Note: This chapter was really hard to write as I'm not really familiar with
Jowy or Mcdohl's character, but I hope I got close enough. Enjoy! Big
thanks to Jowy-kun for helping me out on this one! Also, Suikoden and all
related characters belong to the people of Konami.
~Hero
Shooting Star Act: 2 'Outside Looking In'
Deep golden-brown eyes opened slowly to meet a smooth stone ceiling. Tir blinked a few times as if trying to reassure himself of where he was. But as always reality would catch up to him and remind him that he was here, as a prisoner of Highland. He wasn't sure how long he had been there, as he had been dosing, falling in and out of sleep. Tir groaned as he shifted positions upon the bunk for the hundredth time that day. Finally, the boy sat up finding that he could not sleep.
Was it really still daytime? Or was it evening? He could not tell, for there were no windows to be seen. The only light was the torches that burned dimly in their sconces through out the dungeon. Tir shivered as the cold dampness of his cell crawled up his arms. He began to think about the others and their current predicament. He did not know where they were being kept, and even if he did, he did not know where he was. His eyes scanned his surroundings once more, taking in every detail trying to find something that would be of some use to him as his staff was confiscated when they were caught. He found none, the small dungeon was bare. The bars were thick and looked as if it could stand against the powers of runes. Truly, this was a special little isolated dungeon, and it was clear that Highland wasn't going to take any chances with him. He could easily have used the power of his soul eater rune to dispose of the guards that stood watch and anyone else that might get in his way, but the Strategist had been two steps ahead of him.
'If you make even the slightest noise, your comrades will meet with a slow and very painful death.'
The warning rang clear in his mind and Tir could not help but feel helpless and angry. Frustrated, he rammed a tight fist into the wall. The strategist knew him well enough to know that he would never willingly endanger the life of his friends. Leon knew him well enough to know that he feared the Soul Eater's power and hated using its power even more.
"Damn you Leon." Tir growled under his breath. He had been trying to come up with a plan to escape but at the risk of his friend's lives, he found it impossible. He knew that all he could do now was wait and hope that Riou would come through. If anything, he was glad that the new leader managed to get away.
But where was he?
Does it really matter? Just as long as he's not in a cell, or on the gallows, that's for sure.
He became very aware of his self and knew that he was pretty damn calm for a POW. But he found no purpose in getting worked up. Perhaps he really had grown stronger.
But had he grown wiser?
Indeed, ignoring his status as the president of the newly formed Toran Republic was completely stupid and ignorant on his part. He had unknowingly jeopardized all of Toran. Leon was right about that.
But before he was about to lapse into bouts of self pity however, he heard soft voices from the other side of the stone wall and caused Tir's head to jerk up. The voices were low and deep, probably the guards. Tir sat still and listened as best as he could. But the voices were too far and too soft to make out what was said. Faint shuffling and patter of footsteps were heard and then nothing more. The sense of loneliness seems to grow heavy and he began to get uneasy.
What was happening out there? Did the guards leave? If so, why did they leave?
After a few more moments of hearing nothing Tir forced himself to relax.
"Perhaps the guards are doing a change over."
Funny, their shift couldn't have been that short, a voice nagged. But Tir brushed it aside and settled himself down once more. He knew Riou would come. He just had to be patient.
"You're not afraid, are you?" A voice suddenly shattered the silence, causing the youth to jump and fall into battle stance upon instinct. The voice went on; "Your life is in danger, and yet, you do not act as most men would in your position. Why is that? Do you not fear for your own life?"
Tir's gaze darted every which way trying to find the source.
"Who's there?" He asked. But he could find no one. "Show yourself! Who are you?"
The voice, soft and low spoke again; "Do not be alarmed, I am of no danger to you."
This however did little to calm him. "I think I should be the judge of that." He returned sharply. "Honestly," Tir scoffed. "How can you say something like that when you are hiding from me? Let me see who you are."
There was silence, was the stranger hesitating? It was obvious that he didn't want to be seen. But why? He shouldn't be afraid if he was the enemy, was he an undercover agent? Who was he? Genuine curiosity over came his fear then, and he cautiously made his way over to the bars.
In a calmer voice, Tir asked; "Who are you? What do you want?"
