Remnants of the Sky
By Zell's Girl
Rating: PG-13
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Chapter Five: Reflections
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Is love something that can be found? Is it something that is tangible to your average person, or is it only for those the Goddess deems worthy? Perhaps it is just falsehood, an illusion the human mind concocts? Love is the question and answer, the paradox.
The world seems like a cruel place. People are manipulative, and will do anything for power and money, including hurt each other. In a world like this, where does love fit into our lives? Somewhere between the cracks? In the unnoticed cogs? Love is something that seems unnecessary some days, but it's all that matters on others.
Love is not something to be forced. The heart makes its own decisions. It defies knowledge. It spits upon the greater good. Love seems senseless and stubborn. It seems to fool and deceive the most reasonable of people. But, for every shadow, there is twice as much light. That light is just unnoticed when we're blinded.
But, even the blind can sense things. It does not take much to read a person's eyes. The human face gives us many kinds of signals. Signals can be crossed. Signals can be misinterpreted. Not to mention, there is the hazard of a lying tongue. With all these risks, why do people bother?
I'll tell you, it's not because of pride. Nor is it because of stature. It is not due to selfish needs or self-pleasure. It is not to keep that one, lingering moment of happiness. Love, truly, is a selfless act. As the ancients said, 'The only reasonable act is love'.
This is a story young woman's search of love and the broken heart of a noble knight. Remember: as hopeless as things seem, love is something to believe in.
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Borus strolled into his room, not bothering to close the door. He eyed his armor, which sat peacefully in the chair beside his bed. Borus quickly placed the covering on and closed the clasps at his sides. He peered into the mirror and smoothed his hair. Then, he grabbed his sword and ran.
Training, ah, training! It was by far the best pastime for a Zexen Knight. There was nothing quite like talking women, politics, or anything else over a battle with a forest demon. It was a wonderful experience in Borus' eyes. Not to mention, Borus had to keep up his reputation as the best swordsman of the knights. Borus was NOT willing to let Percival take that away from him.
Borus walked silently to the town common. The fountain had a certain shine to it that day, the water seemed clearer and almost enchanting. The whole area seemed so… beautiful. The smell of freshly-cut grass billowed about the country air.
Borus sat upon the marble fountain and allowed himself to soak in the moment. Despite the scattered socializing citizens, Borus felt quite distant and alone in that moment. It was quite pleasant, to say the least.
"Sitting in the sun, Borus? Ha ha ha, it would do you some good." Borus groaned, his quiet moment crushed by Percival. "Chris'll be here in a minute, she said she had to discuss some stuff with Salome. Leo said something about needing a drink before being ready."
"Oh lucky me, we get to spend more time together!" Borus cheered sarcastically.
Percival laughed. "Sometimes I think you're just a sourpuss, Borus. Or perhaps a sore loser?"
"A loser in what?" Borus asked, eyeing his friend.
"The game of life! You see, you and I, it's like a game of chess, you know?" Percival offered, rather confused himself by what he was saying.
"I don't follow you."
"You see, you were black knight and I was a black bishop in the game for Chris' heart." Percival stated flatly. Borus raised an eyebrow at the comment. "You were useful in some ways, and you had your ups and down in the game, but you really didn't have a chance to capture the white queen. While you were busy with pawn to pawn, I moved in."
"Strange analogy… " Chris said, standing inches behind Percival. The dark-haired knight turned around to see his rather displeased commanding officer.
"Hey, I made it up as I went along." Percival shrugged. "You can't expect me to just pull genius out of the air."
"So, does that mean you see our, a'hem," Chris let out a quiet cough, "relationship… as some sort of game?"
"No!" Percival defended. "I just was trying to pester Borus! That's all!"
Borus watched the couple merrily. It was nice to see someone whip Percival into line. Though, he really wouldn't mind being in Percival's shoes. Borus doubted that Percival noticed how lucky he was. Borus settled back into his own thoughts, starting to tune out his two companions.
Where's Leo? He's at the bar quite often, but most of the time he comes back sober. That's a lot different then back home… Hmm… He seems to be spending a lot of time with that Karayan woman… what's her name? Whatever…
Borus looked blankly at the sky, still mentally consumed. I wonder what Yumi's up to right now? Probably picking flowers or something like that. Those village maidens are really into that, I suppose… Hm, I am making assumptions again. I bet Miss Yumi has many unique traits. She seems to be quite the cook… Very kind too. She's so sweet, so innocent… A little on the unaware side though… Then again, she hasn't seen much of the world. How everything's new to her is quite… refreshing…
"Are you feeling well, Borus?" Chris asked, a few mere inches away from Borus' face. "You've gotten quiet." After snapping back to reality, Borus noticed the concern in her voice and expression.
