Author's Note: Hello, everyone. Recently as of this writing, I played again through Chrono Cross; and it inspired me to write this one-shot. It's an idea I actually had thought up for a long time, but never had the motivation to actually write. Now I did. This one I'm definitely unsure of if to expand on the idea, but who knows what the future holds. In any case, enjoy!
Serge began to stir, as consciousness returned to him. The sound of waves, and the sand beneath him, were among the first things his senses picked up. Right after, however, there was a gasp.
"Oh, thank goodness!" A girl's voice cried out.
Finding himself in a lying position, face down, Serge turned around and rose to a sitting position. With a groan, he placed a hand on his temple, feeling a rising headache, no doubt the result of what had knocked him unconscious to begin with.
"Serge, are you alright?" The voice called out.
Glancing to the side, Serge saw the kneeling form of his friend Leena, concern etched on her face.
"Y-yes, I'm alright," he nodded.
Leena sighed in relief.
"I'm glad to hear that," she then said. "Don't scare me like that, you hear me!"
Serge winced a little, her raised voice not helping his headache.
"What… happened?" He asked, glancing away and closing his eyes, trying to rub the pain away.
"I don't know," Leena replied. "That tidal wave came out of nowhere. I thought we would be goners."
The tidal wave… Serge repeated the words in his mind, frowning.
Just then, his eyes shot wide open.
The wave!
He quickly rose to his feet, the memories rushing back to the forefront of his mind. He stepped closer to the water and glanced around. His shock soon turned to confusion.
"Huh?"
Opassa Beach looked no different, as far he could see.
"Yes, I was confused too," Leena said, rising back up as well. "A wave as large as that, the beach should be a mess."
She moved to stand next to Serge, placing her hands behind her back as she too stared at the sea.
"It's so bizarre. We should be drenched all over as well, but we aren't. Not that I'm complaining, mind you."
Serge chuckled.
"Yeah, talk about a close call."
Still, he could not help but get deep in thought.
We both saw it, so there's no way it was a figment of our imaginations, he thought. And what was that light? Just what is going on?
With no way to get an answer, Serge simply closed his eyes and sighed.
At least we're alright. Yes, good thing nothing happened to us thr-
His eyes shot back open. It was only then that he realized.
"Leena. Where is Poshul?" Serge asked, glancing around again.
"Huh?" Leena looked confused for a second, before it hit her too. "Oh, that's right!"
However, just like with the inexplicable lack of damage to the beach, there was no sight of the large pink dog to behold.
"Poshul!" They both called out.
They did so several times, as they walked all across the beach. However, there was no reply.
"It's no use, she's not here," Serge said after a while.
"That can't be, she was right there with us before the wave hit," Leena protested, before her expression then turned fearful. "Wait, you don't think she was carried away?"
She quickly run to the water's edge, gazing out towards the horizon. However, even then there was no pink spot amidst the endless blue.
"Nah, that can't be," Serge shook his head. "If we're both fine, then she should be too. Maybe she woke up before us, and left to find help?"
"Well, I hope you're right," Leena said, turning back to him. "In that case, let's head back to the village. With luck, we'll find Poshul as she's heading back here, so we can tell her we're okay."
Just then, her expression hardened, as she placed her hands on her hips.
"As well as give her a good earful! Honestly, what was she thinking? She could've waited for at least one of us to wake up first. What if something happened to us while we were unconscious? She should think things through!"
Serge could not help but sweat-drop.
So glad it's not me this time, he thought, relieved.
Nevertheless, the two would depart from the area shortly after, beginning the long trek back to Arni.
They had not ventured far into Lizard Rock, when-
"Huh? Was that sign there before?" Leena asked, pointing out.
Serge glanced over. Indeed, there was a wooden sign posted by the road leading to Opassa Beach neither remembered about. Both teenagers approached it.
"A warning sign?" Serge looked at it in confusion.
"Danger? Keep out?" Leena read aloud, sharing the sentiment. "Why would they put this here?"
"The wood looks weathered," Serge noted. "This wasn't placed recently."
"That makes no sense!" Leena turned to him. "We've crossed this road plenty of times before; even earlier today. There's no way we would've missed this, Serge!"
Serge frowned.
She's right, we'd have to be blind to have missed the sign, he thought. But, it couldn't have appeared out of nowhere, either.
He shook his head.
"We can ask about it back at the village," he said. "Let's go."
With that, the two resumed their way. However, they had barely taken a few steps more when they stopped again. This time to the sight of several anglerfish-like creatures in the distance.
