Disclaimers # 1: Star Ocean is not mine. It is the rightful property 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, therefore, our plots may cross at some certain points. To those who are new to this story, it is highly recommended for 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, help and support have made this fic possible. If you like this story, half of the credit shall go to her.
Author's Note: Okay… once again… a lengthy update. For those who've been waiting long, I want to express my deepest apology. I put all my efforts in this chapter—hope this can compensate for the lame update. Also, I want to express my sincerest thanks for those have reviewed this story, and also for those keep coming back to read this. As always, I implore you all to keep giving me reviews. Critics are most welcome, but nonsensical flames will surely be extinguished and laughed at.
All that said, now, the only thing left is… Happy reading. Hope you find this enjoyable
The Third Soldier: Another Heart
Chapter 9
The Reckoning of Will
Arias base camp manor, evening.
"Commander Yvikka, it's Sisera. May I come in?"
The familiar voice of her faithful aide made the Chain Legion commander look up curiously from the reports she was working on. It was not unusual for an aide to come looking for her commander, as she might need to report something or other, but it was only just after the evening briefing—everything was supposed to have been reported already; which meant that the aide's arrival was definitely to talk about something not discussed in the briefing.
"Come on in," Yvikka answered.
At her commander's response, Sisera opened the door, and closed it again once she was inside the room. She then stepped closer to her commander, her hand lifting in salute.
"At ease, Sisera. What is it that you want to talk me about?"
"A letter has just arrived from Aquios. It's from Lady Nel," the brunette aide answered, handing a scroll to her commander, the Crimson Blade's crest sealing it.
"… Lady Nel… ?"
Yvikka took the scroll from her aide, ripped the seal, and opened it. It turned out to be a letter of summon, and it made her wonder even more. The commander had received many such letters, yet she had never received one from a Crimson Blade. Clair Lasbard was also a Crimson Blade, but whenever the silver-haired woman called for her, it was usually in her capacity as the commander-in-chief of the Aquarian military in Arias. Moreover, the letter didn't explain the purpose of the summons.
Why in the world would Lady Nel call for me?
Though confused, she knew that she had to comply. A Crimson Blade's order had priority second only to the queen's order, and should not be hampered by anyone or anything but the queen herself. The commander wrapped the scroll up again, put it aside, looking at her aide in the eye before finally speaking.
"Sisera…"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Lady Nel has summoned me to Aquios… I am expected to be there immediately, so I might as well leave early tomorrow morning. I might not have the chance to do the morning briefing," the dark haired commander explained.
"I understand, commander. I'll be taking over your duties, then," Sisera answered.
"I don't know for what reason I am being called, but this may take several days… Will that be alright with you?" Yvikka added.
The brunette aide smiled at her commander and answered, "Commander… with all due respect… you can be weird sometimes."
"What does that mean, Sisera?" The commander asked. A small smile crept its way to her lips at the remark.
"I mean… you have your duties, and I have mine. As your aide, part of my duties is to take over your duties when you're unable to attend to them. Why would you ask if it's all right with me for me to do my duty?" Sisera replied.
Yvikka chuckled at her aide's comment. Sisera was right on the mark. It was kind of silly for a commander to ask her subordinate whether he or she is all right with doing his or her job. In the world of a soldier, it was always 'do or die', and there was hardly any place for such concern.
"You're right, Sisera… That I asked you that is indeed weird," Yvikka managed to answer, which was followed by a round of laughter from both soldiers.
---
Castle Aquaria, the following day.
Nel Zelpher stood firmly near the castle gates by herself. Fayt and others had gone to enlist help from certain 'inventors' to do some 'invention' business. She had been with them in the workshop the other day, but only to tinker with her own pair of short swords. As soon as she finished refining them, she left immediately, saying that she needed to attend to Clair, who was currently being treated in the castle.
And today, she was waiting for one person.
The redhead sighed at the thought of her reasons for summoning Yvikka. This was one of the few moments where she felt unsure. Unsure of what she should do.
Unsure of her reasons.
Unsure of herself.
Clair…
She was worried about Clair, and that drove her to this uncertainty. She had seen it the other day, during their journey from Arias to Aquios. Her friend had been attacked by a fiend, and the runologist had barely been able to defend herself at the time. It was not that Clair couldn't fight at all; she was tired, and she was not in any condition to take such a long journey, much less fight. That one occasion got to the young spy, and she felt the urgency of making sure that Clair stayed safe during her leave overwhelming her. She sighed again, her thoughts flashing back to her private meeting with the queen the other day.
(Flashback)
Nel Zelpher was in her queen's personal chamber, personally meeting with her ruler, hoping to get the answers she so desperately needed.
The queen looked at her most trusted Crimson Blade eye to eye with equal concern. She had always known Nel to be a somewhat impenetrable, stoic woman closed off from all but a few people. Right now, however, the queen could see apparent chaos in those green eyes, which she wasn't accustomed to seeing. Nel had explained herself, and that she would have to leave Aquaria again, which she could understand, and she had given Nel her consent. One thing that was still problematic was Clair Lasbard.
"… I understand your concern about Lady Clair," the queen finally said, "I, too, am worried about her. She's still physically weak, and I don't think that she could really handle Arias in her present condition. However, I can't deny the fact that Lady Clair's consideration is accurate. We're short on able hands because of the war, and there's no one here who is as knowledgeable about Arias as she is. Her position in Arias might well be irreplaceable at present."
"But… how about Yvikka, the Chain Legion commander? She had done well enough taking over Clair's position in Arias, and… she's been ordered to take Clair's place as well," Nel rebutted.
"Yes… but it was Magistrate Laselle's order. Not an order, actually. It was more of a request, since the fulfillment of the order also requires Lady Clair's consent, and I heard that she refused it. Moreover, Lady Yvikka might be needed in Peterny, given the recent signs of unrest there. I doubt that she could fully assume command over Arias."
"Yes, but…"
Could Your Majesty please issue your order for Clair's replacement?
Nel didn't dare to speak that aloud. Though she was a Crimson Blade, she was by no means comfortable with asking something more from her queen. Her shoulders slumped, her eyes downcast.
The queen, for her part, saw how defeated her bravest warrior was, and was slightly surprised by it. It occurred to her that Nel was deeply concerned about the silver haired commander. Nel and Clair were among the few people whom she trusted most. She trusted them, and they returned her trust without fail time and again. With that in mind, Romeria zin Emurille, or Aquaria XXVII, decided to entrust the problem to them. But it was not for the sake of the kingdom or anything else, but for the good of the two servants she trusted most and held in the highest esteem.
"Even if I issue an order for her replacement," the queen's voice broke through the silence, "Lady Clair might question it, or even disagree with it. She's… just as stubborn as her father, as you may know. I don't think that she'll be pleased with that."
