Disclaimers # 1: I don't own Star Ocean. It is the rightful property of Square-Enix's. The OCs are still mine, however.

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. This story is also dedicated to her.

Author's Note: Here is the next update after a month. I promise that I will do my best to update faster next time. A deep gratitude goes to those who have stayed with me and this story despite the slacking update, and even more to those who have kindly left reviews. Those are very encouraging. Again, I'll restate my promise: I WILL finish this story, no matter how long it'll take.

And now… happy reading.

The Third Soldier: Another Heart

Chapter 11

Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf—Her Doubt

The dark-haired woman looked at the reflection in the mirror in her room, sighing. She saw herself there, pale and sunken. The night before had been chaotic, draining, and agonizing in extreme; both mentally and physically. While her body was struggling with the runological chaos within it, her mind was harassed by the images of her dark past, her curse, which took most of her strength and will to ward off. In the end, it was an even battle. Her bodily problem hadn't really subsided, but she was alive, and it was her victory. The problem of her mind was a lot tougher to deal with, but she managed to drive it back to the back of her mind, keeping her sanity in place.

The woman then turned to look at her bed, finding it soaked red and brown with blood from her wounds—the testament of the struggle for her life. It was truly the worst mess she'd ever had with her bed in her whole life. She sighed again, this time longer and deeper in the knowing that she honestly couldn't hope for any better outcome. She could've died that night; or worse, she could've lost herself forever in the overwhelming tide of guilt and regret. The fact that she was still alive, capable of moving, and was still herself; all those were quite a miracle.

I don't know for how long I can keep on like this, she thought to herself.

Sooner or later, I'd lose myself, and that is worse than death…

I…

DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!

Her heart ached at the thought. She hated it. She hated the every moment when she absolutely had no idea of what to do, for it made her feel useless and meaningless. The thought lingered for a short while before Yvikka finally decided to put it aside in favor of calming herself down by doing something else—taking care of her messed bed. Of course, she could just bring the bloodstained stuff to the laundry; however, that might raise questions about her condition, which she didn't want to happen. Therefore, she decided to do it discreetly.

The dark haired woman inhaled one long, deep breath before putting her hand on the deeply stained sheets, and then managed a spell. A faint glow of aura coursed from her hand down to the sheets. After awhile, the faint aura went up out of the sheets, bringing the blood that once stained the cloth. After Yvikka made sure that all the blood stain had been removed by the spell, she then gathered the blood in a safe place, and cast a minor fire spell to burn it.

Yvikka smiled to herself as she finished the process. She remembered that this particular spell was one of the very first spells she learned. She learned it from her mother, who often did it to clean heavy stain unmanageable by normal means. Reminiscence of her family then came to her mind.

Mother…

Father…

Armenee… my home town…

Everything and everyone that I'd tried so hard to ignore, to forget…

She shook the memories off, unwilling to let them to rematerialize completely in her mind. She couldn't really say that she had a dark past—there were moments of joy and happiness among the buried recollections, but after what that happened…

I couldn't bear to remember…

When another battle of thoughts was about to erupt, the woman once again buried it deep within her mind. She then went over and got herself some fresh clothes, planning on taking care of herself with a bath. When she opened the door of her room, she saw her aide, Sisera, asleep near by her room. As a rule, soldiers are trained to be light sleepers; even when they're asleep, their senses are still aware of their surroundings. Being a soldier, a creaking of an opened door should be enough to wake Sisera up, but it didn't; and that fact told the commander that her aide was so tired that she was deep asleep. Beside the young soldier was a new set of armor wrapped inside a special casing, which Yvikka knew that it was prepared for her.

Sisera… The commander said in her heart.

Sorry to trouble you…

Not wanting to disturb the soldier's slumber, Yvikka then silently made her way to the quarter's bathing room, but not before putting the new armor inside her room. Done with washing herself and treating her wounds, she went back to her room, finding the sleeping aide still there. She laughed silently at the sight, for it was quite a rare happening to behold. After she'd dressed in a new uniform, the commander went out again to see her aide, intending to wake her up so that she could return to her quarter and have a rest there.

"Sisera," she called softly near by the sleeper's ear.

There was no response.

"Sisera, wake up,"

The sleeper moaned inaudibly, and shifted her body, but then fell back to sleep.

A small smile crept up Yvikka's face without her even realizing it. Under normal circumstances, she would've awarded the soldier with a reprimand and an extra kitchen duty to do, but now she couldn't bring herself to do it. Out of all of her soldiers, and for reasons she didn't know, Sisera seemingly to be very attached to her. When she got herself into something dangerous, Sisera would be the one who is most worried. Thinking back on how she behaved and looked before, Yvikka knew that it must have made her worried.

Worrying is tiresome, really… The commander thought again.

Well then, this should do it…

Smiling, the dark haired woman then stood up, inhaled one deep breath, and shot out in her commander's tone.

"WAKE UP, SOLDIER! I DIDN'T REMEMBER ORDERING YOU TO SLEEP DURING THE NIGHT SHIFT!"

"!"

The command got the soldier. In response, she forced her weary body up to stand upright almost in a jump, but was barely able to keep it up. The commander saw it clearly, that her body was swaying, and her eyes were bloodshot. She knew that her aide was truly tired.

"M-my apologies, c-commander…" Said the aide.

Yvikka lifted up another smile at Sisera's response, and replied.