"Opah Fish!?" Leena said, incredulous. "What are they doing here?"
They don't normally venture this far into Lizard Rock, Serge thought. Was the wave responsible?
Either way, their presence meant the trip back to Arni had just become a bit more troublesome. Wordlessly, Serge brandished his swallow.
"I doubt we can sneak past them," he told Leena. "We must fight our way through."
Leena made a face.
"Ugh, how did getting a simple necklace turned into this…" she murmured, readying her spatula nonetheless.
With that, the two cautiously approached.
It took longer than expected, but the two friends were finally out of Lizard Rock and on the road leading back to Arni. To their fortune, no further complications arose, and thus they reached the village not long afterwards.
"Finally, we're back," Leena said, relieved.
The sentiment was not to last, however, once they had ventured deep enough into the village.
"Say, Serge," Leena suddenly said. "Don't you think there's something… off, with the village?"
Serge glanced around, and frowned.
"Now that you mention it…" he trailed off.
His gaze would soon settle on all the flowers adorning the outside of Belcha's Kitchen. Flowers that were definitely not there when they first left.
Even here, too? He thought.
This was turning stranger each passing second.
"Yo, Leena!"
They turned at the source of the voice. Approaching them was a young boy.
"Oh, Una," Leena said.
"Hey there, kiddo," Serge added.
The boy, Una, turned to face Serge.
"Oh, hi," he said, before frowning. "Um, who are you?"
This took both teenagers by surprise.
"What? You're kidding, right?" Serge said.
"Uh, nope," Una replied.
"What do you mean, 'nope'?" Leena said. "He's Serge!"
"Serge, huh?" Una seemed pensive for a second, but then shook his head. "No, this is the first time I'm seeing him, Leena, honest."
Leena and Serge exchanged worried glances.
"So, is he a new friend of yours, sister?" Una asked, before smirking. "Or did you finally found yourself a boyfriend?"
"Come on, this is no time to joke around!" Leena cried out, her face tinting red.
"Yeah, the setup is too elaborate for the punchline there, Una," Serge added.
"Hey, I'm not lying, okay?" Una said, annoyed. "But fine, I can take the hint. I'll leave you two on your date, then."
With that, he stormed off.
"Una, come back here!" Leena called out to him. "We're not done talking, you hear me!?"
If the boy did, he paid no mind as he continued to walk out of sight. The girl sighed in frustration.
"Ooh, that boy. He's going to get a good scolding from my mom after this."
Serge frowned.
"Leena, I don't think he was lying," he said.
Leena turned to him, surprised.
"What? How can you be so sure, Serge?" She asked him.
"Admittedly, I'm not," Serge replied. "But ever since the tidal wave, strange things have been happening. This might just be another."
Leena went pensive for a moment.
"I suppose you might be right," she said. "But then what can we do?"
"We must get to the bottom of this," Serge said. "Let's see what else has changed in the village, for starters."
"Then let's get to it!" Leena exclaimed.
With that, the two ventured out. Though resolute in his plan, Serge could not help but feel a sense of foreboding.
If Una doesn't recognize me, then what does that say about everyone else? The boy wondered.
He could only hope it was an isolated case.
After the better part of an hour, the two found themselves at Café Fleur, which stood in place of Belcha's Kitchen. The two chose to sit at one of the more remote tables, in order to have some sense of privacy.
"This is making even less sense the more we find," Leena said, looking exasperated.
"You can say that again," Serge said, arms crossed and leaning slightly back against his chair, looking a little upset.
"Arni feels almost like a completely different village," Leena continued. "There's even people I don't recognize that I know weren't here before."
"While others are missing entirely…" Serge trailed off, his voice a bit terse.
It had been quite the shock coming back to his home, only to find someone claiming to have moved in years ago, and with no idea who he or his mother were. Leena gave him a sympathetic look.
"Don't worry, Serge, I'm sure your mom is simply elsewhere," she said. "Like Guldove, maybe?"
"I hope so too, Leena," Serge sighed. "But the strangest part is that she has apparently not been in Arni for years. And she's not the only one. Mister Belcha also left, and so did Poshul. And old chief Radius apparently has never been here."
"I know, it's so weird," Leena nodded. "And also the Acacia Dragoons are still around, apparently? Like they never disappeared."
"So this goes beyond even this area," Serge mused.
Didn't the old man said he used to be a dragoon? He recalled. Does that means he's up there in Termina?
