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alma-rita · 4 months ago

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Arc 5 Ficlet: As the Curtains Close, the Voice That were to be Unspoken was Heard

So... a snippet of my fanfic that has my OC Avril in it (that is still in Arc 1 😭), but the original things(more specifically the Original Characters) were kept to a minimum so we can focus on the family.

I will put some context here (not all and just this):

Heinkel is actually joining in the fight in Pristella, it's because old man got exposed on his intentions of fighting the female corpse soldier alone. He joins Garfiel and Wilhelm, he assisted Garfiel for a bit until they separate due to the waterway and he opted to run to where his father is.

Tags: Re:Zero Fanfic, Hurt/Comfort, Comfort, Non-Cannon Compliant (still adheres to the original lore and establishments as much as possible), Fluff, Family, Happy Ending

Word Count: 6,084

Inspired by/Giving Credits to:

-> Tappei's Theresia van Astrea chapter (both LN and WN) alongside QnA and them side stories too

-> Nursing A Saint by The Writing Pupil

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14115807/1/Nursing-A-Saint

Hopefully I wrote this well enough and it's not gonna feel too OOC... Enjoy it and I hope this helps your heart ❤️❤️❤️ And I did do what I set out to do, yay~! My beloved Reinhard will be happy!

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This should be the final blow, a sure hit on her neck and chest was about to be inflicted free of any at all distractions---

But with his focus unbroken on Theresia and Theresia alone, he had failed to realize the stumble his feet felt which moved to his arms. His sword did not fall from his grip as it was still intact. Although with a loosened grip, it did fall away, sidewards.

He failed to notice that he was pushed out of the way, with this failure on landing the final blow, he blinked and realized quickly what happened as he tilted his head to the side.

"AAAAAAGhhh!!"

"HEINKEL!"

His focus shifted entirely now, it took a moment to change his goal, though that scream did snap him to concentrate entirely on his son who was lying down on him.

"Heinkel-- why!?"

"You-- AaaAHH!! You're--! Not! Going to just die like that! I told you again and again--! You fucking! Won't, dad!" The red-haired man then spitted out a series of curses as he skittled his hands to tend to the wound on his side. Even as he panickedly tried to remove the scarf he had on his neck to cover the wound, he felt that he had no more strength to lift any of his limbs to cover it, all that energy spent in shouting a message.

The cut was wide open and deep, it wouldn't take long for a pool of raw crimson blood to form. Shaking his head, Wilhelm quickly took his jacket off to cover that big wound. His hand shivered for a moment only before finally covering the wound.

"Stop it--"

The Sword Demon was at a loss on what to do. He knew that he needs to stand up and defend his son-- but he was dying! He needs to get him out despite his tired paralyzing limbs-- he can't let him die here! The feeling of failure would be absolute-- He did tell his son, and grandson, and the whole group that the wouldn't be dying off with her, but--

"Not like this...! Theresia-- stop!"

He would love, want to fight. But any, and every thought of wanting to share that final dance of blades, and thoughts of needing to stop her had faded. He couldn't let his son die, even if that wound wouldn't stop bleeding-- he needs to stop it. How could he do so when the corpse soldier marched forwards with an attack ready. But he had to.

"..."

There were no funny feelings in Wilhelm's mind, no thought in his mind to mock on how he had thoughts to beg for mercy. At least, he should resolve himself to end her. No more thoughts of wanting to fulfill the promise, no more thoughts of their fight, it was selfish––

Another shot of paralyzing pain stopped him, yet he did not stop. This is what she wanted all along, he will not fail this time in protecting the family that she entrusted to him long ago. So he will stop his wife–– even if his head were to be removed the moment he attacked–– no, he will successfully stop her and save their son.

He did not stumble this time, but his blade had just been unable to reach her in time–––

"Grandfather! Father!!!"

The voice suddenly but undeniably broke through the impenetrable curtain of despair. Even if that voice was panicked and felt like a foreign sounding voice that he had never or rather seldom heard at all. It was him, his grandson.

His visage was still heroic, but he had discarded all of that and rushed hurriedly with a worried face of emotions, something he rarely saw once more. "Grandfather-- what happened!? What happened to Father!?"

Wilhelm did not let the faint emotion of relief fully bloom yet, he first told him what to do, what needs to be done, "––Quickly! If she isn't stopped, Heinkel will die!"

