Author's Note: I tried to make this as short and simple as possible. I hope it turns out okay.

.:HARMONY and BLOODSHED:.

PART ONE

HARMONY

--CHAPTER FIVE--

THE PERFORMANCE

The set was ready, the props were in excellent condition and the actors were excited about the final arrival of the play. They wore their costumes with delight and marched around in them. The stadium had been reconstructed to look like a theater.

People flooded into the theater and took the seats indicated on their tickets. The people from the shelter were given special seats high above where they can enjoy the play away from the judgmental eyes of the public. Jacques arrived with Shabon and Eike. All of them were wearing formal clothing. They sat near the front, courtesy of Chris. Mel, Percival's younger sister, was there, too. Barts settled in a seat beside Jacques, acknowledging him with a curt nod. The faculty members settled themselves beside Lord Guillame Loft.

The curtains were still closed but the orchestra started playing as booklets were handed out. It contained the cast of characters and their photos.

Jacques read his copy silently:

Chris Lightfellow-------------------------- Annabelle Crescent

Percival Fraulein--------------------------- Hector Salvia

Albert Fraulein----------------------------- Klaus Salvia

Franz Kupper------------------------------- Edward Crescent

Nash Clovis--------------------------------- Captain Siegfried Bolt

Edge McRever------------------------------ Reinold Tresworth

Borus Redrum------------------------------ Captain Fredric Greth

Iku Matsumi-------------------------------- Yara the nursemaid

Queen McRever---------------------------- Sihti the nursemaid

There were a couple of names Jacques didn't recognize. He heard Barts laugh and understood why when he saw beneath:

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Sir Gordon Armstrong--------------------- King Travia Crescent

Miss Jeanne Sicily-------------------------- the Narrator

---------------

The theater darkened as the lights were switched off one by one. Jacques saw Sir Nadir take the front-most seat before him. The crowd quieted as the curtains parted.

The scene depicted was of the king Travia Crescent seated on his throne. He wore his crown nested with sparkling red jewels. His cape was red and it covered the left half of his body. Oh his right hand he held a golden staff with stones shining in the light.

He was twirling his thick moustache and listening as his son, Edward Salvia spoke, "Annabelle loves to paint, and she is quite skilled at it. She hasn't been taught but she has done remarkably well. I believe that is you hire a tutor for her, she will get so much better. Sometimes as I watch her paint, I see in her eyes her passion." He said in a British accent as he straightened his clothes.

He wore a red turtleneck coat with golden designs at the edges, clasped at the middle with buttons. The coat reached until his waist where a belt with a golden buckle sword was put over it. His white pants and white shoes looked nice on him. He was a handsome sight. "What do you think, father? A tutor would be nice for my dear sister."

"What would be nice is dear Annabelle gets married." The king answered.

"Married?" Edward exclaimed, as though the idea was unheard of.

The spotlight shifted as Annabelle entered the scene from the right. The crowd gasped. She was wearing a tube dress. Thick golden laces covered her shoulders. Flowers were embroidered scattered on her dress. Her fair arms were bare. She looked like she was going to get married. Her dress was white like a wedding gown, glinting with the golden embroideries. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun with flowery clips.

She curtsied.

"Dear sister," Edward said as he approached, "I've told father about your paintings."

"Yes, and I told him you were to get married. Soon."

"Soon?" Edward asked, surprised, "But, to whom? And how soon?"

"'Tis important, my son Edward, that this marriage succeeds, for then shall we be in alliance with the other empire." The king answered, bored.

"Father, 'tis like all other fairytales. The princess marries the prince and they live happily ever after. What if Annabelle does not like the prince?" Edward asked sullenly but still respectfully.

"Let her speak for herself!" the king roared.

"Annabelle?" Edward said in a soft voice.

"Whatever my father wishes, it is my duty to follow. I've no complaints." She said, staring into the distance.

"Oh, Annabelle." Edward said as he grabbed her by her hand, "Father, may I take a moment to speak with Annabelle?"

The king waved them away. The two walked a few steps towards the front of the stage and settled by a pillar, the spotlights followed them and the rest of the stage darkened except where the spotlights shone.