"At ease, soldier. I wake you up just so that you can return to your quarter and have a rest in a more appropriate place."

The soldier, however, still very much sleep-fogged, was unable to fully comprehend her commander's words, and responded nonchalantly.

"I beg your pardon, commander, but no kitchen duty for me?"

That response got a laugh from the other woman, which was met by Sisera's bewildered look. Before she could even ask why, her commander cut her in.

"No, no kitchen duty for you," said Yvikka, barely able to restrain the laugh, "Just return to your quarter and have a rest."

At the face of her commander's words, Sisera complied, albeit subconsciously, without complaining. With a typical 'yes ma'am' response and an instinctive salute, she dismissed herself, and walked heavily toward her quarter.

Yvikka watched her aide until she disappeared into a corner in the hallway, and then returned to her own room. Before long, she heard a loud thudding as if someone was running along the corridor. Just when the commander thought that something urgent is happening at the moment, the door to her room was yanked opened all in a sudden, revealing Sisera with a tense face behind it.

"Sisera, what's wrong?" Asked the commander.

The brunette's face softened in response. Driven more by passion and desire rather than logical thought, she paced closer to her commander, moving a hand to her shoulder.

"It's… It's really you…" Sisera muttered as she got a hold on Yvikka's firm shoulder.

"Sisera, wha-"

"It's truly you! Oh, thank Apris! Yvikka, you're okay!"

With the words, Sisera wrapped her commander in a strong embrace so suddenly that it took the other woman aback. Words of objections were about to come out of her lips, but the thought of Sisera's worries for her halted it.

Well… if this is her way to let go of that, I can't complain, I guess. I've made her worried, anyway.

And so, she stayed silent in compliance, eventually returning the embrace with soft strokes to her aide's hair and back.

"I'm worried… so worried…" Were Sisera's whispers as she clung for the dear life to her commander.

"I'm sorry to make you worried," Yvikka whispered back.

At the response, Sisera lifted her face to look at Yvikka, and was met by a smile from the other woman. The aide smiled back in answer, but the smile didn't last long as she abruptly shook herself off from the embrace, her eyes widened as if a realization had struck her hard.

"Oh! Oh, no! Wh-what have I d-done… ?" Said the brunette, almost in a shriek. Her amber eyes then went on to her commander, looking at the dark eyes in something like a regret, which was soon voiced.

"C-commander Yvikka, ma'am… I-I apologize for my impertinence. I… lost myself, and…"

"It's okay," Yvikka cut in with a gentle voice, putting a finger on Sisera's lips, effectively stopping her argument.

"You're tired," the commander spoke again, "And it's easier for a tired person to get lost. Go and get as much rest as you need. Report to me when you're ready, all right?"

"But, comman-"

"No argument," Yvikka cut her short with a smile, slightly pressing her finger against the soft lips, "A sleepy soldier is as good as a dead soldier. Do you get that… soldier?"

This time there was no debate for Sisera fully recognized the truth in the commander's words. With utter devotion, she took an upright stance, saluted, and finally dismissed herself to her quarter under the watchful eyes of her commander.

---

Arias Manor conference room, the next morning.

Clair Lasbard already had her squad leaders gathered in the room, and was ready to begin with the briefing. But still, there was one thing amiss.

She looked over the room, finding three vacant chairs close to her. One she knew that it belongs to Nel, her friend who was journeying with Fayt at the moment. The other two was supposedly reserved for Yvikka and Sisera, who represented the Chain Legion; however, neither of them was present now.

"Do you want me to look for Captain Sisera?" Offered Ersa, Clair's devoted aide.

"I apologize for my coming late."

The familiar voice cut through Clair's response to her aide's offer. The silver haired commander looked up to the room entrance, slightly surprised to find Yvikka standing by there, for she didn't really expect her to be able to attend the briefing, considering what that she'd had the day before.

"Uh… yes. Please take your seat. The briefing is about to begin."

"Thank you."

The dark-haired commander, seemingly ignoring Clair's and Ersa'a bewildered look, paced up to the chair reserved for her, and sat. Only then she realized that the two Shield Legion officers were looking awkwardly at her.

"Lady Clair, Ersa, is there something wrong?"

"Un, n-nothing," Clair stammered, but managed to ask, "Are you all right? I mean… you are wounded in the skirmish the day before, and I don't recall you being treated."

"I'm fine, Lady Clair," Yvikka replied softly, "My wounds have been treated, and nothing serious about them."

"I see… Where's Sisera, by the way?"

"She is too tired to actually attend the briefing, so I tell her to take as much rest as she need."

Clair sighed, relieved at the fact that her friend was seemingly all right. Lifting up a smile, she then stood up, casting her eyes to the whole room, and opened her lips.

"Very well. Let us begin the briefing, then," Clair began, "Following yesterday's briefing, the last reconnaissance mission conducted had encountered alien fiends unlike anything else, which, by our early analysis, believed to be connected with 'The Darkest Night'. From the encounters, I reckon that these fiends are stronger than any ordinary fiends, and are highly lethal. So far, we have only encountered two of them, each from one kind. If those were all of them, then it is all good, but we cannot ignore the probability that there are more of them out there."

The last sentence struck everyone to silence. Though the commanders were the only ones who'd encountered the fiends, the condition in which they returned after the encounter bore stories of how fierce they were.

