#hubert lhant (au)

[windor-truffle]

The request boards in this game are absurd

[sora-g-silverwind]

[Fic | Tales of Graces f] This Broken World

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✑ This Broken World (ch. 5-8) Hubert?” says the auburn-haired young man sitting at Hubert’s desk like he belongs there. “What are you doing here? I thought we weren’t meeting until next week.”

— 

Hubert, lord of Lhant, wakes up in an Ephinea that isn’t quite right. [Heroverse AU]

Chapter 5:

What if that one comic is right, and having two versions of the same person in the same place is going to mean one of us is going to die in the void between worlds? I mean, I don't know if I'm the prime or fractured version here, but just based on the numbers I'm much more likely to be the latter. And it's not like I'd feel good about killing "myself" even if I did survive!

Chapter 6:

"Gosh, Hubert," Cheria says with a dainty finger to her chin, her voice lightly embroidered with silky slyness. "There's no need to put yourself out like that. We know you're a very busy man. I'm sure we can figure out this mystery on our own." He scoffs. "You expect me to simply sit on my laurels while this — this ersatz replica runs amok in the world?" (Rude, Hubert thinks.) "Besides, someone has to check on Pascal and limit any collateral damage resulting from her mischief."

Chapter 7:

That being said, Hubert isn't particularly enthused to make friends with his double, either, and the unspoken agreement between them to pretend the other doesn't exist affords Hubert the space to safely observe him from a distance, as though the other Hubert is a wild animal to treat with caution lest a limb or two be lost. Well, it's not the first time Hubert has had to tread lightly with a particularly prickly traveling companion. If nothing else, he can handle this part of his plight perfectly fine.  But it's precisely this familiarity that makes a stranger out of the other Hubert. Incredible enough to think that he could ever meet another version of himself to begin with, whether flesh or mere imaginative figment; inconceivable to consider that he could ever look at himself and be so strongly reminded of someone like Raymond.

Chapter 8:

She glances at the other Hubert, who appears to be in the middle of scolding Asbel about something. "You two are such opposites, and yet I feel like I know you both." That makes one of them. "I kinda feel like I should apologize for him, somehow," mumbles Hubert, dropping his voice to hide it from a certain set of ears. "Why? You didn't do anything wrong. You're two different people." "Yeah, but...he's still me, right? So that means he's probably somewhere inside me, like...like some sort of evil alter ego."

[kresnikcest]

*sits straight up* this is NOT the season but Lhantcest Folgers incest commercial au…

Hubert visits Lhant for the winter solstice—

Wait a second do moons have solstices???? Hang on a second

[spiritgamer26]

Tales of Graces f Remastered

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sXM9ZrVG-Q

Tales of Graces f Remastered : Une Résurrection Nécessaire pour une Série en Sommeil

En 2013, la sortie de "Tales of Graces f" sur PlayStation 3, après sa version initiale sur Nintendo Wii en 2009, avait suscité de nombreuses interrogations sur l'avenir de la série "Tales of" en Occident, et plus particulièrement dans notre pays. À l'époque, les fans se demandaient si des titres comme "Tales of Vesperia" verraient le jour sur d'autres consoles que la Xbox, ou si la série serait un jour localisée en français. Aujourd'hui, ces questions ont trouvé des réponses, et la série a connu une évolution notable.Une Série Régulièrement Traduite :Depuis lors, Bandai Namco a régulièrement traduit les jeux de la série "Tales of" dans diverses langues, y compris le français, répondant ainsi aux attentes des fans. L'éditeur s'est également engagé à rééditer les anciens titres de la série sur toutes les plateformes modernes, permettant ainsi à une nouvelle génération de joueurs de découvrir ces classiques du JRPG.Un Ralentissement Créatif :Cependant, il est indéniable que la série a connu un certain ralentissement ces dernières années. Le dernier opus en date, "Tales of Arise", est sorti en 2021, et depuis, les nouveautés se font attendre. Bandai Namco semble traverser une période de réflexion créative, ce qui a ralenti le développement de nouveaux jeux. Dans ce contexte, la réédition de titres emblématiques comme "Tales of Graces f" apparaît comme une stratégie judicieuse pour maintenir l'intér��t des fans tout en prenant le temps nécessaire pour préparer la suite.Une Réédition Nécessaire :Cette réédition de "Tales of Graces F" est plus qu'une simple remise au goût du jour : elle est une opportunité de redécouvrir un jeu sous-estimé, avec des améliorations techniques qui lui permettent de briller sur les écrans modernes. Elle permet également de combler un vide laissé par l'absence de nouveaux titres, tout en rappelant aux fans ce qui fait la force de la série "Tales of".Un Hommage aux Fans :En somme, "Tales of Graces F Remastered" est un hommage aux fans de longue date, mais aussi une invitation aux nouveaux joueurs à explorer un univers riche et captivant. Cette réédition montre que, même en période de creux créatif, Bandai Namco reste attaché à ses licences phares et continue de les faire vivre à travers des rééditions soignées. C'est une manière élégante de faire patienter les fans tout en préparant l'avenir de la série.

Tales of Graces f : Un Joyau Méconnu de la Série Bandai Namco

Il est souvent perçu comme le vilain petit canard de la série "Tales of" de Bandai Namco. Pourtant, derrière une histoire parfois jugée peu mémorable et un casting adolescent, se cache un bijou méconnu qui mérite d'être redécouvert. Plongeons dans ce qui fait la singularité de ce titre.Un Départ Difficile mais Prometteur :Il est vrai que les premières heures peuvent sembler laborieuses. Le jeu prend son temps pour poser les bases de son récit et de ses personnages, ce qui peut rebuter certains joueurs. Cependant, ceux qui persévèrent découvriront une histoire riche et nuancée, signée par le scénariste Daisuke Kiga. Le jeu, qui s'étend sur une cinquantaine d'heures, révèle progressivement ses atouts et ses subtilités.Une Histoire de Maturité :Plus qu'un simple shonen, "Tales of Graces f" est une histoire de passage à l'âge adulte. Le jeu suit les protagonistes dès leur enfance et nous montre leur évolution au fil des ans. Asbel Lhant, le héros principal, commence comme un enfant insupportable mais évolue pour devenir un adulte responsable et un véritable héros. Ses amis d'enfance, Cheria, Hubert et Richard, connaissent également des transformations significatives, notamment à travers leur rencontre avec une mystérieuse fille aux pouvoirs énigmatiques.Des Personnages Attachants :Le casting est souvent critiqué pour son caractère adolescent, mais c'est justement cette caractéristique qui permet de suivre leur maturation de manière touchante et authentique. Chaque personnage a ses propres défis à surmonter, et leurs interactions sont à la fois drôles et émouvantes. Le jeu parvient à créer un lien fort entre le joueur et ces protagonistes, rendant leurs aventures d'autant plus captivantes.Un Récit Surprenant :Malgré quelques choix narratifs discutables, "Tales of Graces f" parvient à surprendre avec des rebondissements inattendus et des solutions ingénieuses. Le récit, bien que classique dans sa structure, est ponctué de moments mémorables qui maintiennent l'intérêt du joueur jusqu'à la fin. Et quelle fin ! L'une des conclusions les plus satisfaisantes de la série, qui vient couronner une aventure riche en émotions.Un Hommage aux Classiques :"Tales of Graces f" reste fidèle à la tradition des "Tales of", offrant une expérience de JRPG classique mais efficace. Le jeu ne cherche pas à réinventer la roue, mais à perfectionner ce qui a déjà fait ses preuves. Il s'inscrit dans la lignée des grands titres de la série, tout en apportant sa propre touche unique.

