Holding On To You || Alfonse x Reader

The Fall of Askr

The place was turned to a barren wasteland due to Hel's presence, yet the castle stood tall. The sun was low in the sky, yet instead of the usual dancing colors of blue and purple, the sky streaked with red. The kingdom of Askr was disturbed by Hel's invasion of the castle. Now inside the palace, The Goddess of Death had Sharena feared for her life on her knees in front of her. Sharena's lance, Fensalir, was cast aside by Hel as she readied her scythe.

Without any other choice, Kiran took it upon herself to defend Sharena while Alfonse and Princess Veronica finished the Heart's Rite. If only they knew what the ritual would do to them.

Kiran had picked up Alfonse's sword that laid near her, Fólkvangr which he had dropped in order to assist Princess Veronica. Kiran had managed to block the attack on Sharena, but she found it difficult to keep up in this fight. Kiran knew the basics of sword fighting, only due to Alfonse insisting that she learn various ways to defend herself, but she never had to use those skills in a real battle. There were other skills she had, but those she was determined to keep hidden. However, at one point, Kiran mistakenly revealed who she was to Hel, and Hel had planned to use that against her.

"Even in everyone's most desperate hour, you still hold back." Hel asserted as Kiran's blade clashed against her scythe.
"You don't know anything about me." Kiran replied in resentment. Kiran's hood had fallen off displaying herself to the death goddess for the first time.
"Your fear of the power you hold will be your downfall." she coldly declared.
It was at this moment that Prince Alfonse had taken notice of what was currently happening: Kiran attempting to defend a paralyzed Sharena from Hel's wrath. The atmosphere was beginning to feel heavy.

"Kiran!" Alfonse called out, bouncing to his feet. "She knows defense but, she could get herself killed!" Alfonse announced to Veronica, fear flashing in his blue eyes.
"That doesn't matter right now!" Veronica asserted, "We can all be killed just by our presence here alone. She's buying us time to finish the ritual." Alfonse turned his attention hardly believing what she had said. Before he could respond, Veronica cut him off, "If you believe in her like I've seen you do so many times in the past, you'll trust her and help me finish this."

Trust her? Of course, he did, but with her being face-to-face with death literally, he felt his heart clench at the thought of her dying at Hel's hand. He already feared to lose her, but now that it was actually possible, the young prince found himself in a position of predicament.

Alfonse glanced back at Kiran one last time to see her struggling, but he knew what had to be done. He let out a frustrated groan and crouched down to the castle floor, gathering Breidablik, in order to resume assisting Veronica with the weapon. During his labor, he silently prayed that Kiran would be okay. As soon as they were finished, he would rush in to take her place. The two young royals worked for what seemed like hours but when they finally finished, what met the prince's gaze would haunt him forever.

Kiran was on the ground with her eyes tightly shut closed, her breaths were heavy as she struggled to hold onto the sword. Her white robe had become tattered with small tears at the ends. Hel once again was towering over Sharena as the young princess shook with fear. Hel brought her scythe back as Sharena, with tears running down her face, managed to reach an arm out to Alfonse. The prince's eyes widened as memories of growing up with his beloved sister flashed before his eyes.

"Sharena!" Alfonse called out as he extended a hand as if to grab her and pull her to safety. Everything was in slow motion.

"Save yourself." Sharena whispered out. Hel's scythe swung and made contact with Sharena's neck. Alfonse stared haunted as he watched his sister's body fall to the ground. Kiran managed to look up and see what her failure had done, causing her to have a newfound fury. However, before any other action could be made, Angrboða's heart made its move.