Ok forget the no-one's reading this comment from last chapter. o.o I got more than one review telling me if I stopped they'd be thoroughly disappointed. Much obliged to these people for taking the time to review. I thank ya greatly!
This chapter seems to focus around Leena, the small child, and Glenn. I don't believe I captured this how I wanted but after many tries I desided this my best. If it horrible please tell me so and why.
I know the girl has a speech impediment thing but I can't get my seld to type "Weena," In place of Leena because everytime I do I burst out laughing .o It may seem childish but I'm sorry I just can't do it!
Err, um, so yeah! Through the annoying stuff and on with the Chapter!
Disclaimer – A-hem… Chrono Cross ain't mine. It's Squares and I figure I have made myself clear on this point in previous chapters. Anyway I own Locke, Drakius, Fire Strike and the little girl who should be given a name this chapter. =P
*Insert Text here* - Memories
Insert Text here - Voices
(Insert text here) –Thought
~*~ Here ~*~ - Dream
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Chapter 7 – Real Names and A Wounded Knight~~~
"Uhh…safe to say you two know each other?"
Locke had waited a long while before calling out to Serge and Kidd. He'd felt more than saw the strong bond between the two and though he had no idea how deep it was he had a feeling this reunion meant more to the two then he could even guess. Never the less he had to snap them back sometime and now was that time.
Clearing his throat he repeated his question not getting any response the first time. This time however the two turned and looked at him, Serge calmly, Kidd in annoyance.
"Ya always knew how ta break up a moment, Leo." Kid said while turning to Locke who visibly flinched.
Serge cocked an eyebrow and looked at them both. "Leo?"
"Yeah Leo. What has this bloke been tellin' ya mate?"
The object of conversation suddenly became impartial as his face fell into a stiff, neutral look while his green eyes flared to a lighter shade. With his sudden transaction the poking fun and annoyance in Kidd's voice vanished, as she seemed to become wary of her Dragon Rider companion. Seeing this Serge became wary as well, fingering the Mastermune just in case.
"Leo…calm down."
Closing his eyes heavily the green haired combatant released a deep sigh, thoughts and distant memories running over his mind. He wasn't sure why his name triggered this for that was what it really was. He suspected it had to do with what happened in his past, long ago but there was no reason for it to be triggered, not here, not now.
Locke placed a grim smile on his lips before opening his eyes once again. He looked at Kidd with meek apology before eyeing Serge.
"Locke Windblade is what I've been called ever since joining the Dragon Rider's. However it isn't my real name." He paused a moment before continuing. "My real name was…is Leo M. Shore."
"Shore?" Serge said while contemplating something. He shook his head, immediately dismissing the thought.
"Yeah well. I found you so what's say we head to the manor?" Serge nodded in agreement, remembering Locke's and Kidd's condition, not to mention his own. Having awaited his praise Locke brought two of his fingers up to his mouth and released a shill whistle followed by a similar one emitted by Kidd.
Serge had been surprised many times in that one day. It may not have measured up to the other times but when two dragons, Drakius and a red one came swooping down from the sky to land near him, he was still quite shocked. After a moment he looked at Kidd who just grinned at him. "You too?" he asked.
"Yeah me too. Now d'ya wanna ride Mate? Or will we see ya at the Manor?"
Shaking his head the young man jogged over to the two dragons and their riders. Hopping on behind Kidd he signaled he was ready as they darted up into the moon-lit sky, the cool evening air and the methodic motion of the dragons beating wings soothing after the long battle.
* * *
Leena frowned annoyedly as she sat outside Viper Manor upon its front steps. Her legs were crossed and her elbow rested on her knee as she quietly rested her chin upon her hand. She had absolutely nothing to do. The dragoons that weren't injured were attending to the wounded and the survivors, Viper, Dario and Riddel were all busy and she couldn't leave because the guards had been given orders not to let anyone leave the manor without consent. What she found to be the most frustrating however is that she was not permitted to help in anyway.