Nel hung her head even lower. She knew her friend well enough to know that what her queen had said could possibly happen. Clair was just as stubborn as her father, and there would be no changing that. On top of that, Clair would never want to leave her soldiers behind.
"There is a way, however," the queen lifted her voice again, which made Nel look up. The look in her green eyes was that of intense hope.
"I was thinking that it might be better if we leave things as they are now. Lady Clair will resume her command over Arias, and Lady Yvikka will be helping her there for an indefinite period of time," said the queen.
"Your Majesty…" Nel murmured.
"However," the queen cut the spy short, "I'll leave it up to you to manage and clarify things."
Nel straightened in a surprise, speaking softly, "Your Majesty… with all due respect, what do you mean by that?"
The noble woman smiled at her servant and answered, "Lady Yvikka certainly has also been informed about Peterny, and I believe that she's been expecting to be ordered to handle the situation there. If her order stays unchanged, she might be wondering, and you will brief her about that. Also, since handling both Peterny and Arias in the current situation will be quite a workload for Lady Yvikka, you might also want her consent… but be it by order or by request, it is all up to you. Or if you can convince Lady Clair to be willing to be reassigned, inform me of it, and I'll issue the order. You have my consent beforehand to do everything you need to do."
Nel's green eyes widened, surprised once again by her ruler's words. She honestly never expected that the queen would entrust the problem to her. The redhead slowly opened her lips, wanting to ask her queen why, but was halted as the queen rose from her chair.
The Aquarian ruler stood up, walking farther away before stopping by the window, her back turned to her servant, and spoke.
"You don't need to ask why, Lady Nel. I'm leaving this up to you and Lady Clair because I want you—both of you—to work on the concerns and worries in a way that can please both of you."
"But, my queen, I can't—"
"I know," the queen cut in, "I know that you're not feeling really comfortable with such freedom in your hands. There's no need to feel that way. You two have been working hard for me, and this is my way to return the favor. Please, Lady Nel… just this once, don't think about this kingdom or anything else. Instead, try to think more about yourself and your friend. Whatever decision you make on this matter, make sure that both you and Lady Clair are content with it."
(End of flashback)
Nel couldn't talk back to the queen's last words. In all honesty, she sometimes wanted such freedom to do things as she pleased, for Clair's sake. Now she had it, but she still wasn't sure what to do. She had tried to convince Clair to leave Arias to someone else, but to no avail. The runologist was just too stubborn to take a break, saying that she had 'slept' too much during her catatonia, and she missed work. Nel realized that the commander actually felt guilty for 'leaving' her soldiers and making her friend take on the burden of keeping her soldiers together. Clair's sense of duty and responsibility was stronger than the walls of any fortress, and that was what drove her to such lengths and not letting herself rest.
Eventually, Nel gave in to Clair's decision because she didn't want to impose her will on her friend. The queen's last suggestion flashed into her mind, and so she quickly wrote a letter of summon to Yvikka, which she entrusted not to the regular royal messenger, but to one of her own operatives, knowing that they would make it faster.
All that had happened the day before.
Is this the right thing to do? Nel thought. I could just order someone… maybe Tynave, or Farleen, or Chloe, to watch over Clair, but…
Nel took another sigh, this time deeper. She was considering ordering one of her subordinates to look after her precious friend instead of asking Yvikka, to keep her safe should trouble come, but it wasn't like just anyone would do. Tynave and Farleen were her best operatives, and Clair was well-acquainted with them, but both of them had a tendency to be rash at times—which could annoy her to some extent. Chloe was also among her best agents, but Clair didn't know her well, and Chloe didn't really know Clair, either. Her hopes then fell back on the Chain Legion commander. She was a good soldier, Nel had no doubt of that now. Yvikka's military record was nearly flawless, and her deeds in defending Arias were also proof of that. Moreover, Yvikka was also Clair's friend, so they had known each other.
A friend might well do better in protecting his or her friend.
Even though she had decided to ask for Yvikka's aid, Nel still had another problem to deal with.
"Lady Nel."
The voice calling her name broke her chain of thought. She turned, finding one of the castle gate guards looked at her, concerned. The soldier looked hesitant for a moment, but managed.
"Lady Nel… if I may suggest, wouldn't it be better for you to wait in your room? When Lady Yvikka arrives, I'll let you know as soon as possible."
"No, I'll wait for her here," Nel replied, letting out a rare smile, "I also feel like being here as well. It's been a long time… but, thank you for your concern anyway."
"I understand, Lady Nel. My apologies."
The redhead nodded faintly at the soldier, and then turned, diverting her gaze to the city's main streets, completely unheeding the soldier's questioning look at her.
Not long after, Nel spotted the person she was waiting for.
Standing out in the crowd, Yvikka made her way toward the castle while guiding her steed. She saw Nel as well, obviously waiting for her. As soon as she got to the Crimson Blade, she lifted her hand to her chest, saluting.
"Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf is hereby fulfilling your summons, ma'am."
Nel replied to the soldier's salute in a similar manner, and spoke.
"Thank you for making it this quickly, Yvikka."
"It was my pleasure, milady."
"Yes… well, you must be tired from the journey," Nel said, "I have prepared a guest room in the castle for you. Please get some rest. We will have many things to discuss later."
This was not something that Yvikka had expected. She had been summoned, and she had thought it must be about work. During the brief times she worked together with the spy, whenever 'work' was involved, Nel was always stern and straight to the point. However now, Nel didn't seem to show such features. The dark haired woman then put her thoughts aside, thinking that she was in no place to judge for she didn't really know Nel well, and complied.
Still, she couldn't help but feel that Nel was slightly off her usual stride today.
"Um… very well, milady. Thank you… for your consideration."
---
It had been some time since the Chain Legion commander settled herself rather uneasily in the room assigned to her. Not that the room wasn't comfortable enough, but she couldn't help thinking about many things—the purpose of her summons, as well as Nel's rather atypical behavior today. She then came out of the room, intending to take a little walk around the hallway rather than sitting and doing nothing.
Not more than a few steps away from the door of her room, she came across someone to whom she saluted.
"Your Eminence Rozaria," the commander greeted, giving the priestess a salute with a bow.
"The grace of Apris be with you," the young priestess returned the soldier's greeting. She then looked at the other woman who greeted her, a questioning look on her face. But the look didn't last for long.
"Lady Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf, of the Chain Legion?" The priestess asked.
"I am," was the answer.
"I knew it," said Rozaria, "Oh, I haven't thanked you enough for all the help you gave us back in Peterny. Had you not ordered replacement lums, the casualties might have been higher."
