Sudden Impulse
By Red Guard
Disclaimer: I do not, did not and probably will not own Suikoden or any of the characters appearing in or associated with it. Konami owns the characters and events appearing in this work.
Author's Notes: Right, now to try my hand at a short and fluffy Suikoden story, I hope I do not do too badly.
Chapter 3 : Meditation
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'So, how is Brass Castle treating you?'
'Excellently. I can see why my sister lavished so much praised on your hospitality.'
It had been a week since Yumi had first met her sister in the castle. Since then, she had spent an enormous amount of time with Yuiri, trying her best to make up for the time they had been apart. It was a joy to speak with her sister again, and her sister seemed to be much livelier than she remembered. Yumi laughed, smiled, joked and giggled along with her sister. Somehow, when they were apart, Yuiri discovered herself and gained the self- confidence that she had so sorely lacked during her younger days.
They spent most of their time together but Yuiri always seemed to disappear during the evening. While Yuiri vehemently denied everything, the reason for her absence was very obvious. However, whenever she raised the subject of Yuiri's mysterious relationship, her sister always found a way to avoid answering any questions. It frustrated her to no end.
'You seem very preoccupied.'
'It's just that I have many things to think about.' Yumi sighed. 'And I don't know what to make of them.'
'If you have any questions feel free to ask me.'
'Thanks, but doesn't the bearer of the true water rune have better things to do?'
'Yumi!' Chris exclaimed. 'I always have the time to be with my friends. You know that.'
'I was just joking.' Yumi giggled at her dinner companion. 'But seriously, how is the true water rune treating you.'
Chris looked at her hand and watched it emit a soft blue light. 'As well as it ever does.'
'That is good to hear. Yun would have been happy to hear that.' Yumi said softly.
'I would hope so. I carry this rune for many people, and she is one of them.' Chris smiled. 'But let us not dwell on the past too often. How is your other sister? She has seemed to have made this castle her second home, and many of us are grateful for her guidance.'
'To be honest, I was extremely surprised to see here. Not only is she comfortable away from the village, but she has embraced many of your Zexen ways.'
Chris laughed. 'You think too much. She still is Alma Kinan through and through.'
'What do you mean?'
'You should see how your sister consistently exasperates the other instructors. She insists on wearing her Alma Kinan dress when she trains her students, to the continued horror of the other full-fledged knights. Plus, during her lessons, she enjoys telling the soldiers-in-training about the spirits and how they will guide the archer's aim.' Chris said, with a hint of laughter in her voice. 'Every once in a while she runs off onto the plains to meditate. Sometimes, she disappears for a whole day and we have to dispatch scouting parties to find her.'
Yumi found herself chuckling. 'I can't believe that your knights would have stood for any of that.'
'Initially they didn't. In fact, they asked me to kick Yuiri out of the castle, stating that what she was doing would affect the troops' battle readiness. After all, the knights can't have such a maverick instructor as a role model.' The female knight closed her eyes, thinking about the days gone by. 'But, in the end, they had to give up. And, as time passed, we became more accepting, and she developed an understanding with the others.'
'I can't believe that you forced your fellow knights to back down. Wouldn't it have affected their morale?'
'Well, if I was the only person to support Yuiri that may have been a possibility.' Chris mused.
'You weren't the only one?' Yumi echoed, surprised.
'The Six Knights supported me on this issue, and when all six speak in favor of something, most people tend to avoid opposing them.'
'Ah.' Yumi said, realization dawning upon her. 'I suppose that war comrades do have to support each other.'
'It was not about the war.'
'What?' Yumi asked, feeling the same surprise.
'Someone managed to convince all of my peers to stand with me.'
'Who?' Yumi asked, finding it hard to fathom anyone in the Zexen knights, other than Chris, who were willing to help a Grasslander.
'You don't know? Didn't Yuiri tell you?'
'Tell me about what?' Yumi questioned, trying to fight the sinking feeling that suddenly developed in the pit of her stomach.
'About. about.' Chris' eye was caught by something outside the tavern. She pointed towards one of the tavern's windows. 'About that.'
Yumi turned around and looked at the window that her friend was pointing at. Her eyes widened as she saw the couple that stood outside.
