[Y/N] - Your Name
[M/N] - Middle Name
[L/N] - Last Name
I

["Talking"]
["SCREAMING"]
["Whispering"]
["Thinking"]

This chapter should've come out yesterday, but it didn't because I got a massive fucking headache and ended up not writing. Regardless, this is coming out on 9 of January (I know because I'll literally choose to die before delaying this chapter again), so I'll be skipping myr rest of the following week in order to get back on track again. So! 9 Chapters this month, last one made 8, and whatnot. In other words, I'll finish this story, and work some more on OPM.

After that, it's Merula Snyde/Harry Potter, and then, you already know, back to my main series The Saint's Lion. Where, last chapter, I introduced you guys to something bizarre. The protagonist of that story, someone who I shall refer to as "SL Y/N", appeared here. Quite weird, no? It could just be me doing funny quirky stuff by putting other characters in other books just for references but, as a couple of you out there already know of this...

That is not the case.

<<<<<< I >[---]< I >>>>>>

Malakim: ["Say, kid. Who might that be?"]

Y/N glanced over his shoulder, somewhat surprised to see the hulking mass of muscle and a genetic monster with an armor about as heavy as a tank, just calmly standing there on top of the roof with him. Though his expression remained unfazed throughout it all, it somewhat softened when Y/N looked forward once again, a bit down towards where his crossed legs were, as well as his resting arms and hands.

In his hands that gently clutched the picture, all but feeling the sensation of the paper poking into his skin, or the texture of the photo, laid a small portrait of that same girl. The gentle scraping of metal against metal alerted Y/N of the presence of another person, something he had noticed when their large stomping ringed in his ears. Thanks to it being much lower than Malakim's, it was easy to know who it was.

Bending forward with both hands on her knees, Chiara would glance over Y/N's shoulder as well, noticing him gently gripping the picture between the front of his thumb and the side of his index finger. Turning to glance at it, his blue eyes met the blonde's own blue eyes. Y/N showed no emotion, but he still kept the picture in front of himself, gently glancing up and down throughout all of the uniform that Violet wore.

Y/N: ["I fought alongside her a couple of months ago before being stationed here"]

Chiara: ["She's from Leidenschaft, huh? Their uniform is pretty easy to recognize"] Chiara smirked in a playful manner, gently crouching near Y/N and tapping his side with her elbow ["Oooh, she's pretty! Is she single? You should go on and shoot your shot before I do it myself"]

Y/N: ["I am not in possession of a firearm to "shoot my shot"]

Chiara: ["Oh, right... You're a Kriegsman, I forgot about that part, my bad"] Chiara sighed with a small smirk still present on her face ["Shooting your shot" basically mean trying to hit on a girl, like, you know, flirting with her?"]

Y/N: ["But what correlation there is between flirting and shooting?"]

Chiara: ["Beats me, I just know that it is a cool thing to say, so there's that"] She shrugged, dropping near Y/N and gently swaying her legs back and forth ["Say, are you ready to go? We'll be going in about three hours"]

Malakim: ["And I know that you both have already been through much worse, but this is also a serious job"] The much-taller figure that stood towering between them both spoke up, a gentle smile present in his lips ["We'll get in and eliminate any enemies as well as rescue the civilians from the area"]

Chiara: ["I'll be in charge of taking care of any wounded civilians or soldiers, but I'll stay in the frontline with you"] Chiara raised her index and middle fingers on both hands, gently tilting her head as he smiled at Y/N ["Gotta be sure that you're leaving people to take as prisoners. No more of that "Leave no prisoners mindset", understood, mister?"]

Y/N: ["I'll try my best to keep my shovel from butchering their brain"] Y/N replied, standing up and gently folding Violet's picture ["Strange, I thought that the Raven Guard was already on the job?"]

Malakim: ["You know how they work. Come in, kill everything in their sight, and retreat as quickly as they appeared. They left behind a small portion of enemies that picked up their guns once more"] Malakim replied, gently standing straight once more before he began to walk away, having Y/N and Chiara following close behind ["And, as you might have expected, they just took care of most of the enemies. No civilians were rescued from the area"]

Chiara: ["How strange, no other faction possesses the same technology or forces as The Imperium of Man does. I wonder how this portion of enemies went unseen"] Chiara pondered with herself, humming as she gently tapped her finger in her chin ["The Raven Guard are great hunters and scary fighters, how come they never noticed the remaining enemies?"]

Y/N: ["When you invade a nation, you either destroy everything, or you destroy nothing, Letting your enemies live is just a way to make them pick up their weapons again"] Y/N spoke while unchanging his expression, which prompted a small share of glance between Chiara and Malakim ["Perhaps they decided to focus their concerns elsewhere, which is why they left so prematurely"]

Malakim: ["What matters is that we'll be the ones taking on the job now. In other news, we'll be the ones to eliminate these enemies"] Malakim calmly spoke with a small smile presenting itself in his face ["Alongside us, we'll be working with the Salamanders, who are already expecting us"]

Chiara: ["So we basically have two Chapters of Marines, an Adepta Sororitas, and a Kriegsman Commissar against..."] Chiara's eyes furrowed in confusion as she glanced to the sides ["Regular people? Even a single Chapter seems like a bit of an overkill to me"]

Y/N: ["There is no such thing as "overkill", only making sure that the job is done properly, is all"] Y/N remained unfazed by his own words, glancing down at his own hands for a moment ["I'll go arm myself, and change into my uniform. Expect me to be ready in about 15 minutes"]

Without another word, the boy walked away without looking back just as Malakim and Chiara had reached the main room of the place. Stopping side-by-side, the younger of the duo sighed, putting both hands in her hips near her Bolter Pistols. Glancing up at the Chapter Master, who glanced down at her and sighed with a nod. Crossing his arms, with the loud of his Power Armor scraping against itself, the man spoke up.

Malakim: ["I know it may seem bad, but I can see that he is making progress"] He spoke with a calm nod, still glancing to the direction where Y/N walked to ["It may take us a while, but I'm sure that he will be soon more... Normal"]

Chiara: ["Will he? I mean, we both know how Krieg is, and what they do. I WANT to believe that he will one day be like a regular person but..."] She sucked through gritted teeth, nodding her head a bit with worried eyes ["Again, we both know Krieg and what that place does. Plus, we're both still so young, him and I!"]

Malakim: ["You know what they say... Kids are cruel"]

With a saddened hum, Chiara nodded. She knew it, after all, as she said, she was still young, and had witnessed, and caused, multiple terrible things. But, at the end of the day, she was glad that she could now do good, working with people who also wished to do good. Perhaps save for one of them, but he's a Kriegsman, so it's understandable that the only thing he knows is bashing people's brains with a shovel.

She felt quite a lot of weight on her shoulder, though, thanks to both what she is, and her Power Armor, it didn't crush her entire side to dust as it would've done to a regular person. Glancing up, she noticed Malakim glancing at her with a fatherly smile, almost like he was indeed a father trying to help his children. Something that Chiara hadn't seen in quite some years ever since she had started serving.

Malakim: ["There is no such thing as true good, just as there is no such thing as true evil, Chiara"] Gently tapping her shoulder once more, Malakim would turn to face the room where Y/N entered ["I'm sure that you could tell, but that girl, Violet, means a lot to him. You know what I'm thinking?"]

Chiara: ["Well, obviously, they need to meet again, but the question is how? I mean... The girl's in a coma"] She whispered to the much-taller figure, who nodded his head with his gaze turning sorrowful ["All things considered, all we that we can do is wait, but how long can he take?"]

Malakim: ["Long enough, I'm sure. The kid is tough, I am sure that he will endure whatever time he needs to endure"] A smile crossed his face, he would turn around and walk alongside Chiara while walking out of the place ["Vulkan should be awaiting for us. But I need to ask you one thing..."]

Chiara: ["I know. Salamanders with Y/N won't do good. He nearly freaks out when someone lights a lighter around him, imagine what he'll do when he sees the Salamanders in action"] Chiara nodded her head, soon stopping when they had left the place, glancing at the rest of the Lamenters Troops that stood quite far away. Not many of them, as one might expect ["I'll be sure to keep him out of the action, and active on the frontlines, while also keeping him from killing P.O.W's. I just hope I can meet Vulkan... It's not everyone that can say they met a Primarch"]

Malakim: ["I am sure that he'll be delighted to meet you both. Do not fret for his height, I fear that not many had experience of seeing something like he is"] Malakim continued to talk, soon putting both hands behind his back with a cheerful smile ["Think of him as Tyberos. Just larger, and much more talkative... Perhaps a little less scary-looking"]

Chiara: ["I doubt that even the Chaos forces can be as scary-looking as Tyberos is..."] She comments with a nervous smile, remembering her first time meeting the Chapter Master of the Carcharodons ["Well, I'll go get the rest of my stuff ready. I'll regroup with you and the others in a bit"]

Sharing a salute with Malakim, Chiara walked away in a bit of a hurried step. Watching as the girl jogged away, Malakim opened a small smile on his lips. He turned to glance over his shoulder when the large pair of doors behind him opened, and out walked a figure. It was easy to see who it was, way too easy. The black and the red clashed perfectly, easily standing out like a sore thumb between the Lamenters yellow.

