Disclaimers # 1: Star Ocean names, characters and all of its related articles are the rightful properties of Square-Enix. Therefore, they are not mine. All I have are the copy of the game, my original character in this fic, and some of the plot.
Disclaimers # 2: This is a fanfiction based on another fanfiction titled Two Soldiers: Fire and Ice authored by Artemis' Bow. Her excellent piece of work and her approval contribute greatly to this fic.
Author's Note: Out of lack of reviews, out of lack of ideas, here goes the 'real' chapter one. I tried as best as I can to get the story rolling. Please tell me if you think I'm not doing that so well. If you like this story, then part of the credit shall go to Artemis' Bow. Her great support and encouragement have given me the courage to write and publish this fic that I wouldn't have otherwise.
I am still totally open to comments and suggestions. Even more, I want them, so, please read and review. Enjoy.
The Third Soldier: Another Heart
Chapter One: The Cherished Ones
"Clair, they're here."
The ever-familiar voice made the silver-haired Shield Legion commander look up from the reports she was reading. As her head came up, her widened eyes eloquently expressed the next thing that would come out of her soft lips.
"It's the relief you'd requested, from the look of them," Nel answered the commander's question before it was even put into words.
The answer made a bewildered look creep its way onto the commander's face. Clair had honestly expected her requested relief force to come, but she was surprised by the reality that the relief had already come. Clair knew that her messenger would need at least two days to reach Aquios, and a company of soldiers from the Aquios garrison would take at least three days to make it to Arias—not to mention the time needed for preparation.
And this was only the fourth day since her messenger had left.
"Really? That was fast. I thought it would take them five days at the least."
"Five days, if they march directly from Aquios," the redheaded warrior then shifted, giving her friend space to look outside the conference room's window, "But they are definitely from Peterny," she tilted her head, wiping out tails of red obstructing her green eyes, and then remarked, this time with a slight hint of annoyance, "This must be Laselle's doing."
Clair leaned herself on the windowsill, trying to get a clear view through the partly dusty glass, "Chain Legion banner...yes, they're definitely from Peterny," she turned, looking at her beloved friend, a smile on her face, "No wonder, then. It only takes a day walking from Peterny."
"It's good that the relief came sooner," Nel turned, looked at her friend in the eyes, her face holding a hint of seriousness, "But a different branch has a different way of working, which may sprout problem in the chain of command, don't you think?"
"Do you think we're any different?" Clair returned the question, smile still on her face, looking at the redhead, "I am the Shield Legion commander, and you are the Secret Legion commander, and we're working together here, rebuilding Arias."
"And yet, I don't see any problem with it, unless you have one with me," Clair finished her argument with an even wider, victorious grin on her face.
Nel hated losing, both in fighting and—in some cases—arguing. However, her 'adversary' was someone whom Nel wouldn't mind losing to. In fact, she enjoyed looking at Clair's triumphant expression for reasons she didn't know.
"As you wish, Clair," the redhead closed her eyes, admitting her loss while tilting her head down, leaving her small smile hidden by the thick scarf.
"But, Clair…"
…It's all because we know each other so well, while now we do not know what kind of person the Chain Legion commander is…
That part of her thoughts was never worded, for Clair had already spoken the answer.
"Nel, I think you worry too much. There's no need to. The Chain Legion commander is one of the finest commanders I've ever known in Aquaria," the silver-haired commander reassured, one hand on the spy's shoulder, "I am sure that we can work together with her."
"You know her?"
"Of course I know her. With all the Legion commanders reporting directly to me over time, how could I not know them? Besides, she was…"
A knock on the door interrupted Clair's sentence. Behind the door were Clair's aide, who soon stepped into the room and saluted the Shield Legion commander, and two other figures clad in soldier's attire.
"Lady Clair, the Chain Legion commander and her aide are here. They request to see you."
"Thank you. Let them in. Also, please get all the squad leaders to gather here. We're going to have a general meeting," Clair answered her aide, using her 'commander's tone.'
"Ma'am,"
"Since she's here already, I think it's better for you to see her yourself," said Clair, her eyes on her friend.
At the gesture from Clair's aide, the two figures stepped into the conference room. The first one had short, jet-black hair and proud eyes of similar color with a slightly tanned complexion that stood out brightly in contrast to her hair. Unlike most Aquarian female soldiers, who preferred rather form-fitting outfit to aide agile movement, she donned attire similar to that worn by the Aquarian male soldiers: a dark gray long-sleeved tunic covered her torso, fastened by a broad belt strapped on her waist, and loose-fitting pants of similar color. Padded gauntlets were wrapped around her forearms, and padded leggings covered her shins. A long sword of over two feet hung from the belt, while a shorter one, a sixteen-inch-long side sword was thrust into the sash worn around the belt. The other one, a brunette with eyes of amber and pale skin, also wore similar dress.