"I do not want anything from you.But would it be possible to talk for awhile?"
This actually provoked a small smirk from Tir. "Gee, I don't know, That is really not my place to say. You should ask my guards for permission." He reproved.
And surprisingly, the voice returned; "They won't be a problem. I made sure of that."
Thus far, the voice gave no indication of immediate danger, and unless he was the King of Highland, this stranger posed no threat upon Tir himself. But Tir knew the dangers of getting complacent.. Yet he could not help but smile and allow himself to stand at ease.
"Well, since you went through a lot of trouble to see me, I guess I could spare a few minuets, but I'm a busy guy you know?" Tir joked lightly. And he could have sworn he heard a soft chuckling echoing off the walls. Golden- brown eyes turned serious as the imprisoned youth added "But don't get too hopeful, for I know no secrets to the Liberation army."
"You never did answer my first question." The visitor said cutting him off. Tir was, to say the least, stunned.
"I didn't think that was what you really wanted to know." The boy answered.
"Just curious, you do not strike me as a normal boy."
*Ooookay.* Tir thought. So it was obvious his strange visitor wasn't at all interested in the Liberation army. And Tir found the visitor's comment a little strange, but not too far out there that he couldn't reply in a some what sad voice, "War does that to you."
"Ah, I see. And how is Riou faring?" The stranger asked.
Tir had to ponder this question over a bit. Trying to see what his mysterious visitor was getting at, and careful that his answers did not betray Riou or put a threat on his life to any point. But it seemed as if the question deserved an answer so he answered simply; "He is fine, just fine."
"Even in these trying times?" the voice queried. A little too interested, Tir noted.
"He's stronger than you could ever know." Tir answered once more.
The voice, which sounded very young to Tir, paused as if giving his answer some thought before returning with that same inquisitive tone. "So strong that you believe he will come to save you?"
"Yes, but if need be, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Tir said firmly.
He heard a sigh and a slight shuffling of cloth against wall. His visitor was defiantly nearby, the leader deduced. But something else nagged at him. And he couldn't let it alone. Tir opened his mouth to speak but the young voice spoke once more cutting him off.
"I understand now. You are not afraid, for you believe that Riou would never abandon his own men. But if you are as confidant in your skills as you say you are, then why haven't you tried to escape on your own? Surely, these prison bars are a mere hindrance compared to the legendary power you are said to wield. Am I right?"
Upon instinct, Tir glanced down upon his right hand, his gaze falling upon the so called 'legendary' rune concealed there. He closed his eyes for a moment as if pained to hear such a cursed thing spoken so highly of.
"I." Tir began but stopped himself in mid sentence. He stood there, weighing the words and contemplating this strange conversation, which seemed to have no point. From the very beginning, something nagged at Tir about his visitor, and though he had been quite elusive to answering the man's questions, things weren't what they seemed. It only took the boy a few moments of silent thought before it dawned upon him. And he began to rephrase his answer.
"I believe in Lord Riou, and because I believe in him, I do not need to use my power. Lord Riou himself would not condone it." Tir stood waiting upon the reply.
And a moment later he got one. "I see, since you are sure to see him again, please give him this message; an old acquaintance misses him very much." More shuffling was heard, and it sounded as if the stranger was turning to leave.
Tir gripped the bars hoping against hope that his assumptions were correct. He spoke out again, in a more conversational tone, "Then why doesn't his 'friend' go and see him? I'm sure Lord Riou misses him too." At this, he heard the foot falls stop. Smiling inwardly, Tir continued. "Now that you mention it, I remember Lord Riou speaking fondly of one in particular. But his name, I forget. Although I'm sure we are speaking of the same person."
"Lord Mcdohl, you never did strike me as a fool..." The stranger finally said.
"I'm still a fool as I'll ever be." Tir chuckled softly. "But I've learned how to read between the lines. And like I've said before Riou spoke often and well of you, Jowy."
Silence preceded the next few minuets, but Tir was not anxious. He knew he had the boy-king's attention now. And the slight shuffling as soft fine robes met the cold stone walls spoke tomes to the fact. The king leaned up against the other side of the wall. So near, Tir moved up against the same wall trying to be as close. He spoke lower this time, as low as Jowy had spoken.
