Disclaimers # 1: Star Ocean is not mine. It is the rightful properties of Square-Enix's. The only things I can claim ownership here are my OCs.
Disclaimers # 2: This fanfiction is based on another fanfiction titled Two Soldiers: Fire and Ice authored by Artemis' Bow, so it's natural if the plots of my and Artemis' story cross at some points. If you are new to this story, I highly recommend you to read Artemis' Two Soldiers as well if you want to get a better grasp to this story. A very special thanks to Artemis' Bow, for her approval and support have made this fic possible. If you like this story, part of the credit shall go to her.
Author's Note: I apologize for the (very) lengthy update. I know that I said that I will get the update up in February… but things didn't go as planned. I'm really, really sorry about it. For those who're kind enough to leave reviews, I want to express my sincerest thanks. For those who haven't left review, please do so, for I need to know your opinion about this story. I welcome critics, though nonsensical flame will be more than likely to be laughed at. One thing you can count on me: Don't worry about me leaving this story unfinished. I will never do that. This story won't end before I say 'the end'.
And lastly… please read, and enjoy. Happy reading.
The Third Soldier: Another Heart
Chapter 8
Day of Reunion
Finally… I'm home again…
Nel Zelpher took a deep breath, taking in the familiar scent of her home—the scent that she had been missing throughout her journey with Fayt. She stood in silence for a time, diving into the familiarity of her surroundings that calmed her nearly frayed mind and senses. In her journey, she had traveled to places that none of her people could ever imagine—the gloomy metal jungle of the place Fayt called 'Moonbase', the tight spaces inside a celestial ship, the barren, monster-infested land of a star called 'Styx', and then, the 4D space. In all honesty, had things gone well before she left, Nel might've enjoyed such adventures with her companions, but the facts were otherwise. She could not enjoy even a little of it. Her senses had grown sick of the unfamiliar surroundings she had visited, and her mind had become more and more tormented as they moved from one place to another, for it made her feel that home was very far away. Not to mention the things she'd learned during her journey.
Home…
Clair is here… My home is here…
The thought of her best friend struck her. The image she had of Clair's face before she passed out in the arena was something she never wanted to see again—pale brown eyes filled with disbelief, a face that looked ready to shatter.
Clair… forgive me for being so foolish. I hope that you're okay…
Just you wait, Clair… I'll be seeing you soon.
Please… be there for me…
As she was deep in thought, Fayt called for her. After a brief conversation, it was decided that they would head to Arias and Aquios, because it was clear that Nel, being a servant of her country, had some issues to deal with—especially those caused by her sudden 'disappearance'. With their destination decided, Fayt, as the leader of the party, stepped forward.
"Okay, then. Let's go to Arias," said the blue haired boy. As he started walking, he took out something that Nel recognized as a 'computer'—a device she'd never heard of or known anything about before, but now she knew that it could be used to store and view information—and tinkered with it for a while. After a few loud beeps from the device he was carrying, Fayt stopped, and then turned to the redhead with an expression that could only be described as confused.
"Um… Nel?"
"What is it, Fayt?" Nel answered with her typical ice-cold tone and expression.
"Have you any idea where we are?"
The Crimson Blade didn't answer immediately. She looked around, trying to find any landmarks she could recognize. To Fayt's and the others' eyes, their surroundings might only look like a barren, hilly area with no clues as to their whereabouts, but to Nel's trained eyes, the very same area bore clear hints of their position. It didn't take long for her to realize that they were in Kirlsa hills.
"What? Can't find your way around, Fayt?" Nel asked rather teasingly, and went on, "I thought someone said to me before that the small device you're holding can show everything."
"Uhh… I forgot to say… nearly everything. This device can't show things that we don't know yet. In this case… it seems that we're in a… an uncharted region," said the boy, rather shyly.
Nel sighed.
"Well, we're currently in the Kirlsa hills, and we're not too far away from the main road. Do you want me to lead the way?"
"Please."
---
Not long after, the party arrived in Arias, and the first things they were met with were the stunned, or more exactly, shocked eyes of the gate guards. The fact that the 'Saviors of Aquaria'—the name Aquarians sometimes used to refer to Fayt and Cliff—would come and visit them again was already surprising, but what was more shocking was the sight of the presumed-dead Nel Zelpher, alive and breathing in front of them.
"L-Lady… Nel? Is it… is it really you?" Asked one of the guards.
"Of course it's really me, who else do you think I am?" Nel answered, her voice cool and calm, despite of the growing anxiety she felt after being so long away from the town, or more exactly, from Clair.
"We thought that you were… dead."
"Almost, but my luck held. Now, are you going to keep us standing here or just let us in?"
The guards jerked as if being snapped out of a daze. They then stepped out of Nel's way, but not before giving the Crimson Blade and her company a rather hasty salute.
As the party entered the town, they were met with many more astonished expressions from the people, due especially to Nel's presence, which effectively put a halt to the activities around them. Soldiers and runologists left their posts and joined the crowd welcoming the party, looking at the Secret Legion leader with both disbelief and delight. One of them, a subordinate of Clair's, stepped out of the crowd, meeting the redhead eye to eye. Nel, quickly recognizing the soldier, spoke her name.
"Ersa…"
"… Lady Nel," answered the aide, saluting the commander, "Welcome back."
Before the redhead could speak more, her eyes caught sight of a person running up to her and calling her name in a familiar and unmistakable high-pitched voice.
"Lady Neeeeeeeeell!"
Farleen, seemingly unable to restrain herself, jumped at her commander with open arms, as if wanting to give her a big hug. Nel, however, stepped aside nonchalantly, causing Farleen to miss her and crash into Fayt instead. Tynave, Farleen's partner, came in time to see the two people fall and roll on the ground. As the dust cleared, the girl was lying face down atop of Fayt, while the boy himself was lying face up, making him incredibly uncomfortable.
"What… a welcome," the blue haired boy groaned from below Farleen.