"Should there are more of such fiends…" Sounded a random captain, "… We would have problem with outgoing operations. Patrols, supplies, couriers, anything."

"That is what that I'm afraid of," the Shield Legion commander confirmed the concern, "I'm anticipating the matter to come, but for now, my main concern is to find out whether the alien fiends still exist or not. Therefore, today's operations will be mainly limited reconnaissance patrols. The main objective is to explore areas up to the second checkpoint and search for any sign of anomalies. Going further than the assigned area is strictly prohibited and unnecessary confrontation with fiends, especially the alien ones should be avoided. I also require that the outgoing patrol groups should be accompanied by at least two Clestia-ranked or higher runologists. After this briefing, I want each patrol group to report to me before departing. Any question?"

"Ma'am," A captain raised his hand.

"Go ahead."

"Speaking about anomalies occurred ever since 'The Darkest Night'… aside from the syndrome experienced by runologists, I think farm and pet animals in this town have been acting strange as well. Lums are struck by anxiety, and it is difficult to calm them down. We also have reports about people attacked by their own pets. All those happened yesterday."

Her eyes widened at her soldier's words. She recalled the Dire Wolf cub that she and Yvikka had encountered—the cub turned into a demonic alien being and nearly killed them both.

If that is to happen here…

"I see," Clair replied calmly; her expression seemingly unchanged despite her worries, "Animals go rabid… It might be that the wild, 'native' beasts out there will become more aggressive as well. To address this, I want everyone who is not on patrol duty to keep a close watch on the animals we have here. Anything else?"

When no one seemed to have anything to speak of, Clair then turned to see Yvikka, only to find her looking lost.

"Yvikka," she called, "Is there anything you want to add or ask?"

"No," the other woman responded rather absently, but managed to look at her superior and lifted a small, sad smile, "I have no more to speak of. You have handled that well, Lady Clair."

"… Very well," Clair managed after awhile, "If so, then today's meeting is adjourned. We will meet again in the evening briefing. Until then, I want everyone to be on full alert; remember that survival is paramount—complete your assigned mission without taking any unnecessary risk. May the grace of Apris be with us all. You're dismissed."

Upon the dismissal, the soldiers got up their chairs and went to prepare for the mission to come, watched by the solemn eyes of their silver-haired commander. Clair drew a deep sigh, fully realizing the dangers that her subordinates would face once they stepped out of the town wall. Were it not for the alien fiends, she wouldn't worry this much because she was sure that they could take on ordinary fiends all right. She had witnessed it the other day, the fierce power that they possessed that had nearly killed her and her friend. As she thought about her particular friend, she then looked over the room once again, glad upon finding Yvikka was still in the room, and called out.

"Yvikka."

The dark haired woman turned at the calling of her name, and answered.

"Yes, Lady Clair?"

"Nothing important," Clair said as she paced closer to see her friend, "I… just want to ensure that you're really all right."

"I'm all right, Lady Clair. Thank you for the concern."

Despite the spoken assurance, Clair still felt that Yvikka isn't really all right. She examined her face, finding her all but closed off. Something was hidden beneath the calm face she was putting up, but Clair couldn't really tell.

"Very well, if you say so," the silver haired managed at last, "You know, considering your condition yesterday, I honestly don't expect to see you back on duty this soon. And because of that, I have no specific duty for you to carry out, so, I think that you might as well take a rest for the day."

"Thank you, Lady Clair, but I'm afraid that I can't take your suggestion to rest. I already have a plan for me to do," Yvikka replied gently.

"And that is… ?"

"I plan to go to Peterny. I have a feeling that my soldiers are having a rough time there following the recent events. Hopefully, they are not so that I can make it back here before evening."

Clair went silent at the answer. She could understand the commander's concern for her soldiers, but she was still worried about her as well. Personally, Clair didn't want Yvikka to go, but to tell her to not go would contradict with her 'commander's sense'.

"I'll be all right, Lady Clair. I can hold my own out there," the dark-haired commander assured, as if knowing her concern.

"Let me come with you, then. Just to be safe," Clair blurted out of worries.

"No, Lady Clair. Please don't," Yvikka replied promptly, "It is unwise if you come along only to ensure the well-being of a single soldier… Your soldiers need you more here, especially when any of those alien fiends appeared nearby."

The Shield Legion commander could not talk back in the face of her fellow commander's words. She realized that she is being selfish, and Yvikka's words were true. Baring that, she knew that she has no other option but agree.

"All right, then, I understand," Clair agreed, albeit reluctantly, "Just… take care, and return safely, okay?"

"I will, Lady Clair."

---

Palmira Plains, halfway to the commercial city Peterny.

Yvikka took note as she examined the remains of a fiend which she'd run into a while ago. It was actually a native monster, but what that disturbed her was the fact that the particular beast is not 'native' in the area.

I've never seen this kind here before, she thought. Their dwellings should be somewhere further north.

Is this also caused by that 'Darkest Night'?

Finished with her notes, she then crept back silently to where her steed was waiting for her as she spotted several more monsters around her vicinity. As soon as she got to her lum, she quickly mounted herself, and continued her journey to Peterny in the fastest gallop as her steed could.

Eventually, she eased off so as not to force her mount too much. As she pulled the rein, pain stung up her right arm in a sudden. Blood marks started to appear on the tunic covered the arm, and she could feel blood flowing beneath the gauntlet, on to the leather glove before finally dripping off of it. In response, she quickly poked some certain pressure points along the arm in order to lessen the bleeding.

