Disclaimer: I do NOT own Suikoden 3 or any of its characters used in my story.

Pairings: Don't want to ruin the surprise but new couples and new character intro's.

Readers information: "quotation marks" (Talking), italics (thinking) there are mild sexual situations in this chapter, nothing too serious.

A/N: Once again this chapter is not beta'd so there's probably a lot of grammar errors. It is a longer chapter, 100+ pages of notebook paper...oi vey. Please enjoy Chapter 6 of Alls Fair in Love and War.

Chapter 6: Begin War, Fall In Love and Commence Foreplay!

Alone and dark is how she felt, she couldn't find Hugo. Chris once again woke up screaming Hugo's name. Everyone was starting to worry about her and feel the effects of losing Hugo.

Lilly was taken to the dungeon, to say the least, she wasn't very happy with the idea. Poor Borus was stuck with guard duty; he wasn't that thrilled either with the situation. Thanks to Lilly's bragging though, Borus found out that she was the one who shot the arrow that almost killed Chris. Those that were closest to Chris were ready to see Lilly get hers right there and then. Surprisingly enough, it was Chris who saved Lilly's life. "She has her reasons for doing so. I wasn't to go talk to her in private."

No one liked Chris' idea but they agreed hesitantly. Upon reaching the cell Chris noticed that someone had cleaned and dressed Lilly's wound, "Hello Lilly."

Upon seeing Chris, Lilly snickered as she replied with a mock bow, "So, it's the Silver Maiden here to grace me with her presence. I'm fine and dandy considering that I don't have a change of clothes and that I'm in a dirty, smelly, old dungeon."

Chris shook her head with a smirk; she expected nothing less from her old comrade. "You brought this on yourself Lilly. What I want to know is why? Why did you turn against us, against me?"

Laughing, Lilly gave Chris an evil, cold look as she wrapped her hands around the cell bars, "Why, you ask? You. You have always been the center of attention. You were always the best soldier, the only woman who could disarm a man and live to tell the tale. I was sick of hearing all about you and how great you are. It should have been me. I trained just as hard as you did, no; I trained more and harder than you did. What do I get? Nothing."

Chris approached the holding cell calmly, then as quick as lightning she struck, Chris had her hand flying through the bars grasping the back of Lilly's head in a heartbeat tugging roughly, "You're wrong. I don't brag about myself and I loathe being the center of attention. Ask any Knight if you wish, but you are damn wrong if you think for one second you trained harder or more than I did. You had dear old dad with you every step of the way. No one teased you or hated you because you were a girl that beat a grown man. I went through hell and back to be who I am today. There is no way that I am going to let some jealous, prissy-ass little girl tell me I didn't earn what I have."

Chris jerked her arm roughly causing Lilly to fall backwards as she tripped over her feet. Chris calmly exited the dungeon, leaving Lilly once again alone. Once she closed the door she told Borus to get back to guard duty. "Chris please, don't make me go back down there. That woman's a devil."

Chris turned to glare at her once dear friend before grabbing Borus by his left pauldron and directed him to the door, "No Borus, think of this as your punishment for spreading lies about you and I."

When she first woke up Chris discovered that Albert retreated. Thanks to Caesar and his reinforcements. Franz with Ruby as well as some of his soldiers, along with Duke and his gang came to help out.

Mostly everyone stayed, but Franz and some of his soldiers went back home. Franz was already homesick and he missed his wife Iku, as well as his two sons and daughter. Duke and his gang talked to Leo, hearing the good news about Elaine being with child. Leo felt he had a lot of information to tell the man.

Everyone else either just sat back and relaxed, helped the wounded or helped repair the damages. Lucky no one was killed on their side, well, with the one exception of course.

Chris cried herself to sleep every night since Hugo's death, she still didn't have the courage to go and tell his clan. Thankfully, Yuiri offered to do it in her stead. The entire clan was mourning and Beecham was in charge until the messenger came back with Lucia.

No one could make Chris laugh or smile. Not even little Athena or her father, Percival. No one even had the heart to mention Hugo's name around her. It hurt deeply that they didn't even have a body to bury. If Chris wasn't occupied doing her duties as Captain, she just sat in the room she shared with Hugo. That's where she was now, standing motionless in the center of the room with her arms placed protectively over her womb. Chris could not stop the tears from falling from her eyes no matter how hard she tried.

"What are we going to do? Chris is going to make herself sick if she keeps this up."

Queen nodded her head in response to Aila's comment, "I've already seen her vomit a few times early in the morning. I don't even know if she's eating."

Queen noticed the distress in Aila's eyes, she and Hugo weren't terribly close but their shared clan kept them close as siblings, "There has to be a way to get her mind off Hugo."

Once again the members of Budehuc's defense were having a meeting about Chris' welfare. If she were to go out of commission if would be a great advantage to the enemy. Nash came up with a solution everyone agreed on, even poor Borus. "Why don't the Knights take Chris back with them to Brass? That way she will have her duties to take her mind off things."

The Knights nodded in agreement before deciding that they would leave within the next few days

"Need help?"

Yumi looked up from her kneeling position next to an injured soldier in the clinic wing. She gave a sweet smile in response, "I would love some help."

Louis kneeled down beside her, grabbed a wet rag and started wiping away the dried up blood from the soldier's body, "You have an experience with nursing?"

Louis started laughing at the surprised look on Yumi's face, "Do I! I've dedicated myself to taking care of the Mighty Six as a squire. I'm a Knight now but old habits die hard. I still like to take care of my brethren."

Louis' whole body tensed slightly when he heard Yumi laugh. He turned to look at her and really took in the sight, 'Goddess, she has a beautiful laugh.'

Yumi's expression turned to one of confusion as she wiped away at her face from Louis' intense gaze, "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"I'll get it." Louis removed Yumi's hand from her face and replaced it with his own before leaning forward slightly, still holding her hand gently within his. Louis face was so close that Yumi could feel his breath on her cheek. Yumi closed her eyes at the proximity when all of a sudden Louis kissed her on the cheek.

Yumi gasped slightly at the contact before moving away from Louis completely shocked. She saw that he had the cutest grin placed upon his lips. 'He has dimples when he smiles.'

The two of them then laughed at one another before tending back to their wounded and took their time getting to know one another better.

Chris was walking down the hall when she heard laughter from nearby, she stopped midstride to look at the door the noise was coming from. Chris approached the hospital wing door and opened it a crack, to see Louis and Yumi talking animatedly with one another.

Believe it or not, Chris smiled at the sight of Louis grasping Yumi's hand and giving a kiss to the back of the girls hand before telling her that he couldn't wait until later that night. Chris was happy that someone was still enjoying the time they got to spend with their loved ones. If anyone deserved happiness it was Yumi and Louis.

Chris quietly closed the door to give them some privacy before resuming her stroll through the castle. It had been a week since Hugo's death and she was coping with it better than she thought she might. Chris placed her right hand over her womb in thought, 'At least he left me a piece of himself before he left.'

This child was everything to her; she had already decided to name the child after Hugo if it was a boy. She really hoped the child was blessed with Hugo's attributes. Chris was lucky no one suspected anything yet and just assumed she was sick with grief. Chris was already a couple months along and was worried that she would start showing soon. She didn't want her child a target of her enemies. "Chris…Lady Chris!"

Chris was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of Borus' voice calling out to her. Chris turned to the man with a frown and the sudden urge to vomit, 'I don't need this right now. Not now, please not now.'

Borus stopped a few feet away from Chris and witnessed the frown mar her forehead, "Chris we'll be leaving next week if that's alright with you. The Council hasn't sent anymore assassins, so Salome thinks it's safe to head back to Brass Castle."

Borus noticed Chris appeared more pale than usual and quickly asked if she was okay as he reached out for her. When Chris looked about to fall over, Borus grabbed her arms to steady her and tried to look the woman in the eyes. Chris' body convulsed slightly before she vomited all over the front of Borus' shirt and passed out in his arms. Borus gently picked her up, yelling for help as he made his way to the hospital wing.

"No damn fucking way!"

Everyone looked at Futch with raised eyebrows, "What? It's hard to believe, kind of."

Chris was lying in the hospital wing, she still hadn't woken up. Doctor Tuta and Nurse Mio had just finished examining her for any problems. Everyone knew she was pregnant. "At least we all know whose child it is."

Fred just had to be the one to make that statement, they knew for sure and Borus was not happy about it. After it was announced that she was with child, Borus ran out of the room in a fit of anger. The doctor blinked at the reaction before telling those present that Chris was two months at least. Leo let out a growl of anger as he punched his fist into his open palm, "Which means she fought the battle a few weeks ago knowing she was pregnant."

Fred rubbed at his chin in his thought, "Chris is lucky she didn't lose the child."

"We have to tell her we know." Everyone agreed with Salome, it was only fair that they tell her of the knowledge they acquired.

A few hours later, Chris woke up with Percival at her bedside and told her that they knew, "Don't worry Chris."

Chris looked up at Percival in tears; he sat on her bed and took her hands into his own. "We won't tell anyone. The Mighty Six know as well as Nash, Futch and Fred. I won't even tell Yuiri, we want to keep this a secret from the enemies as much as you do."

Chris grabbed Percival and pulled him into the tightest hug imaginable. She continued to cry as silently as she could and Percival just sat there holding her, whispering to her that it would all work out in the end. Soon after, Chris succumbed to sleep once more.

Percival stood from the bed, tucked Chris in and gave a deep sigh as he came to a realization, "Hope her mood swings aren't going to be as bad Yuiri's were."

Percival pulled a chair up next to the bed and turned it around so that he was straddling it. He wasn't going to leave Chris' side until she was safe behind the gates of Brass Castle.

Deep in the forest, spirits were gathering. Hugo's body was floating above a glowing pedestal. His back was good as new, not even a single scar remained. One of the spirits stepped into the light, a light that shined out of the deep dark forest. Gently laying her hand on his head Yun spoke, "He's dreaming of her. Even in death he dreams of Chris."

Another figure stepped up next to Yun. He was dressed in white and red. Gazing down at Hugo, the figure smiled gently. "It's not yet time for the new Flame Champion to die. You're needed more now than ever."

Jimba was the final spirit to step forward, taking his place on the other side of Yun. He looked down at the boy who he helped raise, the young man who was now his daughter's lover and father to his unborn grandchild. "You're right old friend, as usual but you're always right, aren't you Flame Champion."

The previous Flame Champion gave Jimba a skeptical look, slightly offended, "Please I no longer deserve that title. Just call me Fayt, like back in the day."

"All three of us are going to have to focus really hard to bring Hugo's soul back to his body." Jimba and Fayt nodded their heads in agreement before taking their positions. Fayt stood near Hugo's head, Jimba near the man's feet and Yun stood at Hugo's side with her hands raised inches above his body before giving a small command, "Begin."

All three started a chant as old as the beginning of time, they hoped that it would work and Hugo would return to the realm of the living.

Two months had gone by since Chris had arrived back at Brass Castle. Luckily, she hadn't started to show yet, her armor hid it a little but it wouldn't for much longer.

Lilly was released, but was always under watch. She and Borus started dating; it was the strangest relationship anyone had ever witnessed.

Louis spent most of his time at Budehuc Castle. He and Yumi were doing really well. Percival returned home a month ago. He, Yuiri and Athena visit Brass as much as possible. Leo and Roland were rather busy with their families but they still made an effort to try and visit. Fred and Nash never left Chris' side. Futch used to be a part of the Lightfellow 'Guard Squad' but he was spending more time with the Fraulein household. Bright was never far from Futch's side and Fubar hasn't been the same since Hugo died, mainly hanging around Brass Castle for obvious reasons.

The Council hadn't found out about what happened to Chris but they were happy as a clam when they found out Hugo was killed in battle. Upon arriving back on Zexen soil, Chris' first stop was the Council chambers, against everyone's judgment. Chris demanded to know why they teamed up with the enemy and why they sent assassins after her. Of course they denied everything. The day after she demanded answers from the Council, there was an assassination attempt on Chris' life. Chris dealt with the nuisance accordingly.

Chris was in the middle of doing paperwork when there was a knock on her door. Without even looking up she responded stoically, "Enter."

It was Louis and he had the most worried expression on his face. Chris gave the young man her full attention as she asked what the problem was. Louis gulped as he pulled at his collar, "A message just arrived from the Council. They're demanding to see you as soon as possible."

Chris stood up calmly with a quiet hum, "I see. Will you be accompanying me?"

Louis nodded with a smile, "Fred, Nash and I are going with you."

Chris gave a nod of approval and requested that he and the others meet her at the West gate as soon as possible. Louis bowed in respect and shut the door behind him as he left.

Coming up behind his wife, Leo started kissing her neck as he placed his hands over her womb. Elaine was now five months with child. So far, everything was going along great. "How are my two favorite girls?"

Laughing, Elaine turned around in his arms to put her arms around his neck, "He's a boy Leo."

"No…definitely a girl Elaine."

Elaine gave another laugh as Leo kissed her forehead affectionately, "Are we going to always argue on what the child is?"

Leo gave a deep sigh as he appeared in thought, "We wouldn't be arguing if you would just agree that I'm right and you're wrong."

Elaine gasped before giving her husband a hard smack in the stomach, "You cocky bastard! You and I both know I'm always right."

Leo started nibbling and kissing Elaine's neck while replying, "Not this time honey."

Elaine struggled to get out of his hold while laughing, "Leo stop it. I'm trying to cook dinner."

"Underline trying."

"Hey!"

Pulling her as close as her pregnant belly would allow, Leo whispered in her ear, "Dinner can wait."

Elaine gave a soft grunt as she pulled back and placed her hand over her womb. Leo was immediately concerned for his wife, "Honey what's wrong? Is it the baby?"

Elaine started breathing raggedly as she clutched at her belly, "I think so but something's terribly wrong."

Leo caught Elaine as she fell forward screaming in pain.

"So it's true then, you have a Grasslander's bastard growing inside you."

Chris stood there in front of the Council getting extremely pissed off. Since the moment she stepped through that door, the Council had done nothing but disregard her and her unborn child. Nash and Fred had entered with her but when they threatened to make the Council shut the fuck up, the council called in guards and had them escorted out of the room.

Chris was about to show the Council to never piss off a mother to be until one of the Council members said something that rendered her speechless, "Get rid of it."

Chris looked at the man as if he had ten heads; she had never heard anyone express their want to end an unborn child's life without so much as a bat of an eyelash. "I said get rid of it. I don't care how, but just do it."

Chris could easily tell that she was currently being dismissed, however, instead of leaving the chamber room Chris walked up to the table and slammed her fist onto the table, nearly snapping it in two. "You may be in charge of the Federation but I'll be damned if I let you be in charge of my life and the life of my child."

