A/N: Yay! Updates! (Btw, I posted a pic of me in my profile. Not that it matters, but it makes me feel special :3) Okay, the reviews are finally getting to me and I suddenly had a Radiata yearning. xD So, anyway! w00t! We've got character categories now! Yay!!! I only asked them to put up a few character categories because I didn't know whom people wrote about. o.o;; But, yay for categories. I can ask for more upon request, so yeah. You can search through them and find that this story is under characters "Flau" and "Kain" Although... I'm getting votes for Eon, so it might change, xD
In any case, I do not remember if I answered people's review questions or not, so I will answer them here.
1) How did I come up with the pairings? Well, I am the type of gamer that really enjoys storyline. I like the 'underdogs' in a story. The characters that are heroic, but not really emphasized. In all honesty, I'm building up my party on the human side currently for Kain, Eon, and Flau. During my 'exploration' of Radiata, I noticed that Flau was the only one in the confessional between 12 and 1 during gameplay. Kain was in the confessional between 12 and 3. He doesn't meet anyone else in the confessional between those times. It intrigued me to find this out. After reading about how Flau was originally in Olacion via her friend's list article, I got the idea that perhaps the two of them have had a relationship before and started off on that. Eon was a different story. When I first played the game... I thought he was hot. Plus the fact that those two are really hard to follow in the game because they dodge over ledges, fences and even garbage receptacles. It made me wonder if they were equals in their own faction of bandits. Eon works for Nocturne, and Flau works with Rynka.
On a side note, I think Elmo is so adorable! :3 I really like the idea of pairing him with Miranda... but I'm not sure on that yet. None of the pairings are final, but if it's okay, I might put a little bit of a side story where Elmo and Miranda date. i.e. he runs around helping her search for Godwin, :p
Basically, the characters came together because of my incessant thoughts during the game. I spent a LOT of time in Olacion. I like the music, xD And you can get the music from bluelaguna if you like.
2) Did you play the game? Did you recruit Nyx? i absolutely LOVE Radiata Stories. When I first got it, I was a gamer addict at Christmas and eating a bag of Dove chocolate to keep me nourished. o.o It was so intriguing. Just like when I first got FFX, but with a lot more friendly feel. The storyline is simple, but very unique. It's not your everyday 'run of the mill' dragon vs. hero and hero gets girl story. Although, it could be the basis. I love politics! And it had a lot of that in it. Yes, there's actually a part in the game I don't understand. (When Jasne accuses Larks that since he wrote the Knights Charter, Ganz and Jack are subjected to the punishment for poor judgement. But Larks found no flaw in their judgment. I'm so very confused on this.) But anyway, I have played the game. Currently playing the human side and working to recruit Nyx. The human side is BY FAR more dramatic! And realistic to the efforts of war, but I much prefer the non-human side. No spoilers! I'm still playing human side! xD
3) What exactly were Eon and Flau discussing at the beginning of chapter 9? Basically, in times of war, the guilds band together to assist the whole of Radiata. Flau wanted to know, that because of the unification, if Nyx would lift her probation considering that everyone is now supposed to work together to protect Radiata. Considering that Nyx does not view anyone equal or superior to him, Eon didn't know how to respond. He can't think for Nyx, so he makes assumptions based on what he knows.
4) What the heck is Eon doing at the end of chapter 9? Haha, read below and you'll see.
Okay, questions answered... I added... -cough- Something new... please don't hate me for adding a new character. And if you love me you'll read all the way through to the end and not skip ahead. Show some love for Mayris! Maybe it'll keep you all from hating me! -hides-
-Mayris
"What's wrong?"
The sobbing boy looked up angrily, wanting to strike down whomever witnessed him in his pathetic state.
His hand was blocked and he stared up at a young girl clad in a green dress. "You're hurt!" she exclaimed in concern. Kneeling to him, she pulled out a bandage. Unwrapping it quickly, she placed it over the scrape on his cheek. "There!" she said happily, smiling and giggling.
