Remnants of the Sky
By Zell's Girl
Rating: PG-13
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Chapter Eight: Call to Arms

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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.

Love looks past so many things; love is blind. The past, the present, the future; they don't matter—love is timeless. Love makes you believe, in yourself, and in others. Love can make a believer out of most people, regardless of who they are.

I swear I will fight for love. I will fight for you all the days of my life. I put this upon my honor and I hold it close to my heart. The heart that used to be so cold, so frigid, which you thawed with such ease.

Troubles may arise. Faith may be broken. But regardless, love is there. Love is a wonderful thing. I am happy to have known it. I am happy that you may know it. At least, we have that. Despite dilemma, despite chaos… I know that I have loved.

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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Nearly a month went by, a wonderfully pleasant month for Yumi. She had made many friends at the castle, from the obsessive bath-builder Goro to the quiet elevator operator Shizu. Yumi had even struck up a pleasant friendship with the ever-mischievous Sir Percival. Yumi had become a very close friend to Sir Borus over this time as well. The two seemed inseparable most of the time, when Yumi wasn't with her sister.

Borus, though happy, noted how fast the final battle drew. Though the True Runes had been retrieved, the past month or so had been used to prepare. A time to find the best runes, the sharpest swords, and sturdiest armor. These things, he knew, were being gathered at a quick and steady pace. But still, Borus used this time to pursue his own interests, his own friendships. Borus could feel in the pit of his stomach the end drawing near. It would all be over soon. Whether the outcome was to be favorable was yet to be determined. The battle with Luc would surely be difficult, but how difficult? What if something happened to him? To Percival? To Chris? To… Yumi? Borus tried not to panic, tried not to worry… but in such circumstances, it did not come easily.

It was a cloudy September morning. Yumi rose in the morning and walked down to the stables. In the past couple of weeks Yumi had been spending the first couple hours of the morning with Kathy and Percival, and on some occasions Borus too, at the ranch. Autumn was descending upon the castle, and several of the oak trees were already changing color. A brisk wind blew from the west, blowing directly against Yumi as she walked down the path. The change of season was a new, wonderful thing in Yumi's eyes.

"Hey Yumi! How are you today?" Kathy chirped, looking at Yumi as she brushed Lulu. The horse snorted a hello as well. Percival eyed Yumi as he fed Sugarloaf. He nodded, smiling.

"Miss Yumi."

"Hello guys. Is Sir Borus coming today?" Yumi asked, looking about the stable for the blonde knight. Percival shook his head.

"He's working on some paperwork today. He said he will be done around noon time if you wish to see him then." Yumi sighed.

"All right, shall we ride?"

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Borus sat in his room, writing feverishly. He had already finished eight of the twenty-two forms, and at this rate, he could be finished by ten o'clock. As he signed the ninth form, Borus brushed a lock of saffron hair away from his eyes.

Borus hated those mornings when he had to let Percival and Yumi ride alone. Knowing Percival, he'd probably say something terrible just to make Borus squirm. Borus mentally cursed. Why was he stuck with the paperwork? Roland or Salome would probably do a much better, more thorough job anyway.

A knock sounded at the door as Borus placed form ten before him.

"Who's there?" He asked without even looking up.

"It's Louis," the attendant called through the door, "Sir Hugo has called a mandatory Fire Bringer meeting in a half an hour!" Borus raised an eyebrow, continuing to write.

"I see. Thank you Louis."

"Not a problem!"

Borus felt worry sink into his stomach. This was the end. This was the determining battle. Who would win? Would there be casualties? Who? Damn…

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Louis ran down the path to the ranch as fast as his legs allowed. He had to tell Sir Percival and the people who had not heard. The meeting was 'a dire matter', and Lady Chris had sent him to get all the Zexen Knights together. What a dreadful task, Louis thought as he reached the stables. He did his best to catch his breath before he made the declaration. He looked about, and saw only Kathy before him.

"Kathy, there's a mandatory Fire Bringer meeting at the castle in about fifteen minutes! Where is Sir Percival?"

"He's out on the track with Yumi. I'm headin' towards the castle, bye!" Kathy bolted down the path without another word. Louis turned to the track. He could see the two riders circling the track, maneuvering quickly around the many obstacles.

"Hey guys!" Louis screamed. They did not respond, still riding about the track. "HEY GUYS!"