"Right...!"

Reinhard turned around, for a moment, Wilhelm managed to see an odd disgusted expression on his face. But he could just have excused it for him processing the situation, and getting mad at the corpse soldier for nearly ending his father. That makes sense.

The Dragon Sword was rushingly, quickly drawn. Someone like him couldn't help but be mesmerized by the pure blade of the legendary sword. He had only seen the sword drawn thrice in his life, yet it captivated him all the same, only briefly that is.

At the same time, past emotions of the wide gap between him and such high lengths of swordsmanship exuded crept up, but was swept away clean when his grandson very, swiftly, immediately ended the fight with one swing.

That was the end, though his hands were still trying to tend to the bleeding open wound on Heinkel to avoid death. He did use those bandaging skills to good use. A mental sigh of relief, which was drowned by the fact that he still did lose a lot of blood.

With a measly few steps, Reinhard was already by Heinkel's side, his distressed face shining through, "Father! I'll take you to a healer right now! Please don't die––!"

Wilhelm was more than ready to support and to give Heinkel to Reinhard in order for him to swiftly get to Ferris. Though for some reason, he stopped, a hearable murmur slipping out.

"Elfis...?"

Another voice rang out, this was supplemented with breathing gasps and recovering coughs, "Aagah!! Gaahh! Ugh–– Fuck, that hurt... So fucking bad–– geeh!"

"The wound––"

Miraculously, it was healed. Though the cut mark persists and the blood still spilt, it did not change the fact that he was saved.

"Reinhard, what happened? Did the wound fully heal? Or should we leave now?" He asked with a firm, focused tone. It would have more tint of confusion, and such confusion did appear on his face as Reinhard had an unknowing look on what happened to Heinkel.

"Who was that name you mentioned?"

"––Never mind that, Grandfather. But the wound has now gotten better, father can stand up and walk, though I would prefer to carry him to Ferris."

Wilhelm would like to probe at that random, unfamiliar name that he spoke, but that was once more stopped by the coughing man that was being held.

"I dunno how the hell I got better–– but now–– What do we do? The body still didn't turn to ash... Could we––"

Reinhard simply shook his head, "Father, I believe it is for the best that we get you to a healer right now and confirm your safety. I cannot have your life be in danger like what happened earlier."

Heinkel did have that reluctant look, though he did agree to wanting to get treated. He still wouldn't want to die in the end. Wilhelm, meanwhile, was very much enticed by the idea to see if that corpse soldier maintained a corpse soldier till the very end or... Theresia came back.

There was a light wrestle the two older men had to deal with, the choice to interact or to go to the healer immediately. Things did heavily lean to getting Heinkel to Ferris. He was wounded, and still tired, and that wound was deep and bad.

The choice had not yet been made when Heinkel was supported and lifted up––

"Goodness, I believeth it would be best that none leave. Follow that desire thou have in your hearts. I can assure you, no one is going to die."

"Elfis?"

"What the hell are you doing here...?"

The white haired man was the last to see, he saw a small dragon above them with their wings spread wide. Despite the size, their presence still commanded respect, "Who are you?" He asked without much trouble, their presence is not entirely suffocating.

"I am a spirit of light and fire. And I came only for a simple reason, thou wish to speak to the deceased Theresia, thou are free to do so. Heinkel will not die from his wounds, he will rest later on as he still suffered some blood loss."

"What the hell," Heinkel was the one to speak up, the other two too stunned or confused to speak, "you sound suspicious as hell, aren't you supposed to be finding a way into the tower?"

"As for that, Heinkel Astrea, be assured that the progress for getting inside the Sage's Watchtower is going well now, a little bit more until the entrance is reached." Elfis wasted no time in continuing, making his point and refusing to have Heinkel probe any further with a firm gaze, "As for now, thou have the time to speak with Theresia. Use that time, all of thou have enough, though it is not infinite. Now go." Elfis had a particular lingering piercing stare onto Reinhard. Wordlessly, they told him to use this opportunity to talk with their grandmother.

They dissipated, leaving everyone still confused, one thing is for certain on what Elfis said, and now, what that corpse soldier spoke out, reached their hands out.

"Where-- Reinhard... Wilhelm...."

