AN: It's tough to be Cassius, y'all.
Savior (Cassius)
He's well aware of how far his reputation extends, well aware of the praise he receives in spite of his dogged insistence that it's not necessary.
They call him a genius, a man whose mastery of both tactics and strategy will never be surpassed.
They call him invincible, a warrior that ruled the battlefield with unparalleled skill and grace.
They call him savior, the keystone behind the effort to accomplish the impossible during the Hundred Days War.
They can say whatever they like. It doesn't matter. Cassius remembers Lena – remembers their grieving, confused daughter – and knows that he'll never believe.
Something in the air (Kairi, Ash)
"Goddamn, you sure you're gonna be okay? That last one almost took you outta your chair."
"I-I'm fine!" Pausing quickly to wipe his nose with a handkerchief, Kairi turned to look at Ash with watery, red-rimmed eyes. "It's just – I don't deal well with pollen, that's all."
"Yeah, I can see that. And everyone outside can probably hear it, too." Pulling himself to his feet, he gestured his head toward the door. "C'mon, let's go."
Kairi blinked. "Where are we going?"
"To the kitchen. Ginger tea's actually pretty great for allergies, the green stuff you guys have not so much…"
A single step (Viscount Arseid, Laura)
The path of the sword was all he'd ever known. He had walked it for as long as he could remember, his head held high and his gaze unwavering. It was long and winding, with room enough for people to walk alongside him - comrades, students, rivals.
Sometimes they would travel together for days, or months, or even years. Other time their paths were destined to cross only once, the sound of clashing blades forever echoing in his memories.
Now, it was her turn.
He proudly watched as Laura's fingers curled around the practice hilt; a small gesture, a first step.