Apris… It still hasn't stopped?

It was the aftereffect of the spell she'd cast yesterday—extreme runological strain the spell had caused took its toll in the caster's body. It was not as bad as the one she'd had in the night before, so she knew that she'd be all right; but the reminiscence it brought to her mind—the recollection of all things she'd refused to remember—was utterly disturbing.

Damn it, father… why did you teach me this?

Why did you give me this curse?

Had it not for this spell, I'd…

Suddenly, Yvikka realized something—something that she'd never thought of before.

I'd have… died. I'd have died that day… and…

and even if I survived that day… Lady Clair and I would have died yesterday…

The thought calmed her somehow, as it seemed to be a good reasoning for a thing which she'd long considered a 'curse'. That, however, didn't last long as another image struck her.

But… why…?

BUT WHY SHOULD YOU DIE WITHOUT TELLING ME A THING?!

As she was torn between feeling thankful or cursed for her late father's 'gift', her senses flared in a sudden—a flare of danger. Somehow, her lum felt that too, and jolted sideways in response. Something hit the ground nearby, causing a loud explosion which knocked the steed and its rider down. Yvikka was able to jump off her steed in the last second so as to avoid being crushed under the beast. She hit the ground shoulder first, rolled over and finally got back to her feet. The soldier instinctively reached for her sword, but her sword arm—her right arm—could barely heed her mind's command.

Hidden under the thick cloud of dust and smoke, the jet-black orbs saw an image of a six-winged, long-armed humanoid being emanating the menacing aura, which the soldier had somehow become accustomed with.

Tch… Damn…

---

It was nearing nightfall in Arias.

The silver-haired guardian of the town, Clair Lasbard could be seen walking around the newly arrived patients in the treatment chamber, checking them one by one and talking encouragement to keep their spirits alive.

They were all the casualties from the reconnaissance groups sent today.

The number of casualties for a single day's operation was quite staggering to some extent. Out from the group comprised of at least six soldiers and two runologists, most returned with only half of them remaining. The survivors returned with reports on sightings of various alien fiends; among them fit the description of the ones Clair had seen the day before.

It was quite heartening for Clair to hear that some of her soldiers were able to fend the fiends off, and that none of the groups was completely annihilated. But still, she had lost many of her finest soldiers, and even more were pretty much discouraged by the sheer power they'd encountered, which saddened her very much.

After seeing several of her subordinates, the commander then stopped at a certain soldier who had her one arm and torso bandaged because of the severe burn she suffered.

She was Ersa, her aide, who'd led a search party to recover a recon group that was overdue. She succeeded in rescuing the remains of the group, but got wounded in the process. Reports said that she got in a tangle with an angel-like being, and managed to fight it off.

Clair settled herself in the bedside carefully, so as not to jar the wounded soldier, and then looked gently at the young woman who'd always stood faithfully by her side. She remembered at how lively her aide was in the morning's briefing, very much in the opposite of her present condition, and it caused the commander a slight pang of remorse.

"She will be fine," sounded a woman's voice, who turned out to be Aline, the head doctor.

"She's just asleep," the doctor assured again, "I've seen her through worse, and I'm sure she'll make it through this."

"Yeah, she will," Clair replied with a smile, "Ersa is one strong girl."

The door to the room creaked opened. Sisera, Yvikka's aide staggered into the room with a bandage strapped around her forehead. The said bandage was wet, soaked red with blood from the wound it was covering—even trickles of blood could be seen coming down her cheek.

"I think… I need a bandage change…" Sisera spoke huskily, "The bleeding… it won't stop…"

"Yes, right away," Aline replied rapidly, "Just lie down and relax. Someone please get me a light here!"

"Here," Clair responded, taking out the glowstone—a light-emitting stone—she always brought with her, and lit it up, "Will this do?"

"Yes, this will do. Now, hold it right there… nah!"

Aline carefully—yet swiftly—opened the bloodied bandage, furrowing a brow upon finding that the wound hadn't been properly treated, hence the prolonged bleeding. Without a word, she managed a minor healing spell, and then proceeded with the proper treatment before finally wrapped it up with a fresh, clean bandage.

"All done," Aline said contentedly.

"Thanks, Aline."

"No problem. Just remember to check it up tomorrow morning, okay?"

Without even waiting for the soldier's answer, the doctor then left to attend another patient, leaving Sisera with Clair. The brunette aide sighed, and then turned to the Shield Legion commander, and called out.

"Lady Clair."

"Yes, Sisera?"

"Can I… ask you a question?" The brunette asked timidly.

"Of course. What is it?" Was Clair's reply.

"… Lady Yvikka… did she promise to return here before nightfall?"

"Well… she said 'hopefully', so I don't think that she made any promise," Clair answered.

Sisera drew a deep sigh at the answer, and muttered almost inaudibly.

"… Glad to hear that…"

"What's the matter?" It was Clair's turn to ask.

Sisera didn't answer immediately. She drew another, slightly deeper sigh, and then managed an answer.

"… Lady Clair… you know, Lady Yvikka always keeps promises. If she had promised to return before nightfall, then she certainly would have returned by now. Now that she didn't make any promise… then I think I shouldn't worry…"

"Your friends in Peterny might be having as much trouble as we do here. Therefore, Yvikka might decide to spend more time there to handle the problem. She's the commander, after all," Clair said, trying to be heartening.