The light shone back into her cold eyes, and with that soft but clear cut voice-- Wilhelm gently gave Heinkel to Reinhard and he went swiftly towards Theresia, he caught her hands before it could fully relax back onto the ground.

"Theresia."

"Wilhelm."

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There was a 'pathetic' face etched onto him, it was crumpled and filled with many mixed emotions. Though the face did lean to a more happy relieved look, letting the girl see his handsome face. Despite having his hair turned white, and the signs of ageing strikes, it was still something that captivated her, this is her husband after all.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself for this surreal experience-- the feeling of life flashing forwards beyond her end, time skipping forward suddenly.

"Theresia," the happy face turned solemn, turned embarrassed, one that Theresia recognized a lot, "I am..."

"A stupid person, you're going to talk about that, won't you."

Not only did the girl's voice came clear and even youthful, she felt quite energetic, but it's the kind you'd get when scurrying away from the grasp of death or more accurately, for one final push. Though this feeling persisted, thus she chuckled. She should have simply, quietly waited for those words, but with such vigor, she finished his sentence.

Theresia did not know how long the time she had left, but there was an unmistakable feeling that she should make the most of it. So she did talk, so that her husband could speak it all out. Everything. Because she knew full well he will need and use this opportunity. But with the way things are, it did feel as if they could still aimlessly spend time staring at each other's face. That was alright, so she stayed quiet to stare at him, and to wait for his words.

"There is something I must tell you... I-I am a poor speaker... I fail to convey my thoughts well, and caused hardship to you as well… that’s why even in more than twenty years, never even once did I…"

His words became shaky now, it did not halt, but it was choked with obvious emotion.

"For twenty years, I may have made you feel distressed. But, I am…"

"Truly foolish," then a tear slid out of his eye, it started to continually flow.

She now chuckled, laughed out. It was obvious as to what he would reasonably say, but now she had to show him what he was plainly missing.

"Did you really, never notice?"

Her hands then reached out to wipe away those tears, and to stay upon that cheek seeking warmth.

"You had always been saying it," she smiled wide and bright, reassuring him truly. "Your eyes, your voice, your conduct, your actions, had always, always have been conveying those words."

He did not breathe a sigh of relief knowing that, so as to complete that promise on that day, he simply spoke, "I love you, Theresia."

"I love you, Wilhelm."

She had finally heard those words that she didn't get to hear. With such overflowing happiness and the lingering thought of 'I should say everything', Theresia said with the same ever bright smile.

"Hey, Wilhelm."

"Yes." He had such a serious look, even though she had moved to reassure him and the conversation turned light. This should help ease tension.

"What if I told you... it was love at first sight?"

"What––?" his face was absolutely, totally flabbergasted, this was something Theresia did not expect not to this degree. "I thought you–– I thought you would have no interest in me––"

"Actually..." her face blushed, though it was something she wanted to say to him, thus the tone was sweet, "when we first met, before I got into that field where you were training. I was on the verge of crying–– and then I saw you, then my heart beated at how you looked–– at what you were doing. It felt like you were sharp steel moulded with heat itself. I did find you rather rude, unpleasant at first–– but when we kept meeting, your sword truly had no impurities, and my heart couldn't help but–––"

"Grandfather is... I believe his mind got filled with shock."

"What the––!?" Heinkel had almost cursed, but he managed to block his mouth in time, "Are you kidding me!? Oi! Dad! You're not supposed to die! Stop looking like you're about to!"

Wilhelm had stayed absolutely frozen, and Theresia doesn't know why–– or perhaps she should have known with that he said. Is it because he thought she hated him at first sight? Yes he was rude, unpleasant, her heartbeat went to a shade off-note. But she was mesmerized, and that feeling lingered as he was a changing sword.

"What–? Hey! Don't die! Wilhelm!" Now the girl starts to frantically shake the man, getting his senses back. It was a gentle shake, but it was enough.

"I'm– sorry for that shameful display––" he gave a huge sigh. "I often worried if you weren't happy with me when we got wed."

"Really stupid, but I get it," she rubbed her temples. "Just know, that your progress of no longer hating flowers, of wanting to protect– it made me want to protect you when you rushed to your hometown. And when we fought in that ceremony, I just wanted to throw my sword away and hug you-- There's almost nothing to take away, ever since we met, ever since my heartbeats first rose because of you–– I love you, so much, so unbearably much."

