Disclaimers # 1: I don't own Star Ocean. It is the rightful property of Square-Enix's. The OCs are still mine (and will always be mine :p), 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: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I had hoped to be able to finish this chapter before the New Year, but… yeah. No excuses. I was procrastinating. As always, my sincerest thanks to all of you who've stuck around with me over the three years of writing, and a special gratitude for those who have so kind to leave reviews. I hope this latest upload can fulfill any expectation you readers may have in me.
Happy reading to you all.
The Third Soldier: Another Heart
Chapter 13
Shattered Bonds
"I hate you!"
"Who's that?"
"I hate you!"
"Ivy… Is that you? Ivy!"
"I hate you!!"
"Ivy… Yvikka… listen to me…"
"I hate you!!"
"I'm sorry!"
"I hate you!!"
"Please…"
"I hate you!!"
"I hate you!!"
"I HATE YOU!!"
---
"WAAAAH!!"
A golden-haired priestess jerked from of her uneasy slumber, crying rather violently at the aftermath of whatever dream she was having. It shocked her very much that she couldn't get to recognize her surroundings the instant her azure eyes were opened, and it took her quite some time to rearrange her scattered mind. Just as she managed it, she heard loud poundings from the door in her room, and then shouting from the other side.
"Your Eminence Andressa!! What happened?"
"N-nothing… it's nothing," Andressa hastily replied the inquiry.
"Are you sure you're all right?" The man on the other side, who apparently to be one of the castle guards, asked again.
"Yes, I'm all right," the priestess reassured, strengthening her voice to make her sound the answer, "I apologize for the commotion."
"Very well, if you say so," the guard replied, "Please notify us should you need anything."
"I will, thank you."
Seemingly believing the priestess' answer, the guard then walked away. Only when peace finally came Andressa fully realized herself and her surroundings.
She was in Aquios Castle, to deliver the news on the raid on Kaddan Shrine by the Vile Wind Fiends. The queen had accepted her; the news had been delivered, and she was ordered to take a rest while waiting for the legion commanders to assemble in the castle.
… And then, I fell asleep…
Sighing, the priestess looked down at the table where she'd fallen asleep onto before. There she found a scroll, its empty sheet partly spread over the table, and a feather pen, with ink drying on its tip. Apparently, she was about to write something right before she fell to sleep.
… What am I going to do before…?
Oh, right… I'm supposed to make a detailed report on the shrine's last situation for the legion commanders when they come here…
… They'd be… Clair… Clair Lasbard of the Shield Legion, and then the Chain Legion commander…
… Yvikka…
Yvikka… eté Yrsenlaf…?
Andressa drew another, deeper sigh at the recollection of one of her particular childhood friends. They were best friends back then, until a word of blunt hatred was uttered and the bonds between them were shattered.
It was ten years ago; ten years of not hearing the name, and now…
She heard the name again, but somehow doubted it.
Having been a priestess ever since her fifteenth age, she had lived a life secluded from the outside world. It was even more so when she was given the honor to be one of the Shrine Guardians—a rank entitled to the one whose responsibility is to safeguard the Apris Orb in Kaddan Shrine. Baring that, she, as well as the rest of the people within her rank, was somewhat less informed about whatever happened outside the shrine. She only knew people who sit in the major positions within the kingdom, such as the queen, the magistrate, and the commanders of the primary legions—the Secret and Shield Legion.
She had never heard of her friend since that time as well, nor had she ever known about her being the Chain Legion's commander, which incites doubt about the particular commander truly being her long-lost friend.
But still… 'Yvikka' is not the kind of name you'd find anywhere.
The golden haired woman leaned back to the chair, deep in thought. Her mind slowly drifted into the past—the time when she last talked to her friend.
(Flashback)
An eleven-year old Andressa stood before the door to the room where her friend, Yvikka, was being treated, a deep guilt lingered within her heart.
She wanted to apologize.
Apologize for the prank that had gone wrong, a prank that had made her friend, and her father, injured.
… Will she forgive me…?
Young Andressa took one deep inhalation. In her mind went the recounts of her apologizing to Yvikka for her past mistakes. She had always had the dark-haired girl's forgiveness, but now, she wasn't sure.
Ivy is not one to hold grudge, but still…
"Ah, little one, what are you doing there?"
A soft voice snapped the girl out of her thought. She turned at the direction of the voice, finding a nurse standing close to her.
"I-I-I…" Andressa stuttered from her surprise, "… I-I… just want to see Ivy…"
"Ivy? Oh, you mean Yvikka, the girl that has just come in this late afternoon. Are you her friend?"
"Yea. I'm her friend. Best friend," Andressa claimed strongly.
"I see," said the friendly nurse, "Then, you can just go right in and see her. She's all right, and last I checked her not long ago, she's awake. She's kind of troubled, however, that she doesn't want to talk to people."
"Ivy… is troubled?" Andressa asked rather rhetorically, worry seeping into her voice.
"Yes, but I think it's okay for you to see her. Since you're her best friend, I'm sure she'll be happy to see you, and it's good for her."
The nurse's words went deep into her, and the girl found herself being driven into another train of thought.
Ivy… will be happy to see a best friend?
I'm her best friend, and she is my best friend, too, but…
Will she be happy to see me?
What if she's mad at me?
"So, do you want to see her or not?"
The nurse's question once again jerked the girl out of her contemplation, and by the time Andressa got to look at her, the nurse was standing right in front of the door, her hand on the handle, looking at her benevolently.
"Yes… Yes! Yes! I want to go in and see her!" Andressa answered rather hastily.
