one hand and burying her face in the other and a sigh escapes her. After a few seconds of silence, Gangrel contorts his neck and grabs the woman by the arms and rips the hand off her face.
"Shut up, for fuck's sake!" He screams at her. "Keep your mouth shut and obey!
Aversa looks indifferent and, once gain, rolls her eyes.
"Stop your stupid eye rolling as well!" He shakes her around, but doesn't move her much. It looks more like Gangrel going back and forth with his own spine.
"Oh you idiots. You don't seem capable of controlling your own stuff. How the heck, then, do you have the courage to tell me to quiet down when you can't do anything right?! For crying out loud, isn't there anyone competent in the whole fucking army!?" He lets Aversa go and turns to the crowd.
"And you. You fucking idiots are included as well. You people keep going on and on about this Grima, but when I have a task for something real, you cunts can't even hold a fucking dagger in the proper form! If you are going to be fucking useful, stop with the fucking mist and look at the battlefield!" He points a finger at the crowd. "Especially you dark mages! Hex, curse, a bunch of stupid words, focus on reality, for fuck's sake!"
He turns his back and walks upstairs. His growls are audible from meters away as his figure disappears. Aversa sighs, shrugging off, and mumbles "I can't wait for the moment he dies."
Well, I never thought that I would agree with Aversa on something, but then again I think everyone's opinion on Gangrel is ubiquitous at this point.
Beyond this, no comments. She follows the same path as Gangrel, but looks back at us and says, "Don't worry, this will come to an end soon." Once again she follows after Gangrel.
The silence returns, a few seconds which last an eternity. It's broken when someone whispers to another and, like a domino effect, the whispering spreads throughout the room. Before I can realize it, the crowd disperses into little cliques, each carrying different conversations, though I doubt any will be useful.
I gaze around and find nobody noticed me and Tharja is alone reading a book, supporting her back in the walls. I sigh in relief, the infiltration has begun.
Keeping my head low, I go to the stairs, another group following suit. I quicken my pace, gazing backward. Are they following me? Once I arrive at the top, I go to one of the walls and gaze at the group coming and rising to the top. They stand in front of the picture, seemingly ignoring me, a conversation starts so loud that I can't eavesdrop.
"They say the vessel is going to meet with Gangrel," one of them says, and all the others stop their discussions.
"Uh?!" one of them asks dumbfoundedly, confusion evident in their eyes. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely." he replies. "They even told us that there would be a meeting with all the members of the houses."
"Is the Vessel going to talk with that brute? I hope she at least teaches him some manners"
Dammit it, Gangrel and Reflet together, as if it wasn't enough having to deal with Validar and his mad leadership, I now have to deal with the mad king himself? I can't afford to lose my composure, especially right now!
"Is this man eavesdropping?" one of them asks, the group gazing at me with paranoid eyes. I don't move, stuck in place. They approach me.
"Were you listening?"
I look at them dumbfoundedly. "What?"
"I'm not going to repeat the question."
"No? I'm not getting it."
They look at each other and then get out of my sight, but at the same time the few I can see take some paranoid glances.
What place could Reflet and Gangrel even be? Think, Gabriel, think. With an answer in mind, I take slow steps towards the left hallways. It's the throne's room, what else could it be? I take glances at the entrance of the hallways, with no guards in sight. I enter the passage.
The long corridors stretch on sight when people gaze at me. Long-winded eyes stuck on my body, deja vu. I quicken my pace, the same scene repeating in my head. I gaze around the legs of the people, none try to stop me, although their eyes serve more than a dagger. Can they know my identity even though I'm with a hood on?
I look at my clothes. I put my cape in front of me. Holes peppers the entire fabric of the cloth, I look at my arms, cuts in there alongside the bandage in my hand. I notice people blocking their noses as well… I guess there is some logic to it after all.
After minutes of walking, I arrive at the location. The stained glass is broken, only a piece of purple and black clothing with Grima's symbol guarding it. A saffron carpet goes toward the doors, with a well-armed guard blocking the access. I notice some people with jewelry on their fingers and spread across their bodies. Their servant came to enter as well.
