Revelations: Ascalon and the Dragon

by TheMemeEdgeLord

Time can always change, and sometimes all it takes is one small event to change it. A small child, with scattered memories, and found with a lance and a dragon. Taken to Nohr and raised there by the soldiers, rising and falling but unaware of the path destiny has carved for him, what role he plays in the grand scheme. I don't own FE Fates, but my oc is mine. [Camilla x OC]

27. Chapter 25: Sacrifices Made

*Sneaks back in and tries to act like I haven't been absent for an eternity*

Hey everybody….so it's been a bit and I legit don't have real excuse as to why I was gone so long except for the fact that life happens. Being disabled makes it worse but I'm working my way back to attempting to be a normal functioning human. Until then the chapters are gonna be sporadic. Thank you all for supporting me and understanding though.

Song of the Chapter: Ghost by Au/Ra

Warnings: Violence, mentions of self harm and abuse, and probably poor typing

Chapter Twenty-Five: Sacrifices Made

[Ama House- 6am- Subaki]

Subaki, cold, defeated, and drenched, trudged up the hill to his home with the rising sun behind him, lighting up the world and greeting it for the day. No it did not know what awaited all the many diverse people that woke to it's rays, nor the pain or joy they each held, the fears, the finality set into their worn eyes. Still though, it served as a warmth to the young man many called perfect, as well as many others out in the world. While the heat of its rays helped remind the Sky Knight remember that he was indeed still alive despite feeling hollow and numb inside, he continued on, ignoring the guards that protected his home greet him with concern and then quiet when he did not return it as he would have normally. Well, the old him, the one that died in the crypt, by the side of the pond.

Warm eyes now held a deathly chill as he went onwards, pushing the doors to his home open, making a b-line for his room and grabbing only what was important. Taking one last look at the space he had called his, the awards, trophies, pointless recognitions he had damaged himself for, bled for, all to please people that barely spoke to him, never told him they were proud of him. No, they only wanted more and more from him, not even him, just what he could do and the boost to their image he provided. That ended today though and, gathering them all and putting them on his old bed Subaki lit a candle in the middle of them, knowing the small flame would catch the other items soon and quickly erase them from this world.

Content with that he went out to the halls, asking the guards where his parents were, hardly noticing the disturbed look they wore as when he spoke they heard how gravely his voice was, the emotions that were held back by a slowly breaking thread. They pointed down a passageway, one that lead to the gardens, and watched as he nodded and left.

Neither parent was prepared for when their son showed up in the state he was in, nor were they ready for when he order the guards away in an uncharacteristically harsh tone. Both watched as the nervous guards left, staring at their child until it was just the three of them all alone among the flowers. Lightly a breeze blew through the air, rustling the branches and flowers. Tension grew as the silence hung unbroken. Then eyes full of pain and betrayal, exhaustion looked up.

"We're the last living members of the light tribe." Subaki stated, voice cold and piercing.

His father stood there, unable to say anything, his mother grasping for words but losing them every time she looked back at her son. Since they both were at a loss Subaki continued.

"We are part of one of the most important groups of people in the history of Hoshido and Nohr and you, along with every one else in our family decided to keep it a secret. …I always thought what you two did for me was with the best intentions, to give me the best shot I could in life. To be void of any "bad" emotions, to be able to do anything and everything, to never fail, to never fall…to be perfect…it's what our family, the great Ama line, has always done…but you and every one else was wrong. People needed us and we hid…wiped away all traces of ourselves. It took a god telling me what we are for me to learn this. It took me scrambling for information to find that my own blood had destroyed anything that spoke the truth and that we buried ourselves in lies and the attempt to keep this perfect appearance so that no one suspects who we actually are." He told them, rambling on some and desperately trying to hold back his anger and tears.

Taking a step forward his mother spoke softly, trying to smooth the situation over. "Subaki, darling, you must understand that if the world knew we were part of that tribe they would think so differently of us, treat us the way they do the Wind or Fire tribes. What our ancestors did was for the best. Besides, the world has done just fine without us."

"Fine? FINE? Have you seen what's happening?! We're at war! The Royal Family and city was attacked and all but destroyed. People died! People are going to continue dying. Our ancestors didn't do what was for the best. They were cowards that abandoned the world and built up a false image so that we could live in luxury while avoiding responsibilities…like you two do. Did you even go to check on Mikoto after the attack?"

"Subaki how dare you speak to me-"

"DID YOU EVEN GO TO CHECK ON YOUR QUEEN?!"

