by
Ellone Leonhart-Loire
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CHAPTER 2: Old
Friends
Serge
I almost
was about to fall asleep again during Leena and Lisa's gossiping. I should
be a gentleman to both of them, since Leena was going to throw a fit on me again
and Lisa was just... Lisa. I kept my eyes open during their conversation
when something else just somehow caught my ear.
"Tall... incredible blue eyes... the hair... that battle
scar on his face..." Lisa sighed dreamily during their gossip. From the
looks of it, obviously she was indeed in love. The question was of course,
who? Certainly it would not be a person that I would know of. I know
not much of Termina, after all.
"Lisa!" Leena gasped
excitedly and with such glee. She was always gleeful whenever something
"juicy" came up during their conversation. "Oh my gosh... you have GOT to
tell me who this new 'dream boy' of yours is!"
Lisa gulped nervously. She was a bit more
different than Leena; shy even. She sat on her seat innocently with
her golden blonde hair neatly tied up. She blinked her eyes at Leena and
answered: "Well... um... I... I know you're not a native of Termina, but... practically... well...all
the other girls around Termina are after him as well...
he's... very popular here in Termina..."
"Well, who is it? I don't exactly know
everyone here in Termina!" Leena demanded Lisa for an answer. In the meantime
I tried to keep my head up by resting my head against my fist with my
elbow against the railing of the seat.
"Um... well...
I---"
"LISA!
WE'VE GOT A CUSTOMER!!" A voice shouted from the front counter of their
store. It was the new lady that her father hired
for the shop to help Lisa out
while he was away. Lisa got up from her seat and turned to
us.
"SERGE?! QUIT SITTING THERE
LOOKING LAZY AND COME ON!!" Leena yelled at me with her arms crossed. I
immediately got myself up from my attempt to sleep and stared at
her.
"Why is this important---" Leena did not let me finish my reply and
grabbed my wrist and pulled me along with her towards the store counter. I
decided to hesitate from another argument with her since it was rude to argue at
someone else's home. I let her drag me along to see what was going on at
the store. She and I ended up eavesdropping and spying to see who the
guest was.
Right at the counter stood a young, noble, splendid-looking
knight. Judging by the way he spoke to Lisa, plus his attire, his sword,
and obviously his pose, he was undoubtely one of the famed Acacia
Dragoons. He had bushy bleached blonde hair, blue eyes, and a noticeable
scar on his left cheek. Next to him was another young man, also blonde
hair, blue eyes, but he was not an Acacia Dragoon, judging from his uniform and
his weapon, of course. Rather, he wore a steadfast military uniform and a
pistol on his right hip. Of course, I thought. If a soldier did not
look like a knight, but rather a bit more modern, then he must be a part of the
mighty Porre Military. These two must have visited the store to buy more
supplies for their military training or something.
Ever since I can
remember, El Nido and Porre had been allies. Many of the El Nido folk
immigrated to Porre, whereas the Porre folk also immigrated to El Nido. It
was a peaceful, tight, and friendly exchange, you might say. Although
Porre may be a bit more advanced than El Nido was, the concept of cultural
exchange was still powerful and strong. Life was obviously wonderful for
both nations and their peoples.
"Miss Lisa," the noble knight called for
the store owner's daughter's name. "My humble apologies... have we come at
such an inappropriate time? I never knew you had visitors at your
home---"
Lisa shook her head nervously towards the knight and studdered:
"N-no... not at all... S-Sir Glenn... not at all!"
The soldier smirked a
bit and elbowed the knight--- Sir Glenn--- on his left soldier. "Ah, so
this is the young lady that you talked about, Glenn..." The soldier glanced at
Lisa. "My, such rare beauty, Glenn... no wonder the Porrean males had been
madly increasing in residence here in El Nido..."
Sir Glenn elbowed back
at the soldier: "Please, do be quiet... remember, I was assigned to show you
around at your new post..."