Un Système de Combat Intemporel et une Réédition Fidèle

C'est une réédition qui met en lumière l'un des systèmes de combat les plus appréciés de la série "Tales of". Ce jeu, souvent sous-estimé, brille par son gameplay dynamique et stratégique, qui a posé les bases pour les opus suivants comme "Tales of Berseria" et "Tales of Arise". Plongeons dans ce qui fait la force de ce système de combat et de cette réédition.Un Système de Combat Acclamé :Le système de combat de "Tales of Graces f" est souvent considéré comme l'un des meilleurs de la série, même des années après sa sortie initiale. Il repose sur une dynamique familière aux fans de JRPG : le joueur contrôle un personnage à la fois mais peut passer d'un personnage à l'autre en temps réel pendant les combats. Ces affrontements se déroulent sur un champ de bataille séparé, offrant une grande liberté de mouvement et de stratégie.Le Système de Mouvement Linéaire :Le système de bataille de mouvement linéaire, ou "Linear Motion Battle System", est au cœur de l'expérience de combat. Il récompense les réactions rapides et la gestion intelligente des ressources. Chaque personnage dispose d'un certain nombre de points qui sont consommés par chaque action ou attaque. Même se déplacer librement sur le champ de bataille consomme des ressources, et la seule façon de les recharger est de rester immobile ou d'enchaîner des actions stylées comme les esquives et les contre-attaques.Une Courbe d'Apprentissage Maîtrisée :Au début, ce système peut sembler limité, car les ressources sont rares et les joueurs doivent souvent s'arrêter pour les recharger. Cependant, au fil des heures, le joueur découvre les nuances et la profondeur du système. Les armes et les capacités augmentent les points disponibles, permettant des combos spectaculaires qui nécessitent une bonne gestion des ressources et une compréhension des faiblesses élémentaires des ennemis.Un Équilibre Parfait :La force de "Tales of Graces f" réside dans son équilibre. Le jeu semble complexe mais reste accessible, offrant une expérience de JRPG simple mais efficace. Le système de combat a bien vieilli car il évite les excès et les ajouts superflus qui ont parfois alourdi les itérations ultérieures de la série. C'est un titre qui coche toutes les cases pour les fans de JRPG traditionnels.Une Réédition Fidèle :Cette réédition est une mise à jour technique qui améliore l'esthétique du jeu sans altérer son contenu original. La transition vers la haute définition a embelli un jeu initialement conçu pour la Nintendo Wii, avec un style coloré et caricatural qui rappelle les anime japonais. La version PlayStation 5 offre une fluidité remarquable et des améliorations de qualité de vie, comme les sauvegardes automatiques et la possibilité de sauter certains sketches.Des Ajouts Mineurs mais Appréciables :Le jeu inclut désormais des sous-titres en français et propose des options supplémentaires via le Grade Shop, permettant aux joueurs de personnaliser leur expérience avec des points à répartir entre différentes fonctionnalités. Cependant, cette réédition se contente d'améliorations marginales, sans retoucher le contenu original, ce qui peut décevoir ceux qui espéraient des nouveautés plus significatives.Conclusion :En somme, "Tales of Graces f Remastered" est une réédition fidèle qui met en avant un système de combat intemporel. Il offre une expérience de JRPG traditionnelle, avec des améliorations techniques qui modernisent le jeu sans en altérer l'essence. Que vous soyez un fan de longue date ou un nouveau venu, ce titre mérite votre attention pour son gameplay dynamique et son charme intemporel.

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[talesofourworlds]

Loose notes on the Graces AU my rewatch of RotK inspired.

So in this AU, Asbel doesn’t try to become a knight. He doesn’t like the idea of becoming lord any more than he does in canon but Aston *really* favors Asbel over Hubert and eventually Asbel just decides to begrudgingly go along with what his dad wants. He hates that Aston doesn’t treat Hubert well and tries to get their dad to ease up, but even agreeing to accept his birthright doesn’t do Asbel any favors in buttering up their dad. He becomes a skilled fighter, his style influenced by his old desire to become a knight, and the people of Lhant really love him.

Hubert, because Asbel accepts his birthright, doesn’t end up being adopted out to the Oswells. He knows it isn’t what Asbel wanted deep down, but fully supports his big brother as Aston trains him to take over as lord one day. He becomes all the more interested in sailing and also longs to fight alongside Asbel. He develops his own fighting style influenced by a comic he loved as a child and grows into a skilled fighter too. But nothing Hubert does ever pleases Aston. And he knows it. But the people of Lhant love Hubert and his accomplishments.

Hubert often accompanies Asbel on trips and helps him in battles they face with the Fendel forces. However, when they reach their respective ages in Graces canon Asbel gets sent alone to Windor to seek aid from the king as Fendel attacks on Lhant get worse. Hubert remains and takes a group to try and reclaim territory further out that was lost. When he does make it back home, though, Hubert is met with tragedy.

Asbel was unable to get aid from the king of Windor (undecided on if Richard takes the throne in this AU or if it’s Cedric in the throne.) Not only that, but Asbel was able to get home much sooner and was present for a battle that took place not far from Lhant Hill. He was slain in the battle while trying to protect some of their allies. (Sophie? Cheria? Undecided as of now) Hubert of course is devastated by the loss of his older brother, but still tries to be there for Aston. Aston, however, does not receive Hubert well. Hubert was only partly successful in reclaiming land, and of course he isn’t Asbel. He isn’t his father’s perfect son.

And as attacks from Fendel get worse, Hubert continues to do what he can for his homeland. But it still isn’t good enough for Aston. And Hubert even speaks with Aston on this point at some point. Asking if Aston wishes Hubert had died instead of Asbel.

And Aston says yes. He does wish this.

Hubert throws himself into doing all he can for Lhant after this. Risking life and limb for a father that will never see him as anything more than the lesser of his two sons. Because he loves his country, even if his father doesn’t love him.

[thedivergingpaths]

Tales of Graces, The Child Shuffle

Wanted to make a post once more but can’t see my notes…so from memory!

Shit I have to restart because I accidentally deleted my progress when I put this back in drafts. Rip

Anyway

So…things start normal for the Grace crew

Then Lambda gets his last stab a bit earlier in the catacomb area

Specifically when Sophie and Asbel are hugging in relief

Sophie still “defeats” lambda and ~sparkles~

But Asbel is quite dead

Richard doesn’t get possessed

Kids wake up and are traumatized as fuck though

Because dead body

So Hubert becomes the Lhant heir, because there is not another Lhant child

Lord Lhant has fucked up and made a shady deal to give away a child, so he gives Cheria away

And doesn’t tell her grandfather

Lord Lhant: fucking up childhoods since probably his own

By the way, Lambda does get a body

It’s just an unoccupied one

After that it’s a little hazy

I think I either have really vague notes or not much at all

I know they all meets up again and have ~ adventures ~

But…unsure what kind or how they get there

I think that maybe there’s better communication, at least for awhile

Then Cheria gets cut-off from her friends, because like yo let’s try to make a ruthless child general that’s not skeevy /s

Richard has massive guilt because he blames himself

Hubert is distraught

Doesn’t trust his dad and probably never will again

Screw the abuse apologist stuff in game

I don’t know if Hubert would start to blame Richard for Asbel’s death (and it getting mixed up in the trauma of it). An interesting thought though

I do know everyone’s gonna flip when a certain someone appears but it’s not him. At all

[fortunesrevolver]

What I Said To You

Series: Tales of Graces Request: Let’s be real here, Sen was confusing as hell with his request and it changed like four times because he’s a DOOFUS. But somehow the request ended as Soulmark AU for RichAss; the first words your soulmate says are somewhere on your body. Also Modern AU setting. Also-also no Bryce and almost child murder -- let it be cute and fluffy. Also game references. Something like that. I couldn’t find my notes. For: @animeartfreak

This was... fun to write. I couldn’t remember if we learned a great deal about Richard’s parents, but AU gives me the power to play around a bit. I tried not to include them too much in case the manga or something I just didn’t remember went completely against what I wrote here, but oh well. It’s inspired off the game scene where they first met, which is obvious when you reach the right scene, but I also made some changes. So yeah. But I had fun writing this one.

Also bonus guest of Richard’s mum.

Hey, it’s only me.

The words sat neatly across Richard’s collarbone for as long as he could remember. He could still close his eyes and easily picture how his mother had taken him into her arms one might and explained what the message meant.

“These are the first words your soulmate will say to you, Richard. They’re very special, so until you meet, you have to keep it a secret.”

“A soulmate…?” Richard asked, his voice small and quiet, still the tiny mumble of a young child. “What’s… soulmate?”

