Suikoden Fan Fiction ❯ Not Alone ❯ Chapter 2

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

<i>The Next Day<i>

Borus ran straight for the top deck where he and Chris had talked several times before. He looked around frantically, but she was not there. Please don’t let me have missed her, Borus prayed. He searched the entire ship, top to bottom. Nothing. He looked again. She must be here! How could this happen? She must have finally come around, decided she needed someone to talk to, and chosen him! What else could it be?

His second search proved fruitless. He spotted that knight, Fred. He was friends with Chris, perhaps he had seen her.

“You! Fred! Have you seen Lady Chris?”

Fred took in the sight of the anxious knight. “Lady Chris? She went out to the Mountain Path. She heard rumors of some rare armor there.” He frowned. “And she didn’t take me! I, Fred Maximillian! Can you believe it?”

“There, there, Master Fred. It’s all right.” It was that little girl who always tagged along with the knight. Borus couldn’t remember her name.

“What do you mean? I was told she was waiting for me…”

“Oh, no, sir. She’s been gone for a while now.” Rico! Yes, that was her name. “I think someone played a trick on you.”

A trick? That little… Fred and Rico stared as Borus shot away.

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

“What the hell is your problem?” Borus fumed as he sighted his enemy at the end of the hallway.

Nash casually looked up to see the aptly named Swordsman of Rage running towards him. “Need something?”

“What do you think? You set me up, you piece of filth!”

“What are you going on about? I don’t remember doing anything to you.”

Borus nearly attacked him right then. How could he be so indifferent? Was he an idiot? The knight practically spat out the words. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You made me think Lady Chris was waiting for me on the ship, you bastard.”

“Ooh, watch your language! But yes, I do seem to recall something of the sort. Relax, it was only a bit of fun,” Nash shrugged.

“Only a bit of fun…” Borus couldn’t believe his ears. “You think my feelings are a joke? You think you can just play with my emotions for a laugh? Are you insane? I could kill you right now!”

Just then, Percival came out of his room. “What’s going on out here? Sounds like there’s a war being fought.”

“This twerp thinks he can make a fool of me for sport, Percival!”

“He’s completely overreacting. I was just looking for a good time, he’s an easy target,” Nash said coolly.

“He’s got you there, Borus,” Percival said with a laugh.

“You’re taking his side? I can’t believe you!”

“Hang on a moment, I don’t even know what happened. Care to fill me in?”

Borus was able to calm down enough to explain what had happened, starting with earlier this evening, in the bath, when Nash had told Borus that Chris had wanted to talk to him. Percival managed to listen with a straight face while inwardly he shook with mirth.

“Nash, you’ve gone and done it. Hit him where it hurts the most. I’m afraid there’s nothing to be done for you. Well, have at it, Borus, I know better than to get in your way.” Got to hand it to Nash though, Percival added to himself. Wish I’d thought of it.

Borus struggled to maintain his composure. He decided to at least give Nash a chance to defend himself. “So? Have you anything to say?”

“Only that I’m terribly sorry I missed seeing the expression on your face when you saw that Chris was not waiting for you.”

Percival winced. You’ve really done it now, he thought. Here’s hoping Borus doesn’t kill you.

The blond knight lunged at Nash, knocking him to the ground. Suddenly a furious voice rang out.

“What in the hell is going on here?!” Chris ran over and yanked Borus off of Nash, her usually pretty face contorted with anger.

Borus pulled free of Chris’s grasp and said nothing. Nash got to his feet and kept silent, for once. Borus was staring daggers at him.

Chris looked skyward as if for guidance. “Percival?”

“Oh, just a disagreement, Lady Chris, nothing to worry about.” Chris raised an eyebrow. “Okay, fine, it was a huge disagreement. You see, Nash here played a trick on poor Borus and made him think you were waiting for him. Obviously you weren’t, so Borus came to confront Nash, who acted like a complete ass, thus provoking Borus to attack him. If you hadn’t come along, who knows what tragedy may have befallen us? Lucky for you,” Percival nodded in Nash’s direction, “that the finest swordsman in all of Zexen failed to draw his sword.”

“And what was your part in all of this, Sir Percival?”

“I heard the noise and decided to see what was happening. I tried to stop them, really I did. But then I figured I’d just stay for the show,” Percival smirked.

For the love of Sadie… “Nash, I don’t like you. I’ve said it before. You can’t just go around causing problems, as if we don’t have enough already. If you’re going to be here, then try and do something useful. …Or if you can’t manage that, at least don’t be a nuisance.”

