Author's Note: So surprise I actually finished the third chapter before half a year went by, for anyone who reads this. In truth I'm not sure anyone does.
Disclaimer: I don't own Baten Kaitos.
Warning: Nothing to bad this chapter.
Chapter 3) Burdens
The trip back to the palace had nearly been unbearable for Ayme. Xelha had become a great annoyance to both her and Folo as they moved Lyude back to the palace, with her concern for her friend. At least they managed to get around the technical royal guard because Ayme was sure dealing with those pathetic rejects would be another headache. Her fingers traced over the gun at her side and she thought about shooting the next person who started to whine at her.
Still right now out in the hall waiting she had a moment of peace. Xelha and Folon were with the red haired emperor and she didn't have to deal with any annoying people yet. Still her fingers twitched and gripped the edge of the gun as she heard footsteps approaching. Her gaze flickering to the source of the sound, and saw the even calm Lady Death walking up. The woman leaned against the wall opposite her and slouched slightly as she crossed her arms.
"It was a good shot." Savyna said her eyes closing and a smirk on her lips.
"What?" Ayme questioned narrowing her gaze at the ex Lady Death.
"Back at the cafe, you shot the explosive before it was close enough to harm anyone." Savyna clarified opening her golden eyes. Ayme snorted at such a comment.
"It wasn't a hard target, and would have been better if I'd killed the man before he threw it." Ayme stated. She'd noticed the group on the roof and had picked off most of them but she'd toyed with the last one which had allowed him to throw the active magnus. She knew better than to take something like this lightly, but without conflict she'd been so bored. Next time she would just need to shoot their hands first.
"Still everything managed to be control even with the smoke screen. Minor injuries, but over all it could have been worse considering the numbers." Savyna said and Ayme snorted again. Still Ayme had to admit Savyna had a point. It could have been much worse if Folon and she hadn't been with Lyude. Yet as much as Ayme had been annoyed with the situation Folon was in a worse mood. To think that if Folon hadn't discovered the scene the other night, they wouldn't have been as vigilant today. Never once had Lyude indicated or let on that there was an aggressive force behind the empire's problems.
"Yeah well thanks for the help on the ground with Folon." Ayme finally admitted. It was the truth that Savyna had helped her and Folon but it wasn't easy for the pink hair warrior to admit it. More so it seemed the statement was rewarded with a small smile from Savyna.
"No problem." Savyna shrugged her shoulders but Ayme found herself smiling a bit from the calm woman's presences. The moment of calm was interrupted as Xelha came out of the room a look of worry and sadness on her pale face.
"He's going to be fine, but I don't think this is the end of things." Xelha sighed, and Savyna walked over to the blonde ice queen.
"You're right, it's just the beginning. I can see you back to where you're staying. It will be safer that way." Savyna stated and Ayme noticed how the woman was looking at her. Was she removing Xelha from the situation for their sake? It seemed that way as the dark purple haired woman wrapped an arm around Xelha's shoulders guiding her down the hall.
"But shouldn't you stay here for Lyude? I'll be fine on my own." Xelha argued and Savyna smirked.
"He'll be fine. Besides I want to look over the city, I think I'll be staying in Alfard for a while." Savyna answered as they walked away and Ayme was left watching them leave. So they would have one of Lyude's friends here now. Wonderful. Well as long as it didn't bring all of them flocking here Ayme was sure she could deal.
With no one in the hall except for the occasional maid or soldier doing their job Ayme walked over to the door and entered the room Folon and the emperor were in. She nodded to Folon who watched her come in and then looked to Lyude who was sleeping at the moment.
"You're letting him rest?" Ayme asked with a smirk, and a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Not my idea… But it did get the Kalas's girl to leave." Folon said folding his arms over his chest. "I thought you were going to watch from the roof." He stated and Ayme growled.
"I was. Who do you think shot the damn thing before it reached them." Ayme defended her voice raising a little.
"Well next time do it sooner. It's hard enough to deal with this moron." Folon stated. "You stay and baby sit, I'm going to go see the staff." Folon waved his hand dismissively before he headed to the door. Ayme could tell he was just as pissed if not more so than her. She didn't flinch as he slammed the door and turned her gaze out the window for a moment.
"He really doesn't like me huh?... Though I guess you aren't fond of being here either." Ayme gasped at Lyude's voice. Hadn't Folon said he was sleeping? Turning around to face Lyude she saw him sitting up wincing as he moved his leg but it didn't stop him. His gaze on her was soft and lacked the hard judgemental stares she was used to.
