Rants: Thank you very much for all of those who continues to give me
support. As for the revisions on the previous Ch. I'll work on those when I
have the time. and maybe change them at a later date. This Chapter has been
hard to work on, partly because of its length and partly because of certain
situations that I was uncertain about. Hopefully the next ch will be easier
to work on. Well then, on with the show.
"So they got to Karaya? Then it is safe to assume that the Lightfellow woman still lives then." Damien said irritably to the black clad man standing in front of him. "Doesn't matter though, the possibility that she might have survived the initial attempt was taken into account. It would not affect my plan much if she were allowed to live for a while longer. Be prepared though, I may have another job for you soon."
"Very well, you know where to find me." The man said one last time before promptly walked out of the well-furnished room.
'The Lightfellow luck strikes again. ' Damien thought darkly to himself and leaned back on the luxurious couch in his room. 'It seems that your daughter is more resilient than she seems, 'Jimba' '.
"Doesn't matter though, in the end I'll have what I want, and you will be left with nothing." He smirked to himself and picked up a glass of wine from a nearby table.
Just then, the door to his room slammed open and councilor Lorn stormed in.
"What did you do Damien!" Lorn snarled at the man sitting on the couch.
"Why it is such an honor for you to grace my humble abode, Councilor. May I get you anything." Damian commented idly, seemingly oblivious to the mans' anger.
"You were supposed to make her death seem like an accident! What exactly did you do!?"
"Why I have no idea what you mean, councilor." Damien said innocently.
"Don't play dumb with me." Lorn shouted, "Someone started a rumor that Chris was assassinated by Karayan blade coated with poison. As a result we had a mob blocking the council Hall entrance all day, demanding retribution. We had to call in a squad of knights to finally remove them!"
" Now that you mentioned it councilor, that does sound exactly like how she was supposed to have died." Damien commented idly, seemingly more interesting in his wine then answering the frustrated councilor.
" So that is true then. wait a minute, 'supposed to?' You don't mean that she is still."Horrified at this, Lorn gaped at the man in front of him.
" As long as you or the council is concerned, she is dead. Do I make myself clear?" Damian cut in sharply.
"Why you, how dare you speak to me in this tone? I'll..gah." Councilor Lorn was abruptly cut off when he found himself slowly lifted into the air by throat. Vainly, he tried to pry himself from the mans impossibly strong grasp. 'How? He was on the couch a second ago?'
"You'll do what? Arrest me?" Damian said amusedly, tightening his grip on the councilor with his left hand while still holding the wine with his right. "Not unless you want everyone to find out what exactly your involvement was in the death of their 'Lady Chris' I would hate to see what the other councilors, not to mention the mob, would do to you once they knew."
"Now if you would take a sit councilor we can start discussing business.' Like a pile of sack he threw the councilor against the couch, almost tilting it over with the force of the throw. The councilor, finally able to breath again, could do nothing but lay there gaping and coughing as Damian leisurely strode over to the chair adjacent to him and sat himself down.
"You. it was you. Who started the rumor." The councilor finally managed to gasped out.
"Told them the truth you mean. Quite right councilor, how brilliant of you." Damian said, chuckling. "Now then, let us discuss the details of our little partnership quickly, so that you may get to your preparations. You know, talking things over with other councilors trying to persuade them beforehand and what not, the kind of under the table dealing you politicians usually do."
"What are you talking about," First Councilor Lorn asked, no small amount of agitation and fear evident in his voice. " What preparation?"
"Why Councilor, the preparation of war of course."
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Suikoden 3 Fanfic Conflict from within ch4:
Festival
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A maniac laughter echoed throughout the darkness the sound of metal scrapping against stone became closer with each moment, She ran. In the darkness there was no way to tell where she was going, yet instinctively she ran, desperately be away from the unseen demon. All of a sudden she began to fall, spiraling down into the endless darkness. Light and sound assaulted her in varying sequence, memories of what seemed to be a lifetime ago flashed across her mind. The war with grasslands.Wyatt Lightfellow, her father. when she learned of her fathers disappearance. Her subsequent vow to follow in her fathers' footstep. Kain Reinhart, the one who first taught her how to use the sword.Her knighthood test, subsequent battles and her eventually joining the fire bringers, the years working on maintaining the peace. All that flashed by in an instant, and then a great inferno consumed her from below, its fury flames seared into her very being.
Chris opened her eyes slowly to the bright morning sunlight. She squinted her eyes at the glaring daylight. Reflexively she tried to shade her eyes with her hand but found her right hand in the tight grasp of another. She turned her head only to see the face of another person merely inches from her own. Surprised, she slipped her hand out from his grasp and gave a hard shove to the person on top of her, which tilted him over and caused him to tumble off the rock and into the pond with a loud splash. Quickly she stood up and tried to look for a sword to defend herself with, her face flushed at the compromising position they were in.
With a loud splash the man broke through the surface of the water, his wet hair covering most of his face.
"What did you do that for??" He spluttered.
" You pervert!" She snarled in reply, " What did you do to me? And where am I?"
"I didn't do anything to you, and right now you are at the pond of the spirits in Karayan territory."
"Karaya? what am I doing here?" Chris suddenly remembered the Karayan blade her assailant was using. " Am I being held prisoner here?"
"Prisoner? Don't be absurd," the longhaired Karayan replied while brushing away some of the hair that is blocking his face. " What do you remember?"
"I remember someone tried to kill me with a Karayan blade." Chris furrowed her brow in concentration. " Not much else I am afraid."
"Borus mentioned that you were attacked, so it was not just a Karayan poison they were using, but our weapons as well." He nodded to himself; "You were inflicted with a rare poison, Lady Chris, one that can only be cured with herbs that is growing at this place, so Borus brought you here to get help."
"Borus? He is here as well? Where is he?"
"He lost his mount on his way here, because you need treatment immediately so we went on ahead without him, He should have arrived in the village by now though.
"I see, if what you said was true good sir, then I apologize for my rude behavior earlier." She said sincerely while extending a hand to him to help him out of the water. As he took her hand, she finally has the chance to take a good look at his face and her eyes widens in recognition.
"Hugo?" She exclaimed, surprised at the identity of her savior.
"Finally figured out eh?" Hugo said with a hint of irritation in his voice.
"I was so preoccupied with what happened I didn't realize it was you." Chris said taking a good look at the young man in front of her. "You certainly had changed."
"Grown taller you mean," He chuckled.