The nurse lifted a small smile at the girl's answer, and then opened the door for her.
"Then go and see her," said the nurse.
Though a little doubt was there, Andressa stepped into the room to meet her friend, but not before saying thanks to the nurse. Once inside, she saw Yvikka lying on one bed with bandages all over her body, looking at the person on the bed next to her—her father.
Apris… Yvikka…
I'm so sorry…
Please, please forgive me…
The girl took one slow, fretful step closer to her friend, and then another, and another. The closer she got to her, the more she felt her stomach roll and her nerves flustered from the anxiety. When she finally reached Yvikka's bedside, she couldn't bring herself to speak right up. She then settled herself on a chair nearby, trying to calm herself and manage all the mixed emotions within her.
The last time she got mad at me… it was because I lost the book I borrowed her…
We didn't talk for days after that…
It's no fun…
And now… Just how many days we are going to spend not talking to each other after this?
A day? Two? Three? A week? A month…?
… Forever…?
Andressa shuddered at the thought of whatever thing that might come to her. Yvikka was her best friend. Whenever she had trouble, it was quite often for her to run to the dark-haired girl to have her comfort. With that in mind, she knew that she couldn't honestly bear to have their friendship ends, which could mean not talking to her friend for the rest of her life. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became. Eventually, unable to stand the queasiness of uncertainty, she brought up her voice to make it sure.
"Hi… Ivy…" She called, "… How are you? I hope you're fine…"
The other girl didn't answer, and that made young Andressa felt even more uncomfortable than before. Thinking that her friend just didn't hear her voice, she then shifted her body more toward Yvikka's ears with hopes that she could hear her more clearly, and spoke again.
"… Look, Yvikka… Ivy… I'm sorry… It was Guiddo's idea, but… Truly, we don't mean this to happen… so…"
The golden-haired girl paused at her friend's indifference. Usually, when she'd said 'sorry', Yvikka would turn to her and smile, no matter how upset she'd been, and forgave her. But now, she lay still, completely apathetic to her words of apology, and Andressa started to fear that things had gone beyond forgiveness for Yvikka.
And so, she said it again, this time more directly, her voice trembled from the restrained cry.
"… Ivy, would you forgive us? Would you forgive me?"
When Yvikka didn't answer for the last time, Andressa came to the limit of her patience. More driven by emotion, she clutched her friend's hand, shook it gently, and brought her voice again, this time more begging than apologizing.
"… Ivy… please… talk to me… We're still friends, right?"
"Go away," came a response.
"Wh-what?"
"I said go away!" Yvikka restated her answer, this time in a stronger voice.
"Y-Yvikka…?" Andressa muttered, fear started to appear in her voice for the response was like hearing that her worst fear was about to be realized.
All in a sudden, the dark haired girl turned to face her. The infinitely angry, tear-streaked face and the hatred inside her jet black eyes were something she would never want to see again; and her words, were the words she didn't and never had wanted to hear again.
"I HATE YOU!!"
The words struck Andressa like an arrow to her heart. It was like seeing the gates of forgiveness had shut tight before her, and their friendship severed.
Her worst fear was finally realized.
The young girl flinched; her small body trembled from hearing the expression of blunt hatred, tears started to fall from her sapphire eyes. She felt emotions mixed within her, and it felt like a huge lump of dread rolled into her heart and stomach.
Yvikka… by Apris…
You… you don't forgive me?
You hate me?
Without her even realizing it, she took several steps back, away from Yvikka. Eventually, she ran away, bursting with tears in the knowing that they are no longer friends. She ran, still questioning her friend's hatred toward her, for she felt that it was too high of a price for her to pay.
Why…?
Why do you hate me…?
I know I'm at fault, but I'm not the only one to blame, right?
Lilia was there… and Guiddo… he was the one with the idea.
But why do you have to put it all on me?
She kept on running, eventually heading to the town's church, hoping to find some comfort in the house of the Gods she so worshipped. When she finally reached her destination, she quickly found herself a secluded place among the rows of bench and sat, still weeping.
She didn't know how much time had passed since then, when she suddenly felt a soft, warm hand touched her small, slumped shoulder. Reluctantly, she lifted her face to look at the owner of the hand, finding a very familiar woman clad in a priestess' attire.
"M-mother…"
The priestess, who was the young girl's mother, smiled answer at her daughter and wrapped her in a warm, motherly embrace in the knowing that she was deeply troubled.
"… Mother… mother…" Andressa sobbed; her tears renewed as she snuggled herself deeper into her mother in desperation of a shelter from her guilt.
The mother didn't speak yet; just tightened her embrace and gently stroking the girl's head and back. She kept on with her silent comfort for some time before finally spoke.
"… Andressa… what happened?"
"… Ivy…" Andressa muttered weakly, "… Ivy… she…"
"What happened to her? She is all right, isn't she?"
"… She… she… didn't forgive me!!" The girl choked between sobs, and as she managed her last word out, she cried again rather openly, "She hates me! She hates me!! We're… we're no longer… friends…"
"Oh, Andressa…" said the mother. She knew just how close her daughter and the other girl was, and she could understand how having their friendship broken pained Andressa. "Just what fault have you done on your part that caused ill to her?"
"I'm not the only one there!!" Andressa cried rather hysterically, "… It was Guiddo!! The prank was Guiddo's idea! Lilia was there, too! I know I'm wrong for I'd been there with them… b-but… why… Why does she have to blame it all on me?! I have apologized to her but she… but she…"
The outpouring confession slightly shocked the priestess. She had known of the misfortune that had befallen to her daughter's best friend, but she honestly had no idea that her daughter had her share of fault in that.
