Hey guys... Hehehe. Don't kill me okay, but I just started playing Fates a few weeks ago after 8 months of not playing. I actually got really disappointed for expecting too much of this game until to the point I've decided to stop playing. But after playing a bit a few weeks ago due to boredom, I started getting the hang of it and was slowly enjoying the game as I messed the lives of our lovable characters. XD Anyway, after that, I grew more motivated to write one shots again, and I apologize for the long hiatus. I'm not just feeling lazy and unmotivated, but school had been a pain lately so I really have limited time to spare in writing. But that doesn't matter. I'm on my sem break today, and my class resumes on January so I can update as much as I want. Yayyyy~ I'll be updating as frequently as possible to relive your time that I've probably wasted waiting for an update. I really apologize!

I forgot who requested this and I'm too lazy to check in the comments section, so whoever you are, thank you for waiting and I apologize for the delay update! I hope you enjoyed it—!

Oh wait! I remembered who requested this! It's Gamergirl80. XD Hi dear! Yeah, it's been a while so I apologize, hahaha. You guys must be wondering why I am not deleting what I've written about the unknown user who requested this one shot, that's because I'm lazy. So yeah. Besides, my thoughts are flowing freely in one direction. I don't want to miss every single detail so yep. This is the old Lynn you're talking to. X3 Same ol' Lynn.

ANYWAY, less talking, more reading! Enjoy Ayla and gamers!

..~*~..

Not long after Silas joined the Hoshido army, everyone was practically shrouding around him and asking him of his origins in regards of his own hometown. Silas had expected this as he was a Nohrian after all joining in an army that was his hometown's long time enemy, and answered their questions truthfully as much as possible to prove himself as a worthy ally for them. Most of the questions though, however, is a question that is really expected from a Hoshidan themselves— a question that Silas really expected and yet has trouble answering it. A question about why he decided to join their cause against his own.

He should've known why, and yet, he doesn't know the real intention of his decision. In all honesty, Silas wasn't actually too sure either; wasn't sure what took his mind over to decided such big decision that would really affect his way of living. He had always been loyal to Nohr and had vowed his loyalty as a well-promising knight. But he knew one thing which made him push to be at this level. It was none other than his childhood friend and league, Lord Kamui.

It was actually weird, how he was able to give in to whatever Kamui had said to him. He shouldn't have relented to whatever his reasons were as Kamui is a traitor of Nohr after all, but he can't help it. He knows Kamui better out of all everyone in the Nohrian army (aside from his royal foster family) since he had been a close childhood friend of his when they were very young. And he knows that Kamui is not capable of manipulating someone like that for no reason at all. What really made Silas trust him is the way how his eyes held genuine emotions when he first contacted him and told him that he is siding with his Hoshidan family. He would be lying when he said it didn't sting a bit when he chose Hoshido over Nohr, the country he spent most of his life on but who was he to judge when Kamui experienced something he didn't experience at all? To know that your real family is only a neighborhood away? To imagine being locked-up in a place so constricting, it's no wonder Kamui would likely more venture in different areas than being stuck in the same place all the time. If he were to be in his position, he is sure he wouldn't even be able to cope up spending almost his life in a locked-up room as Silas had always been the adventurous type, and maybe, just the tiniest bit, consider even leaving his country just for this fact. But even still, Silas knew deep in his heart that he couldn't— he really couldn't bring himself to betray his country no matter how or what the reason may be. But something at the way how Kamui spoke that time made Silas to trust him and to follow him wherever he may go. It's not only because Kamui said so and such—talk as he might, but Silas wants to be where Kamui is and use the time to be with him and, just for the slightest bit, take back the time that could've been when he was there for him. Selfish, yes, but isn't it only normal and logical enough to be one as he had never seen his dearest friend for how long it had been? Who knows, maybe he'll learn a bit about Hoshido.