"How though? Unless you removed the True Fire rune?" She asked, curious at how he managed to age while under the influence of a true rune. She herself has not aged a day since taking on the True water.
"No I still have it. " He said lifting his right hand and showing her the symbol of the true fire rune. " As to how, it is something that I managed to learn from both Sana and the bits of memories of the former Flame champion, one of the techniques that he learned during his search to seal the true fire rune has the ability to allow one to age normally."
"The thing is that it only worked for the first few year after you have obtained the true rune. It has something to do with the fact that the true rune will gain a stronger bond to your soul overtime. Mine stopped working almost a year ago." Hugo explained to Chris, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"So the only sure way would be to seal the true rune then." Chris concluded, looking down at her own true rune.
"Apparently so." Hugo shrugged and began to pile up a small pile of twigs and branches from the surrounding area. "Could you turn around, Chris?"
"Certainly, but why? "
"Because I need to take off my cloth to dry it and it doesn't feel comfortable with you watching."
"Right," Chris quickly turned around feeling embarrassed at the entire situation, looking away from the young Karayan, "My apologies for pushing you into the pond, I was surprised and acted without thinking."
"That is alright. " Came the nonchalant reply. Suddenly Chris felt an immense heat on her back and she assumed that he has used his fire rune to light the branches.
"With this much heat it should be done in moments, too bad I can't do anything about my pants though." Hugo said from behind her. "We will start down as soon as I am done, Borus is probably waiting for you at the village."
An uncomfortable silence settled over them then, neither knew what more to say to the other. Chris especially did not want to say anything that might spark his old hatred toward her. Though they parted on reasonably good terms 5 years ago She knew that her killing of his best friend has always been a sore spot between them. A part of her wander why he didn't kill her when he had the chance, though she supposed that is maybe because of his honor as a warrior that prevented such an action.
"I am done, we can go now." Hugos' voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Lead the way, Hugo." Curtly she replied.
"Well I hope you are a good climber." Hugo said, leading her to the side of the cliff, "Because it is quite a long way down."
"We have to climb down this?" Chris asked, mentally frowning at the daunting task ahead of her. She has never been a good climber, never having the actual need to climb. Not that could she have done it normally since she spent most of her time in armor that would make it too difficult to climb. "You carried me all the way up?"
"Yeah." Hugo said nonchalantly, moving forward to check for the easiest way down. Chris' hand on his arm stopped him though and he quickly turned around to see if there are any problems.
"I know I haven't said this although I probably should have said it earlier." She said sincerely, looking at him straight in the eye, gray eyes locking gaze with emerald green. "Thank you, for saving my life."
"It ..it was nothing." He quickly said, spinning away from her. " Now lets get down from here, Beecham is probably worried."
"Yes let us make haste, I wish to talk to Borus about what happened."
"Are you up to this? If you don't feel well I can still. carry you down." Hugo said with a touch of what seemed like uncertainty in his voice.
"Do not worry yourself," Chris said in a firm voice, "I will be able to handle myself just fine."
"Alright,"
Slowly they began their descend down the cliff with Hugo leading the way. With each step he took, Hugo carefully tested out the grips and footholds to make certain that they are secure. Though they made steady progress downward, by about the half way mark, Chris felt that maybe she should have taken on Hugo's offer to carry her down after all. No matter how embarrassing that would feel to be carried down like an invalid. It isn't that she is out of shape and the exertion is wearing her out, in fact she pride herself in keeping in top shape at all time. It is just that mountain climbing requires a different type of focus that she is not familiar with. It seemed that at any moment she might slip or that the rock under her will give out and plunge her to her death. Yet it is too late to do anything now, so she gritted her teeth and continued on. Thankfully no mishap occurred during their climb, and when she finally landed her feet on the solid ground she secretly gave a sigh of relieve at the fact that this ordeal is finally over with.
The first thing Chris saw after she landed was Hugos' griffon standing up from where it looked like it was resting and strode to Hugo leisurely, giving a loud "Kueee" in greeting.
"Heya Fubar," Hugo gave Fubar an affectionate pet " I hope you don't mind giving Chris a ride back to the village."
"Kueeeee" Fubar gave a loud shriek in reply, as if saying that he wouldn't mind that at all.
"Great, Chris you can ride on Fubar here and I'll ride on Storm over there." Hugo said pointing to his mount that was tied to a tree. " I figure Fubar would be easier for you since I don't actually use a rein like you Zexens."
"How do you ride him?" Chris asked, having never done something like this before, she is a bit nervous of riding the griffon.
"Well you sit on his back like this." Hugo said, demonstrating how to ride Fubar as he hops on the griffons back. "You then wrap your arm around his neck, that is all you need to do since Fubar can go back to the village on his own."
"Very well, I understand." Chris replied then mounted Fubar as shown and wrapped her arms around the Griffons neck.
Hugo gave Chris a nod, indicating to her that she has done it correctly, and then untied Storm from the tree and began to ride toward the Karaya Village.
By the time they arrived at the village it was just past noon. As Chris approached the village, she felt some apprehension about entering. After all, the last time she was here she commanded the knights to burn down this place. Albeit it was a desperate bid to save her own man from being slaughtered, yet she knew that many here would harbor deep hatred for what she have done. Briefly she spared a glance at Hugo dismounting and wondered if he could be counted as one of them.
Hugo led Chris into the village moving so that they are out of most peoples' way. Thankfully, that all of them were too busy with what appeared to be preparations for a festival to notice them. After a few turns they stopped at a simple hut and Hugo promptly opened the flap and they both walked. Inside the hut, Chris was surprised to see that the old warrior, Beecham and her knight, Borus sitting across from each other and apparently trying to stare each other down with the force of their glares.
"Now for the thousandth time, just tell me where they went!." Borus began, frustration evident in his voice.
"And I keep on telling you, Young man, that it would be better for you to wait here till they return." Beecham replied sternly.
"Um we are back?" Hugo interrupted suddenly.
"Milady!" Borus exclaimed, quickly turning around to face them. "It is good to see that you are well again, milady."
"Thank you Borus, I understand that I have you to thank for saving my life as well."
"It was nothing Milady," Borus said, somewhat embarrassed "I was only doing my duty."
"It appears that you were successful, Hugo." Beecham said in a tone of approval. " A job well done, I myself have doubts whether it would be possible to save the young Zexen. But it appears that you once again surprised this old man."
"Thank you Beecham." Hugo said, slightly embarrassed at the praise. " I just did the best I can that is all."
