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lovehotelreservation · 1 month

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I Know He's Better Than Me - He Knows He's Better Than Me

Summary: The decision was straightforward. After graduating, you were going to marry your college sweetheart, Alfonse.

And yet, on a night meant to celebrate his accomplishments, you still find yourself straying to the side of someone you shouldn’t.

LÍf is Alfonse’s older brother after all.

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Reader/Alfonse, Reader/LÍf

[Previous Chapter]

crawling

just wanted to get a few more ideas out at last before i close the chapter on this piece!!!

thank u for years of support ; v ;

pls enjoy!!!

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Spring was here.

The chills of winter had come and passed, replaced now with afternoons full of warmth and sunshine as budding flowers began to bloom with the new season.

Fitting, as Alfonse was expected to formally announce his official appointment as a member of the family company’s executive board. At last, the time of inheritance of burdensome prestige had arrived.

And with graduation looming around the corner, it would certainly be a miracle for him to have the time to take you out on a proper date.

Still, rather than lament, there was time for levity. Tonight would celebrate his ascension to the company board with a lavish party at the family mansion, helmed by Henriette and Sharena.

Of course, you would be in attendance, as the glittering diamond ring on your left finger would affirm.

With the party set to begin in a couple hours, you were about ready to head down and join Sharena with greeting tonight’s guests. You were adorned in nothing short of your best glamor--whatever you had your eye on, Alfonse was eager to buy on your behalf, even if you insisted on paying for your items yourself. At this point, all you had to do was check yourself over to ensure that you were presented as flawlessly as possible.

Perfection.

An impossible burden for anyone to achieve, let alone your darling Alfonse. But as his lover, you would do all you could to help him shoulder the responsibility that he was primed to bear.

It didn’t matter if you would spend the next few hours checking over your appearance to an excruciating degree–you couldn’t bear the mere idea of disgracing your lover on such an important night. Thus, within the bedroom of your fiancé, you gazed right at your reflection on the mirror of his vanity, making sure that not a smudge or smear of make-up had gone unnoticed.

And then the doorknob that led into the room twisted and turned.

A familiar face emerged within the reflection of the mirror’s vanity.

“Oh, Alfonse…!”

A smile immediately tugged on your lips before you pressed them together to ensure an even coat of lipstick was applied. Turning your head towards him, you continued with a twinkle in your eyes, “...finished with preparing your speech?”

His expression was blank at first.

But as he heard you speak, his eyes closed for a moment.

Alfonse sighed.

A conflicted noise.

“Yeah, about that…”

For a moment, Alfonse’s hand lingered on the doorknob, just moments before he strode on ahead towards you, making sure to leave the door open just slightly ajar.

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Why did he even bother showing up here?

Líf sighed, taking a moment to roll up the sleeve of his black button-up shirt as he continued to meander along through the familiar surroundings of his childhood home, his inked arms revealed after once strategically covered upon entering through the mansion foyer. Though, the sight of astonished stares and nervous shifts from annoyingly wealthy rich faces he first received from other party guests made him wish that he tossed formality to the flames and just showed up in a muscle shirt and shorts–anything that would undoubtedly cause stifling rigid tradition to doubletake at his rebellion.

But if there was anything he refused to bear on this evening, it was attention.

That was all meant for his younger brother anyhow, especially since the only attention he cared to capture was yours alone.

And the last thing he wanted was for you to get caught up even further in the moronic politics of the family you would soon be officially a part of–even if the thought of that imminent day when Alfonse would be whisking you away in your wedding whites in matrimonial bliss clawed at his heart.

For now, he would savor every moment he could by your side, while you were still within reach, while your hand could still sneakily grasp onto his own before taking his brother’s for good.

Though he anticipated there wouldn’t be much of an opportunity for you to be alone together much, he still looked forward to seeing you.

As soon as he could find you at least.

While Líf continued onwards, he only had one destination in mind.

Alfonse’s bedroom.

While his reason for being here was mainly for you, he was originally tasked with finding his brother first by none other than Sharena. With Gustav soon set to make his toast in commemoration of his son’s grand ascension, this meant that finding the currently missing Alfonse was of absolute importance.

And Líf couldn’t exactly say no to Sharena literally pushing him on, pouting and huffing over how their brother could be late on such a momentous occasion.

An occasion that at once was originally meant for him, but one he vehemently refused.

And now his younger brother would get to bear the burden of an enforced familial legacy while also getting to marry the love of their lives.

At once a neutral smile, his lips curled down at the thought right as he–at last–finally approached the door that led to Alfonse’s bedroom.

One tatted hand reached to grab the doorknob when he suddenly heard an all-too familiar whine from within.

Líf immediately froze, his fingers tensing while his stoic expression broke as his eyes widened.

He’d recognize that precious little noise anywhere.

As that same sound repeated–this time breathier in timbre–his lips parted as he was about to call your name while he stepped forward, until the flash of a familiar shade of blue that was akin to his own hair caught his eye and his breath through the crack in the door.

And then he peered further inside, feeling his chest become hollow while his stomach twisted into a maligned knot before plummeting down to the pit of his very being.

He could see Alfonse and he could see you.

Together, with you seated, bouncing on his brother’s lap. Whatever niceties you had planned for the evening was all in utter disarray–your hair let loose, your lipstick smeared from messy kisses, your breasts spilling forth out the front of your dress after it was likely yanked down, your dress’s hem shoved up to reveal the sight of your core swiveling up and down the long length of his cock, your expression hot and red with flustered ecstasy.

