A thousand apologies to Konami for the hell I'm putting there property threw.

Well after so long I'm finely done with this damn thing. It's been to long from my last update that most of you must have thought I'd stopped writing. I almost did stop writing because I hate this chapter and everything about it but it needs an ending and this is the best I could come up with in all that time. Well that and I just had one of my core beliefs ripped out of me not long ago, when I was playing Kingdom Hearts' and that's a long story that I won't bore you with.


First I'd like to say that this chapter has NOT been beta read. I couldn't find my Beta reader Blondie but she did correct the first chapter so it makes a much more sense. I know most don't mind errors too much but have courage all the same.

Like always I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed my last chapter

Galthos

Crimson Rogue

Sindaaraniel

Yojimbo

The Rogue (formally FEEL THE MYSTIC and long time supporter)

Phacia

tidus2529

fantasychick

Zell's Girl (the plot moves fast because I'm not that passionate as for being off character well it is fanfiction and none of it's official so we can make them a bit of center)

?????? (Don't worry I knew what you where trying to say and if I was to apology for every typo I've made I'd never get anything done. Thank you for the support)

Rei Tamashii (who's that review is not show here I did get it at my e-mail and I'd like to thank you for it)

Starza (who made a 1488 word fanfic just to rebut my last chapter and which moved me as it shows how much of an impacted this little fanfic had on her)


Blood Pain and Forgiveness Last Chapter (thank god)

It was dark, cold and damp in his cell but his soundings where the last thing on Borus Redrum's mind. It must have been a day or two but he could not get over what he almost did. All his high morales, and codes of honor gone in just a few minuets. A rueful smile crossed Borus's lips.

No my morales and honor where slipping for years after the war. My rages where more often and more intense.' What ever it was that held back years or remorse and pain broke way in a flood of guilt.

Soft footsteps and the glow of a lamp made there why to Borus's cell door. The lamp's light hid the visitors silhouette in darkness but Borus knew who it was and it was the last person he wanted to see now.

Sir Borus... ... ...

please Chris don't call me sir'. I no longer dissever to be a knight.

Don't be to hard on yourself Borus. Don't think your the only whose ever done something they regret for the rest of there life, because your not. I have more then enough regrets and shame in my life, things that I can never make up or be forgiven for.

Why are you trying to console me? Even after I almost... ... ... ... .. I almost... ... .... ... ... ... I Borus's eyes watered and he felt like bricking down and crying but his broken pride stopped him.

Chris didn't need to see Borus cry to know he was in pain. Borus is a proud man and it would not do well to just pity him like a innocent child, he knows full well what he's done.

Damn it Borus, grow up will you!

Chris outburst got Borus's full attention as she continue to speck.

Do you think everyone in this world is pure and white, living without shame or regret? We've all done things we wished we hadn't, it only tacks a second of anger, sadness or not thinking at all to ruin our lives and the lives of others. The true test of a man is if you are ruled by regrets or do you try to make up for them and earn forgiveness. Now what are your going to do, waste away in jail or try and do some good in this world?

Borus thought long and hard on that. To face the consequence of his crime in front of his fellow knights and all of Zexen was not a something he was comfortable with. Still if Chris could forgiven him maybe it'd be worth it.

Allright Chris, I don't know how much help I can be but I'll help you with all straight I have.

Thank you Borus. Get some rest, you, me and Hugo will be leaving for Vinay Del Zexay in the morning.

Chris then turned around and walked way and head up the stares. In the dark and quit Borus sat alone thinking of what just happened. There was a spark of unfamiliar emotion in his heart. With regrets come it's opposite, forgiveness. It was a sweet and calming feeling and for the first time in years Borus sleep soundly.

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

The bells of the chapel rang slowly to the gather masses. Almost all to Vinay Del Zexay gather in front of the guild hall in silent mourning. The bell rang again, it would ring once for every year of Chris's life.

A stage was set up on the steps so everyone could see and hear the memorial servers. A priest was just about done with his moving speech. Four of the six knights of Zexen sat to the priest's right, with the Zexen counsel sat to his left.

With all eyes one the priest and the sound of crying mourners filling the air no one heard the counsel members talk amongst themselfs.

Do you think we're being premature here? I would rather wait till Sir Borus returns with news that the deed is done.

Don't be so pessimistic and we need to move fast before the Karayans act, surprise is the key to victory here. So relaxes we got away clean and with no witness our lie will becomes the world's truth.

They got back to their fake morning and the priest was raping up his ceremony. Yet the quite morning was started to break as some people in the back stated to talk to each other in disbelieving tones. This drew even more attention and soon everyone was craning their necks trying to see what was going on.

