Beneath the Milky Twilight

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((Revisal))

A/N: I added some chapter titles. And for new readers, please leave a review, it is very much appreciated.

Disclaimer: I own nothing from Suikoden 3.

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Chapter 1 Hearing the words

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Through the wars, and the battles fought. Her sense of duty to protect one's country never failed. But she was becoming weary of it all.

I have a responsibility. I pledged my life into protecting Zexen. I can't possibly turn away. I don't have that choice.

Even with those words in her mind, she continued to undo her armor.

What is a hero?

Casting an indecisive look at her change of travel clothes, she hesitated.

In reality, nothing but a front, a hateful lie, doing nothing but following orders. Am 'I' the front? Am 'I' the lie?

She stopped and contemplated on her own questions, knowing all too well the answers to give herself.

Nothing but an obedient lapdog to the Council.

Her bitter thoughts only made her more adamant. Brushing aside the doubt, she changed out of her armor and into her travel clothes.

It wasn't that long ago. And I thought I had changed.

A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts.

"Lady Chris?"

Quietly she sighed, recognizing the voice of one her most trusted knights easily. She thought of calling him in, but then remembered that the door was locked.

I was hoping for some privacy and time alone... But...

She went and opened the door.

There he stood with his eyes to the ground, waiting ever so patiently. When he saw Chris, his eyes lit up and he smiled, albeit with slight nervousness. "Lady Chris, I apologize for dropping in on you."

She nodded with understanding. "That is quite alright, Borus."

Borus stopped, and then stared at her with the oddest expression. When he finally spoke up, his voice was full of worry. "Milady, were you planning on going somewhere?" He asked as he eyed her travel clothes.

Should I make an excuse? Lie? No. Borus, I know I can trust you to understand.

"As a matter of fact, I am." Was her calm reply.

Borus was silent for a moment, but decided not to press the question.

Strange... He's usually more impulsive.

"Er.. Salome called for a meeting. He said it was urgent and requests for your presence as soon as possible."

Another urgent meeting.

"Did he say what it is about?"

"I do not know the details yet, milady. I came here straight away to inform you."

Most likely another problem with the Council. I don't know how much more I can take.

Chris sighed with the slightest hint of frustration, as she was becoming more annoyed with angry thoughts about the Council and their immoral demands. But something struck her as being strange. "Borus, why didn't Salome send Louis to call for me?

Borus looked away, his face turning a bit red. "I...uh... volunteered to come get you, milady." He admitted.

And why is that?

"Is that so? Thank you Borus, but I'm sure that I don't really need an escort for such a short distance." She saw him frown at her remark, her tone wasn't exactly teasing, but from his eyes she could see the hurt her words caused.

"Of course, milady."

What made me say that? What is wrong with me today?

She sighed again. "I apologize, Borus. I didn't really mean what I said." She turned away, and moved to her desk. "I appreciate you making the effort to come get me." Sitting down on the chair, she closed her eyes. "I'm just not quite myself lately."

"Lady Chris... Is something troubling you?"

Troubling me? It's that damned Council that is troubling me.

She didn't answer, and there was a short taut silence that followed. In the silence, her mind spun and was threatening to be dragged into the depth of despair. Opening her eyes slowly, she smiled wearily. "Oh yes, the meeting, sorry about that Borus. I don't know what I was thinking."

Borus watched as she stood up from the chair. "Lady Chris, please don't push yourself too hard. You have to take some time off and relax!" He said, almost pleadingly. "Do you remember the last time you completely exhausted yourself? You could of died if Louis hadn't been by your side at the moment." His voice became gradually louder, his tone full of frustration, even with a bit of anger.

Yes, I do remember. And for once, I'm actually thinking of taking a break from it all.

All she could say was, "It wasn't that serious, Borus. I was only a little overtired."

"Only a little overtired? Milady! You had us all worried sick!"

I awoke, confused and dazed, only to find you all crowded around my bed, arguing.

She couldn't help but smile. "Yes, I know. But I assure you that it won't happen again anytime soon." She walked over to him slowly. "Right now, let's not keep Salome waiting any longer."

Borus finally sighed, and then nodded as he backed out of the doorway and allowed Chris to walk ahead. Together, they continued down the hall to the meeting room.

I can't help but feel tired these days. Borus is right. I really need to take some time off.

"Lady Chris."

They stopped, just as they were outside the meeting room. She turned. "Yes, Borus?"

He wasn't looking at her, and when he spoke, his voice was unusually low and solemn. "I just wanted you to know that... I will always stand by your side no matter what. Although I know you have never turned to me for comfort. Please don't hesitate to talk to me if something is bothering you. I will stand by your decision, and assist you in any way I can." Without giving her a chance to reply, he pushed opened the door and waited.

She saw the other knights turn their attention to her, and saw them each smile.

"Thank you, Borus." She said as he walked past her and took a seat.

Thank you for caring.

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A/N: I hope it wasn't too OOC. But if it was, please give me some advice on how to improve