All the while Alfonse continued to imprison you within his grasp, one hand guiding you up and down his dick as he continued to squeeze and fondle your breasts with the other hand, his lips leaving a trail of kisses and bites along your neck as a sure means to be an absolute pain to try covering up at the party. Though his expression was just as pleasured, there was a certain intensity to his demeanor–while his kind blue eyes continued to admire the sight of your body rolling against his, there was a furrow to his brow that made his behavior seem more calculating.

Líf would know. He was his older brother.

And such was why he wasn’t all that too surprised by what he heard next.

“Are you just going to stand there, Líf? Can’t you see that I’m trying to have a personal moment with my fiancé?”

Líf immediately darted his eyes on you and you alone through the door’s opening.

Horrified didn’t even begin to describe the look that immediately swept on your face. Your wide eyes, the sudden tensing of your body, the desperate flail of your arms to try and cover yourself

“A-Alfonse…please! Líf’s right there–!”

And yet, you continued to bounce helplessly away upon Alfonse’s cock–how could you not, what with the commanding grip he had on your hip.

Whereas he simply guided you through the rhythm, it was at your response that his teeth suddenly clenched tight together as his arms then wrapped around you from behind in a tight vice, locking you further in place against him as he began to pummel away into you with a surge of vicious fervor.

“So protecting his feelings is what you care for most?!” Alfonse exclaimed just moments before he buried his face in your neck, the stern look on his features breaking with the muffled sob he then let out. “You’re really choosing the man who’s been trying to steal you away from me?”

You gasped with a vehement shake of your head. “No, that’s not–!”

“I won’t stand for it!” Alfonse lifted his head right as he grasped your chin, turning your head so you were made to look right into his tearful eyes as he declared, “I’ll never stand for it! I love you more than anything else and I’ll prove it to you right here and now…!”

And as Alfonse slammed into you even harder, so did his bedroom door shut, shoved shut with such intense fury that the hinges groaned from tremendous strain.

Yet Líf’s fist remained firmly curled at his side as he stormed away.

Too many emotions swirled within him, a tempest of fury and anguish that he had done all he could to quell over the years but was quickly spilling forth.

This damned day, this damned family, this damned life–his brother could have it all and more.

Everything except you.

Selfish guilt be damned.

The next time he saw you, those condoms were going to be trashed.

You’ve always been so damn indecisive–as you continued to leave your choice up in the air, he would gladly and vengefully make it for you.

#alfonse x reader #Líf x reader #alfonse (fire emblem)#Líf #lif (fire emblem)#fire emblem heroes #fire emblem reader insert #fire emblem x reader #reader insert #I Know He's Better Than Me #super freaknasty writing #Fic

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iamdarkness · 2 months

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Iris

Chárter 5: Lost

The night after the funeral had been just like the previous nights. The kids had the same nightmares. Bel had wanted to give the kids dreamless sleep potions before they went to bed but Alfonse had asked if that would not give them away. Bel agreed with him. If they took the potion and did not dream; the enemies would know they were suspecting something was up. Alfonse had sworn to stay at the front and protect Sharena but especially Oly from being taken. He knew what would await him and could be prepared but he knew the youngest child would suffer too much if she saw her father the way he had. The nightmare passed and this time he knew what would happen and he was ready. At least he was not hurt this time when they awoke.

The next day Bel and Bertha who were closer to the kids were in a state of watchfulness around whoever came into contact with the kids. Bertha had gone to “help” around the kitchen when their food was cooked and monitored who prepared each of the foods and drinks. Bel watched the maids and hand maidens around the kids and everyone else from the household. Everything while still managing the reconstruction of the building since the architect and engineers and extra masons would arrive the next day. Adrien was too busy with managing the army but he still kept an eye on the men with the help of one Private Gudrum. Aleen was their ears around the household servants as well.

Through all of this Henriette was unable to help them. She managed the political side and the matters along with some aides that had arrived the same day. The ball room was slowly being emptied of patients. Those who could not be moved much were taken to a part of the castle used only for when they had official balls and had to entertain many guests. That rarely happened in recent years but the castle had been preserved and cared for, for its historical value and Henriette had ordered to make ready the rooms, to be converted into an infirmary.

Since the castle now had the bests of medical personnel, Gustav had asked to have anyone who was in critical condition be cared for in the castle. Being this the case, the city had transferred a big number of patients to the infirmary. Including those who had gotten sick after the aftermath of the attacks. Those had been sequestered in separate rooms. Luckily Lady klara (Gustav’s maternal aunt) had taken charge of the new infirmary. She was a kind and motherly lady who was the head of the Askr Ladies charities in the capital. She was also a very capable healer.

With all of the work, Bel and Adrien had to put off their departure; at least until all the officials were around to help Henriette do her job. They noticed that even thought there had been no official coronation, the people regarded the royal couple as King and Queen already.

-They are. When the King dies in battle and the heir is by his side the crown goes to him right there and then. They only need witnesses to confirm the King was killed by a foe and there was no foul play. I stand as witness. Not like anyone would even question Gustav’s integrity. Specially after what happened. It is official but the people still expect a crowning ceremony I am sure.

-Oh I see. I suppose we need to attend.

-It will be pushed back till Spring. There is still time to rest.- Adrien and Bel turned at the sound of hurried steps. A soldier came toward them in a hurry with a worried expression on his face.

