Peace

Two armies stand, prepared for battle. Former allies, Yve and Lann, now stand ready to fight. The crowds part to allow for a short formality.
From the middle of one army, King Vio rides forth. From the other, Queen Feana.

Nervousness fast takes hold of Feana. The man before her is one she knows well, but time must have changed him, in ways. His expression is an unfamiliar one, lacking the youthful energy she so often associated with him.

But Feana understands that. She too must have changed, in ways...
In truth, it's not even an uncertainty; she has changed. She has, in the pursuit of survival, done things that cannot be taken back. Time can not be rewound, and her decisions will not be forgotten for as long as she lives.

Even so, hope remains in her heart.

Today, the two will finally reunite. Isn't that a cause for celebration?

It really ought to be...

◇ ◇ ◇

In the midst of a storm, a group of six makes quick work of the remaining assassins. If not for the guidance of their map-loving team member, they'd have no doubt gotten lost during all the fighting, but they were blessed with good allies.

In a vast field of white, a lone man walks with care and precision, belying the fierce rage in his heart.

And beyond the boundaries of poor weather, King Vio looks upon his betrothed. The moment he heard she was returning to Yve, he selfishly gathered his army and went chasing after her. Word had spread that she was set to become Queen, and he could not let that happen. Feana should've abandoned Yve and lived a safe life, far away from all this vengeance and betrayal.

Yet there she is, a proud Queen, unflinching in his presence. He came here to stop all of this, but he was far too late. He never imagined she would force her way into power, even through the tight grip of Eraidus. It took him weeks of fighting to quell his own rebellion, yet she managed it in just a few days.

Was the lady he loved incredible enough to do such a thing? His mind couldn't answer, so his heart spoke instead: of course she could; she was always incredible.

That incredible girl began the exchange. "Are you truly planning to invade Yve?"

Though it wasn't his intention to invade an Yve ruled by Feana... he did ultimately agree to invade the city. In a lot of ways, it made sense; peace on the continent was once achieved through trust and agreements, but promises both written and spoken were shattered in seconds.

If this world is to become one of betrayal, the only thing you can trust is yourself.

"I will bring an end to war for as long as I live."

"Is that a yes or a no?"

"Yve will become a city of Lann. Surrender or step aside."

"So it's a yes..."

"I will leave no room for conflict. Everything will go back to normal."

"You plan to bring peace to the continent by attacking us? How is any of this peaceful!?"

"I believe it's time we redefine 'peace'."

Feana knew Vio, the Vio of old. Did he ever wear such a pained expression? She recalls the confident smile he always wore...

"And Eraidus?"

"Once I know you're safe, we will turn our blades towards them."

"Did I not appear before you in perfect health?"

"You look tired."

"As do you."

Vio knew Feana, the Feana of old. Did she ever let anyone stop her when she had a goal in mind? He recalls when she would dance in the rain, her long, loose hair blowing in the wind...

"I don't want to fight you, Feana."

"So will you turn around?"

"...I have a duty to my people."

"I won't surrender Yve to you. Is a peace treaty impossible to ask for?"

"A treaty is not a guarantee. I want our world to be safe."

"So that's how it is. You think I'll betray you."

"That's not it-! I just-"

A commotion began to stir within the two armies. Were they growing impatient? Nay, but they were growing worried. A storm was closing in on them.

Before visibility between the two armies could be lost, a soldier named Tsa rode to the queen's side.

"Wait! Feana!"

Before his very own eyes, the love of his life is once again taken from him. What should he do? He could order his army to charge, but then what? If he ran ahead alone, his troops would naturally follow.

Bitterly, he turns to the only calm thought in his mind...

Give up.

Turn around. Escape the storm. Think things over. Maybe this failed attempt will cool everyone's heads, then we can talk about all this once again, on a better day. Maybe it will be a day of rain rather than snow.

But then, as if the gods had heard the turmoil in his heart, the storm snapped to a close.

"King Vio-!" A voice from behind called his name. It was too little, too late.

"Vio!" Through clouded eyes, he witnessed the world's most beautiful face turn to shock and despair.

Feana... She's scared. Why...?

Is she... okay? Don't worry, I'll... I'll be right there. I'll help you.

Just... wait for me.

...

Strange. Why can't I move?

A body falls onto the blanket of snow beneath. Vio's hearing grows weak. Loud grows quiet, quiet grows loud, and his heart... his heart is like the beat of a drum.

Amidst it all, a distant sentence fades away.

"I wish they could---"

◇ ◇ ◇

The world is white, as the snow, as the purest moon.

Where am I?

"And here I thought we had some thieves."

Feana? Why are you... dressed as a maid?

She can't hear me? But... I need to tell her...

Even in those plain clothes, she looks... beautiful.

The world is blank, as all beginnings, as all endings.

It's strange. This feels...

" Like a dream, almost."

Exactly... You always knew what I was thinking.

"His name means Bright Flame. Mine is the name of a flower. He told me he'd be my Sun."

Like Soon and Larila...

"A play always ends in tragedy."

That's because... they only taught us... the classics.

Didn't you know? Normal people... prefer happy endings.


"That kindness is why I treasure you so."


"A princess is just a diplomat with a fancy title."


"With this power, we may blind the world to hatred and awaken the people out of this nightmare!"


"You started crying. I didn't know what to do!"


"You can be the last to call me Princess, if you so wish."


"That's more than enough. Thank you."

Aah... She really is perfect.

She...

really is.

◇ ◇ ◇

The cube in my hand burns bright. The armies beneath me stand frozen.

With a cry, my five allies sprint down to the battlefield, desperate to rescue an enemy on the verge of death.

The storm cleared just in time. I was certain of it. It was like a miracle.

But... now that my vision is clear...