Farleen, realizing that she had missed her 'target', quickly stood up, and clumsily bowed an apology after helping the boy to stand. While Tynave and most of the people around them smiled in suppressed laughter at the scene unfolding before them, the redhead could only give a faint smile, for she wanted to just skip all the welcomes and go straight home to Clair. She waited for a moment, letting everything to calm down again, and then walked up to Fayt.
"Fayt, could you please give me some time alone? I have things to take care of… and I need to be by myself in doing them."
"Sure. I'm thinking about resting here for a while as well. If you need something from us… we'll be in the inn."
As Fayt and others headed to the inn, Ersa gave out commands to the crowd, telling them to return to their duties. After the crowd had dispersed, there were only four soldiers left—Nel, Tynave, Farleen, and Ersa—but Tynave and Farleen also had their own duties to do, so they only stayed with their commander for a short while before going, leaving Nel and Ersa conversing with each other while walking toward the manor.
"So, how are things going, Ersa?" Nel asked.
"Things are doing fine, Lady Nel, you needn't worry about us. What's more important… you should be worried about Lady Clair."
The aide's words shook the redhead to her very soul. It shouldn't have been so surprising, since Nel had expected such news to come, but she had no idea how painful and disturbing it was to really hear.
How foolish of you, Nel berated herself.
Of course you can't expect her to be just fine after what she saw back there!
How do you think it feels to see the one you love die?
Nel felt as if time had frozen for a split second. Her memories went back to the day she was informed of her father's demise. She remembered exactly how painful it was just to hear the news, and she couldn't imagine what would have become of her had she witnessed it herself. Clair had been beside her during those hard times. Without the gentle, strong soul of the silver haired woman, she might have lost herself forever. Those last thoughts struck her.
Clair… was there to witness it. She witnessed it, and thought that I was… dead.
…
"What happened to Clair?" Nel finally managed her question.
"Lady Clair… is ill. She's been ill since the day you disappeared. On that day… she came back from Kirlsa completely unlike herself. The doctors saw to her immediately, but they said she is in shock and is unlikely to come out of it anytime soon. Tynave and Farleen went to the training facility where it was reported you two had gone and found blood… your blood in the arena. It was later surmised that you were dead and your body taken, as you hadn't returned with Lady Clair. You two were... are, very close, and the doctors thought that the cause of her current condition might have been witnessing your death."
Nel sighed heavily as guilt came down hard on her. She knew that if she were to hear any more about Clair being in trouble, especially trouble she knew that she was the cause of, she'd likely break, but she still needed to know. Nel braced herself to ask more about Clair's condition from the aide, so that she could have a better picture of her best friend's condition in order to figure out a way to help. Ersa, for her part, remembering that Nel had been able to help Clair out of a somewhat similar situation after the last major battle in Aquaria-Airyglyph war, put all her faith to Nel that the woman would be able to help Clair again now by telling the redhead all she knew about her commander's condition.
The two women separated as they reached the manor. When Nel was about to open the manor's front door, someone opened it from the inside. The figure behind the door was someone whom the spy was just starting to be familiar with—the dark-haired Yvikka, her features every bit as defeated and tired as Nel's, but most of the defeated look vanished when she smiled.
"Welcome back, Lady Nel…" the other commander said, lifting her hand in a salute. Knowing that Nel undoubtedly want to see Clair immediately, she shifted out of Nel's way, giving priority to the spy.
"Lady Clair is in her room," the commander said again lowly. It was not that the Chain Legion commander was displeased with Nel's return. In fact, she was grateful beyond words that her prayers were finally answered. Nel had returned, and she was happy about that, but she also realized that the joy wouldn't be whole if Clair couldn't be helped, which made her feel somewhat haunted, hence her rather plain greeting.
Nel nodded a silent thanks to the other woman, and proceeded to go in. Just as the spy passed the soldier, her ears picked a faint, pleading whisper.
"Please… help Lady Clair."
"I will," Nel whispered back.
Nel then continued onward, climbed up the stairs to see her best friend, watched by a pair of hopeful jet-black eyes.
---
Yvikka had been strolling around the town rather absently for quite some time. Though it seemed as if she was inspecting the rebuilding efforts, her mind was not actually in it. She had delegated most of her duties to either Ersa or Sisera, as the doctors still wouldn't allow her to take on too many field duties such a patrol, leaving her with the deskwork, as well as some time to think about other things.
I wonder how Lady Nel and Lady Clair are doing now…
In all honesty, the commander had wanted to come with Nel to see Clair, but she realized that she wasn't someone who had the right to do so, so she chose to keep herself away while hoping for the best. As she was thinking about it, her eyes caught the unmistakable figure of a blue haired boy—Fayt, the savior of Aquaria.
Master Fayt…
From what she'd heard, she knew that Nel returned along with Fayt and his company. Judging from how things looked, it occurred to her that it was highly likely that whatever had happened to Nel in Kirlsa Training Facility's Arena, the boy had been there to help the redhead. With that in mind, she knew that this town, or at least, she herself, owed thanks to the boy. Very much decided, the commander doubled her pace in an attempt to catch up with Fayt, but all too soon, a bunch of big wooden bars carried by soldiers helping the reconstruction crossed her path, bringing her steps to a stop. By the time the obstacles had gone, the blue haired boy was nowhere she could see. She tried to look for the boy for some time, but to no avail, so she decided to just head to the manor. Aside from knowing that Nel was there, and sticking around the redhead might lead her to Fayt sooner or later, she was also feeling the need to know how the two women are doing.
As she was walking along the corridor leading to Clair's room, someone bumped into her from the adjoining hallway. The collision was a hard one that knocked the other figure over, while Yvikka was doubled over with the staggering pain in the left side of her ribcage, which hadn't fully recovered yet. Still struggling with the pain, the commander turned to look at whoever had run into her—who turned out to be the very person she was looking for.
Fayt.
"M-master Fayt!" The words spilled rapidly out of the soldier's lips. She quickly stretched her hand out to the fallen boy in an attempt to help him up, since she was the one who was still standing, apologizing at the same time.