"Now then, Borus I would like you to explain to me what happened that night. I have some recollections. Yet I fear that I may not be aware of the entirety of the situation."
"Certainly milady." Borus then began his recounting of what had happened the night when Chris was attacked. Chris listens thoughtfully to Borus' tale and when he was done she asked him a question that has been bothering her.
"What happened to Louis?"
"Roland found him knocked out and stuffed in kitchen storage just before I left," Borus replied. "Do not worry, milady he should be fine."
"That is good to hear," Chris said, relieved that nothing had happened to her squire.
"This certainly bodes ill," Beecham said thoughtfully, stroking his graying beard, "Judging from all the indications, and if the Zexen council did send the assassin. Then most likely they are aiming to."
"Start a war with grassland." Hugo finished for him, "more specifically, Karaya.."
"Indeed, that does seem to be the case." Beecham said solemnly.
"Wait a minute, I know that the council might be difficult sometimes," Chris stated " But I do not think that they would go seeking wars over nothing."
"Regardless of their intentions, " Beecham said, "once they were made to believe that you were killed by a Karayan then for certain that the public will demand retribution. So even if the Zexen council had nothing to do with this incident, whoever is behind all this has a vast interest in starting a war."
"Yes, so the problem now is what should we do with this," Hugo nodded in agreement with Beechams' analysis, "Beecham, I need you to send messengers to the rest of the grassland clans. Tell them of the current situation and arrange for a clan chiefs meeting 4 days from now."
"You are not really thinking about open war are you?" Chris asked worriedly.
"We would of course work toward peaceful resolutions. However, it is my duty to defend Karaya interest should anyone threatens it." Hugo said, locking gaze with Chris.
" I understand, but I would also like you to know that I will also do my duty to my country." Chris said, her voice full of unwavering determination.
"Good, then we have an understanding." Hugo nodded as if expecting such a response. "Now that is done. Beecham if you could take care of the messengers and I'll take care of the lodgings for our guests."
"Where are you going to put them?" Beecham asked.
"They can stay at my place, and I'll just go back to my old place with my mother. It's empty now anyways, seeing that she is away." Hugo replied. "I'll be back to go over the last detail of tonights' festival."
"Very well."
"Come on." Hugo led Chris and Borus out of Beecham's house and after a short walk arrived at a somewhat smaller hut.
"Wait here," He told the 2 Zexen knights and then went into the back by himself. After a short while he came back out with a bag what looked like a sac full of clothes.
"Make yourself comfortable," He said, " Oh and I would like to invite both of you to join our little festivities tonight."
"I don't know if we should ,"Chris hesitated. "It is your festival and we are just outsider. Besides that given Borus and my posit."
"You know, it is considered quite rude to refuse an invitation to a formal occasion issued by your host, Silver Maiden."
"I do not need you to tell me what is appropriate behavior or not." Chris said, looking irritated at both being lectured at and the use of that particular nickname of hers, gave Hugo a heated glare.
"Well," Hugo laughed. "I remember that being much more impressive when you were taller."
For a moment she gaped and then She too had a large grin on her face. "Very well Flame Champion, I accept your invitation."
"Good, if you have any problem, I'll be at Beechams, feel free to make yourself at home. I'll see you later then Chris." Hugo said, walking off.
"After you milady." Borus Said, opening the door for Chris.
Inside they found a smaller but a more furnished hut than Beechams. The decorations are a bizarre mix of different style of work. The paintings hung on the wall seemed to be Zexen in origin while some of the small figurines have a Calerian feel to them. In one corner there is a metal tub, and seeing that made Chris became aware of how grimy she currently feels.
"Borus, would you mind going outside for a second? I wish to wash off all these grime first."
"Certainly milady, you might want to have these as well." Borus said, handing Chris a leather bag and her sword, Ervich. "We, packed some spare change of cloth for you. I hope you don't mind"
"No thank you, that was very thoughtful."
"You welcome milady, now by your leave." Borus bowed and then walked out of the hut to give Chris some privacy.
She was pleased to find that her old ensemble of green jacket white shirt and black pants that she wore to the grasslands five years ago was part of the package. After she filled the tub with waters from the jugs in the back, she quickly took a bath in the tub to clean herself up. Although the water is cold, the rising summer heat made it a rather refreshing experience. Afterwards, she putted on her green jacket ensemble and emptied out the tub in the back, where She found Borus dozing under a tree. She resolved to herself not to disturb the sleeping knight and went back into the hut to find something to do. She found several book lying around the hut in disarray one book though caught her eye and she remembered it as an old book from Eikes library. It was more of history book than anything else, containing detail accounts of the events surrounding the Dunan Unifacation War. Chris found herself a nice place to sit down and set out to finish reading this book.
" Lady Chris?" She was so absorbed in reading that she failed to remember the time and was surprised to find Beecham standing at the door way.
"Master Beecham," Chris closed her book and stood up to greet the man. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, the festival has started, would you join us for this little occasion?"
"Certainly Master Beecham, I have already told Hugo that I would." Chris said, " I'll go get Borus right now."
" I am afraid I won't be going my lady." Borus said from behind Beecham. "I would feel awkward if I do. Besides, there might be people who could recognize me." His voice trailed off and Chris understood his implications. He is afraid of running people in who might recognize him as the Zexen knight who burnt this village down just five years ago.
" If that is your choice, however would not the same apply to me as well." Chris asked Beecham.
" Unlikely, since most here have not met you in person before. Even then they saw you from a distance when you were in armor." Beecham replied. "You look much different now so I doubt any here would recognize you. "
" Very well, lead the way master Beecham."
Beecham led her to the large clearing in the center of the village where a large crowd has gathered around a large bonfire. All around the large fire people sat on the ground and at tables that were placed in a spherical formation extending outward. Near the bonfire various animals: wild boars, rabbits, chickens were set up to be cooked over the raging flame. As Chris got near she could hear Hugo addressing his people in a loud voice.
".....Let the spirits join us in this celebration of joy and remembrance. May the spirits be pleased with our actions so that they will continue to watch over us and provide us with good fortune!" He said raising his goblet towards the sky in a gesture of offering and then emptying the content on the ground before him. With that people all around her broke into a loud cheer and the festival started in earnest.
