Disclaimer: The characters depicted in the story aren't mine. They belong to Konami.

Misconstrued (Final Chapter)

Lilly watched the different emotions that played across Percival's handsome features. First, she saw bewilderment, then anger which quickly mellowed down to annoyance, and finally acceptance. 'What was that for?' Lilly wondered in irritation.

'I abandoned the match with Borus, rode like hell to Brass Castle, just to find out Little Miss Lilly here wanted to borrow money from me.' Percival closed his eyes and prayed for patience. 'What did I do to deserve this assignment?'

"Hey!" Lilly stomped her foot to get his attention. "Be quick about it. I don't have all day, you know?"

The knight raked his hand through his dark hair and sighed. What would be the best way to deal with Lilly Pendragon? So far he hasn't made any progress. Perhaps he has been too displeased with his duty that he hasn't thought of any way to get along with her. Lady Chris said he was the right one for the job. So far, he hasn't done anything to verify that belief. No wonder his captain was so disappointed with him. So what should he do?

"Here." He produced the amount requested, er, ordered and handed it to Lilly. She grabbed it from him and turned to buy the item she wanted.

"Interesting." Percival looked over Lilly's shoulder to look at the amulet. It was made of gold. It looked like it originated from the Southlands with all the intricate details etched on it. "It's rather too big for you though." He stepped back when Lilly turned to face him.

"For your information, this is not for me." She snapped at him as she placed the accessory in her bag. "It's a present for my father."

"For your father?" Percival asked surprised. That was new. He thought he would never see the day Lilly buying a present for other people. He believed her to be spoiled, selfish and incapable of demonstrating kindness toward others. Harsh but many believed that about her. What if she's just misunderstood? He smiled. "You must love him very much."

A soft sad look crossed Lilly's face. Then it quickly disappeared. Percival could have sworn he imagined the emotion if he wasn't paying close attention. "Of course I love him! He is my father." Lilly answered as she turned to go back inside the castle. As much as possible, she didn't want to discuss anything about her family. Especially with a stranger like this knight. "I'm starving. I want to go back to Vinay del Zexay."

"All right. I'm famished as well." Percival led her to the gates which led to the Zexen Forest. When they reached the castle entrance, he said. "I'll fetch you a horse for our journey. It will be faster that way." When Lilly didn't answer, he turned back to face her, his gaze knowing. "You DO know how to ride a horse, don't you?"

"Think I'm incapable of doing so?" Lilly shot back at him as she met his gaze with an arched brow. She will never admit her lack of experience in the said activity. There weren't many horses back in Tinto. The few they had were used for pulling the carts of minerals found in their mines.

"I know you can handle anything, Red." He grinned. "Wait here while I fetch our horses." He turned to leave for the stables. "I won't take long." He promised when he saw Lilly open her mouth. To hurry him up, he supposed.

Lilly sighed as she watched her dark-haired escort leave. She didn't want a horse. She'd rather walk to Vinay del Zexay than ride. The knight took her word when she said she could handle a horse. Well, she never bothered learning how to ride on horseback. Why the need if she has a carriage of her own? Really, the knight shouldn't always believe what he hears. The thought gave her a pause. Since when did he start listening to her? She realized then that they were having a decent conversation just a moment ago.

She wondered about the recent change of his demeanor. His annoyance toward her since the ball last night wasn't lost to her. So why the sudden change? People tend to treat her with forced respect. Others with grudging reception. She even met people who treated her with hostile indifference, not that she really cared, mind you. But she's grown used to such treatment.

Chris was one of the few she treated as friends. And Hugo, one of her first traveling companions when they arrived in Grassland. Sure, their relationships stayed as that of mere acquaintances but that's the way she wanted it. She didn't want to trouble herself with long and sad goodbyes. She simply didn't need the feel of such sentimentality. Friends, she believes, easily come and go.