Yvikka smiled faintly. The priestess was referring to the time when the party carrying the casualties from the celestial ship's attack on the frontline was forced to stop in Peterny due to exhaustion. The priestess, Rozaria, happened to be in the town at that time, and she had been with her in the effort to help the wounded and dying.
"I'm honored, Your Eminence. You did well, if not better yourself back then," answered the soldier.
"Nah, never mind about that. What brings you here today, anyway?"
"Lady Nel summoned me."
"Nel… I see," the priestess murmured, then took a step closer toward the soldier before her, speaking softly.
"Speaking of her… you are with her in Arias all this times, right?"
The soldier, slightly surprised by the sudden question, answered, "H-huh? Oh… Yes, n-not while she disappeared, though."
"Have you noticed anything different or strange about her?" Rozaria asked again.
"I-I beg your pardon, Your Eminence, but what do you mean by that?" Yvikka questioned back in a slight confusion.
The young priestess looked up into the night-black eyes before her in response, thinking. All of a sudden, her eyes widened as if a sudden realization had crashed down hard on her mind, and her voice came in apology.
"Oh! Oh, I-I'm sorry… Of course you don't know… You don't know Nel really well. You don't even belong to her unit."
Yvikka frowned, now even more confused. She couldn't really comprehend this line of conversation about Nel 'being different'. Of course, she wasn't the right person to talk about that now, because she really didn't know the redhead really well, while the young priestess before her seemed to have known Nel for quite some time, judging from how casually she referred to her.
When she thought about that, however, Nel really did seem different from what she'd heard, even from the first time she met her.
"I beg your pardon, Your Eminence, but what is this all about? Is there something the matter about Lady Nel?" The commander managed through her confusion.
"I'm sorry," answered Rozaria, "Curiosity got the best of me… There's a rumor going around… and… Oh, forget about it. I'm sorry for asking and making you confused. I…"
Yvikka was about to ask something, but the sound of the chapel's bell broke through, saving the priestess from the question.
"Ah, the bell has rung," Rozaria said in relief, "I have a service duty to attend. I'll see you later, Yvikka."
The soldier could only watch as the priestess excused herself rather clumsily, then walked away from her. She sighed, finding herself wondering about the conversation she'd just had.
Lady Nel… being 'different'?
Well, not that I don't feel the same. The more I talk to Lady Nel, the more I find her to be 'different' than what I've heard about her… But that's only natural, right? People are different than you heard about them when you actually meet them.
But today… Lady Nel…
"I see that you've met Rozaria."
The familiar voice took her completely by surprise that it literally jerked her out of her contemplation. She turned in a flash, finding Nel's intense green eyes directed at her.
"L-L-L-Lady Nel," Yvikka stammered, bringing her hand up in a salute instinctively, "I-I didn't know that you were here."
"I've just gotten here myself," the Crimson Blade answered calmly, gesturing casually in answer to the other soldier's salute, "It seems that you've met Rozaria before this."
"Yes, Lady Nel. I met her before in Peterny. We even worked together for a brief time there," the commander, now calmer than before, answered, and then asked a question of her own.
"Is she your acquaintance, Lady Nel?"
"Actually, we've been friends for years," Nel answered, "Anyway; I will need you to go with me to someplace discreet now. We have some… sensitive things to discuss. Are you ready to go?"
"I'm always ready, milady," was the prompt answer.
"Very well. Let us go, then."
---
Not long after, the two commanders had already made their move. Though Nel said that their destination wasn't too far away from the city, they opted to ride there because it was much faster, as time was of importance as well. Riding on the backs of their steeds, they blazed across the plains. It didn't take long for them to reach their destination:
The path to the Aquatic Garden Surferio.
"We've arrived," Nel said coolly as she dismounted from her lum. She then guided her mount to a nearby tree, and tied it up there.
Yvikka didn't dismount immediately. Instead, she looked around cautiously. The ground she was on now seemed to be just a part of Irisa Fields and nothing more; but her senses told her that this place was more than it appears.
"What is this place?" Asked the dark-haired woman.
"Don't worry about this place," the redhead answered, noticing her companion's cautious tone, "This ground is actually an entrance to an ancient ruin. There's quite a mass of runological force at work here, so it might feel a bit… odd. Other than that, it is prudent to say that this place is safe from monsters and suspicious individuals alike."
"I see," was the response. Yvikka then got down from her lum as well, and tied it up near Nel's lum.
Nel led her fellow commander deeper into the fields in silence. From time to time, the spy stole glances at the soldier beside her, examining her.
Yvikka walked confidently, her posture upright and proud with no sign of fear or doubt. Her eyes, dark as a moonless night, scanned the whole vicinity, aware of even the slightest hint of trouble. Her face, however, was cool and calm, thus belying her alerted state. Her hand rested near her sword; ready to draw the blade should the situation demand. Nel found her just right.
Even though I've said that this place is safe, she doesn't let up. Always alert and ready… Peterny really got her, I see.
Nel remembered that Peterny, where the Chain Legion was in charge of, was an important strategic city. It was no exaggeration to say that Peterny was like Aquaria's second capital. The city was so well-situated that many wanted to have power over it, and not only foreign countries wanted that; even its own people, at times, wanted Peterny to be independent from Aquaria. Uprisings had almost become routine there—even in the most peaceful of times, the Chain Legion always had work to do.
She is tempered by such a situation… well, no wonder about it.
"Have you ever faced an assassination attempt, Yvikka?" Nel asked suddenly.
"Huh? Oh, yes, I have," Yvikka answered.
"… And many times, I guess," the redhead added.
"Yes, frankly… but, Lady Nel, how do you know about that?" Yvikka asked back.
Nel then stopped, turned to face her companion, and spoke.
"Your posture said all that."
"My posture?"
Nel smiled faintly, tilting her head, "Well, you act as if there's someone who will jump out of the blue and attack you at any time."
Yvikka couldn't say a word, since she didn't know how to respond to her superior's observation. Before she could come up with anything, the redhead before her spoke again.
"Well, there's no need to answer that. I know what Peterny is like. Someone in your position has always been a likely target for a murder attempt should an uprising surface. Anyway, about your town…"
Nel paused for a moment before continuing. The changing look on her face warned the other soldier that this would be a serious matter.
"… I take it that you've been informed of Peterny's situation."
"Yes, I have," Yvikka replied, "There are signs of unrest there recently. The extremist factions are building up power and confidence ever since the rumor of your demise arose… However, as I heard from my legion before going here, there's been some indications of distrust and uncertainty among them; thus hampering their effort. The cause of that is likely to be… your appearance in the city."
"Exactly, and that is what we're going to discuss now," Nel said, making clear the point of the talk to follow.
"I believe that this must be about my reassignment to handle the situation there, milady?" Yvikka guessed.