"So it was your prank that caused her that? It's no wonder, then…" The mother said.
"But it wasn't only me!!" Andressa cried back.
The mother felt slight displeasure at her daughter's doing, but she knew that neither reprimand nor punishment from her is necessary. Andressa had admitted her wrong, and Yvikka had somehow done punishment for her. And also, she couldn't stand seeing the girl broken and saddened.
"My dear Andressa…" The mother said gently, and hugged her daughter again, "What did Ivy say to you?"
"She said… she said that she hates me…"
"Is that really so?" The woman uttered a teasing doubt so as to calm Andressa down, "But she might not mean it, you know…"
"No… she means it. She really hates me…" Andressa muttered, her voice was more angry than sad by now.
The mother then pulled away from the embrace, looked at her daughter right into her eyes, and spoke again.
"She said that she hates you, yes, and mother know that she is honest and, most of the time, always meant everything she said. She hates you now, because she is still upset, but maybe not anymore tomorrow, or a week later."
Andressa was speechless at the words, and that was the mother's cue that her counsel had had an impact.
"You know, m'dear… asking an apology from an angry person will not do most of the time. I know that you use to apologize to Ivy almost right away after you realize that you've made a mistake, and I also know that she will forgive you almost right away as well, but for now… let her calm down for a while. When she does, I trust that she'll forgive you when you ask for it."
…
"… That… that might be it, mother," the daughter replied after a moment of silence, "But…"
"What's the problem? Are you afraid of her? Yvikka is not one to hold a grudge, is she?" The mother said, trying to catch her daughter's concern.
"True, but…" Andressa wavered, "… I… don't know if I can face her again…"
The mother sighed. She could understand Andressa's apprehension after being rejected by her best friend, but what that might entail the fear wasn't something to be ignored. If the lingering fear wasn't worked out, her daughter might never be able to face Yvikka for the rest of her life—and it could grow worse in the long run. She also realized, however, that the courage to overcome the fear will have to come from Andressa herself.
And so, she left it up to her daughter…
"Andressa," the mother called, looking deeply into her daughter, "You understand that all wrongdoings will be punished, right?"
"Yes, mother…" Andressa said yieldingly.
"This is your punishment," said the mother, "And the only way to atone for that, is by apologizing to Yvikka and making clear everything between both of you. If Ivy is truly a good girl, I trust that nothing is beyond her forgiveness. All that is left is for you to overcome the fear and face her again. Understand?"
"Yes, mother… I understand."
At her daughter's answer, the motherly priestess then pulled the girl closer and cuddled her affectionately, whispering words of love and encouragement to soothe her battered spirit.
---
Time went by.
She was still afraid.
Afraid of facing Yvikka's possible rejection again.
Every time she intended it, her steps were always halted at the sight of the dark-haired girl. She would freeze at her place, torn between coming at her and apologize, or running away to hiding. She sometimes hoped that Yvikka would take notice of her first, but that never happened, for the other girl seemed to have found her own world to live in since she was hardly ever seen to be playing or hanging around her friends like the way she used to be. Her mother, though was as heartening as she'd always been, seemed unconcerned with that. It was as if she was leaving it all up to her—which she indeed was.
She just couldn't do it.
And without her realizing it, Andressa had been keeping it for years.
Yvikka finally left Armenee, and a short time after, she herself also left the town, as a part of her training to be a priestess, to follow in her mother's footsteps.
It was when she thought that her chance has expired, and she tried to forget it all.
But only a year later…
---
"Andressa yrm Hjalmgunnar."
Andressa, now seventeen, turned to look at her caller. It was the head priestess of Kaddan.
"Your Eminence, Is there something you need me for?"
"Not actually," answered the head priestess, "It's just… you know, that tomorrow will be your inauguration as the Shrine Guardian of Kaddan."
"That's correct."
"Nah, well… There is a kind of custom for us here that we do a confessional prior to the day of our inauguration. It is because of the fact that our life will be even more isolated once we join the rank, and that will hinder us from meeting and apologizing to people whom we had done wrong to in the past. It's not obligatory, and I'm just offering you a chance, so… Andressa, have you a burden, guilt, or anything to confess or share?"
… Meeting and apologizing to people whom we had done wrong to…Her mind drifted into her past couple of years, and for some reasons, stopped at the particular image of a person she had once considered a best friend.
Yvikka… I hadn't had the chance to apologize to her… I wonder how she is doing now… Is she still mad at me…?"Well, Andressa?"
The head priestess' words jerked the teenage priestess out of her reverie. She hastily resumed her attention to the older woman, and answered.
"Yes, Your Eminence. I have one…"
"This way, then…" The head priestess gestured, smiling at her.
Andressa followed the older priestess to a certain chamber in the shrine. Though its decoration and architecture was similar to any other chamber, this one was much simpler, smaller, and furnished only by two chairs and a small table. The two priestesses then sat on each of the chair, facing to each other and saying their customary greetings.
"So, my child… What is it that you're going to confess?" The head priestess began warmly.
"It's… a long story…" Andressa answered timidly.
"It is all right. I have time."
Andressa then went on, telling the woman before her the happening in her past that broke the bonds between her and her friend. She told her how Yvikka and her only parent were injured because of her and her friends' prank, how the dark-haired girl rejected her apology shortly after, and how and why she was hesitant to apologize for the second time. As she recounted, she slowly realized the reason why Yvikka was so mad at her, as well as the larger part of her responsibility as her best friend.
Yvikka was alone…Her father was injured… and last I heard that he wasn't recovering.