“Your soulmate is someone special; someone just for you. They’ll love you all your life.”

“Like you and daddy?”

His mother chuckled. “A little bit. But this person will love you the same way I love your father.”

“Oooh…” Richard nodded, not quite fully understand what he was being told, but taking it in with rapt attention. “Does everyone have soulmates?”

“Not everyone,” his mother hummed. “Many people do, but some don’t, and that’s okay. Everyone is different. But for you… that’s what those words mean.”

“Will be soulmate be like daddy?”

“It’s possible, but more than anything, they’re someone who will make you very happy. Just like you will for them.”

“You and daddy are happy.”

“We’re very happy,” his mom nodded. “And we have you to make us even happier. Someday, you might have a family with your soulmate too. But you don’t have to worry right now. You and your soulmate are both just little ones right now, but I’m sure you’ll get to meet someday. And mama’s greatest wish for you is that you’re both happy.”

A soulmate. Someone somewhere in the world who was just for him; his other half and very best friend. It was such a fascinating concept for such a young boy. How nice would it be to have someone who loved him just for existing like his mother and father did?

His mother had made it sound so exciting. He couldn’t wait to meet his soulmate, to introduce them to his parents. To play together and live together and do everything together.

It would be so wonderful.

It would have been so wonderful.

He’d lost his mother not long after, and the once exciting prospect of going on an adventure for his soulmate was lost in a flurry of things that, at the time, he was too young to understand.

Growing up hadn’t been much easier.

His father was good to him, certainly, warm and kind, but firm. He grew up learning the ways of the world of business, and all the expectations that came with it. It was, of course, difficult, but Richard did his best to lighten his father’s load. He’d always known he would grow up to inherit his father’s name, and he’d never had qualms with that.

He’d just… thought he might have a little more freedom before it happened.

Just a little more time to look.

Not everyone had a soulmate, after all, and his mother had told him that, sometimes, a soulmate finds happiness with someone else before finding their match.

And that was okay.

He didn’t need someone else to handle this.

But it would be alright.

He’d be alright.

Surely.

“I will be… visiting a business partner, father?”  Richard inclined his head, curious. It wasn’t often he was able to do something like this. He had always stood in the background, silent and unnoticed, as he watched his father’s business dealings to better teach himself what would be expected of him.

“Staying with them,” his father corrected with a faint, but gentle smile. “I will be gone for at least a week overseas this time.”

“I wouldn’t mind, father. I can--” Richard cut himself short as his father held up a hand.

“It’s quite alright. This deal will be very important for Windor Enterprises, and I’d hate to leave you alone in a hotel for so long.”

“I can’t join you?”

“Not this time I’m afraid. I’ll be very busy and unable to divert my attention.”

“But father…”

“Come now, Richard. It will be just fine. The man you will be staying with is a good man and a loyal friend of mine.”  A hand grasped Richard’s shoulder and squeezed it gently. “I will take you to the airport in the morning; it’ll be far more comfortable than a long trip by car.”

Richard’s eyes fell, as much as he longed to argue, he knew better. It wouldn’t change his father’s mind, and if he deemed a trip too long or too early for Richard’s skillset, he wouldn’t press the matter.

Father always knew best.

“...alright, father. I’ll make sure my bags are ready.”

“That’s a good boy.” Richard’s father smiled gently and bend forward, a soft brush of lips against his forehead. “Get to bed soon; we’ll be leaving early.”

“Of course.”

It was silent as he watched his father disappear down the hall, waiting until he was completely out of sight before he released a long sigh.

Another trip, another ‘vacation’, and another family who would pamper him to earn his father’s good graces.

It was always the same…

“You look nervous, Richard. Do you not like flying?”

Richard shook his head. “It’s not that, father. I don’t mind flying. I’m just… tired.”

His father chuckled and brushed a hand over his head. “I’m sorry we left so early. I’d wanted to see you off myself.”

“It’s alright,” Richard couldn’t help but smile. It was nice to have his father take him to the airport for once. Usually it was one of the house staff. Early as it was -- and despite his trepidation about the trip -- it did sooth his nerves. “Thank you.”

“Nico will see you to your gate, and Aston will be there to pick you up. You’re certain there’s nothing else you’ll need? You packed terribly light.”

“Just clothes and some books,” Richard confirmed, “I didn’t think I’d need much more. I will enjoy learning about Mister Aston’s business; I hope to learn as much as I can while I’m there.”

“Ever studious,” his father leaned over to give him a quick, gentle hug. “That’s my boy.”

Richard returned the hug, but didn’t comment as he climbed out of the car and stood beside the butler waiting for him.

“Safe travels, Richard,” his father called through the window. “Have a good time in Lhant.”

“You too, father…” He raised his hand, waving a short farewell as the car took off. As soon as the vehicle was out of sight, his shoulders fell.

“Shall we be going, sir?”

Bracing himself, Richard nodded once and turned toward the airport. In just a few hours, he’d need to be prepared to brace himself for another two weeks with practiced smiles and a constant mask. He just hoped it wouldn’t be as exhausting as the last.

“Yes… let’s get moving.”

It didn’t come as a surprise to Richard when there was yet another butler waiting for him near the exit of the terminal holding a sign with his name on it. The butler, an older gentleman with soft eyes and a kind smile, introduced himself as Frederic and guided Richard toward a waiting car.

“Master Aston sends his sincerest apologies,” Frederic spoke as he opened the passenger door and waited for Richard to climb inside. “He was called in for an emergency at the office and he was unable to come himself. He promises that he will return as soon as possible, as he is most eager to finally meet you.”

“...finally?” Different, but Richard couldn’t say he was surprised. He was an easy ticket to his father. He’d accepted that a long time ago.

“Of course, young sir,” Frederic smiled in the rearview mirror. “Master Aston and your father have been friends for quite some time. Even before I came into his service, if my memory is correct.”

“Oh…” Richard could only nod, unsure what to do with this information. If Aston was already his father’s friend, maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad. After all, what good would ti do to use bribery for someone you were already friends with?

But the hope was fleeting and brief, he knew better than to get excited.

“That’s interesting to know.”

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself here. Lhant is a wonderful city. Small, but most welcoming.” Frederic smiled again, an odd light to his eyes. Almost as if he was holding back a secret. Or maybe he was just trying to see that Richard felt welcome -- adults did have the bad habit of treating him like a child. He wasn’t like other children at all.

“That’s very kind of you,” Richard smiled. Careful and practiced. “Thank you for such a warm welcome.”

Frederic chuckled. “Such a mature young man. Just like young master Hubert -- though a few years younger.”

“Hubert?”

“Master Aston’s youngest,” Frederic explained. “He has two boys. His eldest is just a year shy of you, I believe.”

“Oh… I see.”

“I’m sure you’ll all get along beautifully.”

“It would be nice,” Richard nodded, but didn’t push further.

This would be only the second time he’d stay somewhere with other children. If Richard were to guess, however, they’d be just like him. Distant and calculating, not the best material for making friends. If he got to see them at all. He doubted they’d step away from their studies long enough to drop formalities. Not that he’d expect them to.

It was going to be a long two weeks…

As expected, almost as soon as he arrived, Richard had been shown to his room and left alone. Frederic was kind enough, asking if Richard needed anything and offering to make him a warm meal, but he’d quickly declined, claiming he was quite tired and desired a nap. He’d learned it was an easy, fail-safe way to gain time alone and regain his bearings after being rushed around.

It was his hope that, as long as he stayed in this room, he might have some semblance of peace. The weeks would pass slowly, but at least he wouldn’t have to keep up appearances. All he had to do was claim he needed to study and he was most sorry for his absence. It had worked plenty of times before.

Why would it fail now?

Barely an hour after Richard arrived was when all his expectations were thrown right out the window.

Or perhaps it was more accurate to say someone had shattered them by jumping right through it.

He’d only just started the second chapter of his first book when a loud bang caught his attention. Startled, Richard leapt off his chair, spinning on his heel to stare at the complete stranger climbing through the window.

What in the name of the Goddess was going on?