Lisa chuckled and blushed shyly, "Oh... I see
we have a new person here in Termina..."
"Actually, Lisa, this soldier
here has been assigned to take command at the Porre Military stationed here in
Termina," Sir Glenn answered humbly. "This is Commander Norris of the
Porre Military---"
The soldier--- Commander Norris--- saluted towards
Lisa, even if she was only a civilian. "1st Class Black Wind Platoon
commander... a pleasure to meet you, Miss---"
"Lisa... um... call me
Lisa..." Lisa answered humbly with a smile. "Um... would you like to come
in? I would also like to introduce you to some friends of mine from out of
town."
Leena shrieked in horror, knowing that we had to go back inside
before Lisa and her guests come in. "Serge--- we'd better head back--
let's go!" Again, she dragged me along with her.
A few seconds
later Leena and I waited for Lisa, Sir Glenn, and Commander Norris to come
inside. While waiting Leena was already making a big fuss at me about the
two men we just saw at the counter. "Did you see them, Serge??" Leena sighed
deeply. "They're so dashingly handsome and.... and so noble... and so
kind..."
I raised an eyebrow at her. I thought she was in love with
me? "Ecstatic," I answered with a low tone. Of course I was not that
impressed, not because they were soldiers of war and I was just a lowly
fisherman's son, but because my girlfriend was gawking at them all this
time.
Lisa arrived back in the living room along with the knight and the
soldier behind him. Leena and I stood up to meet up with them.
"Please, do sit down, kind sirs," Lisa humbly invited Glenn and Norris to the
living room. "Sir Glenn, Commander Norris, these are my friends--- this is
my best friend Leena and this is her boyfriend, Serge."
We exchanged
hellos and even shook hands. "Call me Glenn, Serge," Glenn shook my hand
with a smile.
"Norris is fine for me, Serge... the same goes with the
both of you ladies..." Norris made his welcoming message. Right at that
moment, I felt something in my mind that just hit me right when I shook hands
and exchanged greetings to both of these men...
Right at that time, I
started to see somewhat familiar images in my mind--- it was mixed with the
images of myself, Glenn, Norris, and that same mysterious girl in my dreams
altogether--- and nearby chaos and destruction as well. It was completely
mind-boggling that somehow those images were trying to tell me something: it was
either something was going to happen in the future or maybe even this--- these
two men and I have very powerful ties together. Then right away, it was
back to reality.
"Serge..." Glenn murmured softly right at me.
Norris also gave me the same puzzled look.
"Yes...?" I
wondered.
"We have... met.... before... haven't we...?" Norris also
murmured that strange question.
Could it be? Did they also see
these same strange blend of images as I did in my mind? What was going on,
I thought to myself. Glenn and Norris...? Were they ever... involved
somewhat... in my life... sometime in the past...?
The two men and I sat
down on our seats, still with our puzzled faces. At the same time, Leena
and Lisa were back to their gossiping days once
more.
+++++
Kid
I did not remember the exact time that I was out here in
the blue and calm sea. But indeed it was getting a bit dark and
cloudy. I knew storm was about to approach where I was, so I decided to
get myself ready because I knew I would be shipwrecked very soon. After I
packed up my things in case of storm I decided to rest up a bit. I kept
myself up and standing for a long time now, sailing my way to El Nido
Archipelago and reach Termina. I had to admit that I have forgotten my way
to Termina. All I knew was that it was at the main island of the
archipelago. The problem was where on earth was the way to the main island
from where I was now.
I remember a lone pirate teaching me the ways of
sailing and navigation when I was a bit younger. They said that they
always relied on the stars during the night. And they also told me that
they also relied on the compass during the daytime to get to their
destination. I had all of these skills except for the compass. I
found it somewhat useless because I could not see any land nearby or on the
horizon at all, so I just let nature take its course and be lucky enough I would
end up at the right place. I lied down on my boat and closed my eyes a bit
so I can take a rest.
