How I wish I own Suikoden 3 but sadly it is not to be, for Konami is their master not I.

I still like to shout out to all who reviewed and let their opinions be heard on my live or die endings. Crimson Rogue, FEEL-THE-MYSTIC and Death-Hunter.

Blood Pain and Forgiveness 4 (Now we're at pain... my fav)

Hugo found himself on a stone circle that was the size of Budehuc Castle's court yard. A red pillar of flame burned in the center of the circle and there was no background, just darkness. Hugo got up and notices that the circle had the image of the True Fire Rune carved into it.

Where am I? I didn't think such a place even existed in the world.' Then he remember his duel with Chris. I must be dead.'

This revelation was depressing, as Hugo thought there be more to death then this. Then again who know's what death will be like? I never gave it any thought before.

A voice called out form the darkness too Hugo. What makes you think your dead? I hope that not wishful thinking, not form the Hugo I know.

Hugo all most jumped out of his skin, not because the voice was scarer but he knew who's voice it was. no it couldn't be...' Hesitantly Hugo called out Lulu, is that you?

Sure enough Lulu walked out of the darkness in front of Hugo. Lulu look just the same as he did in life. Black and red hair with doe brown eyes and still had his big boyish smile.

Hugo couldn't believe Lulu was relay here, so he reached out to touch Lulu and half expected his had to pass thou him. Hugo was happily supersede that Lulu was not only solid but felt warm as if he was alive.

Then Hguo remembered the last time he held Lulu, as he put Lulu's cold body in a shallow grave. It was too much for Hugo and he just hugged Lulu and weep openly. Lulu hug Hugo back and patted him reassuringly.

Awww fox dung, Hugo your going to make my cry too if you don't stop. Truth be told Lulu's eyes where wet with tears as well.

They stayed like that for some time before Hugo could control his emotions. Hugo let go of Lulu and wiped the tears form his eyes. Lulu I missed you. I wish I could have tacking you riding with me once before we died.

Lulu smiled at that. What's this we died' stuff? Your still in the land of the living. I'm the one who's dead.

Hugo could not believe what Lulu was saying. How can I be alive? I know Chris left me in a pool of my own blood and I'm sure the hell not on the Yaza planes where when I past out.

Well theirs a good explanation for all this. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I just have to remember it.

Hugo got cross, as this is his life they talking about.

AAAAHHH sorry Hugo, let me think... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Ok I got. You know how your True Fire Rune stops you from aging?

Hugo nodded.

Well another thing it can do is let you talk to the dead. You see this room is a manifestation of the True Fire Rune and the darkness around us is death.

You mean all that... Hugo gestured to the black nothingness around them. ...is the the after life?

No that is death what's beyond death is none of you concern as I'm not letting you die. As for your body here is you soul, your real body of flesh and blood is still in Yaza. You can think of this place as a half way point of life and death.

Hugo looked as if he got it. So this is one big meeting room from beyond the grave but I'm still dying in Yaza with Chris right now.

Yes and that's the problem, you are dying but nothings final yet. there's still a chance you can live but it's risky. So come on Hugo let's get you back into the world.

Hugo stopped smiling and tuned away for Lulu. I don't know Lu, maybe this is for the best? Why live just to feel pain all over again. I could just walk into the darkness and be with you.

Hey come on Hugo tell me your joking. You don't what to die here do you? I mean you have allot to live for still.

Hugo fell to his knees. I thought the pain would get better after time. You know they say time heals all wounds but not this. After three years it's only gotten worse. How bad will it be after 30 years, or 50 years or 100 year, hell to the end of time? How long will I have the guilt of your death and your blood on my hands?

Lulu walked over too Hugo and grabbed his shoulder for comfort. Come on Hugo. there was nothing you could have done. It was fate...

Hugo looked as if he was insulated by that. Fate! Let me tell you something, fate and destiny are all a load of crap. I was told by fate to find 108 people to join me but the only person I even wanted by my side is you Lulu. It don't matter even if I saved the grasslands or the world, I couldn't save you.

My death was not your fault Hugo. You couldn't save me but it was not your fault.

No Lu, it's my fault. I can't blame fate, destiny, Chris or even Luc for your death, I blame myself. Say what you want about what could be or may have been but I was to weak to save you and nothing can change that. Hugo started to walk toward the vary edge of the darkness and was about to tack one last step.

There was no hiding the pain and sadness in Lulu's voice as he pleaded with Hugo. Stop for spirits sake Hugo! I don't want you to this or anything for me. I never asked you to kill Chris or die for me. Nothing you do now will ever change what happened!

I have to try and make it up to you Lulu, I owe you a life.

Lulu was then hit with a great idea. All right Hugo, If you say you owe me a life then I want yours. If you want to make it up to me your going to live. You hear me Hugo!? If our friendship ever meant a damn to you, you'll get back here and live for me.

If I do decide to live could you forgive me Lu?

No, your the one you need to forgive Hugo, but I'll make that first step, the rest is up to you.