A thought comes to me: I need to confirm the location of the place.
I look on the other side, the doors towards the library! When opened, there isn't any trace of a person in there, only dusted books. The whole place feels untouched despite the heavy presence of the top figure only some meters away from my position.
I close the door, putting my ears on it. Whatever comes from the other side, any information will be good. The first thing I notice is the faint sound of shoes on the ground which intensifies as a mere walk turns into a procession and I hear prayers from the other side coming. What the hell?
At some point, a voice comes out lower than the other but still audible enough. His timbre is like a needle against a blackboard. "Don't worry, lord Grima, everything will be ready for the meeting."
Bingo. Although Reflet doesn't make any sound moving forwards while ignoring the utterance of the man. I guess this is the price he is paying after trying to mess up with me, isn't it? My hand is grabbing the door handle, ready to open it. But I realize one thing: How can I get into the location without being exposed? After all, going towards Reflet is a sure way towards my head laying in the ground instead of my neck.
More and more options come to my head, over one thousanda minute, with only one question in my mind: how the heck can I speak with Reflet without compromising myself? With my ear still stuck on the door, I grab the particle from one of my pockets and try to whisper at it. It doesn't flow, dammit!
The procession going without any sign of Reflet. The Validar's voice is long gone. I sigh, the thing is so close to my gasp, but I can't even properly come towards her, dare alone speak with her. What a dull day to exist.
Wait, wasn't Tharja in here as well? Perhaps it's-
A void forms in my stomach, the pit increasing in size, the images of her father asking how I'm not dead replaying in my mind. Tharja was on their side. How childish of me, still stuck on these memories. But I… I clench my hands into fists while gritting my teeth.
Damn this cursed place, for this hellish situation where you have put me in- no, I have to put myself into it. I will have to rely on Tharja somehow, but how!? How!? How can I even speak with her when my mind can only see the ugliness inside of her!
Then comes the other part of the procession, less chanting and much less sound, only mere steps against the ground. A raspy but warm voice comes out from it, excited like a puppy and the same one which is plaguing my mind right now.
"My daughter, aren't you excited about these new developments? Can't you see tantalizing it closer to your fingers!"
Tharja replies coldly. "I will be waiting in here until the end."
The man replies back still warm as ever. "Don't worry, I will let the guards know if you change your opinion."
The woman doesn't say anything.
The same reprise goes over the same details and topics. The world is playing the same old tested game of repetition. I get away from the door while the conversation goes on. Tharja's voice sickens me, anxiety takes hold once I hear the door creak. I hide behind one of the shelves waiting for when she gets out, but if she gets out the chance of approaching Reflet is zero.
My heart beats into a frenetic pace, while I wait for the person to get out. Instead, I listen to the chair being dragged out from a table creaking in the silence of the library. I and Tharja are standing on the same floor, making me curse myself. Stuck in this place with the person I need the most, but I despise the most. Deja vu.
Curiosity takes the better of me, and I take a quick glance outside. Tharja is engrossed in her book, seemingly unphased by her surroundings, but in a single moment she notices my gaze and my heart freezes the moment her eyes her eyes widen.
"Gabriel?" She drops her book while I remain still. "What are you doing here?"
Damn it, she will no doubt eliminate me. Or will she? I don't really know anymore.
"Answer me, Gabriel." Her cold tone infiltrates my mind, while the memory stings me like a knifehole. You are the evil one in here remember. Remember right.. Oh, son of a bitch. Likewise, you keep making the same mistakes, huh. It's incredible how you don't learn, isn't it?
I shrug, while Tharja keeps staring back at me, frowning while I try to remember some words.
"Uhh.."
"Why did you have to appear here? Don't you know what this entails?" She moves toward me.
"Yes, I know what it entails," I reply while she sighs
"Sometimes, you are a lost cause."
Her words don't sting as much as I thought. Stating the obvious is something that doesn't sting right now. "Yes, you can say that if you will."