The following days went by as usual, starting from the day he first entered the boundaries of Hoshido: Interacting with his newfound allies, brandishing his skills as a knight and scouting the area. What changed; however is that he was actually a lot happier in Hoshido than Nohr, and never did he regret making alliances with his once enemies. Everyone was starting to cooperate and befriend him even though he is a Nohrian. They still ask him questions though, about his origins and what Nohr looked like from his own perspective; and as usual, he would reply back to them the answer they are satisfied with.

But lately as of now, however, there's this one shrine maiden they had recently recruited a few weeks ago after saving Kamui from blood loss. She goes by the name of (f/n) and insisted on following him around and asking him odd questions. Her questions are odder than the rest he had ever heard before. It was almost as if she was doing it for her own entertainment, making a fool out of him. The first time he had ever heard such a weird question was when she asked him her odd question one night. It went on like this:

Silas had just finished patrolling the whole grounds for any invaders. So far, he hasn't encountered anything suspicious, and with it, he was a bit relieved. It only meant that he and the others could breathe for a while but that didn't give him any reasons to lower his guard. Who knows, something might pop out from any nook. It's not bad to be wary right?

The night had grown deeper when he finished his patrol. Stars from the heavens above twinkled below him and the atmosphere was placid and coolly enough to make his eyes droop. His body was practically begging him to be in the confines of his own room for a good night rest, and he wasted no time and walked faster, eager to ensconce himself from his warm blankets. However, when he was about to retire to his own private quarters, against the odds, someone poked his back. He almost didn't feel it, but he did; and with it, the paladin almost jumped and had his heart leapt out of his throat, turning around with wide alarming eyes, his stance ready. He quickly relaxed upon catching (e/c) irises which had an almost illuminating glint beneath those coulees. Was it just him or did he suddenly feel cautious all of a sudden?

"(F/n), by the gods, you surprised me!" Silas gave out a shuddering breath, placing his hand over his heart after the sheer shock the maiden had insinuated. He then gave a weak smile at his comrade, and then blinked upon realizing something. "Wait a minute; shouldn't you be in your own quarters right now? It's already late." But the shrine maiden didn't reply, only staring back at him with that burning gaze of hers. Silas would be lying when he said he didn't feel disturb at all.

"(F-f/n)? Are you feeling alright?" Concern filled his voice. He skimmed over her features, searching for any suspicious symptoms. Her form is lithe and very dainty like that of a doll. It was almost cute, but her (e/c) eyes berated that description. Something on those orbs made her look more knowledgeable and mature. She acquires an embodiment of a 13 year old girl but with a womanly aura. Silas didn't realize that he had been staring at her the whole time, the pink hue tinted on his cheeks growing more evident without his own consent.

"I've seen how you answered everyone's question," He snapped away from his trance, and the blush that was ever growing on his cheeks only maximized. Silas willed himself to calm down then braced himself for the incoming assumption of the shrine maiden. However, it didn't come. It was almost as if she either didn't realize or just disregarded it. "And thus, I'm going to ask you a question as well." (F/n) crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes as she did so.

Silas just gave her a look. "...Was that the reason why you are here right now?" When she nodded her reply, Silas sighed and gave a soft smile at her. "Well, I suppose one question wouldn't hurt anyone. What is it that you wish to question me?"

Without any hesitation, she quickly asked. "Did you ever doubt the existence of others than yourself?"

Crickets could be heard from the distance as the breath of the wind passed them by. Silas blinked, clearly appalled at what she said. With the blush now instantly gone, he opened his mouth to reply, then closes it as his brows furrowed. "Er... what?"

"I'm repeating it again: did you ever doubt the existence of others than yourself?"

He made a mental note not to lower his guard even to questions such as this.

