Chapter 12: Ephraim

"Hi-yah!"

The spear swung through the air with a mighty whoosh, an arm lunged forward spinning the handle around sharply tilting his body in tandem. Adrenaline rushed throughout his body, that sensation pushed to continue his training, perhaps even come across one of the other Heroes around for a spar. The best way to grow was to fight someone stronger than oneself.

"Mornin' Ephraim." A voice tiredly greeted followed by a slight yawn.

Ephraim lowered his lance and turned with a bright smile. "Good morning, Harry. Still waking up?"

"Early tactician meeting. Saias, Reinhardt, Robin and Soren have been drilling new tactics into my brain," Harry answered with a lopsided grin.

"I see. Have those lessons bore fruit?"

Harry averted Ephraim's gaze, sighing. "I'm not really great with books. Experience and practicality are my preferred methods of learning. Thankfully Robin realized that. He's built a small board like chess to help refine my own tactics to help prepare for the battles ahead. Honestly, I'm a bit embarrassed. I wish I could be like Robin and Soren, soaking up everything I read like a sponge."

"Don't be disheartened. I too find myself unable to learn through books and prefer methods to learn, personally, there's nothing wrong with being unable to connect through books," Ephraim informed, chuckling. "In fact, perhaps that means you'll be able to view things differently from that of the other Tacticians. Rather than view that as negative, apply that perspective into something positive. I'm not good with books, however, my strengths lay in battle; it's where I can truly thrive whereas Eirika suits better as a mage and using her knowledge to assist those around her. We each have a strength somewhere."

Odd coming from him. However, the war and reclaiming Renais had Ephraim to widen his perspective, forcing him to mature to prepare for the Throne. Confronted his own impulses thus trying to reign in those urges, despite his best attempts Ephraim continued to desire the thrills of battle. Coming to Askr helped relieve that desire.

Even if Ephraim yearned to head out to the next battle.

Harry appeared to appreciate his sentiment.

"Thanks, Ephraim. You're right. I should focus on turning it into a strength instead of viewing my inability with books as a negative."

"It's what I'm here for." Ephraim smiled.

His knuckled cracked slightly. "Since we're both here, how about I teach you a few moves? Can't hurt to learn to use a spear!"

[Ephraim and Harry have achieved Support Rank C]

The alarm rang.

Emblian soldiers were spotted in Askr territory and ransacked the small village. An attempt at putting beneath Emblan reign, Ephraim along with his team; the wyvern rider Haar, the sharp-tongued Lachesis, and the maid Flora.

Upon their arrival, the village was in disarray.

Ephraim and his team launched into battle, taking on the Emblian soldiers, effortlessly defeating them. Barely an inconvenience.

Ever since the fall of Hel, Veronica resumed her plans for taking over Askr. She launched attacks across the country. Ephraim was non-plussed. During their little team up against Hel, the princess of Embla made her intentions towards them clear; they used each other to win and then carry out her plan on murdering Harry.

That thought nearly led to his fist crushing the lance.

"You know, they claim if you continue staring like that, your face will become stuck like that." A teasing voice loomed playfully.

Ephraim spared a glance. He snorted dubiously. "Is that another saying from your home? I don't pick quarrels, I don't win. That includes my appearance!" He spoke arrogantly. There was no battle, which Ephraim could not win. "I thought you were tending to the injured?"

"I was." Harry plopped next to him. "The healer claimed that he could take it from here. I've been at it since the battle ended."

"Surprised that you did not entertain the children with magic." Ephraim teased, snickering.

Harry's eyes rolled. "I did that too. Don't worry, I made certain that the kids had fun."

"That's good." Ephraim nodded quickly.

His mind drifted, focusing towards the midnight sky held above stars gleamed down upon them while dancing gracefully. An understanding of contentment washed over him. The battle from the morning felt so long ago while appreciating the peaceful nature around them. Under the constant threat of Embla, and whatever new threat dared surfacing. Appreciating moments such as this were rare and far between.

"I don't know any of these stars," Harry admitted candidly.

Ephraim carefully and scrutinized this discovery.

"Neither do I," He says eventually. "None of these stars resemble any back from Magvel."