Beecham placed her at one of the empty tables and then excused himself to be with his own family. Chris watched in interest as foods were placed on large plate and then passed around so that each may take his own share of the food. When it was her turn she took some meat, vegetables and fruits. The sweet aroma of the foods made her realize exactly how hungry she actually is and she quickly dug into her food with fervor. The sun began to set and soon the only light sources are the large bonfire and several torches placed around the large clearing.
A steady drumbeat began to boom out accompanied by music from instruments that Chris can't make out. Very soon people, mostly teenagers Chris noted, began to dance around the bonfire, moving counter clockwise and humming along to the music.
"Excuse me miss, are you Zexen by any chance?"
Chris looked up at the speaker and found 2 Karayan girls about fourteen years of age standing before her. One has long back hair tied into 2 ponytails while the other have short brown hair.
"Yes I am, may I help you?"
"Well my friend here wanted to know if you are a merchant." The shorthaired one asked.
"I am afraid not, I am.. Ummmm.. merely a traveler who is staying here for a short while." Chris replied, hoping that they wont get suspicious. Normally she wouldn't consider lying like that. Yet due to her current situation she decided she need to be careful about telling people who she actually is.
"Ah that is too bad then, because my friend here really like the trinkets that you zexen made." The shorthaired one gave a shake of her head as if saying that can't be helped. "By the way my name is Thermira and this is Dilah."
"Pleased to meet you, my name is... um. Christina." She really hated using that name but given the circumstances, people might not as readily connect that name with the Zexen captain 'Lady Chris".
"Well nice to meet you too." The one named Thermira replied. "How long are you going to stay here?"
"Several days I hope, I am waiting to hear from a friend."
"Well I hope you have a nice stay." Thermira frowned and leaned forward. "By the way if a boy name Ranir asks you to dance, please say no. He is such a pig. Well then, see you later and have a nice time tonight."
With that the two girls bolted off leaving a very confused Chris wondering what just happened. Her question was answered though when a young Karayan male walked up to her and introduced himself as Ranir and then asked her to dance with him.
'Oh goddess, this is going to be a long night.' Chris thought to herself.
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"Well that should be all then."
Hugo said, finishing up his discussion with one of the villagers about the sheep herds. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see yet another Karayan male walked dejectedly away from Chris' table. Inwardly he grinned to himself, understanding full well how frustrated she must feel right now. He himself has been asked several times in the past by girls to dance with them. This year though it seemed that his status as the acting chief has offered some immunity to such trouble.
"Hugo can I speak to you for a second?"
He looked back toward the source of the voice to see a stocky woman with dark brown hair waiting to speak with him.
"Certainly Luce." He replied getting up. They moved away from the festivities and soon they are alone.
"Well?" He asked once they are along.
"Its about that zexen woman, Chris Lightfellow. She is here in the village isn't she, in fact that silver haired woman at the festival was she wasn't it?" She asked tightly
Slowly Hugo considered her word. "Yes she was, she is here as a guest"
"Then that is all there is need to know." Luce said in a tight voice and then began to walk away.
"I thought you made peace with Lulus' death already." Hugo asked.
" I did, but the question is .did you?"
To that, Hugo could not answer.
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Chris sighed to herself, She has long since lost count of how many invitations to dance she has turned down. Looking around She noticed Hugo returning to his table, gathered some food on a plate and then began to walk off. Curious, at the same time feeling the need to get away, Chris decided to follow after him. He walked slowly, with one hand holding a torch and another holding the plate, he walked on toward the back of the village. After a short walk they began to descend down a small hill, and at the bottom of the hill they arrived at what looked like some sort of graveyard.
"Well I know how much you love the summer festival, Lulu so I decide to bring you some food. " Hugo said to one of the tombstone in particular, placing the plate in front of it. "I really hope wherever you are that you are getting good food. I remember how much you love the food."
He knelt down and appeared to be giving a short prayer. Chris feel like she should say something, but she just can't find the proper words so instead she hid behind some bushes. She was surprised though when he called out to her.
"Chris I know you are there, you can come out now."
"Hugo, I think I told you before. I am sorry about what happened." Chris said, a sense of regret creeping into her voice.
"Being sorry can not bring him back." Hugo said sadly.
"Then what is it that you want? My life?"
"I don't know!" He shouted conflict evident in his voice." Sometimes I feel that is what I should do, sometimes I feel that will mean absolute nothing."
"Mostly though I blame myself, for breaking my promise to protect him." Hugo said, quieting down.
"Now that is just foolish, Hugo. You should know that you can't blame yourself for this." Chris Said, looking straight at Hugo.
"Don't call me foolish, Zexen" Hugo growled, "I failed my promise to protect him and that is that. It is nothing that you would understand."
"I understand it more than you know, child. I have seen more battle, lost more comrade than you ever knew." Chris replied with a hint of anger in her voice.
"Don't patronize me Chris." He said angrily, " I am not a child anymore."
"Well you are acting foolish." Chris snapped at the young man in front of her.
"You are calling me foolish?" Hugo snarled, "Well look at you Ms. high and mighty knight. For all your blabbering about duty to your country, look where did it get you? A poisoned blade. All you have done means nothing to them. You are just a tool to be used and discarded when it's inconvenient."
Crack!
Hugos' head snapped to the side from the force of Chris' slap and he stumbled back holding a hand to his reddening left cheek. For a moment Hugo looked at Chris in disbelief and then his eyes narrowed.
" Is that it? If you are angry why don't you draw your sword and try to strike me down like you did to Lulu. You seemed quite efficient in killing for no reason."
"Keep on pushing me and maybe I will, Karayan." Chris said coldly.
"You can try Zexen, but you'll find I am no easy prey." Hugo replied darkly his stance had the feel of a blade waiting to be drawn.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Beecham interrupted suddenly. "Hugo, I expected better from you, haven't you learned anything from your mother? And Lady Chris, need I remind you the proper behavior that one should have toward your host?"
Embarrassed Hugo looked away while Chris just shook her sadly and then stormed back to where she and Borus are staying. She walked briskly into the hut, ignoring Borus' question about her time spent at the festival and then promptly made her cot and go to sleep.
"I hate him." She growled softly to herself as she tried to get some semblance of rest.
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Hugo sat beside Lulu's grave, his back leaning on his friends' tombstone. His face obscured by his long bangs as he looked down on the ground. With one hand he still held his left cheek where Chris has left her impression. Beecham has long since been gone, telling him to think on what he has done.
" She must hates me now." Hugo said quietly to no on in particular. "But that may be the best, considering who we are, and considering what may happen. It will be easier if we continue to hate each other."
