Remnants of the Sky
By Zell's Girl
Rating: PG-13
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Chapter Six: Belonging

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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 on days 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 is 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'.

Grasp that notion and take it with you. Never lose it. There's something reassuring there. Despite the pain, despite the sorrows, despite the situation, love is there. It's sensible and reasonable and logical to love, to feel. It's not a sin to have a heart.

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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The shame from the night before stayed with Yumi the next morning. She had strayed. She had betrayed her sister and her teachings. This world was enticing and interesting, filled with so many experiences and people! The hours of mediating could be used for many other things. The spirits probably also had better things to do as well! She didn't feel like bothering with it all anymore...

Despite all the reasoning that Yumi tried to use, she couldn't remove the guilt. She had lost her spiritual bond, maybe forever. Yumi hadn't mentioned the way the spirits disregarded her sister, since Yuiri would have probably become panicked. Keeping it all within was hard, though. She needed space, time.

Yumi thought carefully on where she could go. The beach would be filled on a day like today, and so would the bar. Yumi had been avoiding the library since her encounter with Ace; the library was his favorite hangout.

"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," Yumi remembered Kathy had said the day before, saying it aloud. "That seems like a good place to go."

Yumi set out for the ranch as the sun rose over Budehuc.

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Borus was awake early that morning, quietly working on some paperwork in the library. He silently scribbled away. This was one of those mornings that he dreaded. One of those days that he dreaded, to be more precise. The files had built up, disregarded over the past weeks.

The library was empty this morning, apart from the inconspicuous Eike. The room was dark and filled with the scent of old paper. Borus didn't mind the dreary atmosphere; he had learned long ago that there was more to being a knight then fighting on the clear open plains. So, he sat quietly, his pen moving rapidly as he wrote about the events at Fire Bringer headquarters.

Borus caught a glimpse of the rising sun out the window. The sunrise wasn't as impressive as some days, but it was enough to catch his attention at that moment.

Borus sighed, looking back down at the paperwork. If he worked quickly, he could probably have enough time to catch dinner and the second theater presentation of 'The Little Match Girl' staring Louis.

"Quite the day ahead," he sighed. Eike turned and shushed the knight angrily.

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When Yumi arrived at the ranch, Kathy was feeding the horses happily. The girl was merrily rushing about, offering each creature some apple slices. Busy with her work, Kathy did not notice Yumi as she walked towards the stables.

"Hello Kathy." Yumi greeted the girl, grinning happily. Kathy turned, surprised to see the Alma Kinan woman there. Nonetheless, she seemed happy, and continued to feed the horses.

"Hi Yumi, I wasn't expecting to see you!" Kathy said, her back turned to the visitor. "Percival is out on the track with Sugarloaf like he is every morning at around this time running a couple laps. You can take one of the others here, like Blue Lightning or Lulu."

Yumi turned to the track. Though she hadn't noticed before, there was Percival, riding around the circle. He was moving quickly, maneuvering the horse between the obstacles with ease. They moved quickly, melodically, nearly poetically. It was quite a beautiful sight, the bond between man and beast.

"I'll wait," Yumi told the other girl, eyes locked on Percival. "Would you like some help…?"

"Sure! That would be great," Kathy chimed happily, "Percival usually helps out some after his morning ride, but getting the stuff done early would be great! Grab some apple slices and feed Enrique, er, third horse from the right, would you?"

"Sure!"

Yumi turned and grabbed some slices of apple. She strolled over to the white stallion and put out her hand. It lapped the pieces up quickly. It neighed, then softly nuzzled Yumi's neck. She patted the creature happily, enjoying the affection it offered.

"I think you've made a new friend, Miss Yumi," a strong, deep masculine voice said from behind her, "but you've been having good luck with that lately, haven't you?"

Yumi whirled around to see Sir Percival behind her, smirking in an unfamiliar fashion. He looked from her face to her feet, then focused back into her eyes. Yumi forced a grin.

"Oh… Hello Sir Percival." Percival's gaze mellowed as he noticed the lady's unease. He shrugged, still smiling.

"I didn't mean to worry or offend you, I just noticed you were here. I've been hearing a lot about you from Sir Borus lately so I thought I'd say hello."

"H-h-hello," Yumi stammered, still rather nervous. Percival raised an eyebrow.

"If you didn't know, I'm Percival, I work with Borus and Chris."

