Chapter XL: The Day of Revelations
Be they of noble blood or common birth, the sun rose for everyone in Ylisse all the same. To most of the kingdom it would be a day just like any other; a pleasant mid-summer's day with a sun that shone its grace radiantly upon the land. To others though, this would be a day of only the greatest importance; especially to those in Ylisse's royal family. It was the day of the Post War Ball, an event to be enjoyed by the upper echelon of their society. The people as a whole had hardly taken issue as they'd already enjoyed the much more widespread celebrations of the post war festival and all of the excitement that had brought. As a result very few of them were even aware of the events that were to transpire that night… though even those that did know were surprised to see a royal paying them visit.
"L-Lady Emmeryn!" one of the commoners said in surprise. Soon a great swath was approaching their former Exalt to pay their respect to such a strong advocate for peace, this being her first public walk since the war had ended.
"Funny, I figured that she'd be busy at the castle going over the last of the details to make sure that everything was ready and well underway with all of the nobles in tonight's attendance," one of the merchants noted as they kept their distance and watched from afar.
"In a way it makes sense," another merchant said as they took the time that they currently had to adjust the merchandise on their stalls before they went to speak to the saint-like figure themselves. "She's just the type of person that would make a special visit to make sure that the common people knew that they're in her thoughts even during an important night like tonight."
"Fair enough," agreed the first. "But even still, where's her royal guard? Even as the symbol of peace, she at least had her protection when she traveled through the town."
"She's already got all the protection she needs." The new voice that had chimed in was a blonde burly man looking over the apples in on the first man's stall; trying to pick the biggest and sweetest out like it was some kind of art form. He avoided the limes on display, wasn't interested in them.
"Nice to see you again Vaike," said the stall's owner, the axe user being a regular customer of his. "No offense, but I doubt you'd be able to keep the Exalt safe by yourself."
"The Vaike knows better than to try alone, at least while he's unarmed. But I wasn't talking about me," the Fighter answered as he pointed a thumb to his right.
The target of his pointing was the red coated Grim Reaper himself; Ragna the Bloodedge. The man stood with a slouch a short distance from the former Exalt so he wouldn't be intruding on people offering their thanks. While he might've appeared bored out of his mind to most people, in truth he was keeping a cautious eye on her if the need came to bring out his impressive Aramasa blade.
"Pretty sure she's in good hands," Vaike said with a chuckle as he grabbed his apple of choice, flipped over a few copper coins in payment, and headed over to speak with his friend. The merchants internally debated whether being this close to the Reaper himself was the safest place in the kingdom or the most dangerous. "How goes it, buddy?"
"Hey Teach. Fairly quiet all things considered. Still don't know why Emm decided that she needed to come all the way to my place first thing in the morning," he told his friend casually, though he kept his eyes on the former Exalt.
"To your place? You mean that she didn't send a messenger to come grab you first?" Vaike asked.
"Well Phila guarded her on the way there, but I think that it was more from her insistence than Emmeryn wanting protection," Ragna remembered. "Seems she had some free time between all of this planning and needed to talk about something with me… after we finish seeing the masses I guess."
"You know that if you and Emmeryn go off on your own like that, people are gonna start talking," the fighter warned with plenty of teasing to be found in his tone.
"And my Long Live Emmeryn stunt as the Black Knight didn't already start something?" the Reaper countered. "Speaking of going off on your own; what the hell are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be getting ready for tonight? Maribelle told me this was supposed to be a full day thing making sure the Shepherds were presentable."
"You kiddin' me? I ditched the first chance I got," the axe user revealed much to Ragna chagrin. "What? There was no way I was going to blow away an entire day getting ready for just a couple of hours tonight. The Vaike's got better things to do."
"Right. And you're clearly doing those better things now instead of trying to avoid anyone searching for your miserable hide to get it ready," Ragna counted. Vaike had been about to take another bite out of his apple, but was now looking to Ragna almost pleadingly. "…I saw a Pegasus overhead earlier. Red hair made it pretty damned apparent it was Cordelia. I'd watch the skies if I were you; she'd drag you back in a heartbeat."
"Y-Yeah, I'll keep an eye out," Teach promised, standing closer to the shadows cast by a nearby building.
"Actually, if I were really you I'd head back now and get the damn thing over with now; all you're doing is delaying the inevitable," he told his friend earnestly. "Assuming they don't find you-"
"Ya bastard!"
"…first."
"S-Sully!? How the hell did you track me down!?" Vaike yelled out in surprise. Already the crowd that had gathered to pay their respect to Emmeryn was glancing over in concern, as was the former Exalt herself. Ragna did his best to nonchalantly wave them off, though he was sure no matter how many eyes were present these two would continue making a scene. If anything, he was just happy that no children were in the area to pick up on the knight's foul language.
"I'm the one that showed ya this apple vendor, ya damn ninny! Of course I'd know where to find yer sorry arse!" It seemed that Teach had quite the lapse of judgement when choosing his hiding location. "You, Ricken, even had to run after Gregor to track 'im down! Do you idiots realize how important tonight is!?"
"Come on, it's not just the guys! The only reason you got Panne to stay is because Robin promised her a week's worth of carrot soup afterwards!" Vaike said, glancing over to Ragna as pleading as he could look.
"Don't look at me; I'm on guard duty," the Reaper refused before turning to Sully. "So Gaius is still out there then?"
"Nah, Maribelle is the one that got 'im early. Before the whole thing began she said that she had somethin' important to discuss. From what she told us, she had plenty she needed to actually talk through with him…"
"But once she was done, she didn't waste any time making sure she caught him before he bolted. Devious, real devious," Ragna noted, reaching out to grab Vaike's shoulder and keep him from running. "Teach, if Sully doesn't catch you now then she's just going to send her damned horse after you."
"…In that case, Teach'll be on his way back," the Fighter finally surrendered. "I just wanted to celebrate tonight with an apple."
"In that case you wouldn't mind picking up two more while you're here. Courtesy for getting me all the damn way out here!"
"T-Two!? You really need more than one!?" Vaike shouted back.
"Who said they were both for me!? I wanna grab one for my horse too," she told him sternly, showing she wasn't going to be taking no for an answer. "Sides, this'll keep them happy for the night."
"Right, right," Vaike sighed, before being flipped a silver coin for by the Reaper. "Huh?"
"Apples are on me today. Just… make sure tonight goes smooth. I'm probably looking forward to dressing up the least out of any of us, but I don't want any extra stress or pressure on Chrom, Robin, or Emm."
"Dressing up he says. Lucky bastard still gets to wear armor to this thing meanwhile I'm stuffed in some suit," Vaike answered back with a chortle. "Being seeing you then; hope you've still got enough shine on that metal to make up for your dancing."
"Heh, that'll be sight for sure. Thinking back to that night at Regna Ferox still gets a laugh outta me," Sully attested.
'They don't know I've been getting ready for this,' Ragna smirked to himself. 'That day I spent working on my dancing with Olivia as well as-' He stopped that prideful thought for the moment, he'd show Teach and Sully up soon enough, anyone else thinking he was about to fail too. He also knew he was making that facet of the night more important than it needed to be. 'Nah, it's not my night. Far from it. Not even my day. Speaking of which.'
Emmeryn had just finished receiving the thanks and well wishes offered by the townspeople and was returning back to him. Catching her with her more natural and longer hair in the front, a noble yet none too extravagant dress, it seemed like she really was just out for a pleasant day with no impeding worries for that night… he figured it would be for the best to keep it that way.
"Shall we then?"
Free from Worry
"So it's still here then," Emmeryn said aloud as the two approached a large field of wildflowers. "It's been… some time since I've been this far out of the city."
"Something about your own personal protection?" Ragna guessed as he stabbed his sword roughly into the ground behind him. Thanks to the thing's absurd weight, he hardly had to worry about any would-be thief running off with it.
"That was… part of it. I know that Phila and her sisters in arms would only be too happy to guide me here, but it hardly felt fair to bring them to simply view the flowers when my own castle garden had been so painstakingly maintained and held much easier means of protection. This particular field of flowers doesn't even hold any meaningful significance to me."
"Even still, you wanted to bring me out here with you," Ragna noted before smirking himself. "Do you even know your own reason?"