"I like watching the stars." Harry arched backhands laid on the grass, emerald hues glistened gently. "It reminds me of how small we are."

The prince takes a deep-drawn out-breath, Ephraim's not sure he understands. The weight of the crown was unlike that of the summoner. Once upon a time, he'd be content with Eirika taking the throne. Unfortunately, life was not that easy nor kind. A single moment could alternate one's desire course. The duties of the Summon comprised different aspects, consistently in demand of those around him.

Including scouting unknown lands.

Ephraim recalled when the Aether Gardens surfaced. To say Harry had been less than pleased was an understatement.

His attention drifted back to Harry's words, the gravity of them. Gazing at the dazzling lights above, how they shined down, Ephraim realized how small they truly were. Compared to the skies above, they were mere insects. With that thought, perhaps that was how Harry kept himself grounded and centred in reality.

"I could tell you about the stars back home," He offered.

"Really?" Harry asked curiously almost beaming.

"It's certainly not a problem, granted I probably won't be as good as Eirika or Lyon, but I'll give it a shot."

Harry's smiled brightened. "I'd like to hear it from you."

"In that case," Ephraim leaned on the ground. "Allow me to tell you about this one star back when I was a child…"

[Ephraim and Harry have achieved Support Rank B!]

"You didn't have to do that."

Ephraim cocked his head and glared sharply, harshly. "Of course I did!" He snaps without hesitation. A large hiss escaped, an arm snapped to his wounded shoulder.

"Careful," Harry remarked softly, his arm latched around Ephraim's waist. A frown marred his features with concern visible on his features. "Wyrs told you to move with care, didn't he? The wound needs time to heal properly even with magic, you can't expect a full-on miracle. Especially not with a wound that deep. It will take time before it heals properly."

"Fine." Ephraim was less than pleased, however, knew better than arguing with an experienced Healer.

An Emblian soldier was stalked around the city from the previous battle several weeks prior, carefully laying the groundwork for an ambush. The soldier proved efficient in cunning and scouting, observing them from afar as opposed to taking them outright. Meticulous plotting an attack when they were vulnerable. Once making their way back to the capital, tired from their work in the village had the soldier attacked; this time, accompanied by a hoard of monsters.

Not an odd sight. Mages that used dark magic could conquer such monstrosities. This would be the first time in Askr that Ephraim witnessed such things. Since the outside of the Emblian soldier, none of the reinforcements were truly alive, Ephraim held no problem letting loose.

It was his recklessness and thrill of battle that allowed an opening to be exploited. Another Emblian soldier had been, in fact, nearby waiting on the sidelines. While Ephraim and his were busy fighting them off the group, Harry had been preparing in casting his spells. While occupied the Emblian soldier attacking firing an arrow. He managed to catch a glimpse of the attack and moved to intervene.

The arrow lodged straight through his shoulder.

It was one of Ephraim's less than graceful decisions, but one which he had no regrets.

"You really did not have to." Harry murmured quietly. "I could have handled it. I'm not fragile, Ephraim."

"Maybe. But I had."

That probably was the wrong thing to say. Harry bristled in place. Anger flashed in his eyes. "I don't need any protecting –"

"I know that!" Ephraim snapped back. "That's not that point. I wanted to protect you!"

Harry fell silent. His expression unreadable with an odd gleam flickered in his hues. "Ephraim," He begins gently. "I don't need protection. I can protect myself."

Ephraim turned his body. His arm reached gently cupping the side of the Summoner's face leaning forward and slide their foreheads together, the orbs of emerald shined with candlelight and shadow, he let loose a small breath.

"I know you can, but I want."

[Ephraim and Harry achieved Support Rank A]

"Are you busy, Harry?"

Ephraim was fairly bold in his question, presenting himself before the summoner. His resolve hard as steel standing stalwart.

"Not right now?" Harry answered bewildered, the book which had he held in his hands promptly dropped on the table. His mind raced, attempting to decipher what might run in Ephraim's thoughts. The summoner proved himself observant, given the right circumstances. "Is everything all right?"

He nodded sharply. "Yes. I simply need you to come with me for a moment."