Nel smirked under her scarf, "No, it's not. This is about something even far more serious."
"What is it, milady?"
"It's about you," Nel said coldly, "I heard from my agents in Peterny… that you're actually…"
Yvikka's heart skipped a beat as she waited for the redhead to finish her sentence, for she saw it through Nel's features, hints of suspicions and doubts; warning her that this might not be good.
"… in league with the rebelling merchants."
The finishing sentence shook the dark haired woman to her very heart. For a moment, she couldn't think of what to say to disprove the charge. The unnerving glare of the intense green orbs was fixed to her jet black eyes, as if demanding an immediate answer. The only words to answer that were the words of cliché defense.
"Nonsense."
"Is that all you can say about this?" Nel challenged her.
"I can't honestly say anything about something that I have no knowledge of," was the soldier's answer; her voice trembled with anxiety, despite her composed disposition.
Nel sighed, wrapping her arms across her chest in her typical pose, "I find it hard to believe myself… for one such as you," the spy paused, casting the sharp look she always used in facing her adversaries onto the other soldier, and continued.
"Nevertheless, I can't leave this matter unattended. This is serious."
"What to do, then?" Yvikka asked.
"Under normal circumstances," Nel answered, "I'd like to look into this matter personally, as I can't dismiss the other possibilities—such as inaccurate intelligence, or a scheme to bring you down. Unfortunately…" Nel paused again, and then continued.
"Time is not a luxury that I have. Therefore, I might as well order your detention for the time… until the matter is cleared."
Nel's words were clear, and Yvikka realized the probable consequence she might face should nothing be done to clear her name. With that in mind, she uttered a question.
"Is there… nothing that I can do about it?"
"Personally speaking, I don't like this situation myself. However, I cannot just let you go around freely… considering the situation, but I'll give you a chance."
"A chance?"
"Yes… consider this my thanks for all that you've done in Arias," said Nel, "But don't think I'm going to just let you walk away from this. You have to prove yourself first."
"And in what way can I prove myself to you?"
"This way…"
With one smooth, controlled motion, Nel drew her shorter blade and pointed it right at Yvikka's face—a challenge to a duel.
"Fight me," Nel made her intention clear, "And show me that you're worthy of my trust."
Though surprised, the dark haired woman suppressed the feelings within her. Her eyes fixed on the point of the blade directed at her, and then to the face of the one holding it. She then closed her eyes, a storm of thoughts going into her mind.
Can trust really be built through fighting?
Can I even fight her?
If I refuse, she might just throw me into detention…Can you really do anything if you're stripped of your freedom?
No.
As the last thought came, Yvikka slowly opened her eyes, then looked the redhead straight in the eyes. Nel's strong and determined gaze made her certain that the spy wouldn't want to go through this another way, but she asked nevertheless.
"There is… no other way around this, is there?"
"Unless you want to go straight into confinement, no," Nel answered strongly.
The soldier averted her eyes form the spy in response. The thought that came made her decision final.
I can't protect Lady Clair if I'm confined.
Once again, Yvikka raised her head, her night black orbs tracing back to the green ones, facing them with equal strength of will. Her voice then came, stating her answer.
"As much as I want to prove my innocence, I do not want to fight you, and I never have wanted to. However, my loyalty and honor are in question; I have no other choice but to do anything necessary to make them clear. Therefore… I accept your challenge."
With the words, Yvikka drew her own sword, and pointed it to Nel's face. The challenge was accepted.
"Wise choice," said the redhead, assuming her stance, "Let's begin this."
Silence followed as the two warriors faced one another, blades ready; green and black intertwined, each examining the other. After an indefinite amount of time in stillness, Nel made her charge, signifying the start of the battle.
Sparks flew as the two steel blades clashed. Yvikka could feel Nel's strength vibrating from her katana right onto her arms, and immediately recognized it.
Despite her small build, she's strong…
Yvikka shoved her sword against Nel's shorter one, pushing her away, knowing that she'd be in trouble if she let the spy get too close to her. As a golden rule in a fight, the one who is able to manipulate their adversary within their effective attack range has a better chance of winning. For her, it meant that if she were to have a chance of winning, she had to be able to keep the spy within her attack range while keeping herself away from Nel's. The redhead, for her part, didn't let up. She pursued the retreating swordswoman, not letting her to use the advantage of her longer weapon.
Let's see if you can handle some tricks…
Nel's blade arced, aiming for Yvikka's chest, only to meet the steel of the other's sword. At that instant, the Crimson Blade put her one foot on the swordswoman's thigh, which then quickly followed by a stomp to the chest, and then to the shoulders, climbing up her as if she was a human ladder before finally flung herself high with a kick on the shoulders. But that was not all; as Nel flipped in the midair, she took out her kunais—four in each hand—and threw them all in waves at the disoriented soldier. To her slight surprise, the last blow didn't connect.
Yvikka saw through Nel's last move. In response, she reached for her sword's sheath with her right hand, drawing it in a slashing motion to deflect the first wave of four knives, which soon followed by another slash from the sword in her left hand to repel the rest. Most of them were successfully stopped, but one got through, leaving a scar on her cheek. Putting the sheath back to her side, she made her own charge, hoping to catch the redheaded spy before she landed. She connected almost perfectly.
Barely setting her feet back on earth, Nel had to put up defense against a fast, rather brutal upward slash from Yvikka's sword. It was so strong that it forced her to give ground in an attempt of defense. This time, it was Nel's turn to recognize her opponent's strength.
Such strength and skill… This should be interesting.
Deciding to take advantage of the spy's retreat, Yvikka came at her again with another attack, only to strike empty air. Confusion almost took over her as she could no longer see her opponent, but at the command of her trained senses—to which she reacted almost instinctively—she looked upward…
"There!" shouted the swordswoman as she blocked Nel's overhand slash in the last second. The spy's twin daggers stopped less than an inch from her face, which clearly signified a close call. She didn't even have the chance to draw a breath as Nel kicked her chin in a somersault, sending her stumbling back.
Nel didn't stop there; she sprang forward almost as soon as she landed back from the flip, unleashing a fierce lateral slash at her opponent, forcing her to retreat even further. The spy kept on charging almost relentlessly, fully utilizing her advantage of speed as well as the fact that Yvikka couldn't best her in close-to-point-blank range fighting, in which they were currently engaged now. Yvikka, for her part, realized that she was at a loss in such a fight and kept on retreating, all the while parrying the spy's attacks as best as she could. A rain of sparks flew as steel met steel, and the almost deafening noise of the clashing blades filled the ancient ground.