- General Sir! My Lady! Her Majesty Has requested me to send you a message.- Since Alfonse had died. Adrien had been promoted to the highest rank in the army. General of the Army.The duo stood up from the garden bench they were sitting on to watch the kids play. Adrien bade the soldier continue talking.- Her Majesty asks to speak to Lady Andreas of an urgent matter. She is waiting in the library. If you would follow me.

Bel shared a look with Lord Andreas. Bel thought it meant she had found out something about the spies but she could not understand why it was only her being summoned. Adrien motioned for her to follow and gave her a reassuring nod and Bel went to follow the soldier.

Adrien looked at her retreating back. He was confident that Neither Henriette nor Gustav would tell Bel about her ties with the young prince so he was sure that was not the issue being talked about by Henriette. He looked back at the playing children and their guardians, where Feraht’s sharp eyes met his own.

Bell followed the soldier wondering why she needed to be escorted to a place she knew well but followed wondering what Henriette would tell her. They came to a place where the hall was crossed by another hallway. She immediately went to take the left turn towards the library while she noticed that the soldier was taking the left.

-Umm…The library is this way soldier.- Bel said thinking the soldier must not know his way around the castle.

-Oh… Maybe you should lead the way my Lady.- Said he. Bel continued walking with the soldier trailing her.

-Say. Are you from my husband’s regiment?- She asked curious.

-No Mam, but I knew him well. Great swordsman, cunning and smart…- Although his words sounded like praises to his memory they had a hint of something Bel could not make out at the moment. Then it clicked and she stopped walking.- …difficult to outsmart him. We would have never been able to approach you with him around…

Bel was turning around when she heard the sound of metal being drawn from a sheath. She wasted no time and started running down the hall. She had no weapon to defend herself.She entered one of the rooms to her left and found herself on a parlour adjacent to a bedroom. She locked the door just barely before the man reached the door and looked around to find something to protect herself with. It did not take her long to get a poker from the chimney. She heard loud banging on the door as if the man was throwing his shoulder against it. She ran to the window and opened it up and looked around to check that no one was outside as she could not be sure the man was alone in this. She was beginning to raise her leg to get out when she heard the shouting.

-Open! You whore of King…. -She was about to jump down to the flowerbed when she heard the man stop talking, give a loud yell and the banging stopped.

She sat motionless on the windowsill looking at the door. Under it there was a motionless shadow and another moving around. Then blood started to seep inside under the door. There was a gentle knock at the door and a a familiar voice came from the other side.

-My Lady are you alright?- It sounded like Feraht. Bel closed the window and ran to the door and opened it. Indeed it was the man himself standing outside over the body of the assassin. -Careful my lady. - He said offering up a hand to help her step around the body and the still flowing blood. She looked down to see the man’s throat split open and a mask of pain and surprise on the face.

- Did he hurt you?

- No I ran. I was about to escape through a wi…-She was cut short by a commotion all around. There were sounds of shouting and the alarm was sounding outside. -The Kids!

They both run to the central garden. Feraht with his longer legs almost left Bel behind but she motioned for him to keep going. They both arrive almost at the same time to find the kids crying or in shock around a very angry Adrien. He was hugging them protectively. There was something strange about the picture.

Bel noticed it first. Adrien was holding Alfonse close to his chest while he hugged the others with his other arm that held his sword. There were a big number of soldiers running around the place and other kept arriving. Aleen and Deana had a man submitted on the ground and an unconscious woman who was being tied up by some guards. On the floor nearby there were the bodies littering the ground. Most of them were soldiers and the rest civilians. Some of those were dressed with the uniforms of the household.

-Are you alright? What happened?- Bel went to take Oly and Sharena and hug them to her chest but Oly pointed at Alfonse who still looked like he was in shock. All the while more soldiers were coming to help.

-Mami!! They tried to take Alfonse!!- Oly said in tears and then hugged her mother tight.

-What? Alfonse! Why? Not them again!

-Brother!- Sharena said softly between sobs, but her plea was not heard by the stunned Alfonse.

-They tried to kidnap him…how about you daughter?

-They came for the both of them.- Said Feraht.- He would have killed her if he really had wanted to.

-Maybe it was a distraction.- Said Bel.

- It was, but he also wanted to take you.- Said Feraht.

-Alfonse! Brother!- Cried Sharena and made to reach for him. Alfonse came out of his thoughts and looked at her and smiled.

- I am fine Sharena. Do not worry.- He let go of Adrien and hugged his sister. Sharena clung to him and cried on his chest. Bel could see his eyes water.

-That’s it. Father we should leave. I would love to stay and get the spies but I will not put them in harms way purposefully.

-Nor should you daughter. We are done here. That woman there is the cook and that man is the stable hand. Those are our spies. We will be diligent with the questioning. If there are more of them we will catch them.- Said Adrien reigning in his anger, then turning to the soldiers he added; his voice like thunder and words cutting.- Take them in for questioning. They will talk one way or another.

As the soldiers carried the people on the ground the woman started to come around. The man was glaring at them all but when they passed the group he full on smirked and said.

-Death to the King and his whore!

Faster than anyone could see Adrien punched him on the face and knocked him out. The man slaked on the arms of the soldiers. The soldiers had mixed expressions. Some smiled at the punch and others looked embarrassed and would not meet their eyes.

Bel, Aleen, Bertha, Deana and the kids were shocked but Feraht who was still alert did not miss the poisonous look the woman gave Bel and then Gudrum who had been the most ferocious in his protection of Alfonse.