The crowed sea of people started to part, making way for Three riders on horse back. One rider was a somber looking Borus Redrum next was the deceased' Chris lightfellow and The flame Champion Hugo rode right behind her.

Louis was the first to get over his shock and ran up to Chris and took the rains of her horse. Malady thank the Goddess your all right! We all feared the worst when you didn't return.

Chris dismounted form her horse and smiled sweetly at her former squire. Well Louis as you can see the reports of my death have been misinformed.

That brook the long silences the held everyone else and the whole square brook our in cheering. The other Zexen knights ran up to Chris all happily welcoming her on her return. Even the dower and serious, Roland and Salome where all smiles.

Leo hugged Chris and said. Lass it's good to see you again. We all thought Hugo killed you when didn't return when you said you would or that you where killed by Karayan assassins.

Well you should relay thank Hugo for me being here now. After all he's the one who saved my life.

The head of the Zexen Guild walked up to walked up to the Zexen Knights and with a forced smile. And thank him we should but given his ... ... ... ... ... background we can't. It would look bad to have barbarians saving our Knights wouldn't it.

Hugo looked indigent to the councilman's words but Chris smiled coyly. Well if it look bad for me to be saved by Hugo then this must look absolutely terribly.

In one move Chris pulled Hugo from his horse and into her arms and kissed him passionately on the lips.

Now people in Zexen are not racist but most wince when they see a Karayan man and Zexen woman walking hand in hand. That did not compare with seeing their hero and chief of their mortal enemies lip locked. Everyone was a gasp and some of the more conservative Zexens fainted dead away.

They only brook their kiss to saver all the shocked and faces. Percival's was the best with a look of disbelief, shock, amazement, jealousy and it all gave him the most beautifully blank look ever scene. Fact the only person who wasn't comply bowled over was Borus, who also took the time to have a snicker at Percival who was the one speechless for once.

Percival had to try to come up with a retort or anything witty to say but all he could manage was. The flame champion and the silver maiden... ... ... ... ... ... ... who have though it.

Please my dear Percival not only do I hate the name sliver maiden but well ... ... ... ... I no longer qualified for that name.

Louis didn't get what Chris meant by that. Wait I don't get it, why doesn't Chris qualify for that name?

Borus looked down at the young knight and simply answered If you have to be told your not old enough to get it.

Chris nodded in agreement.

The councilmen sapped out of his shock and yelled. What are your doing Chris!? Don't tell us that you'd rather be that Karayan's wore rather then our hero. I should strip you of your rank for this instant.

Chris promptly decked him with a hard right hook. I'd rather be his wore then your sacrifice. I know full well that the council tried to kill me and use my death to start a war with Karaya!

These are serious charges malady, do you have any proof. Salmon said trying to mediate the situation.

Lady Chris is telling the truth, I know because I was a willing part of the councils plan. I'm willing to give a full a confession. Borus said dismounting his hours and walking up next to Chris.

A second councilman taken over by his rage cried out. Damn you Borus you'll swing from the gallows with us!

The first councilmen yelled back to the second. Shut the hell up you old fool, your make us look guilty!

I had nothing to do with this! It was all their idea form the start. Yelled a third councilmen.

Like your so innocent, how about when your had your competes wine storing burned so you could cornier the wine import market!

Then right in front of all of Vinay Del Zexay, the guild leaders who's lies where stacked ever so delicately fell like a house of playing cards amiss they're own piety bickering.

Salome didn't need to hear anymore, already he could tell that the whole counsel was corrupt beyond reform. Take them away and have all their finances and holding seized.

As knights lead the counsel member away Hugo punched the head of the counsel as he was lead past. That was for calling my woman a wore, you gutless snake.

Chris then slapped Hugo and turned way in a huff. When did I became your property Hugo?! You got some never saying that I'm YOUR' woman.

Damn it Chris your twisting my words again! You know that's not what I meant to say!

Then maybe you should think before you speak for once! and I don't need you or anyone else to look out for me. I can handle my own battles thank you very much!!

The crowed of onlookers began to disperse. Not because they where ordered too but it's uncomfortable to eavesdrop on a lovers spat.

Hugo sat down on the guild hall steeps and sighed, he could never win with Chris, in battle or with words . Ok ok... ... ... Your right, I know you can tack care of yourself Chris, but I get defensive because I lost to many people close to me. Just know that I'm not doing it to control you or anything like that, I'm just scared that all.

I can understand that Hugo but I need to fight for my honor myself or it becomes meaningless. I'm not some helpless woman who needs to rescued every five minutes. Chris answered a little more understanding now.

I didn't think you minded so much if I helped you out in a fight or two but if you want I'll back down if you ask me too.

Chris knelt down nest to Hugo and embrace him in her arms. It's ok Hugo, maybe I overreacted a bit but at lest you apologized to me.