The dark haired glanced over the conference room. Her black eyes looked first at the crimson-haired commander, and then locked on Clair's browns. She then brought her right hand up to her chest, saluting, "Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf, commander of the Chain Legion and her aide are hereby to report their arrival as the requested relief force for Arias."
Nel and Clair replied to the salute rather absently. Their eyes were fixed on the dark haired soldier. Long moments of silence reigned before Clair finally melted the frozen atmosphere with her warm smile.
"Welcome, Yvikka," the silver haired commander greeted her fellow commander, putting one hand onto the other's shoulder.
Yvikka smiled broadly at the warm greeting, "Lady Clair, Lady Nel, I'm glad to find both of you have been keeping yourselves well."
Her reply was no mere greeting. It was a greeting from the heart. Yvikka was truly relieved beyond anything that she had seen the two people she cherished most alive and well.
Her thoughts drifted back to the day when the celestial ship first appeared and devastated both Aquarian and Glyphian forces. Upon learning the situation, she was nearly thrown into panic, wishing to do anything but stay put in Peterny, which she almost didn't do. After the bombardment, when chaos and panic erupted throughout the land, her orders remained practically unchanged: to strengthen the town's defense and keep it under control—no mentioning of directly supporting the frontline was ever there. She had volunteered herself and some of her troops to go to Arias, but the magistrate hadn't approved it. Even before the coming of the celestial ships, she had been uneasy for the two women were sent to the frontline, while she was told to stay back and do essentially…
…nothing…
Nothing angered her more than an order to stay idle while she knew that someone, especially the two she held in such high esteem might need her, and she had almost gone crazy from it. Her soldier's composure, her fellow soldiers, knowledge of Master Fayt's presence and power, and most importantly, the overflowing intelligence reports from the Secret Legion and the letters requesting aid from the Shield legion which denoted the well-being of the two commanders were the only things that had kept her from bolting directly to Arias.
Her train of memories stopped at the present. As reality came flowing back to her, her hand reached for the scroll she had put into her tunic. The magistrate, Laselle, along with the Queen of Aquaria herself had briefed her about the growth of an undesirable situation resulting from the abrupt alliance between the two kingdoms. And that was what the scroll would tell them about. She knew that the two commanders would be once again put onto the frontline, and she hated it.
But this time would be different, for she also knew that she would be with them in this.
Clair, who already had her squad leaders gathered in the room, turned only to see the dark haired commander looking lost.
"What's wrong, Yvikka? You're looking strange. Are you well?"
"I…no…yes, I'm fine, Lady Clair. I just…"
"Just what?"
She sighed, half unsure of what she should say, "I just…I'm afraid that my coming here is not…is actually not as the relief you've asked for," she managed with a forced smile.
"What do you mean with that?" Clair asked tenderly despite the unpleasant surprise.
"Here," shoulders heavy, Yvikka handed over the scroll, "An order from Her Majesty."
Clair received the scroll, ripped the seal, and opened it. Her expression, though seemingly unchanged, bore hints of total seriousness. The change in her mood, however, was only noticeable by one particular person.
"What is it, Clair?"
Clair handed the scroll to her redheaded friend, "Take a look at this," she replied, her voice serious, "I knew this would happen sooner or later."
The red-haired Crimson Blade took the scroll from her friend's hand. She then read it carefully from the beginning to the end.
"I see," was Nel's only response, "We'd better begin the meeting, then."
"Let's start then."
---
The squad leaders of the branches of the Aquarian military were rather dismayed at the news brought by the Chain Legion commander. The Chain Legion company that had arrived earlier was not to relieve Arias' defense force, but rather, to strengthen it, which meant that there would be few, if any, troop replacements.
"…I am sorry; the current circumstances were brought on by the Queen's growing concern about the increasing signs of activities by the groups opposing the alliance between the two kingdoms," Yvikka managed her explanation, her voice heavy, her chest so filled with guilt from seeing the expressions her news brought to the soldiers' faces that she felt it would choke her to death at any moment. She never liked to be the one to bring distressing news.
"Due to the location, as well as its condition, Arias is playing a vital role in determining the verve of the alliance. Therefore, we can expect that this place is a likely target to arouse negative sentiment…It would only take a small incident here to stir the hostility of our people toward Airyglyph, and we can't let that happen, especially in this kind of situation." Clair added, her voice low with the understanding of the situation, but her last clause was said with strong inflection signifying her determination.
At Clair's cue, Nel then took over the meeting, "According to the latest intelligence, the biggest of the Aquarian anti-alliance or the anti-Airyglyph group has based itself in Peterny, where it has received a huge backing from the merchants. Fortunately, the Chain Legion has been able to cut off the merchants' support, which reduces the once solid group into ragtag groups of criminals. However, there's only a little information regarding the Glyphian anti-alliance groups. We don't know their size or power, where they're based, or what they're comprised of, but…" she stopped, looking to the whole room knowing that the most unlikable part of her information is about to come.