The castle was in an uproar for hours. Henriette left what she was doing to come and be with her kids for a while. She took them to see Gustav who was resting still after the strain of the funeral. He had been moved to his rooms adjacent to Henriette’s by a parlour.

It was late evening when the kids had finished their dinner and had retired to the next room to play with Aleen, Bertha and Deana while Gudrum kept close watch. Adrien and Bel were having tea and coffee with Henriette. Henriette had dismissed her attendants and only Feraht remained by their side by Bel’s instructions. She had come to rely on his quick thinking and intelligence.

-When you left daughter, I told Sergeant Guerrer to follow you at a distance. I did not like that only you had been summoned while we all were aware of the situation. I thought it was better to be on the safe side. - Started Adrien when he was asked by Bel to tell them how it all had happened.- He had gone a while when a spell hit me and Deana. She fell down as she had taken most of the hit. She reassured me she was fine and I went to help Bertha and Gertrude who were duelling with the mages. There was confusion since all of them were dressed either like soldiers or servants. Then the woman threw Bertha aside hit Gertrude square in the chest and aided by the man they closed in to where the children were huddled together by Privet Gudrum. The man went to try to kill the Privet and meanwhile the woman took Alfonse who was protecting the two girls.- Henriette who was listening intently smiled fondly at his bravery and her eyes watered but she did not cry.

- The woman asked if she should take the girl but the man said to take only the boy. I was kept away by a group of kidnappers and I heard that part only when Deana came to my aid and took over the situation on my side. Alfonse bit the man on the hand and it gave me the time I needed. I was able to get there and take Alfonse to safety.They had not expected for me to break away from the fight to save him. I struck her from behind on the head and was able to take Alfonse and the other Kids safely away.

-Of course they only wanted the male heir…Poor Alfonse. All of this situation is not good for the kids. And Gertrude! She needs a cleansing for sure that was really bad luck.- Bel said grimacing. Gertrude had been in the infirmary all this time recovering from a severe wound. This was the first time she had been able to come out of the infirmary and was just supposed to be resting in the garden. Now she was back in the infirmary. She looked up to the black haired man.- Feraht?

- Aleen and I went to talk to the servants and the soldiers. At the end we learned that only about seven of the attackers were identified as actual members of the staff and Army. They let the rest of the perpetrators inside the castle. - He reported.

-As anyone is able to enlist in the army, it is difficult to pinpoint the suspicious people and the investigation is ongoing; but the servants is a different matter. They report that the spies had been undercover for at least three years and those closer to the these spies gave us all the information they remember being told about them. Being as how the rest of the servants on the household are local people and member of families that have served the royal family for generations, they are a very close knit community. They have reported that the spies had been hired by the castle royal housekeeper and the butler. The Butler died in the initial attack, but we have the housekeeper held in custody for questioning. So far Aleen gave me a list of all the staff members hired by the two..- He gave the list to Henriette.

-I have with my Lady’s permission gathered them as well for questioning. All except one of them.- Feraht said pointing at a name on the list.

-Deana…

- How long has she been with you? How is it that she is such a high ranking member of the staff to be your lady in waiting? -Asked Adrien.

-She…she is…- Henriette gave Feraht a sidelong glance and thinking about it for a while she added after a long sigh.- My father… before he died sent her to me.She is…she is Gustav’s illegitimate sister. -There were gasps of shock at the news.- The King knew my father had found out she was the product of a…not very honorable act.- A grunt of distaste could be heard come from both Adrien and Feraht. Bel’s eyes watered with anger.- When he learned my father had taken her for protection the king did not take that kindly. She became my father’s apprentice when I married Gustav. Gustav does not know about this. I promised the king I would say nothing while he still lived… not to protect him, but to protect Gustav and Deana.

-She doesn’t know?

-She does…but knowing the king…she decided she does not want anything to do with him or the crown. She was like a sister to me when we were growing up. We pass her up as the daughter of our late butler. He had been a very reserved man whose wife my father knew could not bear children.

-So you trust her.

-With my life and my children.

-I will keep the secret your majesty. Upon my honor and my mother’s name.- Said Feraht with his right hand on his heart and bowed.

-I swear I will keep it as well.- Said Adrien.

-Damn…poor Deana. I can’t believe I would be able to despise him even more, but here we are. I will keep the secret.- Said Bel thinking of Deana. Then after a second she added.- Wait. That was the reason the king hated…did not like you or your father? Because you knew his dirty secrets?

-And yet that was also the reason I was able to interact with and finally marry Gustav. Gustav needed a scribe and my father offered my services to Gustav. We had known each other since childhood but now I had the chance to have a position as a royal scribe. I did not count on we …- Henriette blushed.- The King did not like me taking the job at first but my father knowing my skills and my desire to be able to do this research reminded him of his unique position and the king ended up agreeing.

-I’m going to need you to tell me how that all started later girl! It sounds so very romantic!.- Said Bel smiling and genuinely curious at seeing Henriette blush.- But I need to focus on the now.

- Yes of course.- Smiled Henriette.

- So we wait for the questioning and then we can leave for home father?

- Yes. Henriette we still agree with your kids being safer in our fortress right?

-Why yes! I still agree and so does Gustav. I will ask you to take Deana with you. I would feel better.

-Sure! She sure is a powerful mage and very caring. To be honest I was going to ask you if we could take her with us. They seem more calm when she is around.