Seemingly oblivious to Richard’s deer-in-the-headlights expression, the stranger, a boy with striking auburn hair, raised his hand in greeting. “Hey,” he grinned, “it’s only me.” He waved again, his tone and stature suggesting that he found his choice of entry to be completely natural.

Richard stared, his mouth falling open in a brief wave of shock. What… what had just happened?

“H-hold it right there!” he pointed at the intruder, hoping to hold them in place with his authoritative as he tried to make out the distance between himself and the door. “Who are you?”

“Who, me?” The stranger pointed to himself, as if in confirmation, and his grin widened. “I am Asbel Lhant! And my dad--wait, what did you just say?!”

The boy, Asbel, ran forward, grasping Richard’s shoulders. “Repeat it!”

“W-who are you?!” Richard repeated obediently, his body tense and ready to spring. “L-let go of--”

“No, no, not that. The first thing. What did you say first?”

“I, uh…” Richard sputtered. No one had ever dared touch him before, and this ‘Asbel’ still hadn’t even let go. “H-hold it right there?”

“I knew it!” Asbel leapt back and Richard stumbled several steps back. He needed to run. He needed to get away. He needed… to know why Asbel was taking off his shirt.

“What are you doing!?”

How had he even gotten in this situation?

“I’m trying to show you something!” Asbel huffed, dropping his shirt to the floor. “Duh!”

“S-show me what?” Richard took another step back and glanced at the door. He was close enough. He could run. “Your stomach?”

“Yeah!” Asbel brightened and pointed to his tummy. “Wow! How’d you know? Is that part of the mark-thing too?”

“The--what?” Richard paused, finally taking a good look at what Asbel was pointing to.

Words. On his stomach.

Hold it right there!

His words.

“What…”

“Hey, what does yours say? Was it what I said first? Um…” Asbel paused, tapping his chin. “I said it was me, right? Where’s your mark? Does it match?”

“I…” Richard’s mouth moved, but no words came out. He could feel his heart fluttering in his chest as he played Asbel’s first words over and over in his mind.

Hey, it’s only me.

The very words that adorned his chest. The words his mother had so kindly read to him over and over when he was still learning. The words he used to gaze at longingly in the mirror with his head filled with stories of knights and princesses and having someone all his own.

But he wasn’t a knight. Or a prince. And Asbel certainly wasn’t a princess, yet…

Soulmarks didn’t lie.

The person he’d been looking for since his young childhood… was here?

“Heeeey, don’t ignore me!”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Richard looked up in time to see Asbel crossing his arms as his cheeks puffed out. “I…”

“I showed you mine! So let me see yours too. I have to check.”

“But…” Richard hesitated. He was a boy. He knew he looked feminine, but he was a boy. His mother had assured him it would never matter but, what if Asbel thought… “I’m a boy.”

“Huh?” Asbel’s eyebrows furrowed, his pout melting into a frown. “Uh, duh. You’re Richard, right? That’s what my dad said.”

“You don’t care…?”

“No?” Asbel’s frown grew. “Should I?”

Asbel didn’t care. He didn’t care!

Asbel was a boy, who didn’t care Richard was a boy, and had Richard’s words on his stomach!

“Can you… put your shirt on first?” Richard coughed and looked away. “I’m not used to…”

“I’ll just have to take it off again when we go swimming.” Asbel shrugged, but picked his shirt up and began to tug it back on. “You’re funny.”

Richard would have asked if he thought it would make a difference, but given the Asbel’s entrance, he couldn’t see it slowing him down.

“So… gonna take it off?”

“Wh… Excuse me?”

“Your shirt. It’s under there, right?” Asbel beamed, wiggling where he stood. “Hurry up!” He paused, then flushed, looking sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, hurry up… please?”

Unable to stop himself, Richard laughed. It was soft, barely more than a chuckle, but it helped him relax and he reached for the tie around his neck. “I don’t need to take it off all the way,” he explained, casting the strip of fabric aside. “I’d rather not take it off, if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t care,” Asbel shrugged. “I just want to see it.”

Slow and careful, Richard undid the first few buttons of his shirt, and watched Asbel’s reaction. His eagerness was almost infectious. From the way his feet weight shifted from foot to foot to the restless way his fingers tugged at his sleeves. It was… nice. Different, and a breath of dress air from the stuffy formalities he’d gotten so used to.

Maybe his mother had been right after all; meeting your soulmate really did give him the courage to do the impossible.

Or at least the completely illogical.

“...mine is just here.” He pointed to his collar, opening it just enough to reveal the words that laid beneath. “Can you see it?”

Asbel shuffled forward, squinting through the lowlight of the room for barely a moment before his face bloomed with light and he started bouncing in place again. “That’s what I said to you!” he exclaimed, pointing to Richard’s mark. “That’s what I just said!”

“Y-yes,” Richard nodded, failing to fight back a smile. “It seems that way.”

“This is so awesome…!” Asbel laughed and grabbed Richard’s hands, shaking them up and down between them. “You’re my soulmate! Just wait until I tell Cheria! She’s gonna be so jealous! Oh, and you have to meet Hubert too -- he’s my little brother. But I guess this means he’ll be yours too. And Sophie! She’s new in town, but she’s really cool.”

“O-oh?” Richard could only nod, taken aback with Asbel’s burst of energy. So much had happened so quickly, it felt like he’d just gone through five fencing lessons in a row and then run a few laps around the court.

But it felt wonderful.

“They’re… your friends?”

“Uh-huh!” Asbel beamed, dancing about the room with his arms spread. “I’m the first one to find my soulmate out of everyone! It’s because I’m the oldest and coolest one.”

Richard chuckled, an odd lightness in his chest that he’d never felt before. “They must be… something if they’re friends with you.”

“Of course!” Asbel hurried back toward the window, climbing back up onto the windowsill. “I’m the coolest kid in town.”

“...I don’t doubt it.”

“Hey!” Asbel huffed, his cheeks puffing out in another pout. It was, if Richard was bold enough to admit to himself, very… cute. “Are you making fun of me?”

“...maybe just a little,” Richard laughed again, but moved closer to where Asbel was crouched. “But I mean it in a sincere and good way.”

“Uh-huh,” Asbel snorted. “You sound just like Cheria when she’s teasing me.”

“I am eager to meet her, then.”

“...ugh,” Asbel rolled his eyes. “My soulmate is going to team up with Cheria tease me for the rest of my life. Great.”

Richard smiled. Soulmate. Asbel said it so easily, so honestly. Without any doubts at all. He loved it.

“Anyway, if you’re done laughing at me…” He stood up, precariously balanced on the thin strip of wood. “Come on! We’re going to go out and play.”

Richard blinked, looking down at the hand being offered to him, then up again.

It was so odd, but in the sunlight, Asbel seemed to glow; bright and warm, just like the princes and princesses in the storybooks his mother used to read to him before bed.

“...okay,” Richard nodded and reached out, taking Asbel’s hand and felt himself tugged forward. “Lead the way, Asbel.”

It was going to be a wonderful two weeks.

[artpharos]

@aurantia-ignis was telling me to consider a Lambda-centric Graces Timetravel AU but unfortunately for her I’ve considered this for years

So here’s my ridiculously self-indulgent Tales of Graces Lambda-centric Timetravel AU in point form because idk if I’ll ever have time to write this (under cut because long):

At the end of the game, after being beaten, Sophie’s about to self-destruct and kill both herself/Lambda. Before Asbel does his heroic sacrifice stuff, Lambda summons all his power to blast Sophie- only to end up sending himself through time because something something proximity to the core lots of eleth something (idk look I need this timetravel AU and I will bend all rules to get what I want)

Lambda wakes up (with a body) somewhere on the Road to Gralesyde. He’s kinda powerless because he kinda used up all his eleth. He’s discovered by Asbel/Richard/Sophie and he realizes he’s been sent to the past. And he’s like ‘YAY GOOD THIS IS A SECOND/THIRD/FOURTH CHANCE FOR ME TO DO OVER AND ACTUALLY GET TO THE CORE’. Also he gives them a really stupid alias which I haven’t figured out yet but whatever.  