"Belle…" Edward said softly, almost in a whisper, "Are you certain? Marriage is not something you can get in and out of as you wish. You will be married to a prince and sent away to his kingdom. Had you not once told me that you are afraid of marriage?"

"Yes, but I stand here before you and admire you above all. Marriage is not so bad. I can still see it in your eyes even when Amelia has gone to heaven." Annabelle said softly.

"I have lost my wife whom I have loved to an ailment, however ours is a happy marriage filled with love. I did not force her to marry me like father is doing to you now. I courted her for quite some time if you will remember."

"Yes I do. But I wish what father wishes."

"Very well," Edward said, holding both her hands, "There is nothing I can do when you get this way but I hope for your happiness," he brought her hand sup to his heart. "I am your brother and I wish it you know you can come to me at all times of trouble."

Annabelle nodded and the lights flickered on again. A trumpet was blown and a soldier shouted, "Announcing, Captain Siegfried Bolt!"

The soldiers stood straight, acknowledging their superior as he entered the room from the left side door. The captain kneeled before the king and spoke in a booming voice, "Your Majesty, I have safely escorted the Princes Salvia and they are now waiting outside for your summoning as we speak."

"Salvia?" Annabelle repeated. "Pray, is it Klaus Salvia?"

King Travis looked at Annabelle, surprised at how she knew of Klaus Salvia and sighed, he said in a gentle voice, "My dear, I must ask you to leave for a few moments until I call you in once again."

Annabelle nodded and curtsied.

Edward approached as Annabelle left the way she came in. "Father," he said, "A Salvia? You will have Annabelle marry a Salvia! Have you not heard of the news of the Salvias? They've no compassion! They have games in their empire that let you watch as one kills the other. Murder is common, pray, a hobby in their world."

"None of it is our business, son." the king told him, raising a brow.

"Father, they were raised without a father. Their kingdom is being run by the young princes themselves. We do not know of how much riches they have. What if they only wish for the dowry and when they receive it, they will dispose of my sister elsewhere!" Edward's voice risen.

"Insolence! Your sister happens to be my daughter! Do you think this does not worry me!" the king raised his voice as well.

"Then why, father must we send her away!"

"We will talk about this another time! Captain! Have them enter. Edward, go now! I do not wish any of your stupid speeches!"

Edward stalked away angrily and exited the same way Annabelle did.

The captain flicked his hand then the soldier shouted after the trumpets again, "Announcing, Captain Fredric Greth and the princes, Prince Klaus and Hector Salvia."

They entered in a triangle formation, the captain at the front. The two princes had sturdy strides, they both also looked handsome.

The three kneeled before the king. The king signaled them to rise.

"It is an honor to meet you, your majesty. I am Klaus Salvia and this is my younger brother Hector."

"Yes, yes, welcome. Make haste and comfort yourselves as though this were your own home and explore the castle, you will find no secrets and forbidden rooms. Move as you please. We will discuss of the marriage later at the dinner table." The king said and dismissed everyone.

The lights went off as the backdrop changed from a throne room into a semi-lighted library.

Annabelle pranced around the room nervously. Her face showed fear and worry, then confusion, "Prince Klaus Salvia…" she said as she stopped in the middle of the stage. "I fear him for the man he is, but I must… I cannot and do not wish to disappoint father. I…" she put her hand over her heart and started to cry when footsteps were heard. She wiped off her tears and whirled around to see a man standing before her with a bewildered expression. "Prince Klaus…?" she said, afraid, and then she curtsied.

"No…" the man said with a smile. "Klaus is my older brother, I am Hector."

"Hector?" Annabelle asked, "Prince Hector, I beg your forgiveness." She said, bowing her head.

Hector reached out a hand and Annabelle put hers in it, "Why do you ask for forgiveness, your highness?" he bent down and kissed her hand. Then he looked up, " 'Tis true what they say about thee. Thy beauty unparalleled, thy grace divine."

Annabelle smiled.

"I have found you finally! I have been searching--" Edward stopped and eyed Hector cautiously. He looked at his hands holding Annabelle's and quickly Annabelle took her hand away.