It was around this time when the waitress approached. Despite the establishment changing, it seems she kept the job. The same did not applied to her usual enthusiasm, however, for she looked gloomier than they remembered.
"Here's your order," she said, placing it atop the table.
"Thanks," Leena said.
They watched her leave for a moment, before glancing back at each other.
"I can't believe she dropped her poetry," Serge said.
"I know, right!" Leena agreed. "And her poems were so beautiful. Why would she stop? It's so strange."
"Not as strange as Kiki's father also giving up on being a fisherman," Serge said.
He frowned. That one was had to be among the strangest changes to him, beside seemingly no one in the village recognizing him. More the why than the what, as it were.
Did he had another friend other than my dad? He tried to recall, but nothing came to mind.
He could not help but feel a sense of dread.
"This is so annoying," Leena sighed. "It's like we're strangers in our own hometown."
She then took a sip from her tea.
"Ooh, it's delicious!" She exclaimed as her face lit up. "I must say, this is one change I certainly approve of."
"Of course you would," Serge chuckled.
"Hey, all I'm saying is that I wouldn't mind if Mister Belcha took his time on his journey."
"I don't know. I would certainly miss his Heckran bone soup."
"I suppose that would be a downside," Leena mused, before going pensive. "I wonder if I can make it myself."
"If you do, I'll be sure to be the first to try it out," Serge chuckled.
"Alright, it's a deal."
The two laughed.
Once they had finished, the two left the café.
"So… now what?" Leena asked.
Serge went pensive for a moment.
"I doubt we'll get any answers here in Arni," he said. "The problem is, if not here, then where? It would require searching all over El Nido to find out, at least."
"You would travel all over the islands?" Leena asked, surprised.
"At the very least, to find my mother," Serge replied. "Without her and with our home taken by someone else, it's not like I can just stay here, anyway."
"That's… true," Leena said. "And since no one here recognizes you, it's likely my mom and grandma would be the same. So I can't ask them if you could stay with us."
"Yeah, and that would likely give out the wrong idea too," Serge added.
Leena looked pensive for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright. Then I'll come with you," she declared.
"Huh? Are you sure, Leena?" Serge asked, surprised. "What about your family? This could take days at the least, you know?"
"Oh, it's fine," Leena waved it off. "I can tell them I'm going to Termina. If the Dragoons are back, then that means so would the Viper Festival, and we're not that far from the date. This year would've been the hundredth anniversary. Or, I guess it is going to be now. The point is they can think I'm leaving for the festival, which wouldn't be entirely untrue."
"Well, I know better than try to change your mind," Serge said. "Alright, then, you can come. In any case, I suppose the festival is a good chance as any to search for clues."
He then smirked.
"I guess Una was right. It might as well be a date if we're heading off on our own for the festival," Serge chuckled.
He expected a retort to his comment. However, instead the girl seemed deep in thought.
"If only it could be true," she mumbled.
"Eh? What was that?" Serge asked, not quite hearing it.
"N-nothing!" Leena shook her head, blushing. "A-anyway, I'll go tell my mom."
Before Serge could react, the girl had sped off.
Leena only slowed down upon reaching her home. Stopping just short of entering, she caught her breath.
I can't believe I said that, she thought.
"Stupid wave. Why did it had to ruin the moment…" she muttered.
Leena sighed.
I suppose even if going as friends, getting to see the festival again will be worth it.
With that, she finally headed inside.
"I'm home!" She called out.
"Ah, Leena, welcome back," her grandmother greeted cheerfully. "Are you done babysitting?"
"Yes, I am," Leena nodded. "Is mom home?"
"I'm afraid not, dear," her grandmother replied. "She hasn't return yet."
I suppose I can wait until she returns, Leena mused.
"Alright then. Thanks, grandma," she nodded.
She then went deeper inside. Passing by her parents' bedroom, she stopped and peered inside. It looked virtually the same, yet such a sight would evoke sadness in the girl.
All these changes, but dad is still missing, she thought.
A part of her had hoped, but it seems it was not to be. With a sigh, she resumed her walk. She soon reached her own bedroom.
At least mom, Una, and grandma are still here and remember me. Poor Serge. I do hope we can find Mrs. Marge.
She then made her way towards the window.
Am I really going to do this? Leena wondered as she gazed towards the sky. I do want to help Serge, but if it means being just the two of us, away for so long from the village…
She hummed, as her gaze began to descend.
Perhaps, there could be another chance to-
"Huh?"