After speaking her part Chris turned to leave the room fuming, the moment she slammed the door hard enough to crack the frame, Chris realized she had another problem to deal with. Louis relayed to her that Leo and Elaine were having complications with their child and that Fred and Nash already left to see if they could help.

Chris followed Louis running as fast as her condition would allow, upon reaching the Galan house Chris saw a doctor kneeling by Elaine who was in great pain and being held tenderly by Leo. Fred and Nash stood off to one side, both with worried expressions. Once before being huge with child, Elaine was now that as she was before she was pregnant. Everyone turned their attention to the doctor as he spoke, "I don't know what you're talking about. You're not pregnant and you never were."

"What!" Everyone screamed in shock.

Leo moved so fast that if you had blinked you would have missed it. He grabbed the doctor by the collar of his shirt and lifted him off the ground. "Of course she was pregnant. We didn't imagine her growing with child!"

Carefully walking up behind Leo, Chris laid her hand on his arm, "Leo put him down. He's just doing his job."

Doing what Chris asked of him, Leo dropped the doctor to the ground instead of putting him down gently. Chris turned her attention to the doctor with a sigh of frustration asking what he meant. The doctor fixed his clothes and glasses with a frown, "It means what I said. This young woman was never pregnant."

"So, she didn't have a miscarriage or anything like that?"

The doctor scoffed at the offered solution, "No. You need to have the fetus to have a miscarriage. She never had one."

Chris furrowed her brow in confusion, "Very well doctor. You can leave now."

The doctor bowed to Chris before quickly leaving the house. Chris walked up to Leo, who had returned to kneeling next to his wife who was now holding onto Leo for dear life and crying her heart out, "Leo…"

Holding onto his wife gently Leo asked everyone to leave. Out of respect, sympathy and friendship, Chris stood up and turned to leave with the others following closely behind.

Once outside, Chris stopped in her tracks and laid both of her hands over her stomach. She felt the baby kick and she gave a sigh of relief. Chris didn't know what she would do if anything happened to her unborn child.

He did it, he had finally done it, he took a child made by two loving people and then planning on turning it into a demon such as him. Albert would try to kill him if he knew of this little incident. He wanted to use Chris' child but he was experiencing some difficulties for whatever reason and instead chose Leo and Elaine's child.

Since he wasn't anything close to a woman and he couldn't carry the child around. Yuber used his dark magic to create a floating void, where he could place the child until it reached the age of ten. It will take that long for the child to develop its demon body and magic. The child will still look like their parents but there would be a few slight physical changes.

"This child is going to be the death of me." Yuiri and Percival headed off for some business the needed to take care of. So Futch was once again babysitting but this time he didn't have Bright there to help him. Futch had been searching for Athena for what seemed like hours. He finally found her near the old True Water Rune seal. Walking up to grab her and give her a piece of his mind, a blinding green and white light shot out of nowhere aimed straight at Athena. Futch's heart stopped beating momentarily as he saw Athena in danger, 'I'm not going to reach her in time.'

The greenish-whitish light made a direct hit. After the light aura around Athena faded, Futch could see that she was just the same as before. Futch picked her up to examine her and that's when he realized there was something on her right hand, a pattern or design of some sort. Futch grabbed her hand and turned it so he could see what was on it. Futch gave a curse as he recognized the symbol, "Fucking hell."

Embedded on Athena's right hand was the symbol of the True Wind Rune.

The attack happened late at night or maybe it was early in the morning. Chris was sleeping peacefully, dreaming of Hugo, but before she could see what happened at the end of her dream, something woke her up.

Slowly rising out of bed, Chris looked around her chambers. She didn't see anyone but she could feel someone in the room with her. "Who's there? Answer me."

Chris leaned over towards her bedside table to draw her sword but before her hand could even touch the hilt, someone threw a blanket over her. Chris struggled but could not throw them off, she felt herself falling from the bed and she barely had enough time to twist enough in the air so that she landed on her side and not on her stomach.

Then she felt the person…no wait…people. Chris didn't know how many but she knew that this time the Council wasn't taking any chances. This time they sent out several assassins at once to ensure success.

Someone was rolling her up into the blanket on the floor and she was starting to feel suspiciously like an eggroll. Soon after, Chris felt the individual lift her up and throw her over their shoulder Chris heard the door open but she knew the assassins weren't stupid enough to walk down the main halls. 'Damn that secret passage to hell.'

Chris knew when they finally reached the outdoors simply by the smell and the sound of horses. Once again, she felt herself moving as the assassin place her across the horse's back. Commotion interrupted the silence, "What the…traitor!"

"Quick spread!"

By the sound of movement, Chris guessed that there were at least five kidnappers, 'The Council must truly see me as a threat if they are still sending people to infiltrate.'

Chris could hear the muffled sounds of a fight and started wriggling off the horse while the kidnappers were distracted. When she felt herself falling in the air once again she twisted and landed on her back. It hurt like hell but as long as her baby was safe it would be okay.

Chris managed to unroll herself from the blanket. A second before she was out of the blanket, she heard the fighting stop completely. Chris sat up, finally able to breathe properly and glanced up to see a dark figure with one of the assassin's in their grasp. Chris watched as the figure broke the kidnapper's neck. The other men involved appeared to be dead as well.

Chris slowly and carefully stood up, placing a protective hand on her belly. Chris believed this person to be the traitor that the assassins spoke of. They examined each other quietly before Chris turned away from the figure and walked towards the East gate. The figure took this as his chance to take off into the woods.

'Pregnant? She's pregnant!'

The dark figure thought as they continued racing through the woods. They as the meeting place and continued in deep thought, 'By the looks of it, she is close to 4 months. That would mean she conceived…no way.'

"What took you so long?"

The figure turned to see Geddoe step out of the woods and smiled appreciatively, "You were right about the Council sending assassins after Chris. They had no clue who I was up until the very end."

Geddoe gave a satisfied grunt as he rubbed his chin in thought, "Good to know I still have reliable information. We'll have to call a meeting and make sure Chris is being watched."

The figure crossed their arms with a sigh, shaking their head in disbelief before facing Geddoe, "Did you know Chris is pregnant?"

If Geddoe was shocked by this information he did not show it but did confirm that Chris' pregnancy was something he was not aware of, "I'll keep an eye on her."

The figure nodded silently before turning away from Geddoe and hiding himself deep within the forest shadows. The mercenary hummed slightly before shaking his head and taking his own leave, "Take care old friend."

Geddoe talked to Salome the day after Chris' kidnapping. They both agreed that Chris needed to go back into hiding at Budehuc Castle. The trouble was that assassins were still after Chris even after she relocated to the lakeside manor. The Council was desperate and wanted Chris' child dead more so than the woman herself.

Geddoe's gang, Nash, Fred and Fubar set out to protecting Chris, rescuing her countless times as her due date got closer. Chris was seven months along, so needless to say, everyone knew she was with child. Queen suggested that Chris go somewhere to give birth that the Council would never guess she might be hiding.

Futch and Bright were the lucky individuals chosen to take Chris to her secret place, "Whoa Chris, you look like you're about to fall over."

Chris gave Futch a deadly glare but the smile she gave him helped to soften the look, "Why thank you Futch. I hadn't noticed."

Futch blushed sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head apologizing. Chris walked up to Futch, carefully pulling him into a motherly hug then she began sniffling. Chris didn't cry but the tears were definitely begging to be released, "I know I'm fat Futch. I can't even see my feet anymore or fit into my armor."

Futch did the only thing he could think of, he returned the troubled woman's hug and rubbed her back soothingly, "I'm sorry Chris, you're not fat at all, I promise."

Chris leaned back from the embrace to look up at Futch with a twinkle in her eye, "Really?"

Chris sounded so hopeful Futch couldn't help but smile in return, "Realllllly."

All of a sudden a loud smack was heard as Chris slapped Futch across the face with a frown. Futch raised his hand to his stinging cheek trying desperately not to cry as everyone looked to Chris in shock, "You liar! You were the one that said I was about to fall over. Then you go around and say that I'm not fat!"

While Chris was making Futch feel small, Fred snickered quietly as he approached Nash, "The way she's yelling at him you would never have guessed she was angel just a few moments ago. That was quite the change."

Nash laughed as he watched Chris smack Futch again upside the back of his head, "its mood swings. Chris hardly had any but it looks like they're catching up to her now. Chris is trying so hard to not let them win her over."

It took a while for everyone to calm Chris down and when she realized what had been going on she apologized to Futch profusely stating she didn't know what got into her. Poor Bright had the right idea and flew off the moment Chris started yelling, the woman could be terrifying that was for sure. Thankfully, by the time Bright came back, Chris was back to normal or as far as normal would be considering.

Unfortunately for Futch he managed to say a few more upsetting phrases causing Chris to have mood swings while they were in the air. Bright almost fell out of the sky a few times from all the struggling that was happening on his back. Futch just took the yelling and beatings like a man, silently. He knew better than to encourage Chris this time.

Both Futch and Bright were relieved when they finally reached their destination and landed. First, Futch jumped down and then he gently helped Chris down, who ran to the closest covering and threw-up.

"Hello. Welcome back Lady Chris." The three individuals all turned to see the previous Flame Champion's wife standing with some of the villagers.

"We are humbled by your presence Lady Chris. The Council will never think of looking for you this far into the Grasslands. Chisha Village is happy to see you good and healthy."

Chris smiled gratefully before receiving a gentle embrace from Sana. When the older woman commented on how big Chris was and that was a good sign that the baby would be healthy, Futch and Bright knew that was their cue to leave. Although it surprised them when Chris merely smiled at the comment and embraced Sana once more actually thanking her.

The dragon duo said farewell the Sana and Chris before taking off towards Alma Kinan to continue his babysitting duties.

"So, the famous Lady Chris turned down the Swordsman of Rage."

"Hold your tongue Lilly."

Lilly laughed as she leaned against the nearby wall and pressed her head back against it, "Not to mention that she chose a Grasslander over him. Not just any Grasslander either, no she happened to pick the Chief of a clan. Did I mention he happens to be the Flame Champion too?"

Borus rose out of his chair to approach the devil woman with a growl, "I said to hold your fucking tongue."

Lilly and Borus stared at each other silently. Lilly asked Borus to marry her which caused a huge dispute between the two of them. Though Lilly's main reason was so she could stay in the Capital and prove herself better than Chris, the other reason was so she could piss off the Silver Maiden. On another note, Lilly's father didn't even know that she was in the merchant country of Zexen at the moment.

Lilly knew Borus had feelings for Chris but that only makes the reason to marry Borus even more necessary. Lilly wanted to marry Borus and make him love her instead of Chris. Lilly could rub it in the other woman's face that she had something that used to be Chris'.

The bad thing about it though, Borus was saying no to marrying her. So now, Lilly was trying to hurt his pride and ego by reminding him who Chris chose to be with. "Come on Borus, she is pregnant with the man's child. Yes, he is dead but that doesn't mean she will marry you. Chris will love that child more than you could possibly imagine."

Borus punched the wall right by her head with a frown before regrettably agreeing and accepting Lilly's proposal. The wedding was set to take place in one year and Lilly wasted no time telling anyone and everyone who would listen within the square. Lilly never saw Chris to brag about it and she had no idea where the woman would be.

She cuddled closer to his body, her arms wrapped tightly around his back. They found a private spot a few days ago in the woods near Budehuc Castle where they could spend their time together without prying eyes. Their clothes were discarded throughout the woods and her new skirt was ripped up the side by her partner in a hurry to get inside her.

She was happy that he spent most of his time here since she knew he had a lot of duties to get accomplished. He was playing with her hair and kissing her neck softly, "Have I ever told you how incredible you are?"

She knew her sister might say that she was probably making a mistake with him, but she didn't care. She cared about her Knight more than anything she ever had the pleasure of caring for. Sensing that the girl next to him was in deep thought, he buried his face in her hair and took a deep breath, "Yumi? What are you thinking about?"

Yumi turned to look at her handsome man with smile, "I was thinking about how much I care about you. I know we haven't known each other for long but you're the first guy I have ever felt like this with Louis."

Louis sat up to lean over her with a smile and carefully brushed the hair out of her face before gently covering her lips with his own. Yumi ran a hand through his hair with a laugh and gave him another kiss before lying back down. Then he spoke the most beautiful words she ever heard, "You're the only woman I want like this."

"How is she doing?"

Aila looked up from dabbing Aisleen's face with a sigh, "Well she's finally sleeping better. I heard Lita is fully recovered already."

Both Aisleen and Lita caught a little cold from the season change; the youngest managed to get an ear infection while the oldest had a severe sore throat. Thankfully they were both doing well but because of her motherly instincts Aila hardly left her sick daughter's side.

Jacques came up behind Aila silently and pulled her up from the bed gently to hold her in his tight embrace, "We always did fit perfectly."

Aila started giggling as Jacques nibbled and licked her neck and shoulder, "Jacques, that tickles, stop."

Aila turned around so that she could wrap her arms around Jacques neck tightly and lifted her hand to the back of his head to bring him down for a kiss. Jacques gave a low growl as he felt Aila's tongue inside his mouth. Aila started taking off Jacques blue jacket as the excitement surged through her veins.

While Aila and Jacques were making love with their tongues, Jacques ever so slowly used his hand to knead Aila's breast through her clothes and then his hand started to travel down her body across her stomach. When he finally reached where he wanted to be he cupped Aila's sex and could feel how wet she was already.

As Jacques gently started to grind against Aila the disturbing sound of Aisleen crying interrupted them. Aila laughed as she heard Jacques give a low growl of frustration, "Sorry baby but Aisleen is sick and in pain so she comes first."

If it were even possible Jacques whined as he grinded his manhood roughly against Aila causing her to let out a gasp as she tightened her hold on his shoulders. Jacques leaned down just inches from her lips that were slightly swollen from their kisses and whispered upon them, "As you can see Aisleen isn't the only one in pain at the moment."

Jacques gave Aila one last passionate kiss as he turned to pick up Aisleen and gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. Aisleen stopped crying instantly when her father picked her up. Jacques threw her in the air carefully and then caught her with a laugh while Aisleen giggled adorably, "You little brat. All you wanted was to be the center of attention."

Jacques handed Aisleen to her mother gently before turning to leave and stated over his shoulder as he passed through the door, "Fair warning Aila, I'm going to finish what you started tonight."

Aila smiled as Jacques left the room and gave Aisleen a kiss on the nose, "Watch out for the quiet ones when you get older. They're the ones you have to worry about."

Aisleen wasn't sure what her mother was talking about but nodded anyway, happy that she was once again the center of attention.