"If I had to guess, maybe because I just wanted to be somewhere outside of the castle now that I had the chance," Emmeryn said before sitting in the middle of the flower bed. "Did you mind?"
"Hardly." The Reaper headed over and promptly plopped down on his back beside her, getting the smallest of giggles from the Exalt for his lack of refinement. "So? How was it speaking to them after all of this time?"
"For my first walk in public since my speech and your return, I think everyone was especially welcoming," she told him. "You didn't frighten off as many of them as I'd been expecting. You were even able to forgo your signature scowl."
"It takes a lot more to keep it that way than I'd like to admit," the Reaper said casually. "But it didn't look like too many people were shying away from me. Even if they didn't come up to me personally, but you were supposed to be the center of attention anyways."
"And you don't like having so many eyes on you. I'm well aware," Emm said before forgoing her more lady like behavior and lying beside Ragna. "How long has it been since we could just sit together like this?"
"Been a damn while, but given all of the shit we've had to put up with since then I guess it's not all that surprising," Ragna figured as he stared up at the few clouds in the sky. "And given all the responsibilities you've been saddled with it's probably been longer since you could do anything you wanted."
"Actually no; I've had much more time on my hands since Chrom, Robin, and Lissa have been taking additional responsibilities," Emmeryn admitted. "Remember when we first met and I wanted you to try to keep him from answering all of his problems with a sword?"
"Trust me, if we'd met just a little earlier in my life Chrom would be the one that would've had to talk me down," he recalled. "But I heard about his fight with Mustafa and how he chose to spare him. Guy has made a lot of progress."
"And it's that progress thar's made it easier for me to hand him the responsibility of leadership and the title of Exalt. And with your… motivation as the Black Knight, I owe you more than you could ever know."
"You don't have to worry about any of that, I was just doing what I thought was right." Ragna didn't take his eyes off the skies above him. "Still, I think you're forgetting your own part towards that path of peace. Remember when we were on the run in the mountains from Gangrel's army? I was about to wipe an entire kingdom off the map if it wasn't for you."
"I doubt that you'd have gone that far; you were only doing what was necessary to protect your family," she recounted. "Still… it's been a long journey, just to make it to this point."
"Yeah, and if what Tiki told us is true we aren't even done yet," Ragna considered. "But… I'm not worried. It's a weird feeling to have, especially knowing that there's going to be another war somewhere down the line. But I've gotten a better of look at the Shepherds, the kingdom as a whole, and… I just feel that we're going to be alright in the end."
"Knowing that you feel that way gives me so much relief," Emmeryn sighed. "What about… your own battles?"
"I'm still working the details out on some of those, but same feeling," Ragna answered seriously before smirking. "So, you ready to dance with the terrifying Black Knight tonight?"
"You're hardly terrifying; even when I didn't know it was you, your first actions left quite the impression."
"Heh, don't they always?" The two shared a laugh. It was only a brief one, but held a deeper meaning given their shared moments. "Emm… thanks, for everything."
"My pleasure my friend, though you deserve every bit as much thanks as I."
Support Rank A Obtained with Emmeryn
Later
The two hadn't spent long in the flower fields, but when they had returned to the city Phila was already waiting for the former Exalt to return her to the castle on important business. Most likely it was to welcome the last of the incoming dignitaries and to see to the Ball's final preparations. The Reaper had seen them both off and promised that he'd at the castle in time for the festivities and announcements… though he had to wonder how many of the Shepherds were still planning to slip away at the last minute. Deciding that he hadn't much to do, he may as well prepare himself now instead of rushing at the last minute.
The mansion that he'd received from Chrom due to his efforts had come equipped with a small armory in the back and it was this armory that his enigmatic Black Knight armor would be kept. He didn't go into this room very often, most of the time even electing to keep the Aramasa on his person, but he still knew how to fasten his own armor after all the time he'd spent in his crusade of solitude against the Risen.
"Still no show from those things," Ragna thought as he fastened the last few straps. A part of him considered taking the helmet out of spite and to unnerve just a few of the noble folk, but had eventually decided against it in favor of everything going smoothly for once. "Still, assuming the reports Flavia got me from Regna Ferox are accurate, there's almost no Risen out there aside from the few strays. I thought these things used to group together so... they should've been somewhere, but the Azure Grimoire should be able to track a force that big no matter where it is, right?"
His audible questions to no one but himself were interrupted when he heard a knocking on the front door. Normally a house this size would have needed a servant to listen for this and answer it, but Ragna's enhanced hearing was enough to pick on the sound no matter where in the house he was. Heading over (and quickly growing used to the new weight of his familiar heavy armor) he opened the door to reveal…
Conflicts of the Future and Past
"Sir Kni- Ragna…" Tiki corrected herself as she saw the Reaper grabbed in the armor she was more familiar with.
"Eh, whatever works for you," the Reaper said passively before getting a proper eyeful of Tiki and smirking. "Looks like someone's had quite the glow up."
"You flatter me," Tiki told him with a faint blush. The Manakete was now in a sleeveless evening gown with gloves that went to her elbows. While the gloves were a lighter pink, the gown itself matched the dress that she normally wore. She also wore tall stiletto shoes and no longer had her hair in a ponytail and instead let it fall behind her and just above her shoulders. "Still, I have to give credit to Aversa. She put quite the effort into making sure I was ready."
"I can tell; meanwhile all I have to do is throw this armor on and I'm good." It was almost like he was bragging about this, but Ragna's face turned serious. "But… that's not why you're here, is it?"
"No, but if you had a moment for us to talk inside?"
Ragna nodded at her request and brought her into the mansion's study… somewhere he'd already gone through a heart to heart with someone. Even still, he thought it was best to lead with a lighter subject.
"So, how chaotic is it getting everyone ready?"
"About what was expected. Nowi can't sit still for two minutes, Gregor wanted us to pay him for his cooperation, and I already heard of Vaike's attempts to flee before Sully caught him. Other than that, the ladies have spent weeks making sure they had everything ready, but preparation can only get you so far on the big day."
"Honestly, that was better than I had guessed. The way Sully was talking about it, I was almost expecting a total warzone. Glad to hear I'm wrong on this," he said with a chuckle. Tiki gave a small smile, but Ragna could tell she was plenty serious. "So… what did bring you here during such a busy day?"
"I was hoping to apologize for our last conversation," the voice of Naga told him with a calm and wise demeanor. "Though I tried to make certain were coming from a fair perspective, I know that it must have seemed that I was accusing you of something that you should have had little to no control over."
"Tiki… you have absolutely no idea how much of life that summarizes," Ragna told her with a deadpanned expression. "In fact, don't feel the slightest bit guilty because at least you're bothering to apologize to me about it."
"…I suspect that you're one of the most forgiving people I've met; to be called Grima's Catalyst like that would be of a grave offense and to label you as such when you aided me in a time of such need. It almost feels like a betrayal."
"You didn't know and you were only trying to do what you thought was the right thing to do," the Reaper answered seriously. "Besides that… you were only half wrong with your assessment."
"Half?" she repeated.
"I'm a catalyst of something dark alright, it's just not for Grima." He let those words sink in. "By now you've probably come to realize or at least heard that I come from a different world?"
"I… believe Nowi may have let something like that slip."
"Right, so I was born using cells of something called the Black Beast. A massive monstrosity that plunged the world into a hundred year long massacre because nothing could bring that thing down. Long story short, I let my arm get out of control and I'll end up turning into that damn thing. It's hard to explain, but… I think I've already lost myself to that power in other timelines. So yeah, your concerns aren't completely unfounded."
"You're… that's quite a bit to process," she said, thinking through the information and choosing her next words cautiously. "So the darkness that I had seen in you was that Black Beast you just described. And you fell to that darkness in… other timelines?"
"Trust me, all of the time in the world wouldn't be enough to explain those. Just know that I have a harsh connection to the thing and it's posed a threat of taking my body over more than once. That's why I have to rely on my own strength… but here, I think that the connection's weakened. I've never felt threatened by that power since I've been here. Actually comes in handy when it comes to Risen hunting."