"Brother." She said.

"Oh, Prince Edward," Hector bowed, "I am Prince Hector Salvia, brother of Klaus, 'tis an honor to meet you."

Edward bowed down as well wordlessly. "Father wishes you to ready yourself for dinner." He said stiffly to Annabelle.

Quickly, Annabelle left, leaving Hector and Edward alone. Edward stared at Hector coldly and left. The lights darkened as the backdrop once again changed this time into a dining hall, the props men quickly pushed in the dining table and ran out of the stage. When the lights flickered on again, the characters were already seated.

"Such beauty is rare," Klaus said as he stared longingly at Annabelle, he lifted a glass to honor her beauty. Everyone drank to it without a doubt. "I am honored that I have been chosen to have such a fine woman as my wife," he was saying as his captain entered the room. Chris looked up and let a soft gasp out of her mouth.

Edward shifted uncomfortably as he heard her gasp. He looked over at her. She seemed to recognize the captain. He watched as the captain whispered something into the prince's ear. The brother looked unperturbed. The prince nodded and dismissed the captain. As the captain turned around, Edward caught a glimpse of his muscular arms. They were filed with bruises and slashes.

"I trust you will take good care of her when she is with you," the king said and Edward flashed him an outraged look. "The ceremony will be held tomorrow." He said satisfied.

Edward looked down at his plate. He didn't touch a single bite. Annabelle did not neither.

The lights dimmed once again as the scene changed into that of a bed chamber. Annabelle was in her nightgown, covered with a silk cloth as Edward entered her chamber.

"Annabelle, tomorrow you shall be married and I will not see you again. I fear that the day has finally come… Oh Annabelle," He hugged her tightly.

"Do not worry. I shall write to you. Yara and Sihti shall take care of me, but I shall terribly miss you and father," she said as she touched Edward's cheek.

"Belle… If I might, I wish to ask a strange question."

Annabelle nodded.

"The captain… you knew him?"

"No, I was mistaken. I thought I did. I just thought he was someone I've seen before." Annabelle said innocently.

"All right. Have a good sleep," he said as he kissed her forehead good night.

Annabelle looked down at her feet and whispered, "I'm sorry, brother…"

The lights dimmed as the narrator spoke, it sounded like Ms. Jeanne Sicily. "The festivities and celebration began after the ceremony, merging the two kingdoms. Everyone was happy for their princess." The light turned on again, depicting Albert sitting beside Annabelle, holding her hand lovingly.

"My love," he said with a cold smile, "Soon I shall take you to my castle where we shall live happily ever after, with you by my side as my queen."

"That afternoon, they left for the Salvia's Castle immediately. The prince had some business to attend to."

"Now I am king. I have to be back for I have received most disturbing news." Klaus was saying as Annabelle hugged her brother goodbye.

"Yes, I know of it," the king said in sympathy. And he hugged his daughter as well.

"It did not take them quite long to get to the Salvia's Castle. But it was nighttime when they did. Klaus quickly brought Annabelle to their quarters." The Narrator said.

Klaus scooped up Annabelle and laid her down on the bed. He unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his shirt. Annabelle started to stand for she feared this was coming. But before she could, Klaus pushed her down with his body. Annabelle struggled to get away. She pushed him and hit him with her fists. She was weak and small compared to Klaus. He started nearing her neck to kiss it.

"NO!" Annabelle screamed, "Let go! Let go of me! NOOO!" she screamed as she struggled.

Klaus seemed to enjoy himself. He pushed his body some more and started to kiss her neck. Annabelle struggled and punched some more. She started to cry and scream until her voice was sore. Klaus tore at her dress and she struggled to keep it on. Klaus prevailed and soon he was tearing apart her dress. Annabelle screamed and cried in a hoarse voice.

"Klaus, what is this disturbing news you were talking about. Nothing seems astray." Hector was saying bursting into Klaus' room. He was shocked when he saw Klaus on top of Annabelle. At first he was embarrassed at how he could forget that his brother was married but then he saw to his dismay that Annabelle was crying. "What are you doing!" Hector said infuriated, pushing Klaus away from Annabelle.