"If you really miss him, then you should go see him. I'm sure you know how sad and alone he has been since you left his side. Perhaps you've even heard him, since it is said that your runes share many strange bonds."
"I can't.I just can't." Jowy's soft voice replied. "I am.afraid to see him again." He confessed.
Tir closed his eyes, allowing himself to picture the king in his mind's eye. In doing so, he could clearly sense the feelings that lie beneath the cold exterior, could see the very center of the man that he wouldn't let anyone see. He was not evil. That was clearly evident. But the war was taking its toll upon Jowy just as it had upon him, stealing his soul away little by little.
Tir opened his eyes again and asked simply, "Why?"
"I cannot allow myself to be deterred. I have chosen my path and I must see it through to the end. Even if it means to start a war that will end all wars, even if it means fighting Riou, this is the path I choose, this is the only path left open to me." Jowy said firmly. But it sounded breathy and trembled slightly. "And the time for talk has long since passed. I cannot back down; it's too late for that."
Tir held his breath, and tried to suppress the anger and pain building within his chest. It boiled and raged threatening to consume him.
But this just wasn't right.
"How can you do this to him? It doesn't have to be this way, nothing does! I can't believe you had the gall call yourself his friend!" He exploded. "You don't even know, don't even understand-"But Tir was interrupted as Jowy interjected in a stern but clearly angry voice.
"No, YOU don't understand!" And in the next instant, Tir found the silhouetted form of the young king standing before him. Hands tightly gripped the bars making it seem as if the king were in the cell not Tir. Perhaps he was Tir mused to himself. Jowy was caged in a private cell of his own doing of his own will. Surrounded by the trappings of wealth, deceit and power and walls he built himself.
Jowy's head was lowered, as if in shame. And a moment later, the king stood back, eyes never once opening to meet Tir's. He let out a breath recomposing himself, before he turned away. Or, to be more correct, Jowy was refusing to meet Tir's accusing eyes.
"You.Could never understand what I do." He continued darkly. "I don't expect you to." Tir narrowed his eyes indignant. "He was never supposed to get involved in the war." Soft and dangerously low he spoke each word carefully, taking care not to allow his feelings show, though it was a loosing battle already. "It is my fault, I did it all wrong, just like I do everything wrong. I was so stupid to believe that he would listen to me and run away." The tormented king turned slightly but not so much as he could see Tir. "But.This is destiny, I suppose." He added, as if it would explain anything any better, or justify his reasons.
Each word that was spoken hit Tir like a steel tipped arrow, seemingly hitting it's mark every time. His right hand formed a tight fist, which shook with such anger that could not be put into words. He was glad, deeply glad, that Riou was not here to listen to this. Surely it would crush the boy. In that one second, he wondered if runes could split, then could they shatter as well?
A shattered shield.
When Tir finally found the voice to speak, he could no longer see the king clearly, for the tears blurred his vision, and he tried his best to wipe them away.
"I.I can't believe you said that.That's a load of CRAP!!" He burst. "How can you be so damn weak!? How can you just accept everything and kill your own damn brother!! The only person left in this world that cares about you?! How?! He cries tears for everyone, dies inside and out for them, for you! You think he just accepted your betrayal?! I have been through war, or have you forgotten?! I know his actions all too well, for I tried to do the same for a friend who ended up taking his own life in the end. So don't presume to tell me what I can or can't understand. I understand better than you know." The embittered youth's voice dropped to a pained whisper.
He swallowed past the lump in his throat and forced the tears back before continuing. "I pity Riou for all the hopes he harbors, for I once did the same, before war scarred me. I pity him for he has yet to understand, yet to be scarred. And I pity him for he believes the pain will end soon. But it never will. When ever he fights, you are right there to oppose him. And as it seems, he is more alone than he realizes. Perhaps it is better that he dies. I know.I wish I would.." Tir's voice trailed off, choked. It was happening again, like it always did. Flashes of memories, all of different times different places..
A different life.
The tears came; staining his cheeks as he silently mourned the passing of his child hood years, the friends that had gone before, and a life, which he would never be able to reclaim again.