Eventually, Yvikka found herself backed into a tree. She went low just as Nel's roundhouse came high her way, hitting the tree behind her, breaking it. The soldier didn't stop to admire the testament of the spy's strength behind her. Deliberately taking a blow that severed her shoulder plate, she rammed and head-butted the redhead on the forehead. The next attack to follow was an overhand hilt strike aimed for Nel's head, but the spy somehow managed to save her head at the last moment; instead of hitting the head, the blow landed hard on Nel's left shoulder, tearing her shoulder pad as well. With a grunt, the spy disengaged with a kick to Yvikka's chest, distancing herself to assess their stand, as well as reestablish her stance.
Peace returned once again as the two commanders faced each other again, evaluating the result of the previous round. At a glance, Nel seemed to be on the lead as Yvikka's condition outwardly to be the worse of the two; her uniform was torn all over, revealing the armor behind it as the result of dozens of Nel's rapid blows she'd failed to defend against. A faint trickle of blood could be seen in the corner of her lips.
Lady Nel's faster than before… Is she pacing herself?
Nel, though seemingly less battered, didn't think that she completely dominated the first round. In fact, she thought that it was very close to a tie by a hair. Surely, she knew that she scored more blows, whereas Yvikka could only score two clean, direct hits. However, those two hits were solid hits that almost changed her bearing, very much unlike her attacks, which were less damaging. Had Nel not worn her shoulder pads, the last hit on her left shoulder might've partially incapacitated her left arm—which might change the tide of the battle.
You're good, I must admit. Let's pace up a little, shall we? The redheaded spy said in her thoughts.
Nel cast a minor healing spell on herself to ease the pain on her head and shoulder, and then charged again—this time slightly faster than before—beginning another round. To her surprise, Yvikka was confident enough to take her head on. The long sword came first, and Nel dodged it rather easily without even slowing down. Just as she was about to attack with her shorter blade, she caught a glimpse of another move—Yvikka's sheath came her way. The sheath hit her right hand by the wrist, preventing it from moving to an attack, immediately followed by a hilt strike aimed for her ribs. She deflected the blow with her longer blade, then quickly disengaged herself from the swordswoman. As she retreated, she saw Yvikka, seemingly determined to keep on the offensive, pursued her. In order to halt her opponent's advance, Nel tossed her other secret weapon: two specially-made shells which break upon contact, spreading cloud of sleeping drug—normally, that would've been poison, but for sparring purposes, she replaced it with a sleeping drug, which could simulate the weakening effect of poison without the risk of killing someone. Yvikka responded by casting a wind spell to ward the poisonous air off, which, to some extent, amazed the spy.
It seems that you're very much acquainted with such techniques. Very well, I'll see if you can deal with this one.
The Crimson Blade stopped the retreat, deliberately waiting for the soldier to come in close and attack, only to avoid it with one big leap to her adversary's back. As she landed, she did several quick back flips to make more distance. As she flipped for the last time, she spun her body, drawing her longer sword mid-air and, with a battle cry, threw it spinning with all of her might at Yvikka—Flying Guillotine, as she named it, a technique she'd developed during her journey, which, befitting to its name, had downed many of her opponents.
Yvikka turned, only to find a spinning blade flying toward her. She put up her best guard, but the blade broke through it with quite an impact. Though the attack barely caused her any major injury, it nevertheless broke her stance. As she strived to get her bearing back, her senses flared again. She turned back at the warning, surprised upon finding Nel's blade coming back at her without even losing its momentum. Disregarding all efforts to reassume fighting position, she dove to the ground to avoid the returning sword. A faint trace of runology could be sensed as the blade whiffed above her. Apparently, Nel didn't just throw her blade, but she also forged a runological path between her and the blade so that the blade would return to her.
I know such runological trick, but to use it like this… Lady Nel… you're not a Crimson Blade for nothing.
She didn't have time to marvel as Nel pounced at her again. The Crimson Blade took the air in one big leap, her right hand readying her shorter blade for another blow while her free hand caught the other blade. Seeing this, Yvikka quickly regained her stance, and unleashed her own attack.
Sparks flew, along with the deafening noise of the violent clashing of steel.
Nel landed back rather unsteadily, both of her blades were drawn in a defensive posture, her arms a little numb, her green eyes widened.
What was that? Could it be… ?
The spy then quickly reviewed the last moments of the fight. She was in the middle of her jump, attempting for an attack, and Yvikka was right there on the ground. Much to her astonishment, she saw the soldier sheathed her sword, but what's more surprising was that she drew it out again in a slashing motion toward her. That was fast, very fast, even for her trained eyes. She instinctively drew her other blade, and succeeded in blocking it, though barely.
That technique…
Once again, Nel contemplated unnoticeably. She worked through her memories, looking over the sword fighting techniques she'd ever read about or even fought against in her opponents. A name came up her mind.
Battoujutsu… or 'quickdraw technique', an art of fighting from the draw. A style I know about only from books… it's quite rarely to find one really using it in a battle—it is a difficult style to master.
Nel narrowed her eyes, getting more serious in the knowing that she was dealing with something she had little knowledge about. Yvikka's posture confirmed her supposition: Her body leaned forward, her right hand readied in front of the hilt of her sheathed blade, while her left hand was rested on the sheath near by the hilt—the basic characteristics of the quickdraw style. Taking one deep breath, Nel readied herself, deliberately waiting for her adversary to attack first.
After a few seconds of staring at each other, Yvikka decided to make her move. She charged, drawing her sheath—with the blade still sheathed there—in an attacking motion at the spy. At the instant her attack met Nel's blocking blade, she shoved her sheath against the blade with strength enough to slightly disrupt the redhead's stance. Her right hand flashed, drawing her blade out of its sheath, and, with a spin of her torso, slashing it in a full circle at her adversary. Nel jumped back just in time to avoid it, which she did; however, her torn fabric which revealed the grazed breastplate behind it testament how close the spy was from being hit completely. Suppressing a sigh, Yvikka continued her attack, but suddenly, pain shot up her left side.
Her ribs screamed.
An old wound she'd received from the Arias skirmish. It hadn't fully healed; yet, she was now forcing her body to its utmost.
Nel saw an opening when the dark haired soldier stopped attacking. She pushed with a quick palm strike, sending a wave of runological force to the other's body that sent her flying for almost twenty feet away.
Let's finish this…
Without giving Yvikka a chance to regain her bearing, the Crimson Blade attacked again; this time, with a technique she'd just started to develop. She concentrated; a surge of runological power ran freely through her veins, enveloping her, giving her a temporary boost of strength, and then charged at the swordswoman. The next second, a mad dance of slashes and kicks came.
The Mirror Slice.
Yvikka could still manage to defend herself from Nel's relentless attacks, though barely. However, a lightning-fast charge of Nel's two swords broke through her defense; her sword thrown up high to the air at the face of the spy's strength. Though stripped of from her sword, Nel saw it through the night-black eyes that the soldier hadn't given up.