Klaus laughed, "Hector, I can have my way with my wife." He said, removing his belt and holding it casually in his hands.

"But it is against her will!" Hector said as he helped Annabelle off the bed and covered her with a silk blanket. Annabelle dropped down to the floor, shuddering. She seemed to have calmed down a little.

"Hector… Hector… Can't you see this is a private moment?" He said unbuttoning the rest of his shirt. There was nothing Hector could do and so he left instead, a look of bewilderment in his face, shutting the door behind him tightly.

Klaus turned to Annabelle, "As for you, this is what you deserve for resisting your husband," He said as he raised his belt. The lights dimmed as it hit the ground, its sound echoing throughout the theater.

"Annabelle woke up the next morning on the floor. Klaus did not attempt to bed her but he did not allow her to sleep on the bed." The Narrator said as the lights turned on again.

Annabelle stood up and saw that Klaus was still fast asleep. She looked at her arms from her torn dress. They were covered with bruises. She felt the tears well up in her eyes. "I can't…" she whispered. "I can't be here." She backed away as her husband stirred.

The backdrop shifted in the dark once again. This time, they were in a sitting room. Klaus was seated on an armchair reading a parchment. Annabelle walked to the center of the stage from the left carrying a tray of water in crystal cups. She walked over to where Klaus was sitting. When she was near, Klaus stood up and hit her on the side of her head then shoved her to the ground. She fell to the ground, and swiftly scooped up all the tray's contents

"Look at you! What a clumsy wife you are!" he screamed, "And you call yourself a princess." He said; kicking away the crystal glass she picked up. This was his way of getting back at her for refusing to sleep with him.

"I… Forgive me…" Annabelle said in a small voice. She tried to pick herself up, scared.

"What? Forgive me, what, dear darling?" he said, grabbing Annabelle's hair roughly and yanking it back.

"Forgive me… sire." Annabelle said as Klaus pushed her head down. Annabelle stayed down and didn't attempt to stand any longer. She was shaking.

A knock resounded through the door.

"Someone is knocking, are you going to get that or do I have to do everything myself?" Klaus asked, cupping Annabelle's chin. His face was inches from hers. He pushed her face down and pulled her up by the arms.

Annabelle staggered to her feet, her arms still shaking. She opened the door. Her hair was a mess. Hector noticed her bloodied lips and tried to reach out to touch it but Annabelle quickly covered her mouth. She curtsied and scurried away to the other side with her head bowed down; covering her mouth as she sobbed. Klaus caught her by the arm and whispered harshly, "Wipe that blood of your face." And let her run past.

"What happened? Have I come in a wrong moment?" Hector asked worriedly.

"No, no, dear brother. Annabelle spilled some drinks, that is all." He said casually.

"I see." Hector answered suspiciously. "Well, you shall be busy, I assure you. Now that you have become king."

"A few weeks went by, the same thing happening. Annabelle refused to submit to Klaus' wishes of her sleeping with him; he hurt her in ways that were inhumane. She was even forced to confine herself in her room because of her wounds," Said the narrator. "She never told anyone what Klaus had been doing to her. She dared not, not even to her brother whom she hasn't written to for a while since her arms were too tired to write. She was sure that Klaus never sent them to Edward anyway. Her nursemaids pitied her but she ordered them to involve themselves. One morning, she woke up, her body felt weak and wilted. She could not take anymore beating."

Annabelle stood up from the floor with all her might. Limping, she made her way out of the room and into the halls as quietly as she could. Klaus was still asleep.

The lights diminished and again the scene was different. She was in the hallway. She had a silk robe around her body which flapped whenever her legs gave out. She fell to the floor hard and it revealed her arms. They were covered in bruises and whip slashes, along with her legs. Her face once so pure and beautiful, were covered with bruises as well. Some of them newly inflicted. She crawled on the floor pitifully, tears forming in her eyes. The two nursemaids came in and started to pick her up as quickly and gently as they could.

Klaus suddenly erupted from the doors, pushed away the nursemaids and yanked back Annabelle's hair. He pulled her into the room by her hair. She tried to scream but she did not have the energy to do so. She just let him drag her, ignoring the pain. He dragged her to the door but before he could close it. Hector suddenly appeared.