"Huh?" the young boy asked, placing his hand over the bandage.
"Sometimes the monks can be really cruel for no reason… Hey! I know! I'll look after you!" she smiled. "I'll make sure they don't beat you up anymore!"
"What…?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's not right to bully others. Priestess Enjela taught us that we're supposed to help those in need! I want to help everyone! Especially people who look sad… Hey! C'mon! Let's play!" she said, taking him by the hand.
The young boy smiled, gripping her hand back as they ran through the green and white paved path.
"I want you…" Eon said, staring right at her.
Flau drew back from Eon, pressing back farther into the wall. "You want me to what?" she asked smartly, raising an eyebrow in defiance.
He stared into her eyes, not moving one bit from them. "You know what I meant," he stated, pulling her towards him in a hug. Being in a daze all day and just completing work, the soft, purple cloth felt good against her cheek and his chest was firm, providing her with a pillow.
Momentarily, she closed her eyes, wanting to sleep. But then, the feeling of him stroking her hair and back snapped her out of the daze. She pulled away, quivering. He moved to pull her back and she gripped his shoulders, pushing him away. "Eon…" she growled, going into a fighting stance.
Benignly, he asked, "Yes, my dear?"
"The hell are you doing!?" she exclaimed.
He cocked his head to the side. "Serenading."
She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "What!?"
"You're the kind of girl that one has to win," he took a step closer, bending his knees and placing two fingers over his mouth. His other hand gracefully drew his tanto. He flipped it easily so that the blade was parallel with his arm.
She blinked a few times in confusion. Flau hesitated and then stepped back into her own fighting stance, drawing a purple dagger from her waist. She glared to him in defense. "Beating me won't win you any prize," she stated.
He didn't say anything and lunged forward, jutting his shoulder out to knock her down. Expecting this, she jumped back, striking out with her dagger as a warning. "Eon, this is madness!" she shouted. There was already a crowd of bandits gathering about to watch.
He kept his focus steady. "You're too stubborn to allow anything else," he stated calmly, running forward with his tanto. He struck out and she managed to block, shaking under his strength. He wasn't holding back at all, but she had confidence that she could defeat him. With a grunt, she parried it and lashed out herself, flipping her dagger in the air and striking out once.
He blocked as well and struck out. Three hits were exchanged between the two, each parried easily by the other as if the two were exchanging taunts. In frustration at the pure stupidity of the fight, she struck three times. As she spun into the last attack, he stepped forward, tripping her and landing a blow to her shoulder with his elbow. Flau lost her balance, toppling over and sending her dagger skidding across the street. He stood, glaring for a moment before sheathing his tanto. Clearing his throat, he sighed, "I told you before. This isn't a game to me."
Anger was running through her. She wasn't in the mood to hear what he had to say. Even if he was saying that he was a bigshot loser, he damaged her pride. Anything, even the sound of his voice pissed her off right now. She gripped the earth beneath her and threw a fistful of sand into his face. He promptly blocked it and she leaned back, jumping to her feet. She clenched her fists, feeling the anger rush more strongly. She growled and ran out of Bandit Town. Eon spotted her dagger and picked it up, smirking as he did so. He attached it to his belt; a trophy from his victory.
She pushed herself to run until it hurt. Ironically, she slammed into something and it DID hurt. "Ow!" she fell back, hitting the pavement in front of Vareth Institute. She rubbed her arm, where she landed, and swiveled about to see what she had hit.
The Vice President also was on the ground. He rubbed his side a little and then stood, gathering the folder he was carting before offering his hand to Flau. "Hello, there. Are you alright?" he asked with a smile. She nodded, the anger diminishing.
Cecil was a kind man who she really held no anger towards. She got up on her own, brushing herself off. "Yeah, I'm alright," she said with an undercurrent of bitterness which she wouldn't be ridding of anytime soon. She looked up at the clock with read 11:00. Yep, he was heading home about now.