"The Vessel?"
"Yes, Tharja."
"So you are here only because of her?"
I nod while she stares away from me. "I should have known you better, especially considering what you last said to me." Her head turns away from mine.
"Yep, but still if I can speak to her for a bit-"
"Gabriel, stop. Stop what you are doing right now. Please, just leave and get out," she says, pointing at the door.
The lump in my throat emerges. "Sorry Tharja, but I don't think I will be going anywhere right now."
"Ugh…" Tharja replies bitterly, looking back at her book and grabbing it.
The same status quo returns: I stare at her and she doesn't react much, besides reading the book in the palm of her hand.
"Mhm…" I stagger with my words. Tharja's eyes throw daggers at me before going back to her book
"Well, I need your help?" I say staggering.
Tharja blinks at me, a frown following suit. "What?"
I sigh, another selfish part of mine emerging. "I need to see Reflet."
She stares at me, her mind thinking before she closes the book. "Gabriel, can't you just wait until the meeting ends?"
"But what if I lose her and am not able to speak with her?" I ask.
Tharja comes closer and frowns at me "You are going to have ample time to speak with her."
I blink at her. "No, Tharja. We both know that someone like Validar will not allow me to approach her. But if I go undetected, maybe when he isn't looking, I will be able to see."
She grumbles for a moment. "If you want, then go." She points at the door. I gulp at the sight, tension overflowing me. I open the door, leaving her alone. I screwed things up again. I approach the gates.
Both soldiers stare at me, lance at their hands, sharp while heavily armored. I gulp, should I even enter this location? I tap my foot, the question stirring up my mind. So close and so hesitant, fuck it. When I walk forward, both of the doors open up. What? It's that simple?
Then I look behind. Tharja is walking toward the gates, grumbling words in her mouth and grabbing me by the collar as she drags me to see the meeting.
Gangrel is sitting on the throne, Aversa standing on his left and Validar on his right. The messianic nobility is standing in front of him, Tharja's father bowing in Validar's direction, but not Gangrel's.
Reflet stays by Validar's side, just looking down on the others, her mouth shut, staying in the same place like a rock.
We enter the massive crowd blocking the way to the king, who watches with expectation what comes next. Tharja and I stay close enough to the gates, while still inside the crowd, in case an escape is necessary.
"Since you are all here, we shall start the meeting. The king shall have the first word," Validar states.
"You have failed. All of you have failed. We barely scraped by, the enemy got in this goddamn castle!" Gangrel screams.
"But, my King, we were capable of fending them off. Don't you think you are being too harsh? We barely conquered this city and yet we were able to stop them before the situation could get worse." As Tharja's father speaks, the daughter looks away, stepping aside. I blink.
"You what! How dare you suggest having a break! This is war, not a little drinking party! Do you think the Ylisseans are going to exterminate themselves!?"
'No, but you have to understand. War isn't won by killing all, but by having a well-rested army capable of defending those in the first place. You are being too hasty. We are still recovering from yesterday's attack, perhaps it is a better idea to wait while we allow our troops to rest."
"You asinine idiots. Listen to me, as your duty commands. I'm not being too hasty. You are defying my order, so listen carefully, you stupid emir. The plan is this: we are going toward the Ylisseans and slaughter them when they escape!" Gangrel says, his tone annoyed, rolling his eyes.
"But, your majesty. Don't be so ruthless. Remember: those who wait reap their rewards. If you go into battle, you may lose and it will be a loss for our case and such, I ask you to delay the battle and let our soldiers-" Ibrahim states, bowing towards him
Gangrel explodes into brazen fury, getting out of the throne and going towards the man. "No! We are going into battle, like it or not. You're not the one deciding it! We are going to do battle."
Tharja flinches at the comment, but I don't have that much sympathy for him. After all, he was going to kill me in the end. Meanwhile, Reflet stares, yawning at the scene unfolding.
"Weren't you the one that kept asking for something!? Now you demand even more!? You greedy bastard, one more word from you and you will see what I'm capable of." He goes back to his throne. Ibrahim gets up and opens his mouth. Validar raises his hand, making him shut it.