"…No, we didn't. Your father and I knew we couldn't serve anyone if we died, so we stayed where we were safe."

"…I was there too you know…your "perfect" son. The one that's never been good enough for your high and mighty standards. I was there the day that all went down, taking care of the wounded and scared, actually living up to what our bloodline, our true bloodline expects of us…to be a light in the times of darkness."

At this his father spoke up, a look of disgust clear on his face. "Right now you are far from any kind of light or beacon. You're just an angry child lashing out, blaming your parents when we've been doing what's best."

For a moment those words hung in the air, stinging to anyone else that was eavesdropping on this intense confrontation. Many expected the fangs to sink in deep and shut the young man down, to put him back in the place he normally returned to on the rare occasions he ever spoke back to his parents. This time was different though. It was a new day, the first new day Subaki had seen in a while. And he wasn't going to let his light be snuffed out ever again.

Laughing lightly at the harsh cutting words Subaki looked his father in the eyes and said with confidence, "I am the epitome of a beacon of light to so many people, and your words can't tear me apart anymore. I am not a child. I am an orphan confronting my abusers and getting the closure I deserve. I've cut my strings, felt what it is to fall and hit the ground hard, to break. You can't hurt me worse than I've hurt myself. Now, either you two are going to tell me what you know about the Light Tribe, or I'm going to tear this house apart until I find it."

"Oh really? You know we can order the guards to stop you."

"Can you? I don't think they'll listen to you…especially since half of the staff here has been listening into this conversation. I think they'd rather help me…the one that has always treated them like actual living beings."

Silence hung again in the brilliant garden, the two parents frantically looking around as they searched for the staff that Subaki had spoken of, soon finding many of the onlookers and their disappointed gazes and glares. Their judgment of the pair quickly suffocated them, like a weighted blanket trapped over ones face. Breath quickening and pulse picking up pace they tried to think of a way out of this, a way to avoid exposure, both thrown through a loop at this sudden rebellion from their child. Seconds passed as they whispered to one another, desperate for an alternative. Yet it was a new day, one where the rays of the sun were not a comfort to them, but a harsh burn.

Stepping out from the shadows the guards of the grand home all moved in forward and circled the two parents, naginatas held up and ready, poised to strike.

Baffled and stammering the mother angrily asked, "What is the meaning of this? This is betrayal!"

An older guard shook her head, expression grim, and answered, "No, this is justice. You two never raised your son, never cared for him, never patched him up when he was hurt. You saw a toy more than a person. This is the last lie you'll ever tell, the last time you'll ever hurt him. Now he's going to go search the house for information about the Light Tribe and you two are going to stay here until we decide what to do with you."

At a loss for words Subaki looked at the guards, turning to find the maids and butler waving for him to come back inside. Casting one last look to his parents, shocked at the fact that he had finally stood up for himself, he turned his gaze back to the others and walked over to them. Slowly a weak smile crept across his lips as they wrapped their arms around him and pulled him inside, to where he was safe. Tears slid down his cheeks as hands patted him on the back, voices happily encouraged him and told them how proud of him they were. The family that had actually raised him shielded him from the shouts and insults his blood threw at him, screeched at the top of their lungs trying to dig their talons back in. He was free at last and let himself be led away to the study, knowing he was taking the right steps forward towards helping himself and the world.

[Port Town- Camilla, Leo, Hinoka and company]

It had been a lot to explain to not only Mikoto but the retainers and other royals. Sakura and Elise were thrilled that they were finally going to go help out instead of sitting around and waiting, as were all of the others. The Queen, while understanding that this was the necessary path to be taken also couldn't help but worry and ask all of them to do their best to stay alive, as well as send her one of her own retainers off with them. She would be able to survive without them, and she would be alright with just one of them. Of course when they were doing a head count all of them were surprised to find Subaki was missing from this group. That was until a messenger from the Ama home arrived with a message that was given directly to Mikoto, one she read quietly to herself. She took some time to re-read it as well, the words painfully burning into her eyes as she found that there had been much happening in that home that she had missed. After coming to terms with the news she looked to the messenger with a warm smile.

"Let the new lord of the Ama house know that he doesn't need to worry about anything and the ex-heads of his house will be placed in prison for their crimes. Child abuse and neglect are heinous and not tolerated. Also let him know that he is needed here at the castle, as a team is being sent out to help General Ascalon in the field." She told them, keeping her voice steady and polite, watching them nod and leave quickly.