Borus grinned.

But it was too soon. “Borus,” Chris turned on him. “I am severely disappointed in you. As one of the Six Mighty Knights, you are meant to be an example for others, using your abilities only to serve Zexen. And yet here you are, undermining our position by fighting with an ally!” Chris put up a hand as Borus attempted to defend himself. “Stop! I know what you would say. Yes, you were provoked, but as a knight I would think that you could control your temper. Oh wait, of course, it’s Borus that I’m talking about, made famous by his lack of ability to control his emotions.”

Borus could hardly believe his ears. Was this his Lady Chris talking? He had to make a concerted effort not to show the pain he was feeling. Percival, too, was staring wide-eyed at Chris, and even Nash looked surprised.

Chris continued, “Really, Borus, what were you thinking? What gave you the idea that I would ever pursue your company outside of our knightly duties? Still going on about that dream? You must be a bigger fool than I thought.”

“Foolish I may be, Lady Chris, but only because I care. I care enough to worry about you, to concern myself with your feelings. For years now I have thought only of you, of how I might aid you. I counted you as among my closest friends. I suppose I needn’t fool myself any longer, as it is obvious you have no thought whatsoever for my feelings. Should you ever need my sword, you know where to find me.” Borus spoke coldly, in a manner very different from his usual self. He took his leave, as a stunned Chris wondered what exactly had caused her to say what she had said.

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

The next day, after a shopping trip to Caleria made much easier thanks to Viki’s teleportation skills, Chris stopped by the room shared by Borus and Percival. She knocked on the door.

“Come in!”

“Oh, hello, Percival.”

“I know you’re here to see Borus, Lady Chris, but he hasn’t been in. I think he must be really distressed, as he hasn’t even come to talk to me. He didn’t even go to the tavern to get rip-roaring drunk.”

Chris sighed. “I know. I’m not surprised. He probably hates me.”

“If you don’t mind my saying, milady, you deserve it. What possessed you to speak like that to him?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea. And I don’t know how to make it better, either.”

Percival spoke comfortingly. “He’ll come around, Lady Chris. He always does.”

Chris smiled weakly. “I hope so.”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

Chris knew exactly where to find the man she was looking for. There he was, standing on the top deck, gazing out into the distance. Despite the magnificence of the setting sun he ordinarily admired so, Chris could see his shoulders slumped in sadness. She silently crept up behind him, trying to work up the courage to apologize. She knew she had hurt him dearly this time.

“Borus?”

He flinched at the soft voice. He didn’t turn.

“Borus, I know you’re upset…”

“Do you care?” His voice was harsh. “What are you here for? I know you’re not going out again tonight.”

“Please, Borus,” Chris pleaded. “Just let me say my piece, okay? I don’t know what came over me yesterday. I didn’t mean it, those awful things I said.”

“Yes, you did. You always say what you mean. Perhaps you just hadn’t fully realized you meant to say it, yet.”

“No, that’s not true! You of all people should understand that when we’re angry, we say things only to spite, not because we truly feel that way.”

He took that differently than she had meant. “There it is again. Me, of all people! Yes, Borus, the one who can’t control his temper, who gets upset over stupid things, who says things he doesn’t mean, who strikes out…” He stopped then, not even caring how close he’d come to admitting his darkest secret to the one person above all others he feared to tell.

Chris had let him vent, knowing he needed to get it out. She reached out to touch his hand. He cringed at the slight contact. “Borus, that’s not what I think at all. I think you’re very passionate, someone who feeds off his emotions, but doesn’t let them control him. It’s part of what makes you such a good knight.” She turned his face towards hers so he was looking into her eyes. “Part of what makes you such a good person.”

Borus’s deep brown eyes were filled with tears. Ashamed, he turned away.

“See?” Chris said gently. “You feel strongly. You needn’t be ashamed. I know I hurt you. It pains me to imagine how much so. Please understand that I had no intention of doing so. I genuinely care about you, Borus. I count you among my closest friends.” He was startled by the use of the phrase he himself had used last night. “And I would hate to lose that friendship over this. Do you think you can forgive me?”

“I can always forgive you, milady,” Borus whispered.

Chris smiled. “Good. Then would you like to accompany me to the tavern this evening? The production is of William Tell, starring Roland.”