"Klaus, what is happening?" Hector said, looking past Klaus. He was blocking the view of Annabelle. Klaus knelt down and pretended to stroke Annabelle's hair.

"We're playing a game, dear brother, my love and I," he said.

Annabelle managed to moan and cry loudly enough for Hector to hear. Klaus quickly stepped outside and shut the door.

"So, what brings you here this early?" Klaus asked casually, smoothing back his hair.

"Oh, a neighboring empire wishes to meet with you regarding territorial matters. They wish you to meet them as soon as possible." Hector reported.

"Right," Klaus said, nodding, "Tomorrow, I shall meet them. I have something to attend to today."

"Oh, can I come in and see her?" Hector asked purposely.

"Who?" Klaus asked back, acting dumb.

"Your wife, Annabelle," Hector said.

"No, not today," Klaus answered, blocking the door.

"Why not?" Hector asked.

"Well, she is not feeling well, she says." Klaus added with a shrug.

"I rarely get to see her, Klaus. It has been weeks," Hector answered suspiciously.

Klaus laughed falsely, "Hector, she is my wife. Why do you feel the need to see her?"

Hector could not answer. "Well, Klaus. I seem to amuse you."

Klaus laughed again. "Indeed you do. Now go."

Hector could not fight the king. He went away but a plan was up his sleeve.

Klaus waited impatiently outside his chamber door until Hector disappeared. Then he pulled open the door and pulled Annabelle out again, by her hair.

"You think you can do that? 'Tis your gravest mistake yet, woman! You were wishing for it weren't you? Another whipping session in the dungeon!" he said venomously. He carried her off cautiously.

The darkness once again filled the theater as the audience started to buzz about their thoughts on what would happen next. They quieted as the stage filled with lights. The backdrop was different now. Klaus and Annabelle were inside a cell. Two guards stood outside.

"Klaus waited until night to give his punishment to Annabelle." Said the narrator.

He whipped her continuously. She lay there, immobile. She had fainted and shielded herself from the pain. She knew she would succumb to her death soon. Sometimes she even wished it were so. Klaus stopped and moved her with his foot. She didn't stir.

"GUARDS!" He called, "You, take my whip and YOU! Check to make sure not a soul is still up!" he pointed at the guards and they scurried off. He went back to Annabelle and carried her up. Her breathing was shallow, almost subsiding and weak.

The guard scrambled back, "The coast is clear, sir. Not a soul."

"Good." Klaus said and once again. The lights were off.

One woman from the audience even said, "Oh my God… Is she dead? This is so tragic!"

A few other audiences shushed her as the lights turned on again. They were in the hallway again outside their room. But this time, half the stage showed the inside of the room, and the other half showed the hall. There was a dividing wall in-between.

Klaus was fumbling with the door from the hall. Inside the room, bound and still, was Annabelle's small frame. Her arms and legs were bound, and a cloth covered her mouth and eyes.

"Sir," A guard said from behind Klaus, "The coach is ready for you."

"Right," Klaus said, "No one is to enter this room, understood? Not unless I order you to open it. Only the cook will bring in food. He has the extra key."

"Key?" Hector suddenly asked, walking briskly and cheerily toward Klaus, "Brother, you locked the door? Well, that is fine. I am here to wish you the best of luck and safety in your travel, after all."

"Thank you, dear brother!" Klaus said with a false smile.

He walked past Hector in a hurry and signaled the guards to watch for him before he exited the stage with the guards.

Hector laughed. "The cook, huh?"

"Hector awaited the cook's arrival." said the narrator.

"Ah, finally!" he said, when the stout man arrived. "Yeck, what is that?" Hector asked distastefully. "That what you feed the queen? No wonder she is sick." He said, annoying the cook the best he could. "You know, I could help you. If you let me in, I'll give you a raise."

"Money does not interest me." The cook answered, fumbling with the key. He opened the door the slightest he could and left the food on the floor and then shut the door again. "I'll just come back for that later." He said disrespectfully, pocketing the key. As the cook turned to leave, Hector stuck his hand into the cooks pocket and with the swiftness of a thief; he got the key out.