Sakura, who knew the name Ama, went to her mother and quietly asked, "Is everything alright? Was that message from Subaki?"

"Things will be alright now, and no, it was from the head butler of his home. When Subaki is ready to talk about things he will speak. Until then, just understand that he is walking a new path, and is healing. He should be here within a few hours though."

Trusting her mother and giving a slight smile, Sakura bowed and returned to the others, explaining that Subaki would be with them soon and that everyone should get ready to leave. Most everyone could pick up that there was something more going on though and chose to listen to the young princess, as she knew the man best, and busied themselves with preparing for this long journey that they all hoped they came back from. Farewells were given, tears were shed, friends and family hugged and kissed, and the uncomfortable arrangements should the worst happen planned and set whether in words or in ink and paper.

Three hours passed before the red-haired Sky Knight arrived, bearing new black armor and a new dark steed, as well as a tome attached to his hip and an emblem freshly etched into the chest-plate of his suit. While everyone took a second to process this sudden change the youngest of the Hoshidan royal children stepped forward and smiled brightly at him, reaching up and tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. Sakura, who could see straight through the mask he was wearing, saw the pain he'd been through in the past 24 hours, the changes that had already been mad in him and the new path he was on. It would be hard breaking the shell he had always hidden in, coming back from being a ghost of a person and actually living for himself. So she did the one thing she knew would help.

"I'm p-proud of you. Your hair looks very nice down like this, and the new armor is c-c-cool too." She commented with a warm smile.

Tension vanishing from his frame Subaki looked at her, warm eyes softening, and returned the smile. Quietly he replied, "Thank you. I'm…I'm trying some new things…to see if I like them."

"That's wonderful and I-I'm truly excited for you. I'm h-h-happy you can be with us and bring your brightness into this dark situation."

"…You're too kind your highness. Expe-…I'll do my best. Thank you."

Gently taking his hand in hers and giving it a light squeeze Sakura laughed some, overwhelmed to see him doing things for himself, and happily said, "I know you will. And you deserve that kindness. Now, let's go help our friends."

Once all was said and done the group quickly took to the road, barely stopping to rest and traveling at breakneck speeds, pairing up and traveling along the most direct routes. Storms and poor weather were barely anything to them as they carried on, braving through blustering winds, the hot plains, and the rainy forests with the occasional lightning strikes nearby. It was incredible how swiftly they passed from one town to another, Camilla and Subaki being the biggest sources of light and inspiration for everyone as they sped along, both of them brightly encouraging the others that they would be there soon and that they were all so important to this forming team, that things were not all for nothing, that they would be there waiting for them at the Port Town.

A week later they arrived, feeling victorious as the crested the last hill in their way, only to feel their hearts all sink in unison. Before them was the Port Town, smokes rising from the streets that should be noisy but instead lay silent. Elise gasped and turned to hide her face in Sakura's chest, praying to the gods that her family was alright. Camilla, who watched as others gazed on in despair, turned to Subaki, who was quickly becoming a good friend, and Takumi, relieved when both of them gave her a reassuring nod.

Turning to face the group Camilla cleared her throat and waited for them to all look to her, feeling the pressure as this was normally Ascalon doing the pep talks. She couldn't fail him now though, not when they were so close, and putting her mind on the train of "What would Lon do?" she calmly said, "I know things look bad, and they very well might be. That doesn't mean we just stop here and call it quits. I know Lon and I know he would've gotten himself and the others out to sea. They're out there, probably not even that far away, and we will find them and catch up, and all of us will be reunited again. But we need to be strong for ourselves and each other. We need to support each other as we have been this whole time. We all built a hidden country under Nohr. We can and will cross this town, find a ship, and find the others. Now, everyone gather yourselves and let's go down there and find what we can."

Sniffles and nods were the response she got, as well as a few muttered "she's right", and with that Camilla turned and gazed back out at the remains of the Port Town, a smoke filled breeze blowing past her and tousling her lavender hair, mixing ash into the fine locks. Subaki walked over, standing next to her and squinting as it stung his eyes, taking in the devastation. A long moment passed before Takumi joined them and any of them spoke.

"That smoke is fresh and still burning new fuel. This couldn't have happened too long ago. Maybe only hours ago if that." The prince stated, voice unwavering as he watched the still rising plumes.

Agreeing with him Subaki added, "It had to only be hours ago because none of us saw this until recently. Whatever did this did it fast and quietly. These weren't Faceless or ordinary soldiers."