"I-I'm sorry… really sorry…"
Fayt, still very dazed, didn't take the offered hand right away. He stayed on the floor for a time, shaking his head. He had been running when he'd bumped his head into something that felt like a concrete wall—which had in fact been Yvikka's armor.
"Master Fayt, are you all right?" Yvikka asked again, kneeling down next to the stunned boy.
"Uh… yeah, I'm okay…" Fayt finally managed to answer. He then turned to see the person whom he'd run into, his eyes unwittingly locking on the soldier before him with a rather strange feeling. The soldier had the voice of a female, but the attire of an Aquarian male soldier, which he wasn't accustomed to seeing in this land—partly because all of the Aquarian female soldiers he'd ever seen always wear form-fitting outfit, like Nel, Tynave, Farleen, and Clair. While he was wondering, the soldier once again offered a hand to him.
"Are you really sure you're all right?"
"Yes, yes… I'm okay, don't worry about me," the boy answered again rapidly while taking the hand offered to him. When they were finally on equal footing, they found themselves staring at each other. Trying to get out of the somewhat awkward situation, Fayt decided to speak up. "Look…"
"I'm sorry."
Silence followed the words as the two strangers found that they actually said their apologies in a near-perfect unison. While Fayt was apparently trying to suppress his laughter, Yvikka, on the other hand, felt incredibly uncomfortable. The commander took a deep breath and spoke up.
"Master Fayt… I… I am really sorry for what happened. I was kind of lost in thought, and I didn't see you there. Please..."
"No, you didn't do anything wrong," Fayt cut in, "Really… it's me who's sorry. It was my fault."
The pair fell silent once again. Fayt, remembering his reason for being in the manor in the first place, cleared his throat in an attempt to draw the soldier's attention before he spoke.
"Um… do you happen to know where Ne… I mean, Lady Nel is?"
"Lady Nel? Lady Nel is attending Lady Clair in her room," Yvikka answered, slightly startled by Fayt's question.
Fayt sighed. He realized that his question was a cliché. Nel and Clair were best friends, he knew, and now that the silver haired woman was ill, Nel would, undoubtedly, be with her. He had been worried about the two women since learning the fact, and he wanted to help.
"I see… I heard that Lady Clair is ill."
"… That is true."
The boy sighed, a concerned look apparent on his face, "Could I… see her? I might be able to help."
Yvikka, despite knowing that Fayt was capable of doing many things that the people in her land couldn't, shook her head in refusal. She believed in the boy's abilities, but this time, she had more faith in Nel.
"Please… Master Fayt, do not worry about it. She is with Lady Nel, and judging from how things look, I believe that Lady Nel's presence is remedy enough for Lady Clair. All they need is time."
Fayt smiled, the expression both sour and knowing. He remembered that Nel had told him to leave her alone for a while, and he knew the redhead well enough to know that if he was to show up in Clair's room now, the best result he'd face would be being blasted out of the room by any one, or a combination of Nel's killing techniques—whether he would still be alive or not after that was another matter entirely, and dying might not be the worst consequence possible.
And Fayt didn't dare imagine what 'the worst' would be…
"Alright, then, if that's so. I guess I'll just spend the night here. Could I leave a message for Lady Nel with you?"
"Yes, happily."
"Please tell her that I'll be staying here for the day, because I'm a bit worried about her… I mean, Sophia. She still needs some more time to get used to all these… hardships, and our plan to go to Aquios will have to be postponed until tomorrow morning. And please tell her that I'm sorry for any inconvenience caused by the change in plans."
"Is that all of your message?" the soldier asked.
"Yes."
"Very well, Master Fayt. I'll make sure that your message gets to Lady Nel."
"Thanks. Please do that."
Fayt was just about to leave when the soldier called to him from behind. He was surprised, along with feeling incredibly awkward, as he saw the soldier bowed deeply to him.
"Wh-what is that for?" Asked the boy, stammering.
"I just want to thank you… for all that you've done for us. It is an honor for me to be able to speak with you, as well as to be able to personally express my gratitude. Thank you, Master Fayt…" Yvikka answered.
"Uh, well… you're welcome…"
With those words, the boy left, still wearing a bewildered look on his face. The dark haired soldier watched the boy as he went down the stairs, and then continued her walk to Clair's room.
---
As she got to the door to Clair's room, the commander was silently greeted by the high priestess and her colleague, who happened to be waiting near the door. Knowing the need to maintain the peace, the commander answered the greetings silently as well. She then leaned her body against the wall near the door, silently praying for the best to happen.
Waiting
… and waiting…
…
"Nel…"
As if in answer to her prayer, Yvikka's ears picked up a particular voice coming faintly from the room behind the wall—a voice she knew well, a voice she'd missed… The voice was somewhat raw, but there was no mistaking it.
"I told you the truth because I needed you to understand…"
Clair's voice.
Lady Clair… thank Apris…
It was quite an effort for the commander to restrain herself from bolting directly into Clair's room; to make sure that her esteemed superior had really come out of whatever place she'd been in. Her respect for the two women overruled her desire, and she knew she had to wait. Still, Clair's voice was like music to her ears; it soothed her dying spirit, and was even more reassured when she heard the laughter of the two women she cherished most. It gave her strength—almost the same strength she'd had on the day when it had all begun.
A moment later, Sisera, Yvikka's aide, came looking for her commander. She was about to speak, but her speech was halted when she saw her commander's face. The face that had been constantly tense in these past few weeks was now soft, gentle, and very relaxed. Gone was her commander's restless expression; all that was left were the calm, tender features that she herself had been longing to see.
And so she stayed silent, diving into the comfort of her commander's peaceful expression gave her.
After some time, the commander lifted her head. Seeing her aide, she knew that she had duties waiting to be attended to. She then straightened her body and turned to the high priestess.
"Your Eminence, could I leave a message from Master Fayt for Lady Nel with you?"
"Sure," answered the priestess, "Just give me the message, and I'll give it to her."