"I'm sorry about that. I hope you're not injured or anthing," he stated. He looked to her neck, noticing the bruise Eon had managed to give her. "Oh, my! You're hurt," he stated, pointing to it.
"Huh?" she asked, feeling her neck. Sure enough, it sent a sharp soreness to the spot. "Ow! Well," she shrugged, "I've had worse. It should heal up easy enough."
He smiled and said, "You've got a lot on your mind. I'm heading home to make Aiden and I some dinner. Why don't you join us?" he asked pleasantly.
"Huh? Oh, no! I couldn't. That would be intruding," she stated, scratching the back of her head and looking away.
Cecil shook his head, "An invitation is intruding?"
She sighed, "It'd be a bit more trouble preparing a little more than usual, wouldn't it?"
He shook his head, "No, we usually end up with extra. And you can cure my curiosity and tell me the story of that bruise there," he smiled.
She sighed. He wasn't pushy, but she could use a friend right now. Nodding, she agreed. He led the way back to his house which was on the edge of Echidna Gate.
The house was small, but comfortable. Aiden, Cecil's son lay on the floor, wires and parts spread around him. "Be sure not to hurt yourself," Cecil warned.
"I know, I know," he said without looking up. Around the walls were doll after doll handcrafted. She was enamored by how many dolls were there.
Cecil quickly prepared dinner and it was arranged on a small, but welcoming table. Aiden dug in, attempting to mind his manners. Flau smirked. He was an interesting child.
"So, would you mind telling me your story then?" Cecil chimed in, filling his plate with equal amounts of food according to a proper diet. Flau was frugal with the food, careful not to take more than anyone else.
She paused before speaking. "I lost a fight," she stated simply, feeling another strand of her pride singed by the words.
"Oh?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's good to see you're alright. Any specific reason you were involved in a fight?"
She took a bite of the home cooked meal and noted how delicious it was. Possibly due to the duration in which the last time she had a real home-cooked meal was when she lived with Anastasia years back. She looked away and said, "Yeah, when isn't there a reason to be involved in a scuffle?" He looked to her with an inquisitive smile. She continued, "Just some stupid purple bandit getting in my way. I'll take care of him when I go back to confront him," she stated.
Cecil raised an eyebrow. "Sir Eon challenged you?"
She let out a sigh of anger. "You know him?"
"Yes, actually. While on a mission with Sir Jack, I fought alongside Eon. With his caliber, I am unsurprised you were beaten. Eon is a strong opponent, being taught by Sir Jack.. Miss Flau, perhaps you should take this as a lesson of some sort. Perhaps it happened because you were meant to understand something."
She cocked her head to the side. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He laughed, "Not sure, but everything happens for a reason, right?" He paused, looking to his son who was looking bored, playing with some of the food attached to his fork. "Aiden, are you alright?"
"Huh?" he asked, looking up. His gaze softened back to its bored position and he sighed, "yeah, just fine…" Cecil raised an eyebrow. "Can you change my classes to the afternoon? Mornings… they're really early," he stated, planting his arm on the table and landing his forehead on it. "You come home late, so… it'd be easier on me if you changed my classes to the afternoons," he suggested, voice coming out muffled.
"I'm sorry, Aiden… I wish I could be home when you need me, but my job requires much of my time. I don't think I can change your classes this late in the year, I apologize. Perhaps you and your instructors could work something out," he smiled warmly.
Aiden stared. "That… wouldn't be fair to everyone else…" he said solemnly. "My teachers are already really edgy around me. Asking them for such a big favor would probably make their jobs harder…"
Cecil sighed, "I'm not sure what else to suggest. The year is nearly over. Just hang in there. You'll be fine," he smiled.
Flau looked to Aiden who was sulking by now. She felt bad for him, but it wasn't her problem. Most family issues were hardly understood by her. Cody was close to Rynka and had Ganz as well. The four of them were like family, but time together… Cody was really independent thanks to Rynka's instruction. Void taught one to become independent. It also taught her to become a loner. She only enjoyed working with Rynka and now Ganz.
