Author's Note: Hello everyone. I apologize for not updating this story. Thank you all for the support. I've been away for a while due to financial reasons and also the lack of access to a computer. I hope I can find a way to release these chapters faster. Now back to the story. Rock and Eda have finally made it to Santiago and now plenty of secrets will be revealed.

Chapter 37: Secrets and Betryals

Back to Revy...

Revy ran passed a few civilians while glancing left and right at several crumbled buildings plus, unfortunately, a few victims that were gunned down. She continued running until she entered an empty street which wasn't damaged and quiet except for the wind. The quiet soon ran away and the sound of snickering grew every moment as Revy prepared to pull out her guns until a six-foot-two, dark-skinned, muscular built man tossing a tin can with every step, made his entrance and greeted the woman with a huge grin. She didn't have the same response as images of Chaka flooded her head, one of the last people she wanted to remember.

Finally, the man spoke while tossing the can in the air, "My fucking goodness. So you're the famous gunslinger known as Revy? I got to say, Dominic was right. You're one hot piece of ass. It's too bad you ended up with that fucking negotiator but you getting with that fucking maid was a very smart decision. I want to fuck that pussy of yours and trust me, once you had some black in you, Rock will be nothing but a memory."

As a response, Revy displayed a disgusted expression, even spitting in front of the huge man then displayed a small smile while placing one of her hands on her waist, "I guess that fucking Irish man didn't tell you everything so I'll tell it since you've had plenty of cocks stuck in your ears: I make it a point never to fuck assholes...or pussies. Hopefully , you got the message."

For a minute, The brute stopped tossing the can as he ended laughing, "That's the type of shit I'm talking about. The nights between you, Rock, and Roberta must be very sleepless. I've been trying to find women like you. Maybe I'll get lucky one of these days."

A quick, evil grin appeared, "You keep killing cities and I bet you'll run into a bitch who'll blow your fucking brains out."

" Alright then. Time for the tin can to decide our fates. When it hits the ground, we start dueling. Hope you're ready."

The brute began counting down as Revy came charging after him, however, he held an SR-3 Vikhr behind his back ready to kill but when she got close, the can drop and he began firing but at the last second, she was able to hide behind a few trash cans then proceeded to another safe zone where she wouldn't be shot and unleashed a few rounds on the man which he was able to evade.

He complimented the woman while firing his rounds on her, "Fucking shit. You're really good. Maybe I should've spared some of those kids so they could watch us fire at each other. I gotta admit, this is fucking exciting. We need to do these more often."

Despite being far away, she was able to land a few shots on his shoulder and his non-shooting hand, surprising the Goliath. In suicidal fashion, Revy ran out in the open and continued firing but the man had luck on his side as he found a safe zone of his own. He began sweating thinking of the difference of skills between Santiago and himself. Just when the fight was about to continue, the brute received a call.

"Trey, are you there. Trey?"

Caught off guard but still hiding in the safe zone, he answered, "What happened Santiago? I'm very busy with a certain crazy bitch of a gunslinger."

"You as well? I'm surprised you're alive."

The man responded with anger, "What? You son of a bitch. You wanted me to die."

Santiago quickly denied such ideas, "No, I didn't. I warned you before but your cockiness got the best of you. Anyway, I want you to meet Dominic at the Southern Pier, assuming you make it out alive."

"I'll be there, you fucking ass." After his conversation with Santiago, he pulled out two grenades and a grin surfaced, "Well Revy, I'll have to take a fucking rain check on our date. Don't worry, I have two offerings for you. Enjoy, you fucking bitch!" He threw the two unpinned grenades in the gunslingers' direction as she didn't wait for them to land on the ground and within seconds, a huge explosion demolished a few buildings in its pathway while the second grenade detonated but instead of an explosion, a huge mist of white smoke engulfed the entire area. When the smoke cleared, Revy, checking out the remains from the explosion, emerged from the remaining smoke surrounding the area and when she was finished, she gazed on her tattooed shoulder as a non-fatal wound as she grabbed it and it appeared no bullets were inside but she still required medical attention, however, there was no time to worry about it as she ran forward knowing danger awaited for her.

Meanwhile...

Within the Queen's Elite were Garcia, wearing matching light blue-collar shirt and pants, who awoke as he witnessed Fabiola at the door in her maid outfit with two AMT Automag V pointed at the door. The young man proceeded towards the green-haired teen, "Fabiola, what's going on? I thought I heard something."