The only thing in my mind right now, obviously, was
Serge--- the legendary Chrono Trigger--- MY treasure. If you had not
figured it out yet, I was not doing this for money or riches at all as the
Radical Dreamers thought. I was doing all this because I was in love---
truly, deeply, madly, and completely--- in love with Serge.
I love him--- the Chrono
Trigger--- with all my heart. How I wished that I would reverse the hands
of time and tell him how I truly felt about him. The way he looked at me
and smiled at me--- really haunted my mind, my spirit... my heart. Ever
since that dreaded Princess Schala separated me, him, and all our friends after
we saved her from the alien being Lavos my soft, gentle side had been crying and
pining for happiness and end my life of always being alone. Where
can you be, Serge...? Please show me a sign--- show me a sign, hoping
that you would still remember me... think of me... waiting for
me...
My dark side felt nothing else but full of hatred--- not towards that
heartless bloke Lynx, who later on turned out to be Serge's
late father Wazuki--- but towards Schala and the Goddess of
Fate... You get the picture.
I felt myself falling in a deep
nap. I let myself land in the world of dreams again. I stood in a
very sunny meadow filled with flowers, birds, and all the beautiful creatures
all happy in two--- male and female, I guess. Right at the horizon was the
very blue ocean with the beautiful sea breeze singing through my ears. I
walked through the meadow and right towards the beach. As I walked closer,
I took a glimpse at a familiar figure looking out towards the sea. My
heart started to beat fast, knowing and hoping that the figure I just saw a
glimpse would be...
I ran happily through the meadow until I felt the
soft sand under my feet. I continued running until I finally reached the
shore. There was the figure, still looking out towards the sea. And
now that I was here, I called out: "SERGE!!"
The figure turned his
head. His radiant face completely stunned me with awe and wonder--- so
much that I could just cry right in front of him. All I could do was smile
with so much glee. He returned the smile--- that same radiant smile that I
had known. He formed his lips: "Kid..." but I could not hear his
voice. But it did not matter to me; with so much glee and anxiousness, I
ran to him and threw myself around him.
I leaned my head over his
shoulder and I felt his strong, protective, comforting arms around me,
holding me tight to him. I also felt him resting his chin on my head,
knowing that he would not allow anything or anyone come between us. Oh how
he felt so warm, so comforting, so... loved. All I wished was to be like
this with him and never disappear again from my arms--- like the way he did when
he rescued me from the orphanage being burned down to cinders.
"I love
you, Serge," I whispered softly against his firm chest. "Please, Serge...
don't ever leave me..."
I lifted my head and looked up to him, looking
right at me. I still could not hear his voice but his lips formed: "I love
you."
I closed my eyes slowly and tiptoed myself to him. Right at
the moment I can feel his warm breath blowing gently against my lips--- only a
few millimeters away. I waited for his lips to touch mine when suddenly,
the moment was interrupted with the loud sound of thunder. The moment was
completely ruined. All of a sudden, I felt myself completely wet as if I
just landed right on the ocean. I opened my eyes and saw the image of
Serge fading while trying to reach his arm towards mine. I reached out as
far as I could to grab his, crying out loud to him: "No, Serge... please,
Serge... don't let me go... please..."
Right
at that moment--- everything just turned--- black.
No, Serge... not
again... I've lost you... again...
The next thing I knew, I heard the
sound of the ocean waves clashing and rolling against the shore.
Shore, I thought. I was in the middle of nowhere in my boat! A
huge pain on my head was felt--- it felt as if someone just hit me with a huge
anvil. I thought that I would never wake up if it were not for the voice
who tried to get my eyes open:
"Hey! Heeeey! Wake up,
Miss! WhatCHA doin' just lyin' down there? The sun's hot and it's
bakin', donCHA know!"
The voice really did help. I found myself
opening my eyes and stared right at the very bright blue sky. Beneath me I
felt white sand wrapped all over me. I turned my head to look around some
more. Palm trees... a couple of humans and demi-humans... boats and
fishing nets... where was I?