"I know…" Sisera muttered again, "With all those trades, smugglings, disputes, uprisings… and now, these wicked monsters… I'm just worried that she doesn't take enough rest…"

"I see that everyone's here," sounded another, familiar voice.

The two officers turned to the direction of the voice, and found another commander standing by the door.

"Yvikka!" Clair exclaimed, very much surprised, "When did you return?"

"I've just gotten here," she replied, stepping closer to her superior and her aide.

"How's Peterny and the others?" Asked Sisera.

"Peterny is fine," Yvikka answered her aide, "Lucille has gotten everything under control. We shouldn't have to worry about it."

"Oh, that's a relief…" said Sisera, her voice now spirited.

Yvikka smiled at the response, then looked up, casting her eyes to the whole room; finding it fully laden with the dead and dying.

"These…" The dark-eyed commander muttered, "Are they the casualties of today's operation?"

"Yes…" Clair answered lowly, "… And this is just for a single day of operation. I'm afraid that—"

Clair cut her sentence short as she looked up to her fellow commander. Her pale brown eyes saw them, the torn in her clothes, the dirt covering her face and her uniform with blood marks mixed in, and the chipped gauntlets she was wearing—the obvious marks of battle.

Yvikka heard her superior stopped her sentence, then looked down to her, only to meet Clair's worried eyes. She knew exactly what Clair is worrying about, and lifted up her reassurance.

"I got in a tangle with fiends, yes, but I'm fine. These are all but flesh wounds. I can deal with them myself."

"I know you'll say that," Clair said, "But while you're here, wouldn't it be better to have your wounds checked?"

The dark haired woman shook her head gently at the suggestion, and replied.

"Not now. The doctors and healers seem to be busy now, and there are more of those who need their attention more than I do," she then paused, and went on, "Anyway, Lady Clair, I've got some findings to report."

"Very well. Let us go to my room to hear it."

Clair stood up, and then moved toward the treatment chamber's exit. Yvikka followed her superior, but not before applauded her aide for her safe return, considering the dangers she'd faced during the day's operation.

"I'm glad to see you safe, Sisera."

"I'm glad to see you safe as well, commander," the aide answered, returning her commander's smile with one of her own.

---

"So, what do you find?" Clair asked as she closed the door to her chamber.

"Not particularly new to you, I assume," Yvikka answered, "I believe that the recon groups you sent today have confirmed the presence of the alien monsters just like what we'd encountered, as well as beasts not native in the vicinity."

"True," Clair spoke, settling herself in her chair, "If it's about the alien ones, we already have a wild guessing about them, but in the case of the non-indigenous ones… I really don't know how to explain it. Are they migrating here all of a sudden in an overnight? It's just utterly nonsensical! How could beasts from the northern and eastern plains travel here in such a number unnoticed?"

"I doubt if they are just migrating, but I have no better idea. Considering that this is also caused by 'The Darkest Night' sounds more sensible to me, however."

"Are you saying that 'The Darkest Night' also move those beasts in an instant?"

"If that can cause fiends unlike anything else to appear here in an overnight, why can't it move beasts from one place to another in the same manner?" Was Yvikka's prompt answer, "It is too early to make a conclusion, anyway. We can't just blame that worrisome night for everything."

"You're probably right…" Clair sighed, leaning her slender figure more to the chair.

"Speaking about the alien fiends, my soldiers reported sightings of them in the vicinity of Palmira Plains, Sanmite Steppe, and Irisa Fields. Recent reports that I received from Aquios this afternoon while I'm in Peterny state that such fiends are also sighted along the way to Mosel Dunes—and it is highly likely that they are in the Mosel Dunes as well."

"By the name of Apris!" Clair exclaimed; her eyes widened in surprise and slight terror, "That's almost the whole major roads in the kingdom!"

"Judging from that fact, I'm afraid that they also appear in Cirga Plains further north of Aquios, and also in Therithys Plains to the east, all the way to our eastern coastline… it can be properly assumed that our kingdom has been overrun by these alien fiends."

Clair bowed her head as her friend finished talking, deep in thought. She was completely aware of the trouble that might arise, but that was not her real concern.

Angels… Demons… Clair said in her mind; her thought drifted to her first encounter with the alien fiends, the words the angelic fiend told her echoed.

"Those who defy the will of the Creator shall be terminated. Irregularities shall be deleted."

The 'Creator', Clair thought. Is this Creator truly desire total destruction?

The silver haired woman sighed deeply, feeling somewhat troubled. If the 'Creator' truly intended destruction, she would be more than willing to fight it, but she didn't know how. Let alone battling it physically; the words on the fiends' strength and their claim of the 'Creator' were more than enough to discourage people.

If we are to do battle with them… defeat is inevitable.

"In any case," Yvikka's voice broke through Clair's train of thought, "Her Majesty is having everyone to look into the matter. Until Aquios completes their investigation, all of Her Majesty's servants are ordered to remain calm while keeping order in place among people. Contact with the alien fiends should also be minimized."

"Her Majesty has issued an order? I haven't received any word from Aquios until now," Clair asked in slight confusion.