Theresia did look away in embarrassment, now she had trampled upon his resolve back then to defeat her just as he rendered her resolve and determination useless.

"I... I can't help but be glad... That you were happy, all this time." His tears resurfaced, so Theresia's hands were back to holding his cheek and wiping it away.

He was crying of happiness, and this look was something the girl was very much happy to see, she teared up too alongside him.

Just like back then, she saw nothing but Wilhelm, felt nothing but Wilhelm, there was nothing save Wilhelm.

"Theresia, I love you."

The man had felt absolutely satisfied, also the girl upon hearing those words again. Another wide smile was to form––

An important thought shot onto Theresia's mind amidst her happy moment. It was not that her memories were fractured, and the fragments only slowly filled her mind. But there was something that was important that reminded her.

She tilted her head right, to catch a glimpse of her aged up son, and the adult grandson. She saw who would probably be Reinhard faintly reaching out to her.

"Go, kid, you should talk with Mom. I'll take the last turn."

"Are you sure, Father? I believe I should be the last––"

"Shut it kid, I'm serious. Go talk to your grandmother. Though I wonder how much time do we have left?"

"I'm sensing that she still has enough life to last through... I believe it would be fine if I went last––"

"If that's the case, then go. Stop making me repeat myself, kid, geez," The elder man pushed the young one even further. "You also deserve to talk to her, considering that wasn't your fault."

Fault.

That struck a clearer cord onto Theresia's mind. That's right–– she was staring at the people she had failed, her son that grew twisted due to his wife being trapped in dreams, and the grandson that had simply wanted to be loved again. And that very same grandson whom she burdened with the suffocating responsibility and fate of the Divine Protection of Sword Saint.

Whispering an apology to Wilhelm, who did catch on to what she said, Theresia starts to walk to the grandson now an adult.

She had expected anger or resentment of sorts, just like what she had felt to her uncle. The child, did the same thing as her, not lashing out, keeping it in his mind–– though oddly enough they were more stunned than clearly conflicted, even when the surroundings were calm, and not filled with danger such as clumps and fragments of the dead.

Perhaps the emotions and thoughts are still stuck in his mind. So she spoke the same words that her uncle spoke to her. It is something that should be said.

"Reinhard..." with the guilt, responsibility creeping up from her mind, she continued to initiate. "I'm sorry. I didn't come enough to help you or your father. Despite knowing the unavoidable duty of an Astrea–– I noticed your struggles yet I failed to truly help out where it matters– I did nothing, and I left you two behind."

The one who tensed up in 'anger' was the figure behind the child. Even so, no one had expressed their anger, the unfairness of what she did.

"Grandmother... I..." Reinhard was at a loss of words, he then simply slumped his head downwards. "It's not your fault at what happened. If anything it's... my..."

He faltered there, Reinhard remembered that 'vent' he did in Avril's arms. He had actually blamed her for leaving them behind. Being reminded of that, he then recalls the countless words of reassurances, countless words of 'it's not your fault'. But the feeling of it still being his fault was profound, so what he said was, "I blamed myself for that."

"Huh––" she was stunned that this was the conclusion. "Why? Why would you think that? It may have gone to you, but no one had anticipated it."

He was about to explain until Wilhelm walked towards them, he then started bowing down low, very low.

"I placed all the blame on him."

"Eh––" Her face shifted to her husband hoping that what he just said wasn't true. But she saw that bow, that prostrating bow. Horror now etched onto her beautiful face. "No way... Why would you do that? You must know that no one knows where the Divine Protection even goes in the first place–– He was just a child! He had no way of choosing whether he'd take my blessing or not!"

Any traces of the happiness earlier were fading away–– there reigned in that moment anger and shock.

"So then––why!?"

"When you passed away... I lost who I truly was," each and every word that he spoke and that he would speak has the guilt make it harder for him to stare directly at her eyes. He continued, he had to do this, and he was spurred further upon hearing her slow firm steps forward towards him, "I fell into an irrational, foolish rage, that was unbefitting of my role–– of what you had wanted me to do."

"Instead of being the proper head of the Astrea Family–– instead of being the father and grandfather they needed–– I failed."

"What did you do––" with these words of hers, Wilhelm finally firmly stared into her disappointing gaze. He continued, he had to.