A familiar woman, wearing a familiar green dress was standing face to face with a familiar man. He reached out and held her face in his hands, and there they stood, staring into each other's eyes, smiling. Then, she leaned forward brining her face even closer to his. Their lips met, and for several moments, they remained in that position, enjoying each other's close presence. Then, they parted, relishing the sweet bliss that they shared. Afterward, they began to walk away, hand in hand.
'They make quite the cute couple, don't you think? I never expected them to fall for each other, but I am glad they did.'
Yumi continued staring at the window, her mouth agape.
'Yumi? Is there something wrong?' Chris asked, concerned.
'No, its okay.' Yumi whispered.
The rest of the evening was spent in uncomfortable silence.
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'Here is your room.'
'Thank you for such a wonderful evening.'
'You say that every single time we have dinner.'
'Because its true.'
'It's late; you need to get your rest. Remember, there is training tomorrow morning.'
'I know, but I don't want you to go so soon.'
'You can always see me tomorrow.'
'Well then, I guess there is only one other thing to do.' Yuiri smiled slowly as she wrapped her arms around her man's neck.
'Don't you ever get tired of this?' He grinned.
'Never.' She yanked him towards her and soon, they were engaged in a passionate kiss.
After what seemed like forever, he pulled away. 'Now, before I get dragged into your room, I need to remind you that your sister is staying with you.'
'I know. Goodnight.'
'Goodnight.' He smiled at her and then walked away.
Yuiri sighed softly, disappointed that the evening was over. It had passed by so quickly; too quickly. She opened the door to her room, and quietly stepped inside. After all, she would not want to wake her sister. She shut the door gently, and prepared to slip into a more comfortable set of clothes. Being dressed in Zexen clothing was all fine and dandy, but they were impossible to sleep in.
Then a small voice broke the silence. 'Sister?'
Yuiri swung around and saw a figure sitting on her bed. In the darkness of the night, she couldn't see who was speaking, but she had a pretty good idea of who it was, 'Yumi! I'm sorry, I did not mean to wake you.'
'Sister. Why?'
'Why what?' Yuiri asked, utterly confused by the cryptic nature of Yumi's question.
'Why him?'
Yuiri peered into the blackness and sighed. She chanted a few verses and the bedside candles burst alight. 'There we go. Now.' She broke off in mid- sentence, utterly shocked by the sight that greeted her.
Yumi had been crying, a lot. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, her eyes were bloodshot and her breath was ragged. She was sitting on the bed, staring at the woman who stood at the doorway. 'Sister. Why did you choose him?'
'So, you've seen us.' Yuiri sighed heavily.
'How could I not have seen? Your public displays of affection was attracting half the castle's populace!'
'It has gotten that bad, hasn't it?' Yuiri chuckled softly.
'This is not the time for levity, sister! I do not approve of your relationship with that man. that monster!'
'Of all the people in the village, I thought you would be the one that could understand my situation.' Yuiri sighed sadly. 'It looks that I am wrong.'
Yumi was shocked. 'He has been branded a butcher, someone who slaughtered millions of people! You yourself were one of his harshest critics! What did he do to you?'
'He did nothing.'
'What happened to you?' Yumi began to break out in sobs. 'You were the pride and joy of our village. Now.. now, you. you. are his woman!'
'I.'
'Don't tell me you condone his butchery! Don't tell me that you have forgotten about all his past sins!'
'Yumi, I.'
'Why? Was it because of me?' Yumi found herself standing up. 'Was it because of my selfish want to leave the village? Did my actions force you to question the teachings. to forgo the teachings? Am I to blame, sister?'
'Let me explain.' Yuiri felt herself backing away from her sister. She had never seen Yumi in such a state before. She felt a dozen conflicting emotions erupting from her sister, guilt, anger, and envy, among a host of others.
'There is nothing to explain! I. I am to blame for everything. It is my fault. The spirits must be punishing me for leaving the village on that day. I.'
'Calm down.' Yuiri tried soothing her bewildered sister.
Yumi shuddered as another fit of sobbing overtook her. 'It is my fault.'
'No, it isn't. Hear me out.'
Suddenly, Yumi bolted for the door, yanked it open and dashed into the corridor beyond. Yuiri was rooted to the floor, utterly stunned by Yumi's behavior.
'Yuiri?' A worried voice broke her stupor.
She whirled around and buried herself in the offered embrace. 'Why are you here?'
'I heard something, and I came to check. What happened?'
'It's Yumi. She ran off.'