"That's because the order has just been issued today. I happened to meet the royal messengers destined to send the order to Arias in Peterny. They're in bad shape from the journey, so I offer to deliver the order here instead," Yvikka answered her commander's confusion, taking out two message tubes from her tunic and handing them over to Clair, "One I believe is the order, and the other one is Her Majesty's personal letter for you."

"Thank you Yvik—"

The fair commander stopped in a sudden as the message tubes came to her hand. She felt something odd with them—something liquid, yet a bit sticky. Clair then put the tubes on the table in favor of taking a closer look on what was that actually, drawing a slight gasp as she realized it.

The thick, red liquid—blood.

Without giving Yvikka a chance to react, Clair quickly stood up, grabbed the soldier's right arm and pulled her closer, feeling the cloth covering the arm she was grabbing was wet. Apparently, it was where the blood came from—and it was still bleeding pretty badly even as Clair was holding it.

"Yvikka… you're bleeding…" Said Clair, very much worried.

Clair then looked up to look at her friend more clearly. She now saw it that Yvikka was sweating too much, which she hadn't really noticed before. She lifted her free hand up to the other woman's forehead, finding it burning from fever.

"Oh, no, Yvikka… you… you've got a fever. You need a doctor!"

No!

"Lady Clair! Don't—"

Yvikka saw her superior was about to dash out of the room, obviously to call for a doctor. Unwilling to let her to do so, she turned and reached her hand out, attempting to hold the silver haired woman; but the sudden movement she was pulling out made the headache she's been feeling goes unbearably worse all of a sudden. Her vision, as well as the rest of her senses blurred, but only for a split-second. She managed to stay conscious, and by the time she was fully aware again, she found herself on the floor with Clair's worried voice ringing in her ears.

"Yvikka!"

Yvikka tried to get back to her feet on her own, but was unable to do so until Clair came to her aide.

"Look, Yvikka, this is not the time to look tough. You're wounded, and wounded badly. You need a doctor now!" Clair reprimanded, her face serious, "Stay here. I'll get Aline from the treatment chamber, all right?"

"If… If you do that… she'll find out! Lady Clair!"

The yell stunned Clair, making her reconsider her intention. She cast a bemused look at Yvikka, who was staring back at her with an expression that could only be described as despaired.

"What… what do you mean?" Clair managed her question, "… Find out what?"

The battered soldier didn't answer. Instead, she grabbed the slender arm holding her, shoving it off, and forced her way to the door.

"Lady Clair… I'm sorry…"

With those words, Yvikka left the room, leaving Clair shocked and wondered. It took a while for the Shield Legion commander to regain herself. When she actually did, she stormed out of the room in attempt to get to Yvikka, but the dark-haired woman was nowhere nearby.

Clair then dropped herself back to her chair, feeling a slight guilt as she looked again at the blood-covered message tubes which started all that. Her mind trailed off, thinking about Yvikka's words before she left the room.

"She'll find out," the words echoed again.

But find out what?

She has too many secrets with her.

Even now, I'm wondering… who are you really? Why do you enroll as a regular soldier, with that… power that you possess, and that skill with runology you've displayed…I just…

Clair's eyes widened in realization as she thought about what that her friend had done—the one thing which Yvikka had told her to keep secret, something that had seemingly troubled her friend.

That spell! It could be that!

It is… like nothing else that I've known, but it seems powerful… too powerful to be conjured by someone not a runologist.

Such a powerful spell would surely require a distinctive pattern of runological mark to be inscribed on her body in order to be invoked. And if someone sees that mark…

If that's the case, then why?

Why is it so important that you don't want it to be known… that you have to go to such length even at the risk of your life?

And what is it that disturb you so much… ?

Meanwhile, Yvikka had been able to drag herself back to her room. Her heart was full with guilt and regret, and her mind was so crowded with many thoughts that she could not think clearly.

Why…?

Why she has to find this out?

Why she has to bother with this?

Why this even exists in the first place?

---

Several days had passed since then.

While the situation around her wasn't improving, mostly because of the alien monsters—now referred to as 'Vile Wind Fiends'—Clair couldn't help but feeling that Yvikka was getting more and more distant from her. Of course, she still took orders from her, and carried out the missions without complaining. On the other hand, she rarely talked to Clair ever since, except in briefings; and seemed reluctant to meet her face to face. Their relationship—which once had been as close as 'close friends'—had somehow deteriorated to mere superior – subordinate relationship.

But their relationship was not all of Clair's worries.

Ever since the dark haired woman closed herself from her, Clair often found Yvikka not present in her chamber despite the fact that the Chain Legion commander does not have any mission. When she eventually returned, she often bore marks of battle with her. Hard-pressed by her worries, Clair had tried to seek answer about this from Sisera, Yvikka's aide; but it turned out that Sisera could not provide the satisfactory answer for all she knew were all that her commander had told her.

"I'm fine Lady Clair. There's nothing to worry about," was all the reply Clair got from asking the dark-eyed commander herself. The look she was wearing while saying those words made Clair certain that she would never get the answer she needed by asking alone—she had to act even further.

And so, in one occasion, as Clair caught her fellow commander going out without any particular assignment, she followed after her—without notice.

---

Yvikka checked on her gear and supplies once more before leaving Arias. After she'd made sure that everything was where they should be, she took a step and started walking toward Palmira Plains. Before she actually left the gates, she felt that something was heaving on her, which made her rethink her actions for a moment.

Is this… the right thing to do?