And so, Nel decided to make clear her victory with this one last attack.
Nel ran toward the now unarmed soldier, and swung her right-hand blade at her neck. To her surprise, the soldier grabbed her hand by the wrist. The spy then drew her other blade, but before she could even really use it, the swordswoman grabbed the hand holding it as well. With their arms interlocked, the Chain Legion commander mustered all of her remaining strength, and, with a war cry, hauled the slim spy up into an overhand throw.
Yvikka fell to her back after her last attempt. She rolled, trying to get up as quickly as possible, but the pain on her left side obstructed her. Just as she was halfway to her feet, she found Nel's sword pointed at her. She looked up, finding the Crimson Blade standing over her. For a moment, she just stared, exchanging looks with Nel's green eyes. As her mind came into sense, realization came over her. Eventually, she relaxed; loosening all of her tense muscles as well as letting herself feel the pain and fatigue from the battle.
"I… lost…" Yvikka muttered weakly, her eyes downcast.
Nel sighed at her adversary's admission of loss. She sheathed her blades, and then stretched a helping hand to her fellow commander.
"Can you stand?" Asked the redhead.
"Yeah…" The other woman answered wearily. She then took Nel's offered hand, letting her help her stand. Just as she got to her feet, the Crimson Blade pulled her closer.
"You fought well," she remarked.
That was supposed to be praise, but the dark haired woman didn't feel like that in the slightest. No matter how well she'd fought, she still lost. She had lost the battle, and with that, as she thought of it, Nel's trust.
"Lady Nel…" Yvikka replied, "… A suspected conspirator like me… doesn't deserve your praise…"
"Don't be silly," Nel snapped, "Conspirator or not, every genuine effort deserves praise. After all…"
Nel stopped her sentence halfway. She then turned, walked over to pick up Yvikka's sword, handed it over to its wielder, and continued.
"After all… there's no such report of you being in league with those despicable extremists, actually."
Once again, Yvikka was taken aback by the spy's words. It was as if she was playing a mind game with her.
"Wh-what do you mean by that, Lady Nel?"
Nel closed her eyes, her face softening. She didn't plan to keep this farce up any longer. With another smirk under her scarf, she answered her fellow commander's question.
"It was entirely my ploy, all of it. I tricked you."
"Th-then, what was all that about?" Yvikka blurted, very much bewildered.
"I meant to test you… to see what you're really capable of, at least in a fight," Nel answered casually, then went on, "I apologize for the trickery, but I needed to give you a real reason to fight so that you would fight to your fullest. I don't think that we could have a fight like this had I just said 'I want to spar' to you."
Yvikka drew a deep sigh as she came to, at least partially, understand Nel's scheme, and relieved upon finding her name and honor intact. She then received her sword from the spy's hand, and sheathed it again. Lifting up a small smile, she looked up into Nel's eyes, and asked a question.
"Had I not accepted your challenge… what would you have done, Lady Nel?"
"I might have threatened to kill you on the spot," was the spy's immediate answer, "I believe that you wouldn't stand still in the face of that, would you?"
"Lady Nel…" The soldier sighed again. Very much unaccustomed to keeping her thoughts inside, she went on, but not without requesting the Crimson Blade's permission, considering the nature of the matter.
"I request permission to speak freely."
"Granted."
"… Damn you."
Silence came as the words left the soldier's mouth. Yvikka smiled, knowing that she might be considered impertinent, and she knew exactly the consequences for saying such words to someone like Nel, but she didn't care. For her, saying what she felt about something was almost a given, and she was prepared for the consequence. Nel, for her part, was slightly surprised at the much-too-blunt expression, but not offended.
"Is that all you want to say?" Asked the redheaded spy after a period of quiet.
"Yes, Lady Nel. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I appreciate the honesty, by the way."
The two chuckled softly together at the comment. Yvikka, however, couldn't laugh for long because her ribcage screamed again. She winced as pain stung her side, her hand instinctively moving to where the wound was. That got the attention of the other woman, who immediately moved closer and kneeled to see it.
"Let me see that."
"I'm fine, Lady Nel. It's n—Ack!"
Her objection was cut short as Nel pressed her side. The redhead examined the injury, finding that it was actually an old one, and was pleased upon noticing the fact that it wasn't serious. She then chanted a spell and a surge of healing power soon followed.
"It seems to be an old injury… It hasn't reopened, but almost," Nel said, then looked up to meet her fellow commander's eyes, and apologized once again.
"… I'm sorry."
Had I said that I just wanted to spar, then you wouldn't have forced yourself like this.
Yvikka stayed silent at the apology. She could understand the guilt that her superior felt for causing all this. She knew that, during the war, the Secret Legion commander always took the most dangerous missions herself, and the reason behind that was…
So that no one has to die or end up wounded on her orders.
Well, if this suits your purpose, Lady Nel, I don't mind at all.
"This should do for a while," Nel spoke again after she finished patching up Yvikka's injury, "But you'd better have it checked by a doctor immediately, just to be safe," she then stood up, looking at the direction of Aquios, and then back to the dark haired woman again.
"Will that be alright with you if we go back now?" Nel asked.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Nel. I'm fine, and we can leave whenever you wish."
"Very well."
The two commanders then left the ancient ground which once had been their battlefield, back to their steeds, to Aquios.
---
They were halfway back to the sacred city when the thought came again to Yvikka's mind. She'd intended to ask about it before, but Nel's challenge made her forget about it. She then paced her lum to Nel's side, and called her.
"Lady Nel."
Nel turned her head to face her caller, and answered.
"What is it?"
"… In regard to Peterny's unrest, milady, do you happen to know… whether I'm going to be reassigned back to Peterny or not?" Yvikka worded her question carefully.
"Well, what do you think?" Nel returned the question.
The other commander faltered at the question. With a visible sigh, she managed another question before really answering the redhead's question.
"Pardon me for the question, Lady Nel, but… Lady Clair… she will return to Arias, won't she?"
"You know her, Yvikka," was Nel's response, "You were her aide."
Yvikka went silent at the answer. She knew that her silver haired superior would definitely return there, regardless of anything, even her own health. She also realized that Peterny was her town, and that was where she should've been; but her love and concern for Clair made her want to stay in Arias, if only to ensure her well-being.
"If that's the case, Lady Nel, then… honestly speaking, I want nothing more than to stay with her in Arias, if it could help to ease the strain of her duties there. I… am worried about her. She hasn't been quite herself ever since she recovered. But… now that you've returned, I think my presence there won't be needed anymore, because you'll be there with her."
Nel smiled again; a surge of relief calmed her heart in the knowledge that her companion was fully willing to stay with her precious friend on her own.