Hugo backed away from the edge and smiled. Ok Lulu, how the hell do I get out of this godforsaken places? Lulu returned Hugo's smile with his own big grin.

Lulu quickly explained to Hugo how he could get back. If you walk into that pillar of fire it will merge your life with True Fire Rune. This will be much stronger then just having it on your hand and The True Rune will give you the energy to move. All you have to do then is make it too Budehuc Castle and get healed.

There's a but' in there right Lulu.

Lulu nodded. The True Fire Rune will give you straight but will burn your life forces to do so. If you stay merge with the True Fire Rune like that for too long it will literally burn you soul away.

Hugo swallowed a lump of fear in his throat when he heard that. Well if it gives me the chances to live again I'll have to tack it. Hugo was about to walk into the fire.

Hugo hold on a second will you? When you get back I what you to save Chris too, her life too hangs on by a thread.

Ok Lulu, if you say so I'll save her. I'll try to not feel guilty about your death and forgive myself.

You don't need my forgiveness, my death was not your fault but It's good too lose the guilt.... ... ... ... ... Now if you forgive that beautiful Ironhead' woman your bleeding on all will be fine.

Hugo could not help but blush a bit. Who Chris? No I don't think I could forgive any time soon and... ... ... ... she not that beautiful.

Lulu was grinning like a fox now. Ok maybe not beautiful, Damned gorgeous is more accurate. I saw that hug you gave her, that said more than goodbye, it was more a comeback soon' hug. You know, being a bit shorter then Chris you could have had your hand accidentally' slip and feel a more private' area.

Hugo's blush had spread. Lulu! I did no such thing and I never would. Me and the silver maiden, ha that's crazy.

I didn't say you did, but if I was you, I would. You know if you break throw this Sliver Maiden' stuff, you could see Chris Lightfellow. A strong, independent, beautiful woman and someone needing to feel loved again. She be good for you and keep that temper of yours under control.

You can't just change someone overnight, Chris has been a Zexen knight for most her life. I cant just change her outlook on life like that, it tack too long.

Chris has chipping at that wall around her heart for some time now. All you need to do is open up to Chris and she'll do the rest.

Ok Lu... ... ... ... ... ... I'll try too forgive Chris and open up to her, but that's it. I'm not going to pursue a relationship with that woman. I'm doing this because you asked me too.

That's all I ask and Hugo...

Yes Lulu?

You where like the brother I never had, hell most never got a real brother as good as you and I just want you to know that I love you.

Hugo hug Lulu one last time. I love you too Lu and do you think we could see each other like this again.

Yeah, all you need to do is open your heart and I'll find you.

Hugo then waved goodbye and then merged with the True Fire Rune. There was the odd feeling of realty washing over him like a tidal wave.

************************

Hugo's eyes burned with life once more as he took in his surroundings. He was still in Yaza planes, It was still night and Chris was still lying on top of him. Hugo could see Chris trying to get off him but she just couldn't get her weight up. Chris soon saw that Hugo was not as dead as she thought he was.

Goddess your still alive Hugo? Damn, you wont even give me the satisfaction of knowing you die first, will you?

Now's not the time Chris but will you please get off me?

What the hell do you think I've been trying to do for the last ten minuets!? I would get up but some hothead Karayan stabbed me!

Can't you use your True Water Rune?

No... .... ... ... ... I can't concentration enough too use it.

Then will have to help each other out of this. Chris if you could give me your dagger I can get us out of here.

We're still in a duel, and it's not over till one of us is dies or surrender.

Hugo sighed, he could not believe the arrogates of this woman. Under his breath Hugo muttered. All right you win.

What did you say? I didn't quiet get what you said Hugo.

I said, I give up, I yield, surrender, the day is your's and all that crap! Now just give me the damn dagger! Hugo could feel Chris smiling in triumph but she did hand him her dagger.

Hugo ran the dagger down the left grove of Chris's breast plate armor, cutting the straps that held it together. After that Hugo cut away Chris's armor on her shoulders and he pushed the back part of her breast plate off her. With less weight on Chris, she managed to roll off of Hugo.

Hugo got up on his knees and cringed at the sight of Chris armor, It looked more like a sea of blood then protective gear. Hugo then pulled his shirt off to see how badly wounded he was. When Chris stabbed him, she only got the tip of the dagger into him and when she fell the dagger cut him instead of thrusting into him. It still left a deep crescent shaped cut across his chest. Besides that Hugo had some smaller cuts and bruise.

Chris was hurt worse then Hugo, she lost allot of blood and still had Lulu's knife jabbed in her leg. She still couldn't get to her feet and Hugo had briefly thought of leaving her there to die but decided against it.

Hugo pulled out Lulu's knifes form Chris leg and put the knife back into it's sheath. Hugo then rapped his shirt around Chris's wounded leg to stop the bleeding.

Hugo knelt down next to Chris and pulled her left arm around his shoulders. Then Hugo ran his right hand around Chris's back to the side where he had stabbed her. Then he pushed down on it to slow the bleeding and help her to her feet.

