Evolving Threads (Multi-crossover)

Prologue (Evolving Threads)

Tatsumi: I see... So, is there a way to stop Incursio from taking over my mind if I do evolve myself?

Najenda: You need to have the willpower to not let that happen, think of it as planting yourself in the ground so you won't be blown away from an upcoming storm. It'll hurt like hell but if you manage to stand up to Incursio you should be able to keep your mind intact, but I'll warn you if that day comes it will be one of the most painful things you've ever experienced. The only reason you were able to survive when you got crushed was because you needed to and if you didn't both you and Incursio would die and now you can heal faster than any normal human being. But seeing as though you were the first person to force an evolution out of Incursio twice in a single fight, you may have what it takes to do it... But on the bright side, you would be able to adapt fairly easily.

Tatsumi: And what do you mean by that?

Najenda I mean that you should be able to adapt to your surroundings much easier, think of it as a less powerful and less dangerous version of evolving.

Tatsumi: I'm sensing another catch here.

Najenda: You have to experience the thing for a prolonged period of time before adapting to it. For example, if you wanted to adapt to extreme heat, you'd have to experience it for a bit before you would get acclimated to it.

Tatsumi: Wow. That's a lot to take in at once, so I'm really no longer fully human anymore.

Najenda: Well, at least you're alive. It's a lot more than what a lot of people who fought in the war can say for themselves. Even if it changed what you are, it's still the only reason you live today.

Tatsumi: Guess you're right. If it weren't for me evolving Incursio I don't think- no I wouldn't have been able to survive the final fight.

Najenda: But you did and that's all that matters. Thank you, Tatsumi, for your service in the war. I know it's been hard on you, especially for someone your age, but we are eternally grateful. If it weren't for you, I doubt we would have been successful.

Tatsumi: Thanks, but I shouldn't take credit. If it weren't for the rest, I would've probably died a long time ago. Yeah, and now they're gone.

They both take a moment to remember all of the people who ended up dying for the sake of the Revolutionary army. To break this awkward silence Najenda asks another question to her subordinate.

Najenda: So, what's your plan now that everything is settled? Do you plan to return to your village? It is the reason you came to the Empire in the first place.

Tatsumi: Actually, no. After thinking for a bit, I'm deciding to leave the Empire. I've seen too many friends die here to live a normal life even if we have achieved peace, I feel like I would never be at peace here.

Najenda frowns a bit.

Najenda: So, this is goodbye then?

Tatsumi: Not a goodbye forever, only for a little while, I'll be sure to come back here every once in a while, I still need to see my favorite boss every now and then, but for now I need to leave.

Tatsumi gets up from his bed but realizes something.

Tatsumi: Oh wait. Can I keep Incursio? It's the last thing Bro gave to me before he died so it's very important to me.

Najenda: I understand, and yes you can keep Incursio. It's the least I can do to thank you for all you've done, and you don't have to worry about your village. I'll make sure that they get the money that they need.

Tatsumi: Thank you Boss, for everything!

Najenda: Wait, wouldn't you like to know where you'd be going?