Her gaze had reached the pier. To her confusion, she could see a few small figures about in the water. Leena was quick to recognize them as the children she had been looking after earlier.
What are they doing back there?
She could see two other figures on the pier itself. One was the old fisherman, fishing as usual. The other was a girl.
Who is that? Leena leaned forward, over the window.
The girl was looking over at the children playing in the water. While Leena could only see her back, it did not escaped her notice how she seemed to have the same hair as her own… as well as the same clothes. Leena frowned.
What? Why does she-?
Then it happened. The fisherman turned to the girl, and seemed to be telling her something. Leena was too far away to hear, but whatever it was, it caused the girl to turn around to face him. That is where Leena could finally see her face. Even with the distance, she could still make out enough to notice just how similar it was to her own.
Leena gasped, as realization hit her. She was effectively looking at… herself.
WHAT!?
Serge and Leena stood near the start of the pier, staring at the other end. The fisherman was gone, likely departing before their arrival. Only the children remained, still playing in the water, as well the mystery girl that could very well be Leena's doppelganger.
"Wow, you're right, Leena, she's your spitting image," Serge said, astonished.
Next to him, Leena stood, looking visibly shaken.
"It's so uncanny," she said. "Just who is she?"
"Maybe she's your long lost twin," Serge said with some humor, trying to lighten up the situation.
Leena looked unamused, however.
"Come on, Serge, be serious!" She scolded, hands on her hips. "She must be some sort of impostor!"
Serge glanced back at the lookalike, frowning.
"Well, there's no disputing that," he said.
I have to admit, it is a very convincing disguise, he thought. I wonder how they pulled it off.
Still, it begged the question.
"But why would someone impersonate you, anyway?" He said.
"Well, that's what we're going to find out," Leena said, looking determined.
With that, she stormed off towards the girl, with Serge not far behind.
"Hey, you!" Leena called out.
The girl turned around.
"Yes… Huh!?" She began, only for her eyes to widen in shock. "Wh-who are you!? Why do you look like me?"
"That's the same thing I would like to ask," Leena said.
"Wow, look, it's a second Leena!" One of the children cried out.
They all began to gather and stare at the pier, amazed.
"Well, I'm waiting," Leena said sternly, arms crossed. "What are you trying to pull here, impostor?"
"What? Impostor? Just who are you to say that?" The girl's confusion gave way to irritation.
"Well, I happen to be Leena."
The girl frowned.
"Oh, really? Well, I am Leena, too," she said. "And I'm not going to let some phony call me 'impostor'."
"Phony!?" Leena looked offended. "Alright, that does it. I had enough dealing with this strange day to add this to the pile."
She then took a step forward.
"She's going to attack Leena!" One of the kids called out.
"Hey, miss! If you dare do something to Leena, you'll be sorry!" Another shouted.
They began to swim to the pier.
"Stay back!" The girl called out to them. "I'll handle this."
"Okay, that's enough," Serge called out, stepping closer.
He had kept his distance, but the situation now merited for him to interfere. This brought all eyes at him. Upon sighting him, the girl frowned again, but this time her confusion seemed to be back.
"But Serge, are we going to let her get away with this!?" Leena told him.
The girl's eyes then widened.
"Wait, did you say Serge?" She asked.
"Yes, that's my name," Serge nodded.
"Serge? But that's-"
The girl went deep in thought. Leena and Serge exchanged looks.
"Is something the matter?" Serge asked.
Does this girl do know about me? He wondered.
"It's just that, you look similar to the boy who once lived next door to me," she answered.
"Wait, so you do know of Serge!" Leena exclaimed.
"Yes, that was his name too," the girl nodded.
She then frowned again.
"Don't tell me you were also trying to impersonate him? Well, that would've never worked, you know."
Her tone turned quite terse.
"Why's that?" Serge asked.
I am getting a bad feeling about this…
Though unnerved, nevertheless he braced himself for what was to come.
"Because," the girl continued, "that boy… he's dead."
"W-what? D-dead?" Leena stammered.
Her face paled up, as her previous bravado vanished in an instant. Next to her, Serge frowned.
"Yes, he drowned, about ten years ago," the girl finished.
"S-Serge, that's-" Leena trailed off.
"Yes, I know, Leena," Serge replied.
So, it's true. Kiki's mother was talking about me, he realized.
Still, something felt off.
"What happened afterwards?" He then asked the girl. "What about the boy's parents?"