-Well if there are no more issues to discuss, we better rest for the night. The kids have gone through a lot and are probably very tired.- Says Henriette sleepily herself. She has been so busy and worried, if it wasn’t for Adrien and Bel she would have collapsed long ago.

-Erm just one thing…the only thing I do not understand is… Why do they keep calling me “whore of the king”? Do they think Gustav and I ….- Bel adds making a movement with her hands to mean togetherness.- Sorry Henriette…I just… don’t want people to start talking, specially on your behalf. I mean if it was just the insult I wouldn’t care about it…but it’s like, they’re saying …something else.

Adrien and Henriette shared a look for a second and then avoided looking at Bel all together. Feraht saw this and his brows furrowed, but said nothing.

-I suppose it is because as a Summoner you are supposed to help the land alongside the King or whoever is leading the Kingdom.- Henriette said, then added.- but I understand your worry. I will make sure your name is not stained by these ruffians.

- So will I daughter. Their lives will be shorten in any case and they will not have much time to spread their poison.

-Thank you. Like I said…not for me. It is your honor and Gustav’s and you are now their leaders after all…and also Alfonse. I do not want anyone to think I have betrayed him in any way…

[line break]

The next day preparations were made for the trip. Henriette assigned the officials to oversee everything Bel was doing. They also took over some of her own tasks so she would be able to be there for the packing and have time to be with her kids.

Every day more officials and courtesans would arrive to the the town to help take over their work and in the courtesans case to “help” Henriette with her emotional state. The truth was they only were there for gossip as anyone would know.

Everyone by Gustav’s ordered, was to keep quiet about the important points of the situation. AS much as Gustav would have wanted the world to know of his father’s perfidious last moments. It was counterproductive for the people to lose faith in the crown right now. He also did not want his cousin’s name brought up every time it was talked about and for him to be dragged into those crazy theories. Bel was right. Without the people knowing the truth about who the heir of Líf was, and the Hel cult name calling Bel names, it was quite obvious the people would think there was something more between Bel and Gustav.

This they knew, would turn into problematic gossip for all of them, including his own fallen cousin.And gossip there was, even though Hel was never mentioned. Bel was cause of whispered talks among the servants and soldiers who had witnessed the attacks. Many of them were vile theories of her involvement with the newly crowned Gustav as stated by her. They wondered what part he had played in the General’s death. Some of course had seen the part the previous king had played, but they had kept quiet out of respect for Gustav who they knew was innocent and the fallen general. Of course these whispers were dismissed by the majority who had seen just how much both couples loved each other and the love between both cousins.

Thankfully when it came to the actual attacks, he did not know it,but the people themselves would see to it that the attacks would be buried in the obscurity of history. The people themselves decided in almost unison that talking about Hel would be bad luck to them. They did not dare even whisper her name or the incident itself.

Meanwhile Adrien made use of all of his arsenal to get the information out of the captives. This included a potion that had been banned for the danger it possessed. It was a truth serum that had at one point been of very common use, but had been banned due to the unrest it had caused among the common people. It was commonly known now as the Love Killing potion. The main use had been to prove spouse’s faithfulness.

At the end of the day he had the rest of the infiltrated cult members and mostly because they were trying to escape. Sadly the captives had no information about the high ranking members of the cult since they were not known even among themselves for their own protection. Adrien assumed they had enough power to be hidden in plain sight, and that they were members of high society of the Emblan Empire and even Askr.

With this troubling piece of knowledge in mind they went ahead and prepared for the departure.

[Line break]

The trip from the North City Djuprgat to Nibelheilm Fortress took about a week in leisure time. Adrien’s aim was to cut that time to three days time. The first day of the trek, the breaks were minimal and they were hurried and in constant vigilance. They were still in the vicinity of Djuprgat but still making good time. Bel was in a carriage with the kids and the two nannies Bertha and Deana. Outside riding on both flanks were Feraht and Aleen and heading the group was Lord Andreas himself.

-Come on Mom! Tell us a scary story!!

- Super scary!

- It’s midday! Scary stories are better at night.- Says Bel winking at Deana. Almost right away Alfonse’s voice chimed in.

- I would love to hear one of them now instead…If you don’t mind that is.- He says bashfully. Deana smiled.

-Fine! I give in…let me see…Have you ever imagined being inside a maze?... but not a maze in the gardens of the courtesans… I mean… A Maze that takes a whole Island? One made of stone walls so big not even a giant could see above and so smooth no one could get over.

-That is not scary Mom!

-It is if you get lost inside Oly. It could even be disastrous if no one goes to save you in time.- Says Alfonse.

-Oh but you would save us brother! I know it.

-What if I am inside with you and can not find my way around.

-Oh then It would be even less scary because you would find a way! I just know it!- Says Sharena and Oly agreed eagerly. Alfonse blushed.

- I would not feel alone at all or scared.- Pipes in Oly.

- Oh you wouldn’t feel alone at all…with the Minotaur lurking about….- Bel said ending the sentence with a mysterious voice.

-Minotaur?- Asks Alfonse with widened eyes. - What is that?

- It was a monster half man with the head of a bull that ate people, but if that is not scary enough for you I will tell you one that I heard once when I was like 8 years old.

- How is a monster with a bull’s head not scary?- Asked Deana. Bel smiled and shrugged.