"…We know that there are quite a number of Glyphian soldiers of various branches, including the Dragon Brigade—and their dragons—who deserted their posts not long after the alliance is formed."
Silence reigned, for everyone in the room knew the possibilities that might occur out there. Especially the spy, for she knew that warmongers still had power in Airyglyph. The fact that they had attempted to intercept the queen on her way to the negotiation with the King of Airyglyph was evidence of that, and she had not the desire to discourage the soldiers even further by speaking that out. Clair, however, rose from her chair.
"I know that you are all tired of this already, and I can't blame you," the commander's voice was soft, caring, if not motherly, yet had the power to draw the attention of the distressed soldiers, "You may leave the town if you want. I won't stop you. I'll even write the recommendation letter for you, but I beg of you all…please, stay with me for a little while longer. We have gone this far together, and I am thankful for that, but my duty is to ensure that Arias and its citizens are safe and well, and I will see it through."
Along with the request, not an order, the silver haired commander bowed deeply in front of everyone in the room, startling them.
Not an order. A request.
Nel smiled. She knew that this was needless to say, as she had been ordered to stay anyway, but she wanted to assure the soldiers as well. "If Clair stays, then I will stay as well," said the spy, rising from her chair.
"We cannot leave our job undone! Lady Clair, I'm staying with you!" a soldier said spiritedly, rising from his chair as well.
"Yes, there is no pride gained from coming home after leaving our duty behind. Lady Clair, I shall stay and fulfill my duty to the end," a runologist spoke, rising from her chair with utter confidence.
"Lady Clair, Lady Nel, we're all staying with you!"
Yvikka watched in awe as the soldiers before her, once unenthused, regained their composure and confidence, fueled only by Clair's tender words.
I have known of Lady Clair's leadership ability. But still, witnessing it, especially in this situation is…
She was stuck, finding that there was no word could describe her present feelings.
…indescribable…
So awestruck was the Chain Legion commander, she was surprised upon finding that every pair of eyes in the room was fixed at her, as she was the only one who hadn't said a thing. With a knowing smile, she then rose from her chair.
"The Chain Legion will provide their full cooperation under Lady Clair's command. Also, I am glad to say that our force here is only an advance unit. Another company shall arrive with fresh supplies within two to three days time."
Clair's eyes lit up with relief and joy at the sight of the cheering soldiers before her. As if words were not enough, she bowed down gracefully, thanking her fellow soldiers and commanders in the room.
"Thank you, everyone..."
Truly, Lady Clair and Lady Nel are the strengths of those who serve them, was the impression left in the dark haired commander's heart and mind.
…And mine as well.
Without her even realizing it, her right hand moved to her chest of its own accord, silently saluting the two commanders.
---
The meeting was over. The squad leaders had left the conference room, leaving the three Legion commanders inside, conversing with each other.
"You really surprised me, Clair. To think that a commander like yourself would plead with her soldiers," the redhead remarked, a touch of disapproval in her tone.
Clair smiled in response to the remark, and at the one who had made it. "Sometimes a request is more powerful than an order. There are times when we should plead, and times when we should give orders. Nel, you probably should learn how to plead and see the results for yourself."
The two women smiled knowingly, for they knew it was a cliché. Nel was good enough at pleading… with Clair, anyway.
Nel then turned to the dark haired; her green eyes meeting dark ones. "By the way, Yvikka, right? Clair said that she knows you, and it seems that you know her as well. I was just wondering when the two of you met, since I never knew you to be Clair's acquaintance," she asked, as always, right to the heart of the matter. Nel had been an old friend of Clair's. Most of Clair's friends and acquaintances she knew, but Yvikka was not among the ones she could recall.
Besides, Nel had a bit of trouble seeing her friend with anyone else, especially someone she didn't know well.
"I was once Lady Clair's aide," Yvikka answered, "Only for several months, though, as I was then reassigned to the Chain Legion to be the commander there." She saw nothing strange in Nel's interrogative tone, as she knew that the two women were very close friends.
"Indeed, she was my first aide in my early days of commanding the Legion," Clair backed up Yvikka's answer with her own, giving the redhead a gentle smile, "So bright and stubbornly loyal a soldier she was that I had to order her to comply with the reassignment request."
"You had to order her? To be a commander?"
"Yes."
The three women chuckled at the silver haired commander's answer, seeing the contrast of situation in context.
"Now that you're a commander yourself, is the woman who came with you earlier really your aide?" Clair asked her fellow commander curiously, "She looks too young to be one."