With a worried expression, she exhaled, warning the man, "I heard guns, lots of guns. It must be those guys. They've arrived. That's all I'm sure of."

He looked down with a frown on his face, "They must be here for Roberta again or..."

Fabiola pulled her guns down as she walked over to her master wondering what he was thinking. He exhaled, "...or Rock."

Her eyes opened surprised at his assumption, "What? Rock? Why him?"

He grabbed her shoulders, shaking his head, "I was face to face with Rock when he offered me a weapon. He wanted me to use that gun on Roberta but it wasn't just that. His face was different. He was like someone else. One of them."

Fabiola looked away with disgust remembering the events that took place, "Yeah. It's why I hated him. He used his type of Russian roulette. He almost ruined our family and there are times I still want to shoot him."

Garcia continued walking towards the door, "Maybe that's what those adults are after."

Fabiola loaded her guns as she was preparing to walk out, however, Garcia stopped her from opening the door, shaking his head, "No, Fabiola. Roberta and the others are out there already." He grabbed her hand, "Please, you're family."

His last statement got to her as she placed her weapons away as she walked up to him which ended in a warm, tightening embrace as he returned the embrace, "Young Mast..."

A sincere smile emerged on his face as their eyes met, "Call me Garcia."

Back to Eda and Rock...

The couple gandered at the building with an opening door as they knew the mastermind was awaiting their arrival. Rock stood right behind Eda she slowly approached the door, knowing what the man was capable of, "Rock, this is the real thing. This guy won't stop and you should know that your words won't catch him off guard; so stay behind me at all times." He turned her around and planted a small kiss to which she returned a smile, "Eda, you have my word."

Her smile quickly faded as she regained her focus and finally entered the inside of the warehouse and the music came to halt as the sound of footsteps grew louder as Santiago finally emerged out of the darkness of the small, empty warehouse and stood within the visible area of the warehouse as he finally gazed at Eda, aiming her gun at him, and Rock, who stood behind her, not taking his eyes off the madman. As a huge grin surfaced, he widened his arms and greeted the couple, "Welcome. It's time to grant your fantasy. Hahahaha."

A smirk came across her face, "Grant my fantasy? Sure. How about your fucking ass jump in the water with a mob of sharks or I got it, you shoot your fucking balls off?"

Santiago placed his hands down and grinned at the couple, "Eda, now we know you don't want that. First, I must applaud how you were able to arrive here unscathed, the two of you. Second, I'm impressed you were able to find me so quickly. I was thinking it would take an eternity but because of your previous involvement with me, you were able to decipher my message. You don't know how happy I am that you still remember me despite the amount of loathing you possess for me."

Eda cocked her gun while Rock stood behind the nun as Santiago walked closer and was given a warning, "I'll tell you right now, I won't allow you to kill Rock so don't come any closer or your men will grant my fantasy and throw your corpse to the sharks." He refused to listen as multiple gunshots were released throughout the warehouse unfortunately, the bullets never reached him as he used his long legs to parry her gun and side-kicked her midsection, sending her to the left side of the warehouse; then right after, Santiago grabbed Rock via his tie and pushed the negotiator behind his back. Santiago, with his hand in his pockets, spun around, facing down at Rock; however, as Santiago was about to speak, Eda quickly rose, grabbed her gun, directing the gun at her ex, "Don't you fucking move. You dare take a step and your fucking life ends today."

Chuckling, Santiago expanded his arms and insisted his ex on pulling the trigger, "Then try and kill my fucking ass. DO IT, you fucking nun."

With that, Eda pulled the trigger and gunshots were heard throughout the warehouse followed by an echoing scream. After the last echo, Eda's gun dropped from her hand and she dropped in a sitting position while grimacing in pain. On closer inspection, she pulled her dress up and witnessed two shots around her ankle.

Suddenly, the nun's eyes shifted to the right and were shocked seeing a woman with a Glock G29 in her hand and to her dismay, the woman greeted Eda with a huge smile as Santiago turned to the woman and applauded her actions, "Thank you, Victoria." The woman grinned and responded with a thumbs up, "Anytime Santiago."

Although she could be angry at the woman, she appeared younger which angered the nun at Santiago, "Dammit. You would even manipulate this girl into working for you?"

Santiago shook his head as he corrected the nun, "Victoria, how old are you?"