'Damn, we need to find her.'
'No, don't bother.' She sighed. 'She needs some space. I should give her all the time she needs.'
'What? I don't understand you.'
'Don't bother.' Yuiri held back her tears. 'Just stay with me tonight.'
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He hated traveling alone. While Fred Maximillian was able to handle the boredom and monotony of companionless traveling, he absolutely hated the lack of sleep that it entailed. When he was traveling with Rico, she would guard the camp while he rested and vice versa, but now, how could he be sure that he would not be mauled in his sleep? Therefore, he only could afford short naps and even then, his sleep was fitful, his mind was too busy trying to discern whether a large beast was approaching his prone body.
As a direct result, Fred Maximillian, Captain of renowned Maximillian knights was bone-tired. He was trudging through the plains of Amur, wondering why he refused to take a horse on this journey. After an hour of walking, he stopped and looked at the night sky in an attempt to check his bearings. Being tired was one thing, being lost was another one entirely and he had no intention of losing his way on these open plains.
His course confirmed, he took a swig of water and began to continue his long journey ahead. Then a flash of light erupted over the horizon. He turned, startled, and wondered what had caused it. In the distance, hung a soft orange glow, accompanied with a long plume of smoke. A fire. Fred spat out a curse. Only an idiot would light a fire in the middle of the plains. Predators would be drawn to it like bees to honey.
He sighed and began to run towards the flames. A knight's duty was never done.
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He was just in time. A large flock of overgrown birds were closing in on the impromptu campfire. Luckily, they didn't notice the black-armored knight dashing in from their rear. The battle was hardly interesting. In fact, it was hardly a battle.
Panting heavily, Fred Maximillian stomped over to the fire, ready to lambaste the person stupid enough to strike a flame in the middle of the night. As he approached the blaze, he noticed a lone female figure, sitting next to the flame. He paused, as he tried to figure out who she was.
It was her.
He was stunned beyond belief. He walked closer and watched. She was sitting down, cross-legged, facing the flames. Her eyes were closed; her breathing was shallow but even. He looked at her and noted her raven-black hair, her pearl-white skin and her feminine body. She was a pristine beauty. He could have spent days admiring her.
He took several more steps towards her form. As he watched, he grew more certain that she was in a meditative trance. While he was not familiar with them, he knew what they looked like. His years of experience were never wrong. Furthermore, his experience told him that nobody liked being interrupted during his or her meditation.
He sheathed his sword and sat down beside the woman, his fatigue forgotten. And so, he did the only thing a responsible knight would do. He began to guard the campsite, protecting the woman that he had an indescribable feeling for.
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Daylight lit the plains. Actually, daylight was lighting the plains for the good part of the day. The fire had died out long ago, but Yumi was still in her meditative trance and Fred was still on high alert. Although he was pretty sure that his body was going to give out any time now. It had been a long time since he had stood in one area for more than twelve hours, and the hell that accompanied that experience seemed to revisit him.
He sighed as he looked over at his companion. Her eyes were still closed, her breathing was still shallow yet even, and she was still as beautiful as ever. He found himself being drawn towards her. Actually, he found himself looking at her more often than he was guarding the camp.
A slow rumble across the plains brought his thoughts to a crashing halt. He looked up at the sky and groaned as he saw the specter of a menacingly dark cloud approaching over the horizon. A flash of light, and the rolling boom of thunder warned the plains of the rainstorm's presence.
It was not good. They had to leave the plains at once, if they were caught in the storm, the consequences would be unthinkable. He looked over the meditating woman and tried to figure out a way to bring her out of her comatose state. He had to be gentle; he didn't want to face an irate Yumi after all of this.
'Yumi?' He whispered.
No response came from the woman.
'Yumi?' He repeated.
Once again, no response was given to him.
'Yumi!' He said fiercely.
It was no good. Her trance was too deep.
Then, another boom of thunder echoed throughout the plains. Fred had little time. He thought quickly, discarding one method after another. Then, he thought of an outrageous idea. He mused over it, and finally decided to act upon it.
In one quick motion, He reached over and grabbed her by her shoulders. Pulling her forward, his lips searched for hers. It was sweet rapture, and he knew that he would remain in that position until she rose.
Not that he would complain.
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It seemed like she had spent days within her meditative trance. Searching, asking, and prodding. The spirits were not answering her. Or at least, that was what she thought was happening. She had asked them many questions, and the answers that they gave were even more cryptic than usual.