Her anger began to flare up as her mind drifted back to before she was paraded to the manor. Standing, she stomped the concrete loudly before crossing her arms and looking over to the setting sun, which was nearly beneath the horizon.
She didn't have to be standing here right now. She could've been back in Termina looking for survivors and such instead of being locked here with nothing to do. (It's all his fault.) She concluded (If he hadn't made me go I would be doing something constructive at the moment!) She continued to ponder the subject, mulling over the events in her head.
* Leena watched as Glenn collected his new orders from General Viper. The two talked for a long while before he made his way back over to where she stood waiting. "What's the word?"
"I've got to stay behind with Karsh, Zoah and Marcy." He ran the fingers of his right hand through his sweat and blood matted hair before continuing, "We are to search Termina…err…what's left of Termina and recover survivors."
"Alright then, let's go." Before finishing her sentence she started off into the wreckage of the town only to be halted by a gloved hand wrapped carefully around her arm. Turning around she faced the owner of the hand "Glenn let me go."
He shook his head "I can't allow that."
"Allow what?" She stared at him and moved her hands to her hips once he released her arm. "I'm going Glenn."
Once again he shook his head. "I can't let you, Leena." She opened her mouth to protest but was silenced when he again began to speak. "This is a military matter. I can't allow you to come because you're to only not a Deva, but you're not even part of the Dragoon Armed Forces. Plus it could be dangerous."
"Are you saying that a 'civilian' such as myself isn't permitted to willingly put their life on the line for a just cause because they are lacking a uniform?"
"No!" He grumbled in frustration. "I'm saying that there isn't any need for more people then necessary to do this."
Their eyes locked a moment, both glaring at the other stubbornly. During this short moment Leena tried to find someway to inch around Glenn and go anyway but as she pondered this a small flicker in the Deva's eyes caught her attention. Was he…worried?
The glare was broken as a Dragoon private walked up to Glenn and tapped him on the shoulder. Leena watched as the soldier talked quietly with the Deva for several seconds before saluting and trotting off. She eyed Glenn as he turned back to her and painfully crossed him arms. "You're going to the Manor, Leena."
Her eyes widen as a flare of anger shot through her "Was that an…order?!"
He smiled slightly and replied "No. More like a subtle warning."
Still staring heatedly at him she was slightly surprised when two dragoons spoke behind her. "Dis 'er Sir Gleen?"
"Yes Sergeant Strider." His smile turned to a serious look while removing his gaze from Leena. "Be careful though. She seems to be somewhat delirious and angered.
"'ight then." Leena felt two pairs of hands gently grab her arms and shoulders "Common lil' lady. You'll be al'ight wit' us now."
Quick to realize what was going on she made a mad lunge for Glenn, who stood inches from her reach. Smiling at her lightly he didn't even flinch from her attempted attack. "Don't be too mad at me Leena, I'm doing this for your own good." His words were low enough for her alone to hear. Her wide-eyed glare narrowed until her eyes were nothing more than slits flaring at him in momentary hatred. Again there eyes locked, had she not been so angry she would have noticed the worry in his eyes for the second time that evening.
Leena began to get dragged off politely by the two Dragoons who received a fair beating from her as she tried to get away while cursing threats at Glenn. Eventually she stopped her squirming and allowed herself to be dragged. Looking ahead, she saw the young Deva looking at her with a thin smirk while waving slightly. Giving him a deep-rooted glare and a shout about getting even she was lifted into the back of a cart with several other survivors and taken back to Viper Manor. *
Sighing loudly, she let her anger run itself through her veins. She ran the event over in her mind several more times before coming to the conclusion Glenn was a complete ass. The final time however she ignored her fury and completely analyzed the situation.
Shifting her weight, Leena silently scolded herself. Glenn wasn't trying to bother her; he was just concerned for her. Still, in her mind that gave him no right to order two Dragoons to drag her off with a claim that she was delirious. Not to mention through the whole thing she'd lost her frying pan and several shreds of dignity. For that she was still severely peeved.