The knight returned with two horses. "This white beauty is yours." He smiled and offered her the reins. Lilly automatically stepped back as the creature stood impatiently in front of her. The horse pranced restlessly as Lilly continued to stare at it. She always hated horses, they looked mean and ugly and bad tempered. Just like the one back in Tinto which suddenly reared up on its hind legs when she tried petting it several years ago. It rejected her touch, her attempt to befriend it. It was a good thing one of the workers saw what happened and was able to save her before she was trampled to death. After that incident, she never even wanted to be near a horse again. Because she was afraid.

But the knight will never know that. She will show him no weakness, her pride demanded it. She bravely stepped forward and took the reins from him.

Percival could clearly see the fear in her eyes. And was impressed with how she tried to face it. There was a determined look in her eyes but the slight shaking of her hands betrayed her anxiety. Her act of bravery was commendable but it wasn't enough to convince him. And neither did it work on her. What is she so afraid of? He wondered.

"I changed my mind. You go ahead." Lilly said haughtily as she gave him back the reins. "I still have things to do he---"

"I think one horse will do." He cut her off with a smile. "We can get to the city faster that way. We'll just share, all right?" A moment of silence passed between them. Lilly wondered if the knight detected her hesitation. But quickly dismissed the thought. That would be impossible. She has always learned how to mask her fears, her weaknesses. The knight couldn't have noticed anything. Finally, Lilly nodded her consent.

"Great." Percival said as he patted his brown steed. "Be nice to Miss Lilly, okay?" He cooed his horse. The animal nudged his hand in response. He laughed as he hailed a passing soldier and requested him to return the other horse to the stables.

"Why are you even talking to it?" Lilly asked with distaste. "It's not as if it can understand you."

"Oh, he can." Percival answered. "This one's highly intelligent. And he's the fastest horse in all of Zexen." He declared proudly as he fondly ran his hand through the horse's dark mane. "Come. Try petting him."

"I'd rather not." She quickly answered for she knew her touch would be rejected again. She always hated rejection. She had plenty of experiences regarding that when she was young.

"He won't bite." Percival said laughingly. "Come." Lilly took a deep breath and slowly took a step forward. She raised her arm and fleetingly ran her hand over the horse's snout. Unsatisfied with that brief touch, the large horse nudged her hand until it rested, palm down, back on its head. Lilly continued staring at the horse. It actually liked her. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she raised her other hand to stroke the horse.

"Shall we?" Percival smiled when she looked up at him.

Lilly realized she was smiling like an idiot and quickly returned to her snooty disposition. "Assist me." She commanded as she walked toward the horse's side.

He sighed in resignation and stepped back to allow her to mount the horse. "Place your right foot here in the stirrup iron." She did so as he pointed at the horse's right flank. "Then swing your other leg over the saddle." Thankfully, the horse stood still as she mounted. Percival settled himself behind her and wrapped his arms around her as he took hold of the reins.

He whisked the horse into a slow walk as they passed through the cobbled walkway. They picked up speed when they reached the forest. As the horse galloped, Lilly entwined her gloved fingers on the horse's mane in a death grip. She wasn't aware of what she was doing until she felt the knight reach for her hands and started to untangle them from his steed's mane.

"Grab hold of the pommel. Here." She heard him say from behind and felt his hand direct her hands to the small hump of leather in front of her. She did as she was told and held on for dear life, sitting ramrod straight and concentrating on her grip on the saddlebow to keep her balance. Damn the knight! He should slow the horse down. They are galloping at an unbelievable speed! Sure, his arms served as steel bands around her to keep her from falling but they weren't the least bit---

"Are you afraid?" The knight suddenly asked, leaning over her black musketeer-like hat. His voice was soft, too soft that it was almost drowned by the sound of the horse's galloping hooves.

"Why should I be afraid of a stupid horse?"

"Admitting your fears isn't wrong, Miss Lilly." The knight sighed, moving back from her, as he slowed the horse down into a walk by nudging it on its flanks. "It will not be considered as a sign of weakness. Knowing them and facing them could even help you become stronger. Like what you are doing now. I'm truly impressed that you--"

"And what exactly are you trying to say? How dare you assume such offensive things about me? Being afraid of all things!" She tried turning to show him how annoyed she was with the conversation. But his arms kept her from doing so.

