Disclaimer: All Suikoden elements belong to Konami.

Rebirth

Chapter 17: Foundation

and

Epilogue

by ArchFaith

Rebirth.

Sylvia.

"No," she whispered, her tears flowing freely as she buried her head into the crook of his shoulder, her hands forming fists against his chest as her mind contorted in mental agony. "Nash…Sylvia…how could I have…?"

The Rune of Rebirth…one of the lost twenty-seven true runes of destiny, a power of immeasurable force…a strength that could manipulate thousands, or save thousands more. A rune that she had held within her for the duration of her long, lonely existence as a rune-created vampire…a power that could only manifest itself in the form of…of…

A child.

A vivid image suddenly returned to her—that of the tiny baby she had given birth to, so small she could barely fit in her father's arms. So weak and innocent…such azure eyes, like Nash. The tiny hands and fingers; the gentle grasp of the baby's hand against hers…the sudden feelings, deep beneath her heart, as they rushed to the surface—the image of Nash sinking to the dusty earthen ground, crying out to her in pain as she rushed away into the night…the blood tears snaking their way down her cheek…

"What have I done to you, my boy?" she asked, her voice cracking as another wave of anguish rolled into her, filling her with the horrible knowledge of truth. "What have I done…ah…"

He automatically brought a hand up to the nape of her neck, smoothing her soft silvery hair as he pulled her closer, tears beginning to pool against his eyelids. "You left me behind, Sierra…" he whispered into the moonlight. "Old girl," he continued, his voice trembling, "I believe what Jeane told me…she gave me her word that it was the truth. She even gave me the pages she took from the tome…I translated them myself. What she said is true."

The vampire nodded, grasping his shoulder for support. "Rebirth…" she whispered, bringing a delicate hand up to his cheek. "To think that I, such a broken, cruel woman, could carry within me such a power as a rune…to think that my soul could long so much for love that a child could be conceived out of that longing…"

He took her by the shoulders now, staring into her ruby eyes. "She is ours together, Sierra…you and I created her. Not out of lust, or desire, or accident…out of—"

"Love," she said, finishing his sentence for him. She raised a tentative hand to his forehead, smoothed the blonde hair out of his eyes as a tear traced its way down her cheek. "I think I understand now, Nash…how such a thing has happened to us. How…how our daughter was born. A fantastic explanation, indeed…but I believe in it. Still…it is all very shocking to me…you understand."

He nodded. "Yes…as it was to me as well." She felt his hands smoothing her silvery hair against her head. He smiled weakly, only a shadow of his usual cheerful grin. "I just wish you had been around to hear it, old girl."

She lowered her head, breathing in the coarse fumes of shame which seemed to emanate from the floorboards of the small room. "So do I."

He did not respond, but keep his hand firmly set against the nape of her neck, threading his fingers reflectively through her hair as they stood facing each other in the moonlight. She lifted her eyes to his; ruby met azure as they had so many, many times before. She remembered the first time she had ever seen him; in a small, non-descript town in the countryside, sitting across from her, his hands roving over a table strewn with all kinds of maps and notes. His search for a True Rune, the ill-fated mission ending with Rean's vampiric death…Nash had been so young then…

Ruby eyes…so dark and cruel. And yet…sad. Even when he first met her he knew that her coldness and haughtiness seemed to be clever disguises to her true feelings. After he saved her from Rean, she left him for her own missions; her only goodbye were two painful puncture marks near his collarbone. Good riddance, he had thought…yet, months after he had settled down in Caleria, he was overjoyed to see her once again. Sierra. My Sierra.

"Am I still yours, Nash?" she asked. He cocked his head; very rarely did Sierra ever exert any efforts with her mental capabilities. She did not like listening in to other people's thoughts and memories; eight hundred years of life had taught her that her she had enough to deal with. Here was a brief exception; she had attuned herself to him, and was now listening for an answer.

"To answer that," he began, a sad smile playing on his lips. "I would need to know if I'm still your Nash. And if," he whispered, pulling her closer, "she is our Sylvia."

She turned her head slightly, resting her silver strands against his cheek as she pulled him closer to him, struggling to come to terms with the tremendous question posed to her. Her Nash…their Sylvia. So strange to think of it…that she could finally be happy, that she could finally come home to the family she had created and abandoned so many years ago.