"You're not going to be liked by everyone so get over it kid." Ayme stated sharply.
"Hmm." The noise that left Lyude's lips was almost so soft that Lyude himself barely heard it. He hadn't known what he expected for an answer but the one Ayme give it bothered him and reminded him that this was his burden alone. It was fitting wasn't it? Considering how hurt Xelha would be when the truth came out. Was it better if it came out now? "You don't need to stay with me if you don't want to." Lyude pointed out but was given a sharp looks. He sighed heavily. It seemed awkward silence was all that would come of his time with Ayme. He'd been rather hopeful this morning that the two might change or warm up to people but it seemed he was mistake. He didn't want to stay here with such tense silence, there were things he could do. Things Geldoblame put into motion that he had to fix, whether they were laws or practices of the military or propaganda, well that's what varied.
"Where are you going?" Ayme asked when she saw Lyude moving from the bed.
"I'm going to continue my work as the emperor. You don't have to escort me." Lyude pointed out wincing as he stood up. It wasn't to bad since they had the means to heal the wound but it was still tender. "In fact I would prefer if you didn't follow me." Lyude added leaving Ayme a bit shocked.
When he left the room and she followed Lyude was convinced she wasn't going to listen but as he reached the basic office that he used to read over all the former emperor's rulings, and laws, Ayme stopped following him. Lyude noticed the glare and that she didn't go far but it seemed he would have a break. Lyude practically fell into the chair by the desk his body feeling more run down and his mind left with its dark thoughts. There were many new letters on the desk from people demanding that his decision on past matters be removed or overturned because it was destroying the good name of the nation. The truth was he was removing the ideals of superiority and putting everyone whether pure blood or not back on the same level of equality and rights. Too bad he didn't seem to have a single person who shared his point of view.
Lyude wasn't sure how long he'd poured over the laws about taxes and okayed military force, before the door opened. He sighed heavily expecting it to be someone who wanted to yell at him or was going to demand how he could dare treat the noble blood so lightly. Instead he was pleasantly surprised when he looked up to see Savyna. The tension he'd been holding in his shoulders slightly lessened as he sighed in relief.
"Were you expecting someone else?" Savyna asked as she shut the door behind her.
"Well no, but lately it seems I've had quite the share of bad luck." Lyude said smiling at the irony that some of this bad luck was probably karma calling.
"I see." Savyna answered in a short tone. She walked over to a free space on the wall to the right of Lyude and leaned back. She folded her arms over her chest as she relaxed and Lyude couldn't help but smile. Savyna hadn't really change when the time they met in Anuenue, something he was grateful for. "So does this bad luck have anything to do with the attack?" Savyna asked and Lyude's smile dropped.
"I didn't mean to get you and Xelha wrapped up in the empires mess." Lyude stated his gaze turning back to his paperwork.
"The empires mess? Lyude whether you remember or not, this is also my home too. Xelha is rather worried, and will be back to make sure you are okay, maybe even with Kalas in toe." Savyna started. Her gaze caught the slight flinch at Kalas's name and she wondered. While most in the group might have missed the little love fling that happened in their journey's she hadn't. It brought up some more questions for her to ask later.
"Well then hopefully I can convince Xelha that I have enough protection." Lyude said forcing a smile onto his face. Yet he knew he couldn't hide the sorrow.
"Lyude… Have you talked to anyone about this? The attacks? The adjustment of taking on this task?" Savyna asked straightening up. She watched as Lyude didn't answer verbally, but hung his head in admission that she was right. He was keeping his problems to himself and why she wasn't sure. Savyna moved over to him then looked at the office door. This wouldn't be the best place to talk. She needed to know what was going on after all she couldn't leave Alfard now. This was her home too. "Is there a way out of here without the guards noticing?" Savyna asked and Lyude looked uttering shocked.
"Y-yes, but I can't do that to Ayme or Folon. They are already upset over this morning, I know letting them help is for the best too. I'm sure of it." Lyude said defending the right of Ayme and Folon to be involved in protecting him, as emperor. Yet the idea that the two hated him and probably thought him a fool did upset him mildly.
"Hn. Well if they bark I'll deal with them." Savyna stated, and Lyude blinked at her. She couldn't help but give him a smile before helping him out of the chair he'd been sitting in. "Come on Lyude." Savyna said, her tone warm and soft like when they would speak around a fire when they'd been travelling. Maybe it was sad but Lyude saw Savyna more like a sister than his own sister Vallye. He was just distant from his siblings, and wasn't surprised when they hadn't come around to see him. When Savyna let go of his arm Lyude walked over to a bookshelf and used a magnus to make it move.