After that whole night, Silas made a quick reply of 'I don't know' then ran to his own room and shut the door. He was actually intending to avoid (f/n) for the meantime as he had never felt so embarrassed throughout his whole life. Who in their right mind just suddenly say I don't know then runs away from their questioner? He couldn't live with the same mistake again, and so far, he had been successful in avoiding her for two straight days but at the third day, the universe had other plans. Because there's this another time, she asked again of that odd question of hers when it was his turn to harvest the peach orchard. And he couldn't leave even if he wanted to.

"Silas, you seemed... tense? Are you okay?" Mozu asked him worriedly as she effortlessly lifted up a basket filled with ripe peaches, a concerned frown on her face. Silas just gave a tight smile and nodded as he plucked yet another peach from the tree.

"Yes. I'm just a little bit—"

"Oh! Hi (f/n)!" Mozu waved behind him, and Silas felt his whole body going rigid at the sound of his name being called from the said maiden. Before he knew it, the shrine maiden appeared from his peripheral vision, a determined frown being plastered on her face.

"Silas! I've been looking all over for you! Where have you run off to? You've been missing for two days straight!"

"—paranoid, Mozu. Paranoid." He continued as he calmly put the sweet delicacy fruit in the basket. Though his face contorted into one of that calm, his movement is quite rigid and stiff, as if he'd rather be anywhere but here.

"Silas? Are you sure you're okay?" Mozu really couldn't help the growing worry in her tone as she placed a hand on his stiffed shoulder. Silas quickly noticed the small scowl from the maiden but he took no heed from it. He gave a small smile from Mozu and nodded.

"Yeah, don't worry about it." Mozu just gave another worried look, but nodded nonetheless, albeit just hesitant as she removed her hand from his shoulder. Turning to the shrine maiden, Silas could feel his smile withering any minute now. It's not that he doesn't like to talk to (f/n). He just really don't feel like talking to her at the moment, but with Mozu watching the whole scene, he doesn't want to give her the wrong impression of being rude to (f/n) as this is going to be the first time Mozu will be seeing Silas talking to a newbie.

"Hey (f/n)... You came to see me, I bet?" Silas almost winced at his choice of words. It was so unlikely of him. "Anyway, is there something you need at the moment?"

"Not really. I just have another question for you."

Oh. Another odd question of hers. Nothing too serious. Silas sighed and forced his smile to remain intact. "What is it?"

"Well, I really do hope I didn't make you scared this time—"

Silas quickly reacted. "You didn't! I mean..." Silas cleared his throat and shivered. "Look, I apologize about that one night. I was just really tired that time and I really, really want to retire to my quarters—"

"Silas!" (F/n) laughed which provoked a blush to appear on Silas' cheeks. "It's okay. This time, my question is more relevant."

Silas frowned a bit. "How... relevant?" Suspicion laced his voice, slowly enunciating every word. That determined facial expression of hers is something not to miss, but then he quickly shook his head. "Never mind I asked. What is your question this time?"

(F/n) grinned, "If there were to be a world wherein you're a tree, what tree would you be?"

Mozu snickered a bit at this. Silas couldn't believe it. How could she even find this amusing? "How is that even relevant? Where is your relevant question anyway?"

"...That's my relevant question, Silas."

"...You're not serious, are you?"

In her silence and Mozu's laughter, Silas found his answer.

He didn't reply that time, too confused and too appalled to reply. Just his pure luck, Kamui saved him, calling him that he was needed to the meeting. Although one would say that the meeting is boring— even Silas would admit that too but at that very moment, he has never felt so thankful and relieved in his entire whole life. He just really don't know how to answer (f/n)'s odd question. If he were to choose between the two: a question or a meeting, he'd rather be at the latter rather than to answer her yet one-of-a-kind question. He didn't mean to be rude, but it's just plain weird for him to handle and answer.

But then again, the universe is not yet done with him, because another time after that, just approximately one week, she came again to ask at exactly the same moment when he decided to take a day off. This time, however, is something so personal and definitely irrelevant.

And that was the time that Silas had said that enough is enough.