So he’s thorny and tries to push the other three away but he realizes he can’t go anywhere on his own since even a monster is too much for him to handle (RIP Lambda). So he ends up tagging along with them.

So throughout the plot up to Barona he’s like just biding his time and waiting for the chance to kill Sophie/give his other self the chance to take over Richard and get to the core/probably poking a lot at Asbel’s insecurities/running away from Pascal (because she’s curious as to what the heck is he). But unfortunately along the way he starts to care for the party in small ways.

When it comes to the Richard vs Sophie showdown in Lhant, Lambda intervenes by trying to protect Asbel/Hubert and he finds himself unable to reconcile his actions with his goals.

Nevertheless he continues to tag along with Asbel and party as they travel through Strahta/Fendel and he waxes poetic about how life is suffering and the party starts to tell him that it’s okay as long as everyone works together everyone can live in peace <3 He scoffs at this notion still of course.

But over the course of the journey he starts questioning his own previously held hatred towards humanity/Sophie. He decides that he doesn’t want to destroy the world, he just wants to live in peace in the core, and he resolves to persuade his current timeline self about that.

Then during Worlds’ Eye he tries to do just that but CurrentTimeline!Lambda is a stubborn bastard and he/Richard stabs Sophie. 

Lambda feels guilty over how much suffering he’s caused the party and he ends up helping Sophie a lot during the journey to Fodra- somewhere along the line she admits she’s really thankful to be his friend, which utterly shatters him.

When the party boards the shuttle and they get attacked by the nova monsters, Lambda acts and ends up knocked out by the effort. 

Upon landing on Fodra, the party brings both him/Sophie to Telos Astue where they wake Emeraude up. Emeraude is immediately suspicious about Lambda- because he looks similar to how he used to be, but she doesn’t say anything about it just yet.

After going through the laboratory to save Sophie and fighting her memories of Lambda/seeing the recording of Cornell+Lambda, Lambda realizes the gig is up and admits who he is. When Sophie tries to attack him, he runs away.

Asbel eventually talks Sophie around to not attacking Lambda on sight and they try to find him. Emeraude is all for killing him but the rest of the party shuts her down. 

Because he’s not fully recovered, Lambda ends up hiding in the cliffs or something until Sophie and the others find him. He finally and miserably explains everything- except the part where Sophie was about to kill him. He reassures the party he doesn’t want to destroy the world anymore- and begs them for the chance to talk CurrentTimeline!Lambda around. They agree.

Because they still have to fix the shuttle and stuff, there’s still some time before they return to Ephinea. In the meantime, Sophie gets all cold towards Lambda because of her ‘mission’- they both have trouble reconciling with the truth. He reverts to calling her Protos Heis around now. 

Thus when the party crash lands in World’s Eye again, Lambda runs off without the rest of the party to confront his current timeline self. 

Unfortunately running off alone is a bad idea. CurrentTimeline!Lambda can’t believe that he’d ever be this weak, and reminds Lambda of all the suffering they’ve endured for the past thousand years- and reminds him that nobody will ever accept him once they know the truth about him.

Lambda tries to fight him on his own but gets his ass handed to him. Also CurrentTimeline!Lambda tries to exert control over him because something something creatures that are infected with Lambda’s cells end up being under his control so by that logic both Lambdas can sorta control the other if they try hard enough.

When the rest of the party catch up they save him. Sophie tries to destroy CurrentTimeline!Lambda, and Emeraude attacks her- except because he’s from the future Lambda sees this coming and shields her from the attack. Plot progresses as usual- CurrentTimeline!Lambda destroys Emeraude, makes some remark to our Lambda about how he shouldn’t forget what they’ve been through, and Lambda passes out. 

He wakes up in Lhant and after everything is explained to him he apologizes to the party for trying to do everything on his own- and for all the suffering he’s caused the world. Asbel gives him a pep talk about how people need second chances, and how he counts Lambda as a friend. The others- barring Sophie- agree.

He waits for the party to return from Lhant Hill then ends up having a heart-to-heart with Sophie. She still has trouble accepting him, but remembers how he protected her. He doesn’t blame her. When she asks him why he hated her so much, he reluctantly tells her how she attacked him under her programming. She’s shaken, and he tries to comfort her, reminding her that she’s changed- and that if anyone deserves a second chance, it’s her. 

Then they go to the Ghardria Shaft and Lambda backstory exploration shakes the party up a bit, but Lambda assures them that it doesn’t mitigate anything he’s done. This obviously leaves a deep impression on Asbel/Sophie. 

They fight CurrentTimeline!Lambda, save Richard, and in the end Lambda steps forward and blocks everyone off from his defeated counterpart. He merges with CurrentTimeline!Lambda.

Thankfully, he maintains control, even though he remembers all his negative memories/feelings more intensely. Then he turns towards the core.

Pascal probably mentions that without the Core being drained of enough eleth to be stable to merge with him, Lambda is essentially going to die if he enters the core as he is.

Because I’m dramatic af, Lambda throws himself off the cliff edge into the core- only to be stopped when someone grabs his hand. It’s Sophie- she doesn’t want him to die. 

He’s surprised- after everything he’s done, he doesn’t deserve a second chance, he says. But she disagrees and refuses to let go- because after everything he’s done to protect them, she wants him to get his second chance too. Asbel joins in and grabs his other hand- ‘don’t you want to live?’ he asks.

The rest of the party hauls him up and they all have a group hug and everyone goes home happy yay.

And that’s it that’s my ridiculously long self-indulgent Tales of Graces Lambda-centric Timetravel AU. 

[the-honey-bear]

broken ground

Title: Broken Ground

Pairing: Hubert/Asbel

Rating: M

Summary: Family tragedy and a divorce divides the Lhant siblings. Seven years later, reunited, neither Hubert nor Asbel are the people they used to be.

A series of short connected stories about the dysfunctional Lhant family.

Notes: Nina, writing a WIP? Writing a modern AU WIP????? I’m as shocked as you are. If I’m honest I’m  not entirely sure where this is going, I just wanted to throw the dysfunctional mess of the Lhant family into a modern setting and see what happens. Also lhantcest, because.

___> AO3 link

Seven years is a long time.

Long enough to become another person entirely, you think, as you thumb the old pizza leaflet in your dressing gown pocket, god knows where it came from. You can't even remember the last time you ordered pizza.

Hubert leans forward on the settee, hands on the controller and eyes stuck to the screen. You don't remember that either: that single minded determination as Hubert wipes the floor with some poor chumps from Finland at Mariocart. Hubert seems softer in your memories, somehow, although you don't know if the change is in Hubert himself or if time has roughed down the edges of your memories, made them gentler.

Your brother hasn't smiled, once, since he stepped into your house.

Our house, you correct yourself.

Despite this, however, you continue to skulk around the corner of the kitchen, hands in your pockets, until Hubert calls out, “Is there something you want?”

Busted.

Guilty without really knowing why, you shuffle into the living room. Your slippers have the backs kicked down. Hubert doesn’t look away from the screen.

“Just getting a drink,” you say, although it occurs after you say it that this lie would be more convincing if you'd brought a drink with you.

“Can I sit?” you say instead, by way of apology.

A shrug. “It's your house.”

“It's yours, too.” Spoken aloud, it sounds even less convincing. Rather than the assured voice you'd meant to use, the words feel flimsy, a paper facade. Hubert ignores you in favour of blue shelling Kooper, which is fair.

You sort of want to retreat to your bedroom, to blot out of the complicated feelings of the day with the heavy thump of bass, but you force yourself to stay. You've made it this far.

So you sit.

Your mother had told you, over a dodgy phone line wreathed in static from the Emirates: in September, Hubert would be attending the same Sixth Form as you. You'd been thrilled to have your brother back, up until the point a stranger had set his bag down on the kitchen counter and you'd wondered where your baby brother had gone in those chillingly cold eyes.

He hasn't looked at you, either, since he arrived.

There had been so much you'd wanted to ask, but Hubert had brought with him a deafening silence, that even Kerri, with her hand-wringing and loud, anxious laughter hadn't been able to fill.