"Here's the message: Master Fayt plans to stay here for the rest of the day because his friend, Sophia still needs some time to rest, and so the plan to go to Aquios will have to wait until tomorrow morning. He also apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause."
"Very well, milady. I'll make sure that it gets to her."
"Thank you, Your Eminence, and sorry for the bother. If only I could stay here longer, I'd give her the message personally, but it seems that I can't."
"Don't worry about it, milady. Please just take care of yourself while you're attending to your duties. Your wounds have yet to heal fully."
"I will, Your Eminence. Thank you."
The commander, her spirit renewed, walked over at her aide, lifting her lips into a smile as she passed.
"Let's go, Sisera. Let us not leave any work for Lady Nel and Lady Clair."
The aide, fully recognizing the good news in her commander's words, straightened, her reply spirited.
"Yes, ma'am!"
---
Arias, nighttime.
Dinner time had long since passed, and nearly all of the town's activities—except the night shift—had long since ceased, as most people had gone in for a good night's rest to prepare for the coming day.
Nel, however, still had her eyes wide open. She was looking at her bedmate, Clair Lasbard, who seemed to be kind of uneasy. The silver-haired woman was sitting on her bed, absently staring at the wall, sometimes stealing glances at the green orbs of her bedmate, throwing a small, uneasy smile upon finding that those eyes were locked on hers in return.
"Clair, what's wrong?" The redhead asked, "Is something bothering you?"
The runologist didn't answer right away. She looked at her beloved for some time, smiled, and then answered.
"I… I 'm just wondering…"
"About what?"
"… Now that I think of it… this town…" Clair answered, her voice seeming to drift. She turned to her beloved spy, asking, "Who is in charge here? I mean… with both of us absent…"
Nel smiled. Another piece of her friend's soul seemed to have returned. She honestly didn't like Clair being such a worrywart. However, seeing Clair without worries wouldn't feel like looking at the same Clair she knew, for she had long been accustomed to seeing her friend worrying about things.
"I talked to your aide, Ersa, a while ago outside the room," said Nel, "She said that the Chain Legion commander is currently in charge here."
"The Chain Legion… Yvikka?"
"Yes. Ersa said that there were also hard times… but Yvikka managed to lead the town to get through it well enough. I think things are going fine here. There's nothing to worry about."
"I see…"
"Clair…"
Nel, hearing her friend's still-uneasy response, pushed herself upright, cradled the beautiful runologist close to her, still wearing a smile, and spoke up, trying to be soothing.
"… Can we please talk about this kind of thing later? It could be quite tiresome to talk about it now, and you still need to rest… Please don't worry about it."
"Nel…" The runologist lifted her voice softly, "I have neglected my duties… I must've caused her quite a few hardships…"
"Clair," the warrior cut in, her voice slightly stronger than before, "I, too, have neglected my duties, and moreover, I am the cause of all this—there's no changing that. If anyone wants to put blame on you, he or she will have to go through me first."
Clair was speechless for a moment. Just as she opened her mouth in attempt of speaking, she felt her friend's calloused fingertip touched her lips, effectively halting her argument. Nel's voice came, this time more softly and in an almost pleading tone she rarely used—a tone that Clair had little to no defense against.
"Clair, please don't worry… everything will be all right…"
The runologist felt somewhat guilty when she heard her beloved speak in such a tone. She smiled to herself at the knowledge of how vulnerable she was to Nel's pleading. Still wearing the smile, Clair laid herself back on the bed.
"Sorry, Nel… I was… I just… I don't know. I think I've slept too much, and now I can't seem to sleep…"
Nel sighed, shifting closer to Clair, and spoke in a tone that was as soft and caring as she could make it, a tone she never used with anyone but to her silver-haired friend.
"How about having a good cup of tea or milk? Those can lead to a good night's sleep."
Clair turned to see her friend properly, finding beautiful, smiling green eyes that fascinated her to no end with just a look watching her. Nel's expression was one she'd rarely showed since her father died—an expression from her childhood, calling up memories of a red haired girl who was in high spirits and eager to make her happy, and Clair couldn't help but return the smile in an equal measure.
"I think… having a cup of tea with milk with you will do, Nel."
"Then I'll make one for you."
With the words, the spy pushed herself upright. Just as she was about to leave her friend's side, she felt Clair's soft hand touch hers, followed by a voice laden with fears and worries.
"Nel…"
The redhead turned, feeling uneasy upon finding her friend looking at her with haunted eyes. She knew that Clair didn't want her to leave, but she would have to in the coming days, and when the time came, it wouldn't be just a matter of going to the kitchen to make some tea. Tomorrow she would leave for Aquios, and several days after, she'd be on another world, far away from her friend.
"Clair…" The warrior said softly, gently clasping her friend's hand, and moving it away, "… Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere far. I'll just go as far as the kitchen. You just wait here, and I'll return to you soon, okay?"
The silver haired commander looked at her beloved for some time, eventually, albeit reluctantly, nodding her approval,
"Okay, Nel… Please be back soon…"
"I will."
---
Nel went to the kitchen, finding its lamp was lit and a kettle of water was over a small fire in the fireplace. Apparently, someone else had been in here, but Nel couldn't find anyone. Perhaps he or she had left, but would definitely come back.
Well… I hope they won't mind if I take some of the water.
Nel put some more wood in the fireplace to make a bigger fire in hopes of getting the water to boil more quickly. As she was waiting for the water, she prepared everything she'd need to make tea. She had found the cups, the teapot, sugar, and milk all right, but much to her dismay, she couldn't find any tea leaves.
Just where are they? Don't tell me that we ran out of tea.
"Ah… Lady Nel?"
The voice broke through her thoughts, taking her slightly by surprise. The redhead turned, seeing a fellow commander by the door, recognizing her quickly.
"Oh, Yvikka."
"My salute, milady," said the Chain Legion commander, giving a quick salute, "Is there something I can help you with?"
"I was just about to ask," answered Nel, "Do you happen to know where the tea is? I was about to make some but I can't find any."