"I cut off my ties with both of them, I called Reinhard a monster, I even hit him and cursed at him."

Her steps faltered for a moment but he could sense a fist clenching.

"As for Heinkel–– I also did nothing–– I made it worse by dragging him to also blame Reinhard."

"Why would you do that to him? You know full well that it's our responsibility to be with them. I left you that wound because I wanted you to fulfill your duty–– protect our family and not interfere with me! So why..."

She placed a palm on her face, the other hand still fisted tight. It was plainly told to her, but she gets it now. And with whatever time she still has left, she should do this, she also needs to tend to her grandson, but firstly––

Slap

It was a loud ringing of a slap to the face. Theresia was aware of the fight that took place, so she softened her blow, but it was still intense that the other two men behind flinched. There also lie a mark of a fresh red handprint.

"I'm angry... but I'm more disappointed at the man you had become," she crouched down at his level, eyes still piercing. "The years were not kind to us, but it should not corrupt you."

"I know," was the only word he could say at this moment. And the words that his trembling self could muster.

"I know that my death has affected you––" she paused as she also looked upon her grandson and son before turning back. "It has affected everyone badly. But families are to look out for each other, not break each other apart and blame someone for something out of their control––"

She had to make this right, she had to before leaving–– This situation, it's a familiar parallel... And one that the self-blaming Theresia spoke.

"My uncle–– my father–– even though they knew full well that I had fled from my responsibilities–– Yet, they never hated me! They never cursed me to my face...!"

This anger had now paved way to tears. Upon hearing her sniffle, the other two stepped up further from their frozen position as Theresia's words had genuinely struck a hard cord onto Wilhelm.

"Grandmother––"

"Hhk––" the girl then turned to him, softened and weakened her sobs and lowered her head, "I'm sorry–– it must have been harsh. I'm sorry things were so unkind to you––"

They moved their hands and arms to remove the tears, she's supposed to comfort the hurt boy. Yet his eyes were a composed calm. Though this calm soon shifted.

"It was hard... It was..." The red-haired young man did sought out comfort with that pained voice, he spread his arms for a hug, "But... things did get better, Grandmother."

"Grandfather apologized for everything once we took down the White Whale together, he really did," his grip tightened and he nuzzled himself closer. "He apologized for the times he blamed me and for leaving father behind, and for leaving Auntie Carol and Uncle Grimm behind."

Theresia's eyes widened for a moment when she heard her best friend's name. Her sobs had now truly gone weaker and she hugged the boy back, patting his head.

"Father also apologized. Despite the apologies having happened recently, they changed."

"And... hearing that it wasn't my fault from you..." another deep hug. "That means a lot–– thank you."

The girl then heard the boy sob those words out. He was really affected by that...

"I don't remember what exactly happened on that day... But it was never your fault. You never could have known that the Divine Protection would even go to you."

Theresia patted Reinhard's back, she then gave a stern glare to Wilhelm and even Heinkel who was approaching before turning back to Reinhard.

"As for your responsibilities as the Sword Saint... do you need help in any area? I know I don't have much time left, but do you need any help? Please, let me help you."

"Mmm..." he pondered what to ask, because not that it was that hard to do his duties. But he wondered what could help with dealing with the title. "How did you handle it, Grandmother?"

She rubbed her head in light embarrassment, still she moved to give him advice. It was something her indecisive self should have taken to heart thoroughly, "When you do need to stand your ground, please do so. Unfortunately, one can't just run away from their responsibilities-- Just never forget to be with others--!"

She gripped his hands tight and proclaimed it in a loud plea, "Don't carry this burden alone--! If you have friends, confide in them. This title truly is heavy, but just because you are the Sword Saint, you are still human and you don't need to be perfect. Od knows that I wasn't perfect at all in my position, I ran away from my responsibilities from taking up my sword, and I relied on Wilhelm, Carol, Grimm, my family. I had help too, so don't do it alone."

The man gripped those hands tightly, his head slowly nodding each time, absorbing each and every advice, those advice sounding just like the words said by his beloved master.

"I will say Grandmother, I am not alone. Auntie Carol and Uncle Grimm were always there for me from the start. Their granddaughters I consider my dear little sisters. I have a wonderful master who always looks out for me, guides me whenever I think too ill of myself. There are also friends whom I get along with–– And Grandfather and Father apologized."