The mysterious figure lifted me up slowly
from behind: "Looks like ya gotCHA self washed ashore... ya look like you've
been wandering around looking for something, ain'tCHA?"
That voice
sounded familiar, I thought. Not just that, the accent too! I turned
my head to see who it was. Right away, I gasped with a smile on my
face. I couldn't believe it, I thought. A familiar face had appeared
right before my eyes! Thank goodness to the mighty forces up above!
"Korcha?!" I exclaimed with glee.
It had to be Korcha. I mean, the
mohawk hair, the dark skin, the clothes... it was that young, silly ferryman in
Termina! The only problem now was that if he can even recognize me.
"Korcha, it's me... don't ya recognize me, mate?!"
"'Ey.... wait..."
Korcha stood up and backed away from me with his eyes right at me. He was
trying to figure out if he even knew me at all. "Hey! No way!
You're like... a sight for sore eyes!" Then, a smile appeared on his
face. "Kid?!"
"Yes!!!" I cheered gleefully as we both exchanged
embraces. Ah, reunion at last! Now, if Korcha was there, plus all of
these humans and demi-humans together, then I must be where I hoped I must be---
Guldove!
"It's been awhile, Kid... how are ya? Ya haven't been
gettin' in to trouble now, aren'tCHA?"
I stood up and wiped off the sand
around me. "Me? Naaah... I'm fine and dandy, Korcha! It's been so
long, eh, mate?"
Korcha nodded and helped me out with all my things
scattered all over the shore. "'Ey, this reminded me of the first time we
met... it was the time back at the Viper Manor when you and Serge and..." He
stopped right at the moment when he noticed something with me. "'Ey...
where's Serge? I thought you and he... aren'tCHA?"
I lowered my head and
decided to be quiet for the moment. "DidCHA and Serge...
um..."
"Korcha," I sighed deeply. "Korcha... that's why I've been
wanderin' around the islands, mate... been goin' around to look for Serge... ya
know where he's been?"
Korcha shook his head. "Look, Kid... let's
go to the village.. ya need to rest, ya look tired, aren'tCHA? And
besides, I gotta go get Ma, Mel, Doc, and Orlha and let them know thatCHA
here!"
I followed Korcha behind and reached the village of Guldove.
I never thought about going to this place during my search but now that I
thought of it, Guldove was the home of the Dragon Temple, where the legendary
Dragon Tear was kept and displayed. Maybe I can seek guidance here in
helping me look for the Chrono Trigger. But right now, I need to rest up a
bit.
+++++
Serge
Glenn and Norris
were my best of friends.
I was a bit glad that Lisa decided to invite
both Glenn and Norris along during our visit here in Termina. I never
really expected that old friends that I almost forgot in my memories would
suddenly appear in my life again. I was content now that Glenn, Norris,
and I were able to talk about many things in common, such as our lives after the
Time Devourer days, the good old days that I can barely remember, and of course,
the people that we can all remember.
This time, the subject
changed. It was all about women this time: "Serge," Glenn spoke in his
usual humble tone. "How long have you and Leena been together as
lovers?"
I was startled in a way that made me a bit nervous answering
that question. Come on, Serge, it was only Glenn that you're talking
too. "Been awhile," I answered.
"I can tell, Serge," Glenn
answered. "It seems to me that you and Leena may be able to make it until
the right age arrives, true?"
"Marriage?" I wondered. "Well...
uhh... I... we haven't really discussed it yet---"
"Glenn---" Norris
attempted to interrupt our conversation.
"Then you must let me know who
should your Best Man be, Serge!" Glenn exclaimed in glee. "They say at
weddings that single men such as myself may be able to find true love in a
wedding---"
"Glenn!" Norris finally rose up the volume of his voice a
bit. Glenn and I stopped and turned to him. "I... uhh...
well... I.. I don't think this is right..."