"You certainly seem to be putting the power to good use; eradicating Risen, saving two kingdoms from a bloody war, escorting me when I had nothing to offer you. If anyone had to be cursed with such responsibility, I can think of no finer than you."
"No finer? Thanks for the compliment, but I thought that you knew the Hero-King himself."
"I did, and while Marth was a great leader and individual, his power and that of his bloodline is too involved in the sacred boons of the Falchion. Such power would be ill befitting of him," she explained. "But I think that's enough of our pasts, I do have a warning for the future… one of your sister."
'…No matter where I go…' "I know, she's already garbed in the same sigils as someone from the Grimleal. Aversa told me as much already."
"No, there's something else. Another darkness in her that not even she knows of. I hesitate to throw my suspicions around lightly…"
"But you still think there's a chance that she could be Grima's catalyst herself," Ragna finished darkly.
"Now that I've said my piece, what will you do going forward?" Tiki asked worriedly.
"For now, we keep this between us. The rest of the damned nobility already seems to have it out for her and I don't want to give them an excuse to go after her head. And if she really is Grima's catalyst she's done a horrible job wiping out the royal family or stealing the Falchion, in fact she's done more to make sure that they survive." Ragna thought back to all he'd been through with Robin. "I trust my sister; all I need to do is keep the Grimleal from ever getting their mitts on her. This time the responsibility is on me… and I'm not losing anyone else."
"Then… I can only wish you luck in your task ahead. And pledge whatever support I can to my dearest friend," Tiki told him. "Ragna the Bloodedge… even now your life remains a difficult one… and I have nothing but faith you'll endure."
Support Rank A Obtained with Tiki
With the event quickly approaching, Ragna decided that he might as well arrive with Tiki. Most of the Shepherds had committed to arriving on either horseback, via pegasus, or by carriage to the event, but this left the two to walk through the majority of the noble's district. The two had pleasant small talk on their way to the event, discussing some of the current happenings around the city and other such stories. By the time they'd made it to the front gates, Ragna was busy recounting his recent bout against Oswald's schemes.
"So you sent an entire armored knight soaring?" she questioned.
"Right through the whole damn wall, should've seen the look on the bastard's face once he figured out that he'd already lost," the Reaper boasted. "Of course, if it hadn't been for Maribelle and her own display I doubt I would've gotten that far. Good to know that someone in that damn place had my back."
"If memory serves, you had Virion there too. Had she not finished the final push, don't you think he might've?"
"…He probably would have, got his own jabs in at that piece of work anyway. And he even put on something of a... show during the chaos. There's more to that guy going on than I'd like to admit."
Waiting for them at the gate was Phila. Though Ragna had seen the former leader of the Pegasus Corps that morning, the woman had gone through her own change of wardrobe. Her usual functional if plain armor was replaced with something much more ornate, a shining silver chest plate with winged designs etched into the metal on either side. Her jerkin was a dull grey that matched her hair and her long battledress was a deep blue. Even her eyepatch had been switched out from its more fundamental if crude design for a more fashionable stained leather with a metal sigil of Ylisse's coat of arms stitched on.
"Lady Tiki, Sir Ragna, I'd like to welcome you both," she said, giving both a formal bow. "Lady Tiki, if you follow the others you'll easily make your way to the ballroom. As for Sir Ragna, Lady Emmeryn herself had wanted to make a grand entrance with you, so I can personally guide you to her."
"I didn't know she was one for theatrics," Tiki admitted, slightly amused by the idea.
"She isn't usually, but Prince Chrom and Lady Robin made clear that this show of support would be the best way to open the evening's affairs," she started, the catching the Ragna had been about to say something. "Chrom also instructed that if you ever brought up your recurring joke of setting you up with his sister, I have full permission to strike you across the face."
"…Would you?"
"Very unlikely, but all the same let us both be adults here," the ever serious Phila decided. "If you'll follow me."
Later the Ballroom
"This dress is so… confining," Panne said with a grimace in her purple formal gown. "Robin's carrot soup had better be worth it."
"I can say the same of my suit, minus the promise of her cooking," Lon'qu agreed, dressed in a blue and brown jerkin. "Any formal gathering in Regna Ferox would have allowed me to wear my normal myrmidon garb without so much as a second glance, but here I have to play dress up with the rest of them."
"How did they convince you then?" the Taguel asked her friend. "I'd heard that the ladies had to play quite the game of roundup."
"I decided that someone needed to be mature today, so I went along willingly. Stahl was actually the first one to be… processed. All they needed to do was promise him food."
"…So I have a rival for my carrot soup."
"I highly doubt that."
"Come on, I would've stuck around. You know I don't like to cause trouble," Stahl said as he came up behind the two in his own green jerkin. "But… I still gotta wonder how Sully got to be an exception tonight."
"Sully?" the two asked in unison before turning to find the red haired knight… dressed in the under layer of her Great Knight armor and chatting with the other ladies, all of whom were wearing dresses.
"I know her well enough that she likely said something along the lines of 'wanting to show her new promotion off in full and didn't care if anyone was too afraid to dance with a woman in armor'…In addition to plenty of her classic choice of words," Lon'qu said, fairly sure of himself.
"I almost want to see a swearing match between her and Ragna," Panne admitted.
"Maaaaaybe make sure Ricken and Nowi aren't around to witness that one," Stahl wisely suggested.
Speaking of those two, Ricken was having a heck of a time with the young Manakete.
"Come on, they already put all of the sweets out," Nowi whined in her dress. "Can I at least take one before they go stale?"
"Those are supposed to be for display until the main event starts. Can't you at least wait until they start dancing? We probably don't have to wait much longer," Ricken begged. Much like Sully, he had changed into the garb of his latest promotion, though instead of armor the young man now wore mage robes… that Stahl had needed to shorten several time so Ricken wasn't constantly falling over them.
"Sugar…" Gaius moaned, his unblinking eyes staring at the display like they had been for the past ten minutes. With his current withdrawal along with his stuffy formalwear, what little willpower he'd ever have in this situation was fading fast. As his hand went for one of the confections, he heard an abrupt ahem behind him that caused him to flinch his reach back.
"Sneaky man should have to wait and set a good example for the children," Gregor said in a disapproving tone.
"You're only saying that because Twinkles paid you to," the thief bit back.
Over with the noble lady herself, even now she hadn't stopped fretting over Lissa's own dress. She needed to make sure every ruffle was in place, the fabric was completely without wrinkles, and there was not a stand of stray hair to be found.
"Maribelle, stop it already. Thanks to you I had to spend all of this morning getting ready for this. I was already the first one to get ready, I can't be the last one finished!"
"Tut tut Lissa darling. You're Ylisse's darling princess and all eyes are going to be on you this evening. You need to make sure you look the part for the event. Why, I'm going to have my entire night booked holding the men back from trying to earn your favor!"
"Maybe try to direct some of them over my way? Particularly if they're single," Elphelt Valentine pleaded. "Princesses get all the luck. First you're cute as a button and now you've got the status to go with it. I wouldn't give up being friends with you, but it's like I'm shooting myself in the foot."
"That's a compliment, right?" she asked doubtfully. "Thanks for saying that, but I'm not going to be making any speeches tonight, so I think everyone's going to be more focused on Chrom. And as for earning favor, I think that my brother just being in the same room is enough to scare most of them off… not that many usually bother trying."
"And that's because of the pranks that you've been pulling, princess," Aversa chided, though Lissa only giggled at the accusation. "And people say that I'm the scheming minx here…"
"You are." That was the noblewoman, the princess, and bride dressed woman all in unison.
"…Guilty as charged then," the former Plegian dark rider agreed before noticing Cordelia and Olivia talking with each other off in the far corner of the ballroom. Shrugging to herself, she headed over to the two. "Trying to keep away from prying eyes?"
"I've already had more than a few men come ask me for a dance, one of which I'm pretty sure was married," Olivia groaned in her form fitting white dress which was certainly earning more than a few of those eyes. "If anyone wants to have my hand in a dance, they have to beat me in a duel first."
"She also tells them it's a Feroxi tradition, but really it's just a good way to keep them away," Cordelia noted, her own red dress slightly more modest. "I personally don't intend to go on the dance floor tonight."