His eyes shifted to the side with a somber, but still present determined smile that stayed, "I know my mother is still asleep, I can still feel the distance of myself and ordinary people and the burden of that title... But I don't feel so lonely anymore. I am happy."

"That's good... remember also that your grandmother is cheering for you. Always, Reinhard."

They exchange another round of smiles and a hug. Theresia then gazed at the figure behind the boy.

"Heinkel... My son..."

"Yes––Mom...!"

Heinkel had also been reduced to the same apologetic state as Wilhelm. He had really wanted to help out or do something, but when that happened, he just didn't have the right to.

And he doesn't bring up the wound that he got. Maybe Theresia didn't remember what happened before she got her senses back, but he also doesn't have the right to bring it up. After all, his son and father shouldn't get sidetracked in their reunion with mom.

"I-- have to apologize for everything too, Mom. For being a shit father, and for being a shit son," he lifted a hand to his face, he couldn't help but chuckle darkly as he said what's on his mind... "Hah, I really shouldn't have made you go, you know... Perhaps it would have been better if I––"

"No, don't say that!" those words had washed away the big lingering anger in her. She still remembers dearly what happened before that fateful day. Her hands immediately grabbed her son's hand, making her point, making her concern loud and clear. "You know full well that I agreed to what we talked about! I would gladly have taken your place in that subjugation. Especially for ignoring what you and Reinhard were going through. It's the least-- it's something I should do."

"Mom..." Heinkel still had that dark, self-deprecating look. Before his mouth could rebuke anything, Wilhelm finally spoke up as well.

"Heinkel. I cannot deny that in that time, I blamed you for not taking your mother's place on the subjugation," before Theresia could land a stern glare, Wilhelm was resolute in his words. "But looking at it once more, it is a decision and a duty that we would have gladly fulfilled. After all, you are our son. And... I understand not wanting to die and leave your wife or Reinhard alone."

"Sigh," Heinkel still kept the hand on his face, "but ah fu–– I mean– you know just how cowardly I was. As much I hated that the kingdom was all too eager to just dump the expedition to mom... I still did ask you to do it for me."

"Heinkel..."

There was another comforting pat given, as much as the girl had plans to give a good scolding to his son, the priority now is to make sure that he truly understood, understood that no one as at fault––

"Hkk–!"

"Theresia––!!"

"Mom!"

"Grandmother–!"

Yes, even if the numbing exhaustive pain engraved itself in her body signaling her incoming end–– this was a notion she needs to repeatedly impart. This is because––

"Heinkel... Reinhard... Wilhelm––!"

They all held onto the fallen Theresia, she was caught and shifted in a better position. They then listened closely with all their might on her words.

"I love all of you–– so please, stay together, as a family. If things are a bit difficult, don't hesitate to ask Carol and Grimm for help..."

She was now quickly uttering words, this was after all, the end, and she must say what she wishes. Her voice was still firm, not hoarse, but still in a rush.

"Heinkel, Wilhelm."

The emphasized firmness of that tone caused the two older men to listen in fully once more. They can tell what words were incoming, and it was something to engrave into their hearts.

Though the words were for all of them.

"I know you two are so very kind. So please, continue to be kind, support Reinhard–– stop mistreating him. It's not his fault, it was no one's fault. Please–– don't make his burden harder to bear."

The two older men nodded. Wilhelm's voice was resolute when he said, "Yes. I have wasted years of my life with unjustified, petty hatred in my heart, but I will fulfill what I must do."

"Good."

Her head then turned towards her son and grandson. She just had to apologize once more.

"I'm sorry–– I wish I could have helped you two more. Especially when Louanna fell asleep. I'm sorry––"

"Mom, it's not your fault either–– it's all on me––"

"Father, Grandmother says clearly that it wasn't your fault entirely."

"You do know that I could have gone to Carol or Grimm for help, kid. You know full well that I messed up."

"That is true, but..."

Theresia was the one to fill the space for Reinhard, "Heinkel, please don't be stuck there. I know that you have failed in your way, but please, I'm sure Grimm and Carol would love to help you. Please don't just hate yourself. I love you."

Heinkel deeply sighed, then he shook his head, "Alright. I'll keep doing what I set out to do... I never gave up on saving Louanna, so I'm not stopping now. Don't worry, mom."

"Don't do it alone."