"Silas, there you are!"

Silas froze midway from his little own world, an involuntary shiver crippling down his spine. This is definitely not good. He can tell at the way how his body reacted. Nonetheless, he still faced the shrine maiden, albeit just a bit forced and slow. He then gave a weak smile at her.

"Hey (f/n)..."

"Silas, are you okay? You don't look happy upon seeing me." (f/n) frowned a bit at this and— was that a glint of pain in her eyes for a moment there?

"Ah, no no. That's not it. I was just thinking." Silas did his best to make his smile more genuine, and then he asked. "You're here to ask me again, am I correct?"

(F/n) nodded, but her frown deepened. "This is not the question I'm about to ask you, but I need to ask; am I bothering you?"

Silas shook his head. "No, that's not it. I'm just tired is all? But anyway, what is it that you want to ask?"

(F/n) hesitated for a moment; then with a careful forte, she asked, "Um... I want to know what your favorite age is so far."

All the exhaustion Silas had felt diminished away only to be replaced by such incredulity. "Excuse me, but did you just ask about my age?"

"Your favorite age actually."

"And yet it's still about my age. I can't believe this..." Silas gave a huge sigh, facepalming himself as he did so. "(F/n), don't you think your question is too overrated? I don't think that's how it works."

"But I was just asking of your favorite age!"

"Please drop it. That question..." However, when he looked upon her face, that determined glint in her eyes and that tight line on her frown, he knew he won't be able to escape this time. Thus, his shoulders drooped, a vague sign that simply meant surrender as he hung his head low, sighing heavily as he did so. Looking upwards again, a look of distraught crossed his face. "Do I really have to answer this? Favorite age..." Clusters of red splattered his cheeks, "This is embarrassing, (F/n). Could you at least just ask like something so understandable and easy to answer?"

"I'm only asking your favorite age, Silas!" (F/n) puffed her cheeks, a childish attitude of hers that he has only seen today. "It's not even hard! All you have to do is to say what your favorite age and that's it! You don't need to explain!"

"Yeah well—!" Silas just groaned and decided to drop the kind act and just be brutally honest. "(F/n), honestly you know what? I have a question for you. Would you like to hear it?"

(F/n) hesitated for a bit. She doesn't feel good about this. "...Sure."

"Were you just asking out of curiosity or just for fun?"

"Curiosity of course! I could never make fun of you Silas!" (F/n) frowned at this, clearly offended. Silas felt a twinge of guilt for a bit, but this just had to be done.

"Did you even know that your questions are too... weird and irrelevant? I don't even know how to answer them. Heck, I'm pretty sure everyone wouldn't even know how to answer them."

Her eyes widened before they lost their shine. "Oh... I-"

"And so far, this question is the worst of all the questions I've heard from you."

"I... I'm so sorry Silas. I just really don't know... I'm not really good with--"

"Then please just drop it. Ask questions that are really necessary and relevant." Silas pursed his lips, knowing that he had gone far too harsh. "I'm not trying to degrade you. It's just that... some people think differently. You understand that right?"

(F/n) could only nod feebly. Oh boy, he did it. He really went too far.

"(F/n)... You can still ask. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I just had to let you know."

"No, no. It's okay. I'm actually really glad you told me. It must have been so annoying and foolish."

"No, that's not it. It's just that... they're really hard to think of through. I think they're quite creative though, so please don't feel so bad about it."

(F/n) gave a small smile. "Thank you Silas."

After that little confrontation, Silas was able to continue his own routine. With (f/n) not following him anymore, he was finally free to do everything he wants. But one day, someone asked him a question like how it used to be from the very start which triggered something at the recesses of his mind. And for some reason, he couldn't help but feel as if something was amiss. He was also starting to notice himself often glancing back at a certain shrine maiden that had been occupying his mind lately. Questions begin to arise and his worry increases every time he sees her doing any reckless actions. He understands that it is normal to be worried for a comrade, however, what made him confused is that why does he suddenly feel like missing her frequent odd questions and her constant nagging? He made it clear that he couldn't handle her questions, so what made it change?