She is closer to her father than to anyone else… And that's why…
The young priestess' heart felt even more tormented as she remembered how Yvikka changed after all that. The girl never went out and played like other children do anymore, and she quitted school not long after, which somehow isolated her from the other kids. She could still be seen around the town, doing things that are not normally done by girls at her age—attending a shop, shopping household needs, or doing someone else's garden. In short: working. This was something that she had never realized until now.
She… was working to earn her living…
She had no one to console her after that… I could've been there for her, but I didn't.
And I…
I took part in changing her life…"Andressa."
"Y-yes?" Andressa stammered in slight surprise as her dark train of thought was interrupted.
"Do you realize what you've done to your friend?" The head priestess asked, looking deeply into her cerulean eyes.
Andressa bowed her head, feeling very much guilty. "Yes, I do…"
"And you haven't apologized to her?"
"No, I haven't."
The head priestess sighed, leaning her body to the back of the chair. "From your story… I think your friend… Yvikka… is a strong girl."
"Yes. She is one strong girl. I give her that."
"It might just be that you didn't get to see her around because she was working to earn her living."
"It could be that, Your Eminence."
The senior priestess chuckled. "If that's what you believe about her… then you need not worry much about her well-being. Though then… your fearfulness in this matter is something that you need working out. You have to be braver next time, Andressa. Rejection is an inevitable part in life, you know."
"I understand, Your Eminence. I'll be braver."
"You have to, for it is important for many things we are going to face in our path," said the head priestess, "And also… despite this seclusion, Father Apris could one day arrange for you to see her again. You would want to be ready for that, wouldn't you, Andressa?"
Andressa only smiled in answer to the senior priestess' words.
(End of flashback)
I never thought that I'd meet her again…
If it really is her, then what should I do…?
…
When she thought about it, she suddenly felt a cold wave of fear enveloped her; the old demon that had been haunting her in her childhood reappeared, bringing the image of the pain of rejection and the feel of being hated into her mind.
The feel was nauseating and distressing all at once.
Damn it! Andressa screamed silently in her heart, feeling somehow defeated.
I… I… can't…
…
How can I face her again…?!
No… I must focus… I have a mission…
I must accomplish my mission…
… To protect… the Apris Orb…
With the might of will, the Kaddan priestess finally buried the matter deep within her in favor of focusing to her original objective of coming to the castle, and started to write her report.
There was no summons issued for her by the time she finished writing, and she took it that the legion commanders haven't arrived, and that she still had some time to relax. Very much decided to do just that, the priestess then came out of her room, taking a small walk around the first floor's corridor. When she came near to the castle entrance, she saw images of two people coming from the castle's front yard, and then, the voice of the gate guard came to her.
"Lady Clair, Lady Yvikka, Her Majesty has been expecting both of you in the audience chamber."
"Very well. We shall meet Her Majesty right away, then," sounded one of the newly arriving people.
Yvikka!
Andressa froze as she heard the name being spoken. Almost instinctively, she quickly retreated into a corner of the adjoining hallway where she could see the two people with less concern of being noticed right away. As the figure of the people of her interest got closer and clearer to see, she felt that her heart throbbed faster with every step they took.
The first one Andressa could recognize was a beautiful, ladylike woman with shimmering silver hair, who was undoubtedly Clair Lasbard, the Shield Legion commander. The other one beside Clair was a tad harder to recognize because of the helmet the person was wearing. But when the helmet was taken off…
Azure blue eyes widened as she got to look what was hidden behind the helmet.
Jet black shade fell, framing mature, yet familiar features from her childhood friend. The light of her deep black eyes, the strong, confident posture she was striking, the serious expression on her face as she talked to her companion beside her… all those seemed and felt too familiar to her despite years of not meeting her.
This time, there was no mistaking it.
It really is her!
Andressa cringed at her conclusion, and hurriedly backed away into the shadows so as not to be seen by the person who had once been her best friend.
Yvikka was walking along the corridor when she caught a sudden movement from the corner of her eyes. She turned in a flash, but found nothing of immediate suspicion around her.
"Yvikka, what's wrong?" Clair asked upon noticing her companion's alerted posture.
"I…" The soldier muttered hesitantly, "… don't know. I think I saw something… just before…"
In response to her colleague's answer, the runologist concentrated to her surroundings, but unable to find anything out of ordinary as well. Sighing, she then called the still-tense soldier.
"Yvikka… It's good to be on your edge, but to be edgy is not that good. Come, let's not waste any time. Her Majesty needs us. Besides, should your concern be realized, I trust that the guards here can handle it."
…
"… Yeah…" Yvikka sighed, eventually relaxing herself after some more moments of alert, "You're right. Maybe it's just because of me going to meet Her Majesty again… after all that…"
"Don't you worry that much about that," Clair replied with a smile, "I'm on your side, remember?"
The dark-haired woman returned the encouraging words with a smile of her own, and then continued the walk to the audience chamber where the Aquarian ruler was waiting for them.
---
"Announcing Lady Clair Lasbard of the Shield Legion, and Lady Yvikka eté yrsenlaf of the Chain Legion!"
In the lead of the attendant's announcement, the legion commanders stepped into the audience chamber. Clair, being one with the higher authority, came in first, followed by Yvikka several steps behind her. Upon reaching a certain distance from the ruler's throne, both women fell to one knee in honor of their queen.
"Clair Lasbard and Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf are here to fulfill your summon," the superior officer began, followed by a customary greeting from both her and her subordinate.
"May Apris' divine protection be with you, Your Majesty."