Hugo's face faulted for a moment. Apologies, I didn't think I did anything wrong?'

Come on Chris I really should head back to Karaya before everyone gets worried me.

You won't be gone long will you Hugo?

It should only tack me a week or two at the most. Then I'll be back in your loving arms.

Chris kissed Hugo quickly on the cheek before letting him go form her grasp. I love you Hugo but please hurry back.

They kissed once more before Hugo took off on his horse. Chris stood their for a minute, her eye's on the edge of tears just watching Hugo ride off. She clasped her hand against her heart for a moment and knew that Hugo would come back to her.

Chris turned back to her knights and surprised them with a look of intents determination. All right, I'm still your caption and we got a lot of work to do you hear me!

The Mighty Zexen Knights and Louis stood at attention.

Chris nodded her approver, even if difficult times they knew how to do their duty. Leo I want you and Roland to return to Brass Castle and guard it. Salome I want you to check the coulses records room, knowing the counsel they probably keep recodes off they illegal activates. Percival I want you to keep an eye on sir Borus and make sure he gets some rest.

Leo, Roland and Salome left to complete their jobs with out a word. Percival on the other hand... But Caption, anyone can look after Borus. There must be something more pressing for me to do.

Look Piracy, Borus needs a friend now, not a guard. Your his best friend so I want you to look after him, besides the rest of us can tack care of Zexen for a few days by ourselfs.

Chris's tone of voice made it absolute clear that there was no room for discussion. She then left with Louse to reassure the people that everything was under contort and there was no need to panic.

Percival just sighed in defeat and Borus patted him on the back. Come on Percival lets stop by a tavern for a few drinks, you look like you could use a drink... ... ... ... ... or five.

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

Borus and Percival found a privet table at their tavern of there chose, the atmosphere and ale where all great. However Borus couldn't recall a time when he had seen the Swords man of Gale so melancholy.

I don't want to pray into Percival's thoughts, so I'll just have to wait for him to tell me what's bothering him.'

Sadie's Teeth, how could Chris do this to us! She must have know how I felt about her but she just pass me over for that Karayan pup Hugo!

Well that didn't take long now did it.'

AND you Borus how the hell can you take this so well!? I thought you'd fly off the handle when you found out.

Borus finished his drink before answering his irate friend. Well last night I had realized something and I'm sure you'll realizes yourself sooner or later but I never truly loved Chris in the first place.

Percival looked at his friend in disbelief. ... ... ... ... ... Your kidding right?

You see Percival the feelings of love I had for Chris always took a back seat to my duty. After so many years that struggle only made me bitter angry at her. I didn't even reallies it but I started to resinate her. Besides even if I did tell her how I felt and by some miracle she returned my feeling their always be that tension between us.

Well that may be true for a repressed basted like you Borus but I was very clear with my feeling for lady Chris.

Oh you where, where you? I hope you don't mean your sexist jokes and bad attempts at flattery do you?

I wasn't kidding all the time! It may have look like jest to you but I meant some of what I said to Chris.

Did Chris know when you weren't jesting? You've been make passes at Chris since we where knights in training, just to get a rise out of her. Face the facts, for years she must have waited for you to get serious and say you love her truly without joking around. After so many years I think she just stopped waiting for us and just moved on.

Percival wanted to argue with Borus's logic, that Chris knew how he felt about her, she must have. Yet part of him admitted that he had played with Chris's heart for years, always joking and teasing her. Now more then ever it was painfully clear how Chris stopped laughing at his jokes and rarely smiled anymore, fact today she looked more happy with Hugo then she did in years with the knighthood and him.

Look at it this way Percival, we're the ones that changed over the years not her. So we simply out grew Chris that's all.

That made more sense to Percival, fact it made perfect sense. Ha Your right Borus, your absolutely right. It was Chris's own chose, if a bad one, to pass one of us two good looking and distinguished man just so she can rob the cradle.

Borus filled his and Percival glass up with ale and made a toast to forlorn and foolish love. After that they toasted damn near everything they could think of before passing out at the table.

This was their fist step to move on with their love lives, thankfully the rest of the trip involved far less drinking.

*****************************************
Three weeks later at Brass Castle

Louis knocked at Chris door a fifth time and still no answer. She had become more and more depressed as time went on with no sign of Hugo. At lest the trial of the Zexen guild master took her mind off it but even that end in only a week. It was suppressing how many in the guilds wanted to see them out of power and gone. The new Zexen leaders where more free thinking and put more effort into protecting Zexen workers and trade, instead of line their own pockets with money or fighting wars.

Louis hesitantly walked into Chris room. Lady Chris are you all right? He didn't know what was wrong with Chris but she had been ill for a the past few mornings.