"Ah, but both of you have a notable exception for your strict courting privileges tonight, I'm sure."
"N-No…" Now that Olivia had reverted back to her shyer persona, she was hardly convincing.
"Honestly Aversa, we're just two good friends enjoying a chat for once," the Pegasus rider chided. "Does every discussion have to-"
"Oh my, I don't remember the Black Knight's armor looking so form fitting on Ragna." Aversa had glanced away to no direction in particular, but she was already smirking as the two bought the bait hook, line, and sinker to scour for the Reaper. "…You were saying?"
"Stop it…" Olivia sighed, fighting hard to keep from burying her face in her hands.
"And what about you? What's your relationship with him if you're so focused on ours?" a scowling Cordelia demanded in fair play.
"That… is a long conversation for later, but it's not what you two are thinking," Aversa told them vaguely, hardly giving them said fair play. "I'll reveal what's happening soon enough, but now's hardly the time with so many prying ears."
"I didn't think you were the type to be so embarrassed," Cordelia countered.
"And I'm still not; this is for Ragna's benefit and not mine." More doubt. "Just trust that what I have to say will only cast a negative light on him should we not give a long and detailed explanation… I may tease the man to no end, but in truth-"
"He's important to you," Olivia finished.
"…Very."
'Tch, not enough time! Not nearly enough time!' Tharja internally cursed. If Cordelia and Olivia had been slightly standoffish keeping to the corner, Tharja might have been mistaken for an assassin with how close she'd been keeping to the shadows. Her formal Plegian dress was a mix of black and white, but no one had approached the woman with the displeased scowl she carried. 'I had wanted to complete this hex before tonight… but perhaps I can still achieve my goal through more traditional means.'
"Uh… did you want to dance later?" the normally invisible Kellam asked, needing to change and prepare in formal garb himself because no one had remembered to help get him ready. "Is that… why you've been standing by me for the last ten minutes? …Hello?"
"My, that woman's scowl is completely scathing," Virion noted.
"Is this the part where you make some grand boost about having her smiling like any other maiden by the end of the night after you've swept her off her feet with a dance?" Cherche asked her charge.
"Under most circumstances that would be only fair to guess, but I'm afraid that you're wrong here," the Rosanne Noble denied. "In fact I may hardly have time for dancing tonight; too many people of great importance and resources in the room not to rub elbows with. I have too important a duty to my people to let tonight go to waste, in fact I've been preparing myself with snippets of gossip and other information for this occasion."
"I see, then shall I enjoy myself for the two of us or must I 'bail you out of trouble' like I always seem to?"
"You wound me, fair lady! When has that happened… in recent memory?" Virion demanded, though knew to walk the question back just a little.
"Two days ago before Maribelle's soiree? If memory serves, Ragna the Bloodedge was about to knock your jaw clean off before I interrupted and ruined the mood."
'You were hardly ready to jump in an save my life if memory serves.'
With those two discussing future planning and the necessary diplomatic favors, another group of three were focusing on a bit of an… experiment.
"Ugh, these shoes feel so weird to walk or even stand in," Sumia said with discomfort, though she was still standing perfectly straight. "And the heels look so weird."
"The appearance of my creation should hardly be a cause of distress, they remain hidden under the folds of your dress at the moment," Miriel informed as she adjusted her glasses. "And the concluding results, that being your lack of impacts with the floor, speak for themselves do they not?"
"Then why is Fredrick here? I thought he was only escorting me to keep me from falling over."
"Just a precaution for appearances sake… also Chrom has instructed that I do not assist him tonight and let him lead with Robin only," Frederick admitted, unsure whether to feel proud or a little (selfishly) disappointed at that last fact. A short distance from them, Donnel had his own concerns which Libra was doing his best to address.
"All fancy nobles in one place…" Donnel repeated for the umpteenth time. "Even have royalty here… I probably look like a country bumpkin."
"Nonsense, you wear those formal clothes quite well and the girls did an amazing job styling your hair," Libra reassured him. "Besides, be they the poorest of soul or the richest of sovereigns; all are equal in the eyes on Naga."
"Nice sentiment, but I'm still a tad nervous," the farm boy admitted.
"And that is more than fair. I'm a little less than comfortable here myself," the priest acknowledged.
"…Is it because of all the men that asked you for a dance later?"
"That, what you just said, yes."
And, lastly there was Chrom and Robin, standing back towards the main table and just having finished a discussion with a (thankfully more reasonable) group of Nobles. Chrom had now involved several additional pieces of silver armor on top of his normal lord uniform to give him both better protection and an air of regality. Robin had made it clear that she was NOT going to be wearing a dress to this event and had instead elected to update her tactician's garb along the same frame as Chrom, but with fewer pieces of added armor. The two had been side by side ever since the night began, quite clearly the two hosts for the evening.
"I think that was the last group of Nobles that we invited," Robin told the soon-to-be Exalt. "Minus John Oswald of course, but-"
"Thanks to Ragna on that one, though it's going to be a headache and a half dealing with all of the trouble he's already managed to raise. No one seemed to be talking about him much tonight."
"It makes sense; if anything they don't want to be associated with a traitor to the kingdom, either for reputation's sake or the chance that they could be found to have been in league with Oswald. It's going to be a lengthy investigation for sure, even with all of the information we got from Gaius."
"Right; he's dead set on making sure that Oswald answers for every crime he's responsible for. It probably doesn't hurt that it'll finally help to put his own past to rest," Chrom agreed. "But let's not talk about future work just yet, I think we have enough to worry about as is."
"You have your speeches ready?" Robin asked slyly.
"I better, you're the one that helped me write most of them," Chrom reminded with a chuckle.
"It's that most of part that I'm asking you about."
"…Yee of little faith," the prince sighed, leaving his tactician to laugh just as he caught sight of the last two groups heading into the ballroom. "Looks like we're about to finally get started."
"Presenting Flavia, East Kahn and current regent of Regna Ferox. And Basilio, West Kahn of Regna Ferox."
The two Kahns made their way into the ballroom, Flavia looking especially pleased at the title while Basilio made a mental note to win the throne back sooner rather than later. As for their formal wear, the two were merely wearing what they normally did though Flavia had made a point to polish her armor until it shone and Basilio had done some work on his own apparel. Their appearances did seem to be met with a touch of disapproval from some of the nobility, but they knew better than to voice these opinions.
"And lastly tonight…" the announcer at the doorway began. "Lady Emmeryn with her escort for the evening, Ragna the Bloodedge; formerly known as the Black Knight."
While the Shepherds had already seen Ragna in his armor, even the bravest and most boisterous among them could admit that this dark metal suit was adding a good deal of intimidating force to someone that was already plenty intimidating. It didn't help that Ragna wasn't exactly smiling in his outfit (truth was he was actually trying to keep himself from looking too serious) and a few of the other nobles audibly gulped at the sight. The only calming thing was Emmeryn standing beside him, their arms hooked as they walked down the hallway. The former Exalt herself was dressed in her fair robes, the same she'd adorned when she still held the title, but wore her hair in her newer and less formal style.
"Seems that we're all here," Chrom announced himself, leaving the room to quiet as everyone turned their attention to the Exalt-to-be. "Welcome everyone to the official post-war ball. I have just a few remarks for our opening address; most issues of importance shall be saved for the end of the night."
Most of this speech included future plans of Chrom's official coronation that upcoming spring (as was tradition to hold in that season). He made a strong promise to uphold the honor and duty of the crown that Emmeryn had left him and that should anything happen to him Lissa would be next in line for the throne… Ragna was fairly sure he saw the young princess pale a bit at the necessary revelation and made a point to make sure she'd never be burdened with the throne… and noticed that Maribelle was keeping a careful watch for anyone looking to make a connection with the princess with the sole fact in mind. Other than that, it was simply a quick address for their hard fought peace that they'd have to work to maintain and a point that they needed to strive for Ylisse's repair and the betterment of the people.
"I hope everyone in attendance tonight has a wonderful evening. As you can see we've spared no expense setting up proper dining and entertainment options." By this point, Nowi and Gaius looked like they were going to flat out lunge for the confection tables. "Please, let the festivities begin and enjoy yourselves."
