The Secondary Saga

[Yu Kanda]

Klaud slowly dragged her boots through the mud as the mist around her slowly started to disappear. The calmer state of mind she had earlier faded away as time had passed. The feelings in her heart weren't some magic trick from a swamp, nor was it sorcery, they were her own fears finding their way to the solid outer surface Klaud spent years to create. Even though she was still alive and walking, she felt defeated. Her ever vigilant walls crumbled down and exposed her heart and soul for everyone to see, if there was anyone around to see it. She was still alone out here. The emotional wreck that she was she was clinging on the one thing that gave her hope, Jan's military tag. Within her balled fist the trinket never left her touch.

After a walk that felt like it was taking hours her boot bumped into solid land and woke Klaud from her state, something that could only be described as a undead zombie walk. Her empty eyes moved up and saw she reached land, actual solid dirt, grass and trees could be seen close by. She turned her head twice to double-check, there was a swamp behind her and the start of a forest in front of her. Was it true ? did she really make it ? With a strong pull she got her boots out of the mud from the swamp and finally felt solid ground underneath her. It felt as if an enormous burden slipped from her weary shoulders. She took a couple of deep breaths before moving on. The swamp was behind her but she was still on her own, the others would've made it as well, Jan would have made it. With that in mind she regained her posture and marched forward.

Through the dense forest she was creating a path, leaves, branches, bushes, everything got in her way and made sure she was anything but a stealthy traveler. The light from the sun blinded her when she moved a branch filled with large green leaves to her side. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight, the dark swamp was not kind enough to share sunlight with its victims. When her eyes finally adjusted and focused the worn out exorcist was staring down the barrel of a gun making her freeze in her spot.

"Klaud?" A hesitant, vaguely familiar voice spoke up. As the barrel lowered Klaud saw two teary eyes appear before revealing the entire face. It was Christa, she made it. It took Klaud only a second to lose control over her emotions as she stepped in closer to hold her friend. Both Christa and Klaud held the other tight, holding on to each other as if they wanted to be sure it was really true and not another illusion. The intensity of Christa's hug felt as a warm blanket covering Klaud's wounded heart with faith and hope. Relief and joy were taking its course as the tears were flowing. Klaud even started to shiver, never before has she experienced emotions like this.

"Are you alright?" Christa asked before quickly turning her attention towards the sound of a broken twig coming from the darker corners from the forest. Klaud didn't respond to Christa's question but instead took position next to her, whatever it was, whatever this cursed land would throw their way, Klaud would not let it separate them again.

The bushes started to shake as more and more sounds were being made. The leaves were shaking and more twigs were snapping. Christa had her hand on her gun, Klaud had her eyes focused on the bushes as the noises grew louder and closer. In a swift movement the exorcist wiped the remaining tears from her face and took a strong stance once more. The bush got moved aside and the tears started to emerge once more, from behind the green leaves Lyra's surprised expression emerged. It took her a few seconds to realize what was going on before she rushed over towards her two comrades. The joy of seeing both Klaud and Christa was exploding from her face. Both of the women took Lyra in and held her tight. The girl has been through so much and here she was, back again where she belonged, with the people that cared for her. Lyra slowly let go as she turned around towards the bush. "You can come out, you don't need to hide."

From the same bush a second person appeared, he stayed back as he slowly revealed himself. Grobdum hesitantly stepped forward from his cover, not speaking a word, just looking at the scene unfolding in front of him, clearly unsure of how to act after everything that happened within the camp and swamp.

Klaud offered a warm and genuine smile with tears still lingering on her cheeks. " There is no need for that, friend. You are one of us, we are glad you made it back. " Her heart spoke truth as her sincere feelings were connected to each word spoken. Her gesture invited him to come closer.

Seeing both Lyra and Grobdum safe made Klaud feel hope. Jan shouldn't be far behind, he will be here shortly telling her not to worry so much, she's sure of it. For now, enjoy the moment that was given to her.