Linky's Fics

To Protect

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As Lachesis thumbed through the old tomes, she was fascinated by what was inside. Writings of alchemical formulas that were just about forgotten in the modern day. Only those with the knowledge of forbidden alchemy are still able to parse what was on the page.

These practices were something she was all too familiar with. She used to indulge in such alchemy frequently. As well as encouraging the followers of her, Clotho, and Atropos to do the same. Back when it was the three of them doing whatever it took to further Geryon’s plans.

Thinking back to those dark times sent a shiver across her skin.

She knew Kyoka was studying all of these texts with the help of that old man Fuga. Since he was also proficient with it as well. Kyoka was aware of many forbidden types of alchemy, even if she never dared to recreate what was on these pages with her own two hands.

But when Lachesis asked her why she’d even spend her precious time looking through all these, Kyoka told her it was good to expand one’s knowledge of the craft.

Lachesis didn’t quite understand why anyone would bother to study something they wouldn’t end up using. But even as she gradually became more human, there was still a lot to their thought processes that continued to elude her.

It wouldn’t hurt to ask her for more details though… Right?

As she continued to read, Lachesis heard the door open. “Oh Lache-chan!” Kyoka chimed. “Are you finding those books interesting?”

Perfect timing.

Lachesis closed the book and looked back to Kyoka. “They are interesting Kyoka-san. But I have to ask… Why are you so intent on studying these if you don’t plan to use these techniques?”

Kyoka sighed, her expression turned serious. Lachesis began to worry. Did she make a mistake asking this? There was a feeling that formed inside her upon seeing Kyoka’s change of demeanor. One that she didn’t quite know how to describe.

“Ideally, I don’t ever have to.” The seriousness in her features only intensified. She gazed out the window, focused on the horizon. “But that might change down the line.”

Lachesis didn’t expect to hear that answer at all. Especially given how forbidden alchemy was something her, Minato, and countless others would go on ad nauseam about the dangers of it. How it was never to be used under any circumstance.

“Hm?”

“When I saw that easy-breezy boy transmuting with Steamliner, performing ancient and forbidden alchemy in order to fight and protect everyone— I realized there might come a day I’d have to do the same.” She walked over to the desk, placing her hand on one of the books. Her fingers slowly dragged across, feeling the leather cover across her fingertips. “Hence why I’m studying. I want to be able to protect everyone too.”

There was a brand new emotion that formed within Lachesis now, completely overwriting the previous one. Swelling up inside of her and nearly bringing tears to her eyes, which she didn’t expect. Emotions were such a curious thing.

This one she was able to put a name to.

She was moved by Kyoka’s dedication to protecting those she held dear to her.

Even if it meant doing something incredibly dangerous. Lachesis was all too familiar with the effects of performing this type of alchemy. Horrific things would happen to the body and mind. Malice would corrupt. Body parts would decay. Or even the life of the user would be snuffed out entirely. Plus this didn’t even entail the rest of the nigh endless amount of other deadly possibilities.

It was nothing short of a miracle that Ichinose survived what he did back then. So the fact Kyoka was willing to put her body, and her very life on the line for the sake of everyone she loved—

“Kyoka-san, you’re incredible.” The words just poured out from Lachesis’ lips without a second thought.

Kyoka’s expression immediately softened, and went back to something much more typical for her.“Aw shucks.” She patted Lachesis’ shoulder with a grin. Which made Lachesis’ heart skip a beat. “I’m just doing what I can to help everyone. That includes you.”

She softly placed her lips on Lachesis’ cheek, who could feel the smile pressed against her skin. Her face formed a shade of pink.

Lachesis’ heart continued to flutter. Not only that, Kyoka had inspired her.

She wanted to do what she could in the future too.

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