'What are you really afraid of?' She heard the spirits whisper.
'My sister is confused. She has thrown the teachings aside and consorts with a killer. I fear for her safety. I fear for her future. I fear for her sanity.' She answered.
'Many a moon ago, your sister was mired in what could have been the most trying time of her life. She was broken, confused, and in her desperation she approached us with questions similar to your own.'
'What was your answer? What is your answer now?'
'We gave none then, and we have none to give now. She searched for the answers by herself and so must you. However, we do know that she is fully aware of her actions and she has never regretted the choices that she has made.'
'And you approve?' Yumi replied incredulously, not understanding anything that was being told to her.
'What are you really concerned of?'
'What?' She whispered back. 'I do not understand.'
'You have never doubted your sister before. Why do you do so now?'
'She is lost. It is I who caused her path to waver.' Yumi sighed. 'I must bring her back.'
'Are you sure? Are you sure that you are to blame?'
'Of course. I was the first to ignore the teachings.'
'Young one, you are confused. Your current predicament is not borne out of guilt.'
'It must be!' She yelled. 'This confusion that wracks me, this pain that renders my soul, it must be guilt. This is the retribution for my sins.'
'Guilt? Do you truly believe that your sister is your responsibility?'
'I.'
'You are wrong. Your being guilty is just an excuse, made up to mask your true feelings.'
'My feelings?' She whispered.
'You saw your sister with the one you call a killer. What did you feel when you saw her so happy? What did you feel when you saw her so close to someone that she loved so dearly?'
'Anger.' She replied, a bit too quickly.
'Are you sure?'
'Yes. I was furious at her for abandoning her beliefs. I was furious at him for seducing my sister.'
'You did not feel anger. You felt envy.'
'Envy?' Yumi asked, shocked.
'Yes. You were envious of your sister, because she managed to discover true happiness, the very happiness that you were searching for when you first left your village.'
'What are you talking about? I do not understand.' She yelled into the darkness.
There was no reply. The spirits had left her. They had left her to think about what they had said.
It was true that she had left the village to search for something, but she was not able to figure out what it was. She had always felt a strange emptiness in her life, and she yearned to be able to fill the gaping hole in her soul. She has searched for three years, but she never did realize her dream.
In fact, the only time that she truly felt complete was that morning in Lake Castle, the morning when she was entwined in his arms. The intense comfort. was this what Yuiri had gained? Was this what she was envious of? Did envy really drive her to the edge?
A massive jolt burst through her trance. A strangely comforting presence invaded her mind. The same comfort that she felt that morning, so many years ago. She relished it. And then, her trance dissolved. Her eyes fluttered open, and to her shock, she found herself staring at another pair of eyes. She tried to speak, but once again, to her continuing shock, she found herself in a kiss. Such comfort, such enjoyment, her mind seemed to melt in the embrace.
It was to her disappointment when the man broke the contact. 'Ah, Yumi you are awake.'
'Lord Maximillian?' Yumi gasped.
'I am glad that you remember me. We must leave this area at once, the storm clouds are looming.'
Such comfort, she wanted to feel it again. But how? She smiled as a strange idea developed in her mind. 'Can you give me a few minutes?'
He looked slightly puzzled. 'Sure.'
'Thanks.'
With that, she looped her hands over him and pulled him back into the passionate kiss.
A slight drizzle began to fall from the sky. Not that the couple bothered to care.
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Author's Notes: Wow! All in one night! I was thinking of ways to deliver this chapter, and then I read the next chapter of Zell Girl's Remnants of the Sky and then everything clicked! A big thanks to you!
I don't know whether I made Yumi a bit on the looney side here, but I did feel that she would be the type to go hyper if she felt Yuiri made a huge botch up. She can't be the cute sweet girl forever right? All that anger has to go somewhere.
And I am sure all of you would have guessed who Yuiri's suitor is by now, and if you haven't. I'll probably write a chapter dedicated to her sooner or later. Be on the look out for it! Oh, and it's not Yuber. I may be a crazy fic writer, but I am not that crazy.
Well, this looks like the final release, added a bit of stuff to make the story look even better (and longer).
Anyways, please remember to email me at red_aurum@yahoo.com for any suggestions, critiques, reviews and the like. Please don't flame me, I have a fragile ego.
