The White Wolf

Chapter 31 - Through the Smoke

You were uncuffed by Magic Parliament members and ushered out of the building calmly, Julius and Fuegoleon escorting you out. You pulled the sleeves of your shirt over your wrists once again, taking in the sun's rays as you left the stuffy building. You took a right and stopped in some shade by the building. "Are you alright?" Fuegoleon inquired, looking to you. "I'm fine." You answered curtly, placing your hands in your pockets. "You must understand, we're only worried about you, (Y/N). Please-" "I don't need your worry. You're not him." Your burning glare hit Julius harshly. Julius just smiled smally, "I understand. Please, understand, I don't mean to overstep into Morgen's territory. You looked away quickly, wanting the conversation to end.

"Captain!" You looked to your left. Zenon was standing there, panting, a look of relief on his face. He began to approach you, "I'm so glad you're alright." You grabbed Zenon by his collar, swinging him around, and pushing him against the wall- light enough so you didn't hurt him. "What the Hell was that?!" You shouted at him. Zenon didn't understand what you meant, his eyes drowning in confusion and worry, "what... do you-" "After everything the Captain did for you! You risked undoing all of her hard work back there! You disregarded her kindness! You put her at risk of dishonour! What were you thinking?!" Your arms had tensed, holding him against the wall. "(Y/N) calm down-" Fuegoleon placed a hand on your shoulder, but you shook it off, glaring back at Fuegoleon, "don't tell me to calm down. He could have been killed! Damnatio wants his head on a platter!"

A hand wrapped around your left wrist, simply loosely holding on. You looked back at Zenon, whose head hung low, a shadow cast over his eyes. "I'm sorry." You looked back at him rather than the Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings. "I'm sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me because you're right. I disregarded her kindness... and yours... and Captain Yami's... I threw it all aside..." The hand on your arm tightened a fraction, like it was holding on now. Zenon raised his head and met your eyes, your (E/C) to his icey-blue, "but I wasn't just going to stand back and watch as they convicted you of something you didn't do. I wasn't going to stand back and watch them convict Finral! I wouldn't let them! Not a chance!" His grip on your arm was shaking, unstable, his shoulders beginning to jolt and his voice going shaky. "So, hate me if you want! Be angry at me, I don't care! Because I'd do it all over again for my friends!" You released Zenon, stepping back from him, instead leaning against the wall, "tch. learn to value what was given to you. Or I'll take it away myself." Zenon wiped his eyes and stepped back.

"(Y/N)..." You looked the direction of the call, seeing Finral and Langris standing a few steps in front of you as you leaned against the wall. "I wanted to say thank you. I saw the look on your face back there- you were going to lie to save me. Thank you so much..." There were tears in Finral's eyes. "Why are you thanking me? Anyone with half a brain would have done the same thing." "Still thought, you've done so much for me. Thank you so much." You just stared at him with no hint of emotion on your face. Fuegoleon and Dorothy left moments earlier alongside Julius.

"Finral! (Y/N)!" You watched as Finral was suddenly engulfed in hugs from the members of the Black Bulls, Asta nearly knocking Finral off of his feet. "Woah, hey guys" Finral chuckled as he tried his best to hug as many of them back. "I was worried about you!" Asta looked up at Finral with big eyes, Vanessa wrapped an arm around Finral's neck, "all of us were." Noelle scoffed, flicking her hair, "it's only natural to worry about a fellow teammate." "You can't die on us!" Luck stated, Magna following closely behind, "how the Hell would we get anywhere without you?" "You haven't eaten everything I have to cook for you yet!" Charmy butted in, handing him a muffin. Gauche looked away and grunted something under his breath. "I-I'm so glad you're okay!" Grey squeaked after. "You really caused us a pain, you know that?" Zora complained. Finral scratched the back of his neck, "I'm sorry." "It's fine." Nero told him. "I wasn't ready to lose one of my bestest friends... or both of them..." Gordon mumbled, Henry nodded, "meeee eeeitherrrr."