Dread sinking in Camilla continued gazing and only commented, "You're right. They aren't ordinary soldiers. They're not from here."

"…Like the ones from the attack in the city then? We need to be careful. I'm going to scout ahead, see if one of the ships there is in sailing condition." Subaki stated.

"Take Takumi with you. Be safe you two."

Giving a half smile Takumi patted her shoulder and commented, "We'll do our best. If we don't make it back though, find a safer way to reach Lon and watch over my sisters and brother."

All she could do was nod and watch as they took off, silently soaring towards the dangerous wreck, soon turning her attention back to the others. Not before taking a moment to gaze at her bracelet she wore and the small locket that hung from it, the gold and blue beads that sparkled in the gloomy light of the cloud blocked sun. Closing her eyes for even just a moment, she could almost hear his voice on the wind, the words he'd be saying to her, how he'd be encouraging her and saying she was doing her best. Yet there were no warm arms wrapping around her and once again she felt a gnawing loneliness settle in as she opened them again and found herself alone and up to her eyes in responsibilities, duties, people to lead. In true Ascalon manner, as well as her own, she put on a brave face and went around checking on her team, on how they were holding up, and trying to keep morale high despite the looming doom.

Only an hour passed before Subaki and Takumi returned, both looking pale but relatively unharmed. Camilla rushed up to them as they landed, anxious but doing her best to keep her own fears hidden and at bay. Dismounting they gave her a thumbs up and took a moment before speaking.

"Well, Ascalon and the others had been in that town, that's for certain, but they aren't any of the…cadavers." Takumi explained a bit awkwardly as he was just a smidge unsure as to how to address the fact that everyone in town was dead.

Camilla, drinking in the words, gave a stiff and single nod, tense as that sentence was both good and bad. "So…there were no survivors then?"

At this Subaki spoke, tone emotionless and lacking its usual pep. "There had been one and they were only alive long enough to tell us that the general had sailed away yesterday, before this attack. It was…"invisible enemies" as they phrased it, that razed the town."

"I see…and the ship situation?"

"Two of them work but we should only need one. A few of us know how to sail so hopefully we'll be alright. If we take the smaller ship we'll go faster and catch the others quicker."

"Thank you Takumi. I'll get everyone together then and we'll head out immediately." Camilla replied, giving half a smile and watching the prince nod and walk off to the others.

Before she could thank Subaki he shook his head and simply said, "It's the least I can do. Princess Camilla-"

"You can call me Camilla."

"…Camilla…do you need a hug?"

About to speak she paused, caught off guard by the question and unsure of where it came from, what to reply with. Turning her eyes up to the Dark Flier who had changed so much in the time she'd known him, she watched him for a moment, thrown off by this new confidence he seemed to have in himself. Patiently he waited for her answer, not uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze that was trying to piece things together. Close to a minute later Camilla nodded and let him hug her, feeling an odd warmth settle in her and fight off the chill that threatened to try and make its home in her bones.

"You put on a strong front for everyone here, as Ascalon does, but you need to let others care for you, help light the path you're walking down. A leader is no good to their people if they're unable to see because they've blinded themselves." He whispered to her after a moment, gently rubbing his hand on her back while resting his chin on her shoulder.

"…You're not wrong. I…I've been feeling so alone lately…almost lost, without him. I know that everyone here trusts me and now I can feel how scared Lon has probably always been. How did you know I was feeling this?" She asked back in hushed tones, trying to relax some.

"I use to do the same exact thing. I used to lead myself and others even though I was so stressed out of my mind I couldn't think straight."

"Yes…I remember you always striving for perfection, no matter how hard it was. But you're not anymore. You've changed so much in only a week. What happened?"

Pulling out of the embrace only a little Subaki looked at the ground between them and thought for a long moment. "I failed…terribly. And I broke. But after breaking I found that the only way to fix myself was with the gold that is freedom…freedom to be myself. Freedom to make mistakes, to pick myself up after falling and know that it's okay that I fell. I'm not perfect, and I never will be, but at least I'm not a blind puppet anymore."

Camilla listened closely to his quiet words, empathizing with him as that had been what her relationship with her mother was, knowing what that freedom he spoke of felt like, how it could change the scared into the brave. It had been that for her. Resting a hand on his cheek she smiled at him and said, "Failure sometimes is the best thing in our life. But the ability to let yourself do that is even greater. I'm so happy and proud for you. Also thank you for trying to help. I probably need it."