He walked with an unusual stance that they didn't see too much before. Usually with the hands inside the pockets of his trenchcoat, or hanging by his side, as he now walked with his arms behind his back. His chest almost puffed out, and his head held high with authority. His usual slow and heavy steps were now replaced with a rhythmic march like a general standing in front of his troops.

The white mask that let out a low breathing noise every second, paired with the endless darkness in the mirror-like surfaces of the eye sockets where Malakim could see his own reflection made for a scary figure. The patterns of the old mask almost gave it the look like that of a spider web, with the metal respirator on the front seeming to glow everytime that the Kriegsman would take a deep breath.

Y/N didn't say anything.

Malakim knew that this was a completely-different person than the boy with the dead and wrinkled skin that he knew. He was now dealing with not the same gloomy and reserved Y/N, but the same man that would undoubtedly charge head-first into a wave of opponents with nothing but his shovel. Even if he had his sabre sword with him at all times, it seemed like all but a toy, or a reserve tool for a last-resort scenario.

With his marching and his breathing, there was some sort of rhythmic tone to Y/N and his stance, especially when he stopped walking in front of Malakim. The sight of a Kriegsman Commissar among a Chapter of Marines was unusual, let alone when said chapter was none other than the Lamenters. Regardless, all that Malakim did was open a nice, and warm smile while glancing down at Y/N and his nightmarish figure.

Malakim: ["You look good"]

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[𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍 - 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
[𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘'𝐒 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑]

King: ["YOU WILL NOT TALK ME DOWN!"]

The loud ringing voice of the man pierced through the building and through the stands with hundreds of people. Some were familiar faces, while most were strangers that were out there enjoying the same play as the Dolls. Not within these people were the others on the outside, either too busy or uninterested to pay attention to the gigantic building that took almost half an entire block for itself, even with pamphlets.

The large sheets of paper had a unique drawing that could draw attention from anyone. A devil, red skin with large, pointy horns on its head, grasping a sword and standing on top of a branch that pierced through the heart of an old, wise man. It turned heads, from the majority of people that walked by it, and turned to face the theater where they heard the shouting from, all from the old and angered King.

King: ["All I did was punish him for his act of folly!"]

Warrior: ["Your virtuous facade doesn't fool me, you devil!"]

King: ["Killing me will make you no better, I-"]

Warrior: ["Sink to the depths of the darkness where you belong!"]

The man wearing a black cloak on his shoulders, his messy, light-brown-colored hair swung with the wind as he pointed his blade forward. Both arms crossed and a look of clear uninterest present on her face, Iris would tilt her head to the side, much to the contrary of the coworker that sat by her side. Erica watched with wide, surprised eyes, a gasp escaping her mouth as the warrior dashed towards the old King.

His sword piercing through him, Y/N figuring that it was just a false sword underneath the King's arm which, from their perspective, made it seem like it was going through his chest, prompted the Kriegsman to hum. Noting down in his notepad which contained a sheet with the back, side, and front of all characters so far in the play, as well as a detailed, in-depth write of the lore and some of the theories for its mysteries.

King: ["You will burn... In the flames of your sins"]

Warrior: ["...I know. I have to bear this cross... FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!"]

With the man's last scream, everything faded to black as the lights were turned off, just as his guttural shout of rage erupted once he had kneeled to the ground. Instantly, everyone, save for Iris and Y/N, stood up to clap. Erica seemed the most surprised, intrigued, and even shocked out of everyone of the hundreds of people in the crowd. Iris did nothing, but Y/N, even though he remained sitting, began to clap.

Minutes turned into hours, which soon turned into the sun coming in from the sky, peering over the large mountains in the distance in order to bring its warm rays of light. The usual routine for the C.H. Postal Company going by with Y/N leaving four plates of food on the table in front of the trio of girls after some back and forth between him and Iris, the Kriegsman took a seat. Unsurprisingly, at Violet' side.

Erica: ["The play last night was incredible. You should've come with us, Violet"]

Violet: ["If you're referring to The Red Devil, I'm reading the screenplay right now"] She spoke while Y/N calmly ate from his place, much like Erica and Iris ["Y/N brought the books for me from the library to prepare for our next job"]

Erica: ["Ah~... You're both so lucky. I'm envious that you both get to ghostwrite to Oscar Webster"] Erica said with a gentle smile and tone of sorrow but that still showed pride in her features ["This means that you'll both be the first ones that will read his new work"] Her voice was a bit hurried and excited, both hands clasped together as she turned to Iris ["It's going to be his first new production in a while!"]

Violet turned to face her book once more. By her side, Y/N, who didn't wear his trenchcoat, and only his black tank top with the Lamenters Badge, glanced at the girl. Her blue eyes glanced down at the paper, her metal index finger gently running through the page as she glanced down, reading the words right as the tip of thumb passed right beneath it. Her lips slowly parting as she repeated the words.

Violet: ["I know. I'll have to bear this cross..."]

Violet's eyes turned down once more, and as the following words escaped her mouth, Y/N stopped eating. Shooting her a glance up as he remained bending forward with a position that was certainly uncomfortable after a while. Regardless, he remained eating, his eyes focusing in no particular place once again after a while. At the same time, Erinca and Iris watched, their Ember and Yellow eyes respectively watching.

Violet: ["For the rest of my life"]

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.
[マスクの後ろの兵士]
-≽ [𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤] ≼-
Chapter 7: [A Home For The Wicked]
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Hodgins: ["Here. Ghostwriting requests"]

The mature woman's eyes snapped in surprise when the red-haired man handed her a massive stack of papers. It didn't seem like too much, but considering the thinness and the weight of a single sheet of paper, it was shocking to see that even a former military man like him had to hold it with both hands. Cattleya struggled a bit to hold it all, but when she managed to find stability, she began browsing through one by one.

Each page that she browsed her eyes just became wider and wider thanks to how many there were, it took her a couple of moments to look at every single one. It wasn't helped by the fact that Hodgins continued to glance through more and more of said papers. HIs eyes continuously focused on all of them as he hummed. It was almost like the more he pulled out of the box, more requests would appear out of nowhere.

Hodgins: ["Ever since her public love letters, Violet's been getting a lot of requests"] The red-haired man spoke with a wide smile ["That, and Dr. L/N has also gained notoriety for accompanying her in her travels"]

Cattleya: ["Say... You haven't told her about that major Gilbert yet, have you?"] The woman questioned, which prompted Hodgins to glance away ["The thing is, lately there have been times where it seems like her mind is far away, you see?"]

Hodgins: ["So I've noticed, but these are not news that are easy to break out, especially not for Violet"] Hodgins sighed, dropping his head in his palms, remaining quiet for a moment ["If anything, Dr. L/N should be the one to tell her. It would cause less problems... But at the same time..."]

Cattleya: ["If Violet were to discover that the closest person to her lied for so much time about something like that..."] Cattleya concluded the thought by herself, which prompted Hodgins to nod ["There really isn't an easy way out of this, is there? Not for you, me, or Y/N..."]

Hodgins once more allowed his face to drop into his palms, a tired and annoyed grunt escaping from his lips. His mind ran wild for all sorts of possibilities and outcomes, from straight-up telling Violet, to holding back from his lie as much as he could. But, at the same time, she was bound to find out, growing tired of never receiving news from the deceased man, and one day, she would be sure to snap, sooner or later.

At the same time, teh man that was closest to Violet also knew about this lie. Something that Hodgins wished that he didn't, this way, he wouldn't feel pressured on having him tell Violet. If he did, what would be the outcome? How would Violet feel when she finds out that someone so close to her held back such a lie for so much time? There was no telling of what would go on if this ever happened between them.

Hodgins: ["Both telling the truth and lying... Both will be horrible"]

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[𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 - 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆]
[𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐗 - 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐒]

There was a complete change of pace.

