He gave a sigh as the two hitched a ride off to Herlie, probobly going off to some exotic place for their honeymoon. Ashton and Chisato...he never would've imagined. The two seemed so WRONG for each other! But after they got back to Expel, they just seemed to grow together. Until of course that thing with Rena...

Claude sighed again. Rena. Why didn't she come today? Didn't she know that a Marriage was the best place to propose? So romantic. Errgg...she's probobly off meandering around the castle. When was he ever going to get a chance to give her this ring?

They'd both seen it before, in Salva. Amulets, bracelets, charms...and the ring. The gem looked like crystal, but with a light greenish tint to it. It sparkled even in darkness. Claude'd noticed Rena's eyes flash as she passed by it. Even for a second, it looked like she was silently crying out, "...oooh...Claude...buy that for me...marry me, Claude..."-

::WHAP::
"OUCH!"

A sudden pain in the back of his head knocked him out of his reverie. Behind him stood a gawky looking teenager, swaying back on forth. Her garb consisted of dirt-covered overalls and a no-frills shirt. She didn't seem to actually stand still, but just sort of jittered back and forth, as if her blood was replaced by sugar. Or rather, she was like a hummingbird.

She stood there and stared at Claude as if he were crazy. Then, without warning, ran off in the other direction at full speed. A few people jumped out of the madwoman's way. Claude simply stared for a few seconds, and turned to see the bunny off in the distance, carrying the lovebirds to Herlie. He didn't think much more about the teenager.

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

Chris walked slowly down the streets of Cross, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. He bought an apple from a vender and tossed it into the air and caught it before it hit the ground. He did this several times, laughing each time he was successful. It felt good to get out of the palace for once, among the commoners.

His face fell. Did he really just think that? Commoners? Ugh...been in the palace too long. I think I'm growing snooty.

His target came into view, the young golden-haired youth coming into view. He was sitting on a bench, seemingly staring into space. Other children could've thrown a ball directly at his groin and it didn't seem like he'd even flinch. So it wasn't a surprise that he didn't notice when Chris sat down.

"Hi, Claude."
"Look", replied Claude, not moving except for his lips. Chris's head turned to see the sunset melting into the mountains. That's what was captivating Claude so much?

"I've seen that before, Claude."

"Never like this. Never like…wow…how long has it been? I can't even remember."

Chris stared at him for several seconds before Claude turned his head.

"What?" said Claude.

"Ah, you can move! For a second I thought you'd been paralyzed and become insane."

Claude laughed. "Sorry, Chris. Just a lot on my mind. How's Celine?"

"Look, Claude" Chris said, ignoring Claude's question. "You need to talk to Rena."

"Oh?"

"She feels you want to ask her something."

Claude turned his head back to the sunset.

"Very perceptive, that Rena."

"So you do want to ask her something."

Claude stood up.

"Of course I do, and I know what she wants me to ask her." He raised his gaze. "Someday soon, perhaps."

He smiled, and then walked off. After walking a few steps, he turned around.

"If you see Rena…tell her soon." He then walked off.

Chris smiled to himself. Things were looking up. He got up from the bench and walked back towards the castle. However, a crowd was forming, so he had to sift his way through. Then, he understood what the crowd was about.

In front of him, Claude was lying on the ground unconscious, hair soaked in blood.