anmo

VI.

They met during the height of war. He is aware of it, though he had not been aware yet of the extent of devastation being inflicted in the northern parts of his country, being in a small town located in the southern region reached after passing a mountain range. 

He was a soldier, not by practice nor by heart, an inexperienced scholar pulled in to become part of the platoon that would be at the forefront. In easier terms, sacrificial lambs for the government. And for the royalty who is behind the shadows, making puppets out of officials.

It was not expected, but necessary, with the act of enlisting men upon reaching the age of 20 became a norm. People were waiting for the unlucky lottery, and despite it being considered an honor for the family, it is nothing but a curse to the person selected and to the people who cares. 

Whatever endeavor you had or direction you've set in your life, the law excuses no one. Even the children of government officials were taken upon being selected, and the positions they have don't matter.

Somehow, a cruel, but satisfying form of equality for the populace.

He remembers the day he had received the letter requiring him to prepare for the day of picking. He was practicing a piece he'll be performing for the music club during their showcase for the university in what's supposed to be the celebration of its founding anniversary. 

His passion is music, yet he didn't take a course related to it, afraid that he'll get tired of it once it becomes his job, and ends up trying accountancy instead. Nothing he's interested in, but a stable job is kind of assured in the way.

And honestly, only the nobles have the privilege to focus on arts anyways

One of the few moments he enjoys in life is being on a piano, but every single time he would play it in the future it will only remind him of the day he was pulled into this hell. Instead of an office suit, a faded soldier's uniform. Sleepless nights on a barren land.

The day he arrived in camp made him realize that war is indeed here, the scenes of wounded soldiers and smell of gunpowder filling his senses. At times he would see some members of the tribe pass by and bring their produce, but they seem to be unseen on the actual site of warfare. Then days of training followed, but the only thing he learned was how to use a gun and fight and not having the actual bravery to push forward and not be afraid of death.

And then he saw him. 

Smile lightening up the room but eyes showing depth and hidden pains. He was one of the few staff assigned to prepare food and assist the soldiers as part of the medical team. It has been a usual scene, of him roaming around reminding them that their health involves both their stomach, and their mind, and thus aside from eating well they should constantly find ways to spend time even with only one other person. Being called into the office of the heads is not counted.

He remembers the way he holds himself, with grace and hint of playfulness. He was beloved by the group that when he started wearing billowy dresses and flowy skirts being comfortable with showing his identity more, they made sure that anyone who gave him a stink eye or throw judging words would never be able to get close to him in any way.

With the way they were living for their nation in the brink of collapse with the intensifying war, he was a glimpse of light in the dark times.

He was their sunshine.

And then it got pulled away, the world reminding them that it has grown dimmer, day by day.

Most has fallen asleep already, aside from the few guards set to rove around the area and few who have been playing cards or just chatting just like any other night. It has been draining, with all the irregular attacks made by the enemy camp all their routine has been a mess and having enough rest is a luxury they cannot afford but need if they want to actually have enough strength to fight back so they grab every chance that allows them to do just that.

Being assigned on guard duty that night, seeing him roaming around in his white nightgown, jet black hair that had grown enough to flow gently around his face and cheeks a little flushed perhaps from the night's coldness, he can't help but feel his heart swell with warmth. 

He has nothing to compare it to, but what he feels now, if he understands it right, would be him falling in love. It was not the fireworks nor the rush like how it was always portrayed in the novels he had read. What he felt was more, being at home, finding calmness in the chaos, a feeling that seemed familiar, but he has nothing he can compare it to.

He felt oddly at peace just looking at his face.

Like he has nowhere else he needed to be but here. With him.

"Hoyu? You're assigned for night duty today?"

"Being the youngest in the group brings me pain."

"But at least they give you extra food during mealtimes."

"And then make me work as much as I eat. I'd rather eat less."

Then they heard the shrill sound of the raid sirens.

-

"Hoyu!"

His thoughts were broken as he was called out once again by one of the elders, looking panic-stricken. But his expression remained unfazed, already used to sudden barrage to his office with the oddest of requests.

"What is it Mrs. Carreon?"

"I've already said it, my daughter has met with... an unfortunate circumstance. We need your decision on this one, so why are you not listening properly?!"

"My mistake, I have been handling some affairs related to the news about... the Chroma, so I might be quite unfocused at times. Again, I am sorry for doing so."

"...it's okay if it's because of that. Come with us to Elka's, they'll explain it to you."

Taking his coat and documentation bag, he proceeds to follow the lady, hoping for a minor problem to deal with once he arrives on the scene.

--

They arrived at her house and welcoming them was the image of a whimpering figure hugged by another who's holding back her tears.

"Ama..."

The one called proceeds to hug them both, whispering calming words, assuring them that everything will be fine, before looking towards the direction of the man who looked frozen in place.

"Hoyu? What's wrong?"

She sees his line of sight directed towards the lifeless body, and she thought nothing of it but simply being shocked towards another case he needed to handle. Especially with someone that seemed to be from another country. Being a part of the council does not necessarily make them clear of any possible record. At most, it gives them just enough power to handle simple cases in their jurisdiction, most of which are still handed to the border commander.

But it was not about his position or power. They did not hear him whisper.

"...I've found you."