Smirking he nodded and stated, "Most definitely. I'll go check on everyone. You get yourself ready. Take your time."

With that he walked off to join the others, lifting their spirits and handling whatever people needed help with, giving the princess time to herself which she greatly appreciated. Walking over to Athena and handing the wyvern an apple out of one of her saddle bags, Camilla gave her a few chin scritches before standing on the top of the hill again and closing her eyes, one hand wrapped around her bracelet and clutching it close to her chest. Soon. Soon things would be alright. She just had to make it. Ascalon had to make it.

Breathing in deeply, trying to ignore the smoke and ash, she took a bit longer to calm her own troubled mind and steel herself. It was just like leading the Wyvern Troops. She could do this and would do this. Determined and ready to continue onward, Camilla opened her lavender eyes again, feeling refreshed and prepared for what was to come. This looming dread wouldn't get her today, or anytime soon. She was stronger than it and had so many people supporting her.

Once everyone was ready Subaki came over to her, checking one last time before they went down into the remains of the Port Town, explaining to her briefly how bad some areas were and that it'd be best if they went directly to the ship before sending out a few people to gather supplies for their voyage. Agreeing with him she nodded and mounted Athena, taking off and leading the group into the ruined area, guiding everyone as best as she could. Despite her best efforts there were many corpses along the way to the ships, children and their parents, couples, even pets, and it was incredibly hard not to feel scared at the devastating sight. Camilla, as well as Subaki and surprisingly Hinoka, were able to usher the others past these points, Leo offering support to some as well and seeming like he had had to deal with this before.

After everyone boarded it was only a matter of time before they set sail, as the smaller ship had been prepped and was half stocked, most likely because someone else was probably going to use it. That was in the past though, as many tried to not think about that, and within twenty minutes they had left port and were swiftly pulling far away from the devastated town, a few of them standing at the back of the ship and praying for the safe passage of the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

Foggy sea air and the distant cries of ocean birds soon blocked out the gloom, helping the team forget what they had just walked through, not that they wouldn't remember it at a later point or while they were trying to fall asleep. Lazlow was at the helm, as he had sailed before, and Odin and Selene were there with him, keeping him company. Beruka and Niles were having a fairly tame conversation while checking the rigging and sails. Elise, Sakura, and Rinkah were going over medical supplies, as they all had different methods and treatments to share and cross reference. Hana, Oboro, and Hinata were going over fighting techniques with Effie, Arthur, and Peri. Hinoka was helping Leo rest and making sure he didn't strain himself, as he had been for the past few weeks. Lastly Orochi and Takumi were reviewing maps and charting a few courses they could take, and what route Ascalon and the others probably took.

Camilla, who had just finished up getting the many mounts settled in and calmed down, leaned against the railing and looked out to the sea, taking a deep breath and letting it out. She hardly noticed when the red-haired Dark Flier joined her, nor that they quietly watched the water together for an hour. This period of calm and collection would become her norm for the next week as their ship sped along, cutting through the gray waves and ocean mist, a pleasant comfort settling in and giving everyone on board a temporary and welcome sense of stability. They all would have breakfast together and share stories, learn who the morning people were as well as the night owls. Elise made sure that after diner everyone took time to play a game together or sing and dance, something to help them all grow closer and understand one another. A few nights some of got into arguments and fights, yet things were always resolved, people were given space to breathe until they could speak.

Many of them went to Camilla, or Subaki, for guidance on how to talk about their feelings, or why people wanted to talk about such touchy stuff. Thinking back to her own growing up and how each of her siblings and friends had handled talking about emotions and traumas, she offered what she could, explaining that everyone processes and learns differently, but no-one will know unless the other states boundaries and what is okay and what isn't. The Dark Flier gave very similar advice, surprised when his friends said they'd heard almost the same thing from Camilla.

It was on the eighth day in while Camilla and Subaki were having the quiet time that new things sprung forth from the fog.

Subaki, who was going to take a sip of tea from his cup, caught sight of something abnormally pale in the dark waters. Squinting at it and setting his cup down he watched it approach, patting the princess on the shoulder and pointing it out to her as it drifted ever closer. Camilla, just as lost as him, watched in confusion and was even more befuddled when the pale block hit the side of the ship lightly, the two items on it not moving an inch. It was, surprisingly, a block of thick ice with what looked like and armor piece or two on it.