"What's not right, Norris?"
Glenn wondered.
"I.. I mean how can you tell that Serge and Leena were
really going to get married for sure?"
I was a bit surprised to hear this
from Norris: "What are you getting at, Norris?"
"Well... what I was
trying to say is..." Norris turned his head towards the two giggling best
friends. Then he turned his head back on us. "As the saying goes...
the future is not ours to see."
"Norris?" Glenn wondered.
"I
mean.. what I'm trying to say is... what if... well... Serge and Leena... may
NOT be the ones destined to be together..."
Glenn and I kept silent after
hearing this from Norris. I wondered to myself, what was wrong with me and
Leena that Norris doesn't see as--- right? Was there something horrible
that may come between Leena and I?
"Ah, I'm sorry to mention that,
Serge... my apologies," Norris sighed in guilt. "I should be grateful to
see you happy with the woman you love the most..."
"It's okay, Norris," I
answered. The three of us decided to walk around Termina by ourselves
while leaving the two ladies here for their chatter.
We parted from
the women and headed out to town. We were all greeted by people passing
by; most of the greetings went to Glenn or Norris. Some of the young
ladies even handed some Bellflowers to Glenn or Norris just to show their
admiration to both the Acacia Dragoons and the Porre Army. We stopped by
the bar to meet up with some people, then at the market area.
"Ah, the
town fortune teller. Come." Glenn led me and Norris to the small hut
at the market square where we waited for the fortune teller to appear. It
was only a split second when the fortune teller appeared by white
smoke.
The fortune teller completely covered himself in green cloak
stepped right up to us. His mysterious eyes glanced right through ours as
if he must have read what our future was going to be before he can even
introduce himself. I stood there looking puzzled simultaneously as the
fortune teller's glance were just staring stuck right at me. "Palm reading
for today?" he asked.
"Yes, please," Glenn answered. "I believe
that our Porre commander here refuses to believe the fact that our friend here
and his lady love would someday be married---"
"Glenn!" Norris exclaimed in
shock. "Have you gone mad?! This is not some kind of a betting
contest to see if Serge and Leena really are meant to be!"
"You're the
only one who doesn't believe that Serge and Leena really are meant to be,
Norris."
"All I said was that the future is not ours to
see---"
"Bah, that's enough," the fortune teller interrupted.
"We'll just see what this young man's palm says..."
The fortune
teller walked up right at me and took my right hand. He stared and read my
palm: "There is a split of your main line here... the first split line here is
shorter... the next split line merges back to your main line... hmm..."
I
felt awkward a bit, feeling the fortune teller's finger tracing around the lines
of my palm. Glenn and Norris stood behind me, watching and waiting for the
final reading. Finally the reading came: "Happy as you are of this point,
but happier you will be when your current happiness breaks away and
true destiny unites to your happiness. You and your true destiny---
become one... forever."
"What does it mean?" I asked, looking completely
intrigued at this. "What's this got to do with Leena and me?"
"Your
natural instinct shall answer your own questions," the fortune teller patted me
on the shoulder. "You are a very interesting one--- someone so
extraordinary--- very intriguing. You have a wonderful life ahead of you,
but for that to arrive, you must make the most of the present!"
"I don't
understand," I answered.
"Just follow the path to where your heart leads
you." He turned to Glenn and Norris, asking if that was all that we needed
to see him for. Glenn shook his head as we parted away from the fortune
teller. We decided to go back to Lisa's place.
Happy as your
are of this point, but happier you will be when your current happiness breaks
away and true destiny unites to your happiness. You and your true
destiny--- become one... forever.
"Just follow the path to where your
heart leads you."
I still do not understand what the fortune teller
meant by that. It did not also exactly confirm to see if Glenn or Norris
was correct for my future with Leena. I never really thought about the
future. I basically delved myself in the present and just let the course
of time lead me.
Maybe it was the time for me to start thinking about my
future--- and talk to Leena about marriage.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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