But once again, he was pulled out of his sad reverie, as he felt warm hands gently embrace his face, lifting his dark hazel gaze to meet calm cerulean eyes. It surprised him a bit as those eyes did not show a trace of emotion, but they, burrowed deep within Tir's eyes. It was almost as if Jowy were searching for something, a secret, which only his eyes held. And for the first time, Tir felt naked and exposed. Uncomfterbal, he tried to move but the hands that held him were firm but gentle. Tir was forced to show all the secrets and pain he hid deep within his soul.
"You have suffered long..haven't you? And that's why your eyes are sad. You're still suffering." Jowy said more to himself than to Tir. Silently, Tir stared back, his gaze hardening, no more must be read. A faint flicker, as emotion touched Jowy's eyes briefly. It seemed as if he found what he was looking for.
"Amazing, even in strength, you two are identical. Your souls, your hearts, it's like you are brothers." Jowy moved his hand slowly, caressing Tir's cheek and drying the tears. He closed his eyes for a moment, and something of a faint smile touched his lips. "I feel like I'm looking into Riou's face." He opened his eyes and the faint smile was gone.
"You are.Or will be rather, if you let the ravages of war take him." Tir said solemnly. At that point, Jowy lowered his hands, retreating behind the bars once more. "That's why you wouldn't look at me before isn't it? Because of how similar we look."
"Once, I broke Riou out of prison. I couldn't stand to see Riou like that.Not again." Jowy confessed. "All my life, I've wanted nothing but to protect him, and he swore he'd do the same for me. But now, look at us. Look at me, I can't protect him anymore...I can't help him." Jowy's eyes grew clouded, and threatened to spill tears, but they were as dry as before. None the less, Tir knew better. And he realized why he was so eager to protect Riou, why he tried so hard to get Jowy to understand. He didn't want to see another friendship be destroyed by war. Such a beautiful thing, he didn't want to see it die. Not the way his and Ted's had. In a sense, this was his second chance at changing something that doesn't end in blood and tears. He would honor his and Ted's friendship this way.
"He hasn't stopped believing in you." A voice said, and Tir was surprised to find it was his own. "Perhaps that's why he does things the way he does. He was only staying loyal to his own heart." Tir thought back to those times he spent with the young leader. He had exuded certain innocence, but Tir knew better. They had spoken about many things, always reflective, things that would turn inward and change one's own self. But the way Riou spoke, the way he reasoned, the way he thought, struck Tir as though the boy grew up believing in one thing and stuck with it his entire life. Perhaps he had. This explains it all now.
"Jowy, don't succumb to something because it was predestined. You must follow the path you trust. Even if it means cutting open a new path."
"I must.follow the path I trust..?" Jowy echoed softy almost unbelievingly. Tir's gaze lingered upon the king for a moment, gauging his reaction. After a few seconds passed by, he sat back down upon the bench feeling that the concept had sunken it. Strangely he felt different than before, the burden was still there, but some how, it felt a bit, lighter? He looked to the king once more, who had turned away. He really had no idea of how the king was taking all this in. Or even if it had made a difference. Was it all just pointless talk? He wasn't sure, but he knew that he had seen the side of Jowy that Riou wanted, and believed was still there. He would be glad to hear it. Tir smiled wistfully. It probably wasn't much, but he knew that it would help the young leader much more than his service ever would.
Tir felt spent. And he cared to speak no more then. And as if reading his mind Jowy spoke up, his voice had changed from that of before, more colder, more harder. Seems as if he had slipped back into his shell. Tir thought, but couldn't blame him.
"I must leave you now, Please excuse me Lord Mcdohl." Jowy made a passive bow, all the while avoiding the youth's eyes. "Please be sure to deliver my message to Riou as quickly as you are able." Tir gave a curt nod with the feeling that the king was hinting something to him.
"As you wish your majesty."
Jowy stood once more and turned away, "This exchange is over. Good day to you." This was accompanied by a sharp metallic clatter, as keys fell to the floor behind him. But the king seemed to take no notice, and continued to walk off, out of view. Tir could hardly believe it. His eyes grew reflective for a moment before refocusing to the situation at hand. He waited for a few minuets before kneeling down and retrieving the keys. In a short while the door was open and Tir was carefully making his way down the hall. There were no guards in sight, and he silently thanked Jowy for all his help. Though he was sure the king would deny it.