After a moment of staring Subaki quietly asked, "Isn't Ascalon's armor black and gold?"

"…It is. Don't tell me that armor is black and gold." Camilla answered, hoping against hope it wasn't his.

"Only one way to tell. It's not the end, even if it is his."

With that stated Subaki carefully climbed over the railing and climbed down the side of the ship, wrapping his arm in the net that hung off the side so that he wouldn't fully fall off into the cold water. Reaching with his long arms he grabbed the smaller item first, stomach clenching as he knew it well, pocketing it and grabbing the other larger one after a few failed tries. He glanced over it quickly, warm eyes taking in the fine and worn details, easily knowing this to belong to the general. Sighing and knowing this wasn't the best news, he detangled his arm and climbed back up, letting out a huff as he caught his breath and handed the armor piece to her. After a moment he handed the item from his pocket as well, wincing as she stared numbly at the eyepatch now resting in her hand.

It was dangerously quiet for a moment before she took a few deep breaths and then looked Subaki in the eyes and said, "I'm gonna kill him when I find him."

"…No you're not. We both know you wouldn't otherwise he'd have died a while ago." He sarcastically countered, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'll make him wish I could kill him."

"That sounds more accurate. It's odd though. Where did the ice come from?"

"I don't know but I'm sure we'll get answ….that's a ship. That's another ship over there!" She all but shouted, eyes widening as they locked onto the distant figure that was in the same direction the ice had come from.

"Heck, that's more than one ship. There must be three. You're gonna go check it out, aren't you?" He asked, side-eyeing his friend and catching her expression. At her silence he chuckled and added, "I'm going with you. Come on let's tell the others."

[The Swift Blade- Ascalon and company]

Groggily the world came back into focus for him. His face felt naked and weird, a familiar pressure gone. There was a strong taste of iron and salt on his tongue and a scratch in the back of his throat. Incessant pounding in his head as if someone was trying to crack his skull open. His arm was on fire. Voices swam around him as the air seemed to be thick like syrup. All of his body felt stiff like a corpse, limbs not wanting to move and already complaining about the effort it took to be awake.

Gold eyes focused on the ceiling, finding worn wood above him. The distinct smell of medical supplies wafted through the air as the sounds of other people in pain and distress helped him fully come back to the land of the living. With a deep breath Ascalon took a few seconds before gingerly pushing himself up onto his one working elbow, hissing as his other arm howled in pain. The room swam some as he took it in, finding himself in the medical area and watching as the few healers worked on the injured people, many who were worse off than himself.

Mind foggy and trying to understand what had happened to himself, the Draco Knight attempted to sit up fully, regretting it as while he was able to it felt like he had been sucker punched in the gut with an armored fist. A small groan left his lips as he wrapped an arm around his waist, trying his best to not toss whatever cookies he had. Distantly he could hear familiar voices, concern coursing through some and agony in others. It was all so much and quickly he felt like the room was closing in on him. Chest tightening and breathing become even tougher, Ascalon woozily stood, looking around for an exit and crashing against a wooden beam when his feet quit holding him up for more than a few seconds. Blurred figures turned to him and soon started approaching, all of them speaking so loudly and reaching out towards him. Retreating he weakly told the undefined shapes to back off, voice coming out as a whisper.

Stumbling backwards and falling, there came many raised voices, all of them bleeding into one another, before a familiar voice broke them and hushed the many. Carefully approaching him a single person crouched down, carefully reaching out so he could keep track of things, and simply covering his ears for him. Ascalon, grateful for the help and everything was overwhelming him at the moment, took a few minutes to gather himself and let the world come back into focus.

Soon figures began to be more than smudged colors, each of them taking shape and turning into the people they were. The chaos calmed and the room halted its swimming and spinning, showing he was indeed in a med bay on one of the ships. As he caught his breath and the world settled into itself Ascalon followed the arms the hands covering his ears were attached to, finding familiar lavender hair, as well as lovely violet eyes and a bright smile he'd been missing for eons.

Time all but halted for the two as they sat on the worn and battered floor of the ship, both of them smiling at each other like happy fools, Ascalon crying from his damaged eye both from joy but also too much light hitting it, Camilla giggling and sniffling. Both of them were exhausted, clearly, one injured and the other half soaked from flying through the heavy fog and mist to get over to the ship. But to each other, they looked perfect.

And roll credits! Nah, there's still a lot of plot to cover but hey, they're FINALLY reunited…finally…ahhhhhhh.

Until next time!