“Where is he?” your brother had asked.  He. Hubert's mouth produced the word with distaste.

You'd hooked a wry smile. “Had to fly to Edinburgh, emergency meeting with one of the directors. He hasn't changed much.”

Aston was only dependable in his absence. Seven years hadn't altered that.

Kerri's silent disapproval was loud. You didn't care. Aston's absence was common ground. You and Hubert had been allies as children. You'd weathered your parents' stormy and painful divorce; you could weather this.

But instead, Hubert replied, “I see.” He gazed over to study the kitchen with its marble counter-tops and plethora of pans as though he'd never before stepped foot there.

Maybe he hadn't, a small, vindictive voice whispered.

Even now, he still won't look at you.

The only light is the blue phosphorescence of the television, bright in Hubert's eyes. It makes you think of sunlight on frozen water, which makes your throat constrict, tight and painfully, despite the years that have passed.

Before you can begin to self-castigate with endless “if only I hadn't'”s you force yourself back into the present. You speak, if only to fill the silence.

“You got pretty good at that, huh?”

There's something about the darkness that makes you speak softly.

“I suppose so.”

We're going to be living together, you think. You're going to have to talk to me eventually.

Although the thought occurs: though you and your father share the same house (most of the time) and although you talk (some of the time) – you very rarely actually  say  anything to one another.

You ask: “Got another controller?”

For the first time, Hubert looks at you. The glow of the tv seems to leech the hostility of his eyes. Even if it's just an illusion, you'll take it.

“You want to play?” he asks. He quickly covers his surprise with a healthy coating of skepticism, eyeing you like you have some other, weird ulterior motive.

“I used to kick your butt at this,” you say, and although he still shoots a look of suspicion at you, he tosses you the controller.

“We'll see,” he says.

Hubert kicks your ass.

He leans further forward into the TV's glow, ignoring you and your attempt at banter and complaints when he shells you. He still always plays as Yoshi, just like when he was kid. When he slaughters you a third, final time, you lean back, muttering, “I remember being better at this.”

Hubert presses the power button, plunging the room in an abrupt darkness.

“You haven't changed much,” he says.

You hazard a tentative smile. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. You did always hate losing to me,” the darkness says. The click of the door is the only indication that your brother has left.

His departure leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. You thumb the old leaflet in your pocket: you'd thought about asking Hubert if he wanted to get pizza.

The thought punctures you like a needle of frost: that perhaps, Hubert blames you.

You press the balls of your palms to your eyes, to clear away the after-image of your sister, Sophie on the ice. You press so hard that when you open them, you see static.

If Hubert does blame you, you can't fault him. After all, you blame you, too.

[machinequeen4]

Chapters: 6/6 Fandom: Tales Of Graces Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Characters: Asbel Lhant, Richard Windor, Sophie (Tales of Graces), Hubert Oswell, Malik Caesar, Cheria Barnes, Cedric Windor Additional Tags: Crossover, Alternate Universe Summary:

Tales of Graces set in an Ace Attorney AU. Rookie defense lawyer Asbel Lhant defends Prince Richard in court after he is accused of murdering his father, the king. Fortunately Sophie’s there to give him a helping hand, unfortunately he must face Prosecutor Oswell in court...

[windor-truffle]

imagine how much worse Hubert would have turned out if his terrible fathers were gay married to each other

[sora-g-silverwind]

[Fic | Tales of Graces f] This Broken World

On AO3. Visible to registered/logged-in users only!

✑ This Broken World (ch. 1-4) "Hubert?" says the auburn-haired young man sitting at Hubert's desk like he belongs there. "What are you doing here? I thought we weren't meeting until next week."

—

Hubert, lord of Lhant, wakes up in an Ephinea that isn't quite right. [Heroverse AU]

Chapter 1:

Hubert wakes up in Lhant. Normally this is...well, normal. It's his hometown, after all, and the place he's recently been spending the majority of his time. The problem is that (first) prior to waking up in Lhant he had been exploring the area surrounding the Snowshroud Ruins with his team because (second) there had been what Pascal had termed an "exotic eleth event" that needed investigating, with one result being the land breaking away beneath his feet and him descending into darkness, both literally and figuratively. Plus, usually Hubert wakes up in his own bedroom, rather than on Lord Windegarde.

Chapter 2:

"As for you," he says, addressing Asbel, "would you mind telling me who you are and what you're doing in my office?" Asbel stares. "Is this some kind of joke?" "...no? Why would I be joking about this?" He actually seems to ponder this rhetorical line of inquiry. "Well, I guess you're not the joking type," he muses, scratching at his cheek. "But still..." Hubert narrows his eyes. "Have we...met before?" A flabbergasted look. "Seriously? What is going on here?" "Answer my question, please. Or I'll have you escorted out of the manor."

Chapter 3:

"What are you saying?" "That from my perspective, it's possible this is all just something generated by the exotic eleth event." Hubert sweeps his gaze over the other three occupants of his(?) office. "It could be that you're all just byproducts of the event that don't otherwise exist, and I'm just talking to myself." "I'm pretty sure we exist," Asbel says with a touch of deadpan dryness.

Chapter 4:

"Oh, Lieutenant Oswell! Good to see you back in Lhant!" Hubert doesn't recognize the voice, but the name prompts him to search the surroundings for the person in question. (Although he can't imagine who in Lhant could possibly be happy to see Raymond again, recovery aid or not.)

[windor-truffle]

Ok enough boring things like "work" or "sleep," time for a BerZesty AU 😤 I don't think I'll ever actually write it because it'd take a while but I'd love to hear others' thoughts on how you'd do one! Here's my VERY long take (outline) on it:

In this World of Graces But With BerZesty Mechanics, resonance is something highly sought after among nobility as it puts them "closer to the gods." Thus many marriages are arranged in order to produce heirs with high resonance, supposedly, but since resonance is becoming rarer and rarer (probably due to inbreeding affecting life span 😅) many nobles actually lie about their abilities.

Lord Aston of Lhant, who has little to no resonance but comes from a family that did, similarly sought out an heir with high resonance so he married Lady Kerri who possesses it. She is a widow of a previous marriage, with her own son Hubert having high resonance. But when Asbel, Aston's biological heir, is born with high resonance, Aston goes full villain mode (sorry I'm sabotaging his character 😅) and has Hubert killed in what appears to be an accident so there will be no dispute over who will inherit his title. Thus Asbel grows up with the seraph of his dead half-brother Hubert, who does know their relation but not the truth behind his death. Hubert is a water seraph (of course) and despite being older than Asbel, appears younger due to aging more slowly as a seraph.

Kid Asbel is also friends with Cheria, a friendly fire seraph kid who reincarnated after her tragic demise from illness, but otherwise Asbel's social life is quite limited and sheltered, protected fiercely by his father who sees Asbel as a chance to develop ties with the royal family. Eventually Aston gets his wish and Prince Richard is sent to Lhant for a visit. Asbel and Richard immediately hit it off as they both aspire to be Shepherds, figures of legend who brought peace and purity to the world by forming pacts with the Empyreans themselves. Asbel swears to be Richard's squire someday, and together they'll travel the world and purify it.

During Richard's visit the kids also meet and befriend Sophie, an orphan of Lhant with surprisingly high resonance. They protect her from hellions, since hellions tend to target those that can perceive them, and bring her with them to Barona when Richard's stay is over. Once there, Richard invites them all to help him investigate a shrine he has uncovered beneath the castle to an unknown Empyrean (very Innominat-like 😅).

Unfortunately they discover too late that the summoning ritual they're attempting requires a human sacrifice, and as they are attempting to abort, a "monster" shows up and kills Sophie. The gruesome event causes a falling out between the royal family and Lhant, and Asbel and Richard are no longer permitted to see each other.

7 years later, armies of hellions begin to invade Lhant and Aston dies in battle. Asbel is sent to Barona to petition the king for help, as there are far more people there with the resonance needed to combat the hellions, but then Asbel learns that Archduke Cedric has killed the king and is leading a coup with said armies of hellions. He himself is a hellion of Lord of Calamity status that had secretly lived among the royal family, though Richard always knew and thus was targeted frequently.