"I wasn't--"

"I refuse to continue this discussion. Since when did you start talking so much?" She demanded. "I want you to keep quiet until we reach Vinay del Zexay."

"That wasn't very nice."

"I am never nice!"

"Know what, Red?" The knight behind her continued, his patience finally thinning. "You have this annoying habit of treating other people as if they're your servants. I doubt your parents brought you up that way."

"Don't you dare include my parents in this conversation!"

"They must be very disappointed with how you've turned out."

"Stop it!"

"What happened, Miss Lilly? Didn't they have enough time for you when you were growing up?" This may not be the smartest way of dealing with her, Percival thought. But he sure was finally getting somewhere. Although he couldn't see her face, he was sure those blue eyes of hers were burning with hatred just for him.

"I refuse to listen to this!" She shoved his arms away and tried to dismount. The horse, sensing their argument, started to prance unsteadily.

"Cease that!" Percival tried settling her back to the saddle, he draped a restraining arm around her waist to hold her still as he regained his control on the horse. "You'll fall off!" Lilly ignored him, she grabbed for the arm that confined her and tried to remove it. But his arm was like a dead weight around her, it wasn't hurting her but it sure prevented her from moving around too much.

"Release me at once!"

"By Sadie, you're annoying." He rolled his eyes heavenward with exasperation. "I don't know why your parents never even bothered to--"

"My parents care nothing about me!" Percival shot his gaze at the back of Lilly's head when she shouted. "They were never around when I needed them! I'm sure you never felt that kind of loss!" She finally stopped struggling, but her anger and pain were visible from the way her body tensed. "You don't understand anything!"

He slowly loosened his hold around her but Lilly made no move to dismount. He doubted she even noticed. "You don't know the loneliness I suffered during my childhood, surrounded by servants who never really cared, supposedly 'loved' by parents who were never even there.

"I craved for their love and affection, but received none." She continued softly. Percival had to lean forward to catch her words. "So I learned to reject others first before they reject me. To hurt others before they hurt me."

Percival opened his mouth to give her comfort, to commend her for finally confronting the painful shadows of her childhood. . . anything. He knew just how much courage it took her to reveal this insecure side of hers. But no words came out. He sighed instead, some help he was. "Do you even know the feeling of being neglected?" His gaze shot back to her when she spoke again..

Without her knowing it, her words hit a sore spot. He did the exact same thing to her, thinking of her as an itch that will eventually go away if he kept ignoring her. She's just an unwanted duty, he remembered himself saying. Sadie's Teeth, he's as rotten as anyone else who had hurt her.

"All I wanted was to gain their approval." She said more to herself than to her companion. "I did my best on everything so that they'll be proud of me. But you know what I got instead?" She laughed, a hollow sound full of self- pity and sadness that tore at his heart. "A distracted 'That's nice, dear'. I knew I shouldn't have asked for more." She shook her head in resignation.

A moment of silence passed between them. Only the sounds of the forest accompanied them as they continued their ride to Vinay del Zexay. Lilly felt the emotional burden she has been carrying for years diminish. Talking about it with someone actually helped, she never believed in such nonsense before. Maybe she really needed someone to share it with. She then realized how miserably lonely she truly was. She took in a shuddering breath and mentally shook herself up.

"Do hurry up, will you?" Her condescending voice was back. She collected herself when she realized what she has done, pouring her heart out on a complete stranger. "I told you I'm hungry and I---"

"Will you stop acting as if this never even mattered to you?" The softness in his voice startled her. She felt him drape his left arm across her shoulders and was gently pulled back toward him in a comforting gesture. She never felt such warm concern from anyone before. Suddenly, she felt a burning sensation as moisture formed in her eyes.

"Oh no." She groaned as she felt the hot tears stream down her cheeks. She covered her face with her hands as she choked back a sob. Stop it! She told herself. You're embarrassing yourself! But when more tears started to flow, she gave up all the pretences and cried in earnest.

"That's it." Percival removed her hat and placed it between them. He rested his chin on top of her head as he began rubbing the tension out of her right shoulder. "Don't hold them back."

"I. . . h-hate you. . . for t-this!" She muttered between sobs.