While that was happening back at Budehuc Castle, a different kind of action was taking place as Chisha Village was currently under attack. Chris was the highest skilled warrior at the village but she was in no condition to fight. Chris was due any day now and she couldn't risk giving birth in the middle of a battle with someone.

Albert, the sneaky bastard, found out where Chris was hiding, he and Yuber planned their attack to be purposefully near her due date. Albert didn't bring many soldiers, only 25 and Yuber's cheerful presence. Their objective was to capture Chris and that was all. Yuber was insistent that Albert just have her killed but the strategist had to tell Yuber every 6 seconds their mission was to capture not kill.

Chris was able to find out that she was the one that Albert was after from knocking one of the soldiers out, tying him up and using some gentle persuasion. Thinking what was best for the village; Chris snuck away from the battleground and headed towards Kaput Forest, hoping to reach Alma Kinan before she was found.

When Chris stopped for the fifth time to catch her breath, she felt something wet going down her legs. The Captain looked down in horror as she came to the realization that her water just broke, before she could even think about sitting down to ease the shock she heard a voice she'd rather forget, "Here Christy, Christy, Christy. Come to Uncle Yuber."

Fear rushed throughout her body from the demons words. Chris could hardly defend herself against lowly soldiers, what was she supposed to do if confronted by Yuber. Chris started running as fast as she could and stumbled to the ground when a powerful contraction hit her, "Ahh…"

Chris screamed as she kneeled on the ground holding her stomach and breathing heavily. That dreaded voice was getting closer to her position. Chris started counting the minutes between each contraction and ran during those permitted times. "8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…"

Chris muttered to herself and at one, another contraction hit her painfully. As she was waiting for the contraction to pass, Chris saw a shadow and knew something was standing behind her. "Lucky me, Albert said to bring you in alive but he didn't say anything about your baby."

'Get up and run…run. Come on, get up…'

Chris slowly crawled across the ground with Yuber close behind laughing maniacally as he found his way in front of her, "Just let me run you through and end the burden."

Chris sat on her haunches before the demon with her head bowed so that her bangs covered her eyes as Yuber raised his sword to strike her down. The blade came down quick but Yuber was interrupted by a figure bursting out of the trees and hitting him hard in the chest.

Chris was too busy with her current contraction to care who saved her but she heard a scream of pain and then the woods were silent. A few moments later, Chris felt arms around her, pulling her up to her feet. After the contraction passed, Chris looked up into familiar eyes, "Dad?"

Wyatt Lightfellow had come to his daughter in her need of help, she didn't know how it happened but she was glad that it did. "Shh I've got you baby. Daddy's here, don't you worry."

Another contraction hit as Jimba held her up and then ever so carefully picked Chris up in his arms. In a flash of pale-blue light they vanished from the area. They appeared somewhere else within Kaput Forest that Chris was almost positive she had never seen before. Yun and Fayt were waiting within a pool of crystal clear water. "Quick Jimba, place her in the shallow end of the lake."

Jimba did as Yun commanded by gently placing Chris in the pool of water. Yun sunk into the lake then swam towards Chris and Jimba where the water was waist high. Fayt came over to kneel across from Jimba who had one of Chris' hands in both of his so she could squeeze it every time a contraction hit.

Fayt offered one of his hands and Chris gladly gave him her other hand. Yun removed Chris' pants under the water followed by the woman's undergarment. Chris was in far too much pain to worry about her modesty in front of the individuals present, "Come on Chris, easy does it."

It wasn't the words that soothed Chris; it was the tone of Yun's voice that put her at ease. Shortly after, her father gave a gentle laugh, "This brings back memories."

Chris turned her head to look at Jimba questioningly, "What memories?"

Another contraction hit but after it passed Jimba gave Chris a tender smile, "I was right there with your mother when she gave birth to you. You were the most beautiful little girl Chris. I loved Anna very much Chris and I still do. She misses you and wishes you happiness. We're both so proud."

When another contraction finally passes Chris had the courage to speak, "You've seen mom?"

"Yes and she loves you very much. She can't wait until you give her a grandchild."

Jimba gave his daughter a feather-light kiss on the forehead with Fayt interrupting them momentarily, "Umm, I'm sorry to ruin this father daughter moment, but is there supposed to be this much blood?"

Fayt wasn't related to Chris in any way and he didn't know her that well either, but she was his best friend's daughter and that mattered to him. Yun gave Fayt a soft smile, "Don't worry Fayt. Everything is going to be fine."

Chris' scream turned everyone's attention back to her. "Damn Jimba, your daughter has a good set of lungs in her."

"You should have heard her when was a baby Fayt. I swear, when she screamed or cried she woke all of Zexen and even half of the Grasslands up."

Chris gave another scream as the contractions were now back-to-back, "Ready Chris? Now…push!"

Chris pushed just as Yun had requested, "Argg…Goddess! It hurts!"

Fayt was excited the baby was coming and watched Yun at work as he yelled, "I can see the head!"

"Damn it Fayt! Friend or not stop looking at my daughter down there!"

"Oh, ha ha, sorry Jimba."

All of Yun's concentration was on Chris and her baby as the men laughed at one another, "A little bit more, come on Chris. Just one…more…good…push!"

A baby could be heard crying throughout the forest, "Congratulations Chris, you have a healthy baby girl."

"I have a granddaughter…do you believe it Fayt. I have a granddaughter!"

Fayt tried to clear out the ringing in his head from the booming voice Jimba used, "I think the whole damn galaxy heard you."

Cleaning the little girl off, Yun handed her to Chris carefully. All three spirits watched as the new mother and infant girl already started to develop that special bond. Chris looked up to see Yun, Jimba and Fayt gazing fondly at the baby in her arms, "Dad."

Hearing his name, Jimba turned his attention to his daughter, "Would you like to hold your granddaughter?"

Jimba smiled brightly, elated with the request and held his arms out as Chris carefully handed over her little girl, "She's so beautiful, just like her mother. She even has Hugo's eyes."

The little girl looked like the smallest object in the world in Jimba's hands. "You can let Yun and Fayt hold her daddy."

Yun politely declined since she was the one who helped deliver the little girl. Jimba carefully showed Fayt how to hold the baby as he handed her to him, "I never held a newborn baby before. In fact I've never held a baby. It feels so and amazing and special. Damn she's tiny."

When the baby started fussing again Fayt momentarily panicked before giving the child back to her mother, "Well, she has her mother's lungs."

Yun slapped the backside of Fayt's head, "Ouch, hey!"

With Fayt's help, Jimba pulled Chris and baby out of the lake. Yun grabbed some blankets to wrap up the mother and daughter in. Jimba sat down next to Chris smiling, "What will you name her?"

Chris lifted her head to look at the spirits before her; that helped with the birth of her child, "I'm not sure, would you all like to name her?"

All three declined, claiming it was the parent's job to name the baby. Chris gazed down at her little one, remembering all the hardships she went through during her pregnancy and came to an unusual conclusion, "Blade…"

The spirits looked at one another, in apparent confusion as Chris said the name. Jimba placed a hand on Chris' shoulder before squeezing gently, "That's a very…unique name."

Chris laughed gently, yes it was unusual indeed, but how many times did she witness a blade to take her life and instead lived to see another day. "A constant memory of all the times the Council tried to have me killed but never succeeded."

Fayt beat his chest with a fist smiling, "Blade Lightfellow…sounds like a strong Karaya warrior name to me."

The group all joined in laughter with Chris looking up at her dearest friend and smiled in return, "Blade Yun Lightfellow."

Futch was pacing back and forth waiting for Percival and Yuiri to return. "They are so going to kill me. How the hell did Luc's rune get inside Athena's body?"

Bright had asked Fubar to watch Athena while he and Futch took Chris to Chisha Village. When he came back, Athena had Fubar caught in a whirlwind. Then, another strange thing happened when he came back.

Before, the symbol of the True Wind Rune appeared on her hand. Now, the symbol appeared as a tattoo on her chest and that could only mean that Athena now was the rune. Athena and the rune have become one. The True Rune could not be removed from her unless she was dead, "Her parents are going to kill me!"

Futch kept muttering to himself and poor Fubar, he was afraid to even go near the child. Futch almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the front door open, "Futch, Athena, we're home!"

Looking around to where he last saw Athena, Futch saw her starting to crawl around on the bed. He dived to grab her the moment the bedroom door opened. Yuiri went directly towards Futch with a smile and plucked Athena from his arms, "My baby, mommy missed you so much."

Yuiri started giving Athena tons of kisses while the child started giggling. Percival walked by the tender reunion between mother and daughter. He slapped Futch on the back with a smile, "Thank you Futch. I'm so glad you didn't mind babysitting Athena for us."

"About that Percival, there's something I need to tell you."

Yuiri gave a scream when she saw what was on Athena's chest. All of Percival's attention was now on his wife and daughter, "What's wrong Yuiri? Is it Athena?"

Fear was all over Yuiri's face when she turned to tell Percival what was wrong. His face soon looked just like his wife's. Percival's hands were shaking as he reached for his daughter. Gently holding her in his arms, Percival turned his rage filled eyes towards Futch, "What happened!"

Feeling like he was an inch tall Futch winced at the tone and couldn't even look Percival in the eye, "It wasn't my fault Percival. A greenish-whitish light came out of nowhere and hit her. If I didn't know better I'd say it was aiming for her."

Percival shoved his daughter back into Yuiri's arms and started reaching for Futch. The look in Percival's eyes told the Dragon Knight that he was about to be strangled. Realizing the danger Futch threw his hands in front on him defensively, "Whoa, wait a minute, think before you act."

"Oh, I'm thinking Futch and believe me, you don't want to know what I'm thinking."

Knowing when to get going when the going gets tough, Futch turned and started running towards the door. Percival leaped at him and threw him to the ground. The two grown men started wrestling, breaking vases, tables and other furniture, "I trusted you to watch my daughter and what happens when I get back? Athena has a True Rune!"

"Percival, stop and thi-," Futch was interrupted as another punch made contact with his jaw. Futch was now officially pissed with his treatment, "That does it. No more Mr. Nice-Guy!"

As another punch flies through the air to hit him once again, Futch grabs the arm, twist it and throws Percival over his shoulder. Flying through the air, Percival slammed into a table breaking it into a million pieces.

Percival quickly got up, his left arm from the shoulder down to his fingertips ached. He knew that his arm was either broken or dislocated but he didn't care. Percival charged Futch once again but the two remained at a stand-still. "Percival! Futch! Stop right now, you two are wrecking my house. Take the fight outside at least."

Ignoring Yuiri's yelling, Percival pinned Futch and started punching him across the face. Futch, unable to move his arms or legs waited until Percival's head got close enough to head-butt him. The moment Percival let his guard down to cover his nose, Futch kicked out from beneath him. About to charge each other again, Percival and Futch only stopped when they heard a loud cry from Athena.

Yuiri cradled Athena in her arms, rocking the little one back and forth trying to calm her down, "She won't stop. I can't get her to stop crying."

Forgetting about his attempt at murder, Percival approached his wife and took Athena into his arms. Athena started crying even harder than before, "Come on baby girl. Stop crying for daddy, please?"

"Let me try?"

Percival and Yuiri removed their attention from their screaming daughter to Futch. Percival narrowed his at the Dragon Knight, "Why the hell should I let you hold her? This is your fault!"

"Percival, I said I was sorry. Let me try, please?"

"Give Athena to him."

Percival turned to his wife in shock, unbelieving what she just asked of him, "Just let him try Percival."

Percival reluctantly handed Athena over to Futch. As soon as Futch had Athena comfortable cradled in his arms, the girl raised her hands to start playing with his hair and giggled in delight. Percival and Yuiri were speechless at the way Athena was reacting to Futch. Percival opened his mouth to say something but then something amazing happened that stopped Percival in his tracks, "Futch."

All eyes snapped to Athena, who was still playing with the Dragon Knight's hair, "Futch."

"She…she talked. Percival can you believe it! She talked; our baby girl spoke her first word!" Percival joined his wife in her laughter by grabbing her by the waist and spun her around excitedly.

Percival finally stopped and set his wife back down on her feet. "I don't like that her first word was another man's name but I'm just happy she spoke."

His head now cleared of rage, worry and fear, Percival was now finally able to think calmly and rationally. "Come on Futch, why don't you and I pick up our little mess while Yuiri feeds Athena?"

Futch was happy the Percival no longer wanted to kill him and agreed to help clean up before handing Athena off to her mother.

"Not again!"

Roland lost his son again, Nei left to go shopping and asked Roland to stay home and keep an eye on Hunter. He told her to take her time and that he could handle it but for some unknown reason Hunter loved to hide from his father, "He has to get this from his mother's side of the family. He sure as hell didn't get it from me."

Roland kneeled in front of a cupboard to see if Hunter was hiding in it when he stopped at the sound of laughter. When he heard it again, Roland was able to pinpoint the direction it was coming from, "How did he get outside?"

Roland quickly shut the cupboard doors, stood up and ran outdoors. He saw his son standing outside talking to a stranger with ice-blue eyes and the most unique hair color, "Hunter!"

Upon hearing his father's voice, which sounded almost angry, Hunter turned and ran towards his father, wrapping his arms around Roland's legs on impact, "Father! Meet my new friend, his name is Melville."

Roland looked down at his son in exasperation before glancing to the newcomer; he was definitely the same boy from before, if a little taller and slightly more muscular. Melville gave Roland a smile and bowed respectfully, "Hello Sir Roland. Good to see you again, I see the rumors are true."

Roland did not smile but he did approach Melville and gave him a firm handshake. The elf was not one for being open with his emotions, "Where's your adventurous father?"

As sorrow flashed behind Melville's eyes, Roland quickly regretted asking the question. It was brief but the pain was there, "He died last year. We were hiking a mountain terrain, he slipped and fell."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I know how much you loved and respected him."

Melville thanked the knight for his condolences but smiled brightly regardless, "The Fire Bringer War taught me not to live in the past for the rest of my life. I'm well."

Roland noticed that Melville had not only grown up physically but mentally as well, "What bring you back to the Capital?"

"I thought I was long overdue to return home. Call it being homesick if you will. I just couldn't treasure hunt after my father's death, plus it's not as much fun alone. I have no idea how my father ever did it."

At this point Roland actually smiled at a realization, "Saint Loa Knights, huh?"

Melville laughed embarrassed by how easily he could be read, "Yes, I missed my friends. I noticed they don't live in the Capital. Do you happen to know where they are?"

"Not long after you left Elliot and Alanis split as well. It seemed like you leaving was just the beginning of the break-up. Elliot's parents went to live in Duck Village and Alanis is a mystery I'm afraid."