He waited a few moments before unlocking the door. He opened it slightly and slipped in, careful not to step on the food on the floor. He looked around. Nothing seemed to be out of order. He walked in some more when his foot hit something. He looked down, shock instantly crossed his face. It was Annabelle. She was writhing with the ropes. Hector bent down to remove the cloth from her mouth, and when he did.

"Please… No… Klaus… No… Please, have mercy!" Annabelle said weakly. Hector noticed at the side of her mouth were bruises. He passed his finger on them gently.

Hector untied the cloth from her eyes. They were closed but tears were rolling down. She seemed to expect something painful. Hector was infuriated when he ran his gaze down the length of her bare arms. They were filled with so much whip marks. Her legs were partly covered with them as well. He took a dagger from his boot and quickly cut the ropes. Annabelle was surprised and she opened her eyes. It was Hector.

Annabelle's eyes widened. "No! Run! Run before he sees you!" she said frantically. Then she became quiet but still wide-eyed. She stared at the wall.

"Annabelle?" Hector said.

Annabelle started to laugh, "No it doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt at all. Want to see the whip marks on my back? There are a lot of them." She began talking about them like they were her collection. Hector reached out to help her up but she pushed him away forcefully, then she started to kick and punch and scream, "Get away from me! GET AWAY!" Hector tried to go near her but he was being kicked. He held her feet to refrain her from doing so. "NOOO!" she screamed, "NO! PLEASE! NO! I won't do it! Monster, no! Don't touch me! Kill me NOW! KILL ME NOW!" she screamed hysterically. Hector locked her in a hug.

She suddenly stopped, her jaw quivering. She stared into the distance again as she murmured the name, "Edward… Edward, save me… my Lord, has done wrong… I saw him, murder… I feared him, I saw it with my own eyes. I fear him still, for what might become of me when I am to marry him… I… Edward don't let them take me away, don't let me marry that monster... No!"

"What has he done to you!" Hector asked furiously, "I'll take you back. I swear. Back to Edward, Annabelle. Back to him. We leave now." He said as he whisked her away.

"I wish to end this, I no longer feel a single thing on my body. Pain strikes me as nothing more and nothing less…" she whispered, but Hector did not listen. She continued whispering words with wide-eyes, she has lost part of her mind.

"Hector did not have any trouble getting his coach and making his escape with Annabelle and her nursemaids. It came with being a prince. However, he did not know what would happen when Klaus returned and learned of this. He was unsure how to explain to Annabelle's family as well." Said the narrator.

"She was tortured was what it was! I'm outraged!" Edward was saying on the next scene, back at the Crestwude Castle. "Look at her! She has gone insane! Have you seen her arms? Her back! Have you seen how battered she is!"

"Calm down, Edward." The king said.

"Calm down? Calm down! How could you, father!" he said, walking circles.

Hector walked into the throne room with a frown, "I talked with her. She is doing well but she does not want to talk of what Klaus has been doing to her. She says she is afraid that he might come back for her." He put his hands on his face. "What can we do?"

"Honestly. We should kill the bastard." Edward answered.

Hector seemed upset with the thought. Slay his brother? Somehow it did not seem a good idea to him.

"A few days passed and after many failed attempts of talking to Annabelle, Edward gave up. Hector, however, did not, for he fell in love with her. Every time they talked, he felt he was getting closer to her. She would smile at him and politely avoid questions about Klaus." Said the narrator.

The scene shifted to Annabelle's bedchamber where she stood and tried to walk with Hector's assistance. Hector was surprised at her fast recovery. She tripped but Hector caught her by her waist. They were in a hugging position.

"Forgive me, I feel a bit dizzy." Annabelle said as she tried to pull away but she could not. Hector held her tightly.

"Annabelle," he started, emotion in his voice, "Please tell me what he has done, Annabelle… I want to make it better…"

"Hector, I do not wish to involve you," Annabelle said.

"But I wish it to concern myself, Annabelle," he said, still holding her tightly.

"Why so?" Annabelle asked weakly.

"Because I… Because I…" he said as he pulled away, "I love you…" he said gently.