Speaking of, Eon was in the other faction that ran Void Community. He worked for Nocturne. He participated in Void's dirty work. He was a bad guy… Took shady jobs from the higher ups in Raidata Castle. Yet… she was falling for the bad boy each time he did something to irritate her emotions.
She quickly finished her meal and then stood, bowing to Cecil. "Thanks for the meal," she stated. "I'll try to return the favor someday," she added, turning for the door. She knew she was being rude, but she wanted to leave; be off on her own and think.
"Flau…" Cecil called lightly, chuckling as he stood from the table. "I've not helped you completely." Walking over, she turned.
"Huh?"
"You should see a doctor about your injuries."
"They're nothing serious."
He smirked. "You're stubborn like my son. Alright, alright," he stated, turning to a small desk and writing something down. He turned back to her, handing her a paper. "Go see Doctor Morfinn in Olacion. He'll be able to help," he said.
As if to appease him, she nodded. "Alright."
He smiled. "Alright," he patted her shoulder, walking her to the door. "It was nice to have you and please feel free to come by anytime."
She gave him a smile and waved goodbye, exiting the house. He watched her leave, making sure she headed to Olacion. He looked to his watch. He had about an hour left before he had to return to Vareth and report to the Institute's president along with Curtis for the meeting.
Flau sighed, sitting on a bench outside the Olacion shrine in the monk training grounds, facing the other direction. She stared at the ground solemnly, still feeling bitter about the fight. Cecil was kind, but he couldn't smother the flames of anger licking at her insides.
She stood and then looked up to the sky, feeling a little comforted by the sky above. She closed her eyes, wishing for some kind of way to forget Eon.
The breath left her lungs as she exhaled slowly, wincing only a little from the bruises. As the last bit of breath left her lungs, warmth slipped around her sides and she was pulled back into a warm embrace. She wondered if she was just imagining things, but the longer she kept her eyes closed, the more she felt that if she opened them, she would be left in the cold again.
"Is that you?" she asked in a hushed voice.
For a moment there was no answer. Without a sound, the hug tightened just a little and a chin rested upon her shoulder, breathing softly, by her ear. "Kain…" she muttered softly, eyes slowly opening. His hand gripped her side a little, pulling her back just slightly.
She leaned her head back, staring at the sky calmly, eyes fluttering closed once more. For a while, she enjoyed the simplicity of the communication, employing it as her mental escape.
Flau breathed in and turned, looking back to him. Her eyes met two slit pupils and she drew in a startled breath as they shifted to hers nonchalantly. She cringed back and his grip slowly loosened about her. She had enough room to move away from him, slap him, attack him and even throw him over the ledge.
What she did surprised him and even her later on. She dropped her head and leaned onto his shoulder. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered.
He pulled her forward slightly and ran a hand through her short hair, holding her comfortingly and hushing her as she shook with tears.
"I'm doing it because you're special to me, Flau. You're my beloved," he said calmly. He sounded so much older. So mature and level headed and here she was crying her eyes out on his shoulder like a baby.
She shook her head. "This isn't okay. Eon, I don't…" she gripped his shirt. "I can't have these feelings for you. I can't return them…"
He continued to stroke her hair. "But you can return them to him…? Why is that so?" he asked challengingly, a tone of anger in his voice.
She shook her head. "I don't know… both of you… seem to be pushing me and pulling me. I feel like a dress up doll in this masquerade. I keep changing roles because I have to fit one, but the other wants something different, but I find that I like the ideas of both at times and Kain is my only stability."
Eon drew in a deep breath and let it go. Gripping her lightly by the shoulders, he pulled her away and asked, "Why can't I be your stability? What does he have that I don't? What do you see in him?"
She shook her head. "Eon… I… I don't know… I can't answer that. I can't even answer my own questions."