"Tea, Lady Nel?" Said the other woman, ensuring that she'd heard right, "I was about to make some myself, as well… but unfortunately, it seems that we are out of tea."
"Oh, well… I guess I'll have to just have the milk, then…"
"I still have some leaves, Lady Nel. We can share."
"You kept some from the rations?" Nel asked.
"No, not from the rations. They are from my personal belongings," said Yvikka, taking a bag of tea leaves from her pocket.
"Are you sure you can share? I'm going to make a pot, not just a cup…"
"It's fine, Lady Nel. I just need a cup, anyway. Also, if you don't mind, I'd like to make it all in one pot."
"Well… do as you wish."
Nel watched Yvikka making the tea in silence for a while, and then found herself wondering about the woman she was watching. In all honesty, Nel never bothered to wonder about a person she didn't know well, but the Chain Legion commander had somehow become an exception. For one, she was Clair's friend, and her meritorious accomplishments she had heard about from Ersa and the other soldiers she'd talked to made her want to know more about the dark-haired woman.
And so, Nel decided to invite her into a conversation.
"What's with all the gear, Yvikka? Are you on the night shift or something?" Nel asked.
Yvikka was startled by the sudden question, but then realized that it was not an odd thing to be asked. True enough, she was wearing her uniform and armor, and she even had her sword hanging from her belt at the moment, which could make many people wonder, for it was late in the night, and unless she was on the night shift, such attire wasn't all that common to wear.
And a commander on the night shift was strange in and of itself.
"Kind of that, Lady Nel," Yvikka answered, "But not really. This is just… a habit I became accustomed to in Peterny. I used to patrol around the city for a few hours before going to sleep."
"A strange habit…"
"Some people might find it strange, but it just can't be helped. I might not be able to sleep properly if I don't do it."
Nel laughed silently at the answer. She knew that she, too, had had such a 'habit' back in the last war. If she didn't do at least one patrol around Arias, she hadn't been able to sleep.
"I see. You're quite a soldier."
The dark haired woman chuckled at the comment, for she didn't know how to respond. The sound of boiling water got her attention, and she went over to the fireplace to pick up the pot. As she got back to the table where the tea was, she asked the redhead a question.
"By the way, Lady Nel… How's Lady Clair? I heard that she's come out of her catatonia."
"That is true," Nel answered coolly, "She's fine now. A little tired, though."
"Glad to hear that."
"And that is all thanks to you," Nel said in indirect thanks, knowing what the commander had done during the time of her absence. Her gratitude was met by a surprised expression from Yvikka.
"I heard from Ersa," the Crimson Blade went on, "and also from Tynave and Farleen, that you fended off the attacks of the Glyphian rogues…"
… Had you not succeeded, what would I have had to come back to?
That part of Nel's thoughts was never voiced.
Yvikka honestly hadn't expected those words to come. In a meeting earlier, she'd told her soldiers not to mention a word about the skirmish to Nel and Clair, because she didn't want to make them worry. With Nel, she wasn't sure, but Clair would definitely start worrying if the news ever reached her ears, and it might not be good for the silver haired woman, considering what she had just recovered from.
But then, she also had trouble deciding when would be the right time to tell them.
"I'm… I was just carrying out my duty, that's all," the dark haired woman managed.
"I know, yet that is still no small feat," said the redhead, smiling faintly at her companion's timid response, "From what I've heard, it must've been a great deal of strain for you to keep the soldiers together. It is difficult to lead disheartened soldiers, I know. You did that, and I respect you for that."
"I… I'm honored, Lady Nel, but honestly, it's…"
Yvikka's speech was cut short as her ears picked up the faint sound of uneven footsteps. Apparently, the crimson-haired spy before her noticed them as well, for her posture tensed, and her green orbs turned cautious.
Then, a voice came.
"Nel…"
"That's…"
"Nel, are you there?" The voice called again.
"Gods, Clair…!" Nel gasped, exclaiming softly, immediately recognizing the voice that was calling her name. She then hurriedly closed in on the door, intending to go out and meet her friend, but before she could do so, the door was yanked open suddenly, revealing Clair behind it. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were bloodshot, and her face was tense and tear-streaked.
"Nel…" was the only word that came out of Clair's lips as she saw her beloved before her. She tried to reach the redhead, but missed a step, causing her to lose her balance.
"Clair!"
"Lady Clair!"
In an instant, two pairs of strong arms came to Clair's aide, keeping her from falling to the hard stone floor.
"Hang in there, Lady Clair!"
For a moment, Clair just stayed there, in the strong embrace of the arms, trying to catch her breath after coming out of her momentary surprise. Her hand reached out, tracing Nel's arm and up to her shoulder. Slowly, Clair lifted her face, fresh tears coming out of her beautiful light brown eyes.
"Nel…"
"Clair, what's wrong? I told you to wait in the room…" Nel asked, her voice worried.
"I'm… I'm afraid, Nel… so afraid…" Clair choked between sobs, "It was… it was like a dream… that you woke me up… that we played… that you were going to make me tea… that you were here, alive, beside me… it was all like a dream, Nel… and your death… it was almost… like reality…"
"What do you mean, Clair?" Nel asked again, though part of her knew the likely answer to the question.
"I fell asleep… and I saw you die… then I woke up, and you weren't beside me… Oh, Nel… I… I am so afraid of just thinking… which one is the dream, and which one is… the reality…" Clair whimpered, her voice strangled, her head sunk low to Nel's breast, "I'm afraid that… that you're truly… gone…"
Nel held her dear friend closely with all of her might, holding back the stinging guilt and tears. For some time, the world narrowed down to only her and Clair, and in that small world, she did all she could to drive the demon of her 'death' away from her precious friend by sharing the warmth of her body, the strength of her arms, the comfort of her voice, everything that she had that could make Clair believe that she was alive. Nothing else mattered to her.