"They passed away too, not long after," was the reply.
Serge grimaced.
"I see…" He glanced away.
Not just my dad, but also my mom and I are gone now? What in the Dragon Gods' names is going on!?
However, as confused and frustrated that he felt about it…
"No, I refuse to believe it!" Leena suddenly exploded. "Serge and his mom can't be dead! I saw her with my own eyes, just hours ago! And Serge is right here, alive!"
She clenched her fists, as her face contorted in anger.
"This must be some kind of sick joke. It's got to be! Well, guess what? I'm not laughing!"
The girl stepped back, suddenly looking fearful. The kids likewise looked aghast.
"Leena, calm down," Serge urged her.
"No, I'm not calming down, Serge!" Leena turned to face him. "Aren't you upset at this!?"
"Of course I am!" He retorted. "But taking your anger on her is not going to help. Try to calm down."
Leena tsked, though nevertheless took a deep breath.
"Well, either way, I'm not staying here," she said, her voice noticeably calmer, though still looking upset.
She then promptly left the pier. They watched her go until she was out of view. An awkward silence followed. Serge turned back to face the girl, who looked shaken.
"Uh, I should be going as well," he said. "Sorry about that."
He then began to take his leave.
"Wait!" The girl called out.
Serge stopped, glancing back.
"Yes?" He asked.
"Um, Ser… the boy's grave, is at Cape Howl," she said. "If you need proof."
"I'll keep it in mind, thanks," Serge nodded.
With that, he turned back and left as well. Now left alone, the kids swamp right to the pier itself.
"What was all that about?" One said.
"That girl was scary…" Another said.
"Leena, do you know anything?" A third asked.
The girl remained unmoving, before shaking her head.
"No…" was all she said before finally turning at them. "Go back to play."
The kids, however, looked concerned.
"Are you sure, Leena?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. Don't let this ruin your day. Just go!"
The kids looked at each other.
"Alright, if you say so."
With that, they swam back deeper into the sea.
"Remember to not swim too far!" The girl called out.
She turned back, glancing back in the direction of the village. The events just prior still burning brightly in her mind.
Somehow, it's hard to think it was all an act. She thought. And that girl's appearance… it was too scarily accurate to feel like a mere disguise. Just who were they?
She did not dare to leave to find out. Thus, she remained on the pier, lost in thoughts, all alone.
When Serge caught up with Leena, he found her in the big expanse outside the chief's hut. She was sitting down, hugging her knees and looking down at the ground, with her back against the wall at the far end dividing the area from the rest of the village. He walked over and wordlessly sat down next to her.
"Serge," Leena said after a few seconds. "This must be a nightmare, isn't it?"
"Huh?" Serge glanced to her. "A nightmare?"
"We must still be knocked down by the wave, and we're dreaming," she continued, glancing down to the ground. "It would explain why so many things are different. Why there's a double of me around. Why you and your mom are… dead."
Serge glanced at the ground as well.
"It's too real to be a nightmare, Leena," he said glumly. "And too elaborate to be all a big prank, either."
Leena grimaced.
"Don't remind me," she said. "Looking back, that girl did looked as shocked as I was, wasn't she?"
"I suppose so," Serge said. "That or she was that good of an actress."
"At this point, I find that hard to believe anymore."
Leena closed her eyes and sighed.
"I feel so bad. The children also didn't need to witness that outburst."
"At least she'll be there to take care of them," Serge said.
He then allowed himself to smirk.
"If she can act as well as she can look like you, I bet she'll have things back under control in no time."
"Hee hee, I suppose so," Leena said, as a small smile graced her lips.
It was not to last, however.
"But then, wouldn't that mean she is part of all this?" She asked. "The more I think about it, the more it looks that I am the one who is out of place, not her."
She then glanced to him.
"And if so… Then what am I, then? A fake?"
Serge scoffed.
"Don't be silly, Leena," he chided while turning back to her. "You're as much a fake as I am of being some kind of undead."
Still, a part of him could not help but doubt. Leena likewise looked unconvinced.
"Perhaps we are…" she mumbled as she went back to gaze at the ground.
Serge frowned.
"Well, so what?" He began. "Fake, undead, or whatever. You are still Leena, and I'm still Serge. So what if there's another you around? Or that I'm supposed to be dead? We're still here. We are as real as everything else is."
Leena looked pensive.
"I suppose you have a point," she said, before smiling and turning back to him. "I'm glad you're here, Serge. I don't know what I'd have done, if I was dealing with this alone."