"They're not that hard, Flau… What…" he paused. "What do you hate about me? Allow me the chance to change that?" She looked up. He sounded so scared and remorseful. Looking up, she noticed that he did seem hurt.
Flau sighed and said, "You should save that for someone worth while…"
He tilted his head to the side. "You are worth while. You're worth ALL the time I have in the world."
"But why?"
"That's a silly question…" he smiled, shaking his head. She didn't answer and the smile slowly faded. "Flau… y-… you don't even remember…?"
She looked up confused, eyebrows furrowed. "I… I'm sorry?"
He looked away, a small blush on his face from embarrassment. He covered his mouth, pulling up the purple mouth cover and nodding to her. "I… I have to go…" he stated, turning away. "Nocturne… has a job for us… I… can't be late." His voice was breaking. Without warning, he jumped over the bench and dove over the ledge.
"Eon!" Flau called, reaching out for him and following him to the ledge. Looking over, she saw nothing. "Eon…" she sighed, pushing from the wall and sitting back on the bench, head resting in both her hands.
Eon glanced up at her through the brush of bushes. He looked away once more, pulling out the purple dagger that belonged to her. She hadn't had the time to pick up the lost article after the battle; she had run away far too quickly.
With a gasp, he gripped the blade end of the dagger sharply in his hand, blood dribbling over the mystic purple glow. He then ran, heading for Void to visit the cells. Some alone time would be nice. His rats could suffice for a night without him. It had been a while since he had some time to himself.
"Hey! Why the sulking!" came a cheerful voice behind her.
"Hmm?" Flau asked unenthusiastically.
"You ready? We've got a way in to the castle. Path of the Spider," Rynka grinned. She then raised an eyebrow, "You okay, Flau? You look upset."
Flau shook her head. "I'm fine. C'mon! We've got a mission to do and a knight to exploit!" she exclaimed.
Rynka smiled, leading the way. "Ganz is waiting for us in the abandoned building."
"Huh? Doesn't that one lead to void?"
She nodded. "Yeah. However, we were able to find a secret route that leads right into the very base of the castle.
"Oh. That does sound reasonable," she said, following her through the door. "So… what was that knight's name again?"
"According to Ganz, he's called Cross Ward."
"Hmph… hoity toity noble name," Flau shrugged as they walked down the stairs.
"Heh, most of the knights have hoity toity noble names," she responded.
Flau didn't say anything else and simply followed her friend through the winding corridors. Eventually, they came to a wall. Ganz stood before it,
"We can't go this way," he stated with regret.
"What do you mean?" Rynka asked, placing a hand on her hip.
"I mean it's been blocked. I can't open the gate…" he stated.
"…" Rynka examined the wall from afar. The hidden passage… it wasn't even visible anymore.
"Well, got a plan B?" Flau asked with a smirk.
"Of course," Rynka smirked.
They stood pressed against the wall, watching the guards do their rounds about the castle. There was a four second span in which the front gate was unwatched. "When in doubt, use the entrance," Rynka joked in a whisper.
"I think using your head might be more useful," Flau returned, causing Rynka to smile.
Ganz pointed forward, "Two more seconds," he said quietly. Rynka and Flau were prepared. They were moving in from the left. The guard on left was always sleeping late at night.
Five seconds later, they were each hiding behind the pillars in the entrance, making their way towards the first floor corridor.
The castle was built with plenty of hiding places. They traveled through one of the side towers, reaching a lounge where the guards and knights of brigades took their breaks.
They listened through the cracked door.
"--their efforts, Cross still isn't able to get anything out of that traitor's sister?"
"Yeah. Even after having free range of interrogation, she won't talk. Either she's really resilient, or she just doesn't know."
"Which do you believe it is?"
"Me? I think she knows and isn't speaking. Family oath. Farmers are loyal to a fault. Not to mention, she's the one who trained him. I wouldn't want to tangle with her in a dark alley."
"I don't know. Who says Jack had a chance to tell her. When we got there, we searched every nook and cranny and never found a trace. There too insufficient evidence."
