Suikoden VII

Chapter One: Part Three

f4tl0l asked me in a comment on Archive of Our Own if I would consider choosing more than one play for Suikoden VI. That got me thinking and I started a new poll:

Poll #6: Would you like to see more than one play for Suikodens I-VI?

- Yes

- No

This poll is a short-term poll that will only be active until 5:00 GMT on October 1st. The results of this poll will determine future polls. If you cannot vote in the poll then feel free to leave a comment of your vote.

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Chapter One: Part Three

The following morning, Astraea stood in the Great Hall of Eisenblütig, her heart in her throat and her stomach churning. She had never thought she would see the day where Dawa would leave her side, but that day had come. Her assist was going back to her hometown, and Astraea was unsure of when she would see her again.

Maybe it was naïve to think that Dawa could come with me to Harmonia. But...it feels weird not traveling with her.

"Please don't hesitate to write me letters, Your Highness," Dawa told her. Her smile was forced, though her face was a mask of calm. "Write to me as often as you want. As many times as you want. If you need anything, I will be there."

Astraea nodded stiffly. "Thank you, Dawa." But Dawa's words didn't make her feel any better. She knew deep down that Dawa's promise was empty, because the king wanted her to take command of Potsfurt. She could not simply abandon her post to sail across the sea to come to Astraea's aid.

Behind Astraea stood her siblings, who stood with their assists. Brendan, Kion, and Philomena looked neutral but Sigrun and Denzel predictably looked displeased. Vahan surprisingly also looked displeased by the proceedings. Milo, Barrett, and Ritta stood off to the side watching with trepidation. Barrett turned to look at his half-siblings. "This is a very public farewell," he whispered. "Should the king have arranged such a public farewell for the assist to a royal?"

"...Right," Ritta said grimly, her brow furrowed. "The King may as well hang up a giant banner that says, "Princess Astraea is unprotected!" This is so strange!"

Milo didn't say anything, but suddenly surged forward. "Dawa!" he called out. Murmurs of shock broke out to see him break rank, but Barrett and Ritta quickly followed. "Dawa, don't you worry," Milo announced loudly, standing at Astraea's right side. "I'll look out for A—Her Highness at Soldedt Academy. You can count on it."

"So will I," Barrett said, standing at Astraea's left side.

"Me too!" Ritta cheered, standing alongside Milo.

Astraea was moved then by their words, and her stomach relaxed a little. "Thank you, everyone," she said quietly.

Dawa's smile relaxed as well. "Thank you, all of you," she said. "Remember to do your country proud. And Your Highness...please take care of yourself."

Astraea wondered if she should remain stoic or if she should give in to her "sentimentality" and give her half-sister a hug. After a moment she stepped forward and threw her arms around Dawa's shoulders. "I'll miss you," she murmured. "And I promise to come back to Zelant a better person...and a better soldier."

Dawa let out a shaky breath and hugged her back. "You're already a good person, You Highness. But I know that you will be the best there is at the Academy."

From the back of the Great Hall, Albert watched the proceedings with his arms folded over his chest. "It will be easier now," he murmured to himself, and then turned and walked away.