"Because then, there will be no reason to stop when we have to kill each other."
Up next: Damian's plot unfolds, and can Chris and Hugo resolve their differences? Or will it end in bloodshed?
"So they got to Karaya? Then it is safe to assume that the Lightfellow woman still lives then." Damien said irritably to the black clad man standing in front of him. "Doesn't matter though, the possibility that she might have survived the initial attempt was taken into account. It would not affect my plan much if she were allowed to live for a while longer. Be prepared though, I may have another job for you soon."
"Very well, you know where to find me." The man said one last time before promptly walked out of the well-furnished room.
'The Lightfellow luck strikes again. ' Damien thought darkly to himself and leaned back on the luxurious couch in his room. 'It seems that your daughter is more resilient than she seems, 'Jimba' '.
"Doesn't matter though, in the end I'll have what I want, and you will be left with nothing." He smirked to himself and picked up a glass of wine from a nearby table.
Just then, the door to his room slammed open and councilor Lorn stormed in.
"What did you do Damien!" Lorn snarled at the man sitting on the couch.
"Why it is such an honor for you to grace my humble abode, Councilor. May I get you anything." Damian commented idly, seemingly oblivious to the mans' anger.
"You were supposed to make her death seem like an accident! What exactly did you do!?"
"Why I have no idea what you mean, councilor." Damien said innocently.
"Don't play dumb with me." Lorn shouted, "Someone started a rumor that Chris was assassinated by Karayan blade coated with poison. As a result we had a mob blocking the council Hall entrance all day, demanding retribution. We had to call in a squad of knights to finally remove them!"
" Now that you mentioned it councilor, that does sound exactly like how she was supposed to have died." Damien commented idly, seemingly more interesting in his wine then answering the frustrated councilor.
" So that is true then. wait a minute, 'supposed to?' You don't mean that she is still."Horrified at this, Lorn gaped at the man in front of him.
" As long as you or the council is concerned, she is dead. Do I make myself clear?" Damian cut in sharply.
"Why you, how dare you speak to me in this tone? I'll..gah." Councilor Lorn was abruptly cut off when he found himself slowly lifted into the air by throat. Vainly, he tried to pry himself from the mans impossibly strong grasp. 'How? He was on the couch a second ago?'
"You'll do what? Arrest me?" Damian said amusedly, tightening his grip on the councilor with his left hand while still holding the wine with his right. "Not unless you want everyone to find out what exactly your involvement was in the death of their 'Lady Chris' I would hate to see what the other councilors, not to mention the mob, would do to you once they knew."
"Now if you would take a sit councilor we can start discussing business.' Like a pile of sack he threw the councilor against the couch, almost tilting it over with the force of the throw. The councilor, finally able to breath again, could do nothing but lay there gaping and coughing as Damian leisurely strode over to the chair adjacent to him and sat himself down.
"You. it was you. Who started the rumor." The councilor finally managed to gasped out.
"Told them the truth you mean. Quite right councilor, how brilliant of you." Damian said, chuckling. "Now then, let us discuss the details of our little partnership quickly, so that you may get to your preparations. You know, talking things over with other councilors trying to persuade them beforehand and what not, the kind of under the table dealing you politicians usually do."
"What are you talking about," First Councilor Lorn asked, no small amount of agitation and fear evident in his voice. " What preparation?"
"Why Councilor, the preparation of war of course."
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Suikoden 3 Fanfic Conflict from within ch4:
Festival
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A maniac laughter echoed throughout the darkness the sound of metal scrapping against stone became closer with each moment, She ran. In the darkness there was no way to tell where she was going, yet instinctively she ran, desperately be away from the unseen demon. All of a sudden she began to fall, spiraling down into the endless darkness. Light and sound assaulted her in varying sequence, memories of what seemed to be a lifetime ago flashed across her mind. The war with grasslands.Wyatt Lightfellow, her father. when she learned of her fathers disappearance. Her subsequent vow to follow in her fathers' footstep. Kain Reinhart, the one who first taught her how to use the sword.Her knighthood test, subsequent battles and her eventually joining the fire bringers, the years working on maintaining the peace. All that flashed by in an instant, and then a great inferno consumed her from below, its fury flames seared into her very being.
Chris opened her eyes slowly to the bright morning sunlight. She squinted her eyes at the glaring daylight. Reflexively she tried to shade her eyes with her hand but found her right hand in the tight grasp of another. She turned her head only to see the face of another person merely inches from her own. Surprised, she slipped her hand out from his grasp and gave a hard shove to the person on top of her, which tilted him over and caused him to tumble off the rock and into the pond with a loud splash. Quickly she stood up and tried to look for a sword to defend herself with, her face flushed at the compromising position they were in.
With a loud splash the man broke through the surface of the water, his wet hair covering most of his face.
"What did you do that for??" He spluttered.
" You pervert!" She snarled in reply, " What did you do to me? And where am I?"
"I didn't do anything to you, and right now you are at the pond of the spirits in Karayan territory."
"Karaya? what am I doing here?" Chris suddenly remembered the Karayan blade her assailant was using. " Am I being held prisoner here?"
"Prisoner? Don't be absurd," the longhaired Karayan replied while brushing away some of the hair that is blocking his face. " What do you remember?"
"I remember someone tried to kill me with a Karayan blade." Chris furrowed her brow in concentration. " Not much else I am afraid."
"Borus mentioned that you were attacked, so it was not just a Karayan poison they were using, but our weapons as well." He nodded to himself; "You were inflicted with a rare poison, Lady Chris, one that can only be cured with herbs that is growing at this place, so Borus brought you here to get help."
"Borus? He is here as well? Where is he?"
"He lost his mount on his way here, because you need treatment immediately so we went on ahead without him, He should have arrived in the village by now though.
"I see, if what you said was true good sir, then I apologize for my rude behavior earlier." She said sincerely while extending a hand to him to help him out of the water. As he took her hand, she finally has the chance to take a good look at his face and her eyes widens in recognition.
"Hugo?" She exclaimed, surprised at the identity of her savior.
"Finally figured out eh?" Hugo said with a hint of irritation in his voice.
"I was so preoccupied with what happened I didn't realize it was you." Chris said taking a good look at the young man in front of her. "You certainly had changed."
"Grown taller you mean," He chuckled.
"How though? Unless you removed the True Fire rune?" She asked, curious at how he managed to age while under the influence of a true rune. She herself has not aged a day since taking on the True water.