I wonder what Lady Clair is thinking about this…

The dark haired woman sighed deeply at the thought of Clair. She had been staying away from her for days, and in all honesty, she didn't enjoy even the slightest of it. On the other hand, if she stayed close to her, that would only make Clair worry about her.

As long as I returned all right… she wouldn't worry

I guess…

She then went and explored around the plains very much in full alert in realization that the very place was infested with the so-called 'Vile Wind Fiends', and she didn't want to get ambushed by such powerful fiends. Thankfully, the ominous aura the fiends were emanating enabled her to sense their presence around her, which was a great help for her cause.

After a time, she sensed a strong presence nearby. Instead of moving away from it, she actually approached it. The ill-omened air grew thicker as she moved closer to its source, and she got more and more cautious with every step she took. Her attention was so directed to tracking the aura back to its source, leaving her oblivious to the watchful, yet worried brown eyes that had been watching her the entire time.

Clair watched in slight terror as she saw her friend approached two 'demons', seemingly deliberately. When it looked like that Yvikka was about to meet them, she stopped her approach at a terrain-hid position where she could see the demons clearly with less concern of being quickly noticed.

What is she doing there? Clair asked in her mind.

The likely answer to the question came as she saw Yvikka took out something from her tunic, which looked more like a small notes, and started to write something on it, all the while looking at the two demons as they wandered around.

She is… observing them? So this is a reconnaissance after all…

Having part of her question answered, Clair then continued her watch over Yvikka since the distance between the soldier and the fiends was dangerously close, hoping that everything would go without a blood spilled. Clair drew a relieved sigh when Yvikka finally put her notes back into her tunic, seemingly finished with it. Just as she thought that the observation was actually finished, she saw the soldier did an unthinkable thing.

She unsheathed her blade.

No!

Don't do anything foolish, Yvikka!

Please… please just get back here!

To Clair's horror, Yvikka jumped out of her hiding place and ran up to the fiends, taking them completely by surprise. She passed right between the two monsters; her blade flashed in two smooth slashes, cutting clear through their bodies with little trouble. Judging from how it looked, the attack would seem to have split the fiends in two, but it didn't. They stood firmly and moved as if nothing happened even as their dark essences pouring out of their wounds.

One of the demons then retaliated with a lunge with its arms, but Yvikka, fully aware of their extraordinary resilience, had already expected the almost-immediate counter attack. She rolled toward the attacker, leaving the arms overshot her harmlessly above her head. The soldier recovered from the evasion right in front of the attacking monster, and came up with a sudden thrust at its midsection, impaling it with such strength that the blade was buried up to the hilt. The other monster, apparently attempting to take the advantage of its now-immobile opponent, jumped for an attack, but was stopped dead in its track as Yvikka shoved two daggers imbued with fire rune at it. Having momentarily thwarting the other fiend, the soldier then pushed at the one she'd just impaled, moved to its side and released her sword from its body with a cutting motion to the side, spilling even more dark essences.

The Shield Legion commander witnessed the battle unfolded before her eyes with a mix of fear and awe. She was awed at her friend's calm fighting form, and at the fact that she could match up to her opponents. However, she still held the fear that the fiends would eventually overwhelm her. Not to mention the worries she was feeling as Yvikka's actions also arose more questions.

Just what are you trying to accomplish by fighting them like that?!

Very much captivated by the storm of thoughts going over her head, Clair was somewhat unaware of another demon-like fiend approaching her from behind. The menacing air it was radiating, however, alerted the runologist about the danger. She flung her body to the side just before the fiend's claws lopped her head off. Runological light appeared on the palm of Clair's hands, gradually forming into a dagger of light, which she tossed at the attacker in her flight.

BOOM!

The thundering sound of an explosion caught Yvikka's attention. Along with that, she sensed another strong, yet familiar aura which definitely not from any of the Vile Wind Fiends.

This presence… could it be…

The dark-haired warrior then turned to the direction of the sound. Her eyes went the image of the third demon fiend, and then locked on the unmistakable figure with shimmering silver hair fighting it.

Lady Clair!!

Purely driven by her need to ensure her dear superior's well-being, Yvikka disengaged from the fiends she was fighting in favor of joining Clair. One of the monsters got in her way, but she quickly dispatched it with a violent uppercut from her sheathed sword, sending it catching the sick air before finally landing behind her. The other one tried to give chase, but was stopped by a series of four daggers imbued with elements.

Clair, for her part, was still engaged in a close encounter. She dodged another attack, and returned it with a fierce, yet graceful flip which send her opponent flying. Not even giving the chance for it to land, Clair attacked again by throwing six runology-enhanced daggers. Just as the daggers hit, the helpless fiend, still airborne, was struck again by a ferocious assault from the oncoming swordswoman; sending it smashing back to earth. And by then, the two commanders—one had been running away from the other—came eye to eye. Browns and blacks intertwined, each filled with questions. Though then, they were also aware enough that now is not the right time to debate. The reek of ill omen caught their attention; the fiends had regained their stand, and moved to surround the warrior and the runologist.

"This is not good," Clair commented the situation, "We're surrounded."

"Then we strike them down," was Yvikka's calm reply, which, to some extent, surprised the other woman.