- The one I an about to tell you is different.- There was a pause where she gathered her thoughts and then she started her tale. Her voice sounded mystic and ancient with a thick accent the children had only herd when Be was either too worried or angry.- Once long ago in the land of my ancestors there lived a beautiful girl. Some say she was the princess daughter of the leader of a small kingdom where now lies El Tepozteco. Her skin was smooth and dark like bronze. Her hair black like onyx, volcanic crystal of the Gods. Her voice sweet like the honey made from agaves. She smelled of happiness and flowers. In short she was said to be more beautiful that the pale moon. One day she went to bathe in the river as was the costume. 1)

-So she was pretty like you cousin Bel?- Asked Sharena.

-No Sharena. She was young so she would be more like Oly.- Said Alfonse offhandedly and not looking away. His attentions had piked as soon as Bel said it was a tale of her ancestors.

- Wow … Thanks Alfonse. You made me feel older than the moon …you can call me grandma if you wish.- Bel said mock hurt.

-I… My apologies cousin Bel!! I swear to you I did not meant it that way!

- Don’t worry Alfonse! I’m just kidding. Well… as I was saying…The girl was not only beautiful but she was good and innocent. She was bathing when the wind kicked up. It swirled around her and gave her chills. It behaved so strangely that she grew scared and a while later she went home. Time passes and the girl was not allowed be go outside. Months passed and people wondered if she was sick. Her parents had taken her away to a smaller villa they had in province.

-I think I know where this is going…- Said Bertha. Bel made a face and nodded.

-On the night of the full moon on the distant villa the beautiful princes was about to give birth to a child. Unmarried their parents had not believe her when she told them the wind had been the only one to touch her. They thought she had a lover and wanted to hide her from the people to hide their dishonor. But when the child was born not only was he unwanted by the grandparents he was fearful to look at! The people grew afraid, because now they could see that the child was definitely not human. He was too big and strong and his eyes shone brightly like stars. The parent waited and when the princess slept out of weariness the babe was stolen into the darkness of the night! All along the Dogs Xholoscuntles and the coyotes would howl and bark in fear.

-Why were they afraid?- Asked Sharena with widen eyes. Bel made a gesture for her to wait.

-The man took the babe and with the moon as his witness he put the babe on the anthill of the feared Chancharras Ants that are very big and bite horribly when threatened. They can strip a dead animal to the bone. As soon as the babe touched the ground he started crying and all the animals quietened. Everything was quiet and the man spooked, looked on as the babe cried and the ants would run away from him in fright.- There was a pause for dramatic effect.

-Long nails grew from his little hands and feet and angered, the babe raked at the dirt of the anthill. -Bel motioned with her own long nails scratching them all in turn. Alfonse flinched away from her touch. -His cries reached across the land and nature itself feared it. Even the moon that bathed the child went to hide behind thick clouds and the night deepened in shadows. The man was spooked and ran away.- Bel said and the children drew back in fear.

-The next day the man came back. He expected to find only bones remaining of the boy…but to his surprise, the boy was content. The ants had understood the reason for his cries. He was hungry and they had nurtured him with honey dew and food they had gathered and had stored. They were caring for the child and he was content. More afraid of the child, but fearing to loose his ‘Honor” among the people even more, the man took the child from the ants and placed him on an agave plant which look like aloe but are bigger and have longer thorns on the sides. The man hoped the child would be scratched by the thorny leaves and would be killed by the early Summer sun and carrion beasts.

-But mom…why would he want the baby dead?

-Oly…there are evil people who love power and money more than family. And the baby threatened his power.- Said Alfonse and he lowered his face. He had understood the situation from the beginning as expected. And by the looks of it…he had found a similarity with his grandfather. Bel was about to suggest another story but knowing the ending, she thought better of it. She felt sad for him. A child that young should never experience such troubles.

- But do not worry. The baby did not die. The agave plant sensing the child on top of her; made herself into a cradle and protected him from the rays of the sun and even feed him, her sweet honey. The honey is very nutritious and this made the baby stronger and happy.

-The next day the old man who tended to the agaves came to harvest the aguamiel honey and found the baby asleep cradled lovingly by the plant. The child was beautiful and strong for its two days of life and the talons were gone. Since the man had no children he was happy to have found the child and was sure he was a gift from the Gods so he took him home to his wife.

-The child grew up strong in body and spirit. A good man and very handsome, but sadly his mother passed away when he was a teen and then his father grew very weak. Worse still there was a giant living in the vicinity and he ate people that tried to get past him to go to the city. He knew he was strong enough to kill it but he dared not leave his sick father. When his father finally died he took a satchel and went to kill the giant. On the way he gathered obsidian crystals that were used back in the day as all sort of cutting utensils. When he got to meet the giant. The giant eat him whole!

-NO!- Said said Sharena pouting.

-Ah but all was not lost for he was still alive and inside the giant he took the obsidian crystals and cut him from the inside out until it was dead and he came out of a hole he cut…It was a tiny cut but he was able to come out because he turned into the wind.

-Mom was he as strong as Hercules?

-Yes mija and for the same reason! Hercules was the son of Zeus the Greek god and the child was the son of Ehecatl the god of Wind. His name was Tepoztecatl and he became the god of Pulque the wine made from the agave plant that had nurtured him as a baby and he could turn into wind as well.

-That sounds difficult to say Mami.

-Only at the beginning it sounds difficult but later when….What is going on!?- Bel exclaimed when she felt the carriage come to a stop without warning. Bel and Martha went to look out of their respective windows while Deana shushed the children and made to reassure them everything would be alright.