"I know you do." He smiled. How typical for Lilly Pendragon to say so. He patiently waited until her loud sobs reduced to soft whimpers. She finally lowered her hands from her face and settled them on her lap. Percival wiped the remaining tears that still spilled down her face. "Better?" He asked softly When Lilly nodded, he continued. "True that others think of you as a girl who never cared about anyone else but herself, but we can work on that impression if you're willing." He squeezed her shoulder.

"W-We? B-But why. . ?"

"Why would I want to help you?" He finished the question for her. Actually, she wanted to ask why should he care but she nodded her head nonetheless. "I've considered you my responsibility the moment Lady Chris assigned me as your escort."

"But why would you want to do that? You never wanted this duty in the first place."

"Not anymore." Percival smiled and realized that his arm was still across her shoulders. He quickly lowered it and returned his hold on the reins. "I've taken special interest in your life, Miss Lilly. If you would permit, I'd like to be your friend."

"My friend?"

"Aye." He said. "Friends are people who trust each other. You shared your pain and sorrow with me, willingly or otherwise. Still, I consider it an honor that you would impart such a significant matter with me."

"I shared those things with you because you were annoying me." Even if he couldn't see it, Percival heard the smile on her voice. He smiled as well for he knew the lady has accepted his friendship.

"Then we have one thing in common." He laughingly replied.

"But you have yet to prove that you trust me." She straightened away from him and turned to meet his gaze.

"Oh, I trust you, Miss Lilly." He winked at her. "In fact, I will tell you MY deepest fear."

"Indeed?" She raised an eyebrow, interest lighting up her beautiful blue eyes. "And what is that?"

"Promise you won't tell?"

"I promise." She laughed as he looked around just in case someone was listening to them. He then leaned toward her and whispered to her ear.

"A dragon." He confided. "A fire breathing dragon in a blue gown."

* * *

That night, the guests started to leave one by one for their respective cities. Borus bade his farewell to the young lady he escorted during the event. He never experienced any trouble with the shy maiden. She has been a complete angel. Borus watched until her carriage disappeared and walked back inside the city.

Not far from him, he saw Lady Chris and Percival standing near the Tinto carriage. Lady Chris must be getting lots of complaints from Miss Lilly regarding her escort, Borus thought, feeling sorry for his comrade Percival. Nothing and nobody could ever please Lilly Pendragon. He sighed and made his way toward them.

"You're never alone, Miss Lilly." Percival smiled as he assisted her into her carriage. "Lady Chris and I will always be here whenever you need a sympathetic ear." There was softness in Lilly's eyes when she turned to look at him and smiled.

But then she collected herself and stuck her nose up in the air. "Of course, you should be! We are friends, after all!" She saw the dark haired knight smile over her attempt to return to her usual haughty air, and knew he understood.

"Do not hesitate to call us when you're in need." Lilly's blue gaze settled on the Silver Maiden when she spoke. She saw the sincerity in the captain's lavender eyes. And decided not to ignore it.

"Thank you, Chris." She said shyly for the words were new to her. "Farewell." She waved before she closed the carriage window. The two knights watched as the carriage moved toward the gates.

To their surprise, the carriage suddenly stopped and the window flew open. "By the way," she said looking at Percival. "I didn't get your name."

"Percival Fraulein, milady." He answered with a smile.

"Percival?" Lilly frowned. "That's much too long for a name." She paused as she thought for a moment. "Can I call you Percy instead?" She asked innocently.

"I-If it pleases you, milady." Percival reluctantly agreed while Chris choked back a laugh.

"It pleases me very much, Percy." Lilly replied. She looked at Chris and nodded toward her. "Till we meet again."

Borus joined them as Lilly's carriage departed. "Something obviously amused you, milady." He said as he looked from Percival to Chris and back. "Do tell."

"Tis of no importance, Borus." The Swordsman of Gale replied. "Go back to your duties."

"By the goddess, Percival!" Borus exclaimed, eyes wide. "Is she contagious? You're beginning to act like Lilly Pendragon!"

* * *

Yep, checked it. It's definitely Fraulein. Thanks, Lex!