She responded with a smile and an innocent girl tone while aiming her pistol at the nun, "I'm twenty years and ten months old and my birthday is coming up. I'm so excited." Eda attempted to move but a cocking sound made her think otherwise as Victoria warned the nun in a solemn tone, "Don't give me a reason to kill you. You're already unable to stand on your two feet and Santiago could easily kill you as well, but he shouldn't bloody his hands, so I suggest you stay where you are and you'll be alive." Her tone changed back to her happy tone, " Now then, listen to Mr. Santiago. He has plenty he wants to discuss with you two. Trust me, you won't be bored right, Mr. Santiago?"

The man chuckled and applauded as he focused on Victoria, "Remember, just call me Santiago." Victoria nodded as he turned towards Rock, pulled him back on his feet, then unleashed a powered uppercut to his stomach, sending him back on the floor as Rock began minute amount of blood then as Rock was attempting to stand back up, Santiago used an outside crescent kick, making contact with his cheek and sent him back down. Eda began to display her disgust, grinding her teeth and wanting to fight Santiago but Victoria prevented that plan from transpiring.

Seeing how hopeless the situation was, the blonde took a breath and stared at the tall man, "Wait, kill me."Everyone's eyes expanded at the surprise of Eda's words, "I said kill me. Spare Rock. You've been wanting to get at me since your betrayal Go ahead. No need for one of your subordinates to kill me. Finish me off. That's my fantasy."

He approached the woman, grabbed her gun, and aimed at her then in an instant, shot a couple of times at the ground. He dropped the gun next to her and made his way back to Rock as he continued his focus on Eda, "I told you before. This isn't about you. This is about fulfilling Rock's fantasy and mine as well."

Coughing a couple of times, Rock stood up, "What do you mean my fantasy?"

Santiago became frustrated by Rock's question or something more as he picked Rock up and threw a few jabs on his face, knocking him back down resulting in his nose bleeding. Santiago shook his head, "How dare you be in denial of your purpose. Please tell me you're aware of your destiny and all that's been happening. Perhaps, you have blinded yourself by remaining in the twilight but that all ends today; soon, you will be out of the twilight and the real Rock will emerge and finally join my cause and Operation Bloodhound will be completed."

Eda spoke while the pain from her ankle began to surface, "We know about Operation Bloodhound. You told us already: You wanted Rock dead so Roberta and Revy would be unleashed on the world and you'll step in to have them join you; also, you invaded Roanapur because Chang wouldn't sell it and you raped Balalaika."

Rock added looking up at the mastermind, "Despite her actions, not even she was deserving of such a punishment."

Half a minute passed before Santiago spoke while cupping his chin, "So I raped Balalaika? Did she tell you that? And I wanted vengeance on Chang because he wouldn't have sold Roanapur to me?" Then he began laughing louder and louder, shaking his head, "I thought I was the only one around who could create such fantasies but those two have surprised me. I can not believe how they were able to deceive you effortlessly." While a small smile emerged on Victoria's face, Eda and Rock remained baffled at Santiago's last statement.

Meanwhile...

Revy ran passed various avenues and on the way, she witnessed corpses, those of prisoners and the innocent. After several seconds, she continued running towards the Southern Pier until she saw a figure up ahead, thinking it was one of the Goliaths. Quickly, she pulled out her guns and was ready to fire as the figure turned around and pulled out their weapon pointing it at the gunslinger. When they both got close, they pointed their weapons at each other's faces but then they removed their weapons after coming back to reality.

"Roberta?"

"Revy?"

After the two relaxed for a few minutes, they would tell their respective stories as Roberta was the first to talk after Revy's testimony, " I see. So they all are heading to the Southern Pier. They must have a huge agenda."

Revy thought of a few possibilities; one of them entered her mind and she was sure that the maid was thinking the same, "Fuck. Those bastards must have Rock and are planning to use him as bait to lure us in. Probably related to that Operation Bloodhound bullshit Santiago was talking about. I swear once I see one of them, I'll make them bleed then I'll fuck their hearts with lead."

"That's precisely what they want, Two Hands; they want us to be off guard: Rock dies, we step in and get killed as well. That redhead secret admirer of yours tried to anger me but it proved ineffective. Despite our emotions and dire the situation, we must control them otherwise, we will all die."

Revy smiled, surprised at Roberta's sudden change of heart, "Holy shit! You are different and here I thought you were going to charge in. However, it would be something to have the way you were in Roanapur the second time around. Santiago would be pissing his pants."