Outside everything was silent. Aleen stood on her horse griping her lance tight. When she noticed Bel was looking out she took one finger and made a gesture of keeping silence. Bel told the others to do so and went back to looking out of the window but then a loud boom was heard and shouting and the carriage rocked sideways and then a louder boom and it went flying to the side. It landed sideways with the door she was neared to upwards. A huge hole met her gaze and the door was gone.

Everyone inside were tossed around Bel turned her eyes to find Sharena and Oly crying and Alfonse holding them, with Bertha trying to get out of the wreckage. She made to stand and do the same and help her get the children to safety, while Deana made to get the three children together. Bel tried to look out of the hole but she assumed if they were being attacked the enemy would be waiting for them to come out of it. She made a notion for Bertha to try her side which was the ceiling of the carriage and handed her a knife to cut the fabric covering. The wood on the other side was in effect broken. Bertha went out first and was suddenly met with the helpful hand of one Feraht Guerrer who also helped the rest of the people inside.

Once outside Bel noticed there was pieces of wreckage arranged hastily around them and lights of spells coming from all around them.

- Ambush…- Said Feraht.- The scouts and decoy party failed to report and we were just preparing for the assault when it came. We had no time to prevent you.

-Any plan? Where’s father?

-Behind that fallen tree and wagon.- Bel looked towards the the place Feraht indicated. He says he wants to see if they can get them from behind. He sent a messenger to get help….there’s a hamlet nearby.

-I see. We are trapped from all sides. Let me help you.

-They are shooting to stunt.- Said Deana shooting spells toward the nearby treeline.

-They want to take us alive…again…-Bel said and sent a look down to Alfonse who was covering both Sharena and Oly. His brows knitted as he understood.

-Feraht…If they want Alfonse and I… do you think it would be better to split up from the girls? Would this keep them safe you think? I do not want to put Alfonse in danger so I can “ split up” and maybe bait them away. That way their forces would be cut in half for you to make your escape.

-I don’t like it… It does make sense but… it is risky.

- I know but if My presence is endangering the kids, I rather leave them with someone I trust and get the danger away. At leas some of it.

-I’m going with you !- Says Alfonse determinedly.

-NO Alfonse! Don’t leave us!- Cries Sharena. Oly is crying for her mother. Alfonse looked torn between whether to go or stay.

- Alfonse. It is better for you to stay with them. I’ll draw them away. - Bel said and then turned to Oly.- Homey listen I love you and I need you to be extra brave. I will take the bad men away from you so you all can be safe.

-Mami don’t leave me like Daddy did…

-I won’t. - Oly’s words broke her heart but she needed to take the danger away from them.- I will only circle around to the town honey. It is not far but the brave men will take care of the bad men.

- Then I will need to go too or they will stay because of me.- Alfonse told Bel with determination, then he looked down to the girls and added.

-We do not want to leave you but we must. Sharena…I need to leave for you two to be safe. We will be back as soon as we can. You will be safe.

- I will trust you brother…please come back.

-Alfonse? Protect my Mami please…Oly asks pouting a little.

-I will.

-We’ll protect each other. Feraht? Stay with them I will take Aleen with us.

-With all due respect Madam, You will need a mage to cover your escape. Leave Aleen to protect the girls. I will go with you.- Responded Bertha.

-OK. Thank you Bertha.

-We still need to tell your father my lady. He is not going to like it.- He turns to the man by his side who is holding up a shield to cover them. They both share a look and Gudrum finally speaks

-Do you want me to stay too Sir?- Feraht nods his head. Gudrum salutes him and turns to the children.- I will guard then with my life My lady!

- My lady…I know you want your daughter taken care of…but you are the one in danger along with the prince… I am going with you. I will not take a no for an answer.- Says Feraht gravely.

-Fine. Thank you. Tell my father while I take something from the carriage to play as a decoy for my daughter. In case they want to use her to get to me.

-Good idea My Lady.

Feraht proceeded to sign to Lord Andreas the plan. The Nibelean troops were able to communicate entirely with sighs after the Viscount had devised the language based on his wife’s recollection of the sign language used in her world.

As expected the Lord was not happy with the idea, but agreed that it was the best curse of action as of the moment. He was going to give them an opening so they would go. Feraht knew where the hamlet lay and would guide them and when the attackers chased the small group Lord Andreas will pursue them, while Deana and Gudrum would get to a safe place in the neighboring town that would serve as a rendezvous point.

At the sound of Lord Andreas shout to attack Feraht whistled for his horse as did Gudrum and some other soldiers. The horses came back. They had been spooked by the initial attack but as any other war horse they were trained to come back when called. The carriage horses on the other hand lay stunned on the ground. Their harness had torn when the carriage had turned over.

With the mages covering their escape Bel took hold of the doll passing as Oly and then Alfonse by the hand and the four of them got out of their hiding spot and on their horses. The rode away and were some distance off when they heard an explosion. Bel’s horses buckled and kicked at an oncoming attacker and as much as Bel tried to hold on she was thrown off the horse. She looked from the ground to see the horse kick at her attacker on the face and see the horse bolt away. She looked back to the chariot and saw it had been destroyed. She saw Gudrum take hold of Sharena and run for cover towards where Lord Andreas’ group was located. Deana did the same with Oly but was blocked and she had to run away towards the opposite side.

-Get the child!! She’s his blood!!

Bel started to run back but her fall had hurt her ankle and was unable to run fast.

