It was early afternoon, not to mention the near-end of the war, but somehow, it seemed too early for this tragedy. He couldn't be dead. He just couldn't be...
Both groups of the Alliance Army united and approached the blaze, praying for the possibility that some souls could still be saved. Or perhaps that was only the wish of the young woman who drew closer in disbelief.
"No..." she protested weakly, recalling what happened the previous night, as well as its significance. "That card...fire...it can't be..."
There was a sigh from the blue-caped man standing beside her. "Apple..." he started, as if to console her.
But Apple ignored Flik, desperation ripping through every fiber of her being. "No!" she screamed, charging toward the massive fire. It couldn't be true. He had to be alive. And if he was, she had to do something, anything, to save him.
"Apple, wait!" Flik shouted, grabbing a hold of her arm. He pulled her back and blocked her path with his body. "You can't go in," he continued firmly, his hands on her shoulders. "It's too dangerous. You'll be killed."
The sound of his words, the sound of truth...they were enough to shatter the hope keeping her heart intact. Losing the will to complete her sudden mission, she went limp, sinking slowly to the ground. "But Shu..." The young woman wept, though wearily, her pride beaten down by the fact that, in the end, she could not prevent him from going away. As she stared downward, eyes blurred by tears, she could only recall more things from which she could not draw comfort.
Every lie contains truth...
These were words of wisdom that he had given to her prior to her failed attack on Muse.
...and every truth contains a lie.
And what of your silence, Shu? Apple thought as the tears streamed down her cheeks. What was contained within that? How would I have known? You were willing to go to every length to win, just like...just like Master Mathiu...
Flik knelt down, studying the young woman. "Hey," he said softly. "I know...you've been through this before...and it never seems to get easier. Believe me, I know. But Shu's actions, Shu's sacrifice...you have to remember, he did all of this for the good of the Alliance, and for the future of this country. That's why we have to go on. Don't...don't let this all have been in vain."
Apple sniffled, lifting her head. "I know..." she whispered. "You're right. I can't...fall apart now. It's just..."
Her words were interrupted by a strange sort of conversation.
"Ow--! Couldn't you possibly...slow down...ow! Viktor! The thorny patch!"
"Sorry, but hurry up, man! I know you're exhausted, but wasn't it you who said you should always be alert?"
"Err...well...that's different. I was- ow- talking to you soldiers."
"And what good are the soldiers if you aren't around to bark orders at them?"
"You know what I intended, you meddlesome little...grrr..."
"Heh heh heh."
"Anyway, I made sure they were well taken care of. My role was finished, and I was never to be seen again."
"Aww, quit yer bitchin.' I risked my butt to save you."
Apple's heart leapt in joy at the sight of Viktor and Shu climbing out of the brush. She quickly dried her eyes and hopped to her feet, rushing over to the one she had feared lost. "Shu..."
The young man sighed, very casually, or perhaps like a child having been caught in the act of something mischievous. He gave one final order, then retired from the stage. "Apple," he said. "You're in charge. I...I could use some rest."
Apple studied the man's face, which was covered in soot and scratches. "Y-yes," she responded, holding it together. She was still worried about him, but as Flik had pointed out, it was not the time to fall apart.
---
The final battle at L'Renouille ended in victory for the Orange Army, and Riou, the army's leader, headed into the palace with several comrades to put an end to Highland rule once and for all.
While the other soldiers and leaders waited anxiously for Riou's return, Huan and Shu were inside the tent, doctor treating patient.
A nervous Apple opened the flap of the tent and peered inside. "E-excuse me, doctor..."
"Huh?" Huan turned his head. "Oh, come in, Miss Apple. I'm almost done."
The young woman complied but only took enough steps to completely enter. She remained by the exit.
"That should do it," Huan said as he moved back.
"Thank you, doctor," Shu told him.
"It's my pleasure," the man replied with a smile, gathering up his belongings. He then turned to Apple. "He seems to be in good shape, but if he feels any pain, be sure to call me. I'll just be in the other tents, checking up on the wounded."
"All right," said Apple. "Thank you so much."
"Again, it's no bother. Well, good day."
Neither remaining tent occupant moved as the doctor left. Apple continued standing where she was and studied Shu, who was sitting on a bed, slightly reclined. He was shirtless save for the gauze encircling his torso and right shoulder.
"You know, you don't have to stand all the way over there," he said after a while. "I'm not contagious or anything. I just inhaled a bit of smoke, that's all."
"Uh..." Apple exhaled, uncertain of how to approach him. "I..."
"What?"
"N-nothing..."
Is he...really okay? she wondered as she eyed the bandages. And...should anything go wrong now...will he put himself in danger again?
"If it's nothing, why are you looking at me like that?"
The young woman was stunned by the question. "I-I was just...wondering how serious your wounds were," she responded, her own honesty a surprise to her.
"Oh, that." Shu sighed. "I know it looks bad, but believe me, it's only a scratch. I got it when Viktor dragged me through that thorny patch, which, incidentally, isn't the most pleasant experience. Doctor Huan just dressed the wounds to prevent infection."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Aside from inhaling that bit of smoke, my body will be fine. My ego will take time to recover, though."
"What do you mean?"
"Well...let's just say I learned a very important lesson in that forest." Framing that statement with a bitter smile, he got up.
"Oh, Shu," Apple said, finally hurrying over to him. "Y-you shouldn't be up walking."
"Apple, I'm fine," Shu insisted. "Believe me, I'm fine. Look." He turned as if to display his bandages.
Such a thing only served to make her more upset, however. "Y-yes, I see..."
"What is it?" he asked.
There was no response; she was avoiding his gaze with a heartbroken look.
Confused by this reaction--or lack of--Shu started to repeat the question when Apple suddenly thrust herself into his arms.
"Apple?" he said in alarm.
"You can't--" The young woman buried her face into his chest, sobbing loudly. "...ever...do something like that again! I can't lose you. I can't lose you too..."
Shu spoke no words but instead pondered the reason for this display. He then sighed, drawing his arms around her.
Apple...did I go too far this time?