"Thanks Roland, I appreciate the help and he's in the bushes off the right." Melville gave Roland another handshake before heading towards the main gate on his journey to Duck Village.

Roland then replayed Melville's words in his head and checked the bushes off to the right; sure enough Hunter was hiding in them with a smile. Roland picked Hunter up and threw him in the air before heading back inside, "Trouble-maker."

Brass Castle was in an uproar. The Knights received word of an attack on Chisha Village, of Lady Chris' disappearance and of course Borus' engagement to Lilly Pendragon; the she devil that tried to kill their beloved Captain.

Lilly didn't care about the rumors but Borus' career was suffering immensely because of it, "Lilly I'm having second thought about this marriage."

"Don't even think of calling off this engagement Borus! Do you understand me?"

Borus was furious with the way Lilly spoke to him and grasped her by the collar of her shirt, "Who the hell do you think you are, yelling at me like that! Me, the Swordsman of Rage. Me, a member of the Mighty Six Knights! Don't you dare tell me what or what not to do. Now, do you understand me?"

Lilly's face turned red from embarrassment and anger, their arguing somehow attracted an audience. The people were hoping Borus would find common sense and break off the engagement, "Borus, maybe we should discuss this in private."

"No, we don't because this discussion is over along with the engagement and relationship. From now on, I'm just your bodyguard to make sure you don't do anything stupid, got it!"

Lilly could not believe it and was speechless as Borus grabbed her arm then proceeded to drag her over to her prison cell. Cheers of happiness and shouts of encouragement followed them as she was once again locked in her cell.

"Damn it!"

The Head Council member punched the wall, leaving behind blood from his fist, "That betraying bitch Lady Chris should have had that bastard child of hers by now. Percival running off to marry and live with that bitch Grasslander was enough trouble as it is. Now this!"

"Calm yourself. We can still kill the child. Chris will be weak from giving birth and the baby is an infant. We'll capture Chris, bring her to you and end the half-breed." The Council member's were once again arguing amongst themselves.

"We'll send a messenger to Albert. He might have captured Lady Chris and killed the child already without informing us."

A fourth council member spoke, "Yes I agree. Let's send a messenger to Albert before making any rash decisions."

Futch left early that morning to try and get some information on the situation with Athena. He told Percival and Yuiri that he would return as soon as he had any news, good or bad. It was late at night, with the moon high in the sky, Athena was sound asleep and Percival as well as Yuiri were about to follow their daughter's example when a loud bang was heard.

It was storming outside; the banging was the sound of thunder in the distance and flashes of lighting could be seen through the windows, "Damn, I'm going to be pissed off if this storm wakes up Athena."

Percival laughed at his wife before pulling her tight to his chest and kissing her lips, "Don't worry honey. Athena can sleep through anything. She'll be fine."

Yuiri gave a sigh as she craned her head in the direction of Athena's room, "I guess you're right, but I'm still worried."

"You're a mother; it's your right to be worried. I'm worried too, even though I talk big. Let's go and head to bed, okay." Percival picked Yuiri up in his arms and started running towards the bedroom.

Yuiri's laughter was cut off when Percival shut the bedroom door close. Percival walked to the bed and gently laid Yuiri down before he started kissing her. He was in the process of getting her shirt off when a knock was heard at the door. Yuiri was trying to get up so she could answer it but Percival pushed her back down to the bed, "Leave it. They'll go away sooner or later."

"But it might…" Yuiri gave a loud gasp as Percival started sucking her collar bone.

"Leave it." Percival growled as he finished removing Yuiri's top. He was presently kissing and sucking her breast while grinding his hips down into hers.

There was that knock again, this time much louder than before. Percival gave a loud roar, loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear through the storm he yelled. "Go the hell away! I'm trying to give my wife an orgasm."

Yuiri slapped Percival in the chest as she hissed out his name. Percival looked down at his wife with that arrogantly satisfied grin, "What? It's true."

Before Yuiri could reply there was another knock. Percival gave a sigh of frustration as he got out of bed. He stomped over to the door, not particularly caring that the person on the other side would get a clear view of the hard-on he currently had, he yelled again. "This better be damn important or I swear."

Upon opening the door, Percival hissed out in frustration at the intruder, "What the hell is wro…"

Percival's words died off in his throat as he gazed upon the figure standing in his doorway and movement of a small bundle in their arms, both drenched from the current storm, "Chris, what's wrong?"

Percival had only, what seemed like seconds, to grab the baby Chris was holding with one hand and then catch Chris with his other. He clutched Chris tightly against him to steady her and keep her from collapsing, "Yuiri! I need some help in here, right now would be nice."

Hearing the desperation in her husband's voice, Yuiri ran out of the bedroom still half-dressed. As she stepped into the room Yuiri noticed Percival trying to balance Chris and the small baby in his arms. When the child began fussing Yuiri rushed forward to grab her and rocked her gently. "Yuiri, you take care of the baby. I'll put Chris in our room for now."

Yuiri agreed as she headed for the sofa until a loud screech cried out from Athena's room. Percival gave a loud groan as his hands were already full with an unconscious Chris causing Yuiri to laugh slightly as she changed direction and headed for her daughter's room. "I'll get her honey."

Athena stood in her crib crying as her mother walked in but her cries stopped when she noticed the bundle in her mother's arms. Athena giggled as she reached her arms out for the bundle, "No, no Athena. This isn't a new toy for you."

Yuiri gently placed the baby in the crib with Athena and almost instantly they connected. Athena looked curious as the baby stopped fussing and grabbed her hand. Yuiri gave a deep sigh of satisfaction; no crying equaled a big plus in her eyes, "Making new friends already?"

Athena giggled some more looking almost shy as she nodded. Yuiri smiled before giving Athena a kiss on the forehead and then gently rubbed baby Lightfellow's pale hair, "Behave young one, while I check on your mother."

Yuiri closed the door behind her as she left the room filled with laughter of the little children and quickly headed to her room to assist her husband. When she entered their room, Percival was just beginning to undress Chris. "Could you help me take off her clothes? She's soaked to the bone."

Yuiri approached the other side of the bed to remove the wet clothes from Chris' body. When they got down to the Lady's undergarments, Percival gathered the clothing and excused himself from the room to place them by the fire. Yuiri then proceeded to remove the last of Chris' clothing.

Clothes already lined the mantle of the fireplace when Yuiri entered the living room. Percival radiated a sadness that Yuiri had not witnessed before, he looked almost defeated with his head in his hands and his elbows resting on his knees. Yuiri placed the rest of Chris' clothes by the fire before standing behind her broken husband, "Why? Why did she come to us with her baby in the middle of a storm? It doesn't make sense. We sent her away for her safety and this happens? Does she not deserve some sort of happiness?"

Yuiri could not answer her husband's questions; only embrace him in his time of need. When Percival turned to his wife, she could see the tears silently running down his cheeks. Percival ignored the tears as he pushed Yuiri away from him, "I want you to sleep in Athena's room and watch the girls. I'll grab a cot and stay with Chris until she wakes up."

"No."

Percival looked shocked as Yuiri crossed her arms over her chest with a frown, "No Percival, because I know that you will stay up all night and watch over her. You need to sleep as much as I do."

Percival gave a tired sigh, this was not their first argument and most of the time he let Yuiri have her way. "The girls will be more comfortable with you. You know that as well as I do, besides it was more my idea than anyone else's to send Chris to Chisha Village. It's my fault, please Yuiri, she's my baby sister. I have to do this."

Knowing that she was going to lose this fight no matter what she said, Yuiri agreed hesitantly with Percival's request. Percival gave her a gentle kiss before fetching a cot and Yuiri took this as her cue to leave.

Percival placed the cot near the wall before pulling a chair up next to the bed and swept the hair from Chris' warm face. "Wake up Chris. Wake up so you can tell me the bastards that did this to you. Come on little sister, for me, for my sanity…wake up."

Percival stayed up all night watching the Knight Captain. Chris never woke up, uttered a word or even made any movements.

"Who do you want me to kill?"

Following Albert's instructions, the council members called for one of the best ninja's on the whole continent. "We want you to kill Lady Chris and her bastard."

"No."

The head of the Council threw his arms up in the air as he rose from his seat, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Why the hell not? We're paying you enough to do it. We will raise the price if you want."

"No matter how much potch you offer, the answer is still no. A ninja is bound by honor. I respect, admire, as well as like Lady Chris. Also, my husband would never forgive me; he is quite fond of her as well."

The head councilor slammed his hand down on the table, shaking it from the force, the ninja looked on unperturbed. "Ayame…oh Lady Ayame, we will do anything. That's why we hired the best."

Ayame slowly crossed her arms with a scoff, as if her next words would hurt her to utter, "Then ask my husband, Councilor. He bested me in a fair fight years ago and won me as his prize. So that means he is the…best."

"But Lady Ayame…" The head council member stopped in shock as he watched Ayame turn her back on him in disrespect and actually walk away. Rage filled the head councilor's every being as he repeatedly banged his fist on the table, "How dare you! Don't you turn your back on the Council, dismiss us like commoners and walk away."

As Ayame stopped, the Council's hall was suddenly silent. Then in a flash of light, Ayame turned around swiftly and a ninja star could be seen flying through the air just barely. It flew by the head councilor's face and embedded itself in the wall behind him. Then she blended into the shadows and disappeared. The head Council member started laughing, "Ha, ha, ha…best ninja my ass. She completely missed me. Stupid, arrogant, bitch! Ha, ha, ha!"

"Uhh…hmm, Head Councilor, you're bleeding sir."

"Ha, ha-what? I'm bleeding?" The councilor in question carefully lifted his hand to his right cheek. He felt a sticky wetness as he touched it. As he pulled his hand away, the head councilor gazed at his fingers which were stained with blood.

When the doctor looked at it, he said that the cut was deep and large enough to leave a scar. It started below his right eye and ended all the way to his ear opening. Upon hearing that his face was going to have a scar for the rest of his life, the head Council member yelled in frustration, "You fucking bitch!"

Watari was leaning against the side of the Council building, hiding in the shadows with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were closed but he could hear the children playing across the way and his wife's quiet approach. "Sorry I took so long."

Upon opening his eyes, Watari watched Ayame escape the shadows with a frown marring her beautiful face, "What did the Council want?"

Ayame let a sigh escape her lips as she shook her head at the comment. The female ninja took off her face mask to show off a smile as a young boy rocketed himself into her chest. Ayame gave him a kiss on the cheek as she placed him on her hip, "Those bastards were trying to hire me to assassinate Lady Chris."

Watari's eyes widened in shock at this revelation, he knew that Lady Chris had been under surveillance but not to this extreme. Ayame gave her son a tender kiss on the forehead as Watari pushed off the wall and approached her. "Chris had her baby and they wanted me to kill it with her. All I could think about was little Kai."

Watari grabbed his son from Ayame's arms with a sigh, he understood her plight, to another's child was to kill her own son. "Let's head to Budehuc. We have to talk to Geddoe immediately."

As Ayame began pulling her face mask back on, she realized she hadn't moved fast enough when Watari placed a hard, rough, passionate kiss on her lips before vanishing. Ayame gave a curse as she roughly pulled her mask back on to cover her blush and quickly followed Watari.

Duck Village, it's been a long time since only ducks have been allowed to live here. Due to the overgrowing population of humans, Grasslanders and Zexen alike, everyone had to build bigger and more buildings. The ducks in Duck Village didn't mind, they actually enjoyed all the company. "Sgt Joe, there is someone here to see you."

Looking up from his attempt on giving his youngest a bath, the seasoned warrior nodded in response and as he looked up the last person he ever imagined to see again walked through his bathroom door, "Melville! Well, if this isn't a pleasant surprise. My, how you have grown."

Laughing, Melville welcomed the hand…wing…hand-wing shake Sgt. Joe offered as he stood from the bathtub, "It's nice to see you again too Sergeant. I heard about your wife, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, she died a couple years ago. I miss her but she left me with 5 lovely ducklings, so I am content. This one here is my youngest, Joey. He hatched last but they are all 3 years old and quite the handful."

Melville greeted Joey with a hello and a smile causing the little one to dive under the water. Melville only laughed when Joe told him of his son's shyness around new people. "It's no problem, I came here looking for Elliot but I thought it would be rude if I didn't stop by and say hello."

Sgt. Joe gave Melville a rough pat on the back before walking back to the side of the tub, "It was great seeing you son, stay out of trouble you hear?"

Melville gave a quick nod and waved before heading out, "Yeah I'll leave you to your bath before Joey drowns."

As the Sergeant said his farewell he reached into the bath water in frustration, "Joey, come up right this minute."

Joe could hear Melville laughing again at his expense as he exited the hut completely. Melville headed towards the Duck Chief's hut to see if Elliot was in or around the area. His hand was resting on the door, prepared to knock when he heard a loud bang and some yelling, "I'm so sorry Chief Rwardas. I'll clean it up I promise."

At the thought of hearing Elliot's voice Melville just stormed right in instead of knocking like a respectable person would, "Elliot!"

All the yelling stopped suddenly; then a tall, lean, blonde haired boy with classy spectacles about 16 years old was standing at the top of the staircase. Elliot's eyes grew wide as he saw who was standing at the bottom of the staircase. "Melville..."

Elliot reached the bottom of the steps and the two friends shared a brotherly embrace and then broke apart to share a laugh before the blonde spoke excitedly, "It's been too long my friend. Where have you been? On many adventures I bet! Where's your father?"

Melville told Elliot his tale of what happened to his father on their many scheme filled adventures before changing the subject, "But hey, let's not talk about me. What about you? You have a job and you got in shape, but you're still clumsy as ever it seems."

"All of that is true; I'm the Chief's assistant. He's a great duck once you get to know him and his…habits. All you have to do is tell him how fabulous his tail feathers are and then you're friends for life. Simple really."

The two friends decided to leave the hut and catch up on lost time. Before they exited the hut Melville gave Elliot a hard slap on the back causing his glasses to fall from his face and had to catch them before they fell to the floor, "Sorry about that. I'm just really glad to see you again."

They left the Chief's hut and headed towards the new Le' Quack café for a good meal. Elliot told Melville about his parents wanting to explore the Grasslands and research the different clans. Melville told his adventures of sailing around the world and the many different sights they experienced. "Wow! Goddess, I sure wish I could have been there. Man, I know Alanis-"

Melville's head snapped up sharply at the sound of Alanis' name and quickly interrupted his friend, "Do you know where she is?"

Blinking his eyes in confusion, Elliot then nodded slowly; he was under the impression that Melville and Alanis had been keeping close touch. "Well, yes I do. She and I have been keeping in touch. I haven't physically seen her since the end of the Fire Bringer War, but we've written to each other."