As the nobles gave the prince his applause (and the Shepherds gave a few less than cordial cheers), Ragna saw that the band was starting to set up for that evening's series of dances. Glancing around, he could easily tell that more than a few of his friends from the Shepherds had their eyes on him, some remembering his less than stellar performance at Regna Ferox and interested in a repeated showing… a certain few waiting to get a chance in to dance with him. First though, he noticed Emmeryn offering her hand for him to take the first song of the evening.
"…They told you about my dancing, didn't they?" Ragna asked with a deadpanned expression.
"Chrom had commented on it, but I also heard from Olivia that you'd been working with her to improve your dancing skills." Ragna hadn't realized that Olivia and Emmeryn had a shared history. "I hope you don't mind if I see the fruits of your labor?"
"…I think you might just be the first one in line, but sure. Let's get started."
As the band began to play, Ragna took Emmeryn's hand as the two made their way to the dance floor. It seemed for the first dance that it would only be the two, probably a mix of the other Shepherds playfully waiting for their friend to flounder while the nobility minded their distance for safety's sake. Despite wanting far less eyes on him than this, the Reaper at least appreciated the extra room he now had to work with. Keeping ahold of Emmeryn's hand while leading her into the dance, he was at least relieved that Emmeryn was proving to be a capable enough dancer in her own right leaving very little work for the Reaper himself.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Emmeryn asked in the middle of their dance. "By which, I mean are you happy that you're not floundering?"
"The ball just started, so there's plenty of time for something to go wrong," he admitted before realizing that was one thing he couldn't let happen tonight. "But, I'm going to need to do my best to keep everyone happy, so I can hardly screw up now that I've set an example."
"You seem set in your path then."
"Aren't I always?" He was earned with a knowing smile from the Exalt, a perfect conclusion as the song ended and the partners bowed to one another… he could swear he saw Anna smiling out of the corner of his eye. More than likely someone had decided to place a hefty bet on him flubbing the routine. Not letting it get to him, he was about to head off the floor before he noticed a middle aged noble woman walking over to him with a daughter a bit younger than him. 'What now?'
"Good evening Sir Ragna the Bloodedge, I am Lady Gwenfia. My husband, who is a proud governor, couldn't make it this evening and sent us in his stead, but he sends his regard and hopes to one day meet you in our fair city. Beside me here is my daughter, Eve."
"P-Pleased to meet you," the shy girl said, reminding Ragna of Olivia back when the two had first met.
"Have some courage love," her mother instructed sternly, though it at least wasn't coldly. "As you can clearly see, my daughter has some difficulty with these social gatherings. In fact she hasn't been able to accept any invitations to the dance floor despite studying our dances day and night, I was hoping that you might help take her first."
Noticing that Chrom was buys speaking to a large group of nobles on the other side of the room with Robin, Ragna could tell what was going on; if the Prince (soon-to-be-King) wasn't available to try and form a standing with, they would be settling with him.
'Not like it's this poor kid's fault though… ah hell. This really is my job for tonight.' "I'd be happy to help," he said as he offered his hand and tried to keep his expression pleasant… though hardly taking on Kagura's flirtatious undertones. At the very least there would be other dancers on the floor now, so not all eyes were on him. Eve still seemed hesitant, but eventually took his hand leaving her mother to exit the dance floor only too pleased. "Shall we then?"
This dance was plenty more awkward than the first, more so that his partner could barely look him in the eye now through her timid behavior. Deciding to help the girl while he had the chance, Ragna made an intentional misstep in his dancing. This surprised Eve and forced her to recover for both of them. Though she was still stunned as she finally looked up at her partner, Ragna gave her a small smirk.
"See? You're better at this than I am."
That seemed to do the trick as she was much more confident for the rest of their dancing. Actually managing to smile at the Reaper who had only seemed too intimidating to her before (seriously, her mother had practically sent on the deep end). Before too long the dance had ended and Ragna and his partner exchanged a bow. The Reaper was about to make his way off the dance floor and avoid the line that already seemed to be forming, only that there was already one person that wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"That's armor's a good look for you, but I still prefer your classic coat," the East Kahn told him cockily as she made her way to the Reaper. "And it seems you're already developing quite the fan club among the nobility."
"I'm just making sure everyone's having a good time, you included," Ragna said as he once more offered his hand. "Shall we?"
"First your formal way of speaking as the Black Knight and now this? You never cease to amaze," Flavia commended as she took the hand and the two began their routine, now with more and more joining in the dancing. "I'm afraid I'll have to take this chance to ask a more selfish favor."
"Knowing you, you want another match from me," Ragna guessed.
"More than that actually," Flavia admitted. "Tomorrow the Feroxi group will be heading back to our own lands. We've already stayed for longer than intended, but at least it's been well spent. I know I can't convince you to come with us this time, but I at least have to hope that you'll stop by to visit."
"…You're also hoping I'll bring this armor and my other sword so that you can fight against both versions of me," Ragna figured fairly easily.
"You know me well, but would you make the trip?"
"Even if you hadn't asked me to, I can see myself making the occasional trip to Ferox, work related or otherwise. I still have plenty to finish here, but I'll make the trip up sooner or later."
"And that's all I'll ask for… aside from giving Rami the occasional lesson as well. I'm going to need her to represent me in the next tournament."
"I can help with that, but I'm a harsh teacher."
"We'd accept no other kind."
Once he'd finished his dance with the regent Kahn, Ragna was hardly afforded a chance off the dance floor. While most of them were members of the nobility or their daughters, he still had a chance with a few of his close friends from the Shepherds much to his relief. He'd also danced with one of the servants that were supposed to be waiting on the nobles (the poor girl looked like she was feeling left out, so he'd made a bit of selfish effort there). Currently, he was being offered a hand by fair Cordelia which helped his mood since he hadn't taken a break since the ball had begun.
"If you'd like, we can take the chance to finally sit down," she offered him. "You've been going non-stop."
"Yeah, but I finally caught on that then I'd have to start making small talk with everyone and I'm not really in the mood for that. Not that I'd be any good at it in the first place, aside from anyone from the Shepherds," he declined before smirking. "Besides, you're sure that you weren't wait for this chance all night?"
"…I… may have been," she admitted before Ragna finally took her hand. "Please don't tell Aversa, she's already teased us about this tonight."
"Us?"
"Olivia and I both."
"Ah, from what I've seen you've been getting close to both of them," the Reaper acknowledged as the two began dancing. "How's that been?"
"It's been good practice on both ends I suppose; Olivia's wanted to learn some techniques for riding a Pegasus out of curiosity so teaching her is going to help for when I take over the Pegasus sisterhood with Sumia. And Aversa knows quite a bit about Pegasus riding herself, just as much as Phila and with the extra knowledge as a Dark Flyer. I guess we've sort of formed our own little trio for now, though I still see Sumia very often outside of that group. It's been productive."
"Sounds like it," Ragna agreed as he twirled his partner around, thankful that his armor still allowed for such movements.
"Olivia told me that you'd been taking dance lessons from her, but I wasn't expecting you to be this good. You must've been an able student."
"More like I had an expert of a teacher. It also helps that I have a very capable partner now," he complimented, earning just a bit of a smile from her.
After Cordelia, almost all of Ragna's dances were with the noble guests that Chrom had needed to invite mostly for appearances sake (Eve from his second dance even came back for another round at her mother's insistence) and Ragna was starting to wonder how long this thing was going to go on for. Dancing for so long by itself was already taking him plenty of effort and his armor was hardly helping things… though even still he'd rather wear this than the formal wear everyone else was stuck in. The Shepherds had long since moved on from their good intended but teasing of hopes of seeing Ragna make a fool of himself on the dance floor and had either joined in the dancing themselves, simply talked with their colleagues, or enjoyed the massive spread of food that Chrom had left out for them. Even at this point, Gaius still hadn't gotten his fill of sweets.
At present, Ragna had just finished his routine with probably the youngest noble at the ball, someone he would've tried to say was too small for such things if it hadn't been for her parents' all too rigid insistence. The height difference was to the point that she actually had to dance on top of his own armored shoes so he wouldn't have to lean halfway over. It was hardly comfortable, but again Ragna couldn't blame the poor kid.