"There's one thing I don't get."
"What's that?"
"If Cross was so unconcerned about the blood orcs attacking Ridley, then why is he so adamant about killing Jack for kidnapping her?"
"He was concerned about Ridley. I think that he was more or less very pleased that Ganz and Jack were expelled from the castle."
"Ah, yes… he does rejoice in the disbandment of the Rose Cochon."
"Hahah, and soon he'll rejoice in the disembowelment of Jack Russel!"
"And that filthy farm brat Adel!"
The two soldiers laughed the cruelty away. Ganz looked down. "They've taken Jack's sister into custody…? We must rescue her at once!"
Flau and Rynka nodded before heading straight for the dungeons. Rynka managed to interrogate the guard upon Adele's whereabouts and kept watch with Flau while Ganz infiltrated the keep.
He then emerged with a battered Adele and the four of them left quickly, headed for a safe place to treat her wounds and get her cleaned up.
Flau led the way back to Olacion, knowing it would be a safer place to treat Adele. She decided not to tell them anything, but proceeded toward the shrine.
"Flau," Rynka paused, "what are you doing?'
Flau looked back. "There's no time. We don't have the proper skills and Olacion is closer. I've a friend here."
Rynka sighed. "I don't like owin' anybody."
"You won't. This is my debt," she responded, leading the way. She opened the large, emerald doors and Rynka hesitantly followed. Ganz was more accommodating.
Kain stood waiting. Flau approached him and suddenly felt like it was more of a marriage than a mission. She nodded her head to him. "We would like you to heal her," she stated motioning to Adele.
"What happened?"
Flau shook her head. "We found her getting pummeled in Void. So we broke up the fight. Please, can you help her?" she asked. It was better he didn't know that all of them were assisting Jack Russell.
Slowly, Kain nodded. Ganz set Adele down in a pew and stepped away. Kain stepped forward and closed his eyes, saying a prayer and then a chant. As the spell hit her, most of her injuries vanished, but a few were left untreated. "Hmm… the gods do not wish for her complete recovery yet… how intriguing…"
"But why not?" Ganz asked, flustered.
"I cannot say," he stated. "Take her to Morfinn's Clinic. He can help her to have a full recovery," he stated with a nod.
Rynka left first, eager to be out of there. Ganz helped Adele to her feet in which she bowed in thanks to Kain. Flau stood as Ganz and Adele left the chapel.
The three of them did not wait for Flau, moving out toward the clinic. "I hate following orders, but it feels like the right thing to do," Rynka mumbled.
"Flau, you must exercise great caution on this journey," he said closing his eyes.
"You know about it? Then why did you choose to help us?"
"I have selected my path, but it does not make me blind to the destiny of others. I am not the type to interfere in the course of someone's life… even yours, Flau…"
"Kain…" she plead. "What are you talking about?"
"Why did you come back here? Surely Void will punish you."
She shook her head. "That… That doesn't matter!"
"Flau," he said softly, causing her to hush. "You're wandering down a path of ruin."
"What are you TALKING about!?" she exclaimed, angry at these riddles he was spouting.
Kain sighed, brushing the bruise on her neck with gentle fingertips. "Who did this to you?" he asked even more gentle than his touch. "Surely, I helped to cause this."
She shook her head, gripping his hand. "No! No, you didn't! I was just too weak in battle to handle it!"
Her eyes pierced his in the illustration of the truth which she perceived. He simply stared back, sympathy overflowing his gaze. His hand eventually gripped hers, causing her gaze to soften.
She then sighed, leaning into him. "Don't give me that look… I don't like how you pity me…"
He closed his eyes, allowing himself a smile. "They're waiting for you," he said quietly.
"They can wait for eternity…"
"As I have to answer to my duties… you too should answer to yours. I'll always be here in this place. You know where to find me…"
She smiled, grateful for his promise. Sensing her ease, he embraced her before walking back to his place.