"It's quite the contrary, in fact."
"What do you mean?"
"Actually, I'm going to leave again… to go on a journey with Fayt and the others," said the redhead, her voice seeming to drift; but it became strong again as she continued, "There's something dangerous out there… Something that can even threaten the whole universe's existence, and I'm going out to prevent it from harming our world here."
To prevent it from harming Clair…Nel's thought drifted.
"And while I'm not here…" The redhead continued, "I want you to stay in Arias and help Clair whenever she needs help… Actually, this is Her Majesty's suggestion, but she left the decision to me. Now that I know you better, I have nothing more to say but to agree."
'Know me better?' So that's why you put me through this 'test' of yours?
That thought was never worded.
"… And that means… my orders are unchanged?" The soldier ensured.
"Yes. Of course, I won't leave you and Clair without some help. I've decided to temporarily leave my agents in Peterny under your command. You can use them to gather intelligence in your town, but keep in mind: They will report and take orders to and from you and only you. Not Tynave, not Farleen, but you. Understand?"
"I understand, Lady Nel, but… wouldn't that require me to directly meet the contacts?"
"Don't worry; I have arranged for them to gather in Aquios today. I'll introduce you to them when we get back."
Yvikka sighed; awed by the spy's meticulous preparation despite the shortness of time she'd had upon her return.
Just like they said… You're always two steps ahead, Lady Nel.
"As you wish, milady."
As they continued their journey back, Yvikka thought about what Nel said about the purpose of her journey—to confront something dangerous and powerful enough to threaten the entire universe. Imagining such a thing was truly beyond her abilities, but she couldn't really say that such thing was nonexistent. There had been many otherworldly things happening during these times, which she had witnessed herself. The coming of the gigantic celestial ship and the discovery of the remains of the alien beings that attacked the Shrine of Kaddan were among a few to mention. After a few quiet moments, she lifted up her voice, wanting to express her support for the redhead.
"You will make it."
"Huh?" Nel exclaimed softly, slightly surprised with her companion's optimistic remark.
"You will make it through whatever you're going into and return here alive, Lady Nel," Yvikka restated her words.
"You're so optimistic," was the redhead's response as she got her what her companion was trying to say.
Yvikka sighed, lifting a small smile, "Honestly, Lady Nel, I don't really understand what you said about 'something that is powerful enough to imperil the entire universe'. Such a thing is beyond even my wildest imagination. All I know is that it is dangerous. I might sound overly optimistic, but it's better than thinking ill possibilities. If it's for a strong and just cause, humans can take on even gods. Apris created us that way. I put my faith in the fact that you'll succeed this time. You've never failed a mission, and you won't fail this one, either."
… And you'd better not, Zelpher. If you die, I'll never forgive you.
"… And you'd better not, Lady Nel, for Lady Clair's sake," the soldier finished.
Nel was speechless at the face of her companion's words. But she was more surprised by the reflection of genuine trust in her eyes, and the fact that what she'd talked about wasn't generally accepted by people in her world.
"Do you believe that humans can triumph over gods?" Asked the redhead.
"Not actually 'believe', Lady Nel," Yvikka answered, suppressing a giggle, "But in my homeland… there are stories, myths, and legends about people confronting godlike powers… and they prevailed over them. If such legends exist… why can't they be realized?"
"Those are just myths."
"But myths are reflections of people's experiences and beliefs. Surely, they're not meant to be taken literally, but the morals that underlie them are true: human can triumph over even the greatest of odds, as long as they fight it out for just reasons."
For a strong and just cause… we can take on even gods…
"Thank you, Yvikka," Nel's response finally came, "And you… I'm leaving Clair with you. Don't fail me."
"I won't, Lady Nel."
---
"Nel! Where have you been? And Yvikka, too!"
Those were Clair's words of welcome as she saw her beloved and her friend return. She paced up to them, wanting to see and get close to her beloved right away, but her steps halted as she saw what that were obviously marks of battle all over them.
"What happened to both of you?" Clair snapped, almost yelling.
"Uh, we…"
"We sparred," Nel cut through her dark haired companion's voice.
"You sparred with her?" Clair asked rhetorically. Before she could say any more, however, another voice came.
"Hi there."
The three Aquarian women turned, finding Fayt and his party—Cliff, Maria, and Sophia—in a condition that was no better than Yvikka's and Nel's: their clothes were torn in some places, plus some burn marks and smell of charcoal.
"Hi, Nel, Lady Clair, and, uh…" Fayt stopped his greeting as he tried to remember the seemingly familiar face of the third soldier standing before him, "I've seen you before, but…"
"My salute, Master Fayt," the soldier in question saluted and answered, "My name's Yvikka. Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf. It's an honor to meet you again."
"Ah, yes, you're the soldier whom I bumped into in Arias," Fayt blurted in remembrance of his meeting with the dark haired soldier.
"Mind that 'soldier', Fayt. She's a commander, just like me and Clair. By the way, what happened to you?" Nel cut in again.
"Well, uh…" Fayt muttered shyly, and managed, "You see, one of our experiments went wrong, and it just… went off by itself."
"It was right until you misplaced the salt with some of those… crazy chemicals!" Sophia snapped rather angrily, "That was supposed to be the best soup I'd ever made!"
"Sorry, Sophia… But, haven't I told you that cooking isn't really my forte?"
Nel sighed, and, to some extent, amazed at just how wrong something as simple as cooking could be in the hands of incompetents, like the blue haired boy.
"Things went completely wrong, I see," the redhead murmured.
"Please be more careful next time," Clair spoke up, trying to be comforting.
"Yeah, I'd better be," answered the boy. He then turned to Nel, and asked, "And what happened to you yourself? It seems that you got into a tough fight."
"Indeed. Well, it's all in a day's work, as us—"
Nel's answer was cut short as she sensed Clair's power slowly rising, and saw Yvikka stepped around to her front, as if shielding her from something. Indeed, she was shielding Nel.
"Aww, found out."
Cliff moaned in disappointment as his object of interest was blocked from his view. Sophia and Maria immediately realized what their blonde friend was gawking at, then stepped forward to his side. The big Klausian then came up with a rather unmanly shriek as Sophia and Maria stepped on his toes—hard. Nel, for her part, could only sigh at the scene unfolding before her.
"Well, I guess that's my cue to get changed into more appropriate attire," said Nel. She then turned to Yvikka, who was still standing before her, "And you too, Yvikka."
"Yes, you'd better," Clair added, casting a somewhat annoyed look at Cliff.
---
Night came. The Elicoorian moon had taken up the sky's throne, replacing the king of the day, the sun.