By Red Guard
Disclaimer: I do not, did not and probably will not own Suikoden or any of the characters appearing in or associated with it. Konami owns the characters and events appearing in this work.
Author's Notes: Right, now to try my hand at a short and fluffy Suikoden story, I hope I do not do too badly.
Chapter 3 : Meditation
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'So, how is Brass Castle treating you?'
'Excellently. I can see why my sister lavished so much praised on your hospitality.'
It had been a week since Yumi had first met her sister in the castle. Since then, she had spent an enormous amount of time with Yuiri, trying her best to make up for the time they had been apart. It was a joy to speak with her sister again, and her sister seemed to be much livelier than she remembered. Yumi laughed, smiled, joked and giggled along with her sister. Somehow, when they were apart, Yuiri discovered herself and gained the self- confidence that she had so sorely lacked during her younger days.
They spent most of their time together but Yuiri always seemed to disappear during the evening. While Yuiri vehemently denied everything, the reason for her absence was very obvious. However, whenever she raised the subject of Yuiri's mysterious relationship, her sister always found a way to avoid answering any questions. It frustrated her to no end.
'You seem very preoccupied.'
'It's just that I have many things to think about.' Yumi sighed. 'And I don't know what to make of them.'
'If you have any questions feel free to ask me.'
'Thanks, but doesn't the bearer of the true water rune have better things to do?'
'Yumi!' Chris exclaimed. 'I always have the time to be with my friends. You know that.'
'I was just joking.' Yumi giggled at her dinner companion. 'But seriously, how is the true water rune treating you.'
Chris looked at her hand and watched it emit a soft blue light. 'As well as it ever does.'
'That is good to hear. Yun would have been happy to hear that.' Yumi said softly.
'I would hope so. I carry this rune for many people, and she is one of them.' Chris smiled. 'But let us not dwell on the past too often. How is your other sister? She has seemed to have made this castle her second home, and many of us are grateful for her guidance.'
'To be honest, I was extremely surprised to see here. Not only is she comfortable away from the village, but she has embraced many of your Zexen ways.'
Chris laughed. 'You think too much. She still is Alma Kinan through and through.'
'What do you mean?'
'You should see how your sister consistently exasperates the other instructors. She insists on wearing her Alma Kinan dress when she trains her students, to the continued horror of the other full-fledged knights. Plus, during her lessons, she enjoys telling the soldiers-in-training about the spirits and how they will guide the archer's aim.' Chris said, with a hint of laughter in her voice. 'Every once in a while she runs off onto the plains to meditate. Sometimes, she disappears for a whole day and we have to dispatch scouting parties to find her.'
Yumi found herself chuckling. 'I can't believe that your knights would have stood for any of that.'
'Initially they didn't. In fact, they asked me to kick Yuiri out of the castle, stating that what she was doing would affect the troops' battle readiness. After all, the knights can't have such a maverick instructor as a role model.' The female knight closed her eyes, thinking about the days gone by. 'But, in the end, they had to give up. And, as time passed, we became more accepting, and she developed an understanding with the others.'
'I can't believe that you forced your fellow knights to back down. Wouldn't it have affected their morale?'
'Well, if I was the only person to support Yuiri that may have been a possibility.' Chris mused.
'You weren't the only one?' Yumi echoed, surprised.
'The Six Knights supported me on this issue, and when all six speak in favor of something, most people tend to avoid opposing them.'
'Ah.' Yumi said, realization dawning upon her. 'I suppose that war comrades do have to support each other.'
'It was not about the war.'
'What?' Yumi asked, feeling the same surprise.
'Someone managed to convince all of my peers to stand with me.'
'Who?' Yumi asked, finding it hard to fathom anyone in the Zexen knights, other than Chris, who were willing to help a Grasslander.
'You don't know? Didn't Yuiri tell you?'
'Tell me about what?' Yumi questioned, trying to fight the sinking feeling that suddenly developed in the pit of her stomach.
'About. about.' Chris' eye was caught by something outside the tavern. She pointed towards one of the tavern's windows. 'About that.'
Yumi turned around and looked at the window that her friend was pointing at. Her eyes widened as she saw the couple that stood outside.