Louis checked the bedroom but found the bed empty but Chris armor was still laded out neatly. Where could lady Chris have gone without her armor she wouldn't leave it here unless... ... ... ... ...'

Louis hurriedly checked the study and found the secrete door behind the book chase open just a bit and a note on Chris's deck. It only took Louis a second to read it but he had to read it five more times before he got it.


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

Borus said confused.

Salome answered.

Percival read Chris's note again make sure it was not a trick of his mind.

Dear Louis

I've decided to leave the Grasslands and Zexen on a journey to find myself.
pleas don't think of this as quitting but that I'm on a sabbatical and I hope to return in a year or so. Give my love and thanks to Borus, Percival, Roland, Leo and Salome for always being there for me.

Love Chris lightfellow

Louis sighed. I wonder what Lady Chris is doing right now?

Well we may not know what Chris is doing but I think we all know who' she do... Percival said with a wicked grin before Borus cut him off.

Finish that sentiments Percival and I'll make you regret it, and I'm sure Chris will come back someday. She just needs some time to getaway form it all and just be with Hugo.

Louis cheered up a bit. Yeah I think your right Sir Borus.
***********************************

Chris and Hugo where making good time and soon they be in Chisel Village and then they head for Greenhill. With no set plan for the near future they decided to go and see the world. It was Hugo's idea to head for Higheast by way of Greenhill and Muse.

Then again all I relay want to do is spend time with Hugo and I'll happy go with him to Higheast. Still their is one more reason why I left ... ... ... ...'

Hey Hugo can we talk for a minute.

Hugo stopped and turned to Chris. She was wearing her green shirt and blue pants travailing cloths with her hair down. Hugo know that it was more then just to look blend in but she knew that he liked how she looked in them as well.

Ok what do you want to talk about, is something wrong?

Well yes something... ... or it could be nothing... ... ... ... ... ... but I'm sure it's something but I'm not that sure.

Chris your not being very clear here so just tell me.

Chris took a deep breath and mustered all her courage. All right, Hugo I think I'm pregnant.



you know excepting, with child and all that. Well I think I am, there been signs, I'm a few weeks late and I've been sick for the past few mornings but that all could just be form the stress of the past weeks.

Chris look at Hugo and tried to gage his reaction. His head was bowed so she could not read his face. Hugo just studded there still as a rock for what felt like an entirety.

Chris expected the worst, that Hugo to be mad, angry or just leave her right there. She was totally unprepared when he hugged and kissed her with tears streaming down with face.

Chris do you know what this means!

it means I'll get fat, moody and end up bedridden. All things I'm so looking foreword to.

No it means that after all the killing, death, pain and hell we went throw in our lives, we now get too bring life into this world for once.

It's not that simple, where will we live we can't raise a child roving the world like nomads. Then there's the problems of money and education and...

First lets go to Muse and find a doctor there and then will know for sure. If you are pregnant then we can start talking about all the what if' questions. If your not preagent and it is just stress then... Here Hugo paused to flashed Chris a wolfish smile. I guess we'll just have to try harder.

Chris sighed, and wished she could just take life as it happens like Hugo can. Life had always been so planed and easy for Chris, now it's all complicated. Still she knew that they make it throw all right no matter what happens. Then Chris hugged Hugo.

What is this flower called love and where is it found? I think it's foolish to say that love is already there, waiting for you in the stars. I think it's more like a real flower that must grow from a seed. A seed that must be plated in the dirt of human emotion that make up our lives. Hate, sadness, joy, caring, empathy, passion, humor, fear, longing and yes even lust are all the loam that love can grow from. Rooted in human emotion love is watered by the tears of lovers and in love there are always tears.

I love you Hugo.

I love you to Chris.

THE END


If you like to hear about the core belief that was ripped away form me then I'll tell if not just hit the back button.

Now just so you know I'm not a hater or anything but I all thought It took a sick mind to write Yoai or Slash. All the proof I needed was in the Gundam Wing anime section, all the bashing and people go on and on about there on how Hero and Duo are a couple and why they can't be with a girl. That was my firm belief, that is till I played Kingdom Hearst again.

It must have been when I saw Sora in his black Halloween Town demon costume and then Riku in that Blue and Black heartless rubber suit with his abs just looking ripped. Then It hit me, all threw the game they where not friends or rivals but Lovers lusting to be in each other arms aging and here's the scary part for me but I agreed with it. (SORA/RIKU FOREVER!)

That may not seem big to you but to me that was a terrifying revelation that I'm in some small part a yoai-ist. Well it took me some time and a very good S/R fanfiction to accept this but I think I'm over it. Twisted Holiday a R rated, sinful, and very damn good fanfiction by Minerva was a big help in this.


See you on the flip side.