Louis pondered for a moment. How could he catch Percival's attention? "Percival! PERCIVAL! Lady Chris ran off with Nash!" Percival stopped abruptly and turned to the squire. He rode over to the boy quickly. Yumi followed, close behind.

"What?" Percival asked, looking at the Louis.

"There's a mandatory Fire Bringer meaning in about twelve minutes!" he chimed.

Percival raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that's not what I thought you said…"

"Well, it was! Bye!" Louis rushed down the path. He only had a couple of minutes to find Leo and then head back to the castle. What soldiers do for their people! Meanwhile, Percival quickly dismounted and then assisted Yumi off her horse. The two exchanged quick smiles and dashed down the path. They didn't have much time to spare.

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By the time the knight and the archer reached the castle courtyard, over a hundred people were already gathered. Yumi couldn't see over the crowd. She looked for Borus, who she could not find. She sighed and remained close to the brunette knight as Hugo, Dupa, Lucia, Salome, Chris, and Geddoe approached from the castle. People continued to speak, with no reverence of the Flame Champion's arrival.

"The day that I know that many of you have dreaded has arrived…" Hugo opened. The entire crowd became silent. "In fifty hours we are going to attack the Wind Rune Sorcerer, Luc."

With distress in her eyes, Yumi eyed Percival. His eyes were focused blankly on the leaders of the group.

"We have gathered the best equipment possible. We have trained, prepared, and done the utmost possible things to ready us for over a month now. We have finally become completely ready for what lies ahead. Lady Chris Lightfellow will now announce those chosen to fight in the final battle." Chris drew a deep breath.

"These people will be accompanying Bishop Sasarai to guard the ceremonial site: Dios, Fred, Rico, Thomas, Cecile, Rody, and Edge." Yumi looked about and noticed the many different reactions. Fred and Rico actually seemed excited, as compared to Cecile who hugged Thomas nearly crying. Yumi could only pray Yuiri was not convulsed in tears for Sir Dios.

"These people have been summoned to fight alongside Hugo, Geddoe, and I to fight Sorcerer Luc: Tuta, the elder Viki, Borus, and Duke. All who have been called to arms should immediately report to be equipped and debriefed after this meeting. I suggest you also say good-byes to those you hold dear; there is no guarantee we'll all come back alive." Yumi felt her eyes water. Borus was going to fight the strongest magician of the current age? How could he… How could he survive that? What if something happened... such painful thoughts…

"I tell you all this," she continued, "we must try not to worry. We, the Fire Bringer, have brought down many other foes, including his two right hand officers. I must thank you, all of you, for coming this far. That is all." The aforementioned people parted through the crowd towards the castle. Yumi watched as Borus ascended the staircase. He paused, taking one last look back. His eyes locked upon Yumi's for a fraction of a second before he entered the castle.

"I'm heading back to the ranch," Percival said nonchalantly. "You gonna come too?" Yumi paused. He was taking the whole matter rather well.

"Yeah… Yeah I guess."

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The walk to the ranch was a silent one. Yumi was obviously lost in thought, and Percival didn't see the need to draw her out of it. Percival had learned from his experiences with Chris that breaking a woman from her chain of thought usually resulted in getting screamed at. Yumi watched each of her steps hit the ground. The familiar rhythm of her steps echoed in her head. She looked up to Percival, who still seemed completely calm. Her curiosity got the best of her.

"Sir Percival?"

"Yes?" He asked, turning his gaze to the distressed woman.

"I… I don't understand how you can be so calm! The woman you love and your best friend are going out there to risk their lives and you… You seem so… unconcerned." Percival looked to her, slightly offended. "I meant it not to insult you, I swear! You see, at my village such emotions are usually…" Yumi's explanation was cut off by Percival's deep, loud laughter.

"I understand, I understand, don't worry." Percival drew a deep breath. "I needn't worry for Chris and Borus because I have faith in their abilities. And, even if something happened to them, there's nothing I can do. You see, they know how much I care for them, and I pray that'll bring them strength… And I suppose I just don't see the need to worry, so I don't."

"Oh..." Yumi murmured. Does Borus know what I feel for him? Do I even know…? "I see. Thank you for explaining that to me."

"Not a problem."

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End Chapter Eight

Author's Notes:
Ta da! It's chapter 8!
With an ending like THIS
you know what's next, right?
Hee hee, ain't that cute?
Hey, I hope ya'll like this.
Only 3 chapters left after this!
Love ya'll,
Kate