A familiar woman, wearing a familiar green dress was standing face to face with a familiar man. He reached out and held her face in his hands, and there they stood, staring into each other's eyes, smiling. Then, she leaned forward brining her face even closer to his. Their lips met, and for several moments, they remained in that position, enjoying each other's close presence. Then, they parted, relishing the sweet bliss that they shared. Afterward, they began to walk away, hand in hand.
'They make quite the cute couple, don't you think? I never expected them to fall for each other, but I am glad they did.'
Yumi continued staring at the window, her mouth agape.
'Yumi? Is there something wrong?' Chris asked, concerned.
'No, its okay.' Yumi whispered.
The rest of the evening was spent in uncomfortable silence.
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'Here is your room.'
'Thank you for such a wonderful evening.'
'You say that every single time we have dinner.'
'Because its true.'
'It's late; you need to get your rest. Remember, there is training tomorrow morning.'
'I know, but I don't want you to go so soon.'
'You can always see me tomorrow.'
'Well then, I guess there is only one other thing to do.' Yuiri smiled slowly as she wrapped her arms around her man's neck.
'Don't you ever get tired of this?' He grinned.
'Never.' She yanked him towards her and soon, they were engaged in a passionate kiss.
After what seemed like forever, he pulled away. 'Now, before I get dragged into your room, I need to remind you that your sister is staying with you.'
'I know. Goodnight.'
'Goodnight.' He smiled at her and then walked away.
Yuiri sighed softly, disappointed that the evening was over. It had passed by so quickly; too quickly. She opened the door to her room, and quietly stepped inside. After all, she would not want to wake her sister. She shut the door gently, and prepared to slip into a more comfortable set of clothes. Being dressed in Zexen clothing was all fine and dandy, but they were impossible to sleep in.
Then a small voice broke the silence. 'Sister?'
Yuiri swung around and saw a figure sitting on her bed. In the darkness of the night, she couldn't see who was speaking, but she had a pretty good idea of who it was, 'Yumi! I'm sorry, I did not mean to wake you.'
'Sister. Why?'
'Why what?' Yuiri asked, utterly confused by the cryptic nature of Yumi's question.
'Why him?'
Yuiri peered into the blackness and sighed. She chanted a few verses and the bedside candles burst alight. 'There we go. Now.' She broke off in mid- sentence, utterly shocked by the sight that greeted her.
Yumi had been crying, a lot. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, her eyes were bloodshot and her breath was ragged. She was sitting on the bed, staring at the woman who stood at the doorway. 'Sister. Why did you choose him?'
'So, you've seen us.' Yuiri sighed heavily.
'How could I not have seen? Your public displays of affection was attracting half the castle's populace!'
'It has gotten that bad, hasn't it?' Yuiri chuckled softly.
'This is not the time for levity, sister! I do not approve of your relationship with that man. that monster!'
'Of all the people in the village, I thought you would be the one that could understand my situation.' Yuiri sighed sadly. 'It looks that I am wrong.'
Yumi was shocked. 'He has been branded a butcher, someone who slaughtered millions of people! You yourself were one of his harshest critics! What did he do to you?'
'He did nothing.'
'What happened to you?' Yumi began to break out in sobs. 'You were the pride and joy of our village. Now.. now, you. you. are his woman!'
'I.'
'Don't tell me you condone his butchery! Don't tell me that you have forgotten about all his past sins!'
'Yumi, I.'
'Why? Was it because of me?' Yumi found herself standing up. 'Was it because of my selfish want to leave the village? Did my actions force you to question the teachings. to forgo the teachings? Am I to blame, sister?'
'Let me explain.' Yuiri felt herself backing away from her sister. She had never seen Yumi in such a state before. She felt a dozen conflicting emotions erupting from her sister, guilt, anger, and envy, among a host of others.
'There is nothing to explain! I. I am to blame for everything. It is my fault. The spirits must be punishing me for leaving the village on that day. I.'
'Calm down.' Yuiri tried soothing her bewildered sister.
Yumi shuddered as another fit of sobbing overtook her. 'It is my fault.'
'No, it isn't. Hear me out.'
Suddenly, Yumi bolted for the door, yanked it open and dashed into the corridor beyond. Yuiri was rooted to the floor, utterly stunned by Yumi's behavior.
'Yuiri?' A worried voice broke her stupor.
She whirled around and buried herself in the offered embrace. 'Why are you here?'
'I heard something, and I came to check. What happened?'
'It's Yumi. She ran off.'
'Damn, we need to find her.'