What made it change?

He could only think of one possibility, but he refuses to admit it. It just didn't make any sense to him. How could he think of that when they barely even conversed at all? Heck, all he did was escape from her questions, and he has the guts to think of that possibility?

He was too wrapped up with his own thoughts that it only took a shout to get his attention.

"SILAS!"

Silas snapped away from his little trance when something sliced through the gale with a sharp whoosh. His eyes caught the dangerous glint of the sharp spear aimed at him in extreme speed, and he pulled the reins of his horse for defense but he was not agile enough to prevent it. He instead pulled his free arm to his face for a vain defense when something quick pushed him back and the clanking of two metals clashing together rang throughout the fray. Silas looked at his savior and saw Ryoma with his sword, Raijinto, gleaming quite dangerously.

"Pay attention Silas. We couldn't afford to lose you."

Silas was dumbfounded, but nodded nonetheless, "Yes. I apologize for slacking for a minute there but thank you for coming to my aid."

Ryoma nodded firmly, "Just make sure to be careful next time."

Silas watched him return back to his wife before returning his focus back at the whole fray. His grip to the reins tightened and he urged his horse to a group of berserkers who are preparing to attack Setsuna.

The battle was finished after Silas, with the help of Setsuna, eliminated the Berserkers. He put away his sword for a good momentum, but when a small scream broke through the fray, he swore his heart lurched. Before he knew it, he steered his long-time partner after the voice, his heart pulsating quite abnormally fast.

"(F/N)!" He stepped in before the shrine maiden and narrowly parries the dagger that was supposed to hit her. Silas gritted his teeth and switches to his lance before charging at the assailant, killing him in an instant. Panting, he quickly put away his lance and swerved to face the shrine maiden who was pale as sheet. Concerned and worried, he dismounted his horse and quickly went to the woman whose face was contorting into a grimace.

"(F/n)!" He almost screamed as he skidded on the floor onto his knees when the shrine maiden suddenly gave out, falling into his arms face first, panting quite heavily. Silas turned her to face him, sweat dripping on his face as he held her face, and his eyes went wide in horror when blood began seeping at the corner of her mouth.

"Si...Silas.."

Her voice was weak and so frail as she lifted up her hand from her abdomen which he just only realized that she has been clutching the entire time after he had just saved her from danger. Much to his expectancy and terror, a steel shuriken was seen protruded where her hand had been, and it was drilled pretty deeply from the looks of it.

A small wheezing giggle snapped his attention away from the gruesome sight, his eyes gliding towards the girl in his arms as she gave a frail smile.

"I'm so stupid aren't I..?"

"You are a fool!" Silas yelled out instead, his eyes prickling with tears. "What are you doing in the front lines?! You're supposed to be at the back! You..." a small sob escaped his lips, tears cascading down his cheeks as he shuts his eyes. His heart felt as if it was being gripped by an unknown force, making it hard for him to breathe as he choked back a sob that was willing to escape. Then at the top of his voice, he yelled out in raspy breaths.

"SAKURA!"

His voice rang throughout the fray as the shrine maiden choked out a laugh, blood squirting from her lips as she tried her best to smile. Silas is so sweet, and that's the main reason why she fell for him.

So just for his sake, she'll do everything. Anything, even if it means of rushing in front of the first line despite being positioned at the back. She will do it because she wanted to make sure he's okay, even though she had just put herself in danger. She'll do everything for him.

It was pretty idiotic, but that's how deep her love is for him.

Lifting up a fragile hand, she tenderly held his tear-stained cheek, making the paladin to focus back onto her.

"One...last question: Are you..okay?" She gave out a faded giggle, "I...made it more ne..cessary, so...you shoul...d be able to..answer it this.. time.." Silas had wanted nothing more but to thwack this shrine maiden with a blunt sword.