"This way." Lyude said and once the two of them were in the passageway the entrance slid shut once more. "I was shown this by one of the maids. Her name is Lilette, she's very sweet." Lyude mention and Savyna nodded. It was good that there was at least some staff that he seemed to get along with.
"Does she still work here?" Savyna asked but saw Lyude's face drop.
"She passed away. She took ill and asked to leave to see her family, I let her and two weeks later I received a message from her son about her death. I asked if there was anything they needed, but they said they were fine." Lyude explained and Savyna listened. It might not be much but she could look into this family to see what their standing was and if Lyude had an ally.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Savyna said, her voice slightly echoing off the stone wall. "Do you have anyone else you talk to here?" Savyna asked and Lyude shook his head, his red hair swaying side to side. There was a moment of silence as Lyude used another magnus and the passage opened up to his room. The decadent scheme of it made Savyna smirk since she was sure it bothered Lyude.
"Please make yourself comfortable." Lyude said, and chuckled as typical Savyna was soon leaning comfortably against a wall. He on the other hand decided to sit down on the edge of the large bed. Lyude knew he should speak to Savyna but he couldn't do it. He had wanted to succeed on his own, to bring his homeland back to glory, and make it a wonderful place. He had such hopes for his home, their home.
"I'll make this simple lets start with why Folon and Ayme are suddenly paying very close attention to you." Savyna said and her sharp gaze made Lyude gulp there would be no lying to Lady Death. "Did something happen?" Savyna questioned and Lyude sighed and nodded.
"The other night, I…" Lyude stopped he couldn't speak about this. "I'm sorry Savyna but I can't tell you." Lyude said guilt welling up inside him.
"It has to deal with Kalas right?" Savyna ventured and her guess was confirmed by the shocked look on Lyude's face. "I figured. Earlier you tensed at his name, and you've had this guilt lingering on your face whenever Xelha's brought up." Savyna pointed out and Lyude frowned, it was now very clear he couldn't keep anything from Savyna. Still he couldn't say it. What would Savyna think of him, and poor Xelha he knew it would hurt her. Savyna could see the struggle on his face and shook her head. He was so expressive, and maybe to much so considering his position. Leaving her spot against the wall Savyna sat down next to him on the bed and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Lyude nothing you tell me will change the path we've walked. You can't continue along and if you can't tell me, who can you tell?" Savyna asked and Lyude knew she was right. There was so much they shared that the others would never understand. He still could easily remember their first talk after he outed her as an imperial agent. How she assured him she wasn't mad, and she understood why he did it. If he withheld the information then it would have lead people to question him again. She'd lifted such the burden off him when she said that to him, and here she was now offering support again.
"I… I love him, and with our journey I thought maybe it would work out. But Kalas loves Xelha. I tried to end things but it never goes well. I love him still… Just yesterday." Lyude didn't want to finish. He stared down at his trembling hands, he knew how horrible this was, how he should have stop it, and he couldn't look at Savyna.
Savyna didn't know if she was more shocked or appalled. She didn't need to more but she needed some pointed questions answered. Yet she couldn't find her voice to ask him, or to tell Lyude it was fine. Out of everything that she believed could have been troubling him this was the last thing. She hesitated for a moment before placing a hand on Lyude's shoulder.
"Did he hurt you?" Savyna asked watching Lyude closely as he continued to refuse to look up at her.
"Yesterday yes, but it's not always like that." Lyude argued trying to defend Kalas. It was a response that Savyna sadly was expecting. Lyude may have let go some of his demons but it seemed there were still more haunting him. Savyna knew now she couldn't leave Alfard not until everything was dealt with including Kalas.
"Lyude, I'll help you make sure the message is clear, that Kalas's affair with you is over. I was thinking of sticking around anyways and I think it would be good." Savyna said and Lyude finally looked up. His face held a mixture of emotions and she just squeezed his shoulder. "We'll fix this and everything else. Now about the attack today." Savyna said changing the subject. Lyude didn't answer her though instead he just hugged her and Savyna chuckled slightly.
"Thank you." Lyude whispered and Savyna just pat his back. He let go of the the former Lady Death feeling much less burdened. It was now something that they would handle together. "Savyna, please don't mention this to anyone else." Lyude added after a moment and Savyna smirked.