The maid shook her head at the gunslinger's comment, "No. I would've died. They all would've taken advantage of my emotions and killed me in seconds, however, I have many people to thank for making me aware of my identity, including you."

Revy scoffed at first but then displayed a small smile and nodded as she pulled out and cocked her guns, "Didn't know I had that fucking effect on people. Anyway, we must get going. We can't let anyone else die." Before they took off, Revy and Roberta stared at one another for several seconds then they both pressed their lips together while holding their cheeks respectively and eventually, removed their lips but nothing was said after as Revy got a head start running ahead as Roberta smiled and then caught up with her, "We can't let anyone else die. You have changed Two Hands."

Back to Santiago...

Rock was frozen and dismayed at the revealing news of the deception of Chang and Balalaika. He looked around at Eda's expression, then to the grinning Victoria, and gazed at Santiago who looked down at the negotiator with a serious expression. Spitting out blood, he responded, "It's impossible. You must be deceiving us to have us against each other."

Santiago cackled at his denial, "You were in a place inhabited by mercenaries, assassins, murderers, rapists, drug lords, and you dare to claim it's impossible. Bear in mind that one of them almost killed you, " he quickly exhaled and smiled,"...Or should I say arrange to make it look like you were to be killed."

Eda clenched her teeth at the man's statement, "What the fuck are you up to, Santiago? What are fucking talking about?"

"It seems I have to be the one to explain everything." He signaled Victoria with his eyes to examine the area and when the place was clear, Santiago began his story that would leave the couple stunned and appalled, however, the other would be more appalled than the other. He stood between them and nodded, " You were told that Roanapur was founded by Vietnamese soldiers but all that was a cover-up for the true Operation: CFP: The Criminal Formulation Procedure. You see, seven individuals working representing the seven continents formed an organization called the Underground Nations, an extension of the United Nations in which those above, except a few, were unaware of their agendas. Their purpose was to assemble powerful killer soldiers to sell to cities and governments to increase criminal activities throughout. You see, even crime pays governments and there are many reasons to have crime in specific areas: Profit, political exposure, a notice of the law enforcement, and the one most are unaware of, the deportation of people based on races, orientation, sex, and denomination. In Roanapur, they would use children and grow them into killer soldiers because they were more obedient and less knowledgable."

Rock couldn't believe what he was hearing, "This can't be true. It can't," but he knew in his times in Roanapur, not everything was black and white, and ironically, even in a city that endorses crime.

Santiago could see the doubt in Rock's eyes but continued his story, "All kids entered in a battle royale. Day of the Deserving is what they called it. Kids slaughtering other kids, and their reward, was a day with their lovers. In other words, they were forced to either engage in sexual activities whether it was adults or kids their age, and it wasn't always male-female love. Their training regiment was horrific: Avoiding guns shot at you, sleeping in bomb infested areas, whipped for five hours, eating spoiled food. Then came on one of those days where we were sold; I managed to escape and hid as I heard the news of some of the people I grew with committed suicide or were sentenced to death."

Then Rock caught a glimpse in one of Santiago's sentences, "Wait a sec. You escaped? Then..."

Santiago nodded, "I see. You've figured it out. I was expecting that. I'm an inhabitant of Roanapur."

Eda, still grimacing, was surprised but still baffled of his actions, "Why kill the innocent? Why kill Roanapur? Most of those people from before were already dead so there was no reason to kill anyone else."

The nun was quickly corrected as the leader cracked his neck a few times, "You're wrong, Eda. Many years passed as Roanapur was now acquired by someone new, someone who wanted a different purpose: Chang. His city was now a haven to criminals, mercenaries, hitmen, all you can think of who were wanted. However, someone came to claim Roanapur as their city and war commenced between the two. Chang appeared the winner but the person was alive if not for the actions of a war veteran. His negotiating skills were good as he told the two to become partners in the same city. Chang decided to grow someone into the best gunslinger and although it took time, she became one of the best fucking killers in the world. However, one wouldn't be enough for Roanapur, another one was required, someone with great leadership skills. That's when Chang and Balalaika decided to grow a certain businessman, who was used by his bosses, into not only a killing machine but a powerful leader who would rule Roanapur one day." He pointed in the direction someone, "That person was you Rock: The new commander of Roanapur. "

Rock quickly questioned his involvement in their scheme, "But why me? I was nothing but a man in the materials peculiar department, went on trips, and wrote reports. I wouldn't be able to kill a man with a gun."

