Title: Tasks That Must Be Done
Fandom: Valkyrie Profile
Characters: Janus and his father.
Word Count: 525
Notes: Pre-game. Very minor character recruitment spoilers for VP:L. Second person POV.
Summary: He's done terrible things, and his father must never know.

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Your father finds you outside, looking up at the castle. The celebration continues in the bar behind you, but you must have a moment away from it; your presence may be required when a soldier is honored with Knighthood, but by now you are fairly sure that few people were sober enough to miss you.

“I’m so proud of you, son,” he says, patting you on the back. Your father is apparently an exception to the rule - not quite drunk, which is quite a feat considering how long everyone has celebrated, but having had enough to loosen his tongue somewhat. You know this, because he is not usually so forthcoming with his praise.

“Thank you, Father.” You bow your head respectfully. You are one of the few sober people at this party; you have enough trouble keeping your balance with only one eye, and you do not wish to tempt the gods any further. “I’m humbled by your words.”

“Well, you deserve them!” You father laughs loudly. No one questions his presence here anymore, despite his lower status; you are a Knight, and you answer to the King himself. No one would dare question you or him, and you can hear the joy that brings him in his laughter. “What you’ve achieved is something that most only dream of.”

What you’d achieved. Would he say the same if he knew what you had done? The people you had killed under cover of darkness, the sabotage you had overseen... these things were by no means honorable. But you could not refuse an order from the King, especially since he has put so much trust in you to give you these tasks.

“You do tasks that must be done,” the King once told you in confidence, “although none can know of them. Your actions have kept rebellions under control, and have turned the tide of many conflicts. I know that these tasks are difficult, Sir Janus, but please... remember this.”

You remember feeling very cold at that moment as the King looked at you, his forehead wrinkled with a decade of worries. You would not add to them, you promised yourself. “I will, Your Highness,” you had answered. “You have my word.”

Of course you have kept your promise, even among your family and closest friends. But it is always at the back of your mind, the thought of what your father might say if he knew what you had done in the name of your nation’s honor.

"I'll be leaving soon," your father says, and you turn back to him. "I came to tell you. I need to see to your mother."

"Of course." You saw her yesterday. She seemed to be feeling better, but that could change from day to day. "I'll come and see her tomorrow."

"Good. She'll be glad to hear it. Good night - and have a drink or two, son. Gods know you've earned it."

"Good night, Father." You smile, pushing the thoughts of darkness aside. Your father is proud of you, and he is happy; that's all you've ever wanted him to be.

The truth would destroy him, you think as you watch him walk away. He must never know.