"No I still have it. " He said lifting his right hand and showing her the symbol of the true fire rune. " As to how, it is something that I managed to learn from both Sana and the bits of memories of the former Flame champion, one of the techniques that he learned during his search to seal the true fire rune has the ability to allow one to age normally."
"The thing is that it only worked for the first few year after you have obtained the true rune. It has something to do with the fact that the true rune will gain a stronger bond to your soul overtime. Mine stopped working almost a year ago." Hugo explained to Chris, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"So the only sure way would be to seal the true rune then." Chris concluded, looking down at her own true rune.
"Apparently so." Hugo shrugged and began to pile up a small pile of twigs and branches from the surrounding area. "Could you turn around, Chris?"
"Certainly, but why? "
"Because I need to take off my cloth to dry it and it doesn't feel comfortable with you watching."
"Right," Chris quickly turned around feeling embarrassed at the entire situation, looking away from the young Karayan, "My apologies for pushing you into the pond, I was surprised and acted without thinking."
"That is alright. " Came the nonchalant reply. Suddenly Chris felt an immense heat on her back and she assumed that he has used his fire rune to light the branches.
"With this much heat it should be done in moments, too bad I can't do anything about my pants though." Hugo said from behind her. "We will start down as soon as I am done, Borus is probably waiting for you at the village."
An uncomfortable silence settled over them then, neither knew what more to say to the other. Chris especially did not want to say anything that might spark his old hatred toward her. Though they parted on reasonably good terms 5 years ago She knew that her killing of his best friend has always been a sore spot between them. A part of her wander why he didn't kill her when he had the chance, though she supposed that is maybe because of his honor as a warrior that prevented such an action.
"I am done, we can go now." Hugos' voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Lead the way, Hugo." Curtly she replied.
"Well I hope you are a good climber." Hugo said, leading her to the side of the cliff, "Because it is quite a long way down."
"We have to climb down this?" Chris asked, mentally frowning at the daunting task ahead of her. She has never been a good climber, never having the actual need to climb. Not that could she have done it normally since she spent most of her time in armor that would make it too difficult to climb. "You carried me all the way up?"
"Yeah." Hugo said nonchalantly, moving forward to check for the easiest way down. Chris' hand on his arm stopped him though and he quickly turned around to see if there are any problems.
"I know I haven't said this although I probably should have said it earlier." She said sincerely, looking at him straight in the eye, gray eyes locking gaze with emerald green. "Thank you, for saving my life."
"It ..it was nothing." He quickly said, spinning away from her. " Now lets get down from here, Beecham is probably worried."
"Yes let us make haste, I wish to talk to Borus about what happened."
"Are you up to this? If you don't feel well I can still. carry you down." Hugo said with a touch of what seemed like uncertainty in his voice.
"Do not worry yourself," Chris said in a firm voice, "I will be able to handle myself just fine."
"Alright,"
Slowly they began their descend down the cliff with Hugo leading the way. With each step he took, Hugo carefully tested out the grips and footholds to make certain that they are secure. Though they made steady progress downward, by about the half way mark, Chris felt that maybe she should have taken on Hugo's offer to carry her down after all. No matter how embarrassing that would feel to be carried down like an invalid. It isn't that she is out of shape and the exertion is wearing her out, in fact she pride herself in keeping in top shape at all time. It is just that mountain climbing requires a different type of focus that she is not familiar with. It seemed that at any moment she might slip or that the rock under her will give out and plunge her to her death. Yet it is too late to do anything now, so she gritted her teeth and continued on. Thankfully no mishap occurred during their climb, and when she finally landed her feet on the solid ground she secretly gave a sigh of relieve at the fact that this ordeal is finally over with.
The first thing Chris saw after she landed was Hugos' griffon standing up from where it looked like it was resting and strode to Hugo leisurely, giving a loud "Kueee" in greeting.
"Heya Fubar," Hugo gave Fubar an affectionate pet " I hope you don't mind giving Chris a ride back to the village."
"Kueeeee" Fubar gave a loud shriek in reply, as if saying that he wouldn't mind that at all.
"Great, Chris you can ride on Fubar here and I'll ride on Storm over there." Hugo said pointing to his mount that was tied to a tree. " I figure Fubar would be easier for you since I don't actually use a rein like you Zexens."
"How do you ride him?" Chris asked, having never done something like this before, she is a bit nervous of riding the griffon.
"Well you sit on his back like this." Hugo said, demonstrating how to ride Fubar as he hops on the griffons back. "You then wrap your arm around his neck, that is all you need to do since Fubar can go back to the village on his own."
"Very well, I understand." Chris replied then mounted Fubar as shown and wrapped her arms around the Griffons neck.
Hugo gave Chris a nod, indicating to her that she has done it correctly, and then untied Storm from the tree and began to ride toward the Karaya Village.
By the time they arrived at the village it was just past noon. As Chris approached the village, she felt some apprehension about entering. After all, the last time she was here she commanded the knights to burn down this place. Albeit it was a desperate bid to save her own man from being slaughtered, yet she knew that many here would harbor deep hatred for what she have done. Briefly she spared a glance at Hugo dismounting and wondered if he could be counted as one of them.
Hugo led Chris into the village moving so that they are out of most peoples' way. Thankfully, that all of them were too busy with what appeared to be preparations for a festival to notice them. After a few turns they stopped at a simple hut and Hugo promptly opened the flap and they both walked. Inside the hut, Chris was surprised to see that the old warrior, Beecham and her knight, Borus sitting across from each other and apparently trying to stare each other down with the force of their glares.
"Now for the thousandth time, just tell me where they went!." Borus began, frustration evident in his voice.
"And I keep on telling you, Young man, that it would be better for you to wait here till they return." Beecham replied sternly.
"Um we are back?" Hugo interrupted suddenly.
"Milady!" Borus exclaimed, quickly turning around to face them. "It is good to see that you are well again, milady."
"Thank you Borus, I understand that I have you to thank for saving my life as well."
"It was nothing Milady," Borus said, somewhat embarrassed "I was only doing my duty."
"It appears that you were successful, Hugo." Beecham said in a tone of approval. " A job well done, I myself have doubts whether it would be possible to save the young Zexen. But it appears that you once again surprised this old man."
"Thank you Beecham." Hugo said, slightly embarrassed at the praise. " I just did the best I can that is all."
"Now then, Borus I would like you to explain to me what happened that night. I have some recollections. Yet I fear that I may not be aware of the entirety of the situation."