"Could you tell me where she is? I really want to catch up with her."

Thinking this over in his head, Elliot snapped his fingers with a smile as he laughed, "I have an idea. I'll talk to the Chief and see if we can go see her together. It would be great to have the three trouble makers together again."

"Sure thing Elliot. I'll stay at the inn and leave first thing in the morning. Meet me at the entrance of the Village, say around just after sunrise?" The two teenagers said good night to each other, Melville to get a room for the night and Elliot to go talk to the Chief.

Just after sunrise the next morning, Melville was at the entrance of the Village waiting for Elliot. After about 15 minutes, Melville decided that Elliot's boss wouldn't let him out of work. As he turned to leave, Melville heard his name being called frantically.

"Wait! Melville wait, don't leave…I'm coming too." As Elliot reached Melville he bent over at the waist slightly out of breath from his quick run. Melville couldn't help but laugh at the sight before him as Elliot stood back up and sent his friend a glare, "It's not funny, I thought you were really going to leave without me."

Melville shook his head as his laughter died down, "Really my friend? You never told me where Alanis was, I wouldn't have gotten very far without you now would I?"

Elliot quickly apologized for sleeping in and Melville easily brushed it off before having his friend lead the way to Alanis. The two of them laughed, smiled and joked on their journey to see Alanis at long last.

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful is what Blade was. Chris was possibly the happiest woman in the world at this exact moment. Her father, Yun and Fayt stood back to watch as she breast fed her daughter. Yun was happy for her dearest friend, Jimba was proud of his daughter and Fayt admired Chris for the struggles she had to go through. "What will I do now?"

All three heads tilted questioningly at Chris' comment, Jimba being the one to speak for them, "What do you mean?"

"I'm Captain of the Zexen Knights with a daughter who has the blood of a Grasslander. Her father is…was the Flame Champion. The Council, not to mention Albert and his gang are out to kill me…to kill us. So, what will I do now? I can't hide forever."

Yun was about to respond when suddenly she disappeared causing immediate confusion with Fayt yelling into the darkness, "What the hell?"

"Heh, heh, ha, ha, ha…"

Everyone turned toward the darkest part of the woods, Chris was quickly stood up by Jimba, baby held tightly to her chest as she knew just who was beyond the provided moonlight. Fayt stood as a protective barrier between his best friend and daughter. "Well, well Lady Chris. What have we here? Three dead losers, oh I mean two."

Yuber stepped out of the shadows, "Long time no see, Jimba."

Jimba sneered at the demon as he held up his daughter, "Keep the hell away from my family."

Fayt quickly drew his staff from his sheath, ready to fight the monster should it come to that. "Tsk, tsk, really Jimba? I just came for a little…fun."

Yuber licked his lips before charging Fayt who quickly blocked the attack. As he was about to jump in to help his friend, Jimba stopped him in his tracks as he yelled out, "No! Take your family and run Jimba. Get Chris and the baby out of here."

Jimba felt torn at the choice, leaving behind his friend but getting Chris and Blade out of the fray was the most important thing to do. Jimba grabbed his daughter's free arm and proceeded to escort her through the woods. "Dad…dad stop, I can't…"

Chris dropped to the damp ground, still holding her baby who was only fussing just slightly. Jimba stopped to kneel down next to his daughter, slightly out of breath himself, "Chris, we have to keep going. Get up."

"I…I can't. I'm feeling dizzy, tired…weak."

Jimba picked her up and started running towards Yuiri's village when something flashed off to his left, he tried to dodge it and miscalculated as one of Yuber's swords struck him in the shoulder. Dead or alive, pain was pain and Jimba was in immense pain. The good thing about being a spirit is not bleeding, the bad thing was it still hurt like hell. "Then there was one."

Yuber appeared out of the shadows, walking slowly like the disgusting demon that he was. Jimba quickly put Chris down before drawing his dagger to face off with Yuber and black all incoming attacks. "I'm going to enjoy killing you again Jimba and then your precious family after!"

"Like hell you will. Chris, get up and run. I know it hurts but you have to go, now!"

Chris stood up unsteadily before leaning on a tree for a minute to get a better hold on Blade, she watched her father duel with Yuber before turning to run as fast as she could to Alma Kinan. Chris heard an agonizing scream; one that made her stop in her tracks and turn to where the sound came from. The Captain couldn't help but call out, "Daddy!"

Chris' eyes snapped open as her body shot upwards off the bed. Chris pulled her knees to her chest and placed her head in her hands. Her forehead was lined in sweat from her intense memory. 'Yun, Fayt…dad. They suffered because of me.'

Chris rubbed at her face gently when the tears started to trickle down her cheeks as a thought hit her full force, 'Blade!'

Chris jumped out of bed quickly, almost collapsing when her feet touched the hardwood floor. "Chris what the hell are you doing? Get back in the damn bed this instant!"

Chris stumbled slightly as the blurry figure grasped her by the shoulders and then her sight cleared, "Percy?"

"If you weren't in such a bad condition I would knock you out for that stunt," said Percival with amusement in his voice.

Percival gently pushed Chris back towards the bed, forcing her to lie down but before he could pull away she grabbed his wrist in a death grip, "Blade…where's my daughter?"

"So that's her name huh? All this time Yuiri and I have been calling her girl like a dog. I'm glad I finally get a name for that beautiful face."

Chris unconsciously tightened her grip on Percival's wrist causing the knight to wince slightly in pain, "Where is she Percival?"

"She's with Yuiri and Athena in the back room. Now go to sleep, you need more rest."

Percival, however, could not remove Chris' grip from his wrist. It almost felt like it was on the verge of breaking, "How long have I been out?"

"You've been unconscious for ten days Chris. Yun stopped by to see Yuiri and said that everyone is okay, now go to sleep."

A sense of relief went through Chris at the knowledge of knowing the spirits of her friends and father were not destroyed completely. Percival winced as Chris' grip tightened and he actually heard a crack. Percival watched carefully as his sister sat up in the bed, "If you don't bring me my daughter right now Percival, I will break every bone in your arm."

Percival's eyes widened in shock, he had never been threatened by Chris in any manner before and now he was a little unsure if the exhaustion was just getting to her or if in her mind she could actually make on her threat. The two of them heard giggling, along with fussing, from the back room and a smile lit up Chris' face as Yuiri walked out with Blade in her arms. Yuiri approached the bed smiling back at Chris who had her arms held out, "Sorry dear but you can't keep a mother from her child."

Yuiri placed Blade in Chris' arms gently before ruffling pale hair atop the child's head. Percival looked astonished as Blade immediately stopped her fussing within Chris' arms causing the mother's smile to grow even more before holding Blade tightly to her chest and lying back on the bed, "Now, I can rest."

Percival finally let Chris out of bed four days later. The woman was happy to be on her feet, able to spend her time with Blade around the village and talking to Yuiri about motherhood. Chris stayed at Yuiri and Percival's place for a whole month before finally asking them for a favor, "I want Blade to stay here."

Both Yuiri and Percival were shocked by the request but before they could protest Chris continued, "If the Council or Albert find out about Blade, they will try to kill her. I can take care of myself, but Blade can't. I can't watch her all the time. When I head back, I'll tell everyone that Blade died after child birth."

Percival watched the emotions flicker across Chris' face, she did not want to do this at all and he could see the hurt in her eyes as she spoke. Who lies about their child being dead so that they can protect them from those who would do them harm, it wasn't right at all but if that's what it took then he and Yuiri would accept and do everything in their power to protect Blade.

Chris smiled and promised that she would come as often as she could, without becoming suspicious, to see Blade and spend time with her. Chris kissed Athena and Blade goodbye before giving Yuiri a hug. Percival decided to escort Chris back to Brass Castle; no ifs, ands or buts about it. They left before sunrise the next day.

Months went by without any unusual action from Yuber or Albert. Athena was a little over a year and her parents were having the worst trouble with her wind powers. They also had another problem with Blade who was starting fires, accidentally of course but still dangerous at 3 months. After talking with Yun briefly, Yuiri found out it was because Blade's other half was the Flame Champion. Somehow his power absorbed into Blade's body, just a little to protect her when she got older. When they told Chris about this, she was slightly bewildered and a bit scared. Chris helped Yuiri and Percival to try to help the girls control their powers. It was hard when they were so young.

Aisleen was running circles around her parents and Lita was jumping off of tall objects, giving her mother heart attacks left and right. Altogether, their parents were getting frustrated with the two and three year old respectively. Geddoe was ready to tie Lita's legs together, but Queen quickly slapped that idea from his head. Jacques as normal was quite calm about it plus he left all the punishment to Aila in hopes of avoiding having to do it himself. Joker and Ace got stuck with babysitting most of the time and were getting gray hairs faster than breeding rabbits.

Thomas and Cecile officially became a couple after the tragic death of Hugo. Yumi and Cecile had been getting closer as friends and they shared information on their relationships. Louis proposed to Yumi, who gladly accepted the engagement and was one of the well known couples around Budehuc Castle. With Louis' father being a council member, the knowledge of his son and Yumi's engagement was not welcomed. Upon hearing word of his father's disownment Louis asked Salome if he could relocate from Brass to Budehuc. Louis promised not to quit the Zexen Knights but asked to have a permanent post at Budehuc and thankfully the Zexen advisor agreed.

Roland was having trouble keeping up with his young boy who loved hiding from both his father and mother; however, it was far easier locating Hunter now than it was when he first started walking. Nei was teaching Hunter to be more social around other children and adults, unlike his father was and still is. Roland was beginning to teach Hunter how to use the bow and arrow, basics first and then onto more difficult skills.

After the mysterious disappearance of their child, Leo and Elaine tried to have another child with no such luck. Both were still devastated about what happened and didn't believe for one second that they were never with child. Something happened they were just unsure of what exactly.

So far, the Council and Albert's gang have been quiet but alas, nothing lasts forever.

"It's been month's…MONTHS! I haven't heard any useful information about Athena and her little rune issue."

Futch and Bright had explored everywhere around Holy Harmonia, the Republic of Tinto, the Zexen Federation and were just now finishing up the Grasslands. The last place they were to visit was the Lizard Clan at the Great Hollow; dangerous beasts they were.

Since Bright was nothing more than a giant lizard that could fly and breath fire, the Lizard Clan practically looked at him as if he were a God. It didn't seem to bother Bright too much, but it gave him a big head which bothered Futch a great deal. "Dragon King Bright and Futch! So happy to see you again."

Futch heard Bright make a noise akin to something of a snicker which caused the Dragon Knight to scowl, "Hello Dupa, the pleasure is mine I'm sure."

After greetings were passed around, Futch got down to business as usual first stating that Bright was not the Dragon King and then moving onto the topic of Athena, "Could we talk privately Dupa?"

With a curt nod Dupa turned around to escort his visitor's to his chambers. Futch and Bright followed silently but out of the corner of his eye the dragon saw a flash of blue but when he stopped to turn his head there was nothing there at all. "Hey Bright, come on I want to get this over with."

Ignoring the nagging feeling in the back of his chronicle brain, Bright continued to follow Futch and Dupa into the chambers.

Their plans changed, but plans are always changing to accommodate situations, they didn't leave for Budehuc Castle as they announced. They heard about Albert and Yuber being back in town so to speak, so Sasarai had decided to stay at the Great Hollow a little longer to get a hold of some more Intel. Sasarai was looking for Lucian when he came across Futch and Bright discussing things with Chief Dupa. He did not make his presence known but made his way back to the inn, upon which he saw Lucian sitting back in a rock hard chair reading a light novel. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you Lucian."

Not even bothering to look up from his interesting murder-mystery novel, the young wolf replied distractedly, "It was the Bishop, with the poison dagger in the foyer, hmm…Uncle, you know I hate being cooped up for long periods of time. Sorry to worry you."

"I know you hate it and I'm really sorry about this. I want you to do something for me; I know you inherited your mother's power to transform into different beings. I need you to eavesdrop on Chief Dupa and his guest's conversation."

Having finally been given the chance to do something, Lucian marked his page, closed the book and placed it gently on the side table with a smirk, "Well then I'm your man."

Sasarai gave a pleased nod before explaining the situation to Lucian and then the young mutt was on his way. Lucian transformed into a black wolf, blending in with the shadows and headed straight for Dupa's chamber room. Thankfully, the Lizard Clan doesn't believe in doors, it made it really easy for Lucian to sneak into the room without revealing himself.

Lucian laid low in the shadows, just a few inches away from Dupa and his guests. Lucian rested his head down on his paws as he got into a comfortable position to listen in on the conversation, "You've heard of Yuiri and Percival's daughter, correct?"

"Of course, everyone knows about the first born half Zexen, half Grassland baby. It is kind of a popular topic among many commoners."

"Yes, well there was an incident a while ago involving the child."

Dupa sat up straight in his chair and appeared focused on the words coming out of Futch's mouth. Dupa wondered briefly if someone tried to harm the child and if so, he was determined to fight for Chief Yuiri's honor and child. Futch quickly placed his hands in front of himself in defense, "No one harmed Athena exactly. It's just, you remember Luc right?"

Upon hearing his father's name, Lucian's ears rose up form lying flat on his head, extremely curious at what was to be said, "That bastard, of course I remember him. What does he have to do with this?"

"His True Wind Rune, it chose it's next wielder and absorbed itself into her body. She literally is the True Wind Rune now."

Dupa stared wide-eyed at this new discovery Rune absorbent, meant that Athena could be used as a weapon until the day she died. "You're not serious. That's impossible! You're telling me that the True Wind Rune has been floating around, manifesting itself, waiting for Athena to be born."

"Actually, yes that's exactly what I'm saying."

Dupa took in Futch's expression, he wanted to laugh but the man was so serious he couldn't, "If this wasn't so serious I would be laughing my scale tail off right now."

"The reason I came to you is because Athena's parents and I want to know, why Athena? Why did the True Rune wait for her and why now?"

Dupa shook his head unknowingly, a sign that he truly had no idea, "I'm sorry Futch, I don't have the answers you seek. However, Luc's brother Sasarai has been staying at the Hollow for some time now. He may have the answers you wish to know."

Futch thanked Dupa before giving the Chief a respectful bow, then turned to leave and headed for the room that Sasarai had been staying in. Once the area was clear and Dupa left for official business, Lucian remained in the shadows and somehow beat Futch to the inn. Bright left the compound after Dupa started yelling at his subordinates, he was probably outside scaring some poor creature.

Rising from his seat Sasarai waited as Lucian transformed back his human form, "So, what did you hear?"

Lucian stretched his muscles from the transformation and walked over to the chair he sat in previously and placed his feet on the desk as he let out a sigh, "Something very interesting. Do you know Yuiri and Percival?"