Yvikka, who'd long retreated from the two, watched the scene before her with a slight pang of jealousy, but it soon vanished, washed away by the remembrance of her silent promise to Clair. She smiled broadly, realizing that, despite the slight envy, looking at the two women together was also soothing, comforting, and encouraging all at once. She watched at them for a time before finally backing away even further and turning away out of respect, and to give them some privacy.
Several moments had gone by before Clair finally managed to get her head out of its safe hiding place, though she did so reluctantly. She honestly didn't want the embrace to end, but she knew that they couldn't keep on like that forever. She looked up then, finding Nel's green watching her, full of care and concern, but smiling.
"I'm sorry Clair… for leaving you for too long…" Nel apologized.
"It's fine," the runologist replied, managing a smile for her beloved, "Finding you here… alive… and well… that is enough…"
Clair then leaned her body against her warrior's, wrapping the woman in another warm, loving embrace out of relief that she'd found her beloved alive. Over the spy's muscular shoulder, the runologist's eyes caught a glimpse of another figure in the room, back turned to them. Clair first recognized the dark gray uniform of the Chain Legion, the jet-black hair of its wearer, and then the commander's insignia on the uniform, and called out.
"Yvikka… are you… Yvikka?"
The Chain Legion commander turned slowly at the call, finding her dear silver-haired superior standing right in front of her. A smile spread across her face as she lifted her hand in salute.
"I am, Lady Clair…"
For a moment, Clair just looked at her subordinate in silence. She then paced closer, looking at the soldier's gauntleted hand, took it, and spoke.
"Yvikka… I am sorry. I… must have caused you many difficulties…"
"Don't say it, Lady Clair," Yvikka said with a soft voice, "You didn't cause me any trouble."
"I have neglected my duties, and forced them onto you. As a commander, I…"
"Taking over your duties was part of my orders, Lady Clair," the dark haired woman cut in gently, smiling, "And you know that I'm glad to take orders… there's nothing to be sorry for."
Clair sighed. She knew her former aide well enough to know that if she argued over such a thing, the woman wouldn't hesitate to talk back, so she stayed silent, looking at her fellow commander in the eye.
"Nevertheless… thank you, Yvikka," the runologist managed, clasping her friend's hand more tightly. When she looked to her side, she found three tea cups and a teapot with leaves inside. Looking at those made an idea came cross her mind.
"You're making tea…" Clair muttered.
"Yes, Lady Clair. I was in the middle of making some when Lady Nel came. Since she also wanted to make tea, so I offered to make more…" Yvikka stopped her speech short as she saw the runologist looking at the tea she was making with a thoughtful expression, and then asked, "What is it, Lady Clair?"
"Nothing… I'm just thinking…" Clair answered, her eyes tracking back to the night-black orbs of her friend, smiling widely, "It would be lovely if we could all have tea together now…"
The idea startled the dark haired woman. In all honesty, she'd really like to have tea with the two women she so cherished, but the current situation felt kind of untimely for her. The two women had just been reunited after what seemed to be a painful parting. She realized that in this very moment, Nel and Clair were trying to fix everything and anything that had happened between them, to heal each other, and she felt that she'd be just in the way. Her eyes flashed to look at Nel's. There didn't seem to be any objection reflected in Nel's expression, but she couldn't actually judge because the spy was something of a mystery to her.
Nel, for her part, really didn't object the idea. In fact, she thought that it was a good idea for Clair to be with someone other than her, because she realized that, for the runologist's still-wavering state of mind, her presence was somewhat unstable. Clair seemed to still have hidden doubts of her presence and life, judging from how she had just had a nightmare about her death. Yvikka's presence was more stable because Clair firmly believes this person to be alive, and that in and of itself might help to assure her that she was there with her.
Probably, Nel thought, If she sees me with someone whom she believes to be alive… that will help her to believe that I really am here with her…
"Is that okay with you, Nel?" Clair asked her, breaking the brief moment of silence.
"I don't see why not," Nel answered.
Clair smiled at the answer, and then turned to her dark-haired friend, "Will that be okay with you, Yvikka?"
"I-if that is what you want, I… have no objections at all," Yvikka stammered, surprised as she was jerked out of her thought by the question.
"Then… I'll be making the tea. Where do you want to have it, Lady Clair? I'll take it there as soon as I'm done," Yvikka asked as she regained control over herself.
"Here is okay," the runologist answered.
"I agree," Nel followed suit as pale brown eyes turned to her.
"Very well, then. Please find yourselves some seats. Oh, by the way, how do you want your tea, Lady Clair? The usual way, or…"
"The usual way, please."
"And you, Lady Nel?" Yvikka asked.
"Plain tea, a little sugar," was the prompt answer.
"Okay, order taken," the dark haired woman said heartily. As she turned back to the tea, she overheard Nel asking about her knowing Clair's tea preference, and then Clair's response.
"Did you forget, Nel? I told you she was once my aide, and it was she who made me tea every morning."
"Well, I never have anyone made me tea. Farleen's tea doesn't really suit my tastes," Nel said, "In fact, it's kind of horrible."
She heard Clair giggle at the redhead's last sentence. The two women were still conversing as they settled into chairs somewhere behind her, but she no longer heard them, as the tea demanded her attention, and she didn't want to make a stupid mistake with it.
---
"I must say that you make a very good tea, Yvikka," Nel commented after taking a sip of her tea.
"I told you so, Nel," said Clair, taking another sip, and went on, "Her tea is probably the best in Aquaria."
Yvikka flushed at the praises given to her, especially since they were given by the people she admired, and answered like a timid girl.
"R-really…?"
"Well… at the least, this is better than any tea I've ever tasted," Nel remarked again, "Why don't you take a seat and join us here?"
"Uh… okay."
The Chain Legion commander pulled up another chair, and, completely forgetting the sword still hanging from her waist, tried to sit. The sword struck the chair, surprising its owner, throwing her off balance before finally sending her to a seat… on the floor, and not without a shriek. Clair laughed softly as she watched her usually composed friend reduced to a clumsy girl, though just for mere seconds. Nel had her mouth covered with her hand, but her shaking shoulders revealed the fact that the scene amused her as well.