"May Apris' divine protection be with you as well, my faithful servants," Aquaria XXVII returned her servants' greetings.
The Aquarian queen looked closely at her two servants before her. She first observed the silver-haired woman, glad upon finding that she was far livelier than the last time she saw her, when she'd just come out of her illness weeks ago. Her gaze then shifted to the dark-haired woman slightly behind Clair. After examining her for a while, the queen then gestured at her.
"Lady Yvikka."
"I, my queen."
"Please step in closer."
Yvikka gasped as the command was spoken, impulsively bringing her head up to look at the queen, her expression perplexed. As a rule, she is not supposed to come in any closer to the throne, for her rank doesn't permit it, and that there is already an officer superior to her. Whenever there is a person of superior rank present, the ones in the inferior ranks will have to stay behind him or her, and their voice before the queen is considered less significant. By placing herself side by side with Clair, it would mean that their rank and voice are equal before the ruler. It was actually a given honor for someone to be ordered to do so by the queen, but Yvikka, in all honesty, didn't feel comfortable with it, considering all things she kept hidden within her.
It was like a premonition…
"Yvikka."
A sharp whisper cut through Yvikka's train of thought, and when she looked at its direction, she saw Clair looking at her from the corner of her eyes, gesturing her to just comply with the order and come to her side. Knowing that she had no choice, the Chain Legion commander then complied, albeit reluctantly.
"Please be not so surprised," the queen said gently upon noticing Yvikka's hesitation, "It is an honor that you've earned from your meritorious accomplishments."
"I-I'm honored… my queen…" Yvikka replied timidly.
"Well, then… Let us go straight to the matter. I trust that both of you have been informed of the violation of the Kaddan Shrine by the Vile Wind Fiends."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Clair answered, "And I believe that our purpose of being summoned here is to aid the Shrine Guardians in warding the fiends off."
"Correct," Aquaria XXVII confirmed, "Despite the fact that the shrine is forbidden for those other than the Holy Mother and the Shrine Guardians, I have to request that you lead the mission because the situation there is unfavorable, and you are the only hands that I can think of carrying out the task."
"I am honored," Clair bowed in gratefulness for her queen's recognition of her abilities.
"One of the Shrine Guardians is already in this castle. She will brief both of you about the detail of the shrine's situation. I already have her summoned here, and while we're waiting for her…"
Serene eyes of the Aquarian ruler shifted and locked on to the other figure kneeling beside the silver-haired Crimson Blade. Her lips opened up, and called a name.
"Lady Yvikka."
"I-I, my queen," Yvikka jerked answered in surprise.
"I would like to speak to you personally," the queen went on, standing up from her throne, "Please follow me."
Thoughts came storming to Yvikka's mind at the queen's invitation. Some part of her told her that her lies have been found out, and that punishment is inevitable. She, however, rejected the option of running away since she'd intended to reveal them anyway. What that she hadn't expected, was that she had to do it this soon.
Come what come may…
With a bracing of her shoulders, Yvikka steeled herself to face whatever thing her queen would confront her, and then stood up and followed the ruler's lead to her personal chamber. Just as she passed Clair, she heard her whispering at her.
"It'll be all right. Trust me."
"Thanks," she whispered back.
The soldier then continued her pace following her queen. Once they were inside the queen's personal chamber, the Aquarian queen told her attendant—who was always there all the time—to leave them for a moment, closed the door, and locked it. When they were finally alone, the noble woman then turned to face her servant eye to eye at an equal footing.
"Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf…" The queen began speaking, her voice strong, "I just want you to answer this one question as honestly as you could. Are you truly a descendant of Riege san Yrsenlaf, a member of the renowned House of Yrsenlaf who had once loyally served the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria?"
Yvikka tensed at the stark question, but not really surprised for she had already expected it. With no further consideration, the soldier spoke her answer firmly.
"Indeed, my queen… I am the third descendant of Riege san Yrsenlaf."
The queen's face softened upon hearing her servant's answer, smiling broadly at her.
"Just as I thought,"
Yvikka sighed, feeling somehow relieved upon revealing her identity despite the probable punishment she might bear as the consequence of committing lies to the queen. She then braced herself once again to look at the queen's eyes, and uttered a question.
"Pardon me for my question, my queen, but… since when did you know about this?"
"Ever since the last time you appear before me."
"Apparently… I can not deceive the eyes of the Holy Mother…" Yvikka muttered, "I beg your forgiveness, my queen…"
"I trust that you have your reasons," the queen spoke again, "But you don't have to explain it now."
The noble woman smiled again as she saw Yvikka looking somewhat troubled. She then walked up to a certain cabinet, opened it, and took something out. Done with that, she then turned back at her servant, pacing up closer to her.
"Be not afraid, Yrsenlaf," said the queen, "In fact, it is kind of reassuring to know that a descendant of the Yrsenlafs will take part in this mission."
When the ruler got close to Yvikka, she then took the commander's one hand and put the object she'd taken before into her palm.
"This is the crest of your family, which your predecessor, Riege san Yrsenlaf gave back to the kingdom as a sign of his resignation. And now, as the queen, I'm giving you this as a sign of my acknowledgement of your ancestry, as well as the rights and authorities acceded to you as the true heir of the family."
"Y-your Majesty," Yvikka murmured, slightly protesting, "I-I don't deserve all this. I have committed a lie before you… I deserve more a trial instead of this…"
"Is that really important now?" Aquaria XXVII cut in, "You told me the truth about yourself, that's what's important. Besides, is this really the time for me to do away with my servants?"