Flau looked to him longingly. Leaving, she ran to keep up time. Ganz and Rynka were standing outside the clinic, thanking Morfinn. Adele was clad in a green dress and looking much better than when they first discovered her. After Morfinn retired to his room, they hotfooted it toward Fort Helencia.
The dawn was breaking by the time they arrived. The infamous Jack Russell lay sprawled on the grass, looking quite fatigued.
Ganz approached him and the reunion began. Flau smiled at the moment. Doing good things always issued a similar reward. Ganz proceeded to fill in their story after which Rynka and Flau left for home.
"So… did you get it on?" Rynka asked, hands behind her head. Adele walked between them, safely flanked on either side.
"Huh?" Flau asked, embarrassment creeping upon her face.
Rynka laughed. "I'm not oblivious. You like Kain. Did you get it on?"
"Y-you're not against it?"
"No… got nothin' against him."
Flau smiled, allowing herself to blush. "I didn't go that far… but… I do like him…" Rynka smirked. "S-so what!? You like Ganz."
"Hmm… I wouldn't go that far, but he has his good points," Rynka said giving Flau a sly smile.
"What changed your mind about me associating with Olacion?"
"The fact that we just 'betrayed' the entirety of Radiata," Rynka laughed. "Hopefully no one saw or we'll be jailed."
"Honestly, who would do that?" she asked, grinning as they reached Echidna gate. The two laughed heartily. Adele smiled and Rynka took her back to her place in Void. Flau stayed at the gate, looking out over the mountains. She sighed and then turned to go back in.
She stopped abruptly, seeing a figure approach gracefully from beneath the archway. She took a step back, sensing a power that emanated from about its person. As they stepped into the light, she was startled by the sight. The man was dressed in noble apparel. Long black hair flowing back, bound at its end and two deep pools of blue eyes. His eyes scared her. They seemed to lack any human feel as they stared at her blankly.
"Can I… help you…?" she asked cautiously. She reached for her dagger, but froze when she realized it wasn't there. She had no hope of defeating this person, but she would have felt better had she been equipped with some kind of mortal defense.
"You work for Void, do you not?" he asked in a soft accent, demeaning his royal upbringing.
"What's it to you? I don't think it's any of your business who I work for…"
"Your name is… Flau, correct?" he asked.
She took a step back. "Who are you?"
He smiled. "How did you end up mixed up in the life of a bandit?"
"What?" she asked, feeling more than a little confused and now panicked that he was being so frank with her.
"Listen, mister, you're better off not talking to me, okay? Just go back into the castle and get lost!" She turned away, facing the mountains again.
He sighed and approached her. She jumped away from the ledge and moved into an attacking position, ready to take him on. "You're tangling with something that you're going to regret!" she threatened.
He stood his ground looking to her. "I did not come here to fight you," he shook his head. She glared, prompting him, if it was a prompting, to continue. "I wanted… to apologize…"
She raised an eyebrow. "You're one of those crazy guys in the palace who got hit on the head too hard and claims to be some kind of god, aren't you?"
He shook his head and sighed. "You've been searching for something for the past five years… I wanted to apologize for making you wait that long."
"Huh…?"
"My life took a sharp turn once I was blessed with my destiny and my mind was opened to a hundred things at once."
"Listen, I don't know what you're spouting, but it's pissing me off! You think you know me!? You can't just walk up to me and start explaining some crackpot story about a life I don't care to hear! If you want to tell a sob story, then tell it to someone who cares!"
He sighed and said, "I expected you to grow up strong and wise. I entrusted that growth to Priestess Enjela of the Olacion Order. My expectations… well, I can't really say that I am allowed to have any. I turned a blind eye toward your existence. That was the greatest disservice I could have done. But… humankind needed to be protected. My dear Flau, you've learned to live so harshly."
She raised an eyebrow. "Who do you think you are?" she asked impatiently.
"My name is Lucian… You are of my flesh and blood."