"Me too, Leena," Serge smiled back. "I don't think I would've fared any better myself."
"Yes, at least we're facing this, together."
They remained there for a moment longer. Serge glanced up to the sky. It had begun to tint orange, indicating dusk was not far away. He went deep in thought.
I wonder…
"I need to check out something," he suddenly said, standing back up.
"Huh? And what would that be?" Leena asked, looking up at him.
"I was told my… the grave, was at Cape Howl."
He grimaced.
How strange it is to say that, he thought.
He shook his head.
"You can stay here, if you wish," he glanced down at Leena.
"No, I'm going," she said, standing up as well. "I also want to see it with my own eyes."
"Okay then," Serge nodded. "Let's go."
With that, the two teens left the area.
It was not long before they had reached the cape. The sun was already barely above the horizon. At first glance, nothing seemed to be different. No sign of an obvious gravestone in sight.
"Did she told you were exactly it was?" Leena asked.
"No, but it shouldn't be hard to find," Serge said as he glanced around.
Just where could it be? He wondered.
Soon his eyes settled on the rock atop the cape itself. He frowned.
Could it be…?
It was the only option around.
"Maybe it's that one," he told Leena, pointing.
The two began to get closer. As they did, Serge went pensive.
I suppose my carving is not going to be there if it was instead used to mark my grave, he mused.
Sparing a glance at Leena, he was not sure if he was glad or disappointed she would not see it. In any case, they stopped just before the rock. Carved words were on its surface, but the rock itself was too small to see them properly from their vantage point.
"Well, this is it," Serge said.
They both knelt down and begun to read. It only took the first few lines to make it clear they had found it.
"So, it's true," Serge frowned.
"How could this happen?" Leena said.
"I don't know…" the boy shook his head. "But there's no denying it. As far as the world is concerned, I've been dead for ten years."
Once they had done reading, they could only keep staring at the makeshift gravestone, both at a loss of words. It was not to last, however.
"We better get back," Serge said, standing back up.
Without comment, Leena did the same. The two began to walk away from the rock. They came close to the cave entrance leading to the cape when three men came into view, emerging from within, which made them stop. Two of the men were clad in armor, which clanked as they walked. They stopped a few feet away from them. The two teens did not fail to notice the weapons they carried.
"So," the one in the middle said. "You must be Serge."
Night had fallen. Serge and Leena were back on the road leading to Arni.
"Who knew a lead would come to us," Serge spoke up.
"Well, I could've done without having to defend myself," Leena said, unamused.
"At least we drove them off," Serge said. "Good thing that Kid girl was there to help us out."
"Need I remind you, Serge, that it was her fault those dragoons attacked us?" Leena pointed out. "Also, don't you find it suspicious? What was she doing at the cape at such a late hour in the first place?"
"Didn't she say she just came from the mainland?" Serge said. "Maybe she got lost trying to find the village or something."
Leena looked pensive for a moment, before shaking her head.
"Well, I still don't trust her," she frowned.
"You're not just saying that because she was rude to you, aren't you?" Serge turned to her.
Leena huffed.
"Just what was her problem? Someone should teach her some manners!"
Serge rolled his eyes.
That aside, she does have a point, he had to admit. Was it a coincidence or was she really tailing us?
He frowned.
Not to mention, she looks so similar to the girl of my dream. Was it actually her, then? But then, what does it mean?
The sudden image of a bloodied knife flashed in his mind; then followed by that of Kid lying on the floor. Startled, he shook his head.
I hope it was not some kind of premonition. For all our sakes…
By the time they reached the village, it was still early enough that people still bustled about.
"I guess we need to find somewhere to spend the night now," Leena said.
"Yeah," Serge nodded. "Perhaps we can take up on that Komodo Pup's offer."
The girl made a face.
"Ugh, don't remind me," she said. "Now I feel bad I sent you to get those scales."
"There you are!"
Both turned at the source of the voice. It was the other Leena, running towards them. A few onlookers turned in surprise at the sudden double vision, but otherwise kept to themselves.
"Oh, uh, hello," Serge said.
"Did you… went to see the grave?" the girl asked.
"Y-yes, we did," Leena nodded.
"I see."
An awkward silence followed.
"Um, listen, I wanted to apologize," Leena said. "I shouldn't have shouted at you."
"No, it's fine," the girl shook her head. "I also had the time to think things over. While I don't fully understand what's going on-"
"It's okay. We don't, either," Serge chimed in.