"I approve of Gangrel's plan," Validar says. Grangel smirks at the response. "After all, we need to eliminate some undesirables that are rotting our cause from the inside." His eyes meet with mine alongside Reflet's, who smiles at the word undesirable. Shivers dominate my spine, my belly turning frozen, I slowly turn my head towards the entrance. Silence remains, people looking at each other and murmurs keep going.
Before I can notice, Tharja grabs my head and puts it down, frowning at me but with her eyes wide open.
"All the silence for what?" Gangrel turns to Aversa. "Don't worry, there is someone already here who fits in this.
With one fell swoop, guards come from the entrance. "We have reported that someone has come here without authorization!" The guard says, Validar smiling and Reflet frowning. The gates are wide open. Validar comes from the throne toward my direction, the guards approaching.
"You have to go now!" Tharja says.
"There is someone in here who deserves to be punished." He points his arm towards my direction until Reflet comes and grabs his arm, putting it down.
"Don't worry, Validar. Wait for your righteous punishment, we still have a plan to debate right now, right?" Validar stops smiling.
I take the opportunity, slipping away from the guards and walking towards the gates. The moment I set my foot on the stairway, I run as fast as I can, coming towards the empty corridors and the exit, getting out of the castle. There is not going to be any rest from now on, isn't it?
The battle will come and I still have yet to properly speak with Reflet. Time is ticking down.
So this was another chapter in the fic. I hope it was enjoyable and that grammar wasn't bad this time around. Well, I have started writing the final arc and I think it will finish faster than this one since from what I have written so far from it, it was faster and with more words than Arc II was.
But still I have yet to edit all of the other chapters of Arc II, and that is kind of a pain considering my "editing" is rewriting the whole thing from scratch and using the original chapter as a base for the events, not exactly a quick nor easy process to do. But I have more or less two chapters edited and about 4 or 5 I still have yet to edit.
Anyways, I have kind or rambled way too much right now. Special thanks to Cavik for beta reading this chapter for me. And thanks to everyone who keeps reading the fic considering how weird the grammar and premise is, therefore I appreciate reviews although if you don't want to make it, feel free not to do it.
Well, If you want to talk with me or other talented writers, you can use this link: discord . gg / 9XG3U7a
Crowbars357 : Yes, Validar "dabbed on Gabriel. Also, Thanks for creating the image of Validar dabbing on gabriel, who is very perplexed by the act done towards him,inside my head
Stormtide Leviathan: Well, thanks for the kind of words. To be honest with you, I still doubt so considering specifically Chrom, since I never really studied him that much beyond what is necessary for the fic, since I'm not a fan of his character.
Well, I'm also glad that you liked the plot progression on the fic so far. My only hope is that what you read next will be worthy of the expectations you are having in your head.
2010si: Well, I don't know much either beyond he is really hating that image on his head. In this case, it's more the second one but he is nowhere near the level of mighty, the reality is more close to his mantra: I need to survive no matter what. So it's like someone doing his hardest not to die. You could say, but I kinda disagree despite having that many ticking boxes. He isn't the one who likes killing or wants powers to control the world, he is more like the guy who wants to have a peaceful life but he is getting seriously screwed over.
Also, I disagree with the third point, since Tharja isn't a henchman for him and Henry definitely only cares about bloodshed and have killed Gabriel way too much and lastly, he has trained Gabriel, so you can say that henry is the master while gabriel is the student and that also applies to Tharja. But despite this disagreement, I'm glad you are liking the fic and this chapter so far.
ATree: Really, huh? Well, if that is the case then thanks for pointing it out then, although I think you agree that I still have many ways to go, since English isn't my native language at all.
Yeah, it doesn't really help that he considers her a friend so a more drastic measure would complicate his mind even further.
Thanks, It's just felt natural to do in the end, since it has been a while and he is definitely trying to distance himself from the shepherds even though his conscience is weighing him down at every moment