What kind of a question is that?! Is what he wanted to say. Does he look like he's okay when she's in that state?! But instead, he glared weakly at her, his eyes red and puffy.

"Stop speaking. You're injured."

"You...haven't yet..answered.." She was cut off when Silas gave her a glare— a glare that was filled with exhaustion, annoyance, relieved, worry and a whole lot more of emotions she's sure she'll have a long time deciphering which is which.

Silas looked again at the fray, waiting for help to arrive, and indeed it did. He can see Sakura and Kamui hastily running at their location, their faces morphing into worry and horror once they reached him. Kamui dropped to his knees as Sakura held (f/n)'s hand, whispering an incantation of spell to alleviate the pain. Silas could only watch in silence as Sakura spoke directions at Kamui on what to do. Lately, Kamui had just promoted into a Hoshido Noble and can use staves to heal, and Sakura had been helping him to improve. From the looks of it, Kamui is slowly improving which is a pretty good bonus.

The paladin winced when the Hoshidan prince, although hesitant for a while, pulled the dagger, eliciting a painful hiss from the wounded shrine maiden. Blood begins to gush out, much to Silas' worry.

"Sorry (f/n)." Kamui whispered at the panting woman, smiling forcibly. It's pretty obvious that the prince is not yet used to seeing people injured up close. Quickly pulling out a sun festal, he began channeling his magic to the rod and closed his eyes as he mumbled a small prayer from the heavens. A small green light begins to illuminate on the wound. The light only grew immense when Sakura prayed with her brother. Silas could only hold on to a strand of hope, wishing that the healing process would be a success.

"Silas.."

The small voice took Silas' attention. Small beads of sweat were inlaid on her temples, her face pale. But amidst that is that she's breathing. That's what it matters. Forcing another grin, she asked.

"Are you okay now..?"

Silas just plastered a small smile as he affectionately brushed the wet strands away that were framing her face.

"A bit. Promise me that you'll survive this." Holding her hand tightly, he looked at her eyes deeply. "Do you promise?" A small squeeze was enough to reassure him, and it only grew when (f/n) smiled up at him.

"I promise."

..~*~..

Me: *throws a lot of papers* WHOOOOO. I FAILED. YAS. IT WAS GOOD IN THE BEGINNING THEN IT ALL WENT CRASHING DOWN AT THE END. *smiles then bashes my head on the wall* I AM NEVER GOING TO START THEN STOP FOR MORE THAN TWO MONTHS THEN WRITE EVER AGAIN.

Takumi: You see this? *points at me* This is the aftermath for neglecting this fic. Never copy this excuse of an author. She'll do you no good.

Me: You heard the pineapple haired guy. Never copy me guys! Your life will go downhill if you do so!

Takumi: Who're you calling—

Me: But seriously guys, I really did enjoy writing Silas' chapter but when I went at the last part, it just *waves my hands for emphasis* went straight downhill! I started this for over a month ago and I stopped 'cause of school. I just started writing this today because I just felt doing so. *gets thunked by an eraser from an unknown assailant* Ow! I guess I needed that. I really apologize! But anyway! I had a plan of how it will end, but since I forgot, I just wrote what my mind is telling me to do. And I don't like it! *whacks my head with a rather thick book* Stupid brain!

Takumi: Suits you right you idiot.

Me: Whatever. I'm not sure who's going to be next: Kaze, Hinata, Kiragi or Hayato. I'm saying this now, I don't think I'll be updating in four months. *rolls my eyes* Blame school. But I'm pretty sure that once Summer tackles in my life once more, I'll update. So for now, I hope you enjoyed reading this. *facepalms* Ugh. I really don't like how it turned out on the end, but it's my fault in the first place. But, *shrugs* Oh well.

See ya guys! Happy belated New Year! <3

⁃ Lynn