"I've got to find the others." He thought. And he began to move more swiftly. But he wondered how he would ever find them in this massive palace.
End of Act 2
~Hero
Shooting Star Act: 2 'Outside Looking In'
Deep golden-brown eyes opened slowly to meet a smooth stone ceiling. Tir blinked a few times as if trying to reassure himself of where he was. But as always reality would catch up to him and remind him that he was here, as a prisoner of Highland. He wasn't sure how long he had been there, as he had been dosing, falling in and out of sleep. Tir groaned as he shifted positions upon the bunk for the hundredth time that day. Finally, the boy sat up finding that he could not sleep.
Was it really still daytime? Or was it evening? He could not tell, for there were no windows to be seen. The only light was the torches that burned dimly in their sconces through out the dungeon. Tir shivered as the cold dampness of his cell crawled up his arms. He began to think about the others and their current predicament. He did not know where they were being kept, and even if he did, he did not know where he was. His eyes scanned his surroundings once more, taking in every detail trying to find something that would be of some use to him as his staff was confiscated when they were caught. He found none, the small dungeon was bare. The bars were thick and looked as if it could stand against the powers of runes. Truly, this was a special little isolated dungeon, and it was clear that Highland wasn't going to take any chances with him. He could easily have used the power of his soul eater rune to dispose of the guards that stood watch and anyone else that might get in his way, but the Strategist had been two steps ahead of him.
'If you make even the slightest noise, your comrades will meet with a slow and very painful death.'
The warning rang clear in his mind and Tir could not help but feel helpless and angry. Frustrated, he rammed a tight fist into the wall. The strategist knew him well enough to know that he would never willingly endanger the life of his friends. Leon knew him well enough to know that he feared the Soul Eater's power and hated using its power even more.
"Damn you Leon." Tir growled under his breath. He had been trying to come up with a plan to escape but at the risk of his friend's lives, he found it impossible. He knew that all he could do now was wait and hope that Riou would come through. If anything, he was glad that the new leader managed to get away.
But where was he?
Does it really matter? Just as long as he's not in a cell, or on the gallows, that's for sure.
He became very aware of his self and knew that he was pretty damn calm for a POW. But he found no purpose in getting worked up. Perhaps he really had grown stronger.
But had he grown wiser?
Indeed, ignoring his status as the president of the newly formed Toran Republic was completely stupid and ignorant on his part. He had unknowingly jeopardized all of Toran. Leon was right about that.
But before he was about to lapse into bouts of self pity however, he heard soft voices from the other side of the stone wall and caused Tir's head to jerk up. The voices were low and deep, probably the guards. Tir sat still and listened as best as he could. But the voices were too far and too soft to make out what was said. Faint shuffling and patter of footsteps were heard and then nothing more. The sense of loneliness seems to grow heavy and he began to get uneasy.
What was happening out there? Did the guards leave? If so, why did they leave?
After a few more moments of hearing nothing Tir forced himself to relax.
"Perhaps the guards are doing a change over."
Funny, their shift couldn't have been that short, a voice nagged. But Tir brushed it aside and settled himself down once more. He knew Riou would come. He just had to be patient.
"You're not afraid, are you?" A voice suddenly shattered the silence, causing the youth to jump and fall into battle stance upon instinct. The voice went on; "Your life is in danger, and yet, you do not act as most men would in your position. Why is that? Do you not fear for your own life?"
Tir's gaze darted every which way trying to find the source.
"Who's there?" He asked. But he could find no one. "Show yourself! Who are you?"
The voice, soft and low spoke again; "Do not be alarmed, I am of no danger to you."
This however did little to calm him. "I think I should be the judge of that." He returned sharply. "Honestly," Tir scoffed. "How can you say something like that when you are hiding from me? Let me see who you are."
There was silence, was the stranger hesitating? It was obvious that he didn't want to be seen. But why? He shouldn't be afraid if he was the enemy, was he an undercover agent? Who was he? Genuine curiosity over came his fear then, and he cautiously made his way over to the bars.
In a calmer voice, Tir asked; "Who are you? What do you want?"
"I do not want anything from you.But would it be possible to talk for awhile?"
This actually provoked a small smirk from Tir. "Gee, I don't know, That is really not my place to say. You should ask my guards for permission." He reproved.