Now that the crowds had thinned out, he saw Olivia finally heading towards him for her turn for a dance. It was only fair, he thought, with how much help she'd given him that he offer her one of the final dances of the-
"Ragna!"
…Apparently Elphelt hadn't gotten that message as she intercepted the Reaper from his left. Glancing apologetically at the dancer, she slowly nodded and headed back likely to wait for the next song. Turning his attention to the bridely dressed girl, Ragna offered her his hand.
"Was wondering when I'd be seeing you," he said slyly as his partner took it. "Figured you'd be the first one in line."
"Most of the time I would've been, but I decided it'd be nicer to have some girl-talk with the others first while we were here," she answered.
"Not to say that's the wrong move, but can't you do that any time? Getting a dance at all ball like this seems like the rarer occasion."
"You're not wrong either, but the others thought I should try working on my patience; trying to wait for the right guy to come to me for a change and all that." The fact that she was even bothering to go through with that surprised the Reaper immensely. "It's been a tough ask." That part didn't. "So… at Maribelle's thing you'd sort of admitted to being open to the idea of finding that special someone…"
"Yeah, and I'm working on that. Slowly, but it's still getting done… I think," the Reaper admitted, sounding less than confident.
"What about all of the girls outside of the Shepherds you were dancing with? Any of them catch your eye?"
"Not really, I'm just trying to be a gentleman here for once. The less I have to say the better, and that seems to mean more dancing than not," he admitted. "…How am I doing?"
"Pretty good in my opinion. I'm glad that you asked that servant girl to a dance, she seemed happy to be dancing with you after having to watch everyone else for so long." There was Elphelt's signature kindness.
"So how's your own hunt going, since you're so interested in mine," Ragna demanded as he brought Elphelt around for a twirl.
"I've been doing my best to shorten the list of guys that I think I have an actual connection with," she told him proudly, because for her it was quite an impressive step. "I'm down from 200 to fifty."
"Y-You still have fifty after shortening the list? El…" Ragna sighed.
"Don't worry, you're still in those fifty."
"That's not what I was worried about." He did take that message to heart though.
Once that dance ended, Ragna realized that the band was starting to pack up the instruments. Glancing around, he could see that not everyone that had wanted a proper dance with him had gotten one, but there was little that he could do. They seemed to get over it quickly enough as Chrom and Robin had taken their places at the head of the room and all eyes were on them. His work done, Ragna just gave a familiar slouch and let the two take the spotlight.
"For the first of my ending announcements , I'll be stepping down as Leader of the Shepherds to take my place and duties as the new Exalt of Ylisse," Chrom announced, which was met by murmuring from the group. "Taking my place is the best man for the job, my caretaker and dear friend since my infancy; Sir Frederick."
To say that the Shepherds let out a loud cheer at this revelation would have been an understatement. Several people shouted Fredrick works of encouragement (some of them more joking than others) and gave the Great Knight some hefty claps on his back. The newly honored leader himself looked more shocked than Ragna had ever seen him, though certainly grateful. From there it was more honoring the Shepherds and their contributions by awarding each of them new titles.
Sully's own recent promotion to Great Knight was mentioned, but Stahl had also been granted the rank of Paladin. Vaike had become a full-fledged Warrior, of course Teach had to claim he already was one and missed the point entirely. Maribelle was granted the reigns of Valkyrie while Sumia and Cordelia were recognized to achieving their goal and following in Phila's footsteps as Falcon Knights. Miriel, Ricken, and Lissa had all acquired the rank of Sage for their new magic casting foundations. Donnel and Gregor had both obtained the rather impressive title of Hero, news so surprising that the farm boy looked like he was about to faint from it. Lon'qu and Kellam were named Swordmaster and General respectively, though Ragna was just happy the armored knight was finally getting recognized for his efforts… or getting noticed at all.
"And as for Ragna the Bloodedge dawning the Black Knight armor tonight of all nights," Chrom began, letting Ragna know he'd still gotten off easy with his apparel. "I now hand him the title of Guardian of the Realm, better known as the Grim Reaper of Ylisse from ancient times." Even with their usually uptight attitudes, the nobility couldn't help but whisper amongst themselves. "I know that granting the title to anyone will be seen as controversial, but given the man's many achievements in the last war and all he was ready to sacrifice he has more than earned the title." The nobility was now silent, likely from disagreements they were unable to voice. "If anything, most of you would have to admit he proved a reliable dance partner."
'Glad he appreciates it.'
The Reaper (now in title also) was aware of the several pairs of eyes on him, something that he still didn't much care for. At the very least he got his earned applause and cheers (with a few well-meaning taunts of course) from his friends in the Shepherds, so he just gave a casual smirk before he bowed. It was only so clear to Chrom that his best friend was mocking him, though he'd hardly expected the man to do otherwise.
"And finally tonight, we have Lady Robin beside me," Chrom began. Ragna could tell that the nobility was still less than taken with the lady; given both her closeness to the Prince and the prestige they'd earned out of seemingly nowhere. "All of the Shepherds, the soldiers, and the many many friends we lost have contributed greatly to our victory in this war. But without Robin's keen eye for tactics and resolve to see this war through and my sister rescued, we'd have fallen in battle countless times. Henceforth, I grant Robin the title of Grandmaster Tactician of Ylisse's armies. I share my sister's hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for Ylisse, but should that be challenged I can face it confidently knowing I have her plans to rely on."
The cheering from the Shepherds was probably their loudest yet as everyone shouted their congratulations to Robin's praises. The nobility were settling for very reserved applause, and a fair few of the ladies were peeved at all of the recognition Robin (still an outsider in their eyes) was getting with the fair prince. Despite this, Ragna smirked to himself with good reason… and anticipation.
"But…" Chrom began, a touch hesitantly as Robin's right hand took hold of his left gingerly. "More importantly, in late Spring after my own coronation… Robin will also be taking the title of Ylisse's Queen."
A heavy, stunned silence filled the halls… for all of three second.
"WAIT!? REALLY!?"
It had been Lissa to exclaim this, letting out the biggest laugh and the largest smile anyone had ever seen on her as she ran up to hug both her surprised brother and smiling sister-in-law to be. Everyone else in the Shepherds had quickly gotten over their own surprise as they gave cheers of congratulations to their prince and tactician that put the last one to shame. The difference between them and the still stunned nobility was vaster than any canyon, though some nobles and their daughters were already fuming at the development and their chance lost for political gain through their own arranged marriage. Not that it mattered to Chrom who was already being put into a teasing headlock by Vaike while Emmeryn was offering Robin her heartfelt congratulations.
Surprisingly, it was Ragna himself that was standing back from the chaos. Watching and smiling at the developments, but if anything letting Chrom and Robin have their moment. Feeling that his work was done for the night (and very much done after all of the dancing he'd just performed) he headed out of the castle to return home.
Outside
While heading into his home would have been a rather short journey, Ragna had first taken his time to stop at a small bit of land overlooking the rest of the castle town. He'd only noticed this place once before, but it was a good location to clear his mind, which he needed sorely. The happiness felt on the prince and tactician's faces were very much shared by him, mirroring the very same happiness he'd felt when he'd finally returned home less than a month ago. But happiness on this scale… was admittedly still alien to him.
Aside from that, he had other matters to take into his hands. Weirdly, the easiest among them to consider would be the upcoming conflict with the Valmese armies and the impending resurrection of Grima. Like he'd told Emmeryn and Tiki earlier, he was going to fight like hell and make sure that nothing befell his found family. What was more worth considering was that family he now found himself in and how close he felt with not one, but… several of the ladies there. He knew that his feelings were valid, but he also knew that a larger part was keeping himself from making any official choices.
"…Whatever happens, happens."
It was a horrible answer, one that wasn't of any actual help to him in the slightest. In fact, he seemed to self-chide himself for even thinking that had been a reasonable conclusion. But for now it was all he had, the cards he'd dealt himself. Rather than stand there all night going mad, he began walking off again to head home and sleep on it. Passing by several of the townspeople, many of them seemed to be shying away from him while others managed to give slightly terrified bows. Yet another issue Ragna was going to have to work on, but right now his Black Knight's armor was hardly helping him. Returning to his mansion, the Reaper had barely made it to the door before he saw someone was waiting for him.