"No, fret not, milady. I was just… thinking." Borus assured her.
"Eh?" Chris looked at him, interested. "Is something bothering you?" Percival grinned, quite aware of his friend's situation.
"It's nothing of any importance." Borus said flatly.
Chris looked at the blonde knight, perplexed. Percival remained silently smug in the background, watching. He had something to say, as always, but was waiting for the perfect time to interject.
"Hey guys!" Leo boomed, marching down the main stairway from the castle. He seemed to be in a splendid mood. "Who's ready for an old-fashion monster hunt like back in the day?"
The knight laughed merrily. It had been quite a while since they had
the opportunity to train together. Here at Fire Bringer Headquarters, each
officer was busy with different things. "Yes, lets head out,"
Chris said, "We only have until nightfall."
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Yumi strolled down the path to the ranch after parting ways with her sister. Getting back to her initial day plan, Yumi was ready for those horse-riding lessons. So, down the path she walked alone.
Yumi inhaled the sweet summery air. The easterly wind pushed the scent of the sea towards her, which softly mixed with the aroma of the scattered wildflowers. As she strolled down the path, Yumi plucked a violet from the ground inspected it as she walked.
Things aren't as bad as Yuiri sees them, are they? Am I losing my spirit connection? And what did she mean about the 'aura' about Sir Borus? Hmm… Perplexing. Borus never seemed to have bad spirits about him… He seems kind and intelligent. Not to mention, I think he's quite attractive and that kiss... Wait…
The young woman sighed, "Oh Yuiri, why must you always be right?" Yumi smiled sadly to herself as she lightly stroked the amethyst petals. That was a memory was something she'd treasure, despite it was against the teachings.
But, what did the others know? They had never been out in this world. There are so many things to see, feelings to experience. Fearing such things seemed preposterous. Yuiri, the others… why did they shun such things? Was there something Yumi was missing? Or did she actually have something more? Perplexing.
"Hey there!" A familiar voice shouted. Kathy stood at the stable ahead, waving to the other girl. "I thought maybe you'd forgotten! You ready, Miss Yumi?"
"I'm sorry I'm late!" Yumi let go of the flower, gently letting it float to the ground. "But yes! I'm ready!"
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The clicking and clattering of Zexen armor echoed throughout the Plains. Borus had taken the lead of the group, walking several paces ahead of Leo, Chris and Percival strayed behind, quietly chatting.
"We have a mission. We're heading towards Iksay to pick up a Golden Hammer this time in two days." Chris informed her men. "Roland is feeling ill and has to sit this one out, as will Louis who volunteered to stay behind and look after him."
"Wow, a mission! That new Flame Champion really hasn't been giving us much work in the last month." Leo roared, looking about field.
"I think we another person to accompany us," Chris stated, "the monsters about seem to be getting stronger. Anyone have any suggestions for who we should take along?"
"Oh, I do!" Percival chimed. Borus knew what he'd do. Borus glared at the empty space before him. "How about Miss Yumi?"
Chris eyed Percival, confused. "Any particular reason, Percival?"
"Well," Percival grinned at Borus before answering Chris, "since Roland's sitting this one out, we need an archer, and Borus and Yumi have trained together so he can probably vouch for her skills."
"Borus?"
Borus stopped, turning to his fellow knights. "Yes, yes, I must say she's quite talented."
"In how many ways, Borus?" Percival interrogated mockingly. Borus turned a bright shade of red, fuming. Leo laughed heartily while Chris was once again confused.
"Shut up Percival." Borus groaned, in a rare attempt to contain his anger. Grinning nonchalantly, Percival said nothing. This only continued to anger the blonde knight, and Leo's chuckling didn't help the situation either.
"Just be quiet, all of you!" Chris shouted, placing her hand on her hips. "It's decided, we'll bring Miss Yumi with us to replace Roland on the upcoming mission. And all of you had better be ready, equipped, and sober for it!"
"Lady Chris!" Leo murmured.