"Certainly milady." Borus then began his recounting of what had happened the night when Chris was attacked. Chris listens thoughtfully to Borus' tale and when he was done she asked him a question that has been bothering her.
"What happened to Louis?"
"Roland found him knocked out and stuffed in kitchen storage just before I left," Borus replied. "Do not worry, milady he should be fine."
"That is good to hear," Chris said, relieved that nothing had happened to her squire.
"This certainly bodes ill," Beecham said thoughtfully, stroking his graying beard, "Judging from all the indications, and if the Zexen council did send the assassin. Then most likely they are aiming to."
"Start a war with grassland." Hugo finished for him, "more specifically, Karaya.."
"Indeed, that does seem to be the case." Beecham said solemnly.
"Wait a minute, I know that the council might be difficult sometimes," Chris stated " But I do not think that they would go seeking wars over nothing."
"Regardless of their intentions, " Beecham said, "once they were made to believe that you were killed by a Karayan then for certain that the public will demand retribution. So even if the Zexen council had nothing to do with this incident, whoever is behind all this has a vast interest in starting a war."
"Yes, so the problem now is what should we do with this," Hugo nodded in agreement with Beechams' analysis, "Beecham, I need you to send messengers to the rest of the grassland clans. Tell them of the current situation and arrange for a clan chiefs meeting 4 days from now."
"You are not really thinking about open war are you?" Chris asked worriedly.
"We would of course work toward peaceful resolutions. However, it is my duty to defend Karaya interest should anyone threatens it." Hugo said, locking gaze with Chris.
" I understand, but I would also like you to know that I will also do my duty to my country." Chris said, her voice full of unwavering determination.
"Good, then we have an understanding." Hugo nodded as if expecting such a response. "Now that is done. Beecham if you could take care of the messengers and I'll take care of the lodgings for our guests."
"Where are you going to put them?" Beecham asked.
"They can stay at my place, and I'll just go back to my old place with my mother. It's empty now anyways, seeing that she is away." Hugo replied. "I'll be back to go over the last detail of tonights' festival."
"Very well."
"Come on." Hugo led Chris and Borus out of Beecham's house and after a short walk arrived at a somewhat smaller hut.
"Wait here," He told the 2 Zexen knights and then went into the back by himself. After a short while he came back out with a bag what looked like a sac full of clothes.
"Make yourself comfortable," He said, " Oh and I would like to invite both of you to join our little festivities tonight."
"I don't know if we should ,"Chris hesitated. "It is your festival and we are just outsider. Besides that given Borus and my posit."
"You know, it is considered quite rude to refuse an invitation to a formal occasion issued by your host, Silver Maiden."
"I do not need you to tell me what is appropriate behavior or not." Chris said, looking irritated at both being lectured at and the use of that particular nickname of hers, gave Hugo a heated glare.
"Well," Hugo laughed. "I remember that being much more impressive when you were taller."
For a moment she gaped and then She too had a large grin on her face. "Very well Flame Champion, I accept your invitation."
"Good, if you have any problem, I'll be at Beechams, feel free to make yourself at home. I'll see you later then Chris." Hugo said, walking off.
"After you milady." Borus Said, opening the door for Chris.
Inside they found a smaller but a more furnished hut than Beechams. The decorations are a bizarre mix of different style of work. The paintings hung on the wall seemed to be Zexen in origin while some of the small figurines have a Calerian feel to them. In one corner there is a metal tub, and seeing that made Chris became aware of how grimy she currently feels.
"Borus, would you mind going outside for a second? I wish to wash off all these grime first."
"Certainly milady, you might want to have these as well." Borus said, handing Chris a leather bag and her sword, Ervich. "We, packed some spare change of cloth for you. I hope you don't mind"
"No thank you, that was very thoughtful."
"You welcome milady, now by your leave." Borus bowed and then walked out of the hut to give Chris some privacy.
She was pleased to find that her old ensemble of green jacket white shirt and black pants that she wore to the grasslands five years ago was part of the package. After she filled the tub with waters from the jugs in the back, she quickly took a bath in the tub to clean herself up. Although the water is cold, the rising summer heat made it a rather refreshing experience. Afterwards, she putted on her green jacket ensemble and emptied out the tub in the back, where She found Borus dozing under a tree. She resolved to herself not to disturb the sleeping knight and went back into the hut to find something to do. She found several book lying around the hut in disarray one book though caught her eye and she remembered it as an old book from Eikes library. It was more of history book than anything else, containing detail accounts of the events surrounding the Dunan Unifacation War. Chris found herself a nice place to sit down and set out to finish reading this book.
" Lady Chris?" She was so absorbed in reading that she failed to remember the time and was surprised to find Beecham standing at the door way.
"Master Beecham," Chris closed her book and stood up to greet the man. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, the festival has started, would you join us for this little occasion?"
"Certainly Master Beecham, I have already told Hugo that I would." Chris said, " I'll go get Borus right now."
" I am afraid I won't be going my lady." Borus said from behind Beecham. "I would feel awkward if I do. Besides, there might be people who could recognize me." His voice trailed off and Chris understood his implications. He is afraid of running people in who might recognize him as the Zexen knight who burnt this village down just five years ago.
" If that is your choice, however would not the same apply to me as well." Chris asked Beecham.
" Unlikely, since most here have not met you in person before. Even then they saw you from a distance when you were in armor." Beecham replied. "You look much different now so I doubt any here would recognize you. "
" Very well, lead the way master Beecham."
Beecham led her to the large clearing in the center of the village where a large crowd has gathered around a large bonfire. All around the large fire people sat on the ground and at tables that were placed in a spherical formation extending outward. Near the bonfire various animals: wild boars, rabbits, chickens were set up to be cooked over the raging flame. As Chris got near she could hear Hugo addressing his people in a loud voice.
".....Let the spirits join us in this celebration of joy and remembrance. May the spirits be pleased with our actions so that they will continue to watch over us and provide us with good fortune!" He said raising his goblet towards the sky in a gesture of offering and then emptying the content on the ground before him. With that people all around her broke into a loud cheer and the festival started in earnest.
Beecham placed her at one of the empty tables and then excused himself to be with his own family. Chris watched in interest as foods were placed on large plate and then passed around so that each may take his own share of the food. When it was her turn she took some meat, vegetables and fruits. The sweet aroma of the foods made her realize exactly how hungry she actually is and she quickly dug into her food with fervor. The sun began to set and soon the only light sources are the large bonfire and several torches placed around the large clearing.