From the gloomy, darkened scenario of Hodgins' office to the beautiful sunlit-rivers and the steam boat where the two find themselves at. The various buildings across both sides of the river, with many houses forming a small village across the other side of the river where the main city stood. From this small port is where they had parted, as usual, never once leaving each other's side, not even for a single, mere moment.

Her gaze rarely breaking from her letter, Violet would glance down at it every couple of moments. Unbothered as usual, Y/N never paid attention to the glares he'd received, let alone when he would leave his gas mask exposed. Albeit broken, it, alongside his shovel on his waist would make clear what he is, or at least, used to be. Contrary to Violet, he would always glance up at the beautiful sky and the clouds.

Noting its various shapes and sizes, the color they came and went, it all helped his mind feel at ease as he thought of various things. Namely Penn and the mysterious man that introduced himself as Lion. There was something unusual about him, that's for sure, but Y/N never really bothered to ask. Perhaps his size and musculature like that of a Primarch was because he was somehow related to The Imperium of Man?

Y/N had no answers, and he didn't quite mind. The mystery, albeit intriguing, was a welcome new thing for him. It didn't take them long to find where their destination was when asking a merchant with a donkey and his carriage. Rather than walking, Y/N chose to pay the man for a ride, giving him a couple of coins for his trouble to take both him and Violet on a trip, to which the man happily obliged with a wide smile.

Sitting with Violet at the back of the carriage as they walked through the dirt roads, feeling the cold rays of the sun into their skin, Violet allowed her head to drop on Y/N's shoulder. As usual, they snaked an arm around one another, with Y/N's head gently laying on top of Violet's as they remained quiet, not exchanging a single word. All they had were their thoughts, the soft carriage wheels, and their breathing to hear.

About one hour later, they stopped and waved goodbye to the merchant who remained on his way to travel. Stopping in front of an isolated house that stood so far away from the village, where Y/N and Violet turned to face it. Overrun by nature, with a massive garden and unkempt grass that grew past the bricks of said garden, and an old wooden swing that faced the river with vines and leaves growing through it.

Walking towards the door, and up the small fleet of little stairs connecting to the porch, Violet and Y/N would exchange a quick glance as the blonde girl received a nod from her superior. Reaching forward, she grasped the metal knocker in the shape of a bird sitting atop a metal ring that laid against a metal plate connected to the door. Gently knocking on it, Violet would take a step back, and hear as a man spoke up.

???: ["... Who is it?"]

Violet: ["The Auto Memoir Doll Service from C.H. Postal"]

???: ["And what the hell is that supposed to be-...?!"]

The man's eyes shot open, widening in shock as Violet did her usual introduction.The man stopped dead in his tracks as he noticed Violet standing on his doorstep. He opened the door to reveal himself to be a man in the prime of his life. He has unkempt red hair with a curl and wears thick, black-rimmed glasses over his olive-green eyes. His back is slightly hunched, but his face lends him an air of youthfulness.

Violet: ["It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. If a client requests it, we shall go anywhere"] Violet, gently raising the sides of her skirt, bowed down, as did Y/N with an arm across his chest ["Representing C.H Postal Company's Autor Memoir Doll service, I am Violet Evergarden"]

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲.

It didn't take too long for the man to notice the taller of the duo. A man who's wrinkled, dead, purple-colored skin led him to an air of fear. His glare with those piercing blue eyes that clashed against the horrifying nature of his origins, and the Marine Chapter badge that stood on his chest. A nation feared within another nation, to which the red-haired man could only glance up and down at, in clear shock.

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻.

They were complete opposites of one another and, at the same time, their eyes were the same in color and peace. Violet, a short, doll-like girl with features that were the opposite to how truly harmful the girl could be. Her soft hair gently blowing with the wind, and her soft lips always in the same pose that made her face lack any emotion. Even though she wore high-heeled boots, the girl was still quite short in stature.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿.

Opposed to her figure was the tall man with eyes that spoke of the things he had done almost as much as his equipment. The empty glare that was as terrifying as staring towards the empty hollow glass of the mask, with his breathing so minimal it was difficult to see his chest moving. His stature that, paired with his combat boots, made him as tall as Oscar, if not more. A deadly soldier trained ever since his literal birth.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱.

It didn't take long for Oscar to clear his throat, and step aside for Violet and Y/N to enter. As they did, they both noticed that the house was extremely messy and unkempt. Pillows and blankets thrown around, countles sheets, both full and empty, laying across the floor and on top of the wooden coffee table, alongside the endless pieces of clothing that laid along the couches and the wooden floor of the house.

Oscar: ["That's surely a surprise, though"] Oscar said with a tired sigh, making room for the two Dolls ["I didn't expect a pair of children to show up at my door"]

Y/N: ["If it's your preference, we can arrange a replacement Doll in about one day to a 10-hour period"] Y/N spoke, noting the endless amounts of alcohol bottles across the floor ["Iris Canary is a good writer, if not a bit cocky. You may find her to your liking"]

Oscar: ["Nah, it doesn't really matter as long as any of you can write"] He said, dropping to the couch and picking up another bottle of alcohol ["I'm not exactly in the best health condition at the moment, so-"]

As the man was ready to pour himself a drink on a quite large glass, a hand laying on top of his shaky one refrain him from doing so. Glancing up, he would note Violet stopping him from dropping more alcohol in his glass, as Y/N, in the back, picked up all of the empty alcohol bottles, and tossed them away into the trash. Also quickly taking all of the clothes and folding them to put them aside in a nearby chair.

Violet: ["I know it isn't my place to say, but I'd like to ask you to refrain from drinking during work"] Violet said, still restraining the man's hand from dropping more alcohol into his glass ["It will lower the quality of your job, as well as many other lasting effects"]

Y/N: ["Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination"] Y/N said out loud while tapping away some dust from the counters and sofas, also gathering all of the dust, dirt, and grime into his hands before tossing them into the trash can as well ["It also causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion"]

[A/N - All of which doesn't stop the author from being an alcoholic]

Oscar: ["Tsc... I can't write unless I drink!"] The man said, taking his hand away from Violet's grip ["I'll need a shot or two, or a bottle, to keep my work going"]

Violet: ["I'll be the one writing"]

Oscar: ["Then let's start work tomorrow!"]

The red-haired man poured himself his drink, and downed it all in a single go, almost finishing the entire bottle at once in that same glass. At the same time, Y/N stopped and tapped his hands out the window to rid himself of any dust on his palms. Same with his trenchcoat that he flapped outside on the open breeze. Without speaking for a moment, Violet, glancing down at Oscar, would part her lips to speak her mind.

Violet: ["I see that you're quite the handful... Even if Dr. cleaned up a bit..."] Violet mused, glancing around the messy house with even shards of glass on the floor ["Are we going to be using this environment to do our work?"]

Oscar: ["It's either here or the terrace. I do have a study, but it's quite cramped and suffocating"] Oscar spoke while laying back, pouring himself even more alcohol ["I was going to clean it up, but I didn't quite have the time yet"]

Y/N: ["So I think we already have a job for today"]

Y/N spoke, folding his trenchcoat, and putting it aside on top of a counter he had dusted and cleaned. At the same time, Violet removed her gloves, gently pinching the letter and pulling it out on one swift go, as opposed to her struggling to do so a few months back. She handed it to Y/N, who also folded them gently and left them on top of his trenchcoat. Their looks, and unique scars didn't go unnoticed by the writer.

Oscar: ["... What happened to you both?"]

Y/N: ["I was burned in the counter attack by the Chaos force during the war"] Y/N replied, calmly flashing his Death Korps badge ["I built these prosthetics for Ms. Violet over here after she lost her arms in the same battle"] Y/N gently tapped the top of Violet's head as the girl showed no reaction ["But rest assured that it won't affect our work in the slightest. I designed and built them, I know"]

Oscar: ["... Right"]

After the man's word, there were no more comments shared between him or any of the Dolls. Violet and Y/N proceeded to work for almost the entire evening as the countless clouds passed overhead. In about two hours flat, the mess of a house that certainly hadn't been cleaned for years was now pristine. WIth just a few last touches, such as Violet putting books in his place. or Y/N storing the clothes, all was done.

Tapping his hands on the outside to get rid of any dust in them, Y/N watched as Violet did the same. The metal gently tapped against one another to create a metallic sound, the cogs and the parts gently clacking against one another. The sound alerted Y/N, who nodded towards Violet as the girl sat down, and the Kriegsman rummaged through Violet's briefcase, soon taking a small screwdriver from within the baggage.