She suddenly heard the grating of the gates and looked up through the late evening twilight. The young village girl could see the one of the guards stay in alert position while the other walked along the newcomer who was limping heavily while carrying a large bundle, though through the dull light she had no idea who it was. As the two slowly got closer she could hear their voices and immediately recognized one.
Glenn.
Thinking this a wonderful time for revenge she started forward. When she was half way to them the gate guard returned to his post, having been shoed away by his superior. However, nearly to him, her anger died when she saw the large bundle in his arms was a young child. Filthy, beaten and eerily quiet but a child none-the-less. Looking up from the youth, her eyes connected with the Deva's questioningly.
"She's a survivor Leena, I found her near-" His explanation was stopped short as the child's head popped up of his shoulder and looked around frantically.
"Aunt Leena?!" Spotting Leena, the child jumped from Glenn's arm, nearly sending him into a sheer panic of dropping her, and landed in Leena's who had shot out just in time to catch her. The child flung her arms around the village girl's neck in a cheerful hug. "It's me Aunty Leena! Phoenix! I missed yew so much!"
Leena returned the child's embrace for a moment before gently pushing her back enough to look at her face "Are you hurt?!" She asked worriedly, "Are you alright?! What happened?! Where's Lisa?!"
"Sistew's sweeping wight now." The child's tone seemed slightly down, holding a tinge of grief only causing Leena more worry.
"Sleeping Phoenix? Where?"
"Back by home, but it's ok we'ww get herw in the mornin'." Leena continued to worry deeply as she hugged the small child tightly, receiving a squeeze in return.
They remained this way for a long while, almost as if stuck in a sorrowful Tableau, Glenn standing few feet away from the distraught young woman and exhausted youth, watching with worry-filled eyes as the two silently comforted each other. This continued until the sun had completely set and twinkling stars dotted the sky.
"Leena?" She lifted her head to the gentle sound and looked over at Glenn shuffled closer while pointing to Phoenix. "I think she's asleep." Blinking slightly, Leena looked down to find the child was indeed sound asleep and trying to use her clothing as a blanket. Smiling slightly the village girl looked back up to Glenn.
"You wouldn't have an extra room would you? I…umm…" She paused a moment trying to find words. "I don't really want her to sleep with the other refugees…it's just that…"
He held up his hand lightly to stop her from going any further. "I understand. Follow me." Quickly, he began to hobble-walk to the steps off the manor then through the front door with Leena following behind. After several moments of walking through Viper Manor's twisted corridors and weaving between the havoc that the attack on Termina had caused, they reached a modestly decorated door, which Glenn held open for Leena to go through. In doing so she found herself in a large room for a single person. On the wall to the left of the door a couch and short table stood, complimented by the reddish colored rug. Wedge in the top corner of the room was a double bed with simple dark green spreadings beneath a moderate-sized window. Sitting next to it was a small end table/dresser covered with clothing and pieces of weapons and armor. Close by the dresser, along the left wall was a finely crafted desk scattered with papers and two or three quills of ink. Again to the left a closet stood, opposite the center of the right wall, which held a closed door. Scattered throughout the entire rooms were dirty clothes, discarded weapons and armor [whole and in pieces], books and the occasional plate or glass.
"My room." Glenn claimed as he stepped in behind her, carefully shutting the door before scratching the back of his head lightly. "Sorry for the mess."
"Who would have guessed? The Noble Knight is an everyday slob!"
He emitted a short chuckle "Yeah well…what can you do?" Leena gave him a smile before taking Phoenix over to the bed. After prying the child's body from hers she realized how heavy the youngster had been and quietly released a sigh in relief as they parted. Despite this the village girl gave the child a caring look before pulling the blankets to sit snuggly over her. While looking at Phoenix, Leena realized just how much she missed her siblings. A stabbing pain engulfed her heart as she remembered she might not have any to go home too. Silent tears sprung to her eyes that she blinked back quickly. Now wasn't the time to cry.