A steady drumbeat began to boom out accompanied by music from instruments that Chris can't make out. Very soon people, mostly teenagers Chris noted, began to dance around the bonfire, moving counter clockwise and humming along to the music.
"Excuse me miss, are you Zexen by any chance?"
Chris looked up at the speaker and found 2 Karayan girls about fourteen years of age standing before her. One has long back hair tied into 2 ponytails while the other have short brown hair.
"Yes I am, may I help you?"
"Well my friend here wanted to know if you are a merchant." The shorthaired one asked.
"I am afraid not, I am.. Ummmm.. merely a traveler who is staying here for a short while." Chris replied, hoping that they wont get suspicious. Normally she wouldn't consider lying like that. Yet due to her current situation she decided she need to be careful about telling people who she actually is.
"Ah that is too bad then, because my friend here really like the trinkets that you zexen made." The shorthaired one gave a shake of her head as if saying that can't be helped. "By the way my name is Thermira and this is Dilah."
"Pleased to meet you, my name is... um. Christina." She really hated using that name but given the circumstances, people might not as readily connect that name with the Zexen captain 'Lady Chris".
"Well nice to meet you too." The one named Thermira replied. "How long are you going to stay here?"
"Several days I hope, I am waiting to hear from a friend."
"Well I hope you have a nice stay." Thermira frowned and leaned forward. "By the way if a boy name Ranir asks you to dance, please say no. He is such a pig. Well then, see you later and have a nice time tonight."
With that the two girls bolted off leaving a very confused Chris wondering what just happened. Her question was answered though when a young Karayan male walked up to her and introduced himself as Ranir and then asked her to dance with him.
'Oh goddess, this is going to be a long night.' Chris thought to herself.
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"Well that should be all then."
Hugo said, finishing up his discussion with one of the villagers about the sheep herds. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see yet another Karayan male walked dejectedly away from Chris' table. Inwardly he grinned to himself, understanding full well how frustrated she must feel right now. He himself has been asked several times in the past by girls to dance with them. This year though it seemed that his status as the acting chief has offered some immunity to such trouble.
"Hugo can I speak to you for a second?"
He looked back toward the source of the voice to see a stocky woman with dark brown hair waiting to speak with him.
"Certainly Luce." He replied getting up. They moved away from the festivities and soon they are alone.
"Well?" He asked once they are along.
"Its about that zexen woman, Chris Lightfellow. She is here in the village isn't she, in fact that silver haired woman at the festival was she wasn't it?" She asked tightly
Slowly Hugo considered her word. "Yes she was, she is here as a guest"
"Then that is all there is need to know." Luce said in a tight voice and then began to walk away.
"I thought you made peace with Lulus' death already." Hugo asked.
" I did, but the question is .did you?"
To that, Hugo could not answer.
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Chris sighed to herself, She has long since lost count of how many invitations to dance she has turned down. Looking around She noticed Hugo returning to his table, gathered some food on a plate and then began to walk off. Curious, at the same time feeling the need to get away, Chris decided to follow after him. He walked slowly, with one hand holding a torch and another holding the plate, he walked on toward the back of the village. After a short walk they began to descend down a small hill, and at the bottom of the hill they arrived at what looked like some sort of graveyard.
"Well I know how much you love the summer festival, Lulu so I decide to bring you some food. " Hugo said to one of the tombstone in particular, placing the plate in front of it. "I really hope wherever you are that you are getting good food. I remember how much you love the food."
He knelt down and appeared to be giving a short prayer. Chris feel like she should say something, but she just can't find the proper words so instead she hid behind some bushes. She was surprised though when he called out to her.
"Chris I know you are there, you can come out now."
"Hugo, I think I told you before. I am sorry about what happened." Chris said, a sense of regret creeping into her voice.
"Being sorry can not bring him back." Hugo said sadly.
"Then what is it that you want? My life?"
"I don't know!" He shouted conflict evident in his voice." Sometimes I feel that is what I should do, sometimes I feel that will mean absolute nothing."
"Mostly though I blame myself, for breaking my promise to protect him." Hugo said, quieting down.
"Now that is just foolish, Hugo. You should know that you can't blame yourself for this." Chris Said, looking straight at Hugo.
"Don't call me foolish, Zexen" Hugo growled, "I failed my promise to protect him and that is that. It is nothing that you would understand."
"I understand it more than you know, child. I have seen more battle, lost more comrade than you ever knew." Chris replied with a hint of anger in her voice.
"Don't patronize me Chris." He said angrily, " I am not a child anymore."
"Well you are acting foolish." Chris snapped at the young man in front of her.
"You are calling me foolish?" Hugo snarled, "Well look at you Ms. high and mighty knight. For all your blabbering about duty to your country, look where did it get you? A poisoned blade. All you have done means nothing to them. You are just a tool to be used and discarded when it's inconvenient."
Crack!
Hugos' head snapped to the side from the force of Chris' slap and he stumbled back holding a hand to his reddening left cheek. For a moment Hugo looked at Chris in disbelief and then his eyes narrowed.
" Is that it? If you are angry why don't you draw your sword and try to strike me down like you did to Lulu. You seemed quite efficient in killing for no reason."
"Keep on pushing me and maybe I will, Karayan." Chris said coldly.
"You can try Zexen, but you'll find I am no easy prey." Hugo replied darkly his stance had the feel of a blade waiting to be drawn.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Beecham interrupted suddenly. "Hugo, I expected better from you, haven't you learned anything from your mother? And Lady Chris, need I remind you the proper behavior that one should have toward your host?"
Embarrassed Hugo looked away while Chris just shook her sadly and then stormed back to where she and Borus are staying. She walked briskly into the hut, ignoring Borus' question about her time spent at the festival and then promptly made her cot and go to sleep.
"I hate him." She growled softly to herself as she tried to get some semblance of rest.
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Hugo sat beside Lulu's grave, his back leaning on his friends' tombstone. His face obscured by his long bangs as he looked down on the ground. With one hand he still held his left cheek where Chris has left her impression. Beecham has long since been gone, telling him to think on what he has done.
" She must hates me now." Hugo said quietly to no on in particular. "But that may be the best, considering who we are, and considering what may happen. It will be easier if we continue to hate each other."
"Because then, there will be no reason to stop when we have to kill each other."
Up next: Damian's plot unfolds, and can Chris and Hugo resolve their differences? Or will it end in bloodshed?