"Of course not." Savyna promised, though she couldn't help but think to herself how this could be some amusing entertainment if shared with the right person. But she wouldn't. No matter if she believed that Kalas needed a good hit to the head. "So about the attack?"
"There's been a few threats made, against me once I started eliminating the power of the elite. The threats grew as I changed laws that discriminated about travelers from Diadem, and the lower classes here. It became even worse when I had some of the military commanders still loyal to Geldoblame's ideals arrested for harassment of new recruits and a murder they are being investigated for." Lyude explained and Savyna nodded.
"Then the people lashing out are most likely strong supporters of Geldoblame's ideas, also means they are probably the most powerful here." Savyna stated and Lyude nodded. It was what he was expecting, and Savyna was sure this meant attack would be more frequent now. "They will probably employ mercenaries and assassins as well."
"Haven't they done that today?" Lyude sighed thinking about the attack earlier.
"It's a start but they wouldn't want to spend much to get rid of someone they think so little of. Proving that you won't go down easy will make them more nervous and desperate to get rid of you. After all if this drags out too long then it will bring them closer to being caught." Savyna explained and Lyude nodded. It made sense and there were parts of this idea that were applied to military strategy.
The two talked long about possible enemies, and how Lyude would need to be more careful now and while he protested Savyna won out after threatening to inform both Gibari and Mizuti of the strife in Alfard and the danger it was causing. From laws, to ceremonies, and military practices each topic tore through time till the lights had come on and darkness was creeping in.
"So I guess we should find Folon and Ayme and let them know you will be joining us?" Lyude asked and Savyna smirked.
"I'm looking forward to telling them." Savyna said as she headed for the door, Lyude walking beside her. "It's late and I'm sure Xelha has come back to see you so let's go see if we can't find her." Savyna said and Lyude nodded. They walked down the halls together, and Savyna could tell that Lyude was having more of an impact than he thought. Each soft spoke maid they passed offered him a soft hello and bright smile which he returned. With no official guests their job was fairly routine at the moment. The other thing Savyna noticed was the lack of guards. While there was a few around it seemed quite a few were not following their job. They were almost to the grand staircase when Savyna heard someone coming up behind them swiftly. Before the person was on them Savyna turned and grabbed the hand reaching for them, while the person's other hand grabbed her throat.
"Folon let her go." Lyude ordered as he recovered from the quick scene. Lyude gulped as the blue haired man glared at him. The comment he'd made earlier coming to Lyude's mind, and reminded him how Folon saw him. "Please Folon." Lyude asked and slowly he saw both Savyna and Folon relax their grips. Lyude gasped as Folon reached for him but Savyna caught his hand and stopped him.
"Stay out of this!" Folon growled at her.
"Not a chance." Savyna answered a deadly look in her eyes. With all she knew there was no way she was going to stay out of anything at the moment. Lyude needed someone who was on his side and knew everything. She wouldn't leave him now. Savyna and Folon continued to hold each other's gaze until Savyna pushed Folon's hand back to him. The joker was clearly not happy with this little detail and his gaze was soon back on Lyude.
"Folon, Savyna will be staying here for a while." Lyude said and he wasn't too surprised when the blue skin man bristled. He could guess that the blue skinned man saw this probably as an insult but that didn't matter. Savyna was right he needed someone who he could share his burdens with. While he trusted Folon and Ayme he couldn't talk with them he couldn't tell them his troubles, after all they most likely didn't want to hear it.
"Why the hell is she staying here!" Folon snapped and it seemed the loud comment had been heard by Ayme who was approaching them. Lyude noticed she also didn't look to pleased, probably because he snuck out of the office. "We don't need her help." Folon growled in addition as Ayme stopped and stood next to him.
"I know that, and Savyna is staying here as a friend." Lyude started calmly not letting himself be rattled by Folon or Ayme. "I know you will both work hard to keep your promise but Savyna is staying around as a friend and advisor. Before you argue I'm not changing my mind on this. Now please excuse us I believe Xelha is waiting, or if you would like to come along as well you are more than welcomed." Lyude said calmly before moving away from Folon and Ayme, Savyna walking next to him.
"You coming?" Savyna asked casually, as she glanced back at Folon and Ayme. Savyna nor Lyude were surprised to hear Folon and Ayme's footsteps following after them. After all Lyude knew the two would keep to their promise even if they disliked him. He was still bothered by that fact and wondered if they would change their minds later. Yet when they reached the dinner hall where Xelha, Kalas, and a few other citizens of Wazn were waiting Lyude saw that Ayme and Folon didn't follow but stayed near the door and watched him for entire time.