Borus offered his arm to his lady, who gladly took it. “I would be delighted.”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

A few days later, Chris exited the meeting hall, having just gained some information about Harmonia's latest plans and Jimba. She would have to visit the Cyndar Ruins right away. Pondering over who to bring with, she started at the sound of her name.

“Chris! I’d like to have a word with you.”

The Zexen Captain walked over to where Lucia was waiting for her. “Yes? Something more about our current situation?”

“No, nothing like that,” Lucia answered with a small smile. “Something much more interesting.”

“Well, what is it, then?”

“I spoke with your young knight a week or so back.”

“‘My young knight’…” Chris was perplexed. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to clarify that one.”

“The blond, Borus, of course.”

“Oh, of course.” A frown marred Chris’s attractive face. “What does that have to do with me?”

“Everything! It was you we were talking about,” the Chief of the Karaya Clan was surprised at just how oblivious Chris really was.

“Lucia, could you please just say whatever it is you mean to say? I have work to do.”

“I’d just like to give you some advice. He’s very fond of you, and he won’t give up easily. But if you keep going on like you have been, either he’ll end up a very bitter, lonely man, or some other girl will come along and piece together his broken heart.”

Chris didn’t know what to say to that, so she merely nodded and hurried away. Lucia sighed. “Ah, to be young and in love! I only hope that when my Hugo finds the one who makes him happy, they won’t be so awkward about it.”

Dupa came up beside Lucia. “Meddling in Zexen affairs again, Lucia?”

She smiled up at her friend. “Only affairs of the heart, Dupa.”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

It was a weary party making their way back from the Cyndar Ruins. The journey passed in silence for the most part, each companion lost in his own thoughts. The Flame Champion hadn’t said a word since they had exited the ruins. No one knew what had happened while Chris had been inside the ball of energy created by the True Water Rune.

“Lady Chris, are you in need of anything?”

“No, thank you, Borus. I’m fine,” Chris said, turning to the man walking beside her.

“You must be exhausted after your ordeal,” Borus said, concerned.

“Well, I am a bit tired, but it’s not much further to the castle.”

Borus hesitated, then decided to go for it. “Would you like to talk about anything?”

Chris offered a small smile. “No, that’s all right. Thank you for asking.”

Borus stifled a sigh and smiled back at his companion, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

Farther back in the group, Lucia and Dupa observed the exchange between the two knights.

“I can’t understand how that little human woman attracts so many admirers,” Dupa was saying.

“Because among humans, Chris Lightfellow is deemed quite a beauty, Dupa.”

“Hmmm… they all look the same to me.”

Lucia laughed. “I can see how she wouldn’t hold much attraction to you.”

“No. But many do fancy her. Though I believe that small knight really loves her,” Dupa said thoughtfully. “Or, maybe he is just the most obvious. I can never tell.”

“No, I know what you mean. Although he is very obvious.”

“Why do you take such an interest in them, Lucia?”

The Karayan shrugged. “I don’t really know. Because they are interesting?”

“And why does he not just challenge the others to battle in order to win her heart? It is what the Lizard Clan does.”

“It doesn’t work that way, Dupa. These things are not so simple among humans. And by the way, why is it I’ve never seen a female Lizard?”

“I am shocked you have not, Lucia! They live in the Great Hollow. They are very attractive,” Dupa said matter-of-factly, nodding his head.

“… I’ll bet.”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

Chris awoke to a beautiful morning. The sun was shining brightly and she couldn’t help but be in a good mood. She felt like going out and doing some exploring, some training. She decided she’d ask the other knights to come along. It had been too long since the last time they’d all been out together.

On her way to see Borus and Percival, Chris stopped at the Suggestion Box. She enjoyed reading the notes the others left her. It gave her a good idea of what was going on at the castle, how the troops were feeling. This morning, the box contained four messages.

Chris read the first one. It was from Dupa. It read, “Our Lizard Clan will fight for our homes, the weak and the young. Don't waste our strength.” Huh, don’t I know it, Chris thought ruefully.

The silver-haired knight was a bit surprised to see she had received a note from Geddoe. He was always so taciturn. She picked it up and read, “Take it easy.” That was certainly to the point.

Chris was already smiling as she saw a message in Fred’s handwriting. “To conquer evil ambitions, please feel free to use my power. I'll participate in all the wars.” That boy never changed.

The last was from Joker. “That bar doesn't have enough drinks available. I can't get drunk at a bar with that booze.” Chris couldn’t help but laugh outright at that.

Chris was still chuckling as she entered the room shared by Borus and Percival.