-Cousin!! Take hold!!!- She heard Alfonse cry out to her and turned to see him riding back towards her.- He offered a hand for her to climb up the horse and as soon as she was on it he took off dodging the attackers and their spells towards where Deana had gone.

-Hold on Sharena!!! We are coming back!!- He cried when they were near Lord Andreas. Bel had taken the sacred gun and was shooting at the attackers while holding on to Alfonse’s waist

.-I can see them now!! There’s a group of attackers behind them!!- Said Alfonse.

-Get Them!!!

-On the horse!! It’s them!!

Bel heard the voices and saw as more men were closing in on them around the road, while some where following them on horse back. She aimed at the ones she could see. And heard as some of them fell by her shots and some by arrows. Feraht was closing in on them from behind.

Bel felt Alfonse spur the horse on to run faster but the men were now closer and he had to swerve to go around them. Bel kept on shooting while feeling Alfonse’s frustration at not being able to go faster.

-Shoot them!- He cried and Bel did.- To our right!!!

Bel shot at them as fast and as accurately as she could but just as they had a cleared way the horse keeled over and Alfonse was thrown forward and Bel to his side. Spells were shot at them and Bel could only cover Alfonse with her body where he had fallen unconscious. She looked over to Deana and saw her surrounded by attackers. Bel shot at them from behind and felled a couple.

She saw it almost in slow motion just as she felled her sixth man. One of them coming from her left shot at Deana and her tome fell down. She turned around and Bel could see now why she had stopped. Deana had been cornered at a cliff’s edge. Bel’s insides froze in fear at the thought.

-No…-She tried rising up and gather Alfonse but fell down pain shooting up from her right leg, so she kept on shooting from her position. She did no even noticed the figure run fast past her towards Deana who had opened a portal and was jumping inside, holding Oly to her breast, while a shower of spells followed and reached her from behind.

Feraht and Bertha had finally reached them and were shooting the men down but one of them reached Bertha and she fell on a heap by Bel’s side. The few men left jumped to cross the portal but the portal disappeared suddenly sending them down the cliff.

-NOT WHILE I AM ALIVE!!-They heard shouting and the attackers trying to flee.

Bel was shocked speechless. She tried to get up but again she could not put weight on her leg. Men were running around on foot and on horses pursuing the attackers.

- Mam…

-Alfonse??! Alfonse?- Bel turned to the child but he was till out cold. She felt for his pulse and his heart was still beating fine and he was breathing but there was a gash on the left side of his forehead. And he was bleeding from somewhere on his right leg.- He is hurt!! Feraht how is Bertha?

-She…Is unconscious…but fine. Madam…I think they …wounded Deana badly. Those were not stunning spells…No one could withstand so many of them either…

-Who closed the gate?

-It was someone with Baron Gulbrandsen. It was his men who came to our rescue us.-Was Feraht’s answer.

-I have come to aid you. I can carry him on my horse or you if you wish it. I come with the Baron’s men.

Bel and Feraht turned at the sound of the young voice. It was a teen of about 14 or 15 years of age but he was already tall and strong. His skin was a rich tan and his hair pale blond but what struck Bel the most was his bright and expressive dark magenta color eyes. He was getting down his white horse and carried a spear covered in blood.

-I would be grateful if you did. Just let me see if I can heal him a little. - Bel said with her hand on Alfonse’s cheek and trying to stop the bleeding on his forehead with her other one. She asked Feraht to lent her his tome to try and cure Alfonse but he looked like he needed more than what she knew of magic. At least his bleeding had stopped.

When the teen had Alfonse on his arms he heard a gasp and looked down to see the boy’s eyes half lidded and unfocused trying to watch him. They did not last long open before Alfonse was unconscious again, his face falling closer to the teen’s chest. The teen’s reaction was to tighten his hold protectively and lower his face to touch Alfonse’s forehead with his cheek to check for fever.

-He has a fever already.- Said Bel. She looked on the verge of tears as she was helped up by Feraht who was getting her on his horse. She looked reluctant to let the boy too far from her.

-We better take him back to site where they ambushed us.- Feraht said atop his horse and watching the a soldier carry Bertha ho a horse.

-And find out where Deana went. She may have told father she will do this in case of emergencies.

-No.We need to go back to the village. We have our camp there.- Said the teen getting on his horse. He had Alfonse sitting on the horse upright and holding him close to his chest with his right arm.- Lord Andreas will be sending the wounded there. We were sure to let him know.

-Thank you Umm… What is your name?- Bel said remembering she still did not know who he was.

-Bru…Zacharias. My name is Zacharias…- He said turning away from them and spurring his horse he took flight.

Notes:

A/N

1 The Story of Tepoztecatl starts off differently as the “Original” one because I do not know where the teacher read it from when I was in third grade. The story did gave me nightmares btw lol

2.I know we hear Alfonse say Zacharias and the siblings grew up together in canon but also we find out that he is the only one that has been close to Veronica and also is known in Emblan society and to be honest stuff doesn’t add up for their age so I figure he is already a teen who has been with his sister, but later arrived to Askr and to be friends with Alfonse and Sharena when they were still young, then he probably went back to Embla some 4 or 5 years later when he “ disappeared”. The Teen became a man and was later unrecognized by his friends.

#feh alfonse #feh #fire emblem heroes #fire emblem #alfonse #lif #fe heroes #feh lif #feh kiran #feh lif x summoner #feh alfonse x kiran #feh alfonse x reader #feh lif x reader

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