"Yvikka… you should take your sword off before attempting to sit…" Said Nel.
"But what about you, Nel? You never take those swords of yours off when doing nearly anything, and you've never seemed bothered in the slightest," Clair commented, reminded of one of her beloved's habits.
"Well… short swords are designed for concealment and more mobility, whereas long swords aren't," Nel responded methodically.
Yvikka was so embarrassed that she couldn't say a thing. She just took her sword off and sat, only to find the light brown and green depths were directed at her. Everything went silent all of a sudden, but that one moment of tranquility broke as Clair giggled at her again, and Yvikka couldn't help but join the laughter.
In the next few moments, the three commanders were engaged in light conversation, which they hadn't had since the day of their painful parting. During the talk, Nel subtly tried to dig up more about the Chain Legion commander.
"When I think about it," Nel began, "It seems that you come from the northern region. Am I right, Yvikka?"
"Yes… I was born in the small town of Armenee, in the northernmost part of Aquaria," Yvikka answered.
"So that's where your tea comes from," said the redhead, "Northern people are well-known for their tea. They can make a good tea out of any kind of leaves."
"Wow, Nel," Clair lifted her voice, "How do you know that she came from the north? I myself needed to look at her resume to find that out."
"Easy," was the response, "It's in her name. I know that northern natives have a unique naming system—they insert a special name between the given name and the family name of the child that signifies the order in which the child is born. It is very uncommon today, but some people still have that kind of name, like the queen."
"Oh, I see," the runologist murmured, then turned at her dark haired friend, "Your name is Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf—I take it that 'Yvikka' is your given name and 'Yrsenlaf' is your family name… then, what does 'eté' mean, by the way?"
"It means 'the only'. I am the only child in my family."
"How is your family?" Nel asked her.
The question was met by a brief silence from Yvikka. 'Family' was actually one topic she always tried to avoid when talking to people, but she decided that she wouldn't want to ruin the joy, so she answered.
"My family…" Yvikka muttered, "My mother was a captain in the Demon Hunter Legion. She was… killed in action when I was younger. My father raised me thereafter… but was taken by disease, not long after I joined the army. Other than my parents and my Legion… I know of no other relatives."
It was Nel's turn to be silent. It occurred to her that the dark haired woman shared their fate of having their families taken away from her.
"I'm sorry," Nel managed, and then took another drink of the slowly cooling tea, feeling slightly uneasy for bringing the topic up. She stole a glance at the Chain Legion commander, and continued her inquiries, beginning another topic.
"I take it that you meet Clair in the army. Am I right?"
"Yes," Yvikka replied, still not realizing that she was actually being interrogated, "I met her first when I was still a trainee, and she was a squad captain, but I got to know her personally when I was given the assignment to be her aide in the Shield Legion."
"You met me before I became a commander?" It was Clair's turn to ask.
"I did."
"When was it… or what happened at that time?"
"That is… something that I don't want to talk about," Yvikka answered lowly, but she then realized that her answer might bring gloom to this lively atmosphere, so she added quickly in the opposite tone and with a forced smile, "It's something embarrassing, truly."
"Sorry I even asked," said Clair, noticing her friend's dark tone, "It just… Well, when I first saw you in the Shield Legion garrison… I had thought that I had seen you before that. It turns out that I really had."
"'Something embarrassing'? Something like you falling off your chair because you forget to take off your sword before sitting?" Nel blurted out in hopes of livening up the mood, which was met by a round of laughter from all of them.
---
"So…" Clair asked as she finished her tea, "What are your plans for tomorrow, Yvikka?"
"I had planned to go to Aquios… to attend Lady Nel's ceremonial funeral," Yvikka replied, and then turned to Nel, "Just so you know, Lady Nel, your death was officially announced yesterday, and your funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon."
"Don't go there, then," said Nel, "Because I'm going to go to Aquios with Fayt and others, to meet the queen and inform her of my condition."
"I see… Then I can probably arrange a transport for…"
"There's no need," Nel cut her sentence short, "A transport will require escorts, in case it gets attacked by fiends, and from the looks of things here, you don't seem to have any spare soldiers. It is easier for us to defend ourselves when we're not encased in a carriage, and we're fine with walking."
The Chain Legion commander looked thoughtful for a moment, and then went on, "But what about your personal belongings, Lady Nel? I mean… since we can't retrieve your body… your possessions will be buried in your place. Won't it be better for you to get there before they are buried?"
It was Nel's turn to look thoughtful. Burying one's possessions in his or her grave was a common practice when the deceased person's body couldn't be retrieved for the funeral. She had seen it many times, and now it was happening to her. She might not look like it, but the spy did have precious items that held certain value to her among her personal possessions. In normal circumstances, she would have a fit if someone touched her possessions without her consent, much less buried them, but in this case, she saw no reason to be mad.
"Even if we go there in a transport," the spy finally answered, "we will reach Aquios slightly after midday, by which the ceremony will probably be over already. If each of us can ride lum, we can make it faster, but Fayt cannot ride lum, and it is unlikely that the others could, either."
"But at least, let me get there first to inform—"
"Please don't worry about that," Nel cut in again, "I want to inform the queen personally… as a token of my responsibility for everything that has happened. I have some things to discuss with the queen, too," the redhead paused for a while, and then continued, "If it's about my possessions, don't worry. I'll dig them up myself if I need to."
"Very well, then…" Yvikka sighed, giving in to the redhead's arguments, "In any case, it is pointless to try to get there before the ceremony begins, because it is said that attending one's own funeral is a sign of bad luck."
"That it is," Nel added with a rare smile.
As her friend and her beloved were conversing, Clair was actually lost in thought. She saddened by the mention of Nel leaving for Aquios. Though Nel had mentioned her leaving to her before, the thought still hurt her. Sleeping and waking up without the redhead by her side would likely torture her. The demon of Nel's death was still there, she knew, and, to be totally honest, she needed Nel to fight it out.