And surprisingly, the voice returned; "They won't be a problem. I made sure of that."
Thus far, the voice gave no indication of immediate danger, and unless he was the King of Highland, this stranger posed no threat upon Tir himself. But Tir knew the dangers of getting complacent.. Yet he could not help but smile and allow himself to stand at ease.
"Well, since you went through a lot of trouble to see me, I guess I could spare a few minuets, but I'm a busy guy you know?" Tir joked lightly. And he could have sworn he heard a soft chuckling echoing off the walls. Golden- brown eyes turned serious as the imprisoned youth added "But don't get too hopeful, for I know no secrets to the Liberation army."
"You never did answer my first question." The visitor said cutting him off. Tir was, to say the least, stunned.
"I didn't think that was what you really wanted to know." The boy answered.
"Just curious, you do not strike me as a normal boy."
*Ooookay.* Tir thought. So it was obvious his strange visitor wasn't at all interested in the Liberation army. And Tir found the visitor's comment a little strange, but not too far out there that he couldn't reply in a some what sad voice, "War does that to you."
"Ah, I see. And how is Riou faring?" The stranger asked.
Tir had to ponder this question over a bit. Trying to see what his mysterious visitor was getting at, and careful that his answers did not betray Riou or put a threat on his life to any point. But it seemed as if the question deserved an answer so he answered simply; "He is fine, just fine."
"Even in these trying times?" the voice queried. A little too interested, Tir noted.
"He's stronger than you could ever know." Tir answered once more.
The voice, which sounded very young to Tir, paused as if giving his answer some thought before returning with that same inquisitive tone. "So strong that you believe he will come to save you?"
"Yes, but if need be, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Tir said firmly.
He heard a sigh and a slight shuffling of cloth against wall. His visitor was defiantly nearby, the leader deduced. But something else nagged at him. And he couldn't let it alone. Tir opened his mouth to speak but the young voice spoke once more cutting him off.
"I understand now. You are not afraid, for you believe that Riou would never abandon his own men. But if you are as confidant in your skills as you say you are, then why haven't you tried to escape on your own? Surely, these prison bars are a mere hindrance compared to the legendary power you are said to wield. Am I right?"
Upon instinct, Tir glanced down upon his right hand, his gaze falling upon the so called 'legendary' rune concealed there. He closed his eyes for a moment as if pained to hear such a cursed thing spoken so highly of.
"I." Tir began but stopped himself in mid sentence. He stood there, weighing the words and contemplating this strange conversation, which seemed to have no point. From the very beginning, something nagged at Tir about his visitor, and though he had been quite elusive to answering the man's questions, things weren't what they seemed. It only took the boy a few moments of silent thought before it dawned upon him. And he began to rephrase his answer.
"I believe in Lord Riou, and because I believe in him, I do not need to use my power. Lord Riou himself would not condone it." Tir stood waiting upon the reply.
And a moment later he got one. "I see, since you are sure to see him again, please give him this message; an old acquaintance misses him very much." More shuffling was heard, and it sounded as if the stranger was turning to leave.
Tir gripped the bars hoping against hope that his assumptions were correct. He spoke out again, in a more conversational tone, "Then why doesn't his 'friend' go and see him? I'm sure Lord Riou misses him too." At this, he heard the foot falls stop. Smiling inwardly, Tir continued. "Now that you mention it, I remember Lord Riou speaking fondly of one in particular. But his name, I forget. Although I'm sure we are speaking of the same person."
"Lord Mcdohl, you never did strike me as a fool..." The stranger finally said.
"I'm still a fool as I'll ever be." Tir chuckled softly. "But I've learned how to read between the lines. And like I've said before Riou spoke often and well of you, Jowy."
Silence preceded the next few minuets, but Tir was not anxious. He knew he had the boy-king's attention now. And the slight shuffling as soft fine robes met the cold stone walls spoke tomes to the fact. The king leaned up against the other side of the wall. So near, Tir moved up against the same wall trying to be as close. He spoke lower this time, as low as Jowy had spoken.
"If you really miss him, then you should go see him. I'm sure you know how sad and alone he has been since you left his side. Perhaps you've even heard him, since it is said that your runes share many strange bonds."