"Quiet Leo! I am not done yet!" Chris screeched in return.
"There are two Blue Dragons approaching us from the left!" bellowed the knight, gesturing with his axe towards the oncoming monsters.
Immediately, the other three knights drew their weapons and charged towards the monsters, completely done with discussion. This was one of those miracle moments on the battlefield.
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Yumi dismounted the white spotted horse, which Kathy affectionately named 'Sugarloaf', as the sun began to set. Kathy rushed over, clapping merrily. "Wow, you're really good with this! It's like you've got a knack or somethin'!"
Yumi bowed happily towards Kathy. "Thank you very much. I think things went quite well too. Thank you for the lesson."
"Not a problem!" Kathy said shrilly, "I really think that you were meant to ride, Yumi! After a couple more lessons, I think you'll be riding like a pro!"
"Thank you!" Yumi grinned, taking in the girl's praise. "I'd best be on my way though. I'll see you later, maybe a week from now?"
Kathy grinned. "Works fine by me. I don't give many lessons and the only one on the track usually is Sir Percival. Any time should be fine! Just stop on by!"
"Goodbye Kathy," Yumi bade, "goodbye Sugarloaf." Yumi patted the horse on the head before heading off down the grassy path.
Yumi walked quickly, knowing Yuiri had probably already started. Meditations began at sunset. That was tradition, so that is what Yuiri did. Feeling rather poorly, she began to run down the path. She moved as fast as her legs would take her, stopping as she saw the ceremonial fire already started on the beach.
Yumi stopped, short of breath. Great job, she started by herself. She probably thought I wasn't going to come… Yumi, regaining her stature, walked towards the shore, lightly jumping over the stone wall.
Quietly, making sure that she didn't break here sister's trance, she took her place at the other side of the fire. She lowered herself into the sand and assumed the usual cross-legged position. She put her middle fingers against her thumbs and placed her hands down on her knees. She closed her eyes, the bright fire casting light through her eyelids.
Yumi slowly began to listen to the voices of the spirits. Move, keep moving, don't stop. Silent, stealthy, move, tangle, mingle, whispered the wind. Move, keep moving, never stop. Press on, east. Move east, press on.
Crash. Taste the shore. Move towards the shore. Oh we miss the land. Let us stay here. Crash against the shore… descend. The water always seemed so desperate.
The spirits didn't speak to Yumi this meditation, unlike they always used to. The elements seemed consumed. Her bond had dissolved. Yumi continued to wait, quietly, for the spirits to acknowledge her presents.
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Leo, Chris, Borus, and Percival strolled into Budehuc. "Let's get some food down at the restaurant." Leo suggested. "I'm starving."
"Good idea." Chris replied. "I'm utterly famished."
The group walked down the stairs and out towards the dock. The moon shone brightly, reflecting off the silver armor of the knights. The group walked happily chatting down to the docks, where Mamie's Cookery stood.
Just as the others sat at a table, something caught Borus' eye. Fire. Since the events in Karaya, Borus couldn't help but flinch at the sight of fire. Borus looked over the railing to see what was going on.
Below, a small fire burned gently and peacefully. Lightning bugs buzzed about, quietly. The water pressed up against the shore, waves moving forward harmlessly. There, beside the fire, sat Yumi and her sister, meditating.
Yumi's hair moved gently in the ocean breeze. The fireflies flew about her as the fire cast a vermilion light upon her pale skin. Though Percival was calling for him at the table, Borus did not move. He couldn't tear his eyes away. It was in that moment when Borus realized how beautiful Yumi was. She was so kind, so sweet, so innocent, so beautiful…
Sadie… What if Percival is right?
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End Chapter Five
Author's Notes:
A downstep from last chapter in writing...
Oh well. Anyway, I am real happy you
people are starting to enjoy the story!
Maybe some of you may be inspired to
write BorYumis? ::BIG SHINEY ANIME EYES OF
PAINFUL SHINEYNESS:: I hope so! Oh, and I've
come up with an estimate, there should be
4-6 more chapters... then maybe an epilogue. Yes,
That'll probably be it. So, did you enjoy my
latest vain attempt at writing decently? I
hope so. I'll have the next chapter up in
about a week.... So keep your eyes open!
I also want to direct you guys to 'How to
Treat a Tinto', my latest lighthearted romance.
Over and out with boatloads of love,
Kate