"Leena, Is she alright?"
The young woman gave a jolt before blinking the tears back once more and turning to Glenn. "Yes I think she'll be alright." Nearly choking on the last word, she seemed to realize just how bad Glenn's injuries were. He'd removed his torso and arm layer of the armor, revealing his blood soaked shirt and several wounds. "It didn't occur to you to get treated at that medical station we passed on the way here?" She snapped, her voice sprinkled with the worry that had suddenly welled within her.
Her harshness seemed to surprise Glenn slightly, for his eyes grew wide for a simple second before he spoke. "I thought it necessary to escort you and the child."
"You can't escort us if you pass out."
"Come now Leena I won't pass out."
"You could."
"I could, but I won't"
Leena frowned in mixed emotions, her voice rising slightly "Go to the medics Glenn."
"I'll be fine." He retorted, just as loudly
"Go!"
"No!"
A loud shout from the other side of the door caused them both to jump. "E'eryt'in' al'ight in dere Sir Gleen?"
"Yes Strider." Glenn replied quickly. "Everything's alright."
"'ight den. G'tidin's ta ya den."
Both Glenn and Leena stared at the door a moment after hearing Strider's footsteps fade, a bit confused if anything.
"Well are you going to go?" The silence was finally broken by Leena's much quietly voice.
"I don't think so." He replied pleasantly
"Fine then take off your shirt."
Glenn's eyes grew wide as his jaw nearly dropped to the floor "Excuse me!?"
She rolled her eyes before standing up and making him sit down. "Calm down. If you won't go get help I might as well make sure you're not bleeding to death." At this he seemed a slight bit more at ease, enough to make him sit down and painfully remove the remains of his tattered shirt.
Leena looked over his abdomen and chest; taken for a moment by the well-toned muscles they held as any self-respecting young woman would. While doing this she released a small 'hmm', catching Glenn's attention. "Are the wounds really that bad? They don't feel more then a scratch…"
"Wounds? Oh yes, wounds. No they seem to be fine for now." She replied while tilting her head down slightly to hide the blush that was creeping to her cheeks. Looking back up his left arm caught her attention "Except that one."
Glenn cringed "Yes…I see what you mean."
Looking around for something to use as a bandage, Leena snatched up Glenn's war gone shirt and ripped it into useful strips. Turning her attention back to the Deva she gently began to wrap the wound with several of the strips of cloth with ginger grace.
"So, You're an Aunty?"
Looking up at Glenn, Leena smiled slightly "Well not really. Phoenix has just always called me Aunty at Lisa's insistence."
The Deva allowed his eyes to drop from hers the second Lisa's name was mentioned.
Taking the last two strips she made a sling for his arm and carefully arrange it. She was grateful when the only complaint received from her patient through the entire thing was low grunts and grumbles of pain. Brushing her hands off she surveyed her work "There."
Glenn looked down at his arm before drawling his look back up to Leena with a grin "Thank You."
Eyeing him once again, her face took on a deathly serious look, which, Glenn felt, burned into his soul. "Now tell me, what happened to Lisa?"
Flinching inwardly he attempted to break eye contact but all attempts failed. "She-"
"Ahhhhhh!!! *CRASH!!!* Son-Of-a Bit-!!!*THUD!!!*"
Leena spun around to look out the window. Through the darkness she could see nothing more then a whitish lump moving sluggishly over the ground. "What do you think that is?" No answer. "Glenn?" After again receiving no answer she turned back around to find Glenn was gone. Not taking the time to spite the Deva she dashed out the door after him.
~~~
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Well there you go…I thought that chapter was really…weird but I just couldn't seem to develop anything better.
Anyway, Read/Review. Love to hear from you. Thanks to all who already have R&R'ed and thanks to all who haven't but are reading this. I hope your enjoying it.
C'ya in chapter 8!
!!