'No, don't bother.' She sighed. 'She needs some space. I should give her all the time she needs.'
'What? I don't understand you.'
'Don't bother.' Yuiri held back her tears. 'Just stay with me tonight.'
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He hated traveling alone. While Fred Maximillian was able to handle the boredom and monotony of companionless traveling, he absolutely hated the lack of sleep that it entailed. When he was traveling with Rico, she would guard the camp while he rested and vice versa, but now, how could he be sure that he would not be mauled in his sleep? Therefore, he only could afford short naps and even then, his sleep was fitful, his mind was too busy trying to discern whether a large beast was approaching his prone body.
As a direct result, Fred Maximillian, Captain of renowned Maximillian knights was bone-tired. He was trudging through the plains of Amur, wondering why he refused to take a horse on this journey. After an hour of walking, he stopped and looked at the night sky in an attempt to check his bearings. Being tired was one thing, being lost was another one entirely and he had no intention of losing his way on these open plains.
His course confirmed, he took a swig of water and began to continue his long journey ahead. Then a flash of light erupted over the horizon. He turned, startled, and wondered what had caused it. In the distance, hung a soft orange glow, accompanied with a long plume of smoke. A fire. Fred spat out a curse. Only an idiot would light a fire in the middle of the plains. Predators would be drawn to it like bees to honey.
He sighed and began to run towards the flames. A knight's duty was never done.
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He was just in time. A large flock of overgrown birds were closing in on the impromptu campfire. Luckily, they didn't notice the black-armored knight dashing in from their rear. The battle was hardly interesting. In fact, it was hardly a battle.
Panting heavily, Fred Maximillian stomped over to the fire, ready to lambaste the person stupid enough to strike a flame in the middle of the night. As he approached the blaze, he noticed a lone female figure, sitting next to the flame. He paused, as he tried to figure out who she was.
It was her.
He was stunned beyond belief. He walked closer and watched. She was sitting down, cross-legged, facing the flames. Her eyes were closed; her breathing was shallow but even. He looked at her and noted her raven-black hair, her pearl-white skin and her feminine body. She was a pristine beauty. He could have spent days admiring her.
He took several more steps towards her form. As he watched, he grew more certain that she was in a meditative trance. While he was not familiar with them, he knew what they looked like. His years of experience were never wrong. Furthermore, his experience told him that nobody liked being interrupted during his or her meditation.
He sheathed his sword and sat down beside the woman, his fatigue forgotten. And so, he did the only thing a responsible knight would do. He began to guard the campsite, protecting the woman that he had an indescribable feeling for.
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Daylight lit the plains. Actually, daylight was lighting the plains for the good part of the day. The fire had died out long ago, but Yumi was still in her meditative trance and Fred was still on high alert. Although he was pretty sure that his body was going to give out any time now. It had been a long time since he had stood in one area for more than twelve hours, and the hell that accompanied that experience seemed to revisit him.
He sighed as he looked over at his companion. Her eyes were still closed, her breathing was still shallow yet even, and she was still as beautiful as ever. He found himself being drawn towards her. Actually, he found himself looking at her more often than he was guarding the camp.
A slow rumble across the plains brought his thoughts to a crashing halt. He looked up at the sky and groaned as he saw the specter of a menacingly dark cloud approaching over the horizon. A flash of light, and the rolling boom of thunder warned the plains of the rainstorm's presence.
It was not good. They had to leave the plains at once, if they were caught in the storm, the consequences would be unthinkable. He looked over the meditating woman and tried to figure out a way to bring her out of her comatose state. He had to be gentle; he didn't want to face an irate Yumi after all of this.
'Yumi?' He whispered.
No response came from the woman.
'Yumi?' He repeated.
Once again, no response was given to him.
'Yumi!' He said fiercely.
It was no good. Her trance was too deep.
Then, another boom of thunder echoed throughout the plains. Fred had little time. He thought quickly, discarding one method after another. Then, he thought of an outrageous idea. He mused over it, and finally decided to act upon it.
In one quick motion, He reached over and grabbed her by her shoulders. Pulling her forward, his lips searched for hers. It was sweet rapture, and he knew that he would remain in that position until she rose.
Not that he would complain.
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It seemed like she had spent days within her meditative trance. Searching, asking, and prodding. The spirits were not answering her. Or at least, that was what she thought was happening. She had asked them many questions, and the answers that they gave were even more cryptic than usual.