"I can't.I just can't." Jowy's soft voice replied. "I am.afraid to see him again." He confessed.
Tir closed his eyes, allowing himself to picture the king in his mind's eye. In doing so, he could clearly sense the feelings that lie beneath the cold exterior, could see the very center of the man that he wouldn't let anyone see. He was not evil. That was clearly evident. But the war was taking its toll upon Jowy just as it had upon him, stealing his soul away little by little.
Tir opened his eyes again and asked simply, "Why?"
"I cannot allow myself to be deterred. I have chosen my path and I must see it through to the end. Even if it means to start a war that will end all wars, even if it means fighting Riou, this is the path I choose, this is the only path left open to me." Jowy said firmly. But it sounded breathy and trembled slightly. "And the time for talk has long since passed. I cannot back down; it's too late for that."
Tir held his breath, and tried to suppress the anger and pain building within his chest. It boiled and raged threatening to consume him.
But this just wasn't right.
"How can you do this to him? It doesn't have to be this way, nothing does! I can't believe you had the gall call yourself his friend!" He exploded. "You don't even know, don't even understand-"But Tir was interrupted as Jowy interjected in a stern but clearly angry voice.
"No, YOU don't understand!" And in the next instant, Tir found the silhouetted form of the young king standing before him. Hands tightly gripped the bars making it seem as if the king were in the cell not Tir. Perhaps he was Tir mused to himself. Jowy was caged in a private cell of his own doing of his own will. Surrounded by the trappings of wealth, deceit and power and walls he built himself.
Jowy's head was lowered, as if in shame. And a moment later, the king stood back, eyes never once opening to meet Tir's. He let out a breath recomposing himself, before he turned away. Or, to be more correct, Jowy was refusing to meet Tir's accusing eyes.
"You.Could never understand what I do." He continued darkly. "I don't expect you to." Tir narrowed his eyes indignant. "He was never supposed to get involved in the war." Soft and dangerously low he spoke each word carefully, taking care not to allow his feelings show, though it was a loosing battle already. "It is my fault, I did it all wrong, just like I do everything wrong. I was so stupid to believe that he would listen to me and run away." The tormented king turned slightly but not so much as he could see Tir. "But.This is destiny, I suppose." He added, as if it would explain anything any better, or justify his reasons.
Each word that was spoken hit Tir like a steel tipped arrow, seemingly hitting it's mark every time. His right hand formed a tight fist, which shook with such anger that could not be put into words. He was glad, deeply glad, that Riou was not here to listen to this. Surely it would crush the boy. In that one second, he wondered if runes could split, then could they shatter as well?
A shattered shield.
When Tir finally found the voice to speak, he could no longer see the king clearly, for the tears blurred his vision, and he tried his best to wipe them away.
"I.I can't believe you said that.That's a load of CRAP!!" He burst. "How can you be so damn weak!? How can you just accept everything and kill your own damn brother!! The only person left in this world that cares about you?! How?! He cries tears for everyone, dies inside and out for them, for you! You think he just accepted your betrayal?! I have been through war, or have you forgotten?! I know his actions all too well, for I tried to do the same for a friend who ended up taking his own life in the end. So don't presume to tell me what I can or can't understand. I understand better than you know." The embittered youth's voice dropped to a pained whisper.
He swallowed past the lump in his throat and forced the tears back before continuing. "I pity Riou for all the hopes he harbors, for I once did the same, before war scarred me. I pity him for he has yet to understand, yet to be scarred. And I pity him for he believes the pain will end soon. But it never will. When ever he fights, you are right there to oppose him. And as it seems, he is more alone than he realizes. Perhaps it is better that he dies. I know.I wish I would.." Tir's voice trailed off, choked. It was happening again, like it always did. Flashes of memories, all of different times different places..
A different life.
The tears came; staining his cheeks as he silently mourned the passing of his child hood years, the friends that had gone before, and a life, which he would never be able to reclaim again.
But once again, he was pulled out of his sad reverie, as he felt warm hands gently embrace his face, lifting his dark hazel gaze to meet calm cerulean eyes. It surprised him a bit as those eyes did not show a trace of emotion, but they, burrowed deep within Tir's eyes. It was almost as if Jowy were searching for something, a secret, which only his eyes held. And for the first time, Tir felt naked and exposed. Uncomfterbal, he tried to move but the hands that held him were firm but gentle. Tir was forced to show all the secrets and pain he hid deep within his soul.