"No, she is not," was the answer, "She is one of my squad captains. Barely passed twenty, but she has shown some promise, so I take her with me. Nevertheless, she'll be my 'aide' here; besides, my 'real' aide has a lot to do in Peterny already."
"I see. Well then, Yvikka, you must be tired from the journey. Please have yourself and your men some rest. My aide shall guide you and your men to their quarters—and that is an order."
The Chain Legion commander smiled sourly, but wasn't displeased since she knew that Clair's order was actually an 'order'.
"Ma'am." She saluted, then left the conference room after Clair's aide.
The silver haired gazed at the door until she heard the front door of the manor creak open, and then closed again. She then turned to face her redheaded friend.
"What do you think of her?"
Nel nodded slightly in an approval, eyes still fixed on the door, "She's a fine commander, judging from her composure," she then turned to face the brown eyes fixed at her, "Do you always have to order her like that?"
Clair smiled. "I told you Nel, she's stubborn. If I don't give her an order to get some rest, she'll go around and find a chance to work herself to death, just like you."
Ignoring the dark look she got from the redhead, Clair went on, enjoying the chance to tease her friend.
"In fact, I'm surprised that you and Yvikka are so very much alike. Both of you are very stubborn, but fine commanders."
Brown orbs locked on green, her voice lowered in a tender tone, her hands resting on her friend's shoulders.
"Nel, you're still the best Legion commander I've ever known and work with, but you are also the most stubborn and reckless person I've ever known."
Nel, surprised at the sudden change of mood, stammered, "Clair, I promised to be more careful, remember?"
"I do remember, and I am glad to find you still remember that as well."
---
The next few days were pretty much uneventful. The three legions worked hard to rebuild Arias. Days were filled with the sounds of the hammering of nails, wood being cut by saws, lum hooves, and the varied noises of other animals. Clair had worked herself hard directing the rebuilding, while Yvikka handled the field patrol duty and supplies administration, but Nel had been away for some time, visiting various places to gather intelligence on the threat of the growing anti-alliance groups.
Without Nel by her side, Clair couldn't sleep well. In fact, she hadn't slept at all in the past two days. One night, frustrated and tired of being alone in her room, she decided to take a walk around the town. She strolled around, glowstone in hand, greeting her soldiers on guard as she came on to them.
A familiar voice broke the silence of night, calling the commander's name.
"Lady Clair."
Clair turned, her brown eyes spotting a figure of a soldier. The glowstone lit the soldier's face, revealing jet black eyes.
"Yvikka? What are you doing at this hour?"
"I could ask the same of you, Lady Clair. You should be resting."
Yvikka strode closer, lifting her own glowstone so she could see the other woman's face, only to be taken aback by the shadows under the beautiful eyes.
"By Apris…Lady Clair, it seems that you haven't slept for days. What would become of those here if you fall ill?"
"I…"
The dark haired commander sighed, apparently knowing the root of whatever demon in her superior's mind which made her stay awake for days.
You haven't changed at all, Lady Clair…still worrying about others more than yourself.
You're always worried sick for all of us, but can't you see how many others are worried about you!
If Lady Nel saw you like this, she might think of tying you to your bed next time before she ever leaves again…
Yvikka laughed silently at the thought for she knew without a doubt that it would never happen.
Some close friends they are…
Lady Nel…and Lady Clair…
She sighed deeply upon the understanding of the two friends, and managed, "Come, Lady Clair, I'll take you to your room."
With a sigh, Clair complied. Silence came along with them as they walked back to the manor. Sometimes, Yvikka would steal a glance over her beautiful superior. She had known about her superior's habit of worrying from the days they worked together. This one trait was one she didn't like very much, and she had long been longing for a chance to speak it out.
"Lady Clair…"
"Yes?"
Yvikka turned her head, her dark eyes meeting brown, "You and Lady Nel are the heart and strength of everyone here. Both of you…are the ones whom I…—we soldiers believe can take us through anything and keep us alive. So…"
She was hesitant. She was unsure whether the silver haired commander would actually listen to what she was going to say, but she decided to ignore that possibility, and went on.
"…don't worry too much about all of us, and…please, take care of yourself, because if you don't…you'll make the rest of us worried about you."
Several long moments of silence came and went before Clair's voice finally came, "Yvikka?"
"Yes, Lady Clair?"
"Are you worried about me?"
"I am."
"Then get some rest."
While her dark eyes were downcast, Yvikka had thought that Clair was terribly irritated. She turned again to face her superior in order to apologize, but was met by Clair's teasing grin, lit up by the glowstone she held close to their faces.
"Look at yourself in a mirror, Yvikka. If you don't want me to worry about you, then you should take some rest. The shadows under your eyes are no lighter than mine."
Bursts of laughter forced their way from both women's lips. It was a laughter that could warm anyone in Arias, for half of it was Clair's.