Chris was hesitant in letting Hugo help her and she didn't quit trust him yet. Why are you helping me? Just a few minutes ago you almost died trying to kill me. Why the sudden change?

Well you could say in a few minutes I learned that life is not as black and white as I like to think.

Chris was very stiff and put her weight on Hugo and she almost caused both of them to fall over again. luckily Hugo was able to hold both there weight, although with them leaning to the left a bit.

Chris looked over at the Karayan boy, no' she thought Karayan man', that held her. Hugo normally wore baggy Karayan clothing that didn't show off his body and Chris was surprised to see that he was rather will chiseled for having the young body of a sixteen year old. Living with knights all her life Chris had never seen a man without 80 pounds of armor on. Of chores I do remember seeing Boris without his shirt in knights training and he was just skin and bones back then. I guess living in what we call an uncivilized way left Hugo healthy.'

Chris didn't even know she was staring at Hugo so intensely until he asked. Hey Chris is something wrong? You look out of it.

Chris blushed and tuned her headway to face forward. No I just... ... ... ... Chris tried to losing her hold on Hugo's should but he pulled her closer to him.

You have to hold on to me Chris or you'd fall down. Your not going to get very far with a leg wound like that by yourself.

I know that but this is disgraceful. A knight shouldn't need the help of a child to walk. Hugo decide to let the child' part slide this time.

Well if you promise not to tell your knights that I gave up to you, I'll keep my mouth shut about helping you too Budehuc. Is it a deal?



What was that intense look you gave me not long ago?

Being a knight Chris never told a lie, so it was hard for her to think up a good one now. Well with out your shirt you looked.... Think Chris he looked. sleepy, in pain, injured, dashing, trim, hansom. No, I did not just think that!' Chris just said what the first thing that came to mind. Cold.... yeah it's a cold night and I thought you be freezing without a shirt on.

Well actuality I'm geting very hot, but it's nice that your worried about me.

Chris then realized that Hugo was burring up, it was actually very unnatural. Your right, you are very hot. If Hugo got that double meaning he didn't say anything. Chris didn't know if she meant it to sound like that or not.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Hugo just keep them walking. Chris was trying to connives herself that it was the blood lose making her think about Hugo like that and not that she was developing feeling' him.


*************************


Budehuc castle had changed over the years but it's residents stayed the same, the caption of the castle guards for one. Thou Cecile had grown form a cute girl into a pretty young woman, her personality stated the same. Quick too react and slow too think things throw and still as good with a lance as any man twice her age.

Cecile still guarded the gate rain or shine, day or night. which is where she was when she a large shadowy lump slowly moving towards the castle.

What the heck is that?!! maybe it's a monster... a big scary, going to eat us all in the night monster. I should run and get help but then it would get in and may not be able to find it later. It could then hurt someone as they sleep.... it could hurt Thomas!!' It only took Cecile less then a second to decided on a plane of action, charge it.

Hold demon! I sawer on my lance and the skill engraved on my soul, I will not let your hurt my love Thomas!! Even if it cost me my life!! Just as she was about to strike the monster came into the light.

Cecile's monster' was the blooded and limping forms of Hugo and Chris. Hugo looked near collapse and held on to Chris of support. Lady Chris looked no better trying to keep weight off of her bad leg and they both lost allot of blood. Cecil ran up to them. Lady Chris and Nobel Hugo what happened, did the monster attack you too?

Chris who could usually tack Cecile's odd personality was in no mood to talk. Cecil just go and get help. Cecile nodded then ran into Mr. Piccolo's tent.

Chris lend against a castle wall and slid down to the ground. Hugo slid with Chris but landed siting in her lap. Chris was to out of it to care now, she was just happy to stop and rest. she could still hear voices coming from Piccolo's tent.

Ohohohohohohohohohohoh my what's the rush child?

Chris and Hugo will bleed to death if you don't use your water rune on them soon! So move it old man.

You know I have a bad back. ohohohohohohohohohohohoh

Your going to have a broken back if you don't move faster!

... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ohohohohohohohoh.

Stop that damn laugh! I'm going to get help from the castle doctor.

That conversion may have gone on longer but Chris was too weary. With her goal reached Chris's will gave out and she surrendered to sleep.



Authors notes
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here we are at chapter 4 up and you even notes how fanfiction never get smaller they just balloons into more work. The nest chapter will tack much longer as I have decide on how to end this.

Now about Lulu he may have seemed a bit more of a flirt then he was in the game but I feel had he lived longer he would have gown up to be a player.

For everyone who hates this because they now think this is Yaoi, from the Hugo and Lulu hugging as saying I love you, just know that I meant it more as a deep brotherly love and not them being gay.

I think all of you for your feed back but if I'm going to kill someone it's most like going too be Hugo. Hugo just seams more ready to die then Chris. like I said I don't know how or if I'll do this. (killing one of them would make this easy but I'd feel cheap in the morning)