"You see. This is why I despise you. You deny your inner self; your true self. From the beginning, you always had this side. The twilight is just an excuse for all your denials from your true identity. Ever since your arrival in Roanapur, that's when your training began. Did you think your bosses were trying to kill you? The truth is they were forced to kill you because of me. When Roberta arrived, I knew you weren't able to fight her but in the end, you befriended Garcia. Oh yeah, about Chang's documents, you don't know, but guess who leaked that information. I wasn't done with Roberta yet. I had her come back to see if you would deal with her and although your method wasn't to my expectations, I was very impressed witnessing you handing Garcia the gun and deciding their fates, Garcia dies, Roberta dies, or everyone dies; the perfect gamble. That look when you handed Garcia the gun left me amazed. You were right when you said everyone around you is your pawns."

Time froze for Eda as she glanced at Rock with a "what's he talking about" expression as Santiago looked at the couple's faces, "Rock, what's going on?"

Rock remained silent as Santiago snickered then transformed to a guffaw as his eyes shifted to the negotiator, "Rock, Rock, Rock. You haven't told her? Let me guess: She doesn't need to know or need-to-know basis?" He walked over and kneeled beside the nun, shaking his head, "I'm impressed with you as well. You were able to use a voice modulator to fool Chang, Mr. Cia and before you give me a shocked expression, I used my ears to listen in on your conversation. Now it's time for another confession. You'll thank me later for this." He pulled out a rectangular instrument and pressed a button which Eda deciphered as a bomb but it turned out as another item as she heard voices:

Flashback...

(During Roberta's Blood Trail )

Rock(smoking and looking at the forest): Hey Revy. It's almost time. It won't be long until it's all over.

Revy( walking with a cast): Who gives a shit? I've worked myself up over a lot of fucking crap that I've tried my hardest to forget...and it's all your fault.

Rock (places hand on cheek): You know something? I feel like everyone's dancing on the palm on my hand, Revy. Like I control the fate of everyone in that city.

Revy: What's going on with you? Jesus, maybe that mouthy little twit was right after all. You've changed. (Points gun at Rock) Rock, you've been spending too much time in Roanapur. That shithole of a city has messed with your head. Once this job is done, get the fuck out.

Rock: What are you talking about? The end is in sight here. It's almost over.

Revy( still pointing the gun at Rock ): I don't know who the hell you are anymore.

Rock (climbing down a small ladder): It will be morning before long. Once the sun's up, the Opium army will have sent the day patrol to see what happened last night, but by then, this game will be over.

Revy: You keep going on about this game, Rock. How can you be so sure that you have this figured out?

Rock: Yeah. It'll be over in seconds and then everything will be settled.

Revy: Come on. Do you even hear yourself?

Rock: Revy...I see it. I know what's going to happen down this path. Despite my constant defiance, Chang let me carry out my plan and leave with Garcia. Why? And Balalaika went along with Chang's wishes and allowed Roberta to easily escape through the pillars. Again, why? Simple: Chang's goal wasn't just to hide Roanapur from the eyes of the world; he also wanted Roberta to break Grey fox's will. This region produces drugs and Roanapur is the trans supporter that moves them. He wanted Roberta to attack the soldiers to teach them a lesson, to prevent the Americans from bringing justice to the Golden Triangle; that was his plan. I changed it.

Revy: Rock, what's the point. What the hell did you get out of all this? (a few moments later ) Is this your way of getting Revenge on Roanapur?

Rock: That city messes people up so bad that when I hold my hand trying to help them, I can't even save a single soul.

Revy: Are you still going on about that girl in Tokyo?

Rock: ...But this time, I'm going to make a real difference...and that damn city not gonna stop me.

Revy: And what will happen to us? You got someplace for us to go to? Can't go back to your peaceful hometown. You won't fit in. I got a question. You've been standing in the twilight the whole time, so why did you join the rest of us in the darkness?

Rock(walking ): I wanted to win the game. This was the only way to finish it but I'm fine with it. You know why? Because I realized this is how you felt all the time isn't it, Revy?

Revy (gets up, grabs Rock, and kicks him down): You don't fucking know me!

End Flashback...

Santiago turned off which was revealed as a recorder and placed it next to Eda then he approached back and faced Rock who had his face down while shaking his head, "What's wrong Rock? Didn't like that taping?"

He rose his head up with small evidence of anger, "I'm not like that anymore. It's been one and a half years."