But how did it come to pass that she should receive this honor, when she had been the source of all the misery so long ago? Her own loneliness, Nash's incredible longing, Sylvia's ignorance of her own mother…how could she possibly return to them when she had caused them such grief and heartache? How could she mend the broken threads that separated them? What would she tell Sylvia? Nash…would he really give her another chance…would he—

"Forgive," she whispered, in a sudden rush of emotion. Her face contorted into shame; she opened her eyes now, her lithe body shaking as she nearly fell into his arms. He did not hesitate; he immediately enfolded her against him, felt her heart beating rapidly against his own.

She was trembling uncontrollably; a sudden pounding started to resound in her mind, a high thrum against her soul as she sank to the floor, unable to sustain her own balance as she fell to her knees. In a moment he was kneeling next to her, arms tight around her as she squeezed her eyes shut in a vain attempt to keep the bloody tears from spreading. How could she ask him? What made her think that one sad little question could take back the pain and suffering she had caused him for so many years? How could she ask him now, after so much time had gone by?

But no…a small voice inside her told her to press on. Perhaps there was a small chance, a tiny sliver of hope that all could be mended anew.

I love him.

"Forgive…" she repeated, unable to even pronounce the word correctly as she looked up into his deep azure eyes. He stared steadily back at her, and with his wordless encouragement she whispered:

"Forgive me."

The pride…the selfishness…the anger…all had seemingly melted out of her system, clearing her mind and allowing her to fully communicate how she felt. She pulled him closer to her, letting his presence flood her mind, embracing and welcoming the warm feelings it brought.

"Please…forgive me. I will make amends…I promise."

The swirling abyss of emotions suddenly collapsed—in a wild rush of passion, she grimaced as the red tears slowly wound their way down her face.

He knelt next to her, arms wrapped around her as he gently pulled her head against the side of his neck. Gods…how she had suffered. His curse of years before, shouted against the night sky as she fled Caleria, had turned out to be more powerful than he had ever imagined. Her grief, her anguish—it filtered through her body and into his, as if they were somehow connected…as if he could feel her emotions. The shame…the confusion. And the sorrow, the deep, darkening realm of sorrow that had become her home for seven years.

Forgiveness…a gift. But how could he possibly forgive her now? Seven years after the fact…seven years that could have been spent in happiness and love? She had stolen them from him and Sylvia…she had abandoned them, had not even once held the child she had given birth to. In all that time, she could have come back to them of her own accord…but as it was, only a chance meeting in the middle of the woods had led them to this reunion now. If she had come back to him willingly he might have been able to forgive her—he might have. But as things stood now…he could never do it. He could never…

He closed his eyes, tears pooling at the base of his lashes as he embraced her, smoothing her silver hair as she continued to sob against him.

"Forgive me, Nash…I beg of you, forgive me of all the things I have done to you and to Sylvia. If you wish me to leave, I will go, and you will never hear from me again…but please…forgive…forgive me…"

In absolute shame she brought her hand to her eyes, trying to ease the flow of tears; he saw her gesture and brought his hand up, catching her pale fingers and entwining them in his own. Still gently sobbing, she brought her ruby eyes up to peer into his deep azure eyes.

"It shouldn't be this easy, Sierra," he whispered simply, bringing his hand up to her bloodstained cheek. "For all the pain you've caused me….leaving me twice, the first time before you even knew you were pregnant, and the second time after you gave birth to our daughter…I should never want to even so much as look at you ever again." A single tear traced its way down his tanned cheek; with a heavy sigh he continued. "It isn't right that I should let you back into our life, old girl…you know that."

She nodded, her head limply resting against his muscular shoulder as she found herself clinging to him, trembling with every last nerve in her body, readying herself for the tremendous letdown she was sure would follow. Of course he would ask her to leave, never to come within one hundred paces of himself or Sylvia ever again…she had hoped for too much. There would be no redemption for the ruby-eyed demon who had cruelly abandoned her lover and newborn child. There would be unending sadness, despair…loneliness.

It was almost as if he could feel the dreaded sentiment emanating from her torn soul; to her surprise, he gently ran his fingers up and down her back, lightly drumming against her spine as he continued.