"I now understand you were not trying to impersonate me or Serge."
Leena sighed in relief.
"Well, that's good to know," she said.
"Still, I must admit it's so uncanny that we look so much alike," the girl said, before turning to Serge. "And you… It's really hard not to think of you as an older version of Serge. Seeing you two, I can't help but wonder…"
She shook her head, face tinting red.
"A-anyway, considering things, I feel like I can't leave you two on your own. So if there's anything you need, I'll be glad to help out."
"Thanks, we appreciate it," Leena said.
"After everything today, it's certainly a godsend to have someone on our side," Serge agreed.
"Good, then," the girl said. "Also… there's something I wanted to discuss with you, if that's alright."
"Oh, uh, sure," Leena nodded. "We'll be glad to."
"Actually, I want it to be with just you," the girl clarified.
"Huh? With just me?" Leena was surprised, but then nodded. "Uh, sure."
"Thanks," the girl said before then turning to Serge. "Sorry about that."
"Nah, it's fine," Serge shrugged. "Whatever things you two need to sort out, be my guest. Now, if you excuse me ladies, there's a Komodo Pup I need to talk business with."
With that, Serge went on his way, heading towards his former home. The two girls simply watched him leave, when-
"I'm sorry; did he said… talk with a Komodo Pup?" The girl looked at Leena, confused.
Serge stood in the middle of what used to be his own room. The new owner seemed to be using it as a storeroom, as all the crates, shelves, and assorted of items could attest. A small, lit candle was atop one of the tables, ensuring the place was not in complete darkness. Standing atop one of the crates was the Komodo Pup. In spite of what he said earlier, he did checked out with the owner as well if he could stay the night.
If only there was a bed, he thought, glancing around.
Unfortunately, he would have to go without. Without much fuzz, he proceeded to undress partially, removing his vest, shoes, and bandanna. Finding a suitable enough spot, he sat down against a stack of crates. He frowned.
Not much of a choice, but better than just lying on the floor.
"It's alright, man," the Komodo Pup suddenly said. "It's not so bad once you get used to it."
"If you say so," Serge said, trying to make himself comfortable.
I certainly don't plan to get used to it.
It was not long before the Komodo Pup curled up atop the crate and fell asleep. Serge, however, still felt far from sleepy. Instead, he looked back at today's events, pensive.
Come tomorrow, what will be our plans? Serge wondered. The Acacia Dragoons definitely know something. But after what happened at the cape…
His faced contorted into worry.
Will they send more men after us? Will we have no choice but to head to Termina, one way or another?
Serge then frowned.
And then there's Kid. I never met her before, so how could I have dreamed of her? And how! Perhaps it would be best steering clear of her for the time being, just in case. But, if she's really heading to Termina, then we might see each other again if we also go there. And if she becomes involved again…
He shook his head and sighed.
I hope that that dream will just be that. A dream.
There was a sudden knock at the door, making him turn.
"Come on in," he called out.
The door opened, and Leena walked in. She was clad in a nightgown, her usual clothes tucked under her arm.
"What's with the getup?" He asked.
"The other Leena lend it to me," Leena replied. "Even said I could keep it, if I wished."
"That's nice of her," Serge said.
The girl then walked over and sat down next to him.
"So, what did you two talked about?" Serge asked next, curious.
"Oh, you know, a bit of this and that," Leena said, evasive.
Serge chuckled.
"You're not really going to tell me, are you?"
"She also said I could spend the night with her, you know," she said instead of answering the question.
"Oh? And you refused?"
"Well, I didn't want to intrude," Leena finally glanced back. "Besides, it would be a bit uncomfortable to be there. To be reminded that… well, they're no longer my family."
Serge frowned.
"Hey, don't be like that," he said. "I'm sure they'd be glad to have you regardless; and not just because you resemble their Leena."
Leena sighed.
"Perhaps, though it'd still be a bit awkward."
A brief silence followed.
"Say, Serge. Do you still intend to head to Termina?" Leena now asked herself.
Serge frowned, thinking back on his thoughts from earlier.
"Part of me feels we shouldn't," Leena continued.
"It could be our chance to find out the truth behind all this, Leena," Serge pointed out.
"I know, but, all this business with the dragoons just gives me a very bad feeling about it," Leena said, worried. "Just the fact they knew about you is very suspicious, let alone wanting you to come with them. It makes me very worried. Like something terrible could happen if you do go."
Once again, parts of his dream flashed in Serge's mind, making him frown again.