“You certainly seem happy today, Lady Chris!”

“Oh, Borus, it’s just so wonderful outside I can’t help but be cheerful. And reading some of the letters from the troops is always entertaining.”

“Did you get any from Borus, Lady Chris? A poem, perhaps?” Percival said slyly.

“Percival!” Borus hissed. He turned smiling to Chris. “Well, I’m glad to see you so happy, Lady Chris. But did you need anything?”

“Yes, I wanted to see if you two were interested in a patrol. I thought it would nice if the six of us went out again, like old times.”

“Excellent idea! I know I’m always up for a battle or two. Percival?”

“Why not? Lead on, Lady Chris!”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

“When are we leaving, already?” Leo asked, fingering his axe impatiently.

“Settle down, Leo. The enemies will still be there, you know,” Percival said.

Leo scowled.

Chris joined the other knights (along with Louis) at the front of the castle. She mounted her horse. “Is everyone ready?”

“Been ready,” Leo muttered. Salome silenced him with a look.

Borus rode his horse forward a few steps. “I believe we’re all ready to go do some fighting, Lady Chris!”

Chris nodded. “All right then. We’ll begin in the Yaza Plain, travel through Zexen Forest, battle the treasure boss in North Cavern, stop in Vinay del Zexay for some shopping, and then make our way back.”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

<i>A Few Days Later; Night<i>

The burden of leadership was weighing heavily on the woman of Chris’s dream. She could feel her anxiety and her apprehension. Chris supposed that they must be planning a major attack. She smiled in her sleep as the woman’s blue-cloaked companion gave his unyielding comfort and support.

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

Borus watched the actions of the dream as though from far away. It was different, this time. He still felt like he was the man, and yet, as he wrapped his arms around his love, Borus felt removed from the scene. How he longed to hold his Lady Chris like that…

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

<i>That Morning<i>

“Something troubling you, milady?”

“What? Oh, no, Salome. I was just thinking,” Chris answered, glancing up to look at her most trusted advisor.

“Anything I could help you with? Planning, perhaps?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s silly. Forget about it.”

“Try me.” Salome took a seat next to her.

“Why is everyone so concerned about me recently?” Chris asked laughingly. “I’m beginning to think that I’m mortally ill, and no one’s told me about it yet.”

“Well, milady, we just worry about you,” Salome said gently. “You have so much responsibility and difficult matters to deal with, yet you never speak of any of it.”

“It’s only… I’ve been having these dreams. Dreams about a different war, of a man and a woman. It’s strange; they seem so real, I can feel what the woman feels just as if they were my own emotions. And some of them are…” Chris trailed off uncertainly.

“What happens in these dreams, Lady Chris?” Salome prompted, as she did not continue.

“Nothing much, really. The man and the woman are very much in love. I believe she is in charge, and the man is her… foundation. Their words are unclear, but I know she tells him everything, her plans and ideas, her worries, her fears, her insecurities, her hopes and dreams. He encourages her, and loves her, and is just there for her. And when I wake, I feel more rested and at peace than I have in a long while.”

“They sound like lovely dreams, milady. But perhaps they are meant just to comfort you.”

“Perhaps…”

“But you don’t think so?”

“Borus thinks they mean something. You see, he’s been having the same dreams.”

Salome did not know what to make of that. “I’m afraid I can’t help you there. My expertise is in strategy, not the meaning of dreams.”

“I know, Salome. It’s just one more thing…” Chris sighed.

“All I can say is, maybe it would help you to talk to someone. Please excuse me, I must be going.” Salome left the room, hoping against hope that when Chris opened up, she would open up to him, and that the significance of Borus sharing the same dreams as Chris meant nothing.

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

“Tell me again what we’re doing here, Percival.”

“Relax, Borus. It’ll be fun, I promise,” Percival said as he walked forward into the town.

“As if that, coming from you, is actually reassuring,” Borus muttered under his breath.

“I heard that,” Percival called over his shoulder.

Borus didn’t know what had possessed him to allow Percival to drag him along on a trip to Iksay Village. It was just some hick town, as he had seen the last time he was here. It wasn’t even looking much better after the raid by the Lizard Clan- many of the buildings still showed fire damage. The blond knight supposed he had come along because he was pleased Percival had asked him to. He didn’t think that the other knight was appreciating all the time he and Chris were spending together.

Lost in his own thoughts, Borus didn’t realize Percival had stopped in front of a house. He smacked right into the taller knight.