Yvikka was speechless in the face of her queen's actions. She honestly never expected to be accepted by the queen, and even had her crime put aside and her heritage restored.
"The Yrsenlafs were ones of great exploits," the queen said again, "And you… I know that you can live up to your name. You had already done great deeds, and I expect more of that in your upcoming mission."
"Your Majesty…" Yvikka whispered, feeling truly thankful, "Thank you. I shall repay this by giving my utmost for the good of the kingdom."
The queen smiled before her servant's vow of devotion. She then walked up to the room's door, gesturing at the soldier to follow her.
"Let us return to the audience chamber. I trust that Lady Andressa, the Shrine Guardian, is already present there."
"A-Andressa!? Andressa… yrm Hjalmgunnar?" Yvikka blurted out of surprise, which also surprised the noble woman.
"That's right," answered the queen, "Do you know her?"
It took some time for Yvikka to actually regain her calm and answer the question. Things came and unfolded too rapidly for her mind to process thoroughly, much less come up with the proper way to deal with them.
"We were… childhood friends," the dark-haired woman finally managed a short answer.
"I see," was the queen's response, "Well, considering the secluded life she's been living, you must've never heard of her ever since. I imagine that it must be quite a joy for you to finally see her again."
That's not quite it…Yvikka said deep in her heart.
… With the way we parted…
"It is unfortunate that you two have to be reunited in this situation," the queen's voice came again.
"Y-yes… it is," the dark-haired woman answered hesitantly.
"But if the mission goes well, both of you will have some time together. She must be looking forward to that as well."
… Is she…?
Though the uncertainty was somewhat disturbing, Yvikka buried it deep within her for she knew well enough that now is not the time to delve into the matter. She took some time to refocus herself, and then followed the noble woman outside.
When she came back to the audience chamber, she saw another person beside Clair—a priestess with unmistakable and familiar features. Though she was a woman now, there was no mistaking her braided golden hair and her sapphire blue eyes, as well as the trace of her childhood innocence now mostly veiled with the austerity from years of life in her face.
Andressa realized Yvikka's presence, and looked up at her. After years of painful, unsettled parting, the two friends finally meet again; each of their hearts and minds filled with all but vagueness even as they looked into each other's eyes.
Yvikka hesitated at first, but she continued her pace nevertheless, to join Clair and Andressa.
"… Andressa…" The dark-haired soldier spoke first.
"… Yvikka…"
…
"It's… good to see you again…" Yvikka managed, trying to sound neutral at the very least, but feeling that she didn't do that well. For a greeting to an old friend, it sounded rather cold.
"… And so do I…" Andressa answered awkwardly, apparently having the same problem as the other woman before her.
"It is kind of unfortunate that we have to meet again under this situation," Yvikka said.
"It indeed is…"
"Well then," the queen's voice came, breaking through the wistful reunion of the two friends, "Everyone's here, and so we can begin discussing the strategy for the upcoming mission. Let us move on to the conference chamber."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The three servants saluted obediently in response to their queen's words. They then followed their ruler into the conference chamber, all in silence.
---
Conference chamber.
The five people—the legion commanders, Yvikka and Clair, Andressa, the Shrine Guardian, Magistrate Laselle, and Aquaria XXVII entered the room, immediately taking a place close to each other. After another customary greeting, the queen sat first, followed by the others, except the magistrate, who chose to stand by her side. They were the only ones there.
"So, then, Lady Andressa, could you please begin with explaining the last situation of Kaddan Shrine to Lady Clair and Lady Yvikka?" The queen began.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Andressa replied dutifully, and went on.
"As Your Majesty has informed you before, the sacred ground of Kaddan Shrine is being violated by the Vile Wind Fiends. They started to appear in the shrine's vicinity around last night, and immediately attempted to break into the shrine. We tried to put up defense, but… only in a few hours… the entrance chamber fell, and that was when I was sent here to request aid…"
The Shrine Guardian paused, feeling a pang of guilt and remorse for failing to fulfill her duty in the first place, and the horror at the imagination of the power she'd witnessed as she tried to fend off the fiends. This was obvious to the two commanders, for they'd fought against such fiends, and had known their otherworldly power and presence. Especially Yvikka, for she had known Andressa since childhood.
"… We were powerless," she continued, her tone bitter with defeat, "We've already lost many guardians in the last raid on the shrine by those… were-sharks. And now… these fiends… We don't know their purpose… but one of them keeps on saying… about being the 'Creator', and that everything that violates the law shall be exterminated…"
"By the grace of Apris!!" Laselle exclaimed in shock, "Nonsense! That can't mean…"
"… Are we up against Apris Himself…?" Aquaria XXVII worded question. Though her expression seemingly unchanged, she was deeply troubled inside.
"I don't know," said the priestess, her voice now laden with terror, "We guardians are confused ourselves… some of us were even swayed by those words, and tried to join the fiends… only to die. I, however, refuse to believe in that! No way the all-forgiving Father Apris would do such vicious doing. Spreading terror and destruction throughout the land… this is definitely not the doing of Apris!!"
The news was truly shocking and tongue-tying, but not really for Clair and Yvikka because they had known it firsthand, and that they had ensured their stand in the face of the matter ever since they first encountered the fiends. A brief moment of silence came and went only when Clair's determined voice came.
"Then, the only thing left to us, is to fight them, isn't it?"
"Lady Clair…" The queen muttered, casting her eyes at her faithful servant.
"These fiends caused only terror and indiscriminate destruction," Clair continued, "Even those who tried to reconcile with them were killed. Isn't it obvious that their purpose is destruction?"
