Happenstance (Fire Emblem Fates)

Brink

The room was dim, the light from the hallway creeping in through the ajar door. There was also a mason jar filled with fireflies set upon a desk as a nightlight of sorts and Leo nearly laughed at how stupid it all seemed. It was nearing midnight and the desire of sleep tugged at him; his eyes felt heavy and his moves were sluggish. Takumi was already asleep to his side, buried in a bundle of blankets as if he were scared of the dark. Of course, the light from the hallway and the nightlight were dead giveaways that the boy actually was afraid of the dark.

Leo turned over, facing away from Takumi. The object in his pocket weighed down on him and he reconsidered what he was expected to do.

After the events of Takumi's birthday party, Mikoto informed Leo of all she remembered of what she had called "the first life". From what he could grasp, he was the reincarnation of a prince and was the one to slay the dragon of that time. It all seemed blasphemous and laughable, but the longer Mikoto talked without falter, he had to come to the realization that this was no practical joke.

And as he turned through book after book, the evidence was irrefutable. Names and appearances were never recorded for the royalty at that time, but the rest of the details of the War of Fates were written. Since the party, he had probably binged more than ten books just on that one war and the time period. And the more he read, the more he began to believe in the possibility of him truly being a reincarnation of the second prince of Nohr.

However, there was still reasonable doubt in his mind. It never occurred to him that Mikoto could easily just be delusional and believe the reincarnation story wholeheartedly, leading to him reading up on the war and convincing himself he was truly of that time. Was there truly something amiss? Or was Mikoto making him a self-fulfilling prophecy over some made-up fantasy?

He shook his head. No- he would have to believe Mikoto on this. As much as the cynic in him wanted to reject how foolish this preposition of reincarnation and dragons was, there was this sense of childish wonder that begged him to fall down the rabbit hole. He would have to throw aside his doubt and actually have faith in another person for once.

Reaching into his pocket and sliding his finger over the chilling metal, he began rethinking his choice. He had promised Mikoto he would draw Anankos out, and from what she told him of the truth of the kidnapping a few months ago, it was Anankos that had saved Takumi and Sakura. That meant that Anankos cared enough to save his vessel, leading to the conclusion that Leo drew for the plan.

He retrieved the pocket knife, the steel glinting even in the faint luminescence of the bedroom. He frowned, gaze flicking between his friend and the weapon. He flicked it open, the edge cutting through the air through some spring system. Deep down, he hoped for Anankos to actually be sharing a body with Takumi so that this was not for naught.

Taking a deep breath, he inched closer to the bundle of blankets and began slide them off the silver-haired boy, revealing the uncovered skin of his arms. Biting his lip, Leo contemplated over backing out for the sixth time but steeled himself, knowing he promised Mikoto he could do the simple task of provoking the dragon.

"Takumi, please forgive me," he muttered under his breath, bringing the knife to the boy's arm. He began making a light incision and nearly pulled away as Takumi visibly winced in his sleep. Guilt and regret washed over the blond but he swallowed past the lump in his throat, continuing the cut.

And in a split second, he was on his back, pinned to the ground with Takumi's hands wringed around his neck.

"Prince Leo of Nohr...!" Takumi growled, red eyes burning with anger. Leo clawed at the hands, attempting to pry them off his throat. He kicked at Takumi's chest as he struggled for air, choking and gasping as nails began to dig into his neck. His sight was blurring and his peripheral vision was darkening. Nevertheless, Takumi continued to strangle him and showed no signs of relenting any time soon.