The retired Bishop nodded his head slowly as he recalled their faces, "Yes, they were a part of the Second Fire Bringer War. What was mentioned about them?"

"It seems that they got married and had a little girl. The strange thing is that Luc's True Wind Rune has been floating about and manifested itself into their daughter Athena. Her body absorbed the rune and now she is the rune. That young man, he asked if Dupa knew why the rune chose Athena as its wielder."

Sasarai reclined against the bed trying to take in all the delivered information, then it hit him all at once, "Oh my…no, there is no way. She was right, damn Leknaat, she was right all along. Destiny is a bitch sometimes."

Lucian was waiting for his Uncle to make some sense as the emotions flickered across his face and rambled continuously, "So you know why?"

"Yes, unfortunately I do."

Lucian smirked a bit, he didn't know why but he was happy his Uncle had a solution, "Good because Dupa told that man you were here and should come talk to you. He should be here in 5…4…3…2…"

There was a sudden knock on the door making the Lucian give an almost canine grin before standing up to let Futch into their room.

Once the door to the Council chambers opened, the Head Councilor looked up from his official documents. His eyes widened to the size of saucers upon seeing who stood in the doorway. The councilor pushed his chair back to stand up and then threw his arms up in praise, "Blessed be to the Goddess. Lady Chris, you were gone so long that we believed you to be dead."

The Head Councilor frowned when the Captain glared a death sentence upon him and approached the table slowly with a sneer, "Shove it council member. I came to tell you that I was away for the birth of my child. My beautiful baby girl that didn't even get the chance to experience one sunrise. I'm sure this information makes you happy since my 'Bastard' as you so nicely put it is buried beneath the Earth."

The Head Councilor's jaw dropped from the intensity in which the Captain discussed her now deceased child, he cringed slightly when she turned around and slammed the door behind her, once again cracking the doorframe in her wake. Once she was out completely though the councils member talked amongst themselves and the Head Councilor, he smiled in delight at the knowledge of knowing the bastard did not live.

Chris leaned against the door after she slammed it shut, took a deep breath and then bowed her head slightly. Her body started to shake slightly and the guards began to think that the Council had once again said something to piss her off. Before they could send a messenger to attend to her, Chris threw her head back and the Knights could see she wasn't angry or crying, she was laughing.

Chris laughed even harder as she pictured al the Council member's faces when she stormed in, told them like it was and then dismissed them like a pile of shit. Once she settled down from her laughing fit at the council and the guards believed Lady Chris had officially lost her mind, the Captain walked down the stairs and out of the building with a strange smile placed on her face. 'I better head back to Brass Castle; the Knights are probably worried about me.'

Chris mounted her steed before Percival approached her from the stables. The Captain managed to convince him to let her go in to see the Council alone. While she was away he gathered supplies and even had the horses prepared to leave when she arrived. Percival then mounted his horse before he spoke, "I suppose our time for being incognito is officially over?"

'Yes the time for hiding is done.' Chris nodded before galloping out of the Zexen Capital and headed straight for Brass Castle. During their short trip, Chris relayed to Percival what happened and they enjoyed a great laugh on the way.

Borus was flirting with a group of women when the pair arrived through the gates of Brass. He watched as Percival dismounted before helping Chris dismount. Borus couldn't believe his eyes but shoved away from the women and walked briskly towards his friends. "Lady Chris!"

Still being held in Percival's arms, Chris turned her head to look at Borus who was running towards them full speed. Percival stepped away from his sister so Borus could gather Chris into a loving embrace. "Chris, we were all so worried when we heard about Albert's attack on Chisha Village."

Borus stepped away from Chris, but his hands firmly and tenderly on her arms, "Where's the baby? Boy or a girl? What did you name the child?"

Chris was slightly overwhelmed with Borus' interest in her child, even though Blade was part Grasslander. Chris locked her gaze with Percival who stood behind Borus and decided that she should wait to discuss things until she talked with Salome. Chris faced Borus once again before smiling gently, "I have missed you too Borus really, but I'm rather tired after my journey and I wish to take a short nap."

Sorrow and disappointment filled Borus' eyes but he nodded despite the fact, "I understand. I'll escort you up to your room."

"No Borus, please, I would like to talk to Percival before he leaves. So if you don't mind, I would have him escort me."

Borus narrowed his eyes for a moment, but seeing how exhausted she was just from the expression on her face the Knight nodded his head in agreement and wished her a good rest. Taking that as his cue, Percival walked over to Chris and held his arm out for her to grab with a smirk before walking to her chambers. Borus could only watch them walk away.

As they reached Chris' private chambers, Percival looked down at her with concern, she wasn't acting like herself at all, "Chris, will you be alright? I know it was difficult, what you said to the Council. Do you wish for me to be present when you speak to Salome or would you have me leave?"

It took Chris a moment to think things over before making her decision, "I would like it if you stayed, providing it isn't too much trouble."

Percival smiled as he opened the door to Chris' chambers and gave her a kiss on the cheek before turning to leave. As Percival shut the door, Chris slowly removed her clothing and climbed into bed. The Captain pulled the blankets over herself and as soon as her head touched the pillow she went to sleep with nothing but thoughts of Blade.

*Bang, bang*

The figure rolled over letting out a soft moan.

*Bang, bang, bang*

Shifting again, the figure muttered something under their breath. A louder banging noise was heard and Chris pulled the blanket from her head as she yelled out, "Go away!"

Less than a minute later the banging noises continued. With a frustrated groan Chris climbed out of bed to open the door but when she peered out into the hallway no one was standing on the other side of the door. Chris stuck her head out slightly to look down the corridor, she heard the banging noise again with a curse following.

Chris shut her front door, then approached the secret passage with a smirk as the sound continued to come from the bookcase. Chris crossed her arms over her chest as the banging continued and waited for the person to give up or get the door open.

This time the curse that was muttered was loud and clearly enough for her to understand. Chris was about to start laughing at the man's predicament when a thought occurred to her. If it was who she thought it was, then they wouldn't expect her to be prepared for them. The banging stopped when Chris began to open the passage and when she poked her head inside the Captain saw a figure cloaked in the shadows.

Chris briefly wondered if he was the same figure that saved her the night some assassins kidnapped her from her chamber room and plotted to kill her the moment they were left the passage. The figure looked almost cat like in the shadows and Chris narrowed her eyes at him. Chris entered the passageway, not really knowing what to do or even think. "Nash, if that's you I swear to the Goddess I will castrate you. I will never bed you so get it through your thick skull."

The figure tensed at the words spoken and gave Chris a curious look as their head tilted in a puppy like manner before disappearing deep within the shadows. Deep down Chris knew it wasn't Nash but she would be a fool to believe that it was Hugo as she thought and that simply was not possible so she wept for him, for her and for their child.

"Where are you leading me Elliot? You said you knew where we were going?"

Insulted by Melville's lack of confidence in him he turned to his friend with a frown, "I do know where it is. We're just taking a short cut, keep your pants on Casanova."

Taking Elliot's word for it, Melville continued following Elliot even if he was pouting from the Casanova pun, "At least tell me where she is so I can get my bearings?"

Elliot paused mid-step, appearing in thought before agreeing with his friend, "Alanis has been living in Iksay Village. I believe she is learning to be a healer, not to the degree of a doctor mind you. Alanis gets her medicine from the herbs and anything that grows in nature. A Grasslander has been teaching her some spells."

"Really? Wow, I'm impressed. I can't wait to see and congratulate her then."

After a couple more hours of traveling they finally reached Iksay and it appeared to be in the middle of a festival. Melville rested his hands on his hips as he examined the sights, "It doesn't look like its changed one bit. They repaired the damage from the war too."

"It's definitely looking better that's for sure, but the fields aren't as lovely without Barts to tend to them; although, the ones at Budehuc are looking wonderful as ever."

Walking side by side, Elliot and Melville entered the village smiling. Children were running and chasing each other all over the place as the adults set up the stands for the carnival. The men were building extra stands and the women were cooking, watching the children or passing on old rumors.

The two teenagers stopped in the middle of the town and looked around carefully. Then Melville shoved his hands in his pockets and asked nervously, "So, where does Alanis live?"

Elliot shrugged with a laugh, "About that, I don't actually know. Alanis never said in her letters specifically."

Melville sighed in annoyance before deciding to ask around. Lucky for him, Melville had to only ask one person, Alanis was quite the popular one in Iksay. A newer house built over by the windmill and wheat fields is where Alanis lived. As they started walking up the path towards the windmill, Elliot stopped, "Melville…wait."

Melville paused and craned his head back to look at his old friend, he asked what was wrong and Elliot tensed slightly in response. Melville placed himself in Elliot's path and grasped him by the shoulders, encouraging his friend to press on. "Shortly after moving to Iksay, a horrible illness swept through the town. A handful of people died, Alanis' parents were part of that handful. What was left of the villagers helped raise her, then an old Priestess from one of the Grassland Clans came to help stop the suffering and she took in Alanis. The Priestess taught her the ways of healing and of combat. Alanis is not the same girl we remember."

Melville was quiet a minute before he muttered under his breath and turned to look at the house that belonged to Alanis. Elliot studied Melville as the teenager rubber the back of his head with a frown, "Damn it to hell. I should have been here to help her. Does she even want to see us after all she's been through?"

Even as he made his statement, Melville continued the trek towards Alanis' house with Elliot at his side. The two teenagers saw a woman in tight pants and a form fitting shirt with sleeves that started just below her shoulders and continued down towards her wrists. Her hair was long and tied back in a tight braid that ended at the center of her back. The wind was blowing her bangs against her face and the hair seemed to be a lighter brown than what they remembered from her.

Melville stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her up close. His eyes started from the tip of her head and traveled down her backside which he appreciated generously, 'What a nice ass indeed. Wait a minute! Why the hell am I looking at her ass?'

Elliot snapped Melville from his inner thoughts with a slap to the back of his head and finally getting a response from him. "Sorry Elliot. I was thinking about something. What did you say?"

"I said what are you waiting for? We don't have to knock on her door since she's tending to the garden today."

Shocked, Melville turned briskly away from the girl to stare at Elliot and then pointed his thumb over his shoulder to the hot-girl kneeling down by her garden. "THAT'S Alanis?"

Elliot looked at Melville like he had seven heads, "Well yeah, who did you think it was?"

Not bothering to ask that question, Melville turned back around, straightened out his shirt and continued up to the house but headed in the direction of the girl in the garden. Standing over her from behind, Melville placed his hands on his hips, "Well, if it isn't Miss Green-thumb."

Alanis quickly stood up to see who spoke and the person that was standing behind her. Alanis examined Melville from over her shoulder before looking into his eyes. With a smile the girl threw herself into Melville's arms. Alanis held onto Melville like he was going to disappear, tightening her hold tenfold. Melville reciprocated by wrapping his arms tightly around her and laughed slightly into her ear. 'Damn we are a perfect fit.'

Melville's eyes shot open at the discovery and before Alanis could find out what she was doing to his body, Melville broke the embrace and placed her at arm's length. As soon as he did Elliot came running up to give Alanis a big hug as well. After they shared their greeting, Alanis' face broke out into a huge smile and she started laughing, "It's so good to see my boys. You two have grown."

Not able to resist the temptation, Melville gave Alanis a cocky grin and replied, "I see you have filled out in all the right places as well."

Then just to prove his point, he gave Alanis a little smack on the ass. Alanis yelped and out of instinct she slapped Melville hard leaving a red welt. Melville actually laughed at the reaction while Elliot blushed like he was the one who committed the crime. Alanis gave Melville an evil look as she shook her fist at him, "Damn the whole male species and their hormones."

Melville just laughed even harder at the situation. Just at hearing Alanis talk about hormones, Elliot's blush deepened at he rubbed the back of his neck, "Melville, it is rude to touch a woman there without her consent and Alanis, a lady shouldn't use such crude language."

Elliot was shaking his finger at the two of them as he spoke. Alanis and Melville just looked at the shaking finger in astonishment before looking to each other and both started laughing. Hurt and slightly angry, Elliot's face got red from anger then from embarrassment, "Hey, this is nothing to laugh at you two!"

Alanis was able to get her control and bearing back before Melville could. She calmly walked up to Elliot gave him kiss on the cheek which made Melville stop laughing immediately and Elliot to blush once again. Not noticing Melville's reaction to the innocent, sisterly kiss, Alanis laughed again, "Glad to know you haven't changed one bit, unlike Mr. Flirt over there."

Melville, hit his chest in mock hurt before walking to Alanis, throwing her over his shoulder and spun in circles, "You liked me hitting on you and you know it and its Mr. Hot to you missy."

"Put me down Melville."

Grinning like a fool, Melville got a firm hold on her to keep her from falling and spun even faster than before causing the girl to scream, "Ahhh…stop! No, Melville…put me down!"

Melville stopped and slowly slid Alanis off his shoulder due to his dizziness. "Goddess! Good thing you live a ways from the town square or everyone would have seen what you two did."

"Oh pipe down Elliot, he didn't do anything that we didn't do as kids."

Alanis stopped Melville from stumbling about as Elliot pouted slightly, "Yes but we were younger then and now we're older. The rules have changed."

Once he regained his equilibrium Melville stood face-to-face with Elliot and crossed his arms over his chest, "I've never been fond of the rules, as you clearly remember. So why should I care about them now."

Ticking his finger in Melville's chest, his mouth was open to make a retort but Alanis interrupted him immediately, "Boys, boys relax. Elliot, Melville and I were just having fun. No harm done, right Melville?"

Melville turned form Elliot walked over to Alanis, put his arm around her waist and pulled her in tightly to his side. Alanis didn't notice how possessive Melville was being. With his arm around her waist and her pressed against his side, Melville grinned something fierce and replied, "No harm done at all."

Elliot surveyed his two friends before him than shook his head and started laughing himself. Maybe he was overreacting a bit, "You two are silly and childish."

"Hey, no one said getting older meant no more fun. The fun just changes as you get older." As he said this Melville looked down at Alanis and squeezed her tighter to his body to prove his point.

Alanis didn't get the hint and broke away from Melville asking if they wanted to come in, expressing that she finished making pie and muffins earlier for the carnival. Not able to resist food, Elliot and Melville followed Alanis into her humble abode.

A stranger is who opened the door, a man that Futch had not once ever laid eyes on, he looked familiar but couldn't place the face to the name. "Hello, I'm looking for Sasarai. Is he in?"

Lucian opened the door wider and Futch took that as an invitation to come inside. Sasarai was sitting at the table in the corner of the room. Lucian closed the door, walked past Futch and flopped on the bed before cringing slightly at the hardness. The wolf never took his eyes off of the new comer. "Please Sir Futch, sit and we shall talk."