"I know you, er, I know who you are. I just don't like people sneaking up on me. You frightened me." Yumi looked to her feet, frowning.

"I'm sorry to have upset you," Percival stated sadly. "I'm not really making a good impression, am I?" Yumi looked back up towards the knight, who seemed quite remorseful. "Well, now that I've probably soured your opinion of me, I should probably let you go see Sugarloaf. You were waiting for him, right? Kathy mentioned that he took a liking to you yesterday."

"Yes. Thank you." Yumi bowed and walked towards the steed.

"Oh by the way," Percival said, "You must have missed the morning announcements, right? You've been assigned to come to Iksay with Chris' team tomorrow at fourteen hundred hours."

Yumi looked back at Percival. "Really?"

"Yes yes, you can check later at the castle if you want. Well, anyway, I suppose I'll see you later then." Percival grinned, then turned to Kathy. She grinned and directed him to Enrique, handing him a brush.

Yumi walked over to Sugarloaf, stroking the side of his face. She slowly mounted the horse, and took off onto the track.

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The sun was setting by the time Borus signed the last page of paperwork. He picked up the papers happily, hoping he had not missed the show. He then stopped by the Zexen storeroom and placed the papers on the shelves, and then he walked cheerfully down the stairs, and towards the bar.

When Borus entered the bar, the people were clapping. The show had just ended. Borus cursed to himself. He then spotted Leo and Percival sitting in the back of the room, talking over large bowls of soup, so he strolled over and sat beside his companions. Leo shoveled the miso soup into mouth, disregarding his fellow knights. Percival grinned at Borus, pushing his bowl towards Leo, who gulped it down quickly.

"Hey, I'll see you guys tomorrow." Leo bade the other two knights farewell and walked out of the bar.

"Hey man, finish the paperwork?" Percival interrogated.

"Yeah," Borus said flatly, "it was EVER so much fun. How was your day, Percival?"

"I encountered Miss Yumi this morning, she seemed rather upset. Being a heartbreaker like always, Borus?" Percival asked, clasping his glass of wine.

"Hey, ease up," Borus murmured, "she's been through a lot lately. The last things she needs is your shameless flirting thrown at her."

"Your words hurt, Borus," Percival laughed, "but you'd know about hitting on other men's women, wouldn't you?"

"You're just looking for a fight, aren't you?" Borus grunted.

"What would you expect?" Percival yawned. "I think I'm hitting the hay early. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Percival gulped down the rest of his drink and left.

Borus sat alone for a minute before Anne walked over. She handed him a slip of paper. "What's this?"

"Since the other knights departed, you're left to cover the bill." Anne said happily. Borus groaned and pulled his wallet out of his pocket.

Damn you Percival!

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The next day past quickly before the mission. Yumi sat at the fountain and waited for the others to come. She had arrived there about a half an hour early, wondering about the days ahead. When she checked the listings like Percival had suggested, the group had apparently been told to look for a strong hammer that could be used to forge the 'ultimate weapons'. Borus arrived first, spotting Yumi quickly. He waved happily, glad to see his friend ready for the mission.

"Hello Yumi, how are you today?" Yumi smiled as Borus sat beside her on the fountain.

"Oh, I'm doing just fine. And you?"

"I'm doing well. How have you been the last couple of days? Percival seems to have thought something upset you." Borus interrogated, staring the woman straight in the eyes. She looked at him for a second, not wanting to respond.

"Are you two ready to go?" Leo boomed, walking up alongside Salome and Percival.

"Yes, yes, I'm ready to leave," Yumi agreed, standing. "It is an honor to serve at the side of the Zexen knights." She bowed quickly, receiving grins from the Zexen men. Chris arrived minutes later, ready to leave. Borus stood as well, taking his place beside Yumi.

"I know you've met Percival and Chris, but I don't think you've been introduced to these two." Yumi shook her head. "This is Leo Gallen and Salome Zeal, members of the six Renowned Zexen Knights. Leo, Salome, this is Miss Yumi of the Shaman clan." Leo and Salome extended their hands, which Yumi shook grinning.

This is how she had imagined the world. Yuiri and the teachings were wrong. Not every person was out to hurt her. Most of the people outside the village seemed kind, loyal, and unique.

This outside world seemed to make so much sense to Yumi. She knew, then, that she belonged out there.

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End Chapter Six