Violet: ["Sir, we are done with cleaning so that we may work comfortably"] Violet said as Y/N tightened her prosthetics, being careful so they aren't too tight ["I have my own typewriter. Do you have any blank sheets of paper?"]

Oscar: ["Nah... There's a store by the port that sells it, so pick up from there"] The man said, twirling a bottle of wine in his hand ["Also, I'd like Carbonara... For... Dinner"]

Violet: ["Sir, I'm your ghostwriter, not your maid-"]

As Violet stopped talking, she noticed that Oscar had also become quiet, save for the sound of his snoring. If the amount of alcohol he had consumed throughout the day wasn't enough of a point, the fact that he was flat-out asleep made it clear how drunk he was. Y/N finished with adjusting and tightening Violet's prosthetics, soon gaining a nod from the girl who gently closed and opened her hand, and swayed her arms.

Y/N calmly putting his trenchcoat on once more, also fixing the collar around his neck would hum. Violet, in response to this, gently stored the screwdriver neatly inside her briefcase. Closing it up, she would turn to face Y/N, who remained towering over Oscar for a moment. Tossing a blanket over the man, Y/N would turn around and walk towards the door, as usual, keeping both hands inside of his trenchcoat's pockets.

Y/N: ["Quite a handful indeed"]

For two former soldiers, let alone a Kriegsman, the walk back wasn't anything arduous, even underneath the Sun. As per usual with these two, they barely spoke, only making small talk here and there to comment on their somewhat-childish client. Y/N, however, didn't judge, or spoke ill against the playwright. Much to the contrary, he could understand the man, especially with the look present on Oscar's eyes.

It wasn't long before the two had reached the port, a bit later than they would have if they had hitched a ride with the merchant. Regardless, they just walked through the town once more, separating to opposite paths, as if their minds were connected. Didn't speak a word, but instead, while Violet went to the right, Y/N went to the left of the city. He entered a shop, gently knocking as he did so while clearing his throat.

The owner of the shop was quite taken back by the man that walked towards him with a decisive, rhythmic step. Even after so many years, all that changed was the marching to a small, hurried step that seemed almost like he was late for work or had just consumed a large amount of spicy food, and was now rushing to the bathroom. But, thanks to his glare, and emotionless face, one was but to guess what he wanted.

Y/N: ["I would like spaghetti, bacon, eggs, Parmesan, olive oil, salt and pepper, please"]

Shopkeep: ["Ooh, doing some Carnobara for today, are we?"] The man asked with a brightful smile now appearing on his face ["What are you cooking for? Wanting to make something nice for your lady?"]

Y/N: ["I guess that you could say that"]

Shopkeep: ["Hahaha! I know how you feel, my friend. My wife was also crazy about these things when she was pregnant"] He had a heartful laugh that made Y/N feel somewhat relieved, he seemed like a very nice person ["Say, how about you take a little extra something for the night? I just received a new shipment of wine"]

Y/N: ["... I suppose that it couldn't hurt"]

Reaching into his back pocket, which gently dragged his trenchcoat that made the Lamenters' Badge on his chest be clear for view, Y/N handed the money to the man that previously focused on the pin in the area of his heart. In exchange, the man handed Y/N a straw basket with all of the ingredients that the Kriegsman had bought. Gently picking it up, he would face the man and thank him with a small and quick nod.

Y/N: ["Thank you"]

Not a man of many words as per usual, Y/N removed himself from the premises. Meeting with Violet already awaiting on the path to the house, she questioned the boy's purchase, to which he would just mention that it's a "favor for a poor sinner", not questioning much more, Violet and him would return to Oscar's house. On the way there, Y/N left the food covered with the white-colored towel of the basket.

Though she hadn't questioned such a thing, Y/N still explained why. Explaining to Violet in clear detail that one can only leave their eggs on the counter for about two hours at room temperature or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees or hotter before you start to worry, per the Egg Safety Center. After two hours, you'd be safer to throw those eggs out and get a fresh dozen rather than chance it to be an infection.

Though Oscar's house wasn't on the other side of the world, it was still quite far away from everything, so Y/N decided not to risk the eggs or the other food being spoiled. It didn't take all too long for them to reach the house, but the sun was already halfway through setting when they had arrived there. After they set everything down, Y/N taking out his trenchcoat, and cleaning his hands, he disinfected Violet's prosthetics.

Then, he laid it all out in front of the blonde-haired girl that gently took the eggs into her hands. Y/N told Violet to crack the eggs, to which she did, but in a quite poor manner. Using the side of the bowl, she cracked one of them too roughly. When Y/N instructed her to try again, she did, and gently tapped the egg before, just like the last time, smashing it into the bowl, causing the yolk and the egg white to fly everywhere.

Y/N: ["Here, Ms. Evergarden. Allow me to help you"]

Gently walking behind the girl, Y/N took her wrists into his hands. Feeling in a few parts the tough and cold metal, it sent a small shiver through his spines. He guided Violet, instructing the girl on gently picking an egg in which hand, before cracking them against one another ever-so-gently. As she did so, Y/N instructed her to use her index and thumb to pierce the cracked area, and gently break the eggs in the bowl.

Y/N slowly let go of Violet's wrists, as the girl was instructed on doing the rest by herself. First, Y/N guided her through salting the water before putting it to boil on the side of the stove. At the same time, he fried the bacon on its own fat before he guided Violet through the rest. She grated the cheese, not being afraid of injuring her fingers, since, you know, she didn't really have fingers that she could cut or grate by accident.

Oscar: ["What are you two doings...?"]

Violet: ["Dr. L/N is teaching me how to cook Carbonara"]

Alongside the ground black pepper, Y/N instructed Violet to combine it all into the pasta pot. Gently boil them with the direct heat, in order to avoid the eggs from curdling. Finally, it all came to an end when Y/N turned off the stove and took the minced, fried bacon, tossing the mixture. Violet separated some for Oscar, and only for himself, as she could easily tell that Y/N wasn't going to eat, much like her.

A single flick of the Kriegman's thumb sent the wine cork flying into the trash can. Gently pouring half a glass of wine to the red-haired man, Y/N set the table, setting the table towel on top, followed by a candle that Violet lit while covering Y/N by turning him away from it. And so, sliding the wine glass towards the man that sat down, alongside his plate, he took a good glance at it, rolling it around his fork.

Oscar: ["Hm~... It is pretty good for your first time making the dish"] The man said, soon glancing up at Violet and Y/N after cleaning his mouth ["Aren't you both going to eat? There is plenty more, after all"]

Y/N: ["We will, just later"]

Oscar didn't say anything else, but instead, went back to drinking and eating. Taking a sip of his wine, and then setting the glass down, the man looked forward. Noting the empty spot in front of him, his eyes would drop ever-so-slightly at the vision. First a look of surprise that quickly turned into one of sadness and sorrow while his eyes narrowed. Saddened by the fact that something that was meant to be there, wasn't.

Y/N and Violet remained glancing as the man ate, soon going off to do their own thing while he remained by his own, as he was already used to. Drinking the last of his wine glass, the man would set it aside, and finish eating. Not much had gone by, but still quite late at night, Y/N would hear the sound of a wooden shelf being open, which brought his attention. Calmly following the sound to find Oscar in the kitchen.

Behind one shelf was ink and paper, behind the second one, empty jars with the basket of the groceries that Y/N had bought. Behind the third one was nothing but more empty metal cans. At last, on the very bottom shelf, hidden behind many bags of flour, and other random objects, was a bottle containing alcohol. To which Oscar reached forward, picking it within his hand after exhaling a very tired sigh.

Oscar: ["... What'd you do with the rest of the booze?"]

Y/N: ["I hid it. And drank the rest of the wine that I bought"] Y/N explained nonchalantly, now keeping his hands in his pants' pockets, since he didn't wear his trenchcoat ["Drinking in large amounts will only hinder our work, and... It isn't good for you either"]

Oscar let out a small gasp as he heard Y/N's words. HIs baggy pants and lack of a trenchcoat, paired with his mask and shovel missing, alongside his bare feet did little to hide his burnt and decaying body. A complete contrast to Violet, who remained on the top of the stairs wearing a white gown with her hair let down. In a mere instant, Y/N traversed the entire kitchen, reaching forward and picking up Oscar's bottle.

Y/N: ["I trust that you won't mind me holding onto this"]

◁━━━━━━━━◈ - - - ◈━━━━━━━━▷
[𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
[𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐗 - 𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄]

Oscar: ["Next, Olive's dialogue"]

It didn't take all too long before the sun had risen yet one more time to bless all with its beautiful golden rays. Back inside the place as before, Y/N found himself alongside Violet, now both dressed in their usual attire, with the Kriegsman using his large trench coat that had followed him through a lot of things in his life. So much so that he couldn't even remember where this trench coat came from, or how he acquired it.