"Fortunately for me," he let out a very light chuckle that sounds like he just sighed again, "it seems I have a persistent kid who doesn't want me to be alone, ha. And as for my investigations for finding a cure, things look a bit more hopeful thanks to said persistent kid."

Heinkel managed to better don a smile–– things aren't perfect, but it is getting better in all honesty. He just hoped that the Sin Archbishop would be captured this time and they would not flee.

"Reinhard."

"Yes, Grandmother..."

"It's not your fault, don't ever forget that."

Despite the repeated verbatim of those words, Reinhard dearly clung onto it.

"Yes, I shall not forget."

"And don't forget this either–– you are loved."

He confirmed to those words and clung onto it once more. And the words were not wishful thinking, it truly was real, the love was not distant, it was there.

"I know that there must still be a lot of problems remaining..." her voice now went softer, weaker, though the girl still held on. "But I have faith that you all will be alright."

Now she can feel the glow in her body, this glow gently drowning her body in more exhaustion. Still, her mind held on, her lips spoke.

"It seems... that my life was surely filled with blessings till the end..." Theresia lightly chuckled at her ramble–– she shouldn't be doing this since the end was truly here. Still, the gentle glow of her body prompted her to say so–– not just to ramble, but to once more say everything she had in mind. And this includes all her gratitudes.

"I had my brothers who I got along with... My father who always stood by me despite his ridiculousness sometimes... My uncle who pushed me to live... My mother whom I was so very close to... I had Carol who was always warm towards me and took tender care of me... I was saved by many people... I met you Wilhelm..."

She casted a simple but loving gaze to Wilhelm. In this final moment where things did look well and she had set them straight-- this loving gaze was for all of them--

"I'm happy you are my son, Heinkel... you were always so bright and diligent, and you kept up with your father's antics, heh. I would have loved to have spent more time with you. My dear son."

"I'm sorry that I––"

"Mom," a sniffle and a tear fell out with a croak as he firmly said, "thank you for everything still... And I mean that. You still helped this sh-- you still helped me out even when I was being cowardly, you took care of Reinhard when Louanna fell asleep..."

"And thank you–– for humoring this son even if they probably weren't a prodigy with the sword."

"Heinkel...!" That thought was something she needed to correct-- "Wait, don't say that...! You truly are––"

"Heinkel," Wilhelm spoke up, "do not disparage yourself further. Your skill with the sword was something beautifully, and continually honed. You are good."

"Tch--" a light small hiss fumed out, yet, Heinkel slumped and smiled, "Thanks, Dad."

"Thank you Wilhelm..."

"I did what I must. And..." he set his resolve straight with these words, "I will not run from the duty that was entrusted to me. I will be with the family."

"Good," another simple but telling loving gaze was given.

Now she shifted her head to Reinhard. "Thank you for spending time with your grandmother. It was always a joy to be able to endlessly talk about flowers with you, I hope you didn't get tired of my ramblings," a sheepish smile formed. Not only on Theresia but Reinhard too.

"No, I really enjoyed it," the sheepish smile then turned into a warm grateful smile. "Especially since you kept me company when my mother was asleep."

"I'm sorry once more."

Then there were words of consolation and comfort from them all whenever she apologized. It seems that it's up to him to resolve this–– he was the one to do so.

"Things weren't perfect, Grandmother, and it could have been better... But, I'm glad things got better, and you were here. I believe... we'll be alright. We have each other now."

"Yes––" a wide bright smile emerged from it all despite the turbulent halfway point. "I truly have faith in all of you...!"

Looking up into the sky to spread her final words-- before that, looking to her family with a brighter, happiest gaze. She said with a final, definite push, in order to encompass it and reach out to everyone she held dear.

"I love you-- I've always, always loved all of you!"

The girl faded away truly, turning into ash.

Silence enveloped, but the three stood by together, united. Turing the momentary stillness into a bearable tranquility.

The end of a lady who was also a wife, a mother, and a grandmother–– engraved an everlasting love and hope upon the hearts of the prospective three.

In it, there wasn't a trace of a bleeding screech or a sense of abandonment occurred. 'Wounds' were opened, but it will heal. That lady had set it out to do so.

ーーWith this, all of the battlefields in the fight for the Watergate City of Priestella drew their curtains. Those words that were to be unheard, were spoken.

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