Chapter 5

The empire of Lumina is located atop the mountain of snow, at the heart of the northernmost continent, even north of Harmonia. Bordered- and is said to be protected- by a never-ceasing snowstorm, it has been the inspiration for many stories. It has been so mysterious that some people have even come to believe that it doesn't really exist. And yet here we are, travelling with a citizen of that mysterious country.

After docking at Coronet Town, we travelled north, exiting the Dunan republic and entering the holy kingdom of Harmonia. When Jowy heard from Apple that we will be passing through Harmonia to get there, his eyes had a gentle gleam. When I asked him, he simply said

"It's a surprise. I'll show you when we get there."

The holy kingdom… Indeed. As soon as you enter the towering golden gates, it feels like you've been transported to another world. Cobblestone streets, pristine white buildings with marble steps and stairs, white granite fountains with winged statues on top, and there are scholars…?, priests…?, students…?, all dressed in white robes wearing solemn faces. The atmosphere is so delicate it feels as though the whole place will fall apart if you make the smallest noise. I guess my companions feel the same way, since everyone has yet to say a word.

While the rest of us follow, Jowy continues to lead us along, as if he knows the place. I wonder if he actually does. We were apart for quite a long period after all, so it's not impossible that in that time, he journeyed this far. But he hasn't mentioned anything, and I hadn't thought about asking. All I know is he seems to have a surprise waiting for us.

Lost in thought, I bumped right into Seisuke when he stopped.

"Kenji? You okay? Were you spacing out again?" Nanami asked, making Seisuke chuckle.

"If I remember correctly, this must be the place."

We stopped at a mansion a little off of the main road. From where we stand outside white wooden fences and a low silver gate, you can see a curved walkway filled with white pebbles and bordered by melon-sized rocks forming a short path from the gate to the main door. All around there are strategically located bushes and flowering plants, and on top of the sprawling grounds there's a swing. On it is a little girl holding a stuffed bunny, who seemed to have noticed our arrival and abruptly looked up. She gleefully jumped off the swing and ran towards the gate, hastily opened it, and jumped right into Jowy's arms.

"Whoa there, haha. You look well."

So this- or rather she- is the surprise Jowy was talking about. He gave her a tight hug and after letting go, turned towards us.

"Look, I brought some friends along."

She shyly hid behind Jowy, so I walked closer to her, then crouched down to talk to her at eye level.

"Hi Pilika… Do you still remember me?"

Smile at her. She looked at my face, and after barely even a few seconds of examining it, she grinned back and nodded.

"Kenji!"

She walked away from Jowy tentatively and stepped closer to me. When I opened my arms, she went right in and gave me a hug. She's as soft and warm as I've always remembered.

Looks like she recognizes Nanami as well, so all Jowy had to really introduce was Seisuke. After that Pilika grabbed Jowy's arm and pulled him in, beckoning for us to follow. She opened the front double doors and let us in. Inside, there was a lady in an elegant dress coming down the stairs, her flowing hair gracefully dancing behind her as she took every step, until she stopped right in front of us.

"Princess"

Jowy, Nanami and I all bowed, along with Seisuke who politely copied our gesture.

"Please, raise your heads. Highland has fallen, I am no longer your princess. I am but an ordinary citizen of Harmonia now."

Jowy took her hand and kissed the back of her fingers.

"You will always be our princess, Jillia"

She turned towards me and caressed my cheek.

"You have grown into a fine young man, Lord Kenji of the Orange Army. Someday, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my brother who had done terrible, terrible things to you and your people."

I put my hand above hers and smile as the words easily travel from my heart to my lips.

"Princess… You have shed more tears than anyone else for your late brother's actions. Please don't let sorrow cloud your heart anymore. You have wept long enough."

As if my words were a spell that set her free, Jillia's face brightens into a smile as she nodded.

"You have always had such a gentle heart. Strong… but gentle."

Even though her voice cracked, she stood her ground and didn't shed a single tear. With the dignity of a royal blood. She ushered us into the house to show us our rooms. Afterwards, she asked us to relax and explore the manor while she and Pilika prepare our dinner.

Jowy and I saw a little gazebo in the backyard garden, so we went in there and were treated to a wonderful view of the sunset. Lost in the breathtaking view, I jumped a little when Jowy wrapped his arms around my shoulders from behind. As I relax and lean on him, Jowy's hold tightens just a little.

"Kenji, tonight, there's something I need to return to Jillia."

"What?"

He turns his right hand up and opens it. In his palm is a small box. There's no mistake. I can easily tell what's inside.

"Even if it wasn't for real, even if Jillia agreed to it despite fully knowing what my intentions were, it doesn't change the fact that we went through the ceremony. So I want to let you know that tonight, we will formally end it. I will return this to her."

I put both hands over his upturned palm and close his fingers over the ring as I close my fingers over his.