Violet's white ribbon-tie dress and her Prussian blue jacket was also clearly on display, with her hands now also visible as opposed to hidden behind the leather gloves that she would usually wear. Inside of the room, Oscar laid on the couch in front of Violet and Y/N, who remained sitting, with the girl's typewriter placed on the coffee table in front of her. Y/N glanced around, and for a moment, he was quiet.

He noted how much better the place looked as compared to how it was on the previous day. He and Violet truly outdid themselves this time around, he had figured. He'll probably pay her a nice dinner after the job to reward her and himself, but that's for later. Now, he just focused forward, remaining with a shut mouth as he listened along. Hearing as Oscar who remained laying down, would speak the play.

Oscar: ["I must cross this valley of fire. If I am to obtain the sword, I need to slay the beast"] One leg crossed on top of the other, the main remained laying as he spoke still ["Direction: "A water sprite appears". The Sprite's dialogue: "I'll extinguish this fire for you. Then you can cross the valley"] Violet stopped typing as she had reseted her typewriter, her lips parting for her to talk.

Violet: ["So she'll be able to cross it? Thank goodness"]

Y/N hummed at the amusement for a moment. He almost felt like a royal, being able to eat grapes that he had obtained while listening to a live narration of a book. It was like a king and his jester, in some sort of way. He found it comical, and ironic, that a Kriegsman was now comparing himself to a King. If this had happened three years earlier, he probably would've shot himself for treason, Y/N thought with himself.

Oscar: ["Direction: "The raging fire disappears"]

Violet: ["How does it disappear?"]

Oscar: ["Pull in the red cloth fluttering on stage"] The man slowly sat himself on the couch ["And it'll look like the fire disappeared"]

Violet: ["I see. Understood"]

Oscar: ["Say, what do you think of it so far?"] Oscar  asked, catching Violet off-guard ["Is it any interesting?"]

Violet: ["Well... It's a fictional story, but I feel like I'm experiencing it myself"] Violet comments, her gaze softening for a bit, as a rare sign of expression appeared on her face ["Together with this girl called Olive, I'm finding joy, feeling sorrow, and growing anxious..."] Violet continued, much to Oscar's own shock and surprise ["Why is that?"]

Oscar: ["It means that you're putting yourself in the shoes of the protagonist, Olive. You're empathizing with her"] The man said with a smile present on his lips, and his gaze softening ever-so-slightly ["I'm relieved to hear that you feel that way. This is the first time that I'm writing a play for kids, you see"]

Y/N: ["After this, Olive will cross the valley of fire, and obtain the sword, right?"] Also finding himself interesting the play, Y/N asked amidst his chewing ["Then she'll slay the beast once and for all?"]

Oscar: ["Indeed, but at a price"] Oscar replied, raising his index finger ["She'll lose her sprite-summoning power"]

Violet: ["What? No... Then, how does she manage to get back home?"] Violet's concerned expression only increased alongside her worried voice tone ["Her boat was damaged beyond repair, was it not?"] Violet asked, which prompted Oscar to hum as he held his chin in thought.

Oscar: ["I didn't think about that yet"]

Violet: ["But you must! Because, if you don't..."]

Violet: ["Then she won't find her way back home to her father"]

After his shocked expression had disappeared, Oscar turned around to look at both sides with a sorrowful expression. Slowly, he put himself up, after putting aside Violet's question if he had achieved the answer to how Olive would get home yet. Glancing out his window, he would look at the beautiful lake that stood in front of it. A sigh escaped his lips as the man walked out the door, and away towards the water.

Oscar: ["It's a beautiful day..."]

The man walks to the edge of the lake, prompting VIolet and Y/N to follow, with the Kriegsman tossing the last of the grapes into his mouth. Chewing on it and tossing the vine to the side, and out the window. As they followed, Violet ended up almost hitting her arm on the cable of a blue-colored parasol that stood by the side of the door. Just in time, Oscar stopped near the lake with one final exhausted exhale.

Oscar: ["Too beautiful, almost"]

Violet: ["Sir. What is this?"]

The man slowly turned around to face Violet, but his eyes were shot open in clear shock when he saw the parasol that she held. It was light-blue on the top, with a somewhat darker-blue lace on the middle, and an equally-shaded tip. A wooden cane with a golden rope on the bottom, where the edges of the parasol were tinted with a very, very light blue that was just barely not purely-white in their pigment and shade.

Oscar: ["Oh, just a parasol"] He replied while avoiding eye-contact ["Why do you ask?"]

Violet: ["I found it very pretty"]

Y/N: ["The colors remind me of the water and the sky"]

In a moment, the sight of the grass and the breeze flashed before his eyes. The young girl with fair skin, brown eyes, and blonde hair; all of these traits inherited from the mother, played amidst the grass with her cream-colored dress and red-colored shoes. Her straight hair was shoulder-length, which she styled in two buns on either side of her head as she continued to play amidst the tall grass with a happy smile.

Oscar: ["I..."]

Oscar: ["I need a break"]

He stepped past both Violet and Y/N without uttering a single word. It was easy to tell that he was saddened, sorrowful by something that wasn't quite clear what to both Y/N and Violet. The Kriegsman stepped to the side, allowing the man to enter the place. Just before the red-haired man had shut the door behind him, he stopped for a moment. Quiet for a couple of seconds before he muttered one last thing to both.

Oscar: ["Please, leave me alone for a while..."]

Y/N would just glance towards Violet as Oscar closed the door, and nod at the blonde girl. Understanding what he said, even if he used no words, the girl would gently clutch the parasol on her arms. Y/N gently wrapping an arm around her, would guide the girl down the small steps of the house that led to the entrance, as they both would walk away. At the same time, Oscar entered his room, locking the door behind him.

As he sat in his bedroom with his window open, the man clutched a picture of that same young girl within his hand. Not far behind was the picture of himself and a man that was just as old. Though Oscar had a large smirk, the other man seemed serious, keeping both hands behind his back, and a straight posture, much like a soldier. Such could only be proven thanks to the green-colored military uniform that he wore.

Soon, he would glance out his window, where he noted Violet and Y/N, both staring off into the distance in the water. Violet had opened the parasol, having it against her shoulder, laying in there and protecting the back of her neck and head. Y/N remained the same, his usual stance with his hands hidden away into his trenchcoat. But his posture was still straight, and his face, thanks to his burns, seemed almost serious.

"One day... One day I'll show you, I promise"

"You're such a mess... Run home to Sif, you idiot. She misses you"

As the front door of the house swung open, Violet and Y/N turned to see Oscar walking, or rather, stomping towards them. As he got close, he swung his hand, prompting Y/N to just tilt his head a bit back, and the parasol to be struck out of Violet's hand. The two teenagers glanced at one another for a moment before Violet turned to face the man, assuming him to be angry for her using the blue parasol.

Violet: ["I'm sorry for not asking-"]

Oscar: ["Forget it! Just... Forget it"] The man turned to walk away ["Just leave..."]

Y/N: ["If we did, then the play would be left incomplete"] Y/N spoke, stepping forward with his voice sounding as serious and raspy as usual ["Olive's story would be incomplete, and Violet would be saddened"] Seeing as how Oscar didn't stop walking, Y/N glanced down, remembering, for a moment, the hulking mass of muscle that Lion was ["I can see it in your eyes, sir. You are hiding something deep in your heart"]

Just as Y/N stopped speaking, Oscar stopped walking in a perfect rhythm. Violet stood back, her face seeming somewhat worried for both Oscar, and the play. Y/N, however, didn't seem to budge so much. The gentle breeze gently shook both his hair and his trenchcoat, and his hands never left his pockets. He remained the same, the usual standing, and menacing pose, all while he remembered what Lion told him.

Y/N: ["Unfortunately I fear that, unlike a man who I befriended, I am not great with emotions or memories..."] Y/N's voice trailed off, sounding somewhat weaker as he glanced away ["Neither of us are. Not me, or Violet... I'm truly sorry"]

Oscar: ["I... I can't write anything anymore. But I realized that I needed to change that, so I decided to complete that story"] Oscar's voice was also somewhat weak, sounding sorrowful as he still glanced down ["The same story that I told Olivia and Týr..."]

Violet: ["... Olivia?"]

Y/N: ["Týr...?"]

Oscar: ["... My daughter, and my brother..."]