"Could it be…?" The queen spoke lowly, catching her servant's drift, "Then, their goal in Kaddan Shrine is…"
"Most probably, to seize the Apris Orb and use it for their purpose," Clair finished.
Aquaria XXVII was struck speechless. Clair's conclusion, though likely to be based on supposition, was not baseless, and she couldn't think of any other possibility. She unnoticeably gritted her teeth in slight frustration, but not losing her composure. Somehow, it was clear to her that the only way left is to fight…
"Defending the shrine doesn't seem to be a reasonable option at this point, for we don't have that much time to prepare," the queen finally lifted up her voice.
"M-my queen…" Laselle took voice in a slight protest, "Do you intend to fight them? What if we in fact are up against the Gods?"
"We have to fight, Laselle," the noble woman cut in, "Gods or not, do you ever see anything good comes from them? Are we going to stand by idly and let those fiends do as they like, even as it comes to annihilating us and our people? Not me, Laselle."
The queen then looked at her commanders, her gaze determined, and spoke again.
"If we are going to attempt to put a stop to them, we must start with preventing the Apris Orb from falling into their hands… But first, we need to think of the best course of action. If anyone has a suggestion, let it be spoken now."
"I know a way," Yvikka finally lifted up voice.
"Speak, then."
The Chain Legion commander took one deep breath in an effort to brace herself in the knowledge of the difficult nature of her idea, as well as the probabilities that might entail before finally speaking.
"At this point, the best we can do… is either liberating the orb, or, if the worst comes to the worst, destroying the orb."
"Unacceptable!!" Laselle shouted in immediate disapproval, "Yrsenlaf! How come you have the audacity to suggest such?! Even destroying the Apris Orb… such act is a dishonor to our royal treasure! Why can't we just move the orb here?"
"We can't," Yvikka rebutted, "If the fiends are indeed after the orb, moving the orb here will only direct the danger from Kaddan to Aquios."
"But Aquios is better defended than Kaddan Shrine!" The magistrate confronted, "It is possible for us to buy more time and build more strength to—"
"My honored magistrate!" Clair cut in, backing up her fellow commander, "You have no idea of how fierce these fiends are. They are death to many! Lady Yvikka and I have lost many soldiers to them just to secure the roadways in Arias' vicinity, and I don't know how many more will be massacred should I line them up to withstand their attack. Let alone building up forces, I doubt that we can actually defend against them if they intend to attack. Besides, we also have civilians here in Aquios. We can't afford to put them in danger. However difficult it is, I agree with Yvikka's suggestion."
"Lasbard…" The edgy man griped, "… you, too…?"
"Lady Yvikka's suggestion sounds reasonable enough."
"Y-Your Majesty?!" Laselle blurted, shocked, "How—"
"By liberating the orb's power, we can well wipe the fiends out of the shrine, and if everything fails, destroying the orb can seal it from falling into the wrong hands… for good," the queen commented, seemingly ignoring the man's protest, "But how about the possible outspread damage that may result upon the releasing of the orb's power? We have seen Surferio, and I'm sure that none of us would like to see it happening again here."
"Actually… we don't have to worry about that, as long as it is done in the shrine…" Andressa took up voice in answer to the queen's concern.
All pairs of eyes in the room shifted on to the Shrine Guardian, obviously demanding explanation from her, and she took it as her cue to continue on.
"The shrine was built… not only to house the orb, but also… to contain its power. From the ancient notes I read, it is possible for the shrine's runological force to lessen the massive amount of power generated from the orb in the wake of its liberation, reducing it to the point of being harmless upon releasing it free. The true nature of the shrine is actually a system to channel the orb's power and circulate it around the shrine before finally release it to the surrounding areas. If an immense amount of energy, such as one generated from the orb's liberation, is to flow through there, it will cause a great runological strain which may well kill or destroy anyone or anything inside the shrine. That could mean the fiends… as well as any one of us."
"I see," the queen voiced understanding, and stood up her chair, "It's decided, then. We are going to either liberate or destroy the Apris Orb, and in the light of that, I, too, shall participate in the mission."
The queen's last words struck everyone into abrupt silence. No soul was unshaken by that, except Yvikka, who had expected this to happen. She knew it well enough from the start that the queen was the only one who can, and has the right to liberate, or destroy the orb at the moment. She felt a slight remorse because her suggestion was accepted, and that that made the queen to join in the possibly dangerous mission, but she knew that there was no other way.
"It is a part of my duty as the Holy Mother," Aquaria XXVII spoke, trying to calm her shocked servants, "My predecessor, the first Holy Mother, Sirvia I, had once used the orb to repel Greetonian mechateers from invading her kingdom… And now, it is my turn to take on the responsibility and do what I believe to be for the best for Aquaria."
"Y-Your… Majesty…" Laselle called his queen, his voice trembling with the imagination of what the noble woman would face in her way, "… Please… please think it over… It's too dangerous. We can't lose you… Aquaria can't lose you…"
"Is there anything left to be thought over, my magistrate?" The valiant queen returned with a question, "We all know too well that no one else is capable of performing the liberation ritual but me, and therefore, if we are to do just that, then I have the obligation to come along. After all, if Aquaria is truly to be destroyed, I'd rather have my body burned alongside my people and servants in the field of carnage than just sitting comfortably on the throne doing nothing."
This time, there was no debate. The noble words had practically closed all chances of rebuttal; but the very same words also moved and heartened every soul in the room. Yvikka, feeling deeply responsible for her suggestion, stood up and saluted her queen.