"Olivia?"
The dancer was standing at the entrance to Ragna's home, still unchanged from her fine evening dress that she'd worn to the ball. Finally hearing the Reaper speak her name and address her she seemed to tense, something that Ragna quickly picked on.
"I wasn't expecting to find you back here," he said cautiously. "What's wrong?"
Again, a touch of hesitation.
"…You looked good out there. Dancing with everyone."
This time Ragna winced. He knew this would be back to bite him, but he hadn't expected it so soon.
"I tried to save a dance for you, but I kept getting asked before I had a chance…" He realized that now he was making excuses and scowled, though it was more at himself. "Dammit, I barely remember anyone's name who wasn't a Shepherd and ended up ignoring you in the process."
"Then why'd you dance with them? It definitely doesn't sound like something you'd normally put up with." At least she didn't sound hurt, more just curious with Ragna's reasoning.
"I uh… sorta knew about Chrom and Robin already and that they were going to make the official announcement tonight. I just wanted to make that they had the chance to do it the way they wanted to, I owed them that much. Part of that was making sure that any drama during the ball was kept to a minimum and that meant keeping everyone as happy as I could."
"So you're saying no good deed goes unpunished." The edge of Olivia's mouth twitched in a momentarily sharp smile. "That sounds like you."
"Heh, you noticed," the Reaper shot back, not bothering to hide his own smirk. "Still, what brings you back here?"
"…You already figured it out; you still owe me a dance," she said sterner than Ragna had remembered.
"This late at night? I know that's how we practiced that one time, but it's still far from the best to…" Olivia wasn't backing down. "…Virion told me about a place in town that sometimes offers dancing, its own band of bards to boot. We can go check it out tomorrow if… Ah damn it, you're leaving for Ferox then."
"No I'm not," she denied. "Basilio, Flavia, and those other two nobles are the ones heading back. Lon'qu and I are both staying here for the time being, seeing as we're more members of the Shepherds than Feroxi soldiers."
"That right?"
"Lon'qu said he might head back eventually once he's ready, though he's not elaborating on what that means at all." Ragna decided he might have some questions for the swordsman. "So… tomorrow then?"
"Yeah, I…" He hesitated. "Guest room's still ready here if you want to rest for the night. I'm guessing you ran here to catch me as soon I you could?"
"I… may have, yes." It was an odd confession.
"Well, let me get you set up then I can finally take this damn armor off for the day."
"I-I can help you out with the armor first. It's the least I can do after stopping at your doorstep in the middle of the night." Olivia's face almost looked determined.
"…If that's what you want to do," Ragna said as he unlocked the door and the two headed inside. "I really have to thank you; it was all thanks to you that things went as well as they did tonight."
"You really were the master of the dance floor tonight, I'm almost worried that I might have some competition," she complimented him. "Then again, I'm hardly surprised since we spent all day yesterday working on your dancing."
"Which is why I owe you one."
"After you helped me with my own swordwork when we first met, I think I was just returning the favor," the dancer reminded. "But we don't need to count favors in the first place. I'd do whatever I could for you no matter how often you asked me for help… and I know you'd do the same for me."
"Of course I would… but first could you help me take off this damn suit like you said you would? Real ready to be outta this thing." He got a cute giggle from Olivia, something that never failed to put a smile on his own face. It didn't last long though as they made it to the armory and she caught sight of the Black Knight's helm. "Still not a fan of that thing?"
"Not in the slightest," she contemplated before turning to Ragna. "You… you mean that you're staying in the Shepherds… right?"
"Yeah… it's time I settled down."
Getting his armor off with Olivia was a simple matter, but for some damn reason the Reaper couldn't help but feel tense. It was far tenser than during any dance he'd done that night or even when he'd had all of those eyes focused solely on him, this was different. Almost like being this close to Oliva felt risky. Eventually he'd managed to overcome the feeling long enough to remove the armor and leaving him in more the casual clothing he'd had on underneath. That job done, he fulfilled his promise and started escorting Olivia through the dark and empty halls to the guest quarters for the night.
Once they came to the doors to the Master Bedroom though… Ragna came to an abrupt stop. Olivia stayed behind him, not that she was unfamiliar with the way to the guest bedroom from here. The Reaper was still for a long moment, his heart blasting into his ears with every beat. Turning the handle slowly, Ragna let the door to his room slowly creak open.
Olivia did not move.
"I… Are you sure?"
"If it's you … then more than anything."
"All I needed to hear."
He'd barely turned before Olivia was on him, her lips crashing into his as the once shy dancer was now hardly one for taking things slow. She clung tightly to the Reaper with her hands on his back while she forced the kiss as deeply as she could, Ragna responded in kind by holding her just as powerfully and deepening the contact. Slipping his tongue between their lips, Olivia didn't even shy away from this and even answered in kind with her own and caused a wild dance between their mouths. Though he didn't break from this contact for even a second, Ragna swept and arm under his partner's legs and began carrying her into his bedchambers. Lovingly placing the pink haired dancer upon the cushioned and all too large bed, Ragna took sight of her sensually splayed out before him as she made bedroom eyes up at her new lover, her body lit only by the luminescent moonlight… it was taking every last bit of his willpower not to immediately tear off her dress.
"It's… my first time," she told him embarrassedly.
"I'll be gentle," he promised before leaning down and going in for another kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too, and…" she smiled softly. "I'm happy to finally hear you say it."
Ragna's acknowledging smirk lasted only an instant before his lips went for Olivia's neck, his tender treatment of his lover's nape was good enough to get an erotic moan out of the woman as she wrapped her arms around his back to keep him in close. His hand then slowly slipped under her dress to remove the right strap and leaving that breast barely exposed. Moving to the other side he-
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Ragna gave the briefest of pauses as he heard the front door. Before resuming his-
THUD THUD THUD
That time it was loud enough that Olivia could hear it and seemed to stiffen slightly at the development. As the pounding of the front door continued in the background, Ragna relented as he knew he'd have to solve this before resuming his lovemaking.
"I'll be back soon as I can," he promised gently as he gave Olivia one final parting kiss and left her laying on his bed. Quickly striding to the door while he adjusted his clothing, he tried to keep himself from scowling. 'It's probably just Chrom and Robin wanting to know why the hell I ran off before the ball really ended. Or maybe Basilio wants to grab one last drink with me before I go. Or… someone else that I'm going to have to-'
THOOM! THOOM! THOOM!
'God damn! They're persistent! This had better be-!'
He couldn't finish that thought as he finally finished opening the locked door and… his eyes landed squarely on Cordelia.
"Uh… hi?" was all he could muster, his rage fully dissipated.
"Is now a bad time?" she asked, sounding hesitant. "You… left the ball quickly and… I wanted to make sure everything was alright."
Ragna had known Cordelia for quite a while as a Shepherd. Her radiant confidence, the air of power about her as she gracefully rode into battle, her determined focus at whatever task lay before her, and that gentle expression that he'd seen when they'd had a heart to heart. Whatever impressive walls the Pegasus rider had put up to protect herself were gone… now Cordelia was at her most vulnerable.
"I was… hoping we could talk more after you… finished dancing," she said, trying hard to remain steady as she said what was on her mind.
'I have no idea what I'm supposed to do here,' Ragna dreaded, fighting to keep his complexion neutral. 'Should I just go and tell her, but with all of the shit she already had to put herself with Chrom and what I was just doing… And even still, to me she's… important…' He was straining. Hard. "Oh? What else did you-?"
"Cordelia?"
He'd been so preoccupied with Cordelia, that he hadn't taken any notice that Olivia had decided not to wait after all and had come to answer the door with him. Ragna's hair may have still be slightly disheveled from their initial contact, but that could be easily written off as trouble getting out of his heavy suit of armor. What couldn't be written off was Olivia's own heavily contorted dress, her rough hair… and the already forming hickey that Ragna had just given her. Cordelia just stared at them, first at Olivia, then at Ragna, then at Olivia again.
"Oh… I… Oh." Ragna saw her shaking. "I… guess I was just a little too late… if that even mattered." He could see her eyes starting to tear, his entire being went cold at the sight. "I hope you both are… happy and-"
"Cordy."