“Easy now, Borus. No need to get so excited,” Percival chuckled.

Borus scowled. “Why did we stop here? This house looks just the same as the other ones.”

“This is my house,” Percival said, as he opened the front door.

Surprised, Borus followed after. “Your house?”

Percival lead Borus into a plain, but comfortable living room. He sat down on the couch. “Make yourself at home! My mother will be back soon. I’m sure she’d love to cook for you.”

“You mean you were born in Iksay?”

Percival clapped. “And he finally gets it! My, Borus, you can be thick sometimes.”

Borus shook his head slightly. “I never knew. I mean, I knew you were a peasant, but I didn’t know you were from Iksay. How come you never said anything?”

“Oh, there it is. Wealthy Borus sees firsthand the <i>peasantry<i> of poor Percival.”

“You know I didn’t mean it like that…”

Percival waved him off. “I know. It’s just how you’ve been raised, and all that. But as for never telling you, you never asked. Didn’t seem important.”

Just then a middle-aged, plump woman entered the room. She had a kindly face, warming Borus towards her instantly.

“Percy! I didn’t know you were coming. And you brought a friend, too. Is he another knight?”

Borus smirked. “Percy?”

Percival threw him the nastiest look he could muster. “Hello, Mother. Sorry I didn't warn you, it was rather last minute. This is Borus, and judging by his armor, he would in fact be a knight.” He got up to give his mother a hug.

“Oh, isn’t that nice. I’m sure you’re hungry after coming all the way here, aren’t you, Borus?”

The fair-haired man smiled at her. “Yes, actually, I am. I’d love to try your cooking. I’ve heard it’s different from what I’m used to.”

Percival’s mother nodded. “Yes, it’s much better. We grow our own vegetables and raise our own livestock, after all. I’ll be just a few minutes.” She went into the kitchen.

Percival rolled his eyes. “She’ll be an hour. Mother loves to cook for company, so she’ll pull out all the stops. Would you like to look around the town? I don’t think you saw much the last time you were here.”

Borus got up. “I’d be delighted, <i>Percy<i>.”

________________________________________________________________________ _________________

“Oh, Percival! It’s so good to see you! I was worried when you hadn’t been back for so long.”

Percival turned smiling towards the red-haired young woman who had just run up to him. “I appreciate your concern, Margaret. It’s been tough fighting these past few weeks, but I’ve been able to manage all right.” The girl giggled.

Borus rolled his eyes and coughed none-too-politely. Margaret looked at him.

“Who is this, Sir Percival? One of your men?”

Borus attempted to cover up his gag with another cough. It ended up sounding rather strangled. Percival smirked while Margaret looked concerned. “Are you all right, sir?”

Percival slapped Borus on the back, saying, “Oh, he’ll be fine. He has episodes like this every so often. But we really must be on our way. It was very nice talking to you, Margaret. I look forward to our next meeting.”

The two knights left the girl practically drooling over Percival. Borus cast a questioning glance over to Percival. “Episodes?”

“Well, I didn’t want to draw any unwanted attention to you by informing her that you are in fact one of the Mighty Knights.”

Borus snorted. “Didn’t want to put an end to your fantasy of being a better knight than me, more like.”

Percival chose to ignore that comment. He didn’t want to get into an argument with or offend Borus, both of which were rather easy to do. He had wanted this trip to be a vacation of sorts, a way to reaffirm their friendship. Ever since they’d arrived at Lake Castle, Percival felt as though he and Borus were drifting apart, as Borus spent more and more time with Lady Chris. He didn’t want that to happen. Borus had been the one constant in his life ever since he had left Iksay and joined the knights, and they had met in training.

Almost as if he had sensed what Percival was thinking, Borus spoke up. “Percival, I feel as though we hardly ever talk anymore.”

“Do you? I feel the same way.” The dark-haired knight spoke seriously. Now wasn’t a time for smart remarks.

“What’s happened? It used to be I could tell you anything, once you stopped teasing me, of course.”

Percival laughed slightly. “Someone needs to keep you in your place, Borus.” He turned serious. “You always talk to Lady Chris now.”

“It’s just those dreams. I feel as though I should talk to her, get her to open up to me…”

Percival began to imagine scenarios of Chris drawing closer to Borus and farther from him as she opened up to the other knight. He grimaced. Suddenly he didn’t feel like talking about that anymore. “Why don’t we go look at the fields and the barns? I’m sure you’ve never seen anything like it.”