Futch did as asked sitting across from Sasarai, glancing over his shoulder briefly at feeling eyes burn into the back of his skull. It was almost as if he were being hunted, "What is it that you need of me?"

Futch turned back to the Bishop with a hopeful expression, "I have a few questions that I need answered if you can."

Sasarai nodded accordingly before Futch cut to the chase, "How much do you know about the True Wind Rune after Luc died?"

Upon hearing his brother's name, Sasarai's eyes instantly shifted to gauge Lucian's reaction to hearing his father's name. Lucian seemed calm lying down on the bed in a relaxed position with his eyes closed appearing almost uninterested. Sasarai looked back to Futch with a tight lipped expression, "If it involves the True Wind Rune I'll need any information that you have to offer."

Futch gladly told him about Athena and the True Rune. Of course, Sasarai already knew about this because of Lucian's eavesdropping. Futch, however, managed to tell him something that Lucian did not relay. "Athena has the symbol of the True Wind Rune tattooed on her chest."

"A tattoo? Are you sure, you have to be positive Futch."

"I'm positive, by your reaction I'm going to assume you know what's going on. Tell me please, her parents and I are very worried."

Upon hearing this Sasarai gave the man a gentle smile, "You've grown attached to the child haven't you? Quite strange, I wonder why?"

"Maybe it's a True Rune thing. What do you know?"

Sasarai gave a deep sigh as he massaged his forehead in frustration, "There is only one thing I can think of that would explain this situation with Athena. True Runes choose their bearers, except for my brother and I. We were created with the Rune's in mind. Athena is the True bearer of the Rune. At this moment, she is the True Rune. This has never happened before at such a young age and because she is so young when the Rune chose her, her body absorbed the Rune. Unlike Geddoe, Chris or even yourself. When…if Athena dies, the True Wind Rune might cease to exist and die with her causing chaos. I'm not completely sure though, this is only speculation for now."

Futch's shoulders dropped suddenly, his hopeful look completely erased from Sasarai's explanation, "There is no way to separate Athena from the Rune? What about sealing the Rune?"

Sasarai shook his head with regret for Futch and Athena's family, "There's no way to separate the Rune from her body. To seal the Rune would mean having to put Athena into an eternal rest."

"I see." Rising from his seat across Sasarai, Futch thanked the Bishop for his time and then turned to leave.

"Wait." Futch stopped before glancing over his shoulder at Sasarai who was now standing with a smile and his hands folded before him.

"Lucian and I will come with you. Athena is going to have enormous power; she will need help controlling it. Lucian and I can help her with that and since it's the True Wind Rune, I'll have some familiarity with it."

Futch agreed with an enormous smile before heading outside to wait for Lucian and Sasarai with Bright. When they finally came out, Futch offered Sasarai to ride with him on Bright. The Bishop accepted the offer and after Lucian transformed into a black hawk, they flew off towards the Warrior Maiden Grassland Village.

Percival just left, Chris had seen him off after having kept to his word to be with her when she spoke to Salome. So far only she, Salome, Percival and Yuiri knew of her daughter's existence. Everyone else, even her closest friends of the Mighty Six would have to believe her lies that Blade was truly gone. Chris hated the fact that she had to lie about her daughter to anyone, she was a proud mother, but Percival and Salome were right. If word got out that Blade was alive, her life would be in danger and Chris could not risk that. Chris would not reveal the truth until things were settled with the Council once and for all.

Chris did not know but Percival had sent a private message to Geddoe, telling him about Chris' predicament with Blade. The Frontier Defense leader didn't tell anyone of this revelation, not even his gang who he considered family.

As the weeks went by, Chris attempted to visit Blade as often as she could. Unfortunately for her, it only happened every 4 or 5 days if she was lucky. Athena was using full sentences on Chris' next visit and Blade was growing like a weed, she felt she was missing her little girl's most important life events. Sasarai, Lucian and Futch with Bright were staying in the village outskirts with Yuiri's permission. Percival and Yuiri were thankful for the Bishop's assistance in helping their daughter. They no longer blamed Futch for what happened to their daughter, the best thing they could do was help her with control.

Lilly and Borus were back together, no one understood why or how but the people suspected it was because Chris no longer trusted Borus as she used to and he thought he could hurt her feelings by marrying Lilly. Man was he wrong, Chris was quite happy that Borus was off her back with the wedding date to take place in two months time.

'It couldn't be true. It just couldn't be.'

A lone, dark figure was in the forest kicking and punching trees, rocks unfortunate creatures to come by his path. He needed someone to talk to, so he decided to take a huge risk and talk to Percival, the man was like a brother to him.

Hugo had just heard that Chris lost the baby. That she died shortly after birth, 'A girl…Chris and I had a daughter together.'

Hugo wept for the child he would never know. Upon hearing the rumor the Captain of the Zexen Knights lost her child, Hugo left in a rage from Budehuc Castle before Geddoe had a chance to relay any information form Percival.

Hugo arrived; he was standing in front of the door to Percival's house. Hugo hoped that Percival would answer and not Yuiri or he would have a lot of explaining to do. The spirits of the Grasslands were watching over him. Percival answered the door and he was shocked beyond reason to see Hugo standing on his front porch. Hugo pulled the young Knight outside and shut the door quietly, "Come with me please Percival."

Percival didn't know what was going on but he followed Hugo silently into the forest. When they were far enough away from the village not to be heard Percival grabbed Hugo by the shoulder, turned him around and punched him square in the jaw…twice. "What the hell is wrong with you? Do you think it's funny to make everyone think you're dead?"

Hugo rubbed his jaw carefully, he was definitely going to bruise but before he could even defend himself Percival punched him in the nose. "Chris is heartbroken and hardly ever smiles or laughs. I told you I would kick your ass if you hurt her. The only time she is ever happy is when she is with her daughter."

Percival got one more lick in when he threw in a right hook to Hugo's ribs and caused the man to crumble to his knees. Percival was slightly satisfied with Hugo's bloody nose and apparent misery, "Daughter?"

Hugo suddenly had a glint of hope in his eyes as he looked up at Percival. The Knight gave Hugo a look that clearly said, well duh. "Yes Chris' daughter."

"She's alive?" Hugo sounded hopeful once more at the revelation.

"Who Chris? Well, of course."

Hugo stood shakily as he wiped the blood from his nose and approached Percival slowly, "No, not her, our daughter. She's alive?"

Percival finally understood what Hugo was getting at and almost felt sorry for the man, if he hadn't of gone and played dead of course, "You heard the rumors?"

"Rumors? What rumors?"

Percival nearly smirked when Hugo grasped his collar tightly in his fists and shook him lightly desperately seeking an answer from Percival, "Calm down and sit Hugo. I'll explain everything from what Chris has told me since the attack on Chisha Village."

Hugo sat down quickly wanting to know what happened to the woman he loves and his new born daughter. Hours later, Hugo stared up at the night sky, "She's been through so much and I haven't been there to help or support her."

Upon Percival's request Hugo relayed the information about what happened to him after the Battle at Budehuc with Yun, Fayt and Jimba. "Now I understand why you stayed away for so long. Blade needs her father, hopefully one day the time will come to reveal yourself to Chris but until then how about I give you a little introduction. I can sneak her out of the village when Yuiri and Chris are away."

Percival watched as Hugo's smile grew tenfold and he seemed in his own world. Percival stood up and told Hugo to wait. Percival headed in the direction of the village, when he returned Hugo noticed he had something in his arms. Percival had Hugo hold out his arms and then gently placed the bundle into his arms. "Hugo this is Blade, she's almost 6 months but she's been growing fast and she's really healthy."

Hugo looked down in shock at the sleeping girl in his arms before smiling, "She's beautiful, just like her mother."

Percival could only watch as the emotions passed on Hugo's face quickly and in rapid succession. The Karaya Chief was one proud new daddy, "Blade's young but you've already missed quite a bit, we think she's trying to walk so Chris visits quite a bit in hopes of seeing her first steps. She has your eyes, Chris loves looking into them because it reminds her of you."

Hugo looked up from Blade with a frown, "I miss her Percival. I miss Chris so much. I miss holding her, hearing her laugh, I just miss being around her."

"Like I said Chris thinks of you often when she comes to visit Blade. I swear that kid knows when her mother is in the vicinity. Blade will whine until Chris walks through the door and picks her up. Spoiled rotten she is, but mommy loves her doesn't she?"

Hugo laughed at Percival's use of his baby voice before handing Blade off to the older man not taking his eyes off the little girl as she opened her eyes and swatted at Percival's chin. Hugo laughed at the good smack, "Blade knows you've been talking about her. Can you do me a favor? Don't tell anyone especially Chris that I'm alive. Hopefully when Blade is old enough, she will understand."

After promising Hugo that he wouldn't tell anyone his secret Percival turned to leave but stopped before out of Hugo's hearing range, "There's something else we should talk about."

"On the condition that I get to hold Blade while we talk." Percival smiled in agreement and once he was satisfied with the way Hugo was holding Blade they sat back down to discuss Athena as well as the True Wind Rune. Before briefly explaining the help received from Lucian, Futch and Sasarai. They talked for a few more hours before agreeing with Percival that it was time for Blade to go to bed. Percival went straight to the village while Hugo disappeared into the forest thinking of Chris fondly.

A couple more months passed with inactivity from Albert and Yuber but the word was that they were still nosing around somewhere close to the border. Hugo continued his visits to see Blade, typically the day after Chris left just to be careful. Blade was 8 months old and trying desperately to walk on her little legs. Before Hugo could even pick Blade up that day a surprise interrupted his visit with Percival quickly tossing Hugo out the back of the house.

Hugo watched through the window as Blade reached her arms out for Chris letting her mother know that she wanted to be held and true to Percival's word Blade whined until Chris was in her sights. "How is mommy's favorite girl doing?"

Chris kneeled down on the floor in front of Blade helping her stand gently before giving her a loud kiss on the cheek. Blade giggled before reciprocating by giving her mother a kiss on the lips and then pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you so much for letting her stay here. You're a true Knight in Shining Armor."

Percival laughed quietly as he told Chris it was no big deal. Hugo was supposed to see Blade at the house today because Yuiri, Futch and Lucian were out in the woods conducting Athena's daily training. Chris left the day prior so she wasn't supposed to be back for another week at least. Percival did what he could to get Chris to leave the house so that Hugo could spend time with Blade. "So Chris, what are you doing here?"

Chris narrowed her eyes at Percival as she sat on the floor and released Blade from her tight embrace, "I got just outside the forest before I turned back. I missed my baby, do you have a problem with that?"

Percival waved his arms in front of himself defensively starting to sweat just a bit, "No! Not at all, I was just curious is all. You've never done this before. Why are women so violent after childbirth?"

"I know and I'm sorry about the surprise but I had to see her. I don't want to miss one second."

Hugo continued to watch through the window as Percival stepped to the side and Chris let Blade's hands go. Blade looked almost surprised that her mother let go of her and she even whined a bit as Chris moved away from her. It was magic to Hugo's eyes as Blade took her first step towards Chris, "Mummy…"

Hugo's eyes sparkled as Chris smiled; Blade had her arms stretched out to her mother and took three more steps before she reached her mother's arms, tucking her head under Chris' chin and clutching her tightly, "Mommy!"

It was clear as day this time and Chris couldn't help but lift Blade from the floor to squeeze her tightly. Percival startled slightly when he saw the tears trickling down Chris' cheeks and daringly glanced back at Hugo to give a shrug. Percival was fortunate enough to hear Athena's first words but Yuiri laughed in delight when their daughter spoke. "Did you hear her Percy? Blade spoke; she said my name and so beautifully."

From outside the window Hugo observed his family as Chris slowly rocked from side to side with that brilliant smile, trying to get Blade to say something else, anything else. Percival leaned up against the wall as he watched the magical sight and felt a little bit of jealousy that Hugo was able to witness these events unlike he who did not see Athena's first steps. Hugo gently placed his hand on the glass and gave a content sigh, for now he could be happy and watch them both from afar. 'That is the first time I've heard her laugh in a long time.'

Out of the corner of his eye Percival saw Hugo leave the window and assumed that the man was escaping into forest to hide yet another day. Even as he reached the edge of the tree line Hugo could still hear Chris' laughter, or maybe he was imagining it but either way he would not forget that sound. 'Soon my love, I'll hold you in my arms once more.'

She was more nervous than she ever had been in her entire life; Lucia arrived in Karaya Village with Beecham waiting to receive her. Before Lucia arrived Beecham sent word to Chris to come to the village and meet with the Chief. It was unfortunate that Lucia was to be referred to as Chief and would do so until she chose someone as her successor.

This was the first time Chris would be returning to Karaya Village since Hugo's death. Chris wasn't the type to really fear anything, but at this moment she was scared beyond words. Only a couple weeks after Blade's first words and Chris managed to get her little one to say, 'I love you,' if not a little broken. The village appeared celebration, Chris assumed it was in celebration for Lucia's return but the people became quiet when the Captain rode in on her horse.

Chris dismounted once she reached Lucia, giving a respectful bow and then a hug as she welcomed her back. Lucia placed Chris at arm's length with a hesitant smile, "Lady Chris, please follow me. I wish to speak with you about my son."

Chris tensed slightly before taking a deep breath and slowly followed the Chief into what she remembered as Hugo's old residence; obviously this hut was intended to remain as the Chief's quarters. Upon entering Chris paused midstride as memories of Hugo and their time together seemed to flash within her mind. As Lucia sat on the floor she noticed that Chris remained frozen still just inside the hut with a frown. "Chris…Lady Chris are you feeling well?"

Chris' eyes fluttered momentarily as she shook the thoughts from her head and approached a worried looking Lucia with her newly founded mask. Chris sighed softly as she sat across from the Chief and Beecham served the two of them tea. "I apologize. I've been doing that a lot lately."

With a toss of her head, Beecham understood it as the sign to take his leave so they could speak privately. When Chris placed her tea back on the table Lucia grasped her hand across the table and squeezed it tenderly, "I hear you've been fainting as well. Since Hugo's death you have not been healthy. You need to take care of yourself Chris. Hugo would be devastated if he could see what's become of you."

Lucia released Chris' hand before moving around the table to sit next to the Captain and placed a hand on her cheek gently, "Since hearing about Hugo, I knew I had to get back and on my journey I knew I had to speak to you. Please don't interrupt, just listen."

A moment passed before Chris nodded to give Lucia her undivided attention and the tender hand left her pale cheek, "I was beyond surprised to hear you were with child…Hugo's child. I already knew my son was dead, Beecham sent a messenger to me as soon as possible. I didn't learn of your child until I arrived at the docks in Vinay."