"Perhaps you're right," he simply said. "But then, what else can we do?"
Leena hummed.
"Well, we can always just, you know, remain here in Arni," she replied. "Try to build back our lives."
Serge went pensive.
"I guess that's also a choice," he said.
We might have to, one way or another, he thought.
The thought their current situation might be irreversible had crossed his mind.
"It won't be easy, though," he added. "We'd need to find someplace to live, as well as jobs to sustain ourselves."
"I'm sure we'll manage," Leena said. "And if not, we can try our luck elsewhere. Like Termina, or even Guldove."
"Eh, perhaps not Termina right now," Serge said.
"Well, either way, I'm sure things will work out."
A small pause ensued.
"Still," Leena suddenly spoke again. "Regardless of what you decide to do, Serge, I'll support you."
"Really?" Serge turned to her, surprised. "Even if I do choose to find out what those dragoons meant?"
"Well, I won't deny part of me does want to know as well, despite the apparent dangers," Leena admitted. "But also, I would not want to be left behind. Not when-"
She seemed to hesitate, her face tinting red.
"You're the only one I have left," she glancing away.
"Leena…" Serge trailed off.
He did not hesitate. He took her hand in his. Startled, the girl glanced back, face still red.
"Huh? S-Serge?"
"Hey, I wouldn't dream of leaving you behind," he said.
"Really? You mean it?" Leena asked.
"Absolutely," Serge nodded, before smirking. "Of course, I'm pretty sure you'd just come running after me, even if I did."
"Well, obviously," Leena said, frowning. "And I'd make sure you would regret it!"
There was a pause, before both laughed.
"Still," Leena's expression then softened, as she leaned to rest her head on Serge's shoulder. "It makes me glad to hear that."
Serge blushed at the action, but otherwise let it be. Instead, his face manifested a small smile.
"Well, you are also all I have left as well," he said, leaning himself as well. "So I'd follow you wherever you go too."
Silence once again fell upon them. They remained as they were, even when sleep would claim them both.
Come the following morning, the village was bustling with activity once again. Serge and Leena stood by the village entrance.
"How much longer must we wait?" Serge asked, looking a little bored.
"Come on, Serge, we haven't waited that long," Leena said.
"It's been over an hour," he pointed out.
"Well, consider it payback for yesterday, then," Leena placed her hands on her hips, frowning.
"But it wasn't her I stood up!" Serge protested.
"Doesn't matter. She is pretty much me… or it's the other way around? Anyway, it makes no difference, really," Leena shrugged.
The boy only stared at her, unamused.
This better not be the entire trip, he thought. Dealing with just one Leena was enough already.
Not long after the other Leena soon came into view, running towards them.
"Sorry I'm late," she said once she was before them. "I hope you two weren't waiting long."
"Oh, it's fine. We did not mind," Leena replied.
She then glanced at Serge with a small stern look.
"Right, Serge?" She asked, stressing the word a little.
"Riiight…" Serge deadpanned.
"Anyway," Leena glanced back at the girl. "Is it really not much trouble to come with us to Termina?"
"It's fine, really," the other Leena waved dismissively. "I have some errands to do over there, anyway; so why not go together?"
"Yeah, it's certainly a wonderful idea," Leena nodded.
"And totally not strange at all," Serge chuckled.
He then glanced upwards towards the sky.
"Well, we better get going. With some luck, we can still make it to Termina before dusk, at least."
With that, the three left the village in the direction of Fossil Valley.
The search for the truth behind their changed reality was not going to be an easy path to take for Serge and Leena. Yet, perhaps within the answers they sought lied the key to return things as they were before, however slim the chances of it. It was a risk they deemed worth taking, in spite of the possible dangers that lied head.
What awaited them once they reached Termina… may be a story for another time.
Author's Note: Ever thought how strange it is that, when Serge suddenly ends up in Another World for the first time, that Leena doesn't get dragged along despite being right next to him? Even in spite the fact Poshul can be if recruited? Wondering how things could go if otherwise was basically the inspiration of this idea. Speaking of, I did originally planned for Poshul to be there with them too. Admittedly, I dropped the idea for wanting to keep things a bit simpler... and also because I didn't want to write her dialogue. It was either trying to keep it as accurate as in the game, or write it normally and coming off weird to not thee her thpeak like thith. On that thought, it's also why I skipped over most of the Cape Howl scene. Not wanting to write the fight... and also due to Kid. Yeah, sorry about that, heh.