The emerald hues narrowed followed a quick nod, noise accompanied by Harry sweeping the books off from the table and stacked them together, piling them onto the nearest counter. Rather unusual given how meticulous the Summoner was, although decided not to push further on the subject, ultimately dismissing the thought while waiting rather impatiently.

It was unlike Ephraim to get twitchy. Impatient? Very. He tapped his finger, waiting in apprehension, then released a sigh.

"Shall we?"

"Did something happen?" Harry questioned.

Ephraim glanced in hesitation. "Somewhat?"

"Please tell me that another wall hasn't been destroyed." The strain in Harry's voice audible.

How many times had the courtyard walls need fixing? Ephraim stopped counting ages ago after Tibarn and Duma got into a brawl, desiring to test each other's strength. The fight had been worth watching until the damages became noticeable, leading to Harry putting an end to the fight before things got out of hand. It was a rare sight seeing him angry and sincerely put both Tibarn and the so-called Strength God of Valentia in their places.

Ephraim learned not to get on Harry's bad side.

"Nothing happened!" Ephraim reassured. "Just… follow me."

Ephraim felt his mind raced and his emotions surge inside. His pace quickened with each movement; the sound of his own footsteps echoed with Harry silently beside him. It was nerve-wracking.

His heart raced in anticipation, not-so-subtly sparing glances at him.

"Ephraim?"

"We're almost there."

Up the stairs. Turn to the left and continued. The door opened, revealing a beautiful site. The setting sun with the blossoming colours spreading across the sky, stars dazzling beautifully above mixing with the pastel seas of orange, blue, purple and pink creating a stunning image.

Ephraim felt his face burn. "I wanted to share this moment with you."

"It's beautiful." Harry breaths in utter awe.

That smile that Harry wore filled with warmth, sincere appreciation, and genuine happiness. A chuckle slipped through his vocals; the lower lids of his eyes curled in delight.

"I'm glad." He says earnestly. "I wanted to share this with you."

"Not Eirika?"

"Just with you."

Harry leaned against his elbows and cocked toward him. "Why me? I mean, I'm glad I invited me and all, but… wouldn't your sister be a better choice?"

"Eirika and I don't share everything. I wanted to spend, sharing with moment with you." Ephraim stepped forward placing his hand upon Harry's, gazing into his eyes. "I wanted to be with you."

"I…." Harry's face suddenly burned red. "I don't know what to say."

Ephraim chuckled softly. "Rather than say anything, how about saying with action?"

"Now you're just teasing," Harry accused flatly.

"Maybe." Ephraim leered grinning while doing so. "But let's save words for later."

"Fine, fine." Harry's eyes glistened brightly. A gleam of mischievous shined as his head turned upwards cocking an eyebrow slightly, almost challengingly.

Ephraim wasted no time. His arms caught around Harry's waist, pulling against himself, mirroring the smirk. He felt Harry's hands placed on his chest, together moved in tandem with each other. Tranquillity fell upon the two watching the blush crawl upon Harry's cheeks, the summoner averted Ephraim's gaze momentarily cocking his head upwards. Their arms held together, leaning towards feeling their lips brushed together, delicately, like butterfly wings.

The kiss filled with passion and fiery desire, losing themselves in one another while the rest of the world dissolved around them. Ephraim held no desire to have this kiss ended, and knew from the emotion, the desire, neither did Harry.

As the stars twinkled brightly above in beautiful silence.

[Ephraim and Harry have reached Support Rank S!]

End chapter.

I am, so sorry for long it took to get this chapter out. I ended up having a huge debate about who'd be the next pick for Harry; though it is an easy choice, but ultimately, I think Ephraim was the right choice.

Now, addressing the elephant in the room, while Three Houses have been out for a while, do you think that I should do supports with 3H characters and Harry or do you think that should be a separate thing but still within the same universe as Heroes?

The chapter question of the day! Canonically the Summoner summons Virion (V1) or Takumi (V2) as their first summon; but for Harry and his luck; who do you think was the person he accidentally summoned? (regardless character release window any character can be picked).

Make sure to leave constructive criticism in your comments, until next time!