The capital seems to be overrun with malevolence so Asbel and his two seraph friends take cover in the sanctuary where they find Richard currently fleeing for his life. When they venture further down the same path they followed as kids that led them to the abandoned shrine, they're surprised to hear the voice of an Empyrean asking if they will aid him in purifying this world as a Shepherd. Richard agrees, Asbel swearing to be his squire, and Richard becomes the vessel to the forgotten Empyrean Lambda. As they complete the ritual, the spirit of their old friend reincarnates before their eyes as the void seraph Sophie, though she has no recollection of her former life.

With their powers greatly improved by the blessing of an Empyrean and an additional seraph on their side, Richard and Asbel vow to take down the Lord of Calamity reigning over Windor, Asbel hoping to purify him, while Richard is more prepared to do what's necessary. They encounter Malik, an earth seraph who challenges them to test both his own strength and the strength of their wills as a new Shepherd and squire. He is fine with killing hellions, mainly because he knows someday he'll have to return to his homeland and kill his friend Kurt who became a dragon (very Zaveid coded), but the pair (mainly Asbel) promise they will try to purify him, and Malik tags along to see if they're up for it or not (very Edna coded).

They succeed in taking down the Lord of Calamity Cedric thanks to Lambda's power. With peace in Windor restored, Richard the Shepherd-King and his squire Asbel set off to awaken and receive the blessings of the four Empyreans throughout the land, starting with Gloandi here in Windor. However, the ritual seems to be less of awakening and embracing their powers as it is Richard and Lambda subjugating and devouring them, much to Asbel and the other's disturbance. His seraph friends are beginning to feel some malevolence from the pair, but Asbel's pure belief in Richard keeps them from feeling its effects.

They travel next to Strahta, who initially refuse to recognize Richard as a Shepherd, believing this to be a political takeover. They prove Richard's validity by taking down an enormous hellion that had been terrorizing Yu Liberte, though Asbel and the citizens are dismayed that they couldn't purify it as it used to be a beloved gentle mascot (RIP Rockgagong). As a reward for their success, Richard is granted access to the shrine of the water Empyrean, Duplemar.

But the same process happens again of Lambda devouring its power, and this time the boosted force of his will enables him to suppress that of seraphim across the entire world, including all of Asbel's friends except Sophie. Richard reveals that his and Lambda's plan for peace actually involves exterminating humanity, the source of the malevolence, and will do so by using seraphim as tools. Asbel can no longer deny what they've become: a fallen Shepherd led by a fallen Empyrean, able to command both seraphim and hellions alike. Heartbroken, Asbel is forced to break his pact as Richard's squire before Richard's overflowing malevolence can corrupt both him and his enslaved friends. Richard is furious at his betrayal but despite having Asbel at his mercy does not kill him, and Asbel runs away, bitterly hoping he can save both his suppressed friends and his fallen one somehow.

Asbel is at a loss on how to help his friends until he encounters the wind seraph Pascal, who besides Sophie is the only unaffected seraph (because no one can hope to control her lol). Her tribe has knowledge of a sacred land in the heavens far beyond, where the Empyrean of Void, Fodra, ascended to long ago. She and Fourier are able to take Asbel and his friends there, and since Fodra's domain is far apart from Lambda's, his friends have free will for as long as they remain there.

In order to make a pact with Fodra that could free the seraphim, Asbel has to clear 4 elemental trials, and each one forces the corresponding seraph to come to terms with their past (Hubert's cruel murder, Cheria's unfair demise, Malik's bitter regrets, and even Pascal's jealous sister, who envies Pascal's higher standing among their tribe so much she almost becomes a dragon). Completing each one not only ensures their free will but also allows Asbel to armatize with them. But before Asbel can take the final step of becoming a Shepherd under Fodra, he hears from her that Richard has located the fire shrine of Forbranir, and so he returns to Ephinea with his freed friends in order to try and stop him.

Unfortunately, Asbel's armatuses are no match for Richard's armatus with the Empyrean Lambda, taking on a form far more demonic than angelic (aka Richard's final boss form from canon, roughly). Richard succeeds in stealing Forbranir's power and this time seems to be suppressing the will of humanity, though Asbel is protected from its effects by the blessings of his friends. Asbel returns to Fodra in the hopes finishing his pact with her will free the humans, too.

The last step of Fodra's trial tests Asbel and the others' belief in humanity. They learn that Lambda was an artificially created Empyrean who lost faith in humans after those of supposedly divine blood murdered his Shepherd vessel Cornell and sealed Lambda away. Humans created their own god then turned on it when it failed to please them, they always tear down goodness for their own selfish ends. That is why he decided they were truly evil.

They also learn that Sophie, as the soul that was sacrificed to release Lambda, is now a part of him (like Laphicet), hence why she was unaffected by and can even decently match his powers. But even after learning of these origins, Asbel and the others still believe that humanity has a future that they wish to protect. With this Fodra gives him her blessing, and Asbel becomes a true Shepherd like he'd always dreamed. Now he just needs to reach his other friend and get him to believe in that dream again, too.

The humans and seraphim on Ephinea have regained their free will thanks to Asbel's Empyrean pact countering Lambda's domain, and they offer Asbel and his seraphic friends their prayers as Asbel chases after Richard into the planet's core, where the final Empyrean of Earth, Lastalia, dwells. They confront him at the core and battle again. Richard has the power of his Lambda armatus AND 3 devoured Empyreans, while Asbel has the power of 5 seraphim 1 Empyrean and the prayers of basically every human so it's one HELL of a fight 😅 But Asbel is able to win by pulling a fucking 5 way armatus (like the noncanonical ending of the Zesty anime I know it's silly but c'mon Asbel would TOTALLY do that if he could 😂 it's the power of friendship, literally.)

With Richard and Lambda defeated, Asbel is able to appeal to Richard and get him to believe again in the humans that he once wanted to save. But Lambda refuses to trust humanity again, and thus cannot be purified. Sophie offers to sacrifice herself to seal Lambda away again, since she can match his powers with her own, but Asbel opts to become Lambda's vessel instead despite his malevolence--- as long as Asbel believes in both himself and Lambda, it won't corrupt him, and he can attempt to purify it as he shows Lambda the world. Lambda accepts his terms, and Richard and Asbel renew their pact, this time with Richard as his squire since he no longer trusts himself and besides Asbel has proven himself a worthy Shepherd twice over.

...The end? 😅

[kresnikcest]

Talking aloud again about Hubert not being sent away to Strahta and instead becoming Lord while Asbel heads off to the Knights’ Academy… Asbel would definitely have a better perception of Aston and Hubert would probably be less resentful since he knows Asbel always wanted to leave… But 🤔 I think he and Cheria would still be distant from Asbel because it’ll still feel a little like Asbel abandoned them after Sophie’s death.

This might get too close to the Knight!Asbel AU, but I am 👀 about Asbel protecting Richard, and Lambda!Richard getting more erratic because Asbel still has his family in Lhant that he might prioritise over Richard

(I don’t know if Aston still dies in this AU or if someone else leads the Strahta occupation.)

[kresnikcest]

WIP excerpt of the Aston lives AU, still a lot to be done…

.

He supposes, staring down the barrel of his youngest son’s gun, this is an undoing of his own making.

.

Lhant is changed overnight. The military support Strahta provides, and Hubert’s uplifting words of coming to his father’s aid, fill most of the townspeople with relief. Though Hubert acknowledges no one outside of the context of his role as governor, he reaps his ties to Lhant and quells any unease of occupation. It’s a well-devised plan, an excellent front, and Aston only has himself to blame for it.

It seems, in the end, the new King got just as he desired.

Bar one, at least.

“You asked for me.”

It is neither pride nor shame that leaves him at a loss for how to address Hubert. Hubert, for his part, has yet to make a remark of it.

“I received a missive earlier today from Barona, addressed on behalf of King Cedric.” Hubert unfolds a page. “It appears Asbel Lhant of the Royal Knights has left his post without official leave. He is suspected of abetting Prince Richard. Have you heard from him?”

“No. I have not.”

Hubert folds the letter back up and makes a show of moving on to another set of reports.

