Chapter Text
The Pact Ring. A symbol of ultimate trust between a Divine Dragon and their chosen companion. Alear had only recently gotten the ring, and it was only a matter of time before Alear would decide who is the best match for them. However… There was a slight problem.
Alear wanted to choose two people.
Alear cared for Pandreo and Gregory equally, both of them having gotten close to him in a way he never expected. Call Alear selfish, but the two of them were the perfect balance for him. Pandreo was rowdy and fun while Gregory was timid and shy. Alear was the calm and protective type after realizing he should be the leader his band of friends needed. To be around the two of them and getting to know their personalities was like a dream. He could recall meeting and interacting with them just like it was yesterday. It was almost as though their encounters were preordained in a way. The way the two of them make him feel as though he could cut down a thousand enemies! He was that happy to be with them, right now even, with his eyes staring up at the ceiling of his room within the Somniel his mind drifted with thoughts of them. Alear began to recall their first encounters with each other…
When Alear first met Gregory, he was shocked that he was nothing like his counterpart Griss. Gregory was the type to run away at the first sign of danger, which was Alear right from the get go, however, Alear wasn’t able to afford that kind of luxury at the time. Gregory knew when and where to pick his fights which is something Alear admired. Knowing how to pick and choose your fights is a quality of a person who truly valued their life. Despite knowing he had brought enemies to their location, Gregory did not run away at that point and fought with them. If one did not actually pay attention to Gregory they would think he was a spineless coward. Alear could already feel a smile appearing on his face as he thought about him. The other one on the other hand was the complete opposite.
Pandreo, a priest that was not priestly in the slightest. A guy that was deeply devoted to his faith just as much as he loved to have fun. That was Pandreo, and his first impression sure did leave an impact on Alear. How he was angry one moment, then shocked the next, and then somewhat annoyed before he heard him howl on the battlefield. It was a whiplash of emotions for Alear at the time, but he didn’t mind it. He learned that that was just how Pandreo was, a whiplash. Despite how much of a party animal he was, he was incredibly devoted to his religion and tried to make everyone who visited his church welcomed and happy. Alear was happy to learn that Pandreo did not just worship him though, it was already hard enough to accept that Ivy saw him as her deity much less another person. He still felt that way even after accepting an invitation to join Pandreo at his church and meet the other worshippers. It was just too weird. However, that didn’t stop him from feeling happy and he ended up enjoying himself. Howling was the best part!
Alear shook his head, that was enough reminiscing. It was time for Alear to get up and start his day. Usually he would be woken up by one of his comrades, but he woke up all by himself which was a first. As he leaves his room, he heads right down to the cafe and eats breakfast. His task for today was to check up on the weapons and find out what needs to be replaced. The final battle was slowly creeping up on them and all Alear could even think about was his own love life. He should really be worrying about how he is going to keep everyone alive during the last fight before the end of the war. Everyone was relying on him to keep himself and his people safe lest they become corrupted like in Gregory’s world. How could Alear ever forget the way the Other Fogado acted, the way he had that maniac smile on his face as he tried to slaughter his friends… not to mention what his world Fogado said after fighting that one… Alear still gets shudders from it. No, he wouldn’t let them die, no matter what was thrown at him. They would all survive, whatever it takes he will make sure they live. The thought stayed in his mind as he checked on the weapons.
As Alear works diligently on the checklist for each and every weapon, he hears the usual greeting from his friend Alfred.
“Divine One, good morning!”
“Good morning Alfred, how are you this morning?”
“I’m great, I just came by to see if you wanted to go run some laps with me?” Ah, exercise, Alear supposed exercising would be a good way to keep his mind busy so he wouldn’t think about Pandreo or Gregory, but…
“Sorry Alfred, I’m busy with the weapons right now. Have to see what needs to be repaired and what just needs to be chunked.” After all, if the weapon is no longer useful he could always toss them into that well that sent him into Gregory’s world. That well was one mysterious thing on the Somniel. Whatever he threw in there, something always came back out after a good battle. If Alear could get a lucky weapon that could heavily damage Sombron that would make a world of a difference.
“Oh, really? How many more do you have?”
“Not many, just another rack and then I’ll be done. I can join you afterwards?”
“Sure, but I’ll stay and help! The sooner you get done the sooner we can exercise together!” Alear chuckled and shook his head, if Alfred wanted to help he would not stop him. He waved his hand in a way of ‘Be my guest’ and soon enough, Alfred went to look at the other rack of weapons. The dual colored dragon went back to his list of weapons needed to be inspected. A Killer Axe, a Silver Axe, and a Tomahawk. That would be easy to deal with. As Alear inspected the weapons, making sure to mark what needed to be done on them, his mind would go back to thinking about the two boys. How could just two humans constantly weigh on his mind? It was unprecedented considering his past before becoming Lumera’s child. In the past, all Alear could ever think about was trying to survive to show that he was not a defect in any shape or form. Now though? His mind is so damn lax that all he can think about is the men that he loves! He shakes his head as he looks back over at Alfred. Perhaps he could give the Pact Ring to Alfred instead to avoid the confrontation between Gregory and Pandreo? He learned later on that Alfred could be dying sometime after the war and he did not want his friend to suffer. At the very least, Alear could share his life with him to help him live a long and fruitful life. That was certainly a thought…
“Divine One! I think I managed to finish.” At that, Alear made his way over to Alfred and took the list from him, the dragon smiled at his friend.
“Thank you Alfred, your help has been greatly appreciated. Just let me drop this off at the blacksmith and have Mauvier come collect the items, then I will join you for some exercise.”
“Very well Divine One, I’ll be waiting at the training yard!” With that, Alear watched Alfred run off in the direction of the training yard. Alfred was always so full of energy despite what the world threw at him. He admired that about the young prince. As he looked over the list Alfred had given him, he headed off in the direction of the blacksmith before looking for Mauvier. Perhaps after exercising, Alear could find some solace in talking with his friend. Who knows? Maybe Alfred could help him with his dilemma.