"I, Yvikka eté Yrsenlaf, shall accompany Your Majesty there. It is my responsibility as the one who suggests the plan, as well as my solemn duty as one of your soldiers to fight for and protect you and ensure that your will be done."
"I shall go as well," Clair stood up and saluted, "I, Clair Lasbard, as Your Majesty's Crimson Blade and one of your soldiers, shall lend her strength to protect the queen."
"My duty is to protect the Apris Orb…" Andressa followed suit, "… even if it means to liberate… or even destroy it. I, Andressa yrm Hjalmgunnar, a Guardian of the Shrine of Kaddan, shall come with you."
Aquaria XXVII gave an intent look at her three servants standing before her. Upon seeing that they were truthfully determined to come along, she uttered her thanks.
"You have my gratitude, my faithful servants…"
"And I…" The magistrate beside the queen muttered, trying to think up something he could do in his part, "… I… shall have the Royal Guards ready to accompany your Majesty there."
"There's no need," the queen declined, "All four of us is enough. We are going to use the secret passage through the Sealed Cavern below to hasten the trip to Kaddan Shrine. Moving in with large number in such a confined space will slow us down… Being in small number, on the other hand, will make it easy for us to maneuver and avoid any unnecessary fight."
"Are you… sure about this… Your Majesty…?" Laselle asked.
"Be not worried," the noble woman smiled at her magistrate, "I've had my share in military training. Besides, the best of my servants are with me."
"It seems that there is no stopping you, Your Majesty," the man gave in, and lifted up a salute, "May Apris' divine protection be with you."
"Thank you," was the queen's prompt answer. She then turned to her other servants, and spoke.
"Please get yourselves prepared. We will assemble at the entrance to the secret passage in the chapel. We leave as soon as everyone is present and ready."
"Understood, Your Majesty," the three women answered in unison.
The queen and the magistrate then left the conference chamber, leaving the three women conversing among themselves, discussing the mission ahead of them as well as trying to get to know each other better.
"I'm Clair Lasbard," Clair introduced herself to Andressa, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can work together well."
"I'm Andressa… Andressa yrm Hjalmgunnar," the priestess answered, "Lady Clair… it's an honor for me to be able to work together with one of the queen's famed Crimson Blades in person."
"It's just as much honor for me to actually meet one of the Shrine Guardians of Kaddan," Clair returned compliment, "By the way… I heard that Yvikka and you are childhood friends."
"Yes… we… were childhood friends."
"Andressa."
The azure-eyed priestess turned at the sudden call, finding a dark-haired soldier standing close to her. Before she could even say a word, she was suddenly wrapped in a strong embrace from the soldier.
"I'm sorry for being so cold to you," Yvikka whispered.
"I-Ivy?" Andressa, so surprised that she unconsciously called the name from the woman's childhood.
"I promise that I'll talk to you more after this mission, so…"
Yvikka pulled away from her childhood friend, casting a deep, soft look into her cerulean orbs, and finished her sentence.
"… so… don't die before me."
With the words, the dark-haired soldier turned and left the room, leaving the priestess very much in a wonder.
---
A moment later, in the castle's Grand Chapel…
The three servants—Andressa, Yvikka, and Clair—could be seen standing near by the closed secret entrance to the Sealed Cavern accompanied by the High Priestess and her daughter, Rozaria, waiting for the queen to come and join them, all prepared for the rough journey ahead of them. Clair, in particular, appeared slightly different than her usual stride, more because of the sword hanging from her belt slightly behind her. She hardly ever brings the sword, much less use it, but this time, she took it with her in expectation of facing fierce fighting.
Not long after, the chapel's doors opened, and from behind them, the queen—for the few times in her appearance—presented herself without her royalty garb. At first, the servants didn't quite recognize her, but when they saw the unmistakable face of their ruler under the shade of the cape she was wearing, they immediately bowed before her. She appeared wearing dress similar to Andressa's, only in a different color and marking: a priestess robe paired with loose pants instead of long skirt, completed with hand and shin guards, and a staff held in her hand.
"It's been a long time since the last time I dressed in this attire," said the queen, smiling at her servants' awkward salute, "Being a Holy Mother entails me the title of the Head of the Shrine Guardians, so I am one of the guardians as well."
The queen then solemnly stepped forward and carved a rune symbol in the air right before the chapel's pulpit. A small tremor came as she finished the symbol, and the chapel's stone floor opened up, revealing a stairway leading deep into darkness.
"Everything's set," the gallant queen said softly, turning to the High Priestess, gesturing her.
At the ruler's cue, the High Priestess walked up the pulpit and told everyone to gather before her. When everyone had gathered, she raised her hands and gave her blessings of good luck.
"May Apris' divine guidance light the path of our beloved queen, may His strength be granted upon the brave and loyal servants and protectors who faithfully follow her, and may His divine protection be with you all. I wish you all a safe journey and a safe return."
The queen thanked the High Priestess for the blessings, and proceeded to enter the secret passage, but not before giving a reminder to her companions.
"Please keep in mind," said the queen, turning to her escorts, and smiled, "That now, I'm no longer 'Your Majesty'. I'm now Romeria zin Emurille, Head of Kaddan Shrine Guardians. You are freed from all formalities of facing the queen, and you can call me 'Romeria', if you'd like."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the three servants answered intuitively, to which Romeria smiled sourly because of their unchangeable behavior.
The four nobles then entered the secret passage, on to the Sealed Cavern, and finally, to the Shrine of Kaddan to face what that they thought to be a fight for Aquaria.
In fact, without them knowing it, they were about to fight a battle for the sake of the universe…