Nel fixed her dear friend with a knowing look. She knew that Clair still needed her presence, and she honestly didn't want to leave Clair so soon, but the odds were against her. This world, the world where Clair lived, and her home, was on the verge of annihilation by this so-called 'Creator', and she, as well as Fayt and the others, were racing against the time to stop it.
Game or not… I will protect you. I swear it, Clair…
But… I have to leave you to do so…
Maybe… if I tell her… she'll understand.
But…
Nel sighed at the thought of telling her friend about what that happened out there, but decided against it for the moment. She knew too well that to her people, whatever she'd encountered during her journey with Fayt would more than likely be considered nonsensical, ridiculous, incomprehensible, and possibly even rebellious. She then lifted her face and called to her friend.
"Clair…"
"Uh, yes, Nel?" Clair answered hastily, slightly surprised as Nel's voice broke her train of thought.
"You look tired. Do you want to rest in your room now?"
"Yes, Nel… I guess…"
"Let's go, then…"
Nel finished her tea, and turned to the dark haired woman beside her.
"Well, Yvikka, I've got to go now. Clair needs to rest, and I need to prepare for the journey tomorrow. I'll see you again tomorrow, I guess."
"I understand, Lady Nel. It's late in the night already, anyway."
"Thank you for the tea and time, Yvikka," Clair thanked her friend, "It was wonderful."
"You're welcome, Lady Clair. It was my pleasure to be of service. Oh… if you don't mind, I'll bring the tea to your room."
"Yes, please," Nel answered, "We might need it."
A moment later, the three commanders were in Clair's room. Yvikka came in only to bring the tea to the room. Just as she was about to leave, Clair called her back.
"Yvikka… I'll be attending tomorrow's morning briefing, and also… I want to look at the report about the Glyphian attack here."
The dark haired commander was speechless at the request. The confusion was apparent to the silver haired commander, so she added, so as not to prolong her friend's bewilderment. "Nel told me about that… when you were busy making the tea," said Clair, smiling.
Yvikka let out a sour smile, and answered, saluting.
"Understood, Lady Clair. Good night, and rest well."
---
The two women had been settled on the bed together for some time. Nel looked at her friend beside her. Clair was still awake, but the uneasy look she had been wearing before was no more, and it relieved her. But then, it was her turn to be wondering. The thought of telling Clair about what she'd learned during her journey came again, but she shook it off, realizing that it wasn't the right time now. Instead, she voiced her other thought to her friend.
"Clair?"
"What is it, Nel?"
"Your friend… Yvikka… Is she a good soldier?"
"To me, she has been a good soldier for as long as I can remember," Clair replied, "If she isn't, why would I recommend her as the commander of the Chain Legion in the first place?"
"Ah… yes, you're right."
Clair then turned to see at her beloved more clearly. When she thought about it, Nel had acted a bit different when the three of them were conversing. She knew that Nel didn't know Yvikka well, and usually, unless in an interrogation, the spy never bothered to spend much time talking to someone she didn't know well. In the conversation they had had before, however, Nel talked more to the dark haired woman, as if she was interested in her.
"What do you think of her yourself, Nel?" Clair asked back.
"I think… she is a good soldier, too."
"It seems that you're interested in her," the runologist asked again.
"Yes, frankly," Nel answered, "Soldiers like her don't come around too often. It's been too long since the last time I saw a good soldier. Why did you send her to the Chain Legion, by the way? I think it would have been better if she'd stayed with you."
"You know, Nel. The Shield Legion is mainly a runological corps and its main force is comprised of runologists. Yvikka doesn't have adequate runological aptitude to make her part of the main force, at least that's what her evaluation said. If she stayed, her rank would have only gone as far as becoming the guard captain, whose responsibility is to protect the runologists, with no hope of advancing further. I thought it would be a significant waste of talent, so I sent her to the Chain Legion where she could learn more, as well as have more responsibility… But, Nel… why would you ask such questions? It's not that I mind, but… it's not like you to bother about someone you don't really know well."
The spy turned, looking at her dearest friend eye to eye, giving her a small smile. She then took in another deep breath and answered.
"Clair…" She started, "You know I'm going to leave you again for some time... A time during which I won't be able to see you, or protect you should trouble come. Not that I don't trust in your abilities, but… you're still weak, Clair. It worries me that I have to leave you while you're still like this, so I want to…" Nel paused as her mind trailed off, and then refocused, "I want to make sure… that you're with someone capable, someone whom I know can help you."
Nel's words touched the beautiful runologist. Her beloved was worried about her, and that put her slightly off of her usual stride, just to make sure that she stayed safe.
"And you think Yvikka is capable enough?" Clair managed another question.
Though uncertainty was still there, Nel nodded.
The silver haired runologist smiled, shifting even closer to her dearly loved warrior and spoke softly.
"Nel… Yvikka is my friend. She's an able person and I'm certain that she'll help me even if I don't ask her to. But more importantly, Nel… you said that your 'home' is wherever I happen to be, and as long as you have a home to come back to, you're going to do everything in your power to keep coming back. That's a promise that I'll hold on to, and in doing so… I, too have to do something. I am going to do everything in my power to be here for you, to welcome you home… that's the promise I give you, Nel. I love you, and I would never let you be homeless, so… please don't worry about me here. Just do your best to keep your promise, because I will do the same in return."
Nel felt tears stinging in her eyes, and it took nearly all of her will to hold them back. Clair's tender words had moved her so deeply that she felt almost guilty for not believing in her friend. The redhead's hand went around the other woman's body, holding the runologist's slim figure tightly in a warm, caring embrace.
Clair has never broken a promise… and she will not break this one, either…
"Oh, Clair…" Nel whispered lowly, "I'm sorry… so sorry…"
"It's fine, Nel… It's me who's sorry… for being weak and making you worried…"
You might be physically weak now, Clair, but you're never really weak.
"You're never weak, Clair…"
Clair smiled at her beloved's encouraging words. She then nuzzled deeper into Nel, murmuring softly.
"Good night, my love."
"Good night… Clair."