“Then that will be all.”

Oswell taught Hubert well. Under different circumstances, Aston might have felt proud of him to stand against men of greater age and experience and prowess, a far cry from the tearful child of seven years ago. But the letter itself reminds him, Asbel has chosen service to the Knights over his home, and now chosen service to the prince over his kingdom.

Aston fears, not for the first time, the consequences of his choices.

.

News from the capital arrives in chaos. In the aftermath of the coup and the Strahtan military’s installation, the ports are a frenzy with gossiping traders. By the time Lhant hears of Wallbridge’s seizure by Gralesyde’s army, the new, rightful King is being coronated.

Hubert does not show any outwardly sign of anxiety. Not when missives arrive demanding the return of Lhant to Windor, not when a redaction notice appears to free Asbel of arrest on sight for treason, and not when Asbel himself is escorted into the Lord’s study, draped in the decorative green of no ordinary Royal Knight.

The Asbel who meets his eyes now resembles nothing of the boy who ran away from him seven years ago. He stands, tall and proud, with the severity of a knight, and Aston recognises at once the sword and scabbard at his left side, parallel to the ring on his finger.

“So you’ve returned at last,” Hubert says, a venom in his voice that Aston has only heard directed at himself and his wife.

Asbel’s eyes soften at the tone, a brief glimpse into the child that once was familiar.

“I wish we could have met again under better circumstances, Hubert. You’ve done very well for yourself. You should be proud.”

“Spare me your sentiments. We have no such ties binding us. None of us here do.”

Asbel’s eyes fall to the ground, not a hint of rebellion or frustration in sight.

“Very well. I come here on behalf of His Majesty, King Richard, to ask to open negotiations for the withdrawal of Strahta’s military from Lhant.”

“And as stated numerous times before, our previous agreement with Windor is irreversible, as agreed by both parties.”

“You know as well as I do that Archduke Cedric had no right to the throne, nor to hand over Lhant as he did. If you insist on refusing to negotiate, His Majesty will have no choice but to retake Lhant by force.”

“Then by all means, he is free to do so,” Hubert says.

“You would be putting the citizens of Lhant in grave danger by making Lhant a battlefield to conquer, governor.” Aston interjects.

“I do not recall asking for your advice, Lord Lhant.”

Asbel, suddenly, lets out a laugh. Hubert glares over his glasses.

“Is something funny?”

“Yeah,” Asbel says, his tone shifting. “I guess it is. I was going to say that you should listen to him.”

“Yes, because you of all people should advise me on that,” Hubert says, scathingly.

“Exactly why I thought it was funny,” Asbel smiles, for the first time.

It’s not enough to lift the stillness in the room.

“Truth be told, I asked King Richard to allow me to negotiate with you. He no longer sees Lhant as an ally.”

“Excuse me?” Aston frowns.

“Supposedly, there are reports of demands to secede from the kingdom,” Asbel recounts. “His Majesty is very distressed about it, and he wished to drive out the Strahta military immediately.”

“There have indeed been some requests from the citizenry,” Hubert adjusts his glasses. “It is nothing I would take too seriously, however.”

“Regardless, His Majesty has it in mind now that both the Lord of Lhant and his people have conspired to leave the crown,” Asbel says. “I know that can’t be true. Please, if you accept negotiations now, we can at least spare an outright war.”

“So now you would like to play diplomat?” Hubert demands. “After all this time?”

Asbel shakes his head, then looks to Hubert, then to Aston.

Something snaps in Aston’s ears, but any response he can give is drowned out by the front of the manor slamming open, followed by a Strahtan soldier charging through the study doors.

“Lieutenant! The Windor army has arrived in numbers! They’ve breached the town’s defences!”

“Damn it,” Asbel rushes to the window.

“Order the men into a defensive position,” Hubert says. “We must hold Windor back, no matter what. Lord Lhant, I would suggest you recommend the same for Lhant’s militia.”

Asbel bolts for the door.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Hubert follows.

“To stop all this!”

.

King Richard, like everyone else, has changed in the past seven years, though perhaps his affection for Asbel remains the same, even if it brings a chill to Aston’s stomach.

“There you are, Asbel,” the new king lets forth an easy smile for the struggling Strahtan soldiers at his feet. “I was beginning to worry about you.”

Aston grabs the arm of the Strahtan messenger.

“Evacuate the townspeople, now.”

To his side, Hubert gives the slightest nod, and the messenger hurries away.

Asbel crosses the garden pathway towards the king.

“Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this? I thought I was here to negotiate first.”

“And how are those negotiations going, exactly?”

“I… They—”

“Precisely as I predicted,” the king sighs. “Lhant has betrayed the crown, there will be no negotiating with them or Strahta.”

“But Your Majesty—”

“Give it up,” Hubert draws his lance. “If you wish to fight for Lhant, then fight.”

“I will show no mercy to those who defy me,” the king says. Perhaps the corruption of the royal court is inevitable. “All who disobey the will of the crown must be dealt with.”

“I’m sorry it has come to this, Your Majesty.”

Aston draws his sword.

“Lord Lhant?” Hubert blinks.

“The people of Lhant should not be punished for the quarrels of their rulers,” Aston says. “If you wish to do harm to my people, you will have to face me as well.”

“So be it.”

Asbel stands between them, still.

“Asbel,” Aston begins.

The king’s knight draws Excalibur.

“My loyalties lie with His Majesty, above all else.”

Aston breathes.

“That much is clear.”

[windor-truffle]

soooo despite playing lots i am HORRIBLY behind on posting about my playthrough, and unfortunately i may never actually end up covering some parts of the game despite my many thoughts about it 😓 but!!!! i wanted to drop a couple interesting meta observations i found along the way:

we all know and love the very sweet side quest involving Richard's time-skip letter to Asbel that he left at Lhant Hill 💜💜 I just found it kinda funny that he attached a large sum of glad as a reward, considering he was mortified when Asbel turned down the gift of his ring the first time. i can't tell if Richard just genuinely wanted Asbel to have a little spending money or if he was trying to pspspsp his old friend into hanging out with him again 😂 bribery makes friendships stronger?

some weapon flavor text I found amusing, assuming they're canon: Malik's bladerang returns to his hand because of magic, not physics like an actual boomerang, but that's not surprising because I don't think actual physics would allow a bladerang to function the way it does in game 😅 the wryness of the text is amusing, though.

also, apparently Graces is set in the same universe as us??? or there's a DIFFERENT planet called Earth, who knows how many galaxies over it could be. anyway I believe this makes all modern AUs and various other real-life based fan works slightly closer to canon than they might originally seem 😅

here's one that I was super excited to figure out: I'd been wondering about the inclusion of lilies (at least, I ASSUME these are lilies 😅) in various official artworks for graces like this one and this one considering they're not a mandatory plot symbol like sopherias are, yet remain prevalent alongside them. But this random dualizing flavor text answered it for me: they're the national flower of Windor! lilies typically represent purity and innocence but also sometimes love, grief, and femininity (which is why i thought at first that they were associated with Fodra). neat :)

lastly, a small meta detail that I THINK I've figured out the source of but I'm not 100 percent sure? I've been trying to have everyone eat lots of their favorite foods so they'll unlock their respective titles (just recently confirmed that eleth mixer-produced foods count which is excellent, that's much cheaper and less time consuming). I recently obtained Asbel's title and equipped it to him, then immediately after I saw this in the post-battle text:

this may not seem like much, but that's not the normal text for eleth-mixer dishes, nor is curry normally eaten AFTER battle (unless dualized and consumed from the menu) since its effect is a one-time recovery from KO. below is the normal eleth mixer text for both curry and after-battle dishes:

So my tentative conclusion is that when a character has their food-loving title equipped, there's some percent chance that the party will eat it after battle, with effects that carry over into the next. It definitely doesn't trigger after every battle, Cheria and Hubert weren't giving out helpings of grilled chicken or omurice when they were mastering their titles, but of course Asbel IMMEDIATELY made everyone eat his beloved dish for the millionth time 😂 now I'm working on making crablettes for Sophie so she can spread the love too 😁