"I…I love you, Sierra. For all these years…all these years you and I have been separated…I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. Even after what you did to us…I could never forget what you and had…together." He closed his eyes momentarily, recalling the hope they once shared, an optimism that had long since died away. "But you have to understand…I can never forgive you for what you did to me. And to her."

She nodded, the dull shock washing over like a tidal wave against a rocky shore. "I know," she answered simply. "I know." She looked up at him again, gently folding her hands against her chest. "I know you wish me to leave, Nash…and so I will take my leave of you now. I am sure there was some kind of providence at work here…tonight. I was able to save Sylvia's life…I was able to give her life again, in a way. I do not think it was a coincidence that we all came to be here this night…you, me, and her. And I wish to thank you, Nash, for all that you have done for her…you have done all the things I could never do." She slowly stood, standing up shakily as she gently wiped the dust that had gathered on her skirt. "Please…tell her goodbye for me," she whispered, turning away from him.

She quietly stepped towards the door as he rose, watching her as her pale hand reached for the brass doorknob. In one more moment she would be gone again—permanently this time. Coincidence or not, it was impossible that she would ever see him again; she would be gone, wandering through the world once again. And that would be it. Their little reunion was over.

And it would be the last reunion they would ever have.

As her fingers closed around the knob, a small prayer sprang up in her mind; an old prayer she had uttered since she had been a small girl. It was a prayer of thanks, and she slowly thought over it as she gently pried the door open. Thanks for being able to see that the daughter she had given birth to was happy and loved; thanks for seeing that the man she loved had loved her once, a long time ago.

And even if there were to be no happy endings…even if she could not turn back time and relive her life over again…these things were a small solitude to her. Her only solitude now…forever and ever, as long as she wandered the earth.

(-)

"You aren't going anywhere, Sierra…"

Halfway out the door, she turned to face him. He stood there simply, a warm expression forming on his face as he gave her a small smile.

"…unless you take me with you."

In a moment she flew across the room, her feet barely touching the wooden floorboards as she threw her arms around him. Somehow, her lips found his; standing on tiptoe to reach him, their souls reunited as they shared their first kiss in nearly seven years. And in that small space of an instant, in the live-giving embrace—a promise was made. One promise.

Where you go, I will follow. Always.

"Sierra," he whispered, sighing as they broke the kiss, feeling the passionate warmth engulf their bodies for the first time in so many years. "Oh gods, Sierra…I missed you. I…can't express how much I wanted you to be with us…"

"As do I," she answered, placing a pale hand against the back of his neck. "But I am here now, Nash…and I will not leave you again. Ever again," she repeated, embracing him. "I will make amends…I promise."

They embraced as the rest of the troubled world faded around them, leaving only themselves, the room, and the restful moonlight behind.

(-)

The small door leading to Sylvia's room had opened slightly; in the darkened crack of light, a small face appeared, surveying the embracing figures with interest and warmth.

I knew it, the little girl thought, smiling as she witnessed the sudden smile on Nash's face, the apparent relief in Sierra's gestures. I knew this was meant to happen. Ever since I was born I knew that he would find her. She looked down at the rune engraved onto her hand, running her fingers over it thoughtfully as glanced up at the two figures in the other room. From the moment I was conceived I felt her sorrow…his love…the anger within both of them. I felt it within me.

The little girl could feel her own heart pounding, suddenly; bringing a small hand up to her cheek, she realized that she too had tears running down her face. Having watched the whole exchange discreetly from her room, the effects of the reunion had run their full course on her.

I formed within her so many years ago, and for so long I wondered if she would ever find solace…yet she found it, in him. For that reason I was born. I know so much more than they think I am capable of knowingf.

Slowly pushing open the door, she stood framed in the doorway, watching her mother and father embrace against the windowsill, bathed in moonlight.

Nash and Sierra need each other…and I need them both, as they need me. I am their Rebirth.

She quickly scampered over to them, looking up at them as they broke away from each other. Nash's eyes widened in surprise, no doubt wondering if she had heard their entire conversation; Sierra, however, had another thought in mind.