It didn't take too long for the man's mind to flash back to those same events all those years ago. How the sun seemed to shine brighter, and how all colors seemed to be more alive. How everything, in his eyes, was better than anything ever before. How his house was well-kept, and how he could breathe without feeling the stench of alcohol leaving his throat no matter how much he tried to rid himself of such a bad thing.

Oscar: ["When my wife succumbed to illness, I moved here along our daughter"]

Remembering when they first moved into the place, with Olivia walking in front of the man, but turned towards the man, and walking backwards, he remembered the smile on his face. Remembering the carbonara that he made for them both so that they could eat together, serving himself a cup of wine while she had a simple cup of glass. It all weighed on his shoulder like he was holding a mountain on himself.

Oscar: ["Since Týr lived in this village, I was also much closer to him, too"]

His mind was brought back to when he and the taller man used to hang out together. Remembering all that they've been through, from getting into fights in their childhood, to how they used to work on farms. It all was brought back to the day when Oscar met his brother in the hospital after he was brought back from deployment, and how Týr went to watch one of Oscar's plays after he had finished his work's magnum opus.

Oscar: ["I'm sure that she was sad and lonely without her mother, but..."]

He remembered how they used to eat together, with Olivia sitting in front of him before opening a gigantic smile of happiness when she tasted the delicious food. The hanging picture on the wall of his bed, showing him, his wife, and Olivia, as well as the one by the side showing himself and Týr on the same day that his brother was promoted. The name made Y/N glance at Violet, who gave him a quick nod.

Oscar: ["She never let it show. In fact, she was always helping so I could focus"]

He reminded himself once more as to how Olivia would swoon over the swans, when they flew across the lake. Raising his head, the red-haired man's mind was also brought back to when his brother arrived home one day, and, not being serious like usual, he was laughing, smiling, and non stop cheering for himself. Oscar remembered the glow and the shine of the man's medal that he had gained.

Oscar: ["Týr was absolutely in love with his Bronze Star Medal..."]

He remembered how he used to go to bed on the same bed as her, and would wake up with her passed out from sleep, laying across his chest. He also rubbed the side of his index against the front of his thumb where a scar laid. All that brought memories to when he tried to fire his brother's M1 Garand but, even with his assistance, his thumb was caught during the reload, which caused the scar that he currently has.

Oscar: ["Olivia's favorite things were her frilly parasol and the swans here..."]

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Olivia: ["I wanna cross this lake too! You think I can stand on those leaves?"]

The man stood side-by-side with the girl, facing the same lake that laid in front of his house. The girl by his side gently waved her parasol that laid on her shoulder, much as it was on Violet's shoulder not too long ago. The man would face where the girl was pointing at, seeing that she referred to the leaves that laid atop the water, fallen from the countless amounts of trees and plants that were all around the place.

A small smile would cross his face as he remembered something that his brother told him years ago when they were kids. His smile would soon widen as he glanced down at his daughter who looked at the lake with hope and happiness in her eyes. With a low humming, Oscar caught the attention of Olivia, who would glance up at him with her wide eyes. Her smile was hopeful, filled with confidence and determination.

Oscar: ["If you hold up your parasol and catch the wind, you might be able to"]

The girl turned to look at the lake once more, her wide smile spreading even more than it did before thanks to her father's words. A sudden gust of wind blew by, not uncommon in these areas, for sure, but this one was particularly strong. It blew the parasol up, causing it to drag Olivia away thanks to how harshly it caught the wind. So much so, that the girl was jerked back, having to hold her footing with strength.

Oscar: ["Olivia-!"]

Olivia: ["I'm okay! I'm going to walk across this lake, no matter what..."]

Olivia: ["I promise that one day I'll show you, dad!"]

◁━━━━━━━━◈ - - - ◈━━━━━━━━▷

Oscar: ["But then... After a series of pointless arguments with the doctor..."]

Oscar remembered how he was hunched over her bed, laying on his knees by her side. The room that was so small that it sent almost anyone into a panic mode, was packed with two more people, the nurse, and the doctor. He could still feel how wet his cheeks were from how much he cried that day. He could still feel how sore his eyes had become that night, and how his lips ached from forcing his smile again.

Oscar: ["I decided to bring her here so she could spend the rest of her days in peace"]

Thanks to her loss of hair, the girl now wore a pink-colored head with the patch drawing of a sunflower on it. Oscar glanced to the side, facing the swing where he and his daughter sat on that fateful day. Much thinner with way less weight than before, the girl laid her head against her father's shoulder, all while he held her hand. Equally, Violet also held Y/N's hand at the same moment, squeezing it rather tightly.

Oscar: ["For the first time in a while she smiled after her uncle-"]

Y/N: ["Was killed in battle against the Word Bearers..."]

Oscar turned to face Y/N with a serious expression, much like the Commissar also had in his face. With a small nod, the man would turn back to facing the ground in front of him. Remembering how, while everyone attended Týr's funeral, most of which were soldiers, he ran away. Not deciding to attend it, because he knew how much more it would sting. Instead, he took his mind off of it, back to his daughter.

Oscar: ["Those were gentle, peaceful days... But... I lost my only hope in life"]

The days, evenings, and nights in which he sat alongside his daughters were long gone, even as he remembered how they used to be together on that swing. All of it was gone years ago. He continued to remind himself of how he laid alone on the bench, but instead of looking forward, the man would always glance down. Facing the floor with no sort of hope or emotion present in his features or in his voice.

Oscar: ["How many things I hold dear must God take away from me...?"]

Violet: ["I never knew that parting with someone dear to you..."]

Oscar's head was raised when he turned to face Violet, glancing over his shoulder. Equally to him, Y/N's eyes also widened with his mouth opening a bit. For the first time since they had arrived to do their job, Oscar saw expressions on their faces. Violet with one of clear sorrow thanks to the story that she had just heart, while Y/N appeared shocked, with his eyes widening a lot in what was clear surprise and awe.

Violet: ["Never seeing them again... Would be so sad"]

Violet: ["And also so painful..."]

Time passed as quickly as the day prior to where Violet and Y/N had organized the house. The sun that was setting, now long gone, shying away behind the tall mountains far into the distance where it wouldn't be seen again until hours to come. All while, after everything, and eating, Violet and Y/N sat down together in their room. Violet now with her pure-white gown, and her hair once again being down.

Y/N sat behind Violet, not wearing his trenchcoat or boots, nor his Lamenters pin. His arms crossed as he sat on the bed that they shared, gently brushing Violet's hair. The girl would glance down at the brooch that she always wore, the same one that had the same color as Y/N's eyes, and that he had gifted her with so much time ago. Gently approaching it to her mouth, Violet would take a gentle and slow bite against it.

She took it out of her mouth when they heard a knock on the door, Violet gently glancing over her shoulder at Y/N who nodded. Pushing himself off of the bed, he stood up and walked towards the door, already expecting who it was. After all, there could only be one logical person that was knocking, especially this late at night. And as he opened the door, Y/N was face-to-face with the man he expected to see.

Oscar: ["I'm... Sorry about earlier"]

Y/N: ["Oh, no. Violet and I were the ones to lose our composure when you were in great pain"] Y/N gently stepped to the side, where Oscar saw Violet who gave her a saddened nod ["If anything, we're the ones that should be apologizing for you"]

Oscar: ["I'll complete it... Olive's story, I mean. Shel'l get home, and be reunited with her father"] The man said, which gained a surprised look from Violet while Y/N's face remained the same ["Now matter how difficult the adventure may be, it must have a happy ending"] Oscar's fist clenched for a moment, as his eyes narrowed in determination ["Both the protagonist and the audience deserve to be happy-"]

Y/N stopped for a moment to note Oscar's eyes and how a fire seemed to burn in them. So much so that, alongside the determination burning in his irises, Y/N could see a hint of kindness, and a fatherly sort of warmth. For a moment, Y/N could see the same look that Lion had when they first met. After a moment of silence from Oscar, he would raise his head to look at Y/N's emerald-colored eyes like that of his brother.

Oscar: ["No, I'll make sure that they are"]

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[𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
[𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐗 - 𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄]

Oscar: ["The beast crumbles to the ground. Olive's Dialogue:"]

Once more, the trio of people found themselves together, but unlike before, they weren't inside the house. Instead, in the back area of the house that faced the lake, the three of them sat together. Violet sat in front of Oscar, who was telling her the story for the girl to write, all while Oscar sat in front of the girl. Reaching her head a bit to the side, Violet gently bit down on the two grapes that Y/N had handed to her.