Chris could almost swear it was Percival saying this, not Hector. It was confirmed when she heard him whisper, "Oh, Chris."

"Hector… I…" Chris started but she could not remember her lines. "Hector, please… Your brother is my husband… I… am loyal only to him."

Hector, or rather, Percival put a hand on Chris' lips then he drew nearer and nearer until their lips touched. Chris was surprised, her eyes were wide in shock, but Percival's kiss was honest and loving. She could feel the emotions overwhelming her. She let the kiss take her away. She closed her eyes and returned it. It Percival a long time to pull away, and when he did, Chris' eyes remained closed, taking in the feeling for a little while more. At that moment she became sure that she loved him as well.

Percival touched her chin gently as she opened her eyes.

A clap was heard from behind. Percival turned around and saw that it was Albert, only he wasn't exactly Albert. He was Klaus. And Percival was supposed to be Hector. They were going to have a duel.

"Bravo, Hector. How lovely. I love you, you say." Klaus scoffed.

Hector drew his sword. "You'll pay for what you've done Klaus."

"Really?" Klaus challenged.

Hector told Annabelle to run for cover, which she did.

Their swordfight was choreographed with fake swords and Percival followed every step. He was supposed to get slashed on his shoulder and he waited for Albert to strike. When he did, pain surged through his shoulder. He smelled blood. The sword was real. Albert's bloodstained sword glinted under the lights. Percival held his shoulder and squinted in pain. Chris seemed to sense it was real as well. Percival followed the script some more and went for the finishing blow. Albert crashed down a table when he delivered it. It was supposed to be the end of him, but then, Albert stood up and raised his sword again.

In the audience, Sir Nadir bolted upright in shock. Jacques seemed to sense something wrong as well. He tensed.

Albert charged at Percival but he easily sidestepped it and knocked Albert on the upper back, rendering him unconscious for real.

Chris ran over to Percival with a genuine expression of worry. "You're hurt!" she said, for a moment almost forgetting she was playing a frail woman.

Percival winced as Chris ran her hand over his real wound. "I'm fine." He told her and hugged her again. "He's gone, Annabelle. Now we're safe to be in love."

Sir Nadir sank back in his chair and Jacques relaxed, heaving a sigh.

The curtains closed and opened again as the cast bowed their heads. Applause exploded, and some even gave standing ovations.

Chris was delighted as she bowed for the last time. She looked out at the audience, she saw her brother, Shabon and Eike standing and applauding. Shabon was carried by Eike so that she could see. Chris waved at them and Shabon waved back. She saw at the higher balcony, the people she met at the shelter. She saw, even, the stranger that came bearing her father's letters. The one called Sasarai Somel. He had a smile on his face, then she remembered him telling her that he would relay this to her father and that he would be proud of her. She smiled deeply. That was when she noticed man on the center aisle. He had long golden hair. She could not see his face properly because he had a black hat pulled down low to his face. His clothing were all black as well. She felt her stomach tingle and the hair at the back of her neck rise. It was strange fro her to feel this way. She was afraid of someone she doesn't know or hasn't seen before in her life.

Albert regained consciousness and quickly took his place and bowed as well. He scowled at Percival and walked away as soon as the curtains closed for the final time.

-------------

Chris attended to Percival's wound right away, forgetting her thoughts and fears. Right now, she feared for Percival's well-being. She carefully cleaned and bandaged it. Percival stared at her while she worked. He smiled. "I couldn't feel the pain if you just stay here by my side." He said.

Chris smiled wearily.

Percival reached out his hand and gently pulled her chin towards him. Their lips met and parted quickly. Chris blushed as she tied Percival's bandage for the last time.

"Thank you." He said, referring to the aide she offered, "Chris," he called out as she started to walk away. Chris turned around, "I mean it." He said.

Chris looked confused.

"All those things I said," he offered, "I meant it. And that kiss and this one," he said, "I mean it as well. They all come from my heart. I love you." He said. He was not ashamed to say it loud, nor was he shy to do so.

Chris was convinced it did come from the heart. She felt the kiss after all. She turned and walked away, "I know…" she whispered.