Santiago laughed knowing the negotiator was lying, "Really, you aren't like that? Then tell me if Roberta and Garcia died, would you have given a damn? What about Eda? Had your plan had succeeded but you lost everyone, would you be happy? You won the game but lost the so-called people you connected with. That's all you care about games. You are a gambler. "

Baffled, Eda questioned the mad man, "What fucking plan are you talking about?"

"Well Mr. CIA, I'm referring to Rock's plan: Commandeering Roanapur which would mean the deaths of Chang and Balalaika. I wanted to watch it but after realizing you can't save anyone in Roanapur just like Roberta realizing her killings were a waste of fucking time, it was apparent you wouldn't be able to escape the twilight. " He gestured Victoria to hand him another recorder and she tossed another one as he grabbed and placed it next to the nun in a standing position. A grin emerged on Santiago as he stepped on Eda's injured area causing the nun to scream in pain and planted a gun next to her head as Rock knew he couldn't stop the man. "Now, Rock...," Santiago began explaining, "...It's time to see if you care about this one. Step out of the twilight and enter the darkness; unleash your true self and join my cause. I promise Eda and the others won't be harmed shall you come with me." Rock's head moved back in forth as he was mumbling a few words but then Santiago began counting down which didn't give Rock enough time but as he reached two, a hand stretched out as Santiago stepped off the nun and slowly removed the gun off her head.

Back to Revy and Roberta...

After what appeared an eternity, the female duo managed to arrive at the Southern pier. Revy kneeled, gathering herself and catching her breath from all the nonstop running while Roberta was standing with no evidence of exhaustion. Revy shook her head at the maid, "How the fuck aren't you tired?"

A small smile emerged on her face, "The training I was given. You're able to run long distances but easily lose your stamina, Two Hands."

Revy was about to comment when another voice, which pissed off Revy, joined the conversation, "Oh my. You two made it. I thought you were dead. Roberta, you were a great challenge, I can't wait to fight you again. " Roberta didn't respond but clenched her fist ready for another war. Unfortunately for her, as the two were about to run, they were interrupted as two more members as the Goliaths revealed themselves as Trey brought a child and handed him to Dominic while the blonde Australian arrived with a Benelli M4 shotgun. Trey ended up grinning at the two women but more focused on Roberta, "Fucking shit. So you're the infamous Bloodhound of Florencia? You're one hot son of a bitch. Getting me a little hard. I love your work. You were incredible in Roanapur...both times. Dominic calmed his partner, "Trey that's enough. Don't get caught off guard. These two possess what you call dangerous beauty. Don't get cocky. They won't hesitate to kill us." Trey nodded while the female Goliath member kept her hand on the trigger. Dominic decided to invite the two to kill them, "You sure have changed Roberta. If memory serves, you went through all the trouble to retrieve Garcia despite not realizing you almost killed him in the process. It's good to know you're more careful and what about you, Two Hands? I remember that you wouldn't hesitate to kill this child. He doesn't matter. If you kill us, the pain stops, however, this kid will be coming along with us. It's your move." The two dangerous women remained frozen as they watched all three Goliath members display huge grins as Dominic aimed a gun right at the child's head.

Back to Santiago...

After throwing the gun on the floor, Santiago walked over to the negotiator who still had his face down with his hands on his head. When Santiago stopped, he looked down at him, "So how do you feel now Rock? Are you ready to step out of the twilight, permanently?"

Slowly, Rock began to stand up and to Eda's surprise, saw a different demeanor that she's never witnessed from him. Santiago saw the negotiator raise his head revealing the evil expression during the time Garcia and Roberta confrontation. As he finally stood up, he cupped his chin, face to face with the crazy man, "All this time, I held myself back. Frightened to go that extra mile. I realized that by holding back, everyone I wanted to save, ended up dead; I wasn't able to save anyone. Even when I thought I changed Roanapur for the better, I still lost. You were right: I wanted to kill Chang and Balalaika and rule over them, but you caught me off guard with the fact they wanted me as their leader. I wasn't even aware of their scheme. I allowed three women I care for to suffer and I couldn't save them. You were right Santiago. The twilight has been holding me back." He placed his hands in his pockets as he approached Santiago while Eda looked on in utter disgust, pleading with Rock to not proceed in that direction, "It's time to save the world and although Roanapur is no more, there are still people to save and games to be played."

Rock extended his hand out and Santiago, with a small smile, extended his resulting in a handshake.

End