The Kriegsman sat on the wooden railing of the house, his feet gently dangling in the air as he sat by Violet's side, occasionally feeding grapes to the girl. The calming gust of air that made his hair sway back and forth was enough to drag his attention. Turning back to see the lake where he could feel the smell of the nature, and the warm sun against the little skin that remained on the backside of his neck and his head.

Oscar: ["I have finally slain the beast". Water Sprite: "you did well"] The man remained glancing down at the table, gently humming ["Wind Sprite: "We must return to the world of the fae" Fire Sprite: "This is goodbye" Olive stands still, at a loss for words"] A small sigh escaped the man's lips, as he laid back against his chair ["Now... How does Olive get home from here?"]

Violet: ["Her boat is broken. So a plane?"]

Oscar: ["Hum... I would like something more magical"]

Violet: ["A large bird might be able to take her home"]

Y/N: ["How about using her parasol to fly?"]

Oscar went silent while glancing up at Y/N who gently bit down against more of the grapes, almost feeling like some sort of god of wine and orgies. Just laying back, on a comfortable spot higher than others, and having live entertainment while he ate. It felt like he was some sort of ruler. He just hoped that Tyberos wouldn't find out. Knowing that man, he could appear behind him at any moment and kill him for treason.

Violet: ["You can't fly with a parasol"]

Oscar: ["She can! The Wind Sprite shows up one last time and says..."] The man sprung to life, narrowing his eyes and nodding his head ["Olive, open your parasol wide". Could you open that one for me?"] Oscar handed Olivia's parasol to Violet, who opened it while glancing up ["That Parasol will be your wings. If you fly too high, the wind will carry you astray"] Violet had an expression of surprise and somewhat shock present on her face ["So ride the waves over the ocean, step on the rocks over the river, walk on the leaves floating atop the lake, and find your way home"]

Violet: ["... That's a wonderful idea"]

Oscar: ["Right?! Once she gets back, she'll see her father again"] Violet looked at the parasol, and then up at Y/N ["And after crossing the ocean to return home, what do you think she'll say to him first? "I'm home"? No..."] Y/N would glance down, remembering something as his eyes dropped a bit ["Dad"? No... That is way too simple. Well, how about-"]

Violet: ["Are you stuck again?"]

Oscar glanced up at Violet for a moment with a hum, as if he didn't want to admit that the girl was right, and he didn't know what she would say. However, his eyes turned to Y/N who, as Oscar followed the Kriegsman's gaze, he noted the boy looking at the parasol. Then, after following his eyes once more, Y/N glanced back, as if he was looking to the lake. Which prompted Oscar to sigh, and close his eyes for a second.

Oscar: ["Could you go over there and walk this way? I want to picture the scene"] Oscar said, pointing over to one side of the lake ["If possible, walk on the leaves atop the lake"]

Violet: ["Understood"]

Oscar stood quiet for a few moments before he would glance up in surprise, clearly shocked that the girl was following through with what he said. Standing up, the man walked down as Violet crossed to the other side of the lake, a bit closer than the two extremes on either side. Y/N remained on top of the railing, now just turning around and tossing the last few grapes in his mouth, as he remained watching Violet go.

"How nice... I wanna cross this lake too"

The voice of his daughter ringed on Oscar's ear as Violet suddenly dashed forward. Much faster than any person that Oscar had ever seen before, running so fast that she crossed the dirt area of the lake in the mere blink of an eye. With only two steps covering all of the earth underneath her boots, Violet leaped. Raising the blue parasol that belonged the equally-blonde girl that Oscar watched go so many years ago.

"Do you think I can walk atop these leaves?"

Violet's leap by itself was enough to cross half of the lake, with a massive jump that went higher than two people combined. Just as the heel of Violet's shoes touched the water, the girl would throw her upper body forward. Her hair blowing with the breeze was the only thing that Oscar could focus on, especially as he heard Olivia speak, almost as if she was standing at his side, face-to-face with the lake one final time.

"I promise that one day I'll show you, dad!"

Oscar: ["I wanted her to keep calling me that thousands of times..."]

Within his eyes flashed all of Olviia's life. The moment she was born, all the way up to her disease taking over her entire body. His irises trembled, shining with the water that his eyes produced. Said eyes would tear up, with him shutting them for a moment, allowing the tears to run down past his glasses, over his cheeks, and drip down from his chin. All the while, the memories of the young girl were on his mind.

Oscar: ["I wish she hadn't died... I wanted her to live on... And grow up..."]

The girl's first steps as she waddled back and forth, almost falling to the ground, extending her arms to her father. Alongside that, the day where she was given her parasol, opening it for the very first time, right in front of that lake. All of which caused Oscar's eyes to water even more than before, especially when he thought of them at the bench. All of it made his mouth and jaw clench in sadness and sorrow.

Oscar: ["How I wish that it were so!"]

His hand felt warm, as if something tugged against it. His eyes opening, it was like he could see the young girl standing in front of him. The shining bright of the sun as the skies parted for the angels to sing their choir of a thousand melodies. All of which, combined with Olivia gently holding his father's hand and, as she blinked, being gone, made Oscar truly break down just as a massive splash was heard.

Violet: ["Did... Did you see that?!"]

The girl asked, breathing heavily as she sat inside the water, her hands touching the ground. All while Y/N calmly walked towards her, as usual, he kept a hand shying away in his pocket, but instead of his trenchcoat, that he had now removed, the Kriegsman kept them inside of his pants. Soon, Violet would look up, with a wide smile present on her lips, something that came from both pride and happiness.

Violet: ["I'm sure I managed at least three steps!"]

It didn't take too long for Y/N to get to Violet, and extend his hand for her. The girl, gently picking it up, was easily lifted by the Kriegsman, as if she was but a sheet of paper. When she was out of the lake, Y/N wrapped his trench coat around her, removing the girl's gloves and rolling back her sleeves while he used his trenchcoat to dry into her prosthetics, all over them, into every nook and every cranny.

Violet: ["Sir? What is the matter? Do you feel ill?"]

Violet, leaving the lake, would glance at Oscar who remained crying. Though he was standing, it was easy to note that, on the inside, the man was barely able to contain himself from falling to his knees. Y/N would glance at Violet and give her a gentle nod, prompting him to slowly walk towards Oscar, and guide the man back inside the home, all while he remained crying. Not too far behind, Violet followed them.

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻, 𝗜 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿...

As Oscar sat down, Y/N would look at Violet, and the fact that she was still dripping thanks to her fall at the lake. Leaving the red-haired man with himself in the living room, Y/N would guide Violet upstairs, but not before he left a bottle of wine for Oscar. Once upstairs, the man would instruct Violet to go to the bathroom. And, once there, he would help her get dried up, and also get her a change of new clothes.

"𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀, 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂."

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[𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
[𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐗 - 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓]

Violet: ["Are you sure? Can I really have this?"]

As the sun rays of the evening broke the clouds with their orange color like that of fire, Violet stood by the side of Y/N. At front of them was Oscar, who remained with his usual pose of having both arms by the side of his body. Behind them was none other than a gigantic boat made out of steel that the two of them would be taking in just a couple of moments. All around them were also other people ready for their trip.

As usual, neither Y/N nor Violet had too much to carry, which is why the boy held on for the girl's briefcase. Now with her dry dress and clothes, Violet would gently pick up the parasol that Oscar handed to her. Seeing such a thing, and how her fingers wrapped around the handle. Y/N was relieved to know that they had no problems. Soon, his gaze would change from Violet's hands to Oscar yet one more time.

Oscar: ["Yeah..."]

Violet: ["I thought that I could jump farther than I did..."]

Oscar: ["What you both did was already more than enough"] Oscar said, a wide smile crossing his lips ["You fulfilled the promise that my late daughter made me"]

Violet: ["The promise that she made you...?"]

Their thoughts were cut short when the horn of the ship roared loudly throughout the air. Glancing back at it for a moment, Violet and Y/N would then turn to face Oscar. The girl bowed down, gently lifting the sides of her dress as she usually did. Bowing down in perfect synchrony with the girl, Y/N crossed an arm over his chest. The two of them closed their eyes to show how grateful they both were with the man's job.

Violet: ["Thank you for using the Auto Memoir Doll service"]

Y/N: ["And thank you for requesting it from C.H. Postal"]

Violet would soon walk away with Y/N as Oscar said his goodbyes. As they did so, awaiting on a small line of people to embark the boat, Oscar remained there. Y/N would glance back at the man, and then down at Violet. As if she could read his mind, the girl would nod her head, prompting the boy to rapidly jog until he stood in front of Oscar. Much to the man's confusion, Y/N put his heels together, and saluted.