In just an instant she had knelt down next to the girl, and gently placed her arms around her, embracing her for the first time. An embrace that should have been given nearly seven years ago, debts long overdue. A smile formed on Sylvia's angelic face as the vampire pulled her close, burying her soft blonde head against Sierra's thin shoulder. In another second Nash was on the floor next to them, enfolding both of them in a strong, peaceful embrace.

"Hi Mom," she whispered lightly, smiling up at her mother momentarily. "I knew I would meet you one day."

(-)

Epilogue

The sun hung placidly over the vast mountains, peeking out from beneath a fixture of persistent clouds; the deep red of the sunset cast a surreal glow through the still-bustling streets of Caleria, the sight mysterious and warm all at the same time.

She hesitated for just one moment; it had been so long since she had seen the desert city, the jewel of trade. She had almost erased all memories of the town from her mind; memories of the warm sun making shadows against her face as she walked, memories of the palm trees swaying in the thick breeze. And memories of the small brick house, and the knowing azure eyes that would greet her each time she stepped into the doorway…

Perhaps these memories would build themselves once again.

"Don't be scared, Mom," the little girl whispered, pressing her small hand into the vampire's pale fingers. "You'll like where we live! Promise."

The blonde swordsman's eyes met her own, and he flashed a gentle smile. "Let's go. Lead the way, Sylvia."

They passed through the marketplace, past the empty stalls of merchants, the refuse of the day's trade. Though she half-heartedly argued with the blonde swordsman, the vampire could not help but gain a small, uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach. It seemed too good to be true; just over a week ago she had been trudging miserably in some godforsaken forest, bemoaning her wasted existence; now here she was, with the two people she loved most in the world. It could only be a dream…it could not be real. And even if it were true, and there was to be a happy ending after all, she would probably find some way to cheat herself out of this paradise. Some way…

"Are you alright?" Nash asked, his gloved hand reaching for her own. In one moment his hand had closed around hers; and in that second she knew she was going to be alright.

"Yes," she answered truthfully, smiling back at him, "never felt better."

It will not be easy at first…this much I know. But I have been given a second chance…or a third chance, perhaps. And he is willing to try. And, by the gods, I will try, as well.

"Let's go home," she whispered softly, her ruby eyes gleaming with a hopeful sort of light. "You and I and Sylvia…we have had a long journey."

The swordsman nodded, the sun glinting against his azure eyes as he gave her a thoughtful smile.

The journey might be over; but the adventure is still to come.

I love you.

The End

End notes: Well, here it is. One year and four months after I decided to start writing this monster of a story, it is finally completed! Let this story stand forever as a testament to my love of Nash/Sierra fanfics…I consider it my fanfiction masterpiece! This story has broken so many of my previous records…it's my longest story (55,000+ words, as compared to my second longest story, with 26,000 words!). It also has the most chapters (17) and the most reviews (69) out of all my stories. Also, I have this dreadful penchant for not finishing stories…you betcha I'm glad I was able to finish this one!

As a side note…I'm also a cosplayer, and I have a Sierra outfit that I've worn to Katsucon 2006 and Anime Boston 2006…I'm also going to be wearing it to Otakon 2006 next week, along with a plush Nash doll I made! The link to my cosplay page is in my profile…yes, I am that obsessed!

Shoutouts:

by.ur.side: Thanks for sticking by me and giving me helpful reviews all this time! I'm very glad you thought the dialogue was fluid and in-character...I worked very hard on it before I put up the final draft! Thanks for all your help!

kissbyachainsaw: Heehee, thanks! I worked hard on my Sierra costume—it's handsewn since I didn't have a sewing machine until early this year.

Nylza: Well, this is the ending! Hope I satisfied you!

PsychoLeopard: The Rune of Rebirth is something I made up…it doesn't really exist in the Suikoverse. Though, it would be awesome if a new Suikoden game with a rune called "Rebirth" as one of its main runes!

And shoutouts to everybody else that has reviewed thus far! Thank you all so much for your support!

Well folks, time goes on. Iam now playing Suikoden V (we're at V already!) and am looking forward to the Suikoden cosplay photoshoot at Otakon (we have 30 people!) and…in short…write more Nash/Sierra fanfics! The world needs them!

Peace out, and thank you for reading this fanfic!