Nel Zelpher, the leader of the Secret Legion, and the queen's Crimson Blade, had finished everything she felt need to be done. She'd officially appointed Tynave as the temporary leader of her legion stationed in Arias, handed the command of her Peterny-based agents over to Yvikka, as well as briefed her most trusted agents, preparing them for her absence so that there wouldn't be any 'vacuum of command' among her soldiers.
With those things done, now all she wanted and needed to do was to be with Clair, and Clair only.
And so, she went to Clair's room that night…
"Okay, Zelpher. Now spit it out: What did you do to my friend out there?" Clair snapped as she examined Nel's body, ensuring that there was no major injury. This was something she'd always done every time she saw her beloved come back looking battered.
"I've told you, Clair," Nel answered coolly, "We sparred."
"… Sparring," sighed the silver haired woman, reminded of one of the spy's habits, "I should've known it when you said that you were interested in her."
Clair let out a relieved sigh, pleased upon finding that Nel's wounds were just scrapes and bruises; far from life-threatening ones. She relaxed for a bit, her momentary spurt of anger driven by her concern calmed. She just didn't like her beloved to get into a fight—any fight, even a practice sparring match—because of the potential mortal peril that was always there. The images of Nel lying blood-bathed in the arena still haunted her, and it made her unable to stand seeing even a speck of blood on the redhead. As she was deep in thought, Nel turned, facing her.
"Clair…"
"Nel," Clair cut in, "Remember when Tynave first caught your eyes?"
"I do remember," Nel answered, lifting a small smile at the remembrance.
"One day, you said to me, 'she has potential', and then," Clair worded the memory, "The next day, you and her went off somewhere, and, upon returning, Tynave was so badly beaten that she couldn't stand on her own feet. When I asked you what happened, all you said was…"
"'We sparred'," Nel finished her friend's sentence.
Clair smiled faintly, sighing, "… And not only about Tynave, but also about Farleen, and to some other soldiers who you considered had 'potential'. Well, I understand that it was your way to scout for candidates to serve in the legion's inner circle, but you don't have to beat them so badly."
Nel giggled at her friend's remark, and then challenged her.
"Then how about you yourself? What are the 'intensive drills' you keep on giving to those whom you call 'talented runologists'?" said Nel in a slightly teasing tone, "From the look on their faces every time I see them coming out from whatever thing you're putting them through, it's very likely that they've just witnessed your father's side of yours. What's more, not all of them can actually walk out of that. I bet Ersa has a whole lot to tell about that."
It was Clair's turn to laugh. She couldn't really argue in the face of that. Instead of saying something, she jumped at Nel, no longer able to restrain herself from looking at her beloved's teasing smile. Nel shrieked as the silver haired beauty pinched one of her 'weak points', and retaliated with several quick tickles. A tickle fight occurred.
"Just… like old times, Nel…" Clair said between pants as she lay spread-eagled on the bed, her breath expended in laughter at the end of their tickle fight.
"Yeah… it sure does…" Nel answered raggedly.
Clair then rolled to face her precious redhead, meeting her ever-fascinating green eyes, and asked a question that she'd just thought about.
"So, then… what do you think of her now, Nel?" Clair worded her question, "… after you put her through this 'test' of yours?"
"To say the truth, Clair…" Nel began her answer, "She's good. Not only that she can fight really well, but she also knows what she is supposed to do, and has a clear vision on that. I must admit that you've groomed her well, Clair."
"Me?" said Clair, pointing to herself, chuckling softly, "I didn't really do anything to her, frankly."
"Don't think that you're not doing anything in that, Clair," Nel cut in, "It's you who recognized her abilities, and it's you who gave her the chance so that she can be what she is now. You give her your trust, and that's how you're developing her."
Clair chuckled again at her friend's response, and then uttered another question.
"It is quite understandable if you do 'that' to your own soldiers, but… why Yvikka, Nel? She's not even in your unit."
"Well… I just want to be sure she's dependable," answered Nel, and went on, "You know, her orders are unchanged. She will stay with you in Arias to help you out."
"But how come?" Clair questioned, confused, "Isn't she needed in Peterny?"
"That is… Her Majesty's suggestion, with my approval, and Yvikka's own free will," Nel answered calmly.
Clair was speechless for a moment, seemingly unable to argue, but then, objections spilled rapidly out from her lips.
"No. I… I can't allow this. I can't put her through more trouble than I already did, and I don't want to. It'll be a difficult job for her to manage both Arias and Peterny, and…"
"Clair," Nel snapped strongly, cutting through her friend's objections, "Just look at you. Do you really think you can handle Arias on your own, given your present condition?"
The silver haired commander went silent once more. She honestly didn't think that she would be able to handle Arias in her current condition, just like Nel said, but still…
"I… I don't want to be anyone's burden…" Clair managed.
"… Lasbard," Nel called her friend, cuddling the stubborn woman close to her, "Don't be silly. Your situation is understandable, and everyone is willing to help… you're not a burden. I want to help you… Her Majesty wants to help you… Yvikka wants to help you, and so do Ersa, Tynave, Farleen, and many others… If you decline their offer, however, then you'll be a real burden, don't you think?"
This time there was no argument, for Clair couldn't help but realize the wisdom in her beloved's words.
"Clair, it's not that I don't believe in you, but…" Nel spoke again, "… Be realistic, Clair. You need help, and I know you need it. Just don't…"
The redhead paused, knowing that the next words to come were actually Clair's words—the words that carried Clair's worries toward her; very much similar worries she was feeling right now.
"… Don't… what…?" Clair murmured.
"… Don't… always take on everything by yourself, Clair. It worries me sick to see you overwork yourself," the redhead managed.
Those words went deep into the silver haired woman's heart, striking her speechless. Now she saw that Nel shared just the same worries as she had toward her. Most of the time, Clair was the one who expressed such worries. She could no longer count how many times she had told her redheaded friend to take a break from missions, and delegate them to her subordinates, and only rarely did Nel do that. And now, Nel was speaking exactly the same words that she'd said to her.
"… I understand, Nel…" Clair's voice finally came, and with that, an apology, "… and I'm sorry… for making you worry."
"It's okay, Clair," said Nel, "I, too, am just starting to learn to depend on others. With you… I know that I can always count on you in all things but one."
"And what is this one thing that you can't count on me for, Nel?"
"That you're going to take a break," Nel answered with a smile.
"And same to you, Nel," said Clair, smiling, "You're no different than me on this one."
Nel sighed in relief as her friend finally seemed to understand, and then spoke again.
"I'll still hold on to your words, Clair, remember that. I don't want to come home finding you gone."
"And you too, Nel. I will always be waiting for you, no matter what."
The redheaded warrior let out one broad smile, the broadest as she could make it at her precious silver haired friend. She reached out to extinguish the bedside lighting, and then guided her friend and herself to the day's rest.
Always…