"You have suffered long..haven't you? And that's why your eyes are sad. You're still suffering." Jowy said more to himself than to Tir. Silently, Tir stared back, his gaze hardening, no more must be read. A faint flicker, as emotion touched Jowy's eyes briefly. It seemed as if he found what he was looking for.
"Amazing, even in strength, you two are identical. Your souls, your hearts, it's like you are brothers." Jowy moved his hand slowly, caressing Tir's cheek and drying the tears. He closed his eyes for a moment, and something of a faint smile touched his lips. "I feel like I'm looking into Riou's face." He opened his eyes and the faint smile was gone.
"You are.Or will be rather, if you let the ravages of war take him." Tir said solemnly. At that point, Jowy lowered his hands, retreating behind the bars once more. "That's why you wouldn't look at me before isn't it? Because of how similar we look."
"Once, I broke Riou out of prison. I couldn't stand to see Riou like that.Not again." Jowy confessed. "All my life, I've wanted nothing but to protect him, and he swore he'd do the same for me. But now, look at us. Look at me, I can't protect him anymore...I can't help him." Jowy's eyes grew clouded, and threatened to spill tears, but they were as dry as before. None the less, Tir knew better. And he realized why he was so eager to protect Riou, why he tried so hard to get Jowy to understand. He didn't want to see another friendship be destroyed by war. Such a beautiful thing, he didn't want to see it die. Not the way his and Ted's had. In a sense, this was his second chance at changing something that doesn't end in blood and tears. He would honor his and Ted's friendship this way.
"He hasn't stopped believing in you." A voice said, and Tir was surprised to find it was his own. "Perhaps that's why he does things the way he does. He was only staying loyal to his own heart." Tir thought back to those times he spent with the young leader. He had exuded certain innocence, but Tir knew better. They had spoken about many things, always reflective, things that would turn inward and change one's own self. But the way Riou spoke, the way he reasoned, the way he thought, struck Tir as though the boy grew up believing in one thing and stuck with it his entire life. Perhaps he had. This explains it all now.
"Jowy, don't succumb to something because it was predestined. You must follow the path you trust. Even if it means cutting open a new path."
"I must.follow the path I trust..?" Jowy echoed softy almost unbelievingly. Tir's gaze lingered upon the king for a moment, gauging his reaction. After a few seconds passed by, he sat back down upon the bench feeling that the concept had sunken it. Strangely he felt different than before, the burden was still there, but some how, it felt a bit, lighter? He looked to the king once more, who had turned away. He really had no idea of how the king was taking all this in. Or even if it had made a difference. Was it all just pointless talk? He wasn't sure, but he knew that he had seen the side of Jowy that Riou wanted, and believed was still there. He would be glad to hear it. Tir smiled wistfully. It probably wasn't much, but he knew that it would help the young leader much more than his service ever would.
Tir felt spent. And he cared to speak no more then. And as if reading his mind Jowy spoke up, his voice had changed from that of before, more colder, more harder. Seems as if he had slipped back into his shell. Tir thought, but couldn't blame him.
"I must leave you now, Please excuse me Lord Mcdohl." Jowy made a passive bow, all the while avoiding the youth's eyes. "Please be sure to deliver my message to Riou as quickly as you are able." Tir gave a curt nod with the feeling that the king was hinting something to him.
"As you wish your majesty."
Jowy stood once more and turned away, "This exchange is over. Good day to you." This was accompanied by a sharp metallic clatter, as keys fell to the floor behind him. But the king seemed to take no notice, and continued to walk off, out of view. Tir could hardly believe it. His eyes grew reflective for a moment before refocusing to the situation at hand. He waited for a few minuets before kneeling down and retrieving the keys. In a short while the door was open and Tir was carefully making his way down the hall. There were no guards in sight, and he silently thanked Jowy for all his help. Though he was sure the king would deny it.
"I've got to find the others." He thought. And he began to move more swiftly. But he wondered how he would ever find them in this massive palace.
End of Act 2