Olivia had stepped out into the cold air and had grabbed the Pegasus rider's hand, silencing Cordelia immediately and causing the redhead to stiffen. Olivia only looked deep into her friend's eyes, before showing her a calming smile.
"It's cold out tonight, mind if we finish this inside?"
"I… I don't want to intr-"
"No, I insist. It's alright with you Ragna, isn't it?"
'…Holy shit.' "Yeah, more than fine. Come on in, I don't want either of you to catch cold."
"A-Alright," Cordelia said before her dancer friend practically dragged the redhead in and Ragna closed the door behind all of them. While the newly promoted Falcon Knight searched for her voice and the words to use it for, Ragna glanced one last time to Olivia who only nodded in silent answer. Stepping forward to Cordelia, he brought her into an intimate hug. Still shaking and starting to cry, she returned his embrace and clung to him like she was afraid to let go. "Just… I just… you're..."
"Shhhhhh… Don't worry, I'm here now," he promised as he continued to hold her. It was then that Olivia came in to give the redhead a hug from behind. "…Both of us are."
"I… I think that's for the best," she decided as she and Ragna parted from their own hold slightly, but only so the two of them could finally enjoy their first kiss. It wasn't as forceful or spicy as what he'd just given Olivia, but it was intimate all the same and more importantly everything that Cordelia needed right then, what she'd needed all these years of crushing, unobtainable infatuations.
"I love you," Ragna said for the second time that night, meaning it just as much as the first.
"I love you too… I have for so long," she told him before resting her head on his chest, though she still had a bit of lingering doubt. "How are we going to explain this to everyone?"
"I get the feeling they'll understand, and even if they don't I know that'd care more about us being happy," Ragna said, knowing his found family well enough at this point. "Either way, let's not worry about that tonight. Chrom and Robin had their moment at the ball… right now is all for the three of us."
"…Meaning you want to pick up where we left off?" Olivia asked. Ragna's only response was a wicked grin which Olivia blushed at… though he admittedly pulled the expression back a bit as he addressed Cordelia.
"Only if you're also ready." He wanted to make sure he wasn't taking things too fast with either of them, but the red head only nodded at him. Taking her up in his arms, he started carry Cordelia back to his bedroom bridal style while Olivia held onto his arm from the side. "…Did I already say how much I love you both?"
"You did, but I don't mind hearing you say it," Cordelia said his arms, cuddling into the chest of her lover.
"You better not, I get the feeling I'll be saying it all the damn time," Ragna declared in his iconic crass manner. He got a giggle from Olivia as the three entered Ragna's bedroom before she closed the door behind them.
They didn't get to sleep until late the next morning.
Another Place; Another Time
A nightmarish Warrior-Class Risen roared as it rushed forward, a shining steel axe glistening in the moonlight as the creature swung the sword with deathly precision, only for the weapon to shatter as an expertly crafted Killing Edge cleaved right through it. As the monster returned to its baser instincts with a hand swipe to carve flesh, it hadn't even begun the attack before the sword's user cleaved the monster from head to foot. It would have been a poor move regardless; without the proper claws there was no way they'd have made it through the heavy ebony armor.
"Stuck defending our rear once more. How am I supposed to raise the moral of the ladies if they can't even see their dashing hero put in his best work?" the armored knight sighed to himself, before turning into a frightening scowl. "But right now, that's the least of my reasons to break all of you."
With his spiked silver hair, strong jaw, and glowing green eyes he certainly appeared to have the looks needed for his advances and the masterfully crafted dark armor along with his flowing cape was only adding to that factor. Not that it mattered here, where he'd be too surrounded by Risen for any maiden to see him. Swinging his blade in a deadly dance, his dispatched of the hellish creatures one after another. They just kept coming, and he noticed a group a group of arches and mages lining up and preparing a barrage of attacks.
They didn't have the chance to unleash as a new participant entered from their flank and unleashed a quick series of swings that decimated their ranged group. An armored knight that had been providing protection for the group a short distance away charged the newcomer, but they were hardly equipped for this encounter as the Armorslayer tore through their metal suit like it was nothing. A stray archer also tried to pick a cheap shot at the target, but she turned and easily blocked the arrow with her buckler shield. Charging magic into the sword until it turned yellow, she called down a bolt of lightning that disintegrated the Risen. The remaining yellow magic did well to highlight its wilder's long silver pigtails.
"Severna!? What are you doing back here!? What about the plan!?" the armored figure demanded as he cut down a horse riding Risen.
"A 'Thanks for the save' would be nice, Inigo!" she shouted back as she rushed over to him. "And Morgan's plan worked! Sort of! We're not going to make it all the way to the temple on this attempt so the rest of the group's preparing to fall back after thinning their ranks a bit!"
"No doubt at least one of our siblings was pushing for that extra damage to their armies," Inigo guessed as he used his heavy armored suit to guard his sister from a Risen soldier's lance before she leapt over him and cut the creature down. "We can't give up now, not after how long it took us to get here! Dad and our moms are counting on us!" He stayed silent as he cut through the next few monsters. "Also…"
"I miss her too," Severna admitted, letting her normally aggressive front down on a rare occasion, though she kept focus on the other Risen. "Come on! We still have work left to do!"
"Don't need to tell me twice!" he declared as the two charged the seemingly infinite mass of shadows, all to cover their group's escape. 'I promised dad that I would look out for my brothers and sisters as the oldest… I'm not going to break that promise!'
Author's Note
At this point I've run out of things to say for story updates that are long overdue, but this one feels especially egregious. This isn't exactly an arc finale, despite how end of Arc that last scene might've made it feel like. Still got a bit of stuff planned before we finally move onto the Valmese conflict.
With said conflict, I'll warn you now that I'm going to make some BIG changes for that Arc. In my opinion for Fire Emblem stories, Valm is where they go to DIE. So many have either been unable to finish the arc or can only complete it in a choppy manner. So I'm not going to bother and do a bit of my own thing. What that own thing is you'll have to wait and see.
And yeah… Olivia and Cordelia are now official. Going to get the others involved before too long, but you'll have to wait and see how said others are. Most likely giving your opinions all the while, which I'm of course open to.
Speaking of opinions, I think it's time that we went over the reviews from… literal years ago. Yeesh.
W. Athor023: Yeah, I still need to fix that. As for Virions feat, it was just a signal to Giaus who he saw up in the rafters earlier. He's doing this to get a bit of renown and make his bowmanship seem otherworldly.
NinjamSaucery: Aw, thanks for the kind words.
Dread Grim Reaper: Hey, been a while.
Darkpit65: Yep, gone and perhaps soon forgotten.
Twylaken: It has been, hasn't it?
Darkstar2311: I've done my best to, but most of those efforts went into other stories.
The Unplanner: Thanks for the lengthy review.
Wlyman2009: Not sure why he would, or if he ever will. (or if I just forgot)
Lucky DWG: Thanks for the kind words, and I guess a common theme of these chapters has been 'Ragna gets his A Rank with the assigned character.
EpicLinkSam: NOW… however much that means.
Warrior of Six Blades: I'm gonna pat myself on the back a bit here, but Virion's grand reveal was honestly one of my favorite things to have written. His smug closer just sealed the deal for me in all the right ways.
Kerrowe: Again, playing politics can sometimes be fun.
Kalakauai: I won't necessarily run out of future supports because Ragna will still have a line of supports with the kids of the Shepherds along with his own. I do think we might need to get things moving soon enough.
InstictMW: Look forward no longer… until you start wanting the next update.
P3R50N4: When it comes to supports, Ragna's going for the academic all A's (plus a few S to go along with them)
RPG Proficient: Sorry there wasn't much of her in this chapter, but maybe some more coming up.
Knight0: That's… forward.
Guest: …Nope.
Nick: …Again, nope.
Galiono: No plans for another BlazBlue character right now, thankfully the Shepherds cause more than enough chaos for him.
Thunder Dragon: Those are all good ideas and hey, two of them got confirmed here.
Kamizuma24: To quote TFS Vegeta *ahem* …I'M BACK BITCHES!
PeanutSaber: And here it is!
Thank you all so much for the support! Until next time! Ciao!