Two-Faced Lovers

A/N: DEAR GOD, IT BEGINS. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, or where I'm going with this, but all I know is that things are going down--town~ /// And don't ask me why. I'm writin' for fun, okay? I mean, lots of people write fanfiction... right? R-right?!

: ¨ ·.· ¨ :
`·. In the early morning hours, Kiran sat hunched over a pile of parchment paper in the mess hall. Dark circles hung under her eyes, making her complexion seem paler than usual.

Nine months had passed since she was pulled from her own world to fight for the Order of Heroes. Nine months, and still the war showed no sign of ending.

Everything felt exciting at first; she was more than happy to leave her mundane office job. Even friends and family slipped from her thoughts for a while as she delved into the new world that collected her, with all its magic and beauty.

But as days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, she now found herself growing increasingly homesick.

It didn't help that the weather in Askr was dreary and wet this time of year. Rain fell endlessly from the sky, drenching the castle with the smell of mildew. She hated fall and the winter that followed, and she hated the cold. 

Shivering, Kiran drew her thick white robes around herself. For days on end she had poured over the scriptures that foretold the destruction of Askr. Searching for any sort of clue, any sort of way their group could save Zacharias and stop the destruction of their kingdom.

"I don't understand what they're planning," she muttered. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

Maybe she wasn't as good of a tactician as everyone thought, after all. But she was the Summoner, and so they had to respect her.

"I always see you here," a low voice said. "Studying again?"

Kiran turned to see Takumi standing beside her.

"Yes, I am,” she answered. “Spying on me, are we?”

His eyes narrowed, whether in contempt or curiousity she couldn't tell.

“Are those spells or some sort?” He gestured to the table. “You are a Diviner, aren’t you?”

She shook her head. “These aren’t spell scrolls. They’re detailed scriptures about the gateways which connect to other worlds. I'm trying my best to contribute to ending this war. Then we can all go home."

“It sounds like you want to go home pretty badly,” Takumi observed.

Kiran rolled up the parchment papers and stood, ignoring his comment.

"Aren't you cold? You should wear a cloak when you're out and about."

Takumi shrugged. "It's not that bad," he said. "Winters are worse in my homeland."

The conversation stalled. Kiran always thought Takumi was difficult to talk to.

"So, you do realize we will be facing Corrin in our next battle?” Kiran asked.

Takumi’s gaze hardened. “I’m fully aware, and I will crush her and her Nohrian scum siblings,” he sneered.

“That’s not a very nice thing to say about your sister.”

“We’re not even blood related,” Takumi snapped.

“There’s no need to be so uptight,” Kiran chided. “Anyway, are you hungry? They should be serving breakfast soon.”

“I’m going hunting.”

“That sounds like... fun.” Kiran wrinkled her nose. “Even in this weather?”

“As I said, it doesn’t bother me. Besides, I could use some practice for the upcoming fight.”

Kiran stuffed the rolls of parchment into the folds of her robes.  “Suit yourself. I’ll see you later, then.”

They parted ways.

The rain still hadn’t stopped, and showed no sign of letting up. In the courtyard, the flowering rosebushes were flecked with droplets of rain. Kiran flipped her hood over her head and briskly made her way across the cobbled stone path.

A modest temple stood at the end of the walkway. Kiran didn’t know why she had come; she didn’t believe in any religion. But she knew the Heroes that did would be there, and she needed some words of encouragement.

She flung open the wooden doors and saw two figures kneeling before the golden statue of a goddess. A young women with wavy red hair and an elderly man in pale blue robes were deep in prayer. They did not stir or acknowledge Kiran’s presence when she approached.

“May the goddess Mila protect us all,” Celica murmured, gloved hands clutched together at her chest. Bathed in the golden statue’s light, she was radiant.

“Let all be as the gods will.” Wrys finished his prayer and slowly climbed to his feet. His eyes sparkled when he spotted Kiran. “Good day to you, Summoner.”

“Hello, Wrys. Did you sleep well?”

The humble curate chuckled. “As well as an old man can, without slipping into the afterlife!”

“Oh?” Celica’s eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes. “Kiran, it’s you.”

“Lady Celica.” Kiran suddenly felt flustered. Both of them were staring at her intently. Coupled with the shining statue behind them, the whole scene left Kiran feeling very self-conscious.

“What brings you? Are you injured?” Celica worriedly touched Kiran’s forearm.

“I can whip up a tincture to soothe your ailments,” Wrys offered. “My staff can also heal your wounds.”

“No, I’m not injured, but thank you.” Kiran hesitated, wondering if she should bring up the predicament she was in. The subject seemed too heavy to discuss so early in the morning. “I… came to let you know that breakfast is going to be served soon.”

“How kind of you, Summoner. You really do look after everyone.” Wrys beamed. “It reminds me of caring for the children at the orphanage. I wonder how the children are faring back home...”

“I’m sure they’re all fine and eagerly awaiting your return,” Kiran said with confidence.

The trio left the temple with Wrys leading the way. Kiran shielded Celica from the wind and rain as best she could with her cloak, painfully aware of how Celica’s arms slowly circled their way around her waist.

“I do hope this conflict with Embla ends soon,” Celica said. “I feel sorry for the Emblian princess. She’s too young to be involved with the likes of war.”

Kiran couldn’t sympathize with Celica’s words, but she remained quiet.

“It’s a shame that young children are drafted for war,” Wrys lamented.

“I agree,” Celica sighed. “Let us pray for a world of peace.”

The mess hall was now packed with soldiers and Heroes alike. Everyone was bustling about, chattering and eager to start the day with a hot meal.

From the corner of her eye, Kiran saw Anna’s red ponytail. The commander was behind a large pot of porridge, smiling cheerily while doling out rations.

“Wrys, you go on ahead,” Celica said. “I would have words alone with Kiran.”

“All right, dear child.” Wrys sauntered off, muttering something about his hip under his breath.

“Is there something on your mind?” Celica asked, casually tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. She stared up at Kiran expectantly.

“What makes you say that, lady Celica?”

“Well,” Celica paused. “You seemed like you had something to say back at the temple. And… you didn’t come by my quarters last night.”

Kiran flushed bright red. “Ah… I’m sorry. I know I promised to have a cup of tea with you. But I had some work to finish.”

“I understand. It’s selfish of me to demand so much of your time.”

“I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Kiran smiled. “Now please, get some breakfast. We can talk about this later.”

Celica nodded and left to join the rations line. Mae and Boey, bickering as usual, spotted her and quickly dashed over soon after.

Sighing, Kiran leaned against the stone windowsill. Princess Veronica probably felt the same way around her Heroes. The magic that bound them to Askr, and the contracts, they somehow also heightened the Hero’s emotions as well. Similar to how Xander was so drawn to Princess Veronica, Kiran could feel the pull she had on Celica. 

The emotions were strange, like nothing she had ever felt before.