Lucia took a minute to gather her thoughts as she took a shallow breath to calm her erratic heart, "Hearing that Hugo left something of himself behind, it made losing Hugo slightly better to bear. Your child would have been the future Chief should something ever happen to him; I never thought with the Rune that he would ever need a successor."

Chris remained silent as Lucia turned towards her completely, taking both of the Captains hands into her own with tears in her eyes before pulling Chris into a motherly embrace. Lucia started to rub Chris' back in a soothing motion, "I know how hard it is to lose a child. It matters not how long they have lived, the love that you have for the child will always be unwavering."

Chris slowly reciprocated the hug as her own tears stung her eye, though she did not want to cry because of the loss of her child but at the fact that she had to lie to someone she cared for again. Chris could not tell Lucia the truth about Blade, it would mean her daughter would be trained and raised in the ways of Karaya. Not that she minded, but as the apparent future Chief, the risk was far too grand. Chris chanted repeatedly in Lucia's ear how sorry she was; for Hugo's death and for lying about Blade's.

The tears, however, did not spill down Chris' cheeks before breaking their embrace. Lucia wiped away the evidence of her crying and was not surprised to see that Chris had not shed hers. Lucia believed it to be because the woman had cried all that she had left within her. Chris took a sip of tea as Lucia regained her composure and resumed their conversation, "Remember what I told you before your encounter with Sarah? I said you must show weakness as well as strength if you want to have children of your own one day."

Chris slowly nodded, it was a brief encounter though what she mostly remembered at the end of the war was relaying to Yun that the battle had ended, the dreaded Romeo and Juliet play she wished to forget and her farewell with Hugo. "I'm sorry you were deprived of those special moments Chris. My son loved you dearly, I'm not sure of your feelings but know that he wouldn't want you to live your life like this. Hugo would want you to move on, have a family and live a happy life."

Chris smiled briefly as thought of Blade's first steps and words before Lucia broke her train of thought once again, "I have a favor to ask of you Lady Chris?"

"It would be my pleasure Chief Lucia. What pray tell, is the favor?"

Lucia offered a smirk; it was just like the Captain to accept something without knowing her odds of success or of the request. "You and I were always at odds with one another but as I've told you before it doesn't matter if you are friend or foe, I will always respect you. You are not a true Grasslander but as a Zexen you understand our customs and courtesies quite well."

Lucia stood from her position next to Chris and pushed the low table out of her way as she gave a loud sigh. Then Lucia kneeled down before the Captain with her head bowed rendering Chris speechless and shocked at the woman's actions, "Chief Lucia, what?"

"I, Chief Lucia of Karaya, hereby take an oath in the names of the Zexen Federation and my tribe to dedicate myself to the Commander of the Zexen Knights, Lady Chris Lightfellow and name you as my successor in doing so. Will you accept this honor and burden?"

If Chris were not shocked from before then now she truly was beyond words. Chris could not speak or even think straight. It did not make sense to her at all. When Lucia didn't hear a response from Chris the Chief looked up into the Captain's eyes, "I know of your responsibilities as Captain, the main link between our nations for peace. Even with your already tough burden I ask this of you, the only one I can trust in this position. Beecham and I are old plus as an ambassador of the Grasslands I travel far too much. Please Chris."

Chris stood suddenly with an exasperated sigh, she did feel honored that Lucia would request her assistance but didn't think it necessary. Chris looked away from Lucia as she rubbed at her cheeks tiredly, "Chief Lucia, I don't know what you want from me. The clan will never unite under the leadership of the Silver Maiden."

While still in the kneeling position Lucia tilted her head to the floor slightly, she knew of the possible consequences but her people would need a leader. "I have discussed this with Beecham, obtaining his full support and by association many other villagers. You won't officially become Chief until I'm buried beneath this Karayan soil, however, while I'm acting as ambassador in other nations you will operate as acting Chief, if you accept of course."

Chris thought about how hard Hugo worked during the revival of Karaya and her own efforts to help as well. Then she thought of Blade and the possible position Chris would put her daughter into when she revealed the truth about her existence. Chris wanted to weigh the pros and cons but all she could think of was the good she would accomplish as a stronger link to the Grasslands. Chris faced Lucia once more with a smile and helped stand her up at long last, "I accept the honor to lead as Chief of the Karaya Clan, if in fact you pass before you find someone more suitable."

Lucia laughed gently at the response as she embraced her ally, "Thank you Chris. It is greatly appreciated."

Chris said farewell to Lucia and Beecham as her horse slowly trotted out of the village. Chris desperately wanted to ride off to Alma Kinan to relay the good news to her family or at least she thought it was good news. Chris did not ride off to the East; instead she rode towards Brass Castle in an attempt to clear her foggy mind.

Never piss a demon off. Thanks to Geddoe and his unruly gang, the Harmonian Army was put to a halt near the border, for the moment anyway. Geddoe used his True Lightning Rune during the last battle and wiped out a good portion of the soldiers. While Albert was sending out messengers to request more troops, Yuber was recovering from his injury caused by Geddoe himself, Albert was livid. "That fucking mercenary! All was going as planned until he had to use that forsaken rune."

Yuber gave an evil blood curdling smirk and laughed at Albert's predicament. "At least the Flame Champion is dead."

Albert shot the demon a glare and cringed slightly as Yuber licked his bloody injuries, "The deadly demon is licking his wounds again I see."

"Where the hell were you?"

Albert smirked suddenly as he examined the paperwork delivered into his hands, "I was fighting my own battles. I thought a demon of your stature could take care of himself."

Yuber stopped licking the blood from his arm to unsheathe his swords, "You want a fight?"

Calmly Albert brushed off Yuber's need for fighting by raising his hand to silently stop the demon, "I have good news for you. We'll have more soldiers in 3 months time, and then we attack."

Upon hearing this Yuber licked his lips in satisfaction before laughing maniacally as he thought about all the innocent blood he would bathe himself in, taste, smell and feel. As Yuber walked away Albert shook his head, satisfied that the demon was happy for the moment. How long could he keep Yuber chained before the demon broke loose?

The months that passed by with Hugo watching his family from the outside was killing him. Blade was truly getting bigger with every day that passed, with her running around and jumping off of small furniture giving her mother miniature heart attacks. Hugo desperately wanted to be a part of that process. "Damn it! Yun, Jimba, Fayt…can I reveal myself now. Someone answer me!"

"Spirits calm down Hugo." Fayt walked out of the shadows and into the light shimmering through the tree tops.

Hugo glanced at Fayt before turning to the spirit and charging him, however, Hugo went straight through the man's body. Being a spirit did have its perks apparently, "Tell me you have an answer for me Fayt."

Fayt gave Hugo a cocky smirk as he stepped up to him and placed his hands behind his back calmly, "Excellent news Hugo. After Blade's third birthday you may reveal yourself."

Hugo threw his fist into the air excited beyond belief and gave a loud yell. He would only have to wait a couple more months before he could be with his family. "Hold on Hugo."

Upon hearing the sudden seriousness from Fayt, Hugo stopped mid-celebration to look at his old friend, "What's wrong now?"

"The only reason you have been given permission is because the spirits have foretold that Chris will die."

Hugo's face dropped as well as his fist upon hearing the information. Hugo then took a seat of the forest floor as the blood left his face. The man just couldn't catch a break, why did it seem that the world was against him? Hugo could not speak so Fayt did in his stead, "Yun, Jimba and I went against the Great Will by bringing you back to life. We can never do this again Hugo, if Chris dies, she will cease to exist forever. Which means you must protect her. You changed destiny before, you can do it again my brother."

With that said Fayt vanished, leaving Hugo with his thoughts. Since hearing of Chris' future demise, Hugo never left her side. When Chris returned to Brass Castle, instead of spending time with Blade, Hugo stood watch over Chris while she slept defenseless.

Hugo sent word to Geddoe about his discussion with Fayt and promised that when she was at Budehuc the gang would stand guard. When she went to Vinay, Geddoe had the ninja couple watching Chris very carefully.

Lilly and Borus were officially married and living in the Capital. Lilly was already with child, never leaving the house for fear of being scrutinized and had servants waiting on her hand and foot. When Lilly stayed within the house, Borus always had an excuse to leave, hardly spending any time at home. Sometimes, Borus even begged Salome to give him something to do. Their marriage was unusual but no one ever complained.

Yumi and Louis ended up eloping after Lord Keeferson expressed his displeasure, which you could imagine, pissed the Council off beyond imagination. Louis decided he would never live within the Capital again but would remain at Budehuc Castle to serve the Zexen Knights. Yumi wish nothing more than to move back to Alma Kinan but was convinced by Cecile that she should stay until her training was complete.

Queen was having trouble with Lita always wanting to play with knives; the little hellion had a tendency of trying to pick up Geddoe's sword when he left it lying about. Plus Lita was very active socially, talking to anyone that would listen, stranger or not. Aila's troubles were not as difficult due to Aisleen being significantly less social and not at all interested in playing with weapons. Queen and Aila could no longer have Joker or Ace watch the girls anymore due to their stress levels peaking and of course, Ace, threatening to throw the girls out the window.

Still the Harmonian Army did not attack when the Federation and the Grasslands predicted they might. All was peaceful, with Lilly giving birth to twins; Simon and Leona. The young boy had a head of brown hair and the girl with no hair at all. Borus was proud to have them both, even if he couldn't stand their mother most of the time. Borus spent more time with his children than with his wife and only talked to her when it involved the children.

At the tender age of 4, Athena had more control over her power now that she was older, with Sasarai and Lucian both proud of the young child as well as her parents and Futch. After Blade's third birthday, Hugo did not reveal himself as he planned, though he and his daughter were getting closer. Blade and Chris had a special connection that Hugo did not seem to have with his daughter for whatever reason, but she understood not to tell her mother of his presence.

The rumor spread that Harmonian's were beginning to cross the border into the Grasslands Sasarai, Yuiri and Percival left to investigate the situation. This left Lucian and Futch to watch over Athena while Bright took Chris and Blade out on a little get away, that's when the trouble began with Lucian leading the argument.

"You lost her, not me!"

"Don't put the blame on me. This is your fault."

"You arrogant dragon spawn! This is your fault and you damn well know it."

"I left for one minute, with Athena in your care so I can take a piss and you lose her!"

Lucian walked up to Futch so that they were face to face to let out a growl and bear his growing canines, "Don't make me repeat myself Dragon-boy, it's not my fault."

Lucian hissed coldly into Futch's face before snorting like a dog. Futch turned and left the house to go look for Athena while Lucian followed silently fuming, "I'll go this way, you go that way."

"Got it." Lucian transformed into his wolf form then leaped into the direction to search for Athena. Futch headed off in his direction, yelling Athena's name and cursing beneath his breath, "Damn you Athena. You're more trouble than you're worth little one."

All of a sudden, the wind picked up around him and blew Futch off of his feet into a tree. When he collided with the tree, Futch yelped in pain as he felt his shoulder pop violently. "Fucking hell Athena. I'm going to kill you, you little…"

The wind picked him back up and threw him into another tree with his injured shoulder hitting it first. Once he collapsed to the ground, the wind died down and Futch tried to sit up as carefully as possible muttering to himself, "Fuck…"

As Futch finally got to his feet unsteadily with his uninjured arm the Dragon Knight heard howling in the distance. Futch started running towards who he hoped was Lucian with Athena. When Futch reached a clearing within the woods, he started laughing at the sight before him.

Athena was sitting on the ground clapping her hands and laughing, she was looking up at the sky where a wolf was flying, rolling and flapping in the air. Futch had to guess that maybe, like himself, Lucian was cursing Athena out in howls. At the sound of Futch's laugh the wolf steadied his eyes on the Dragon Knight with a look that clearly asked for him to stop Athena. Futch calmly sat next to Athena with a tender smile, "Alright Athena, fun time is over for now. Put the mutt down."

Lucian growled at the mutt comment but kept to himself. Futch bent down to pick Athena but before he could get his hands on her the wind changed direction for a split second in order to blow Futch off balance and lift him in the air with Lucian. The pressure from the wind was putting his shoulder in pain and Futch got a little aggravated when he was in pain, "Athena, that's enough. Play time is over put us down now!"

"It's not her fault."

Futch furrowed his brow in irritation as he directed his gaze to Lucian in normal form, "To hell it's not, she knows exactly what she's doing."

Lucian ignored Futch's yelling as he looked at Athena and spoke to her as softly and gently as he could, "Athena, calm down and clear your mind. Futch and I are here to help you, so relax now. Just clear your mind and relax."

Athena slowly lowered Lucian and Futch to the ground until they stood on their feet. The moment they landed Athena threw herself at Lucian apologizing as fast as she could. He bent down to pick her up and comforted her as best he could. For some unknown reason, Futch didn't like seeing Lucian comfort Athena, "You can put her down now, she's fine."

Lucian growled as he tightened his hold on the young girl, "She feels bad for what she did. Your yelling didn't help her any either."

"Don't defend her Lucian. Athena was laughing and having a grand old time. Athena knew better!"

Futch stopped suddenly when he heard the slight whimpering from the young girl, "Is she…crying?"

"Athena was only having fun but when you started yelling at her that did not help matters. It confuses her and causes the balance within to be disrupted."

Futch glared at the wolf man, "Don't play innocent, you were cursing her in your wolf language."

Lucian set Athena on the ground; she wiped the tears from her eyes before grasping Lucian's pant leg. "You're an idiot Futch. Athena can understand me in wolf form, I was trying to calm her down that's all. You hurt her feelings."

Understanding dawned on Futch as he realized that Athena was very special in her own right. Futch felt bad for his actions and rubbed the back of his head in frustration, "I'm sorry Athena. I didn't mean it"

Athena smiled suddenly and wrapped her arms around Futch's legs, "It's okay, I'm sorry too Futch."

The three of them then headed back to the house but when they arrived a dragon cry was heard from above. Bright swooped on in with a loud roar, apparently there was a situation he and Futch needed to take care of. Lucian shook Futch's hand with a smirk before the Dragon Knight mounted his celestial beast. "Bright dropped off Chris and Blade on the outskirts of the forest, they should be back soon. We have to head home to take care of some business."

Bright roared once more before taking to the skies in a burst of speed. As they reached the tree tops Futch waved down at Athena with a smile, "Farewell, my little one."

A/N: I think it's safe to say 3+ years alone was covered in this chapter alone, however, next chapter a whole different kind of action is about to begin. It might seem like a filler but I promise you it's not. It's all very important information, for the most part anyway.

Chapter 7 preview: With Lady Chris fighting desperately on the front line and the enemy deep in our territory what will our heroes do to save their comrades, their families and more importantly win the hearts and minds of the people.