"I understand."

"If she asks… I won't hold back and tell her. About us."

I nod.

"Alll right. I guess it's time for me to do my part as well. Even though Nanami hasn't said anything, I'm sure she has noticed."

"Should we tell her together?"

"No… it's okay. I'll be fine, thanks Jowy."

"Says Kenji who's starting to tremble in my arms."

Urgh. I hate how he knows me so well.

"But I trust you." He says, nuzzling my head.

I turn around in his arms and kiss him. Ha, I got him again. He seemed startled at first, before pulling me closer and returning the kiss.

-x-

That night, we enjoyed dinner. After being served dessert, the rest of us retired to our rooms as we were tired from being on the road for days, while Jowy and Jillia stayed a bit longer for coffee. Maybe I was more tired than I thought. As soon as I got to bed, my body started feeling really heavy. And yet for some reason, I can't sleep. I just keep rolling in bed.

I can feel my throat starting to itch. I need water. Get up from bed. As I get out of the room and walk down the second floor corridor, I notice the lights on the dance room below are on. My feet stop on its tracks as soon as I see Jowy and Jillia are there, sharing a dance. I can't take my eyes off of them, as if there's something pulling my gaze.

"They look lovely together, don't they?"

Nanami's voice come from behind before she stands beside me, leaning on the hand rail.

"Nanami, I… have something to tell you."

Clench my fists.

"… Is it something I already know?"

My eyes went wide. Just from that reaction alone, she definitely figured out the answer.

"… Yes. Possibly."

She looked on at the dancing pair wordlessly for a few minutes, which to me felt a lot longer. Then she finally turned towards me and looked straight into my eyes.

"And if I were to say I don't accept it?"

I felt like a bucket of ice cold water has been poured over me. I felt like I lost strength on my legs, so I hold the handrail to support myself. With all the strength I can muster, I meet my sister's gaze and tell her without any hesitation.

"I won't give up how I feel. Not for anyone. Not even for you, Neesan"

Nanami sighed. Then, with both hands, she slaps my cheeks.

"Ouch!"

"I-diot. Really, Kenji. You should know by now, that from the moment grandpa Genkaku took you in, you have already become my little brother."

Then she pulls me into a tight hug as she tells me

"And as your sister, even if the whole world were to go against you, I alone will be your ally. Always remember that. Mmkay?" Then, patting my back, she added "You should go to bed. It's getting late."

Without saying another word, she headed towards her room.

As for me, I don't know how I made it to mine. I don't even know when- or how- I fell asleep as my throat's itching just kept getting worse that night. With how bad my throat hurts this morning, I wouldn't be surprised if I've been coughing all night long. I guess it was all the combination of being tired from our travel, worrying about Nanami's acceptance of our relationship, and… I must admit… maybe a little pang in my heart when I saw how good Jowy and Jillia looked together- like an ideal couple.

As soon as I open my eyes, I see Jowy right beside me looking at the world map, one hand holding it and the other lightly resting on my head.

"Goo… (cough)"

Brilliant. I couldn't even finish saying a simple good morning before the coughing attacks.

"Hey, you okay?"

Jowy puts the map down on the bed and turns his full attention to me. He ruffles my hair then kisses my forehead. Then he says 'Good morning' back.

"Looks like you caught a cold. Must've been the change in weather. The temperature suddenly dropped yesterday. It's also probably because we're already at the northern border of Harmonia and closer to the Snow Country."

He reaches for a green vial beside a glass of water on the bedside table. He lifts my head with his free hand as the other puts the vial close to my lips.

"It's a cough potion Jillia made. She said this is the same one Pilika drinks when she catches a cold during the change of seasons. Come now, if Pilika can drink it, so can you"

Pout at the way he coaxes me. I'm not a little kid!

As if reading my thoughts, Jowy grins sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry. But I can't help it, you're so cute."

I'll remember this.

-x-

After our brief stopover in Harmonia, this time Seisuke takes the lead and guides us into the snow country, towards the fallen empire of Lumina.

TBC

A/N: Sorry again for taking this long. I promise not to abandon this fic. Ever (cry). Thank you for continuing to read despite my snail-pace updates.

Also,since I only played Suikoden 2, 5, and Tierkireis, and neither of them touched on Harmonia, everything about Harmonia I wrote in this chapter is purely made up. I tried to describe it as close as I can based on the little info I've read about it, but please take it with a grain of salt ^^

I had help trying to visualize what Harmonia might look like while looping "Illusion", from Taisho Mebiusline's sound track. To those who played it, that was the bgm for when Shigure first takes Kyouichirou to the Gohon gatana headquarters. It gives off a very mysterious feeling. And to those who haven't played it, give it a try. Amazing, amazing story and brilliant voice acting.

Til the next chapter!