Suikoden VII

Chapter One: Part Eleven

Note: My work schedule has changed so I'm adjusting my posting schedule. So for now my weekly updates will be on Mondays, with a second update at the end of the week.

—

Chapter One: Part Eleven

Astraea, her siblings, and their forces arrived back to the capital to a hero's welcome. They found themselves in an impromptu parade, with citizens cheering and throwing confetti at them. They were given bouquets of flowers, plush toys, Potch, they were even gifted daggers and shields. It was an overwhelming showing of support from their people.

But Astraea couldn't find any joy in it. Not just from the spoils they had already gotten from the battle (as the Unicorn Blades had ended up taking almost nothing) but she couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling inside of her that something wasn't right. But overall her siblings were also mostly stoic about everything. The only ones who seemed happy with the parade were Philomena and Denzel.

The procession from the gates of Blutkrieger to Eisenblütig took almost two hours, and Astraea was disheartened to not see their father greet them in the fortress's front courtyard. Albert however was there to greet them with his usual peculiar smile. "Welcome back, Your Highnesses," he greeted them pleasantly. "His Majesty King Franz awaits you all in the Onyx Chamber for your debriefing."

"Does His Majesty know that we were victorious, Sir Albert?" Brendan asked as he dismounted.

"Yes, Prince Brendan," Albert told him. "We wishes to have an audience with you all this instant."

"Can we not rest first?" Philomena asked. "We fought an Alliance warship, handled the aftermath, and traveled here without rest."

"I would like to see the King," Astraea said, stepping forward. "There's something important I need to discuss with him."

Albert glanced at her and his brow rose slightly. "Of course, Princess. Please, all of you follow me."

The Royals started to head into the castle. Astraea followed behind her siblings but something caught her arm. She turned to her left and saw Kion standing there, piercing her with his usual hard gaze. "Don't," he said curtly.

"Don't what?" Astraea asked.

"It's inappropriate for you to float around conspiracy theories," Kion told her. "Especially after we slew 500 Alliance soldiers in battle."

"I have to tell him, Kion," Astraea said harshly. She tried to pull her arm free but her held her fast. "It's not a conspiracy—"

"You suffered a traumatic event," Kion interjected. "But your trauma is clouding your judgment. Your trauma will lead to more problems. You need to harden yourself against tragedy, as we all must."

"Kion—!"

"Do you think you're the only person who's witnessed something awful?!" Kion snarled. "Because you haven't! Trauma affects the mind in precarious ways, and if you don't handle your trauma properly then it will create problems for other people! Stop with this nonsense before you really cause problems!"

"Let me go!" Astraea snapped, grinding her teeth and glaring at him. "Take your hand off me right now, Brother!"

"Prince," Gwenette said quietly. Her hands were clasped in front of her, but she otherwise did not move.

"Let her go now, Kion."

Both siblings jumped at Brendan's harsh tone. Astraea gaped in shock to see their eldest brother standing there, glaring at Kion. "This is disgraceful behavior of both a soldier and a prince," he said, his tone uncompromising. "Get yourself under control and stop manhandling our youngest sibling. Our soldiers and servants are watching you!"