'What are you really afraid of?' She heard the spirits whisper.
'My sister is confused. She has thrown the teachings aside and consorts with a killer. I fear for her safety. I fear for her future. I fear for her sanity.' She answered.
'Many a moon ago, your sister was mired in what could have been the most trying time of her life. She was broken, confused, and in her desperation she approached us with questions similar to your own.'
'What was your answer? What is your answer now?'
'We gave none then, and we have none to give now. She searched for the answers by herself and so must you. However, we do know that she is fully aware of her actions and she has never regretted the choices that she has made.'
'And you approve?' Yumi replied incredulously, not understanding anything that was being told to her.
'What are you really concerned of?'
'What?' She whispered back. 'I do not understand.'
'You have never doubted your sister before. Why do you do so now?'
'She is lost. It is I who caused her path to waver.' Yumi sighed. 'I must bring her back.'
'Are you sure? Are you sure that you are to blame?'
'Of course. I was the first to ignore the teachings.'
'Young one, you are confused. Your current predicament is not borne out of guilt.'
'It must be!' She yelled. 'This confusion that wracks me, this pain that renders my soul, it must be guilt. This is the retribution for my sins.'
'Guilt? Do you truly believe that your sister is your responsibility?'
'I.'
'You are wrong. Your being guilty is just an excuse, made up to mask your true feelings.'
'My feelings?' She whispered.
'You saw your sister with the one you call a killer. What did you feel when you saw her so happy? What did you feel when you saw her so close to someone that she loved so dearly?'
'Anger.' She replied, a bit too quickly.
'Are you sure?'
'Yes. I was furious at her for abandoning her beliefs. I was furious at him for seducing my sister.'
'You did not feel anger. You felt envy.'
'Envy?' Yumi asked, shocked.
'Yes. You were envious of your sister, because she managed to discover true happiness, the very happiness that you were searching for when you first left your village.'
'What are you talking about? I do not understand.' She yelled into the darkness.
There was no reply. The spirits had left her. They had left her to think about what they had said.
It was true that she had left the village to search for something, but she was not able to figure out what it was. She had always felt a strange emptiness in her life, and she yearned to be able to fill the gaping hole in her soul. She has searched for three years, but she never did realize her dream.
In fact, the only time that she truly felt complete was that morning in Lake Castle, the morning when she was entwined in his arms. The intense comfort. was this what Yuiri had gained? Was this what she was envious of? Did envy really drive her to the edge?
A massive jolt burst through her trance. A strangely comforting presence invaded her mind. The same comfort that she felt that morning, so many years ago. She relished it. And then, her trance dissolved. Her eyes fluttered open, and to her shock, she found herself staring at another pair of eyes. She tried to speak, but once again, to her continuing shock, she found herself in a kiss. Such comfort, such enjoyment, her mind seemed to melt in the embrace.
It was to her disappointment when the man broke the contact. 'Ah, Yumi you are awake.'
'Lord Maximillian?' Yumi gasped.
'I am glad that you remember me. We must leave this area at once, the storm clouds are looming.'
Such comfort, she wanted to feel it again. But how? She smiled as a strange idea developed in her mind. 'Can you give me a few minutes?'
He looked slightly puzzled. 'Sure.'
'Thanks.'
With that, she looped her hands over him and pulled him back into the passionate kiss.
A slight drizzle began to fall from the sky. Not that the couple bothered to care.
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Author's Notes: Wow! All in one night! I was thinking of ways to deliver this chapter, and then I read the next chapter of Zell Girl's Remnants of the Sky and then everything clicked! A big thanks to you!
I don't know whether I made Yumi a bit on the looney side here, but I did feel that she would be the type to go hyper if she felt Yuiri made a huge botch up. She can't be the cute sweet girl forever right? All that anger has to go somewhere.
And I am sure all of you would have guessed who Yuiri's suitor is by now, and if you haven't. I'll probably write a chapter dedicated to her sooner or later. Be on the look out for it! Oh, and it's not Yuber. I may be a crazy fic writer, but I am not that crazy.
Well, this looks like the final release, added a bit of stuff to make the story look even better (and longer).
Anyways, please remember to email me at red_aurum@yahoo.com for any suggestions, critiques, reviews and the like. Please don't flame me, I have a fragile ego.