Y/N: ["You brother was a brave man. It was an honor to fight alongside him"]

Y/N remained saluting as Oscar gasped with widened eyes, a reaction that Y/N wasn't surprised to receive. His eyes filled with tears for a moment before he wiped them away, a small smile spreading across his lips as he would nod. Raising his left arm to also salute towards Y/N, as they both ignored the odd glances that they would receive from the other girls around. Y/N would then nod towards Oscar as he walked away.

Y/N: ["Few are the people like him that I call a brother..."]

Not much later, Y/N found himself alongside Violet inside of the ship. The two of them in a modest-sized room with them both laying together on the same bed. Y/N was sitting, while Violet rested her head against his chest, her eyes slowly closing as the man ran his fingers through her hair, as if he was combing them like he did back in Oscar's house. With a hum, Y/N's lips would part, and his deep voice would speak.

Y/N: ["Isn't it ironic?"]

Violet: ["What is?"]

Y/N: ["Our hands. They took countless lives..."] Y/N glanced at his own hands, clenching his fists ["And yet, with them, we write letters to bring people together"]

Violet: ["... Colonel Hodgins did once say that we haven't realized how everything we did sparked a flame that is now burning us"] Violet replied, standing up and also sitting on the bed, turning around from Y/N, and resting her back against his chest ["... Do we have the right to...? Do we have the right to do all of this after we killed so many people?!"] Violet's voice broke out of a sudden as Y/N glanced at her, the girl leaving from his grasp as her hands trembled ["I must have prevented them from keeping promises of their own..."] The girl dropped her face into her hands once more, clutching her hands against her head ["Promises that they made from loved ones of their own!"]

Violet would continue sobbing against her hands. Y/N laid back, his face not showing any sort of emotion. Instead, he would also drop his head for a moment, gently picking up the Lamenters pin against his chest. Violet's teeth gritted as the boy would turn to the side, putting both feet against the ground, and turning to face Violet. The girl, who continued crying against her own hands as she remember Hodgin's words.

Violet: ["Everything that we did so far... It has sparkled a flame that is now burning us up"] Violet would still sob, with the tears running down her face as she shut her eyes ["Do we have any right to understand what is love after all we did...?!"]

Y/N sighed as he remained still, not showing any sort of emotion on his face, still glancing up at the roof without many thoughts or words. Instead, all he did was gently turn to the side, and wrap his arms around Violet, and bring the girl in for a tight hug. Slowly grasping her wrists, Y/N would put her palms together, as he would glance down at Violet. Slowly, his voice came in the form of a silent, and slow whisper.

Y/N: ["Violet... What is better..."]

Y/N slowly brought Violet closer, wrapping his arms around her, and using his trenchcoat that hung from the bed to wipe the tears from her face, and her hands. The girl turned to face him, pressing her chest against his, and burying her face against his chest. Y/N, closing his eyes, would remember the words that the Primarch asked him. The exact same words that he still carried with them to this exact same night.

Y/N: ["To be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?"]

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[𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐈𝐒 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
[𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐇 - 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓]

With the night now gone, Violet and Y/N would depart from the boat together. The small wooden ramp that had been placed in the entrance/exit to the place so that everyone that went and came could access the boat, the two walked at each other's side. It didn't take too long for them to reach the ground, with Violet carrying her few possessions, as usual, inside her briefcase, alongside her newly-acquired parasol.

Y/N would take a long look around, soon breathing with a very deep inhale, missing this smell of fruits by the sea-side that he was so used to. Also used to wear most people with him, which is why he received much less glares than usual. Not like he would mind, even if every single person in the port was staring at him. Regardless, he was broken out of his thoughts when a familiar voice ringed in his and VIolet's ears.

Mrs. Evergarden: ["Oh, if it isn't Violet and the Doctor!"]

Violet: ["Mrs. Evergarden... I am terribly sorry for my behavior the last time we met"] Turning to face the mature woman, Violet would bow down to her ["I can't apologize enough for the hurt I caused"]

Mrs. Evergarden: ["Oh, Violet. It is alright, there is no need to apologize"] The woman said with a small laugh echoing through her lips ["Now the late Gilbert's soul can sure rest in peace"]

Y/N: ["Fuck"]

Violet: ["... "Late?"]

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[𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐇 - 𝐃𝐀𝐘]
[𝐂.𝐇. 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐘 - 𝐇𝐎𝐃𝐆𝐈𝐍'𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄]

Violet: ["You told me has alive, didn't you?!"]

For some divine karma, at the same time and hour that Hodgins had mentioned telling Violet the truth, days ago, she came barging into his office. The door to the place wildly swung open as she marched inside. The man rapidly stood up thanks to the girl's words. Y/N followed behind, not too far off, as he would keep his emotionless expression. Crossing his arms, the boy leaned against the frame of the office's door.

Violet: ["The Major is alright, isn't he?!"]

Hodgins felt sweat running down his face as he glanced down at Violet. He would soon shoot a quick glance at Y/N, who nodded. Calmly standing up straight, the boy would walk towards Violet in his slow, rhythmic march that he always had. The girl, looking up at the man, would find him stuttering and rolling over his own words. Up until Y/N was not too far behind her, glancing away, up at the ceiling of the room.

Violet: ["Please... Tell me that he is alright..."]

Y/N: ["I didn't have the heart to break the news to you. Lying was my idea"] Y/N spoke which prompted a gasp from Violet, who didn't even turn around to face him ["After the final battle as Intens, you were found lying alone outside the church"] Y/N soon glanced down at the girl once more, closing his eyes ["The enemy troops were already dominating us. The rest of my men were killed"] Y/N continued to talk, circling around Violet so that he could face the girl ["I heard him push you down the moment that it got bombed. And the moment that..."] Y/N glanced down at himself, his face being kept emotionless as usual ["... I turned into this... Thing. We couldn't identify or find his body, But we did find his dog tags amidst the rubble"]

Hodgins: ["And so, given the situation, he is considered killed in action"]

Violet: ["So we don't know for sure... I am certain that the Major is fine..."]

Y/N: ["You're in denial, Violet"]

Violet: ["He is fine!"]

Y/N: ["... Two million Kriegsmen of the Death Korps, and more five hundred thousand military men from Leiden is what we had"] Y/N spoke, soon turning to look at the roof, and as he blinked, he relieved the entire night ["They had much, much more than we did. We only managed to win the battle thanks to the sacrificial charge of what remained of my men"] Y/N's voice remained the usual deep, raspy tone that it had, not changing one instant ["Please, understand-"]

Violet: ["I don't understand. I don't understand it at all..."] Violet's voice began to break as she took a step back from Y/N ["Why was I the only one found? Why didn't YOU go missing too? That makes no sense!"] Violet's head dropped, as Y/N still faced the girl ["He was right beside us... When he said that..."]

At that exact moment, Violet turned around. Her sprint broke much faster than what it did back in the lake. As Hodgins stepped forward, Y/N raised an arm, putting it in front of the red-haired man to stop him from going. On the outside, Violet pushed the large doors of the place open, forcing them to swing widely thanks to the weight and speed that crashed against them. It wasn't close to being enough to put a stop to her.

Y/N: ["... Let it be"]

Y/N took a deep breath, reaching up and gently running a hand through his hair as he would close his eyes for a moment. Listening to nothing but the silence of the room as his eyes opened, and he hummed. Calmly, he would glance out of the window from the place, and see Violet running off into the distance. With a tired sigh, the boy would begin to walk away from the room, not muttering a word for a few solid seconds.

Y/N: ["I'll be sure that she understands..."]

<<<<<< I >[---]< I >>>>>>

[Published in - 09/01/23]
[Word Count - 14.400]

BOOM!

Another chapter down bitches! Hope that you enjoyed this one, and I don't got much to say here other than sorry again. I was going to publish this chapter HOURS before I did, but I got side-tracked with Ultrakill, and the fact that my girlfriend was struggling to go through V2's second phase, so I couldn't help myself but sit there and laugh as she struggled to take down the red-colored motherfucker. But that aside... All is good.

I got sick yesterday and the day before (6 - 7 of January) so I couldn't publish this chapter by them. I'm sorry about the delay, but I promise that I will make it up for you guys. How? Hell if I know, I ain't got clue yet, but I will, one day. That, my friends, is a promise. But regardless, here y'all had another chapter down. Hope that you enjoyed it. I'll see you guys next time, and day 12. I'll be taking the day tomorrow to rest.

One rest day a week.

[TWO CHAPTERS DONE]
[SEVEN CHAPTERS REMAIN]