Clair turned back at the answer, finding her friend's expression was surprisingly calm and confident in spite of the unfavorable situation they were facing. However, having known Yvikka for a time, she knew that her friend know what she is saying. Heartened by the words, Clair then braced herself for battle. Just as she did so, she felt a rise of power from Yvikka—the same feeling that she felt from her when she cast the unknown spell the other day. When she turned again to look at her, she saw it again—pale blue aura formed gradually around her right hand.

"I'll get you out of this death trap," the warrior said again, "Once you're clear, start hitting them with spells. For now, just follow me there."

"Got it."

With one deep, controlled inhalation, Yvikka then focused to one fiend standing right in front of her in the knowing that it was readying a spell. She then cried a battle cry, and started her charge, with Clair following hard behind her.

---

"Unghh…"

"Yvikka!"

A silver haired female runologist ran up to meet Yvikka, the female soldier who was with her in the fierce fight with three monsters known as the 'Vile Wind Fiends'. The fiends were powerful, and they were outnumbered by one. Nevertheless, their combined strength and tactic had managed them to defeat the ethereal fiends.

And now, they were on their way home to Arias.

"I'm fine, Lady Clair… It's just… the aftereffect of the spell is starting to come up," the soldier answered the runologist.

"Let's rest here for now," Clair suggested.

"Okay…"

The two women then made a stop in an open field. While Yvikka settled herself on the grass-covered ground, Clair stood watch for any possible dangers to come. After the runologist had ensured that there were no nearby threats, she then paced up to her companion's side. As she sat beside her, she saw a speck of blood mark started to appear on Yvikka's right arm.

"It's bleeding again…" Clair murmured, very much worried.

"No, it's already stopped. Look…" Said Yvikka.

Clair watched as the blood stain grew bigger than it first appeared, and then stopped completely. When no more stain came up, the runologist became certain that the bleeding had truly stopped.

"That's a relief…" Clair sighed, relieved.

Clair was about to ask Yvikka about all that she'd been doing all these times, but was in doubt because she wasn't sure if this was the right moment to do so. After a time of being so distant from her, the battle with the fiend just before had somehow opened a chance for communication. Still, Clair was afraid that should she bring the topic out; the dark-haired woman would close herself off again, hence ruining the building relationship between them. Yvikka, for her part, knew exactly what her superior was thinking, as well as the reason why she wounded up with her in the battle. It was apparent to her that Clair was following her, for she also knew that the Shield Legion commander had no particular assignment in the area.

Worries… Yvikka thought.

Foolish I… to think that I can lessen her worries by staying away from her…

I should've realized it…

Lady Clair has asked me to not call her 'lady' anymore. She has treated and considered me not as just a mere subordinate…but something more… How can someone who has given so much consideration to you not worry about you when you suddenly change?

When she thought about it, she felt her cheeks warmed all of a sudden. She then turned her face away—slowly and nonchalantly so as to not attract Clair's attention—not wanting to let the woman see her blush, and sighed.

If I tell her… maybe she won't worry so much anymore.

Yes, that's it… I have to do it. People worry because they don't know.

I have to let her know…

After all…

She has seen it… Is there any reason to keep this hidden from her?

I don't know for how long I can keep this to myself… This one thing… that I've been running away from…

And Lady Clair… she seems to always have the answer that I need. To whomever else I can have more confidence on this matter… if not in her?

I… need her to know…

Having decided for herself, Yvikka then turned back to see Clair, immediately meeting her in the eyes.

"Clair…"

"Yvikka…"

Silence fell as the two women found themselves calling out each other's name in unison. Clair tilted her head and smiled, feeling glad at the fact that the other woman was willing to actually speak to her, after days in silence. The sweet smile somehow captivated Yvikka, throwing her off-guard and leaving her blush vulnerable to the pale brown eyes.

"I-I'm sorry… you go first… Lady Clai-I mean… Clair," the blushing woman managed, trying to avert Clair's attention from her face.

Clair chuckled at the sight before her. She wasn't accustomed to see Yvikka blush the way she is now, and was wondering at what that could cause it. The thought remained for a short while before she finally refocused to her original intention.

"I… want to apologize for stalking you… and for not being careful enough that I dragged another fiend to the scene."

"Never mind about that," Yvikka replied, "Part of it is my mistake as well. I go out without notice several times, and I take it that I've made you worried… so… Clair, I…"

Yvikka stopped her sentence, apparently reconsidering of doing it, but only for a while. With another deep sigh and a visible lifting of her shoulders, as if she were bracing for a battle, she raised her face to meet her superior's resolute, yet soothing eyes, and lifted her voice.

"Clair… when we get back to Arias… Would you like… to have a tea with me? And maybe… one or two words about all that happened?"

The offer slightly took Clair by surprise for she had never expected her friend to do such a thing, but she was glad that Yvikka actually willed it herself.

"O-of course, Yvikka," Clair responded rather clumsily.

The dark-haired woman smiled relief in response, and went on.

"… I know that I owe you explanation ever since that day, but I never manage to give you one… It's because… I'm afraid. Honestly, Clair… I'm afraid. I'm afraid to face other's opinion of who… or what I am actually. It's just…"

Yvikka lowered her head, her hands on her face, unable to pull herself to continue her sentence.

She felt guilty. Very guilty.

Guilty for having pointed a sword to Clair the other day.

Guilty for not telling her anything.

Guilty for making her worried.

Guilty for being so selfish.

"Let's just… go back to Arias for now…" Yvikka muttered.

"Yes, let's go home…" Clair replied gently.